The Capistrano Dispatch

YO UR BEST SOURCE F OR LOC A L N EWS, EV EN TS , S P O R TS A N D M O R E

M AY 1 1 –24 , 2 0 1 2 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9

Sound Off: Residents, JSerra and Swimmers at Odds Local swim program risks relocation while residents live with constant noise E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 5

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

A member of the Capomasters swim program rests on the edge of the pool deck at JSerra Catholic High School on Wednesday, May 9. Photo by Brian Park

Top 5: Developer Fees, Mission Swallows and More

Blake: Older Singles Reject the Term ‘Shaking Up’

St. Margaret’s Baseball Overcomes Injuries to Play in Championship

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SJC LIVING/PAGE 22

SPORTS/PAGE 26

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EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE The chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission insisted this week that no restart date for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has yet been set, calling news reports to the contrary “clearly premature.” “Despite some erroneous reports in the media, there is no NRC timetable for restart of the San Onofre nuclear reactors, which have been shut down over safety issues affecting the steam generators,” said commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko in a statement. He said power plant owner Southern California Edison had not sent its required written response. Both reactors at the power plant have been offline since January.

Tubes in the relatively new steam generators have shown early wear, and investigators have worked to determine the cause and propose a solution. As of this week, 1,317 tubes in both steam generators have been plugged.

DANA POINT

NEWS

NEXT DOOR WH AT ’S GO I N G O N I N OU R NE IG H B O R I N G TOW N S

City Council approved construction of a sculpture and renaming of a park overlook in honor of the city’s late historian Doris Walker-Smith.

Walker-Smith, 78, and husband Jack Pierson Smith died after their house caught fire in October. A design by artist Christopher Pecharka was chosen for the monument that will be placed in Heritage Park. The bronze sculpture of a pop-up book will include quotes from the many tomes written by Walker-Smith (Doris I. Walker) about area history and should be completed by her August 18 birthday. The Harbor overlook area at the park known as Compass Point—for the compass rose design imbedded in concrete—will be renamed “The Doris Walker Overlook.” Funding for the project of up to $40,000 will come from the city’s Art in Public Places Reserve Account which has a current balance of $167,548.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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…the In-Lieu Fee?

THE LATEST: The City Council approved a 10 percent reduction in developer fees, including one that helps San Juan meet statemandated affordable housing numbers.

Residential developers had previously been required to designate 10 percent of all units in new developments as affordable housing, or they had the option of paying an “in-lieu” fee. But after the fee was increased in 2009, developers complained that San Juan was one of the most expensive cities to build homes in the state and paid an average of $10,400, according to the staff report.

The city is vulnerable to potential litigation and ineligibility for state grants if it does not provide enough low-income housing, in accordance with a 2007 state law, according to City Attorney Omar Sandoval. The in-lieu fee helped the city reach those numbers.

Some councilmembers, at their Tuesday, May 1 meeting, said they were reluctant to the idea of zoning for lowincome housing, saying that high-density developments could adversely affect the city’s character.

WHAT’S NEXT: The housing committee will seek an alternative solution that will help the city meet its requirements while still encouraging developers to build.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org for more updates. —Brian Park

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…the Swallows?

THE LATEST: Mission San Juan Capistrano has been conducting an audio test that aims to bring the famous cliff swallows back to nest at the historic site.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2012

Wednesday, May 9 was a milestone day for the project when one was observed nearby, according to Mission spokeswoman Christina Haakenson. A speaker fixed near the statute of Father Junípero Serra has been playing an audio recording of male swallow courtship calls since April 12, in an attempt to attract foraging swallows to nest.

The Mission has consulted with ornithologists, Professor Charles Brown from Tulsa University and his colleague Professor Walter Piper from Chapman University, for the project, according to Mission spokeswoman Christina Haakenson. Piper observed the single swallow swoop down and direct its attention towards the vocalization.

Although their numbers have dwindled since the 1980s, the swallows are still foraging nearly 100 feet above San Juan, Haakenson said. The experiment is targeting a large colony of swallows near Los Rios Streets, between Via Barcelona and Mission Street, according to a map provided by the Mission.

tion system, including an attached water source, thus allowing Rancho Mission Viejo to begin planting 218 Valencia Orange trees on the approximately 1.2 acres adjacent to Ortega Highway. Allied Sprinkler Co., Inc. completed the installation for $123,000, according to a city staff report.

The initial plan called for the system to be installed by March—with park benches—and the trees to be planted in April. Other proposed amenities include a multi-use park, a corporate picnic area and an equestrian staging area.

The total useable area of Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park is 65.5 acres.

WHAT’S NEXT: The experiment will end Memorial Day weekend. Swallows only take three to seven days to build nests, according to Haakenson. The Mission is still optimistic it will happen.

THE LATEST: The City Council has designated several properties as potential sites for homeless shelters and other transitional-housing facilities.

There are 27 sites in San Juan that have been zoned “public and institutional,” according to documents provided by the Housing Advisory Committee. So far, these are the only sites where the specialized housing can be established with minimal review.

Among the potential sites are eight schools and Mission San Juan Capistrano, a reservoir owned by the Capistrano Valley Water District and a single-family residence on Spotted Bull Lane. Three sites are currently vacant, including the former home of the Cook Historic Barn.

FIND OUT MORE: More info at www.missionsjc.com/preservation/swallowsstory. php. —BP

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…Lemon Grove?

THE LATEST: The installation of an irrigation system at the East Open Space Lemon Grove is complete, marking the first step toward public access for San Juan residents.

The City Council approved the irriga-

WHAT’S NEXT: The development and construction of a trail plan is scheduled for the summer, pending the council’s approval.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org for more updates. —BP

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...Homeless Shelters?

WHAT’S NEXT: There is a 30-day period before the ordinance is enacted. Property owners would still have to obtain a business license.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org for more updates. —BP

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...the La Pata Extension?

THE LATEST: The La Pata Gap Closure Project is about $9 million short of its necessary construction funding, but steps are already being taken to account for the shortfall.

The county will be seeking additional funds from the California Transportation Commission and the Corridor Mobility Improvement Account and through Measure M2, a countywide transportation tax, said project manager Harry Persaud in a presentation to the San Juan City Council on Tuesday, May 1.

Overall cost for the project is $80 million—$15 million of which has already been spent on the planning and design process. According to Persaud, the goal is to begin construction by next spring or as early as the end of the year.

The proposed construction will extend an existing 1.8-mile portion of La Pata Avenue, south of Ortega Highway, roughly two miles to Calle Saluda in San Clemente.

“I think this will be a big improvement to our transportation in and around town,” said Mayor Larry Kramer.

WHAT’S NEXT: Five regulatory permits are still required before construction can begin.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit http://www. ocpublicworks.com/pcpw/projects/lapata. aspx. —BP www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Sound Off: Residents, JSerra and Swimmers at Odds Popular local swim program risks removal, but residents still live with constant noise pets. Maize has taken photographs and videos documenting the disturbances, but it took her five years of complaining before the school took any action.

Péo says he supports the use of the athletic facilities by the students, but the overuse of the pool and field by other groups is his primary concern.

