The Capistrano Dispatch

VOTE FOR THE BEST OF SAN JUAN AT WWW.THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

J A N U A RY 1 3 –2 6 , 2 0 1 2 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

The Show will Go On Although owned by now-dissolved redevelopment agency, playhouse should continue as council sorts out new rules E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

Camino Real Playhouse leaders Beverly Blake and Tom Scott expressed relief that new laws should allow the downtown theater to be protected under a “governmental use” clause in the law that struck down redevelopment. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Council to Consider La Ronda Traffic, Golf Course Lighting EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Fiesta Association Seeks ‘Hairiest Man’ GETTING OUT/PAGE 13

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

What Makes Capistrano Special: a Heart-Warming Story SJC LIVING/PAGE 15

EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE Councilman Jim Dahl remains a board member on two Transportation Corridor Agencies’ committees but it’s unclear how much longer that will last. Mayor Jim Evert and Council member Lori Donchak voted Tuesday, January 3 to reappoint Dahl to the boards for the Foothill Transportation Agency and the San Joaquin Transportation Agency, but council members Bob Baker and Tim Brown said they didn’t want to reappoint Dahl because his most recent votes to continue the toll road to Ortega Highway had not reflected the will of residents. Dahl, who asked to be reappointed, had to recuse himself from the vote and left the chamber. The tie vote meant Dahl would remain as the city’s representative to both toll road boards at least for now. The council will take up the subject at its January 17 meeting.

NEWS

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

DANA POINT A U.S. Bank on Del Obispo Street was held up January 5 by a man police say may be the serial bank robber dubbed the “Dying Son Bandit.” The suspect told a teller he needed money to pay medical bills for his son, who is dying of cancer. According to the FBI, the man is also suspected of robbing a City Bank in Lake Forest about an hour later before attempting another heist in Laguna Hills and is linked to three other heists in San Diego County. He was described as a white man, 5 foot 7 inches to 5 foot, 8 inches tall, in his mid-40s with a thin to medium build.

He wore sunglasses, a baseball cap and carried a black day-planner. Log on to www. danapointtimes.com for the full story and surveillance photos.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

... Key Issues on Council Agenda?

THE LATEST: The City Council on Tuesday will consider whether the driving range at San Juan Hills Golf Course should be lighted and how to slow down traffic on Camino La Ronda in response to residents’ complaints, among other items.

The Planning Commission rejected a request from San Juan Hills Golf Course to light the driving range on San Juan Creek. The council will consider letting the course install the lights and keep them on nightly until 9 p.m.

On La Ronda, staff recommends narrowing the roadway and installing flashing lights east of Via Puntero. Residents have voiced concern motorists run the stop sign, creating a hazard.

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

FIND OUT MORE: See the council agenda at www.sanjuancapistrano.org —Jonathan Volzke

2

... A Teacher Arrested?

THE LATEST: St. Margaret’s Episcopal School fired an assistant football coach after his second drug-related arrest, school officials said. Charles Christopher Spann, 25, was fired December 5, after school officials learned of a second arrest, according to a December 30 statement on the school’s website.

Spann was hired as a part-time football coach on March 10, 2010. He received clearance from the Department of Justice, a school requirement, the following day and saw his contract extended into the The Capistrano Dispatch January 13–26, 2012

spring of 2011.

But St. Margaret’s officials initially were unaware that Spann had been arrested December 14, 2010, and charged with cultivation of marijuana and possession for sale of marijuana, both felonies.

Those charges were dismissed when Spann pleaded guilty to lesser allegations on March 14.

The California Department of Justice notified St. Margaret’s of the December 2010 arrest in September.

St. Margaret’s officials said they discussed the initial arrest with Spann and let him continue coaching. But the District Attorney’s Office on December 2 reported Spann had been arrested again on drug-related allegations, the statement says.

Spann on October 26 pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a controlled substance and forgery of public documents or corporate seals.

WHAT’S NEXT: Spann’s preliminary hearing is set for February 2.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.smes.org —JV

3

tax money provided by the state in the next fiscal year.

But Trustees Ellen Addonizio and Sue Palazzo pointed out the district already has one TRANs loan outstanding. The trustees, reading prepared statements, accused the other board members of getting the district into financial trouble by restoring furlough days and other cuts to teachers in 2010.

That issue has been hashed over before—a resident even filed an unsuccessful lawsuit to stop it—and trustees let Addonizio and Palazzo know they felt it was time to move on.

“I am offended that it is continually brought up,” Trustee Anna Bryson snapped at the pair.

“Why don’t you just make the motion you want—to shut down the district,” Trustee Lynne Hatton asked the pair.

Trustee John Alpay accused the pair of stumping for the November election, when he, Brick, Gary Pritchard and Palazzo face re-election.

WHAT’S NEXT: The motion to start work on the TRANs passed 4-2. Trustees next meet January 25.

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

… Dispute at CUSD Meeting?

THE LATEST: A spat erupted between Capistrano Unified School District trustees on Monday, with the board majority accusing two colleagues of trying to shut down the school district.

Trustees were considering staff’s request to borrow $30 million in tax revenue anticipation notes, which have become common tools for school cashstrapped school districts. The TRANs provide cash now and are repaid with the

4

… Help With Rental Payments?

THE LATEST: The Orange County Housing Authority will open its Waiting List to accept pre-applications for housing assistance from February 15 until February 29. The Section 8 Waiting List is the only opportunity for individuals to obtain a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher.

The last time OCHA’s Waiting List was

Page 3

last opened was November 2005.

Section 8 vouchers allow a very lowincome family, senior, disabled person, or individual to pay about 30 percent of their monthly income toward rent. Applicants must earn below 50 percent of the county’s median income. For a family of four, that amount is $48,150 while the amount for an individual is $33,750.

WHAT’S NEXT: Beginning February 15, applications for the Waiting List will be available online at www.ochousing.org or at participating cities and branches of the Orange County Public Library.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.ochousing.org or call 714.480.2740. —JV

5

… a Generator Shutdown?

THE LATEST: San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station’s Unit 2 was removed from the power grid Tuesday, for $280 million in planned maintenance, scheduled refueling and system upgrades.

Plant owner Southern California Edison plans to install new high-pressure turbine components on its Unit 2 reactor to increase the plant’s efficiency and generating capacity, the utility said in a news release.

The unit’s last planned outage finished April 11, 2010. Plans for Unit 3 maintenance and upgrades are scheduled for this fall. The 2012 cost of $54 million will be roughly 0.5 percent of total current rates.

