The Capistrano Dispatch

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

Council OKs $5 Million for Dealership

Candidates Discuss Decision-Making Process

On Ricardo’s Menu: Community Building

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EYE ON SJC/PAGES 8, 10, 12

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O C TO B E R 2 2 – N OV E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 1 0 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 20

Changing Course CEO of Regional Occupational Program is retiring after 40-year career E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 5

Dr. Rick Bogart, standing in front of Capistrano offices built by students, is retiring after 12 years as CEO of the Regional Occupational Program. Photo by Heidi Mefferd

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EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE City Council voted unanimously to hire R.J. Bullard Construction, Inc. providing for the Coastal Trail Trafalgar Pedestrian Overpass Rehabilitation in the amount of $457, 710.

The current T Street overpass was constructed in 1981 with the last major repair work performed on the overpass in the early 1990s. Due to exposure to the highly corrosive ocean environment and continuous public foot traffic, the overpass is in need of repairs.

The overpass will be open most weekends throughout December, January and February.

It will closed Mondays through Fridays and on three weekends during those months, according to project engineer David Rebensdorf.

However, there will be several signs directing beachgoers to alternate points of access.

Work could begin as early as December 1 and wrap by March 1.

NEWS

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

DANA POINT A man identified by the Orange County Coroner’s Office as 23-year-old Calvin Smith of Utah drowned on Saturday, October 16 while swimming at Doheny State Beach. According to authorities, bystanders saw Smith face down in the water but said he appeared to be snorkeling as the blue Crocs he was wearing on his feet looked like swim fins.

It is unclear how much time passed before beachgoers realized that Smith was in trouble, brought him to shore and began CPR around 5:30 p.m. Smith was transported to Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente where he was pronounced dead at 6:24 p.m. Lifeguards were on duty that day but left at 5 p.m. per the Doheny Beach fall schedule. The coroner’s office reported a Monday morning autopsy confirmed the cause of death to be salt-water drowning.

San Juan Capistrano’s Top 5 Hottest Topics

What’s Up With...

1

…Tuttle-Click Coming to Town?

THE LATEST: The city redevelopment agency will give the Tuttle-Click Automotive Group as much as $5 million to open up a Ford dealership on the highly visible site of two closed auto sales lots. The City Council, acting as the redevelopment agency, agreed to the deal Tuesday night.

The redevelopment agency will give Tuttle-Click $3 million when it opens, then $2 million in installments based on the sales-tax the dealership generates.

The deal is set up so that property taxes from the redevelopment agency pay the dealership, allowing the city to keep all of the sales-tax for its general fund operations.

The deal calls on Tuttle-Click to operate for at least 27 years and will return an estimated $17 million to the city.

Mayor Lon Uso said he supported the dealership, but the deal was too rich. He cast the lone vote against it in the 4-1 decision.

WHAT’S NEXT: Tuttle-Click will open quickly in the existing Ford lot next to Costco, but move from there by March as Costco expands. Tuttle-Click will move to the closed Nissan and Chrysler lots on Camino Capistrano, selling the southernmost 2 acres to Capistrano Toyota, which needs more space to store new cars.

FIND OUT MORE: See the staff report at The Capistrano Insider blog at www. thecapistranodispatch.com —Jonathan Volzke

2

…The Loss of Two More ‘Adopted’ Marines?

THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano www.thecapistranodispatch.com

officials and residents are mourning the loss of two more members of its adopted 1st Battalion, 11th Marines who were killed Sunday in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan.

The deaths of Corporal Jorge Villarreal Jr. and Lance Corporal Francisco Jackson are thre third and fourth deaths in the battalion since August.

Jackson, 23, died Tuesday while conducting combat operations in Helmand province.

The young Marine’s passing follows the October. 17 death of 22-year-old Corporal Jorge Villarreal Jr. who was also killed in Helmand province.

The Capistrano City Council dedicated Tuesday’s meeting in Villarreal’s honor and the city sent flowers and letters of condolence to his family. The November 2 meeting will be dedicated to Jackson, and flowers will be sent to his family.

WHAT’S NEXT: Members of the community who would like to express their condolences to the young Marines’ families can do so by writing to Cathy Salcedo in the City Manager’s office at csalcedo@sanjuancapistrano.org.

FIND OUT MORE: See the battalion’s website at http://www.i-mef.usmc. mil/div/11mar —JV

3

…Rain Rattling Capistrano?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Regional Library was closed without power Tuesday morning as throughout town trimmed trees and cleaned up after an intense storm rumbled through in the early morning hours.

At least one tree on Ortega Highway at the east edge of town showed evidence of having been hit by lightning early Tuesday.

Power went off in at least the central

part of town around 4 a.m.— after an explosive round of thunder—and was then on and off throughout the morning. Students arrived at a darkened Ambuehl Elementary School, where teachers were prepared with flashlights and emergency lighting until the power was restored shortly after classes started, Principal Curt Visca reported.

City crews reported little damage beyond removing a branch from a bicycle trail near City Hall around 8 a.m.

The Library, across from the Mission, reopened about 11:15 a.m.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to the National Weather Service, the storm dumped 2.32 inches on rain on Capistrano between October 17 and October 20, although the spotty nature of the rainfall made totals vary.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.wrh.noaa. gov —JV

4

…Meeting on Creek Work

THE LATEST: Orange County Public Works will kick off a study on potential flood-control measures for a large area of the San Juan Creek watershed with a public meeting on October 27.

The study is unrelated to the bankstabilization work now underway, said OC Public Works’ Setu Upadhya.

“We are going to study a large area to determine what will happen if it will flood,” Upadhya said. “We want to know how much damage a flood could cause, whether it is worth making improvements and if it is possible.”

The study will look at the lower portions of San Juan Creek, Trabuco Creek and Oso Creek and also study how to protect from flood yet maintain habitat values.

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting will run

from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 27 at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.ocflood.com and click “San Juan Creek Study” in the lower left-hand corner. —JV

5

…A ‘Back to the Classroom’ Tour for the Superintendent?

THE LATEST: Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Joe Farley has launched a series of 18 community and staff meetings to ensure the district’s focus remains on classroom instruction.

The first, open to students, parents and community members, was on October 14 at Capistrano Valley High School.

He will visit San Juan Hills High in November.

“It is obvious that Capistrano Unified is a great, successful school district with high test scores, excellent teachers, dedicated staff and smart, capable and accomplished students,” Farley said in a statement. “With this tour, I am asking that we go ‘Back to the Classroom’ to ensure that our focus remains on the academic success of each student.”

Six community forums will be held for parents, students and members of the public. Farley will also host six meetings each for certificated and classified employees.

WHAT’S NEXT: Farley will be at San Juan Hills High School at 7 p.m. on November 16. The CUSD board of trustees meets on October 26.

FIND OUT MORE: See the “Beyond the Blackboard” blog at www.sanclementetimes.com —JV Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

October 22–November 11, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 3

Eye on SJC

Changing Course CEO of Regional Occupational Program is retiring after 40-year career

By Kirsten Amavisca Sacher and Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

H

igh school students poured from the classroom as the fire truck rolled onto the campus Monday evening. But it wasn’t an emergency: It was a class, one of the 100 or so career-oriented courses offered by the Capistrano-Laguna Regional Occupational Program.

The California State Legislature created the ROP in 1967, and Capistrano and Laguna Beach leaders got together to launch theirs three years later. Today some 4,000 students take ROP classes at San Juan Hills High School, another campus in the district, or in the main ROP classrooms in San Juan Capistrano.

Twelve years ago, when Dr. Rick Bogart took the helm of the program—a joint-powers authority governed by two members from the Capistrano Unified School District and two from the Laguna Beach district—60 percent of the ROP students were in high school and 40 percent were adults. Now, he is retiring from the Chief Executive Officer position with the program made up of 90 percent high school students and 10 percent adults.

“I personally felt ROP was funded to serve high school students in career-technical education,” Bogart said Tuesday. “Too many dollars were being spent on adults.

Community colleges are supposed to be doing that, along with adult education.”

The ROP pays for a full-time career guidance specialist on each of the district’s high school campuses, who can help students pick among the career-oriented programs that range from floral design to computer technology to public services. The program is funded separately from the school district, receiving $3,500 directly from the state for roughly 500 hours taught. The Capistrano-Laguna Beach ROP has a $3 million annual budget.

Most classes are 100 hours and include an internship, but the key, Bogart said, is that all are taught by professionals in their field. So when that fire truck pulled up to the San Juan Capistrano ROP campus on Monday, it was manned by Orange County Fire Authority firefighters, part of the emergency medical technician course.

After a couple of hours learning EMT skills from OCFA Captain and Arson Investigator Brett Russell, the engine showed up to give the students a real life scenario and a chance to look at all the equipment up close.

“We also get to do ride-alongs in the ambulance and receive on-the-job training later in the semester,” said Jake Donoff, a senior at Aliso Niguel High School. Jake said he was excited to complete this EMT course to be that much closer to his dream of firefighting.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” said Jessica Rubenstein, from Aliso Niguel. She is on her third ROP class, getting classes and certificates under her belt before heading off to a four-year university next year.

That’s another shift, Bogart said. While some perceive that ROP is an alternative to a college education, Bogart said more students and parents are finding that it just adds to the foundation of a student’s education.

“Every scholar needs a skill,” Bogart said, relying on a quote used often in career-technical education. “Parents want their sons and daughters to end up in a profession that is engaging and gratifying where they can be self sufficient.”

A Dana Hills High student who took pre-veterinarian courses through ROP before moving on to UC Davis was paired with a vet who on weekends worked with exotic cats, so the student was exposed to working with tigers and mountain lions. The student told Bogart the ROP experience made him feel ahead when he started at Davis. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Above: OCFA paramedic Brian Abney with new ROP CEO Kim Thomason and ROP student Jay Jefferies during an EMT course.

Photo by Kirsten Amavisca Sacher Left: Retiring Capistrano-Laguna ROP CEO Dr. Rick Bogart in the dental-technician lab with “Dexter.”

Photo by Heidi Mefferd

The need for advanced education—which Bogart said should be stressed over college alone—is also evident in a front-office medical assistant class at the main ROP campus. A chart on the wall shows what local professionals in the field earn—emphasizing those with four-year degrees command a much higher salary.

Bogart said the firefighting training courses are among ROP’s most popular offerings.

“It’s somewhat reflected by what’s on television,” he said. “But we had a course in CSI before there was a television show called CSI.” Also gaining in popularity is digital media—graphic arts, computer animation and related skills.

Bogart spoke as he gave a tour of the Capistrano ROP offices, where the three main structures were built by ROP construction students 20 years ago. The eclectic tree palate is intentional too: A landscaping teacher wanted different examples of palms and other species, so “there’s one of everything,” Bogart said.

Ironically, landscaping is one of the ROP programs no longer as popular with high school students.

ROP prides itself on real-world experiences, so a peek into the dental technician lab reveals an x-ray machine and a “Dexter” mannequin head that carries a price tag of $4,000 and real human teeth in its mouth.

A computer lab there produced a student who founded his own server company before he graduated high school. The student sold the company and now works as a consultant for the firm that bought it. And in a garage in the back of the Capistrano campus, a former OCFA fire engine is parked. It is used once a week for the evening firefighting course offered at Aliso Niguel

High School, driven there weekly by an OCFA instructor. In ROP, students take classes on whatever campus a course is offered.

The instructors in the various courses are responsible for setting up the internships, and every course is peerreviewed each year to ensure current techniques and necessary skills are part of the curriculum.

