The Capistrano Dispatch

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

Allevato Picked as Mayor Over Freese

December 8: An Anniversary of Capistrano Tragedy

JSerra Girls Runners Win State Title

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 5

LIVING/PAGE 21

SPORTS/PAGE 30

D E C E M B E R 1 0 –2 3 , 2 0 1 0 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 23

Working Together Teachers and parents volunteer to keep kids out of trouble E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

Abraham Zamora (13) and Academic Advisor Marie Miles meet in the courtyard at Marco Forster Middle School. Miles serves as a volunteer mentor to Zamora and other children through the Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership. Photo by Christina Scannapiego

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EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE A groundbreaking ceremony was held December 2 to officially begin construction on a replacement Naval Hospital aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at the 70 acre site near the main entrance of the base. This $394 million construction project is the largest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of The 2009 project in the Department of the Navy. The new 500,000-square-foot, multilevel facility will replace the current 37-year-old hospital and will enhance the quality and availability of care to the Sailors, Marines and family members in the southern California region.

The services available in the new hospital will include inpatient medical facilities, surgical suites, ancillary departments, emergency care, primary care, specialty care clinics, support spaces and facilities for non-ambulatory patients with stays in excess of 24 hours.

NEWS

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

DANA POINT Residents from all corners of the city awoke to the heavy smell of gas in the air on the morning of December 3 prompting many calls to authorities. According to Emergency Services Director Mike Rose, he received a quick response from the gas company explaining the odor was due to construction in the area of I-5 and Oso Parkway that required the alteration of a gas transmission pipeline due to the widening of the Oso Parkway Bridge. “Gas was shut off on both sides of the construction area to relieve the pipeline pressure—a controlled blow down—which resulted in the lingering gas odorant in the air,” said gas company spokesman Duane Cave. “There is no leak and no danger to the public.” The blow down occurred between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. near Avery Parkway and Camino Capistrano.

San Juan Capistrano’s Top 5 Hottest Topics

What’s Up With...

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…A New Mayor?

THE LATEST: The newly elected City Council members were sworn into office on Tuesday, and promptly elected Sam Allevato Mayor, skipping over Mayor Pro Tem Laura Freese.

The Mayor’s position in Capistrano is largely ceremonial, and while the Mayor Pro Tem is not guaranteed the center chair, it most often happens.

New Councilman Larry Kramer, who nominated Allevato, said after the meeting that he believes the community remains divided, and that Allevato would do the best job of bringing it back together as Mayor. He also said Allevato would do a better job representing Capistrano on a regional level.

Allevato was supported by Kramer and new Councilman John Taylor, who seconded the motion. Freese told the audience she did want to be Mayor, but would support Allevato—who has served as Mayor before—so the council could move forward.

WHAT’S NEXT: Kramer and Taylor both said they thought Freese would be ultimately serve as Mayor. Allevato had a prepared statement saying the council would set aside personal agendas.

FIND OUT MORE: See more at www. thecapistranodispatch.com —Jonathan Volzke

2

…Return of the Nativity?

THE LATEST: A giant nativity scene is again visible on the hills above San Juan Capistrano, as Saddleback Church has taken over the Rancho Capistrano.

The manger scene has been a part of the community for generations, however, it has been absent from Christmas festivities in recent years due to damage by www.thecapistranodispatch.com

the Santa Ana winds. These damaged pieces were discovered a few months back when Saddleback Church began restoring the property six months ago.

“We are thrilled that we can bring back this loved manger scene, which has become a Christmas tradition for many families in our area,” Warren said in a statement. “I thank God for the leadership and the commitment of so many individuals who faithfully volunteered to restore this local icon. We hope that it can once again remind everyone the true meaning of Christmas is not found in shopping or decorating, but in the Christ child’s birth.”

Saddleback member Tamara Carnine volunteered to take on the task of restoring the manger, which required much work considering the pieces had been kept outside, untouched for the past three years.

The process has necessitated daily work by dozens of volunteers since November 8. All-in-all, carpenters completely reconstructed much of the wood and applied fresh paint to the 3,000square-foot scene including the manger, Mary, Joseph, the star, camels, sheep and wise men.

WHAT’S NEXT: Saddleback will hold Christmas Eve Services at Rancho Capistrano at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Beginning January 2, services will be every Sunday at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

FIND OUT MORE: See the complete story at www.thecapistranodispatch. com —JV

3

…City Hall Furloughs?

THE LATEST: City Hall will be closed and employees on furlough from December 20 through January 2, as part of a costcutting measure that will save the city roughly $247,000.

Police, fire and other essential emergency city services will not be impacted by the closure. The public is encouraged to handle any necessary business before the closure.

this year. Their terms end in 2012.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next City Council meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4.

FIND OUT MORE: See the Beyond the Blackboard blog at www.thecapistranodispatch.com. —JV

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, call 949.493.1171. —JV

4

…A New School Board?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees elected a new leadership team on Tuesday night after five members were sworn into office, signaling what might be a significant shift for the seven-member panel.

Trustee Jack Brick, a Dana Point resident who previously served as clerk, was elected president. Brick was first elected to the board in 2008.

Trustee Dr. Gary Pritchard of Aliso Viejo, will be the vice president, and Trustee John M. Alpay, a San Clemente resident, will serve as clerk. Pritchard and Alpay, were elected to the board in November and sworn in on Tuesday night.

Trustees Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Lynn Hatton also took the oath of office. Addonizio and Hatton live in Mission Viejo. Bryson lives in Laguna Niguel.

Alpay’s selection was unanimous, but the other votes for the board leadership were 4-3, significant because Brick voted with the three trustees elected in November. That election broke a 7-0 lock on the board from a “reform” group that parents believed was more concerned about ideology than students.

Brick and Trustee Sue Palazzo, a Capistrano resident, did not face election

WHAT’S NEXT: Trustees have an earlier-scheduled special meeting on December 13.

5 …NRC Meeting?

THE LATEST: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff will meet with Southern California Edison Co. officials on December 14 to discuss the status of performance improvements at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

It will be the first public meeting since SCE brought in Peter (Pete) Dietrich as senior vice president and chief nuclear officer on December 9.

SCE officials will describe their progress in improving human performance, problem identification and resolution, and safety-conscious work environment at the plant.

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting, which will be open to public observation, will begin at 6 p.m. in the Trestles Room of the Doubletree Guest Suites at 34402 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

The meeting is open to the public.

Those in attendance can ask questions of NRC staff before the meeting ends.

FIND OUT MORE: Additional information on the NRC concerns is available in the March 3 annual assessment letter at: http://www.nrc.gov/NRR/OVERSIGHT/ ASSESS/LETTERS/sano_2009q4.pdf —JV Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

December 10–23, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 3

Eye on SJC

Distrito Opponents File Signatures Residents turn in 3,500; 2,000 needed for referendum

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

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he developer who proposed the mixed-use Distrito La Novia project in San Juan Capistrano said he will likely ask the City Council to rescind approval of that plan if the Registrar of Voters certifies a referendum drive against the development.

That would allow Advanced Real Estate Services to go ahead with a previously approved 440-unit housing development on the south side of La Novia, Rick Julian, president of ARES, said Friday.

“As of today, after hardly any sleep and talking to the investors, we’ll probably ask the council to rescind the Distrito approval so we can go forward with the San Juan Meadows plan,” Julian said. He said he has already talked to real-estate brokers about selling two parcels on the north side of La Novia, one of which is zoned for a private school.

The Distrito La Novia proposal incorporated the property on both sides of La Novia east of Valle Road and proposed a mix of retail, office, condos, apartments and 90 single-family homes along with a 500-horse equestrian center.

The City Council approved the plan on November 2, saying it was a better project for the city and generated more revenue. But residents, who said it was too big and upset that the plan included horses, circulated a petition to force an election on the plan. Opponents need the signatures of 2,000 registered voters, and

Capistrano resident John Perry, left, and San Clemente resident Charles Mann turn over 3,500 signatures to City Clerk Maria Morris. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

on Thursday, John Perry and San Clemente resident Charles Mann—who has led referendums there—turned in 3,500 signatures to City Clerk Maria Morris.

Perry said the project, as approved, is just too big. Although some members of the referendum committee supported the idea of withdrawing the petition in favor of Julian’s last compromise, Perry said it came too late.

City Traffic Engineer Alan Oswald told The Dispatch on Thursday that the Distrito plan would have generated more traffic than the San Juan Meadows housing plan, even assuming development of an approved hotel on the north side of La Novia and use of a third parcel. Distrito would generate 2,000 more vehicle trips a day, at 8,800. The new plan would have put fewer vehicles on

the road in the morning and a few more in the evening peak hours.

The Registrar of Voters has 30 business days to certify the signatures. At that point, the City Council could set an election to put the project before voters, or just rescind the Distrito approval.

