The Capistrano Dispatch

YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

J U N E 1 0 –2 3 , 2 0 1 1 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11

Measure B Will Be

Voters approve new Distrito La Novia mixed-use project E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 5

Developers Rick Julian and Robb Cerruti with Jodie Cerruti and project supporter Richard Hill Adams celebrate the passage of “Yes on B” at El Adobe Restaurant on Tuesday. Photo by Danielle Johnson

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Grand Opening for Northwest Open Space set for June 25

San Juan Hills High Music Fundraiser Slated for June 14

New South County Mountain Bike Race Team Picks up Speed

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 6

GETTING OUT/PAGE 14

SPORTS/PAGE 26

EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE Despite an outpouring of opposition, beer and wine will be on tap for patrons of the La Pata-Vista Hermosa Park’s miniature golf complex. The San Clemente City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday night to approve the lease with Scott Melcher, the owner of Paradise Mini Golf. The approval came despite a 7-0 vote by the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission decision to nix beer and wine sales. As designed, Melcher’s business will include an 18-hole miniature golf course, a surfing wave pool and a 3,500-square-foot food and beverage facility on just under one acre of the destination park. “This project is going to be successful,” Melcher said. “I could be giving away ice cream and people would complain that I was contributing to the obesity of children.” —Stacie N. Galang

NEWS

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

DANA POINT San Diego Superior Court Judge Joan Lewis struck down the city’s restriction of public access hours at two paths leading through the Headlands development to Strand Beach, said her ruling, made public on Monday. The judge said the city’s declaration of a public nuisance justifying the necessity of locking the gates at either 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.—depending on season—lacked evidentiary support and was based on “pure speculation.” The court sided with a Surfrider Foundation lawsuit filed in response to the restricted gate hours last June but agreed with the city concerning the right of city government to declare and abate a nuisance. However, the decision states that, “the city cannot act to abate the nuisance—i.e., limit hours of access/ place gates—in a manner that is in excess of that necessary without obtaining a coastal permit.”

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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...City Budget?

THE LATEST: Pedestrians on Ortega Highway will have to watch their step a little more closely if the proposed 2011-12 city budget is approved: On the chopping block is $4,500 the city spends cleaning buzzard poop off the sidewalk.

The city’s proposed general fund budget—the day-to-day operations—is $21 million, roughly balanced with income and expenditures. Interim City Manager Dave Adams says the city’s financial outlook is beginning to look up, with increases in the city’s primary income categories—sales and property taxes. Sales taxes are projected at $6 million, with property taxes at $5.1 million.

The budget shows a 12 percent decrease in “general government” spending, with the largest decrease—27 percent—in community services, where the now-vacant department head position has been eliminated. And public works will only clean the buzzard droppings as needed.

WHAT’S NEXT: The council will hold a special meeting to consider the spending plan. That date has not been set.

FIND OUT MORE: See the proposed budget at www.thecapistranodispatch.com —Jonathan Volzke

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...Road Closures for Quiet Zones

THE LATEST: Two full road closures are planned at Oso Road and La Zanja Street next month as part of OCTA’s “quiet zone” program.

Safety improvements, such as more signs, longer gate arms and medians, The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

eliminate the legal requirements for trains to sound their horns at road crossings. Work to create the quiet zones is underway at five Capistrano crossings.

Crews are improving five crossings in San Juan Capistrano as part of OCTA’s rail safety enhancement program: Avenida Aeropuerto, Del Obispo Street, La Zanja Street, Oso Road and Verdugo Street. All five crossings are anticipated to be completed this fall.

OCTA is partnering with eight cities to implement the $85 million program, which includes safety enhancements at 50 railroad crossings throughout Orange County.

WHAT’S NEXT: Oso Road will close for approximately two weeks beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, June 13. Detour signs will be posted and drivers can use La Zanja Street during the closure. Once work at Oso Road is complete, La Zanja Street will close for one week beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, June 27. Drivers can use Oso Road to detour around the La Zanja Street closure.

Pedestrian and bicycle access at both crossings will remain open during the closures.

Another local impact: The increased median length on Del Obispo has eliminated left turns on to and off of Los Rios Street in the Historic District.

WHAT’S NEXT: A hearing for McGill is scheduled on June 17 in Orange County Superior Court.

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

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FIND OUT MORE: See www.octa.net —JV

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…the End of the CUSD Enemies List Case?

THE LATEST: The 3rd District Court of Appeals in Santa Ana cleared former Capistrano Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Susan McGill of perjury, bringing to an end legal

proceedings related to the so-called enemies list of recall supporters.

McGill and former Superintendent James Fleming were charged with felonies after allegedly creating “enemies lists” of those who supported a 2005 recall attempt against all seven trustees. All charges against Fleming were dropped after the appellate justices reasoned it was part of his job to find out who was unhappy with the district, and why.

A perjury charge against McGill, for apparently testifying before the Grand Jury that she did not create any lists, was the last remaining. The May 31 appellate court ruling also clears prosecutors of any deliberate misdeeds. Justices earlier questioned whether prosecutors made it clear that Smollar’s testimony showed who created the lists.

…Truck Getting Crushed?

THE LATEST: The City Council on Tuesday agreed to uphold a decision to destroy a man’s truck, because of city codes that prohibited inoperable vehicles in public view.

Stanley Davis’ 1961 Ford truck was in a driveway on Avenida Mariposa.

Officials say the truck was the latest in a dozen code violations, ranging from having too much rubbish in view to illegally running a home business. The truck, they said, was clearly inoperable with portions of its engine missing. Davis

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argued it could have been easily fixed. He said it was worth at least $7,000 and has filed a claim against the city.

The city also said Davis has a history of being aggressive with staffers and was slow to respond to multiple notices in this case.

WHAT’S NEXT: The council rejected Davis’ appeal 4-1, with Derek Reeve dissenting.

The truck is set for destruction.

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

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...Mandatory Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

THE LATEST: All homes with attached garages or fossil-fuel source will be required to have carbon monoxide detectors under a new law that takes effect July 1.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection supports the requirement. “Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, each year claiming the lives of an average of 480 people,” Acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover said in a statement. She added another 20,000 go to the hospital because of carbon-monoxide poisoning.

Previous laws only required new homes to have the detectors. The law will primarily be enforced when property changes hands.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill 183) requires the devices be in place by July 1. Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, have until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law.

FIND OUT MORE: See the Cal Fire website at www.fire.ca.gov —JV www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

Measure B Will Be

Voters approve new Distrito La Novia mixed-use project

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

an Juan Capistrano voters easily approved a proposed mixed-use retail, housing, commercial and equestrian project on Tuesday by a 55 percent to 44 percent vote, as project opponents mustered fewer votes in the election than signatures they gathered to qualify the measure for the ballot.

Measure B asked residents to choose between two development projects at La Novia and Valle Road.

A “yes” vote supported a 2010 project of homes, a retail and commercial center and 500-horse stable, while a “no” vote kept a decades-old plan for 440 homes, a hotel and other projects. Most of the city’s leadership supported the newer project, but some residents opposed it and gathered 3,362 signatures to put the issue before voters.

In the end, the opponents garnered only 2,946 votes against the new project, which won the June 7 special election with 3,723 votes, or 55.8 percent of the ballots cast. Overall, 33.7 percent of Capistrano’s 19,800 registered voters turned out.

“The people of San Juan Capistrano thought, and came up with the right answer,” said Rick Julian, whose Lake Forest development company proposed the project.

Julian said the keys to success were the series of mailers that reinforced the Measure B vote wasn’t a decision between development and open space, but between the two approved developments. He also credited a series of neighbor-to-neighbor

S

Voters in San Juan Hills Estates voted 89 “no” votes to 74 “yes,” on the Measure B referendum Tuesday. Photo by Danielle Johnson

gatherings that “educated” people about the decision.

Advanced Real Estate spent at least $145,000 on its campaign—final reports aren’t due yet—while the California Association of Realtors Issues Mobilization Political Action Committee spent another $24,000 in support of the project. Residents opposed to the project, meanwhile, raised and spent about $7,600.

Trevor Dale, who sat on the committee that helped design Distrito La Novia but later became a leader in the referendum against it, said the money made a big difference.

“They bought the election,” said Dale, who sat in front of Vons virtually every day for three weeks campaigning against Measure B. “The developer confused the hell out of people, and even the sample ballot confused them.