Eileen Picker has been in the flower business for years, yet takes time out of her schedule to teach the Floral Design course, giving students up-to-date and competitive instruction.

Elisabeth Cofield attends Saddleback College while taking a floral design ROP class. She is emphatic that taking this class has made her much more comfortable and confident at her new internship in a flower shop.

ROP classes can count for elective credits in high school, and some ROP classes can even count for biology or science requirements.

Kim Thomason was a student at Capistrano Valley High School when she took ROP courses, considering a teaching career. Now, after six years teaching and 15 years as the ROP Director of Instructional Services, she has been tapped to replace Bogart as CEO. He is retiring after 40 years in education, including 12 years at the Coastline ROP in Costa Mesa before joining CapistranoLaguna Beach.

She said Bogart has been a strong mentor. “He’s all about the people and wants what’s best for the students,” Thomason said. “Through his leadership, countless students are prepared for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.”

“I am very proud of this organization,” Thomason said. “We will keep providing high-quality career technical programs to students.”

For his part, Bogart said while he carried the CEO title, all of the positions at ROP, in education, really, are support-staff roles, supporting the students. He also credited the principals on each of the high-school campuses and trustees in both districts for making the Capistrano-Laguna ROP successful.

Even in retirement, Bogart isn’t giving up teaching.

He has some 30,000 hours of drivers’ education beneath his belt, sitting along side 15 year olds in their first experiences behind the wheel. He isn’t happy with the current state of drivers’ education and hopes to get more involved to steer it in a different direction.

That seems to fit nicely with his career at ROP, where the motto is “Charting a Course of the Future.”

“For 40 years, we’ve been charting a course for students’ futures,” Bogart said.

For more information, see www.capolagrop.org. CD October 22–November 11, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 5

Eye on SJC

Council Agrees to Open Space Leases, Changes Open Space Committee will be reformatted to “Public Lands” panel

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he City Council on Tuesday acted on a wave of open-space related issues, extending leases to Joan Irvine Smith and Blenheim Farms in the eastern open space, approving a staging area near San Juan Creek and even designing how the ad-hoc Open Space Committee will transition into a regular panel.

The city purchased the leases on the eastern open space when it bought the land from Rancho Mission Viejo.

Joan Irvine Smith has one lease, for 2.46 acres, that she paid $4,404 for, using the land for horse paddocks. Under the new terms, Irvine Smith will pay $4,800, provide a trail-resting area with a covered bench or seating area, hitching post and water trough at the terminus of the city’s trail there. Additionally, the Oaks is required to extend the city’s multi-use trail from its current end to the north side of San Juan Creek.

Additionally, the Oaks will continue to provide the city oak trees at no cost when the city wants them.

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter C o m p i l e d b y J O N AT H A N V O L Z K E 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.

Sunday, October 17 BURGLARY Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (2:34 p.m.)

A car was broken into on the top level of the parking structure. More than one was reported.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION Rosedale Drive, 27000 Block (1:26 p.m.)

Someone was living in a van with the windows boarded up and an extension cord running to a house.

CITIZEN ASSIST Anchor Circle, 25700 Block (10:45 a.m.)

A resident called because a member of their homeowners’ association was behind their house taking photos. The resident wanted to file a complaint against the HOA board member.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street/Ortega Highway (2:17 a.m.) A man hit a woman and a

The lease runs for five years with three five-year extensions. Councilman Tom Hribar thought the agreement was too long and cast the lone vote against it.

On the Blenheim lease, the council approved a one-year deal for $225,000—up $25,000 from the existing lease. That, city officials said, will give city officials and Blenheim operators time to work together for how the facility should be managed and operated.

On the other side of town, the private Open Space Foundation—a nearly identical make up to the Open Space Committee—proposed creating a rest area near San Juan Creek, where equestrians could stop and water their horses and rest on picnic tables. The foundation would obtain the trough and picnic tables, while the city would be responsible for extending a water line to keep the trough supplied.

The foundation will also donate a marker identifying the area as the “2C Ranch.”

The same action will also allow decomposed granite to go down on a parking area in the Northwest Open Space off Camino Capistrano. That would allow hikers, bikers and equestrians to use the group of people were trying to break it up. They’d pulled up in a black van together before the disturbance broke out. A 27-year-old man who identified himself as a student was taken into custody.

DISBURBANCE Avenida Los Cerritos/Rancho Viejo Road (1:36 a.m.) Deputies were asked to keep an eye out for a woman who was screaming she couldn’t find her family. She was throwing herself in front of traffic.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Calla De La Rosa (1:25 a.m.)A woman in white pajamas was crying at a woman’s intercom that she needed help. Another caller reported a woman jumped in his car, took a cell phone and jumped out. The man got his phone back as four men walked the woman away—one said he was her husband.

Saturday, October 16 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Via Estenaga, 31000 Block (10:52 p.m.) A caller reported he’d just left a party where minors were drinking alcohol.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 31400 Block (9:24 p.m.) Three teenage boys climbed onto the roof of the Library.

DISTURBANCE Ortega Highway/Del Obispo Street (9:11 p.m.) A man and woman were reported in a fight. They appeared to have been drinking. A 51-year-old man,

Page 6 • The Capistrano Dispatch • October 22–November 11, 2010

land as a staging area.

Finally, the council decided to start dismantling the Open Space Committee, an ad hoc group formed five years ago. Because of the panel’s ad-hoc status, members did not have to file the same financial-disclosure forms as other commissioners, nor regularly reapply for their seats.

Under the plan approved Tuesday, a “Public Lands and Equestrian” Commission will be created, made of seven members. The equestrian and trails responsibilities would be taken away from the current Parks, Recreation and Equestrian Commission, but that Parks and Recreation panel would pick up

“Senior Services.”

The plan was approved unanimously, although Mayor Lon Uso stressed that developers proposing projects should not be forced to go before the Public Lands Commission as they do other panels because the city is trying to be more “business friendly.”

Current Parks and Rec Commissioners Jill Hanna and Gail Zukow told the council on Tuesday that the supported the changes. The council will accept applications for the new commission, which will have no more than three members of the existing Open Space Commission and no more than three members of the current Parks, Recreation and Equestrian panel. CD

Murder at the Mission Opening at … Sarducci’s?

The leaders of the Camino Real Playhouse have taken their show on the road, and it even comes with a meal. Tom Scott and Beverly Blake teamed to write Murder at the Mission, and are staging the murder-mystery dinner at Sarducci’s at the Capistrano Depot on select Sunday evenings. The first is scheduled for Sunday, October 24. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a champagne Interrogation Reception and follows with a menu choice of four entrees accompanied with salad, sourdough bread and a choice of two desserts. The total price for meal and play is $55, including tax and tip. Performances in 2010 are Sundays, October 24, November 7 and 21. —Jonathan Volzke who said he was disabled, was taken into custody.

TRESPASSING Paseo Hacienda, 28000 Block (6:34 p.m.) Someone was fishing for goldfish in a private pond.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (5:31 p.m.)

A boy and girl, both about 12, were caught touching each other in an adult manner.

DISTURBANCE Via Cordova/Calle Arroyo (4:20 p.m.)

Deputies were asked to keep an eye out for a group of teens running around with spray cans and pulling down each other’s pants.

ABANDONED VEHICLE Camino Santo Domingo/San Juan Creek Road (8:32 a.m.) Two motor homes and two trucks had been left between a week and five months.

Friday, October 15 DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/Freeway (11:41 p.m.) A caller reported a white Mercedes was following a Mazda, tailgating and swerving across lanes.

The car lost control while exiting and crashed. A 50-year-old man was taken into custody. He listed his occupation as a counselor.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo Activo, 27000 Block (10:19 p.m.)

A caller said a dark SUV parked in a cul de sac, with someone in it. The caller

felt it was “very suspicious.”

BRANDISHING A WEAPON Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (8:50 p.m.)

A man about 45-50 years old pulled a knife on a caller and rode off on a bicycle. A 47-year-old man was taken into custody.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Perfecto/Avenida Aeropuerto (4:50 p.m.) A woman’s clothing—including undergarments—were on the wall behind an appliance store.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY El Camino Real, 31600 Block (10:13 a.m.) Students at a church school complained of feeling ill. It was evacuated.

CITIZEN ASSIST El Camino Real, 31400 Block (7:38 a.m.)

A woman reported a man followed her carrying a dark umbrella and wearing a long black trench coat.

Thursday, October 14 DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 31400 Block (2:02 p.m.) A student at an alternative high school was in the office yelling he’d do “whatever it takes” to get his cell phone back.

Wednesday, October 13 DISTURBANCE Avenida De La Vista, 30800 Block (9:17 p.m.) A man reported his neighbor hit him. A 28-year-old man was taken into custody.

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EYE ON SJC

CUSD Candidates Discuss Decision Making

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

T

his week, we asked Capistrano Unified School board candidates the following question:

Members of the public always remind elected officials “you work for us, do what we want.” But is that true? Should an elected official make a decision based on what the majority of the voters want, or what you feel is the best, even if it’s opposite the public opinion?

How will you make decisions in office?

Here are their answers, unedited, in the order in which they will appear on the ballot: TRUSTEE AREA 5

JOHN ALPAY San Clemente Commissioner/Businessman, www.johnalpay.com We elect our public officials with the expectation that they will act in our best interests and in accordance with our wishes. Voters within CUSD are sick and tired of the politics of derision and division, and above all else want to restore the district’s focus on quality education and living within our means.

Trial Lawyer Mike Winsten serves as the Barack Obama of South Orange County. In fact, he is on record of quoting Obama in CUSD Board meetings. That is no coincidence given that Winsten was also elected in 2008 with the promise of bringing meaningful change to CUSD. Back then, voters were not happy with CUSD’s direction and the desire for change was overwhelming. Unfortunately once in office, Winsten imposed his own version of an Obama/Pelosi agenda that is inconsistent with the desires of the public.

Winsten has managed to turn the school district into a lawsuit factory, hiring hundreds of his trial attorney friends and paying them in excess of $550 per hour. He hired a superintendent who not only drew an annualized salary of $365,000, but she also continued to receive her existing public employee pension. Voters don’t want this form of “governance;” they want quality education and proper use of tax dollars. Yet to distract the public of his misdeeds, Winsten falsely seeks to blame the problems that continue to plague CUSD on everybody but himself.

Once elected, I will work to restore credibility and integrity to CUSD. My campaign is not beholden to any union or other special interests. This allows me the flexibility to make the decisions necessary to rebuild CUSD, which is exactly what voters want.

MIKE WINSTEN Attorney/Independent Businessman, www.cusdfacts.com In our pluralistic community there is not always a “majority opinion” among CUSD’s 220,000+ voters on a given issue. The people who speak at Board meetings do not necessarily represent the majority of voters. Experience teaches the opposite. The majority of our

voters are a very quiet majority. An elected official has to be very careful about making decisions on what other people say the majority of voters want. I hear different points of view as I go through daily life and it is up to me to divine what the majority of the voters might prefer on a given issue. However, my view of leadership precludes a single rule from applying in all situations. There are times when elected officials should make choices based on what they perceive the majority of voters want and there are other times when the moral, financial or other context requires a decision to be made even if the choice is the opposite of perceived public opinion. But here is an important caveat: Focusing on the “majority of voters” leaves out the best interests of the children, none of whom vote, yet they are our most important constituency, and must always come first. www.cusdreform. com TRUSTEE AREA 6

GARY PRITCHARD Community College Professor, www.pritchardforcusd. com Elected officials need to make decisions based on facts, not on their personal agendas, fear of the electorate, or, worst of all, to save their withered political careers. Decision making for CUSD Trustees must always start from the basic question: What is in the best interest of our children? Everything else runs a distant second.

