The Capistrano Dispatch

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

City Launches Manager Search

What Deputies Deal With: The ‘Best of the Blotter’

Santa(s) Sighted in Capistrano

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

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D E C E M B E R 24 , 2 0 1 0 –J A N U A RY 1 3 , 2 0 1 1 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 24

2010 Year In Review E Y E O N S J C / PAG E S 5 , 6

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Brio Tuscany Grille

The Melting Pot

Bring in the New Year in style with the finest in food, dancing and live entertainment.

Dress to impress!! Regular menu from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the gala party starts at 8:30 p.m.

Reservations is a must. Call 949.443.1476.

Dinner, Entertainment and Dancing. Join us for a four-course dinner, champagne toast and tableside entertainment for only $49.50 per person. Teen and child pricing available. Head over to our bar for live music and dancing from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

24050 Camino Del Avion # B, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com

647 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.1966, www.meltingpot.com/sanclemente

The Next Door NYE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Hey neighbor! Join us for a three-course dinner, champagne toast and live music and tableside entertainment for only $35 per person. Live music & dancing from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

647 Camino de los Mares #126, San Clemente, 949.940.8845, www.nextdoorsc.com

Sundried Tomato Sundried Tomato - an American Bistro will be offering a three-course $50 menu as well as an ala carte menu. Entree choices include rack of lamb, grilled stuffed jumbo shrimp and filet mignon just to mention a few. Dancing and DJ from 10 p.m.-close. Champagne toast at midnight.

821 Via Suerte, San Clemente. Located in Talega.

Call for reservations 949.388.5757. www.sundriedtomatocafe.com

Café Mimosa Come celebrate at Café Mimosa on New Year’s Eve! A special menu which includes a fourcourse meal, and champagne for $65 per person (tax and gratuity not included). 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call today 949.481.6780.

245 Ave. Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.481.6780, www.cafemimosasc.com

The Coach House Concert Hall Rock’n New Year’s Eve at The Coach House featuring The Tubes. The Tubes are a San Francisco-based rock band, with hits such as “White Punks on Dope, “Don’t Want to Wait Anymore”, and a number 10 (USA) hit “She’s a Beauty.” Doors open at 6 p.m. and concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35.

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

The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar Ring in the New Year at Fisherman’s New Year’s Eve Party December 31, 2010! D.J. and dancing from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. in the bar! Also featuring a five course meal in our dining room.

Reserve your 9 p.m. dinner seating which includes party favors and complimentary champagne toast at midnight! $69.95 per person. $50.00 deposit required. See manager for details. Limited reservations between 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com

Stella’s Serious Italian Celebrate New Year’s at Stella’s. Chef Marco has created a tantalizing four-course menu, choose from five delicious entrees. Entertaining will be Sax Appeal, featuring Gary King, OC’s finest sax player. We will be serving our bar menu all evening in the lounge.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., three-course dinner from $55. Seating from 6 p.m., four-course dinner $75-$85. More info and menu on our website at www.stellasitalian.com.

17 Monarch Bay Plaza, Monarch Beach, 949.234.1679

Carbonara’s Trattoria Join the Carbonara Family and end the New Year right! Great food with great people! Order your favorite off the menu or enjoy one of our New Year’s specials like Cioppino with fresh lobster. Please call for reservations 949.366.1040. Happy Holidays from The Carbonara Family.

111 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.1040, www.carbonara.com

Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot Ring in the New Year early at Sarducci’s! Besides our regular menu, we will be serving two specials; Filet and Crab Stuffed Shrimp for $36.95 and Stuffed Jumbo Tiger Shrimp for $22.95. Come eat before you party! Dinner hours from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. New Year’s Eve. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.9593, www.capistranodepot.com

EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE The Vista-Hermosa sports park in San Clemente could be home to Orange County’s first wave pool that would allow for Boogie Boards or stand-up surfing on finless boards.

Resident Scott Melcher proposes a 55,000 pool that allows riders to “surf” on a sheet of water over contoured surfaces. Melcher proposes the Flowrider “Double Flowrider” and a mini-golf course on just about 1 acre of the 45-acre park, city Associate Planner Sean Nicholas said. Flowrider was founded

by Tom Lochtefeld, a La Jolla surfer who was a partner in the development of the Raging Waters water parks in San Dimas, San Jose and Salt Lake City. He patented the idea of moving the water at the rider in a “sheet wave” rather than previous efforts that generated swells in pools.

NEWS

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

DANA POINT A small mudslide was reported on the stretch of Coast Highway between Palisades Drive and Camino Capistrano in Capistrano Beach on Monday, December 20. Mud and debris slid down the bluff face and on to the highway. According to Dana Point Director of Public Works Brad Fowler, the slide was reported at around 6 a.m. and the cleanup required the closure of the northbound lane until 9:15 a.m.

Another smaller slide was discovered around noon the same day, but the K-rail successfully contained the material preventing it from reaching the roadway. “We will continue to monitor the roadway hourly to make sure that it remains clear of debris during this storm period,” said Fowler. “With this concentration of rain and the supersaturation it is expected to cause, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some additional slide activity.”

San Juan Capistrano’s Top 5 Hottest Topics

What’s Up With...

1

…A Settlement in the Scalzo Suit?

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council on Wednesday agreed to a global settlement of the $9.41 million judgment in the Scalzo Family Trust case.

The settlement of $6.35 million is a savings of $3.06 million. One-half of the settlement is due by December 31 with the remainder due within 180 days.

This action ends a decade-old dispute regarding the development of the Scalzo Family Trust property on Del Obispo Street.

A civil jury awarded the multi-milliondollar judgment after an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled conditions the city placed on a plan to develop the Scalzo property on Del Obispo Street amounted to in improper seizure of the land.

The Scalzo family repeatedly said they were open to a settlement. The decision comes just weeks after a change in the council majority.

The city had started an appeal of the ruling.

WHAT’S NEXT: The settlement allows the Scalzo Trust to move forward with plans to build 35 homes on 15 acres off Del Obispo. The trust will dedicate some land to the city for drainage improvements, but the city must build and pay for them.

The city will likely float special bonds to pay for the settlement, which is not covered by insurance.

FIND OUT MORE: See a copy of the settlement agreement at The Capistrano Insider blog at www.thecapistranodispatch. com —Jonathan Volzke

2

…More School Days?

THE LATEST: Two days of instruction have www.thecapistranodispatch.com

been restored in the 2010-2011 school calendar, Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Joe Farley announced.

The days were to be non-working furlough days for district employees, but were restored according to negotiated agreements with employee associations as the district gained money from the federal government.

The reinstated days will be Thursday, February 17 and Friday, May 27.

WHAT’S NEXT: The first review of applications is set for February 7. The City Council is handling the hiring without the help of a search firm.

WHAT’S NEXT: District officials urged parents to support this calendar change by making sure students attend school on both of the reinstated days, which were originally scheduled around President’s Day and Memorial Day.

THE LATEST: The safety culture at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station is improving, officials said at a December 14 meeting, even as the plant reported an incident at the power plant.

A 4-foot steel beam, weighing about 40 pounds, was dropped into a pool containing spent fuel rods on Thanksgiving Day, but no damage or injuries occurred, officials said. They also said there was no chance the incident could have caused a radiation release.

“From what we have seen so far, it appears the licensee responded to the incident appropriately but we are continuing our review, which will be documented in a forthcoming inspection report that will be publicly available,” Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman Victor Dricks said.

The incident was unrelated to the installation of new steam generators at the plant, and comes as SONGS has faced increased scrutiny from the NCR on its safety culture and on recognizing and addressing issues quickly. Regulators earlier this month said the plant was improving in those areas.

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

3

…City Manager Search Underway?

THE LATEST: Want to be the City Manager in San Juan Capistrano? Applications are due by February 7.

The job will pay $190,000 to $225,000.

Dave Adams made $145,000 in salary and $66,500 in benefits when he left the position 18 months ago. Since then, Joe Tait has served in the City Manager and Utilities Director positions simultaneously. He drew salaries totaling $324,000, but said he was saving the city money because he did not take retirement or other benefits.

The job posting says applicants should have a minimum of 10 years experience in municipal management. It also says candidates should have a “can do” attitude, help the council reach a consensus and has “the ability to market the city as a destination” among other qualities.

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

4

…Improvements at SONGS?

WHAT’S NEXT: The plant has a new chief, too, in Pete Dietrich, who was brought in weeks ago.

“We reported to regulators, concrete progress improving plant performance in areas where we have not matched industry standards,” said Southern California Edison Chief Nuclear

Officer Pete Dietrich. “But we still have work to do.”

FIND OUT MORE: See www.sce.com/ songs —JV

5

…City Cool to Santa?