Measure B supporters Kathy Holman and Bob Hooper ensure that the “Yes on B’ signs are not only taken down, but recycled. Courtesy photo The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

Dale said residents felt successful in their effort, however, because “our goal was to put this on the ballot and let the people decide.”

Money, however, has not been a determining factor in past referendums, however.

In a referendum against a City Council-approved project that would have allowed condominiums on the driving range at San Juan Hills Golf Course, residents were outspent more than 2-to-1 but still stopped the project.

And Measure CC, the 2002 referendum against San Juan Hills High School and Whispering Hills, the developer and project supporters spent more than $600,000, but lost to residents who spent about $12,000.

And even in the 2010 City Council election, Derek Reeve won a seat although he was nowhere near the top in dollars spent on his campaign.

“They lost because they were wrong,” said former Mayor Lon Uso, a leader in the two earlier referendums but a Distrito La Novia supporter. “They lost because they were backing a project that was wrong for the city, they lied to the people and the lies came out. That’s why they lost.”

It was anticipated that a low voter turnout would help the project opponents, but even the polling station closest to the project site didn’t generate huge numbers of opposition. At Capistrano Volkswagen on Valle Road, 207 people voted against the project, but 77 supported it. On the other side, up the La Novia corridor, voters in San Juan Hills, just up La Novia from the project site, voted 89 “no” votes to 74 “yes,” again not

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Measure B: By the Numbers Completed Precincts Total Registered Voters Precinct Ballots Cast Vote-by-Mail Ballots Cast Total Ballots Cast

19 of 19 19,805 1,995 10.1% 4,688 23.7% 6,683 33.7%

B-San Juan Capistrano, Distrito La Novia/San Juan Meadows General Plan Amendment Vote Count Percentage Yes

3,723 55.8%

No

2,946 44.2%

enough to offset the early “yes” gains.

Across town, at Kinoshita Elementary School 71 voters cast “yes” ballots, compared to 37 “no” votes.

At 9:55 p.m., Reeve, the lone councilman to oppose the project, paused in the council meeting to congratulate the “Yes on B” campaign.

He assured residents who voted against the project that “San Juan Capistrano will remain a wonderful town to live in.”

Councilman Larry Kramer, who won his seat even while supporting Measure B, said “I can’t tell you how happy I am.”

He later joined other project supporters at El Adobe restaurant for a victory party.

It was the same place the “Yes on B” campaign had launched months earlier.

Even with the victory, Distrito La Novia faces more city approvals, as well as the difficult task of gaining approved plans to properly close and cap a former landfill on the site. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Decades Later, Open Space Ready for Opening

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

I

n 1990, San Juan Capistrano residents overwhelmingly voted to tax themselves $21 million to buy open space.

On June 25, the city is holding a grand opening on a large chunk of the property.

For a while, it housed “Camp Cookie,” a charity that linked horses and at-risk children. The land of Camino Capistrano in the northwest part of town was at times behind a locked gate. It was acces-

sible by trails, but storms made even that access difficult.

Residents actually have the nonprofit San Juan Capistrano Open Space Foundation to thank for the new access.

The city, at the public urging of member Tom Ostensen, agreed to let foundation members volunteer to create a parking area, put up split-rail fences and get the area ready for public use.

Over several months, foundation volunteers installed split-rail fencing using city-provided materials, graded the

land, installed about 3,000 feet of water line that will water trees, provide drinking fountains and fill horse troughs, trimmed trees, weeded and took out trash. Foundation members will also install city-provided, standard signage.

The foundation also is donating and putting in two horse troughs.

Additionally, the foundation installed a horse hitching rail and is putting in three donated picnic tables and trash cans.

Volunteers put in an estimated 600

hours getting the area ready for residents.

All Capistrano residents are invited to the grand opening, which will be 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 25. Admission is free, and a BBQ, beer/wine/soda and snacks will be available for purchase.

The area, referred to as the Northwest Open Space, is on Camino Capistrano north of Junipero Serra Road.

See the foundation’s website at www. sjcopenspacefoundation.org for more information. CD

Boots’ Big Adventure

By Krysta Worthen The Capistrano Dispatch

F

or a couple of days, Capistrano was in the headlines for the case of the missing dog. A group from Silverado Senior Living watched in horror when their pup darted onto Camino Capistrano and was scooped up and carted off by a passerby.

But Boots the dog was returned to his rightful owners at the Silverado Senior Living Center Monday evening by the man who took him. The San Juan Capistrano resident had apparently been looking for Boots’ owners while they were looking for him.

A Labrador-Dachshund mix, Boots was grabbed Friday by a man in a white van close to the center, which is at Junipero Serra Road and cares for residents with various forms of dementia.

One of the routine activities the residents partake in is walks to San Juan Capistrano Mission with the dogs. On Friday, a group of four dogs, including three brothers who had just been adopted, and four residents were on one of those walks when Boots, one of the brothers, slipped out of his collar and ran onto Camino Capistrano.

The caregiver present stopped traffic and went into the street to retrieve Boots, when an older man pulled up in a white van and said “I’ll help you.” The caregiver returned to the residents, thinking the man was going to bring the dog over to her. Instead, he put the dog in the van and drove away. She thought maybe because they were so close to the center and everybody knows the walkers and their dogs, he would bring the dog back; no such luck.

Authorities, and the media, was alerted. On Monday, Officials from Silverado and the Sheriff’s Department said they The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

Boots and his two brothers are happily reunited with each other and staff members Tuesday afternoon, spurring a party of sorts at Silverado Senior Living. Photos by Krysta Worthen

weren’t looking to press charges against anyone, only get the pup back.

Turns out it was all a misunderstanding.

As an animal lover, the man thought Boots was a stray. After scooping up the dog, the man had been putting up posters around his neighborhood and taking good care of the dog, but did not connect the dog with Silverado, officials

said. His daughter, who used to work at Silverado, saw the 4:30 news coverage of Boots’ story and called the center immediately.

The man brought Boots back right away to an ecstatic welcoming by residents, staff and his two brothers.

The celebration continued Tuesday as the residents and staff members had a party in Boots’ honor. There was an

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array of food for the residents and staffers, and of course some doggie treats as well. Sheriff spokesman Jim Amormino, who helped alert the media, was there to celebrate the homecoming, and posed for a few pictures with the happy pup.

It was clear through the smiles on everyone’s faces they were glad the dog was returned, and that their Boots was back to walking. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

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

Tuesday, June 7 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Aquacate Road/Calle Roberto (8:36 p.m.)

Two people were reported in the back seat of a black four-door.

DISTURBANCE Los Rios Street, 31500 Block (8:28 p.m.)

A girl called to report she was in an argument with her mom and her mom’s boyfriend. Her mother had taken her photo without her permission.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Ortega Highway/Del Obispo Street (3:13 p.m.) A man was carrying a knife and using it to pop balloons.

DISTURBANCE Stonehill Drive/Camino Capistrano (1:50 p.m.) A homeless camp was reported. It was unclear how many people lived there.

Monday, June 6 ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLES Via Barrida, 32100 Block (10:29 a.m.)

Several vehicles were parked in a noparking zone. It was overflow from the golf course.

Sunday, June 5 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Paseo del Lucero/Via del Rey (11:16 p.m.)

A citizen reported loud mariachi music in the area.

SUSPISCIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Buckingham Drive/Highland Drive (7:38 p.m.) An arrest was made and the man is in custody held on $32,500 bail.

9-1-1 HANG UP Camino Capistrano, 31400 Block (7:07 p.m.) A call was made from a market payphone. Children yelling profanity in Spanish was heard on the other end before they hung up.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

(9:13 p.m.) An officer was flagged down during a fight between two women in the shopping center. Injuries due to assault were sustained and one arrest was made.

BURGLARY REPORT Plaza Drive, 31800 Block (2:19 p.m.)

A Rite Aid manager called to report a burglary that occurred the day before.

Suspects were seen on the surveillance cameras.

INVESTIGATE DEAD BODY Alipaz Street, 32200 Block (2:51 p.m.)

Authorities were called to investigate the death of a 65-year-old woman. It appeared to be naturally occurring.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Santa Clara, 26500 Block (2:03 p.m.) A caller stated that some kids broke the glass to the fire extinguisher and were now outside playing with it.

