The Capistrano Dispatch

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

Scoping Meeting Set on Downtown Master Plan

City Kicks Off Golden Anniversary Celebration

Flowers New Football Coach at San Juan Hills

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SJC LIVING/PAGE 18

SJC SPORTS/PAGE 22

J A N U A RY 1 4 –2 7, 2 0 1 1 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1

Pulling the Plug?

City Council considers getting rid of cameras to enforce red lights E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

Del Obispo Street and Ortega Highway is one of two intersections in the city where cameras are used to enforce red lights. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE Four homes in San Clemente’s Shorecliffs neighborhood were red tagged last week after landslides behind the homes left them unsafe for living. Two more houses on Via Ballena were being closely watched by San Clemente officials. The cause of the landslides has not yet been determined. Via Ballena is west of the San Diego Freeway, north of Vista Hermosa. The homes are on the side of a small canyon, opposite hole 5 of the Shorecliffs Golf Course. The four red-tagged properties lost portions of their backyards and patios when the land dropped 25 to 50 feet into the canyon below. San Clemente is also named in a lawsuit related to a July 2006 landslide. The four homeowners from the earlier landslide also lived on Via Ballena.

DANA POINT

NEWS

An information report was filed with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department by the Dana Point Chamber Board in October citing concerns over financial issues, authorities confirmed January 5. This follows an announcement from the chamber released to the DP Times on November 9 announcing the resignation of President Nichole Chambers. The announcement came amid a flurry of speculation and gossip incited by the abrupt removal of her name from the chamber website and her noted absence from the office in October. The Economic Crimes Unit Investigator and the chamber have declined to comment due to the ongoing nature of the case but authorities confirmed that the chamber is assisting in the investigation by performing a financial audit of business conducted during Chambers’ employment. Find out more at www.danapointtimes.com.

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

San Juan Capistrano’s Top 5 Hottest Topics

What’s Up With...

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…Town Center Plan?

THE LATEST: The public will get an opportunity to comment on concerns about the downtown master plan at a January 19 meeting.

The meeting provides a chance to raise any issues about potential environmental impacts related to the proposed HTC Master Plan project. The meeting isn’t about whether residents like or dislike the plan, only to raise awareness of what issues need to be studied in the environmental reviews.

The Historic Town Center Master Plan planning area is comprised of (1) the Historic Town Center area with 44 acres; (2) the Del Obispo downtown expansion area with 42 acres; and (3) the Town Center neighborhoods area with 64 acres.

WHAT’S NEXT: The scoping meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., in the City Council Chambers at City Hall at 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

FIND OUT MORE: A copy of the Public Review Draft of the HTC Master Plan is available at http://sanjuancapistrano.org/ index.aspx?page=638. — Jonathan Volzke

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…No Daytime Curfew?

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council on January 4 declined to approve a tough new curfew ordinance that would have made it illegal for kids to be on the streets during school hours and could have even fined parents who knowingly let their kids violate curfews.

Mayor Sam Allevato said a daytime curfew was considered while he worked as a police officer in Irvine, but the city rejected the idea. He expressed concern that fines in the proposed ordinance would actually cost residents two or three www.thecapistranodispatch.com

times the amount stated because of court fees.

“We do need to have a little more research done here,” Allevato said to sheriff’s officials. “I’m not saying I’m completely against this, I want to give you the extra tools … But I think you need to do some more work on this.”

The council asked the proposals for a nighttime curfew—moving it from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m.—and the 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daytime curfew to be split into two proposals when the measure comes back.

WHAT’S NEXT: The council also requested the Youth Advisory Board review the proposals, along with more information about truancies and input from the school district.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.thecapistranodispatch.com —JV

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…Protecting the CUSD Brand?

THE LATEST: Capistrano Unified School District trustees on Tuesday directed staff to continue to investigate the costs and work required to copyright the district’s logo and school mascot logos.

The move comes in the wake of pirate merchandise being sold in stores with logos from Dana Hills and San Clemente high schools. The district did not give permission for the use of the logos—and was not collecting any royalties.

Additionally, the Tesoro logo was used without permission in a television commercial.

Trustee John Alpay also suggested the district come up with guidelines when permission would be given to allow use of a trademark. Chief Communications Officer Marcus Walton, who is handling the issue, said those would be drawn up after the copyrights are established.

WHAT’S NEXT: Walton will return with more information at a future meeting.

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

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…Storm Stats?

THE LATEST: In addition to nearly buckling the banks of the Trabuco Creeks just south of Del Obispo Street, December’s fierce rainstorms caused damage throughout Capistrano, Deputy City Manager Steve Apple reported.

Apple told the City Council on January 4 that the storms spurred 12 mudslides, 11 flooded streets, seven leaks in the roofs of public buildings, toppled 18 trees that blocked streets and created 10 incidents where significant mud was in public streets.

More than 500 hours of staff time went into the rain-related emergencies, he said.

Still, that wasn’t good enough for some residents, who said the city was slow to respond to the Mission Flats neighborhood when El Horno Creek overflowed its banks.

City Manager Joe Tait said staffers did visit that area, although residents said their calls went unheeded. Additionally, Apple said it was likely Caltrans, not the city, that is responsible for clearing debris out of El Horno Creek to prevent flooding.

Councilman Larry Kramer said the city should do more, though, including forcing the cleaning of El Horno Creek.

He also suggested the city’s Community Emergency Response Team, residents trained in a volunteer program, could be better used as the city’s eyes and ears around town.

The school district said it suffered $1.7 million in damages districtwide, although its crews scrambled to have classrooms repaired—and dried—for

students to return.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city will assemble its costs and see reimbursement for the storm-related efforts and staff will draw up plans to better respond to rain-emergencies in the future, as well as nail down who is responsible for the maintenance of El Horno Creek.

FIND OUT MORE: Watch www.thecapistranodispatch.com for updates. —JV

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…The State Budget?

THE LATEST: Capistrano will take a big hit if Governor Jerry Brown’s budget goes forward as proposed. Brown, in cutting $12.5 billion, proposes to eliminate community redevelopment programs, which allow cities to designate blighted and under-performing areas for revitalization.

In those areas, the city keeps most of the property-tax dollars, instead of allowing those to go onto the state.

Redevelopment is key in several San Juan Capistrano developments—including as a carrot for the massive Continuing Life Communities retirement community proposed for the north end of town. That project alone was to generate $10 million in redevelopment money for the city. Capistrano also used $450,000 in redevelopment money as a loan to help reopen the downtown movie theater in May, and has recently entered agreements to give $5.3 million to two car dealers opening in town.

Brown said the money should go to the state and help fund programs such as education. His budget proposes no cuts to K-12 education.

WHAT’S NEXT: The assembly and senate will take up the budget. The city may join with others and the California League of Cities in fighting the proposal.

FIND OUT MORE: Watch The Capistrano Insider blog for updates. —JV

January 14–27, 2011 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 3

Eye on SJC

Pulling the Plug?

City Council considering turning off red-light cameras

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

Collision Statistics Pre and Post Installation of Red Light Cameras

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an Juan Capistrano might soon join other cities that have pulled the plug on the cameras snaring those who run red lights in town.

The City Council on January 4 discussed whether to ask the public about the cameras in an advisory vote, but it seemed clear a majority of the five-member panel is open to seeing the system shut down.

“My position is that there doesn’t need to be an advisory vote,” said newly elected Councilman Derek Reeve. “This is one thing that really unites Republicans and Democrats into a kumbaya moment: People do not like red-light cameras. The three of us up here who just through the election heard a lot about them.”

The council didn’t act, however, because the item was only set for discussion that evening. Additionally, the city must pay a severance fee if it cancels the camera contracts with American Traffic Solutions before the agreement expires in 18 months. Also unknown during the council discussion was how much the city brings in through red-light camera citations—likely in the neighborhood of $240,000 a year.

The council last took up the issue just six months ago, when then-Mayor Lon Uso requested a discussion about removing the cameras in May. He subsequently lost his bid for re-election, and now the council has three new members. One of them, Larry Kramer, requested the discussion Tuesday.