WHAT’S NEXT: SCE could not be specific about the duration of the work because it would affect the energy market.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanclementetimes.com for updates. —Stacie N. Galang www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

News Bites

Compiled by Jonathan Volzke

Props, Recognitions and Morsels of Info Capistrano Hires New HR Manager The city of San Juan Capistrano lured Tom Bokosky from Irvine to take on the post of Human Resources Manager. He starts the new job January 25.

Bokosky worked as a risk management administrator for the city of Irvine since May 2001, where he prepared and managed human resources and risk management budgets and determined the appropriate type and amount of property and casualty insurance protection required along with negotiating policy terms, conditions and premiums with insurance companies. Among many other duties, Bokosky investigated liability and workers’ compensation claims, negotiated employee benefits and implemented the city’s first Injury & Illness Prevention Program. He serves as board member and Underwriting Committee Chairman for the California Insurance Pool Authority, a public agency insurance pool.

Before Irvine, Bokosky worked in the private sector as the director of risk management for Remedy/Temp; a workers compensation specialist for Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.; and as the corporate safety director for College Health Enterprises. He has a bachelor’s in organizational leadership, a masters of labor relations from the California Public Employers

Labor Relations Association and is a certified professional in human resources and a certified self-insured administrator (State of California). He also served as a United States Navy Reserve Intelligence Specialist from 1986 to 1992.

Bokosky will begin with a starting salary of $112,896 plus benefits. Similar to City Manager Karen Brust, he will contribute 100 percent of his employee’s share of the retirement benefit with the Orange County Employees’ Retirement System.

New Eagles Although in different troops, childhood friends Steven Stege and Brian Flammer are achieving Scouting’s highest rank, and held their Eagle Court of Honor together on Sunday, January 8 at the Scout Hut on La Matanza.

Stege is a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School and is a member of Troop 772. Flammer is a senior at JSerra High School and a member of Troop 724.

Flammer said his most memorable moment in scouting was finishing his Eagle Scout project, while Stege recalled an outing, “waking up on a glooming morning for a day-hike to the top of Mount Baldy at

Patrick Stege speaks at Court of Honor for Eagle Scouts Steven Stege and Brian Flammer. Courtesy of Baker Photography

Philmont Scout Ranch and when reaching the top of the mountain, feeling that I was on top of the world.”

Company Honored TextPower, a text-messaging company co-founded by former Mayor Mark Nielsen, was awarded the “Best Intrusion Detection/Prevention Solution” in the 2011 Government Security News (GSN) Homeland Security awards competition. The company’s TextKey authentication service impressed the judges with patent-pending technology that uses a cell phone’s unique identifier – its “fingerprint” – to authenticate a website user.

“This prestigious award is an unequivocal validation of TextKey because it is voted

on by experts in the military, government and security industry. We are honored to receive it,” Scott Goldman, CEO of TextPower, said in a statement. “In the constant battle between security and convenience, convenience always wins, so we designed TextKey to be both highly secure and the most convenient authentication mechanism available.”

TextKey was developed as a way to provide any size business with a highly secure and easy-to-implement website security process that is simple to use. TextKey replaces security fobs, tokens, USB keys and smart cards by using the cell phone that every business user is already carrying; every cell phone in the world has a unique device identifier making it the equivalent of a fingerprint when sending a message.

The technology works by displaying a one-time authentication code on a web page after a user has successfully entered their ID and password. That code must then be sent from the one phone in the world that carries that user’s “fingerprint” to complete access to the site. Unless the correct code is sent from that specific cell phone, entry to the web site is blocked. In addition, if the code is sent from an unauthorized phone, TextKey captures the phone number, which can then be used to pursue and prosecute the intruder.

For more information about TextKey, visit www.FobKiller.com, send a blank email to FobKiller@TextPower.com or text “FobKiller” to 81888 or see www.TextPower.com.

Eye on SJC

The Show Will Go On City will likely keep playhouse, downtown properties and sell Lower Rosan under redevelopment change

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

W

hile experts are predicting the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the elimination of redevelopment agencies will change the landscape of city government statewide, the ruling might not change the face of Capistrano.

Not outwardly, at least. But the future of the parcels, mostly downtown, will be in the hands of an oversight panel, redevelopment attorney Tom Clark told the City Council during a special meeting on Tuesday.

Gov. Jerry Brown pushed for the elimination of redevelopment agencies because he and lawmakers believed they were diverting too much property tax from state coffers to city budgets—leaving the state to “backfill” funding for schools and other agencies also relying on property tax.

When the agencies were initially eliminated last year, cities across the state agreed to a “pay to play” option—turning over a larger percentage of property tax to the state—even while supporting a lawsuit attempting to overturn the dissolution. Capistrano officials agreed to pay an initial installment of nearly $2 million, then annual payments of $450,000.

The state Supreme Court in December, however, upheld the dissolution laws, while overturning the “pay to play” option.

“Cities got spanked pretty hard,” city lobbyist Christopher Townsend told the council during its special meeting Tuesday. “It was like nuclear bomb falling.”

But the fallout isn’t completely clear. Townsend said more changes in the laws are possible.

Properties held by the redevelopment agency but used for a “governmental” purpose can remain in control of the city, Clark said. That ranges from the parking lots downtown to the Blas Aguliar Adobe, Historic Town Center Park and the historic Congdon House on Alipaz Street. But the Lower Rosan Ranch on Stonehill will have to be sold.

And while the Camino Real Playhouse was owned by the agency, Clark said the agency’s arrangement with the playhouse operators will likely allow it become a city property.

“That’s the only one that’s somewhat questionable,” Clark said.

The City Council on Tuesday agreed to become the redevelopment agency’s “successor agency,” as defined by the law. The successor agency will be supervised in winding down the redevelopment business by a new seven-member panel made up of agencies throughout the county.

The Board of Supervisors will appoint two members, the OC Department of Education will appoint one, the Chancellor of Community Colleges will appoint one, Mayor Larry Kramer will appoint one, Capistrano Unified School District, as the area’s largest special district as defined by the percentage of property taxes it will receive, will appoint one and a former redevelopment employee will make up the panel.

That panel, Clark said, could challenge the city’s decision to protect the playhouse as a “governmental use,” but there’s one problem: The laws do not provide the oversight panel with any funding to mount a legal

The Capistrano Dispatch January 13–26, 2012

The redevelopment deal with the owners of the Vaquero West building to see that property rebuilt is allowed to continue under the new laws. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

challenge, nor define how conflicts will be resolved.

The news was good enough for Tom Scott and the playhouse supporters gathered in council chambers.

