The Capistrano Dispatch

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

AUGUST 26–SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 16

Saddle Up! 11th Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo Rides into Town S P E C I A L C E N T E R P U L LO U T

The top 30 rodeo contestants in saddle bronc and bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping will be in San Juan Capistrano for the rodeo this weekend. Photo by Scott Schmitt, San Juan Photo & Digital

Man Killed in Fiery Del Obispo Crash EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Stallions Count on Young Stars to Continue Success SPECIAL INSERT INCLUDING: ROUNDUP OF CAPISTRANO VALLEY SCHOOLS

EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE A private investigator’s recent findings into financial improprieties with defunct Lapes Athletic Team Sales led Capistrano Unified School administrators to remove San Clemente High football head football Coach Eric Patton and four additional coaches last week, leaving players and their parents frustrated and concerned about a season only days away from starting. At a meeting Monday about the decision to put the coaches on administrative leave, Principal George Duarte and Superintendent Joe Farley addressed nearly 100 parents. They spent about 45 minutes assuring parents they were doing their best to keep the players’ best interests at heart while discussing only the basics of the investigation into alleged kickbacks. None of the coaches has been charged criminally, but Orange County Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino said his agency is investigating Lapes Athletic and coaches.

NEWS

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

DANA POINT Dana Point and Dana Point Police Services have announced the launch of “It’s Your Business,” a Business Services Team that with the city, Police Services, the Chamber of Commerce and the community, will evaluate the needs of local businesses. The team began on August 23 by starting the process of asking local businesses for feedback via a survey intended to shed light on both what the city is doing well and in what areas exist opportunities for improvement. Surveys will continue through November 9. From code enforcement issues to business safety, no concern or compliment is too big or too small, said city officials. This program is being rolled out by the city’s Community-based Policing team as a follow-up to the city’s nationally recognized “Hide It, Lock It or Lose It” program.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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...A Fatal Crash?

THE LATEST: The investigation is continuing into the cause of a fiery crash on Del Obispo Street that claimed the life of a 21-year-old Dana Point man.

Witnesses said the Jeep driven by Alexander August Goodrich, 21, was traveling as much as 100 mph north on Del Obispo on August 16, when it sideswiped another vehicle, careened across the southbound traffic lanes, across the sidewalk and into a chain link fence before plummeting down a steep slope and slamming into a concrete-block equipment building at the Marco Forster sports fields.

Goodrich, a 2008 graduate of Dana Hills High School, escaped. Passenger Bryan Dakota Ferguson was trapped in the flaming vehicle and killed.

WHAT’S NEXT: Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jim Amormino said investigators are trying to determine what caused the crash, but there was no initial indication alcohol was involved in the 4 p.m. crash. Criminal charges could be filed, Amormino said.

FIND OUT MORE: See the full story at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

—Jonathan Volzke

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…The ‘Enemies List’ Case?

THE LATEST: With five simple words, the state Supreme Court has likely pushed the so-called enemies list drama firmly into Capistrano Unified’s past. The court on August 17 declined to act on a request from the District Attorney’s Office to “depublish” an appellate court’s ruling regarding former Assistant Superintendent Susan McGill.

In McGill’s case, the appellate court’s said flatly, “The matter is now final.”

McGill was charged with perjury in the case that targeted former Superintendent James Fleming for allegedly using district resources to create a list of those who signed recall petitions against all seven CUSD trustees in 2006. Charges were ultimately dropped when appellate justices said Fleming, as superintendent, would have been acting within the scope of his official duties and sought to find out who was unhappy with CUSD leaders.

McGill was snared on the perjury charge when she told a grand jury she didn’t know what became of the lists.

Appellate justices ruled the charge was unfair because she was called before the grand jury as a witness in the Fleming investigation. The District Attorney’s Office, the appellate court ruled, did not give McGill a chance to present evidence showing her innocence.

WHAT’S NEXT: Fleming’s charges have been dismissed. The Supreme Court declined to act in his case in March.

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

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...The Blue Note Bandit?

THE LATEST: The “Blue Note Bandit” was sentenced August 23 to eight years in state prison for committing 13 robberies, including one in Capistrano.

David Andrew Camp was arrested when family members turned him in.

Camp, 52, of Laguna Niguel pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts of second-degree robbery.

Between November 2009 and February 2010, Camp committed 13

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

bank robberies, most in south Orange County. In Capistrano, he robbed the California Bank & Trust.

WHAT’S NEXT: Camp will not receive credit for time served toward his eight years prison sentence for the year and nine months that he has been in custody.

He was also ordered to pay more than $26,000 in restitution.

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

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...Water Bills?

THE LATEST: Residents whose water meters are not read within a 33-day billing cycle are credited an extra unit of water to ensure their bills are not pushed into a higher-cost tier, members of Capistrano’s Utilities Commission were told Tuesday.

Capistrano residents generally receive nine water units a month to use inside their homes, with the outdoor allocation varying by lot size and even the weather. If they go over —a unit, a CCF, is 100 cubic feet of water, or 748 gallons of water—they pay a higher rate. Many residents who saw their meters read at irregular intervals questioned whether they were being billed as many as 37 days but only given an allocation of 31 days, thereby pushing them into a higher tier.

But that doesn’t happen, Utilities Department Customer Service Supervisor Stacie Sheek told commissioners Tuesday. When a resident’s meter is read beyond 33 days, the city automatically grants an additional unit at the lower tier.

If the meter reading stretches to 38 days, the resident gets two additional units, Sheek said.

Billing is done four times a month and starts on Mondays with the goal of

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mailing bills by Friday, Sheek said.

The extended billing periods of 28 to 35 days occur because of holidays and the day on which the first Monday falls, Sheek said. Longer billing periods occur when Mondays fall between the 4th and 7th, which happens every third month, she said. Monday holidays can also lengthen the billing period.

WHAT’S NEXT: City officials are working to ease payments with an online option.

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

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...Capistrano Redevelopment?

THE LATEST: Even though the issue is tied up in a lawsuit, the City Council earlier this month voted to “pay to play” and keep the Capistrano redevelopment agency.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget eliminated redevelopment agencies, which he says drain too much money from state coffers.

When property is in a redevelopment area, the city keeps most of the property tax to use in improving the area.

Under the new rules, Capistrano must pay $1.9 million upfront to the state, then an estimated $450,000 a year. City leaders said the move was important because the redevelopment agency owns several parcels downtown and the Lower Rosan property on Stonehill. Without the agency, those properties would have been sold off and the proceeds distributed to various public agencies.

WHAT’S NEXT: The state Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Brown’s move.

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

Eye on SJC

Saddle Up!

‘Cowboys and Indians’ Calls RMV Rodeo One of the Best

Cowboys Return to Town with 11th Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo

‘Cowboys & Indians’ magazine has included the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo in its annual “Best of the West” issue.

The June issue lists the RMV Rodeo as one of “11 Rodeos Worth the Drive.”