The resources for making the right decisions are available to Trustees who are willing to spend time within the schools and communities they wish to serve. Trustees must understand public schools so they can ask the right questions of the stakeholders.

Unfortunately, what we have are Trustees who only show up to school sites and community events when they face recall and strong challengers. Their presence is superficial and the tough questions remain unanswered. Unwilling to put in the time to grow into competent leaders in education, our current Trustees now want our understanding in the aftermath of their ill-fated decisions.

Trustees need to make tough decisions in challenging times. Unpopular decisions are unavoidable. Reasonable people understand that not all of their petitions are going to be met with favorable results but they do expect that their voice is heard.

The current board’s failings rest not with Trustees reaching out to the wider community but rather Trustees reaching within their own sphere of influence to leverage our schools to push an agenda outside the scope of public education. Ironically, the current Trustees now want us to hear their petitions in their final hours of service.

Sadly, it is too late. The only people willing to listen to them are the uninformed (which narrow each day they remain in office), sycophants, and spiteful local tyrants.

GARY V. MILLER Retired Teacher Declined to submit an answer.

Page 8 • The Capistrano Dispatch • October 22–November 11, 2010

PAUL HEBBARD Certified Public Accountant, www. paulhebbard.com I will make decisions based on both public opinion and my gut instincts. If I am absolutely certain that a decision will yield a favorable result, even though it is not the will of the majority of constituents, then I will carry through and go with my own feelings. If a decision needs to be made where I am uncertain of an outcome, I will gather input from the various involved parties, (parents, teachers, administrators, etc).

Once I have listened to everyone’s opinion, i will make my decision accordingly.

The people who have endorsed me are primarily personnel who have enjoyed long and productive years in the public education arena. I will seek out their wisdom, In addition to current CUSD personnel, such as the school principals. I will also do my own research by going to various schools and discussing issues with teachers and even finding out if neighboring school districts have the same issues and how they have been resolved.

KEN LOPEZ MADDOX Businessman/Tax Consultant, www. cusdfacts.com I ask myself three basic questions. Is is legal? Is it moral? Is it good for the District? However, this begins with looking at the totality of the information available and then seeking a solution.

There are those who believe being the most vocal on an issue equates to being a majority of the voters. Often this is not the case.

This is why it is important to have a solid foundation; a core set of beliefs so one is not tossed about the sea of public opinion.

One of the greatest leadership books ever written is the Book of Proverbs. King Solomon wrote it for his son who would someday be king. This is an excellent guide for anyone in a leadership position.

I’m no King Solomon; just a father who understands the level of trust every parent places in their child’s school to provide an environment rich in learning and the opportunity for excellence. My ultimate goal is to ensure CUSD provides a quality education to its students and is responsive to the individual concerns of the parents.

TRUSTEE AREA 6

ANNA BRYSON Capistrano Unified School District Governing Member, www. abryson.com I always keep in mind that the students are your children and the dollars are your money. I am a schoolboard trustee, and, as a trustee, I am morally and legally obligated to look out for the interests of students, parents, and taxpayers. It is current students, parents, and taxpayers who feel where the shoe pinches.

Schools exist for the sake of students.

Yes, school trustees are leaders, who have to look out for the whole enterprise – who have to balance competing suggestions and to encourage successful work from our valued teachers and administrators, and who have to make tough decisions to keep the whole ship afloat financially. But I work for you. I cannot just impose some arbitrary opinion of my own. I am a trustee of the voters of the Capistrano Unified School District and, when there are challenges – like the threat of bankruptcy whether from past spending sprees, state budget crisis, or union wish-list -- I speak out for and stand up for the voters.

SAAM ALIKHANI University Student, www. alikhaniforcusd.com Elected officials must accurately represent and address the needs of the electorate, and not be beholden to special interests or focus exclusively on furthering their own political careers.

Voters in CUSD elect their officials with the expectation that they will make decisions that are in the best interest of the community. Unfortunately, that is presently not the case as the current Board of Trustees has failed to uphold its fiduciary responsibilities and as a result has lost the faith of the electorate. The Board of Trustees wastes millions of taxpayer dollars on attorneys previously sanctioned by the State Bar and on dubious litigation settlements to a small elitist group of campaign supporters and contributors.

This is not what the electorate intended as good governance.

Successful public officials most often act in a manner consistent with the desires of the vast majority of people. Yet to understand the intent of the electorate, a School Trustee must engage in transparency and open dialogue. The current Board of Trustees has closed off all lines of communication by blatantly disregarding those who have sought to work with them in good faith. Special interests and a small cadre of those who have personally benefited financially are the only people provided with exclusive access to the Board of Trustees.

With further budget cuts from Sacramento pending, difficult decisions await the next Board of Trustees. The answer is how one goes about these decisions in respect to the benefit of the community. Our elected officials, especially in times of economic hardship, need to work in tandem with the community to address their needs instead of pandering to special interests at taxpayer expense.

TRUSTEE AREA 6

MARTHA MCNICHOLAS Engineering Entrepreneur, www.mcnicholasforcusd. com School Board members are locally elected public officials entrusted with governing the community’s public schools.

(Cont. on page 10) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

Uso Targeted by Hit Pieces Mayor blames firefighter union

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

M

ayor Lon Uso was the first victim of a hit piece in the 2010 political season, as a glossy mailer resurrecting a 10-year-old misdemeanor driving-while-intoxicated landed in mailboxes, although with other pieces saying he wants to tax children and supports illegal immigrants.

The mailers were full of half-truths, innuendos and inaccuracies. The union representing the firefighters was linked to the company that created them, and the other eight candidates in the Capistrano race were quick to condemn the tactic.

Uso said the pieces only affirmed his desire to keep office and continue fighting the union over pension costs and efforts to eliminate the volunteer firefighters.

The first mailer brought up a 1999 arrest in which Uso ultimately pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, but was found not guilty of another misdemeanor, driving with a blood-alcohol level of more than .08. According to Superior court records, he paid $1,351 in fines and was on three years probation.

The mailer does not give the date of the violation and says Uso hired a “highpriced attorney” to fight the charges. Uso was represented in the case by Capistrano’s Steve Rios.

The mailer says that Uso expensed a couple of alcoholic drinks on the city tab while traveling on a city-related trip with two other council members in 2007.

The mailer’s return address lists a Del Obispo Street mailbox drop, and says it was paid for by “Taxpayers for Safer Neighborhoods.” State-mandated campaign-finance forms show that group has two contributors in recent months: $21,600 from Western Cement Co. of California and $5,000 from the Orange

CUSD Candidates Discuss Decision Making (Cont. from page 8) But effective governance is much more complicated than just doing what the voters want.

The responsibilities of the board include setting the long-term vision, direction and policies of the district, establishing an effective and efficient structure for the school district (superintendent and staff), ensuring accountability to the public, and acting as community leaders. The role of the board is to be responsive to the values, beliefs and priorities of its community, but it is also limited by funding provided by the state budget and is inextricably bound by the State Education Code. Working with the Superintendent as a governance team, the board must keep the district focused on learning and achievement for all students, operate openly with trust and integrity, and govern in a dignified and professional manner, treating everyone with civility and respect.

As an elected trustee during economically stressful times, difficult and potentially

County Professional Firefighters Association.

The form also shows a $2,000 payment to Powers Communications of San Juan Capistrano. The city received a public information request regarding reimbursements to Uso from a Brandon Powers in August. Powers is a former Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Jeff Miller and known as a campaign operative.

It would not be surprising for the firefighters union to target Uso—they filled City Council chambers last year when Uso supported the volunteer firefighters program, which the union wants eliminated. Uso sat on the OCFA board of directors as Capistrano’s representative. He no longer represents the city on the panel.

“I believe that it is the firefighters union whose fingerprints are all over this. Joe Kerr, the union boss, told me that he would put resources against me for messing with his plans to kill the Reserve program and to stop their pension abuse during my short tenure on the OCFA board,” Uso said. “This is union payback.”

Two calls and an email to union leader Joe Kerr were not returned.

The other pieces said Uso wanted to tax school children—referring to so-called “head taxes” at JSerra and St. Margaret’s schools—and that Uso supported the immigrant-empowerment group, CREER. In reality, the first head tax, on JSerra, was enacted before Uso even took office, and Uso has voted to ensure CREER pays nearly market rate on its city-leased office.

Other candidates were quick to condemn the tactic.

“I know nothing about this and I do not believe anyone on my campaign had anything to do with it. That is as firm as I can be,” Kramer said in an email.

“Consider it to be an absolute denial of

unpopular decisions are inevitable. The challenge will be to ensure opportunities for the diverse range of views in the community to provide input to the board, while maintaining a broad and balanced vision.

Employees, students, parents and community members have a reasonable expectation to be heard, and will be more willing to accept decisions of the board when they have been part of the process. Open and honest communication will be the key to maintaining the trust of the public.

ELLEN ADDONIZIO Certified Public Accountant, www.cusdfacts.com People are elected to public office on the basis that they reflect the values and core beliefs of their constituency. As such, within legal and financial constraints, decisions of the public servant should reflect the community values and priorities.

Page 10 • The Capistrano Dispatch • October 22–November 11, 2010

Campaign mailer by “Taxpayers for Safer Neighborhoods”

any involvement. Not my style.”

Reeve called the piece “down-right slime.”

“There is a difference between negative campaigning and dirty campaigning.

This is down right slime. Myself, Jim, and Clint had nothing to do with this,” Reeve said. “I am sorry Lon and his family have to go through this. Come on, we are all better than this!”

Added John Taylor: “I have no knowledge of this and I can assure you that no one in my campaign had anything to do with this. I did sign the form and this is not how I do things.

By the way, the address for my campaign is 31878 Del Obispo St., Suite 118-492. I notice on the hit piece that they left out the box number.”

Victor Schneider, a first-time candidate, called it “politics as usual.”

“I had nothing to do with this. My thoughts on it are that smear tactics never work, they are offensive, unnecessary and are not in true competitive spirit. More politics as usual it seems. To attack any candidate and any past discretions is lame. We all have made mistakes and no one is perfect.”

Mark Nielsen was targeted by hit pieces four years ago.

“Having been the victim of repeated hit pieces like this in the past, I can tell you my utter contempt for this kind of

TRUSTEE AREA 7

LARRY CHRISTENSEN Capistrano Unified School District, Governing Board Member, www.cusdfacts. com “Fortunately we still live in a republic where the power of government rests in the body of its citizens, yielded by their vote. This is never to be taken lightly, for any elected official was voted into office by a majority of citizens who trust that person will best represent their views and not be swayed by the loudest special interest group. People are tired of politicians who base decisions upon what will keep them in office, regardless of how that decision affects the constituents through the generations. An elected official does best by not being a politician, by not

campaigning,” Mark Nielsen said. “It is far worse than the misrepresentations and false claims that have been recently thrown about by some candidates and their camps. I am appalled that anyone would attack a candidate in this way, especially with information that has no relevance to the campaign, but is only intended to cause personal pain and divert the voters from the real issues.

“My good wishes go out to Lon and especially his family. I know from my own experience the great pain this causes to our loved ones who already suffer from the time public service takes away from them. It is unfair and is a reason that so few qualified citizens will even attempt to serve in public office. I trust the citizens of San Juan Capistrano will focus on the real record of our candidates and ignore this kind of garbage.”