“Thank you,” Scott said. “From the depth of my heart.”

The playhouse supporters were, however, the only ones smiling Tuesday.

San Juan Capistrano was one of more than 350 cities statewide—including 31 in Orange County—that created redevelopment agencies. Under laws established more than 60 years ago, cities could identify “blighted” areas, then receive nearly all of the property tax generated in the area. The idea was that the additional tax money would be used to improve infrastructure and spur development to eliminate the blight and drive cities’ economic engines.

Some agencies gave themselves the power of eminent domain, to ensure they could take property in the area and recycle it for new projects after the owners were paid “fair market value.” Additionally, agencies could acquire property outside the redevelopment area if the land was used to further the goals of the redevelopment agency.

Agencies, separate legal entities from the City Council, but often with the council serving as the board of the directors, could also enter agreements with businesses to return sales taxes to them as incentives to convince businesses to locate in their boundaries. The agencies could also make loans to businesses.

Most commonly, the agencies would take on debt by selling bonds to raise the money to make the improvements quickly, then use the additional property tax increments to repay the bonds over the life of the agency.

In San Juan Capistrano, the redevelopment area encompasses most of the downtown. The agency’s authority to use eminent domain, however, expired years ago.

Costco, the Mission Promenade development across from the Mission and most of the car dealerships are among Capistrano businesses that received help from the city’s redevelopment agency. Most recently, the city loaned the owners of the Regency Theatres $450,000 in a 10-year, no-interest deal to help reopen the downtown movie house, which had Page 6

been literally gutted by the previous owner.

By law, 20 percent of the redevelopment incomes were set aside for affordable housing projects. San Juan Capistrano had $11 million in its redevelopment agency affordable-housing fund. The elimination of the agency did not end affordable-housing requirements in the city, however, so the City Council on Tuesday voted to form a Housing Authority. Although the council did not define the makeup of the new panel, the authority will receive the $11 million and be able to use it on affordable housing projects, as well as continue to oversee the Little Hollywood affordable housing project.

It will not, however, receive any new money, as the redevelopment agency did.

The successor agency is supposed to dispose of the assets, sending the money to the various agencies due to receive property taxes. CUSD gets the largest percentage, at 37.20 percent, while “Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund” gets 16.72 percent. The city’s general fund will get 10.20 percent and the water fund 1.30 percent. The Fire Authority gets 11.56 percent and the list of 14 agencies goes on, all the way down to the Cemetery District, which gets .05 percent.

Councilman John Taylor asked whether the city had the option of holding the Lower Rosan for a better price—given agencies all over the state will be selling off land in an already-depressed market. Clark said maybe, but it would be up to the oversight committee.

The same holds true as to who the seller is. Given the oversight panel is made up of agencies hungry for the tax dollars—by design—the sale will likely go to the highest bidder. That could bring The Home Depot back into play. The City Council would retain control over the development standards, but loses control over who will buy the land.

Existing redevelopment contracts, such as Capistrano’s $1.4 million loan to the owner of the Vaquero West building, can remain in place, but the city cannot enter new agreements. That means the much-anticipated Plaza de Las Banderas downtown hotel will not get any redevelopment help. Considering the project calls for an $800,000 water line, the elimination of the redevelopment agency will make getting financing for the project even more difficult.

On a smaller scale, officials had hoped to use redevelopment to buy awnings and spruce of the appearance of the Antique Barn on Camino Capistrano. Many buildings downtown had received redevelopment-funded façade-improvement grants.

Technically, the elimination of redevelopment should not impact Capistrano’s ambitious plan to freshen up the face of its downtown. The $500,000 master plan was paid for by redevelopment, but was intended to serve as a guide to property owners who might want to sell their land or revitalize their buildings. Still, redevelopment could have paid for infrastructure and items such as new sidewalks.

Councilwoman Laura Freese, who chaired the redevelopment agency until it was dissolved, said a valuable tool has been lost.

“If not for redevelopment, this city would look a lot more like Aliso Viejo,” she said. “Nothing against Aliso Viejo, but the redevelopment agency has played an important role in protecting San Juan Capistrano.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter Compiled By JONATHAN VOLZKE 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.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Ortega Highway/Del Obispo Street (12:45 p.m.) A black Porsche and a red sedan tangled in the intersection. A caller reported the front end of the Porsche was sheared off.

a man and woman exchanged their cat.

Dispatchers told the deputy the cat’s name was Miowi and that it was a 6-yearold orange tabby, “similar to Garfield.”

The exchange did not go through, though – the man was not home.

TRESPASSING La Matanza Street, 31400 Block (12:13 p.m.) A caller reported several people had jumped the fence and were in a gated park after it was closed.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Village Road/Edgewood Road (12:52 a.m.) A caller saw a group of eight to 10 juveniles gathered at a park. “They are getting ready to do something,” the caller reported.

CITIZEN ASSIST La Matanza Street, 31400 Block (12:13 p.m.) A caller reported a posting on Facebook might have been a case of bullying.

WELFARE CHECK Alipaz Street, 32200 Block (9:54 a.m.)

A neighbor was concerned about a man in his 80s who was not answering his door or telephone, even though his car was in the driveway.

Saturday, January 7

DISTURBANCE Paseo El Arco, 30900 Block (11:46 p.m.)

A group of people were being too loud in their backyard.

FAILURE TO YIELD Camino Capistrano/Del Obispo Street (11:23 p.m.) A 22-year-old man was arrested after allegedly putting his car into reverse and trying to strike a patrol unit.

The man said he worked in construction.

No injuries were reported.

CITIZEN ASSIST Los Rios Street, 31300 Block (7:32 p.m.)

A woman was in a dispute with her husband and adult daughter.

WELFARE CHECK Paseo Sereno, 31200 Block (8:52 p.m.)

Dispatchers asked deputies to check on an elderly woman who called 9-1-1 twice.

The woman told dispatchers her brother in Oregon had just died and she didn’t even know the number for information.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Camino del Avion, 25000 Block (6:48 p.m.) A pair of young men were running around on the roof with BB guns. They were wearing all black.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Camino de Vista, 26300 Block (8:25 p.m.) A man with a shaved head was yelling in an apartment complex parking lot and pounding on cars.

BATTERY Camino Capistrano, 32000 Block (2:50 p.m.) A woman reported a white man in his 40s, wearing a leather vest and jeans grabbed her husband by the neck.

She was calling from Starbucks by the Mission. The call was related to another report of a family dispute involving two men fighting by the restroom.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Los Rios Street, 31300 Block (8:11 p.m.)

