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

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE SEPTEMBER 28–OCTOBER 11, 2012 FOUNDED IN 2002

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 18

Fall Sports Preview San Juan area high school athletes hit the pool, courts and courses S P O R T S / PAG E 2 0 The St. Margaret’s boys and girls cross country teams. The boys enter 2012 as the back-to-back defending CIF-SS Division 5 and State champions. Photo by Jennifer Lynn Photography

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

City Council Race Rolls On with One Less Candidate

Third Annual Ridge Events Return October 6

Zoomars’ Seeks Use Permit Change in Effort to Keep Dinosaur

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SJC LIVING/PAGE 16

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EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE City Council candidate “0” Robert “Bob” Baker has withdrawn from the race, citing “personal reasons.” However, his name will remain on the ballot, due to the late timing of his withdrawal, a release from City Clerk Joanne Baade noted. “0” Baker’s candidacy has been controversial since the filing, creating the strange situation of having two candidates with identical names—the other being incumbent Councilman Bob Baker—on the ballot for the same race. For balloting purposes, the incumbent Bob Baker was listed as “1” Robert “Bob” Baker. Incumbent “1” Bob Baker accused the challenger of essentially being a prop by those opposing his reelection, as someone whose name was on the ballot to intentionally confuse voters. The placement of the two names on the ballot also required a first-of-itskind drawing of lots to determine the order.

DANA POINT

NEWS

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

City Council on September 18 voted 4-1 to regulate and tax the city’s short-term vacation rentals rather than enforce a ban currently in the zoning code. Mayor Lara Anderson cast the lone “no” vote saying she favored ridding the city of such rentals altogether. Anderson made a motion to enforce the current ban, but it did not go to a vote for lack of a second. Council members discussed results of a survey that showed more than half of those polled are in favor of short-term vacation rentals in Dana Point residential neighborhoods, an issue the city has been studying since 2009. Council directed city staff to come up with a plan to track, control and tax short-term rentals. City Manager Doug Chotkevys said he expects to have something to present by the November 20 council meeting.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

THE LATEST: The race for two seats on the San Juan Capistrano City Council is now down to five candidates after Melissa Abbott-Kaffen announced Thursday, September 20 that she would step aside and begin supporting candidates Roy Byrnes and Kim McCarthy.

Calling it a “coalition-building move,” Abbott-Kaffen cited the pair’s work with Capistrano Common Sense, a local watchdog group and publishers of a blog and monthly newsletter, as an indicator of their shared political philosophies.

“Since we are virtually on the same team … it makes no sense to dilute the vote with three reform candidates seeking the same two crucial seats,” AbbottKaffen said in a news release prepared by Capistrano Common Sense.

Abbott-Kaffen’s name, which is listed second on the ballot, cannot be officially withdrawn because the deadline to do so has passed, according to City Clerk Maria Morris.

and the city of San Juan Capistrano, asking them to investigate what he believes are campaign violations committed by Capistrano Common Sense, which has entered into the political fray as supporters of City Council candidates Roy Byrnes and Kim McCarthy.

In his complaint, Connor alleges that Capistrano Common Sense and the Committee for Common Sense Solutions, an offshoot of the group that has established a website supporting Byrnes and McCarthy, are in violation of the Political Reform Act and a city ordinance because of their open advocacy for the two candidates as well as their solicitation of donations despite neither being registered as political action committees, according to a state database.

Connor said he was prompted to act after he and several neighbors received the September issue of Capistrano Common Sense’s monthly newsletters.

Capistrano Common Sense editorial board member Kim Lefner said of the complaint, “I think this is absolutely bogus. In my opinion, Ed Connor is trying to bully us into silence.”

permit.

The Planning Commission unanimously voted to deny Franks’ appeal in August because she hadn’t installed the 13-foot-tall, 36-foot-long structure through the proper channels. Franks had the option to appeal the commission’s decision to the City Council, but she has instead decided to amend her conditional use permit for the site.

Under Franks’ proposal, Zoomars would be rearranged into four components, in addition to the petting zoo: a farm area, including signage about San Juan Capistrano’s cattle-ranching history; an Acjachemen Indian village for Native American demonstrations; an Old West town, which would incorporate existing elements; and a prehistoric garden with the dinosaur serving as the centerpiece.