Clint Worthington also responded: “ Myself, Jim or Derek would not do anything like this. Absolutely not. I am happy to call out Lon on City Council decisions he has made or issues he takes a stand on that I disagree with but, this kind of politics is dirty and disgusting and not necessary.

“The most important focus is that we stick to City Council issues. That is it plain and simple, nothing else.”

Candidate Jess Lopez also said it was out of bounds and unfair. CD

doing what he or she “feels” is best, but by what mandate is given for a platform by the majority of the citizens. This holds true for any office, be it the president of The United States or a local school district trustee.”

LYNN HATTON Small Business Owner, www.hattonforcusd.com Ideally a person is elected because the voters believe the candidate will do a good job, based upon their background and values, representing their constituent’s best interests. At the same time, to be an effective leader, one must continually seek input and engender collaboration. If an environment of trust, mutual respect, accountability and transparency is present, the decisions the elected officials make and the opinions of their stakeholders will, most often, be in lockstep. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Council Candidates Explain Decision-Making Process The Capistrano Dispatch

W

e asked candidates: Members of

the public always remind elected officials “you work for us, do what we want.” But is that true? Should an elected official make a decision based on what the majority of the voters want, or what you feel is the best, even if it’s opposite the public opinion?

How will you make decisions in office?

Here are the responses, unedited in the order in which the candidates will appear on the November ballot:

how our decisions are made. It is the foundation of our democracy. The trouble we get into is when a candidate says one thing to one group and just the opposite to another group.

As a 25 year resident, I have stood firm on my vision of a San Juan Capistrano that maintains its’ small town, equestrian friendly atmosphere, my commitment to open space and a vibrant, pedestrian friendly downtown that will attract our citizens to shop and dine.

I have proven that historic preservation is fundamental to our town’s character, not by words but by my actions having restored two historic homes.

You can count on me to represent you, honor your opinions, and keep focused on what is right for the city of San Juan Capistrano.

DEREK REEVE

CLINT WORTHINGTON

Constitutional Attorney/ Historian http://site.derekreeve.us

A vote for Reeve, Reardon and Worthington will end secret dealings and make our City Government serve our residents. It’s time for common sense!

Our guiding principle is the government works for you. You do not work for them. We shall fulfill the will of the people of San Juan Capistrano. For example, the city overwhelmingly voted against Home Depot. The current city council is looking to overturn this clear mandate. A vote for our Team is a vote against Home Depot.

Not every issue however provides a clear direction from our residents. Rest assured that we mean what we say and say what we mean. We pledge to instill fiscally responsible policies; respect private property rights; make SJC a rule of law city; protect the historic character of SJC; prevent tax subsidies for development; and provide clean affordable water.

To truly make these changes to our city government and return it to the will of the people, there must be a majority on the council. There is only one clear, viable and quality option. Use your three votes for the Right Team; # 1 Derek Reeve, # 2 Jim Reardon, and # 4 Clint Worthington on your ballot.

JIM REARDON

Technology Executive www.votereardon.com

I have faith in the wisdom of the American public. As a member of your City Council, I will apply common sense, American values and ingenuity to solving problems and forming policy for our community. Restoration of civic trust, respect for the public, and respect of our laws are my highest priorities.

JOHN TAYLOR

Businessman www.JohnTaylorforCityCouncil.com

As a candidate I have spoken and written about my stands on the very important issues that San Juan Capistrano faces in the coming years. When the voters go to the polls, the majority will choose three candidates that best represent their views on the issues.

The will of the people absolutely must be

Locomotive Engineer VoteWorthington.com

The fact that the Kramer/Taylor Campaign has raised a combined total of over $73,000 for a City Council position that pays $300 a month raises the question; whose best interests are they representing; the residents’ or special interests’? Is the $280 dinner that Mark Nielsen accepted from the CEO of CR&R Disposal in the residents’ best interests when Councilman Nielsen is in a position to vote on CR&R’s trash rate increases?

Conflicts of interest, lack of transparency and questionable ethics have led to mistrust of this city leadership. City leaders are shutting out the public by making decisions in closed door meetings and by planning and approving massive development over the objections of residents.

The need for additional revenue must be balanced with residents’ concerns. Decisions that are not mandated by law to be held behind closed doors should be done in full public view; something that the current leadership has repeatedly failed to do.

If elected, our team of Reeve, Reardon and Worthington pledges to listen to and carefully consider the concerns of all residents and business leaders and to conduct city business in a truly open and transparent manner.

LARRY KRAMER

Retired Naval Officer ww.larrykramerforcityco uncil2010.com

The will of the voters is an important criterion for determining what an elected official should do.

Voters choose someone they think best fits their thinking or philosophy – which includes someone they trust to gather the facts and come to an honest conclusion. The voter is part of the decision making process.

Things get out of sync when the Councilperson promises one way of governing and then does not follow through or changes their philosophy.

From candidate forums, web site and the answers I have given to questions, my philosophy of governing is simple. I am nonpartisan, beholding to no special interests.

I believe that this wonderful town must continue to grow in such a way that we can provide the services the residents deserve.

Page 12 • The Capistrano Dispatch • October 22–November 11, 2010

I am an optimist who will examine the facts, continue to listen to all the residents and make decisions that I believe will be of most benefit to the majority of residents.

JESS LOPEZ

Retired Police Sergeant www.JessServes.org

When elected. I will work to represent you. I will base my decisions on what the majority of voters want. I Will use Advisory Votes and Referendums to insure your concerns are being represented i.e. La Novia Meadows, Home Depot and Mobile Home rent control. I believe that Expert Rule must give way to shared Governance.

The future of San Juan Capistrano is ONE UNITED City. The changing skills, capacities and involvement of our blended ethnic and diverse social economic communities are beginning to cross over and influence the political process.

That being said I must WARN ALL San Juan Capistrano Voters. Don’t be fooled with Negative Personal Bigotry Attacks. The candidates who call themselves “teams” are spending thousands of dollars on False Facts. They are very desperate and know they CANNOT win. Jess Lopez has been Fair and truthful and will represent ALL San Juan Capistrano citizens and businesses.

Jess LOPEZ support and endorsements are growing daily—So saddle up! LOPEZ is the Clear Choice when you look at the facts.

Look on your Ballot and Vote **Jess LOPEZ “Retired Police Sergeant” for San Juan Capistrano City Council See the LOPEZ Plan at: www.JessServes.org

VICTOR J. SCHNEIDER

Geologist www.jimschneider2010sjccitycouncil.com

Elected officials represent the people – Or, that’s our American model.

When they don’t, we throw them out of office and re-elect. That’s democratic. An elected official needs to listen to the will of people (it is paramount) and their concerns, decipher through any unimportant fiction, identify the facts, and make a well-thought decision which best serves the people and the City…all the while, reflect on the larger ramifications of their decisions for the constituents they represent.

Sometimes, a decision goes against public opinion. If occurring while I am in office, I can tell you now that I will have performed my due diligence….and I can live with that. I make sound decisions daily based on law, fiscal responsibility, experience, education, client satisfaction, to ultimately serve the best interest of the our client and company.

In office, I will make decisions similarly, based on listening to the residents of SJC, exploring all pros/cons, and investigate all historic, present, and future ramifications and impacts to our City based on my decision. I will not make any decision lightly.

The residents of SJC deserve elected officials who hold themselves accountable for their decisions. I will. Vote SCHNEIDER.

MARK NIELSEN

Businessman/Councilman www.electmarknielsen. com

Our Pledge of Allegiance says “...and to the Republic, for which it stands,..” As a Republic, we elect representatives who decide issues according to their belief of the overall good, as well as public input and laws.

You elect us to use our skills, knowledge and good sense to understand all aspects of issues; then make decisions we believe in the best interests of the City overall. While we must consider the input of all citizens, one cannot merely vote according to the most vocal public opinion at the time. Instead, we are expected to dig into all the background and competing interests on issues (for which most of the public hasn’t the time or interest), and determine the best long-term result.

Typically one is elected because of our guiding principles. I look at issues and assess if the result will enhance San Juan’s unique character or detract from it. Will the City gain more from the deal or not? Will a decision improve our quality of life overall or harm it?

Will long-term benefits outweigh short-term pain? Which of two alternatives may be the least offensive?

However, when citizens do vote on an issue, such as Home Depot, the electeds should pay attention to the plebiscite and go back for a revote if things change. There is a big difference between public input/petitions versus an actual vote of the people we represent.

DR. LONDRES USO Councilman/Dentist www.Uso4Council.com

If it were possible to determine what the majority of the residents wanted on every issue you would not need elected officials, you could have a true democracy. Because it isn’t, we elect people to make the tough decisions.

Elected officials are tasked with listening to public testimony with an open mind, studying the facts and making decisions based on the law, the facts, the welfare of their whole constituency and possibly some good old common sense (a rare commodity).

If they make clear decisions and speak honestly without worrying about being re-elected, the people will ultimately judge the elected officials’ body of work and decide by a majority vote if he or she is worthy or found wanting.

Advisory votes, especially during a contentious election, are a bit cowardly and ultimately meaningless. If a vote is necessary for some truly extraordinary situation it should be binding.

It is clear that folks tend to believe that their project or issue is the most important and that everybody agrees with them and that it should be put to the vote of the people. As we have seen, sometimes it is true, sometimes not so much. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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year will remain with Mark Nielsen and Lon Uso. My third will go to Larry Kramer.

The decisions were relatively easy, even though the field of candidates is relatively strong: I think the city is heading in the right direction. My water bill is shockingly higher than it was. Yes, because the previous council never had the courage to raise rates. Distrito La Novia?

A potential Home Depot? A balance between propertyowner rights, fiscal responsibility (the city is looking ahead financially for the first time) and sensitivity to neighbors. City Hall? The reorganization, including potential outsourcing, makes sense, even if Joe Tait holding two contracts does not.

Even the Open Space deal, I believe, will be fine in the long run. (For the record, the council didn’t raise my property tax bill; I did when I voted for the open space bond.)

I am also very excited about the downtown redevelopment deal and, having looked at other master plans in other cities, don’t feel like $500,000 was too much.

Kramer gets my vote because I’ve seen him for years now, on the Transportation Commission, Rotary and in other efforts. He understands how Capistrano works and how city government works, so the learning curve will be shorter. John Taylor seems like a smart man, but I didn’t really know him before the campaign. Same with Victor Schneider. Jim Reardon, Clint Worthington and Derek Reeve are as intelligent as they come, but we differ on some key issues—I think redevelopment is a useful tool; I’m not as conservative as they are. Jess Lopez is another good guy but I’m concerned about his push for advisory votes and referendums. While those seem like a fair way to arrive at a decision, and certainly popular, I don’t think they lead to the best public-policy decisions. I’m always reminded of John F. Kennedy’s writings in Profiles in Courage, where he says sometimes it is the job of an elected official to do what he thinks is best, even if he knows the population supports otherwise. One could only hope, Kennedy said, that the wisdom of the decision becomes clear later.

But if I’m not ready for change on the City Council, I am on the school board. My votes will go in support of the recall and to the Children’s First slate of candidates—Saam Alikhani, John Alpay, Lynn Hatton, Martha McNicholas and Gary Pritchard.

