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

J U N E 2 2 –J U LY 1 2 , 2 0 1 2 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12

Congratulations Class of 2012 Graduates accept diplomas, look forward to future SPECIAL INSERT

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San Juan Hills seniors receive their diplomas during their commencement ceremony at the Bren Events Center on the campus of UC Irvine. Photo by Brian Park

Former Council Candidate, Marine Passes Away

JSerra Freshmen Swimmers Head to Olympic Trials

Los Rios Dinosaur, City Budget, SONGS and More

SJC LIVING/PAGE 20

SPORTS/PAGE 22

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SAN CLEMENTE

EYE ON SJC

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Vandals have shot up signs, discarded bottles and left a general mess at the Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, which borders San Clemente, and City Councilman Bob Baker wants it stopped. “This is not good,” said Baker, who represents the city on the conservancy board. “This is not good at all.

Stop it.” The culprits have been entering no trespass areas designated as habitat for the California gnatcatcher, which the federal government lists as threatened. Baker noted that trespassing tickets cost up to $400. Fellow City Councilman Jim Dahl, a former firefighter, noted that the area is susceptible to fire.

In 1976, 2,000 acres of the area burned and caused extensive damage to nearby homes.

City Manager George Scarborough called the area and the potential for fire “the single biggest risk to our community.”

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

NEWS

NEXT DOOR WH AT ’S GOIN G O N I N OU R NE IGH B O R I N G TOWN S

DANA POINT Doheny State Beach hosted a free lunchtime reggae concert by the Dirty Heads to celebrate the release of the band’s new album, Cabin by the Sea and to raise funds for the state park and Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association.

Omega Events, concert promoter for the Doheny Blues and Doheny Days Festivals, produced the event with partners, 106.7 KROQ, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos and Monster Energy. The event drew at least 2,000 people and raised $2,700 for the DSBIA through food sales and donations from attendees. “Omega Events will donate an additional $5,000 to the DSBIA to help with their goal of reopening the visitors’ center and aquarium at Doheny State Beach,” said Omega Events President Rich Sherman. Sherman also recognized Wahoo’s owner Wing Lam for donating another $5,000 to cover costs including sound equipment, equipment rentals and more.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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funds to pay for the Sun Ranch Drainage Project, which will cost up to $3.22 million. The capital improvement budget is projected to be $11.2 million in 2012-2013.

“We totally respect the financial situation you’re in,” said Townsend President Christopher Townsend to the council.

“No hard feelings.”

This is the first time San Juan has gone with a two-year budget, according to City Treasurer Cindy Russell. “It’s really a long-term planning tool. It really helps us set our goals and a longer-term period to achieve our goals and allocate resources,” Russell said.

…the Dinosaur?

THE LATEST: The installation of a dinosaur replica at Zoomars Petting Zoo in the Los Rios Historic District has stirred up the ire of local residents who say it is an unbefitting addition to the area.

Zoomars owner Carolyn Franks purchased the 40-foot-long, 13-foot-tall apatosaurus, made of fiberglass and steel, at an auction in Anaheim. She had the dinosaur moved to the zoo on Wednesday, June 13, but less than 24 hours later, Franks received a stop-work order from the city, after a group of longtime residents with ties to San Juan’s earliest families complained that the dinosaur interrupted the area’s historical character.

“I find it offensive on some of the most sacred and cherished land in San Juan,” said Capistrano Historical Alliance President Jerry Nieblas, whose family predates the Mission.

On Tuesday, June 19, Franks told the City Council that the dinosaur would serve an educational purpose.

“I think it’s important to talk about not just what happened 200 years ago but 200 million years ago.”

Franks, who is set to become the president of the San Juan Chamber of Commerce in July 2013, also told the council that the dinosaur is a necessary step in evolving her business.

WHAT’S NEXT: Franks met with city staff on Friday, June 15, who directed her to put together a plan for how she intends to utilize the dinosaur. Franks has enlisted the help of a paleontologist and an archaeologist to help her prepare for a meeting this week.

Nieblas said his committee is prepared to organize a protest of the dinosaur.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 22–July 12, 2012

Zoomars owner Carolyn Franks stands in front of the dinosaur replica she had installed on Wednesday, June 13. Photo by Brian Park

“We stand for preserving historical integrity,” said Nieblas. “[Franks] needs to focus on the current history and building on that—not chiseling it away.”

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com — Brian Park

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…the Budget?

THE LATEST: After months of work, the San Juan City Council and staff declared its budget balanced, after the council unanimously approved a new two-year budget on Tuesday, June 19.

The budget for the 2012-2013 fiscal year will be $71.3 million and $65.5 million in 2013-2014. The city projects a general fund reserve of 25 percent in the first year of the new budget and a 31

percent reserve the following year.

General fund revenues were conservatively projected, according to a city staff report, but factored in projected revenue growth through sales taxes and the transient occupancy, or “bed” tax. Citing a city-wide increase in retail sales and the addition of new car dealership and the Costco expansion, sales tax revenue is expected to increase by 10 percent. The Marriott Inn, which opened in February 2012 and is located on Camino Capistrano, is projected to increase bed tax revenues by 110 percent and 10 percent in the next two fiscal years, respectively.

In the process, several cuts were also made, including the elimination of the city’s $60,000 contract with its state and federal lobbyist, Townsend Public Affairs. The cut was made, albeit reluctantly, because the city had to repurpose

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WHAT’S NEXT: The budget takes effect on July 1. Under the new two-year plan, the city will review and update the budget at the midterm, as well as continuing to do so on a quarterly basis.

Several council members indicated that they would consider renewing a relationship with Townsend, once the budget would allow for it.

FIND OUT MORE: To view the entire budget, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

—BP

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…the Sheriff’s Department Contract?

THE LATEST: On the same night San Juan passed its budget for the next two years, the City Council reluctantly added to its expenses for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, agreeing to a $191,911 increase in the city’s contract with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The council approved an amendment on Tuesday, June 19 that will increase the city’s financial obligation by 2.68 percent, to $7,350,382 for service that runs until (Cont. on page 4) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) June 30, 2013.

The increase is primarily due to a rise in the department’s transportation costs and a rise in the salaries and benefits for shared position employees, who work in both San Juan and with the department’s South Operations Division, according to Lt. John Meyer, San Juan’s chief of police services.

The $62,864 increase in transportation cost also includes the addition of a new vehicle for two new positions that were obtained last year. According to Meyer, a second vehicle is also being sought through grant funding.

There is no change in staff in the new fiscal year, according to the city staff report. However, with the termination of the red light camera program at the end of the year, one motorcycle deputy, who had previously spent 30 percent of his time administering the program, will now see his active patrol and enforcement time in the field increase.

The city is currently served by one lieutenant, five sergeants, two investigators, 19 deputy sheriffs, one crime prevention specialist and two community service officers, whose general responsibilities include parking enforcement and traffic accident investigation. Salaries range from $88,636 for the crime prevention specialist to the chief of police services’ $279,923 salary.

The increase comes at the three-year mark of a five-year agreement that began on July 1, 2010.

WHAT’S NEXT: The increase goes into effect July 1. Pending labor negotiations for the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the Orange County Employees’ Association may yet increase the city’s financial obligation even further, or in the case of an overall decrease, the city would receive credit.

FIND OUT MORE: To view the staff report, visit www.sanjuancapistrano. org —BP

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…the CUSD Budget?

THE LATEST: With the budget deadline approaching, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved the transfer June 11 of approximately $21.3 million from previously restricted funds to its general fund, allowing for what they called more financial flexibility.

The board made this move in preparation for a $30 to $50 million shortfall expected in November. If Gov. Jerry Brown’s educational tax initiative passes, the district expects to make roughly $30 million in cuts and $50 million if it fails—something many trustees, including Superintendent Joseph Farley, have been calling a worst-case scenario.

Trustees Ellen Addonizio and Sue Palazzo were the lone “nay” votes in the 4-2 decision, refusing to agree until district staff was clear on which programs would be affected by the transfer. The

concern was that programs such as the Regional Occupational Program and Cal State Student Support Services, programs that are currently being run on minimal monetary support, would lose out on important funding.

“My constituents need to know how this is affecting them, how this affects their children. It’s a little frustrating,” Addonizio said.

Presenter Clark Hampton, deputy superintendent of business services, said that not all of the $21.3 million would be included into the general fund and the transfer simply gives the district financial flexibility.

The board has already implemented $11 million in cuts, as part of the planned $100 million reduction for the 2012-2013 school year.

WHAT’S NEXT: Farley said the transfer would not end any programs and that the board will receive specifics when they adopt the budget June 27.

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

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…SONGS?

THE LATEST: Federal regulators are looking into design and manufacturing changes of the replacement steam generators at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, which has had both its reactors

JSERRA TAPS DOLAN AS INTERIM PRESIDENT Serra Catholic High School announced on Wednesday, June 6 that Robert Dolan, Jr. has been hired as interim president. Dolan will serve as interim president, effective immediately, for a three-month term with a month-to-month commitment thereafter. He was recommended for the position by several of his colleagues on the JSerra Board of Directors and was approved by a search committee and

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left the school in February to become the president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County.

Dolan’s hiring is one of several changes in the school’s leadership.

John Freeh will take over as JSerra’s new principal on July 9, replacing Tom Waszak. Fr. Robert Spitzer, the former president of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., was also hired to serve as the school’s new rector. CD

confirmed by the Board and Trustees.

The search committee will continue to look for a permanent president.

