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 2 5 –J U N E 7, 2 0 1 2 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 10

One More for the Okie USS Oklahoma survivors will reunite for the last time in San Juan E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

USS Oklahoma survivor Gene Dick holds his book “Portholes to Life.” Photo by Brian Park

Top 5: Inflatable Signs, Underground Utilities and More

Show Goes on for 10-Year-old in ‘Wizard of Oz’

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SJC LIVING/PAGE 19

SPECIAL INSERT:

12th Annual Dana Point Boat Show May 31 to June 3

EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE San Clemente icon Truman Benedict passed away at his home this afternoon surrounded by his family. He was 89. The father of two, grandfather of four and great grandfather of five called Spanish Village by the Sea home for 63 years, arriving in 1949 to take a teaching job at Las Palmas Elementary.

The World War II fighter pilot and star high school basketball player would go on to serve his community as a principal, superintendent and mayor, and San Clemente shared its affection for him by naming one of its elementary schools in his name. Benedict’s efforts helped create what became the Capistrano Unified School District in 1964. In recent months, the 89-year-old had battled the effects of lung cancer but the disease had taken its toll.

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

DANA POINT The U.S. Coast Guard collected 8,068 pounds of marijuana Sunday floating off the coast of Orange County near Dana Point.

Shortly before noon Sunday, May 20, the U.S. Coast Guard received calls about the suspicious bundles and arrived to find 180 bales of pot with a street value of $4.034 million, said U.S. Border Patrol agent Jerry Conlin.

The Orange County Sheriffs Department and the Border Patrol also responded, he said. The spokesman said the bundles were shrink-wrapped tightly enough to keep out water and allow them to float. “Water would not penetrate this,” he said. Conlin said the marijuana was later turned over to the Border Patrol. The spokesman said no arrests were made and no seizure of vessels took place, but the incident is being investigated.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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…Auto Dealers Signs?

THE LATEST: Blimps, balloons and other inflatable signage might become a common sight around San Juan auto dealerships after the City Council approved revised sign standards.

The Capistrano Auto Center, made up of six area dealerships, stated in a letter to the council that restrictive sign regulation, competition from dealers to the north and the lack of a centralized auto mall were disadvantageous to their businesses. They included a list with pictures of promotional signage they would like to display and others they agreed not to.

“We want something that works with this town, but we also need something that’s appropriate for our audience, who are people driving 75 to 80 miles per hour a fair distance from us,” said Miles Brandon, owner of Capistrano Volkswagen.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Capistrano Auto Center has until July 21 to present a final proposal to the council that details the types of signs they intend on using.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com for more details. —Brian Park

2

…Underground Electrical Utilities?

THE LATEST: San Juan has agreed to pay San Diego Gas & Electric $440,366 to convert above-ground electrical utilities underground, as part of the Del Obispo Street Widening Project.

Existing utility poles and power lines in the affected area, on Del Obispo Street between Alipaz Street and Paseo AdelThe Capistrano Dispatch May 25–June 7, 2012

anto, were situated in such a way that was in conflict with the street-widening project, according to the staff report. To complete the first phase of the underground conversion—the temporary relocation of utility poles and an overhanging wire—the city used construction credits provided by SDG&E collected from a tariff applied to ratepayers. But now that those credits have been exhausted, the second and final phase will be funded by the Capistrano Circulation Fee Program, a developer impact fee.

WHAT’S NEXT: The underground conversion will not begin until the streetwidening project is completed in July, according to city staff. SDG&E will then bid off the conversion project, and it is expected to begin in October.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org. — BP

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…One-Stop Shop?

THE LATEST: San Juan residents will soon have an easier time paying bills and applying for permits after the City Council awarded a $60,000 contract for the construction of a centralized customer service space on Tuesday, May 15.

The “One-Stop Shop” project is intended to streamline all public counter activity and other customer service functions into one area for residents and businesses. Currently, visitors to City Hall are directed to separate departments to conduct their business or to seek out services, such as the acquisition of permits and licenses and other general inquiries. The new public counter and space will be built in the area currently occupied by the Public Works and De-

velopment Services departments. Main lobby services and the Finance Department will also be combined into a newly expanded public area.

WHAT’S NEXT: Insley Construction Inc. will carry out the work, which is expected to be completed by July 1.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org. —BP

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…Wall of Recognition?

THE LATEST: Eden and George O’Connell and Tom Hribar will be inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition for their contributions and service efforts in the community. The three were selected from a group of seven nominees by a sub-committee of Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor and Councilwoman Laura Freese.

The O’Connells are active contributors to the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley and serve on the Board of Regents. The couple also supports the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center and several other non-profit organizations, including San Juan Little League.

George O’Connell is also president of the Mission Preservation Foundation.

Hribar, a former city councilman, is a founder and longtime board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley. He has also been an active volunteer in the community, serving as a Little League coach and with the south Orange County chapter of the City of Hope, a private, nonprofit cancer research and treatment center.

WHAT’S NEXT: Hribar and the O’Connells will be honored in a special

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ceremony in June at the San Jan Community Center.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org. —BP

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…State Education Standards?

THE LATEST: Capistrano Unified schools are poised to fully adopt state teaching standards by the 2014-2015 school year.

The California State Board of Education approved the Common Core State Standards August 2, 2010 and has required school districts to implement more and more of them each year.

In the 2011 school year, the State Board gave districts the option of increasing their implementation of the standards by 15 percent, which Capistrano Unified did.

A presentation given to the Board of Trustees Wednesday, May 23 outlined the need for a new teaching style that moves away from a “checklist” approach, where children memorize and repeat numbers and facts, to a cycle of questioning and analysis.

The presentation stated that by 2018, 63 percent of people entering the workforce will be required to have at least a bachelor’s degree. These numbers are one of the driving forces behind teaching children a new way to think, which the state standards claims to do, according to the staff report.

WHAT’S NEXT: Superintendent Joseph Farley said classroom teachers would now have to be “retooled and retrained” to adopt the standards.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com for updates. —Steve Breazeale www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

One More for the Okie

USS Oklahoma survivors will reunite for the last time in San Juan

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

I

t took 68 years before Gene Dick could clearly recall his escape from the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It took 68 years for him to remember how it felt to be trapped in the 27,500-ton battleship, after it had taken a wave of Japanese aerial torpedoes to its portside and keeled over and sunk to the harbor bottom. It took 68 years before he could say a word of it to anyone, until 2009, when he finally got the chance to meet other Oklahoma survivors, who had gone through the same harrowing experience he had on that infamous Sunday morning in December 1941.

More than 2,000 U.S. servicemen lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Of the 2,166 men aboard the Oklahoma, 429 were killed—the second most casualties suffered only to the USS Arizona’s 1,177.

In 2009, after his second wife died of lung cancer, a brother-in-law told Dick about the USS Oklahoma Family, a group of survivors and their family members who helped coordinate annual reunions as well as other events.