WHAT’S NEXT: Abbott-Kaffen said she will remain “heavily involved” in the election as a supporter of Byrnes and McCarthy.

WHAT’S NEXT: The state commission and the county D.A.’s office confirmed that they’ve received the complaint and are in the process of reviewing it.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit thecapistranodispatch.com —BP

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, visit thecapistranodispatch.com. —Brian Park

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, visit thecapistranodispatch.com —BP

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…Abbott-Kaffen’s Withdrawal?

…Campaign Violations?

THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano resident Edmond Connor filed a complaint Monday, September 24 with the state Fair Political Practices Commission, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office

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…Zoomars Dinosaur?

THE LATEST: Carolyn Franks, the owner of Zoomars Petting Zoo in the Los Rios Historic District, will no longer pursue an appeal to keep her controversial dinosaur replica and will instead seek an amendment to her conditional use

The Capistrano Dispatch September 28–October 11, 2012

WHAT’S NEXT: Franks turned in a concept plan last week and will turn in the final site plan Friday, September 28. City staff will review her proposal before sending their recommendation to the Planning Commission.

…Friends of the Library Bookstore?

THE LATEST: The Friends of the San Juan Capistrano Library bookstore will have a new place to call home after the Friends of the Library and the City Council signed off on an agreement Tuesday, September 18. The bookstore will be relocated from its current location in the rear of the library to a more visible area in the Bland Garden, which fronts El Camino Real.

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Early design plans for the bookstore call for a new roof over the garden, double-glass doors adjacent to El Camino Real, five windows and a copper awning with signage over the new doors.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Friends of the Library must first submit design plans acceptable to the city before they can solicit construction bids. Building permit fees will be determined once the city receives construction plans.

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, visit thecapistranodispatch.com —BP

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…Letter to Gov. Brown?

THE LATEST: The city of San Juan Capistrano will send a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown asking him to veto state Assembly bill 1081, the Anti-Detainer bill. The bill does away with state and local law enforcement’s ability to place a 48-hour hold suspects flagged by Immigration and Customs Enforcement as illegal immigrants.

Councilman Sam Allevato, a retired Irvine police lieutenant and 33-year law enforcement veteran, suggested the letter after he said Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens asked for the City Council’s support.

According to Allevato, the bill would also eliminate federal funding “thus shifting the expense of housing suspected illegal immigrants to the County and ultimately to the city of San Juan Capistrano.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The council directed city staff to also send the letter to all other Orange County cities.

FIND OUT MORE: To view the letter and the bill, visit sanjuancapistrano.org. —BP www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

CUSD Candidates on the Decision-Making Process The Capistrano Dispatch

We asked the candidates:

G

iven the financial constraints the Capistrano Unified School District is operating under, difficult decisions will have to be made that will likely find some level of criticism, even if the board feels they serve an overall benefit. When it comes to the decision-making process, should board members base their decisions off what a majority of their constituent’s want or what they feel is best, even if it’s contrary to public opinion? What sort of ideas or changes would you bring to the table?

Here are the candidates’ responses in the order in which their names will appear on the November ballot: TRUSTEE AREA 1

KARIN SCHNELL Community Volunteer California’s fiscal crisis impacts the school districts directly. Shortening the school year, furloughs, eliminating teaching positions, and increasing class size are a means to balance the district’s budget, but these are only temporary solutions. It is the board’s fiduciary responsibility to maintain fiscal solvency for the current and subsequent fiscal years.

All CUSD board members will have to make tough decisions mid-year depending on the outcome of the Governor’s November 2012 tax initiative. The district already has a contingency plan in place. It is important to empower local school officials to determine the best use of scarce resources.

We need board members who put politics, factions, and special interests aside to work together for the best educational system for our children.

It is important as a board member to ask questions regarding all aspects of an issue and to listen to all sides as an independent thinker. Additionally, it is essential to encourage more informed involvement of parents and community members in local school financial matters.

Districts are only allowed to aug-

ment their state funding by private donations, interest income, lease income and parcel taxes (which require two-thirds voter approval). The board needs to explore new avenues of funding and strategic partnerships to fill the gaps. It is time to make local funding options a part of the solution and I am committed to making that a priority.

AMY HANACEK Small Business Owner School Board Trustees are elected to ensure that a quality education is provided to every student.