Dolan attended Catholic school from elementary to graduate school, according to a news release. He earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of San Diego and spent 10 years in his family’s insurance business. Dolan is replacing former JSerra President Frank Talarico, who

SIEGELS NAMED HONORARY CHAIRS FOR MISSION BENEFIT GALA an Juan residents Jan and Warren Siegel have been named honorary chairs for the Romance of the Mission Benefit Gala, set to take place on Friday, September 14 at Mission San Juan.

Since moving to San Juan 25 years ago, the Siegels have been community advocates for the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage. Jan Siegel is a member of the Artifacts Council at the Mission, a docent for the Architectural Walking Tour, and a commissioner of the Cultural Heritage Commission; this year, she also

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The Capistrano Dispatch June 22–July 12, 2012

served as chairwoman of the Citizens Celebration Committee to celebrate San Juan’s 50th anniversary. The Honorable H. Warren Siegel was appointed as an Orange County Superior Court judge by then-Governor Pete Wilson in 1993 and retired in 2009.

The Mission Benefit Gala is a black-tie affair presented by the Mission Preservation Foundation, which announced David Gaines as this year’s entertainment. Gaines, who has performed the title role of The Phantom of

the Opera more than 2,000 times, will perform a live concert during the gala in the ruins of the Great Stone Church.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel will provide dining in the Mission’s Central courtyard following the concert.

Proceeds from the event will go toward funding the second phase of the Gate House Preservation Project, which will relocate the Mission’s gift shop to the street and return the Sala building to museum use. For more info, visit www.missionsjc.com. CD

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out of operation since January and has no timeline for their return to service.

To a standing-room only crowd in San Juan Capistrano, inspectors from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said that vibrations in the steam generator tubes had caused them to wear down excessively and unpredictably and led to the radiation leak that forced the rapid shutdown of the plant’s Unit 3 reactor January 31. Also, original simulations of water flow grossly underestimated the speed of water in the tubes further affecting them.

Plant owner, Southern California Edison, took its Unit 2 reactor offline for planned upgrades January 9 and has continued to test it in light of the tube degradation in the other reactor.

But anti-nuclear groups described the meeting Monday and the inspection process as a “sham.” Leaders of Friends of the Earth said Edison misled regulators when it failed to disclose all the design changes and bypassed what would have been an 18-month relicensing process.

Despite the criticism, SONGS’ Chief Nuclear Officer Peter Dietrich, said SCE had satisfied federal requirements to power them up in the first place.

WHAT’S NEXT: Monday night’s meeting was a first in a series the NRC plans to hold on San Onofre after subsequent inspections.

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

Mission Basilica Students, Teachers to Use iPads in Class Mission Basilica School will be the first school in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange to implement a new program that will provide an iPad to every student, starting next school year. The program is designed to increase student engagement and help teachers personalize their lesson plans. “It is important that we remain aggressive in technology and prepare our students for their secondary schools” said Principal Tina Rolewicz in a news release. “We want our students to be a part of how technology can improve learning experiences in the classroom.”

Faculty will undergo iPad training sessions on how to effectively use the technology in the classroom. IPad workstations will be introduced to students in kindergarten through the fifth grade and will be integrated with Smart Board touch-screen technology, which has already been in use for the past two years. By midyear, the school expects textbooks will be available for the devices. —Brian Park www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Brian Park

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

San Juan Relay for Life Will Be a 24-Hour Event The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event in San Juan will be a 24-hour affair, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 30 and concluding the following morning. The theme for this year’s event is “Be Unstoppable!” So far, 17 teams have signed up, raising $33,649.

The event will take place at San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. Admission is free, and even if visitors aren’t part of a team, they can still enjoy food booths, a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and a continuous stream of live entertainment.

At 9 p.m., the Luminaria Ceremony will feature bagpiper Steven Megarity performing “Amazing Grace” as cancer survivors, family members and care workers take a lap in remembrance and celebration of those who have survived and those who have lost their lives to cancer. On Sunday morning, Julio Montero and his daughter, Claudia, will perform a harp and guitar duet during a breakfast prepared by the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club. The closing ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m.

For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org and search “San Juan Capistrano” or call 949.661.7077.

Wolfert Selected Student Adviser to School District Madison Wolfert, a junior at Capistrano Valley High School, has been selected to serve as student adviser to the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees for the 2012-2013 school year. Wolfert will represent the district’s 50,000 students during bimonthly meetings of the board of trustees.

Wolfert also serves as president of the Mission Viejo Community of Character Youth Committee, which helps plan community events. Wolfert is also a founding member and the current president of Titans for Literacy, a group committed to helping students at Kinoshita Elementary School improve their reading skills. She is also team captain for a Destination Imagination team, a member of the CVHS symphony orchestra and plays for the varsity golf team. Wolfert holds a 4.56 GPA, is a candidate for a full International Baccalaureate Diploma, is a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation and has been named to the Superintendent’s Honor Roll every semester.

“It is important that the Board of TrustThe Capistrano Dispatch June 22–July 12, 2012

ees seek out and consider students’ ideas, viewpoints and reactions to the educational program,” said Board President Gary Pritchard in a release. “Madison’s ability to think critically and advocate on behalf of our students will give us valuable insight as we make critical decisions that will impact our students.”

The student adviser serves a one-year term and attends all meetings except for closed sessions. Student advisers may cast a preferential vote, which is recorded in the minutes, but does not affect the numerical outcome of a vote.

St. Margaret’s Freshman Wins Award at the Cappies St. Margaret’s freshman Morgan Higgins was named “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” at the ninth Annual Orange County Cappies Gala held on Sunday, June 3 at The Grove of Anaheim. Higgins, who lives in San Clemente, has been participating in voice and musical theater since she was six years old. Higgins has produced more than 30 cover videos and has more than 980,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, “iMorganHiggins.”

The Cappies is a national organization with 17 programs throughout the United States and Canada—the Orange County chapter is the only one west of Texas. In the same vein as the Tony Awards, the Cappies Gala recognizes excellence in high school musical theater. This year in Orange County, more than 240 Cappies critics reviewed 58 shows at 34 participating schools.

San Juan resident Michael Kinder and his wife Vanessa Kinder pose with a trophy after Michael Kinder was named “King of the Grill” at the inaugural Great American Grill-Off. Photo by Davey Ferchow

based on their academic performance, athletic and extracurricular achievement, physical fitness and character.

San Juan Resident Crowned ‘King of the Grill’

San Juan Hills Student Invited to Naval Academy Program San Juan Hills High School junior Dominic Gaeta has been invited to attend the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar, a six-day program designed for students who are interested in pursuing an appointment to one of the nation’s service academies and serving as a military officer after graduation.

Gaeta is one of 2,250 students who have just completed their junior year of high school to attend the program in Annapolis, Md. Students will live and eat on campus, participate in academic and leadership workshops and experience a variety of other activities that introduce them to opportunities at the Naval Academy. The program is run by current students, known as midshipmen, and supervised by active duty Navy and Marine Corps officers. Students are selected

San Juan resident Michael Kinder was named “King of the Grill” at the inaugural Great American Grill-Off on Friday, June 8. Kinder impressed a panel of judges with his Hawaiian BBQ burrito. His prize includes a $1,000 dining certificate to three Orange County restaurants—Bistango and Kimera, both in Irvine, and Bayside in Newport Beach. Hosted by Bistango, the Great American Grill-Off is billed as a search for Southern California’s best and most creative grill master. The panel of judges included Tina Borgatta of Riviera Magazine, Christina Christensen of Orange Coast Magazine, Susan Belknapp of OC Metro, Anne Mare Panoringan of OC Weekly and Terry Walsh, food aficionado and Bistango VIP. Kinder was one of five finalists, chosen from more than 70 entrants, to compete for the title in a grilling competition at Bistango. More than 300 guests cheered on the competitors.

Marco Forster Student Captures State Surfing Title Marco Forster Middle School student Kayl Cota captured the boys shortboard title at the Scholastic Surf Series Middle School State Championships held on May 19 and 20 in Oceanside, Calif. Local schools swept the top three positions of the competition. Shorecliffs Middle School won the state title, followed by Bernice Ayer and Marco Forster middle schools in second-and third-place, respectively. Competitors were drawn from 23 middle schools from Santa Cruz to San Diego and were treated to excellent surf conditions. Waves ranged from 3 to 5 feet on Saturday and 3 to 4 feet on Sunday.

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Caliber Collision of San Juan Launches Food Drive Caliber Collision of San Juan is launching a two-week food drive to contribute to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. As part of the company’s Rhythm Restoration Food Drive, the public can donate non-perishable food items at six Caliber locations in Orange County, including San Juan, from June 18-29.

Non-perishable food items must be packaged in either cans or plastic bottles.

Second Harvest Food Bank and Caliber cannot accept food in glass or open containers and homemade items. Caliber has also pledged to match a $1 donation for every item of food contributed.

Caliber Collision of San Juan is located at 26442 Via De Anza. The company has also set up a website for cash donations at http://vad.aidmatrix.org/vadxml. cfm?driveid=6406.

College Graduation Announcements The following San Juan residents earned their bachelor’s degrees and participated in their respective schools’ commencement ceremonies. Jason Fleming (psychology), Virginia Soto (public relations) and Ethan Fleming (math-computer science) graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. on May 13.

From the University of San Diego, Kelsey Fox (political science), Elaina Montgomery (psychology), Kristin Swasing (communication studies), Matthew Turcutto (political science), Hannah Worley (English) and Veronica Tracy (international relations) earned their degrees. Tracy graduated magna cum laude.

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 KEVIN DAHLGREN 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.

Tuesday, June 19 DISTURBANCE Calle Perfecto, 32800 Block (2:41 p.m.)

A tow truck company called to report a male who was unhappy his car was being towed and refused to let the tow truck driver tow the car.