San Juan Capistrano uses video-based red-light cameras at two intersections in town: Ortega Highway and Camino Capistrano and Del Obispo Street and Camino Capistrano. A third intersection

Ortega Highway at Del Obispo Year 1997 1998 1999 *2000 Total: Total:

Injury Non-Injury 0 11 4 8 3 6 1 10 8 35 43; 18 within intersection

2007 2008 2009 *2010 Total: Total:

1 4 5 5 3 8 0 2 9 19 28; 10 within intersection

Del Obispo at Camino Capistrano The cameras facing east on Ortega Highway and Del Obispo. The system uses video cameras now.

Photo by Jonathan Volzke

was once covered by the system, too, but that was removed years ago.

Statistics provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department show the number of accidents at the two intersections have decreased since the cameras were installed, although the numbers were never alarmingly high in the first place.

Over four years before the cameras, 43 accidents, all but eight non-injury, were reported at Del Obispo and Ortega Highway, compared to 28—nine with injuries—in the four years since.

The other intersection with cameras, Del Obispo and Camino Capistrano, saw 38 accidents—nine with injuries— in the four years before the cameras, and 28—eight with injuries—in the

four years since.

But the statistics aren’t clear: At Del Obispo and Ortega, for example, 2009 saw 11 accidents—the same number as in 1997 and 2000 and more than in 1999, all years before cameras.

The same was true at Del Obispo and Camino Capistrano, where 2008 saw 12 accidents, more than pre-camera years of 1999 and 2000, and the same as in 1998.

The statistics include a 100-foot radius of the intersection.

Mayor Sam Allevato, a retired police officer, said Tuesday he does believe the cameras are effective, but he’s also aware that other cities—including Anaheim—have pulled the camera systems.

“It does decrease accidents, but those

Man on the Street: Should Capistrano pull the plug on using cameras to enforce traffic signals?

“I’m in the middle. People get caught doing stupid things, like they should, but sometimes you just get caught in the middle and get flashed. It’s good and bad. —Jose Orozco, Lake Forest

“They should take them out. They stress me out. I usually stop at yellow lights, but I get stressed that I’ll get caught by one, and I don’t need any more stress in my life.”

—Susan Cox, San Juan Capistrano

“I’m absolutely all for them being taken out. Studies show that they can cause more accidents than they prevent. I don’t even like to make right turns on red when it’s legal because of them.” —Chris Sargent, San Clemente

“My concern has always been with how accurate and fair they are….I think they are a money-making tool.”

—Kory White, Riverside

What Do You Think? Go to www.thecapistranodispatch.com to cast your vote in our online poll.

Page 4 • The Capistrano Dispatch • January 14–27, 2011

1997 2 14 1998 1 11 1999 3 7 *2000 3 6 Total: 9 38 Total: 47; 26 within intersection 2007 1 6 2008 3 9 2009 4 4 *2010 0 1 Total: 28; 5 within intersection.

Source: Orange County Sheriffs Department

statistics are probably irrelevant,” Allevato said. “Society come to a different level with this, more of a philosophical level…I don’t’ think it needs an advisory vote, because I think I know how it would come out.”

The cameras have also been a hot topic in Los Angeles, where judges essentially refuse to recognize their tickets. The city and police department, however, continue to support their use.

The San Juan Capistrano City Council will take up the conversation again when staff compiles more information. Council members were told on Tuesday that cancelling the contract would cost as much as $196,000.

The issue isn’t as polarizing as Reeve might think. Some people contacted by The Dispatch didn’t have a strong opinion either way.

“I pretty much obey the law,” Hank Barnes of San Juan Capistrano said Wednesday as he loaded a box of firewood into his SUV. “So they can do whatever they want to do.”

One man did say he supported the cameras, but he didn’t want anyone to know his name. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

Banners, Photographic Exhibit Kick Off Anniversary Celebration The Capistrano Dispatch

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anners depicting various elements of the city are up on light poles downtown in honor of the city’s 50th anniversary of incorporation.

The city of San Juan Capistrano was incorporated on April 19, 1961.

The first event in the yearlong celebration and observation of the anniversary is Friday and Saturday, with a two-part talk and exhibit on the Alfonso Yorba photographic collection.

The free event is at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 14 and Saturday, January 15 at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion.

The photographic collection, which belongs to David Belardes, chairman of the Blas Aguilar Adobe Foundation, will be shown to the public for the first

James Gibson, a Scout in Troop 724, hangs one of the city’s anniversary banners downtown. Photo by Dan Priest, Assistant Scoutmaster.

time. More than 100 years ago, Alphonso Yorba was known as the Orange County historian, taking numerous photographs of San Juan Capistrano, the Mission and the people who lived here. The collection, from the early 20th century, is a time capsule of the community.

The exhibit has never been shown before. In addition to this event, the volunteer Celebration Committee, which adopted “Centuries of History—50 years of Cityhood” as the theme for the celebration, is gearing up for a series of monthly events this year.

Some events are special, just for the anniversary, while some are continuing events that will incorporate some tribute to the city’s incorporation.

Resident Mozelle Sukut spearheaded the banner effort, which paired artwork from local students with businesses that sponsored a banner. The banners were put up by Boy Scout Troop 724, which has become the custodians of the American flags that line the downtown for holidays and other special events.

For more information about this event and others planned for this year, visit the city’s website at www. sanjuancapistrano.org and click on the “50th Anniversary Celebration” link. CD

Interest in Commissions Strong The Capistrano Dispatch

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ore than 60 residents have applied to serve on the various volunteer commissions that advise the City Council on issues ranging from cultural resources to trail to traffic.

As in past years, most of the incumbent commissioners have applied to retain their seats, although a council decision to change up the Open Space Committee and move equestrians from the parks panel to a new open-space panel has created a scramble among existing commissioners and those who want to join that commission.

For more than five years, a special Open Space Commission has worked on promoting the $30 million open-space bond measure that voters ultimately approved, and the subsequent purchases of land with that money, as well as other open-space issues.

The City Council last year disbanded the Open Space Committee and instead created a regular Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Panel. That took equestrian and trail issues away from the Parks and Recreation panel, but the council added “seniors” to that group.

Some members of the former Open Space Committee have applied for the new panel, including Matt Gaffney, Tom Ostensen and Renee Ritchie.

Other notable applicants include former Community Services Director Al King, who recently retired from the same post in San Clemente and applied for the parks commission. Noted architect Roy Nunn, a former Planning Commissioner, has also applied to rejoin that panel.

Cultural Heritage Commissioner Ed Nunez opted against applying to keep his seat, while Joanne Marquez, a Housing Advisory Commissioner for 16 years, is stepping down from that panel. Planning Commissioner James Mocalis, a former Capistrano City Manager, did not re-apply, either.

Page 6 • The Capistrano Dispatch • January 14–27, 2011

The Transportation Commission will see the greatest change—Larry Kramer was elected to the City Council and commissioners Corey Henson and David Forster did not reapply—while the Utilities Commission will see little. Only five men applied for the five seats on that commission. While Alan Freisleben did not apply to keep his seat, the only new

applicant is Tom Lytle—who previously served on the same panel.

Applicants are being interviewed by various pairs of City Council members assigned the task by Mayor Sam Allevato. The subcommittees will make their recommendations, which must be publicly approved by the entire council. CD

Who’s Applied Here are the applicants for the city’s various commissions. Most of the panels are advisory to the City Council, although the Planning Commission has the authority to approve some projects.