That puts the San Juan Capistrano event, on August 27 and 28 this year, in league with Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyo., Calgary Stampede in Alberta and even the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

“This town may be best known for its swallows, and mission bells, but San Juan Capistrano, Calif., also happens to be host the richest two-day rodeo in the nation,” says the Dallas-based magazine, which has a national circulation of more than 161,000.

Residents already knew that.

“We’re lucky in San Juan that we don’t have to go out of state to see the best contestants in the nation; it’s right here in our own back yard,” said Kathy Holman, who owns Ortega Equestrian Center—a western stables. “It’s fun for us to visit with our friends in such a beautiful setting and as always, the ranch puts on a class act.”

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

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or an old ranching town, it’s not always easy to find a cowboy around San Juan Capistrano.

Sure, plenty of guys wear Wranglers and boots, and there’s plenty of horses around. But it’s a little known fact: Dressage, that fancy trotting and jumping sport more akin to English riding than roping and wrangling, is more popular than western riding in most of Capistrano’s stables. And while it takes tremendous talent and magical relationship between horse and rider, it’s just so…proper.

But not this weekend.

On Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28 hooves will thunder, dust and sweat and probably blood will fly as the nation’s top rodeo cowboys will take over the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park— usually home to top-end dressage events at Blenheim Equisports—for the 11th Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo.

The rodeo attracts the best of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association because of its timing and purse. Cowboys who make their living on the rodeo circuit generally just cover their expenses as they move from town to town, from event to event. The big payoff comes if they earn enough money to qualify for the National Rodeo Finals, held every year in Las Vegas.

The NRF is in December, meaning time’s running short. On top of that, the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo offers the biggest purse of any two-day rodeo: $200,000.

“All eyes in the world of rodeo are on San Juan Capistrano this weekend For more as the superstars information, see of professional the four-page rodeo compete for Rodeo program one of the largest in the center of purses offered anythis edition. where— in one of the best rodeo venues ever, the new Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano,” said Tony Moiso, CEO and president of Rancho Mission Viejo.

Because however Capistrano has evolved—or south Orange County for that matter—Rancho Mission Viejo launched the rodeo as a tribute to the lifestyle the ranch has known since 1882.

“The ranch family is proud of its ranch-

RMV Rodeo. Photo by Scott Schmitt, San Juan Photo & Digital

ing heritage and holds dear the authentic and honest values embraced by the American cowboy. We are committed to the preservation of the cowboy way of life, right here at Rancho Mission Viejo.”

The rodeo has grown to do that, and more.

“The rodeo really showcases everything that is great about San Juan Capistrano. It celebrates our history, the equestrian community, the unique spirit of our residents and the town’s scenic beauty,” said Mark Bodenhamer, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. “The rodeo brings a huge economic shot-inthe-arm to San Juan Capistrano. Shops, restaurants, hotels and many other service businesses all benefit greatly from the impact of this major event. It’s an event that many local businesses look forward to each summer, as it creates a reliable increase in sales.”

It also helps charities. Since it began, the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo has donated more than $1 million to charities, with particular focus on the Camino Health Clinic and Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding.

“Raising funds for charities at the

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

rodeo continues the ranching tradition of passing the hat for local charitable needs,” said Moiso, who was instrumental to launching the rodeo with his uncle, the late Dick O’Neill, and Gilbert Aguirre, the head cowboy at the ranch.

Because, residents say, that is what the rodeo is really all about: Keeping the cowboy way alive, no matter how folks ride their horses, if at all.

“The San Juan Rodeo is about tradition. The rodeo has been a tradition which followed right after the Swallows Day Parade out at the old Buchheim property at the north end of town. When that property was sold, the Gates Family carried on the tradition at Creekside,” Tom and Nina Ostensen, both equestrians, said. “We are thankful to the Moiso Family, Mr. Aguirre and the ranch for keeping it alive and bringing the rodeo here from Rancho Santa Margarita.

The rodeo weekend brings family and friends together and exemplifies the western lifestyle that still lives today in San Juan Capistrano.”

Mayor Sam Allevato agreed.

“This land has been an active cattle ranch from the time of the Mission’s founding and was a big part of our

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Orange County history for many years.

This tradition still lives on at the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo,” said Allevato, also an equestrian. “It is part of who we all are as residents of this town—at least for rodeo weekend—and what binds us together in a common history as Americans and the old traditional ‘Californio,’ the Spanish-Mexican cowboy.

“It is the history of the conquistadors, vaqueros, mission padres, Juaneños, ranching families, and the cowboy tradition that grew out of this era. It truly defines a part of our regional character. It is the love of the land, the respect for the animals that provide us sustenance, and the ethos of the cowboy way.”

Ticket prices are $25 for adults on Saturday (which includes admission to the evening concert) and Sunday; and $10 for children ages 4 to 12. Children ages 3 and under will be admitted to the rodeo for free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate on the day of the event, or at Swallows Inn in San Juan Capistrano, Hennessy’s Tavern in Dana Point, American Horse Products in San Juan Capistrano, Boot Barn in Lake Forest, Ortega Tack & Feed in San Juan Capistrano and Case Ranchero Mexican Cantina in Ladera Ranch.

For more information about this year’s Rodeo, see www.RMVRodeo.com, Facebook/Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo or email the Rodeo team at RMVRodeo@ ranchomv.com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter Compile d By JONAT H A N VO LZ KE All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website (www.ocsd.org). The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher.

The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided.

Wednesday, August 24 DISTURBANCE Calle Santa Barbara, 26500 Block (7:36 p.m.) A girl called about a boy who punched her 11-year-old brother. He made off on a red bicycle.

DISTURBANCE Sea Breeze Court, 33000 Block (6:19 p.m.) A woman reported her friend was on probation and not supposed to drink or do drugs but was desperate and asking for money for heroin.

a loud muffler—and ran out and yelled at them before they took off.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Calle Reynalda, 331900 Block (4:26 p.m.) A woman reported another kid in the neighborhood tried to get her 10year-old son to sell drugs.

Tuesday, August 23 DISTURBANCE Paseo Carmel, 26400 Block (5:13 p.m.)

A 17-year-old girl called, saying her 15-year-old brother hit her. Paramedics were not needed.

WELFARE CHECK Calle San Diego, 31000 Block (2:42 p.m.) A repairman showed up for a scheduled appointment and found a 3year-old and 5-year-old home alone.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Aviador, 33000 Block (11:25 a.m.)

A man whose car was towed couldn’t get a hold of the Capistrano tow company that hooked it up. The line appeared disconnected. Even when sheriff’s dispatchers called it, they got a fast busy signal.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES San Juan Creek Road/Camino Capistrano (7:01 a.m.) A business reported two people were sleeping in their parking lot. They must have jumped a fence to get in. It was a young man and a young woman. She had a skateboard.

STOLEN VEHICLE Via Madonna, 31700 Block (4:19 a.m.)