THE LATEST: Capistrano is being a little Frosty to Santa.

A city code-enforcement officer issued a notice of violation to the Buy My Bikes shop on Camino Capistrano because the bike shop decorated the front of the store with a 12-foot inflatable Santa Claus.

Jim Curwood, who has owned the shop for 32 years, said he initially thought the notice was a joke, until a follow up “notice of violation” arrived. The city’s sign code doesn’t allow businesses to use inflatables—although they are visible all over town.

Curwood said he wasn’t offended by the effort. He and the city have jousted several times over the years, whether it’s about his “Buy My Bikes” truck or how much he paints his windows. He admitted the flap brought him some publicity and maybe a few new customers in a tough economy.

“I love this town,” Curwood said.

“But what they need to do is create a moratorium on the sign rules for Christmas, as long as the signs are related to the holidays. Then get everyone to put up lights and decorate and attract people to the city to look at how beautiful it is.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Curwood said he will leave the Santa up through the season.

About 10 people have called, he said, and offered to pay the $100 fine.

FIND OUT MORE: See the Santa and buy a bike, at the shop, 32302 Camino Capistrano or call 949.493.5611. The shop also has a page on Facebook. —JV

December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 3

Eye on SJC

2010: The Year in Review

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

E

lection years are always crazy, but the news—important, interesting and sometimes just quirky, was steady throughout 2010 in San Juan Capistrano. Some issues never seemed to leave the headlines, such as the school district and Distrito La Novia, but there was plenty of other happenings and events to keep everyone engaged.

Here’s a review of stories from the past year. For more details on any of them, see www.thecapistranodispatch.com Feel free to share your thoughts about the news of 2010 online, too.

January SCHEMER SENTENCED • Jeffrey Gordon Butler, a Capistrano man who drew supporters to his trial, was sentenced to 90 years in prison after being convicted of running a Ponzi scheme that fraudulently raised $11 million. His wife, Peggy Warmath Butler, 49, was sentenced to a year in jail.

CUSD HEADLINES • The month ended with an attorney representing two Capistrano Unified School District trustees threatening to sue residents who signed the petition launching a recall against Ken Lopez Maddox and Mike Winsten. The lawyer tells the residents, including Capistrano’s Kevin Murphy, that the letter was improperly worded and they could be liable for fees. The letter is withdrawn, but another is resubmitted.

COSTCO PLANS • Costco, the city’s largest single-source of sales-tax revenue, announces it will buy the neighboring Capistrano Ford parcel to expand and add gasoline sales and a carwash, killing a proposal that Costco would go to the city-owned Lower Rosan on Stonehill. Tuttle-Click is buying the Ford name and moving the dealership to Camino Capistrano.

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY • Capistrano is hit with a storm that dumps three inches of rain in five days, flooding streets, knocking out power and even causing cancellation of a City Council meeting.

a supporter of Saddleback Church, which opens a satellite campus there. None of it affects an option for a 750,000-retirement center on a portion of the property.

BURGER, TO GO • In-N-Out applies to build a drive-through restaurant on the site of the closed Sizzler eatery on Del Obispo, but a split City Council drives it away on concerns the burger joint won’t fit in with plans for a spruced-up downtown.

DEPUTIES HONORED • The American Legion’s Saddleback Post honors SJC Investigator Scott McLeod and Deputy Joe Cope.

CITY HALL HERE? THERE? • The City Council decides a new City Hall should go on city-owned land next to Marbella Shopping Plaza. A judge ruled an earlier move to sell the land to a developer was improper because the city gained the land to use for public purposes. Somewhere along the way, the city dumps the Rancho Viejo Road plan, too.

February

March

LOSING THE RANCH • Crystal Cathedral Ministries announces it is closing Rancho Capistrano at the north end of town. The property later sells to

Here, Here Birdy. Courtesy photo www.thecapistranodispatch.com

College Town. Courtesy rendering

TEACHER PAY • An independent mediator agreed to by Capistrano Unified School District Trustees and teachers recommends a shorter school year, more students per class and a 1 percent pay cut.

Trustees don’t like the idea.

JEWELRY HEIST • Crooks not only made off with $1 million in jewels in an overnight burglary of Mission Jewelers on Del Obispo Street, they took the safe, too. Months earlier in an unrelated theft, thieves made off with $6 million in goods from Monaco Jewelers near Costco.

BORDER PATROL HAPPY HERE • The US Border Patrol feels welcome in Capistrano, agents told Mayor Lon Uso and Councilman Sam Allevato in a meeting scheduled after some residents alleged the city’s attitude kept patrols out of town. Streets sweeps just aren’t the agency’s focus now, officials say.

NAVY SAYS ‘NO’ • The Transportation Corridor Agency proposes a new route for the Foothill South Transportation Corridor that would see the road move further east into Camp Pendleton. That would avoid San Onofre State Park and lessen the impact on San Mateo Creek, but the Navy refuses to get onboard, saying it would interfere with operations at the Marine Base.

HERE, HERE, BIRDY • The Mission hosts

swallows expert Dr. Charles Brown to discuss why the swallows don’t return like they used to. He suggests increased urbanization are driving the birds elsewhere.

TOP COP • Mike Rupley is Capistrano’s Deputy of the Year after making some 386 arrests in a year, ranking in the top 2 percent of all South County deputies.

EVERYBODY LOVES A PARADE • The 51st Annual Swallows Day Parade, featuring Grand Marshal Melitas Forster, goes off without a hitch.

COLLEGE TOWN? • Private investors unveil a plan for a private, Christian college on 74 acres in north San Juan Capistrano.

April TEACHERS STRIKE • Teachers launch a five-day strike in Capistrano Unified over the imposed contract, spending the time picketing on streets near schools and at major intersections. When it ends, both sides claim victory.

TOO SECRET? • The District Attorney’s Office and city ask the Attorney General for an opinion on how much information should be disclosed when the city discusses a real-estate deal. The DA admits no law was broken, but says that office’s opinion of what should be disclosed differs from that of the city.

A BIG DOGGY BAG • Several restaurants and markets join a recycling effort that sends food waste to a composting facility for recycling, rather than sending it to the landfill.

BURIAL BATTLE • Longtime residents are angered when the Diocese of Orange takes over, and standardizes burial procedures and costs at the Historic Mission Cemetery off Ortega.

MAY SUPER HIRE • CUSD Trustees hire Dr. Joseph Farley to lead the district as superintendent. He’d been at Anaheim Union High School District. The choice is widely applauded.

RECOGNIZED • The City Council adds longtime volunteers Kathy Hooper and Shig Kinoshita, along with The Dispatch editor Jonathan Volzke, to the city’s Wall of Recognition.

(Cont. on page 6)

December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 5

Eye on SJC HOME DEPOT, AGAIN • The city-owned land on Stonehill Drive, where voters rejected a Home Depot in a 2006 advisory vote, is worth about $9 million, The Home Depot says in a letter to the city. The city again enters negotiations with the home improvement warehouse.

HONORED • Mike D’Arnold, a Rotarian and Capistrano resident, is honored as the Rotary District 5320’s 2010-2011 Award for Leaderships Excellence. D’Arnold works on student drug- and alcohol-intervention at Dana Hills High.

(Cont. from page 5) WATER WORKS • Several agencies, including San Juan Capistrano, hoping to tap the ocean for drinking water, launch a test project at Doheny State Beach.

RECALL ROLLS • Petitions with 65,000 signatures of registered voters are filed in support of a recall attempt against CUSD Trustees Mike Winsten and Ken Lopez Maddox.

OUTTA HERE • Economic Development Manager Douglas Dumhart leaves the city for a better job in La Palma after 24 years with Capistrano. His post remains vacant.

RIPPED OFF • Capistrano was among the victims of Belinda Exon, 55, who embezzled $3.9 million from two dozen California cities while working as an escrow officer. Capistrano’s loss was light: $2,056—and that was due to be reimbursed.

IT’S SHOWTIME • After more than a decade of waiting and anticipation, the Regency Theatres revamps and reopens the downtown movie house after the city gives a $450,000, 10-year, no-interest loan. Opening night included a special showing of Casablanca—theatre owner Lydon Golin’s favorite flick.

CITY SALE • In an effort to attract key projects, the City Councils outlines plans to waive some development fees up to 75 percent for new hotels and car dealerships.

CHAMBER CHANGES • Chamber Executive Director Karen Richesin bids farewell after six years in charge. The board hires Mark Bodenhamer from the South County Chamber to replace her.

June LAWSUIT LASHING • Capistrano is hit with a $6.7 million judgment after a judge determines the city imposed conditions on the Scalzo Family Trust’s plans to develop their land that essentially took the land from them. The Scalzos want to build 31 homes on 16 acres off Del Obispo.