A caller reported a hysterical femaie called that her husband was trying to buy drugs. The report was second hand from the CHP. When dispatchers tried to call the original number, it was a bad number.

9-1-1 HANGUP Camino Capistrano, 31400 Block (1:41 p.m.) A woman called on a payphone t o say she was being followed by children who were actually members of the Taliban. She started yelling and cursing at someone and the phone went dead.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 13–26, 2012

TRAFFIC HAZARD Camino Capistrano/San Juan Creek Road (6 p.m.) A caller reported a blacked-out truck was sticking into traffic lanes at a construction zone.

KEEP THE PEACE Ridge Road, 29500 Block (12:47 p.m.)

Deputies were asked to stand by while

DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (11:37 p.m.)

A man was yelling that he was on parole after a fight in the street. He took off running toward the creek.

DISTURBANCE Santa Margarita Place, 31100 Block (11:23 p.m.) A group of men playing basketball at the end of the street were being too loud.

Sunday, January 8

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Via Los Santos, 32600 Block (9:14 p.m.)

Deputies were called to assist firefighters, who were dealing with a combative 82-year-old man.

Friday, January 6

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Sandpiper Court, 33100 Block (10:42 pm.) A man reported a woman was unconscious after she fell and hit her head.

The man would not tell dispatchers how she fell, however.

DISTURBANCE Rancho Viejo Road, 31100 Block (7:26 p.m.) Two men got into a fight. One left, but the caller wanted to talk to deputies about it.

WELFARE CHECK Highland Drive/Hillside Terrace (4:35 p.m.) A man in the intersection appeared confused, and was asking the drivers of passing vehicles and pedestrians for directions. He was described as white, with long hair and a gray beard. He was carrying a white bag and was being followed by a woman.

PETTY THEFT REPORT San Juan Creek Road, 32100 Block (12:45 p.m.) The pro shop reported a petty theft.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Verdugo Street/Los Rios Street (12:09 a.m.) Deputies were asked to check out two men near Los Rios Park. Deputies located them atop the parking structure, and paramedics were needed, as one suffered glass cuts. An 18-year-old man, who identified himself as a student, was arrested.

Thursday, January 5 Page 8

DISTURBANCE Camino La Ronda, 28300 Block (9:46 p.m.) A man reported his wife was abusing him. He reported she struck him and destroyed some items. She was unaware he called. A 52-year-old woman was arrested. She identified herself as a housewife in booking papers.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Ensenada, 26600 Block (8:24 p.m.)

An 8-year-old girl called 9-1-1 to say her father was being mean and fighting her mom. Dispatchers could hear the parents arguing in the background.

DISTURBANCE Sea Breeze Court, 33000 Block (8:05 p.m.) A woman told dispatchers her boyfriend told her to call 9-1-1 because he was going to hurt her. She wouldn’t give any further details, though. She told dispatchers her boyfriend was possibly leaving but she didn’t want to give any more information because she didn’t want to get him in trouble.

BURGLARY REPORT Mission Street, 26500 Block (6:56 p.m.)

A woman reported she found her front door ajar when she got home from the grocery store. Some items from her house were missing, too.

BATTERY Calle Pinon, 28300 Block (6:32 p.m.)

A woman reported her 16-year-old son was beat up by a neighborhood boy.

PATROL CHECK Paseo Nogal, 31300 Block (6 p.m.)

Deputies were asked to keep an eye on a construction site, where copper and framing hardware was stolen. A crack pipe was found there, too.

KEEP THE PEACE Valle Road, 32800 Block (12:07 p.m.)

Residents were allegedly interfering with landscapers trying to remove trees from a mobile-home park. The park’s ownership is in bankruptcy and residents are trying to buy the park.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Rancho Viejo Road/Spotted Bull Lane (8:35 p.m.) A stop sign on a 4-inch by 4-inch post was knocked down.

Wednesday, January 4 BAR CHECK Camino Capistrano, 31700 Block (4:36 p.m.) A woman left a local watering hole because it was “full of smokers” she reported. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA EDITORIAL Group Editor, Editor, The Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Stacie N. Galang ART/DESIGN

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Michele Reddick (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Sales Associates > Angela Edwards

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

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

Letter to the Community

LARRY KRAMER: Mayor’s Message

Much Done, Much to Do W

The Capistrano Dispatch January 13–26, 2012

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 10, Issue 1. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

CEO > Norb Garrett

PRINT AND ONLINE

ith the New Year underway, I want to share my excitement and some hopes for 2012 year. We are fortunate to live in a small town with a big soul.

Larry Kramer Passionate and involved citizens, rich history and culture make for a special community that I am proud to call home. I am honored to serve on the City Council and as your Mayor for the coming year and look forward to another year of progress and moving our city forward.

In 2012, maintaining a high quality of life will continue to be our top priority.

In this coming year, you will see more government transparency and more public involvement. We will continue to work on improving both the city coffers and public services. You will see the completion of traffic-easing projects like the Del Obispo Street bridge widening and the I-5 ramps at Camino Capistrano.

You could see the start of construction on the I-5/Ortega Highway Interchange project. We’ll continue our quest to provide a more pedestrian-friendly, vibrant downtown with the Historic Town Center Master plan process. That process includes more public hearings in January and February, with a Council hearing anticipated in March. The new Marriot Residence Inn is expected to open early in 2012. Ground has been broken for the first phase of the San Juan Capistrano Mission Gatehouse. Next year, you will see the construction of a dog park in our Northwest Open Space area. It is being constructed by the Open Space Foundation and then will be maintained by the city.

Public safety in San Juan Capistrano

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

will be enhanced by the recent additions of a Crime Prevention Specialist and Administrative Sergeant, who will help Police Services to create a more robust community-policing program.

This new Crime Prevention/Community Oriented Policing unit will foster an improved and stronger relationship between law enforcement and the community as a whole through the development of Neighborhood and Business Watch programs; Town Hall meetings; and a myriad other community outreach events designed to educate folks by partnering with local law enforcement.

In the spirit of greater government transparency, residents will soon be able to view City Council meetings live and on-demand on our city’s website.

This will help to expand our outreach and help people to keep tabs on issues and how their government is working for them. I have also scheduled office hours to meet with the public on Wednesday afternoons to provide another avenue for residents’ concerns to be heard.

Our Groundwater Recovery Plant has come a long way in this past year, and we’ll move it even further in 2012. Our Utilities Department will rehabilitate the plant’s greensand filter vessels as the final last step toward bringing the plant up to its 5.14 million gallons per day capacity. Our city will continue to implement water-efficiency projects to reduce water losses and imported water costs. A major project for 2012 will be the development of a detailed and comprehensive financial plan that will guide the department toward fiscal health and stability.