A resident reported three men in a red or maroon Honda tried to steal his vehicle. He heard them—the Honda had

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road/Camino Capistrano (3:19 p.m.) A woman reported someone came out of an office-supply store and started hitting her vehicle, a Rangerover, then started chasing after her as she drove away. He went back into the store with a woman after she left.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Ortega Highway, 27500 Block (2:50 p.m.) A drug-and-alcohol center called for authorities to take a new patient to a hospital because they were on cocaine.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Ortega Highway, 27200 Block (6:44 a.m.)A merchant reported a man in the business for 40 minutes had been talking to himself the entire time.

Monday, August 22

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PROWLER Calle Winona, 31900 Block (9:22 p.m.)

A resident saw several people climbing over a fence. The caller thought they might doing some work there, but it seemed odd because of the hour.

FOLLOW UP REPORT Calle Santa Rosalia, 31000 Block (6:23 p.m.) A resident reported someone was supposed to bring back their stolen bicycle but hadn’t.

DISTURBANCE San Juan Creek Road/La Novia Avenue (2:22 p.m.) Several people partying in the creekbed were spooking the horses of passing equestrians.

Sunday, August 21 BATTERY Calle La Bomba, 26600 Block (9:30 p.m.)

A woman reported a neighbor yelled slurs at her, hit her and poured a bloody Mary over her head. She videotaped the entire thing. A 39-year-old man, who said he was unemployed, was taken into custody.

DISTURBANCE Calle San Antonio, 26400 Block (7:40 a.m.)A man called the highway patrol and reported his girlfriend was burning his stuff.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

HOW TO REACH US EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

Jonathan Volzke, 949.388.7700, x108 jvolzke@thecapistranodispatch.com ADVERTISING

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 9, Issue 16. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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MARK NIELSEN: Straight Talk

Don’t Give Away a Public Asset T his past week the City Council had a very surprising item on their agenda.

Staff was recommending the city waive its option Mark Nielsen to purchase 116 acres of open space at the former Crystal Cathedral Ministries property where CLC plans on building a retirement community. The real surprise was that there was no justification for the waiver nor consideration back to the taxpayers for giving up this very valuable right.

You may recall that the City Council unanimously approved the option agreement in January, 2009 whereby the city had the right, but no obligation, to purchase 116 acres for $86,000 per acre. This land includes about 20 acres of flat land used by local soccer clubs and a school, 40 acres of neglected orchards and citrus groves, and about 55 acres of preserved slopes and trails. The city has the right to exercise this option anytime within a year after the CLC retirement community is completed and granted its certificate of occupancy, which would be at least three or four years in the future.

Then in August 2010 after Hobby Lobby bought the Crystal Cathedral property and granted management of it to Saddleback Church, CLC came back to the city with an alternative. Instead of having the city exercise the option, CLC would improve and maintain all the open space at its cost without the city having to pay the $10 million. It would restore the citrus groves, add multi-use trails and a staging area, improve the 17 acre soccer fields and add a shared use agreement so AYSO and the public could also use the fields in addition to the locally managed

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

soccer clubs. In return, CLC wanted the city to approve 3 of the 116 acres (where the school buildings currently sit) to be developed into another building for either the use of CLC or Saddleback. This alternative was at the city’s sole choice and the city would still keep its purchase option.

One of the challenges to this project has been the need to change the existing railroad crossing into a public crossing to gain access to the site.

The city agreed to help promote the

“Does CLC think the city is that clueless? Or maybe this is a test to see if we hired an incompetent City Manager (not from what I have seen).” public crossing, but CLC would be responsible for all costs and insurance.

When the railroad crossing looked like it would not be approved by the state Public Utilities Commission, CLC pursued another access using the road next to the Mercedes dealer in Laguna Niguel. This alternative would relieve the need and huge cost of a public railroad crossing, and would likely result in millions of dollars being paid to the landowner by the transportation authorities to close the current railroad crossing. So far sounds like a very good alternative.

However, CLC now makes a pitch

that they want the city to just give up its option so CLC can negotiate with the Mercedes dealer for the alternative access. Does CLC think the city is that clueless? Or maybe this is a test to see if we hired an incompetent City Manager (not from what I have seen). Or maybe they think they can leverage the uncertainty of the future of Redevelopment Agencies to their benefit? Whatever the reason, our city would rightfully be a laughingstock to just waive the option.

Whether you believe the city should ever exercise the option or not is irrelevant to the issue. We have a valuable asset and should look for ways to use it to maximize its value. If CLC needs the city to ultimately waive the option in order to get an agreement with Mercedes, then come up with an agreement that is contingent on the city waiving it. Don’t ask us to waive it before you have a final plan. Otherwise you are asking the city to trust the developer to do what is best for the city with no assurances. There is simply no good reason to waive the option at this point in time.

Perhaps the city should be talking with the Mercedes dealer about them paying us millions for some of the land after we exercise the option, and adding facilities that would bring additional tax revenue into the city, while still preserving the athletic fields for the kids soccer. Maybe we use the option and its potential waiver as a bargaining chip to ensure that CLC, Saddleback and the car dealer come up with a plan that ensures we retain at least 17 acres of soccer fields under a different configuration, with the public shared use for AYSO and others in addition to the

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Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne INTERNS Alexa Dumity, Ryan Gooding, Sawyer Hardie, 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.

local soccer clubs. We also should insist on the multi-use trails and staging area as originally promised.

The point is that an option for the 116 acres has value far beyond the nominal fee of $100 we paid originally for it. This option and the preservation of the soccer fields and open space were important elements behind support of the overall CLC project for that site. There is absolutely no good reason to give this asset up until we have a firm plan that provides adequate compensation back to the city and guarantees of the open space and other uses that were originally negotiated.

The issue of the Redevelopment Agency possibly being barred from acting on the option is a smokescreen, as the option agreement has standard language that allows the city to act without the agency if laws make the agency actions invalid.

And the idea of taking the whole issue back into closed session at this point after it has been discussed in public would be suspect. This is no longer a real estate deal like the original option, but rather is a policy question on the disposition of a public asset and potential alternatives that may remove open space uses and limit the city’s future revenue potential. I urge you to let the Council know that just giving away the option is bad policy and fiscally irresponsible.

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

SOAPBOX PHILLIP R. SCHWARTZE: My View

New Government Revenue he federal, state and local governments have dozens of opportunities to generate revenue without adding additional taxes Phillip R. to the citizens. When Schwartze each of us has a time of financial difficulty, we tighten our belts and look for ways to economize. Well, that is supposed to be what you do but all governments are a little slow reacting.

Decades slow in reacting If I were in charge of all governments, which, by the way, is an excellent idea, I would start by looking at the cur-

T

rent high price of gold. The cost per ounce is as high as it has ever been. It seems to me, that we can take all of the thousands of gold bars in Fort Knox and sell it to one of these local gold dealers and then use the money to pay down the national debt. What good is the gold doing us in Fort Knox? If I had a few excess gold bars lying around, I would be selling them to pay my credit card debt. Come to think of it, we sell the now useless military Fort as a site for condominiums and discharge the soldiers who were guarding the gold and save even more money.