PETTY THEFT Plaza Drive, 31800 Block (1:42 p.m.)

A store owner reported that he had caught a juvenile trying to steal a pack of cigarettes. The juvenile was held in the back of the store until deputies arrived.

Monday, June 18 DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/Del Obispo Street (8:28 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for an unknown male who approached the caller’s vehicle and began to get very agitated.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Ortega Highway, 27100 Block (5:24 p.m.) Police were called to a local hotel to assist Orange County Fire Authority with a man who was having alcoholrelated seizures on the property.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Del Obispo Street/Camino Capistrano (3:01 p.m.) A report was received about

the train signal going off, but the crossing gates were not lowering to block the tracks.

Sunday, June 17 PROWLER Charro Drive, 25500 Block (11:36 p.m.)

A man called police after hearing a kick at his front door and his daughter told him that she saw the shadow of a man outside her bedroom window. Deputies arrived but found no sign of anything out of the ordinary.

Saturday, June 16 ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Paseo Carolina, 32200 Block (5:42 p.m.)

A white Chevy pickup truck was reported to be parked in a red fire zone for at least two hours. Before deputies or the tow company could arrive, the vehicle’s owner returned to the car and moved it.

Friday, June 15 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Paseo Bahia, 28700 Block (10:29 p.m.)

Several teenagers were congregating in the parking lot at the location. Two of the teens were believed to be carrying bottles of alcohol and smoking cigarettes.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (2:25 a.m.) An unknown intoxicated male showed up at the fire station and began to demand that the firemen give him a ride home.

Thursday, June 14 PETTY THEFT REPORT Calle Chueca, 30600 Block (7:33 p.m.)

Police were requested to file a report regarding a bike that was stolen from inside a garage.

DISTURBANCE Calle Santa Barbara, 26500 Block (2:24 a.m.) A man and a woman were heard

having a very loud argument in the stairwell of the apartment complex.

Deputies were unable to locate either person involved when they arrived on scene.

earlier. The couple stated they had attempted to contact the granddaughter but were unable to do so.

Wednesday, June 13

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Trabuco Creek Road, 29200 Block (7:49 p.m.) A woman was reported sitting in her blue sports utility vehicle at the dead end of Trabuco Creek Road. The caller was unsure if the driver was stranded or in distress.

PATROL CHECK Via Escolar/Rancho Viejo Road (4:46 a.m.) San Diego Gas & Electric employees called to report that the batteries that control the traffic lights were dying, causing the lights to stop working.

A power outage in Mission Viejo was causing the lights to run off the batteries and SDG&E crews were working to get power back to the affected areas.

RECKLESS DRIVING Via Madonna/Calle Cartagena (12:41 a.m.) A red BMW was reported driving up and down the street at a very high rate of speed for approximately 15 minutes.

Tuesday, June 12 TRESSPASSING Rancho Viejo Road/Spotted Bull Lane (2:38 p.m.) Two carloads of juveniles in a red Jeep and a dark grey Jeep were seen driving through the trails off Rancho Viejo Road. They were also suspected of accessing the trails off Spotted Bull Lane.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Arroyo/Via Parra (11:04 a.m.)

A group of walkers called to report a middle aged man, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and wearing a Dodgers baseball cap, following them on his bicycle and acting very strange.

CITIZEN ASSIST Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (1:44 a.m.)

An employee at the San Juan Capistrano Amtrak Station called to request assistance with an elderly couple who were worried something may have happened to their granddaughter, who was supposed to pick them up a few hours

Monday, June 11

DISTURBANCE Paseo Carolina, 32100 Block(1:25 a.m.)

Several males of unknown age were reportedly drinking and being loud near the parking lot of Capistrano Valley Christian School.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Los Rios Street, 31500 Block (1:10 a.m.)

A neighbor called police when he heard several children in the house next door screaming. Deputies responded and it was discovered that the children had been watching a scary movie.

Sunday, June 10 TRAFFIC HAZARD Ortega Highway/La Novia Avenue (9:52 p.m.) A black Ford Taurus was disabled in the westbound lanes of Ortega Highway. The car had been left by the driver, who left the scene on foot, heading eastbound on Ortega Highway.

DISTURBANCE-AUTO INVOLVED Alipaz Street/Mariner Drive (6:49 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested for three teenage males riding dirt bikes in the flood channel that runs alongside Del Obispo Street.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Santa Rosalia/Calle El Sauzal (7:51 a.m.) Two juvenile males, wearing dark hooded sweatshirts, were seen looking into cars and trying to open car doors.

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

Brian Park, 949.388.7700, x108 bpark@thecapistranodispatch.com ADVERTISING

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 12. 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

Some Things Just Can’t be Fixed Good, old-fashioned politeness is always welcome on the road

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ne of the biggest changes in my life since taking my new post at Faubel Public Affairs – aside from having to ditch my flip flops for real shoes – is my daily commute.

When I was working at The Dispatch, my commute was an easy eight miles south to Capistrano Beach. If I didn’t feel like taking the freeway, I’d stay on Camino Capistrano, cruise through downtown, then ultimately alongside the ocean before heading up Palisades Drive to the office.

Now, I slog north on the 5 every morning. How long is my commute?

Just over 16 miles. Go ahead and groan, all of you road warriors. It’s OK. Google Maps says it should take me just over 20 minutes. And sometimes, usually when I don’t have any meetings or anything pressing in the office, it does take less than a half hour. Other days, though, it’s been an hour. Those are, of course, the days I have an early meeting or some deadline looming.

It’s a tad frustrating, because there seems to be no rhyme or reason. Fridays going home are slower, but other than that, no real pattern—so no way to know when traffic will be flying, or when I’ll be sitting in the car crying.

But even after a few weeks of commuting, I know that road improvements won’t solve all of the problems. I’ve watched delays caused by something you just can’t fix: selfishness and stupidity.

My old Jeep is best kept to the right lane, close to the shoulder, just in case.

I don’t mind chugging along at 55 mph or 65 mph, keeping up with traffic, but what’s infuriating when it’s stop-and-go The Capistrano Dispatch June 22–July 12, 2012

is the folks who believe they’re in a big hurry and use the shoulder as a merge lane, only to then wedge across two lanes as they try to make their way to the inside. That then causes Jonathan Volzke a mini-bottleneck, as people moving from the insides to get off at the next exit have nowhere to go … and we all go nowhere.

The behavior doesn’t surprise me.

We see it around town every day. With apologies and exceptions to those just visiting, how many times have we watched someone from the far right lane of Del Obispo Street try to swing all the way to the left when turning onto Del Obispo? Waiting to go straight east on Ortega, I’ve waited through many a green light with some car stretched across the through lanes.

Irritating, but not as dangerous as those aforementioned selfish-stupid drivers who ignore the fact that the right lane heading south on Camino Capistrano at Del Obispo is a right-turn only corridor. I’ve nearly had the passenger door taken off more than once by someone who bypasses the waiting traffic on Camino Capistrano to zip up the right lane, then continue straight across Del Obispo rather than turning right.

The fun part is pulling up next to those folks, usually at the light in front of Vons, and being able to give them a friendly wave. All that speeding and zipping and … cleverness … really doesn’t buy much time around town.

Now, I know the Ortega issue will

likely be fixed when the interchange is rebuilt, a project that will start this year. The new interchange will have drivers who want to go north on the I-5 entering from the right lane of Ortega, then looping underneath, so there won’t be any need for that mad dash to the left.

And Camino Capistrano just south of San Juan Creek – a bottleneck now because of the ramp construction – is supposed to be finished early next year.

Also nearing completion is the widening of the Del Obispo bridge, which will allow two left-turn lanes onto Alipaz and eliminate the vehicles backing up through the intersection at Paseo Adelanto.

But anyone of us who really pay attention when we drive around town know that every problem can’t be fixed. In some cases, there’s just no way to create an alternate route. In others, there’s no room to widen streets without taking out homes or businesses.

So what can be fixed is getting fixed.

And while that will take some patience for all of us, some street smarts and good old-fashioned politeness will go a long way, too.

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.

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.

Page 8

Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Kevin Dahlgren, Sara Gold, Tawnee Prazak

Letters to the Community DANGEROUS PRECEDENT SET WITH ZOOMARS’ DINOSAUR —Jerry Nieblas, president of the Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee To begin, please allow us to share our mission statement of the Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee: “With integrity, the Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee proudly recognizes, respects and honors all the historical elements of San Juan Capistrano - its land, its structures, its families and its traditions...”

That being said, there’s a dinosaur in San Juan Capistrano and it’s caused quite a “roar,” no pun intended. Two facets exist in this controversy, the historical and the factual.

First, the historical Los Rios Street is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the state of California and is designated as such with the National Historic Register. The National Historic Register has its own set of guidelines, which must be upheld. Sacred land and memories are being violated. Zoomars has stated its intention to create a mini-dinosaur area. Frankly, there’s nothing wrong with a dinosaur learning or play area for children. It’s not a bad idea, but it’s the wrong location.

Last and most importantly, the facts: A dangerous precedence has been set.

Zoomars did not get permission from the City Council, Cultural Heritage Commission or the Planning Department. Zoomars did not pull permits and Zoomars did not consult with San Juan Capistrano’s Code Enforcement staff.

The most bothersome is that Zoomars directly violated the Los Rios Specific (Continued on page 17) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

San Juan Hills Stallion of the Year Michelle Almanza, Scholar of Scholars Dominick Wong and Senior Class President Colbie Racobs moments before their commencement ceremony. Photo by Brian Park

San Juan Hills Class of 2012 T

Ready to Take on New Challenges

heir speeches were similar in theme, despite differing greatly in design and delivery.