“There’s no downtime for us,” said Péo. “Why should we have to be awakened in the morning? We deserve some breaks.”

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

D

aylight is barely an hour old by the time Belinda “Bee” Eschenwald begins swim practice at the JSerra High School pool. As the head coach of Capomasters, a local masters swimming club, she’d like nothing more than to holler encouraging words to the 10 to 15 swimmers that make it out to her early-morning workouts every weekday.

But directly southeast of the pool, across the school’s practice putting green and over a beige concrete fence, many of the residents of Casitas Capistrano are still asleep or have just started their day.

Out of respect for the residents, Eschenwald, with her feet flush with the pool’s edge, bends down from her waist to whisper her instructions to her pupils.

“Sometimes they can’t even hear what I say,” said Eschenwald, who is quick to even quiet her swimmers. “If anybody raises their voice, even if they just bring it up a little notch, I’m shushing them.”

Since JSerra opened its $40 million athletic campus in 2006, Casitas residents say they have faced an almost daily and nightly barrage of sound from the pool and adjacent fields.

Jeff Péo, a board member of Casitas’ homeowners association, has fought with the school for nearly six years to lessen the noise and to restore some semblance of the tranquility he fell in love with when he first moved into his home nearly eight years ago.

“We had a beautiful view of the hills before they put up that wall,” said Péo.

“It’s supposed to be a noise barrier, but it’s got holes in it. It doesn’t abate noise at all. If you walk out next to it, it’s like you’re in prison.”

The plight of Casitas’ residents—of having to live with the cacophony of weekend swim meets and boisterous baseball and soccer games—has never been fully or seriously addressed, according to Péo. But in recent months, JSerra board members and athletic staff have relented to their neighbors, and the first potential victims might be Eschenwald and Capomasters’ 50-plus swimmers.

“I started with seven swimmers in 2007,” Eschenwald said. “It’s grown so much since then and it’s become an incredible little program.”

A PLEA FOR SWIMMING

JSerra approached the program about The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2012

NO MIDDLE GROUND

Capomasters swimmers begin another set of exercises at the JSerra High School pool on Wednesday, May 9.

Photo by Brian Park

a month ago, according to Eschenwald, and asked if they would consider moving to another location, after Casitas residents complained the noise from Capomasters’ 6 a.m. practices disturbed their mornings.

The suggestion prompted Eschenwald and several swimmers to each give their testimony in defense of the program to the San Juan City Council May 1.

The club’s elderly swimmers highlighted the health benefits swimming provided.

Jose Busch said his asthma made running and cycling difficult, but swimming helped control his breathing. And when Joel Rosentswieg, 81, started the program, he needed to rest after swimming just 50 yards, but in July, he and seven other Capomasters swimmers will participate in the Sharkfest swim event—a 1-and-a-half mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the San Francisco pier.

Capomasters is also an opportunity to make new connections, according to many members.

Fred Arnaud and Elizabeth Carter are soon to be married and met through Capomasters. Arnaud, who moved from France four years ago, said the program helped him socialize, but additionally kept his spirits up while battling cancer and dealing with a loved one’s death.

“I think without swimming I would be in a much worse situation mentally,” Arnaud said. “It allowed me to be in a great community of friends, and more than friendship, I met my other half.”

Working parents added that the program’s proximity to Interstate 5 helped them manage their schedules, and the

new pool at San Juan Hills High isn’t a practical choice, according to Eschenwald, because it is too small to accommodate them and its central location presents a potential student safety issue.

FROM JUST OVER THE WALL

Casitas homes on Calle Chueca are bound to the east by the I-5, but the constant drone of traffic is something the residents are used to—like white noise. Light, sound and activities from the JSerra athletic complex, however, is within some measure of control.

“It’s not that it’s super loud, it is just that it’s all the time. It’s non-stop,” said John Upp, who moved into the neighborhood last March with his wife. “The weekends are really bad, and they go until 8 to 8:30 at night.”

Péo has been the most outspoken Casitas resident. Over the past six years, he estimates that he has met with the school at least 40 times, in addition to walking over every once in a while to request events turn down their music and public address system.

The school has made a few concessions, according to Péo. Most recently, JSerra has hired engineers to conduct an acoustical study of the athletic facilities. The plan is to present the results at a meeting in June.

But JSerra’s attitude has also been one of quiet dismissiveness, according to Karina Maize, another Casitas resident. “They’ve just given us lip service this whole time.”

Maize’s home is not as close to the pool as others, but in the past, stray soccer and lacrosse balls from the field have toppled furniture and struck her

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Capomasters is just one of several non-school affiliated athletic clubs that use JSerra’s athletic complex. Per the school’s joint use agreement with the city, JSerra’s field and pool is available for public rentals during non-academic hours for an hourly rate.

Rental fees primarily go towards maintenance costs, and JSerra insists they do not turn a profit.

“Truth be told, we’re not maximizing what we could with the joint use agreement,” said JSerra Athletic Director Dave Lawn. “It’s more or less like putting money out of one pocket and putting it in the other.”

JSerra would prefer to keep Capomasters at the school—the program has supported the school’s aquatics teams and even contributed to the painting of lane markers at the bottom of the pool.

“They’ve been here since the school was built, and we’re very happy with them being renters here,” said Aquatics Director Julie Ertel.

The city manager’s office has also gotten more involved in the past several months, acting as a mediator between the school, Casitas residents and Capomasters.

All three parties have never met at the same time, however, so the city has set up a meeting for Monday, May 14.

“It will be interesting,” Péo said. “We haven’t been granted our rights in five or six years, so I’m not going to be willing to negotiate very much.”

Eschenwald hopes that a face-to-face meeting with Péo and Casitas residents will lead to some common ground. She sympathizes with their situation, but should her rental agreement pass without renewal, she does not know what will become of Capomasters and her family of swimmers.

“I’m not sure exactly what more we can do for the residents,” Eschenwald said. “I don’t want to lose what we’ve built here, and I don’t want to break apart this great little community. This program is my soul.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE 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, May 7 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (4:38 a.m.)

A red sedan was seen driving around a park slowly. The caller thought that the man driving the car might be casing houses.

Sunday, May 6 BATTERY REPORT Camino Del Avion/Del Obispo Street (6:37 p.m.) A Spanish-speaking referee was being assaulted on the field at the sports park off Del Obispo and Del Avion. The attackers left before deputies could respond.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Alipaz Street/Del Obispo (3:17 p.m.)

Two pit bulls were seen running on Alipaz towards Del Obispo. Animal control responded to the call.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Capistrano/Del Obispo Street (2:58 p.m.) A man dressed in green carrying a backpack was spitting on people as he was walking down the street. The man was walking down Camino Capistrano and deputies eventually confronted him in front of El Adobe.

p.m.) A caller told deputies about six male teenagers who “looked like they were up to no good.”

The owner of the Accord could not get a description of the car that did the damage because they immediately fled the scene.

CITIZEN ASSIST Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (7:46 p.m.) A purse was found right outside the entrance to the San Juan Costco.