“I didn’t know any of them before, and they were all strangers to me,” said Dick of the first reunion he attended that very same year. “But now we’ve become fairly close. I try to keep in contact with them regularly, and I’ve tried to work as closely as I could with them with any job that they wanted to give me.”

One of the tasks Dick accepted was to conduct a survey of the remaining Oklahoma survivors. In February 2011, there were 22 survivors, according to Dick, but more have likely passed since.

In June, five of the remaining survivors—Dick, Paul Goodyear, Bill Hendley, Harold Johnson and Ed Vezey—will meet in San Juan Capistrano for what is very likely their final reunion. The survivors are into their late 80s and 90s, so planning and traveling to reunions has become more difficult.

“We can’t be expected to live forever.

We’re an endangered species,” said Dick, 92, who will make the short drive from his home in Placentia while others will fly in from as far as North Carolina.

“I can’t get around worth a damn anymore, but I still have a story to tell.”

The Capistrano Dispatch May 25–June 7, 2012

Rescue teams at work on the capsized hull of USS Oklahoma (BB-37), seeking crew members trapped inside, 7 December 1941. The starboard bilge keel is visible at the top of the upturned hull. Officers’ Motor Boats from Oklahoma and USS Argonne (AG-31) are in the foreground. USS Maryland (BB-46) is in the background.

Courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

“It just picked the ship up Portholes to Life and shook it like a tin can As a signalman, Paul and slammed it down,” Dick Goodyear’s job aboard said. “It knocked us to our the Oklahoma was to send knees, and I could see the and receive messages via flash of fire, and the seams flags and other modes of split open, and water started visual communication. pouring in.”

On the morning of the Unbeknownst to Dick, attack, Goodyear arrived the ship had already turned 30 minutes early for his upside-down and was sinkeight-to-twelve watch on ing into the harbor. The the starboard wing of the only light source, according bridge.

A portrait of Gene Dick at 22 to Dick, was from a portable Shortly after assuming years old. Courtesy photo battle lantern. He and an unduty, Goodyear spotted a known number of others were trapped line of aircrafts a mile away, approachin an air pocket, swimming among deing from Pearl City. When he witnessed bris and dead bodies. “Oh, you couldn’t a bomb, or “fish,” drop from one plane, think. I was scared to death, and I didn’t Goodyear thought the planes were conknow what the hell was happening.” ducting a routine exercise. But the third Dick and others eventually made their drop Goodyear saw was a direct hit onto way to a porthole. After “dogging” it a seaplane hangar, prompting him to open, Dick was the fourth man to make take a closer look. it through the small hole, and he swam “It looked like a miniature atomic from 50 feet below to the surface, taking bomb,” said Goodyear. “I put on my in a mix of sea water and spilt oil. binoculars, and it was the Japanese.”

“I wasn’t going to stay inside the ship The Oklahoma, like several other even if it was worse. The way I was, I ships in Battleship Row, was scheduled was dead anyway, so I decided then and for an admiral’s inspection on Monday, there that when it came my turn, I was December 8. Open ship compartments going to go through that porthole.” left the Oklahoma especially vulnerable to torpedo strikes.

One Last Reunion “The Japanese wasted seven, eight Cousins John Campbell and Pat Perry or nine fishes because one was all they have always had an interest in Pearl needed,” said Goodyear. “The ship Harbor’s history and in supporting surstarted to go over almost immediately. vivors of the attack. Their connection It took a few seconds before the angle goes back to Campbell’s father, who was got so acute that it caused stuff to move also a survivor aboard the USS Dewey. around the ship.”

Perry, a former radio host and proDown below, Dick was scrubbing the ducer, covered the groundbreaking for sick bay in preparation for Monday’s the USS Oklahoma Memorial in Pearl inspection when the first and second Harbor in 2007, and is also part of the torpedoes hit the nearby trauma station.

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effort to identify the bodies of Oklahoma servicemen who’ve been buried in a mass grave at the memorial.

She approached Campbell, a San Juan resident, and asked if he would be willing to open up his home for the reception for the 2012 reunion.

“I was thrilled and honored to have this kind of gathering at my residence,” said Campbell. “I have a very soft spot in my heart for anything that has to do with Pearl Harbor. I’ve met these gentlemen with past events that my father was involved with, and I think it’s important that we let them know the sacrifices they made for our country were monumental.”

The five survivors will arrive in San Juan on Thursday, June 7. On Friday morning, they will visit the USS Midway in San Diego before a private meet-andgreet session at Campbell’s home in the evening. The entire San Juan City Council is expected to attend the event, as well as a color guard from the U.S. Coast Guard and other military personnel.

“I can’t tell you what an honor it is to have John open up his beautiful home to these veterans and to have it happen in San Juan,” said Allevato. “Their generation just had such strong values. It was service above self.”

On Saturday, June 9, the survivors will make themselves available to the public at the hospitality room at the Best Western in San Juan. A two-bell ceremony honoring the fallen men of the Oklahoma is also scheduled.

“They’re like brothers. But their goal is not to honor themselves but to honor their fallen brethren,” said Perry.

“There’s something about those 10 to 15 minutes that built something in us,” said Goodyear. “It’s a very close relationship that our wives, girlfriends and families cannot understand.”

The reunions have also helped Dick understand himself better, and with that knowledge, he published a 2011 book entitled “Portholes to Life,” which covers his family history up to his escape from the Oklahoma.

“Learning about myself has been a marvelous experience,” said Dick. “I’m looking forward to seeing my friends, and I’m going to give a book to each of them.”

Dick insists he will make it to 100. He is currently working on a second book and has another planned in his head. In the past three years since he discovered the USS Oklahoma Family, Dick says he has been able to make better sense of his past and redefine his future.

“I felt for a while like an outsider,” said Dick. “But now, anybody that can listen, I tell them about Pearl Harbor and my service. I think that’s what’s keeping me alive.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Brian Park

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

Record Crowd Enjoys Battle of Mariachis Festival The eighth annual Battle of the Mariachis Festival set a new attendance record on Saturday, May 12 at Mission San Juan Capistrano. More than 4,000 visitors came to watch mariachi bands from all throughout the state compete for cash prizes in front of a panel of judges.

Plaza de la Raza Youth Mariachi from Los Angeles took first place. Mariachi Juvenil Azteca and Mariachi Chula Vista, both from San Diego, took second and third, respectively. Laura Sobrino, the “Mariachi Queen,” emceed the event for the third time.

Marine Car Wash Raises $2,500 for Adopted Unit The Marines Adoption Committee raised $2,500 to support the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment at their car washing event on Saturday, May 19. The car wash was held in the parking lot near Camino Real Playhouse. Marines washed cars and chatted with residents who stopped by to show their support. The proceeds from the event will go towards funding future events for the City’s adopted Marines.