San Juan Hills High School seniors Kelly Delgadillo, Marc Urbino and Dominick Wong each took to the podium to deliver their parting words to their 436 peers who made up the graduating class of 2012.

Delgadillo went first, citing the likes of John F. Kennedy and Henry David Thoreau in her speech. Urbino followed, with a decidedly more comical approach that drew heavily from his personal experiences.

And then spoke Wong, whose speech struck a balance between that of his two predecessors but with no less aplomb.

“I don’t pretend to know what lies beyond the other side of those doors … I only know that we are here together now, just as we have been for four wonderful years of waiting, trying to figure out this mess we call life,” said Wong, who, as the Scholar of Scholars, was the lone graduate to wear a gold cap and gown that almost-quiteliterally highlighted his 4.6 grade-point average—the highest in the class. “As we go out into the world beyond these modest hills, we will face whatever lies out there with the bold tenacity and the fierce determination that we’ve taught each other.”

Ushered on by their three commencement speakers’ call for a fearless approach to their post-high school lives, the San Juan Hills class of 2012 celebrated its graduation

Capo Dispatch Valedictorians and Salutatorians San Juan Hills Scholar of Scholars: Dominick Wong San Juan Hills Stallion of the Year: Michelle Almanza Saddleback Valley Christian Schools Scholar of Scholars: Brittany Renae Thaung JSerra Valedictorian: Thomas Allen JSerra Salutatorian: Sam Miller Capistrano Valley Christian Schools Valedictorian: Sonia Zhang Capistrano Valley Christian Schools Salutatorian: Courtland Sherreitt St. Margaret’s Valedictorian: Ted Ko on Wednesday, June 20 at the Bren Events Center, on the campus of UC Irvine, and in front of family, friends and school officials.

The class of 2011 owns the distinction of being San Juan Hills’ first graduating class. But based on the words of Delgadillo, Urbino and Wong and the collective list of accolades and triumphs, the class of 2012 are trailblazers in their own right.

In a year marked by further district-wide budget cuts, the class of 2012 has proven to be a resilient bunch, according to Principal Tom Ressler, as evidenced by the highest standardized test scores for a senior class in the school’s five-year history.

“The standards they set for future classes would be just how you accept other people, how you always work hard, and when you run into disappointments, you just keep going,” said Ressler. “They were very united. They recognized that sometimes the path is more important than even the goal you have.”

Whatever their goals may be, the path will continue for many of the graduating seniors. From the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to Willamette University in Salem, Ore., there are more than 150 different colleges and universities that San Juan Hills students will be attending this fall.

Wong, who will be studying sociology at UC Berkeley and would like to pursue a career in education or social work, said that the uncertainty of life after high school is something that excites him, much like the uncertainty of entering San Juan Hills four years ago.

“Everyone else was apprehensive about it because San Juan Hills was the school by the dump, we only had two years going for us, but I liked it. I felt comfortable,” said Wong.

In his speech, Wong told his classmates, “We each left our childhoods at that doorstep and when we each leave here, we must learn to be adults—a task that may scare you … I don’t know what the future has in store for us, but I have little doubt that we will rise to the challenge.”

— Brian Park

San Juan Hills

Graduates

Bolded names indicate valedicatorians.

Gustav Alexander Åsberg Aston Burton Åsberg Oliver Georg Åsberg Nicky Abanian Alexander J. Adams Jesenia Aguilar Kevin Aguirre Ricardo Aguirre Connor Robert Alarid Pedro Fernando Alegre Isolde M. Alfaro Michelle Almanza Gabriella Anna Angotti-Jones Fernando Lagunas Antunez Dulce Monica Anzures Bahena Benjamin Aquino Wiley Coyote Archbold Natalie Arciniega Edy Emmanuel Arcos Jonathan Tyler Arevalo Emily Jean Arrington Aishani Ataliwala Nathan Jason Auclair Cristian Garceau Aviles Aaron Michael Azoff Evan Backal Carly Austin Bagg Hirod R. Bahadori Juan Carlos Balderas Joseph Dizon Balingit Molly Kate Barby Christopher Henley Barnes Justin Lee Barnes Luis Angel Barrera Allyson Carol Barys Samantha Battis Kyle Austin Bauer Mackian John Bauman Marcella Two Doves Belardes Kathleen Elizabeth Bell Haylee Brooke Bergstrom Joshua Thomas Bertog Tyler James Bickel Brendan Scott Biedermann Madison Brianne Bishop Ashley Marie Bloodgood Max Jacob Blumen Nicholas Joseph Brenneman Kimberly Paige Brooks-Gonzalez Forrest James Brown Jared Roy Brown Kristin Bobbi Brown Keatyn Renae Bucknam Ryan J. Burke Kristen K. Busan

Aubree Noelle Calderwood Jessica Danielle Caldwell Steven Kyle Campos Janet Cano- Franco Tony Cardenas Neeley Christine Carlier Cody Steven Carmelo Alexandria Carr Erick Arturo Carrillo Jesse Keiki’aina Carrillo Leila Keikilani Carrillo Michael Carter Oscar Carvajal Alex Fernando Castaneda Kassandra Lyanne Cazares Madison Ann Centen-Rightmire Alma D. Cervantes Cameron Samuel Chapman Jack Rhys Chapman Holly Lynn Chase Lindsey Rose Chase Gregory Edmund Chavez Guadalupe Chavez Amy Claire Cheever Emily Elyse Chetney Matthew Ryan Chetwood Sean Robert Chinnery Ashlee Diane Chow Raul Cibrian Mitchell Anthony Ciccomascolo Jayne Carmen Clark Brynn Marie Clarke Nicolas David Cleveland Cilver Tiffany Coleman Jody Paige Conners Luis Francisco Contreras Yasmin Coronado Xavier Favian Cortez Jedediah Charles-Dean Cox Timothy Joe Crankshaw Jenna Noelle Crisostomo William Felipe Crisostomo Ann Olivia Crow Ryan Michael Crowe Hector Abel Cruz Alexander George Dafnis Christopher Daniel Dalo Isaiah Blair Danley Evan Alexander Da Silva Miranda Ferguson Davis Nau De Paz Jesse Blair deDianous Analuisa Del Rivero Kelly G. Delgadillo Claudia Pineda Delgado

Alexis Yvonne D’Epagnier Xavier Alexander DeShay Karen Christine Diaz Tina Dibayi Kaitlin Rae Dillon Kevin Doaifi Riley Bowman Drew Kateri Briana Drewes Antonio Luis Calugtong Ebol Danielle Rose Eden Leslie Michelle Eigle Edlin Veronica Enciso-Vega Taylor Michael Ensley Sarah Anne-Marie Entezari Hana Christine Ericson Alyssa Joann Espinoza Madison Waite Estel Angel Javier Mendoza Estrada Alejandro Ezquivel Kori Lynn Fairfield Iliana Farias Kristina Nicole Felix-Tuu’u Maria Elizabeth Fernandez Melvin Findley Iban Jesus Florentino Carlos Estevan Flores Daniela Flores Troy Arthur Jacob Flynn Grant Reid Foerstel Jeremy Allen Fogle Christopher Foreman Hope Katherine Frisch Brooke Ashley Fryer Janet Delgado Fuentes Kattie Jasmin Fuentes Shane Christian Fulton-Dragotta Emily Noel Gallaher Yeri Esmeralda Gallegos Nicole Catherine Garau Laura Garcia Matthew Ellison Garcia Ryan Howard Gee Kalen Leigh Gell Laurel Susan Fishinghawk Germany Shelby Diane Gill Eleazar Gonzalez Leonardo Daniel Gonzalez Sean Patrick Goodwin Sarah Helene Gordon Janelle Marie Grant Alexandria Noel Greene Coulter F. Grenier Bettina Adrianna Grillo Dylan James Robert Gronnerud Alexandra Gros Kirsten Elizabeth Grossen Nathan Alan Grubb Lauren Michelle Grulkowski Sergio Guadarrama Ocampo Marissa Ann Gustavson Tailyr JaNae Haag Chadwick Bradly Hall Orion Jay Halva-Ferrero Brandon Thomas Hamilton Austin Blaine Hanks Devan Riley Harding Alexandra Jade Harrigan Katherine Gayle Harris Kirby Christine Harris Karen Zuleyma Hernandez Miguel Angel Hernandez Gina Maree Hewitt Nichole Thapany Hickey Victoria Rose Higgins Madison Elizabeth Hofer Camille Nicole Holbrook

Shelby Ann Holloway Grant M. Honetschlager Hope MacRae Honetschlager Abigail Joie Hopkin Phillip Horrack Dena Michelle Hout Stefan Nicholas Huber Llexza Huckaby Jose E. Huerta Kiana Ranica Hui Donna Hurtado Gianna Marie Iavarone Veronica Ibarra Sarah Inlow Isaiah Irby Samantha Elizabeth Jackson Janelle Ann Janke Hannah Christine Jarvis Nicky Donnell Jenkins Alexandra Rene Jernigan Sofia Kabir Tatianna Kaha Sarita Kriti Kanamarlapudi Sarah Samir Kantari Brittany Kinuye Kato Shawn Mark Kay Heather Nicole Keil Jakob B. Kellett Connor Ryan Kelly Sina Khatir Manali Khatri Jay-Kyung Kim Brian Henry Klotz Bria Jorrae Knowles Rebecca Dorothy Kremer Matthew Reid Kroe Chelsea Michelle Kruthers Kristine Marie Kurrasch Olivia Francis Lachenauer Robert Lane Victoria Christine Larson Kaley Nicole Lascola Riley Harrison Lavering Cassidy Dianne Lawley Zakary Robert Lepre Taylor Danielle Lewis Madison Glenn Lindekens Emily Nicole Lindsey Hunter Taylor Littlejohn Emily Lynn Lobo Maria Elena Lopez Martin Lopez-Banda Katelyn Mchall Lorenzen Olivia Marie Lowe