Youth activities will be enhanced in the coming year with the revival of

HOLD SOMEONE ACCOUNTABLE THIS YEAR —Dominick Martinez, San Juan Capistrano Some citizens have accused our city leadership of not listening and making decisions not reflecting the community’s interests. That may be, but many of those criticisms are examples of limited self-interest type issues that may or may not reflect a wider spread consensus of the community. Our collective economic well being, however, is without argument a shared interest.

I am shocked at two examples of the city’s leadership failure. * $6.35 Million Scalzo Verdict: One year ago we were hit with a punitive verdict that cost us not only the $6-plus million settlement but a degradation in bond rating due to the depletion of reserves. The judge rules so severely because of the city’s Development Service’s behavior and demands were without justification.

The fact that insider consultants were paid to say whatever staff told them to is reminiscent of East Coast bureaucrats, not San Juan Capistrano. Today, a year later, not one employee has been disciplined or, more appropriately, fired. How can our leadership justify running a city with no accountability of those found to have

a Roller Hockey Program at Marco Forster Middle School. Our seniors will benefit from an innovative program offering free, enlightening activities such as health and wellness seminars, Hula dancing, fitness “journey walks” and more.

Yes, in the year ahead, we have much to look forward to and much to accomplish. I am optimistic that 2012 will be

Page 10

needlessly cost us millions of taxpayer dollars? * Utility Department Audit: The report is out and it is not complimentary of our long-term fiscal management.

The report concludes that although the financial management personnel are qualified and competent, repeated financial reporting errors occur. It was only after the demand for a forensic accounting that it was “discovered” there was an $8 million dollar financial hole. The report concludes that inadequate and inaccurate information was given to the policy makers by staff. If this were a private company, the Chief Financial Officer would be fired immediately. How is the city’s leadership holding staff accountable for this long term and repeated failure in performance? Another shrug?

It is time for the leadership of our city to make the obvious and longneed decisions to get the right people on the team and let the non performers “pursue other opportunities.” I’m tired of paying A+ salaries for C- performance.

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@thecapistranodispatch.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

a great year for the residents of San Juan Capistrano. As Mayor, I look forward to working with my colleagues, city staff and our community for the betterment of San Juan Capistrano. I wish you all a very happy, healthy, safe and prosperous New Year.

Larry Kramer was elected to the City Council in 2010. His colleagues selected him as Mayor this year. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX DIANE HARKEY: Assembly Report

Gridlock is Good for State, Sacramento W

e greet the New Year with anticipation and hope, setting goals in spite of the unknowns beyond our control. With almost complete oneparty Democrat control Diane Harkey of the levers of power in Sacramento, there should be fewer unknowns. But voter sentiment, open primaries, new districts and election year polling has made a huge impact on what would normally be lock-step voting by the majority party.

Looking forward to 2012, I predict gridlock – which is not necessarily bad.

Due to our sheer size and population, California has been at the epicenter of the financial storm that crashed in 2008.

Our first quake, created by the Environmental Protection Agency shutting off water, caused debilitating unemployment in Central Valley farming communities.

The ensuing housing market and financial quake scored even higher on the Richter scale spreading devastation statewide. We are recovering in water, thanks to nature, and in housing, thanks to time. Therefore, gridlock is good; less government med-

dling is positive.

Major political issues remain unresolved. Does California spend too much?

Certainly, but the people, and hence their 120 representatives in Sacramento, dispute where to cut. Is our tax structure unfair? Certainly, but we dispute how to reform, as tax reform has become code for taking more out of taxpayers’ pockets. Is our state business un-friendly? Certainly, if one reviews business rankings or asks companies struggling or fleeing the state, but the Senate and Assembly leadership and governor think differently reviewing the legislation that they pass. Can government stimulate the economy? Again, the governor and most of his party believe so, but increasingly many of our representatives, on both sides of the aisle, hear about excessive regulation, taxation and punitive legislation forcing businesses out of state. Pension reform? Don’t hold your breath.

Quick ballot fixes in 2010 left our financial situation unchanged. Granting a “majority vote” budget allowed for an ontime but unbalanced budget. So, while tax revenues are $1.8 billion over projections, we still have a $10-12 billion hole to patch (improvement over years past.)

The Governor released his updated spending plan on January 10, asking for $35 billion in higher taxes. Anticipate tying proposed tax increases to education and public safety, concerns we all share, and where $981 million in “trigger cuts” are slated to occur. However, expect the real problem of double digit percentage increases in welfare and federal healthcare reform costs to be omitted from the debate.

State debt will continue to rise. Lender constraints rather than internal discipline will ensure modest increases. Our credit rating should remain “stable” rather than “negative” due to the governor actually providing a choice of “trigger cuts” and/or improving tax revenues, aiding our state’s cash flow. Debt service is projected to increase from 7.7 percent of revenues in 2011-12 to 9.3 percent 2012-13. The more we borrow, the more we pay, and the less we have for priorities such as education, public safety and help for the truly needy.

Unemployment will hover at 11-12 percent. While subsidizing a few industries through tax credits and coddling anything termed “green” is no substitute for a robust and friendly business climate, it

acknowledges a problem: California needs private-sector jobs. To date, the governor has focused on government-funded high speed rail as the job creator. However, lack of funding and decreasing popular support statewide could free up billions for local transportation, shovel ready jobs. If permanently “de-railed,” we would be on track to improving our state’s financial outlook with regard to debt, future expenses, credit rating, and employment.

Sharpen your pencils. Asking voters to decide or override policy decisions that should be resolved by elected representatives in the Legislature defeats the purpose of representative democracy. How can voters hold leaders responsible if they won’t make decisions? Envisioned for rare, grassroots, voter-driven solutions, “Let the Voters Decide” has become a Sacramento tool, with over 30 approved for the November ballot.

To summarize, looking forward expect incremental improvements and a highlycharged, emotional political debate and environment. In situations such as these, gridlock is good!