I still think my idea of putting ad-

vertising signs on the back of existing state freeway signage is a great way of raising revenue. The idea of looking at some advertising for a new car or some directions to an Indian casino while I am zipping down the crowded freeway at 22 miles per hour is very appealing.

It is even more appealing knowing that each of those beautiful signs is keeping me from being taxed.

Locally, the opportunity to generate new non-tax revenue is a little more challenging. The city has no gold bars.

I was there. I know. The city has few freeway or street signs but we do have the various creeks and streams. If we

dam up those creeks we could have some trout fishing opportunities for tourists.

Put a diving board on the creek and you have a public pool that can be used for a fee.

Well, as you can see, a little out of the box thinking can solve most of our fiscal problems. By the way, I am not averse to paying a local licensing fee for my flame thrower or bazooka if that’s what it takes to allow me to carry them in the local parks.

Phil Schwartze is a former Mayor of San Juan Capistrano.

PATRICK O’BRIEN: The Way I See It

If We Didn’t Pay Attention Before, We’d Better Do It Now “M ind your head. Mind your hands.

Mind the door. Mind your thinking.” My British/Australian grandfaPatrick O’Brien ther was always warning my brother and me as we made our way around the farm, a hazardous place with many sharp edges—shovels, picks, nails, and a distempered and angry cow with horns within a lowing, gentle herd of six milk cows. It could be a dangerous place if you didn’t pay attention.

If he were around today, I ‘m certain he’d be saying: “Mind those Tea Partiers.

They’re up to no good.” And he’d be right. We have just witnessed America on the brink of it’s own financial destruction, disguised as temperate, careful thinking by fiscally conservative party members who truly don’t understand what government is all about. To them, it is the enemy. It’s easy to dislike the government because elected officials make the decisions for the rest of us and when we are frustrated, government is easy to attack.

“No new taxes” is a convenient mantra to repeat over and over again. It appeals to our selfish interests, but not the community interests. In an every-man-for-himself universe, it is easy to let our reptilian brain take charge—until, of course, we find that without government—what is yours is mine or mine is yours by simple craft or violence.

This debt ceiling charade makes our nation look like Howdy Doody and Clarabelle the Clown. How incredibly sad. And all because some folks on the right are going through their Terrible

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

Two’s? The simple fact is we need ment?” I asked. revenues, not cuts. In local way, the cut“No,” he said. He was a tall, gangly, ting of transit lines, lines that serve the naive kid who was trying to understand neediest of our citizens, would never be a world that was unfamiliar to him, one cut in any other industrialized country. to which his teachers were trying to Yet, by tea-bagger thinking, that’s just introduce. tough—even though we are paying “Pay attention,” I said. “If you don’t the lowest taxes in fifty-six years and pay attention, you’ll suffer and not from some are paying no taxes--the richest just a skinned knee from falling down.” of the rich and more than a handful I hear the rumblings of those who of corporations—GE comes to mind. simplistically complain about water Money that does not flow to the central rates, as if water is supposed to be free government does not and cheap. How many flow to the local gov“The simple fact is are they? Twenty-three ernment. Fortunately, who feel they have we need revenues, not been unjustly charged our local city council, local government, is in water they used cuts. In local way, the for there fighting for the and drank because it citizenry, the disencutting of transit lines, doesn’t fit their budfranchised, the poor, get? Those days are lines that serve the the needy, those who gone forever, despite need help. The idea the large snow pack neediest of our that every government in the Sierras. Our citizens, would never governmental institufunction needs to pay for itself like a business tions are trying to find be cut in any other in 19th century thinkways to bring us what industrialized country.” is needed. Yes, governing, based upon the “Igot-mine-you-get-yours” ment is actually on our thinking—Tea Party. Some don’t even side. Sometimes government seems, know they are Tea Partiers. We need to and may well be, complicated and over pay attention. concerned about regulations. It is not A student of mine many years ago always right or simple and that’s why we complained that Ronald Reagan, the have elections and petitions and “town man for whom he voted suddenly hall meetings.” reduced his social security aid, that to If we look across the country to states which he was entitled in that his father like Wisconsin and see the conflict was killed in Viet Nam and he was a between the Republican governmental dependent. “I didn’t know he was going majority that is trying to kill the unions, to do that,” he said. the institution that brought us the five“Did you listen to his words when he day work week, paid vacation and the ran? Did you read about his politics and middle class, we may rally behind those policies and his attitude towards governwho feel they have been kidnapped by Page 8

right-wing attempts to disenfranchise them with new voting registration laws that make it very difficult for many to register. One has to wonder, why these Tea Party types were elected to office. “Pay Attention!” I’d like to shout in the electorate’s ears. “Mind your elections. Mind your candidates. Pay Attention or you will pay with discomfort or something even worse—your basic freedom. Democracy is participatory, not a spectator sport. The government is you, the community. We have our differences, but the discussion must be for the common good. And that includes revenue enhancement.“ So as the stock market jumps up and down and Tea Partiers seem willing to burn the system down, it is time for all of us to pay attention. If we don’t, the consequences could be more severe than we would like to imagine. Yes, we must pay attention. As one pundit in history has said: “Ignorance in action is a frightening thing to behold.” Now is not the time to be distracted by folks in tri-cornered hats.

And by the way, how do elected officials who pledge to follow the Constitution, get away with pledging “no new taxes” to Grover Norquist? Who in heaven’s name is he? Who elected him? Should the officials remain elected officials if they pledge to ignore one of the solutions for solving a fiscal problem for which the Constitution provides? The arrogance is incredible. It is the taking of hostages, the kidnapping of government. We must pay attention or we will lose everything our veterans have fought for. We—must—pay—attention.

We can’t let the right wingers practice “open carry” politics.

Capistrano resident Patrick O’Brien is an author and 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

26

CHRIS DANIELS PROJECT 8:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn. com.

NATE HANCOCK AND THE DECLARATION 8 p.m.

Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

FRIDAY NIGHT GARDEN GRILLING 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Both Friday and Saturday, Goin Native hosts an interactive cooking class event themed “”A Night in Verona, Italy”” with a five-course meal and take-home recipes. Cost $55 each.

31661 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

LARRY FRESCH 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

MULTICULTURAL ARTS CONCERTS AT THE LIBRARY 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Roger Espinoza and Cafe Fuego Band bring a lively mix of gypsy rhythms, salsa and rumba to the San Juan Capistrano Library for two shows in the courtyard.

Tickets $5-$10. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

27

JOSHAFRY CONCERT 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Gary Wright’s Band, owner of Killer Dana Surf Shop, in concert at Hulaville.

Tickets $5. Reservations required. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

SOUTH COAST ROLLER DERBY SCRIMMAGE 4 p.m.