Friday, May 4 SUSPICOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Paseo Del Amor/Calle La Fuente (11:54 p.m.) A grey Jeep with an unknown number of people inside was sitting at the intersection. The caller thought that those in the car were smoking drugs.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Capistrano, 30300 Block (12:36 a.m.) A woman wearing a grey hoodie was banging on the door of the Silverado Senior Living facility.

Thursday, May 3 ILLEGAL PEDDLING Via Buena Vista, 28700 Block (6:18 p.m.) A man wearing a suit was going door-to-door trying to sell things. The caller did not give a description of what he was trying to sell.

Tuesday, May 1 DISTURBANCE Paseo Carolina, 32000 Block (6:19 p.m.)

Four men were drinking beers outside.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Junipero Serra Road/Rancho Viejo Road (4:46 p.m.) A black sedan was blocking the left turn lane, causing traffic to slow.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Paseo Sagrado, 31900 Block (11:20 a.m.) A man was seen walking though gates and into backyards. The man was driving a small black sedan heading towards La Mancha Park.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Via Parra/Paseo Barona (7:51 a.m.)

A caller alerted deputies after she saw a woman going through her trash cans out front.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Sonoma Way/Village Road (5:04 a.m.)

A caller alerted deputies to a man sitting in his car with the engine on and lights running that was right outside of her house. The caller thought that the man might have passed out behind the wheel.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida de la Vista, 31500 Block (6:55 p.m.) A caller requested deputies to come to his house after he saw five teenagers with bicycles loitering on the side of his house.

Saturday, May 5

HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR REPORT Del Obispo/Camino Capistrano (5:02 p.m.) A white Honda Accord was struck while in the parking lot of Panera Bread.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2012

Sunday, April 29 DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 31800 Block (5:46 p.m.) Deputies were alerted to a drunken male being disruptive in a nearby bar.

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Camino Capistrano, 29200 Block (8:03 a.m.) Multiple cars were parked illegally out in front of Rancho Capistrano Christian School. The cars, which were parked in marked “No Parking” zones, were blocking the entrances and exits.

BURGLARY-ALARM AUDIBLE Del Obispo Street, 31900 Block (12:44 a.m.) A caller saw two people standing near the back of a Bank of America.

Some of the lights were still on in the business so the caller was not sure if the people were a cleaning crew or not.

Thursday, April 26

Saturday, April 28 SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Oso Road/Avenida De La Vista (11:42 p.m.) Two men were seen hanging out near the horse stables.

HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR Rancho Viejo Road, 31700 Block (6:37 p.m.) A hit-and-run collision occurred in front of Bravo Burger

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Paseo Carolina/Paseo Pamela (10:42 p.m.) A caller requested deputies respond to a loud band that was playing at a party nearby.

ABANDONED VEHICLE Camino Las Ramblas/Pacifica Del Mar (8:50 a.m.) A gold Ford Ranger was parked in an unknown parking lot for one week before a caller alerted deputies.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Old San Juan Road/Alipaz Street (3:03 p.m.) Five skateboarders were riding down the hill on Old San Juan Road, causing drivers to slow.

RECKLESS DRIVING Camino Del Avion/Alipaz (11:09 p.m.)

A truck was swerving around the lanes of Camino Del Avion, being aggressive.

BURGLARY REPORT Del Obispo Street, 32000 Block (5:59 p.m.) Capistrano Valley Christian School alerted deputies to a burglary.

Monday, April 30

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Camino Santo Domingo, 28000 Block (8:42 a.m.) A caller alerted deputies to a white Dodge Ram truck that had been parked outside for more than a month.

DISTURBANCE Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (7:50 p.m.)

A man and a woman, both sporting dreadlocks, were becoming increasingly confrontational with a caller when he was standing outside of Sarducci’s restaurant. The man and woman, who had a small dog with them, got on a train and left before deputies could respond.

Friday, April 27

GRAND THEFT REPORT Avenida de la Vista, 31400 Block (12:03 p.m.) A woman’s main barn was broken into and her saddle was reported missing.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Alipaz Street/Camino Del Avion (8:37

PATROL CHECK 5-Freeway/Junipero Serra Road (11:03 a.m.) A large semi-truck almost lost control and drove off the road while heading southbound down the Interstate-5. Apparently, the driver was having engine issues that caused the front end of the truck to shake violently. A deputy responded to the scene.

Paseo Adelanto/Del Obispo Street (3:57 p.m.) A man was walking his dog down the street without a leash. The caller stated that the dog has been a “nuisance” lately.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Camino Capistrano/5-Freeway (4:03 p.m.) The signal at the corner of Camino Capistrano right before the 5-Freeway was not cycling properly. The lights, which would erratically switch, caused traffic to go down to one lane.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONS

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Wednesday, April 25 STOLEN VEHICLE Calle Resplendor, 30700 Block (10:33 p.m.) A woman reported that her white Toyota 4 Runner was taken by her boyfriend some time between 10 a.m. and noon.

DISTURBANCE Junipero Serra Road, 26500 Block (9:57 p.m.) A call was received about a disturbance at the Shell Station.

RECKLESS DRIVING Camino Capistrano/Stonehill Drive (9:25 p.m.) A caller driving northbound phoned deputies about a reckless driver heading southbound in a silver Suburban with unknown plates.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle Chueca/Calle Resplendor (7:23 p.m.) Deputies were called to check on a lowered black Honda Civic with three people inside. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Stacie N. Galang

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

Autism Center Hosts Free Workshop in San Juan The Center for Autism and Related Disorders will host an Autism Insurance Funding Workshop Saturday, May 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for parents and caregivers to learn the changes that will take effect on July 1. The informational seminar will be held at the center’s San Juan Capistrano office at 27127 Calle Arroyo, Suite 1921. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP is to Stacey Price at s.price@centerforautism.com.

Beach Ball Set for May 18 The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley will host its 18th annual gala, The Beach Ball, Friday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The evening includes a hosted cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, live music and silent and live auctions. The live auction features a 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am convertible and a two-night stay and dinner for two at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

The raffle includes a Costa Rica luxury vacation. The cost is $300 per person. For more information, contact James Littlejohn at 949.240.7898 ext. *12 or james@ bgccapo.com.

Friends of the Library Seeks Nominees for Board The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library issued a formal call for nominations for members-at-large to its board of directors. The nonprofit is dedicated to the support of the San Juan Capistrano Library. Nominations are open to the public although nominees must join the organization first. Fees are $10 per year and are due June 1. Nominations close at noon on May 14. Those interested should send a short biography of the nominee.

Members-at-large and officers for the 2012 fiscal year will be duly elected for one-year terms at its annual meeting June 16. Regular board meetings are held on the second Monday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone interested in serving a one-year term, may call Dixie Bullock at 949.257.8699. For more information about the organization or to make a donation, visit www.sjcfol.org.

‘Chicago’ Starts May 25 The Camino Real Playhouse presents Chicago directed by James Oliver. The The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2012

show opens Friday, May 25 with a cast of 23 and wraps up Sunday, June 10. This six-time Tony winning musical is set in the roaring ‘20s, where chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Tickets range from $24 to $50, depending on the show time.

The show’s gala event will be Saturday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. and includes a buffet dinner catered by L’Hirondelle Restaurant.

