The Capistrano Dispatch

WISHING SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO A HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY

N OV E M B E R 2 5 – D E C E M B E R 8 , 2 0 1 1 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 22

Calm Waters?

After years of problems, Groundwater Recovery Plant appears shipshape E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

After years of troubled operations, the city’s Groundwater Recovery Plant is increasingly meeting all of Capistrano’s water needs. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Deputy Shoots Knife-Wielding Capistrano Man

Mission Starts Work on Gate House

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SJC LIVING/PAGE 16

SPECIAL SECTION: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

2011 Holiday Gif t Guide

Capistrano Smoke Shop

20% OFF your Entire Purchase (Excludes Cigarettes)

See store for details.

949.248.1292 31876 Del Obispo St. Ste. #2 (next to Ralphs)

Pave Heart pendant

(Available in all diamond as well as blue, yellow and pink sapphire)

Give the gift of LOCAL NEWS YOU CAN USE! Subscribe to the Dispatch or give a subscription to a loved one. Call Andrea Swayne at 949.388.7700, ext. 113.

From $700-$1000 Abby’s Designs 949.493.3632 32382 Del Obispo # C-3

Beautiful Holiday Bouquets

Call for Price Mother Earth Flowers 949.493.4400 32158 Camino Capistrano #105 www.motherearthflorist.com

EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE A judge last week accepted an amended complaint by Linda and Shaheen Sadeghi’s attorney allowing them to move forward with their first lawsuit to challenge the results of Measure A. San Clemente attorney Jeff Oderman said the judge did not discuss the merits of the overall case but allowed the developer behind the Playa Del Norte project to change the scope of the lawsuit. Oderman said in a message that the city would “respond and go from there.” The Sadeghis, who own LAB Holdings, Inc., filed a second lawsuit earlier this month seeking at least $3 million in damages as a result of the failed ballot measure that effectively shot down their development plans at North Beach.

A court trial on the first lawsuit is scheduled for January 30, according to court records.

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 City Council on November 14 voted to spruce up another stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in the second phase of a median beautification project. The plan calls for landscaping improvements along the stretch of PCH from the Niguel Shores overpass to Selva Road. The $676,676 contract was awarded to All American Asphalt, which submitted the lowest of 12 accepted bids. City staff also recommended setting aside an additional $150,000 contingency for the project. According to the staff report, the landscaping will include live palm trees, drought tolerant landscaping and cobblestone similar to the first phase. About $250,000 of the project will be paid for from federal grants and the remaining balance, $577,000, will come from the city’s Capital Improvement Project budget, the report said.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

... Settlement in Bible-Study Case?

THE LATEST: Chuck and Stephanie Fromm, cited for hosting Bible studies at their Mission Hills home, have dropped their case against the city, in exchange for the city dropping their fines and agreeing to rewrite the codes that required a special permit for home gatherings.

The Fromms were cited twice this year after a neighbor complained about parking and traffic impacts from the Bible studies.

The city followed with fines and a requirement that the couple apply for a conditional-use permit.

As news spread about the city’s decision to issue citations, impose fines and add requirements, the city — home to Catholic Mission San Juan Capistrano — received international backlash by letter and email.

“I expect —and prefer — any remaining issues will be resolved by community dialogue and policy correction rather than through the courts,” Chuck Fromm said in the city’s announcement of the settlement.

WHAT’S NEXT: Capistrano’s executive staff started discussions Tuesday before the Planning Commission on zoning codes and public assembly regulations.

“Protecting the rights of the city’s residents is paramount,” City Manager Karen Brust said in the release.

FIND OUT MORE: See past stories at www.thecapistranodispatch.com —Jonathan Volzke

2

... A Deputy-Involved Shooting?

THE LASTEST: A knife-wielding man

was shot in the hand Tuesday when he lunged at an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy in a Sun Ranch home.

Deputies were responding to a 911 hang-up call at about 11:45 a.m. when they heard a woman screaming inside a house at 32102 Via Carlos. Inside, deputies confronted a man with a knife, department spokesman Jim Amormino said. Deputies ordered the man to drop the knife, but instead, he lunged at the officers, Amormino said. More than one shot was fired and the man was hit in the hand. The man was taken to Mission Hospital, and Amormino described the wound as “non life-threatening.”

Amormino said the woman and the man shot were related but he was unsure how.

left to trim, making a week-long furlough at the end of the year an attractive option.

A shorter school year was one option allowed by the legislature, although the furloughs need teacher approval.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Orange County District Attorney’s Office was investigating.

THE LATEST: California’s Secretary of State approved a ballot initiative November 18 that seeks the closure of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and the Diablo Canyon plant.

The initiative was filed by Ben Davis Jr. in April after nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. Davis drafted this and an earlier petition that led to the closure of the Rancho Seco power plant in June 1989.

The latest initiative parallels existing state law prohibiting the creation of new nuclear plants until the federal government finds a solution to dispose of radioactive nuclear waste and reprocess spent fuel rods. If enacted, the initiative would essentially shut down the state’s two remaining nuclear plants by stopping them from creating additional waste until a federal solution arrives.

But a state analysis said the closures would likely have major initial fiscal impacts on local and state government and billions of dollars annually because of potential outages. Electric bills could

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

3

... A Potential Shorter School Year?

THE LATEST: A shorter school year could be one result of a worse-than-expected state budget. The non-partisan California Legislative Analyst Office released a report November 16 that forecasted revenues will be $3.7 billion below 201112 budget estimates. But unlike previous years, the current state spending plans calls for automatic cuts mid-year if revenues fall short.

The $3.7 billion is enough to trigger cuts to all levels of education, including $1.4 billion to K-12 schools.

But another proviso this year: State law prevents districts from laying off teachers mid-year. That means districts that have weathered years of budget cuts have little

The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2011

WHAT’S NEXT: Governor Jerry Brown’s Department of Finance will issue its own forecast for the remainder of the fiscal year next month, which will lead to the whether the cuts are made.

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

4

Page 3

... A San Onofre Referendum?

spike too, the analysis said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Davis has until April 16 to collect the 504,760 needed signatures to allow the initiative to go to voters in the fall presidential election.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.sos.ca.gov.

—Stacie N. Galang

5

... Charges in Fatal Wreck?