Boy Scout Honored for Eagle Scout Award May 15 Taylor Samuelson, 15, earned the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout, and was honored by the City Council on Tuesday, May 15. Samuelson, a freshman at San Juan Hills High School, has been an active member of Boy Scout Troop 12 of the El Camino Real District, Orange County Council for 10 years. In order to earn the Eagle Scout rank, Samuelson completed 203.5 hours of volunteer work and time spent on his service project. San Juan residents can observe Samuelson’s project at the Police Services building, where he replaced previous plants with drought tolerant, native plants. Samuel-

Mayor Larry Kramer presents Taylor Samuelson with a certificate in recognition of receiving his Eagle Scout rank. Photo by Brian Park

The Capistrano Dispatch May 25–June 7, 2012

son, with the help of his troop and others, also installed two benches and circular paving stones that match the historical aspect of the building. “We tried to reduce the impact on the environment,” said Samuelson. “It was important to me because it provided me a way to give back to my community.”

Applications Available for Committee Vacancy Applications are available for San Juan residents interested in filling a vacancy on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Ad-Hoc Committee. Although the committee has no decision-making authority, it is asked to review any recommendation to the City Council for the expenditure of bond proceeds and to report whether such spending complies within the scope of Measure Y, part of a 2008 ordinance that approved up to $30 million in general obligation bonds for the preservation and enhancement of San Juan’s open space. The committee is made up of five residents—no city officials, employees or contractors are allowed to serve—and membership should include “individuals with business experience, senior citizens and knowledgeable professionals in the field of construction, finance, law and accounting,” according to a 2008 staff report. The committee has a fixed end date of 180 days after all Measure Y bonds are spent.

Applications are available on the city’s website and at the City Clerk’s office, and they are due by 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 22.

For more information, call 949-493-1171.

New Church Opens A new Christian Church has opened in San Juan. Pastor Terry Hilgen of Reign Christian Fellowship held his first service on Friday, May 4 in front of a congregation of 25, and by the second meeting, the group had grown by 10. Although only a modest increase, Hilgen and his wife Debbie plan to gradually build their community-focused church as a bridge between attending and non-attending members in San Juan. “This whole thing is about having church out of the four walls,” said Debbie Hilgen. The church is still in the planning stages of a regular outdoor worship series featuring Christian bands from neighboring churches, but the first is tentatively scheduled for August at Historic Town Center Park. The Hilgens moved to San Juan 11 years ago after living in Huntington Beach. They invite anyone to attend their weekly 7:00 p.m. service on Fridays at the San Juan Com-

A mariachi dancer performs ballet folklorico at Mission San Juan Capistrano on May 12 during the Battle of the Mariachis Festival. Photo by Ingrace Photography

munity Center located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. For more information, visit their website at www.reignchristianfellowship.org.

Student Selected for Pepperdine Leadership Seminar Bud Davis, a junior at Saddleback Valley Christian Schools, has been selected to attend the 35th annual Youth Citizenship Seminar hosted at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. Davis is one of 250-plus high school juniors to attend the five-day event, which is comprised of presentations and workshops to encourage youth citizenship and leadership. Past speakers have included Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, actor Ben Stein and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maureen Duffy-Lewis. Nearly 250 Southern California schools participated in this year’s selection process. Four students from each school were nominated based on their school participation and academic, athletic, musical and theatrical accomplishments.

Shea Center Seeking Summer Help for Equestrian Work Got a passion for horses? Have an interest in helping people? The Shea Center is looking for volunteers to help out at their facility this summer. The San Juan-based equestrian site aims to help improve the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic riding and other horse-related programs. Volunteers must be 14 years and older, should be available from June until August and will receive training prior to any work. In the past, volunteering at the Shea Center has been a popular way for high school students to fulfill community service requirements.

“Volunteers at the Shea Center are the backbone of being able to serve more than 200 weekly clients during our busiest summer session,” said Janelle Robin-

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son, director of therapeutic programs, in a release. “It’s a great exchange. Young people do something truly meaningful in their summer, our young clients benefit from these community volunteers.” For more information, call 949.240.8441 ext.

127.

Star Motors Celebrates New Facility in San Juan Star Motors in San Juan is inviting the community to take part in a celebration of their newly remodeled facility on Thursday, May 31 at 5:15 p.m. The evening will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Larry Kramer and will continue with a tour of a new green facility, including an art gallery. Featured artists and husband-and-wife couple Hyatt and Ann Moore will be on hand to discuss their contributions to the gallery.

Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served, as well as a wine tasting event led by certified sommelier Ken Spears. Guests can also take part in a prize giveaway by signing up through Star Motors’ website or their Facebook page. For more information, visit www.star-motors.com.

San Juan Student Graduates from Azusa Pacific San Juan resident Lauren Hart graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a bachelor of arts degree in youth ministry on Saturday, May 5. Hart was one of nearly 1,400 other graduates to participate in the school’s spring commencement ceremonies.

Have something interesting for the community?

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 bpark@thecapistranodispatch.com. 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.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Spotted Bull Lane, 29500 Block (12:25 a.m.) A caller, who told deputies that there had been malicious acts taking place in her neighborhood, heard people behind her neighbor’s house.

Tuesday, May 22 BURGLARY REPORT Rancho Viejo Road/Ortega Highway (11:53 p.m.) A burgundy Chevy pickup truck parked in the parking lot of 24 Hour Fitness was thought to be broken into after someone noticed that one of the car’s windows was shattered.

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Calle Del Tesoro/Via Del Rey (9:36 a.m.) Two white motorhomes were parked on Calle De Tesoro for over a week.

KEEP THE PEACE Los Rios Street, 31300 Block (8:22 p.m.)

The landlord of a building called deputies after one of his tenants became aggressive. The landlord informed the tenant that he was in violation of the building’s contract with its inhabitants concerning additional guests.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida California/Paseo Del Puerto (6:23 a.m.) A man was seen exiting through the gates of a construction zone in a blue Volvo. A caller alerted deputies of the man’s presence in the area after seeing him enter a large area off of Avenida California.

OPEN DOOR Pas Azteca, 28100 Block (8:22 p.m.)

A door between the garage and house of a family that was on vacation was open and light was visible from the door, according to a caller. The caller, who was the neighbor, said he was watching the house while the family was gone.

Wednesday, May 23

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 31500 Block (9:37 a.m.) Two high school students were fighting in front of the office at Bridges Community Day School.

Monday, May 21 DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 33200 Block (10:27 p.m.)

A drunken woman was trying to kick down the door to her roommate’s room.

The woman, whose occupation is listed as disabled, was arrested by deputies and remains in custody.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Village Road/Aspen Way (6:36 p.m.)

A man was seen passed out in a white Chevy truck that had Arizona license plates.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Aviador, 33000 Block (5:00 p.m.)

A caller went behind his business and threw some stuff into a dumpster. Moments later he went back and saw two men going through the same dumpster.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Spotted Bull Lane, 29500 Block (5:01 a.m.) A caller thought that several people were behind his place on a horse trail causing trouble.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (12:38 a.m.)

A man wearing a T-shirt and blue jeans knocked on the door of a caller, stating that the caller’s neighbor had sent him over to work on a plumbing issue.

Sunday, May 20 BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Via Cascada, 33800 Block (10:30 p.m.)