SCRD will be hosting an open Black & White Inauguration Scrimmage at their new rink, Laguna Hills Sports Rink, for all skaters, friends, and fans with Juniors’, Seniors’ and a Co-Ed scrimmage. Cost $5. 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, 310.869.4870, www.southcoastrollerderby.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

GO.SEE.DO HATE MAIL AT THE CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE Once Hate Mail gets going on Stage II at the Camino Real Playhouse, it delivers plenty of laughs. The play unfolds through letters with a cast of two in Nicol Maurer of Irvine and Brandon Delgado of Capistrano Beach. Delgado plays Preston, a spoiled rich kid from Minnesota, who meets his match in angst-filled artist Dahlia played by Maurer. Their worlds collide when Preston sends a complaint letter that gets Dahlia fired. The play stays with their increasingly crazed correspondence as they move from hate to love and then right back again. The comedy by Bill Corbett and Kira Obolensky runs about 90 minutes. The Camino Real Playhouse’s rendition is directed by Jessica Morrow of Dana Point. The performance is part of the Camino Real Playhouse’s 21st season in San Juan Capistrano. Stage II will also feature Sherlock Holmes and the Doom of Devilsmore in October, the Adults only Clementine Does the Dirty Deed in February and Burn This next June. All tickets for Hate Mail are $18. The show runs Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27 at 8 p.m., Sunday, August 28 at 5 p.m., Thursday, September 1 to Saturday, September 3 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, September 4 at 5 p.m. Tickets available at www. caminorealplayhouse.org or box office voicemail at 949.489.8082.

EVITTE PALMER 7:45 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage Steak House with the female artist this Saturday and next Saturday, July 30. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

PET ADOPTION 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit dogs and cats who need a home at the Ark’s pet adoption at PetCo in Vons Plaza, Camino Capistrano. Additional event 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at PetSmart in the Costco plaza. 949.388.0034, www. arkofsanjuan.org.

SWALLOW’S LIVE MUSIC 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; 8:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn all day starting with Helicopter followed by Anthony Rivera & Raining Horseshoes. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www. swallowsinn.com.

sunday

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.

28

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

JAMIE ARROYO OUTDOOR ARENA SOCCER CAMP 9 a.m.-12 p.m. End-ofsummer soccer camp for girls and boys ages 7-14 to improve skills and more at the Capo Sports Rink today through Aug. 31. Cost $100; includes T-shirt. 2 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano, 949.291.2678, www.jasocceracademy.com.

29

tuesday

30

CHERYL SILVERSTEIN & JOHN PAUL KEENE 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Early evening of jazz music and fun at Renaissance. 27401 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003.

Page 10

wednesday

ASTOUNDING RIVERS OF ICE! 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The Ocean Institute presents a special presentation on ice and our environment given by professional cruise line speakers and Ocean Institute volunteers. Cost is $7 per person, or $25 for a family of four. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

31

thursday

PATO BANTON 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House also with Phat Reggae Dub Status and The Originalites.

Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www. thecoachhouse.com.

01

friday

NEKTAR BRAINTICKET HUW LLYOD LANGTON 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $22-$25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

02

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

KARAOKE 9 p.m. El Mariachi Restaurant hosts Karaoke Night in English and Spanish every Friday and Saturday.

1925 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.369.5111.

STEEL GUITAR JAM SESSION 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Great music at Hulaville. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

CARL PINO 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

(Cont. on page 11) THIS WEEK’S WEATHER 8.26 Mostly Sunny H: 83° L: 65° 8.27 Mostly Sunny H: 81° L: 64° 8.28 Mostly Sunny H: 79° L: 63°

8.29 Mostly Sunny H: 77° L: 60° 8.30 Partly Cloudy H: 75° L: 59° 8.31 Sunny H: 74° L: 59° 9.1 Sunny H: 74° L: 59° www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10)

saturday

Mariachis at the Mission 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Last day of Mission San Juan Capistrano’s live music in the courtyard. Free with paid admission $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

Kimo West Slack Key Concert 8 p.m.-10 p.m.

Concert at Hulaville. Tickets $6. Call for reservations.

2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

Dispatch Restaurant Spotlight

Mongkut Thai

03

sunday

04

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.

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., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

Local Sunday Sessions 6 p.m. A night of local music at Cabrillo Playhouse featuring local artists Paige Bennett, Joe Eslick, and OutsideOverThere (Nico & Bash Evans).

Interested musicians: contact laurel.zwilling@yahoo.com.

Suggested donation $5. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

monday

05

LABOR DAY City offices and select businesses closed.

West Coast Hot DogEating Championship 6 p.m. The Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar’s third annual competition with lots of activities leading up to the main hot-dog eating contest at the Kaleidoscope. 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 714.335.5152, www.gokaleidoscope.com.

By Stacie N. Galang

212 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3871 BEST KNOWN FOR: Green curry MOST POPULAR ITEM: Drunken noodles This month, perennial favorite Mongkut Thai celebrates 25 years in downtown San Clemente. The restaurant’s Gina Dursa said Mongkut’s consistently good food whipped up daily by owner and chef Ning Laitipaya has kept locals returning year after year. It helps that her husband Donny Laitipaya is on hand nightly to greet customers. The Thai restaurant seats nearly 40 at simply decorated tables. Paintings depicting popular Thai folk tales adorn the walls and a local artist displays two works that are swapped out regularly. The eatery’s menu boasts 124 items, from chicken satay to an egg noodle dish called Thai adoration silk. Dursa, a longtime waitress and sometimes cook, said many customers know the menu so well they don’t even look. Bangkok-born Ning Laitipaya’s curries, stir-fry sauce and peanut sauce have grown so popular she started File photo a separate retail business selling them beyond San Clemente. Lucky for locals, the restaurant will prepare them for take out, Dursa said. It’s an easy way to impress guests at any dinner party.

PRICE RANGE: $6.99 - $15.99 PAYMENT: Cash, credit RESERVATIONS: Recommended for dinner HOURS: Lunch: Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 12 noon–3 p.m.

Dinner: Sunday–Thursday 5 p.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 5 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

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

Film Stories Festival 2011 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Flashbulb Entertainment brings award-winning film-producing talent to Casa Romantica in an evening that will include a viewing of short film stories, a featured headliner, dinner, live music and awards ceremony. Tickets $20.

415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

tuesday

Salute to Hollywood: From Silent Movies to the Golden Age 11 a.m.4 p.m. Casa Romantica presents a new exhibit exploring the early years of film-making featuring iconic costumes, photos and movie artifacts. On display through Oct. 23. Admission $5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

06

Curiosity Carts 10 a.m.-12 p.m. A hands-on learning experience for kids 5 and older with replicas of mission artifacts used by the Juaneno Indians at Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

wednesday

Garden Tours 10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. explore the Mission grounds with a tour guide.

Free with paid admission of $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

07

Old Capistrano Farmers Market 3 p.m.– 7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba; 949.493.4700.

ON STAGE

Craig Chaquico Goes Solo

C

raig Chaquico has made a career of spreading light and positivity through his music for close to four decades. As a central figure of the legendary multi-platinum selling rock band Jefferson Starship, Chaquico played lead guitar on all their hits from 1973 to 1990 and a seminal role in making them one of the top-selling bands in history with over 20 Gold Albums. In the early ‘90s, Chaquico emerged triumphant, bringing his fresh sounding amalgam of rock, blues, contemporary jazz and new age to the top Courtesy photo of the charts once again.