The current board just hasn’t accomplished anything startling and seems to demonize the teachers for political gain. I do agree public education has issues that

Page 14 • The Capistrano Dispatch • October 22–November 11, 2010

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Thoughts on the Ballot

I

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Group Editor, Editor, The Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke

JONATHAN VOLZKE: My Turn

once had an editor who didn’t vote in local elections because, he said, that would force him to consider issues and candidates he covered and create a bias. I always questioned whether he could really read something or listen to someone without doing the same thing.

I can’t, and as seriously as I take my responsibilities at The Dispatch, I take my right to vote as a responsibility too.

So when election time rolls around, I share how I’m going to vote, not as endorsements because I think ultimately people arrive at their voting decisions very differently. Like any decision, we weigh what is important to us and the trade offs any decision will bring. What’s important to me, what I’m willing to trade off, won’t be the same for you.

All I ask of any voter is that they take the responsibility seriously and make the decision with as little emotion as possible.

It is an emotional time. The council, to its credit, recently approved Distrito La Novia, a project unlike any this city has seen that will cover property folks are used to seeing vacant. The city is moving forward with developing the Lower Rosan Ranch with a potential big box—another oddity in town.

It’s easy to look at these projects, or any of the other decisions the council regularly makes and say “how will this affect me” then cast your vote. That surprises me in San Juan Capistrano, though, because we pride ourselves on our small-town atmosphere, our sense of community.

More than open space, more than our downtown, more than the Mission, that’s what I love about Capistrano, that’s why I bought my home here: That we’re all more than people who live in the same city; we’re neighbors.

I try to keep that in mind while deciding how to cast my vote; not necessarily what’s best for me, but what’s best for my community. And not just today, but how San Juan Capistrano will look, will function, 50 years from now. I also try to remember that the public decisionmaking process is messy, too, and nobody gets everything they want.

Finally, I try to look not only at what decision was made, but how it was made.

So while I’m not completely happy with any decision I’ve seen the council make the past four years—and yes, some I was downright unhappy with—my votes this

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could be addressed by “reform,” but haven’t seen this board take any out-of-the-box steps. They hired a wellrespected Superintendent in Dr. Joe Farley, but even that seemed to go against their campaign pledges of reform.

The political battling is beginning to take its toll. It was only as the election approached that the current board seemed to take an interest in really reaching out to the public and building bridges.

Mostly, I hope this is the last time voters are expected to cast their ballot for strangers and vote for representatives throughout a 220-square-mile district. The current system not only encourages but nearly mandates these high-money mailer campaigns we’ve seen in recent years.

I will vote for Measure H in hopes that future elections allow me to focus on candidates within my community, candidates who don’t have to raise $100,000 or more to get elected.

One of the things lost as we move from small town to city, from local to national politics, is our ability to really know who we’re voting for. Whether in person from around town—I used to love the image of then-Mayor Gil Jones chopping carrots at the mini-farm—to understanding them through their votes on various issues. We’re lucky for many things in Capistrano, but chiefly among them is our local political system. We can know who we vote for and we can debate an issue and we can still remain neighbors.

Editor Jonathan Volzke founded The Capistrano Dispatch in 2002. CD

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SOAPBOX PATRICK O’BRIEN: The Way I See It

Ugly Remembrance of Things Past

I

t looks like the John Birch society has reared its ugly head again, but it now goes by various other names, all of which we know. It is NOT conservatism, though it often masquerades as such. It is, rather, Glenn Beck fear-mongering, using PATRICK conspiracy theories that are not theoO’BRIEN ries at all. They are, instead, clichéd patriotism—“Liberty, Freedom, Fiscal Conservatism,” etc. etc.—as if everyone else is opposed to these notions.

These can be dangerous folks. Everything has a brand: “Socialism, communism” etc. etc. This is an angry and very tiresome group. The world is changing beneath their feet and that frightens them. America actually became what it was intending to become, multiracial, multi-religious, multi-multi. What happened?

And judging from the knee jerk response to change, these folks are blowing fuses right and right—the Tea Party on steroids.

The famous American poet Robert Frost once wrote a marvelous and simple poem entitled Mending Wall. You might Google it and read it. It is a contrast between two neighbors, one who wants a wall though it serves no purpose, the other not—“He will not go behind his father’s saying.” Frost refers to the “conservative” neighbor who reminds him of “…an old stone savage armed. He moves in darkness as it seems to me.” This seems an apt description of our hugely angry neighbors who try to sell this as “Common Sense.”

“Maybe, as Frost says, “Good fences [don’t] make good neighbors.”

Related to this, the League of Women Voters Candidates Forum for the San Juan City Council earlier this month was a success. However, I heard a few disturbing comments, a few fences put up. Though the League moderator said twice that the office for the city council is non-partisan, three candidates insisted on telling the audience that they were Republicans. So? Is that supposed to be a code, a special handshake, vote for me we’re part of a club? Come to my side of the

fence? Not a good beginning.

I respect anyone with courage enough to run for office and each candidate deserves respect, as far as it goes. To put your life out there on the line at which folks take political potshots requires a certain amount of bravery and commitment. Some of the candidates had good points. However, the incumbents who have a record are always a very big target—unlike the challengers about whom most of us haven’t a clue, except the words they say and the beliefs they want us to share.

This is all done at face value or by the degree of anger and outrage the challenger wishes to display. Some-

“Are we really supposed to vote based on two viral mailing attacks on two incumbents and a volunteer citizen?

These are directly out of the right-wing dirty tricks playbook.” times it seems reasonably valid; on the other hand, after a response from those who made the “terrible decision” to exchange or buy property or to upgrade the downtown, some charges need to go on life support. And always there is the accusation related to money—too much spent or the candidate has enriched him or herself—even the comparison to the City of Bell.

That last one is a whale of story that allows us all to believe that Jonah actually lived in the belly of a whale—really? In Porgie and Bess there is a song that fits—It Ain’t Necessarily So. City of Bell? It is getting, as one writer for a monthly doorstep blog has said, to be “the silly season.”

Furthermore, are we really supposed to vote based on two viral mailing attacks on two incumbents and a volunteer citizen? These are directly out of the rightwing dirty tricks playbook. DUI? Who cares? No wonder folks have become disgusted with politics.

It’s no longer seems to be about good governance but about which political group rules, at least as far as these

“conservatives” are concerned. Are these real conservatives? The term reactionary comes to mind.

Their accusations are filled with fascinating suppositions. Of course, a candidate tries to find a weakness in a current council member, but simply making allegations based on conspiracy theories—weak, weak, weak. El Camino Playhouse disappearing, horse and rodeo land being bought to aid, oh my God!—another city, maybe, only maybe? A political payoff? Then, of course, there is always the Chicago politics charge. That’s a great Jonah story.

So the John Birch Society ideas are back. I had hoped we were finished with that silliness and “coo-coo-mania.”

But American politics being what they are, I guess we are forever saddled with this. Free speech is protected, and the ACLU will defend these folks’ right to say what they say. (This would truly embarrass them.) It is, after all, protected by the Constitution. I just hope the voters are paying attention.

Some of the “Newbies” to San Juan combined with one or two of the “Oldies” are trying to divide the city.

Shame on them. San Juan is beginning to look worse than much of Orange County some forty years ago.

Don’t let it happen. We need to know who and what we’re voting for—or against.

Congratulations to all candidates for taking a chance.

For the sake of the citizenry, please keep it clean and rational. I’m wondering about fencing some folks out. I shouldn’t be thinking this way. I can thank them for appealing to my worst side. As I said, it is viral.

Patrick O’Brien has been a resident of San Juan Capistrano for 40 years. He taught English and Journalism at Cypress College and was Dean of Language Arts at the end of his teaching career. He is still active in writing a newsletter for the college and writes freelance for various publications, as well as currently “shopping around” four novels--a fifth is on the way. He and his wife Marilyn are originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. They have two grown children, Curt and Craig, both of whom have successful careers, one a producer of national television advertising and the other a “problem solver” and partner in the corporate computer-program world.

LAURA FREESE: Guest View

To be a Council Member

W

ould you want a job that pays $10 a day, based on a 24/7 work week, where expenses run on average $400-plus per month and 50 percent of your friends and neighbors are angry with you at all times? Well, nine folks have filed to LAURA run for City Council and that is exactly FREESE the job that they are applying for!

Since nine people want to be your representative, it may help to have some criteria on how best to pick your next three council members. I am writing this from two years of experience as a council member and 39 years of experience voting.

• Examine their passion. Is it economic revitalization or the downtown (my pet issues)? Open Space?

Does it agree with your vision for the city?

• Find who is backing them. Are their backers far to the left, super conservative, progressive or “more of the same?”

• What is their city experience? Do they understand city economics? Have they been involved? A public municipality is very different from the private www.thecapistranodispatch.com

sector, being already involved is certainly a leg up.

• Do they have tolerance for differing opinions and respect for all? An important point! The SJC electorate is strong, educated, outspoken and diverse. Tolerance for all is tough but necessary.

• Can the candidate work well with others? No matter how fantastic the council member’s ideas may be, if he or she cannot work with the other council members, it will be a lost cause. Ability to compromise is imperative.

On a personal side, the three council members elected this November should plan on: • A loss of revenue. If you’re self employed, plan to lose money because of dividing your focus.

• A loss of time: You will be putting in 10 to 50 hours a week into city and regional business. There are reams of papers to read. To do the job the electorate expects of you, you must represent the city on regional boards too and be prepared on all city and regional issues. You will have no staff members. You are on your own.

• A feeling of accomplishment. That is your reward.

Achieving what is important to you, from acquir-

ing open space to opening the movie theater, is your reward for a job well done. All things considered, it is a great reward!

But is the feeling of accomplishment enough reward to be a City Council member? For me it is. But there is a defensive reason too. If good people don’t run then those with iffy influences will be the only ones running.

Tammny Hall or Richard Daley’s political machines were not that long ago. Be assured that power influences are still around and would like to influence our council. In the past, in little SJC there have been council members who have lacked trustworthiness. The result has been distrust by the people. So, when good folks say to themselves “I can do better” we should give a round of applause to the American system and to the good guys for stepping up to the plate.

Election time is here. Do your homework and pick wisely. These candidates, who have offered themselves to you, must meet your needs and high expectations.

Pick well indeed.

Business owner Laura Freese was elected to the City Council in 2008.

October 22–November 11, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 19

GETTING OUT

GO SEE DO

‘DAY OF THE DEAD’ AT ‘THE GRAVES’

“Day of the Dead” is a tradition celebrated throughout the world as a tribute to lost loved ones, and for the past six years, the Capistrano Library has been home to the artwork, altars and music of the Día de los Muertos.

This year, to raise money for new carpeting at the Library, a sneak preview is being held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, featuring a one-time-only performance of “Las Calacas” by the Yoliztli Theater Co, along with George Newnam’s “House of Skeletons.”

Las Calacas is a comedy-drama production to celebrate Day of the Dead, based on Mexican folklore and the belief that one day the dead come back to visit the living.

The theme of the event, along with the month of October, allows Library Teri Garza to refer to the building as “The Graves,” —for the month and because it was designed by renown architect Michael Graves.

Tickets are $20, and include refreshments. The Sunday event is open and free to everyone, usually drawing about 700 people.

It’s also the last chance to enjoy cultural events at the Library for a while: The new carpeting will force the Library to be closed for the month of November.

The Library is at 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. Call 949.493.1752.

YOUR FOURTEEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

Courtesy photo

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

friday22

EVITTE PALMER

wednesday13

sunday24

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET

BLUEGRASS BRUNCH & MUSIC

MIKE HAMILTON

7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage. 26701 B Verdugo St., 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

THE BLASTERS

8 p.m. Rockabilly band at The Coach House also with Wayne The Train Hancock, and Michael and the Lonesome Playboys.