BAD NOTE • Julian Sermano, 58, is convicted of murder in the slaying of Blas Gutierrez, 29. The men knew each other; the slaying comes after Gutierrez complains about Sermano’s singing as they drank together in Historic Town Center Park.

July RELAY FOR LIFE: The 24-hour Relay for Life, which raises money to fight cancer, returns to the Sports Park after a year at San Juan Hills High. Nearly 20 teams take part, raising well over $54,000.

COMMUNITY LOSS • T.J. Meadows, a lifelong Capistrano resident whose family at one time ran the ice house in town before Meadows went on to run the water district, passes away. Meadows, also considered the father of Capistrano’s Little League, was 84.

Friends of the Library. Courtesy photo

October

Dr. Rick Bogart. Photo by Heidi Mefferd

ANOTHER LOSS • Marco T. Forster, the son of Mary Jane Foley and Tony Forster, passed away on July 19. The seventh-generation Capistrano resident was 42 and left behind a wife, Sharon.

NEW DEAL • Continuing Life Communities, which proposes 750,000 square feet of retirement community on the previous Rancho Capistrano site north of town, amends its offer to the city: Instead of selling the city 116 acres of open space for $10 million, the company will protect open space free—if allowed to build a little more.

CLOSING • After 25 years in town, Slater & Sloane closes its doors.

SCHOOL’S OUT • Dr. Rick Bogart retires after 40 years with the Regional Occupation Program, including a dozen at the helm.

DO WE HAVE A DEAL FOR YOU • The City Council, acting as the redevelopment agency, approves a $5 million deal to help Tuttle-Click open up a Ford and Lincoln dealership on two closed Camino Capistrano car lots. The dealer gets $3 million when it opens and $2 million based on sales-tax revenues.

HEROES LOST • Capistrano mourns the loss of Corporal Jorge Villarreal Jr. and Lance Corporal Francisco Jackson, members of the city’s adopted Marine battalion killed in Afghanistan.

November

RIDE ‘EM COWBOY • The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo turns 10, and has already donated $1 million to local charities.

COACH CONVICTED • Former youth-sports coach Cameron Baca is convicted of molesting three boys after befriending their families.

SIGN UP • After 27 years, the Capistrano Regional Library finally gets an easy-to-see monument sign. The Friends of the Library raises $5,500 to pay the bill.

THE FINISH LINE • Challengers Larry Kramer, Derek Reeve and John Taylor gain seats in the City Council election. Mark Nielsen and Lon Uso lost their bids for re-election, and Councilman Tom Hribar kept to his promise to just hold one term. In the school board race, Mike Winsten and Ken Lopez Maddox are recalled, and John Alpay, Lynne Hatton, Gary Pritchard join incumbents Ellen Addonizio and Anna Bryson as winning candidates. Alpay, Hatton and Pritchard were part of a slate to overturn the incumbent control.

REFERENDUM • Residents circulate a petition and file signatures in an effort to overturn the City Council’s November 2 approval of the mixed-use Distrito La Novia project. The proposal, on both sides of La Novia east of Valle Road, called for homes, businesses and an equestrian center. Opponents say it is too much.

September

December

ALL WORKED UP • Emotions, and maybe more, are raised during a City Council meeting discussion about a possible rate surcharge to cover MtBE-related costs. Several council members say former councilman Dave Swerdlin flashed them the bird from the audience. Swerdlin denied it.

AND THE ANSWER IS… • After 30 years of waiting for a decision on whether they will be federal recognized as a tribe, the Juanenos are told they’ll have an answer by October. That was latter delayed and there was still no word as of mid-December.

HOME SWEET PLAYHOUSE • Shea Homes and HomeAid Orange County donate a custom-built playhouse, complete with granite countertops, wood floors and oak cabinets, to Mission Parish School.

MTBE DEAL? • As they were due to discuss implementing a rate surcharge to cover the costs of dealing with MtBE leaked into the groundwater by Chevron, the City Council announces a potential deal with the oil company. Details are still forthcoming, however.

STRIPPED OF STRIPES • A national paint shortage leaves Capistrano’s main streets repaved but without lane markings or stripes.

COMMUNITY LOSS • Ed Laurie, the longtime owner of Stitcheree, loses a long battle against cancer.

He dies in the arms of his son, Bob.

GROUNDBREAKING • Officials break ground on a $394 million Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton.

POWER PLAY • Some residents are upset when a new council majority of Sam Allevato, Larry Kramer and John Taylor select Allevato to serve his second term of Mayor instead of giving the largely-ceremonial job to Laura Freese, who served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2009.

SETTLEMENT • The City Council emerges from a closed-door meeting to announce Capistrano will pay the Scalzo Family Trust $6.35 to settle the developmentrelated lawsuits the family lodged against the city. The city claims the deal is $3 million less than the judgment, but the deal calls for the city to build millions of dollars in public improvements, too.

MANAGER SEARCH • Capistrano City Hall is closed on furlough when the posting goes up for a new City Manager. The job will pay $190,000 to $225,000, about what Dave Adams was making when he left the position 18 months ago. Since then, Joe Tait has served in the City Manager and Utilities Director positions simultaneously. He drew salaries totaling $324,000, but said he was saving the city money because he did not take retirement or other benefits. Council members noted his contracts were issues during the election and extend them for three months instead of the recommended nine as they launch their search. CD

August

Page 6 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

Best of 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.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street / Alipaz Street (Wednesday, January 6, 5:56 p.m.) A group of juveniles was seen throwing fresh oranges at passing vehicles.

DISTURBANCE La Novia Avenue / Calle Arroyo (Monday, January 18, 5:05 p.m.) An informant complained that she saw a group of children boogie boarding in a creek.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Ortega Highway / Del Obispo Street (Thursday, January 14, 2:32 p.m.) A woman was found dancing on the on-ramp of an exit. While cars and pedestrians passed by, she pulled down her pants and flashed them. She was later found at a gas station restroom.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Calle Roberto, 26200 Block (Sunday, February 7, 12:15 a.m.) Two party buses dropped off 60 raucous juveniles who were suspected to be involved in underaged drinking.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo Toscana, 26200 Block (Wednesday, February 3, 7:35 a.m.) A man said that there were several large rocks in front of his location. He believed that they were placed there maliciously.

CITIZEN ASSIST Millpond Court, 29700 Block (Monday, February 15, 11:47 a.m.) A woman wanted to talk to a deputy because her 11- and 12-year-old daughters were not minding or helping around the house.

BRANDISHING A WEAPON Via Ordaz, 28400 Block (Wednesday, February 10, 2:54 p.m.) An intoxicated man went to his neighbor’s residence with a machete and threatened to chop off the head of whoever was cutting down trees and making so much noise.

KEEP THE PEACE Calle Lorenzo, 26500 Block (Thursday, March 4, 6:10 p.m.) A man reported that someone was running a mechanic shop from their garage and were refusing to release his vehicle to him.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Avenida Evita, 31600 Block (Friday, February 26, 9:43 a.m.) A group of movers reportedly found a gun under a mattress that they were moving. One of the movers was accidentally shot in the hand with the weapon.

BRANDISHING A WEAPON Calle Reynalda, 31900 Block (Sunday, March 21, 6:58 p.m.) A man allegedly jumped over his neighbor’s wall while a party was going on at the residence and threatened to shoot their computer and speakers with a shotgun. After the threat, the man returned to his house.

DISTURBANCE Calle San Luis, 26400 Block (Friday, March 19, 9:41 p.m.) A woman reported that her neighbor called her names after the neighbor’s dog bit her dog.

The woman said she was upset because she is pregnant and she shouldn’t have to deal with this.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Camino Capistrano/Ortega Highway (Thursday, March 18, 3:03 p.m.)

A bus was forced to pull over because a female passenger was reportedly cussing out other passengers.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Capistrano, 32400 Block (Tuesday, April 13, 6:14 p.m.) A heavy-set

man was seen near the Vons’ shopping center wearing a gas mask and carrying a brown paper bag.

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Paseo Carolina, 32200 Block (Sunday, May 9, 5:49 p.m.) A woman was heard yelling and cussing at a 14-year-old girl for staying out late, drinking, taking drugs and spending time with older men.

DISTURBANCE San Juan Creek Road, 28000 Block (Saturday, May 1, 2:18 p.m.) The principal of Ambuehl Elementary School reported that there were several petitioners trying to get signatures while he was trying to conduct a school carnival.

DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (Wednesday, May 26, 9:50 a.m.) A man called to report his wife was trying to beat him up.

The rifle and pistol were safely locked in the closet, but the woman was in the other room on the phone to her attorney.

DISTURBANCE Paseo del Lucero, 32900 Block (Wednesday, May 26, 1:17 a.m.) A woman reported her neighbor sprayed her with a garden hose.