Cultural Heritage Commission (5 members) Nathan Banda*, Rhonda de Haan, Paula Evans, Lorie Porter*, Jan Siegel* and Don Tryon* Design Review Committee (2 members and 2 Planning Commissioners) Bob Cardoza*, Daniel Friess and Jeff Parkhurst* Housing Advisory Committee (7 members) William Bonney*, Nancy Campman*, Paula Evans, Gila Jones*, Jess Lopez*, Gene Ratcliffe*, Dave Solt*, Ernie Viaue Open Space, Trails, and Equestrian Commission (New Commission) Ilse Byrnes, Robert Ferguson, Roger France, Jenny Friess, Matt Gaffney, Jill Hanna, Kenneth Hart, Katherine Holman, Al King, Elliott Levenson, Angelo

Lombardo, Adam Maywhort, Tom Ostensen, Renee Ritchie, Margaret Wann and Gail Zukow Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services Commission (New Commission) Steve Behmerwohld, Ronald Denman, Paula Evans, Jenny Friess, Kathy Hooper, Al King, JoEllen Melendez, Gerald Muir, Dawn Schanderl and Ernie Vique.

Planning Commission (7 members) Richard Adams, Craig Bewsey, Bob Cardoza, Sheldon Cohen*, E.J. Constantine, Robert Ferguson, Virginia Kerr*, Gerald Muir, Tim Neely*, Roy Nunn, Jeff Parkhurst, Gene Ratcliffe*, William Roberts* and Bruce Tartarian*.

Transportation Commission (5 members) John Altieri, E.J. Constantine, Matt Gaffney*, Angelo Lombardo, Tim Markel and Jean Savage*.

Utilities Commission (5 members) Malcolm “Lee” Goode*, Richard Hartl*, Thomas Lytle, Dan Merkle* and Raymond Miller*. *Denotes incumbent commissioner.

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Eye on SJC

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 A N D S T A C IE N . G A L A N G 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.

Wednesday, January 12 DISTURBANCE Calle La Bomba, 26600 Block (6:56 p.m.)

A resident whose car was getting towed by his HOA because it was improperly parked was being verbally aggressive to the security guard and tow-truck driver.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Via Capri/La Novia Avenue (4:42 p.m.)

A man had been parked in a VW van for 20 minutes, then got out and took a shower in an association pool area. A resident found that suspicious.

CITIZEN ASSIST Via De Olivia, 32100 Block (4 p.m.) A man reported he had information about someone who put a hit out on him.

DISTURBANCE Via Del Verde/Calle Bolero (3:57 p.m.)

Three dirt bikers were riding in San Juan Hills. A hiker spotted them.

ASSIST OTHER AGENCY Smoketree Lane, 26300 Block (3:20 p.m.)

A resident reported a neighbor’s dog got out and tried to bite three children.

MISSING CHILD Donegal Lane, 33700 Block (3:01 p.m.)

A woman reported her 2-year-old son was missing. She was sure he went out the front door—until she found him hiding behind the couch.

DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (11:54 a.m.) An angry customer in a cell phone shop threatened to come back and beat up an employee after he got off work.

The employee had the angry customer’s personal information.

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Cabrillo, 25800 Block (9:26 p.m.) A man reported his former brotherin-law was threatening him.

Tuesday, January 11 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Placida, 28500 Block (10:37 p.m.) A caller saw two vehicles parked, although the truck left and returned. The lights were going on and off. The caller thought it was suspicious, and that the occupants may be skateboarders.

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT Valle Road, 33000 Block (6:30 p.m.) In www.thecapistranodispatch.com

the wake of the shooting in Arizona, the school district asked a deputy stand by during the school board meeting. The district will pick up the cost.

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida de La Vista, 31500 Block (4:29 p.m.) A resident reported some kids broke a window with a ball. Deputies helped round up the young men.

9-1-1 HANGUP Camino Capistrano, 31400 Block (1:07 p.m.) Some kids were playing on a payphone. Another bogus call came in from another payphone, on Alipaz Street, about eight minutes later, too.

NARCOTICS VIOLATION El Camino Real, 31600 Block (11:06 a.m.) A juvenile was being detained at an elementary school for an alleged narcotics violation.

CITIZEN ASSIST Via Belardes, 31800 Block (9:14 a.m.)

School officials called to ask deputies to help get a 13-year-old boy to get to school.

Monday, January 10 WELFARE CHECK Camino Capistrano, 32000 Block (8:19 p.m.) A schizophrenic man called deputies from a payphone saying he was hearing voices telling him to overdose and that he was no good and worthless. Deputies took him to the hospital where he checked himself in.

KEEP THE PEACE Paseo Carolina, 32000 Block (7:21 p.m.) A man who rents a room called deputies when he returned home to find all his belongings out on the street. He did not know why his landlord had done this.

INVESTIGATE A DEAD BODY Via Barrida, 32100 Block (9:59 a.m.)

Deputies were called to a residence on a report of a dead body.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS Camino Capistrano and Verdugo Street (8:30 a.m.) A man called deputies to report a male driving a beat-up older car around the parking structure at the train station. The caller said he believed the driver was up to no good and possibly involved in a drug deal.

DISTURBANCE Ortega Highway, 27100 Block (3:04 a.m.) A hotel guest came to the front desk saying he wants someone removed from his room.

Sunday, January 9 DISTURBANCE Avenida de la Vista, 30900 Block (9:54 p.m.) A resident called deputies to say his neighbor had been in a fight with his wife and had a pocket knife.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Carolina, 32200 Block (9:35 p.m.) A caller reported her mother

had been struck in the face by her boyfriend who was arrested.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Calle San Antonio, 26400 Block (2:33 p.m.) Deputies were called on a report of four to six males who had been drinking in front of their condo since the night before.

DISTURBANCE Los Rios Street, 31400 Block (2:27 p.m.)

A resident called to report a loud TV blaring from a neighbor’s front door.

The caller agreed to sign a complaint.

Saturday, January 8 FOUND PROPERTY Ortega Highway, 27100 Block (10:33 p.m.) Deputies were called about a found wallet that contained an identification and credit cards. The wallet was returned to its owner.

WELFARE CHECK Spotted Bull Lane, 25900 Block (8:15 p.m.) A resident called deputies because her neighbor’s car had been running for 30 minutes. The resident tried knocking on the door but no one was answering.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle San Juan, 31200 Block (6:44 p.m.) A resident called police to say his 5-year-old niece had a split lip after being run over by a male bicyclist. The cyclist was not found. County fire also responded.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Junipero Serra Road, 26300 Block (5:40 p.m.) An off-duty Los Angeles police officer called deputies to report witnessing an attempted break in of a vehicle.

The officer chased the suspects east bound onto Junipero Serra past the freeway and then north bound onto another street, but did not catch up to the vehicle. The caller met deputies shortly after the incident.

Friday, January 7 STOLEN VEHICLE Calle Santa Rosalia, 31000 Block (10:28 p.m.) A caller reports a car stolen.

KEEP THE PEACE Paseo Lomita, 27200 Block (9:21 p.m.)

Residents called police after a confrontation with neighbors about the smell of burning marijuana coming from their garage.

DISTURBANCE Don Juan Avenue, 31300 Block (9:14 p.m.) Deputies were called about a verbal fight between a boyfriend and girlfriend. The caller wanted the girlfriend who had been drinking to leave but she refused.

ILLEGAL PEDDLING Alipaz Street, 32200 Block (5:51 p.m.)

A caller reported a silver tamale truck selling without a license. Deputies were unable to make contact with the vendor.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS San Juan Creek Road, 28000 Block (4:48 p.m.) Deputies were called to the Ambuehl Elementary School about juveniles on the roof of the portable.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY San Juan Creek Road/La Novia Avenue (1:47 p.m.) A woman called deputies about her horse being stuck in quicksand in the creek bed. The horse was nearly submerged. The Orange County Fire Authority also responded.

VANDALISM REPORT Camino Del Avion/Alipaz Street (11:22 a.m.) A caller phoned deputies about graffiti on the wall at the beginning of the bike path leading to the creek.

TRESPASSING Valle Road and La Novia Avenue (10:37 a.m.) A resident called deputies to report seeing a male drive up in a white pick-up truck, unload his dirt bike and ride up the hill where there is no off roading allowed. Deputies checked the area.

Thursday, January 6 KEEP THE PEACE Paseo Carolina, 32000 Block (5:41 p.m.)

