The Capistrano Dispatch

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M A R C H 1 1 –24 , 2 0 1 1 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5

A Masterpiece Theater San Juan Hills High Theater provides college-level experience E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 5 Robb Rigg, who ran the South Orange County High School of the Arts at Dana Hills, now leads the drama program at San Juan Hills High. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

In-N-Out and Daytime Curfew on Council Agenda Tuesday

Dating Columnist Tom Blake Joins Dispatch

Mission Sets Celebration for Return of the Swallows

EYE ON SJC/3

SJC LIVING/PAGE 24

SJC LIVING/PAGE 22

EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE Voters rejected Measure A, the ballot question that went to voters Tuesday, effectively putting an end to the Playa Del Norte project in North Beach.

Foes of Measure A rallied 57.2 percent of voters to their opponents’ 42.8 percent. “This is a big deal,” said Councilman Bob Baker, who opposed the 48,970-square-foot, Spanish-revival project.

“It’s right there. We were on the right side of this.”

But Measure A supporters worried the referendum would stifle the city’s long-term economic development. “My concern is that we won’t have any quality development in San Clemente after this,” said Kathyrn Stovall-Dennis, a leader of the pro-Measure A movement. Tom Barnes, whose North Beach Green Alternative group advocates a park at North Beach, said the No on A group started slow but ran a solid campaign. “The new campaign starts tomorrow,” Barnes said. “We only have a year to get that park in.”

NEWS

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

DANA POINT The City of Dana Point scored two legal victories in Orange County Superior Court in nuisance lawsuits filed against medical marijuana dispensaries. On February 24 a judge ruled in favor of the city in a year-old nuisance lawsuit filed against the Point Alternative Care collective. Then on March 1 another judge declared the city the winner in a nuisance suit against Beach Cities Collective. These rulings prohibit the collectives from re-opening and open the door for the city to sue for civil damages. A third suit against Holistic Health is pending. All three were red-tagged and closed for municipal code violations last month. Beach Cities and Holistic were in the process of trying to correct code violations and reapply for certificates of occupancy following an unsuccessful attempt at appealing the closures.—AS

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

…In-N-Out Coming to Town?

THE LATEST: The City Council is ready to consider a proposed In-N-Out Burger with a drive-through window on the former Sizzler restaurant site at 31863 Del Obispo Street.

In-N-Out Burger wants to build a 3,700-square-foot fast-food restaurant on a 45,900-square-foot parcel. Council members will decide if the location is appropriate for a drive-through establishment and whether to move forward with formal reviews by the city’s commissions.

Earlier councils had been split on In-NOut’s plan, saying the location is key to a revitalized downtown and the popular burger restaurant will generate too much traffic on the already-clogged Del Obispo Street.

WHAT’S NEXT: The council meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15 at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

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

2

…the City Manager’s Job?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano City Council is expected to approve separate contracts Tuesday for an interim city manager and a utilities department consultant. But this time, the contracts will go to separate men. For 18 months, Joe Tait held both contracts, earning as much as $324,000 and subjecting the city to political scorn, especially as the Bell salary scandal erupted. He was among the highest paid city managers in the state though he The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

technically held two posts.

Previous City Council members contended Tait’s contracts, each for 30 hours a week, saved the money because he went without benefits like health and pension. Critics countered that one man couldn’t work two jobs, and the $324,000 was just too much money.

WHAT’S NEXT: On Tuesday, the council is poised to enter an agreement with Capistrano resident and former City Manager James Mocalis to serve as interim manager. He has agreed to do the job free though he will be reimbursed for actual expenses.

The contract is slated to run from April 1, when Tait’s contract expires, through June 1, when the council is expected to have a new city manager on board.

As for Tait, the council has been pleased with his work with the Utilities Department, which began three years ago. The council proposes a contract extension through March 2012 and capped at $175,000 a year.

The council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

FIND OUT MORE: See the staff reports at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

—Stacie N. Galang

3

…A Daytime Curfew?

THE LATEST: Minors spotted in public between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on school days would be breaking the law—and their parents could be held responsible— under a daytime curfew ordinance before the City Council on Tuesday.

The council considered the ordinance before but did not act. This time, the

proposed measure has been endorsed by the Youth Advisory Board. The measure would also allow minors to stay out an hour later—to 11 p.m. Both curfews have several exceptions.

The daytime and nighttime curfews would be enforceable by either a criminal citation from a deputy or an administrative citation issued by city code enforcement.

Parents of minors who knowingly allow their minor children to violate the ordinance can also be cited as can business owners who allow minors to congregate and loiter in their place of business during curfew hours.

WHAT’S NEXT: The council meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

FIND OUT MORE: See the staff report at www.thecapistranodispatch.com —JV

4

…Increased Border Patrol Efforts?

THE LATEST: The Border Patrol is increasing its efforts to snare maritime smugglers in Orange County, officials announced during a community meeting in Dana Point.

About 70 people attended the March 3 forum at the OC Sailing & Events Center in Dana Point Harbor. The meeting featured newly selected San Diego Sector Chief Paul A. Beeson and other agency officials who announced they will increase the number of officers dedicated to fighting the immigration battle on the sea, as the number of illegal immigrants and the amount of drugs brought in over the water is increasing.

On February 15, for example, Border Patrol officers caught 18 Mexican nationals in a boat off Dana Point. Similar apprehensions have become familiar in the area.

Page 3

WHAT’S NEXT: Authorities urged the public to report boats, fuel containers or life vests they spot along the beaches, as those are often indicators of illegal smuggling.

FIND OUT MORE: To report suspicious activity, email the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center at ociac@ociac. org or call the Joint Harbor Operations Center at 800.854.9834. —Andrea Swayne

5

…A Pool at SJHHS?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday night awarded the bid to build the pool at San Juan Hills High School to Horizons Construction Company International, Inc., paving the way for the project to be completed in time for the 2012 swim season.

The $3.1 million bid includes construction of a state-of-the-art 30-meter pool, a joint-use recreational pool area, an equipment building, and a restroom building.

The approval comes after the Board rejected bids received in September and authorized District staff to perform a constructability review and modify project documents before requesting new bids on the project. The review resulted in upgrades to the pool area lighting and modifications and improvements to the weight room.

The project will be paid for out of community-facilities district funds that can only be used for construction.

The Stallions’ swim and water-polo teams have used Tesoro High as their “home” pool.

WHAT’S NEXT: Construction begins on March 28. The project is scheduled to be completed in January 2012.

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

Eye on SJC

A Masterpiece Theater San Juan Hills theater program gaining in stature after just four years

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

I

t’s something San Juan Hills High School Drama students just have to get used to: Even if you’re the headliner in a production, the campus theater will always be a co-star.

Although the theater complex wasn’t ready when the school opened four years ago, the stage was set even then for the Stallion performing-arts program to become a star: The facilities are state-of-the-art and the program is led by Robb Rigg, who launched the South Orange County School of the Arts program at Dana Hills High School.

And now, working with fourth-year students for the first time, the shows are getting better and better and San Juan Hills is already beginning to make a name for itself.

Graduating students are heading off to schools such as Vassar, New York University and Cal State Fullerton’s prestigious Bachelor of Fine Arts program.

The San Juan Hills students take to the stage again April 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 for the campus production of Les Miserables. Students build the sets, create the costumes, direct, play in the orchestra, and, of course, act and sing.

Rigg admits there was some angst when he left SOCSA to come to San Juan Hills. Some there thought his move telegraphed an effort to move the school of the arts to Capistrano. Rigg said it was the facilities that drew him.

“SOCSA was up and running and a previous student of mine, Britney Longdon, had graduated college and was ready to teach,” said Rigg, who was at Dana Hills for 24 years. “The new facility at San Juan Hills was too

Students work on the music for the upcoming Les Miserables at San Juan Hills High School. The program got a boost recently when Victor De La Cruz joined the school as Choral Director. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

good to pass up.”

His excitement is evident as Rigg takes a visitor on a tour of the facilities. There’s two dance studios, dressing rooms, an animation studio (now serving as a television studio), a music room, a small performance area, even a green room for the 172 students in the Performing Arts program.

But Rigg’s voice takes a special tone when the tour reaches the main stage, which can seat 475 in the audience. The main theater has special sound baffles that Rigg says brings the sound quality to that of Carnegie Hall. The backstage has fly lofts that stretch nearly 100 feet high, allowing backdrops to swoop into place.

Four catwalks, nicknamed Paul, John, George and Ringo, are suspended above the audience. The front of the stage can be lowered mechanically to create an orchestra pit, and the stage has 12 trap doors that can move actors or props up or down in the blink of an eye.

Behind all the gadgetry is a solid core of classes for students, too. While wood shops have all but disappeared from high school campuses, San Juan Hills students can take set-design and set-building courses. They also learn costume design or lighting and sound.

“Each student to me is like a young artist,” Rigg said.

“They want to act, but I ask them ‘What are you going

CVCS Sings the Old West Capistrano Valley Christian Schools perform ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ Capistrano Valley Christian Schools Performing Arts Department will present a production of Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun on March 25 – 26 and April 1 at 7:30 p.m. and April 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The show is directed and choreographed by Rozlyn Mignona, who is a former CVCS student. She later pursued a performing arts career and has now brought all her talent back to CVCS. Musical direction is provided by Gene Roberson.