DISTURBANCE Verdugo Street/Camino Capistrano (Saturday, May 22, 10:43 p.m.) A man reported he’d left his cell phone in a cab. When he called the number, the cabbie agreed to bring back the phone, but when he arrived, he wanted money from the man. “No cash, no phone,” the cabbie said.

CITIZEN ASSIST Los Rios Street, 31400 Block (Friday, May 21, 1:21 p.m.) A woman called authorities when her 14-year-old daughter came home with a tattoo.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Aspen Way/ Edgewood Road (Monday, June 7, 9:11 p.m.) A group of eight juveniles were in a park partially nude and engaging in some sort of sexual behavior.

WELFARE CHECK Ortega Highway, 27100 Block (Wednesday, June 16, 9:25 p.m.) A server at a local restaurant called about a man who has been coming in over the past couple of weeks with various women.

The server thinks the man is slipping them something in their drinks because they act wasted very quickly. When the server called, he described the man as having brown hair, a beard and wearing a hat, jacket and jeans and was with a woman whose face looked like she has had a lot of plastic surgery.

DISTURBANCE Hunt Club Drive, 30600 Block (Thursday, June 24, 3:43 p.m.) A gardener sprayed the informant’s elderly grandmother with a hose, then left in a truck.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Ortega Highway/San Diego Freeway- 5

Page 8 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011

(Monday, July 19, 8:37 p.m.) A man called to report a gas station employee, because he was mopping the ground with soap and water and he was concerned other customers will fall. The caller slipped and fell right next to the sign that said “wet floor” and appeared be drunk. He described the employee as looking like the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz. DISTURBANCE Via Priorato, 27300 Block (Saturday, August 8, 2:52 a.m.) A woman says her husband got into an argument and her husband took all her clothes and threw them in their backyard fireplace. She said her two children witnessed the argument.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS Camino Capistrano, 33100 Block (Sunday, August 1, 1:11 a.m.) A caller said she was with some friends who had other acquaintances with them that confessed to a murder that occurred in Las Vegas. The woman said she was scared and said her friends wanted to leave with her but she didn’t want to because the murderer was possibly with them.

CITIZEN ASSIST Camino Capistrano/San Diego Freeway (Monday, September 6, 11:07 a.m.)

A woman wanted to talk to deputies because her husband struck her 14-yearold son.

BATTERY REPORT Summerfield Lane, 27600 Block (Friday, October 1, 7:31 p.m.) A parent reported their 10-year-old daughter was assaulted by a classmate at school.

HIT AND RUN Paseo Acacia, 31200 Block (Saturday, November 20, 7:28 p.m.) A truck crashed into a fence and took off. A 26year-old man was cited-and-released. He listed his occupation as a “politician.”

CITIZEN ASSIST Anchor Circle, 25700 Block (Sunday, October 17, 10:45 a.m.) A resident called because a member of their homeowners’ association was behind their house taking photos. The resident wanted to file a complaint against the HOA board member.

TRESPASSING Paseo Hacienda, 28000 Block (Saturday, October 16, 6:34 p.m.) Someone was fishing for goldfish in a private pond.

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

WELFARE CHECK Ortega Highway/Del Obispo Street (Friday, November 19, 8:54 p.m.) A diner spotted a child at restaurant with two black eyes and other bruising and thought the child may be the victim of abuse. A deputy discovered it was makeup from a school play. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

2

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

JONATHAN VOLZKE: My Turn

A Year in Review

I

’ve always admired Time Magazine for its gumption in naming a “Person of the Year,” a tradition that goes back to 1927 when Charles Lindbergh graced the cover.

Sometimes the decision is easy— Lindbergh was followed by Walter Chrysler (who had unveiled the Plymouth), Gandhi got it in 1930 and FDR twice, in ’32 and ’34. In 1950, it was “G.I. Joe,” a tribute to America’s soldiers, in 1966 “Young People,” in 68 “U.S. Astronauts and the “Middle Class” in 1969. Women were honored in 1975, and in 1982, the Person of the Year wasn’t a person at all, but simply “The Computer.” In 1988, it was “The Endangered Earth.”

But the magazine ran into a bit of trouble in 1938, when Adolph Hitler was its “Person of the Year.” The magazine explained simply it’s not about who is good or bad, just who (or what) has the biggest impact on the year. Capistrano, of course, has a “Citizen of the Year,” selected from nominees by previous winners.

Those are all wonderful people who have done incredible things, but often times it is not linked to any single

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The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 8, Issue 24. 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.

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event, nor in the previous year.

I’m not sure who the Person of the Year would be in Capistrano, even after spending a few hours reviewing a year of the news for this annual wrap-up.

City Manager Joe Tait could have been a nominee— his contract either saved the city a lot of money or helped lead to big changes in the City Council. Justelected Councilman Larry Kramer cited the discussion of Tait’s contract in the election as the council moved to find a permanent replacement in three months. His work with the MtBE and Groundwater Recovery Plant isn’t quite finished up, and it will be interesting to see if the new council follows through with what was Tait’s primary mission—reorganizing City Hall by decreasing the number of employees and increasing the use of outsourcing.

If I had to, though, my Person of the Year would be the Open Space Committee. Again, either heroes or villains, depending on who you side with. Certainly, the committee’s work creating a lasting impact on Capistrano, perhaps more so than any other recent effort.

Even selecting a Story of the Year would be difficult. The proposal by San Juan Colleges to build on 74 acres in the north part of town was big, although there hasn’t been a public hearing on the plan yet.

The election was obviously big, although I’m still not

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.

sure what message voters sent, ousting two incumbents but replacing them with two men that didn’t really challenge any of their policies or plans. Distrito La Novia took up a lot of newspaper ink, but isn’t really the scope that would impact the entire city.

The downtown plan to inject energy into the ailing central core would be a strong candidate, too, but that has months—if not years—of discussion ahead.

The bottom line: One of the greatest advantages about San Juan Capistrano is that virtually anyone can be a Person of the Year, and every story is important to somebody. A great advantage, and a great challenge.

Let me know what you think at www.thecapistranodispatch.com—and thanks for a great 2010.

Letters to the Community SUPPORT FOR FREESE —C. Schneider, San Juan Capistrano The last council meeting where new council was sworn in and old council members were retired was a difficult meeting to attend.

I agree with Mark Nielsen in that Laura Freese was passed over for Mayor. How could anyone think that Laura has not helped this community? She has been focused on working in the community, leading it toward better days since before her election. She is well-liked, hard-working, well-respected and above all would have been a wonderful representative as Mayor of San Juan Capistrano. That two new council members would come up with the idea that Laura could not do a wonderful job in representing Capistrano at the regional level is nonsense. She has been on council for four years, and to those of us who know her she is a terrific leader.

I’m just wondering where the idea came from to oust her. Her grace at the council meeting that night, shows her dignity and respectfulness. Mr. Kramer and Mr. Taylor might be fine people and leaders, but they

don’t know the ins and outs of our city government quite yet, and I’m wondering if a personal agenda existed to not allow Laura Freese to become Mayor.

I hope that backfires on the person or persons who planned it that way. I think all of us know that the plan to nominate Sam Allevato existed even before the meeting started.

I sure hope this council realizes they have a commitment to the community and not just to themselves for personal agendas. I hope Mr. Nielsen is correct in that Mr. Kramer will step aside in 2011 and forego being Mayor to allow the one who was so deserving in 2010 to serve as Mayor. The community has trust and faith in Laura Freese—let’s just hope those on council who should hear our voices and represent us, learn the type of leader Laura Freese is today.

SUPPORT FOR DISTRITO —Dr. Julie Ryan Johnson, San Juan Capistrano For the past few months we have seen a lot of coverage in the local newspapers on the community’s feedback over the Distrito La Novia project. The

Page 10 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011

development includes an equestrian center which has kicked up a bit of concern with a few of the project’s neighbors. Invitations from professionals to tour The Shea Therapeutic Riding Center have fallen on deaf ears. Had they toured the center they would have seen the stringent restrictions that have been put in place for all future stables. Instead they chose to complain about flies and manure, a non-existent problem at the Shea Center. Despite aerial maps that showed how existing stables are located closer to residents than the proposed project, we still heard from the vocal minority that they did not want change. In keeping with the 501 (c) 3 non-profit San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition’s mission, the equestrians have advocated for education and preserving the equestrian lifestyle. Because of my involvement with this charity, I can not speak on behalf of the membership. But as a resident of San Juan Capistrano for over 35 years, I feel I must comment on the misinformation that has been circulated. Therefore, I am writing this letter (Cont. on page 12) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX Letters (Cont. from page 10) because I have recently been informed by a citizen that was accosted outside of Vons that they were told

by Mr. Trevor Dale that I and the SJCEC supported the referendum. You have no idea how upset I am that someone who I have never met has decided to use my name as well as a non-profit charity’s name to garner more signatures. I don’t know how many of those signatures this has effected but I believe in a level playing field. The citizens of San Juan Capistrano have the right to ask for a referendum despite the costs that an already cash strapped city will incur. I also believe the citizens of San Juan Capistrano should hear a fair and balanced discussion and weigh all the facts before choosing where they stand on this issue. Please keep in mind that economic impact reports have shown how stables contribute to both income and employment for the city, whereas the previously approved 440 unit housing development will be a drain on already scarce resources. Furthermore, I think Mr. Dale owes me and the SJCEC a public apology for misrepresenting us in his endeavor to collect signatures.