THE LATEST: An unlicensed, uninsured driver has been charged with killing his friend by crashing on Ortega Highway while driving under the influence of prescription drugs, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said.

Francisco Jesus Ochoa, 18, of Lake Elsinore is charged with one felony count each of vehicular manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance, one misdemeanor count of driving a motor vehicle without a valid license and an infraction for failing to maintain insurance.

Early on November 18, Ochoa is accused of driving a Ford pick-up west on Ortega Highway with friend Margarita Gutierrez in the passenger seat. He allegedly swerved across the highway for several miles.

About 6:45 a.m., Ochoa veered off the road, and crashed into a tree. Gutierrez was crushed in her seat and pronounced dead at the scene.

WHAT’S NEXT: He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years and eight months in state prison. He was being treated at Mission Hospital for a broken leg, prosecutors said.

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

Eye on SJC

Calm Waters?

After a stormy past, Groundwater Recovery Plant appears on track

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

W

hen San Juan Capistrano dedicated its $32 million Groundwater Recovery Plant in 2005, more than 100 dignitaries, including then-Orange County Supervisor Tom Wilson, water officials and others toasted the Paseo Adelanto plant with flutes of champagne.

At the time, they seemed to have much to celebrate. After two years of construction, which included six new wells and 5.5 miles of pipeline to feed the plant, the system was ready to start churning mineralladen groundwater into a fresh supply of drinking water for Capistrano residents.

The plant would, officials pledged, churn out half of Capistrano’s water needs in the summer and all of it in the winter.

The state-of-the-art water plant was built by Southwest Water Co., which would also operate it under a 20-year, $20 million contract. It was the model of water self-reliance for an arid Southern California, and of governmental efficiency in a public-private partnership.

The Southern California chapter of the American Public Works Association gave the plant its “Project of the Year Award.”

The good feelings dried up quickly, though, as the plant and the city suffered challenge after challenge, from mechanical problems in the plant to leadership changes at City Hall to a devastating discovery of MTBE in the groundwater.

But for the first time in years, the plant seems to be operating smoothly, meeting all of Capistrano’s water needs day after day. In one quarter, the plant produced more water than it did all last year. That production is key, because the plant has to produce volume to be cost effective.

Poor plant production and lower-thanexpected water sales have saddled the utilities budget with an $8.2 million deficit that will take at least two years to pay off.

Even so, the city has a $404,000 check from the Metropolitan Water District in hand, part of a grant that gives the city $250 for every acre-foot of water the groundwater plant produces. If the plant produces 2,375 acre feet a year, the city’s costs are about the same as buying it from Metropolitan Water District, said Utilities Director Keith Van Der Maaten.

“We’re on track to meet our planned production, if not to exceed it,” Van Der Maaten said.

It’s been a long time coming.

After a strong start, the plant’s production failed to hit expected levels, and resi-

The granular activated carbon filters, which remove MtBE at the Capistrano Groundwater Recovery Plant. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

dents flooded City Hall with complaints of brown water that stained bathtubs, toilets and clothing. In 2008, with the plant running at half-capacity, the city and Southwest agreed the water operator would just walk away from the deal, and the city would take over operations.

The city had recently reorganized its public works department and created a Utilities Department. Led by John O’Donnell, the city pledged to bring the plant up to speed and deliver clean water.

But O’Donnell didn’t last long, leaving suddenly.

It was also in 2008 that the potentially cancer-causing chemical MtBE was detected in the largest well that feeds the Groundwater Recovery Plant, the Dance Hall Well near City Hall. City leaders shut down the well, crippling the plant’s production, and began negotiations with Chevron, whose stations had spilled the chemical years earlier.

The city studied “getting out of the water business,” as then-Councilman Tom Hribar said, in 2008 but dropped the idea of letting South Coast Water District, which serves Dana Point, take over because it would have been too expensive for Capistrano residents.

City Manager Dave Adams, who led the city while the plant was in operation, but not while it was designed, left in 2009.

Rather than replace him, the city struck a contract with Joe Tait to run the city and the Utilities Department under a $324,000 contract. That arrangement drew fire when Tait was identified as one of the highest-paid city workers in the state.

The city cited her water experience

The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2011

when they hired Karen Brust as City manager, and one of Brust’s first key moves was the hiring of Van Der Maaten in September. Van Der Maaten is the first full-time utilities director in three years.

But a key to getting the plant back on track was the $3.1 million settlement with Chevron, which came earlier this year. That money paid for a granular activated carbon filter system that removes the MtBE from the water.

The city collects the money as various milestones are hit and is waiting for a $500,000 payment for completion of the carbon-filter system. Another $500,000 can be collected if the city runs the filter system for a year, and the Dance Hall Well for 80 percent of the time during that period.

Between November 1 and 14, the plant produced enough water the city didn’t have to buy any for six days.

Most other days, it produced more than 60 percent of the city’s water needs.

The city also announced this week it is participating in three large studies that will help water agencies understand tiered pricing—those who use more water pay more—the economy and conservation affect water sales.

That will help make predictions on which budgets are based.

But the plant still has critics, most notably John Perry and Jim Reardon, who unsuccessfully ran for City Council last year. Perry has filed public records requests about the plant and its operations and raised concern about the original construction deal. The city

Page 4

owns the land the plant is built on, while the San Juan Basin Authority, which controls the underground water basin, owns the plant. The contracts say the city has control of the plant for 55 years, then can continue the lease for $1 a year, but Perry continues to raise concerns.

On Tuesday, it was too much for Utilities Commissioner Dan Merkle.

“You keep looking back. It is really easy to be a Monday morning quarterback…all I’ve heard is questions and that we should have done this, we should have done that,” Merkle said. “I’m now quite sure I should have sold all my stock in 2000.

“Should we have gotten out of the plant?

We have the plant. We operate the plant.

It’s likely given us a level of reliability others don’t have…I don’t understand how you believe this is going to be productive.

All we have from you is looking back and criticism; quite frankly, I’m getting tired of that. Give us something productive we can do moving forward.”

Perry responded he would continue to be a “watchdog,” in hopes the benefits of the plant became more clear, especially when it comes to water rates.

Van Der Maaten intervened during the exchange, which came during the Utilities Commission meeting.