A caller told police that he gave his roommate three days notice to leave but refused. The roommate was told Monday by deputies that if he did not leave voluntarily he would be escorted.

The roommate had been damaging the property by kicking walls and doors.

ILLEGAL PEDDLING Park Avenue, 25600 Block (4:59 p.m.)

A resident called police about a suspicious man selling subscriptions for a school scholarship.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Plaza Drive, 31800 Block (12:42 p.m.)

A juvenile was issued a citation and released to parents after a shoplifting incident at the pharmacy.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Via Cordova, 31100 Block (11:54 a.m.)

A resident called police after the house cleaner told her a woman had been parked in an SUV outside the home.

The woman in the car had been parked outside the house since the cleaner arrived at 9:30 a.m. The homeowner said her house has been burglarized twice in the past year.

Wednesday, January 5 BURGLARY REPORT Calle Arroyo, 27100 Block (10:40 p.m.)

A caller reported his wallet stolen from his car’s center console.

PATROL CHECK Lobo/Mission Streets (7:27 p.m.) A caller reported the cement wall adjacent to Mission San Juan Capistrano and divides the Los Rios area with the historic district appears to be been crashed into. Rebar is showing and bricks have become a traffic hazard in the road.

January 14–27, 2011 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 7

SOAPBOX

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

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The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 9, Issue 1. 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 Group Editor, Editor, The Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Stacie N. Galang ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd

Letters to the Community WOMEN CAN GET A BREAK —Jennifer Kramer, Los Angeles While visiting my parents over the holidays, I read Patrick O’Brien’s opinion piece, “Women Just Can’t Get a Break.”

As Council Member Larry Kramer’s daughter I can put to rest Mr. O’Brien’s concern that my father lived in a world in which he assumed women would take a secondary role. He raised two ambitious daughters—my sister has her master’s degree in international business relations and I have a law degree.

He has been unbelievably supportive in helping me launch my career as an attorney and open my own law practice. Having known my dad for over forty years, I am confident that Ms. Freese’s gender played no part in his decision-making process. I understand that Mr. O’Brien disagrees with Council Member Kramer’s decision to support a different candidate for mayor, however, Mr. O’Brien’s belief that my dad did so out of gender bias has no evidentiary support other than Mr. O’Brien’s assumptions about the role of women in the military. That says more about Mr. O’Brien’s world view than it does about Council Member Kramer.

While out campaigning for my dad in October, my sister and I encouraged residents of San Juan Capistrano to call my dad if they had any questions about his positions. We freely gave people his home telephone number knowing he would be more than happy to

speak with them.

I encourage Mr. O’Brien to call my dad to talk to him about his decision. (On a side note, I am fairly confident that in all their years of marriage, my mother, who has her master’s degree as well, has never made a pot of coffee for my dad. Dad grinds his own beans and makes his own coffee everyday.)

THE CHICKENS ARE HOME —Ray Turner, San Juan Capistrano District Attorney Tony Rackauckas never had a criminal case against CUSD Superintendent James Fleming, or anyone else for that matter, and he knew that from day one.

As a responsible public official, elected by the people, he had to know he didn’t have a case when he filed those spurious indictments. But “sure as hell” he knows it now. Credit for this debacle also goes to that now former Orange County Register reporter who hyped up all those inflammable so-called “news” stories.

And most of all credit goes to those poor misguided souls, including now former school board members, and their duped supporters who were determined to destroy our school district.

Fortunately, all their silly petition drives and recall initiatives led to ultimate failure. This whole charade has been dirty politics at its worst. There has

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Michele Reddick (San Clemente) > Sergio Sanchez (San Juan Capistrano) Sales Associates > Angela Edwards > Buddy Purel OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne INTERNS Kirsten Amavisca Sacher, Madi Swayne SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, Christina Scannapiego, David Zimmerle

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

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

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

to be a price to pay for all this nonsense—perhaps at the ballot box.

In addition that $653,350 of our tax dollars used to pay off those malefactors for that malicious civil lawsuit needs to repaid by the recipients to our school district without further adieu.

The sad thing is that it has taken all these years for the chickens to come home to roost.

APOLOGIZE TO TREVOR —Joshua Singer, San Juan Capistrano In her letter to the community Dr. Julie Ryan Johnson writes that she received testimony from an “accosted citizen” about the actions and words of Trevor Dale.

Based on this she decides that her name and that of a non-profit charity has been improperly used and that (Cont. on page 10)

PETER HERZOG: Guest Column

Sharing in Hard Times

T

hese are hard times. The economy is still struggling, people have lost jobs, revenues are decreasing, budget gaps are increasing and everyone’s trying to find a solution to our burgeoning financial crisis.

The public sector, in particular, seems PETER to have lost its sheen in the eyes of HERZOG the public.

What is sometimes lost in all the talk about scandal ridden cities like Bell, Vernon and Commerce, however, is that most cities and special districts are not just wringing their hands but are trying to turn this current fiscal crisis into an opportunity. They’re trying to strategically restructure government and to rethink delivery systems.

Page 8 • The Capistrano Dispatch • January 14–27, 2011

Here in Orange County there are many examples of public agencies finding innovative ways to do more with less. The City of Yorba Linda contracts with the City of Brea for its police services which benefits both Cities. The Cities of Cypress, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach share a police dispatch system saving each city the cost of providing its own. The City of Westminster provides street sweeping services to unincorporated areas through a contract with the County of Orange.

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita meets monthly with special districts and HOAs to discuss ways to save money and improve service delivery.

Frequently, though, a city that needs a specialty service like water meter repair is unaware that a neighboring special district has an expert sitting idle.

Recognizing this need, the Local Agency Forma-

tion Commission (LAFCO) has started a program to identify opportunities for sharing services between agencies. The final product, expected in the spring of 2011, will be a web-based program that allows cities, special districts, Home Owner Associations (HOAs) and school districts to list the services they need and to list the services they have available. It will be similar to existing programs that match people who want to volunteer with organizations that need volunteers.

LAFCO hopes it will not only improve communication but result in more efficient services and cost savings for all the participants.

In hard times, sharing makes a lot of economic sense.

A Lake Forest City Councilman, Peter Herzog is Chair of Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX Letters (Cont. from page 8) Mr. Dale should being issuing public apologies.

I do not know Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson admits not knowing Mr. Dale. I suspect that Dr. Johnson would be upset if I wrote a letter to the paper relating how a “citizen” told me that Dr. Johnson was a bad vet who injured people’s pets and overcharged them to do so.

Hearsay is hearsay.

Dr. Johnson, even if your story is truthful and your alleged nameless “accosted citizen” exists, and you’ve accurately reported what that person told you... I hope you understand why your letter is inappropriate and why you owe Mr. Dale an apology.

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 (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

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 reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

Page 10 • The Capistrano Dispatch • January 14–27, 2011

MARK NIELSEN: Straight Talk

New Math for a City Manager?

T he city is currently conducting a search for a permanent City Manager, in part due to the new council members stating the voters complained that the city was paying too much for our current one, Joe Tait. The interesting thing MARK about this new plan is that it will NIELSEN actually INCREASE the tax dollars being spent to fill this position.

Unfortunately the outrageous actions in the City of Bell uncovered before the election caused a widespread and understandably violent reaction across the board from press and citizens. San Juan Capistrano’s City Manager was noted in various press articles as being one of the highest paid City Managers.

However, the press and critics neglected to take into account that they were comparing the absolute total cost of a consultant to the salary of employees. To properly gauge Mr. Tait’s compensation compared to other City Managers, one must account for the cost of all retirement and health benefits that employees receive, not to mention the future liability of evergrowing guaranteed retirement benefits.

Mr. Tait had a total compensation of $324,000, which was reduced to about $308,000 last year when he agreed to a 5 percent reduction. He received no benefits, and the city has no future cost for his retirement. To put this in context, our city has an average benefit cost of 53 percent of salaries, meaning the $308,000 compensation was equivalent to a salary of $201,000 plus benefits.