Gala tickets cost between $40 and $50.

Tickets may be purchased at www.CaminoRealPlayhouse.org or at the box office at 949.489.8082.

Golf Tourney Benefits Coastal Mountain Youth Academy The fifth annual Caddyshack Golf Tournament benefiting the Coastal Mountain Youth Academy will be Friday, June 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the San Juan Hills Golf Club at 32120 San Juan Creek Road. The tournament includes a day of golf, raffles and dinner.

The cost is $150 per golfer or $550 for a foursome. Sponsorship opportunities are available. The tournament benefits the Coastal Mountain Youth Academy scholarship fund. For sponsorship opportunities, contact kwhite@cmya.org or 949.498.7042.

Girl Scout Honored for Gold Award

Walt Stevens, Laurie Jacobs and Frankie Pray will perform at the Camino Real Playhouse Saturday, May 19.

Courtesy photo

and curriculum at The Ecology Center called the Shelter Lab. Under the guidance of project adviser Evan Marks, the Girl Scout logged 108 hours. She researched the traditions and habits of Native Americans and worked to reproduce those relationships to native plants and their provisions of the basic need of shelter. In the process, Lanigan planted useful native plants, built a debris hut, a fire pit, a solar still and an observation bench as parts of the Shelter Lab.

Garden Tour Helps Nonprofit The Ark of San Juan will host its fourth annual garden tour Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Paws in the Garden Tour features four gardens, including a cottage garden, two expansive estate gardens and for the first time on tour, a garden started just two years ago that now boasts over 250 rose bushes. The tour also features a plant sale, door prize and raffle. All funds raised at the tour will be used for medical care, food and boarding for pets rescued by the volunteer-run nonprofit. To date, The Ark of San Juan has rescued over 270 animals. Tickets are $20 each and may be ordered online at www.arkofsanjuan.org.

Equestrian Center Hosts Clothing Drive Fundraiser Mayor Larry Kramer recognizes Bridget Lanigan with Evan Marks, director of The Ecology Center, at the April 17 City Council meeting. Courtesy photo

Bridget Lanigan earned the highest honor in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award, and was honored by the City Council Tuesday, April 17. Lanigan has been an active member of Girl Scout Troop 379 from the first- through 11th-grades. She completed her Gold Award work October 23, and the Girl Scouts Council of Orange County approved her Gold Award on December 7. Lanigan’s Gold Award project was to design and develop an educational space

The Ortega Equestrian Center’s used clothing fundraiser will start Saturday, June 9 at 9 a.m. at 27252 Calle Arroyo with a drop-off site inside the front lawn.

The center is collecting unwanted, gently used clothes, toys, baby equipment, shoes, linens and stuffed animals. Donors should place their items in a well-tied, plastic garbage bag. Shoes should be packaged separately. No furniture, appliances, outdoor toys, books, tapes or CDs will be accepted. For more information, contact Kathy Holman at 949.370.0926 or email oecboss@aol.com.

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‘Students of Stand-up’ Comes to San Juan May 19 Three comedy students spent six weeks learning basic joke-writing skills, stage technique and how to handle stage fright and hecklers. The trio of Laurie Jacobs, Frankie Pray and Walt Stevens will graduate with their performance Saturday, May 19 at 8 p.m. at the Camino Real Playhouse. The beginning comedy class was taught by veteran stand-up comedian and longtime Orange County resident Tom Riehl. The performers get to show their friends, family and the world just how funny they’ve become at their Students of Stand-up Comedy Graduation Showcase.

Admission is $10. For more information, visit www.studentsofstandup.com.

Dancers Take Home Top Awards at Competition Capistrano Academy of Dance won the “Shining Star” annual Outstanding Studio Award at Tremaine National Dance Convention and Competition in Los Angeles, beating out studios from across the country and Mexico. All 13 dance teams from Capistrano Dance placed in the top three of their divisions, winning against the best teams. The San Juan teams competed in hip hop, tap, jazz, ballet and acro-jazz genres. Dancer Mackenzie Minnich, 16, received the “Studio Dancer of the Year” award. For more information, visit www.capistranodance.com or call 949.429.2662.

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Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

Forward a picture along, too!

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

HOW TO REACH US CITY REPORTER STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 10, Issue 9. 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.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO > Norb Garrett

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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 Senior Editor, City Editor, SC Times > Stacie N. Galang City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne Sports & News Reporter > Steve Breazeale City Reporter > Brian Park

ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

Finance Director > Mike Reed

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting Manager > Tricia Zines

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Sales Associates > Angela Edwards

Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak

GUEST OPINION: Reed Royalty, San Juan Capistrano Resident

It’s Time to Power Up with Electrical Upgrades Proposed substation plans should be done right for San Juan

W

hen I learned about San Diego Gas & Electric’s plans to upgrade its substation that has been operating in San Juan Capistrano virtually unchanged for 50 years, I thought, “Great. It’s about time. Everyone will support the company’s upgrading its equipment to provide continued reliable electric service to the community.”

I should have known better. A 6-yearold can’t open a lemonade stand without arousing community opposition these days. Yes, there is well-intentioned opposition, but we can work together to make the project aesthetically good for San Juan Capistrano.

The electrical upgrade project will replace one set of existing 138 kilovolt power lines with new 230 kilovolt power lines, replace some of the old wood poles with new metal ones and rebuild the substation off of Camino Capistrano that was originally built in 1918, half a century before any homes were in the

area.

Local SDG&E workers say they need to modernize the equipment because people use more power now than they did in the 1950s, and the equipment now in Reed Royalty place is outdated and has served its lifespan. Those explanations make sense to me. In the 1950s my family’s electric meter supported a coffee pot, toaster, radio and a black-and-white TV. We still have all of that, plus a computer, smart phone, entertainment center, security alarm system, garage door opener, outdoor lighting and countless other electronic and electrical devices. Some people have multiple video game systems and other gadgets that require an increasing amount of energy to operate.

We simply need more reliable power.

Citizens for Safe and Reliable Power is an organization of San Juan Capistrano

and San Clemente residents who recognize that our community needs a modernized, upgraded electrical system.

I’m proud to be a member of the group, under the leadership of my fellow San Juan Capistrano resident Stephanie Frisch, who serves as co-chair with former San Clemente Mayor Joe Anderson.

We understand that the project needs to be built in a way that fits in with our community. We also understand that it absolutely needs to be built. We look forward to working with SDG&E as well as the City Aesthetics Committee that has been appointed by our mayor. Working collaboratively in a positive way, we want to ensure this project will be the best it can be for San Juan Capistrano.

That work has already started, as SDG&E has walked neighborhoods around the substation knocking on more than 2,000 doors. Representatives from the utility company have met with nearly 1,500 local residents in more than 80 homeowners associations, service

Letters to the Community UNION HAS NOT VOTED ON CLASS-SIZE INCREASES MELISSA COX, San Juan Capistrano

I’m afraid that Terri Mostert did not have the correct facts regarding the teachers of Capistrano Unified School District when she penned her letter to the editor (The Capistrano Dispatch, May 3). She stated that the teachers union was asked to vote on raising class size, a subsequent reduction in force or make personal contributions to health care benefits and its members chose to The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2012

support class-size increases.