General Admission will be $12 and $10 for students and seniors. Capistrano Valley Christian Schools is at 32032 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano. For more info, www.cvcs.org or 949.493.5683.

The cast rehearses for Les Miserables. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

Page 5

Beauty and the Beast at Marco Marco Forster middle schoolers put on a fun production of the classic A Marco Forster Middle School performance of Beauty and the Beast is set for Thursday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. in their multipurpose room. Musical Theater teacher responsible for the event, Pat Banning, has invited Superintendent Farley and he is expected to attend. The production has been an enormous undertaking for the group. Kyla Stone will be playing Belle.

to do to make money in the meantime? Design sets?

Make costumes? I’m always trying to get them to hone their skills.”

“It’s almost like a college experience,” said Capistrano Marci Frolov, one of many parents who donate their time and energy helping with costumes, setting the stage, selling tickets, whatever is necessary. Her son, Evan, is in Rigg’s program. “Students are coming out here so prepared if they’re going in the performing arts.”

Riggs said the student successes are important. His former students often come back to enhance the high school program even more. This month, students saw a video shot by Jesse Swimm, a former Rigg’s student touring with the Broadway production of Mary Poppins.

“I asked him to take a video camera backstage and ask people ‘What does it take to get here.’ Then I had another student edit the video,” Rigg said. “We presented that and students heard it takes discipline, classes, taking every opportunity you can to perform or tech and just read, read, read.”

As for the future, Rigg said he plans to just keep working on the San Juan Hills program.

“All of the schools in the district have strong programs, but they’re all different,” Rigg said. “We’re going to take baby steps and let students chose how they work best.”

The San Juan Hills performing arts program is always looking for volunteers and sponsors. See www. sjhhspab.org/ for more information or call the school at 949.234.5900 for more information and information about performances. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

Council Begins Process to Hire City Manager Work begins after Deputy City Manager announces retirement, too

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he Capistrano City Council on March 4 began sorting through nearly 90 applications for City Manager, since the elected officials decided to handle the process themselves, without a search firm.

The council is scheduled to announce a new hire by early April. But even as the city moves toward filling its chief-executive job, another key city official has announced his retirement.

Deputy City Manager Steve Apple this month announced he is retiring, four years after joining San Juan Capistrano.

Apple, who started in Capistrano as the city’s Planning Director, said he is moving toward a “soft retirement” in April.

Apple came to Capistrano from Solana Beach in San Diego County. He has spent 27 years in the public sector.

His departure comes as the city is looking for a permanent City Manager, whose first job will also be to hire a Utilities Director—and now apparently a Deputy City Manager/Planning Director.

Apple said he loves the city of San Juan Capistrano and that working with the team—from staff to elected City Council members—has been his favorite part of

the past four years.

Hiring his replacement will fall on the new City Manager.

Filling that position is key to the city, where officials have drawn fire because City Manager Joe Tait holds two contracts to perform two positions—City Manager and Utilities Director. His $324,000 contract at one time made him among the highest paid city leaders in the state, but he has since taken a 5 percent pay cut.

The City Council has defended the contract, saying Tait is uniquely qualified to do both jobs and his nobenefits contract actually saves the city money.

Indeed, the new City Manager will earn between $190,000 and $225,000 a year, plus another 53 percent in benefits. Additionally, a new Utilities Director will cost the city at least $200,000 a year in salary and benefits.

Whoever gets that job will then hire the new Utilities Director, too.

The council decided against using a search firm for the City Manager’s position. All five members of the City Council have received all 81 applications and resumes. The council is scheduled to meet in closed session on Friday, March 4 to discuss the applicants.

The new City Manager is expected to be named in early April. Mayor Sam Allevato said Friday’s closedsession meeting, allowed by law because the action is

City to Pay for Distrito Ballot Analysis

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

C

apistrano residents who cast a ballot in the June referendum election on the mixed-used Distrito La Novia project will have the benefit of an impartial analysis written by the City Attorney.

The City Council on March 1 agreed to pay the Orange County Registrar of Voters $12,129 to print an impartial analysis of the Distrito issue, along with a full text of the referendum.

Distrito was approved in November with 90 condominiums, 40 apartments, and about 81,000 square feet of primarily retail and restaurant space on the north side of La Novia and 93 single-family homes and a 500horse stable on the south. Residents gathered more than the required 1,973 signatures of registered voters to put the issue on the ballot.

“I want as much information out there as possible,” for the June election, Mayor Sam Allevato said. He said he reviewed the impartial analysis for a referendum underway in San Clemente and found it “just factual.”

The council approved the expenditures 4-1, with Derek Reeve voting no. The election is already expected to cost the city $76,000 to $85,000, although the costs will be less if the state calls a special election.

Reeve, who opposes the Distrito project, inquired whether the council would be able to review City Attorney Omar Sandoval’s analysis before it was printed on the ballot. The answer: No. Sandoval said the law allowed no pre-printing review, although anyone who wanted to challenge the statement

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

could do so in Orange County Superior Court during a specified 10-day period.

The referendum is officially known as Measure B. A “yes” vote is to let the Distrito project go forward, while a “no” vote would overturn the council’s approval. If the Distrito project is rejected, the developer can go forward with 440 homes already approved on the south side of La Novia, and additional development on the north side.

Allevato and Councilwoman Laura Freese wrote the argument against the referendum, while the argument in favor of overturning the approvals was signed by Councilman Derek Reeve, former Mayor Roy Byrnes and residents Yvonne Tschaikowsky, John Perry and Judy Morgan.

“We listened!” the argument in support begins.

“Over a three-year period, during 30 public hearings, you said you wanted a scaled-down plan for the Distrito La Novia/San Juan Meadows project, one that is less dense than the 1998 [housing] project, provide more open space, and be consistent with the unique character of our community.” (sic) The Distrito plan, the argument says, is “superior” to the housing project. “Don’t let a few people hijack the process.”

But the argument against Measure B attacks the city and developer, Advanced Real Estate Services, saying the project will violate neighbors’ property rights, create a high-intensity development, hurt the downtown and increase the city’s debt.

See the full ballot arguments at www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD Page 6

personnel-related, stretched three hours. Although the council considered 86 applications, council members received the applications in advance to review.

Allevato said the process went smoothly and the council narrowed the applicants to a manageable number to interview—although that process will likely span three days.

“We got a lot of good applicants,” Allevato said. CD

Allevato to Host ‘Brown Bag’ Luncheon Series The Capistrano Dispatch

M

ayor Sam Allevato will host a monthly “brown bag” luncheon series beginning next month where residents can bring their own meal and learn more about issues in town.

Allevato has said he believes some of the dissention in town is because residents aren’t getting enough information. He has already launched postcouncil meeting news reports and often attends the Friday morning Coffee Chats with residents at the Camino Real Playhouse.

The brown bag lunches will feature a list of issues and topics that impact the city. During the sessions, the mayor will be joined by program and project managers that have hands-on responsibility for handling these issues, topics, projects or programs for the city.

The first brown bag will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on March 30 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. It will focus on “San Juan’s Mobility—How Current and Future Transportation Projects in And Around San Juan Capistrano will Impact Your Quality of Life.”

Allevato represents the city on several regional transportation agencies and is a strong advocate for the southern extension of the Foothill-South toll road.

City staff will be on hand to provide detailed information and a brief Q&A session moderated by Allevato will follow.

In the coming months, the brown bags will focus on the following topics and may feature other City Council members presenting information.

• Why have my water rates gone up and what can we do to conserve?

• San Juan is more than 40 percent open space; how can I enjoy it?

• How is the downtown being revitalized?

• What exactly is the San Juan Capistrano Community Redevelopment Agency and what has it done for our town?

• Other topics to be determined.

For more information, contact Cathy Salcedo at 949.443.6317 or csalcedo@sanjuancapistrano.org. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

Sunday, March 6 DISTURBANCE Don Juan Avenue, 31300 Block (8:48 p.m.) A caller reported some residents were smoking marijuana.

They, the caller said, do it a lot.

DISTURBANCE Calle San Felipe, 30800 Block (6:31 p.m.)

A man and woman got into a fight over a breakup. Both had been drinking.

DISTURBANCE Junipero Serra Road/Camino Capistrano (4:39 p.m.) A fight broke out after a soccer game. A caller notified deputies before it started because the match drew about 500 people and he was afraid fans of the losing team would start a fight.

DISTURBANCE Calle Entradero, 31100 Block (2:26 p.m.)

A woman reported “her son’s drug dealer” and his mother were at the house, harassing them. An earlier call reported a teenager refused to take a drug test.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE El Camino Real/Yorba Street (9:15 a.m.)

Four men and a woman got out of a van to go use a rest room in the park. A caller thought that was suspicious.

WELFARE CHECK Paseo Michelle, 28300 Block (8:15 a.m.)

A woman asked deputies to check on her children. They were with their father and she had not heard from them all weekend. The woman wanted deputies to ask the kids to call their mom.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Del Obispo Street, 31700 Block (7:27 a.m.) Some kids kicked the drive-through sign, perhaps knocking it down. They were dressed in “tattered rocker style” clothing.

ARREST El Camino Real/Forster Street (3:09 a.m.) A 27-year-old woman The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

who gave her occupation as a clerk was arrested after a traffic accident at El Camino Real and Forster Street.

the alley, followed by a man in a van.

They were selling tamales.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Junipero Serra Road/I-5 (6:27 p.m.)