The ad-hoc committee of Mayor Sam Allevato and Councilwoman Laura Freese had recommended in December a new contract with Mr. Tait for $275,000 plus a potential bonus of $35,000 if all objectives were met for 2011. This contract would have been the equivalent of a base salary of $180,000. Instead, the majority decided to seek a new City Manager at a base salary of between $190,000 and $225,000.

With benefits, this will cost the city between $291,000 and $344,000!

It seems to me that the original recommendation of Mayor Allevato and Councilwoman Freese

for a $275,000 consulting agreement is a whole lot cheaper. In fact, the missing piece in this analysis is that Joe Tait has a very unique background so he has been able to wear two hats while only being paid for one job. Because of his former experience as the Chief Operating Officer of the Metropolitan Water District, he has been able to simultaneously oversee our Utility Department and save the city over $150,000 a year by avoiding the hiring of a Utility Director. The new plan is to hire a Utility Director after finding a new City Manager. The result?

An additional $150,000-$200,000 of expense per year over what we are paying today.

While some might say this shows we don’t need a Utility Director and that any City Manager should handle both roles, the fact is that it takes a unique set of skills and technical background to competently be able to do both. Very few City Managers have the expertise to fill such a role, and those who do command higher pay than the average City Manager. Talk to any of our Utility Commissioners and they will attest to the fact that Mr. Tait has been a huge asset to the city and that none of our previous City Managers could have done what he has for our utilities. Keep in mind that Mr. Tait was actually hired by our former City Manager, Dave Adams, to be the interim Utilities Director (at a cost above what he is now being paid to cover both City Manager and Utilities).

So let me recap: We are now on a path to spend at least $300,000 (including benefits) for a new City Manager that will need to then hire a new Utilities Director at a cost of close to $200,000 more. While today we have a consultant who is in the unique position to handle both needs for one salary without benefits or future retirement costs and liabilities.

And did I mention that as a consultant he also must provide his own liability and auto insurance with at least $1 million of coverage that goes to benefit the city? We sure won’t get that from an employee.

Our new council members may want to reconsider the old math. Or at the very least, explain the new math in more convincing terms.

Businessman Mark Nielsen served on the City Council from 2006 to 2010.

“We are now on a path to spend at least $300,000 (including benefits) for a new City Manager.”

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 cleanup. Does anyone in this city want to pay for this cleanup? I thought not. Chevron will clean up 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 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.

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

friday14 FIESTA ASSOCIATION MIXER

6 p.m.-9 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s Mixer and membership drive at The Vintage Steak House. 26701-B Verdugo St., SJC, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

KICK OFF TO CAPISTRANO’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

7 p.m. A free PowerPoint presentation of the Historic Yorba Collection of Photographs, which include rare early 20th century San Juan Capistrano, local residents and adobes. Again at 7 p.m. on Jan 15. San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, SJC, 949.493.1171, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

GO SEE DO

MISSION CONCERT SERIES UNVEILED

The Mission has announced the artists and dates of its 2011 Music Under The Stars concert series, which begins June 25, and continues every other Saturday until the final show on September 3.

The concerts feature picnic dining and dancing to a variety of live music in the Mission courtyard. Seating is available either at a reserved table, or on your own lawn chair. Proceeds for the concerts help support Mission Preservation efforts.

The lineup: Saturday, June 25: The Derek Bordeaux Group: Motown, Soul and R&B, The Right Way Saturday, July 9: Savor: A Tribute to Santana Saturday, July 23: The Long Run: Experience the Eagles (headliner); Fortunate Son: Tribute to John Fogerty & Creedence Clearwater Revival (opening) Saturday, Aug. 6: Hot August Night: Tribute to Neil Diamond Saturday, The Fab Four will be playing on Saturday, Sept. 3. Courtesy photo Aug. 20: Sapadilla: Steel Drum, Calypso & Island Music, with Caribbean Jem Dancers Saturday, Sept. 3: The Fab Four: Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles with “Ed Sullivan” (headliner); DJ, Peter Papadopoulos: Beatles’ Era Dance Set, with dancers (opening act). Concert gates open at 5:30 p.m.; music begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. Season table packages go on sale March 28; tickets/tables for Mission Preservation Society Members go on sale April 11; and tickets/tables for the general public go on sale April 25. Act quick: The shows sell out. See www.missionsjc.com for details.

sunday16

wednesday19

EXPLORING SAN JUAN HOT SPRINGS AND COLD SPRINGS CANYON HIKE

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Three-mile educational hike through Caspers Park. Free. 33401 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.923.2211, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

SAVED BY THE MISSION BELL

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

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

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR

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

SOUL TO SOUL

2:30 p.m. Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

MISSION TOURS

7 p.m. San Juan Hills High School Collaborative Arts Program presents the Broadway hit musical with laughter, song and more.

Tickets $10-$12. 29211 Vista Montana, SJC, 949.234.5900, www.sjhhs.org.

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.

saturday15

8 p.m. Grammy-winning vocalist performs at The Coach House.

Tickets $35. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

DAMES AT SEA

ARK PET ADOPTION

10 a.m.-2 p.m. The ARK of San Juan has rescued cats, kittens & dogs for adoption at Pets Plus. Photos of pets online; adoptions every Saturday at various locations. Corner of Del Obispo/Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

CASPERS VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn about volunteer opportunities at Caspers Wilderness Park including backcountry volunteer, weed warriors, backcountry trail crew, nature center volunteers and volunteer naturalists. Free. 33401 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.923.2211, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

HAIRIEST MAN SIGN-UPS

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Fiesta Association holds sign-ups for its annual hairiest man contest at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S

2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Family Style performs; 8:30 p.m. Pam Lyn King takes the stage at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

SHOWOFF 2011!

8 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse presents its annual playwriting festival where the audience members vote on their favorite of seven unique plays. Tickets $22-$24; runs through Jan. 16.

31776 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

STEVE TYRELL

monday17 LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION ACROSS AMERICA

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., SJC, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

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

BILINGUAL STORYTIME

11:30 a.m. Stories and crafts in Spanish and English every Wednesday at the SJC Library. 31495 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org

CHAD & JEREMY

8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House also with Jason Feddy.

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

thursday20 GARDEN ANGELS

9 a.m.-11 a.m. Volunteer your time with Goin Native at Los Rios Park today and/or January 24. Bring gardening tools. 31661 Los Rios St., SJC, 949.606.6386., www.goinnative.net.

SISTER CITIES CELEBRATION

6 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse hosts an event to celebrate the geographical heritage of the community with a food and wine tasting. Tickets $25. 31776 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

J.R. RICHARDS

8 p.m. The artist from Dishwalla performs at The Coach House also with Shaun Hague and Collingwood. Tickets $13 advance, $15 day of show. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

CHRIS DANIELS PROJECT

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

friday21 FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE

COUNTRY DANCIN WITH DJ BUBBA

6 p.m. Friends of the San Juan Capistrano Library Book Sale in La Sala Auditorium. Members get a special presale on Friday, January 21 starting at 6 p.m. The sale will be open to the general public 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 22 and 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, January 23. 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

tuesday18

12 ANGRY MEN

LIBATE LOCAL

VON COTTON BAND

6:30 p.m. The fun starts early and goes till late at Swallow’s Inn every Monday. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

5 p.m.-6 p.m. The San Juan Chamber hosts a Happy Hour Networking event at Cedar Creek Inn. 26860 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.240.2229, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

LEE ROY

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

8 p.m. Cabrillo Playhouse presents a new play that examines the jury system. Tickets $20. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

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

THE CREEPERS

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

(Cont. on page 16) January 14–27, 2011 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 15

GETTING OUT

Dispatch Restaurant Spotlight

By Jonathan Volzke

The Donut Hut 32099 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.487.0094 Best Known For: Extensive selection of donuts Most Popular Item: The No. 8—ham, egg and cheese on a croissant The name “Donut Hut” is deceptive for the small eatery between Big Lots and Ross on Camino Capistrano. First off, the shop sells far more than donuts; the most popular items on the menu are sandwiches and smoothies. But more importantly, the Donut Hut is more like a “Cheers”—a place where friends gather to say good morning, even celebrate life’s events. It all starts with Ken Chauv, who has owned the shop a little more than five years, daily customer Julian Ramos says. “He knows everybody by name,” Ramos says Wednesday morning, getting a cup of the $1 coffee. The eatery’s atmosphere mimics that of Capistrano, Chauv says, describing the entire town as “a place with a small-town feel, where you feel like you’re coming home.” Customers call Chauv, who is as good on the golf course as he is behind the counter, “The Donut Dude.” Lifelong Capistrano resident John Banda was cutting up with Chauv and buddy Joe Navarro on Wednesday—Banda’s 69th birthday.