“I agree, one of our charges here is to maintain reasonable rates. If you look at our rates, we are comparable,” Van Der Maaten said. “Looking into the future, what we have in the plant is the ability to maintain our rates below where we project (imported water) rates will go.

This plant is an opportunity to maintain reasonable rates.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

News Bites

Compiled by Jonathan Volzke

Props, Recognitions and Morsels of Info Fullerton in 1998. Ring lives in Foothill Ranch with her husband and two daughters.

Woman’s Club Sets Activities

Jennifer Ring. Courtesy photo

Mission as a Museum u Jennifer Ring is the Mission’s new Museum Registrar, starting November 29.

Ring worked for nearly 16 years at Bowers Museum, most recently as its Director of Registration & Collections, before joining the Mission.

Ring will be responsible for managing the museum collection, with a focus on the collection’s management, storage and long-range plans that will take shape after the Gate House Project moves the gift shop out of the Sala and provides more square footage for museum space.

“Timing is just right as we approach a new chapter of Mission history with the soon-to-begin Gate House Preservation Project, Phase I,” Mission Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence-Adams said in a statement. “In the long run, the project will allow the Mission to expand its museum space as a result of relocating the Gift Shop use to the street. By that time, Ms. Ring will be experienced with the Mission’s collection and be critical in developing the interpretive plan for that space. As daughters of Orange County, she and I share a perspective and love for Orange County that will also make working together especially meaningful.”

Ring earned a degree in history at Cal State Fullerton in 1991 and also did postgraduate work in art history at Cal State

u The San Juan Capistrano Woman’s Club has many activities set for the upcoming months.

On November 29, they host Card Bingo, while January 21 sees Elegant Collectibles Auction, while February 16 sees Card Bingo again. March 24 brings the annual Swallows Day Pancake Breakfast and May 12 brings the Fashion Show.

The Woman’s Club charities for the year include the donation of 159 books to San Onofre Elementary School, donating can goods and money for the Military’s Families Outreach Program at Camp Pendleton and donating money to the Wounded Warriors Program and Salvation Army.

For more information, see the club’s website at www.womansclubofsanjuancapistrano.com.

Modern Crime Tips u Tips on crime and criminals can now be sent the modern way: Text message.

Tips can also be sent by e-mail or the old fashioned way by a telephone call. The number to remember is easy: 1.855.TIP. OCCS. Any information sent assures the anonymity of the tipster so there is no fear of reprisal or hard feelings among friends or family members.

This new way of crime fighting is all because Crime Stoppers is coming to Orange County. The anonymity of tipsters is guaranteed because calls are received at a Call Center using a toll free number: 1-855-TIPSOCCS. All phone lines are encrypted and no phone calls are ever recorded. Tips are then sent on to OC Crime Stoppers for further evaluation. Tips sent by email have unique integrated two-way dialog capabilities that allow the tipster to go back and provide

additional information to the tip at any time, but also provide a secure means for the coordinator to ask questions of the tipster through the same secure and encrypted interface. This is just the beginning of a new way for the public to join the fight against crime and it will hopefully mean the end of many a criminal.

OC Crime Stoppers is also looking for volunteers to serve on its board of directors. Patricia Wenskunas 949.872.7895 is the founder and CEO of OC Crime Stoppers and Aaron Berenschot 714.628.7675 is the coordinator. For more information, go to the OC Crime Stoppers website at www.occrimestoppers.org

Students Helping Students

December 2.

Adult transition students will sell: Handmade ornaments, jewelry, painted wrapping paper and student art stationary. An opportunity drawing for a gift basket filled with donations from local merchants will be at the holiday boutique at 1 p.m.

The mission of the Adult Transition Program is to develop young adults with special needs into positive, productive and contributing members of society. Under the direction of Program Administrator Gerry Strickland, the Adult Transition Program offers work training opportunities and independent living skills training for students. All proceeds from the sale of boutique items will go towards student activities.

The 2011 Holiday Boutique & Fundraiser is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Friday, December 2 at ZOOMARS Petting Zoo in the Historic Los Rios District.

ZOOMARS owner Carolyn Franks donated the use of the zoo.

Be a Bond Watcher

Courtesy photo

u When Mission Basilica School students heard about vandalism at RH Dana Exceptional Needs Facility/School in Dana Point, they stepped up to help. The students held a pizza fundraiser and donated the proceeds to RH Dana.

Mission Basilica School last year started a Chain Links Club, based on doing acts of kindness (and creating a chain reaction) in memory of Rachel Joy Scott, the first casualty in the Columbine High School tragedy. And RH Dana already holds a special place in the heart of Mission Basilica School. Every December and April MBS seventh grade students host a funfilled day for the RH Dana students.

‘Tis the Season for Community Spirit The Capistrano Unified School District Adult Transition Programs present “The 2011 Holiday Boutique & Fundraiser,” hosted by ZOOMARS Petting Zoo on

Applications are still available for Capistrano residents interested in serving on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee, an advisory board to the City Council. Applications are due to the city clerk’s office by 5:30 p.m. November 30.

The committee, composed of at least five residents, is designed to include businesspeople, senior citizens and professionals in construction, finance, law and accounting. Members must be registered voters in San Juan Capistrano.

City officials, employees, contractors and members of other city commissions or committees may not serve.

The Bond Oversight Committee reviews recommendations to the City Council for expenditures of bond proceeds and reports on whether they conform to the city’s open-space ordinance passed in 2008. It also reviews audits and expenditure reports for bond proceeds and informs the public.

Application forms are available online at sanjuancapistrano.org and at the city clerk’s office, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. For more information, call 949.493.1171.

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.

Monday, November 21 WELFARE CHECK Avenida Aeropuerto, 26000 Block (9:44 a.m.) A caller from a health-care insurance company reported that a 74-year-old woman reported she was being mistreated by her caregiver. The caller said the woman sounded unusual and asked deputies check on her.

Sunday, November 20 DISTURBANCE Paseo San Gabriel, 26400 Block (11:50 p.m.) A man reported he rents a room from his cousin and so does a woman. The woman started arguing with him, he said, and she continued even after he walked away. The woman, the caller said, might be on drugs because she “didn’t look right.”

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Valle Road, 32800 Block (10:37 p.m.)