Anger Over Referendum —Renee Ritchie, San Juan Capistrano I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore.

The petition mongers against the Distrito de La Novia have misled many folks about what this project is and have led folks to believe that this is a project which would lead to a tremendous residential build, commercial type of businesses and many “stores” which would all lead to more traffic, an eyesore and a conglomerate of mishmash, basically which does not belong in San Juan.

I know that when I was approached they made no mention of a state of-the-art equestrian facility that was originally for approximately 750 horses which was negotiated down to 400. Perhaps it was because of my jeans and my purse which resembles a horseshoe?

They only spoke to me of what might sway me to sign on the dotted line.

I have someone who helps me out on our property with my two horses who is a Hispanic gentlemen, he is well educated and works extremely hard for his family and contributes to our community. He told me that he was approached at Ralphs for a signature regarding this project and he said he signed it. I asked him why, and he informed me that they told him there would be a huge development of housing and stores which would take away from our Open Space and the feel of San Juan. I asked him if they informed him about the stable that would also be a part of the development and he looked at me like we were talking about two different projects. He said no way, I would have never signed it if I would have known that, and they never said anything about the equestrian stables.

The stables afford many jobs and are a huge part of our history. I believe our Hispanic neighbors are as proud of our equestrian history, our Caballos, and know the value they add to San Juan.

I was on the Open Space Committee for the last five years and believe me I would never support a project that was not something I feel would enhance, benefit, continue to add and support character to our city.

There was some mud-slinging at our Open Space Committee from certain residents, but I chose to ignore it because I knew those of us on this Committee were honest, caring, educated folks who only “chose” to be on the Open Space Committee because we love this town and its people and had nothing but good intentions to enhance our Open Space for all! So I ignored the slander and untruths but I can’t now.

PATRICK O’BRIEN: The Way I See It

Women Just Can’t Get a Break M

ale chauvinism is alive and education world, it is not even a consideration. We well on the San Juan Capistlive and work in a gender neutral culture, at least at rano City Council. It seems my college. fitting that it showed its ugly head at Which then brings up the question: Before their the December 7th meeting, a date retirement, did Mr. Kramer and Mr. Allevato live in indelibly etched in my generation’s worlds in which it was automatically assumed that a PATRICK mind as the surprise attack on Pearl female would take second position, always give way O’BRIEN Harbor. This was no attack, but it did to the more “qualified” male? One is from the military come as a surprise, particularly to Laura Freese and the other from law enforcement. Having myself been the rest of us who saw no real reason for changing the raised a military brat of a U.S. Marine colonel, I had usual ascendency of the mayor pro tempore to mayor, plenty of opportunity to see the early military in aca largely ceremonial office. tion at the officer level. Gender bias?—you bet, from But there it was, a former submarine commander the generals on down. It is a man’s world. I suspect launching a verbal torpedo to advance Sam Allevato it still is. Authoritarian organizations tend to be that to the mayoral position, a man who had already been way. It’s cultural, historical and “just the way things mayor, a man who several years ago was appointed to are done.” This is not to criticize the military, but for the council and said he would only those of us who have served, we stay until the end of that term and know this is true. It is there, period.

“At least two councilhas hence run and been elected Women are second—always. men need to be schooled at least once, if not twice, to the As to law enforcement? I’ll let council. He may well deserve those them answer that. I have my suspiin “graciousness.” Laura elections, but one should be careful cions and I have seen it in action.

Freese could handle the about what one announces.

Nonetheless, the Messrs Kramer Mr. Hribar who vowed he and Allevato might review their job easily. I hope she is would end his city council career thinking and really ask themselves, never called upon to get at the end of the term, stepped “Why have we skipped Laura down in a gentlemanly manner Freese? Is it because she’s a woman them a cup of coffee. and gained everyone’s respect. and a woman can wait?” If not that, Let’s see if she really gets then we are in for a real interesting He has served well.

So I looked for a real reason that in San Juan if this is simply her chance. I, quite frank- ride Laura Freese, a woman of creative petty politics. and rational intelligence, a person Unfortunately, we have lost ly, would tell them where who has served the business one of our best and brightest city to put their mayoralty.” community well, a person who has councilmen, and now we are going tirelessly worked for the betterto see what the politicos are going ment of the community, was rejected. Yes, that sums it to do. Will the nuance of creative intelligence become up—rejected. True, Mr. Kramer condescendingly rean orphan? Will we be viewing things from the minded Laura Freese that she would be mayor before simplified world of more conservative world? Will we her term was up. He, incidentally, has now assumed simply have more of the Mississippi Orange County her position as mayor pro tempore. Why do I get the approach to solving problems? I hope not. feeling that “daddy” is dispensing gifts in due time?

This is not a good beginning. At least two councilPerhaps even more disturbing is that Mr. Allevato men need to be schooled in “graciousness.” Laura accepted the nomination. One could expect more from Freese could handle the job easily. I hope she is never him than that. A gracious declining, a putting aside of called upon to get them a cup of coffee. Let’s see if the “crown” would have been more appropriate. It is she really gets her chance. I, quite frankly, would perplexing. It is downright confusing. tell them where to put their mayoralty. But I’m not Then I remind myself that in my profession one running for office. She’s smart enough to know what works with women on an equal basis at all levels, to do. I think she has them hands down. She underparticularly at college level. My male colleagues, with stands nuance and how to get things done. I’m starta few exceptions, never thought that you had to be ing to have my doubts about them. You don’t make a a man to handle the job. One of Cypress College’s major gaff at the beginning. Save that for the middle finest presidents was a woman. Many of the deans of your term. and teachers, about half, are women. Gender is not an Patrick O’Brien has been a resident of San Juan issue. In fact as dean a few years ago when we were Capistrano for 40 years. He taught English and Jourseeking a new hire in one department, a colleague nalism at Cypress College and was Dean of Language said to me: “We need to hire a man to get another Arts at the end of his teaching career. He is still active perspective. We are one hundred percent women in writing a newsletter for the college and writes here and qualified but perhaps we should consider freelance for various publications, as well as currently the slight difference a male perspective might offer.” “shopping around” four novels—a fifth is on the way.

Is there a glass ceiling? Is there latent gender bias?

He and his wife Marilyn are originally from the San Not that I’ve seen in thirty plus years. But for us in the Francisco Bay Area.

I have attended City Council meetings regarding this project and a major grievance that was brought to the Council from members of the audience was the “smell” that would be a part of the stables and the close proximity to their neighborhood. I was hopeful that many of us who are equestrians were able to alleviate this concern but I think not. It was also brought up that the traffic would be worse because of the

Page 12 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011

stables. If you would hang out at Tar Farms you would see that the traffic lends itself to just about nothing.

Most people have jobs and don’t drive back and forth all day. When they do get to visit their equestrian pals they stay there most of the day and the cars stay in the parking lot while they are “riding” their horses in the arena (Cont. on page 17) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX Letters (Cont. from page 12)

F R O M T H E M I N D O F Z ELESKI

and/or on our 57 plus miles of trails.

Our horses are on our property and we live across the street from Tar Farms, upwind, and smell and flies have never been an issue. Many in our neighborhood are not equestrians and they have never complained to me about flies and smells, believe me they would.

When we moved into Hidden Valley, I went to the city to see what the zoning would be above us that was undeveloped, it is now Juliana Farms. I was informed it was zoned for residential so I knew that the trails which we rode tofrom the backside of our property could be short-lived.

So now we look at some lovely homes instead of the hills and open space but we knew the probability was high and I am hopeful that our friends of Juliana Farms enjoy looking down at our horses and Tar Farms.

It is our responsibility to research what might be built around us prior to purchasing our home.

So now folks, we may get a hotel, housing and another school. Hmm I wonder why we moved to San Juan instead of our neighboring Cities.

As for me it was about equestrian history, natural ambiance, character of this town, and its friendly community feelings. The Swallows Day parade is attended by many and I never heard any complaints about smell or flies as the horses travel down our streets and bring a smile to many faces.