The highway patrol requested help with an accident involving five vehicles.

DISTURBANCE Via Solana, 31100 Block (1:14 a.m.)

A loud party was reported, complete with nudity, a fight and underage drinking.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Ortega Highway/Rancho Viejo Road (5:09 p.m.) A tree fell and blocked the eastbound lanes of Ortega Highway.

Another caller reported the traffic signal wasn’t working properly.

Saturday, March 5 DISTURBANCE Connemara Drive, 33800 Block (10:51 p.m.) Residents reported guests at a nearby party were throwing beer bottles into their back yards.

DISTURBANCE Ortega Highway, 27100 Block (3:49 p.m.) Workers at a historic building were reportedly putting up a large wall without a permit.

DISTURBANCE La Zanja Street, 26500 Block (10:38 p.m.) A caller reported a gang fight with as many as 30 people.

Deputies were unable to find anything matching the report.

DISTURBANCE Camino del Avion, 25600 Block (3:57 p.m.) A 12-year-old was held for kicking in a window on a local campus.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Edgewood Road, 29300 Block (6:59 p.m.)

Someone peeled the word “stop” off a stop sign, making it of questionable value. A caller knew who did it, though.

DISTURBANCE Via de Aguila, 32000 Block (2:18 p.m.)

A man and woman were in an argument over a child custody exchange.

CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida De La Vista, 30800 Block (3:39 p.m.) A caller reported he went to the home of his girlfriend’s aunt to pick up his nearly 2-year-old son, but no one was home. The caller was 16.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Camino Capistrano, 31400 Block (1:44 p.m.) A man urinated outside a store, then left in a vehicle with an open container.

WELFARE CHECK Paseo Toscana/Via Los Santos (1:34 p.m.) A caller reported his girlfriend’s parents hadn’t been heard from for 48 hours, which is unusual.

Everything turned out to be OK. WARRANT ARREST Ortega Highway/I-5 (12:22 p.m.)

A 35-year-old man who identified himself as a server was arrested on warrants.

DRUNK DRIVING Alipaz Street/Del Obispo Street (9:48 a.m.) A woman was reportedly “swerving all over the road” and hit the curb and some bushes.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (1:43 a.m.)

A car with its lights out sped through a mobile-home park. The driver took off and ran though several back yards.

A cable box was destroyed. A 23-yearold man, who listed his occupation as a manager, was taken into custody.

Friday, March 4 ILLEGAL PEDDLING Los Rios Street/Via Barcelona (6:51 p.m.) A woman was walking in

PETTY THEFT Camino Capistrano, 32400 Camino Capistrano (2:41 p.m.) A male juvenile was caught shoplifting.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Shipside Drive/Camino Del Avion (10:20 a.m.) Three vehicles were involved in an accident. One was leaking fuel.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Reposo, 27900 Block (10:09 a.m.)

A woman spotted her daughter’s boyfriend asleep in bed with her daughter.

He was told in July he was not allowed at the home.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano, 33900 Block (5:58 a.m.) A car dealership employee reported one of their vehicles was moved and it hit a fire hydrant.

Thursday, March 3 PETTY THEFT Golf Club Drive, 30800 Block (7:56 p.m.)

A woman reported her iPod Touch was stolen.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo Molinos, 33200 Block (6:42 p.m.)

Page 7

A neighbor spotted someone with a hooded sweatshirt, with the hood up, standing near a covered automobile. The person would move when another car went down the street, so the neighbor thought it suspicious.

WELFARE CHECK Camino Capistrano, 32000 Block (8:27 a.m.) A man asked to borrow some scissors at a local coffee shop, then locked himself in the bathroom for several minutes. He did have long hair.

PETTY THEFT Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (12:44 a.m.) A man was walking around the store, putting things in a bag. He drank half-a bottle of juice and refused to pay for it.

Wednesday, March 2 DISTURBANCE La Novia/Cerro Rebal (4:04 p.m.)

Three people were on the trail, damaging the flora.

DISTURBANCE Spotted Bull Lane, 29500 Block (3:48 p.m.) A caller reported he has a male guest and a female guest, and the female said the male hit her. All had been drinking.

CITIZEN ASSIST Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (1:21 p.m.) A woman reported a van hit her a week earlier, but she didn’t report it then.

DRUNK DRIVING Ortega Highway, 27700 Block (9:36 a.m.)

A 62-year-old retired man was taken into custody. His bail was set at $65,000.

The case was filed as a felony because the man had pled guilty to driving with his blood-alcohol at more than .08 percent three times previously.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Del Obispo Street/Camino Capistrano (7:23 a.m.) A caller complained the rail crossing arms weren’t working properly and traffic was backing up.

Monday, February 28 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (6:55 p.m.)

A passerby was concerned when three men pulled another man off of his bicycle near the train depot. They cuffed him and searched him. The caller was concerned because the three weren’t in uniform and were laughing. Deputies suspected it was the Border Patrol. The bicycle was left behind.

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JONATHAN VOLZKE: My Turn

Maybe Capistrano is Destined to Fail

T

o be honest, in 25 years of covering municipal government, I’ve never seen the job of City Council member as all that tough. You Jonathan Volzke run a campaign based on what you believe, you get elected, then act upon what you believe. Tough decisions, sure, but there shouldn’t have to be any outrage or personal attacks that you’ve abandoned your base.

The tricky part is when you try to keep the promise every politician makes: To listen to the constituents. More often than not, that seems to be a big mistake.

Why? Because often times, “listening to the constituents” means getting an earful from a smaller than city majority number of residents who turn out because they’re ticked off about something. And sadly, folks seem to only get ticked off when an issue is within a few miles of their home or business. Hardly the crowd that should steer decisions that impact the overall greater good.

I pondered this during a recent City Council meeting. After coming under fire again and again for the size of, and salaries paid to, the city staff, the Capistrano City Council was looking at moving toward outsourcing two positions, just two: That of city traffic engineering and the historic preservation manager.

So despite all of the verbal and written poundings on city staff and salaries for months, nobody really stood up and said to the council “Yes, this is the right thing to do, we support you.” Instead, the council was flooded with letters and speakers demanding these two positions remain in-house, that they were too valuable to outsource and still preserve the Capistrano Way of Life.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

Clearly, the constituency was divided.

The council listened, but sadly there were two sides. The council asked staff to study the situation some more.

The paradox occurred to me again as I read a column on redevelopment. Many of the city’s vocal critics have grabbed Governor Brown’s proposal to do away with redevelopment, even as a majority of the City Council is fighting to keep it.

Longtime Sacramento columnist George Skelton wrote that he, too, supports Brown’s move to do away with redevelopment. But Skelton recognized that redevelopment isn’t bad per se, and in fact, is even necessary. He just opined that it needs major reform, and even without it, cities have tools to spur economic revitalization. His examples: In the end it wasn’t the redevelopment subsidies that succeeded in persuading the yuppies—or, to update the term, hipsters—to dance on Spring Street in downtown L.A. It was a very simple policy change instituted by Mayor James Hahn in 2001, which waived all parking requirements for adaptive reuse projects downtown and in Hollywood. With the stroke of a pen, Hahn turned the conversion of old office buildings into lofts from a money-loser into a desirable real estate investment. Eliminating the parking requirement put money in developers’ pockets—or, at least, their pro formas—just as surely as a redevelopment subsidy.

In other states where rules on tax-increment financing rules are strict, cities use other methods such as density transfers to create the cash required to make projects work. In Seattle, where the use of TIF is strictly limited under state law, the city routinely makes projects work by permitting transfer of development rights from one property to another, thus bestowing a

profit opportunity that wouldn’t otherwise exist. Seattle has done this downtown a few times and the city is about to undertake a similar effort to make a redevelopment plan work in South Lake Union, the underutilized neighborhood just north of downtown that is largely controlled by Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen.

Well, that makes sense, I thought, and maybe all of Capistrano’s constituents could get behind that. Then I read the Measure A arguments for the referendum on Distrito La Novia. The chief argument against the city-approved plan to build retail and housing: Changing the zoning on the Distrito parcels to allow the property owner to build something he and the city believe is more viable and productive for the city violates the “constitutionally protected property rights” of people who live miles away.

Page 8

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

ONLINE POLL 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 notscientific and do not reflect the opinion of The Dispatch.

That on top of residents’ cries of “socialism” (really) when the City Council loosened parking restrictions in the downtown last year.

So critics don’t want redevelopment, but they don’t want the city to use rezoning, either. (Another hint to aspiring local officials: Constituents tend to say “no,” not “instead.”)

I’m not sure what the answer is—until we get politicians who quit promising to listening to constituents.

Editor Jonathan Volzke founded The Dispatch in 2002.

Letters to the Community COUNCILMAN WRONG IN REDEVELOPMENT STANCE —Gary Hausdorfer, former Mayor, San Juan Capistrano RE: “Redevelopment is Free Money for Political Cronies” The March 1, 2011 published comments from City Councilman Derek Reeve regarding the San Juan Capistrano Redevelopment Agency and the 1990 Open Space Bond issue are disturbing and incorrect.

I have enormous respect for all individuals who are willing to take on the responsibility of public service.

However, along with that responsibility comes the requirement of research,

self education and a complete understanding of all matters regarding public policy, both past and present. In my opinion, on the topics mentioned above, Councilman Reeve has failed by giving the impression that the city or its’ Redevelopment Agency have done something wrong or, that the redevelopment agency is somehow hurting the city. This is not true.