A man reported his ex-girlfriend crawled through his window. She was wearing all black clothes. The man made her leave, but she came back again.

DISTURBANCE Calle La Purisima, 31500 Block (5:48 p.m.) A woman reported her daughter’s boyfriend was very drunk and she wanted him to leave because he was bumping her walls. But family members were trying to detain him, because he was looking for his keys to drive away.

CITIZEN ASSIST Via La Jolla/Avenida California (5:03 p.m.) A tow truck driver called about a red Porsche driving on the hill. The driver, the tow truck operator reported, was possibly drunk. A 47-year-old man who said he was in sales was taken into custody.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Paseo Callado, 26600 Block (2:59 p.m.)

A woman reported a vehicle went over an embankment and seemed like it was going

to fall into her yard or home. The driver and passenger had taken off.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Via Solana/Calle Arroyo (12:57 p.m.)

A woman reported she hit a boy with her vehicle when he ran out between two parked vehicles. He was OK, though, and playing in the park, she said.

911 HANGUP Ortega Highway, 38200 Block (11:56 a.m.) A guest at the Best Western made a 911 hangup. The front desk said the man had been acting suspicious and verbally abusive to the desk.

911 HANGUP Camino Capistrano, 31400 Block (3:07 p.m.) A man called 911, used obscene language and hung up on dispatchers.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Alipaz Street/Camino Del Avion (10:25 a.m.) A caller reported a man in the creekbed had a rifle with a scope. The man was wearing a mechanic’s shirt.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Del Obispo Street/Camino Capistrano (1:23 a.m.) A man was working on manhole covers, but did not have any safety devices around him.

Saturday, November 19

Thursday, November 17

DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (1:52 p.m.)

A dirt bike rider was popping wheelings in a mobile-home park.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE La Zanja Street/Los Rios Street (9:52 p.m.) Seven “gang types” were trying to break windows on a home. A passerby reported hearing what might have been gunshots, and that the intruders were from San Clemente.

Friday, November 18 KEEP THE PEACE Via de Agua, 33500 Block (10:43 p.m.)

A man called deputies about property being moved from one location to another.

It was a civil issue. Dispatchers could hear a woman in the background telling the caller he was trespassing.

WELFARE CHECK Valle Road, 32800 Block (9:58 p.m.)

A caller worried an elderly neighbor was being abused.

WELFARE CHECK Ramos Way, 31600 Block (9:33 p.m.)

A woman reported her neighbor’s small child was screaming for a long time, so she went next door and knocked. The woman who answered the door was not nice and told her to go away. The woman was concerned about the child.

CITIZEN ASSIST Via Quebrada, 31200 Block (9:09 p.m.)

A man wanted to report an ongoing trespassing problem. He’d just kicked some people out of his backyard.

PETTY THEFT Camino Capistrano, 32100 Block (6:22 p.m.) A man caught shoplifting at a drug store was not being very cooperative.

Wednesday, November 16 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES La Zanja Street, 26400 Block (9:49 p.m.)

A vehicle drove by and someone threw a large piece of glass through the window.

It cut the caller. Deputies tracked down the other vehicle, and an 18-year-old man who identified himself as a stocker was arrested.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Perfecto, 32800 Block (6:39 p.m.)

Two men and two women went behind a building and maybe into a tunnel near the riverbed.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Rosa, 31900 Block (6:07 p.m.)

Several dirt bikers were on the city’s trails.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Del Obispo Street/Ortega Highway (12:32 p.m.) A man in a blue Toyota Carolla exposed himself to someone who called deputies.

CITIZEN ASSIST Paseo Carolina, 32100 Block (12:09 p.m.) A woman reported her neighbors keep calling her dirty names.

VANDALISM REPORT Paseo Carolina, 32100 Block (6:05 p.m.)

A caller reported their tires were tampered with, and now they were receiving threatening letters.

TERRORIST THREATS Hillside Terrace, 30000 Block (11:46 a.m.) A caller reported his son made threats against his ex-employer and tried to leave the house with a bag of knives.

DISTURBANCE Edgewood Road, 29300 Block (5:38 p.m.)

A resident reported their landlord was being argumentative and taking their space heater.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Paseo Adelanto, 32100 Block (10:21 a.m.) A caller reported a man looked dazed and urinated behind the Post Office.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2011

Page 8

CITIZEN ASSIST Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (9:12 p.m.)

A man wanted deputies to talk to his 13-year-old son, who wandered off a week earlier.

Tuesday, November 15 VEHICLE CODE VIOLATION Ortega Highway/La Novia (11:32 a.m.)

Deputies needed a heavy-duty tow for a load of crushable eggs, from a 26-foot box truck. A man was arrested on warrants.

TERRORIST THREATS Paseo Adelanto, 32400 Block (9:20 a.m.)

A 19-year-old construction worker was taken into custody.

Monday, November 14 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Horseshoe Bend, 27800 Block (11:51 p.m.)

A homeowner heard a crash and thought someone was prowling. He spotted a cushion moved, too. The resident called again to say someone was walking up to his property.

ARREST Los Rios Street/Del Obispo Street (7:46 p.m.) A 21-year-old waiter was arrested after a non-injury traffic accident.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Valle Road, 32800 Block (7:42 p.m.)

A woman reported a neighbor sometimes lurks near her home.

FOLLOW UP Del Campo, 31100 Block (5:49 p.m.)

A man reported that some items that were in his car when it was stolen were in his mailbox when he got home.

TRESPASSING La Zanja Street/Camino Capistrano (4:46 p.m.) Deputies were asked to chase some people off the city field. They wouldn’t leave when asked.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Camino Capistrano/Oso Road (4:22 p.m.)

Deputies notified the Orange County Transportation Authority when the crossing arms were down although no train was nearby.

GRAND THEFT Woodcrest Lane, 26400 Block (8 a.m.)

A man reported $50,000 was missing from his room. He thinks another renter took it.

Sunday, November 13 VANDALISM Edgewood Road, 29300 Block (2:27 p.m.)