A caller was home alone when she heard someone trying to open her front door. The caller immediately called police, fearing that it might be a burglar.

It turned out to be the caller’s brother.

CITIZEN ASSIST Camino Capistrano/Junipero Serra Road (6:38 p.m.) A caller’s gray Toyota 4Runner was parked in a soccer field parking lot when a stray soccer ball struck it, causing some visible damage.

DISTRUBANCE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (3:43 a.m.)

Subjects were talking out loud behind a caller’s house. The caller initially called deputies to complain and nothing was done. The caller called back a second time and said the subjects were still outside talking loudly and making noise and requested that deputies come out and hear the noise for themselves.

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 10. 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.

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JONATHAN VOLZKE: My Turn

Cost Recovery at What Cost?

Proposed substation plans should be done right for San Juan

S

ay arrivederci to Capistrano’s Italian festival before it even arrived.

The brainchild of Vicky Carabini, the city’s ambassador to our sister city, Capestrano, Ferragosto, San Juan Capistrano Italian Summer Festival, was scheduled for May 8 in Historic Town Center Park. It was going to feature chalk art, authentic music and food and even some wine. Carabini had partnered with the Chamber of Commerce and set up the event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club. With Capistrano’s roots in Italy, Ferragosto (the name of an Italian festival) sounds like a perfect event for a May day, doesn’t it?

So what went wrong?

The location. Organizers made the mistake of thinking Historic Town Center Park, the centerpiece of downtown, would be the perfect location for the festival. They didn’t realize that asking the city for permission to use the park to put on an event that would have not only been fun for the community but also would have boosted business for our downtown merchants would come with such a steep price tag.

Organizers sat down in a room with representatives from each city department, each took their turn citing potential issues with the event, then put a number on what it would cost to avoid those issues. When everybody was finished the total was more than $6,000.

Mama Mia! That’s a lotta spaghetti!

Organizers decided the most prudent decision was to cancel the event. Oh, and they were also charged about $800 for the meeting with city staff.

We really shouldn’t be surprised by all of this, of course.

Homefront America, a CapistranoThe Capistrano Dispatch May 25–June 7, 2012

based charity that supports service members and their families, held a chili cook off in HTC Park a few years back.

The second year, they were also intimidated by the fees the city proposed Jonathan Volzke and moved the event to St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, which graciously offered their grounds. But the event just wasn’t the same so far removed from downtown—and certainly didn’t do anything to help local merchants.

Fees also pushed the Chamber of Commerce to move its first Rodeo Week Barbecue to a parking lot. Sure, HTC would have been a great spot for live music, a little boot-kickin’ dancing, tri-tip, beer and even horseshoes, but chamber officials decided the price tag was too steep and didn’t want to gamble on losing money in the inaugural event.

So instead, the August 18 barbecue will be in the parking lot next to the Camino Real Playhouse. Chamber Executive Director Mark Bodenhamer tried to make it a good sell, saying the location has great visibility and a smaller spot will make the barbecue seem more crowded and lively, but he also couldn’t deny he’d rather see it in the park.

Tough to toss horseshoes in a parking lot. And bocce ball, a favorite out on The Ranch, is definitely out.

Can we blame the city? Even with things looking up, the budget is still tight, and if it truly costs $6,000 or $7,000 to hold a one-day event in Historic Town Center Park, should the city subsidize any of it?

Yes.

The park is a community resource, already paid for by residents with our property taxes. The city needs to look closely at the costs—$6,000 for an hours-long event seems like a lot—but then our City Council needs to take another look at its policy on cost-recovery. A few years back, young events got a break as sort of an incubation period. By the second year and third years, organizers not only have a better handle on costs—and how to keep them down—they’ve built more of an audience to raise revenue.

I suspect including alcohol permits on events drives up the cost, but the council should also take a hard look at why the price tag to use the park is so high.

Bodenhamer said he plans to meet with City Manager Karen Brust in hopes of developing a non-profit package that would allow events at the park for $1,000 or so.

That makes good sense. Historic Town Center is a valuable community asset that should be available to community groups—at a reasonable cost.

As it is, only the city and Fiesta Association can afford HTC, and that’s a loss not only for local businesses that would benefit from more people in town on weekends, but for all of us who’d like to enjoy more great events in our own downtown.

Ciao.

Jonathan Volzke is an 18-year resident of San Juan Capistrano who founded The Capistrano Dispatch. He now works for Faubel Public Affairs. Reach him at jvolzke1@cox.net. CD PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by The Capistrano Dispatch staff. We appreciate their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@thecapistranodispatch.com.

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

Letters to the Community PARADE NOT GOOD FOR EVERYONE BILL ODELSON, owner of the Paper Annex

My wife and I have been retailers here in San Juan for more than 12 years now in the Marbella Shopping Center.

We have worked hard to grow our business over these years and support the citizens in San Juan as a gift shop, invitation shop, notary, shipping center, P.O. Box center and a contract station for the U.S. Postal Service out of our location.

We have seen a generation come and go here in San Juan and have supported the city at our every chance.

The parade is wonderful for the city of San Juan as a whole, but a problem for us retailers in the Marbella Shopping Center. On parade day, our parking lot is taken over by parade participants and parade watchers. Even though we have a guard on duty and signs up asking people not to use our lot for the parade we are overrun by people by 9 a.m. each year on parade day. This has caused us at the Paper Annex to be forced to close our business each year on parade day. We did try and stay open the first three years we were here in San Juan, but since no customers could get into the store, we have been forced to close the last 10 years. I had people call me all sorts of names when I asked them not to park in front of my store on parade day, and in one case a parade viewer threatened me personally.

This has cost us about $1,000 each and every year for the past 10 years.

The local sheriff’s department personnel are posted just outside our center’s entrance, but they refuse to help us with the problem. They have told me that it’s private property, and we need to handle (Cont. on page 10) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Community (Cont. from page 8) it ourselves. A few years ago, one of the officers told me if I wanted to do something I should have the cars towed.

I don’t think this is what the city wants done on parade day.

I give you this information as background for a situation that came up this year on the Friday before the parade.

Prior to the event, your staff came into the Marbella Shopping Center again this year dressed in their western clothes and shooting off their guns. This causes our dog Allie to run and hide in the bathroom of the store for more than an hour again this year. Your staff, as they do around the city, then go store to store asking retailers to support the parade.

When two of your people came into my store I told them we would not be participating and would not be giving them any money. The gentleman nicely asked me why, and I told him that the parade cost me money each and every year. I think he understood and left the store to continue collecting.

About 15 minutes later, another woman from the group came to the front door of my store and just stood there looking in. I asked her if I could be of any help, and she said, “I just want to see what I will miss since I will never come into your store.” I found this to be very rude and since there was another customer in the store at the time, I then had to explain to my regular customer what this woman’s problem was.