Tickets $18. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

PIRATE OF PENZANCE

8 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse presents a hilarious romantic comic opera with pirates, buccaneers and maidens. Great for the whole family. Shows through Oct. 31. Preview night tickets $24; regular tickets $28-$30. 31776 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

CHERYL SILVERSTEIN

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch at San Clemente’s newest bar and kitchen The Next Door, and starting at 11 a.m. is lively and harmonious bluegrass music. 647 Camino de los Mares, 949.940.8845, www. nextdoorsc.com.

HUNGER WALK

1 p.m. Family Assistance Ministries presents a benefit 5K walk to raise funds for local families in need; held at the SC Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.8477, www.san-clemente.org.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS - DAY OF THE DEAD

12 p.m.-5 p.m. Annual “Celebration of Life and Family” with dance performances, live music, activities, displays and much more based on the traditional holiday. Free. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

SPOOKATHON DANCE PARTY

7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage. 26701 B Verdugo St., SJC, 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

4 p.m.-7 p.m. Costume and dance party for kids age 2-12 at Casino San Clemente. Prizes, dancing, $3 dinner and snacks. Free to attend. 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente.

saturday23

RUMBLE FISH

AN EVENING AT THE GRAVES FOR DAY OF THE DEAD

7 p.m.-9 p.m. Sneak peak fundraiser of our Day of the Dead celebration sponsored by the Friends of the Library with films, performances, artwork and altar displays, food and drinks and more. $20 per person. 31495 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.248.5132, www.ocpl.org.

HOPTOBERFEST

12 p.m.-10 p.m. Special beer event at Pizza Port. $30 entry gets you lots of good stuff. 301 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.940.0005, www.pizzaport.com.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK

8 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse presents a ghostly play just in time for Halloween. Shows through Oct. 31. Tickets $18. 31776 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

PET ADOPTION

12 p.m.-4 p.m. Capo Animal Rescue Effort hosts a pet adoption every Saturday at PetSmart. A gallery of available pets is online. 33963 Doheny Park Road, 949.240.1735, www.capoanimalrescue.com.

JUDY COLLINS

8 p.m. Female folk icon at The Coach house. Tickets $39.50.

33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

SAM MORRISON

2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn; continues into the night starting at 8:30 p.m. with Swing Shift. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

monday25 MOMMY MOVIE MONDAY

10 a.m. Special screening of the movie Hereafter for parents of infants at the Krikorian, tickets $6.75. 641 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7469, www.kptmovies.com.

RED RIBBON PARADE

4 p.m. Annual “Say No To Drugs” event for children and families featuring a parade, demonstrations and guest speakers starting at the top of Del Mar and concluding in the parking lot of the SC Library/Community Center. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.361.8386, www.san-clemente.org.

tuesday26 NIXON IN SAN CLEMENTE: THE WESTERN WHITE HOUSE YEARS

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Casa Romantica presents an exhibit featuring the impacts President Nixon made on SC with memorabilia, stories, displays and much more. Runs through Nov. 2. Admission $7 adults, $6 members, kids free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

MIKE VITALE

8 p.m. Live acoustic music at BeachFire Ladera. 25682 Crown Valley, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

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

7 p.m. Popular musician performs everything at Ruby’s Sky Ranch every Wednesday. 949.496.7829, www.rubysdiner.com.

OKTOBERFEST BEER THROWDOWN

Stone Brewery vs. Wine Warehouse. 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. San Clemente Wine Company hosts its first Oktoberfest Throwdown, pitting two beer distributors against each other! Tasting fee is $15 for 8 beers, plus tasty treats! 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar; 949.429.7067; www.scwinecompany.com.

PORTOLA RIDERS & SWING SHIFT

7:30 p.m. Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

thursday27 7 WALKERS

8 p.m. The Coach House presents 7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann of The Grateful Dead, George Porter Jr., Papa Mali and Matt Hubbard. Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

DEBRA LEE & TRIGGER HAPPY

8 p.m. Michael and Joyce run the bar at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

friday28 SPOOKTACULAR

4 p.m.-6 p.m. Fundraising Halloween event featuring games, prizes, face painting and crafts, a haunted house ($1 donation) and food for $2. Proceeds benefit the city’s Youth Advisory Board and Boys & Girls Clubs. San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion, SJC, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

HAUNTED TRAILS

6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Spooky Halloween mazes in Laguna Niguel that the whole family will enjoy. $10 per entrance. Crown Valley Community Park, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, 949.748.7543, www.ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us.

HALLOWEEN BOO CRUISE

5 p.m.-7 p.m. Dana Wharf hosts Haunted Harbor Cruises with departures every 20 minutes. Wear your favorite costume! Tons of great prizes and a costumer contest on every cruise! $3 per person. No reservations required. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

DREAD ZEPPELIN

8 p.m. Led Zeppelin tribute at The Coach House.

Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

(Cont. on page 22) October 22–November 11, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 21

GETTING OUT

Dispatch Restaurant Spotlight

RATE IT!

By Madi Swayne

Have you eaten at this restaurant?

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

El Maguey Express

31952 Del Obispo #110, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.2457 BEST KNOWN FOR: Lengua, carne asada and carnitas tacos MOST POPULAR ITEM: Roast chicken served with beans, rice and tortillas

Web Extra: Online voters gave

Since 1986, El Maguey Express has been serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week.

El Maguey Express, the smaller, quicker version of El Maguey (also in San Juan Capistrano), offers up a similar menu that features over a dozen varieties of tacos, among the many other authentic Mexican menu items. The tacos are served with fresh onions, cilantro and green salsa on top, and the most popular varieties include lengua (beef tongue), carne asada and carnitas. El Maguey Express offers everything a la carte, but also in larger family-sized quantities. The handmade tamales are sold by the dozen and can be ordered in advance and all of the meats can also be ordered by the pound. El Maguey Express serves breakfast all day including the popular machaca and eggs, as well as handmade chilaquiles. Everything is made on-site including the drinks. Aguas Frescas that include Jamaica, Tamarindo and Horchata are made fresh everyday and so is the champurrado—a thickened hot chocolate spiced with anise and piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar)—a perfect treat in this cold and rainy winter weather.

El Maguey Express regular Rogelio keeps coming back for the chicken burrito. Photo by Madi Swayne

PRICE RANGE: $.92-$12.98 RESERVATIONS: Not necessary

PAYMENT: Cash, credit card HOURS: 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. every day

KoKoMo’s Pizza

½ 33495 Del Obispo, Dana Point, 949.488.0404 (Rated on a scale of 1–5 stars)

Last issue online voters gave

Mr. B’s Pizza

½ 31111 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.8100 (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 21)

saturday30

HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY

2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Swallow’s Inn hosts a costume party with music

by Heartless and Jann Browne. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

TIDEPOOL TERRORS

monday01 LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION ACROSS AMERICA

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lewis and Clark’s remarkable adventure can be examined and revisited at Mission San Juan Capistrano’s newest museum exhibit through March. Free with admission $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Trick-or-Treat, listen to scary stories, explore spooky science labs and more at the Ocean Institute. Kids can dress up for the Kids Costume Contest. Kids $4.50, adults $6.50, members free. Again on Oct. 31. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

tuesday02

OWL PELLET DETECTIVE

9 a.m. Learn about owls and their pellets at The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Tickets $5-$10, members free. 28672 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

11 a.m. Children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers are invited for stories, rhymes, crafts and fun. Session run through Oct. 26.

No registration required. 31495 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

PET ADOPTION

BUSINESS NETWORKING MEETING

10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Ark of San Juan hosts a pet adoption at PetCo in the Von’s Plaza. 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org.

GARY SINISE AND LT. DAN BAND

8 p.m. The Coach House. Tickets $29.50. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY

5 p.m. Food & Drink Specials and Live Music by six-piece band Better Chemistry at BeachFire Ladera. 25682 Crown Valley, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

HALLOWEEN VOODOO BASH

7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Halloween Party with the scariest band around— True Voodoo Mardis Gras Band! Renaissance, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

sunday31

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

12 p.m.-1:30 p.m. The Poseidon chapter of Business Network International meets at Sarducci’s every Tuesday; visitors welcome.

26701 Verdugo St., SJC.

wednesday03 INDIAN BASKET WEAVING

10 a.m.-1 p.m. The first and third Wednesdays of the month, experience the art of basket weaving at the Mission. Admission $5-$9.

26801 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

thursday04 IBIZA

9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Halloween party with live music at The Vintage.

26701 B Verdugo St., 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

5 p.m.-closing. European-style nightlife featuring a DJ spinning in the ultra lounge at Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar. 27211 Ortega Hwy., Suite C, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.8466, www.tanninstrestaurant.com/ibiza.

SAVED BY THE MISSION BELL

HULAVILLE OPEN MIC NIGHT

RANDOM JAM HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Children and adults can listen to Spanish-speaking audio tours at the Mission daily. Admission of $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

JANN BROWNE

6 p.m.-8 p.m. Hulaville invites all musicians, along with singers and hula dancers, to step up and showcase your talents for an appreciative audience. Every Thursday. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

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

HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY

5 p.m. Food & Drink Specials and Live Music by six-piece band The Blame at BeachFire Ladera. 25682 Crown Valley, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

Page 22 • The Capistrano Dispatch • October 22–November 11, 2010

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

Send your listing to editor@thecapistranodispatch.com

ON STAGE

Traditional Man Grammy finalist David Bromberg to play at The Coach House

D

avid Bromberg, a master practitioner of folk, blues, bluegrass and other musical genres, brings his quartet to the Coach House on Sunday, October 24.

Originally a “musthave” session man for everyone from Bob Dylan to Jay & the Americans, and subsequently a hard-touring bandleader and recording artist with an enthusiastic followCourtesy photo ing, Bromberg gradually phased himself out of the continual record-tour-record cycle in 1980 and decided to attend and graduate from the Kenneth Warren School of Violin Making. He continued to make the rounds and perform across the country and overseas and then decided it was time to record again. 2007’s Try Me One More Time—his newest CD in almost two decades—is filled with undiluted David: One man, one acoustic guitar, and a repertoire of mostly traditional material.

We caught up with the artist to see what the audience gets to look forward to at the upcoming show.

Have you performed at The Coach House in the past?

No, but I’ve played so many shows over the years that it’s possible.

What kind of set will the audience be in store for at The Coach House? I will be with my quartet, which includes myself, Robert Amiot, Mitch Corbin and new to the group, Nate Gower, who has replaced longtime band member Jeff Wisor, who is retiring after 29 years with me. I have never planned a set in my life so we usually decide just before we go on which song we’ll start with and then go from there. Sets are usually around 90 minutes.

Are you working on any new material at the moment?

Interestingly, yes. I am working on a new CD entitled Use Me. I’ve asked a number of my friends in the business to write songs for me and then produce them. I have been working with Los Lobos, Tim O’Brien, Dr. John, John Hiatt and so on.

I’ve done a lot of session work with many artists over the years and am calling on some of them now to help on this.

Since this is the only planned California show, get your tickets early, as they will go fast. Doors open at 5 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at The Coach House or online at www.thecoachhouse.com. For more information call 949.496.8930. CD —A.J. Bardzilowski 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

Air Conditioning & HEATING

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

Assisted Living

949.697.9454

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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

949.248.0260

Chick’s Plumbing, Inc.