The caller said neighborhood kids were suspects. 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 22. 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.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO > Norb Garrett

PRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@thecapistranodispatch.com BILLING Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@thecapistranodispatch.com

EDITORIAL

Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd

Group Editor, Editor, The Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Stacie N. Galang

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

ART/DESIGN

Sales Associates > Angela Edwards

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, David Zimmerle

JONATHAN VOLZKE: My Turn

Some Thoughts Around Town t’s been painful to watch the city struggle with the issue of Chuck and Stephanie Fromm, the couple cited for hosting Bible studies in their Mission Hills home. It was the sort of issue that City Hall wasn’t prepared to Jonathan Volzke deal with, and it showed.

But since the initial burst of stories and international attention, the issue has settled down, and the Fromms credit City Manager Karen Brust with heading the dispute toward resolution—she actually met them in their home. Fines and legal challenges were dropped, and the city has agreed to look at the

I

zoning laws that vaguely but resolutely required a permit for anyone using their home for “religious, fraternal or non-profit” activities.

The Planning Commission took up the issue Tuesday and rejected a recommendation to allow “associations” of up to 25 people to meet less than once a week. Commissioners rightly pointed out the determinations seemed arbitrary and would lead to more disputes. They want an ad hoc committee to look at the issue. The council will take that up in about a month.

That’s not the only dispute in town, of course.

Historians and preservationists are riled up about the

Downtown Master Plan, which proposes a new face for our historic downtown. The concern: The plans might wipe out the historic integrity of Capistrano.

If anyone has concerns, it’s a good idea to go to www.sanjuancapistrano.org and review the master plan.

It’s big, and not an easy read, but a couple of points to remember right now: The plan looked carefully at the town’s values and designed around them, and the process now does not approve anything, it only certifies that everything was properly studied.

And, as always, let’s remember that we all have something to be thankful for in Capistrano.

JOHN PERRY: Guest View

Basin Authority at the end of our 30-year lease. This bond debt explains why our water rates have risen so dramatically.

The fact is additional costs for the plant continue to mount; the latest example is over $30 million spent by San Juan taxpayers to replace pipes, wells and filters—costs not included in the original cost of construction. For the seven years the GWRP has been in operation, it has never met its design capacity to produce 4,800 acre-feet of treated water per year.

The fact is at the end of the initial 30-year lease, we will have no more than the 20 percent water allocation we started with in 2002; the same as if we had never built the plant. The increased water rights touted by Nielsen are disputed in the Urban Water Management Plan adopted by the City Council in June 2011. The report states, “In 2035, the GWRP lease expires at which point the City will revert to having control of only 20 percent of basin rights reducing production to just under 3,000 annual acre-feet,” the amount we started with.

The fact is local politicians, including Nielsen, claimed that the hefty cost of the plant was worth it since it would make us “water independent,” but that will never be the case since we will never own it.

The fact is Nielsen did not include the cost of maintenance and operation of the plant in his rosy $1 per year scenario. The plant is very expensive to operate because of city staff salaries, pensions and benefits, which totaled $2.35 million in 2010, and because it

takes a lot of electrical energy to remove all contaminants from the ground water.

The fact is the production cost of water generated by the plant during its seven years of operation has always exceeded the cost of purchasing water from the Metropolitan Water District. The MWD water has always been available with an uninterruptable supply that far exceeds the city’s needs.

Nielsen shows a remarkable lack of understanding of the plight of residents, many of whom are on fixed incomes or who have lost their jobs in this recession, to pay their rapidly increasing water bills. He voted to approve the increases over the objections of residents.

Perhaps his lack of understanding is due to his demonstrated lack of knowledge of the historical documents and agreements concerning the Ground Water Recovery Plant. I am happy to share the information I have gleaned through the Public Records Act from city archives to further his knowledge.

In the meantime, I will continue to write a series of articles defining how the city has wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on the Ground Water Recovery Plant project and will conclude with some suggestions on how to get out of this mess.

Resident John Perry led the referendum attempt against Distrito La Novia, and his writings have also appeared in Capistrano Common Sense. See www.thecapistranodispatch.com to read former Mayor Mark Nielsen’s original column.

Mark Misses the Mark nly a politician would try to convince you that the doubling or tripling of your water rates is somehow a good deal for you. But despite Mark Nielsen’s attempt at spin in his column “Drowning in Mis-information” in the November 11 issue of John Perry The Capistrano Dispatch, the following facts cannot be disputed: The fact is, in the seven years the Ground Water Recovery Plant has been in operation, water rates have increased 113 percent while the Utilities Department has generated an $8 million deficit.

The fact is Mark Nielsen voted to increase your water rates by 40 percent in 2010—and voted to approve automatic increases in water rates for seven years, and sewer fees for five years.

The fact is San Juan water ratepayers are paying off more than $138 million in bond debt over the next 30 years for the cost of building the GWRP and infrastructure, yet will turn over the plant to the San Juan

O

The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2011

Page 10

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

GO.SEE.DO

Capistrano residents will again have many traditional ways to celebrate the holidays, as the city’s Tree Lighting Ceremony is set for Saturday, December 3 and the annual Holiday Train makes its stop in Capistrano on Sunday, December 4. The Tree Lighting kicks off at 4 p.m. at Historic Town Center Park with music by San Juan Hills and Capistrano Valley High School’s orchestras setting the stage for a performance by students from the Musical Theater University of Laguna Beach. The official tree lighting follows at 5:45 p.m. and then an array of holiday activities will continue downtown throughout the evening. The Mission will welcome visitors for a reduced fee. ZOOMARS on Los Rios Street will host a petting zoo, hay and train rides for a fee. There will be a special “Living Nativity” performed by disabled adults from “Pathway to Hope;” photos with Santa, a city-sponsored free train ride at Los Rios Park, tamales and a bake sale at the Blas Aguilar Adobe and more. Face painting and strolling entertainment will be featured throughout downtown. Many businesses will stay open late, offering refreshments and discounts. The following night, December 4, the Metrolink Holiday Train will arrive 7 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano train station on Verdugo Street. The train is adorned with some 50,000 lights and characters, who put on a show. See sanjuancapistrano.org or www.missionsjc.com. —Jonathan Volzke

YOUR TWO-WEEK EVENT PLANNER

Photo by Jonathan Volzke

THE LIST

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

friday

INSPECTING CAROL 8 p.m.

Holiday play debuts at Camino Real Playhouse. Preview night special tickets $18-$24. Regular shows $24-$34. Runs through Dec. 18. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

25

HIKE OFF YOUR THANKSGIVING FEAST 9 a.m. Work off those holiday calories with a three to four mile hike at The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Cost $5-$10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

saturday

26

BERLIN 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $23.50.