There is no excuse for this type of behavior. Nor should anyone from the city or your group act like this. My wife and I were and still are deeply offended by the actions of one of your staff and want and expect an apology from this person and hopefully the association. If I knew the name of the person I would have gone directly to her. I had never seen this person before so I probably did not lose a customer, but I am sure she has spread the story to others in your association.

This is not good for my business.

With this economy as bad as it is here in San Juan Capistrano, you would think the locals would support local retailers and not chase both customers and retailers out of San Juan.

The Marbella Shopping Center is a hidden treasure here in San Juan and having locals tell others not to shop in our center will cause more of us to go out of business and leave.

THANKS FOR THE GARDEN TOUR LARRY AND CHRIS KRAMER, San Juan Capistrano

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the The Capistrano Dispatch May 25–June 7, 2012

first annual Los Rios Historic District Garden Tour in late April. It was great fun and educational to be able to go into our neighbors’ front yards and back gardens to see what is normally hidden from view. It gave us a new perspective on what a treasure we have in the Los Rios Historic District. I hope the tour continues and would encourage the organizers to expand it to a couple of times each year as the foliage changes.

Congratulations and thanks to the people of the district for their hard work and neighborliness.

MASTERS SWIM SUFFERS FOR OTHERS’ MISDEEDS SCOTT ZORNIG, assistant coach Capo Masters

As a member of the Capo Masters Swim team in San Juan Capistrano, I read with interest the story (The Dispatch, May 11) entitled “Sound Off: Residents, JSerra and Swimmers at Odds.”

Although Mr. Park does a fairly good job of presenting the feelings on both sides, there is important information, which was omitted from the article.

First, when the homeowners purchased their homes several years ago, there was already in existence a busy freeway, noisy trains, gas stations and a large empty lot which was zoned for specific usage. It is every homeowner’s responsibility, prior to purchasing a residence, to do their homework and understand the “lay of the land.” If a person desires “peace and quiet,” purchasing a home next to a freeway, train track and empty lot may not be a wise decision.

Any person that has purchased a home in this tract would have to be aware that it is in a high noise area.

Secondly, I do not doubt that the homeowners can hear the cheering associated with soccer and lacrosse games, swim meets, water polo and tennis matches. I am sure the homeowners also receive their fair share of tennis and lacrosse balls in their backyards. However, I submit to you that no equipment from the swimming pool has ever reached any backyard.

Furthermore, it would be impossible for the homeowners to hear 10 to 20 quiet, adult swimmers between 6 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. each weekday. One cannot hear the slight splash of the water above all the other noises previously mentioned.

The reporter who visited our team for the story commented that he could not hear the masters program from the pool parking lot, which is located even closer to the facility than the homes. We have had several people do an informal noise study and stand between the homeowners and the pool. Each confirmed that the swim team cannot he heard. I do believe the homeowners can hear other school-related activities, but the masters swim team is not one of them.

I own a home on a golf course and I hear golfers talking and occasionally yelling and even throwing a club. I also find golf balls in my backyard and once in a great while, receive a broken window. However, this is not the golf course’s fault. I chose to purchase a home where I did and have to live with the consequences. I take full responsi-

Page 10

bility for my decisions.

It is clear to me that the homeowners want blood even though our program is not the one causing the problem. The swim team is an easy target because our activity takes place before normal working hours. We are not the problem.

Furthermore, the swim team could be forced to vacate the JSerra facility, but the City of San Juan Capistrano would lose out on an important adult fitness program which serves the community and miss out on revenue — coffee and bagels — that our 50-plus member program brings to the city each morning while not lessening the noise level even one decibel.

The best way for you to determine if our team is a noise nuisance is to visit one of our morning workouts and hear for yourself. Only then can you render a fair and educated decision.

For what it is worth, almost every city has a masters swim program. It has become the sport of choice for adults who wish to avoid the wear and tear associated with running sports. There is no denying masters swimming increased popularity. Programs can be found in San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar and Irvine.

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

ver 150 in-water and on-land exhibitors will be showcasing their boats, marine products, accessories, electronics, apparel and services in the show! Professional boaters and anyone interested in getting on the water can admire and climb aboard luxury yachts, sailboats, electric boats, and powerboats. Attendees can enjoy the latest and greatest kayaks, stand up paddleboards, trailerables and marine products and demonstrations in the on-land exhibition. In addition to the wonderful collection of boats and watercraft, the event will comprise a variety of activities throughout the four-day festivity, including: Hennessey’s burgers, hotdogs and beer and child friendly educational activities at the Ocean Institute’s craft table and their marine animal touch tanks. There will be something for everybody! This event is prime for serious boaters, on-the-water enthusiasts and local families looking to purchase a new boat or simply enjoy a fun weekend event!

Daily Specials HOURS

Easy to Find!

THURSDAY & FRIDAY

OC Sailing and Events Center Public Docks 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point, CA 92629

Noon – 7 p.m.

SATURDAY 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

SUNDAY

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dana Point Harbor is right off the I-5, centrally located between Los Angeles and San Diego.

The Boat Show is an easy drive with plenty of FREE parking and FREE show shuttle service.

www.danaboatshow.com

Exhibitors 360 Remodeling ADT Security Services Advantage Boats, Inc. Arrow Custom Covers Aventura Sailing Association Bank of America Bayport Yachts Billy Mitchell’s Insurance Bravender Financial Burgee Magazine CA Department of Boating & Waterways California Deluxe Windows California Recreation Company California & Pacific Northwest Yachts Magazine

THURSDAY

California Yacht Marina Caligirl Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari Ceasar Inflatable Boats City of Dana Point Coolest Shoes in California Crow’s Nest Yachts Cruising Yachts Cutco Cutlery Dana Outrigger Canoe Club Dana Point Harbor Association Dana Point Marina Company Dana Point Yacht Club Dana West Marina Dana West Yacht Club Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching

The Dana Point Harbor Boat Show continues to incorporate its ongoing commitment to sustainability with on-sight recycling bins, the use of recyclable products and water and energy conservation wherever possible.

SPONSORS

FREE Admission

FRIDAY

Danmer Custom Shutters Digital Satellite Zone Dream Catcher Yachts ecõ logical Skin Care Elco Marine Factory Direct Yachts Farallone Yacht Sales FCI Watermarkers Hammer Stahl Heartsavers, Inc. Hennessey’s Tavern Heritage Yacht Sales, Inc. High Seas Trading Co. Hipp Marine International Marine Jerky Jerks Jerky Kinecta Federal Credit Union Lee Armstrong Co./Nuteak CA

$1 FRIDAY $1 Admission, $1 Hot Dog, $1 Beer, $1 Soda

Living Like A Pirate Gear Maderas Futuro, S.A. Mariners Learning System Mariners Yacht & Ship Brokerage Merrill Lynch Mikelson Yachts, Inc. Mission Motorsports Nava Natural NextGen Marine OC Dana Point Harbor OC Registrar Of Voters OC Rods OC Sailing & Event Center OC Used Oil Recycling Ocean Institute Outbound Yacht Services Pacific Offshore Rigging Punka Pacific

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

$5 off – Purchase Online

(Visit: www.danaboatshow.com)