SCTIMES: Starting your career at age 19 with Jefferson Starship, how exactly did you make the transition to smooth jazz seem so effortless years later?

Actually, the band was starting to disintegrate with members beginning to leave. I tried to form a new rock band for about a year but that went nowhere. Later on, while at home with my wife and our newborn, I was just messing around with this new sound. They called it new age then. And I asked a few friends if they thought I could do something with it, The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

and they told me to go for it. There was no epiphany, just wanted to do more acoustic work. Low and behold it became the No. 1 New Age album of the year, Acoustic Highway, and garnered a Grammy nomination.

What kind of set are you planning for the Coach House?

It will be me solo. No band. I will be on stage with a new piece of technology called Beamz. It is a laser device that can be preloaded with any and all backing music. I am working with the company adding preloaded musical content that anyone can use. I like to get the audience involved so I will probably bring someone on stage to try it so it should be a lot of fun.

Is there a new album in the works or other project?

I am actually working on a blues-based album that will borrow from (Jimi) Hendrix and Cream. It is tentatively called Blues for Blues and will be out in January or February.

The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, Saturday, September 3. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.

CD —A.J. Bardzilowski Page 11

thursday

Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta Dana Point Yacht Club’s annual event benefitting the Ocean Institute begins Thursday with a 4:30 p.m. Fishing Tournament. Friday is a 6 p.m. reception and dinner. Weekend festivities start at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday. More info: www.dpyc.org/rhd/rhd11.htm.

25

Chili Bowl Cook-Off 4 p.m.-8 p.m. The Ceramics Department in the Division of Fine Arts and Media Technology at Saddleback College presents their first-ever Chili Bowl Cook-Off in the Fine Arts complex, featuring chili tastings, a silent auction and much more. Tickets $30. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu *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

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

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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This handy, cost-friendly, go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

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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

Schools

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

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

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

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

Auto For Sale 2003 Harley-Davidson 2003 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 100th Anniversary FLSTFI black 12,800 miles $5300 No time wasters! WARDEN334@GMAIL.COM

FOR RENT San Clemente Apartment for Lease 1 bdrm, small den, 1 bath; Stove, refrigerator; Upper front unit with large ocean view deck; No PETS; $1,350.00 per month; 1 year lease required.

Contact Gisele Legrand at 424-835-4056 for more information.

GARAGE SALE garage sale august 27th, 8AM-2 pm Tools, antiques, apt small frig, computer desk, lots of 33 rock and roal records, and hundreds of big band 78’s. Two ponds, overhead projector, lots of books. All must go, very cheap. Please mapquest off Camino Las Ramblas. Bring cash and help.

33441 Calle Miramar, San Juan Capistrano, Ca 92675.

Do you want to reach 24,150* readers in the San Juan Capistrano area? *2.1 readership per 11,500 copies distributed

Then you need to be in the Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 104

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

Page 13

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR friday 8.26 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

San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real. For more information and a video of the artist, see www.musicatthelibrary.com

First Day of School in CUSD See www.capousd.org

monday 9.05

Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes.

City Hall closed for Labor Day holiday.

monday 9.12

saturday, 8.27 tuesday 9.06 Music at the Library The Library’s outdoor concert series features Roger Espinoza & Cafe Fuego at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. $10 for adults, cash or check only. Children under 12 are $5.

City Council Meeting 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto wednesday 9.07

friday 9.9

Special meeting of Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Commission 7 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto *Meeting agendas at www.sanjuancapistrano.org

TOM BLAKE : On Life and Love After 50

Key to Finding the Right Mate: Having a List R

ecently, I made a speech to a group called WomanSage in Santa Ana. There were approximately 130 people in attendance, including six men.

Following the speech, ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 a four-person panel

By Tom Blake discussed Internet dating, including Christine Baumgartner, who specializes in helping people with Internet dating issues. Christine was brilliant and showed a first-class wit as well. Women were lined up to talk to her after the session. Her website: www.

ThePerfectCatch.com.

Another panel member—Teresa—revealed that the key to her finding a compatible mate was to have a list of qualities that were absolutely essential for a man to possess. She found and married her ideal

partner 12 years ago. She said—as did the other panellists—that in creating the list, she learned a great deal about herself.

I couldn’t agree more about having a list. When I published Finding Love After 50. How to Begin. Where to Go. What to Do (Amazon.com), I devoted an entire chapter to the importance of creating a list. Having a list didn’t help me find my partner, Greta, but it sure helped me realize when I first met her that she would be a perfect companion for me.

Putting one’s list in writing is a must.

Keeping it simple (10 items or less) and posting it prominently where it can be seen will remind the person what he or she requires in a mate. Reviewing and updating the list is important. Having a list will help singles avoid spending time with one not right for them.

For fun, here is my list from the book of the qualities I wanted in a woman:

1. I must be her top priority.

2. Being with her feels natural. We are comfortable together.

3. She must be a kind and caring person and have a positive attitude.

4. She must be calm and not make mountains out of mole hills. Our relationship must be “drama” free.

5. She respects me.

6. She gives me space and must relish her independence as well.

7. We share an attraction for each other and each say “I love you” (often enough).

8. She must have a sense of humor and be a happy person.

9. Her finances must be in order. She must be financially independent of me.

10. She must be spontaneous, game to do things on the spur of the moment.

In reviewing my list, if I were to update it now, I would rearrange the order of priority. I think it is particularly critical

for couples to give each other space and to both have independent outside interests. That would become my number one priority now. Of course, a list should be somewhat flexible. Don’t discard somebody because he or she isn’t perfect on every item. We’re all human.

If singles don’t have a list, I urge them to create one in writing. It may not help them find a mate, but it will help them avoid being with someone not suited for them. Whether they meet a mate isn’t as important as knowing themselves and what they want in life. A list will help them stay focused on those objectives.

Want to share your list? Email me.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating.

To comment on his column, email him at TompBlake@gmail.com. See his website at www.FindingLoveAfter50.com CD

San Juan’s Own Ark

the pet has to be relinquished. This non-profit organization is now working to move Triton back under their care, and away from being euthanized. The charity is trying to raise $2,000 to cover the cost to transport Triton to California and aid with his care, but is only halfway there.

With time running out The Ark is calling on residents for donations and help.

Unlike surrounding cities, Capistrano doesn’t have an animal shelter and another rescue group, Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort, is getting out of the petrescue business. Jean Janicki and Kathy Hammersly formed The Ark in an effort to keep animals from being euthanized.

Since its establishment in 2009, Ark has saved more than 200 abused and relinquished animals originating in Capistrano.

Every week, Hammersly, the Ark’s

foster coordinator and county contact, checks the reports of all impounded animals, scopes out those from San Juan and contacts the Orange County shelter when resources permit. Accompanied by animal behaviorist Cynde Van Fleet, Hammersly travels to the shelter to save the San Juan animals before they are euthanized. Prospective animals are taken to an open area where Hammersly and Van Fleet study their body movements.