Diane Harkey’s Assembly District includes San Juan Capistrano. See her website at arc.asm.ca.gov/member/73 CD

GETTING OUT

GO.SEE.DO HAIRIEST MAN…OR SOILED DOVE? The next Swallows Day Parade is right around the corner. Signups for the Hairiest Man Contest are 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 14 at the Swallows Inn in San Juan Capistrano. Men who want to enter the contest should show up at the watering hole with a freshly shorn face. Then don’t shave, or shave very carefully, between then and Fiesta Grande on March 21. The men who has the longest beard, and best trimmed, win the prize. Now in its 54th year, the Swallows Day Parade is one the nation’s largest non-motorized parades, featuring more than 100 parade entries with approximately 500 horses. The parade and all of the associated events are put on by the all-volunteer Fiesta Association. This year’s parade, with Grand Marshals Bill and Joan Cvengros, will be March 24. The group is always looking for volunteers, and potential members and those who want to help out are welcome to attend the Fiesta Association’s weekly Wednesday night meetings. The 6:30 p.m. meetings are held at the Nydegger Building in San Juan Capistrano, at 31421 La Matanza Street. For more information , see www.swallowsparade.com. —Jonathan Volzke

YOUR TWO-WEEK EVENT PLANNER

Courtesy of SJC Fiesta Association

THE LIST

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

friday

CHERYL SILVERSTEIN & TIM REID JR. 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Live female vocalist with a pianist performing songs from the Great American Songbook and pop standards at Thai Juan On. 31878 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.0332.

13

SHOWOFF 8 p.m. International playwriting festival at Camino Real Playhouse with seven original 10-minute plays by seven different directors. Shows through Jan. 15.

Tickets $18. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

saturday

PET ADOPTION 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

The Ark of San Juan will be at PetSmart in the Costco/Staples plaza in SJC with rescued cats.

Volunteers and Foster Homes are always sought. 33963 Doheny Park Road, 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org.

14

TRAIL CLEARING & WEEDING 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Volunteer at The Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Free event. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

SECOND STAGE STAND UP 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Live comedy at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $12. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

EVITTE PALMER 7:45 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage Steak House 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

sunday

TOOLS FOR CHANGE 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Ecology Center’s exhibition, featuring sustainable household products, a play area and learning space for children, and special weekend events. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org.

15

The Capistrano Dispatch January 13–26, 2012

monday

16

www.swallowsinn.com.

tuesday

17

COUNTRY DANCIN WITH PATRICK & FRIENDS 8 p.m. Lots of fun and happy hour prices at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188,

LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Chamber event at Sarducci’s. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.9593, www.capistranodepot.com.

wednesday

MUSHROOM HUNT I 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Join The Reserve/ Richard & Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy to search for fungi and learn from a mycology expert. Admission $10 adults, $5 children. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

SISTER CITIES CELEBRATION 6 p.m. Food and wine fundraiser from San Juan’s three sister cities at Camino Real Playhouse, featuring entertainment, live music and more. Tickets $25. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

CHRIS BERRY 7:45 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage Steak House 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET WEAVING 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Experience the art of basket weaving, a Native American tradition, at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Free with admission. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

REFLECTIONS OF THE OCEAN CLASSICAL KEYBOARD SERIES 3 p.m. Saddleback College presents Kevin Ayesh in a piano recital in McKinney Theatre.

General admission $12. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

thursday

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. $2 adults, $1 children. 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

18

LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Meet the first & third Thursdays at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park to volunteer at the park, meet friends and more.

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

19

friday

20

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

saturday

REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOPS 9:30 a.m.

Learn how to design your yard with native plants and balance your landscape in the workshop at Tree of Life Nursery.

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

21

Page 13

sunday

22

tuesday

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

24

thursday

MISSION READERS BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP 10:30 a.m. An informal discussion of “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

26

*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 01.13

tuesday 1.17

tuesday 1.24

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.

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

monday 1.16

wednesday 1.18 Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Commission Meeting 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. friday 1.27

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

*MEETING AGENDAS AT WWW.SANJUANCAPISTRANO.ORG

Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes.

TOM BLAKE: On Life and Love After 50

New Zealand is a wonderful place to visit

M

y partner Greta and I spent two weeks in December on a cruise from Sydney, Australia, through the South and North Islands of New Zealand.As we sailed out of Sydney Harbor on the Holland America ship Volendam, we had an occasion that few people experience: the ship passed under the Sydney Harbor Bridge with only approximately 5 feet of clearance. On deck, one could almost reach out and touch the cars whizzing above.

After two days transiting the Tasmanian Sea, the ship sailed into Fiordland National Park with visits to three fiords: Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. And while December marks the start of the summer down under, the weather was a bit cool, in the neighborhood of 60 degrees.

Our first port of call was Oban, Stewart Island, the Southern-most inhabited island in New Zealand. The population is 400; reputedly there are more Kiwi birds on the Island than people. Stewart Island has rain 50 weeks each year.

With the ship traveling north up the East Coast of the South Island, our next port was the city of Dunedin.

I love trains and always try to visit the train station in every city. Locating a city’s station helps you get your bearings. They are easy to find on maps.

In Dunedin, the station is breathtaking, constructed with thousands of inlaid tiles.

Adjacent to the station was an outdoor market where Xmas items, local food, particularly lamb, cheese and award-winning wines were sold. At the market, we spotted the silos of the world famous Cadbury Chocolate Factory. Of course, we had to tour the plant and received many samples of the famous Cadbury chocolate. Greta purchased several boxes to bring home as gifts for her family members.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 13–26, 2012

Originally, the ship’s itinerary included Christchurch for the next port. However, the devastating earthquakes earlier in the year have closed Christchurch to cruise ON LIFE AND ships. Before Greta and LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake I got back to the USA, Christchurch experienced two more sizeable earthquakes, although thankfully there were no new injuries reported.

The highlight of our visit to New Zealand was the day we spent in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, which is on the southern tip of the North Island.

The New Zealand people are among the friendliest in the world. At the Wellington train station, a uniformed station agent named Carl took ten minutes of his time to show us a book on the history of Wellington rail at a store within the station.

We didn’t purchase the book, but later on the way back to the ship, we came back to the store and purchases three bottles of New Zealand red wine for $8 per bottle that we took back to the ship.

The wines in New Zealand are plentiful and every bit as good as California wines.

To get a premium view of Wellington, a ride up the cable car is a must. From there, you stroll down through the Botanical Gardens back to the heart of the city. We popped into a Bank of New Zealand Museum where another friendly Kiwi showed us $1,000,000 in out-of-circulation five dollar bills under glass.

From there, we made our way to a Belgian café/pub named Leuven for lunch. It was “double mussels Monday.”

Thinking we’d get about a dozen greenlipped mussels each for the price of one, we ordered the special. Oh my gosh.

There were at least four dozen mussels, the size of your fist, plus a sack of French fried potatoes that are served with mayonnaise. What a meal! Of course I had a couple of Belgian Leffe brewskis to wash everything down. We waddled back to the ship.