9-1-1 HANG UP Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (11:42 a.m.) A woman called from a payphone and said, “They are taking us from Oceanside and dumping us on the train.” Then hung up.

Saturday, June 4 DISTURBANCE Via Madonna, 31600 Block (6:49 p.m.)

Somebody called to inform authorities about a group of four people who were walking onto people’s property and urinating.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street/Ortega Highway (7:04 a.m.) A man was seen in the middle of the intersection yelling at passing cars and giving them the finger.

Wednesday, June 1 9-1-1 HANG UP Via Madonna/Via del Cerro (6:05 p.m.)

A possible pocket call came in from a wireless phone. The line was open for about 45 seconds and voices were heard yelling something about a gun and to run. The operator tried to call back but the phone was deactivated.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street/Camino del Avion (9:39 a.m.) A caller from the community center stated there were people sitting in parking spots, holding them for friends and getting in arguments with others.

PETTY THEFT Calle Chueca, 30700 Block (4:46 p.m.)

A plumber was arrested for petty theft and is still in custody.

UNKOWN TROUBLE Avenida Mariposa, 25800 Block (12:06 a.m.) A woman called and kept spelling her name and repeating that someone was in the house. No other information could be obtained.

Friday, June 3 VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Via Madonna/Via del Cerro (4:42 p.m.)

A cream-colored Cadillac was seen driving on the grass at Four Oak Park. The driver did donuts and tore up the grass before driving off.

Thursday, June 2 CITIZEN ASSIST Del Obispo Street, 31700 Block (10:53 p.m.) The manager of Del Taco told authorities that an employee was being harassed by his ex-girlfriend, who is an employee of the McDonalds nearby. The ex-girlfriend was now demanding photos of all the female workers of the Del Taco, which many of manager’s female employees were finding threatening.

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Ranch Viejo Road/Ortega Highway

SUSPISCIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Escolar, 26400 Block (10:57 a.m.)

A homeowner called to inform authorities about a camp that homeless people had apparently set up. It was down a hill behind the houses and the campers had defecated and littered throughout the area.

SUSPISCIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano, 31900 Block (9:47 a.m.) An employee at a bank found a note on the counter from an unknown customer that asked for help and said that they were being held hostage at a nearby residence.

PROWLER Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (2:49 a.m.)

A woman called after hearing footsteps on her roof. During a second call the operator asked her to step outside and nobody was on the roof.

Tuesday, May 31 VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Horseshoe Bend, 27800 Block (8:35 p.m.) A woman called saying her neighbor just broke her floodlight with a stick because it was bothering him.

TRESPASSING Valle Road, 32800 Block (8:36 a.m.)

Two arrests were made after a man and a woman were found sleeping in the clubhouse.

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Monday, May 30 DISTURBANCE Calle Chueca, 30600 Block (10:54 p.m.)

A woman called to inform authorities that her roommate and her roommate’s boyfriend were in a fight in the other room. The caller heard the boyfriend hit her roommate.

INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN La Zanja Street/Camino Capistrano (7:53 p.m.) Someone informed authorities that a man in a red jacket was lying on the corner near the crosswalk. He was moving but possibly drunk and hurt.

Sunday, May 29 VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Camino del Avion, 25600 Block (8:22 p.m.) A group of kids near Marco Forster Middle School threw rocks at a citizen’s car, broke a window and ran away.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/Stonehill Drive (3:10 p.m.) A drunk woman on probation was arrested after disturbing the peace by having a public argument with her husband.

Saturday, May 28 SUSPISCIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (5:40 p.m.)

A young woman was seen walking along the edge of the three-story parking structure at the train station.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (12:49 p.m.) A woman holding a bunch of Teddy bears was outside Ralph’s yelling obscenities at customers and refusing to leave.

ROBBERY IN PROGRESS Camino Capistrano, 33300 Block (7:46 a.m.) A car dealership was the victim of a possible armed robbery. The suspect left without any money and a search party of the surrounding area commenced. An arrest was made.

Friday, May 27 DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Paseo del Mar, 26400 Block (9:55 p.m.) A woman was arrested after a dispute in her apartment. The call was made by a neighbor who said there were babies crying and the man telling the woman, “You are dead.”

INFORMATION REPORT Avenida de la Vista, 31300 Block (9:43 p.m.) Evidence found in an 11-year-old girl’s diary led to a family friend’s arrest.

It was found that the 40-year-old would pleasure himself in front of her when he came to visit. He was being held on $200,000 bail. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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MARK NIELSEN: Straight Talk

To Disagree Without Being Disagreeable B arry Goldwater once said, “To disagree, one doesn’t have to be disagreeable.” Looking at the recent Measure B Mark Nielsen campaign, as well as the last election and even recent blog postings on The Dispatch or Patch website; it is pretty clear that Goldwater’s sentiment is sorely needed today. While it is certainly understandable that people can become upset when others disagree with them, it seems that the previous boundaries of public discourse have been stretched far beyond common decency. It’s almost as if we lose sight of our goals and descend from rational arguments to emotional name-calling.

The chopping down or defacing of election signs clearly is unacceptable, no matter the belief in one’s position.

The destruction of private property based on political beliefs can never be justified. The distance between that and the assault of a sports fan based on support for the opposing side is not as far as one might think. Both are driven by taking the disagreement personally, and allowing emotions to blind one to civility.

The web is in part to blame for this loss of civility, where anyone can post comments, often anonymously, that one would never say in a face-to-face conversation. It is easy to proclaim that elected officials are not being transparent, but who is really at fault when the critic is a failed candidate who posts personal attacks under numerous anonymous names as if each one is a separate citizen? Where is the real value in improving the common good when the critics spend all their time looking for even the smallest problem to blow out of proporThe Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

tion just so they can make the current elected officials whom they oppose look bad in preparation for another election?

I fully support and encourage “watchdogs” to question the actions of our government. I have done so myself a great deal over the years, even when I was on the City Council, and expect I will continue to do so. We need to have engaged citizens involved and commenting on actions the city is taking to make sure City Hall does not become insulated to the myriad perspectives in our community.

However, I like to think that I have been intellectually honest in presenting my arguments and did not make up things or attack individuals on the other side with baseless comments on their personal integrity or simple name-calling (though I am pretty sure my comments will elicit more attacks on me on the blog).

I have always encouraged a public debate on the issues, but based on the facts and the substance of the issue. I have no issue standing up with anyone and going toe-to-toe over any issue. However, comparing someone to Mussolini does absolutely nothing to educate either side on the merits of the respective positions, but instead is only meant to inflame and try to force emotion to overtake rational debate. The problem with all this namecalling is that it removes the legitimacy of any real substantive points the namecaller actually has. How refreshing would it be to hear a real debate based purely on the facts and rational arguments about each side’s interpretation of those facts.

Likewise, the recent filing of a formal action by a former council candidate against Councilmember Laura Freese seems to me nothing more than meanspirited and orchestrated to be used in the next election. I can write the script

today: “How can you elect a Councilperson who has a history of FPPC complaints against her?” Not mentioning that it is the opposition candidate who made the complaint in the first place.

What is the real issue? Merely an alleged technical violation of having voted on a consent calendar item to receive and file a list of hundreds of payments made by the city over the past month.

Included in the list were two payments totaling about $1,500 to Councilmember Freese’s company for printing services to the city’s 50th anniversary committee. This was not about approving the payments, since the payments were already made. It was about accepting the report from staff of a ledger of all payments made by the city since the last time the report was made.

And what would the result be if Clint Worthington’s argument held water?

Councilmember Freese would not have voted on the item and it would have passed 4-0. Nothing would be different.

In fact, Councilmember Freese started out apologizing for the oversight and announcing it publicly. In the normal course of things, a citizen who raised the issue with the councilperson would have thanked them for acknowledging the oversight and we would move on.

Instead we have Worthington pursuing a formal complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission for, at best a technical violation that has zero impact on the city, the taxpayers or anyone else. Now we have tax dollars that will be wasted processing a claim that results in no benefit to the public.

How does this action improve public discourse or transparency when the corrective action was already taken?