Quality Marine Products Rescue Tape-Harbor Products, Inc. Rib Console Boats.Com SailTime Orange County Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation Sbyke OC Sears Home Services Selene California Silver Seas Yachts Silverton West Skipjack Boats Sunset Inflatables & Marine SUP ATX Paddleboards Two Harbors Enterprises, Inc. Typhoon Optics U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection United Yacht Sales Valkyrie Yacht Sales Viewdoo Vintage Marina Partners/ Embarcadero Marina Weseloh Nissan West Coast Multihulls West Coast Yachts Westwind Sailing

Food Hennessey’s Tavern

GOLD Dana Point Times Dick Simon Yachts BRONZE Allen Cadillac Catalina Express CR&R Dana Point Marina Inn Dana Point Jet Ski & Kayak Center Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching Mission Motorsports Nordhavn Yachts The Log Trade Wind Inflatables Wyndham Vacation Ownership PARTNER SPONSORS Hennessey’s Tavern Dana Point Chamber of Commerce City of Dana Point Ocean Institute

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

CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL 8 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse debuts the musical production tonight with preview night (admission special: $24-$34), with shows through June 10. Regular tickets $30-$40. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

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WIN FREE TICKETS! The first two people to email us with Capo Dispatch Free Concert Tix in the subject line will receive a pair of tickets from The Coach House to see Danny Seraphine’s CTA on Sunday, May 27. Include your name and phone number. EMAIL: tickets@thecapistranodispatch.com

saturday

PEDAL POWER FESTIVAL 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Ecology Center hosts a community bicycle festival with workshops, catering

by Chipotle, a brewery and more. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949-443-4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

26

POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL & LUAU FEAST 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The Hawaiian Surf Club presents the festival at the San Clemente Community Center for free. At 5 p.m. the Luau & Show begins and has a fee of $25-$27.50 ($10 kids).

100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 714.396.0475.

LIVE MUSIC CRUISE 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Dana Wharf brings back its music cruise on the Dana Pride. $10. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

PET ADOPTION 12 p.m.-4 p.m. PetSmart in the SJC Costco center. 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

sunday

KSBR BIRTHDAY BASH 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Annual event at Oso Viejo Park Village Green with jazz and food, benefiting FM 88.5 KSBR. General admission $45-$50. 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, 949-582-4656, www.ksbr.org.

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The Capistrano Dispatch May 25–June 7, 2012

AT THE MOVIES: ‘DARK SHADOWS’ A STALE EFFORT Rob Reiner, John Singleton and Robert Zemeckis are a few directors who debuted to rave reviews but lost their spark. Another director criticized for being lazy and predictable is sadly, Tim Burton. An icon in gothic cinema, Burton gave us Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice, Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman and Johnny Depp as Edward Scissorhands and others. With the exception of Big Fish (2003), everything since Planet of the Apes (2001) has been a let down.

This time, Burton adapts the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows with Depp as a 200-year-old vampire named Barnabus Collins experiencing Maine in 1972 with his contemporary relatives played by Pfeiffer, Jonny Lee Miller, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Moretz and Gulliver McGrath. Meanwhile, he tries to dodge the jealous witch (Eva Green) who made him a vampire. © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Dark Shadows is Burton’s second film with Pfeiffer, his seventh with girlfriend Carter and eighth with Depp. Frankly, Dark Shadows really shows it is time for a break. Besides the gimmicky casting and cliché dark direction, the feature lags at first and then rushes awkwardly to the end. Green and Moretz’s usual charm is wasted, and Depp and Pfeiffer make us wish they were together in a better movie. Burton, like his cast, is talented and memorable, but would do himself good to somehow revisit his more obscure, bizarre roots from the ‘80s and ‘90s. —Megan Bianco

monday

28

MEMORIAL DAY

SWALLOW’S MEMORIAL DAY BBQ 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Special barbecue and live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

tuesday

RIBBON CUTTING & GRAND OPENING - MISSION GRILL 5:15 p.m. The SJC Chamber hosts the event at Mission Grill. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

29

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.

30

thursday

DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT SHOW 12 p.m.-7 p.m.

The 12th annual four-day boat show known as the “Biggest Little Boat Show in the West.”

Free admission on Thursday, May 31. After that, admission and prices start at $1. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point, www.danaboatshow.com.

31

friday

01

MOVIES IN THE PARK 8 p.m. Free showing of The Lion King at Lantern Bay Park.

25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

saturday

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FUNDRAISER 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Friends of the San Juan Capistrano Library fundraiser with a screening of “Climate Refugees.” $20, includes appetizers, wine and more. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.2259, www.sjcfol.org.

02

FAMILY FILM FEATURE 11 a.m. “The Adventures of Tintin” at the SJC Library. Free. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

Page 17

MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY 12:30 p.m. Authentic English tea party hosted in a beautiful estate garden in The Hunt Club benefitting The Ark of San Juan. Food, tea tasting, music and raffle prizes also available. Tickets $50.

949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

SWING DANCE BY THE SEA 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 20th anniversary of the USO/Canteen Night with dancing, live music by a big band and dinner from Carbonara’s at the SC Community Center. Uniforms and ‘40s era attire welcomed. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.361.1440, www.sanclementerotary.org.

sunday

HEIRLOOM TOMATO GROWING CLASS AND TASTING 10 a.m. Workshop at Cottage Home & Garden. Cost $15. 31720 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3920, www.cottage-home-and-garden.com.

03

monday

04

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

wednesday

06

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

thursday

LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Meet at 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.

07

PATO BANTON 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House.

Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. *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 5.25

Monday 6.4

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.

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

Wednesday 5.30 Utilities Commission Final Budget Meeting. 8 a.m.-10 a.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Tuesday 6.5 Sleep Apnea Seminar. 10 a.m. The San Juan Community Services Department and Memorial Care Medical Group team up to host a free seminar on sleep apnea. Call 949.493.5911 to register. Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano.

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

Thursday 6.7 Design Review Committee Meeting. 4:30 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Friday 6.8 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes.

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50: Tom Blake

Trip to Canada includes Seven Modes of Transportation Travel allows couples to build friendships, meet new people

M

y partner Greta and I have been friends of Ted and Mary Kay Bowersox of San Juan Capistrano for several years. We enjoy traveling together. This month, the four of us took a 10-day trip to Canada that utilized seven modes of transportation: car, ship, rental car, train, monorail, plane and taxi.

Ted and Mary Kay had their first date on a memorable but tragic day, May 4, 1970, at Kent State University, the very day of the campus shootings of students by the National Guard. They’ve been married for nearly 40 years. They feel that travel enriches their relationship.

South Orange County residents who enjoy cruising are fortunate that so many cruises begin and end in San Diego. Getting to the cruise ship terminal is relatively easy and inexpensive. The terminal is within walking distance of San Diego’s Santa Fe Train Depot.