Historically, a development agency is a source of economic stimulus because it encourages private investment in areas in need of improvement.

San Juan Capistrano has used its’ redevelopment agency to, among other (Cont. on page 10) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 8) things, provide assistance in redeveloping the area where Cedar Creek and the adjacent retail complex are located, it helped preserve the historic Swallow’s Inn, it helped encourage the preservation of The Depot (Amtrak Station), it helped create the Costco Center and provided assistance to car dealers all of which have generated a significant amount of sales tax revenue for the city. The most recent example of how a redevelopment agency can encourage private investment is the local Regency movie theater. In this case, the Agency did just what is was formed to do: Encourage private investment to create a long term source of tax revenue and provide an incentive for local residents to use their downtown for something other than the Swallows Day Parade.

Public private partnerships come in many different forms. The main reason the state of California created redevelopment agencies was to give local government a tool to prevent the deterioration of key commercial areas and to invigorate dying or stale local economies. Redevelopment agencies were created nearly 60 years ago when voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing tax increment financing to permit cities to fight “blighted areas” or, areas that were in need of economic revitalization. “Tax increment” is created by the increased values of property in the redevelopment agency boundary. As the property values increase over the base amount in place at the time the boundaries were created, this increment, instead of going to the state, is retained by the Agency. That increment can be leveraged (borrowed against) or used as a direct investment or loan. The citizens of the city are not being taxed and the money is not being given to “political cronies,” The redevelopment agency follows the same approach to approving projects as the city does. Its business is all done in public at public meetings.

I believe the benefits of redevelopment in the state far outweigh the negatives.

In San Juan Capistrano, the Agency has been responsible for generating millions of dollars in revenue for the city since being created more than 25 years ago. If redevelopment agencies were eliminated by the state, San Juan Capistrano and many other cities would face serious challenges in retaining key businesses and preventing deterioration of important commercial areas of the city.

Governor Brown has proposed eliminating redevelopment agencies. Why? Because the tax increment currently being retained by the cities would go to the State to help reduce the $25 billion deficit. Why would any member of a city council support that idea? Councilman The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

Reeve needs to answer why he is in favor that giving locally generated funds to the State of California during a time of economic hardship and shrinking local resources.

As far as the 1990 Open Space Bonds are concerned, the transaction was structured with interest only payments to the Kinoshita Family for a period of time with a balloon payment at the end.

This was done for the benefit of both the family and city. The way the payments to the Kinoshita Family were structured was approved in public by a unanimous vote by the then sitting City Council. In addition, there was a significant amount of publicity at the time regarding this topic, the Kinoshita Family, and the value of this property to the long term preservation of farming and open space in San Juan Capistrano. All of the voter information prior to the 1990 open space bond election specifically identified the Kinoshita Property for acquisition.

The bond issue was supported by approximately 72 percent of those voting in a special election with a 65 percent turnout. Without the cooperation and support of the Kinoshita Family, San Juan Capistrano, today, would not have local organic farming, community gardens, the Community Center or the Sports Park.

The city of San Juan Capistrano is a very special city with a unique history.

Any person taking the oath of office to serve as a Member of the City Council should also be taking a solemn oath to preserve, protect and defend its’ history. In my opinion, Councilman Reeve needs to do more homework and be more knowledgeable and respectful about events that have helped San Juan Capistrano remain a city with uncluttered ridgelines, open space, a historic downtown and Mission. None of that happened by accident. It happened with the help of local resources, committed citizens and sensitive, caring leadership.

Let’s not ever forget the facts.

conceive will need funding and committed dollars line item by line item.

The assumption is these dollars will be sheltered because they are committed and the Governor said they would be unable to usurp committed funds. B) Setting Up a Housing Authority Lite: Lite refers to setting up the authority without Section 8 housing. The legislation submitted by the Governor’s office proposes to save the housing set-aside funds by sending them to the locally assigned housing authority.

As we do not have one, the dollars would go to the Orange County Housing Authority with instructions to reassign them per local needs.

My expectation is that Stanton, Placentia, and other small cities who have no housing authority would each get a share. County staff see us a rich South

County equestrian city and we’d get $1.98. I favor doing what Mission Viejo has done. They set up a housing authority very quickly. They have sheltered the set-aside funds by moving them into that authority City Council please note: We have choices. The worst thing to do would be to wait and see how Sacramento finishes their work.

At that time you can be assured it will be too late to shelter our $10.2 million from that long arm reaching in to grab all available local money.

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.

LAURA FREESE: My View

A Redevelopment Primer

Time to Play Defense —Dave Solt, San Juan Capistrano Right now, $10.2 million sits in the San Juan Capistrano Redevelopment Agency’s Housing Set-aside fund as of March 3, 2011.

The state has legislation pending allowing the long-arm-of-Sacramento to reach out and take those funds away from you. It is time to play defense. Let’s take action to defend those dollars.

What are some of the City Council’s choices? A) Assign dollars to specific projects: Led by the ten largest cities in California, many smaller towns are doing variations of what LA and Long Beach have done. They took every project and every expenditure they could Page 10

T

here have been a lot of misconceptions about the Redevelopment Agency (RDA). As with anything in govLaura Freese ernment, it is complicated but important to know how the process works. So here is a somewhat simple clarification of the mysterious world of redevelopment.

Cities, like private companies, depend on revenues to run the day to day operations. Revenues are mainly from property, sales and other taxes. The city’s operating fund is the General Fund. There are also specific funds like water, sewer and capital improvement funds. Tax revenues collected in SJC, go through a pipeline up to the county and then a portion of the revenue comes back again to SJC. As a whole, the city of SJC receives about 10 percent of every dollar paid in property taxes in SJC into its general fund.

A separate fund is the Redevelopment Fund, which is the tax revenue collected on improvements and increased value to property in a certain city project area. Redevelopment money is not a tax that is collected in addition to your normal property tax; it is not a special assessment; it is just a type of distribution of your normal property tax. Currently 100 percent of the RDA tax comes back to us, the city of origin, to be used in our city for blight removal, infrastructure and

economic development, including 15 percent passed to our local schools.

I am sure that you are aware that parts of our city have been revitalized by redevelopment money including the depot building where Sarducci’s now resides, the public restrooms on the train platform, the parking structure, the Mission promenade (where Cedar Creek is located), the movie theater and many more. Some of those projects were built with RDA money and then sold so the money went back into the RDA account.

Some, like the Regency movie theater, were loans made to allow the project to move forward quickly and then repaid to the RDA. Now, this latest plan to balance the state budget is to take redevelopment money because it is not protected by Prop. 22 that was voted in overwhelmingly three months ago to protect local tax money. Instead of our taxes being used BY US and FOR US, they will no longer be coming home to SJC. Instead they will go towards that government-favorite catch-phrase called “schools.” But I believe it will really go to that state-sponsored black hole where taxes are lost in the void.

Be assured that if the redevelopment agency goes away, your taxes will not be lowered. So the real question is—where do you want your tax dollars to go—to the state or to your own community?

Businesswoman Laura Freese chairs Capistrano’s Redevelopment Agency.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR TWO-WEEK EVENT PLANNER

THE LIST

A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town this week. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

friday

11

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

FRANK SINATRA TRIBUTE WITH JOHN SLOAN 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage Steak House.

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

YESTERDAY & TODAY BEATLES CONCERT 7:30 p.m. The Professional Guest Artist Series at Saddleback College present an evening of Beatles music in a lively and interactive concert. Tickets: $32 general; $30 students/ seniors/Angels; $25 children 12 and under.

28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

saturday

40TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WHALES 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For the second weekend, Dana Point celebrates whale watching with tons of activities on sea and on land, art shows in the harbor, a parade, entertainment and much more. Info: 888.440.4309 or 949.496.1045, www.festivalofwhales.com.

12

PET ADOPTION 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Ark’s Pet Adoption Day will be at the Second Saturday Art Fair in beautiful historic downtown San Juan. San Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse presents several stand-up comedians performing on Stage II. Tickets $12. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House also with The New FBI / Graceland Mafia.

Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

GO.SEE.DO SWALLOWS SEASON IS MELODRAMA SEASON Discover the magic, mystery and mayhem of the 1870’s Big Top coming to San Juan Capistrano in those bygone days in the Camino Real Playhouse’s annual melodrama, Sideshow Shenanigan. This fun-for-the-family melodrama brings out the kid in us all! Cheer!

Hiss! Boo! Throw foam “rocks” at the villain and peanuts, popcorn and cotton candy for all! The cast and crew of Sideshow Shenanigan includes Gary McCarver, Bronwyn Bradshaw, Jenny Bradshaw, Rose McCarver, Heather Jackson and Corey Kase, all of Capistrano.

The melodrama is directed by Gary McCarver of SJC, with Musical Direction by Benjamin Sagan of Canyon Country and Choreographed by Aidan Daguro of Anaheim Hills. Ticket prices are Friday and Saturday Nights are $30 each; Sunday Matinees are $28 each.