Instead it appears to me as an ongoing campaign to malign an incumbent,

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Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne INTERNS Alexa Dumity, Pantea Ommi Mohajer, Austin Reagan, Cory Saul, Madi Swayne, Krysta Worthen 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 not scientific and do not reflect the opinion of The Dispatch.

setting the foundation for future attacks during the election in 2012.

There are plenty of real substantive issues of public import facing our city to address. Looking only for those that can put incumbents in a negative light is not in my view what a watchdog effort is about.

The end goal must be ensuring the best deal for our citizenry overall (not just a vocal minority or the connected few), the preservation of our unique character that makes San Juan Capistrano so special to us all, and the ability to maintain and enhance the quality of life that we enjoy in this wonderful city. While I know we will not always agree on how to achieve this, for God’s sake, let’s at least not be so disagreeable in the future!

Mark Nielsen is a local business executive who was Mayor of San Juan Capistrano in 2009 and has been a resident for over 20 years.

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

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

SOAPBOX SAM ALLEVATO: Mayor’s Message

Patrick O’Brien: The Way I See It

A Time to Come Together Saying the Thing That is Not

O

ut of great adversity comes the opportunity for growth and renewal. With the passage of Measure B after a very Sam Allevato “robust” campaign by both sides, it now is the time to come together as a community and move forward with making the Distrito La Novia project the best it can be. I am truly proud of our residents for coming out in great numbers to cast their vote and confirm the community’s desire to move forward with this project. The campaign had the usual number of minor complaints by and against both sides, but all in all, it was a very clean campaign with both sides having ample opportunity to present their arguments.

The fact remains that no community can remain stagnant. Our long-term strategic business plan and economic model indicates to us that we will be facing a structural deficit in the not too distant future if we do not take steps now to increase our revenue base. Our addition of our new hotels, auto dealers, movie theater, Costco expansion, and opportunities presented by the disposition of the Lower Rosan property have all been positive steps to narrow this deficit. However, we need to progress even further. By planning and building on the small of amount of developable private land left available, we can ensure smart development that will yield the maximum benefit to our economic vitality while retaining the character of our town. I believe the Distrito La Novia project will be another part of getting us where we need to be by providing for millions in new developer fees, property taxes, and sales taxes while still preserving and enhancing our equestrian lifestyle and abundant open space reserve.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

Also, we will benefit by the addition of new residents that will bring new vitality to our community and who will embrace our values of the San Juan spirit. Whether moving into one of the 94 single-family homes, apartments or condominiums, they will immediately become members of our San Juan family and will be welcomed into our various churches, schools, service clubs, and organizations. They will also become shoppers, tax payers, and property owners who will add to our bottom line!

My advocating for Measure B was in no small measure motivated by my support for the passage of the amendment to the Master Plan and zoning changes that were made and the reaffirmation of the property rights for this property owner. These were in my mind minor changes as the project was moving from a “Specific Plan” to a “Planned Community” designation as there already was a much less desirable project approved for this site. This property owner was willing to undergo three-and-half years of planning and approvals, 30 public meetings, and untold thousands if not millions of dollars in design, planning, legal fees, and consulting cost just to get through the “system” to work with us in crafting a superior project. Now with a clear mandate from the public and the unanimous council passage of the Master Plan and zoning changes, the property owner’s right to develop their property in a responsible manner has been assured and confirmed.

Thank you residents of San Juan Capistrano for your vote of confidence on this important project for the future of our town.

Sam Allevato is Mayor of San Juan Capistrano. He has served on the City Council since 2004.

O

utside of Vons the other day, the usual table for the “No on B” point of view was manned by one person, a tall man, someone Patrick O’Brien who could have easily been mistaken for a cowboy or a horse trader or someone who has serious concerns and was relaxed in his certainty. He was the kind of man whose self-assuredness creates a goodly amount of trust. He was discussing, in measured tones, the former mayors of San Juan to a possible convert. When I heard him describe two mayors incorrectly in terms of their occupations and their terms in office and that his information was more than flawed, it bordered on slander, I was saddened.

Of course, anyone can be confused about local politics and who did what to whom and why, but to be “loose with the facts” to win opposition is not playing by the rules.

I’d like to think he was confused. But a reputation of one of our finest mayors was impugned, suggesting that he was a person who never saw a building contract he didn’t like. I corrected the man of trust and he thanked me. But what damage had he done?

It brought to mind Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, perhaps because some of the issues seemed to be around horses. Perhaps it was his willingness “to say the thing that is not,” according the Houyhnhnms (pronounced “WHIN nims”), horses, essentially, who have never heard of a lie. They find Gulliver to be a despicable creature, a human—dirty, scheming, and unreliable. Of course, Swift was a very powerful and angry and nasty satirist, but I could not help but think of the Houyhnhms and “saying the thing that was not.”

It has become central to our politics.

It has become more important for “our team” to win than it is for the “right thing” to be done for everyone. Wasn’t it an Ohio State football coach who said something about winning is everything? Win at all cost—steroids (Barry Bonds and others come to mind), tampered bats, spit balls, cheating in general? There is a certain group of citizens and politicians who celebrate their ability to fool others. The socalled Tea Party is sponsored by a right wing of the Republican Party, pretending that this is a real citizen uprising when in fact it is nothing more than fooling good people into believing that they are part of a spontaneous movement. They’ve been manipulated.

Richard Nixon told a friend of mine, whose book I’d ghost written: “Jim, you move to the right when you seek the Page 12

nomination and then to the center after you have it.” I’d studied Nixon for that work and time and time again, he’d say in hundreds of speeches: “Let me just put aside my notes and talk to you personally.” Then he’d repeat word for word what he’d said so many times before—his speech. He said “the thing that was not.”

Not the speech, but the pretense of the off-the-cuff speech. Politics as theater and falsehood. He wasn’t the only one. Ronald Reagan comes to mind with now new taxes but he was the only governor in 30 years to raise California taxes and raised taxes twice while in the President’s office.

Small government? Hardly.

So what is new? Citizens living side by side, lying to each other. Citizens accusing former mayors of conspiracy to line their pockets—citizens pretending to be concerned about the community when in fact they are following some purist idea of what is the “right size and duty” of government. “Beware of the ideologue,” one pundit said,” for he will grind you under the boot heel of his religion to prove he is a good and righteous person.” He will, in other words, “say the thing that is not.”

Regardless of the ultimate consequences of Proposition B— yes or no—as regards to houses and space, there are now fellow citizens who are not trustworthy and they have thrown their reputations into the dust bin.

I used to play tennis and golf. In tennis, there were certain opponents who mis-called lines and were known by everyone in the club to be untrustworthy. One could laugh and just say that isn’t that typical of so and so, but deep down, you never trusted them in anything. There were golfing “friends” who shaved their scores, used the foot wedge and even mismarked their ball on the green. Inconsequential, one would say—true. But when I was asked by a businessman why I didn’t invest with him, I remembered the foot wedge, the shaved score card, the mismarked ball.

As my dear departed mother used to say: “If a person cheats at small things, he will cheat at big things.”

So those ideologues and misinformed signature gatherers or outright demagogues and liars who “say the thing that is not” have called into question their veracity in all manner of things. One can win at any cost but the cost may be greater than one realizes. Reputation is everything and once gone it is never recovered. It becomes “the thing that is not.” Just ask Anthony Weiner.

Capistrano resident Patrick O’Brien is a former college professor. 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

THE BEACH BALL - BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CAPISTRANO VALLEY 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The BGC Capistrano club celebrates their 20th anniversary at the Pelican Hill Resort with dinner, dancing, live music, auctions and much more. Tickets $220.22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, 949.467.6800, www.bgccapo.com.

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CHOREOGRAPHER’S BALL DANCE PERFORMANCE 6:30 p.m. San Juan Hills High School students’ performance dance acts on the Main Theater with shows June 10-11. Tickets $14-$16. 29211 Vista Montana, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.5900, www.sjhhs.org.

JOHN SLOAN SINATRA TRIBUTE 7:45 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.

saturday

SECOND SATURDAY ART FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The San Juan Chamber presents the monthly art event showcasing 60 artists, craftspeople and musicians along the streets of Camino Capistrano, Yorba, Verdugo and Los Rios. 949.493.4700, www.sjcartfair.org.

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REPLACE YOUR LAWN 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Two-part series at Tree of Life Nursery; round two on June 18. 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www. californianativeplants.com.