My husband and I are teachers in the district, and there has been no such vote for our union. We have been told that there will be a survey in the next month or so for us to take, but it has not yet happened. Also, teachers have been told by our union that we will very likely be taking a serious reduction in pay next year—probably a combination of furlough days and pay cuts. Without going into detail, these cuts could range from bad if Californians vote to increase

taxes to worse if we don’t increase taxes. This is on top of the pay cuts and furlough days instated two years ago.

I, like Ms. Mostert, am a teacher and a parent in the district, and I certainly do not want my boys growing up with enormous class sizes. However, if Californians do not vote to increase taxes— and many people will not, for these are tough times, would Ms. Mostert expect teachers to bear the likely more than 10 percent pay reduction and all of the blame if our district opts to also raise

Page 12

clubs, business groups and other organizations, and they’ve held four open houses to answer any questions about the upgrade. They even held a “charrette” or brainstorming session for the residents who live near the substation to elicit ideas about the community’s preferred architectural style for the walls of the new facility and the preferred landscaping surrounding it. More than 250 interested residents combined came out to the open houses and the charrette.

Citizens for Safe and Reliable Power is also ready to go to work. We look forward to being an active part of the public process once SDG&E submits its application to the Public Utilities Commission this month. We want the project done, of course. But just as importantly, we want it done right.

Reed Royalty is a 30-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and serves as the president of the Orange County Taxpayers Association. CD

CORRECTION: A news article on San Diego Gas & Electric’s substation (The Capistrano Dispatch, April 27) requires a correction. Mayor Larry Kramer asked why the substation could not be placed underground. class sizes? Again, my husband and I are both teachers, and we truly love our students; however, our family cannot live on passion for education alone. I am so sorry that Ms. Mostert’s family has had such bad teachers. I’m disappointed that her experience is with teachers who “have given up their love for children (Cont. on page 14) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX PUBLISHER’S NOTE: By Norb Garrett

Good News Comes in Threes T hese are exciting times at Picket Fence Media World Headquarters, as we are announcing a promotion and two new hires to the editorial staff.

First, the promotion. Stacie Galang, our city editor for San Clemente and the SC Times, has been named Senior Editor.

Since joining the SC Times last January, Stacie has proven herself to be a top-flight journalist and tireless worker, not to mention a terrific team player. In her new role, Stacie will continue to serve as city editor of San Clemente, but will now oversee our newsroom as well, helping direct editorial for all of our papers and sites. Needless to say, that’s a lot of work, so we needed to add some new players to our team, which we have done in the form of Steve Breazeale and Brian Park.

Steve is our new group sports reporter — our first fully dedicated sports reporter who will help us deepen our local sports coverage by providing daily Tweets on his Twitter account (southOCsports), posting

daily updates online and expanding our coverage of high school, youth and adult recreation sports. A UCLA graduate, Steve interned with us a few summers ago, and we were so impressed we hired him after he graduated.

Brian also joins us from UCLA, and most recently has been working as a reporter for a community newspaper group in Fullerton. Brian is our new city reporter for San Juan Capistrano but also will be doing feature writing for all three papers and websites — San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch.

Both guys — who join our editorial team with Dana Point City Editor Andrea Swayne — are well-trained in social media and will be helping us take more advantage of those resources to help share “news you can use.”

So, please join me and our staff in congratulating Stacie while welcoming both Steve and Brian to the team. CD

Steve Breazeale and Brian Park. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Letters to the Community (cont.)

(Cont. from page 12) and accepted a love of money.” I sincerely hope her children have better teachers next year. I personally do not know any teachers who fit her description.

SWALLOW SONGS A SILLY AMBITION RUSSELL BURKETT, Lake Forest and former San Juan resident

Forget the call of the wild (The Capistrano Dispatch, April 27), one of the silliest ambitions to attract elusive swallows back to the Mission. Let’s call it for what it is: Call of Chamber of Commerce.

Does any reasonable person think that playing recorded swallow songs will have any chance to re-attract the re-located birds back to the hostile environment of the “old Mission days” in San Juan Capistrano of today? By the way, where does one go to find a swallow translator, readily familiar with this problem? The chamber and the city goes to the University of Tulsa to find such a bird motivator. Hire a guy with dirty love songs, so he says, with the musical power to overwhelm the birds but not drive them away with off-comment insults. Go away, you little bugger.

I would have gone directly to Mission Viejo, a friendly city bordering on the Mission—to find hundreds of available aviary companions. When I moved

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2012

to Capistrano in 1979 I had to spray the little guys from picking my two-story Spanish colonial home on Spotted Bull Lane, the real Indian reservation for the Horno builders.

My third son was born at Mission Hospital in 1981 when the hospital tried everything to discourage the birds from picking the six-story building as swallow central. I went to the old El Toro Air Shows and what did I see at the rail track tunnel but our dear swallows building like mad. They were already in progress to dump San Juan Capistrano, forget the song, avoid the crowds and never go home to Argentina.

The real irony is that the very development and growth that the city’s boosters hope to foster with their overthe-top festivities is the primary reason there are no swallows there any more.

They normally feed in wetlands and above streams and ponds where these flying insects breed. But development wiped out nearly all the original wetlands and ponds in old San Juan Creek, so it’s now just a concrete-lined ditch with a few gravelly areas of natural stream bed. Cut off from their source of food, the cliff swallows have moved inland to less developed areas, such as the Chino Hills. They have no reason to return to San Juan Capistrano any more.

Further, let’s remember that the city song was penned by rhythm and blues

artist Leon Rene in 1940 when there wasn’t a city, just a community watering hole along the way to Mission San Diego. The Chamber of Commerce did the swallows in; the Mission earthquake re-fitting drove them away in the 1990s and nothing is going to put the toothpaste back in the tube. Forget fiberglass homes, forget the swallow aero-feeding plans, forget the swallow songs play list and forget ever returning to Swallows Day and finding that ‘dem birds’ have returned.

DOHENY STATE BEACH NEEDS YOUR VOTE ED NEELY, board of directors Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association

Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association is requesting the help of our local communities in obtaining a $10,000 grant from Odwalla Juice to plant trees in Doheny State Park.

Twenty nationwide candidates have been selected to compete for the grants. The top 10 projects as determined by national online balloting will be funded. Recently, Doheny has lost many of its Australian eucalyptus trees due to safety issues or disease.

This grant would go far in helping us replace them with California native trees such as sycamores and alders, providing habitat for birds, squirrels and other species that reside seasonally or year round at Doheny State

Page 14

Beach. Further, these trees would provide shade for our park visitors to sit in and relax, perhaps with a picnic basket, taking in the beauty of this California State Park jewel.

To participate, a voter need only visit the website: www.odwalla.com/ plantatree. Once online, the voter needs to click on vote, then find the Doheny State Beach entry on one of the two pages that shows the projects, which are randomly placed at each log-on, watch our short video and vote for us. Balloting concludes on May 31. Each voter may only vote one time.