Premium seating is available for additional $10 per ticket. Show dates are Friday, March 11 at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 12 at 8 p.m., Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m., Friday, March 18 at 8 p.m., Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 24 at 8 p.m., Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 26 8 p.m. Tickets are available at www.CaminoRealPlayhouse.org or Box Office Voicemail: 949.489.8082

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

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Vertigo and at 8:30 p.m. Von Cotton Band. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

sunday

FREE BRIDAL SHOW 12 p.m.-4 p.m. A free bridal show for those shopping for a wedding location, designs, catering, entertainment choices, florists and more at Marbella Country Club. 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano, 818.640.1801, www.americangolf.com. www.countryclubreceptions.com.

13

MIKE DEBELLIS AND FRIENDS 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Jazz music on the patio at Ciao Pasta Trattoria every Sunday. 31661 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.5002, www.ciaopasta.net.

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.

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

monday

14

PAJAMA STORYTIME 7 p.m.

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

$5 MONDAY’S! 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Join SC Wine Company for happy hour featuring three wines for $5, glasses of selected wines for $5 and mugs of beer from $5 and up. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

Page 12

tuesday

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.

15

MANTOOTH 7:30 p.m. Live music, beer pong and drink specials at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

wednesday

16

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. Stories and crafts in Spanish and English every Wednesday at the SJC Library.

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

thursday

ST. PATRICKS DAY DINNER 6 p.m. Special 3course dinner at The Vintage Steak House. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT SWALLOWS 8 p.m. The Kelly Boyz and The Rough Riders perform at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

friday

STAND-UP COMEDY WITH THE FUNNIEST HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY 8 p.m. Special show at The Coach House. Tickets $20.

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

(Cont. on page 14)

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THIS WEEK’S WEATHER 3.11 Sunny H: 71° L: 48° 3.12 Mostly Sunny H: 69° L: 47° 3.13 Sunny H: 70° L: 47°

3.14 Mostly Cloudy H: 67° L: 45° 3.15 Sunny H: 68° L: 47° 3.16 Partly Cloudy H: 70° L: 48° 3.16 Partly Cloudy H: 68° L: 48° www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12) 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.

Dispatch Restaurant Spotlight

Red Velvet Asian Café

31654 Rancho Viejo Road. Ste. D, San Juan Capistrano, 949.488.7893, www.redvcafe.com

saturday

Vegetable Basket Garden 10 a.m.-11 a.m.; 1 p.m.2 p.m. Head to Goin Native to create and take home your own container of garden vegetables.

Material fee varies from container and plants selected. All ages, Bring Gloves. For details call Goin Native 949.606.6386 or www.goinnative.net.

19

St. Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano presents an all-day festival filled with fun, food, song, dance, story-telling, special speakers and more to celebrate the return of the swallows and more. Admission $5-$9.

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

El Presidente Ball 6:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. The Fiesta Association hosts the annual western-style dinner and dancing event at El Adobe, honoring El Presidente Steve Weeks.

Dress in Western, Spanish, Mexican or early California attire.

Tickets $50 each. 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

sunday

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., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

20

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

Bonnie Dune 7 p.m. The Coach House also with Still The Skys Limit / Ugly Paint. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Best Known For: Black peppered beef Most Popular Item: Asian chicken wings San Juan Capistrano has a delight for the senses of the Asian food lover. Red Velvet Asian Café offers an Asian-fusion array, part Chinese, part Vietnamese, all delicious. The restaurant offers a daily lunch special, Monday–Friday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., $5.95 for lunch bowls (orange chicken, Mongolian beef, stir fry vegetables and more). Add another dollar, and your lunch comes with a large soda or iced tea.

If you want to order off the regular menu, you can start with their famous Asian chicken wings, spiced up with jalapeños. Other items Photo by Pantea Ommi Mohajer include Pho Ga (great on a cold and rainy day), Thai steak salad, honey chicken and sweet and sour fish. The kids menu includes a drink, main dish and dessert for $5.25. They also offer a great variety of vegetarian choices, as well as a “Create Your Own” special, for the hidden chef in all of us. On your way out, grab one of their specialty teas to go: They even have a “Red Velvet” boba tea, a red tea with tapioca, to try.

Price Range: $5.95 (lunch menu)–$15.

Reservations: Not necessary

Payment: Cash and credit card Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday–Saturday, closed on Sundays

Go to www.thecapistranodispatch.com and under “Getting Out” share your thoughts about this week’s restaurant.

monday

21

Comedy Show 9:30 p.m.

Comedians get some laughs at Hennessey’s every Monday night. Free. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.

Country Dancin with DJ Bubba 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.

tuesday

22

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

ON STAGE

Phair Warning

BY A.J. Bardzilowski

O

ver the last 17 years, Liz Phair has hypnotized the world with a mind-blowing debut, shape-shifted into super pop star and concocted an award-winning score for the 90210 reboot. To say her lyrics are sharp and edgy is the understatement of all understatements. She doesn’t hold back and that is a huge reason this talented artist has managed to continue to reinvent herself over the last decade-anda-half and move forward on her own terms.

Funstyle and the bonus disc of demos from Girlysound is a significant collection of the new and the old. Will these 21 songs make up the majority of your set at the Coach House?

I am playing songs from all of my albums in my live show, all the faves and a few wild cards. We like to rock pretty much all the way through and playing the songs everybody knows the words to seems to make those on stage and those in the audience happiest of all.

How does surfing fit into your life now? Some of the best surf spots on the West Coast are right down the road in San Clemente. Will you have time to catch a wave before the show? Now that I know about your superlative break, I will quiz my surf instructor/therapist/guru to see if he wants to make the

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

By Pantea Ommi Mohajer

trip. I really couldn’t bring myself to buy the full winter suit (my Bond girl halfy was sooo cute) so I’ve been sitting it out since December.

What projects or endeavors are you currently involved with that you would like our readers to know about? In Plain Sight, starring Mary McCormack, has started up again and we’re back in the studio Courtesy photo whipping up our magic cues.

We’ll also be scoring a new show for ABC Family called Great State of Georgia, created by Jennifer Weiner. I love making music and working with smart, funny people.

The show will rock. There is no doubt of that. Visit her website at www.lizphair.com and download Oh, Bangladesh for free. Better yet, buy the entire CD and you won’t be sorry.

Liz Phair will play The Coach House on Sunday March 13. Tickets: $25. Doors open at 5 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. CD Page 14

California Missions Resource Studio 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano presents its new studio with information on all 21 missions for students, teachers and more. Free with paid admission of $5$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

wednesday

Fiesta Grande 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Swallow’s Inn hosts the old west traditional event with cash prizes awarded to Best Dressed Old West Man, Best Dressed Old West Woman, Best Belt Buckle, Best Mustache, Best Dance Hall Girl and the judging of the Hairiest Man Contest with live music by Swing Shift. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

23

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

thursday

$1 Thursdays 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. San Clemente Wine Company has $1 tastings of wines off the daily tasting menu. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

24

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.

Grand Junction & Beer Chugging Contest 8 p.m. Live music and drinking games 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 events@thecapistranodispatch.com www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Chamber Connection

L O C A L T H E S A N

N E W S A N D E V E N T S B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y J U A N C A P I S T R A N O C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

SHOP LOCAL

For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain.

Locally-owned firms contribute more to local charities and fundraisers than do their national counterparts.

Source: Civic Economics study on Grand Rapids, Michigan – Sept. 2008

Source: Anderson Study of Retail Economics, Chicago, IL – Oct. 2004

A 10% shift in market share from chains to locals could result in: Nearly $140 million in new economic activity, over 1600 new jobs, and providing over $50 million in new wages.

Source: Civic Economics study on Grand Rapids, Michigan – Sept. 2008

Local merchants spend a much larger portion of total revenue on local labor to run the enterprise and sell the merchandise.

Source: AIBA Economic Impact case study – Dec. 2002

Support Your Friends & Neighbors • Keep Tax Revenue in Town • Promote Job Growth • Get Unique Gifts • Conserve Energy

Introducing the Chamber Councils

By Mark Bodenhamer Executive Director

T

he San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that is steered by a Board of Directors elected from our membership. The Mission of the Chamber is to promote and foster a vibrant business environment in San Juan Capistrano.

To accomplish that Mission, the Chamber is organized with a number of sub-groups that manage various aspects of what we do throughout the year – advocacy, business promotion, education, events, etc. One family of those sub-groups is comprised of the Chamber’s “Councils.” Each Council focuses on one cluster of businesses whose success can add strength to our local economy, enhance the community, generate tax revenue for the City, etc.

The five segments of our business community that have their own Chamber Councils are Auto Dealer, Education, Equestrian, Latino Businesses and Restaurant/Tourism.

Each Council is overseen by the Board and is typically operated with a joint effort of Chamber representatives (from the Board and/or staff) and people from that industry or community.

The Auto Dealer Council serves as the collective community voice of the auto dealers in the south end of town. The individual members add so much to our community with the ample tax revenue they generate and their support of so many community events and projects. Information about the dealers can be

found at www.southocautogroup.com.

The Education Council focuses attention on an important group of community partners that add a lot to our community.

We hold annual forums to discuss issues that impact education and host a scholarship luncheon in the Spring to assist local students in their pursuit of higher education.

The Equestrian Council was formed to create a cohesive voice for the many equestrian related businesses in San Juan and to showcase our identity as a very horse friendly community. Recently, the Equestrian Council launched its own website www. sanjuanhorses.com – which is full of great information about all things equestrian in our backyard.

The Latino Business Council was created to serve as the liaison between the Chamber and the Latino businesses in our community.

More specifically, the group aims to encourage commerce across cultural boundaries and to promote and leverage our community’s diversity as a tool for economic development.