Lorena Loya Sarah Ashley Luxon Taylor Margaret Rebecca K Major Austin Michael Mann Erika Allie Marshall David Alfonso Martinez Leonardo Manuel Martinez Yasmin Rivera Martinez Michael Carl Massaro Clayton Sterling Mathews Matthew Maxey Aldo Gamboa Mata Maria Guadalupe Maya Ryan G. McCarthy Hailey Madeline McClain Kaitlin Ann McDonald Brian Kevin McInerney Jacob Mitchell McIver Kianna Danae McManus Marisa Claire McNamee Mercedes Victoria Mears Ricardo Medina Jessica Paola Medrano David Roman Mena Allison Marie Mendez Alexander Quentin Milewski Nathan Millat Maxwell Martin Miller Rebecca Anne Miller Sarah Mirakhorli Wahlid Mohammad Edwin Molina Allison Elaine Monahan Steven Gregory Montevideo Bryan Joseph Morales Jose A. Morales Eric Moreno Phoebe Renee Morgan Jake Matthew Muck Karen Murillo Ryan Martin Murphy Tyler David Nail Giuseppe Giovanni Navarro Isamar Andrea Negrete Nicole Kiyono Nelson Olivia Rae Neu Brianna Nicole Nicosia Esteban P. Ocampo, Jr. Jasmin Ocampo Javier Ocampo Mena Kimberly Ochoa Cory Don O’Day (Continued)

San Juan Hills High School Graduates (Continued) Alexi Onofre Alaia Chloe Ann Orlick Christian Andrew Ortiz Heliodoro Ortiz, Jr. Leonel Ortiz, Jr. Katherine Elizabeth Ott Kjersten Hannah Oveson Erica Ruth Owen Nicole Marie Oyler Marilu Pacheco Cassidy Lynn Pair Joseph Michael Palmer Ivan Palomera-Saldivar Carlos Palomero Elinell Roque Pamintuan Tracy Lee Parco Scout Thomas Parker

Ramon Alejandro Pedraza Adriana Pe単a Janet Perales-Reyes Eliana Perez Jose Manuel Perez Justim Jose Perez Maria Guadalupe Perez Yolimer Cuellar Perez Chloe Lynn Petrone Gabrielle Elaine Pfau Alexander Trevon Pickering Jake Andrew Pintar Victoria Carlota Pita Kaitlyn Alexandra Plourde Forest Parker Poppa Anthony Price-Resta Arthur Priest Nicholas Edward Pufpaf Brandon David Pugh Colbie Rene Racobs Cynthia Ramirez Victor Ramos Jacob Richard Reimers Geordi August Reiner Kennady Savannah Reuland Jensen Robert Reyes Alec William Richter Kellie Ann Ringler Brisa Jazmin Rodriguez Deborah Naisha Rodriguez Gypsy Rodriguez Jeannine Rodriguez Jessica Rodriguez Maria Magdalena Rodriguez Nicholas Alexander Rodriguez

Norma Celia Rodriguez Ryan Austin Rodriguez Alexis Joy Rogers Derek Michael Romero Caleb Dillon Roush Natalie Luisa Rudloff Azadeh Safavi-Tehrani Logan A. Salat Horacio Sanchez Isaiah B. Sanchez Javier Sanchez Teagan Christine Sanchez Joaquin Sanchez Gonzalez Fernanda Daniela Santillan Raquel Segura Emily Elizabeth Senes Chanel Marie Shank Hailee Marie Sherwood Sadie Sue Sileski Mateus Cesareo Silva Wylie Grey Simpson Tanisha Singh Cassandra Anne Sisneros Karissa Breanne Sisola Janelle E. Slater Morgan Victoria Slye Nathan John-Allan Smith Brooke Marie Soto Jorge Jacob Soto Madison Rae Spangenthal David Robert Spiers Dylan William Spralja Allyson Jeanne Sprenger Nicholas James Steil Haley Gabrielle Stewart

Airik Dean Strandberg Owen Henry Talbot Strassner Alexander J. Stropko Chloe Alexandra Strumpf Elizabeth Margaret Summers Tatijana Susko Emma Sutherland Jenna Rebecca Sweeney Madeline Marie Taylor Brendan Anthony Terrell William Blake Thompson Diana Laura Tiempos Erick Torres Jerry Diaz Torres Maria Guadalupe Torres Marissa Nicole Tribolet Merrick Brad Tuttle Caden D. Underwood Marc Frederick Urbino Meredith Soul Valdez Ryleigh Valdez Tyler Thomas Vance Brittany Anne VanSmaalen Aubree Rose Vasquez Fabian Eduardo Vazquez Olivia Rose Vega Omar Alfredo Ventura Janiel Victorino Jose Luis Lopez Vieyra Tracey Jayne Vogt Brionna S. Voytovich Christina Annette Wallace Megan Nicole Walley McKenzie Lee Walsh Rachael Mercy Walsh

Tyler Walter Webster Charli Suzanne Weie Kody Brandt Weil Cameron Michael Weinberg Haley Elizabeth Werner George Richard Widdowson Maximilliano George Huartato Juares Williams Alexandra Mia Wippler Dominick Eugene Wong* Garrett Martin Wright Jacob Ryan Wright Matthew Stevens Wright Amelia Xifo Quinn Xifo Trevor Dean Yarnall Laura Anne Young Itzel Cardoso Zagal Rosa Angelica Zamarripa Andres Zamora Erica Zavala Jacob Ryley Zawoysky *Dominick is graduating with the highest overall weighted grade-point average, 4.6, based on coursework in English, history/social science, mathematics, science and world languages.

He will be attending the University of California, Berkeley this fall and plans on majoring in sociology.

St. Margaret’s

Graduates Nicholas Daniel Adams Joseph Stephen Agüero Mary Catherine Ahearn Robyn Allan Melanie Kathryn Arnold Ramon Ignacio Arriaga Natalie Ann Barbaresi Christopher Colin Barwick Christopher Douglas Bauer Aurahm Justin Bayat Jessica Michelle Bissontz Paul Benjamin Brenneman* Conor Timothy Burke Martin Joseph Burke Ivana Chabeli Cantuna Conner Eric Carnahan Gabrielle Electra Carpenter † Jacob Harris Carpenter †

Isabella Carracino* Tara Rose Cassano Hayden Raine Caves Esmeralda Chaidez Elizabeth Chen Tiffany Katherine Cheng Crystal Su-Lin Chin † Chelsie Courtney Churchill George McGuigan Clemmons Jake Tyler Dappen Joan Christine Davidson Ashley Katherine Davis Hayden Giovanni deCarion † Oliver William deCarion † William Mark Desmond † Katherine Ainsley Donahue Matthew Lawrence Dueñes* Arian John Faraji Najet Lily Fazai David Joseph Field Katherine Elise Fragapane Rocelle Eden Frost Jacob Marvin Garrett † Jessica Jeanette Garrett † William Philip Gaudreau Jonathan David Gencarella Cole David Gennrich Ryan Elliott Gooding Lauren Sadie Gottlieb Madison Elizabeth Gottlieb Andrew Arthur Greene Natasha Christine Grey Fabiola Candela Hernandez Heather Marguerite Hughes Meaghan Adelaide Hurr* Kent Julian Iizuka Madison Skye Jahn Bethany Rebecca Johnson Colin Wolcott Johnson †

St. Margaret’s Valedictorian Ted Ching-Teh Ko. Courtesy photo

Matilda Rae Keane† David Youbin Kim Matthew Nicholas Kloss Ted Ching-Teh Ko † Ekaterini Sophia Kontoulis Michael Akira Kushner † Monika Iva Laird † Kyle Andrew Larrabee Samantha Elizabeth Larsen Gabriela Teran Leichnitz Nolan Ryan Lynch Ashleigh Spencer Magnus Byron Vito Manzo Jennifer Alexandra Manzo James Cameron Marcu Clementine Rose Marcus † Jordan Isaac McDaniel Tabitha Francine Miller

Matthew Kenji Miyamoto Maxwell Charles Monahan † Emily Roseanne Moore † Marina Morales Gonzalez Catherine Alice Nally Abigail Elizabeth Mae Nemeth Mark Andre Olivier Lauren McCaully Patch* Hasina S.Patel Gregory Everett Paul † Stephanie Perez Veronica Antonia Powell Alexander James Ramadan † Alena Macedo Riggs Alexandria Marie Robinson † Anastasia Nicolette Robinson Ellen Mary Roney Anam Sadruddin

Saba Saghafi Katherine Trevas Schneider † Camille Barbara Sheets David Anthony Shelly* Chase Lee Stueber Christian Teruo Tanaka † Ryan Geoffrey Tanaka Jennifer Nicole Tedori † Nicolas Sebastien Toubia Barrett Keagy Travis Brian Esler Holland Vail Caroline Braddy Walters † Heather Jean Zusman † Jenna Elizabeth Zusman † Nicholas Taylor Zusman † † Student since Preschool * Student since Kindergarten