Banking 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

San Juan Photo & Digital 949.661.5668 32301 Camino Capistrano, www.sjcphotodigital.com

949.240.1200

Proudly Serving South Orange County Since 1975 949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com Lic# 310654

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 www.atozleakdetection.com Pronto Plumbing (El Plomero) 949.246.3589 31878 Del Obispo Ste. 118-227, www.prontodrain.com SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com DC Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning www.dcplumbing.net 949.365.9044

PRINTING

Kitchen Design

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES 949.661.4080

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

949-240-0555

WATER CONSERVATION Xeriflo Plumbing Systems www.xeriflo.com

949.276.7000

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

WINDOW CLEANING/ PRESSURE WASHING 949.290.8230

Women’s Clothing

RestaurantS

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 949.493.3632 Las Golandrinas Mexican Food 949.240.3440 949.240.9240 32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, www.abbysdesigns.com 27124 Paseo Espada #803, www.lasgolondrinas.biz

BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICES

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

Bayside Window Cleaning Printing OC

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

Jeweler

Kitchen & Bath Designs 27231 Ortega Hwy., Unit B

SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com

TELEVISION 949.697.9454

PLUMBING 949.443.1970

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

Slab leak repair

Photo & Digital Lab

Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

Auto Repair Star Motors 32959 Calle Perfecto

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

MORTGAGE

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

Schools

MOLD REMOVAL

Insurance

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 Capistrano Health & Life 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. A, www.oasisair.com www.capistranohealthlife.com

Blu:Echo 949.496.4810 31878 Del Obispo (Marshalls Center)

YOGA

Adelanto Studio Yoga & Life Arts 949.212.0499 32118 Paseo Adelanto, Ste.9, www.adelantostudio.net

949.705.7344

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

CARPET CLEANING Capistrano Beach Steam Clean steamcleaningdanapoint.com

949.240.5875

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

COMPUTER SERVICES San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581

ELECTRICIANS Friess Electric

949.248.4222 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 102

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS Four-A Electric

949.240.8844 32432 Alipaz, Ste. C, fouraelectric@sbcglobal.net

Experience The Mission Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano Exciting New Audio Tour 949.234.1300 26801 Ortega Highway, www.missionsjc.com

FLORIST Mother Earth Flowers 949.493.4400 32158 Camino Capistrano, Ste. 105 www.motherearthflorist.com

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

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 GARAGE SALE Huge Moving/Estate Sale Enormous Talega Estate Sale starts 7:30am, Friday Oct. 22nd-Sunday Oct. 24th at 11 Via Andaremos San Clemente, CA x street Tierra Grande. Tons of great treasures-All Beautiful like new and brand new. Designer furniture-Full 6 pc. Bedroom set with detailed carved wood, Full 4 pc. Bedroom set, Dining Room set-106” table, 2 18” leaves, 8 upholstered chairs & 2 pc. lighted china cabinet with detailed carved wood, 4 pc. coffee table set, 3 pc. detailed carved wood & glass table set, Big Screen TV, SubZero Wine cooler & other electronics, tons of home decor & accessories, baskets, plants, decorative vines, full dish sets, pans, kitchen appliances, fine linens, pillows, designer men’s, women’s & teen clothing. Christmas decorations for yard. Hard cover book sets and DVD’s. Also, 2007 Suzuki Quad, new and like new safety gear, gear bags, helmets, boots etc. Endurance Treadmill, Vectra 1850 & Vectra AL gym set, golf clubs, lots of tools & garage items, Dewalt Pressure Washer 3750 PSI-4.0 GPM, garden accessories, yard tools and much much more....

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Obituary David Anthony Lopez Born on July 2, 1947 in Delano, CA, died on 10/04/2010 in Laguna Hills, CA. He graduated San Clemente high school, and attended Santa Ana College. David owned Lopez Communication in Dana Point, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guillermo Lopez and Aurora Lopez. David is survived by his brothers William Lopez, (wife Melody), Richard Lopez, Sisters Margaret Castro, (Mrs. Joaquin) and Rosalie Christy, (Mrs. Chuck).

Also, numerous nephews and nieces that loved him dearly. Memorial services to be held at the Community Presbyterian Church, 32202 Del Obispo St. San Juan Capistrano on October 16, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David Anthony Lopez’s name to the American Diabetes Foundation. David will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. O’Connor Mortuary, 949.581.4300, www.oconnormortuary.com.

Dispatch classifieds GET RESULTS! Submit your ad today!

Call 949-388-7700 ext. 104 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

October 22–November 11, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 25

SJC LIVING

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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friday 10.22

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

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.

7:30 a.m. Educators from various Capistrano schools discuss Facebook use among students and teachers. The public is welcome to the event, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, 27461 Calle Arroyo.

tuesday 10.26

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

Utilities Commission Meeting 8 a.m.. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

CUSD Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road, www.capousd.org

Education Round Table

tuesday 11.02

City Council/Planning Commission Meeting 3 p.m. The panels discuss the proposed downtown master plan, which would add more buildings.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto City Council Meeting 7 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Friday 11.12 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes. *Meeting agendas at

www.sanjuancapistrano.org

Ricardo’s Place in the Community Restaurant earns “Business of the Year”

By Kirsten Amavisca Sacher The Capistrano Dispatch

R

unning a popular restaurant with 25 employees alone would be enough to keep most people busy, but Ricardo Beas still manages to spend time cooking up good things to do in the community.

Not only does he own Ricardo’s Place, which received the Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Year” award, but Beas also has two other restaurants: La Cocina de Ricardo in Lake Forest, and El Paso Café near San Jose.

However, there is more on the menu for Beas than just tacos—Beas and his wife Rosa strongly believe in the importance of community and are involved in various efforts trying to make San Juan Capistrano a healthier and more vibrant town.

Children are the future, and both Ricardo and Rosa are dedicated to helping children in their community become leaders and examples. They are both on the Board of Directors for ATLAS, a youth soccer program, Friends of the Library and the Capistrano Community Mariachi Program.

“In every neighborhood there is a need. Be involved,” said Rosa Beas, who encourages each culture to take ownership of their heritage while working together with others.

The Ceja family, creators of the Mariachi Program, is taking this advice to heart, as they are not only teaching musical skills and cultural heritage, but forming good citizens and role models through the process.

The mariachi players, some as young as 9 years old, play every Sunday afternoon at Ricardo’s Place to earn money for uniforms or transportation to competitions and concerts.

“We are very happy that Ricardo and Rosa are so supportive of our program,” said Rosa Ceja, Program Director for the mariachi band. This band keeps kids off the streets and gives them something fun and productive to do while boosting their self esteem and giving back to the community with their musical talents.

Corazones Alegres, a folklore dancing group founded by the community group CREER, will also be performing at Ricardo’s Place. While a fundraising opportunity for these kids, it’s also a show the rest of us get to enjoy on Saturday nights.

“Connecting people and supporting causes and programs is Ricardo and Rosa’s vision and passion,” said Richard Ybarra, CREER’s executive director in San Juan Capistrano. Ybarra said Ricardo and Rosa Beas

In the kitchen, Ricardo Beas uses his mother’s recipes for the dishes served in his restaurant. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Ricardo Beas in front of his Camino Capistrano restaurant, wearing an apron with the Chamber of Commerce honor of “Business of the Year.” Photo by Jonathan Volzke

“bridge gaps, bring opportunities, and create positive community.”

While Beas is attentive to the future of the youth, he also possesses a business savvy which has served him well and which he utilizes to give back to the community.

Ricardo’s Place used to be called Pete and Clara’s many years ago, and Beas was a 14-year-old dishwasher for the café. He decided he wanted to own his own restaurant, and now owns the same building he used to wash dishes in, along with starting dozens of other restaurants with his family.

Currently on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce of San Juan Capistrano, Beas said

Page 26 • The Capistrano Dispatch • October 22–November 11, 2010

he believes the Chamber is an excellent way to bring people, businesses, and ideas together for a more effective and successful town.

“We promote businesses and better relationships— supporting each other leads to success,” explains Neil O’Connor, owner of O’Connor Mortuary and on the Board for four years.

The Chamber not only facilitates business opportunities, but “opens doors to do more community work,” said Beas, who realizes the potential in such a community-focused group. Beas would love to see more businesses with different backgrounds involved in the Chamber. “People are not working together,” said Rosa Beas, who shares in her husband’s dream of a collaborative and successful town. If more businesses could know about the needs in the community, then more businesses could help sponsor sports teams, or kids in need.

“With his wealth of knowledge and passion for connecting people, Beas is a tremendous asset to our community,” adds O’Connor.

If you know Ricardo long enough, he will inevitably introduce you to “someone you should know,” keeping the community connected, vibrant, moving forward.

He said he’s humbled, though, by the honor given to him by the Chamber.

“I want to make a difference…There needs to be more tools, better education, and more adult involvement [for youth.],” Beas said. “If you are given a talent, you should give back.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Local Knowledge Get sound advice from local professionals in their area of expertise

P A I D A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Beware of Fraud in Non-Profit Organizations There are some very important facts to know about non-profit organizations before donating to them or making the commitment to sit on the Board of Directors for one. Although there are many amazing charities that do great work, an estimated $40-50 billion per year is lost to fraud in nonprofits and scandal is found in nearly 20% of philanthropic organizations, according to the New York Times.

Nonprofit organizations and faith-based houses of worship make the headlines almost weekly about theft of funds, embezzlement, corruption, fraud, health/safety violations and misconduct. Charities need to tighten controls against theft, especially in a tough economy.

Unfortunately, non-profits and their donors need to maintain a certain degree of distrust to protect their assets or they will be at risk of losing them. It is wise to be skeptical and first do your due diligence before involving yourself or your financial support.

Non-profits should be suspicious of people in positions of authority and trust who are operating on the edge of financial ruin and those who refuse to share duties. They may behave in a desperate manner and steal donations.

Losses caused by founders/managers of charities are four times those caused by employees. The embezzler is typically always the person the organization would least expect to be a thief. The most common theft in charities is committed by a female employee with no criminal record who earns less than $50,000 a year and has worked for the charity for at least three years.

Fraud is usually committed by someone in the financial area -- the founder, the treasurer, the bookkeeper, the signer of checks. Many times they will create fraudulent financial documents and evade sharing bank statements with the other board members. People between age 3650 account for over 60% of the perpetrators and the most costly abuses occur in organizations with less than 100 employees. Paid staff should not serve on the Board of Directors. This is a conflict of interest and poses potential problems. Embezzlement is possible and the board should always take steps to detect it. Boards should regularly meet without management present and seek assistance from outside professionals in designing and implementing internal controls that focus on management fraud.

The financials of non-profit organizations can be verified at www.guidestar.org . By law, the past two years financial statements, the past three years 990 tax returns and any salary information should be publicly accessible on this website. If the information is missing it could be a red flag. Do research, and protect your interests before involving yourself!

By Christina Bush, CMFC Torrey Pines Securities 949.429.1414

Do you want to reduce your water bill?

Do you want to help protect the environment and reduce runoff?

If the answer is yes, Eco Friendly Lawns is here to help.

Eco Friendly Lawns (EFL) uses a fertilizing system that can work with your exciting in-ground sprinklers or with a standard water faucet (bib). This technique of applying products through the water is called “fertigation” and it saves on water while significantly reducing the risk of fertilizer runoff. EFL and the products we use embrace a new way of thinking about fertilizing. No longer is it necessary to use broadcast fertilizing techniques when you can get a better result for your landscape for less money while virtually eliminating negative environmental impacts. Fertigation (fertilizing through your irrigation system) is a process that is more responsible and a smart way to water and feed your entire landscape.