The Restaurant and Tourism Council has been quiet recently, however a couple of very exciting projects are on the horizon. The Chamber is partnering with the City to hold the first ever “Restaurant Week” in San Juan from May 16-22. In addition, the Chamber is currently designing two new websites that will showcase the great dining and tourism venues we have here. One site will be entirely geared towards tourism and the other will focus on ongoing events, specials and news related to the businesses from this industry.

Are you from one of these important segments of the community? We’d love to see you get involved and provide your insight so that we can shape policies and programs that will allow your company to prosper.

For more information, contact the Chamber office at 949.493.3700 or info@ sanjuanchamber.com.

The Chamber is Just a Call or Click Away 949.493.4700 or www.sanjuanchamber.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SHOP SAN JUAN!

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The Chamber is Just a Call or Click Away 949.493.4700 or www.sanjuanchamber.com

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR friday 3.11

monday 3.21

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.

Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Meeting 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto

tuesday 3.15 City Council Meeting 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto

tuesday 3.22

Meeting 5 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto friday 3.26

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

Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes.

Cultural Heritage Commission

*Meeting agendas at www.sanjuancapistrano.org

Nieblas Remembered with Plaque at Historical Society

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

A

bout 50 people, most members of Capistrano’s oldest families, gathered earlier this month when the Historical Society unveiled a memorial marker for Rita Nieblas in the rose garden at the O’Neill Museum.

Nielbas was a proud Juaneno Indian who lived in Capistrano from the day she was born until she passed away in October.

Nieblas was born on the dining-room table of the Congdon House on Alipaz Street. She attended Capistrano Union High School, and celebrated all of her sacraments at the Mission. She worked at the Mission for a time, as well as for the Head Start Program and Capistrano Unified School District.

She is survived by her children, Gigi, Toby and Dee, grandchildren Milani (Carl) Nieblas Vanderplas, Airian, Chenoa, Siara, Kiana (Tyler) Lawrence, Briana and Cheyenne and great-children Gianna and Nicholas.

Historical Society President Tom Ostensen remembered Rita Nieblas as a society board member, and as a friend and confidant who loved to tell stories about old Capistrano.

Her nephew, Jerry Nieblas, told those assembled at the museum in the Historic Los Rios District, that although “Aunt Rita” didn’t like attention, the rose-garden ceremony was a perfect blend of quietness and spirituality. “She has left us a strength,” he said. “The traditions she has

Juaneno Tribal Leader David Belardes leads a blessing over the memorial for Rita Nieblas. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

left us, the cultures she has left us, will live on.”

The O’Neill Museum, in the 1870-1889 Garcia/Pryor House, is at 31831 Los Rios Street and houses the society’s archives of photos, books, documents, maps, genealogical records, oral histories and more. It is open to the public.

Call 949.493.8444 or see www.sjchistoricalsociety. com. CD

Left: Nieblas’ plaque is one of many in the Historical Society Garden. Right: Jerry Nieblas, right, says his aunt would have thought the ceremony was “perfect.” Photos by Jonathan Volzke

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

Page 20

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING FRANK TALARICO: JSerra High School

Students Get a Taste of Medicine

T

he old man gasped for air, his blood pressure dangerously low and dropping. His heart rate was extremely rapid.

Frank Talarico The nurse heard crackling and vibrations in his lungs.

The situation was bad. And getting worse.

The diagnosis: Rule out sepsis, an infection rapidly spreading through the bloodstream.

The prognosis: Without quick and decisive treatment, death from hypoperfusion.

Fortunately, the scene playing out at Mission Hospital happened inside a conference center classroom.

And the old man? He’s a lifelike breathing, talking patient simulator called SimMan. SimMan is an important teaching tool that distinguishes JSerra’s medical program from a handful of others around the globe.

Twenty-two high school juniors and seniors huddled breathlessly around the dummy as Connie Gagliardo, Mission’s executive director of critical care and trauma services, attempted to revive him with fluids pumped through an IV. “His blood pressure is going up,” she announced. “His circulation and heart rate are normalizing. His blood pressure is increasing.”

She leaned toward SimMan, and asked how he felt.

“I’m so sick,” SimMan groaned.

“Thank God he’s talking,” Gagliardo said. “He feels so sick, but his ability to now talk is a great sign of improvement.

He was in a state of severe shock. We must keep assessing. Remember: Look.

Listen. Feel, and treat.”

SimMan wasn’t the only one in shock during the recent lesson.

“Most students should feel a bit panicked about this type of work,” Gagliardo said afterward. “They are probably asking themselves, ‘Can I really do this?’”

The answer, she says, is yes—with hard work and determination.

As studies progress and clinical experiences are lived they will become more comfortable in crisis situations, she said.

Today was about how to systematize the assessment and treatment of chaos and crisis.

That’s part of the beauty of the program. Not only is the material life-anddeath, it prepares students for the rigors of medical school. Some will discover that medicine is not for them, and that’s okay.

Senior Tom Joseph says he’s more pumped than ever about becoming a doctor like his father.

“I love the program because it gives real hands-on experience with the hospital and real life practice of medicine,” he said. “It allows me to learn what to expect in college and later in med school.”

Frank Talarico is president and CEO of JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano.

Mission Set to Celebrate Swallows’ Return The Capistrano Dispatch

M

ission San Juan Capistrano’s world-renown celebration marking the onset of spring and the return of the swallows is almost here.

St. Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows will take place on Saturday, March 19 at historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, an all-day festival filled with fun, food, song and dance for all to enjoy, while recognizing the Mission’s rich history.

The swallows migrate to Goya, Argentina every October, and return to their spring and summer home in San Juan Capistrano each March. The swallows celebration began nearly 100 years ago when Mission Pastor Father St. John O’Sullivan observed that the birds’ return roughly coincided with St. Joseph’s Day on the church calendar, March 19.

The celebration has achieved international prominence since then.

“People from all around the world come to the town of San Juan Capistrano to share in the rich tradition that defines St. Joseph’s Day at Mission San Juan Capistrano,” Mission Executive Director said Mechelle Lawrence-Adams.

“We are grateful for our swallows history as a means of welcoming the public and sharing this incredible historic resource with them and invite the public to take part in all that we have to offer —dances, entertainment, bell ringing, exhibits, and the opportunity to connect with family and friends.”

The celebration begins with the ringing of the historic bells followed by

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

performances from Renee Bondi, Mission Parish School, Ballet Folklorico and Mariachi Capistrano. Visitors can go to the historic bell wall or campanario to hear Acjachemen Prayer songs from Tushmal Singers just before the day’s official noon bell ringing. The bells will be rung at 10 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.

In the Central Courtyard, awardwinning and Native American teacher Jacque Nunez will carry out her highly engaging Native American story telling performance. Later, the Mission’s docents host “Are You Smarter than a California 4th Grader?” followed by dance performances by a Native American dance duo and La Sole Flamenco.

The day also features a special afternoon lecture by Charles R. Brown, a professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Tulsa who has studied swallows since age 11. Dr. Brown is considered the preeminent expert on swallows and their migration patterns.

This year marks his second annual lecture.

On Saturday, March 26 the Mission continues to recognize the meaning of the swallows to Capistrano by participating in the Fiesta de las Golondrinas and the annual Swallows Day Parade festivities by offering mariachi music immediately following the parade.

The parade begins at 11 a.m., and the Mission is open throughout the day offering tours and other daily hands-on activities. The streets downtown will be closed as early as 10 a.m. and reopen as late as 3 p.m. Visitors can view the parade schedule and available parking at swallowsparade.com. CD Page 22

FULL SCHEDULE Saturday, March 19: St. Joseph’s Day 9:30-9:55 a.m. — Front Courtyard: Mariachi Capistrano 9:55-10 a.m. — Central Courtyard Stage: Welcome & Introduction: Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence-Adams 10-10:05 a.m. — Bell Wall: Ringing of the Historic Bells in Honor of St. Joseph and the Swallows Return 10:05-10:15 a.m. — Central Courtyard Stage: Renée Bondi and Mariachi Capistrano 10:15-11 a.m. — Central Courtyard Stage: Mission Parish School Student Performances 11-11:30 a.m. — Central Courtyard Stage: Ballet Folklorico 11:30 a.m.-noon — Central Courtyard Stage: Mariachi Capistrano 11:45-11:55 a.m. — Bell Wall: Tushmal Singers: Ajachemen Prayer Songs 11:55 a.m.-noon — Bell Wall: Official Bell Ringing Ceremony 12-12:05 p.m. — Bell Wall: Ringing of the Historic Bells in Honor of St. Joseph and the Swallows Return

12:05-12:15 p.m. — Central Courtyard Stage: Renée Bondi and Mariachi Capistrano 12:15-1 p.m. — Central Courtyard Stage: Journeys to the Past Native American Stories with Jacque Nunez 12:30-1 p.m. — Soldiers Barracks Gallery: Docent Society: Are You Smarter than a California 4th Grader?