GO.SEE.DO

BENEFIT CONCERT SET AT SAN JUAN HILLS

The San Juan Hills High School Music Department will host a benefit concert in conjunction with the Orange County site of VSA (Very Special Artists) California, the state organization on arts and disability, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14 in the theater at San Juan Hills High School.

Admission is free, and there will be a raffle and silent auction for various items, including an original work entitled “Freddy” by the legendary Red Skelton, with all proceeds benefiting VSA. The San Juan Hills Honors Choir will be performing as well as the Braille Institute’s Johnny Mercer Choir, directed by Marleena Coulston-Barber.

VSA and the San Juan Hills music department—which has seniors for the first time this year—will collaborate for the mutual benefit of each group. San Juan Hills music students view this as “artists helping artists.” San Juan Hills Instrumental Music Director and Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair Dean McElroy hopes this inaugural concert will be a first step to a continuing relationship in which the program can have a long term, positive impact serving the students supported by VSA. San Juan Hills High School is on Vista Montana, off La Pata south of Ortega Highway. For more information, call McElroy at 949.246.5460 or email drmcelroy@capousd.org . —Jonathan Volzke

HUMMINGBIRD EVENT 10 a.m. Plant Depot presents Monique Rea teaching a variety of ways to attract hummingbirds to your garden and more. 33413 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.2107, www.plantdepot.com.

PET ADOPTION 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit pets that need a home at the Ark’s pet adoption event at the Second Saturday Art Fair. 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

WIN FREE CONCERT TICKETS! The first three people to email us with Dispatch Free Concert Tix in the subject line will receive a pair of free concert tickets from The Coach House to see Kora-Rock/Funk Collective Band on June 15th. Include your name and phone number. EMAIL: tickets@thecapistranodispatch.com

sunday

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MICHAEL CHAIN & GANG 2:30 p.m. Live at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

MIKE DEBELLIS AND FRIENDS1 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.

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.

PEPPER 8 p.m. Awesome surf/rock/reggae band at The Coach House. Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

monday

ROLLER DERBY GAME 7 p.m. The local women of the South Coast Roller Derby team take on Cal Skate Roller Derby at the Capistrano Sports Rink. Tickets $12 advance, $15 at door. 2 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano, 310.869.4870, www.southcoastrollerderby.org.

KETEL ONE KABANA NIGHTS 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Salt Creek Grille presents a new event with cabanas, appetizers and drinks on the patio Sunday through Thursday. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949-661-7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

WORLD WIDE KNIT IN PUBLIC DAY 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrate a day to knit and enjoy the company of others at the SJC library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

AL KING SOLO 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m. Live entertainment at Swallow’s Inn followed by country dancing with DJ Bubba at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

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Page 14

tuesday

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m. Children ages 3-6 and caregivers are invited to the library for stories, rhymes, crafts and fun. No registration required. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

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wednesday

SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES CONCERT SERIES 6 p.m.-8 p.m. San Juan Summer Nites Series kicks off at Historic Town Center Park with a free community concert featuring “Steely Jam,” an expo, food, drinks and much more. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

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OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba; San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700.

thursday

SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES: BASIC NEEDS 6:30 p.m. An evening of conversation, drinks and light fare at The Ecology Center featuring inspirational design thinker, Tinker Hatfield. Admission is $10 members/$25 non-members. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

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friday

MARC BROUSSARD 8 p.m. Concert with an artist blending classic R&B, rock and soul into contemporary terms at The Coach House also with Matt Hires and Chic Gamine. Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

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

(Cont. on page 17) THIS WEEK’S WEATHER 6.10 Mostly Sunny H: 68° L: 55° 6.11 Partly Cloudy H: 68° L: 56° 6.12 Sunny H: 67° L: 55°

6.13 Sunny H: 70° L: 57° 6.14 Sunny H: 71° L: 57° 6.15 Sunny H: 71° L: 58° 6.16 Sunny H: 71° L: 58° www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 14)

saturday

18

Pet Adoption 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visit pets that need a home at the Ark’s pet adoption event at PetCo. 32391 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

Grow Your Own Veggies Workshop 10 a.m.12 p.m. Class for all ages at Goin Native offered by the SJC Community Service Department. Fee $10 + material fee $35. 31661 Los Rios St., 949.493.5911, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

Donavon Frankenreiter 8 p.m. Jack Johnsonstyle mellow rock musician at The Coach House. Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

sunday

Hot Springs Hike 8 a.m11 a.m. Special event Casper’s Wilderness Park with a 3-mile journey through history and nature as we explore the San Juan Hot Springs and Cold Spring Canyon. 33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210.

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Saved By The Mission Bell 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Sherri Puerto Band 2:30 p.m. Live at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn. com.

monday

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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. Plus it’s steak night! 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Dispatch Restaurant Spotlight

Ball Park Pizza 31654 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite H, San Juan Capistrano 949.493.6852 Best known for: Gourmet pizza in a sporty atmosphere Most Popular item: Pepperoni pizza Ball Park Pizza in San Juan Capistrano creates a homey atmosphere for sports fans to enjoy pizza and a game. For 30 years, Ball Park has sought to provide a fun, sport-themed setting for local residents. Employee Tony Balderas hand Staff photo makes all the pies, mixing his own dough and tossing each before it hits the oven. The menu includes everything from garlic bread and buffalo wings to hot sandwiches and ice cream. Even with all of these options, Balderas still says his most popular item is pepperoni pizza. Although Balderas describes the atmosphere as “simple,” he also said he definitely wants sports to be the main theme of the restaurant. The walls are covered with local youth league sports team banners, and the players frequently hold end-of-the-season parties at the eatery. The flat-screen televisions that also adorn the walls add to the sporty environment by displaying major athletic events from around the country for fans to enjoy. The banners help to create this community setting where everyone feels welcome.

Kids from around the neighborhood can come in and see their team banner or team picture hanging on the wall and feel a sense of recognition. They can also devour the pizza and indulge in arcade games that fill the restaurant. Ball Park is a great place for adults and kids alike.

Price Range: $5.99-$26 Reservations: Not needed

Payment: Cash, credit Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. seven days a week

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

tuesday

Lunch Local - Hummingbird House CafÈ 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Support the city at a local restaurant with fellow community members.

26711 Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.5090, www.scchamber.com.

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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.

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

AT THE MOVIES

BY Megan Bianco

Midnight in Paris is Magical

F

or decades parents and grandparents alike have been preaching, “They don’t make them like that anymore.” They’re pondering an era they experienced in their youth or even just fantasizing of a time before their birth, in part, because the present comes off as underwhelming or disappointing. The films, the fashion, the music, it all just seemed better back then. With Woody Allen’s summer release Midnight in Paris, © Sony Pictures Classics our protagonist faces just these feelings.

Screenwriter Gil Pender (Owen Wilson) loves visiting Paris, his dream city, while his fiancée Inez (Rachel McAdams) is counting the days until they can return home to Hollywood.

And running into Inez’s insufferable friend Paul (Michael Sheen) while touring doesn’t make things any better for Gil. That is until one night, while wandering off after a dinner party, Gil winds up in a 1920s car that takes him to a surreal costume party with guests who look just like Cole Porter, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway—only to discover they really are those famous personas. And

The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

By Krysta Worthen

from then on, Gil is determined to get some feedback on his own writing from Hemingway (Corey Stoll), Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston) and a charming ‘20s flapper named Adriana (Marion Cotillard).

Allen’s latest feature is both an ode to nostalgia as well as wake-up call to those who dwell in the past. Already a sentimentalist, Allen returns from a bit a of a dry spell the last few years with this delightful fantasy piece. He channels his earlier fantasy films such as The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) and Everyone Says I Love You (1996). Wilson does a fine job of playing the Woody lead here, and McAdams, Cotillard and Léa Seydoux are memorable as his lady companions.

Sheen, Stoll, Hiddleston, Adrien Brody and Kathy Bates are entertaining in their supporting roles and cameos. With summer break practically here, Midnight in Paris is sure to be one of the most enjoyable comedies to begin the season. CD Megan Bianco is a senior at Cal State Northridge majoring in Screenwriting and Film Criticism. A 20-year resident of San Clemente, Bianco is also a graduate of the California Conservatory of the Arts and JSerra Catholic High School.