“It’s a sad day,” Julian said. “San Juan Meadows is a good plan, but Distrito was a far better plan.” CD

Changing of the Guard Photos by Jonathan Volzke The City Council chambers were full Tuesday night as the city said “thank you” to three men who served the past four years on the City Council, and “welcome” to the three who are replacing them. Councilman Tom Hribar stepped down after one term, while voters did not return Mark Nielsen or Lon Uso to office. Instead, Larry Kramer, Derek Reeve and John Taylor were elected.

Above left: Outgoing Councilman Mark Nielsen, with his wife, Stephanie, son David and daughter Heather, talks about the balancing act required to serve on council. Above right: Outgoing Mayor Lon Uso, with his wife Cheryl, thanks residents for “giving me my life back” in the November election. Top left: Tom Hribar, celebrates his term on council. He said he might have sought a second term if he hadn’t promised to serve just one. Top right: Larry Kramer receives the Oath of Office from City Clerk Maria Morris. Bottom left: John Taylor takes his oath of office. Bottom right: Derek Reeve is sworn in as a City Council member.

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December 10–23, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 5

Eye on SJC

Working Together Teachers and parents volunteer to keep kids out of trouble

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

T

here used to be a day when a teacher spotted kids headed for trouble but couldn’t do too much about it. Other students demanded attention and the teachers’ reach essentially ended with the school day.

Those days are over in San Juan Capistrano and other Orange County cities where the Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership is in place.

Launched after gang injunctions were put in place in neighboring San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, the GRIP program brings educators, law-enforcement officials, social-service agencies and other community leaders together to keep kids out of trouble.

Marco Forster Middle School, the junior high school for nearly all San Juan Capistrano public school students, is part of the program.

The partnership is multi-faceted, touching everything from before-school greeting efforts to teachers’ relationships with students to afterschool programs to truancy sweeps to keep children in class.

In August, Deputy District Attorney Tracy Rinauro and sheriff’s officials met with teachers to teach them what to look for in identifying at-risk students.

And then, she laid out a program to help head off trouble.

The signs: Behavior problems.

Academic problems. Students who have siblings, or a parent, in a gang.

“We’ve all gotten very good at identifying who is at risk of ending up in the system, but then what do we do?” Rinauro said. “Wait until they get arrested?”

Instead, teachers and other school staff members in San Clemente and elsewhere have volunteered to do more.

Under a unique mentorship program, teachers agree to work individually with at-risk students, encouraging them to make good decisions, showing them someone cares.

The basic requirements are meeting 30 minutes a week with the child—who cannot be one of the volunteer teacher’s regular students—and making contact with the parent at least once a month.

Beyond that, the mentor also agrees to providing at least two social activities with the student over a course of a school year.

At Las Palmas, the mentors got together and took their students bowling.

At San Juan Elementary School, mentors hosted a potluck Thanksgiving meal with students.

“Most teachers are going way above the minimum,” Rinauro said. “The teachers and mentors are amazing.”

Teachers who suspect a student in their class is at risk based on the training refers the child to the principal, who

Marco Forster Middle School students can benefit from the Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership. Photo by Christina Scannapiego

“When you have those few minutes when you sit down and talk to them, kids tell you everything. They really open up.”

—Jan Cadieux pairs the student with a mentor after getting parents’ permission. Rinauro said the average is about 25 students per school. Marco Forster, with 1,440 students, has more than 80.

“We’re really trying to focus our attention on kids we think are going to Juvenile Hall if we don’t intervene,” Rinauro said.

The program, launched last year but twice as large this year, is modeled after lessons in the “40 Developmental Assets” program developed by the Minneapolis-based Search Institute. The Search Institute identified “building blocks” of healthy development that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. The independent, non-profit Institute’s research shows that kids who have a lot of assets are more likely to do well in school, volunteer in the community and care about others, as well as be less likely to use tobacco or drugs or be sexually active.

“It shows that you can have parents who are dysfunctional, but if you have positive role models along the way and education, you can stay out of trouble,” Rinauro said.

That is the heart of GRIP’s efforts, too.

The gang injunction, which identified gang members and imposed a court order prohibiting them from gathering in certain areas and carrying out gang-like behavior, was the

Page 6 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 10–23, 2010

enforcement sword imposed by law enforcement and the courts. Authorities also use truancy sweeps to ensure kids are in school and curfew crackdowns to keep them off the streets.

GRIP works to encourage kids to stay in school and away from gangs.

Students who do well are rewarded with a day at an Angels’ game and other incentives. Mentor students who turned in their homework, made it to class consistently and didn’t cause problems earned a free Thanksgiving dinner—with a 10-pound turkey and all the fixings—through Saddleback Church and Albertsons.

Countywide, 420 kids earned the free dinner through the GRIP program.

GRIP is funded through a variety of sources—including District Attorney Tony Rackauckas’ decision to devote a full-time Deputy District Attorney’s position to the effort. The Capistrano City Council on Tuesday approved agreements with a variety of agencies receiving part of a $382,389 grant received by the city. The grant came from the California Emergency Management Agency and Governor’s Office of Gang/Youth Violence Policy.

Of that money, the OC Sheriff’s Department will receive $45,173, while the District Attorney’s Office will get $34,741. The Big Brother/Sister organization will get $39,888, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley

will receive $100,612 and Pepperdine University, which provides gang-prevention counseling for the city, will receive $127,000. The remaining $34,975 will stay with the city to fund an intern position to coordinate volunteers and track statistics.

But the mentoring program relies on the volunteer efforts of teachers and school staffers.

Jan Cadieux, who is an assistant principal at Marco, taught in San Bernardino County before moving to Capistrano Unified. When she spotted a child there she was worried about heading down the wrong path, it was more difficult to find the right resources to help. And just telling a parent of such concerns was too vague to do any good.

But students can open up with their mentors, once they gain a level of trust, Cadieux said.

“When you have that few minutes when you sit down and talk to them, kids tell you everything. They really open up,” said Cadieux, who is a mentor herself. “You learn a lot…we heard students say ‘My family doesn’t have enough money for Thanksgiving dinner…and were able to find more students who needed a donated dinner through the mentoring program. Things like that mean so much to a student and their families.”

She was also surprised when her mentor student told her that his elementaryschool mentor had taken him to Ruby’s, www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC where he’d gotten a hamburger and milkshake. Cadieux was surprised that what seemed like such a little thing meant so much to the student.

Marco Forster Academic Advisor Marie Miles is also a mentor. She works with Abraham Zamora, an eighth-grade student.

“Abraham’s worked really hard on his grades and making up missing assignments,” Miles said. “He knows he can come to me for anything.”

Abraham said he enjoys being in the program.

“She’s fun,” he said of Miles. “We just talk and we’ve had breakfasts.”

Marco and other schools also use parent greeters. Parents, trained by the Sheriff’s Department and District

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.

Tuesday, December 8, 2010 DISTURBANCE Calle Aspero/Peppertree Bend (7:48 p.m.)

A woman was heard yelling “How dare you hit me.”

WELFARE CHECK Old San Juan Road, 31200 Block (4:16 p.m.) A neighbor expressed concern that a young woman and her father were living in a home that had been foreclosed on. The chief concern was that the gates were left open to the backyard, where there is a pool—green—that children could wander into.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/Yorba Street (3:49 p.m.) A man with a cane and a woman in her 50s were arguing in the park. Both had been drinking.

CITIZEN ASSIST Via Del Rey/Calle Del Tesoro (2:47 p.m.)

A resident was concerned someone was cutting down trees illegally.

Monday, December 6 CITIZEN ASSIST Camino Capistrano, 32000 Block (1:05 a.m.) A woman called authorities from a payphone, rambling about needing help and being off her medication. She needed a ride home, which was in Oceanside or Mississippi. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Attorney’s Office, don GRIP vests and greet students at schools in the morning.

Not as enforcers or authority figures, just as positive adults who say “good morning” to students, show they care—with compliments or ensuring they remembered their lunch—and make the student feel part of the school community.

More than 750 parents have been trained in the parent greeter program at 26 Orange County elementary and middle schools. Officials say the program is also aimed at empowering parents to take responsibility for their schools and communities by taking a stand against gang crime.

In Anaheim, authorities this year threw a party, complete with a DJ, to celebrate the community’s retaking of Energy

FRAUD Camino Capistrano, 32100 Block (7:04 p.m.) A couple took off with merchandise, even after their credit card was declined. It appeared to be a Visa, but it scanned as a JC Penny card.

Field, park in a gang-injunction area.

Since the implementation of the injunction in July, authorities said, serious violent crimes in the area fell 33 percent.

“The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is attacking the gang problem from every angle. We’re aggressively prosecuting gang members and gang cases, empowering neighborhoods through gang injunctions, and reaching out to children to keep them from joining gangs in the first place,” Rackauckas said in an announcement about that celebration.

Educators say they’re seeing success with the mentor program and other efforts, as truancy drops and grades go up. At San Juan Elementary, a student attended the Thanksgiving event to

show off a report card of As and Bs because she’d had Ds and Fs earlier, Rinauro said.