1-1:15 p.m. — Central Courtyard Stage: Native American Dance Performance 1-1:45 p.m. — Soldiers Barracks Gallery: Living History Volunteers: Historic Fashion Show 1:15-2 p.m. — Central Courtyard Stage: La Sole Flamenco 2-3 p.m. — Soldiers Barracks Gallery: Swallows Lecture by Dr. Charles R. Brown, Univ. of Tulsa 3-3:05 p.m. — Bell Wall: Ringing of the Historic Bells in Honor of St. Joseph and the Swallows Return

Saturday, March 26: Swallows Parade Day 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Downtown San Juan Capistrano: Mission San Juan Capistrano Parade Float, featuring Mariachi Capistrano 2-4 p.m. — Front Courtyard: Mariachis Perform Inside Mission Courtyard

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PUBLISHER’S NOTE: By Norb Garrett

Tom Blake, ‘Middle-Aged and Dating,’ Column Joins The Capistrano Dispatch O ur volunteer columnists play an important role at TheCapistrano Dispatch. We rely on folks involved in the community, politics and schools to bring fresh views and voices to our pages and we’re appreciative of the work they do for us.

This week, we’re proud to add someone who might be a familiar face to many of you: San Clemente resident Tom Blake, who has become an expert on middle-aged dating through more than 15 years as a columnist for The Orange County Register and its weekly editions.

During his career, Tom has written more than 2,200 newspaper articles from the male-point-of-view on

dating and finding love after 50, and he’s also made multiple appearances on the Today Show and Good Morning America. He has been a keynote speaker at several AARP national events.

He has published three books on dating after 50: Middle Aged and DatNorb Garrett ing Again; Finding Love After 50, How to Begin. Where to Go. What to Do; and How 50 Couples Found Love After 50.

His www.FindingLoveAfter50.com website is No. 1

on Google for the keyword phrases “Finding Love After 50” and “Love After 50.”

Tom has an MBA from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University. Tom has owned and operated Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point for 23 years. He continues to manage the business on a daily basis.

Tom’s column is interactive, and he relies on sharing stories and dating tales from readers. Middle-aged or not, happy and content in your relationship or still searching for “the one,” we hope you’ll enjoy Tom’s musings in this and future editions of the Dispatch.

On Life and Love After 50:

By Tom Blake

Our First Date M

y name is Tom Blake. I live in San Clemente and my day job is in Dana Point. For 17 years, I’ve written newspaper columns about “Finding Love after 50” for another newspaper in town.

My first column was published July 4, 1994. Two women editors gave me my first break. I had just gone through a divorce and thought dating would be a snap.

It turned out to be difficult, and I wrote about the frustrations of a single guy in his 50s trying to date again. I complained and whined that younger women wouldn’t go out with me and women my age expected me to pay for dates.

The editors felt that the single women of Orange County would have a field day taking pot shots at my woe-is-me message. They were right. When my first column ran, a woman said: “Who is this sniveling puke?”

Another stated, “Get the boy a crying towel.”

Women tell me my writing has become less controversial and mellower since I started dating my partner Greta, who was a special education teacher at R.H. Dana Elementary in Dana Point before she retired.

To survive, writers are wise to keep their day jobs.

I’ve done that. In 1988, I opened Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point. It’s now located in the small shopping center at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Blue Lantern. Much of my column material comes from deli customers age 50 and older who find themselves unexpectedly single and face similar frustrations as the ones I faced.

Writing about love after 50 has been good to me. I’ve published three books on the topic and have been interviewed by Matt Lauer on the Today Show and Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America—very humbling for a guy who earns his living making sandwiches.

Over the last few years, the economy has taken its toll on the newspaper industry. Major daily papers have filed for bankruptcy or closed. For nine years, I’ve curiously watched the Times’ group of newspapers buck the trend—beginning in 2002 when The Capistrano Dispatch was first published. My eyes opened wider when the San Clemente Times was added in 2006 and the Dana Point Times in 2008.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

Tom Blake at his Dana Point deli, Tutor and Spunky’s. Photo by Jasmine Smith

Just outside the front door of Tutor and Spunky’s, there is a newspaper rack that holds the Dana Point Times. I’ve watched as my customers grab a copy and read the paper while having lunch. I ask them what they like about it. “The Times is large and easy to read.

Plus, the local news coverage is extensive and always fresh,” they have said.

After 17 years of writing for a major newspaper, one has to think twice about giving up that gig. But I wanted to have a stronger voice in the communities where I live, work, attend movies and dine out—Dana Point, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano. I’ve watched as the Times’ group of newspapers has gained the respect of the locals in those cities.

Finally, I said to the publisher, “I want to write for your newspapers.”

As it turns out, senior editor Jonathan Volzke was my editor at the other paper years ago. He’s a real pro. It will be fun to be reunited.

My topic will be “On Life and Love After 50.” Sure, we’ll focus on singles—ages 50-80, and the issues and challenges they face—but we’ll cover more than that.

Page 24

As interesting topics present themselves, I’ll write about them also.

It amazes me that while my topic is about being single later in life, nearly 35 percent of my readers are married.

Many tell me that reading about the hardships singles endure encourages them to appreciate their spouses more.

But I can’t do it without you, the reader. I need your questions, comments and stories about life and love after 50. Email me at tompblake@gmail.com, and I promise I will respond within a few hours or at least within a day or so. Who knows? We might feature parts of your story in a column.

I’m blessed to have this opportunity. Let’s have some fun along the way. After all, we live in one of the greatest areas in the world.

Send me an email. I can’t wait to get started.

For dating after 50 information, see my website at www.FindingLoveAfter50.com.

Tom Blake is a San Clemente resident and Dana Point business owner who has authored three books on middleaged dating. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Locals Only

Business Directory The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively

Air Conditioning & HEATING

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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

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

PRINTING

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

Star Motors 32959 Calle Perfecto

Chick’s Plumbing, Inc. 949.443.1970

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

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

Printing OC

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

949.248.0260

Auto Repair

949.240.1200 949.240.9240

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

CARPET CLEANING Capistrano Beach Steam Clean 949.240.5875 steamcleaningdanapoint.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

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.

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

Proudly Serving South Orange County Since 1975

949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com Lic# 310654

RestaurantS Las Golandrinas Mexican Food 949.240.3440 27124 Paseo Espada #803, www.lasgolondrinas.biz

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

949.212.0499

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

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Slab leak repair

Four-A Electric 949.240.8844 SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 32432 Alipaz, Ste. C, fouraelectric@sbcglobal.net 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com 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

Insurance Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

949.697.9454

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

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

949.661.4080

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

MORTGAGE Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

949.697.9454

PAINTING SUPPLIES Dunn-Edwards Painting, Inc. 949.234.1201 31896 Plaza Dr. Unit D-1, Plaza Del Obispo Center

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

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection www.atozleakdetection.com

949.499.4464

TELEVISION Reeltime Sight and Sound 949-240-0555 26381 Via De Anza, www.reeltimesightandsound.com

WATER CONSERVATION Xeriflo Plumbing Systems 949.276.7000 www.xeriflo.com

WATER DAMAGE Jarvis Restoration

949.362.5388 31942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

WINDOW CLEANING/ PRESSURE WASHING Bayside Window Cleaning 949.290.8230 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

Women’s Clothing Blu:Echo

949.496.4810 31878 Del Obispo (Marshalls Center)

YOGA Adelanto Studio Yoga & Life Arts 949.705.7344 32118 Paseo Adelanto, Ste.9, www.adelantostudio.net

Business Directory CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SOLAR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY $ 14,900 call 818.528.8520

FOR RENT 2 bed 2 bath townhouse in paradise. South San Clemente, walk to Trestles. Enclosed yard with golf course view. Pets OK. $2000/mo. (+ security/negotiable) Available March 15. 724-630-3217

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Help Wanted E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@ thecapistranodispatch.com

DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

HELP WANTED NEWSPAPER SALES MANAGER WANTED Experienced newspaper sales veteran with South Orange County (Calif.) sales experience sought to head sales effort for community media group’s print and online sales team. Candidate will have min. 5 years newspaper sales experience, great personality, proven track record in sales and willingness to sell space and run small sales team. Competitive base salary, commission and full benefits. Send cover letter and resume to info@picketfencemedia.com

LEASE OPPORTUNITY NOTICE FOR LEASE OPPORTUNITY AT DANA POINT HARBOR Dana Point Marina Company is soliciting proposals until space is fully leased at 34551 Casitas Place, Dana Point, CA 92629. This office/retail space is located adjacent to a busy retail center in Dana Point Harbor with a great view of marina and watercraft. Proposals are to be submitted based on operating a business for the highest and best use meeting the public’s needs, and complying with the State of California’s Tidelands Grant. To obtain a copy of the RFP and register for free, go to “BidSync” http://egov.ocgov.com/ ocgov/Procurement & use “Open Bids” for RFP Number: 108-614981-DP. Dana Point Harbor is a County of Orange facility and does not pay commissions.

Dispatch classifieds GET RESULTS! Submit your ad today!

Call 949-388-7700 ext. 104 lost/found Found: Silver Tiffany Bracelet in front of El Torito, Dana Point Harbor, 3/7/2011, Festival of the Whales. Describe and it’s yours. 949.498.1962.

RUMMAGE SALE National Charity League -Monarch Chapter 4th Annual Rummage Sale, Sat 3/26 8AM-2:30PM, Something for everyone!

San Clemente Presbyterian Church 119 North Avenida de la Estrella. Proceeds to local charities.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Page 27

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

5 BEST BETS BOYS LACROSSE

HOCKEY

BASKETBALL

Stallions vs. Lions JSerra High March 12, 1 p.m.

Coyotes vs. Ducks Honda Center March 13, 5 p.m.