Page 17

wednesday

Native American Basket Weaving 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn the art and culture of basket weaving at Mission San Juan Capistrano on the First and third Wednesdays of each month. Free with paid admission of $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

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Karaoke 7:30 p.m. Joel and Les host karaoke at Swallow’s Inn. Plus $2 tacos and free popcorn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

South County Young Professionals Society 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Group meeting for aspiring business leaders ages 21-39 at The Next Door, sponsored by the tri-cities’ chambers. Members $5, others $20. 647 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

thursday

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

Guest Bartending and Live Music 6 p.m. The fun starts early with guest bartending at Swallow’s Inn. At 8 p.m. the band Road Work performs live. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Willie K 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Ibiza Ultra Lounge 7 p.m.-close. European-style nightlife featuring a DJ spinning in the ultra lounge at Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar. 27211 Ortega Hwy., Suite C, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.8466, www.tanninstrestaurant.com/ibiza. *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

SJC LIVING

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LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto

friday 6.10 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

Monday 6.20 Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Meeting 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto

Monday 6.14

Tuesday 6.21

Planning Commission Meeting

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

Wednesday 6.22 Housing Advisory Committee Meeting 2 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto friday 6.24 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes. *Meeting agendas at www.sanjuancapistrano.org

Capistrano Dancers Twirling to Nationals The Capistrano Dispatch

S

ix members of San Juan Capistrano’s Ballet Folklorico are heading to the national finals on June 11.

The group was also among those at the Mission’s Battle of the Mariachis on May 21, which drew about 4,000 spectators.

That event, the seventh annual, was one

by Mariachi Chula Vista.

Ballet Folklorico, led by San Juan Capistrano city staff member Maricella Moreno, entered three dances and clinched two 1st-place trophies. The victories qualify them for the finals in Lynwood on June 11. The group also received a grant from Ralphs/Food 4 Less for its commitment to the community and improving the quality of life through vivid performances.

The group, a low-cost program for youth, is also sponsored by the Blas Aguilar Adobe Foundation.

The group will also perform at the Orange County Fair on July 16.

The program is now accepting registration for summer classes, which kick off June 21. Classes are held from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday for youth ages 7-11, with teen classes following from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. at the Nydegger Building at the Old Fire Station Complex, 31421 La Matanza Street.

The fee for the summer session, which runs through August 18, is $40 and includes a folklorico dance workshop.

Girls must have folklorico dance shoes and practice skirts. Boys need folklorico dance boots. An information sheet is available at the time of registration.

For more information and to register, call the Community Services Department at 949.493.5911. CD Photos from the 7th Annual Battle of the Mariachis by Scott Schmitt/San Juan Photo & Digital.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

The Mission’s 7th Annual Battle of the Mariachis was a tuneup for the members of Ballet Folklorico heading to the National Finals. Photos by Scott Schmitt, San Juan Photo & Digital.

Page 18

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING TOM BLAKE: On Life and Love After 50

Mid-life Couples need Financial Plan Before Cohabitating M iddle-aged couples should have a financial plan before moving in together. Savannah and Bill—not their real names—did not have a plan and it has resulted in relationship unrest.

Savannah said, “I (55) met a great guy (64) online 11 months ago. We are engaged. We’ve kicked around a November wedding date (each has been married twice). We met in June and I moved into his house in December.”

They did not have a financial agreement, although they talked about setting up a joint account, but she said there isn’t enough left in her paycheck to contribute to it. Bill gave her a credit card to pay for household expenses.

Savannah said, “He makes at least twice as much as I do and I have some residual debt from a second marriage, and I support my mid-20s daughter.

“He generally pays for things when we go out and will not allow me to pay though I often offer. He also pays the household expenses. I pay for all my own expenses.

I have very little left over at the end of the month—I was unemployed a bit last year and am also paying back money he lent me.”

Savannah said she and Bill recently came back from a four-day trip where he spent “a great deal of money on wine purchases and other things.” She feels he resents having spent so much and has had a sudden change of heart. He no longer wants to marry in November; he

is concerned about the relationship finances.

Savannah said, “I was pretty surprised. He wants me to cut off my kids and reduce my debt before he will commit to getting married. I see his point, and he says he loves me and wants to marry me eventually, On Life and but it’s giving me a bit of pause as to Love After 50

By Tom Blake his true feelings.” She is nervous and doesn’t like the feeling.

When I asked her for more details, she said, “It’s complicated now; it didn’t seem so before. He expressed disappointment that I had not repaid any of my debt and had not given him money towards our joint expenses. I have never felt financially mature or responsible. I definitely spend too much on shopping and eating out. I have stopped that completely since he and I spoke.”

I asked Savannah about supporting her daughter.

She said, “My daughter is working, but only brings home $800 per week. She is spoiled and enabled, and I think it’s bugging him. I spoke to her today about needing to start paying her own way even if that means a change in lifestyle.”

She said Bill has been engaged a few times and added “…the ring is beautiful and rescued from a past engagement of his.”

Historic Pavers Placed in Park

JAN SIEGEL: Moments In Time

Mission Unveils Treasures T he past and the present are never separated in historic San Juan Capistrano. People, places and things, which share a history, have a unique way of coming together in our community.

Jan Siegel Currently, the Mission is showcasing an exhibit on “Mission Treasures,” objects which have either never been seen or rarely seen by the public.

These objects are in the Archives of the Mission. And they are indeed historic treasures.

One object is an 18th Century tabernacle. The tabernacle is an ornate tent-like shape. The word “tabernacle,” according to Rev. William Krekelberg in his book, The Grand Retablo, “comes from the Latin word for tent, ‘tabernaculum.’ The concept of tent refers to the Old Testament tent of the Ark of the Covenant, where God was present among His people. The tabernacle is the sacred container where the Blessed Sacrament, consecrated at Mass, is reserved the purpose of Holy Communion to be taken to the sick and the homebound.” The description of the tabernacle in the exhibit is that it is done in the “Churrigueresque” style. And this is where history comes together in San Juan Capistrano.

The churrigeresque style of design comes from the Churriguera family in Barcelona, Spain. Jose Benito de Churriguera, and his brothers Joaquin and Alberto were the first generation of Spanish sculptors, architectural decorators and architects. They started their work in the 17th Century. And for the next three generations, this family of artists influenced Spanish architectural design throughout the world. The churrigueresque is

The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

I’m not surprised there is trouble in this relationship. Bill has had a change of heart, but it likely wasn’t sudden. He’s been evaluating the relationship since she moved in. That he makes double what she makes isn’t important; her financial baggage is what has him backpeddling.

I don’t care how much money a man or a woman has or earns. When he or she keeps paying for a partner, resentment often builds within the giver.

Bill is wise for wanting Savannah to get her finances in order before he commits to marriage. But he may not be Mr. Perfect either. Since he’s been engaged “a few times,” one wonders how often that engagement ring has been recycled.

He probably feels that indirectly he is supporting Savannah’s mid-20s daughter. If the daughter is bringing home $800 a week, she is likely earning $50,000 a year or more. The poor baby can’t live on that? If Savannah wants to hold on to this guy, she has to stop spoiling and enabling her daughter.

Bill may also feel that Savannah’s finances could deteriorate even further, and he doesn’t want to be the bank.

This relationship is on shaky stilts. A financial understanding beforehand could have prevented the unrest.

To comment: Tompblake@gmail.com. For dating information: www.FindingLoveAfter50.com

an extension of the Baroque-Rococo style of architecture already popular in the in the 17th Century.

It is extremely ornate. This style became popular in churches throughout Latin America.

In the 20th Century this churrigueresque style was used in the buildings for the Pan-Am exhibit in San Diego in 1915, in Balboa Park. It was also used in the many of the old movie theaters built in the 1920s in Los Angeles like the Pantages.

The style can also be seen in the Solomonic columns in the retablo in Serra’s Chapel. Therefore, when the Mission Basilica built the retablo in 2006, it followed the style popular in the early 1800s when Serra’s Chapel and the Great Stone Church was built.

It was built in the churrigueresque style. The retablo is a decorated wall behind the table or altar where Mass is said. According to the company that built the retablo, Talleres de Arte Granda in Alcala de Henares, Spain, it is “supported by twisting Solomonic columns, the characteristic architectural element of the early churrigueresque style.” Decorations include grapevines, swallows and cherubs which are lavishly intertwined and covered in gold leaf. The Basilica is now the best example of churrigeresque style architecture in Southern California.