On our way back, we popped into a shop called the Olympic Games Museum. I was curious because I had been at the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960 and had seen in person New Zealand’s Peter Snell win the track gold medal in the 800 meters. When I mentioned that tidbit to another friendly Kiwi named Terry Daly, the Commercial and Marketing Director for the New Zealand Olympic Committee, he gave me an official New Zealand Olympic team lapel pin and told me he wanted to give me something else, but it was in his office in Auckland. I told him we’d be there in two days.

On the next day, the ship docked in the port of Tauranga. We wanted to learn about the Maori culture, the native people of New Zealand. But to do that we needed to go to Rotorua, about 80 miles away. The ship’s tours would have cost more than $500. So, we rented a car. The driving is a challenge, you drive on the left hand side of the road and the steering wheel is on what is our passenger side. Most intersections are rotaries, with no stop signs, just yield signs and cars seemingly come at you from all directions.

We made it safely although Greta had to shout “Watch out!” more than a few times.

Back on the ship, the captain announced that our last port of call would

Page 14

be Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city (1.4 million people). Originally, the last stop was to be the Bay of Islands, but the weather forecast was for stormy weather and the captain wanted to proceed back to Sydney slowly for safety reasons, which took an extra day.

The best way to see Auckland is by riding the Hop On, Hop Off Explorer bus. It makes a continuous loop around the city, stopping at 14 different attractions.

We opted to visit Kelly Tarlton’s Undersea and Antarctic Encounter. This is a pretty amazing place, built underground in an old city sewer, and features penguins, sharks, sting rays and a plethora of different fish. Certainly a must-see in Auckland.

We also stopped at the Auckland Museum for a couple of hours, which is most informative and another must-see attraction.

After a stop at the Auckland fish market for the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten, Greta reminded me that we needed to visit our New Zealand Olympic Committee friend. The Hop On and Hop Off bus stopped near his office.

Terry gave us an Olympic team track and field jersey signed by the great Peter Snell. The latter will be posted on the sports wall of fame in my Dana Point deli, Tutor & Spunky’s.

As Greta and I stood on the deck of the ship while we sailed out of Auckland Harbor, sipping our New Zealand wine, all we could say was “What a country. What friendly people. New Zealand, we love you.”

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.FindingLove.com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Locals Provide Holiday Warmth The Capistrano Dispatch

I

t was just before the holidays, and the weather was getting chilly.

Heidi Ivanhoff, who works for the city in the Community Services Department, was contacted by Lauren Anderson, a case manager for Age Well Senior Services.

Anderson was concerned about a senior citizen who lived in a mobile home. The heater in the home was broken, and the man could not afford to fix it. He often stayed in bed all day when it was cold, rather than leaving the warm blankets to move about the chilly home.

Anderson wondered if Ivanhoff had any ideas on how to help.

Ivanhoff called former San Juan Capistrano Mayor Ken Friess, a contractor known for his involvement in numerous charitable and nonprofit activities throughout town.

“Heating systems can last forever, but when they break down with old age, there’s not much chance of repairing them,” Friess said.

With that in mind, he called Brian Baldridge, a one-time president of the Chamber of Commerce who owns Oasis Heating and Air Conditioning. Baldridge agreed to take a look at the man’s heating system.

“I figured, well, it’s Christmas and maybe it will be an easy repair,” Friess recalled. “Well, it was completely shot and was going to cost in excess of $2,000.”

But Baldridge said he would see if he could “figure something out.”

He ended up persuading his supplier, U.S. Air Conditioning Distributors, and the manufacturer, Mitsubishi Electric, USA to pick up the cost of the new heating equipment. Oasis Air took care of the installation at no cost.

The resident had a warm home for the holidays.

Friess said Baldridge was working in “typical fashion,” helping out.

“My wife and I have lived in San Juan Capistrano for nearly 40 years, and eight of our 11 grandchildren are being raised her,” Friess said. “I am constantly being amazed at the way people in our town will step up to make someone else’s life better.

“Whether it is Brian Baldridge, who got the call from me because he will always be there when there is a need; or Heidi Ivanhoff, who goes above and beyond every single day; or the literally thousands of volunteers who are responsible for keeping our community institutions going. It is because of all these individuals that I have so much love and pride in San Juan Capistrano.” CD

Register today for emergency preparedness training The Capistrano Dispatch

R

egistration is underway for San Juan Capistrano’s seven-week Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which starts Feburary 6.

CERT aims to prepare local residents and businesspeople for possible disasters when emergency responders may not be readily available. Participants receive about 20 hours of initial training in di-

saster preparedness, team psychology, fire suppression, first aid, light search and rescue, team organization and terrorism awareness.

The program is free for San Juan Capistrano residents and business employees and is held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on consecutive Mondays. There’s a $25 fee for nonresidents.

For more information, a class schedule and an application, call 949.234.4565 or email mcantor@sanjuancapistrano.org. Information is also available at www. sanjuancapistrano.org/CERT. CD

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

Banking

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

PAINTING SUPPLIES

Excel Electric - CA #793860 949.493.7769 Dunn-Edwards Painting, Inc. 949.234.1201 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com 31896 Plaza Dr. Unit D-1, Plaza Del Obispo Center

Experience The Mission

Photo & Digital Lab

San Juan Photo & Digital 949.661.5668 Independence Bank 949.373.8963 Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano 32291 Camino Capistrano, Suite A, Exciting New Audio Tour 949.234.1300 32301 Camino Capistrano, www.sjcphotodigital.com www.independence-bank.net 26801 Ortega Highway, www.missionsjc.com PLUMBING

BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICES

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 Insurance www.atozleakdetection.com Lightning Technology, Inc. 949.488.0029 Capistrano Health & Life 949.697.9454 Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731 32963 Calle Perfecto, www.capistranohealthlife.com www.chicks-plumbing.com http://www.lightningtechnology.com Pronto Plumbing (El Plomero) 949.246.3589 Jeweler 31878 Del Obispo Ste. 118-227, COMPUTER SERVICES Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 949.493.3632 www.prontodrain.com San Clemente Computer & Network Services 32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, www.abbysdesigns.com SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com Tired of Waiting I.T. Services 949.922.7727 Kitchen Design PRINTING j.ehle@cox.net Kitchen & Bath Designs 949.661.4080 Printing OC

949.388.4888 27231 Ortega Hwy., Unit B COINS 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com GraCorp Coins & Collectibles 949.350.4692 MOLD REMOVAL ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES www.gracorpcoins.com Jarvis Restoration 949.362.5388 Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. 949.212.0499 ELECTRICIANS 31942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com 33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B Excel Electric 949.493.7769 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com Friess Electric 949.248.4222 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 102

CLASSIFIEDS GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@ thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY

HELP WANTED Experienced screen printer.