So perhaps if this comes to a vote for our residents don’t let the nay sayers and untruths cloud your perception of this amazing project. Educate yourselves and preserve and enhance what we are known for.

The Serpent of Lerna in SJC? —Jim Schneider, San Juan Capistrano I may not be Hercules, but I will fight this beast so long as I live in SJC. A hydra has the body of a hound and 100 serpentine heads. As if this weren’t bad enough, it also had poisonous breath and it was so hideous that it caused most people to die of fear from simply seeing it (like your water bill). Sounds like our Utilities Department with the many heads of surcharges, increases, Ground Water Recovery Plant (GWRP), unnecessary pipelines, broken infrastructure, overpaid City Manager, rate studies, consultants, etc.

I remember it well…got off work, cleaned up, headed to City Hall to voice my opinion as to the proposed Chevron MtBE Water Commodity Surcharge (Surcharge) by City Council. On the docket as E. 1.

Packed house, no seats available and standing room only in City Hall. Meeting begins, typical stuff, and then…Mayor Uso clears his throat and gets everyone’s attention….what comes next? He holds up all the yellow comment cards (about 200) for topic E.1. stating that they (City Council) are removing this item from the agenda as a deal has been struck with Chevron….

HUGE NEWS…the crowd erupts in cheers and clapping. He goes on and further states that anyone who still wishes to speak on this topic is allowed; however, it will fall on deaf ears.

What a crock. I did not cheer or clap. There is no deal and there never was. I spoke to a Chevron representative that very night who was in attendance and he had no idea what Uso was talking about. Perhaps this is why he and Mr. Nielsen no longer represent (or misrepresent) us.

Now, three new council members are at the helm.

Two leftovers remain. I’ll ask the elephant-in-the-room question to Mr. Allevato and Ms. Freese…where is this brokered deal with Chevron? All I hear is crickets…

Five years the MtBE has remained in our groundwater without remediation. Five years. Dance Hall Well was turned off by the city needlessly and Chevron was www.thecapistranodispatch.com

(and remains) unable to access city property to begin cleanup of this environmental case—both actions costing the city much money. The City Council and the City Manager decided that constructing our own treatment facility to clean up the MtBE was a good idea. What qualifications does the City Manager or our plant workers possess when it comes to remediation of petroleum and related contaminants? What happens when your design fails to meet your unrealistic expectations?

I hope that new Council members dig into this so-called deal and provide some answers for the residents. I want them to provide Chevron the access they need to clean up the MtBE. By preventing Chevron access, we may also be named as a Responsible Party by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, meaning we have to pay for the clean up.

Does anyone in this city want to pay for this cleanup?

I thought not. Chevron will cleanup the MtBE with or without our city’s help. We will not be able to extort money from them for this cleanup. It seems (to a humble outsider such as myself) that this was the original plan hatched by former council members, et al. The best solution for our GWRP is mothball the system and buy our water direct from Metro. On the same night that former Mayor Uso stunned the crowd, the council also voted on two items for the Dance Hall Well and the CVWD #1 Well. If memory serves, $42,000 and $70,000 respectively was authorized to fix pumps, etc. Doesn’t seem like much to repair a well—until you add up all the authorized

costs over a period of a year. Adds up to millions. The GWRP works, yes—but at such a high yearly maintenance cost, its validity is in question. Where does this leave us residents? Will we face another Surcharge threat? Another water rate hike? Finally, I ask the City Council…Where is the hydra groundwater cleanup deal and what are the details?

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

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

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

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

December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 17

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

friday24

CHRISTMAS EVE

GO SEE DO

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT CASINO SAN CLEMENTE

Put on your dancing shoes and ring in the New Year at San Clemente Historical Society’s 2nd annual “New Year’s Eve under the Dome” at the historic Casino San Clemente. This festive welcome to 2011 will take place from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., on December 31 and event organizers say this year’s party promises one of the most exciting celebrations of the New Year in South Orange County.

“The historic Casino is even more beautiful than it was last year,” said Historical Society President Georgette Korsen. “Linda and Shaheen Sadeghi have done a marvelous job of its restoration and the whole venue just shines.”

When the Casino first opened in 1937 it immediately became a popular Orange County social hub. The unique round ball room, domed roof and floating dance floor Casino San Clemente. Photo by Andrea Swayne drew crowds of locals, dignitaries and celebrities. The renovation has brought the building back to its original splendor and is once again making for an awe inspiring entertainment venue. The event will feature live music by the band Hot Pursuit, delectable appetizers, a sit-down dinner and dessert bar by San Clemente restaurateur Tony Carbonara. The party is a fundraising event to benefit the Historical Society and will include a silent auction and raffle. Individual tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased by calling 949.493.5561. Attendees are encouraged to order their tickets as soon as possible, as this event sells out quickly! Cocktail attire is requested. For more information, log on to www.sanclementehistoricalsociety.org and click on “Events.” —Andrea Swayne

SCIENCE OF GINGERBREAD

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Holiday exhibit at the Discovery Science Center with gingerbread fun! Features activities, shows, displays, cookie decorating, workshops and more. Open through Jan. 2. Adults $12.95, kids $9.95. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823, www.discoverycube.org.

PLANT & MISTLETOE WALK

9 a.m.-11 a.m. Sunday morning walk through the wild lands at The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy searching for seasonal fruits and more. Adults $10, kids $5, members free. Info and directions: 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

HEARTLESS CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

12 p.m.-8 p.m. The Vintage Steak House offers its traditional menu with holiday specials. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

7:30 p.m. Annual holiday production of the classic story at the South Coast Repertory. Shows through Dec. 26; times vary. Tickets $20-$66. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555, www.scr.org.

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS

7 a.m.; 4 p.m.; 6 p.m.; 8 p.m. Multiple special services at Mission Basilica (8 p.m. service in Spanish). 26801 Ortega, 949.234.1360, www.missionparish.org.

CAROLERS CONCERT AND MIDNIGHT MASS

8 p.m. Reggae concert at The Coach House; also with Entropy / Phat Reggae Dub Status. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse. com.

SIGNATURE SAFARI

Capt Dave’s Dolphin Safari gets you up-close and personal with whales and sea life right off Dana Point aboard a high-tech catamaran sailboat. Departures daily, call for times and ask about discounts. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

saturday25

KIDS HOLIDAY CRAFTS

8 a.m.; 9 a.m.; 11 a.m.; 1 p.m. Multiple services at Mission Basilica (1 p.m. is in Spanish). 31522 Camino Capistrano, 949.234.1360, www.missionparish.org.

CAFÉ MOZART CHRISTMAS DINNER

4 p.m.-8 p.m. Special dinner menu at Café Mozart for the holiday.

31952 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.0212, www.cafemozart.net.

CHRISTMAS BUFFET AND DINNER

12 p.m.; 3 p.m. Join the Ritz Carlton for a holiday buffet in the oceanfront Pavilions (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) or dinner at Raya (3 p.m.9 p.m.). Cost $110 adults, $55 kids. 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.

sunday26 HOLIDAY BRUNCH

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Irons in the Fire hosts their legendary brunch with a holiday twist. Cost $22.95 each, includes champagne. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena, San Clemente, 949.542.3900, www.beachfire. com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

BRANDI SMITH & MICK TARAS

6 p.m.-9 p.m. Acoustic music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

PATO BANTON

monday27

CHRISTMAS DAY MASS

KARAOKE

thursday30

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

11:30 p.m. Special holiday concert and midnight Mass in Serra Chapel.

CHRISTMAS DAY

wednesday29

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.

YARD DOGS ROAD SHOW

8 p.m. Special stage show with the “hobo cabaret,” that’s “a living patchwork of vaudeville and rock and roll.” Tickets $15 advance, $18 day of show. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

THREE CHORD JUSTICE

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

12 p.m.-2 p.m. The Mission offers holiday crafts for kids including doll making and toy making/decorating Dec 27-29.

Free with paid admission, $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

MOMMY MOVIE MONDAYS

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

friday31

NEW YEAR’S EVE

NYE AT THE VINTAGE

9 p.m. The Vintage Steak House hosts a NYE party with Evitte Palmer with The Rocketts performing and dinner with specials.