Thank you for considering this request. I would be happy to speak or correspond with any of our friends and supporters who would like further information about the grant or the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association. Contact me at edneely@ dohenystatebeach.org.

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

GETTING OUT

YOUR TWO-WEEK EVENT PLANNER

THE LIST

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

friday

2012 ESSENTIALS FOR YOUNG LIVES DONATION DRIVE Donate items for homeless mothers and small children at the Beach Cities YMCA; donations accepted through May 11. 29831 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, 949.495.9622, www.ymcaoc.org/essentials.

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CLIVE CARROLL 7:30 p.m. Live music performance as part of the Lord of the Strings concert series at the Dana Point Community House. $25. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

HART & SOUL 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Group plays at Adele’s tonight and May 25. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

BOOK SIGNING 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Meet author Darrell Knoch, who will be signing his book “Mastering a Healthy Self-Image: The Guidebook to Real Happiness and Enormous Success” at Mathom House Books. Copies on sale for $19.95.

83 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, 949.361.1633.

saturday

BATTLE OF THE MARIACHIS 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano will host the eighth annual Battle of the Mariachis Festival in the Central Courtyard with live musical entertainment, food and more. Cost $5-$10. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

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HELLBOUND HAYRIDE 8 p.m. Concert with Graceland Mafia, Cory Voodoo, Knuckle, Space Rocket, Hard Fall, Hearts at The Coach house. Tickets $12. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

LIVE MUSIC CRUISE 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Dana Wharf brings back its popular music cruise on the 95-foot Dana Pride with a full bar and more. Special price in May for only $10 each.

34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www. danawharf.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2012

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF BLUES ON THE BEACH The term “less is more” gets thrown around a lot. And, while it may apply to many things, events, art or musical compositions, generally you won’t hear these words coming from the mouths of music festival fans—especially fans of the 15th annual Doheny Blues Festival, May 19 and 20 in Dana Point.

Three stages, an international food court, wine lounge, vendor village and a lineup of over 20 acts designed to please concert goers, from the most rabid blues fanatics to rock and roll purists, combine to earn Doheny Blues its reputation among great music festivals. There’s also a Kidz EcoFest with games, crafts and other fun interactive activities designed to keep young music fans entertained and engaged.

“Year 15 is a proud milestone for the festival, so we wanted to deliver a legendary, eclectic lineup for the Doheny fans,” says promoter Rich Sherman. “Gregg Allman rarely performs on the West Coast and Steve Miller’s influence on blues-rock music cannot be understated.

Steve Miller Band will headline the Plus, both Allman and Miller have recorded blues albums this year…so the timing is perfect.”

Doheny Blues Festival. Courtesy photo Tickets are selling fast and there will be no same day sales at the gate. Purchase tickets online at http://dohenyblues.frontgatetickets.com or by phone at 949.360.7800, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See the full lineup at www.omegaevents.com/dohenyblues. —Andrea Swayne

SECOND SATURDAY ART FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monthly art fair in downtown San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700, www.sjcartfair.org PAWS IN THE GARDEN 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Ark of San Juan’s 4th annual fundraiser with a tour of four gardens.

Proceeds help The Ark save pets. Information and tickets online. 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org.

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

BACKYARD CHICKEN BASICS 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The Ecology Center teaches you how to raise your own chickens.

Free. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949-443-4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org.

sunday

MOTHER’S DAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH BUFFET 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Special event for moms at El Adobe de Capistrano. 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1163, www.eladobedecapistrano.com.

13

tuesday

2012 STUDENT ART SHOWCASE: TOMORROWS ARTISTS TODAY 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Casa Romantica features an exhibition of works by local high school and middle school students, on display through May 31. General admission: $5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

15

THE CHOLULAS 9 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

wednesday

GARDEN TOURS 10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. explore the Mission grounds with a tour guide. Free with paid admission of $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

16

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

SUNDAY FUNDAY 2:30 p.m. Live music by Jann Browne at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

NICK MATTERA 7 p.m. Live music at Still Water.

24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Iva Lee’s hosts brunch to celebrate moms. $29.95. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

thursday

MOTHER’S DAY CRUISE 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Dana Wharf hosts a trip from Dana Point up the coastline with champagne and refreshments. $45. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AND AFTERNOON SAIL 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Ocean Institute hosts a brunch sail onboard the Spirit of Dana Point. $30-$45. A second sail departs at 2 p.m. $21.50-$38.50. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

monday

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MONDAY NIGHT LAUGHS 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Live stand-up comedy every Monday at Hennessey’s Tavern. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.

Page 17

HERMAN SILLAS: PAINTING WITH YOUR SOUL 7 p.m. Casa Romantica presents a special event featuring bicultural art as Herman Sillas explores his diverse Mexican-American heritage through his paintings. General admission $7.

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

17

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

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

(Cont. on page 19) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 17)

friday

WHALE AND DOLPHIN TOURS Capt, Dave’s Safari has daily 2.5-hour whale and dolphin watching tours on a high-tech catamaran with underwater viewing pods and more. Call for times. Cost $55 adults, $35 children, 2 and younger free.

24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

18

ERIC HUTCHINSON 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House.

Tickets $17. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

JIMI NELSON & THE DRIFTING COWBOYS 8 p.m.

Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

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

saturday

BACKYARD SKILLS: BUILD YOUR OWN VEGGIE BOX 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The Ecology Center hosts a class to build your own veggie box. Cost $20-$25.

32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949-443-4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

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CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS BURGER THROWDOWN 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. CVCS hosts the first annual Burger Throwdown competition also featuring Food Trucks to feed the masses, a bounce house and activities. 32032 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org.

TRACK AND SCAT FAMILY WALK 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Walk the trails and learn all about animal tracks and scat at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy.

Cost $5-$10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT 8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Peer through the telescopes of our volunteer astronomers at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Cost $5-$10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www. theconservancy.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.

STUDENTS OF STAND-UP COMEDY GRADUATION SHOWCASE 8 p.m. Graduating stand-up comedians entertain at Camino Real Playhouse. Admission $10.

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

CAT ADOPTION 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Pet adoption at PetSmart in the SJC Costco/Staples center. Info: 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org.

sunday

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. SJC Historical Society leads a tour to see Los Rios Historical District, O’Neill Museum, Montanez Adobe, the Mission, Rios Adobe and more.

Meet at the train depot on Verdugo Street. $2 adults, $1 children. 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

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LOCAL SUNDAY SESSIONS 6 p.m. Show at Cabrillo Playhouse featuring three local artists, Cast No Shadows, Without the Blonde, and Linda Kraemer. $5 suggested donation; beer and wine served for donation. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, laurel.zwilling@ yahoo.com, www.facebook.com/localsundaysessions TIJUANA DOGS 2:30 p.m. Sunday Funday at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

MISSION TOURS 11:15 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 2:15 p.m.; 3:45 p.m.

Special tours at Mission SJC to enhance your experience and learn the history of Mission grounds and California history. Admission $5-$9 plus $1-$2 for tour. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

SMTOWN LIVE WORLD TOUR III 6 p.m. Show at the Honda Center. Tickets start at $50. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

monday

21

COUNTRY DANCIN WITH PATRICK & FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

tuesday

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 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.