The four of us opted to drive to San Diego. We negotiated a $99 rate to park the car for 10 days at the Holiday Inn. The second mode of transportation was by ship on a four-day repositioning cruise, where a cruise ship company relocates a ship to a different part of the world to take advantage of more favorable travel weather. Repositioning cruises are often much more reasonable than the normal high-season cruises.

We sailed on Holland America’s Zuiderdam to Vancouver, British Columbia.

The four of us enjoyed the cruise, but I will admit that on the second night, an hour north of San Francisco, when gale force winds reached 85 mph and swells were 20-feet plus, I was concerned about the ship’s safety. By day three, the winds eased.

For dinner, we chose “open seating,” The Capistrano Dispatch May 25–June 7, 2012

where passengers are randomly seated with other people on the cruise. It seems everybody you meet has an interesting story. One night, we sat with a Canadian couple from the ON LIFE AND Windsor, Ontario area.

LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake They are not married but have been a committed couple for several years.

The woman was widowed and the man was divorced when they met standing in line at Detroit’s Joe Lewis Arena to purchase tickets; she was wearing a Ford Motor Company of Canada T-shirt, acquired when her deceased husband worked there. The man in line struck up a conversation about the shirt because he had worked and retired from Ford of Canada as well.

She asked if he’d like to have coffee, and they’ve been a couple ever since.

They take as many trips as they can squeeze in. Both feel they must live for the present. She said as a widow she particularly understands that concept.

On another night, we sat with a couple from Reno, Nev. He’s an air traffic controller, and she’s an accounts receivable collector for a major Nevada utility company. They met on a blind date.

The third mode of transportation, the rental-car phase, was spent in Whistler, British Columbia, the ski and summer resort a couple of hours north of Vancouver. The weather was in the 70s and sunny. Ted and I relished several hours of fly-fishing in a variety of the areas rivers and lakes.

Travel mode four entailed a pleasant five-hour ride on Amtrak from Vancouver

Tom Blake visited Green Lake in Whistler, British Columbia where the reflection of the Whistler ski area could be seen in the water. Photo by Tom Blake

to Seattle. From the upper level of the train, we all admired the beauty of the Northwest Pacific Coast.

The monorail portion of our journey took place in Seattle with a ride in the central downtown area. We took in Seattle’s two most visited tourist attractions: lunch at the Space Needle on another breathtakingly clear day and a stop at the famous Pike Place Market, where fresh fish are tossed like basketballs by fun-loving seafood merchants.

Our sixth mode of transportation was an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle back to San Diego. From the airport, Ted and I took a taxi (mode seven) to

Page 18

retrieve our car, which was parked only minutes away.

Not only are we in South Orange County blessed to live near San Diego, but also all in the USA are blessed to have the friendly Canadians as our neighbors.

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 PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by The Capistrano Dispatch staff. We appreciate their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@thecapistranodispatch.com.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING A MOMENT IN TIME: Jan Siegel

‘Soldier Saint’ a Patron to Freedom Fighters Mission plaque a reminder that freedom not to be taken lightly

H

istory can always finds its place in San Juan Capistrano. It is the tie with the past that amazes me.

There is always a modern day connection with the past.

In March, in the Swallows Day edition of The Dispatch, I made reference to the plaque outside the Mission wall regarding the 500th anniversary of the Siege of Belgrade. It was in 1456 at the age of 70, that Juan Capistrano earned the nickname “Soldier Saint,” when, along with the great Hungarian general Janos Hunyady, he led a successful crusade against the Ottoman Empire.

Not only is St. Juan Capistrano important to us, but he was also the patron saint of Hungarian freedom fighters. Cardinal Josef Mindszenty was the spiritual leader of Hungary during World War II. In 1949, following the War, he was convicted of attempts to overthrow the Communist government then in power in his country. He became known as the Martyr Cardinal.

By 1971, Soviet and American leaders had agreed to a political policy of détente. The writings of the Martyr Cardinal did not fit into the political climate. It was agreed that Mindszenty should be allowed to leave Hungary for the West. In 1974, the cardinal decided to visit San Juan Capistrano and the Mission named for the Hungarian patron saint.

The Mayor of San Juan Capistrano at this time was Dr. Roy Byrnes. By coincidence, Byrnes had been stationed in Germany at the time of the Hungarian uprising and was very familiar with the life and times of Cardinal Mindszenty.

What happened next is recalled by Byrnes.

“Two men walked into the lobby of the City Hall and placed a large metal plaque on the counter. They left with no explanation. The plaque stated: ‘This reminder was blessed by Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty.’” These words were prophetic, and I pledged that I would help

On October 23, 1956, the feast day of St. Capistrano, a popularist uprising overthrew the Communist Party, replacing it with a revolutionary government under A MOMENT IN the leadership of Imre TIME

By Jan Siegel Nagy. Nagy expelled the Soviet armed forces from the capitol at Budapest.

On October 30, Nagy freed Cardinal Mindszenty from prison. On November 3, a massive force of Soviet tanks and armor crushed the unequipped revolutionary government. Nagy was seized, taken to Moscow, where he was immediately hanged. Many Hungarians ran for their lives. Some escaped and found their way to the United States. Cardinal Mindszenty escaped to the United States embassy in Budapest where he was forced to stay for the next 15 years until 1971.

this happen. The archdiocese suddenly announced that the cardinal would not be permitted to visit San Juan Capistrano “for security reasons.” But the cardinal would be conducting a Mass at St. Michael’s Seminary in El Toro.”

Mayor Byrnes and his wife took the plaque to the Mass. Following the service, the cardinal intoned the blessing over the plaque.

“The next morning, Monsignor Vincent Lloyd Russell of the Mission and I selected a spot on the West wall of the Mission to display the plaque.”

Arab Spring is not that different from the Hungarian freedom fighters. The plaque is a great reminder that freedom is not something to be taken lightly. Today, you can spend a Moment In Time by going to the Mission and reflect on the heritage that is both St. Juan Capistrano and our community. CD PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by The Capistrano Dispatch staff. We appreciate their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@thecapistranodispatch.com.

The Show Goes On For 10-Year Old Actress Despite injuries she sustained in a car accident, Sage Groves is prepared to perform in a youth production of ‘Wizard of Oz’

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

I

t’s been four and a half months since San Juan resident Kelli Groves and her two young daughters were involved in a harrowing car accident that left their car teetering over a 100foot drop in Santa Barbara County, but now her oldest daughter Sage Groves is prepared to take the stage, leg brace and all, for a youth production of the “Wizard of Oz” at the Camino Real Playhouse.

Sage, 10, has participated in rehearsals since April and will play the role of the munchkin coroner for two shows on Saturday, June 16 at 10 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. Despite a leg brace and a broken pelvis, Sage has been an active participant during rehearsals and has insisted on receiving no special treatment.

“When she does need a hand, someone is there for her, but she has never spoken out and said ‘I can’t do this,’” said Stephen Zygo, the founder and The Capistrano Dispatch May 25–June 7, 2012

director of Acting Academy for Kids, which is putting on the performance.