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

NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE TUBES

8 p.m. The Coach House presents the exciting, in-your-face band for a crazy fun NYE concert. Tickets $35. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

tuesday28

SWALLOW’S INN NYE PARTY

KNITLIT - THE KNITTING BOOK GROUP

6 p.m. Bring your craft or knitting project and discuss the book Emma by Jane Austen with group members. Refreshments provided, book copies at checkout desk. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

COMPUTER LAB

8:45 a.m. Computer lessons at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

CHERYL SILVERSTEIN & JOHN PAUL KEENE

7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Female vocalist and pianist duo perform holiday tunes and jazz standards at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

8:30 p.m. Three Chord Justice performs and lots more fun to ring in the new year at Swallow’s Inn. Tickets $15 presale, $20 door. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

MOLLY BLOOMS’ NYE PARTY

9 p.m. New Years Eve party with two champagne toasts (4 p.m., midnight) and live music at Molly Blooms Irish Bar & Restaurant.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

SCG’S UNDERCOVER NYE PARTY

8 p.m.-11 p.m. NYE bash at Salt Creek Grille with all type of dance music by the band Undercover and much more fun! 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

(Cont. on page 20)

December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 19

GETTING OUT

Dispatch Restaurant Spotlight

By Andrea Swayne

Chipotle Mexican Grill 32391 Golden Lantern, Suite A, 949.272.5605, www.chipotle.com BEST KNOWN FOR: Fresh food

MOST POPULAR ITEM: Build-your-own burritos

Since founder Steve Ells started his first restaurant in Denver, Colorado in 1993, Chipotle has enjoyed a loyal following. They even have a page on their website devoted to fan photos, videos and stories from people all over the world. The word fan is, after all, from the word fanatic that refers to someone with intense enthusiasm and devotion for something. Why? Because the food is just that good! The menu is short, but the options are endless. Mix and match fresh ingredients to create delicious burritos, tacos and salads. Choose from high quality meats cooked to tender and juicy perfection—the steak and chicken are marinated and grilled and the pork carnitas and barbacoa shredded beef are seasoned and braised. Then layer on your choice of fajita veggies, black or pinto beans, corn, cilantro-lime rice, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, crisp lettuce and three styles of salsas. For those watching their carb intake, order a burrito bowl—everything that would normally go inside a burrito, but without the tortilla. As Chipotle has grown into a large chain—now a publicly traded stock with over 870 locations—the quality of the food has been carefully maintained. In fact, it’s better. For over a decade now, Chipotle has made it their mission to source sustainably raised food whenever possible—naturally raised chicken and pork, local organic produce and dairy from cows raised without synthetic hormones—and is continually looking for new sources that meet their high standards. The food is served fast, but it definitely is not fast food.

Chipotle Mexican Grill. Photo by Heidi Mefferd

PRICE RANGE: $1.65-$6.63 RESERVATIONS: Not necessary

PAYMENT: Cash, credit card HOURS: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. every day

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” share your thoughts about this week’s restaurant.

(Cont. from page 19)

BEACHFIRE NYE BASH

monday03

IRONS’ NYE PARTY

LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION ACROSS AMERICA

8 p.m. New Year’s Eve bash with party favors, dancing, music and much more at BeachFire. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

9 p.m. Ring in the new year at Irons in the Fire with dancing and live music by The Bell Peppers, a ball drop and more! 150 E. Avenida Magdalena, San Clemente, 949.542.3900, www.beachfire.com.

NYE DJ PARTY

7:30 p.m.-close. Mahe hosts a New Year’s Eve party with a live DJ and much more fun. 24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.6243, www.eatatmahe.com.

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

tuesday04

FLOCK OF 80S NYE BASH

8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Renaissance does New Year’s Eve 80s style with the band Flock of 80’s and much more. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

NYE SILVER BALL AT THE RITZ

8 p.m. The Ritz Carlton presents a fancy NYE party with a live orchestra, performances, dinner, champagne toast and more. Tickets $350.

1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.

saturday01 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.

DAVE MASON

8 p.m. The legendary artist from Worcester, England, performs at the Coach House. Tickets $35. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

FERNANDO RAMOS

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

sunday02 SAVED BY THE MISSION BELL

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

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

11 a.m. Children ages 3-6 and caregivers are invited to the library for stories, songs, crafts and fun. No registration required.

31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www. ocpl.org.

2-FOR-1 TUESDAYS

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.

wednesday05 OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET

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

BILINGUAL STORYTIME

11:30 a.m. Children of all ages are invited to join us for stories and crafts in Spanish and English every Wednesday. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

thursday06 TOWER OF POWER

8 p.m. The popular contemporary group performs at The Coach House. Tickets $39.50. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

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

Send your listing to editor@thecapistranodispatch.com

Page 20 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011

ON STAGE

Vaudeville Meets Rock and Roll Yard Dogs Road Show Stops at The Coach House

T

he Yard Dogs Road Show is a hobo cabaret, a living patchwork of vaudeville and rock and roll. In the enchanting land of stage show entertainment theirs is both pleasant and formidable terrain. They require sensitivity to the subtle and the absurd. They lead the modern hobohemian on a visual and sonic journey through part of history that may or may not have existed—followed by an ambitious return to the emotional challenges of our punchdrunk contemporary world.

We caught up with Shenandoah Ableman, performer and publicist for YDRS via E-mail, on what the audience is in store for at the upcoming Coach House show.

Please relate to our readers the essence of your upcoming show and how the evening will progress. The Yard Dog’s latest review is a sonic and psychedelic experience you will NEVER forget! We’ll quickly sweep you off your feet in astral flight through sensual dreamscapes of tropical isles, ponies and carousels… singing showgirls, death-defying feats, and… by magic and mysticism we guarantee to break you free of the bondage of the material world and enter our realm of dreams come true. Finally, a circus that is more than smoke and mirrors…

How has the act changed over the years since the YDRS was formed in 1998? The Yard Dogs Road Show has shifted many times since it’s conception and continues to evolve with each year. It is an ever-changing beast of creation that no one person has the reigns on. To put it simply, it has grown from a three-piece jug band playing at abandoned shacks and agreeable bars into a thirteen-person production with dancing girls, a sword swallower, a chicken, a lighting and sound crew, a driver, loads of stage props and banners that all fits snugly inside our 1972 GMC tour bus, June Rider.

If you look up “eclectic” in the dictionary, the first definition will be Yard Dogs Road Show. As soon as you’ve warmed up to the sword swallower, you’re senses are dismantled and reassembled to embrace larger than life rabbits and rainbows, sexy burlesque, belly dancers and hard-hitting rock and roll. This show will leave you more than satisfied.

The Yard Dogs Road Show will be The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, December 30. Tickets can are $15 in advance, $18 day of show. CD —A.J. Bardzilowski www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Cast Your Vote!

The Capistrano Dispatch “Best of San Juan” People’s Choice Horseshoe Awards 2010 Vote for your favorite businesses in San Juan Capistrano. The ones who serve amazing food, create the best ambiance or sell the coolest products.

You can even vote for your favorite locations and beaches. It’s all up to you—you, the reader—to decide the “Best of San Juan.” (We just report it...)

Cast your vote by faxing or mailing in this form, dropping off your votes at our office or going online to www.thecapistranodispatch.com. Votes must be received by January 29 by midnight. One vote per person.

Mail: The Capistrano Dispatch, Attn.: Horseshoe Awards, 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 Fax: 949.388.9977 Web site: www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Name:

Age:

Zip code:

Dining…

Outdoors…

Best Breakfast

Best Trail

Best Lunch

Best Park for Kids

Best Appetizer

Best “Illegal” Spot for Dogs

Best Dinner

Best Stables

Best Dessert

Best Picnic Spot

Best Ambiance Best Outdoor Patio

History and Heritage …

Best Cup of Coffee

Best Historical Spot

Best Taco

Best Capistrano Tradition

Best Salsa

Best Place to Spot the Swallows

Best Pizza

Best Example of “Preserving the Past to Protect the Future” Best Reason to Live in San Juan Capistrano

Nightlife…

Best Nightspot

Showing Off …

Best Margarita

Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners

Best Bartender

Best Place to Take Children

Our Local “Cheers” Best Spot for a Glass of Wine Best Wine Selection

Living…

Best Shopping Plaza Best Hair Salon/Barbershop Best Spa or Gym Best Manicure Best Car Repair/Service Best Dry Cleaner Best Jewelry Best Clothing Best Flowers Best Home Décor Best Spot for that “Perfect Gift” Best Vet Best Art or Framing Shop Best Nursery Best Customer Service

Thank you for voting!

Spread the word: tell your friends to vote, too. Results will be published in the February 11 issue of the The Capistrano Dispatch.

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

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS Four-A Electric

949.240.8844 32432 Alipaz, Ste. C, fouraelectric@sbcglobal.net Excel Electric - CA #793860 949.493.7769 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com

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

HOUSE FOR RENT House for Rent in Lake Elsinore 4 bed, 2 bath, 1472 sq ft., 3 car garage and space for RV or boat parking. Central heat and A/C. Nice size fenced yard, covered patio, great neighborhood. One block from Lake, close to 74 HWY. Available immediately. $1,450/M 949.201.8551

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Do you want to reach 11,500+ people in the San Juan Capistrano area?