“These animals come with baggage and it’s our job to find out what it is,” Hammersly said.

Their experience with these animals allows volunteers of the Ark to determine fear from aggression. Dogs deemed unadoptable due to old age and growths are given a second chance at The Ark. The Ark uses spaces at Petsmart’s Cattery, where it’s able to provide nine

cats with a shelter. But that doesn’t offer enough space for their 50 other animals.

Of the remaining animals, a few are housed in foster homes while the rest are boarded in veterinarian hospitals and other receptive pet foundations at a charge.

Ark charges a $150 adoption fee, but that doesn’t cover the organization’s expenses—not when the monthly cost of upkeep is $2,000 to $5,000. That pays boarding expenses, medical bills, food and other necessary animal products for all of their animals. The organization still has the goal of creating a permanent facility.

“A facility would allow us to consolidate our organization and make everything run more efficiently,” Hammersly said.

To contact The Ark of San Juan regarding a potential shelter location, volunteering or donations see www.arkofsanjuan.org or call 949.388.0034. CD

By Halee Michel The Capistrano Dispatch

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local animal service needs the community’s support.

Triton, a German Sheppard originating from The Ark and adopted by local residents, now lives across the country in threat of being euthanized.

Triton was adopted by someone from San Clemente who allowed their relatives to take him to Massachusetts, where they decided to take him to a local shelter. The Ark adoption policy requires animals to be returned to the charity if for some reason

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

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SJC LIVING

A True Dog and Pony Show

SHEA CENTER ANNUAL SUMMER BARBECUE Since its founding 33 years ago, The Shea Center has opened its gates for a spectacular annual summer barbecue and family faire. This year’s September 24 event begins at 4 p.m. and features the fun of a family picnic in the warmth of a country setting, while raising funds for the Shea Center’s therapeutic programs and riders. More than 1,600 people are expected to attend. The evening features a dinner, live country music and dancing, a country carnival with games for the entire family, silent and live auctions, a sponsor saloon and a Shea Center rider demonstration. Go Country 105’s popular country music personality Shawn Parr will return this year to emcee. Admission for adults is $50; seniors, students and disabled, $25; and family pack (available until September 16, for two adults and two children), $135. For information see www.sheacenter.org or call 949.240.8441, ext 109.

By Erik Gabaldon The Capistrano Dispatch

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or parent Kristen Piccone, Emerson means the world to her 4-year-old daughter Lilliane Piccone. Emerson is a 3 ½-year-old golden retriever and lab mix; a professionally trained therapy dog and companion at the Shea Center.

The Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano provides therapeutic riding with horses, and recently a gym and dog therapy. It is a physical training center for people with disabilities—mainly autism and cerebral palsy. Since the center opened its doors in 1978, it has gone through many changes.

Within the past three years, a $3.5 million education and therapy center was built.

Along with the state-of-the-art equipment and building came Emerson, among one of the facility’s newer employees.

Since his graduation from Canine Companions for Independence, Emerson has been serving at the center for about two years. The clients who do spend their therapy sessions with Emerson are always happy to have him.

“The Shea Center was the first place Lillian walked the furthest,” Piccone said.

“This is her favorite place of the week.

She loves spending time with Emerson.”

Lillian started at the Shea Center about three years ago. Since Lillian’s treatments with Emerson, Piccone said she has seen a significant improvement

DON TRYON: Old San Juan

Tribute to a Friend ne truly great honor is when a person pays tribute to a departed friend which happened recently in the form of a memorial marker for the late Don Tryon Tony Forster gravesite. A couple who prefer to remain anonymous, and we respect their wishes, recently honored him with the marker. Tony passed away on June 12, 2007 and was laid to rest in the small cemetery on the hill off Ortega Highway and Cerritos Avenue which overlooks the town Tony loved so well. This anonymous couple would visit his grave often to sit nearby and tell his spirit all that was occurring in our small town. After their visit, a little of Tony’s favorite condiment, Tabasco Sauce, was sprinkled on his grave.

Tony Forster was possibly the town’s

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in her daughter’s life, physically and mentally. One of the techniques to help Lillian is just a game of fetch with Emerson. Other commands are used to exercise and strengthen different muscles and areas. Lillian’s favorite seemed to be the snuggle technique. Her face lights up the room whenever they are together.

The bonds that are made with Emerson are a confidence and character builder; the warm certainty of having a companion is a feeling that everyone can find at the center.

Currently, Emerson is the only animal, other than the horses, to give therapy sessions. The main purpose for

Emerson is so the clients, especially the little ones, will have motivation. Motivation to take that extra step or just to have something friendly and furry waiting for them at the other end of the room. With all the smiles Emerson brings to the center, the credit for at least some of them go to Trish Evans.

Evans has been involved with the center for 11 years, as a physical trainer assistant for most, and she fills the position of assistant program director as well.

The steps for obtaining a professionally trained dog, such as Emerson, was not easy for Evans. First of all, breeders keep the puppies for eight weeks and then are turned over to puppy raisers until they have reached 15 months. From that stage, they are given one year of training at Canine Companions for Independence—a facility that specializes in training dogs for people with disabilities.

In order to be Emerson’s legal owner, Evans had to attend a two-week team training workshop - mandatory for all

qualified applicants. After the workshop, a ceremony is held for the dogs that graduate, the dogs that do not graduate are put on a waiting list. The puppy trainers get first choice, followed by anyone in the public. Evans is fully responsible for the well being and health of Emerson.

Aside from working with Emerson and being a physical trainer, Evans plays an important role in the environment of the clients. Evans’ younger clients can expect games, toys and nursery rhymes and a positive atmosphere— that goes the same for all clients no matter what age. A positive place to feel comfortable.

After schooling and career training, Evans did not know what to do until she interned at the Shea Center, which eventually turned into a career and passion.

“I’m one of the fortunate people that really loves their job”, said Evans. “It’s a very rewarding place to be a part of. It’s such a great feeling to make such an impact on people’s lives. Smiles just happen.

It’s our version of Disneyland here.” CD

best known man for most of his 72 years. His family’s roots go back to 1845 when his great-great grandfather, Don Juan Forster, bought the Mission from Mexico Governor Pio Pico for his residence and the headquarters of his vast ranching empire, about 250,000 contiguous acres which spread from Oceanside to El Toro then to Saddleback Mountain.

This empire broke up after the Mission was given back to the Catholic Church and the ranch was sold to James Flood and Richard O’Neill.

Tony was very active in many organizations in San Juan. He was a former council member, Mayor and co-founder of the local Boys & Girls Club. His greatest interest was the preservation of our local history through the Historical Society. He headed the Society as El Presidente.

Quite often you would see him and one of his friends sitting down enjoying a Margarita (or two) at the El Adobe Café. Tony would share ideas for how he wanted to expand the Historical Society, create the Los Rios Historic Center to illustrate a part of our history, and strive to maintain archives

for future researchers. He said that he wanted to leave part of his estate to fund this vision. Regrettably, Tony suddenly passed away due to a brain aneurysm.