22

CURIOSITY CARTS 10 a.m.-12 p.m. A hands-on learning experience for kids 5 and older with replicas of mission artifacts at Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

GLAMEL TOE 8 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

wednesday

23

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba; 949.493.4700.

HUGH LAURIE 8 p.m. Special show at The Coach House.

Tickets $39.50. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

BILINGUAL STORYTIME 11:30 a.m. Children’s stories in Spanish and English at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

thursday

24

JEFFREY MICHAELS 7:30 p.m. Music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

DESTRUCTION 7:30 p.m. Concert at The Coach House.

Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

MISSION READERS BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP 10:30 a.m. Discuss ‘The Second Chair” at the library.

31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@thecapistranodispatch.com

AT THE MOVIES: THE AVENGERS TAKE FLIGHT

Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans in Marvel’s The Avengers. © 2011 MVLFFLLC. TM & © 2011 Marvel

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2012

There’s one business in America that can certainly stop worrying about the economy in the future: showbusiness.

With the 2012 Summer blockbuster line-up already beginning this May, movie studios are surely to make bank with what is coming soon: Prometheus, Snow White & the Huntsman, Brave, The Amazing Spider-man, and The Dark Knight Rises to name a few. The first of the greatly anticipated adventure films, is Paramount and Marvel’s The Avengers. For the last four years we’ve seen Iron Man (2008), Thor (2011) and Captain America (2011) get their own motion picture, and now Marvel has produced an extravaganza with all of them teaming up to save the world.

When it’s discovered planet Earth is going to be under attack by Thor’s brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and an army of demons, peace agency SHIELD calls forth the gang of heroes called the Avengers to put a stop to it. They are Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlett JohansPage 19

son), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Captain America (Chris Evans), and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).

From different backgrounds and with strengths, they must learn to work as a team to take down evil. On the sidelines, Agents Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg), Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), Professor Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) and Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) keep things in order.

“Buffy” and “Firefly” creator Joss Whedon penned the screenplay and was the man behind the camera this time around and keeps his trademark wit and personal conflict mixed with drama. All of the all-star actors and characters come across genuine and have chemistry with each other.

Yes, there are six protagonists and 70 percent of the two hour and 20 minute film is action scenes, but The Avengers has fun with itself, has comic relief and never gets boring. And isn’t that we love about summer movies? CD — Megan Bianco www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Friday 5.11

Wednesday 5.16

Thursday 5.24

Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues hosted by Jonathan Volzke. All are welcome. El Adobe Restaurant, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Occurs every Friday.

Oversight Board to the Successor Agency Meeting 3 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

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

Tuesday 5.15

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

Special Joint Meeting Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Commission and Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Commission, 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

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

Tuesday 5.22

Friday 5.25

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

Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes.

Monday 5.21

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50: Tom Blake

Older Singles who Live Together Reject the Term ‘Shacking Up’ Column readers offer input on ways to describe their relationships

A

couple of weeks ago, a reporter named Allison Linn at MSNBC. com interviewed me about the increasing number of singles over age 50 who live together without being married. We had a pleasant conversation; Allison is a sweet woman.

Two days later, Allison’s article was published online with this title: “More older couples shacking up, skipping marriage.”

The first paragraph read: “Shacking up. It’s not just for the kids anymore.”

“Shacking up?” The term surprised me; I hadn’t used it in the interview with Allison. She must have decided the term, which was used by Fleetwood Mac in the January 1977 song, “Go Your Own Way,” would get readers’ attention.

It did. Allison emailed later, “That story got hundreds of thousands of page views.”

My partner Greta was shocked when the link to Allison’s article appeared on her Facebook page. Greta immediately posted: I prefer the term “committed-life relationship.”

ON LIFE AND Every Friday I send LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake by email a free “Love after 50” newsletter to several hundred subscribers. I told them about Allison’s article and posed the question, “Are we the shack-up generation?” In the newsletter, I mentioned Greta’s preferred term.

Oh boy, did I get an earful. More than 90 percent of the responses found the term “shacking up” offensive and unacceptable.

Jeanne emailed, “Shacking up may be cool to say, but it takes away from the

sanctity of the decision…Choosing to live together is a big deal and should be described and treated as such…”

Brenda said, “I think the term is pretty tacky. It seems disrespectful to me and the committed relationship you have.”

Even Jon, from Washington state, took offense, “The term, which connotes convenient sex, is a bit crass and shallow…”

Donna said, “The title is very offensive, insulting even, and judgmental.”

Kathy added, “There’s a huge difference between shacking up with someone and the thoughtful decision to live together to realize one’s dreams, be economically smart and sound with one’s expectations and standards, and be considerate and informed about each other’s life goals and how one can help his/her partner achieve these goals.”

Betty and Charli both preferred Greta’s term: committed-life relationship.

So, no more “shacking up” description for older singles who live together without being married at least not in this column. We may have thought the description was cool when Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks belted it out in the 1970s, but not now that we are in our 50s, 60s and 70s.

Henceforth, singles living together will be in a committed-life relationship.

After all, we are a dignified group.

To sign up for Tom’s free email newsletter, visit www.FindingLoveAfter50. com. To read Allison’s article: http:// bit.ly/IfmJkY. Tom Blake is a San Clemente resident and Dana Point business owner who has authored three books on middle-aged dating. For dating information: www.

FindingLoveAfter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. CD

MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO TO HOST BATTLE OF THE MARIACHIS

M

ission San Juan Capistrano will host the eighth annual Battle of the Mariachis Festival on Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the scenic Central Courtyard. There will be live musical entertainment and great food as Mariachi performers compete for cash prizes before a panel of judges.

The activities will get started after a historic ringing of the Mission bells at 10:30 a.m.

After listening to the first Mariachi groups in the morning time slots make sure to jump over to the soldiers’ barracks at 12:15 p.m. to see the Bilingual Marionette Show, presented by Franklin Haynes The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2012

Marionettes.

Vocalist Genesis Codina will serenade the crowd with her singing talents at 12:35 p.m. Codina will be followed by the Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano.

All the Mariachi groups will come together at the Central Courtyard Stage at 3:45 p.m. to do a rendition of La Negra.

The performing of La Negra will set up the final awards ceremony to take place at 3:50 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 60 and older and $5 for children ages 4 to 11. Admission is free for Mission Preservation Society Members as well as for current volunteers with identification.

Courtesy photo

Children under 3 are admitted free as well.