Truancies have also plummeted at Marco Forster, because mentors and others are quick to notice when a student isn’t in class. School officials follow up with the family and get the student back in class.

Cadieux said her student had discipline problems in previous years, but is now doing well. She credited his own decisions more than her work with him mentoring, as well as other programs in place.

“My job now is to continue that success,” Cadieux said. “I’m going to help him stay on that good path…and I’ll take him to Ruby’s when he does.” CD

Change at the Top Capistrano’s Chief of Police Services Retiring; New Lieutenant Tapped

Sunday, December 5 DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street/Camino del Avion (2:02 p.m.) Two men were in an argument. One apparently misprinted a T-shirt and the other man wouldn’t pay for it.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Ortega Highway, 27100 Block (1:32 a.m.) A woman told a gas station employee she was being followed.

Saturday, December 4 FOLLOW UP REPORT Dana Mesa Drive, 25500 Block (2:42 p.m.) A resident reported a possible case of cyberbullying.

DISTURBANCE Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (12:33 p.m.) A conductor reported someone was not conducting themselves properly on an Amtrak train.

KEEP THE PEACE Paseo Carolina, 32200 Block (10:16 a.m.) A mother reported her 16-year-old daughter was nearby with a 20-year-old man. She needed help getting the girl home.

Friday, December 3 FOLLOW UP REPORT Junipero Serra Road/San Diego Freeway (6:30 p.m.) A man told a friend on the phone his life was OK but “maybe wouldn’t be in another minute.” The phone then disconnected. The man was being aggressively followed in his car by his wife in her car.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Via Viente, 32100 Block (4:46 p.m.)

A resident reported hearing a shower running at a neighbor’s house— where nobody was supposed to be home for days.

Lt. Dan Dwyer, left, is retiring as Chief of Police Services, while Lt. John Meyer will take over his duties in Capistrano. Photo by Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

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ieutenant John Meyer, a 26-year Orange County Sheriff’s veteran, has been named San Juan Capistrano’s new Chief of Police Services, after Lt. Dan Dwyer announced he will retire from the post next month.

Meyer is expected to begin overseeing the department—which includes four sergeants, two investigators, 21 deputies, two community services officers and 30 Associated Senior Action Program members—early next month.

Meyer currently serves as a shift watch commander at the Theo Lacy Facility, a maximum security correctional facility in Orange capable of housing up to 3,000 inmates. The facility is the Sheriff Department’s largest jail.

In that post, he oversees day-to-day operations including administrative duties, personnel investigations, staffing, mentorship and training, facility maintenance, employee performance evaluations and team building.

Meyer, who was promoted to the rank of lieutenant last May, has also

served as the administrative sergeant for the City of Mission Viejo for more than four years, and worked as a field operations patrol supervisor for more than five years in Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo. Before that, he served as a patrol deputy and field training officer for 10 years throughout South Orange County.

While Meyer is gearing up for the new post, Dwyer’s ending a 29-year career with the Sheriff’s Department. Dwyer has spent more than two years as this town’s top cop but he has served San Juan Capistrano for a total of 14 years. He spent six years as a deputy starting in 1988. He was promoted to sergeant and later returned to Capistrano for six years —after working as the Operations Reserve Coordinator for the Sheriff’s Reserve Forces for five years. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2007 from San Juan Capistrano, and served as facility commander at the South County Harbor Justice Centers and as the department commander before landing the job as chief of police services. CD

December 10–23, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 7

SOAPBOX

2

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 8, Issue 23. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO > Norb Garrett EDITORIAL

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ART/DESIGN

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SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin

OPERATIONS

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Parting Words and Looking Forward I

Page 8 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 10–23, 2010

Billing/Collections Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Group Editor, Editor, The Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke

MARK NIELSEN: Straight Talk

t has been my great honor and privilege to serve on the City Council and to have been your Mayor last year. When I was elected four years ago, I had no idea of the breadth of issues that one must address in governing a City. Add to this the worst MARK economic downturn in my lifetime, and NIELSEN the challenges we faced have afforded me quite the education. It opened my eyes to the need for both our government leaders and our citizens to address issues in a more holistic way.

While it is easy in elections to just say no, that stance is woefully inadequate when you must govern. There are very few simple answers, as much as some would like us to believe. There are usually at least two or three sides to the issues a City Council faces, and it takes an open mind, creativity and backbone to do what you believe is right for the long-term benefit of the whole community, irrespective of political expediency or personal ego.

I believe we are elected to do a job, not to make a job of being elected. As Sun Tzu once said, “The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.”

I urge the new Council members to keep these thoughts in mind as you go about the business of our wonderful jewel of a City. I congratulate the three new Council members and offer my support in helping you transition into the myriad issues you must address, starting immediately. There is little time to reflect and ease into the job.

You will find there is a balancing act between on the one hand cutting expenses and being fiscally conservative, and on the other hand maintaining and even enhancing the ideals and quality of life that make San Juan Capistrano such a special place.

I am very proud of the many accomplishments our City has achieved these past four years. I believe we are in a stronger position today than when I was elected, despite the economy. We have a long-term vision and plan, a stellar bond rating, strong financial reserves, abundant open space and have laid out strategies to address the future shortfalls. I trust you will build upon this foundation.

Finally, I want to recognize those who provided my foundation these past four years. First and foremost, my family, who unfailingly supported my Quixotic efforts to improve the City which we call home. The

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

families of our public servants most often take the brunt of the sacrifice, but do so out of the public eye.

My bride and two children were too often left to fend for themselves while I had yet another City meeting. I am most grateful for their support and understanding.

Next, we could not have accomplished nearly so much without the tremendous work of a very dedicated staff. As we cut corners and the size of our staff, we asked them all to do far more than previously required. They deserve our recognition and thanks.

I also appreciate all the support and constructive debate from my colleagues on the Council. While we often had different opinions, there was a mutual respect of each person and a common goal of doing what ultimately is best for our City.

Finally, I want to thank the thousands of our citizens who supported me over the years. Your encouragement and comments were critical in helping me steer my course through all the issues.

As I take my leave, I am reminded of the words of Woodrow Wilson, “I would rather lose in a cause that will someday win, than win in a cause that will someday lose!” I have no regrets and would do it all over again. I only hope that in some small way I have given back a bit more than I have received. Thank you and God Bless.

I spoke the above words on Tuesday evening as I gave my final thoughts upon finishing my term on the City Council. I had hoped that the incoming Council would opt to help the community reconcile after a contentious election season by following past protocol and naming the Mayor pro tem, Laura Freese, as Mayor. Alas, that was not to be. Despite Mayor pro tem Freese’s support of Larry Kramer in the election and her unwavering focus on improving our community, she was passed over by Sam, Larry and John in an unnecessary show of the new majority’s power.

However, Larry Kramer stated that he expected Freese to be Mayor before her term ends, which it does in 2012. Therefore Larry can only mean he is committing to forego the Mayorship next year and will be nominating Laura for Mayor in December of 2011.

Since the Council has made clear that there is no protocol for the Mayor pro tem moving up to Mayor the next year, this commitment to Laura should present no problem for Larry or the others.

I truly hope the Council heeds Mayor Allevato’s words that there is no place for personal agendas, and that we will see a return to decisions that vary from 5-0 to 3-2, with those in the minority shifting based on the issue, as we saw the last couple of years.

Finance Director > Mike Reed

INTERNS Kirsten Amavisca Sacher, Madi Swayne

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

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

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

Such a shifting vote is actually the sign of a healthy Council with everyone voting based on personal beliefs instead of any coordinated voting block (Remember the concerns with the old school board voting?) While the Mayor vote shook my confidence, I still believe the Council will meet this expectation going forward. I look forward to seeing what the New Year brings.

Mark Nielsen is a San Juan Capistrano businessman who served as Mayor and on the City Council.

Letters to the Community CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CUSD COMMUNITY —Chris Korpi, Dana Point Congratulations to the five board members sworn in tonight and the new officers. We now have the opportunity to end the divisiveness and turmoil that has existed within Capistrano Unified School District over the past few years.

Also, the CUSD community should congratulate itself for what it accomplished on November 2nd. The historical impact of what happened in the election one month ago is stunning! An analysis of the results shows that there are almost 300 precincts in CUSD and all but five of them voted in favor of Measure H with two thirds of the voters choosing to change the way we elect trustees. In addition, 62 percent of CUSD voters voted to recall two of the trustees. Every city and trustee area voted in favor of Measure H and both recalls. They voted to change the direction of the Board of Trustees. The opinions of the Santa (Cont. on page 10) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX Letters (Cont. from page 8) Ana newspaper were rejected. The baseless arguments of a “union takeover” were rejected. The attempts by political organizations, city councils and elected officials to influence the election were rejected. What really happened was that the parents, teachers and community joined together in a true grassroots movement and their efforts have sent everyone a clear message.