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

EVITTE PALMER 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.

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR 10 a.m. Discover 200 years of San Juan Capistrano architecture on a 90-minute guided walk that includes adobes, Spanish-era dwellings and modern buildings. Meet at Verdugo Street. Occurs every Saturday. $5 donation. 949.489.0736.

sunday

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.

27

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.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2011

CAPO HOLIDAY OFFERINGS ON TAP

tuesday

KNITLIT: THE KNITTING BOOK GROUP 6 p.m. Join the group to discuss the book “”Charles and Emma”” by Deborah Heiligman at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

29

thursday

GARDEN ANGELS 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Volunteer at Los Rios Park and enjoy a free lunch after at Ramos House Café.

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

01

friday

FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m.

The library shows the film “Beginners” that explores the hilarity, confusion, and surprises of love through the evolving consciousness of Oliver.

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

02

saturday

HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Event with holiday shopping photos with Santa, activities for kids, food at Mrs. Claus Cafe and more at Community Presbyterian Church. 32202 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1502.

03

FAMILY FILM FEATURE 11 a.m. The whole family can enjoy a showing of “The Smurfs” at the library.

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

MISTLETOE WALK 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Search for mistletoe and seasonal fruit such as the “holly berry” at The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Free. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

GARDEN TOUR 9:30 a.m. Tree of Life Nursery.

33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www.californianativeplants.com.

Page 13

sunday

HOLIDAY TOY EXPRESS 7 p.m. Head to the SJC train station for Metrolink’s annual Toy Express event featuring holiday cheer, musical performance, a visit from Santa and much more.

Bring an unwrapped toy to donate for the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Info: 800.371.5465, www.metrolinktrains.com.

04

6TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR 11 a.m.4 p.m. Explore unique homes in the area and help raise funds for the CUSD and Marines; presented by the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley. Tickets $30-$35.

More information and directions: 949.291.8408, www.capistranovalley.assitanceleague.org.

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.

tuesday

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m. Children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers are invited for stories, songs, crafts and fun at the San Juan Capistrano Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

06

thursday

COWBOY CHRISTMAS 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The SJC Chamber and Swallow’s Inn host and networking mixer at the bar. Bring an unwrapped gift of $10 or more for the Boys & Girls Club and get $10 off admission. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

08

*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

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR friday 11.25

tuesday 12.06

thursday, 12.08

Coffee Chat 8 a.m. The Capistrano Dispatch hosts a spirited town hall forum on community issues. All are welcome. Camino Real Playhouse, on El Camino Real, just south of Ortega Highway. Occurs every Friday

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

Cowboy Christmas, Chamber mixer at Swallows Inn 5:30 p.m. 31786 Camino Capistrano. $20 Chamber Members/$30 Prospective Members . Bring an unwrapped gift (value $25 and up) for the Boys & Girls Club’s “Operation Holiday Homework” and get $10 off admission!

Items can include gift certificates for all ages— in addition to toys.

City Hall closed for Thanksgiving. wednesday 11.30 Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees 6 p.m., CUSD Offices, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. See agenda at www. capousd.org

wednesday 12.07 Networking Breakfast 7:30 a.m.

The SJC Chamber and The Vintage Steakhouse host a breakfast networking event. 26701-B Verdugo St., 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

Downtown Farmers Market 3 p.m., Yorba Street, south of Ortega Highway. Occurs every Wednesday.

friday 12.09 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes.

TOM BLAKE: On Life and Love After 50

A Birthday Gift Rekindles Love in the Big Apple I ’m a lucky guy. Thirteen and a half years ago, a woman named Greta ordered a fresh carrot juice in Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli. I was taken by her warm smile and kind demeanor. Without a second thought, I walked around the counter and said, “Would you like to have dinner?”

She said, “That would be lovely.” We’ve been a couple ever since.

On Valentine’s Day this year, she gave me a card that contained a gift: A romantic weekend trip to New York City to celebrate my birthday, which fell on 11/11/11. Greta had booked accommodations into a hotel called The Manhattan Club, West 56th St., a few blocks from Times Square and the Theatre District.

On November 11, we flew to New York City, arriving at the hotel at 9:30 p.m. To officially celebrate on the 11th, we had dinner at a nearby New York pub called the Old Castle. Later, we passed a bakery that was just too tempting and took a chocolate éclair and chocolate cannoli back to our room.

All weekend, we were blessed with perfect fall weather. On Saturday morning, we walked through Central Park, ate a hot dog from a cart and exited near the Plaza Hotel, where we went in for a look around.

From there, we walked down Fifth Avenue, past Trump Tower and St. Patrick’s Cathedral and watched the ice skaters at Rockefeller Plaza. We sat on the steps of the New York Public Library ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 before making our way

By Tom Blake to the Shubert Theatre to catch the matinee of the 2010 musical of the year, Memphis. New York City was vibrant and teeming with people. There was energy in the air; it was cleaner than I’ve ever seen it.

Greta did an incredible job of making all of the reservations for everything—airplane, hotel, Broadway shows and the 9/11 Memorial. We were busy the entire weekend.

On Saturday night, we attended a musical titled, Million Dollar Quartet. The show was set, also in Memphis, in 1954, when Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins (Blue Suede Shoes), Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis (Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On) gathered at Sun Records for an impromptu jam session. The show had an extra special

meaning to me, as Greta was aware when she made the reservations, because I knew Johnny Cash well and had met Carl Perkins at Johnny’s recording studio in Hendersonville, Tenn., in 1976.

Sunday morning was very emotional.

We hopped a subway down to the World Trade Center for our visit to the 9/11 Memorial site (reservations required).

Security is very tight there. We saw the “Occupy Wall Street” park filled with tents and protesters (two mornings later, the police closed down the site).

The first tug on the heart strings comes as you pass the fire station from which so many of its members lost their lives in 9/11. Upon seeing the photos of the fallen, Greta said, “They were so young.”

It is hard to capture the words one feels while viewing the two spectacular pools representing the south and north towers of the fallen buildings. The names of all of the victims are embedded in the black granite walls that surround each pool. We held each other tightly as we exited the memorial site.