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Then you need to be in the Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today!

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE www.thecapistranodispatch.com

December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 23

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Note: The Community Coffee Chat will resume January 7.

tuesday 1.04 City Council Meeting 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

friday 1.07 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.

Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes.

saturday 1.08 Second Saturday Art Fair 10 a.m. Wander Capistrano’s historic downtown amid artists and craftsmen selling their wares. Runs until 5 p.m. See www.sjcartfair.org for information.

tuesday 1.11 Capistrano Unified School District Board Meeting 7 p.m.

CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road. *Meeting agendas at www.sanjuancapistrano.org

Santa’s Helpers Stop at Shea

Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Santa’s volunteer helpers at the Shea Center included (left to right) Councilman John Taylor, Rotarian and former City Manager Dave Adams, Councilman Larry Kramer, Mayor Sam Allevato, former Mayor Phil Schwartze and The Dispatch editor Jonathan Volzke.

Rotary Teams with Marco Students for Toy Giveaway More than 600 children received a toy for Christmas after a visit with Santa Claus during the long-running Santa’s Visit event at Marco Forster Middle School. The December 11 event was sponsored by the Capistrano Rotary, with help from Marco Forster Middle School students who did everything from wrap the presents to work as Santa’s behind-the-scenes helpers. Those who visited with Santa checked in and were assigned a number, then worked on crafts or had their face painted until their turn to see the Big Man. As they visited with Santa, student volunteers gave Santa a present that was gender and age appropriate for the child. So many children showed up this year that Rotary ran out of gifts. Each child still sat on Santa’s lap, then Rotarians bought and delivered the gifts to those who didn’t receive one at the visit. Santa, by the way, looked suspiciously like former City Manager, and Rotarian, Dave Adams this year. CD

Left: A Shea rider with Rotarian Dave Adams. Right: Shea rider Maddie Fragner, 4, with Santa’s helper, Jonathan Volzke. Fragner has ridden at Shea for two years.

A group of Santa’s helpers spent some time at the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center to help give out the center’s year-end awards for riders. Established in 1978 and the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs. The awards given over the last week went to riders young and old for accomplishments such as sitting straight in the saddle to riding without assistance. The volunteers included Mayor Sam Allevato, Councilmen Larry Kramer and John Taylor, Rotarian Phil Schwartze, former City Manager and Rotarian Dave Adams and The Dispatch editor Jonathan Volzke, with Tesoro sophomore McKenzie Mason. The Shea Center had more than 470 riders in 2010. The Oso Road organization relies on fund-raisers and donations to keep its doors open. For more information, see www.sheacenter.org. CD Page 24 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

5 BEST BETS BASKETBALL

Stallions at Century HS Holiday Tournament, Century High School, Santa Ana Dec. 27 San Juan Hills boys basketball had a strong season last year, and are looking to do even better this year.

SOCCER

SOCCER

WATER POLO

Stallions at Trabuco Hills Tournament Mission Viejo Dec. 27

Excalibur Tournament, Foothill High School Dec. 27, TBA

Grizzlies vs. Tritons San Clemente High School Dec. 28, 3:15 p.m.

Stallions vs.

Dolphins Dana Hills High Jan. 4, 3:15 p.m.

San Juan Hills Boys soccer travels to the competitive Trabuco Hills Tourney. Info: www.sjhhs.

The Lady Dolphins get prepped to take on some of the best teams in the area as the girls compete in the Excalibur Tournament. Info: www.dhhs.net

The Lady Tritons get prepped to host Los Osos High School in a nonleague water polo match.

The Lady Stallions travel to Dana Point for a crosstown rivalry. Info: www.

org/athletics

Info: www.sjhhs.org/athletics

SOCCER

sjhhs.org/athletics

Info: www.sctritons.com

2010: Some Wins, Some Loses, but All Hard-Fought Compiled by Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

Juniors Division makes a strong showing in the 2010 District 86 All Stars, trouncing Mission Viejo South before falling in the semi-finals. “These boys played with heart and won big. I am very proud…” SJCLL President Mike Morales says.

A

look back at the athletic events that shaped 2010 in San Juan Capistrano. The year brought some surprises, and leaves us with some promising athletes to watch in the years ahead.

AUGUST

JANUARY PLAY BALL! • Parents and volunteers worked hard to extensively renovate the Old Majors Field, finishing with a paint day that attracted 50 volunteers.

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS • St. Margaret’s holds a ceremony honoring its four-time CIF Championship team, which also picked up a state title along the way. But the ceremony is days before acclaimed coach Harry Welch announces he’s leaving St. Margaret’s for the job at Santa Margarita.

FEBRUARY STALLIONS MAKE PLAYOFFS • The San Juan Hills boys basketball team found a way to finish second in the Pacific Coast League with a 7-3 record behind Corona del Mar (10-0) and went 16-13 overall.

The regular season finish was enough to propel the Stallions into the CIF-SS Division 4AA playoffs. San Juan Hills then took on South El Monte and dominated their opponent 74-37 in the first round. However, the run would stop there as the boys got beat 66-61 by El Segundo in the second round.

LADY WARRIORS TAKE LEAGUE • The Saddleback Valley Christian girls basketball team (10-0 San Joaquin League, 20-9) made it all the way to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 5A playoffs where they were beat 51-34 by Chadwick on February 24.

It was a great season for Saddleback Valley Christian as the girls took the league title. In the playoffs, the Lady Warriors dismantled New Roads 68-18 in the first round on February 18, and backed that effort up with a 56-53 road win against St. Margaret’s on Feb. 20.

Ashley Adams led the squad in scoring and rebounds averaging 14.7 points per game and 6.5 points per game.

CHAMPIONS • The boys soccer squad earns the first CIF title in JSerra Catholic High School’s sevenyear history.

GIDDYUP • Capistrano horse and rider team Allan Horn and Arabian Red Hot Rosa take second place in at the 20 Mule Team 100 Mile Endurance Ride in Ridgecrest.

AMERICA’S GAME: Austin Hedges of JSerra High plays in the 8th Annual Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic. He is also named the Rawlings Defensive Player of the Year.

SVCS varsity girls volleyball team. Courtesy photo

MARCH DUDE! • Marco Forster Middle School’s surf team takes second at the NSSA State Championships for the second time in a row.

MAY HONORED • The SVCS varsity’s girls volleyball team is honored at Angel Stadium as the CIF Southern Section Girls Volleyball Academic Team Champions.

TRIPLE CROWN • St. Margaret’s Episcopal School adds three CIF titles in a single day: Sophomore Bill Gaudreau took CIF in the 1600m, sophomore Chelsie Churchill took the triple jump title and the Tartan volleyball team won, too.

JUNE COLLEGE BOUND • San Juan Hills High announces that junior offensive lineman Ari Uzo-Okereke becomes the first Stallion athlete to be offered a full scholarship to play football in college. He has offers from Montana State, Air Force, San Diego State, Utah and Boise State.

CLUB CHAMP • Corky Birdsall defeats 16 others, including the reigning champ, to become the San Juan Hills Women’s Golf Association Club Champion.

FORE! • The Rotary holds its first golf tournament, at San Juan Hills High School. The event draws 80 golfers and raises more than $15,000 for the service club.

JULY ALL STARS • The Capistrano Little League

Page 26 • The Capistrano Dispatch • December 24, 2010–January 13, 2011

SEPTEMBER CHAMPIONS • Dr. Eckl’s Green Team takes the Dana point co-ed Monday Night Softball League. The team, four-year underdogs, includes Capistrano players.

OCTOBER SUPER SWIMMER • JSerra’s Casey Mims signs a letter of intent with UC Berkeley. She’s not only a record breaking swimmer who is competing for a spot on the US Olympic swim team, she carries a 4.58 GPA.

NOVEMBER STALLIONS STUMBLE • The San Juan Hills High football team, playing with seniors for the first time, makes the CIF playoffs by trouncing cross-town rivals Capistrano Valley. The Stallions fall, however, in the first round against Cypress.

SMALL TEAM, BIG HEART • The Capistrano Valley Christian Schools Eagles plays with so few players, they had to forfeit a game mid-contest when two players got hurt. They go on to win the league title though and make the playoffs. They fall in the first round, though.

FLEET FOOTED • Stallions junior Brandon Pugh finishes in third-place in the CIF-State cross-country championships in Fresno. He wasn’t ranked in the top 5 before the race.

DECEMBER STREAK ENDS • St. Margaret’s finishes a football season without a CIF crown for the first time since 2005, falling in the semi-finals.

SUPER BOWL CHAMPS • The South OC Patriots, coached by Capistrano’s Kevin Murphy, takes the Jr. All American Football Super Bowl in convincing fashion. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com