Magic vs. Lakers Staples Center March 14, 7:30 p.m.

JSerra meets San Juan Hills for an all-San Juan Capistrano match up on the Lions’ home turf.

Info: www.sjhhs.org or

Spend your Sunday near the ice as the Anaheim Ducks face off against one of its premier Western Conference foes.

Kick those Monday blues to the curb and hit the road to welcome the Lakers at home against Orlando.

www.jserra.org

Info: www.ducks.nhl.com

Info: www.nba.com/lakers

JSerra Athletes Rack Up Big Accomplishments

By Amanda Samaan The Capistrano Dispatch

ICE LIONS = PERFECT SEASON

J

Serra Catholic High School’s student-athletes continued to score points on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Last month, 16 athletes committed to play collegiate sports at some of the country’s top universities, including UC Berkeley, USC and Brown University.

Austin Hedges. Courtesy photo

Ranked #3 in Orange County, JSerra baseball team continues to be the team to beat in the competitive Trinity League. The Lions advanced to the Championship game of the Newport Elks Tournament. They play Palm Desert Friday.

And OC Varsity listed senior catcher Austin Hedges, who will play at UCLA next year, among the top five players in Orange County to watch.

BOYS BASKETBALL ADVANCES JSerra’s Boys Basketball team qualified for the CIF State Regionals, competing today in a second-round match against Central Valley.

“Our program being selected as one of 16 schools to be represented throughout the state demonstrates that we are achieving new levels of well deserved recognition,” said coach Joedy Gardner.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

JSerra’s junior varsity Ice Lions squad finished a perfect 12-0 season in the Anaheim Ducks High School League.

“It’s been a terrific year as the boys have really worked thru multiple line changes, injuries and adversities in their quest to finish in first place. Everyone had high hopes and I must admit that when the notion of remaining undefeated throughout the entire season was first mentioned I was a huge skeptic,” says Kevin Stein, the team’s manager.

Team founder Dave Pauluzzi applauded the JV team’s accomplishments. “Since the program was founded two years ago, we have been focused on developing athletes who are top students and role models in their community,” he said.

GIRL’S BASKETBALL WINNERS ON AND OFF COURT While the boys team continues to battle for a state title, the girls team also finished a successful season, advancing deep into the CIF playoffs.

They also scored points off the court, visiting with residents of the Irvine Cottages, an assisted-living facility, on Valentine’s Day. “The girls touched so many hearts; they sang Christmas carols, read books, made crafts, played games and just talked with the seniors,” said coach Mary Rossingol. “These seniors were so happy, smiling, laughing and loving life.” CD Page 28

GIRLS LACROSSE

Stallions vs. Hawks Stallions vs.

Laguna Hills High Cougars, San Juan March 15, 3 p.m.

Hills High March 15, 5:30 p.m.

San Juan Hills boys tennis team hits the road to take on Laguna Hills High School.

Info: www.sjhhs.org

The San Juan Hills girls varsity lacrosse team hosts Capistrano Valley High.

Info: www.sjhhs.com and www.cvhs.com

San Clemente Claims 2 Titles

By David Zimmerle The Capistrano Dispatch

T

TOP RANKED: JSERRA BASEBALL

BOYS TENNIS

he Tritons are celebrating a successful winter sports session after claiming CIF titles in girls water polo and boys soccer.

GIRLS WATER POLO The Lady Tritons (24-5) capped a successful run through the regular season with a South Coast League title.

San Clemente’s girls water polo team finished off Santiago of Corona (26-6) with an 8-5 victory on February 26, capturing its first ever CIF-SS Division 2 championship in front of a packed audience at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine.

BOYS SOCCER San Clemente High’s varsity boys soccer head coach Mike Pronier finally knows what it’s like to lead a group of champions. It’s both a feeling and a moment in time he’s been working hard at for the last 23 years during his tenure at the high school.

And, it’s something he and the team will never forget.

The Tritons (17-6-6) claimed its very first CIF-SS Division 1 title on Saturday, March 5 in a rousing 2-1 victory against the Santa Barbara Dons (19-6-4) while at a neutral location at Warren High School in Downey.

The win essentially came down to a late first-half goal by Bryan Fouch as the standout striker found the back of the net with seconds to spare in what will go down as one of the most important shots at goal in the history of the soccer program at San Clemente High.

Either way, San Clemente held on tight and never let up on both sides of the ball. Good defense is a hallmark of any championship run, and the Tritons showed grit locking down its half of the field and preserving the eventual win for the title. CD

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Blues’ Katie Linehan Set for College Play The Capistrano Dispatch

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he Southern California Blues Soccer Club “So Cal Blues” recently announced that 34 of its 2011 high school graduates have signed with colleges across the nation to play soccer. The following players have been selected as collegiate caliber soccer players due to their proven excellent athletic abilities. Their dedication, hard work and commitment to being the best soccer player they can be, has earned each of them this rewarding accomplishment.

In recognition of these outstanding achievements, So Cal Blues held the 2011 College Signing Day Event one Monday, February 21, at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano to honor and recognize the following players: Amy Alber (Santa Margarita, CSU San Marcos), Courtney Assumma (Temecula Valley, Pepperdine), Lauren Bohaboy (Santa Margarita, Notre Dame), Mikhaila Bowden (Ocean View, Boise State), Mackenzie Cochran (Santa Margarita, Fresno State), Tori Cooper (South Torrance, Georgia), Miranda Cornejo (Rancho Buena Vista, UCSB), Kaylie Davidson (Bishops, Navy), Kaitlin Dickmann (Dana Hills, UC Berkeley), Courtney Doud (Santa Margarita, Bucknell), Amanda Dudley (Mater Dei, LMU), Leigh Edwards (Santa Margarita, Texas A&M), Elena Gianotas (Santa Margarita, MIT), Allie Gordon (Mater Dei, Rutgers), Haley Guerrero (Santa Margarita, UCSB), Ashley Harris (Patrick Henry, Rhode Island), Madison Jones (Tesoro, TCU), Katie Linehan (JSerra, Trinity Christian), Jessica Mandarich (Trabuco Hills, Wake Forest), Emily Mardon (Chino Hills, CSU San Bernardino), Torey Markowitz (Tesoro, UCLA), Kimberly

(Back row, left to right) Coach Randy Dodge, Courtney Assumma (Pepperdine), Callan Parra (UPenn), Kimberly Marshall (Wake Forest), Natalie Werner (TCU), Haley Rosen (Stanford), Lauren Bohaboy (Notre Dame), Haley Guerrero (UCSB), Emily Roth (Northern Arizona), Emily Mardon (CSU San Bernardino), Mikhaila Bowden (Boise State), Coach Dido, (middle row) Ashley Harris (Rhode Island), Amanda Dudley (LMU), Kaitlin Dickmann (Berkeley), Kelly McCormick (Ole Miss), (front row) Desiree Parmenter (Sioux Falls), Amy Alber (CSU San Marcos), Mackenzie Cochran (Fresno State), Torey Markowitz (UCLA), Leigh Edwards (Texas A&M), Elena Gianotas (MIT), Allie Gordon (Rutgers), Malia Tano (Northern Arizona), Kelly Whelan (Northern Arizona). Courtesy photo

Marshall (Long Beach Wilson, Wake Forest), Kylie McCarthy (Torrey Pines, UCLA), Kelly McCormick (Dana Hills, Mississippi), Katie Michel (Esperanza, Undecided), Taylor Olson (Laguna Hills, Undecided), Desiree Parmenter (Temecula Valley, New England), Callan Parra (La Jolla, Pennsylvania), Alexa Regalado (Trabuco Hills, Chapman), Haley Rosen (Palos Verdes, Stanford), Emily Roth (Santa Margarita, Northern Arizona), Malia Tano (El Toro, Northern Arizona), Natalie Werner (Trabuco Hills, TCU) and Kelly Whelan (Dana Hills, Northern Arizona).

SoCal Blues officials say they are extremely proud of all their So Cal Blues 2011 high school graduates and their outstanding accomplishment.

“They are each people of the highest human potential and outstanding representatives of our club, their community, their families, and above all themselves,” said director of coaching Tad Bobak.

The Southern California Blues Soccer Club “So Cal Blues” offers instruction to the serious player with every tool necessary to reach her personal potential in the sport of soccer. Proven player preparation is accomplished for competition at the club, Olympic development, college level, and beyond.

If you would like more information about The Southern California Blues Soccer Club visit www.scblues.com or contact Jon Jezierski at 619.889.9322 or at blues@scblues.com. CD

Tartans Take Soccer Title The Capistrano Dispatch

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he St .Margaret’s Episcopal School Tartans defeated San Dimas, 2-0, to win the CIF-SS Division 6 championship at Mission Viejo High on March 6.

The Lady Tartans had reached the semi-finals for three straight years, but never advanced to the finals before taking the title this year. The team’s final record was

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11–24, 2011

26-2-1. The team has also won its first round in the state tournament.

The team includes Ellie Schwartz, Alexis Leon, McCaully, Michelle Lancaster, Olivia Collins, Kelsey Patch, Natalie Barbaresi, Alexa Barbaresi, Shirin Sadri, Madison Glaser, Allie Frost, Katie Fragapane, Alena Riggs, McKenna Marmelstein, Tory Davidson, Caroline Smith, Katie Donahue, Stefanie Brunswick and Regan Anderson. CD

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