We then made our way to Battery Park where we boarded a ferry to Staten Island for a quick look around. Then, back in

Manhattan, a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Heights followed. By then, with six miles of walking under our belt, the old legs needed a rest. A subway took us back to The Manhattan Club.

New York City has a plethora of ethnic restaurants. We chose Indian cuisine, before strolling down to the Eugene O’Neill Theatre for our final show, The Book of Mormon, which this year garnered nine Tony Awards, including best musical. The singing and dancing are outstanding; however, I was amazed at the production’s irreverence and extensive religious satire. And yet, it’s the hottest ticket in town.

Monday arrived too soon. We took a taxi to JFK and boarded our Jet Blue flight back to Long Beach. When we landed, we gave each other a high-five. I said to Greta, “Thank you for entering my life 13½ years ago and for being so thoughtful and loving.”

Yes, I’m a lucky guy to have such a special partner. Wow, what a birthday!

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.

SJC LIVING

Mission Gate House Moving Forward and ensuring that this great landmark will be around for many generations to come.” ission San Juan Capistrano’s The plan has been developed over the Preservation Foundation will last year using visual simulations and onhold a groundbreaking for the site modeling to help create its overall Gate House Preservation Project at 10 scale, details and massing. a.m. on Wednesday, December 14.

“The overall Gate House PreservaPhase I of the Gate House Preservation Project will, at its completion, tion Project includes the construction of elevate the architectural meaning and the Mission’s new group entry, plaza and experience of the Mission’s entry for wall along Camino Capistrano. our visitors and for the community of “This phase of the project is only San Juan Capistrano,” Lawrence-Adams happening because of the incredible said. “This first phase involves the congenerosity of our leadership and private struction of an entry plaza with public supporters who believe that the entry benches provided on the street as well of the Mission should be architecturally as the rehabilitation of the 1916 original inviting and preserve its most historic gate house building.” elements at the same time,” Mission The design team of the Gate House Executive Director Mechelle LawrencePreservation Project includes Architect Adams said in a statement. “We hope to Ed Lohrbach, Lohrbach Studio, San give the community a project that it can Juan Capistrano resident, Architect be proud of and celebrate for generations Glen Gellatly, Lohrbach Studio, Landto come.” scape Architect Mike Imlay, Land The Gate House Preservation Project Concern, San Juan Capistrano resident, ultimately will also eventually relocate Project Manager Matt McKinlay, Barthe current gift shop out of the 18th nard Ventures, Sam U’Ren, Preservation century Sala Building as part of Phase Project Manager, staff, San Juan CapII. The new gift shop will be on Ortega istrano resident and George O’Connell, Highway, stretching east from the MisMission Preservation Foundation sion entrance. president.

“I am excited to witness the start of Ultimately, it is the design team’s goal construction on the first new building at to build a Gate House that will become Mission San Juan Capistrano since the a historically significant building in its 1950s,” said George O’Connell, president own right. of the Mission Preservation Foundation See www.missionsjc.com for more Board. “Together we are making history information. CD The Capistrano Dispatch

M

Other Downtown Projects in the Works The city’s Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Commission voiced concern with plans on to put City Hall downtown, as proposed in the Downtown Master Plan. The environmental study for the plan is moving through the review process.

The Downtown Master Plan is a $500,000 study that would increase retail, commercial and housing opportunities in the downtown, while promoting a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

The Transportation Commission reviewed the document, available at www. sanjuancapistrano.org, and generally supported it, although commissioners did not like the idea of extending Yorba Street to Del Obispo.

The remaining review schedule: November 30: Cultural Heritage Commission December 13: Planning Commission

Introduction January 24: Planning Commission Public Hearing December 21: City Council All meetings are at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. See www.sanjuancapistrano.org for exact times and agendas.

Approvals of the environmental documents do not allow any part of the project to proceed, but only certifies that the City Council believes the potential impacts of any of the work has been properly studied and mitigated.

Also downtown, demolition will begin December 5 on the former Vaquero West building across from the Regency Theaters. The owner has city approval, and is receiving redevelopment financing, to construct a shopping and commercial center there.

—Jonathan Volzke

The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2011

A Dogged Deputy From Living on the Streets Of Dana Point to Keeping the Streets of San Juan Capistrano Safe: One Rescue Dog’s Story The Capistrano Dispatch

M

y story starts on October 6, 2008. I had been living on the streets of Dana Point with a homeless man (I forget his name), but one day he realized he could no longer take care of me. He put me on the southbound bus on Golden Lantern in Dana Point and watched as the bus drove away. Once the bus driver figured out I was on the bus, he stopped at the next bus stop and chased me off the bus.

There was a young high school student named Jordan on the bus and he got off at the same bus stop. He had watched the bus driver kick me off and decided I was going to go to school with him. So, he picked me up and we rode his skateboard to his high school. When we got there he told everyone the story of how I got kicked off the bus and asked if anyone wanted a dog even though I was full of fleas, scabs, smelled worse than a wet chicken, underfed and very confused.

At the high school, there was a teacher/cowboy named Fish that saw past the fleas, scabs, etc. and saw the potential of what a great cowboy dog I could be.

After four flea baths and a visit to the vet, I felt like a real dog again! Since that day, I have enjoyed a happy life, play with toys, do tricks and enjoy belly rubs. Life is very good as a cowboy’s dog.

Now, let’s go forward to October 16, 2011—the Fiesta Association BBQ at Zoomars.

My dad, Fish, was elected Senor San Juan 2012, and I became Deputy Dog of

Page 16

Gus. Courtesy photo

San Juan Capistrano. I hope to see all of you around town as I walk with Senor San Juan and Ms. Fiesta and visit some of our favorite places such as Hummingbird Café (the trees on the patio are great), the Antique Barn (very dog friendly and wonderful treasures) and the patio at the Swallows!