JSerra

Graduates

Carson Vellanoweth Acosta Kerilynn Grace Adams Erica Julieann Aguilera Tae Young (Tony) Ahn Rachel Holly Ahrens Austin Michael Allen Thomas William Allen, Valedictorian Karl Patrick Ames William Bernard Anderson Allison Marie Aquilino Giulia Marie Arcuri Katelyn Victoria Ashby Alyxandra Baker Natalie Elena Barkley Brooke Taylor Barnidge Robin Paige Elizabeth Barr Shannon Renee Barrett John Clint Barron Kyle Reese Barron Nicole Marie Barto Tyler Frazer Beeman Henry Steven Behrle Kaitlin Elise Bianchi Tanner Bily Luke Taylor Blanchart Alison Michelle Blount Trent Bryan Boice Dante Paolo Borruso Giacomo Vito Borruso Matthew Roger Bowman Chelsea Christine Brady Whitney Elizabeth Braeutigam Kaitlyn Ann Brogden Jacob Michaelson Browning Ana Paula Bueno Austin Hartman Buhler Tayla Lee Burke Cristian Canales Helena Aria Cardiel-Stevens Josef Sergei Calayag Castro Alexandra Danielle Celona Leslie Clotilde Chang Trevor Michael Charpie Shengdi Chen Shelby Angela Ciulla Blake Taylor Clifton Christine Elaine Clinkinbeard Shannon Conboy Daniel Marshall Corwin Kathryn Carter Cox Stuart Alexander Cumming Derrick William D’Amico Sara Dabbagh Natasha Marie Daboub Heather Dadashi Bryan Scot Dahl Nicholas Frank Darras

Sarah Adams David Jordan Alexandra Davis Danielle Rae Del Rio James Thomas Donovan Sarah Marie Donovan Cody Marcel Dupuis Frederick Victor Ferketic III John Erik Ferrier Caitlin Anne Fitzpatrick Brian Michael Flammer Erin Theresa Flanagan Ashley Floris Caitlin Ann Franscell Samuel T. Freudenberger Michael James Frey Sara Patricia Gallagher Jessee Patrick Game Erica Danielle Garcia Camila Katherine Gilbert Sean Glackin Sarah Catherine Gleason Robert Paul Goe, Jr. Lauren Marie Gomez Amanda Maria Graceffa Sebastian Alexander Grant Collin Delmar Griffitts Juliette Nicole Guerry Austin Jacob Guzman Porter James Hahn Jake Benson Hall Sara Elizabeth Haney Rami Elias Hanna Samara Elias Hanna Connor Stephen Hansen Jacqueline Colleen Harkins Charles Henry Harmon Ryan Hashemi Robert Edmondson Hearn III Edwin Michael Hendrick Logan McKenzie Hendrickson Ryan Louis Hipshman William George Hoag Nicole Jeannette Hoes Thomas Kenneth Honda Brynne Juliana Hustrulid Sagar S. Jambusaria Troy Andrew Janikowski Andrew Henry Jensen James Parker Johnson Margaret Rose Johnson Nikole Marie Johnston Olivia Frances Jones Suness Johnie Jones Thomas Joseph Lauren Rebecca Jurewicz Catherine Ann Juska Clarice Elizabeth Juska

Travis Daniel Kelly Daniyel Kim Ga Hyun Kim Hunter James Kimpler Caroline Koss Dimitri Alexander Koutroulis Riley Owen Kozlowski Joshua Alan Kranawetter Ryan Patrick Kraniger Brendan Joseph Lank Jonathan LaRosa Matthew George Lauener Emily Grace Lawrence Stephanie Le Jae Wook (Daniel) Lee Kathrine Alexandra Lemos Travis Jon Leseth Alison Leigh Lewis Jiayong Lin Stephen Brent Lindsey-Ortega Allan Lee Lipnisky Shane Matthew Longway David Christopher Lown II Brendan Ming Sien Luke Ashleigh Catherine Luschei Savannah Lynne Luschei Jeremiah James Lussier Daniel Thomas Mahan Bryan Joseph Maldonado Allison Jayne Manning Luke Jackson Martin Alexander Andre Matar Scott Michael Matthews Patrick Ryan McManus Rebecca Marjory McQuinn Conrad James Meinhold Connor Mendoza Brendon Fyfield Meyer Nicole Gabrielle Micalizzi David Thomas Mickle Sydney Lauren Miles Samuel Lee Miller = Salutator Ariana Minai Adam Joseph Molina

Kevin Michael Montevideo Eric John Moore Carly Elizabeth Morris Jenna Marie Morris Troy Adam Newell Brady Scott Nicholson Michael Edward Nowicki Shea Kathleen O’Reilly Taylor Nicole Ogden Erik Gunnar Ohlund Kirsten Olivier Jonah Gabriel Ortiz Eric Anthony Oymaian Kelsey Palsgaard Jae Hyun Park Keith Thomas Parker Mathew John Parker Joseph Declan Pauluzzi Erika Kristin Peratoner Daniele Perazzo Dack Brian Petersen Charles Tyler Plump Gregory Vernon Pore’ Andrew Joseph Potter Hailey Rose Prescher John Ellis Presson Jacob Aaron Purcell Kevin Robert Rajcic Katherine Marie Rakow Daniel Jacob Razzano Dylan Chase Redding Ryan Robert Reid Madeline Rose Renezeder Garrett Alexander Ribas Sean Michael Robb Jordan Lee Rodarte Heather Leanne Rosen Matthew Richard Rudd Mallory Quinn Saldana Michael Clarence Salzle-Martinez Renee Matsue Samuelson Lauren Michelle Schwartz John Lawrence Siegel Kelsey Rae Simonson

Eric Stuart Sitko Kent Thomas Smith Halo Faberge St. Clair Baird Lauren Renee Stafford Daniel Alexander Starsiak Aleksandr Stashik Kevin T. Stidham Thornton Bradley Stockwin Lauren Catherine Strnad Andrew Strohl Evan Virgil Stromberger Ryan Charles Suttle Stephen Robert Suttle Blake Anthony Tafoya Kira Lei Tang Juan Diego Galvan Temple Sharon Teresa Tengolics Jonathan Gregory Theodore Elijah Nelson Thomas Henry Richard Thomson-Smith Kristjan James Thordarson Lauryn Elizabeth Thorpe Jalen Travers Danielle Leonor Vazquez Rachelle Elizabeth Vazquez Leah Renee Vitrano Jake Matthew Vogt Connor Sheridan Wagstaff Alyssa Lynne Webb Peter John White Kier A. Wilcox Alexandria Christine Wilk Austin Martin Williams Jonavaughn Rishard Williams Kyle Keith Willis Caroline Christina Wilson Taylor John Wilson Haven Yang Nicolette Jeanmarie Zak Eric Stephen Zamucen Michael Clark Zanides Jiarui Zhou

Senior Daniel Jacob Razzano (center) celebrates his graduation from JSerra High School with his brothers.

Courtesy of JSerra High School

Capistrano Valley Christian School

Graduates Valedictorian Sonia Zhang

Timothy Matthew Aney Broden James Babick Monica Summer Balmer Ansley Engram Bridges Brandon Michael Burger Jinyi Regina Cai Hannah Cameron Jacen Gabriel Carpenter Casey Deffenbaugh Anh Bao Duong Samuel Eichler Qian Fu

Kimberly Elizabeth Harris Hannah Mary Joy Hartman Zachariah George Herrick Brianna MacKenzie Hickey Jordan Hodge Kathryn Elizabeth Horton Chloe Elizabeth Jolliff Aimee Belle Keehn Jun Su Kim Daniel Koh Christian Jon Lenzen Jae Won Lim Huang Derek Lu Francesca Marie Manzo

Salutatorian Courtland Sherreitt Kelli Faith Nelson Kyle Andrew Pickell Giselle Pureco Logan Alexandra Purgason Ashley Morgan Radas Courtland Michael Sherreitt Jeffrey Phillip Sholar Jessica Anne Updegraff Kassidy Channing West Siyi Yang Bryant Zeng Sonia Lee Zhang Ying Sabrina Zhao Kemiao Chloe Zheng

Saddleback Valley Christian School

Graduates

Scholar of Scholars Brittany Renae Thaung Valedictorians John Lowell Anderson Sean Anthony Bowers Danielle Christine Marilyn Jean Chambers Joshua Allen Crichton YoungJae Lee Sierra Noelle Maytorena Brendan Thomas McIntosh Jenna Nicole Reed Kyle Alexander Speik Nicole Elizabeth Stafford Brooke Christina Wanser Jarod Curtis Abney Arianna Rose Anvari Laura Rebecca Barry Ryan Charles Bialobreski Christian Jesus Bonifacio Levi Pierce Burbage Sara Joy Buster

Madison Ellen ChambersGarcia Yani Ya-Tzu Chen Milton Kam Shing Cheung Sabryna Layne Costello Mark Christopher Edmondson Jacob Andrew Esten Joshua David Fanning Elizabeth Cathryn Hamada Rachel Christine Hand Victoria Anne Hayes Blake James Heatherton Eric Chan Ieong Ho Mick Chung-Ming Hsieh Mahala Rain Hughes David Rey Jocson Curran Michael John Alec Landon Knapp WonJae Lee John Huei-Hsuan Lin Michelle Yu-Tung Lin Emily Alicia Majano Michael Vincent Marandola

Wesley A Marienthal Jasmine Olivia Martin Zachary Irons Morris Kami Mariko Nishikawa Alexis Paiement Jonathan Penaloza Sarah Cynthia Perez Alina Marie Pop Jessica Nicole Powers Rachel Leanne Rains Alexander John Rovesk Sierra Rae Salviati Nathan Michael Sheldon Brandi Marie Siciliani Joo Young Song Lacey Nugent Tripp Nathanial Ellis Tumlinson Alexis Victoria Varela Stephen Luke Verstegen Adam Michael Webb Crandall Jeanne Viter Brendan Carey Ward Nicolas Zhaojie Xie

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Community (cont.)