Effective school board trustees need to lead. Leadership requires respect for those whom you are leading and it requires respect from those whom you lead. Your professional educators, administrators and classified staff have a lot to offer you and they are willing to help if asked. The CUSD electorate voted to support the parents and the teachers and they expect you to respect them and involve them in your decisions.

Effective communication involves listening. Open and clear communication necessitates active listening, listening that shows that you understand what we need and want. I hope that you will govern with humility and realize that most of the wisdom in this District resides within those that are in the classrooms and school sites or with the parents. Putting children and the community ahead of political agendas is your most important charge. I urge you to visit schools and observe classroom instruction as equals willing to participate as a partner for improvement. You are elected by us and answerable to us and you are expected to conduct yourselves with fairness and wisdom. There should be no hidden agendas. The voters do not want our District used as an experiment in education theories. Our kids are not widgets or numbers. The theories of the Education Alliance, The Pacific Research Institute or the Hoover Institute are not welcome here and have been soundly rejected by the CUSD voters.

CUSD is one of the finest school districts in the nation because of the teachers, employees, parents and our children. The results of the election proved that the main issues were never about money but about respect and leadership. Please respect your constituents and please exercise wise leadership. If you do, I believe the CUSD community will unite behind your efforts and together we will restore balance and sanity. Please help our community heal and together let’s put the turmoil behind us.

Korpi, a leader in the recall effort, gave these remarks at Tuesday’s school board meeting.

A Sane & Logical Explanation/ Solution Regarding the La Pata Extension —Melinda Stone, San Clemente The spirit and letter of the law needs to apply. Latecomers to the party have no right to whine or high-pressure in a childish attempt to get their way. NIMBYs need to finally learn to play in the sandbox and become team players. Lawyers—go chase other ambulances.

This type of behavior is making life toxic. It is annoying that it has to even be addressed. Plain and simple, here is the TRUTH. It is 1981: The county lays out a plan. Public input is invited. Debates occur. The finalized version is put into law. The plan is public information—there is nothing to be disclosed. Any sane person knows they need to complete their due diligence when making a major purchase (like maybe a house worth over half a million?) It they fail to do so, they endure the consequences. End of story. Don’t try to make your mistake someone else’s problem.

Some home buyers need to take remedial “House Purchasing 101” over again. Note to the clueless: If you purchase a home you should check to see what type of future impacts may come down the pike. (Duh!) This could include potential property assessments, city annexation plans, road expansion, tax hikes, Page 10 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 10–23, 2010

GUEST OPINION: By Dr. John Shaver

Preventing Trauma Accidents during the Holidays A

s the holidays quickly approach, we begin It’s a good idea to have someone hold the bottom to fill our days with seasonal activities. Soon the ladder for you when you install your lights. we will be hanging lights on our homes and Never anchor a ladder on shaky ground. And if you attending holiday parties. Despite this joyous time have a helmet, wear it when you’re on the ladder. of year, it is unquestionable that the holiday season You may feel silly doing so, but it is far better to feel brings a spike in trauma accidents, most notably silly and be safe than to injure yourself in a fall. drunk-driving accidents and falls from ladders.

Falls off a bike or skateboard can also lead to Whether it’s driving home tipsy from a holiday party very serious head injuries should individuals fail to or simply hanging lights on your home, serious wear a helmet. When shopping for your loved ones injuries can occur if we’re not careful. this holiday season, remember to always purchase With all the celebrations that the holidays bring a helmet with that new bike, skateboard, scooter or about, it’s important to avoid finding yourself in a razor and help protect those you love. situation where you will likely drive home under It’s important to know that the risk of these the influence. In fact, according to accidents is more than just a bump a recent National Highway Traffic on the head. The real danger lies in “Whether it’s Safety Administration report, drunkcausing severe damage to the brain. driving home tip- Head traumas caused by incidents like driving related fatally crashes rise significantly in the two-week period sy from a holiday automobile accidents or a fall can lead between Christmas and New Year’s to a very serious if not fatal injury if party or simply Eve. On average, 45 daily fatalities are gone undetected or untreated. experienced on American roadways Since head injuries can be so devhanging lights during Christmas and spikes to 54 on astating when not treated properly, be on your home, New Year’s Eve. This is an increase of aware of how head injuries can occur 18 deaths per day compared to the anand be aware of the symptoms. Comserious injuries nual average. At Mission Hospital, 34 mon symptoms to look out for include percent of all trauma incidents during can occur if we’re nausea, headaches, blurry vision, the winter months are from automodizziness or unsteadiness. Should you not careful.” bile accidents. Whenever possible, experience any of these symptoms folhave a designated driver with you at lowing a head trauma, it is important the party. Or, arrange to have someone you can call seek medical care immediately. to give you a ride home. Even the small amount you Because of the rise in traumatic injuries around would spend on a cab fare is a small price to pay to the around the holiday season, it is important for avoid placing lives in peril. However, driving under individuals to be extra cautious at this time of the the influence is not the only action that contributes year. We need to remind our loved ones to drive to the rise in automobile accidents. Distracted home responsibly from their holiday events and driving—such as texting, talking or listening to a take precautions when hanging Christmas lights. hand-held device or changing the radio—delays a Most importantly, we all must choose to make driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol responsible decisions. Especially at a time when we concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. Dialcome together to celebrate each other’s company, ing a hand-held device can in fact increase the risk of we want to make sure we protect ourselves and our a crash or near-crash by almost three times. loved ones by being aware of the risks that surOf course, it’s not just automobile accidents that round us during the holiday months. see a rise during winter months. Falling accidents Dr. John Shaver is the Medical Director at Mission account for 23 percent of injuries we treat during the Regional Trauma Center at Mission Hospital in Misholidays, often a result of falling off a ladder or roof sion Viejo. Mission Regional Trauma Center is one of while hanging lights on homes or Christmas trees. three Level II trauma facilities in Orange County.

school-park-firehouse-public works expansion projects—and more. This information is all on hand at the city and county level and easy to obtain. Most home buyers want to know this stuff—at least one would think so! This is particularly critical when your home purchase is sitting next to a bunch of open space or vacant land. This is California folks. Perhaps something is slated in the future to be built there—ya think?

When initially built, Forster Ranch and Talega (as well as most other developments) had massive amounts of open land surrounding them. Naturally, most of the residents purchasing homes in these areas wanted to know what the future plans existed for that land—and had the common sense to ask. The information was there to do with as they wished.

Fast forward to 2010: To purchase a home and then pretend that no one told you something might be built on acres of surrounding vacant land is quite stupid. To attempt through litigation to intrude on the valid plans which have been in place for the past 30 years which

countless other families have committed to abide by is nothing short of evil. For the newest residents of a city to act in a predatory manner to their neighbors is unprecedented and wrong. Their reasons for doing so are not valid and their tactics for interfering are destructive.

This issue should not even be up for discussion and the city and county should do whatever is necessary to keep the 30-year plan—which everyone else (except a few who think they are special) have agreed on—in place. Sadly, based on past experience, I don’t hold up much hope that this will be settled amicably and if held up in courts with added costs, probably won’t even be built in my lifetime. Sigh . . .government at work.

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@thecapistranodispatch.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR FOURTEEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

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

COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

friday10 SONGS FOR THE HAPPIEST SEASON

7:30 p.m. South Coast Singers present a holiday concert at St. Andrew’s Church. Additional shows; times, locations vary.

General admission $20, students/seniors $12, kids 6 and under free. 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, 949.613.7840, www.southcoastsingers.org.

SOCSA FALL MUSICAL: LITTLE WOMEN

7 p.m. The South Orange County School of the Arts presents Little Women for their fall musical in Porthole Theater. Performances Thursday-Sunday through Dec. 11. Tickets $10-$12. 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.240.1994, www.socsarts.org.

PARADE OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY PARTY

7 p.m.-9 p.m. Ocean Institute hosts a party for the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights with refreshments, pictures with Santa Claus, crafts and activities. Cost $10 adults, $5 for children ages 3-12 or a family of four for $25. Reservations required.

saturday11 SWALLOW’S INN 14TH ANNUAL TOY DRIVE

12 p.m.-6 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy and receive a raffle ticket.

Event includes a celebration with food, drinks, entertainment by Dalton Gang, raffle and more. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TRAIN

GO SEE DO

We all know what downtown was like before the Regency Theatres existed, and now the Capistrano moviehouse will show a holiday classic that showed the main character what life would have been like if he’d never existed.

Yes, it’s a wonderful life.

Capistrano Regency Theatres will show It’s a Wonderful Life at 7 p.m. on December 16, in what’s hoped to become a holiday tradition. All tickets will be $15. Remember in the movie what the sound of bell means? All who buy a ticket for the Regency event will receive a special-edition bell, too.

The 1946 classic, of course, was directed by Frank Capra and stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.