Spend a Moment in Time looking at the Mission Treasure exhibit and then at the retablo at the Basilica and enjoy how history comes together in San Juan Capistrano.

Jan Siegel is a director of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society whose name is on the city’s Wall of Recognition.

Page 20

The “Paving the Future” project is now in the first phase of installation at Historic Town Center Park.

The pavers will be in place for the first San Juan Summer Nites Concert, featuring a Steely Dan tribute band on June 15. The 6 p.m. concert, which feature a business expo and food and drink for purchase, is free.

The 6-inch-by-9-inch pavers, customized with the buyer’s message, are part of the year-long celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the city’s incorporation. The first installation includes 94 pavers.

The second phase of installation will begin in a few months. See www.sanjuancapistrano.org to download an order form.

Additionally, on June 14, the city’s yearlong anniversary celebration will continue with historian Pam Hallan-Gibson will present a program highlighting the history of San Juan Capistrano.

Hallan-Gibson is a fourth-generation Orange Countian and has always been interested in Capistrano history. An active preservationist she has served on the county Historical Commission, as president of the Historical Society, a docent for the Walking Tour Guides, and on the Cultural Heritage Commission.

She worked for the Capistrano as a planner and as an Interim City Manager. She has written several books on local history including Two Hundred Years In San Juan Capistrano and Ghosts and Legends of San Juan Capistrano.

The event is at 7 p.m. and the Community Center is at 15925 Camino del Avion. For further information call the Historical Society at 949.493.8444. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Locals Only

Business Directory The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively

Air Conditioning & HEATING 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

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

949.248.0260

Auto Repair Star Motors 32959 Calle Perfecto

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

949.240.1200 949.240.9240

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

COMPUTER SERVICES

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Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or email aedwards@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

Printing OC

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

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

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

Four-A Electric 949.240.8844 32432 Alipaz, Ste. C, fouraelectric@sbcglobal.net Slab leak repair Excel Electric - CA #793860 949.493.7769 SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.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

949.697.9454

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

Kitchen Design

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY”

PRINTING

Schools

San Clemente Computer & Network Services Insurance daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 Capistrano Health & Life Tired of Waiting I.T. Services 949.922.7727 www.capistranohealthlife.com j.ehle@cox.net

Friess Electric 949.248.4222 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 102

DC Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning www.dcplumbing.net 949.365.9044 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

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 Chick’s Plumbing

www.chicks-plumbing.com

949.499.4464 949.496.9731

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

FOR RENT LEASE OPPORTUNITY AT DANA POINT HARBOR Dana Point Marina Company is soliciting Lease proposals for office/retail located at 34551 Casitas Place, Dana Point, CA 92629. This space is adjacent to a busy retail center and main boardwalk in Dana Point Harbor with a great view of the marina and 1,668 sq. ft. For more information and to obtain a copy of the RFP Number: 108-614978-DP, register for free on “BidSync” at: http://www.bidsync.com/ . Dana Point Harbor is a County of Orange facility and does not pay commissions.

Adorable apartment, complete with a white picket fence! This 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment has Granite counter tops, a Travertine bathroom, and a private front yard! Walking distance from Del Mar St. and the beach! $1350 a month...a must see.

Contact Jill (949) 295-3276 to make an appointment.

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Help Wanted E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@ thecapistranodispatch.com

DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY GARAGE SALE rummage sale Aegis Living of Dana Point in Capistrano Beach is having a rummage sale on Saturday, June 11th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. 26922 Camino De Estrella, Dana Point, Ca 92624. 949-488-2650. Hot Dogs and Popcorn will be served!

HUGE 30+ Rummage Sale 6/11 6:30-11am. 2021 Calle Frontera, SC 92673 Toys, clothes, household items +! Sale benefits charity

HELP WANTED Are you looking for a career which offers Stability, Personal Growth and Financial Rewards though helping others? I am seeking energetic, careerminded individuals who desire an opportunity to learn from an established, growth oriented Agency. Required training will be provided with this opportunity. Acceptable back ground, drug screen and credit check will be required. Requirements: Full Time Availability - Ability to meet California State Property & Casualty Licensing requirements. - A naturally positive attitude. - Enjoys interaction with people -Thrives on challenge - Ability to multitask - Computer literate - Bilingual/Spanish a Plus. Position offers: Competitive base Plus Commission - Comprehensive Products and Services backed by the Largest Insurer of Personal Insurance in the Nation - Extensive Training and Support - Professional work environment - Health & Retirement participation - Opportunity for Advancement. Interested candidates are welcome to send a resume and brief cover letter.

Email to elaine@elainelavine.net.

Housekeeper In San Juan Capistrano Experience & references required. 3-4 hrs weekly at $20hr. Call 562-795-6746.

OFFICE SPACE Office Space Available Downtown Office space available for immediate occupancy in the Los Rios area of downtown San Juan Capistrano. The central location is within walking distance to restuarants and services, as well as the post office, city hall and the historic Los Rios District. Small office suites with low move in costs available. Please call Victoria at (949)496-1316.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Page 23

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

5 BEST BETS BASEBALL

Royals vs. Angels Angel Stadium June 10, 7:05 p.m.

The Royals are in town for the first of a three-game series with the Halos before the Angels hit the road for nine games.

Info: www.losangeles.angels. com

SOCCER

Toronto FC vs.

LA Galaxy, Home Depot Center June 11, 7:30 p.m.

Canada’s Toronto FC goes south of the border and preps for an epic battle on the pitch against the LA Galaxy.

Info: www.lagalaxy.com

BASEBALL

Reds vs. Dodgers Dodger Stadium June 13, 7:10 p.m.

Kick your work week off with a trip up I-5 and cheer on the boys in blue as they host Cincinnati for three games.

Info: www.losangeles. dodgers.com

Adult Softball Leagues, Richard T. Steed Memorial Sports Park June 14, 6 p.m.

Men’s and coed teams compete within their respective divisions for the top spot until August every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in town.

Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club Dana Point Harbor June 15, 5:30 p.m.

Stay cool and fit with some fun water activities as Outdoor Adventure Fitness Club hosts a kayaking class at the Dana Point Harbor.

Info: 949.366.1010, www. outdoorfitnessonline.org

Stallions Celebrate the Year in Sports The Capistrano Dispatch

By Alexa DuMity The Capistrano Dispatch

S

an Juan Hills High School wrapped up its fourth year of athletics—the first with seniors—with a student-vs.-faculty softball game, a football scrimmage and other activities this month.

The 2011 seniors, by the way, trounced the faculty 12-8 on the softball diamond.

The event, the Stallion Roundup, included food provided by Bravo Burger and Hillbilly Corn Roasters and other activities, including the Bull’s Eye Ball Drop.

The 3rd Annual Navy & Gold Spring Football Game ended the day, with the Navy team hung on to win 2821. The intra-squad scrimmage featured a host of new faces for the Stallions, including that of the coach, as Aaron Flowers has taken the helm.

Athletic Director Armando Gonzalez said gave a special thanks to volunteers and Stallion Booster Board members, especially Steve Berman, Andrea Blum and Ruth Lantry, who coordinated the event.

W

The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

KAYAKING

Info: www.san-clemente.org

JSerra Valedictorian is No-Show at Graduation—with Good Excuse ith a 4.71 G.P.A., Luke Decker is the 2011 valedictorian at JSerra Catholic High School. But he didn’t even attend his own graduation.

Instead, he competed in the track state finals for his high school, which fell on the same day—June 4—at similar times.

But that doesn’t mean his fellow graduates didn’t hear Decker’s graduation speech. He videotaped his address prior to his departure for the finals in Fresno.

The school aired the video to the 220 graduates during the ceremony.

“I really wanted to do both” said Decker. “It just isn’t a possibility; I wouldn’t be focused during the finals.”

Days before the events, Decker appeared relaxed and nonchalant about his upcoming events, unfazed by his title of valedictorian. However, when he talked about track you couldn’t help but notice it isn’t just a sport, but a lifestyle.

He trained every day with close friend and Cal-Berkley bound state final mile competitor Kat Delaney, saying that their workouts begin at 6 a.m. It comes with other sacrifices, too.

“I haven’t eaten fast food in three years,” Decker said.