Please say “hello” to me when you see me around town. I’m very friendly and I love children. You will recognize me by my black vest and my two ivory-handled pistols. Happy trails! Gus, Deputy Dog. For more information about the Fiesta Association, see www.swallowsparade. com. CD 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

Banking Independence Bank 949.373.8963 32291 Camino Capistrano, Suite A, www.independence-bank.net

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

COMPUTER SERVICES

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Memories of Me Photography Santa is back! Schedule your professional photos with Santa! Session with Santa includes session for 1 child approx. 15 minutes (each additional child additional $10) Parents and Doggies are FREE! ALL digital, printable, high-res. images on a CD are yours to keep the same day! (Approx. 100+ images!) November 19th & 20th, 11am- 4pm for only $69. November 26th & 27th, 11am- 4pm for only $69. December 3rd & 4th, 11am- 4pm for only $79. Reserve Now! 949.361.0680, GailMarino@cox.net, www.memoriesofmephotos.com

San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 Jeweler Tired of Waiting I.T. Services 949.922.7727 Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 949.493.3632 j.ehle@cox.net 32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, www.abbysdesigns.com

COINS GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

949.350.4692

ELECTRICIANS Friess Electric 949.248.4222 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 102

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

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

949.661.4080

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

MORTGAGE

Excel Electric - CA #793860 949.493.7769 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

949.697.9454

Experience The Mission

PAINTING SUPPLIES Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano Exciting New Audio Tour 949.234.1300 Dunn-Edwards Painting, Inc. 949.234.1201 31896 Plaza Dr. Unit D-1, Plaza Del Obispo Center 26801 Ortega Highway, www.missionsjc.com

Slab leak repair

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 www.atozleakdetection.com Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com Pronto Plumbing (El Plomero) 949.246.3589 31878 Del Obispo Ste. 118-227, www.prontodrain.com SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com

PRINTING Printing OC

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

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

949.212.0499

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

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

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

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

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This handy, cost-friendly, go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

Get your business listed today.

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

Photo & Digital Lab

Insurance Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

PLUMBING

949.697.9454

CLASSIFIEDS GARAGE SALE Capistrano Beach HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, CLOTHES, FURNITURE, MISC. CORNER OF CALLE JUANITA & CALLE CARMELITA. SAT. 7:30 AM TO 1PM.

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

S u bm i t y o u r class i f i e d a d o n l i n e a t www . t hecap i s t ra n o d i spa t ch . c o m

Medical/Health Services FREE PREGNANCY TESTS Think you might be pregnant? Know for sure.

Free services including limited ultrasound referrals, counseling, resources, classes, and support. Walk-ins welcome. Call 949-218-5777.

G ARA G E S ALE LI S TI N G S ARE F REE !

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

DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY

SPORTS

CIF SPOTLIGHT

5

For some, it’s the holiday season. But for many Capistrano Valley athletes, November means playoffs. Here’s a round up of how some local teams fared:

& OUTDOORS

The St. Margaret’s Episcopal School girls tennis team captured its fourth-consecutive CIF title this week, knocking off Sage Hill. The teams tied in sets at 9-9, but the Tartans prevailed in games, 69-65. The Tartans have a four-year undefeated record. In Cross Country, meanwhile, both the St. Margaret’s boys cross country and JSerra girls cross country teams won CIF championships. St. Margaret’s title is a repeat; the team is the defending state champions. Both move on to state competition, as does the JSerra boys cross country team.

On the gridiron, St. Margaret’s football continues to roll. The Tartans, with a 9-2 record, beat Linfield Christian of Temecula 35-7 in first-round playoff action and faces Rim of the World High of Lake Arrowhead on November 25 in the next round. Saddleback Valley Christian Football, which went deep into the season with an undefeated record, fell 30-22 to Kern Valley. The Warriors end their season at 9-2. Nearby, the San Clemente Tritons, defeated Lakewood 42-6 and faces off against St. John Bosco in the second round. St. Margaret’s girls volleyball finished 17-7, after losing a tight match to Sage in the CIF finals, then falling to Central Valley Christian of Visalia in the first round of the state meet. —Jonathan Volzke

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SEND YOUR TEAM NOTES AND RESULTS TO S P O RTS @ T H ECA P I ST R A N O D I S PATC H .CO M

South OC 5 on 5 Flag Football League Delivers 2 Champs

Left: U10 Tritons. Top right: U14 Patriots. Bottom right: U7 Flames. Courtesy photos

The Capistrano Dispatch

on 5 Flag Football League of South Orange County saw the U14 Patriots and U10 Tritons take titles, while the U7 Flame Wheels won the league’s Team Sportsmanship Award for the Fall 2011 season.

The Patriots’ volunteer Head Coach Jim Hills and Tim Roland coached Austin Moore, Evan Garvy of San Juan Capistrano, Michael Brant of Laguna Niguel, Eric Kearns, Garrett Rolands and Daniel Romero to the U14 Championship Victory over the Spartans.

The U10 Tritons were the champions of their Division. Volunteer Head Coach Jeff Hoss led the boys to the victory over the Vipers with Ethan Sherrell, J.J.

5

Hoss, Mason Allen, Trenton Brail, Cole McDaniel, Clayton Newlon, Patrick Riley and Hayden Crespo.

The U7 Flame Wheels won the Team Sportsmanship Award. Coached by volunteer Head Coach Matt Reid, the team was recognized for the best overall Team Sportsmanship. Players included Lucas Purzycki, Hayden Dill, Jack Crane, Ashton Wessels, Alexander Calabro of San Juan Capistrano, Jack Gaillison, Nolan Reid and Jacob Georgia.

5 on 5 Flag Football League is now open for early winter registration. You can register online at www.DoFlagFootball.com or call 888.811.FLAG (3524).

You can save $10 with coupon code WIN12. For more information, call League Director Anthony Ramirez at 714.803.7616. CD

Cougars Curtail Clipping Members of the Capistrano Valley High School baseball team were among men everywhere taking part in “No Shave November” to raise awareness of men’s health issues, specifically cancer. The idea is that growing a beard will spur someone to ask about the facial hair, allowing the word to spread. There’s no real organization to the effort, which spread on the Internet. Many possible sources for the start of the effort are mentioned, from folks in Nashville, to another effort—Movember—that involved growing a mustache to raise awareness about testicular cancer. CD Capo Valley High players Grady Sanchez, Andrew Richards, Steven Trojan, Connor Richards, Shane Johnson, Brian Hessling, Cristian Salina and Pete Zuvich took a photo at the beginning of the month for their participation in ‘No Shave’ November. Courtesy photo

The Capistrano Dispatch November 25–December 8, 2011

Page 18

www.thecapistranodispatch.com