Reserved tables are available upon request and cost $300 for a party of 10. If

Page 22

you would like to reserve a table please call 949.234.1321 or email crobinson@ missionsjc.com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively Friess Electric 949.248.4222 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 102

ACCOUNTING/TAX San Juan Financial, LLC 949.496.1151 31726 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. 115, will@sjfllc.com

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS Excel Electric - CA #793860 949.493.7769 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com

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

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

MORTGAGE Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

EXPERIENCE THE MISSION

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.697.9454

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

Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB Exciting New Audio Tour 949.234.1300 San Juan Photo & Digital 949.661.5668 949.373.8963 26801 Ortega Highway, www.missionsjc.com 32301 Camino Capistrano, www.sjcphotodigital.com

INSURANCE

Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICES

949.697.9454

PLUMBING

COINS

PRINTING

LANDSCAPING 949.350.4692

Vermeulen’s Landscaping Inc. bvland@cox.net

ELECTRICIANS

949.388.4888 949.661.0967 Printing OC 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

MOLD REMOVAL

Excel Electric 949.493.7769 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com

Jarvis Restoration 949.362.5388 Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. 33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B 31942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

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

SLAB LEAK REPAIR

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 www.atozleakdetection.com Lightning Technology, Inc. 949.488.0029 JEWELER Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 32963 Calle Perfecto, www.lightningtechnology.com Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 949.493.3632 www.chicks-plumbing.com COMPUTER SERVICES 949.246.3589 32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, www.abbysdesigns.com Pronto Plumbing (El Plomero) 31878 Del Obispo Ste. 118-227, San Clemente Computer & Network Services www.prontodrain.com daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 KITCHEN DESIGN 949.493.2426 Tired of Waiting I.T. Services 949.922.7727 Kitchen & Bath Designs 949.661.4080 SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com j.ehle@cox.net 27231 Ortega Hwy., Unit B GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo.

949.212.0499

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

WATER DAMAGE Jarvis Restoration 949.362.5388 31942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

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

949.215.2323

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

949.705.7344

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.

CLASSIFIEDS

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT WWW.THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

BEAUTIFUL WEDDING GOWN! Size eight strapless beaded and seeded with a dark red sash…In box. Bought in Newport. Paid $3,500.00-. Sell price $500.00 OBO! Call 949-235-1238 or 949-587-1231

PERSONAL ASSISTANT NEEDED URGENTLY FOR: shipping, organizing, graphic design, quick books, and any other misc,also to run some errand msg. job requests.you will be paid $580/wk. send your resume to;leverance007@aol.com

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

STALLIONS DEFEAT BECKMAN IN PLAYOFFS The San Juan Hills boys volleyball team won their first round matchup in the CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoffs, defeating Beckman in four sets.

The Stallions lost the first set, 24-26, but came storming back winning the next three: 25-16, 25-22, 25-20. San Juan Hills will now play in the second round against West Ranch, a team from Stephenson Ranch, Calif. If the Stallions can pull off a victory, they will play Laguna Beach at home May 12 at 7 p.m. Sophomore setter Logan Zotovich had 31 assists, senior middle blocker Wylie Simpson had 12 kills and senior defensive specialist Matt Kroe had 12 digs in the contest against Beckman. Last year, the team finished with a 1-6 Courtesy Photo record in the Sea View League, good enough for a share of last place. But the arrival of first year coach Justin Deblasio seems to have turned the Stallions around. This year, San Juan Hills ended up with a 19-11 overall record and went 5-3 in league, finishing in second place. The Stallions would have had to be perfect to catch up with Capistrano Valley, who won league by posting an 8-0 record. The Stallions had two different stretches throughout the season where they won six consecutive games. The more recent and important stretch of wins came late in the season and secured the Stallions their solo second-place finish. Editor’s Note: Results for Thursday’s game were not available at press time. Please check www.thecapistranodispatch.com for results.

Tartans Baseball Overcomes Injuries, Plays for Title

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he St. Margaret’s baseball team has overcome a mess of injuries, compiled an impressive winning record and put themselves into a position that the team has not been in for more than 10 years.

The Tartans (14-7, 11-3 league) played Thursday against Oxford Academy in a do-or-die game that would decide the Academy League Champion.

St. Margaret’s hasn’t won a baseball league title since 2001, six years before head coach Mel Taylor got the job as skipper.

When Taylor arrived the lacrosse craze was sweeping southern Orange County.

“Lacrosse was just coming on, and it was taking away a lot of players who would normally play baseball,” Taylor said. “But now the newness of lacrosse is going away and some players are returning.”

Until this year, the team had been stuck in limbo, hovering between third- and fourth-place with a handful of CIF playoff appearances sprinkled in between. But this year, they have made a powerful surge toward the top, using the team motto “Get Better Every Day” as their personal battle cry. “(The motto) is the philosophy we build on,” Taylor said. “This year the kids have really bought into it.”

The Tartans run for a league title seemed improbable at the start of the season. In a matter of weeks four of their scheduled opening day starters were sidelined by injuries.

The most troublesome spot was at the catcher position.

Senior starter Matt Miyamoto, a first-team All-League backstop in 2011, The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2012

St. Margaret’s junior pitcher Harrison White has been an anchor for the Tartan’s rotation. He pitched a two hit, complete game shut-out against Crean Lutheran April 5. Photo by Jennifer Klein. Courtesy Photo

hurt himself playing soccer so Taylor looked to his backup, junior Max Carr, to fill the void. But just as quick as the position was filled a broken thumb and four torn ligaments sidelined Carr and Taylor had to go to his backup’s, backup. The only problem was there was no third option.

Taylor asked sophomore Carter Jahn, who had basically no previous catching experience, to step in.

“Losing (Miyamoto) was tough

and then to lose our backup was even tougher…we were scrambling.” Taylor said.

According to Taylor, Jahn filled in just fine and kept the Tartans afloat until the team got healthy.

It wasn’t until a two-game series against Crean Lutheran, which started April 3, that the Tartans were back to full strength, fielding a team that looked more like what Taylor had in mind for opening day way back in early March.

The motto of “Get Better Every Day”

was seeping into the team’s attitude and now with a healthy roster, they could do just that.

In the first game against Crean, the Tartans scrapped their way to a 4-3 victory and ended the game on a walk-off double.

The next game was just as tight. Tartan junior Harrison White pitched a two hit gem and St. Margaret’s won 2-0.

Those games sparked a four-game winning streak, pulling them six games above .500.

Oxford Academy has won the Academy League three years running.

Sage Hill has also won it in recent years and Crean Lutheran is always a threat. Those teams are the ones that historically give the Tartans the most trouble. Heading into the May 10 game against Oxford Academy, St. Margaret’s is boasting a 5-3 record against those three schools combined, including a come from behind walk-off win May 8 against Oxford Academy.

With that win fresh in their mind St. Margaret’s can see the light at the end of the tunnel that is a league championship. “(I told them) we are playing a beatable team (in Oxford Academy),” Taylor said. “This team has set goals and they have set their own personal goals…

They are at the point where they are about to achieve them.” CD

EAGLES SOAR TO SAN JOAQUIN LEAGUE TITLE The Capistrano Valley Christian baseball team is on the verge of perfection.

If the Eagles can defeat Saddleback Valley Christian May 9 then they will go a perfect 12-0 in San Joaquin League play.

As of now the Eagles’ record stands at 11-0, good enough for first place.

Senior pitcher Sam Eichler has been outstanding for the Eagles this season.

In 50.2 innings pitched he only gave up 19 hits and allowed six runs, posting an earned run average of .83. Opponents Page 26

batted a mere .106 against him in the nine games he appeared on the mound.

Senior infielder Jacen Carpenter batted a healthy .322 and stole a team leading 27 bases.

Editor’s Note: Results for game not available at press time. www.thecapistranodispatch.com