The Donut Hut expanded its menu about six months ago, and offers an array of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and the smoothies—available in eight basic flavors before folks start mixing—are a popular selection, too.

Customers John Banda, Joe Navarro with Donut Hut owner Ken Chauv and employees Tina Lim, Lena Te and Christopher Vong. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Price Range: 75 cents for a donut; most expensive sandwich is $4.50 Reservations: Not necessary

Payment: Cash, credit card Hours: 2 a.m.—7 p.m. daily.

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 15)

saturday22

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.

Debbie Reynolds

8 p.m. After more than six decades in the biz, the female artist is still going strong and performs at The Coach House. Tickets $59. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

monday24 Pajama Storytime

7 p.m. Sunshine readers tell entertaining stories for kids and families at the SJC Library. Wear your PJs! 31495 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

tuesday25 Knit Lit Book Group

8 p.m.-10 p.m. Live band in concert at Hulaville. Tickets $5. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

6 p.m. Bring your knitting or other craft project and discuss the book Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear at the library. Copies of the book are available at the checkout desk. 1495 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

Living History Day

Computer Lab

O’ahu

11 a.m.-2 p.m. History comes alive at the Mission. Admission $5-$9.

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

Panning For Gold

12 p.m.-2 p.m. Try your luck at finding the gold in a custom-designed trough at Mission SJC. Free with admission $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.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, SJC, 949.493.1163, www.eladobedecapistrano.com.

Karaoke

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.

Hollywood Blonde

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

sunday23 Saved By The Mission Bell

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

Michael Chain and Gang

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

Ukulele Nights

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Bring your ukulele, sing along or listen to the music at Hulaville’s newest event. Every Sunday. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

Page 16 • The Capistrano Dispatch • January 14–27, 2011

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

Cheryl Silverstein & John Paul Keene 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live female vocalist and pianist duo at Renaissance.

wednesday26 Karaoke

7 p.m. Joel and Les host Karaoke at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Chris Cram

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

thursday27 Leo Kottke

8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Close Enough

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

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

Send your listing to editor@thecapistranodispatch.com

ON STAGE

Together Again…

50 Years On

T

he Chad & Jeremy (a.k.a Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde) story starts in 1963. One of the first groups to make it big in America during the “British Invasion,” they then pushed the envelope of psych-folk-rock with cult classic albums such as Of Cabbages and Kings and The Ark. They spent much of the next 30 years in an on-again off-again musical relationship. Now they are back with a vengeance, touring, to the delight of their fans.

Please relate to our readers the essence of your upcoming show and how the evening will progress.

Chad Stuart: The old wedding adage, “something old, new, borrowed and blue” springs to mind!

As an inveterate mixer of metaphors, I tend to think of our shows as a patchwork quilt with all sorts of different fabrics and colors.

Let’s face it, we’ve grown up since the sixties and so has our audience. I think we all need to share some Courtesy photo laughs together, especially now during this rather strange time we’re living in.

What helped you to foster such a long lasting relationship considering the fact that you both lived on different continents?

Chad Stuart: The fact that we do still live on different continents! No, seriously folks, Jeremy and I have had an on-again-off-again professional relationship over the years.

If we had stuck together through thick and thin, we probably wouldn’t be speaking to each other now.

What projects or endeavors are you currently involved with?

Chad Stuart: For Chad & Jeremy, I’ve committed to a live album and a studio album of new material. Jeremy has written some really good songs that deserve to be heard. After that I’m going back to a lot of solo projects. My first CD of songs for children called Don’t Argue with an Elephant is available on our website and I have a solo album that I’m looking forward to finishing. I’ve had one children’s book published so far, called The Ballymara Flood, and there are several more to come.

Chad & Jeremy play Wednesday, January 19 at The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $20, doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.

—A.J. Bardzilowski www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR friday 1.14

tuesday 1.18

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.

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

tuesday 1.25

monday 1.17

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

Parks, Recreation and Seniors Commission Meeting 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto

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

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

friday 1.28 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes. *Meeting agendas at www.sanjuancapistrano.org

DON TRYON: Old San Juan

Past Floods Caused Historic Losses I n the past few weeks we have been quite inundated with considerable amounts of rain along with damage in many areas. But in reviewing our Capistrano Valley’s past, this is nothing compared to some rains and floods that we have had.

DON The first heavy floods recorded were TRYON in 1825, but there is a lack of detail on what happened. However, in 1861 and 1862 it was reported that four weeks of rain fell and the skies poured out water in such sheets that it tore into adobe walls and carried away soil, chickens and loose belongings. The two nearby raging creeks, Trabuco and San Juan Creek, had covered the town. Then this was followed by years of the “Great Drought,” which lasted through the ’60s and financially wiped out many rancheros.

Between October 1883 and March 1884, 29 inches of rain fell on San Juan, and higher elevations recorded 80 inches for the season. In 1916 the flood wiped out several bridges, including two railroad bridges and 1000 feet of track. The area between San Juan Capistrano and the Pacific Ocean was flooded from foothill to foothill. In 1927 the railroad bridges were again destroyed and it was this flood that former City Patriarch Dick Mendelson recalled when family members of the old Mendelson Inn served loads of sandwiches to the stranded travelers. Headlines in the 1927 Coastline Dispatch declared “Swirling water causes damage to coast Highway Bridge. Valuable orange trees were carried away to the Pacific Ocean.” It also reported that the town became isolated when the bridges went out and that a number of sheds and small buildings were destroyed.

The 1938 flood recorded over nine inches rainfall in six days, and the late Larry Buchheim, a former Mayor, recalled how the town was completely isolated. Both creeks had crested over their banks and inundated all the surrounding farmland, which is now all in homes.

Former Highway 101, which is Camino Capistrano, goes through the orange groves north of town and was washed out. Later the State installed a temporary board road for cars. The bridge on the Ortega Highway was washed out and the approach to the bridge to Doheny Beach was gone. A bridge south of San Clemente was also washed out. The bridge behind Zoomar’s Mini Farm on Los Rios Street was washed out as well. The railroad bridge across San Juan Creek was destroyed AGAIN! Food was brought down an old dirt road, now Del Obispo, from Dana Point and ferried across the Trabuco Creek on stretchers. Larry Buchheim said Page 18 • The Capistrano Dispatch • January 14–27, 2011

that nothing had been done with Trabuco Creek north of Ramos Street since 1938 other then a few boulders thrown in. He said the creek bed creates a scouring action and will wash out the banks and flood the land again.

How prophetic with the damage done in December 2010. S. M. Bathgate and C. V. Parks were drowned in the raging floodwater of Oso Arroyo while working to save a pipeline.

The 1943 flood again wiped out bridges including the railroads. In 1966 we had another bad flood and the approach to the Ortega Highway Bridge was lost.

The Coastline Dispatch reported that the Ganado Drive Bridge collapsed. This bridge has since been replaced by the La Novia Bridge east of town. In 1969 we had 14.56 inches of rain in January and February, and the Camino Capistrano Bridge over Trabuco Creek failed due to undercutting of the foundations. The Ganado Drive Bridge became a total loss. Several buildings were lost due to bank erosion and sewer mains

were washed out as well as damaging the sewage treatment plant. The sole water supply for the city was threatened.