Plan. Residents and businesses alike on Los Rios Street are obligated to abide by the plan. Zoomars needs to be held accountable and should remove the dinosaur until the issues of compliance and more are decided.

The bottom line is that all of this was avoidable if Zoomars had followed due process, instead of exercising blatant disregard for well-established laws and ordinances.

DRIVERS MUST TAKE CARE IN EQUESTRIAN AREAS —Kim Crawford, San Juan Capistrano The City of San Juan Capistrano’s history and culture supports a very active equestrian community. Unfortunately, it seems that some of the automobile drivers in the city do not understand the importance of our safety when they encounter riders on the road. Today, I had a very dangerous encounter with a driver while I was on my horse crossing San Juan Creek Road at Tar Farms.

There is a crossing with stop signs that allows us to enter the trails into the hills.

A truck had stopped to let my friend and

I cross, however, the impatient adult driver of a new silver Kia Optima (with paper plates, or else I would have your license number) decided to pass him and get very close to our horses. We could have been seriously injured or worse. Please be careful in equestrian areas and do not step on the gas or honk your horn when you encounter horse and rider. We appreciate it.

BE ON THE LOOK OUT —Lena Harvey, San Juan Capistrano I always read your Capistrano Dispatch that is filled with happy, fun-filled events, advertising, community calendar and (column) “Finding a Mate after 50.” The latter one seems so irrelevant to our community because San Juan Capistrano seems to have a lot of families and not so many singles that your newspaper needs to spend half a page on. Sorry. Just my personal opinion.

On May 15, my world changed a bit.

After having been a resident of San Juan Capistrano for more than seven years, we got burglarized. Somebody had been watching us for a while and kept track

of when we left in the morning and entered our house between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

We live up in the hills on the left hand side going south on Interstate-5 — a safe, sleepy, mostly retired community, where most residents start their day around nine in the morning.

The predators used a “hide-a-key” to enter our home and stole our big screen TV and a safe filled with our past and present life. They went through the entire house, leaving two cigarette butts as the only clue in our garage. They seemed very familiar with the surroundings.

Going through our house with their filthy fingers, they stole — among other precious things — a passport, hard drive with photos of our happier times from over 11 years ago, several expensive watches and some inherited little heirlooms from my early childhood—a watch and watchband my now deceased father used to wear.

I treasured that watch and band in my lone moments missing my dad. It meant something very special to me. Now, it’s gone.

The police came out and did their usual report, and that was it. Being burglarized in your home is a pretty terrifying experience, mentally.

Don’t you think this is something worth mentioning, that how cute and pretty this little horse and cowboy town is but something more is brewing underneath. People are being preyed upon. Don’t you think it’s worth telling my fellow neighbors? Guess what?

Somebody wants what we have, they spy on us, and we are so stupid and trusting of all the cars, trucks driving by staring at all the silent beauty we have up on the hill. So look out, fellow neighbors.

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.

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

BASIC NEEDS, SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES 6:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. The Ecology Center hosts ethnobotanist, plant explorer and author, Mark Plotkin. $10-$20. 2701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949-443-4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

22

saturday

DANA POINT CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Two-day event at the St. Regis and Sea Terrace Park with more than 200 classic cars. $30. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.433.1303, www.danapointconcours.org.

23

MARIACHIS AT THE MISSION 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Capistrano Community Mariachi program at Mission San Juan Capistrano. $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

TASTE OF DOHENY 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Food, music, breweries, a car show and more at Sea Terrace Park. Niguel Road & PCH, Dana Point, www.tasteofdoheny.com.

sunday

SUMMER CONCERT IN THE PARK 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy a free concert at Heritage Park with Elton the Early Years and Simon, Mitchell & Joel (Not a Law Firm). 3400 Old Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

24

SUNDAY FUNDAY WITH THE FULLTONES 2:30 p.m.

Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

tuesday

NETWORKING DINNER MEETING 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Topic is “Determine Your Customer.” $10-$15 (doesn’t include dinner). Sarducci’s, 26701 Verdugo, San Juan Capistrano, 888.244.4420, www.sanjuanchamber.com, www.nafe.com.

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The Capistrano Dispatch June 22–July 12, 2012

AT THE MOVIES: ‘ROCK OF AGES’ STILL ROLLIN’ “It’s better to burn out, than to fade away,” Kurt Cobain wrote in his infamous suicide note 20 years ago. He was quoting Neil Young’s song “My My, Hey Hey” from 1979. In between Neil’s song and Kurt’s letter, the line was also borrowed in the single “Rock of Ages” by ‘80s rock band Def Leppard. For the last six years, Chris D’Arienzo’s musical production “Rock of Ages” has been rocking and rolling with a soundtrack of popular tunes by Leppard, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi and Quiet Riot to name a few. This June, Warner Bros. released the screen adaptation of the retro romp. It’s 1987 and all the hot, young people want to be on the Sunset Strip, specifically the Bourbon Room. Wideeyed Oklahoman Sherrie (Julianne Hough) dreams of singing; young, ambitious Bourbon bartender Drew (Diego Boneta) hopes for rockstardom; club owner Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand in “Rock of Ages.” © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Dennis (Alec Baldwin) needs to save the place from bankruptcy; mayor’s wife Patricia Whitmore (Catherine Zeta-Jones) wants to shut down the bar down; and Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) is the rockstar about to hit the city. Paul Giamatti, Russell Brand and Malin Ackerman round out the cast, with Adam Shankman as director. Cruise, Jones and Baldwin give memorably campy performances. But unfortunately it seems viewers under 40 are increasingly losing interest in the era. Classic rock lovers, however, will get a kick out of the farcical ode. — Megan Bianco

wednesday

27

LIBRARY LEGO DAY 2 p.m. Fun with legos at the library for kids. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

thursday

SURFERS HEALING BENEFIT CONCERT FOR AUTISM 8 p.m. Fundraising concert featuring the band Common Sense at OC Tavern. $20. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

28

friday

29

SJC ROTARY/TOYOTA CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT 12:30 p.m. Tourney at San Juan Hills Golf Club. Fee $150 each. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, 949.233.7162,

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.

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

01

WIN FREE TICKETS! The first two people to email us with Dispatch Free Concert Tix in the subject line will receive a pair of tickets from The Coach House to see Aaron Watson on Wednesday, June 27. Include your name and phone number. EMAIL: tickets@thecapistranodispatch.com

monday

02

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

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

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.

saturday

wednesday

03

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m.

Sunday. The 24-hour annual event held at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park. 1 Via Positiva, www.relayforlife.org/sanjuancapistranoca.

SJC’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS 3 p.m. The city’s event with activities, food, live music, and more, plus a fireworks show around 9 p.m. at San Juan Sports Park, 25925 Camino Del Avion, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

FUNNIEST HOUSE WIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY 8 p.m. Live comedy at The Coach House. Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

thursday

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TOOLS OF THE TRADE: BOOK SIGNING 4 p.m.6 p.m. The Ecology Center features authors of The Urban Homestead, and Root Simple, Erik Knutzen and Kelly Coyne who lead a discussion on homestead tips and D.I.Y. skills followed by a book signing. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

Page 18

04

05

GARDEN ANGELS 9 a.m.11 a.m. Meet at Los Rios Park to volunteer. Bring gloves. 31661 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

*For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@thecapistranodispatch.com www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively

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

MORTGAGE

ELECTRICIANS

ACCOUNTING/TAX

949.373.8963

Excel Electric 949.493.7769 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com Friess Electric 949.248.4222 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 102

BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICES

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

INSURANCE 949.697.9454

JEWELER

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

COMPUTER SERVICES

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 949.493.3632 32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, www.abbysdesigns.com

LANDSCAPING

San Clemente Computer & Network Services Vermeulen’s Landscaping Inc. daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 bvland@cox.net

COINS

949.661.0967

949.350.4692

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

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

MOLD REMOVAL

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.697.9454

Locals Only Business Spotlight for only

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

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

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

949.212.0499

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

$100! Write-up of 50 words with logo.

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

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 RENT PANORAMIC VIEWS! 2 BED, 2 BATH CONDO WITH 2 CAR UNDERGROUND PARKING AND STORAGE. STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, UPGRADES BATHROOMS, DESIGNER PAINT/CARPET. PLEASE CALL 909-391-2129 FOR MORE INFO.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE: SATURDAY JUNE 23RD 8:00 TO 2:00 – 1108 Novilunio, San Clemente (Forester Ranch) Lots of Furniture, kitchen items, misc items

E-mail your free garage sale to classifieds@ thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday

HELP WANTED RECREATION LEADER JOB OPENING The City of Dana Point is looking for an enthusiastic & responsible person to fill the position of Recreation Leader.

The position assists in the coordination & implementation of recreation and community service programs and special events including monitoring and leading activities at the Community Center; preparing facility areas for Recreation programming & facility rentals; carrying out necessary maintenance to facilities; and performing related work as assigned. This is an hourly, part-time position. For more information on how to apply visit: www.danapoint.org/ employment or call (949)248-3500.

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

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 104

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Friday 6.22

Wednesday 6.27

Tuesday 7.3

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

Housing Advisory Committee Meeting 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

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

Tuesday 6.26 Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting 5 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

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

Thursday 7.5

Thursday 6.28 Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Monday 7.2 Open Space, Trails & Equestrian Commission Meeting 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

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

Friday 7.6 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50: Tom Blake

Wasted Days and Wasted Nights Many older adults spend too many years in dead-end marriages and relationships

W

hy do I keep loving you when you always make me blue?” are words from Wasted Days and Wasted Nights, a popular 1959 song (remake in 1974) by singer Freddy Fender.

Lately, more and more people have been asking me why older adults waste years staying in dead-end marriages and relationships.