Hoping to win the state finals, Decker said he would be happy to place in the top three. Decker and Delaney took home CIF titles, while Decker finished 12th in his final event with a time of 4:14, among some of the best runners in the state.

Al though Decker didn’t finish in the top three as he hoped, he was able to accomplish a bigger goal of his by beating his personal best time of 4:13, clocking in at 4:10:97 during his preliminary races. He incorporated his personal goals into his valedictorian speech, while speaking about a track accident last year that put him out for the entire season. After recovering, he said that it “made me stronger, not only in my running, but also in my faith.”

Dartmouth-bound in the fall, he was also scouted

by Notre Dame and Stanford. He chose Dartmouth because of their prestigious track team, their excellent

COED SOFTBALL

Luke Decker. Photo by Alexa DuMity

undergraduate program and also to be nearer to family on the East Coast.

His goals for college are to win several All-American titles, set the school record for the mile and major in Biological sciences or Biochemistry. He would like to do Olympic athlete research after college.

“I didn’t just accomplish my expectations for high school,” said Decker, “I exceeded them. Going into school, I had no idea I was good at running.”

His accomplishments are a parent’s dream. Luke’s brother Jake graduated at JSerra on Saturday, too. No one felt left out though, because Luke’s mom stayed for the ceremony, while Luke’s dad accompanied him to Fresno.

“I’m so proud of Luke” his father said. “He is far less trouble than I was during high school.” CD Page 24

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS WENT TO THE FOLLOWING ATHLETES: Male Athlete of the Year: Michael Perryman, Football/Basketball Female Athlete of the Year: Jazmin Grajales, Girls Golf/Softball Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Nicholas Vansell, Boys Soccer/Boys Volleyball Female Scholar Athlete of the Year: Jacqueline Greiner, Girls Basketball/Girls Lacrosse United States Marine Corp Distinguished Male Athlete: Arinze Uzo-Okereke, Football /Track & Field United States Marine Corp Distinguished Female Athlete: Cristina Parra, Girls Basketball /Softball Iron Horse Award: Elliott Bragg, Football/Basketball /Track & Field Palomino Leadership & Character Award: Zoe Nolan, Girls Swimming “Bronco Buster” Coach of the Year: Jim Tinker, Boys & Girls Golf Stallion Booster of the Year: Debbie Worley, Stallion Booster’s President (20082011) Outstanding Team Rep: Karin Grutz, Team Rep: Boys Lacrosse & Football Volunteer of the Year : Lori Bickel, Golf Tournament Director (2008-2011) TEAM RECOGNITIONS: Boys Cross Country (League Champs) Boys Golf (League & CIF Champs) Boys Surf (League & State Champs, Longboard) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Off To The Races South County Gravity Racing mountain bike team hits the ground pedaling

By Christina Scannapiego The Capistrano Dispatch

F

ind a steep decline and you’ll find a slew of adrenalin junkies eager to ride down it at frightening speeds.

Downhill mountain bike racers are just that type of breed. Flying at a maximum of 30 mph—on bikes that can weigh a little more than 40 pounds—through dust, dirt and mud, clad in motocross armor, jumping over rocks, decelerating just as quickly as they’ve accelerated to veer around ditches and boulders, they can take detrimental spills that match the height of the rush. Some fatalities have even prompted local ski resorts to put limits on the types of bikes (downhill bikes, namely) that are allowed on the mountain in the off-season.

But local riders won’t be hindered, and they’ll take any venue they can get.

So downhill racing is making a comeback. The newly formed South County Gravity Racing team, born out of the San Clemente hills, stands testament to the sport’s popularity gain. Led by Walt Malzahn, now SCGR’s team director, the group of six make due with what national races and close-by regional races— like the series at Southridge, Fontana, one of the only resources for Orange County mountain bike racers with that competitive bug—they can find. Southridge hosts a handful of events for local riders, including a few dangerous, night races and provides shuttle services for the races partway up the course (they push their heavy bikes the rest of the

Spectators watch Adam Digby race downhill. Courtesy photo

way). At the family-friendly site, the SCGR lot is just one of the many set up under their own tent, members either congratulating each other at the bottom or cheering each other on from the sidelines of the rocky course.

Malzahn initially met the guys who comprise his group—Adam Digby of San Juan Capistrano, Jeff Benitez of Aliso Viejo, Brian White of San Clemente, Ryan Paquette of San Clemente and Stan Guerrero of San Diego—biking the hills behind Camino de los Mares. Their talent and commitment initially compelled him to join forces.

“Walt was watching us one day and ended up asking us if we wanted to ride together,” says Paquette, who’s just finished up his junior year at San Clemente High. He’s been recreationally mountain biking since he was a kid and racing since the age of 13.

SCGR’s Jeff Benitez, Brian White, Walt Malzahn and Ryan Paquette. Courtesy photo

The Capistrano Dispatch June 10–23, 2011

It didn’t take the crew long to become tight and, of course, they all had one major mountain biking interest in common: Racing. For the most part, the SCGR team stuck to the Southridge series at first, building on their experience and impressive finishes. Malzahn watched each individual’s progression build.

“Ryan [Paquette] is one of our most accomplished riders,” he raved. “Balance is the key, and this is what makes Ryan such a fantastic racer.”

White began competing just before his freshman year at JSerra High, convinced by some friends to give it a shot. He placed fourth in his first race in the beginner class “and I was hooked,” he said.

Now finishing up his senior year, he’s just placed first in Expert Men’s (19-26) at the most recent California Gold State Championship series race at Southridge in Fontana. All five SCGR team members come with a similar story—each began the sport for fun and has now become addicted to the thrill of winning.

For Benitez, whose dad first introduced him to BMX, his love of motocross became too expensive and mountain bike racing fulfilled that rush.

Digby, a freshman at Saddleback College, has just completed his first year riding pro and has maintained a consistency to his finishes.

“Adam has the skill to podium in every race,” says Malzahn. “But in the pro ranks the smallest mistake can put a racer seconds behind. He’s gaining experience that will hopefully pay off next season when the other team members join him in pro.”

Malzahn, an accomplished mountain biker in his own right, knows his crew

Page 26

has the capabilities to move beyond the desert-hot, dusty course at Fontana.

The tight-knit group maintains a healthy sense of competition amongst each other, explained Malzahn. “So much so that they could elevate each other to a onetwo-three finish in any race next year.”

Naturally, that kind of motivation drives the group’s desire to travel to higher profiled races at coveted venues. Every course is different, from the difficult, volcanic, loose soil of Mammoth to the sticky, moist, desirable dirt in Tahoe— short courses, longer courses—and then there are the Rockies, the East Coast, South Africa…the list goes on. Coupled with the raw talent Malzahn was witnessing and a “feeling of frustration based on local bike shops giving us a lot of lip service to start a local downhill team,” his efforts in the SCGR team are meant to get them there, financially and success-wise.

Malzahn took a shotgun approach to some sponsor resources after the group had officially assembled and their matching uniforms were ordered. “I just jumped in, picked up the phone and reached out to our sports’ biggest manufacturers,” he said. Now, the team has six official product sponsors and, according to Malzahn, that backing will hopefully grow into travel and paid sponsorships.

After all, the ability to prove themselves hasn’t exactly been a long shot for this group of athletes. “I felt that they deserved a better degree of exposure so that they’d be noticed by the factory teams and have a chance to be picked up by one of the manufacturers,” Malzahn said.

Stan Guerrero, the sole San Diego rider of the South Orange County group, was drawn them for their drive. “They seemed like they had a goal, a vision, to help riders out and grow us into bigger and better things,” said Guerrero, who has been on the National team twice, in ’93 and ’94, and is looking to move on to success on the global level and, eventually, World Champ status.

And until then, each team member’s path remains a work in progress.

“I’ll continue doing this all my life.

I’ll be jumping up to pro next year, and I want to see where it takes me,” said White.

Paquette agreed. “I want to have fun and progress,” he said of his plan to travel more and train hard in the offseason. He, too, will aim to eventually qualify into higher, international events.

“That’s what I’m going to work for.” And until then, the group has a secure place under Malzahn’s wing on the SCGR team, racing and practicing to make perfect. In addition to all the other perks, Paquette may have pinned down one of the most important: “We’re also about coming together, traveling and having a good weekend with good friends.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com