Gwen Vermeulen remembers the 1982 flood. She and her late husband, Silver, had a small farm up the Ortega and the nearby bridge was totally inundated by the San Juan Creek flood waters. They tried to save their just-crated vegetables but lost most of them in the flood waters and saw the crates floating down the creek. In 1993 the corrals north of town had considerable damage and loss of equipment and an antique car.

A storage container floated down the creek and ended up on the banks near the Del Obispo Bridge. The front wall surrounding the Mission collapsed, which took several years before it was repaired.

There have been other floods but these were the most significant that I found.

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

JAN SIEGEL: Moments in Time

Let the Celebration Begin; It’s the City’s Birthday A fter much debate, on January 25, 1961 the Orange County Board of Supervisors, set the election for the proposed incorporation of San Juan Capistrano for April 11.

There had been talk of incorpoJAN SIEGEL ration in 1933, but nothing came of it. What really got the ire of the citizens of San Juan Capistrano was the building of a new high school in San Clemente. It was a long and bitter fight, but in the end San Clemente won and San Juan Capistrano lost. The final blow occurred in June, 1960, when the School Board, except for Betty Forster, San Juan’s only member, had voted to demolish the old school building in our town. One month later, five men, who had been active in the school fight, filed papers for incorporation. The five men were C. Fulton Shaw, Reginald Erickson, Henry Steward, Carl Buchheim, and Larry Buchheim. The Coastline Dispatch was “shocked by this sneak attack.” Since

the late 1950s there had been talk of a tri-city incorporation which would have included San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and Capistrano Beach. But the five had no trouble getting the required signatures on the petition. It all came down to wanting local control and as the school fight had shown that was the key to getting what one wanted and needed.

The biggest issue facing the Board of Supervisors was the boundary lines for the new city. People on both sides of the issue talked before the County Board. The biggest concern for most was that their farms should not be split. Either include all of their property or none of it. As a result the new adjusted boundaries were roughly ten miles, about one-half of the area originally included. But while the area was smaller it retained all by one-seventh of the assessed valuation. According to The Coastline Dispatch the original boundary was assessed at $2,102,500. In the final boundary the assessed valuation was only $353,280 less than originally reported. Excluded (Cont. on page 19) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Shifting Gears Educational Program Founder Behind the Wheel Again

By Austin Reagan The Capistrano Dispatch

S

tudents at San Clemente High School have a wide range of opportunities to explore and express their talents. Athletes have numerous sports teams to choose from. Actors can participate in the school’s award winning drama program. Musicians have orchestra and marching band. But what about the mechanically and technically inclined students who want to understand more about what goes on under the hood of a car?

Robert McCarroll answered that question in 1997, when he helped establish the San Clemente High School Automotive Technology Partnership Academy. San Juan Hills High School does not have an auto shop.

McCarroll gave those students access to what he calls “something that gives them a connection to school.” He initially retired from the position of academy director in 2007, but has returned as a substitute and has agreed to stay until a permanent replacement is found.

“Since his return in October, Mr. McCarroll has been instrumental in restoring areas of the auto shop that needed some work,” said George Duarte, San Clemente High School principal. “Mr. McCarroll was tremendous the first time around, he is tremendous this time around, and we really appreciate that he has returned.”

The teacher originally hired to replace McCarroll has since taken a job in the Inland Empire.

Teaching the automotive course is McCarroll’s passion, and equally rewarding is the impact his instruction has had on his students.

Having taught at San Clemente High since 1976, McCarroll recalls a time when electricity, general metals and machine tools were all classes offered at the school.

Today, the Auto Academy, as it’s best known, is the last remaining vocational program available to students. It offers participants an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the trade—everything from how a car air conditioning system works to how to conduct a pre-delivery inspection.

“The Auto Academy gives students the opportunity to find out if they really want to work in this industry and helps guide their career choices,” McCarroll said.

The Auto Academy is a three-year, coeducational program, and currently has about 90 students. Those who are interested apply during their freshman year and begin during their sophomore year. Part of the academy experience is the camaraderie that comes from learning

Siegel (Cont. on page 19) from the original boundaries were the Bear Brand Ranch, The Rosenbaum and Lacouague properties.

C. Fulton Shaw’s property was excluded, but he was advised he could later annex to the new city. Everyone seemed happy with the boundaries for the new city, including Dana Point and Capistrano Beach who saw a way for their communities to grow also.

The Neighbors of San Juan Capistrano for Incorporation group was formed to inform the voters of San Juan Capistrano with the facts about the issues of incorporation. Among the people attending this meeting were Jose Rosan, Paul Herbold, Clarence Lobo, Howard Lattimer, F. C. Alers, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Smith, C. C. McCary, Bob Gardner, Harold Ambuehl, E. M. Hernandez, E. G. Miller, Harrison Giddings, Boyd Robertson, Don Durnford, William A. Bathgate and Gerald T. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Autobody instructor Robert McCarroll stands next to a car being worked on in the Auto Academy car garage at San Clemente High School.

Photo by Austin Reagan

as a group, that is, taking all academic and automotive classes together.

“They become a family and are able to help each other in their English classes and science classes, as well as their auto classes,” McCarroll said.

All academy students are required to hold an internship position in the summer between their junior and senior years, to give them first-hand exposure to industry related careers.

For some, the academy is more than just an opportunity to learn about cars. Enrollment in the program has kept several individuals from dropping out of school completely.

“Without the Auto Academy, there are students who would have no motivation to come to school, no motivation to graduate,” McCarroll said.

The long-time teacher tells the story of one student he had when the program was starting out, who had failed all of his classes during his freshman year. After listening to a presentation by a representative from the private career school Universal Technical Institute, the student approached McCarroll, explaining that he was interested in going to that school. McCarroll told the student that until he got his act together, he would have no chance of attending the technical institute.

“Well, at the end of the semester, he walked into my office, pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and sort of threw it at me. It was his report card. He had gotten all As and Bs,” recalled McCarroll.

After putting in great effort, even attending night

classes to earn course credits, the student went on to graduate with his class and then attended UTI. McCarroll said the student came back to visit him in 2005 with the news that he makes a six-figure annual salary and owns three properties in San Clemente.

Sue Palazzo, Capistrano Unified School District trustee, has been a proud supporter of the program ever since two of her sons were part of it during their high school years.

“Every scholar needs a skill,” she said. “All students, whether they plan to attend college or pursue a career straight out of high school, can benefit from Bob McCarroll’s class. He’s just been an inspiration and I’m so glad he has returned until a permanent replacement is hired because he puts so much of his heart into the San Clemente Auto Academy.”

Neither of her sons who took the class now work in the auto industry; one is an attorney, the other a dentist.

Nevertheless, Palazzo said that McCarroll inspired in them a passion and an interest for automobiles.

The impact that McCarroll has had on San Clemente High School is immeasurable.

“I tell the kids everyday that the number one thing they should be doing is figuring out what it is that they love to do and what brings them the most happiness. They want to make that their career,” McCarroll said.

True to his own word, McCarroll claims that his job is his passion, and he is glad he has been able to return once more to lead the Auto Academy. CD

Gaffney. John Dawson, a Santa Ana attorney served without fee as an incorporation advisor.

The purposes of incorporation were: 1. To confirm and establish the historic name of San Juan Capistrano; 2. To prevent undesirable encroachment or annexation by other cities or other areas; 3. To place future growth of the community squarely in the control of the inhabitants of San Juan Capistrano; and 4. To receive more direct benefits from tax dollars generated within this community.

This group proved to be successful in getting their message across, because, when the vote was tallied on April 11, 358 supported incorporation; 88 had voted against it. The State of California certified the election on April 19, which is the date that the city declared incorporation.

Also, on the ballot was the election of five City Council members, if incorporation passed. Thirteen ran for office. According to the State of California

Government Code, the five receiving the greatest number of votes would become council members. Of those, the three receiving the lowest number of votes would serve until the next general election; until April 1962. The two receiving the greatest number of votes would serve until the second general election in 1964.