English a must. Full-time. FaceFirst, San Juan Capistrano. 949-443-9895 The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is presently recruiting for two positions: PROGRAM AIDE (Part-time) Part-time Program Aide position to work with students ages 7-12 after school. Hours will be 2pm-6pm, Monday through Friday. Duties will include planning and implementing activities in one or more of the following areas: education; social recreation; arts and crafts; and physical education.

Requirements: high school diploma, experience working with children, communication skills to deal with children and with the general public (bilingual in Spanish a plus), CPR and first aid certification. If interested, please contact Nicole Watson, Unit Director, at 949.240.7898 extension *19 or by email at nbelair@bgccapo.com.

YOUTH TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION DIRECTOR (Full-time) Works with youth (ages 7 – 18) to teach computer and technology skills ranging

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

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

Schools

MORTGAGE Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

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

949.697.9454

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

S u b m i t y o u r c l ass i f i e d a d o n l i n e a t w w w . t heca p i s t ra n o d i s p a t ch . c o m from typing/keyboarding to computer software applications. Generally works with 7 -30 youth per hour in the Computer Lab. Plans, implements and supervises a variety of creative programs with an emphasis on technology. Creates a positive environment for youth in support of BGCA values.

Promotes and markets programs to increase membership and attendance. Administers department within resources allocated. Maintains facilities for members’ health and safety. Updates Club website. Supports all audio/visual equipment usage.

Works with IT consultant to support and maintain the Club’s computer equipment and network.

Drives Club van to transport members. May manage special programs or events. Communicates with staff, parents and members of the community to explain, promote and develop programs.

Requirements: Minimum of 2 years’ work experience in a BGC or similar organization planning and organizing youth development activities. Associates degree. Strong communication skills and understanding of group dynamics. Demonstrated organizational and project management abilities. Basic knowledge of updating and managing websites. Ability to repair technology equipment .

Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Word).

Demonstrated ability to use AV equipment.

Demonstrated skill with using video development software. CPR and First Aid certifications. Valid driver’s license and clear driving record. Must secure Class B license within one year of hire. Ability to work a variable schedule generally between 9 am and 8 pm. If interested, please contact Lynn Watson, Office Manager, at 949.240.7898 extension *10 or by email at lwatson@bgccapo.com.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is an equal opportunity employer.

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

5 BEST BETS BASKETBALL

BOYS BASKETBALL

Lakers vs. Clippers, Staples Center

Wolverines vs.

Stallions, Aliso Niguel High School

Hawks vs. Lions, JSerra Catholic High School

January 18, 7 p.m.

January 20, 3:15 p.m.

The Stallions, a young team after graduating their first class of seniors last year, face Aliso Niguel in league play.

The Lady Lions host El Dorado in the JSerra pool for exciting water polo action.

January 14, 7:30 p.m.

After going 0-2 against its cross-town rival during preseason play, the Lakers are the guests in this highly anticipated regular season showdown.

Info: www.nba.com/lakers

GIRLS WATER POLO

GIRLS SOCCER

HOCKEY

Lions vs. Warriors, Rancho Capistrano

Coyotes vs. Ducks, Honda Center

January 17, 3:15 p.m.

January 18, 7 p.m.

The girls varsity soccer team takes on Tarbut V’Torah of Irvine at Rancho Capistrano.

The Ducks return to home ice for a meeting with Phoenix after playing through three straight games against different Canadian-based NHL teams.

Info: www.svcschools.org

Info: www.jserra.org

Info:www.sjhhs.org

Info: www.ducks.nhl.com

Hoops Programs Raise Funds The Capistrano Dispatch

rian Beeman, general manager of Penske Rancho Santa Margarita and a Capistrano resident, donated a 2012 Scion tC to the JSerra Catholic High School basketball program.

The program decided to raffle off 750 tickets to try and raise money to offset costs to families with children who play basketball at JSerra and make it more affordable. The program is completely self funded. Boosters decided the best way to reach people was some sort of public service announcement, so the booster chair contacted production manager Gordon Spencer at Cox 3.

The boosters worked with Spencer

B

Courtesy photo

STONEYBROOKE GRAD NAMED ALL AMERICAN

STALLIONS FALL IN LEAGUE OPENER

The Capistrano Dispatch

an Juan Hills girls basketball opened Sea View League play with a 54-44 loss January 5 to the host Lady Wolverines.

The Lady Stallions kept the game close early trailing 9 to 8 at the halfway point of the first quarter. Abby Conklin scored the first 8 points for San Juan. Aliso increased their lead to 18-13 after the first quarter. Aliso outscored San Juan 19 to 7 in the second quarter to increase their lead to 37-20 at the half. The two teams traded baskets in the third quarter as Aliso increased their lead to 49-31.

S

S

toneybrooke alum Joy Talcott, now a Biola University volleyball player, has been named to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-America College Team.

Talcott, who hails from San Clemente and excelled on the San Clemente High volleyball team, has deep Stoneybrooke roots. She has two brothers and a sister who are also alums and her father was on the Stoneybrooke board for many years.

Stoneybrooke is a San Juan Capistrano Christian school with students from preschool through eighth grade. It is on Via Escolar. For more information, see www. stoneybrooke.com. CD The Capistrano Dispatch January 13–26, 2012

and the Cox team to ensure the big rivalry game against SMCHS to be the “Game of the Week.” Cox also agreed to run a JSerra PSA—if the school could get one produced.

Sara Brechbill at SixFootOne Productions stepped up and offered her time to film a 30-second PSA and write the script and do all the editing, on a tight deadline to get it on the air.

In December, the varsity team, cheerleaders, song leaders and even the JSerra mascot headed out to Penske RSM to film the PSA with the donated 2012 Scion tC, where they were welcomed by Beeman and Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Tony Beall.

It was, the Lions said, a roaring good time. CD

It got very interesting in the fourth quarter. San Juan Hills opened the quarter with baskets by Abby Conklin, Olivia Vega, Jordan Hall cutting the lead to 50-42 with 2:40 to play. Aliso then outscored San Juan 4 to 2 the rest of the way for the victory.

Chloe Sharabba led the Wolverines with 23 points. Abby Conklin tied her season high with 21 points for San Juan on 10 for 16 shooting. Guard Olivia Vega had her first double-double for San Juan with 12 points and 10 rebounds. CD —Greg Spear

Courtesy photo

Page 18

www.thecapistranodispatch.com