Interestingly, the movie was considered a box-office flop

The first two people to email us with Dispatch Free Concert Tix in the subject line will receive a pair of free concert tickets from The Coach House to see Brooke Ramel’s Holiday Concert on December 12, or Christmas Time Together on December 16. Please include your name and phone number in the e-mail. E-MAIL: tickets@thecapistranodispatch.com

WIN FREE CONCERT TICKETS!

sunday12 DECEMBER PLANT AND MISTLETOE WALK 9 a.m. Join The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy for a morning nature walk to look for mistletoe and seasonal fruit. Adults $10, kids $5. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

PACIFIC HARP ENSEMBLE HOLIDAY CONCERT

7 p.m. Casa Romantica presents a special concert with holiday music from around the world. Tickets $20, members $15, children/seniors $10. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

monday13 MOMMY MOVIE MONDAYS

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

MOM BUSINESS ASSOCIATES

12 p.m. Support and education group for mom business owners at Lavender Lounge Tea Company. 104 N. El Camino Real Suite B, SJC, 760-MOM-2359, www.mombusinessassociates.com.

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Irvine Park offers families an enchanting train ride en route to meet Santa Claus. Lots of fun along the way including the magical Tunnel of Lights. Select days through Dec. 23. Tickets $8. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 949.923.2235, www.ocparks.com.

tuesday14

FAM CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

GOOD NEIGHBORS CLUB OF CAPISTRANO VALLEY

11 a.m. Family Assistance Ministries hosts a holiday event at the San Clemente Community Center with food, visit with Santa and presents for kids. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.492.8477, www.family-assistance.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.

GREETINGS

8 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse presents a new comedic play that brings together Jewish and Catholic characters during the holidays.

Runs through Dec. 19. Tickets $22-$24; extra $10 for premium seating. 31776 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Page 12 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 10–23, 2010

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE IN CAPISTRANO

11 a.m. Women’s club meets at Irons in the Fire for socializing and lunch. Special entertainment by the Surf City Singers. 150 Avenida Magdalena, San Clemente, 949.361.0586.

SURFSIDE QUILTERS GUILD MEETING

9:30 a.m. General meeting featuring a special guest at San Clemente Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. 119 N. Avenida de la Estrella, www.surfsidequiltersguild.org/Home.aspx.

HOLIDAY BOOK READING

1 p.m. Jeffrey Garcia, author of the children’s book “Santa Claus and the Molokai Mules” will be reading selections from his book and signing copies at Hulaville Island Cafe & Company Store. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

and although nominated for five Oscars, it didn’t win any. Since then, however, the American Film Institute has named it one of the best 100 American films ever made.

The event is similar to Regency’s screening of Blazing Saddles before the Mission Viejo Rodeo. The Regency in Costa Mesa screens a classic film every week.

Proceeds from the showing will benefit Variety, the Children’s Charity of Southern California. For more information about the charity, see http://www.varietysocal.org.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. showing are available at the box office and online—buy quickly, because Blazing Saddles sold out. The theater is on Verdugo Street, west of Camino Capistrano and online at www.regencymovies.com —Jonathan Volzke

wednesday15 LEON RUSSELL

8 p.m. The ultimate rock ‘n’ roll session man at The Coach House; also with Shawn Jones. Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

SOCGEMS MEETING

7:30 p.m. The South Orange County Gem & Mineral Society Meeting meets the third Wednesday of the month in the Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.498.3069, www.socgems.org.

thursday16 THE NUTCRACKER

7 p.m. Laguna Ballet visits Saddleback College to perform the traditional holiday dance spectacle. Tickets $20-$24. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

CHRISTMAS TIME TOGETHER

8 p.m. Special holiday show at The Coach House with Jadon Lavik / Pawn Shop Kings / Tim Timmons / Travis Ryan / The Natures / Roy Schenkenberger / Drew Bray. Tickets $10. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

HULAVILLE OPEN MIC NIGHT

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.

BILLY MAC BAND AND GUEST BARTENDING 6 p.m.; 8 p.m. Guest bartenders followed by live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

friday17 FERNANDO RAMOS

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

JIMMY NELSON AND THE DRIFTING COWBOYS

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

GARY HO HO HOEY

8 p.m. Annual rockin’ holiday guitar concert at The Coach House.

Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

CHRIS BERRY

7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage Steak House, 26701-B Verdugo St., SJC, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

(Cont. on page 18) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

Dispatch Restaurant Spotlight

RATE IT!

By Andrea Swayne

Café Mozart

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.

31952 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.0212, www.cafemozart.net BEST KNOWN FOR: Bread pudding MOST POPULAR ITEM: Sauerbraten and wiener schnitzel

Web Extra: Online voters gave

Café Mozart owners Hans and Carla Loschl have been delighting palates at this location for seven years.

Hans, a chef of 40 years, hails from Austria and was trained in Vienna. His wife Carla is an experienced pastry chef whose bread pudding has taken the top prize in the Taste of San Juan for the last five years in a row.

Together they have created a menu that is very European, including dishes from Austria, Germany, France and more. Some of the most popular items are the German dishes such as schnitzels. The wiener schnitzel—lightly breaded, sautéed veal, garnished with anchovies, capers and lemons—is a customer favorite as are the chicken and pork (jaeger) schnitzels. At Café Mozart, side dishes are every bit as delicious as the main course. The scalloped potatoes, spätzle and red cabbage are a few stand outs. Dungeness crab cakes and lamb rack provençal are a few other great choices. The Black Angus filet with peppercorn sauce and Roquefort cheese is a great option for steak lovers. A hidden gem in downtown Capistrano’s Mercado Village Shops, the charming Spanish style building that houses the café and courtyard provide a beautiful backdrop for weddings and Carla creates some of the most beautiful wedding cakes in South Orange County.

Owners Hans and Carla Loschl. Photo by Andrea Swayne

PRICE RANGE: $4.50-$33 PAYMENT: Cash, credit card RESERVATIONS: Suggested on weekends HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Shanghai Charlie’s

¾ 34121 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach, 949.661.2507 (Rated on a scale of 1–5 stars)

Last issue online voters gave

Stacks Pancake House

34255 pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.429.2222 (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 12)

saturday18

PET ADOPTION & PHOTOS WITH SANTA

monday20 INDOOR ARENA SOCCER CAMP

11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Ark of San Juan hosts a pet adoption and Christmas event with Santa at PetSmart. 33963 Doheny Park Road, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Jaime Arroyo Soccer Academy (JASA) will be running a winter break indoor arena soccer camp for ages 7-14 in the Capo Sports Rink. Cost $100, includes t-shirt. 2 Via Positiva, SJC, 949.291.2678, www.jasocceracademy.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S

BILINGUAL HOLY HOUR

2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Blue Fish plays at Swallow’s Inn; music continues at 8:30 p.m. with Debra Lee and Trigger Happy. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR

10 a.m. Discover 200 years of San Juan Capistrano architecture on a 90-minute guided walk that includes adobes, Spanish-era dwellings and modern buildings. Meet at Verdugo Street. Occurs every Saturday. $5 donation. 949.489.0736.

AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

7 p.m.-8 p.m. Mission Basilica hosts the celebration in the third Monday of every month. 31522 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.234.1360, www.missionparish.org.

tuesday21 SOUL REBEL ALLIANCE

8 a.m. Join experienced birders from Sea & Sage Audubon for the annual Christmas Bird Count at The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy.

Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

8 p.m. Coastal Cruise Tuesdays at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

LOS LOBOS

Half price on all fishing trips, whale watching and other adventures at Dana Wharf every Tuesday. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

8 p.m. Popular band plays at The Coach House. Tickets $39.50. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

2-FOR-1 TUESDAYS

KARAOKE

wednesday22

sunday19

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET

9 p.m. El Mariachi Restaurant hosts Karaoke Night in English and Spanish every Friday and Saturday. 1925 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.369.5111.

FOOD DRIVE

8 a.m.-12 p.m. Family Assistance Ministries hosts a food drive every Sunday at Community Presbyterian Church of San Juan Capistrano. 32202 Del Obispo St., 949.492.8477, www.family-assistance.org.

KIDS’ FISHING

12 p.m. Free fishing clinic on the dock followed by a half-day fishing trip for kids hosted by Dana Wharf every Sunday. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

MISSION TOURS

11:15 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 2:15 p.m.; 3:45 p.m. Special tours at Mission SJC to enhance your experience and learn the history of Mission grounds and California history. Admission $5-$9 plus $1-$2 for tour. 26801 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

HOLIDAY GINGERBREAD DISPLAY

The Ritz Carlton is home to the ultimate gingerbread display with a surf-inspired theme. Free to view. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.

Page 18 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 10–23, 2010

AT THE MOVIES Love and Drama

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

KARAOKE

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

thursday23 IBIZA

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, SJC, 949.661.8466, www.tanninstrestaurant.com/ibiza.