“She really is a ray of sunshine. She’s very positive and has a great attitude.”

“It was a miracle for us to make it out of that car,” said Kelli Groves, who also suffered a broken pelvis. The family stayed in a Santa Barbara hospital for eight days before coming back down to San Juan. Sage was at first confined to a wheelchair and later hindered by a walker. She has since been given a leg brace due to fractures and severed tendons, and although she was frustrated at first, her desire to perform has helped her recovery, both mentally and physically.

“I really do think coming back here was a motivator,” said Kelli. “I’ll definitely be in there crying. The world needs this little girl.”

“In movies they can retake, but in plays you have to work really hard in front of a live audience,” said Sage. “I’m looking forward to being on stage and doing my best … I’m excited to do it because it’s what I like to do.” CD

Stephen Zygo and Sage Groves. Courtesy photo

Page 19

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Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively Excel Electric 949.493.7769 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com Friess Electric 949.248.4222 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 102

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

MOLD REMOVAL

ELECTRICIANS

ACCOUNTING/TAX

949.373.8963

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

EXPERIENCE THE MISSION Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano Exciting New Audio Tour 949.234.1300 26801 Ortega Highway, www.missionsjc.com

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

COMPUTER SERVICES

INSURANCE Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

949.697.9454

JEWELER San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 949.493.3632 32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, www.abbysdesigns.com COINS

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

949.350.4692

LANDSCAPING

949.697.9454

Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@thecapistranodispatch.com

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

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 www.atozleakdetection.com Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com

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

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Vermeulen’s Landscaping Inc. bvland@cox.net

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.

MORTGAGE Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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

949.661.0967 Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. 33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B

949.212.0499

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

SLAB LEAK REPAIR 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

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

SERVICES

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

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references.

949-456-2376

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

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

OUTDOOR SPOTLIGHT

CAPISTRANO BEACH PARK BASKETBALL COURT

There aren’t many places in town, or in south Orange County for that matter, where you can play some legitimate pick-up basketball less than 20 yards away from the ocean. At the Capo Beach basketball court, you can get out and shoot hoops against competition and hit the beach afterwards.

Saturdays are the time to go if you want to play five-on-five. The court at the county-run park gets busy around 11 a.m. and slow down by 3 p.m. depending on how many people are there. At times, the number of players can reach the 20s. If you don’t come with enough people to make up

Basketball players shoot around at the Capo Beach court. Photo by Steve Breazeale

a team, plenty of players are willing to join your squad. Five-on-five games are played the normal, street ball way: First to 11 wins, each bucket counts as one point. If your team wins, you stay

on the court until another team knocks you off.

“Me and my buddy came out here one time and we were playing (two on two) against some other kids and we just kept winning. It was really fun.”

Dana Point resident Michael Cueto, 22, said.

Cueto was at the courts on a weekday, when there’s less action on the court. But he came out just to shoot around.

“I mean, you’re shooting on the beach. You can’t beat that. For an outdoor court this is perfect,” Cueto said.

—Steve Breazeale

JSerra Wins Inaugural High School Ice Hockey League Title

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

O

n May 15, the JSerra Ice Hockey team went to the San Juan City Council meeting to let the city know that they won the inaugural season of the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League. The players presented city officials with special hockey pucks and posed for photos.

The title game, which JSerra won 3-2, was played at the Honda Center March 6 against Santa Margarita.

Some sports fans in Southern California might not have known there was an interscholastic ice hockey league, but after JSerra won the very first title game, coach Mike Perkins sees that changing.

The league was started five years ago by the Anaheim Ducks.

“The league is really catching on.

Next year there should be 11 or 12 teams at the junior varsity level,” Per-

Members of the JSerra Ice Hockey team with San Juan City Council members Derek Reeve and Laura Freese May 15. Courtesy photo

kins said. “Originally the private schools took hold of it but now it’s in public schools all over Orange County.”

Perkins went on to say that he expects there to be eight teams at the varsity level next year.

The title game was played in front of about 900 fans and the Lions (16-4-1) were up against a team they had not beat all season long in the Eagles.

Because the league JSerra played in only consisted of three teams (JSerra,

Santa Margarita and Servite) they’d played the Eagles multiple times, were familiar with Santa Margarita’s style of play and the Lions were riding a hot streak.

“The kids put the work in and worked harder and harder. By January we got on a stretch and won a stretch of consecutive games.” Perkins said.

JSerra’s junior goalie Nick Inserra stepped up big for the Lions in the title game, getting stop after stop in the third period, when JSerra scored the goahead goal to make it 3-2.

“Team unity is what helped us pull (the win) off. They pulled together in title game,” Perkins said.

Senior defenseman Joe Pauluzzi was a standout for the Lions according to Perkins. Pauluzzi, the team’s captain, has been with the team since his freshman year and will go on to Purdue University next fall. CD

GAME OF THE WEEK

EAGLES RUN, HIT, PITCH THEIR WAY THROUGH THE PLAYOFFS

T

imely hitting? Check. Savvy base running? Check. Lock-down pitching? Well, you get the idea.

In a thoroughly dominating performance in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 6 playoffs May 17, the Capistrano Valley Christian baseball team defeated visiting Chadwick at the San Juan Sports Park, 18-0.

The Eagles, literally, ran all over the visiting Dolphins.

In the bottom of the second inning alone, the Eagles advanced runners to second and stole third base three times.

Each time an Eagle would swipe a bag at the hot corner it would pay off. A The Capistrano Dispatch May 25–June 7, 2012

bloop RBI single, a sacrifice fly and a double all knocked in the runners who advanced to third and at the end of the inning the Eagles led 4-0.

“Last year, I had a lot of power guys that didn’t run as well…But this year we have a few guys that can really run,” coach Clemente Bonilla said. “We’ve got to use the strengths that we can. We use base running to manufacture runs.”

As a team, the Eagles would steal third base five times and stole nine total bases on the night.

The four-run lead inherited to starting pitcher Sam Eichler was more than enough. Eichler quickly and accurately

worked his way through the Dolphin lineup and had a no-hit bid broken up with one out in the fourth inning. The senior was especially efficient with his breaking pitches, featuring a slider and a curveball as his put-away pitch.

Eichler, who is being targeted by two different Division 1 schools in Tennessee to play baseball, struck out 10 batters in five innings, giving up the one hit while walking four.

“It makes it nice because (Eichler) can throw any pitch in any count…

When he goes out to pitch he expects to win,” Bonilla said.

With the bases loaded and the score

Page 22

standing at 14-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Eagles senior first baseman Jacen Carpenter planted an outside fastball over the right field fence for an opposite field grand slam, making it 18-0.

The momentum of Carpenter’s grand slam carried into the Eagles second round matchup against Vasquez May 22, where they dropped 19 runs on the home team to advance to the third round. So far the Eagles have put up 36 runs against their opponents in two games. Capistrano Valley Christian will play Sierra Canyon in the third round May 25 at the San Juan Sports Park at 6 p.m. CD —Steve Breazeale www.thecapistranodispatch.com