He never got around amending his Will, and the Society is endeavoring to raise money to accomplish what he so avidly desired and envisioned. The Society is doing this with the full support of their Directors and Trustees. Much progress has been made. First, the restoration of the Arlie Leck House is completed.

Then, cleaning and landscaping most of the grounds, and developing plans for the preservation of the two other homes.

Work on the Silvas Adobe will start this year. Significant repairs are almost completed for the O’Neill Museum. The last segment will be the rebuilding of the Oyharzabal/Labatt House next door to the O’Neill Museum and to finish the landscaping Tony was bigger than life and a great raconteur of local lore; much of it humorous, and some not repeatable. One of his great pleasures was being a member of the El Viaje de Portola, the men’s riding group that honors the epic jouney of the Portola Expedition of 1789. Everyone

in town had a personal opinion of Tony and they all agreed he was a doer and promoter of what is good for the town.

After he passed away, and one day during this couple’s gravesite visit, they realized that there was no marker on his grave.

This concerned them and they decided to have a marker made. They contacted Artist Katie West, who has a unique style of stone engraving, and who has many examples of her style of art throughout the town. The stone was placed on Tony’s grave for all to know where he is interred.

Engraved on the stone is his photo, his true name Thomas Anthony Forster, September 3, 1935 – June 12, 2007 and “If my passing has left a void, Then, my friends, fill it with the ‘Good Times’ ”. Below are three logos: the Rancho Mission Viejo cattle brand, Historical Society logo, and the Portola logo. The text was inspired by an old Irish saying, and by the El Viaje de Portola riders, which he loved so very much. The “Good Times” have a very special meaning to the members of the Portolas.

Don Tryon is the archivist for the SJC Historical Society and member of the Cultural Heritage Commission.

Trish Evans and Emerson. Courtesy photo

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

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SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

5 BEST BETS SOCCER

BASEBALL

LD Alajuelense vs.

LA Galaxy, Home Depot Center

Rockies vs.

Dodgers, Dodger Stadium

August 25, 7 p.m.

August 26, 7:10 p.m.

Newly acquired Robbie Keane and the rest of the LA Galaxy hit the pitch against LD Alajuelense in a CONCACAF battle royale.

The boys in blue host a home stand against Colorado this weekend before taking in a threegame series against San Diego.

Info: www.lagalaxy.com

BASKETBALL

WALK/RUN

FITNESS

Shock vs. Sparks, Staples Center

Wet and Wild 5K, Wild Rivers

August 26, 7:30 p.m.

August 27, 8 a.m.

A successful month on the court has seen the LA Sparks battling back into contention. The team now preps for a key tussle against Tulsa. Info:

Get ready for the 2nd Annual Wet ‘n Wild 5K, a charitable event to benefit children and families in need living in Santa Ana and Baja, Mexico.

www.wnba.com/sparks

Info: www.wetnwild5k. com/Home.html

Info: www.losangeles. dodgers.mlb.com

Free Fitness Boot Camp, RSC Tennis & Fitness Club August 27, 9:10 a.m.

San Clemente Boot Camp has a free workout session at the RSC Tennis & Fitness Club for ages 18 and older located at 111 Avenida Vista Montana, San Clemente.

Info: www.SanClementeBootCamp.com

Marbella’s Shelton Graduates from PGA Program The Capistrano Dispatch

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ith the final requirement to earn PGA Master Professional status completed June 9-10, PGA Professional Robin J. Shelton of Marbella Golf & Country Club demonstrated the expertise necessary to achieve status as a graduate of The PGA of America’s Master Professional Program in Instruction.

The PGA Master Professional Program is the highest educational level that can be attained by a PGA member, and since the program’s inception, 342 PGA Professionals have earned PGA Master Professional status. The PGA Master Professional Program was established in

1969 to recognize PGA Members who have made a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations.

“Earning PGA Master Professional status was a tremendous opportunity to refine my instruction methodologies and skills, and then demonstrate them before The PGA of America’s Master Professional Faculty,” said Shelton. “I am excited to take these skills to the lesson tee to help golfers of all levels surpass their goals and enjoy the great game of golf.”

Since 2004, the PGA Master Professional Program has originated from the PGA Certified Professional

Program. After a PGA member passes the PGA Certified Professional Program’s proficiency assessment test, he or she is eligible to work toward their “Master’s Degree” in education by preparing a special project in their selected career path that meets the approval of examiners. This process is similar to the “Master’s Thesis” project previously required to earn PGA Master Professional status. The applicant then presents his or her project to a panel of examiners and answers questions on the topic. Over the past seven years, there have been 39 individuals who have obtained PGA Master Professional status.

One of the original requirements for

JSerra’s Hedges Part of a Last Minute Catch for the Padres

New Varsity Basketball Coach at Saddleback Valley Christian Schools

The Capistrano Dispatch

said in the report that the team based the deal on the belief that each will serra Catholic High School class of be an “impact player.” The $3 million 2011 graduate Austin Hedges was signing bonus that attracted Hedges is one of three top players signed by a club-record for a draftee taken beyond the Padres just hours before the August the first round of the draft. Hedges was 15 deadline to complete deals with playnumber 82 overall in round two. Both ers in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, Hedges and Ross were committed to said a report posted on the team’s official UCLA and planning on being roomwebsite by MLB.com. Hedges, a catcher, mates there in the fall. The decision was one of a trio of high school draftees— of both to bypass college in favor of including right-handed pitchers Joe Ross signing with the Padres will likely not from Northern California and Michael interfere with those plans, however, Kelly of Florida—chosen by the Padres as as both were scheduled to check in to part of a total $6.5 million deal. Padres their room at the Padres’ spring training assistant general manager Jason McLeod complex in Arizona on August 19. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch

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The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2011

earning a PGA Master Professional designation was the submission of an extensive thesis on one aspect of golf, which was reviewed by a panel of Professional experts in the field. The thesis topics ranged from the mental and physical aspects of the golf swing to golf course construction and computer technology in the golf shop. The PGA Master Professional Program then changed to require the completion of one of the seven Specialty Certification courses: Instruction, Rules, General Management, Golf Operations, Tournament Operations, Golf Car Fleet Management or Merchandising. A PGA member must be active for a minimum of eight years in order to be eligible to earn PGA Master Professional status. CD

S

addleback Valley Christian Schools has hired Tom Lewis as its new varsity boys’ basketball coach. Lewis was a two-time Orange County Player of the Year at Mater Dei High School and then went on to play at Pepperdine University. He has coached at the high school and college levels, as well as in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). His impressive coaching resume includes Long Beach State, Rutgers University, the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), and most recently, New Mexico State. At the high school level, Coach Lewis has been at Mater Dei, St. John Bosco and JSerra Catholic, where he started the basketball program. CD

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Tom Lewis. Courtesy photo

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