A woman named Sharon wrote: “You meet someone and they express serious interest and days turn into months and months turn into years. But there is always some reason that the other person can’t totally commit—kids from a previous marriage, not the ‘right time,’ afraid of another divorce, and of course the classic, ‘Why do we need to get married? Can’t we just live together?’

“After an on-again, off-again relationship with a man for 18 years (yes, I am a slow learner), we finally broke up—this time for good. My advice is that if a man or woman can’t commit to their partner within a reasonable amount of time (I would say a year to two at the most), move on. Don’t waste precious years of

your life like I did.

“I just turned 60, so meeting someone may be too late for me. I wasted a lot of time on the wrong man.”

For Sharon, perhaps those 18 years weren’t ON LIFE AND entirely wasted. There LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake must have been some good in them for her.

It’s not only women who get stuck in dead-end relationships. It happens to men as well. I have a male friend who has dated a woman for five years.

They have great compatibility and fun together. He’s ended the relationship eight times, but each time he goes back to her. She’s the one who won’t commit, because he’s 20 years older and she fears she’ll become a widow.

I know unhappy, miserable married couples who stay together. Why? I’m not an expert so I cannot authoritatively say why older adults remain in dead-end relationships. Everybody’s situation is unique, but here are a few of

my ideas and most of them center on fear.

It’s damn hard to break the chain.

It can rip the insides right out of your stomach. I know; I’ve been through it.

You’re afraid you’re going to hurt the other person; you feel guilty, blame yourself. You fear that dividing the assets is going to wipe you out financially or cost you too much money and that you won’t be able to afford to live.

Or, you fear leaving your home where you love many things that are such a major part of your life: your garden, friends, neighbors, the roominess, the location, or having to abandon a cherished animal.

Maybe you just hate being alone.

These factors are huge and have to be weighed against the other side of the coin. The longer you stay in the wrong relationship, the longer you delay starting a fresh new life and delay the possibility of meeting a new person with whom to share the remaining years.

It takes incredible intestinal forti-

tude to make the break, and for some, they will never do it. The price is too dear. They may feel they are too old to start over. Staying isn’t necessarily a bad choice; it’s the best decision for them.

But as many widowed people—who didn’t make the choice but had it forced upon them—have found, the human spirit is remarkable in helping people bounce back and find some rainbows later in life.

Why do so many older people waste years by staying too long in dead-end relationships? Perhaps our readers will share their opinions.

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.

Former Council Candidate, Marine Passes Away at 74

L

ongtime San Juan resident Jeremiah Williams “Jed” Pearson III, a retired major general in the US Marine Corps, who flew more than 400 combat missions during the Vietnam War and served as the former head of the manned spaceflight program at NASA, passed away on June 1. He was 74.

Regarded for his intelligence and quiet demeanor, Pearson played an integral role in the formation of San Juan’s 1st Battalion, 11th Marines Marine Adoption The Capistrano Dispatch June 22–July 12, 2012

Committee in 2006 and served as the committee’s chairman for several years.

“The man was a great leader and a real intellectual,” said retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas Vetter, who worked with Pearson on the committee. “He wasn’t a person to mince words or waste time.

When he did speak, it was with some great authority and conviction.”

Pearson was commissioned second lieutenant, upon graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology in

1960. He graduated from the Naval Test Pilot School in 1966. From 1974 to 1977, Pearson was assigned to Marine Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., as the aviation plans officer in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation.

During his final assignment in the Marine Corps at NASA, Pearson supervised 19 successful space shuttle missions, including the first Hubble Space Telescope repair mission.

Pearson made an unsuccessful bid for Page 20

a city council seat in 2006. On Tuesday, June 19, the City Council dedicated their meeting to Pearson.

“Our community and nation suffered a great loss with the passing of Gen. Pearson,” said Mayor Larry Kramer. “It was an honor to know this man.”

The memorial service and interment will be conducted at Arlington National Ceremony at a later date. Pearson is survived by his wife, son and two daughters.

CD —Brian Park www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

STALLION SHOOTOUT

The spring practices are done for the San Juan Hills football team, but that doesn’t mean they get to take the summer off. The Stallions will be hosting their passing league tournament, the Stallion Shootout, on June 23 at 8:30 a.m.

Passing tournaments are a good place for fans to take a look at which players will be stepping into roles that were once filled with seniors leaving for college.

The Stallions are coming off a 0-10 season and will be without their main offensive weapon, Ryan Crowe, who was the team’s leading passer and rusher last season.

Soon-to-be junior Marco Cianciola will be one Stallion looking to make his mark. As a

San Juan Hills senior Corey White competes in a game from last season. Courtesy photo

sophomore, Cianciola got in 29 throwing attempts at the quarterback position, the only other Stallion besides Crowe with significant reps. With Crowe gone, Cianciola could be the one to fill his void.

Reigning San Joaquin League champions Saddleback Valley Christian will be at the tournament with standout quarterback Brandon Towles in tow. Towles threw for 1,845 yards and 25 touchdowns.

One SVC player to watch this weekend will be senior Forrest Lohman, who got time in at the running back position last season but will surely play a more prominent role in the fall, with the departure of last year’s featured back, Curran John. —Steve Breazeale

Saddleback Valley Christian Summer Classic Tourney a Hit

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

ix years ago coach Tom Lewis had an idea to start a summer basketball tournament to keep his high school team in shape. The former JSerra coach knew that the area was rich in basketball talent, and he wanted to figure out a way to have a free flow style tournament that still offered competitive challenges for teams.

The first installment of the Summer Classic featured only 10 teams. Fast forward six years to the 2012 edition of the tournament, which was held June 13 to June 17, where the number of teams in attendance was 52.

“One of keys (of the tournament) is to get quality reps,” Lewis said. “So we have a shot clock and play with a running clock. It gives coaches and teams the quality they’re looking for.”

Aside from the sheer number of teams that were

S

Members of the 2011-2012 Saddleback Valley Christian basketball team.

Photo courtesy of SVC Athletics

involved in the 2012 SVC Summer Classic, what makes the tournament unique is the structure of it. Coaches get to pick and choose who they want to play and Lewis sets the schedule. He usually tries to accommodate two

JSERRA SWIMMERS PREPARE FOR OMAHA, OLYMPIC QUALIFYING wo current members of the JSerra swim team, Katie McLaughlin and Kaitlyn Albertoli, are heading to the Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. June 25 with hopes of earning a spot on the USA National swim team and a trip to the London Olympics.

Albertoli is attempting to qualify in the 50-freestyle event while McLaughlin is going for spots in the 100- and 200-freestyle and the 100- and 200-butterfly.

Preliminary heats start on Monday, June 25.

The two were part of a young JSerra swim team that exceeded expectations, winning the CIF Southern Section Division 1 Championships May 12. The Lions were crowned CIF champs with only five members on their team, four of them freshman.

“It was really exciting because we had a small team,” McLaughlin said of the CIF win. “We just went to have fun and didn’t expect to win.”

Both Albertoli and McLaughlin came up huge for the Lions at the Southern Section Finals and both of them were a part of the Lions 200- and 400-yard free-

T

The Capistrano Dispatch June 22–July 12, 2012

style relay teams that won the two events.

As an individual at CIF, McLaughlin placed second in the 200-freestyle with a time of 1:47.52 and won the 100-butterfly with a 53.70 time.

Albertoli had a pair of second-place finishes in the 50and 100-yard freestyle events at CIF. McLaughlin said that of the four events she is attempting to qualify in at the trials, she does not have a favorite, or one that she thinks she is stronger in. She hopes she is solid enough in all four of the events to qualify.

Omaha will offer McLaughlin and Albertoli, who are both on the same club team, the opportunity to swim alongside some of their childhood idols.

“It would be really cool to qualify. But I’m really young and don’t have any expectations so I just want to go have fun,” McLaughlin said. “I’m looking forward to the experience...And I’m excited to watch guys like Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte compete.”

Prelims at the trials run from June 25 to June 29. CD —Steve Breazeale Page 22

of the coaches’ choices for matchups.

The benefit of selecting an opponent gives a coach the chance to pit his team up against a larger team with more depth or an in-league rival, according to Lewis.

Lewis was happy with the way the Warriors played over the five-day event and pointed to his team’s victory over division rival St. Bernard, the reigning CIF Southern Section Division 5AA champion.

“St. Bernard is a team with a huge reputation. Beating them was a huge win for us. It really helped our confidence,” Lewis said.

Some standout tournament performers for the Warriors, according to Lewis, were junior Josh Adams and senior Bryan Velasco, who transferred from Servite at the end of last year.

The Warriors are set to compete in not one, but two tournaments at the same time starting June 21. They will play in an El Toro High sanctioned tournament as well as a Corona Del Mar run event. CD

FORMER JSERRA CATCHER THRIVING IN FIRST FULL SEASON IN MINORS Highly touted catching prospect and 2011 graduate of JSerra High, Austin Hedges seems to be fitting in nicely in his new role as minor league ballplayer.

Hedges once had a commitment to UCLA to play ball for the Bruins, but in the second round of the 2011 MLB draft, the San Diego Padres selected him with the No. 82 overall pick, and he signed.

In 183 at bats with the Fort Wayne Tin Caps, a high A-minor league affiliate of the Padres, Hedges has collected 49 hits (.274 avg.), hit five homeruns and stolen seven bases as of June 20.

While Hedges’ offense seems to be holding steady, it’s his defense that shines for scouts and managers. Hedges was named the best defensive catcher in the Padres farm system for 2012 by Baseball America and the No. 10 overall prospect in the system by MLB.com. CD —Steve Breazeale www.thecapistranodispatch.com