The code calls for municipal elections every two years in the even numbered years, so the councilmen would have to file again in 1962 and 1964 to complete their two and four year terms. The five elected to the first City Council were Carol Buchheim, William Bathgate, Don Durnford, Antonio Olivares, and Edward Chermak. The City’s population was 1,200.

As we start this Celebration year take a Moment In Time to reflect on how San Juan Capistrano became a city and some of the people who made it all possible.

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

January 14–27, 2011 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 19

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949.248.0260

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PRINTING Printing OC

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Bayside Window Cleaning 949.290.8230 Las Golandrinas Mexican Food 949.240.3440 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com 27124 Paseo Espada #803, www.lasgolondrinas.biz

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

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949.496.4810 949.212.0499 31878 Del Obispo (Marshalls Center)

Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B 949.240.1200 Tired of Waiting I.T. Services 949.922.7727 YOGA Schools j.ehle@cox.net Adelanto Studio Yoga & Life Arts 949.705.7344 949.240.9240 Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 949.493.5683 32118 Paseo Adelanto, Ste.9, 32032 Del Obispo Street, www.cvcs.org ELECTRICIANS www.adelantostudio.net Friess Electric 949.248.4222 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 102 SERVICES

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

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DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY 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.

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE January 14–27, 2011 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 21

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

5 BEST BETS SOCCER

GIRLS WATER POLO

BASKETBALL

BASKETBALL

Wolverines vs.

Dolphins, Dana Hills High School Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m.

Cougars vs. Tritons San Clemente High School Jan. 20, 4 p.m.

Stallions vs. El Toro El Toro High School Jan. 21, 7 p.m.

The Lady Tritons head home after taking on Laguna Hills and just in time to hit up goals against Capo Valley.

Info: http://sjhhs.schoolloop.

Get out to the mat in support of the Dolphins as the team takes on Aliso Niguel in its final Sea View League dual this season .

Stallions vs.

Capistrano Valley, San Juan Hills High School Jan. 24, 7 p.m.

com/athletics

Info: www.dhhs.net

Stallions vs.

Capistrano Valley, San Juan Hills High School Jan. 18, 3:15 pm.

The newest cross-town rivalry moves to the soccer field as the Lady Stallions take on the Cougars.

WRESTLING

Info: www.sctritons.com

The Stallions boys varsity basketball team is playing some exciting ball this The Lady Cougars come year. Info: http://sjhhs. to San Juan Hills’ gym to schoolloop.com/athletics face the Lady Stallions.

Info: http://sjhhs.schoolloop. com/athletics

New San Juan Hills Coach a Familiar Face for Stallions

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

W

hen San Juan Hills High School needed a new head varsity football coach, they didn’t have to look far: Assistant Principal Aaron Flowers is a former college coach who earned All-American honors while a quarterback at Cal State Northridge.

Flowers replaces Greg Gibson, who has served as the head football coach from 2007 to 2010. Gibson is moving his family to Virginia to take a job there.

In announcing Flowers as the coach to more than 100 players gathered at lunch Tuesday, Principal Tom Ressler said he and Athletic Director Armando Gonzalez were aware of potential coaches and those who had applied for other, nearby jobs. Frankly, they decided, none were as good as Flowers. Flowers, however, takes a pay cut stepping back in the teaching ranks from administration.

In addressing the players Tuesday, Flowers said he would adopt a slogan from the renown DeSalle High School

New head coach Aaron Flowers. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

program: “Perfect Effort.”

“Your effort is about the only thing you can control as a player,” Flowers told the players. He told them he would help them become players they could be proud of, while building a program everyone would be proud of.

Flowers brings a rich football background to the sidelines at San Juan Hills. As a standout quarterback for the Cal State Northridge Matadors, he was

named a Division 1-AA All-American after the 1997 season as he lead the nation in total offense. While at CSUN he played for current UNLV offensive coordinator Rob Phenicie who employed a spread passing attack that finished #1 in the nation in passing yards.

Flowers began his coaching career as the Matador’s quarterback coach in 1998 and coached Marcus Brady who broke many of Aaron’s records on his way to becoming the school’s career passing leader. Brady went on to play in the Canadian Football League from 2002 to 2008. In 1999, Montana State University lured Flowers away to coach at the perennial Big Sky Conference power. While at MSU, Flowers coached the quarterbacks, receivers and running backs along with gaining valuable experience coaching along side Pete Kwiatkowski, who now serves as the Defensive Coordinator for the nationally ranked Boise State Broncos. Flowers left Montana State in early 2003 to return home to California and start a career in high school education and coaching.

JSerra Hires ‘Michael Jordan’ of Lacrosse The Capistrano Dispatch

J

Serra Catholic High School announced this month that Kyle Harrison, one of the nation’s most celebrated lacrosse champions, will coach its lacrosse team next year.

A three-time All-American in college, Harrison, 27, led Johns Hopkins University to an NCAA Division I National Championship in 2005 and won the Tewaaraton Trophy (the Heisman Trophy of lacrosse) as the National Player of the Year. As a professional, he’s a four-time Major League Lacrosse all-star and a founding partner of the new LXM Pro Tour. He’s also the first lacrosse player ever sponsored by Nike—and remains a Nike athlete today. Harrison is also sponsored by STX, a company that carries

Harrison’s own equipment and apparel line called K18. He says STX always will play a major role in his career.

Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport nationwide, with the highest growth west of the Mississippi, he said.

“JSerra is a dynamic school that welcomes and encourages vision, and provides just the environment needed to take on this new challenge,” he said.

Current coach Mike Hutnik resigned to pursue a master’s degree and the school will have an interim to replace him for the 2011 season.

Harrison said he is excited about the group of assistant coaches he is working on bringing from the East Coast. “They are a passionate about the sport, and about working with young men both on and off the field,” he said.

Page 22 • The Capistrano Dispatch • January 14–27, 2011

Harrison added that he plans to work with football coach Jim Hartigan to develop as many two-sport athletes as possible.

Frank Talarico, JSerra’s President and CEO, said he is pleased to add another world-class talent to the school’s coaching staff.

“Kyle is the Michael Jordan of lacrosse,” Talarico said. “In addition to winning the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy in lacrosse, he’s also a great guy and will be an incredible mentor and role model for our scholar athletes.”

Harrison isn’t the only world-class athlete coaching the Lions. Aquatics director Julie Swail-Ertel is a two-sport Olympian and Ice Lion coaches Dave Karpa and Guy Hebert are former National Hockey League stars. CD

After spending a year at JSerra High School in 2003-04, Flowers taught and coached from 2004 through 2007 at Dana Hills High School. As a Dolphin, he served as the offensive coordinator and spent one year as a co-athletic director. In his time at Dana Hills Aaron coached the quarterbacks and guided the development of quarterbacks Grant Schwartz (Ohio State) and Sean Schroeder (Duke).

Flowers was hired by Capistrano Valley High School in 2007 as an assistant principal before moving to San Juan Hills in the fall of 2008.

In the announcement, Flowers commented that his return to the sidelines was in large part due to the atmosphere at San Juan Hills High School. “The students, faculty, staff, administration, and community are amazing. Everything is in place to continue what has been started

by Coach Gibson and the staff. Many don’t realize the potential we have at San Juan Hills and I have been fortunate to experience this firsthand over the past three years.” CD

CAPO BOYS SOCCER GRABS SILVER Capistrano FC Boys U11 soccer team placed second in the Tustin Winter Cup Tournament on January 9, at J Serra. Capo FC played Celtic Hoop from Ontario. Capo FC went down 1-0 but then tied it back up when Noah Cook scored from a corner kick taken

by Giancarlo Navarro. Capo FC eventually lost in penalty kicks. The team is made up of Anthony Gamino, Giancarlo Navarro, Jose Tellez, Aaron Aguilar, Gordon Larson, Jonathan Camacho, Parker Scalzo, Thomas Lambla, Trevor Weinert, Jesse Reguerin, Jamie Del Rio, Noah Cook and Marcus Thomas. Cyrus Navabpour is head coach. CD

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