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

Send your listing to editor@thecapistranodispatch.com

Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway in Love & Other Drugs. ©Twentieth Century Fox

These days, the chances of finding a romance on screen that isn’t completely a romcom or melodrama sobfest are slim to none. For now, we can appreciate Edward Zwick, Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway for giving us something a little different with Love & Other Drugs. Before the romantic comedy genre grew to have the lazy, predictable reputation it has nowadays, it was relatively respected and desired in cinema for decades. Frank Capra, Billy Wilder, Woody Allen, John Hughes and Nora Ephron giving us such love classics as It Happened One Night (1934), Sabrina (1954), Manhattan (1979), and Sleepless in Seattle (1993). Even filmmaker Zwick’s About Last Night…

(1986) managed to bring both comedy with dramatic moments (‘dramedy’) together with contemporary pretty stars Rob Lowe and Demi Moore.

With his latest feature for Fox 2000 Pictures, we don’t necessarily get the full romantic comedy feeling, but a definite bittersweet dramedy. Set in 1996, up-and-coming pharmaceutical salesman and playboy Jamie Randall (Gyllenhaal) begins a sexual relationship with carefree Maggie Murdock (Hathaway), a coffeehouse waitress and one of the rare 26-year-olds with Parkinson’s. Both of their lives begin to take a turn when Jamie realizes he wants more than sex, but Maggie refuses because she believes he’ll leave once her sickness increases in time.

In some ways, Love & Other Drugs is an updated, modern spin on About Last Night…, but with a Parkinson’s plotline. We have two of the more attractive and talented young actors in Hollywood playing attractive people with problems, and we go along with it. The most attention that the film has been getting largely are the nude “love” scenes between the leads, but what really makes the film are the angst and tenderness between the characters. Zwick, who also has found success in epics such as Glory (1989) and Courage Under Fire (1996), goes back to his romantic roots with his, Marshall Herskovitz and Charles Randolph’s screenplay and his own directing. And we have familiar faces Oliver Platt and Hank Azaria as Gyllenhaal’s on-screen mentor types. Though there are some imperfections with storytelling (a subplot with Jamie’s rival/Maggie’s ex-lover that goes unresolved) and Maggie comes off a bit too mean in some scenes, Love & Other Drugs is refreshing and enjoyable for your theater experience. CD —Megan Bianco www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR friday 12.10

saturday 12.11

tuesday 12.14

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.

10 a.m. Second Saturday Art Fair Wander Capistrano’s historic downtown amid artists and craftsmen selling their wares. Runs until 5 p.m. See www. sjcartfair.org for information.

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

Monday 12.13

Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes.

Special City Council Meeting 9 a.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Councilmembers will discuss which members will represent the city on outside agencies, and how to start the search for a permanent City Manager.

Special Capistrano Unified School District Board Meeting 6 p.m. CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road.

*Meeting agendas at www.sanjuancapistrano.org

Friday 12.24

DON TRYON: Old San Juan

Tragedy Strikes Our Town I

n 1812, a great tragedy occurred in our once-small village that devastated many families and left an indelible imprint that lasts to this day. Here is a legendary tale of a beautiful young lady, Magdelena, The Great Stone Church, and all who were there at the time.

DON It was one of those early winter TRYON beautiful mornings. The sky was bright and sunny and there was anticipation in the air as in just over two weeks Christmas would be here and all the villagers were planning a huge fiesta to celebrate Christ’s birthday.

But today, December 8 in 1812, was the Feast day for the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and many were expected to attend Mass in the Mission’s Great Stone Church.

Those entering church would dip their fingers in the holy water and cross themselves as they walked to their favorite parts of the church to kneel and sit with friends and relatives. As some walked by they greeted each other with little pleasantries such as “And how is Tio Jorge today? Oh, Consuelo, when are you expecting your new baby? Ah, there is Papa Arturo. I must sit with him.”

Then many noticed Magdalena coming forward down the center aisle with her penitent candle held in her prayerful hands and some noticed how Teofilo in the first row of pews looked up at her. Some overheard Dolores telling her cousin Alicia, “Magdalena and Teofilo were seen together under the three-arches holding hands. Padre had forbidden them to ever see each other and had caught them. Now he is making her carry the candle in penance. Oh, they are so much in love but she is Mexican and he is Juaneno.”

Meanwhile, two young boys scrambled up the bell tower stairs, as it was their honor to ring the bells every day. Soon everyone settled down. Then tiny silver bells were heard to alert everyone as four altar boys entered from the sacristy, followed by the Padre who was the celebrant for the Mass this holy day.

They approached the altar and faced it with the altar boys kneeling on each side of the Padre, who then proceeded to give the first prayers of the day for the opening of the Mass. As the Padre raised his arms in benediction, a short, sudden jolt was felt. Everyone became alert, some exclaiming, “What can this be?”

Another, “El Temblor!” Then sounds emanating from the stones in the great Stone Church seemed to speak.

The floor began to move like small ocean waves moving from one end to the other and the walls shook www.thecapistranodispatch.com

violently.

The Padre, alert to what was happening, noticed that the side door was bending. He called out to everyone to come forward and follow him through the sacristy to safety.

Screaming and prayerful exclamations were heard like “Madre de Dios, please save us!” But many rushed to the side door as stones were falling near the front door and then discovered the door had twisted and wouldn’t open!

The bell tower swayed angrily back and forth with the bells ringing in agony.

The tower arched once too far and fell diagonally into the church and across the floor towards the jammed door with hundreds of stones falling, including those of the many domed roof, crushing and covering everyone in its way. Cries of pain could be heard inside along with the loud wailing outside from those who escaped.

Then, as quickly as it happened, it stopped!

For a moment there was complete silence as everyone was overwhelmed by the awesome scene. No one could believe what they were witnessing. Gone was the tower with the two young boys, most of the roof, and most of the two side walls. But quickly everyone awakened from their shock and immediately ran forward to do what they could to rescue those who were covered with the stones.

All those years, so many had labored in the building of this beautiful church which was considered the

Jewel of the Missions, now it was gone in an instant.

When it was completed in 1806, dignitaries came from all over California for the dedication, now it was lost beyond repair.

But the greatest tragedy of all, were the people; their friends, relatives young and old, the two boys in the tower, forty in all had perished. But under the stones, they found Magdalena with the candle clutched in her right hand and her left reaching out and holding Teofilo’s outstretched hand.

The fallen stones remained in place for many decades. A few were taken and used for foundations, but the majority stayed in place. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that they were finally hauled away.

Every so often it is said by some that the soul of Magdalena haunts the ruins still carrying her candle or that her face may be seen in the high window of the east transept.

In the late evening when all the lights have gone out and you happen to be walking past the Great Stone Church, look up at the small window high in the east transept, you just may see a candle light in this window and if you look very closely, you may see Magdalena!

Still holding her candle and haunting these old stones.

Was it my imagination that evening when I walked by the Mission ruins! I swear I had heard a small voice, “Tiofilo, Tiofilo, Tiofilo!”

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

Adding a Bit of Color Members of the Capistrano Garden Club started a tradition years ago now enjoyed by every motorist on La Novia just east of Valle Road: They plant sweet peas. The club launched the tradition in the fall of 2008. Some of the sweet peas were there, and the club also uses dried pods from local gardens to introduce other colors. Valerie Drey and Joyce Benevides shuck the dried pods, which are then soaked overnight and broadcasted on the hillside before the first rain. “The result has been a traffic stopping splendor for all who drive by,” Drey said.

Left to right Valerie Drey, John and Joyce Benevides, dog Kalie with owners Suzanne and Terry Mc Cardle, Marjie Pentoney. Not pictured: Steve Pentoney.

December 10–23, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 21

SJC LIVING

From Historic Home to Futuristic Weapons: Camp Pendleton Civilians treated to a behind-the-scenes look at Camp Pendleton and military weaponry, amphibious vehicles and historic ranch house as part of annual San Juan Capistrano Historical Society tour Words and photos by Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

C

amp Pendleton opened its gates on Tuesday to members of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, who took their annual tour of the base and were treated to some behind-the-scenes sights not often enjoyed by the public.

Fittingly, it was Pearl Harbor Day, and flags throughout the base flew at half-staff.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, is the Corps’ largest West Coast expeditionary training facility, encompasses more than 125,000 acres of Southern California terrain. That works out to almost 200 square miles. The base has been the largest employer in North San Diego County for more than 60 years.

The tour was guided by retired Marine Colonel Jim Williams and included stops at the historic Ranch House, Mechanized Museum and demonstration of the Amtracks—the amphibious tracked vehicles that carry Marines from ships to shore, through battles.

More than 38,000 military family members occupy base housing complexes, but the base has a daytime population of 70,000 military and civilian personnel.

The base was acquired from the ranching O’NeillBaumgartner families in 1942, as a result of the War Powers Act. The government paid $4.25 million for the nearly 200 square miles.

The importance of the base has never been questioned, though, as techniques used for the landing at Normandy were developed there.

The base is home to the I Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group and many tenant units, including Marine Corps Installation-West, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Wounded Warriors Battalion-West, Marine Corps Air Station at Munn Field, Marine Aircraft Group 39, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego’s Weapons & Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps and Army Reserve Forces, the Navy’s Assault Craft Unit 5, a Naval Hospital and 1st Dental Battalion.