How Does EFL Reduce Water Usage?

Water is used in the plant’s growing process. The effects of fertigation on the plant’s growth processes are twofold.

If water is applied above ground (i.e. through spray heads), the process of foliar absorption causes nutrientrich water to reach the chlorophyll producing section of the plant directly without going through the root structure. Extensive studies have shown that foliar absorption is the most efficient way to apply the nutrients in a form that is immediately available to the plant. This comes into play when dealing with turf grass since sprinklers and spray irrigation are the predominant means to water grass.

The second growth process, enhanced by fertigation, occurs by increasing systemic (root) absorption of fertilizers and nutrients. Root health and root mass are critical to the health of all plants. Increasing the root mass provides more surface area in the soil, which in turn increases the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Larger, deeper roots result in less overall need for water.

The result is increased plant health and drought tolerance.

With increased uptake efficiency by the plant, water usage can be reduced 20-50% using fertigation. Not only will an EFL system pay for itself, it will pay for the ongoing fertilizing costs funded through your water savings.

Eco Friendly Lawns will be there to help you throughout the year, with our highly knowledgeable lawn experts we will make sure we are using the right blend of natural and organic nutrients to feed your lawn. We will be there to fill and maintain the system making certain your lawn is beautiful, healthy and reaching the goals we have set forth. And most of all, you will have peace of mind knowing you are doing your part to help the environment.

For more information please visit us at efriendlylawns. com.

Eco Friendly Lawns 111 Avenida Del Mar, Suite 210, San Clemente, CA 92672 949.481.1010

The Relationship Between Heart Disease and Gum Disease Cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of men and women in the United States, is a major public health issue contributing to 2,400 deaths each day. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys bone and gum tissues that support the teeth affects nearly 75% of Americans and is the major cause of adult tooth loss. And while the prevalence rates of these disease states seems grim, research suggests that managing one disease may reduce the risk for the other.

A study was published in two leading publications, one for cardiologists (AJC) and one for periodontists ( JOP).

Periodontists are dentists with advanced training in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. The paper contains clinical recommendations for both medical and dental professionals to use in managing patients with either disease. As a result of the paper, cardiologists may now examine a patient’s mouth, and periodontists may begin asking questions about heart health and family history of heart disease.

The cooperation between the cardiology and periodontal communities is an important first step in helping patients reduce their risk of these associated diseases.

Inflammation is a major risk factor for heart disease, and periodontal disease may increase the inflammation level throughout the body.

For patients, this may mean receiving some unconventional advice from their periodontist or cardiologist.

The clinical recommendations outlined in the consensus paper advise that periodontists not only inform their patients of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with periodontal disease, but also assess their risk for future cardiovascular disease and guide them to be evaluated for the major risk factors. The paper also recommends that physicians managing patients with cardiovascular disease evaluate the mouth for signs of periodontal disease such as significant tooth loss, visual signs of oral inflammation, and receding gums.

While additional research will help identify the precise relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, recent emphasis has been placed on the role of inflammation- the body’s reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury or shield against irritation.

While inflammation initially intends to have a protective effect, untreated chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the affected tissues and therefore to more severe health complications.

Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are inflammatory diseases, and inflammation is the common mechanism that connects them. The clinical recommendations included in the consensus paper will help periodontists and cardiologists control the inflammatory burden in the body as a result of gum disease or heart disease, thereby helping to reduce further disease progression, and ultimately to improve patients’ overall health.

For more information on this timely topic, visit www.moranperio.com. You can use the “Ask the Expert” feature and ask Dr. Moran a question.

Dr. Alice P. Moran 1001 Avenida Pico, Suite K, San Clemente, CA 92673 949.361.4867(GUMS) www.moranperio.com

Monthly columns are provided by the companies featured. For more information call Sergio Sanchez at 949.388.7700, ext. 104

SJC LIVING JAN SIEGEL: Moments in Time

Is the Montanez Adobe a Spirited Place?

T

he Montanez Adobe on Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano is a national treasure. It really is. It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is on a street which also shares that recognition. The adobe is owned by the JAN SIEGEL City. The Historical Society’s Walking Tours Guides help to maintain the structure. It has recently been renovated and brought up to California code for earthquake retrofitting.

The Montanez is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan Capistrano. In Mary Tryon’s book, A Guide to Historic San Juan Capistrano, it is stated that according to records at the Mission, this adobe was one of 20 built in 1794 for “married couples, Juanenos, artisans and soldiers from the Mission.” After Mexico won its independence from Spain, Mission land was given or sold to persons loyal to Mexico. California entered into our Ranchero Period. “In 1841 Tomas Gutierrez, a carpenter at the Mission received 200 square yards of land (30 feet by 60 feet) which may have included the Montanez Adobe. It was Tomas’ third daughter, Polonia, who gave the adobe its name.”

Polonia is the first recorded deed holder of the property. Her first husband was Francisco Montanez which is how the adobe got its name. Francisco was a servant to Don Juan Forster and he lived in the house that we know as the Blas Aguilar Adobe. In Father O’Sullivan’s Capistrano Nights he relates the story of Polonia’s wedding that she told to him. In the Spanish tradition of giving money to the bride, Dona Ysidora, the wife of Don Juan Forster give Polonia three coins to hold onto during the marriage ceremony. But, according to Polonia, Francisco’s little brother knocked her hand during the ceremony and the coins fell. Polonia considered that a bad sign and it proved true, because shortly after the wedding Francisco died. From 1853 until 1870 she was married to Francisco Canedo and then she married a doctor, Isadore Simard, who lived

Photo by Jonathan Volzke

until the ripe old age of 103. Polonia died in 1917 at the age of 88. She never had any children.

Polonia lived in the Montanez Adobe most of her life. She was one of four midwives in the community.

She was in charge of the religious education of the children of San Juan Capsitrano when there was not a priest in residence at the Mission. She placed an altar on the back wall of the adobe for the religious training of the children.

As we get ready to celebrate Halloween, think of the Montanez Adobe. In Pam Gibson’s Ghosts and Legends of San Juan Capistrano, she relates “that perhaps it is Polonia’s spirit that is represented by a white light sometimes seen in the corner of the two-room building. Perhaps it is her voice that leads the chanting sometimes heard from the north end of the corridor where the small chapel once stood.” You can learn more about the Ghosts on Los Rios Street by taking

the Historical Society Ghost Walk on October 23. Call the Historical Society, 949.493.8444, for tickets.

Today, the larger room of the adobe has been restored to the Polonia period. Artifacts from the late 19th century show how she lived and maintained her home. The smaller room has display cases which hold the artifacts from the archaeological monitoring from the Los Rios Park construction project. Docents are needed to keep the Adobe open. If you can donate a couple of hours a week to this San Juan Capistrano treasure call Teri Delcamp, Preservation Manager at City Hall, 949.493.1171.

The story of the Montanez Adobe is a way to spend a Moment In Time and reflect on the wonderful history of our community.

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

More than 350 Participate in Ridge Events

Courtesy photos The Capistrano Dispatch

M

ore than 350 participants took to Capistrano’s trail on foot and wheels during the October 2 Ridgewalk and related events sponsored by the Capistrano Rotary. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

“Rotary and the city were very pleased, and we are already thinking about how to make it even better in 2011, with possibly an additional 5K trail run,” Rotarian John Caldwell said. “We continue working to widen the appeal to attract as many as possible to our open space.”

The Ridge Run, Walk and Ride generated over

$13,000 net, which goes to support trail maintenance and a wide range of Rotary Charities, reported Rotarian Larry Kramer, a key organizer of the event. The Ridge Walk began three years ago. A run was added last year and a bicycle ride this year.

For more information about the Rotary, see www.sanjuancapistranorotary.org October 22–November 11, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 29

SPORTS

5 BEST BETS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

FOOTBALL

Hawks vs. Stallions Tesoro High School Oct. 22, 7 p.m.

The Stallions are looking to find some traction after back-to-back losses to Huntington Beach and El Toro. Info: www.sjhhs.org

FOOTBALL

SOCCER

Lions vs. Eagles FC Dallas vs. LA Saddleback College Galaxy, Home Oct. 22, 7 p.m.

Depot Center Oct. 24, 5 p.m.

BOYS WATER POLO

BASKETBALL

Hawks vs. Dolphins Rockets vs. Lakers Dana Hills High Staples Center School Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 26, 5 p.m.

The JSerra Lions are set for a pivotal game as they takes on Trinity League rival Santa Margarita Catholic High in an epic showdown.

It’s Fan Appreciation Night presented by Tide coupled with 2011 Miss LA Galaxy Contest presented by Covergirl.

The Dolphins hit the pool ready to drive the lanes and score a bevy of goals as it hosts Laguna Hills High School.

The Lakers open the 2010-11 season by adding another championship banner to the building and a ring on its players’ fingers.

Info: www.jserra.org

Info: www.lagalaxy.com

Info: www.dhhs.net

Info: www.nba.com/lakers

Stallions Stumble

After 5 consecutive wins, San Juan Hills varsity football drops 2 moving into league play The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he San Juan Hills Stallions have stumbled a bit after charging to a 5-0 start, dropping two games to tough opponents to fall to 5-2.

Huntington Beach edged the Stallions 35-42 on October 8, and the El Toro Chargers beat San Juan Hills 28-7 in the league opener on October 15.

The Stallions take on Laguna Hills and Aliso Niguel in coming weeks. CD

Photos by Cormac O’Modhrain

Small Numbers, Big Hearts Capo Valley Christian School football team plays on despite small team

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he Capistrano Valley Christian Schools varsity football team was in the middle of a tight game against one of the reigning state finalists, Hope Centre on September 17 when two players went down with injuries on the same play.

The freak play—at the end of a Hope Centre drive that could have tied the game—forced Capistrano Valley Christian to forfeit, even while leading 8-6.

With two players already sidelined because of injuries earlier in the season, losing two more meant the Warriors literally didn’t have enough young men left on the roster to continue the game—even though CVCS plays eight-man ball.

One of the smaller private schools in Capistrano, CVCS regularly suits up just a dozen players. That’s not even enough to run full offense-on-defense in practice.

“We go against trash cans in practice,” Coach Chris Fore said.

During the Hope Centre game, Fore didn’t want to risk injury to any of the remaining players, which included two freshmen, so the team forfeited. Good fortune followed, though: The Warrior’s next scheduled opponent was able to line up another game, and the week after that was a scheduled bye week for the Warriors. That gave the Warriors three weeks to recover.

The time off worked: Capistrano Valley Christian is 2-0 in league play, including delivering a 48-18 thrash-

Page 30 • The Capistrano Dispatch • October 22–November 11, 2010

THE 2010 WARRIORS Trevor Cantarini, Zach Carreron, Cade Casas, Alex Columbo, Josh Hector, Josh Hockerman, Michael Houtenville, Jordan James, Jon Labonty, Landon Melzer, Andrew Sears, Alex Sears, Ricardo Simoes, Luke Stevens, Sam Sukut, Michael Updegraff and Philip Wilhelm.

ing of the highly respected Southlands Christian. The team faces Avalon (2-3) this week before finishing league play out against Liberty Christian and Eastside Christian.

Fore couldn’t say enough about the leadership and heart on his team.

“The character of our senior leadership is the best I’ve seen in 12 years of coaching,” Fore said. “There’s the heart of a lion in every one of our kids. It’s really neat to see.”

For more information, see www.cvcs.org. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com