The base also provides specialized schools and training as directed by the Commandant of the

Guests on the Pearl Harbor Day tour of Camp Pendleton browse a tank at the Mechanized Museum.

Marine Corps. Several schools are located on Camp Pendleton including Assault Amphibian School Battalion, School of Infantry-West, Field Medical Service School and Marine Corps University. Following recruit graduation, enlisted Marines receive basic infantry training at the School of Infantry-West at Camp San Onofre before assignment to other units throughout the Corps.

The historic ranch house is cared for by volunteer docents, who also give tours. Volunteers are always needed. Call 760.725.0770 for information.

The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society is a non-profit organization headquartered in the O’Neill Museum on Los Rios Street. For information about the organization, call 949.493.8444 or see www.sjchistoricialsociety.com. CD

Joe and Margo Durnal try on an armed desert speeder in the museum.

A Marine demonstrates weapons used on amphibious personnel carriers.

Page 22 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 10–23, 2010

The bedroom at the historic ranch house.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Ban the Bags Students travel to Sacramento to support plastic bag ban

By Madi Swayne The Capistrano Dispatch

T

his past summer, Assemblywoman Julia Brownley authored a bill proposing a statewide ban of singleuse plastic bags to alleviate plastic pollution. When the bill, AB 1998, failed in Senate by only a few votes, many environmental groups, employees and businesses were saddened by the loss, but vowed not to give up feeling they had the momentum to continue.

On Monday, November 29, Green Cities California (GCC) a coalition of 13 top environmentally friendly cities, joined together in a press conference on the western steps of the California State Capitol. Members of the GCC along with the Clean Seas Coalition spoke, “To promote a statewide strategy of local governments adopting a uniform single use bag ordinance that is based on AB 1998.”

Members of Green Cities California include Berkeley, Hayward, Los Angeles, Marin County, Oakland, Pasadena, Richmond, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica. Representatives from each of these cities were in attendance along with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and my group of youth leaders from the South Orange County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.

Kirsty Hibbard (JSerra Catholic High School), Katie Hibbard (JSerra Catholic High School), Lulu Erkeneff (Dana Hills High School) and I, Madi Swayne (San Clemente High School), all traveled to Sacramento to restate our support for a statewide plastic bag ban. Our goal was to let representatives know that we care and to bring attention to the fact that there is growing grassroots support in South Orange County cities for the proposed ban.

We wanted to let policy makers from our cities (San Clemente, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano) know that the youth is behind the effort; we are prepared to continue working not only toward a community ban in our tri-city area, but a statewide one as well.

Kirsty and I first traveled to Sacramento in early August (before the Senate voted on the bill) to lobby for support of the bill from Assembly members and senators alike. We felt it was important to return to the Capitol to restate our support.

At the press conference, we had the opportunity to meet many instrumental people working for goals similar to our own. We met Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, Suja Lowenthal, a Long Beach councilwoman, Andy Keller,

Surfrider Foundation members (L to R) Dana Hills club member Lulu Erkeneff, JSerra club founder/president Kirsty Hibbard and sister Katie Hibbard and San Clemente High club founder/president Madi Swayne joined others in support of a plastic bag ban. Photo by Denise Erkeneff

QUICK FACTS • California uses more than 19 million plastic bags each year • Single use bags generate 147,038 tons of waste each year • California throws away over 600 plastic bags each second • Only about 5% of plastic bags are actually recycled • A bag ban will create new green jobs in California • Plastic bags are made from one of the scarcest resources — oil • Bags cost about 2-5 cents a piece, and that price is embedded into the cost of items we buy everyday • China, parts of Africa, parts of Australia, Mexico City and parts of India have all introduced bans on plastic bags • We pay about 17 cents per bag to clean up the mess Source: Heal the Bay

president and founder of ChicoBag Company and Charles McGlashan, a Marin County supervisor, among many others. It was great to see that the activists we look up to so much are also behind us. It was exciting to hear all about the most recent plastic bag ban in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County that was passed earlier this month. This monumental ban encompasses thousands of citizens in a county so large that if it were a state it would be the eighth-largest in the country. The ban in Los Angeles County will make it easier for cities within the county to draft legislation of their own, strong enough to stand up against the ban’s biggest opponent—the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

There has been a lot of back-and-forth between supporters of the ban and the ACC, and money has become a

Page 24 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 10–23, 2010

Governor Schwarzenegger looks on as AB 1998 bill author Julia Brownley speaks at the Nov. 29 press conference. Photo by Kirsty Hibbard

selling point. The bag ban is not an economical problem or a partisan issue.

It is not about a law, it is about doing the right thing.

Lulu, Katie, Kirsty and I have seen the plastic bag issue firsthand as members, presidents and founders of Surfrider Foundation clubs on our respective high school campuses. We have each picked up thousands of pieces of plastic litter on our beaches and see this bill as a reasonable solution to the problem. Lulu Erkeneff said, “It’s about what’s good for the general public, not what’s convenient and irresponsible. It is about changing a habit.”

I like to relate this issue to when the seat belt law was introduced. Before the law, not everybody wore seat belts (especially those of older generations), but after the law was passed people started a new, healthier habit. The same would be true of a plastic bag ban. Not everyone uses reusable bags at the present, but with legislation, habits would change, along with the health of the environment.

“When we get together and talk about this bill we don’t talk about if it

passes, we talk about when it passes.

This is a real issue that is not going to go away and our generation is not going to carry on like the generations before with our heads in the sand,” says Kirsty Hibbard. Katie Hibbard, her younger sister agreed, saying, “I think by the goodness of mankind people will want to be the solution rather than the problem and will begin to do the right thing.”

So now, we ask you to do your part and consider the effects your choices have on the environment. Also, get in contact with your assembly member or senator and let them know it is time to stop the consumption of the more than 19 billion plastic bags used in the State of California annually. The solution isn’t paper or plastic, it’s neither. Choose to reuse!

It was great to have a second opportunity to visit Sacramento and to witness firsthand the progress this bill is making in other parts of our state and participate in an important press conference at the Capitol.

We often only hear about the negativity coming from the state Capitol as it is read to us by a newscaster on television, but this trip allowed us to meet and network face-to-face with many people who are very passionate about making this change happen. One of the most passionate was Governor Schwarzenegger himself. He spoke with conviction and even acknowledged our work with Surfrider by name. The mood was decidedly optimistic and gave us the boost we needed to encourage our continued efforts and reinforce the importance of our stewardship so far. The anecdotes and personal stories he used when speaking about the plastic blight let us know how much this bill means to him, as a fellow steward of the environment. CD 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

Insurance

Photo & Digital Lab

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

Assisted Living

949.697.9454

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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

949.443.1970

Chick’s Plumbing, Inc.

Banking

Proudly Serving South Orange County Since 1975

Independence Bank 949.373.1570 Marbella Plaza 31107 Rancho Viejo Rd., www.independence-bank.net Pacific Mercantile Bank 949.487.4200 31601 Avenida Los Cerritos, Ste 100, www.pmbank.com

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

949.240.1200

Lic# 310654

Jeweler

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

CARPET CLEANING 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 Tired of Waiting I.T. Services 949.922.7727 j.ehle@cox.net

ELECTRICIANS Friess Electric

949.248.4222 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 102 Xcel Electric - CA #793860 949.493.7769 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com

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

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

RestaurantS

Kitchen Design

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES 949.661.4080

MOLD REMOVAL

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

949.212.0499

Schools

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

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

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

Printing OC

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

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

949.240.9240 Kitchen & Bath Designs 27231 Ortega Hwy., Unit B

BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICES

Capistrano Beach Steam Clean steamcleaningdanapoint.com

949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com

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

TELEVISION 949.697.9454

PLUMBING 949.248.0260

Auto Repair Star Motors 32959 Calle Perfecto

MORTGAGE Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

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

Slab leak repair

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

949.290.8230

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

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

949.705.7344

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

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 Garage Sale 33816 Malaga DrDana PointSaturday & Sunday Dec 11th & 12th8am to 2pm. Large variety.

Everything must go.

HELP WANTED PROGRAM AIDE – GRIPCARE Part-time Program Aide position to work with middle-school students. Hours will be prior to school hours: 7 am – 9 am, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 7 am – 10 am Tuesday. Duties will include planning and implementing activities in one or more of the following areas: education; social recreation; arts and crafts; and physical education. Requirements: high school diploma, experience working with children, communication skills to deal with children and with the general public (bilingual in Spanish a plus), CPR and first aid certified. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is an equal opportunity employer. If interested, please contact Nicole Belair, Unit Director, at 949.240.7898 extension *19 or by email at nbelair@bgccapo.com.

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

MISC. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES The OC English Tutor Award winning tutor at Saddleback’s Tutoring Center Competitive pricing, evenings preferred (949) 682-8133, english.oc.tutor@gmail.com

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December 10–23, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 27

SJC LIVING

Flag Flies in Honor of Marines Eagle Scout project installs flagpole at HTC park

Left: Bob Ohlund, Scout Gunnar Ohlund and Lisa Ohlund (right) are joined in the flagpole dedication by members of the 1/11 Marines. Right: Gunnar Ohlund, a junior at JSerra, built the flagpole as his Eagle Scout project.

Photos by Joseph Mason

The Capistrano Dispatch

F

or his Eagle Scout project, Gunnar Ohlund wanted to create something that would leave a lasting impression on San Juan Capistrano as well as honor the service members who sacrifice for our country.

And as much as Historic Town Center Park has become a center of town

for concerts, ceremonies and special events, the gathering place was missing one key element: A pole on which to fly the American Flag.

On December 4, the night of community Holiday Tree Lighting, Ohlund, the city and members of Capistrano’s adopted 1/11 Marine battalion dedicated a flagpole set in a river-rock base next to the stage in Historic Town

Center Park.

A plaque at the base reads: “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference.

The Marines don’t have that problem.”—President Ronald Reagan Ohlund, a junior at JSerra Catholic High School who plays on the varsity tennis team there, and some friends built the flagpole, with donations and

help from professionals.

His friends included Ryan Reid, Ian Whelan, Joey Aguero and Michael Meyers. The professionals included landscape architect Mike Imlay, mason Gary Kudwig, Excel Electric and members of the American Legion.

Ohlund also made a $1,000 donation to the 1/11 Committee during the treelighting ceremonies. CD

Capistrano Ushers in Holidays The Capistrano Dispatch

H

istoric Town Center Park was full and crowded downtown streets took on the air of a Norman Rockwell painting as Capistrano celebrated its Holiday Tree Lighting on December 4.

As has become customary, folks lined up for homemade tamales at Blas Aguilar Adobe before settling in to watch Capistrano Valley and San Juan Hills high school orchestras perform on stage, as well as Ballet Folklorico and Capistrano’s own singer Renee Bondi will take center stage along with students from “Kids Next Door From Musical Theatre University.”

After the tree, donated to the city by Victor A Serrao of Victor’s Custom Christmas Trees, was ablaze in white lights, thousands wandered to the Mission and downtown. Shops were open with treats, and the streets filled with special touches.

ZOOMARS Petting Zoo offered free admission and again hosted the popular live nativity show performances. The petting zoo also had hay and train rides.

Elsewhere, Saddleback Church-Rancho Capistrano hosted live music and a kids craft area across from Sarducci’s, and San Juan Photo and Digital snapped off photo after photo of kids with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Los Rios Park.

SDG&E and The Gas Company also sponsored the evening. CD Page 28 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 10–23, 2010

Photos by Joseph Mason www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

5 BEST BETS SOCCER

BASKETBALL

BASKETBALL

WRESTLING

BASKETBALL

St. Margaret’s at Francis Parker Tournament, Francis Parker School Dec. 11, 9:20 a.m.

Stallions at Orange Tournament, Orange High School Dec. 11, time tba

Eagles vs. Warriors Saddleback Valley Christian Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

Mustangs vs. Tritons, San Clemente High School Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

Stallions v. Titans San Juan Hills High School Dec. 17, 3:15 p.m.

The boys varsity soccer team, which won the Linfield Christian Tournament in Temecula, continues in pre-season play.

The girls varsity basketball team plays in tournament action.

The schools started as one, but Capistrano Valley Christian and Saddleback Valley Christian boys varsity basketball squares off on the court.

San Clemente’s varsity wrestling team is back in action and will face Trabuco Hills in its first South Coast League dual this season.

San Juan Hills takes on Tesoro in boys varsity soccer.

Info: www.sjhhs.org

Info: www.sctritons.com

Patriots Win Super Bowl Jr. All American Football team takes title The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he South Orange County Patriot Jr. Midget White Team beat the Bellflower Broncos 41-12 Saturday at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Baldwin Hills to clinch the 2010 Super Bowl title.

With a total of 493 rushing and passing yards, their unstoppable offensive drove the ball unmercifully down the field with their standout running backs (Quentin Longrie, Brian Scott, Connor Murphy, Oscar Gomez, Luke Williams & Corey Selenski) and talented receivers (Rex Pflueger, Trevor Wise, Chad Bauer & Rameen Moslehi). Quarterback Devon Modster was cool under pressure as he threw for 165 yards and recorded 24 first downs. Modster was quick to give his offensive linemen (Brett Tracy, Gavin Zanella, Patrick O’Brien, Jeshua DiGravio and Cayden Adkison) credit for his success.

The SOC Patriot’s aggressive wall of a defense (Rex Pflueger, Spencer Golanka,

The SOC Patriot Jr. Midget White roster is #4 Jay Schuyler, Laguna Niguel; #5 Quentin Longrie, Mission Viejo #9 Trevor Wise, Mission Viejo; #10 Devin SiuLeiataua, Mission Viejo; #12 Devon Modster, Mission Viejo; #14 Rex Pflueger, San Juan Capistrano; #21 Connor Murphy, San Juan Capistrano; #22 Oscar Gomez, San Clemente; #24 Corey Selenski, Laguna Niguel; #26 Luke Williams, Laguna Niguel; #32 Brian Scott, Laguna Niguel; #33 Quinn Toohey, Mission Viejo; #40 Ty Dunn, Laguna Niguel; #42 Tyson Hedgren, Laguna Niguel; #44 Jordan Bocko, Laguna Niguel; #45 James Hammond, Dana Point; #51 Patrick O’Brien, San Juan Capistrano; #54 Ethan Parker, Dana Point; #55 Brett Tracy, Laguna Beach; #58 Cayden Adkison, Laguna Niguel; #62 Spencer Golanka, Laguna Niguel; #64 Jeshua DiGravio, Aliso Viejo; #66 Brett Bill, Laguna Niguel; #67 Cameron Phung, Laguna Niguel; #72 Zachery Davoren, Laguna Niguel; #76 Gavin Zanella, San Clemente; #80 Chad Bauer, San Juan Capistrano; #84 Rameen Moslehi, Laguna Niguel; #88 Jake Smith, San Clemente; #99 Mason Boyack, Laguna Niguel. Courtesy photo

Tyson Hedgren, James Hammond, Zach Davoren, Ty Dunn, Mason Boyack, & Brett Bill) held the Bellflower Broncos to only 167 yards. Their linebackers (Quentin Longrie, Brian Scott, Jordan Bocko, Jake Smith, Ethan Parker & Corey Selenski), Corners (Devin Siu-Leiataua, Luke Williams & Connor Murphy) and Safeties (Trevor Wise &

Jay Schuyler) and were key to the game.

Head Coach and Capistrano resident Kevin Murphy said he couldn’t be prouder of his team. He has been coaching some of these boys for seven years and he is thrilled that they are ending their SOC Patriot career on such high note.

“I told the kids that they will never

forget this experience.” Murphy said.

“They will always remember this game even when they are 45 years old. They are a phenomenal bunch of kids.”

Although most of these football talents will be moving on to different high schools next year where they are sure to shine, they will never forget this season... this game...this experience. CD

Girls Cross Country earns JSerra’s first state honor

By Amanda Samaan The Capistrano Dispatch

A

special accomplishment earned JSerra Catholic High School students a special reward.

The Girls’ Cross Country team is the school’s first team to win a state title in JSerra’s eight-year history, outrunning the competition at last month’s state meet.

They are also the school’s first athletic team to win the trifecta of Trinity League, CIF and state titles in a single season.

“What set the team apart this year and what allowed them to reach their goals

was their focus and dedication to get better, their unwavering support for one another and their will to succeed—to be champions,” said JSerra Principal Tom Waszak.

A few days after the historic win, Waszak honored the team by announcing that school would be let out early on December 10 to honor their accomplishment.

The victory didn’t come easy.

“Race conditions were brutally cold,” coach Marty Dugard said hours after the victory at Woodward Park in Fresno.

Page 28 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 10–23, 2010

“But the girls got the job done. Very very proud of all my girls.”

Senior Katherine Delaney finished with Orange County’s best individual time and was the county’s only runner to finish sub-18 minutes (17:48). But it was the performance of the entire team, Waszak called it “the most successful season of any sport in school history.”

“Cross country is a unique blend of individual and team talent,” he said.

“Delany (all-state, all-CIF, all league) and Hannah Hunsaker (all-CIF, all league) led the team with the fastest times but

the team championship was won by the 3rd through 5th place finishers and their teammates who pushed them at practice every day—Cody Lindholm (all league), Ashley and Caitlin Nilssen, Leah Vitrano, Allison Manning, Jessica McFadden, and Kayla Selinski.”

At last week’s CIF championships, all five scoring runners finished in the top 20. At State, they finished in the top 50.

The Running Lions boy’s team also placed 14th in the state meet. They finished third in league and 8th in CIF. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com