A Trustee cannot depend on any single decisionmaking process. The first priority will consistently be what is best for the students and their academic success, and what will keep this district focused on learning and achievement for all students. A core objective is creating the best learning environment while maintaining the highest quality instruction to help students reach their full potential. Decisions should be “forward focused” with emphasis on college and career readiness for all students, while offering the broadest range of academic opportunities possible.

Community leadership on educational issues should remain a high priority, and advocacy on behalf of students and public education should be provided at the local, state and federal levels.

TRUSTEE AREA 2

MICHELE TAYLOR-BIBLE Community Volunteer The financial restraints are what they are.

No matter what, whether the majority or minority, no one is going to be happy. It does not matter what department; music, art, language, maintenance, admin, etc. is first to go.

The only constituents that really matter are the students. Not every student

The Capistrano Dispatch September 28–October 11, 2012

learns the same. To think about cutting from one area over another is not the answer. Every aspect of education is vital to the success of every student in CUSD and then some. We as a country are failing our children to be competitive on a global level. We need to get creative with the budget we have and be resourceful with the local community and business leaders, to get outside funding. I also want to take back local control when it comes to our financial situation. I would like to move away from depending on Sacramento to fund our schools and instead look to our local communities. This would include working with the county government to come up with unique ways to increase funding for all schools in Orange County. Let’s remember that Orange County is the French Riviera of the US—tourists from all over the world visit our county—perhaps we could tax tourists—and that money could go toward all the schools in Orange County. Also, I would like to work more closely with our local legislators to change our “low-wealth” status.

We need to update the formulas—which were decided upon in the 70s—that calculate how much funding we receive per pupil. Our district receives less than other school districts in the county. I also would like to explore the parcel tax idea and I would definitely get behind Prop 38 and support its passage. Prop 38 brings back local control to parents, teachers and community members.

CAROL L. MCCORMICK Community Volunteer My years of experience as a board member of various organizations has taught me that it is best that all decisions and actions be grounded in the organization’s mission. The mission of Capistrano Unified is to educate students. All decisions made by this school board must be focused on providing a supportive educational environment in which all students are challenged with the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our students will be introduced to new academic standards and achievement tests in the next few years. Our district needs to provide appropriate support to our classrooms for our students to succeed. This includes providing the necessary technology for Page 4

students and teachers at all school facilities. This new technology must support innovative instruction, student learning and information reporting to parents.

Community partnerships will be crucial to the district’s ability to support the implementation of these rigorous standards.

The current fiscal climate challenges school boards to critically examine district policies and spending practices to maximize the resources that we get from Sacramento. I will diligently work to insure that all practices consistently maintain the focus on creating and supporting the best possible learning environments for all of our students in all of our communities. When faced with the magnitude of the budget shortfalls, hard decisions have to be made. The input of stakeholders is important, but board members must be guided by what is best for students.

DON FRANKLIN RICHARDSON Public School Teacher A statesman always makes a decision based on what’s best. My grandmothers were both teachers and lived through the Depression of 1929. Our current economic situation is so reminiscent of that extremely hard time. Why would someone want to seek a position on a school board in such a hard time? Love of students.

JIM REARDON Business Owner/Engineer A board member’s highest responsibility is to preserve and enhance the education provided to our students. In difficult financial times, adults face difficult choices. These choices must be made in the context of negotiations with our labor organizations, primarily with the teacher’s union. The outcome of these negotiations will determine what is offered to students. As a board member, I will seek to build public consensus about the choices to be made in negotiation—before the negotiations begin. I will keep the interest of students ahead of other considerations during the negotiations. I will publically explain all the decisions made in negotiations. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

City Council Candidates Weigh-in on Zoomars Dinosaur The Capistrano Dispatch

We asked the candidates:

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reservation and change always seem to be at an impasse in a city like San Juan Capistrano, whose most marketable feature is its history.

The Planning Commission voted down an appeal to keep the dinosaur replica at Zoomars Petting Zoo because it hadn’t received prior approval, but the original complaint stemmed from its controversial situation within the Los Rios Historic District. Do you think Zoomars should be able to keep the dinosaur?

How do you balance the city’s historical value against change, if such innovation can improve local business?

Here are the candidates’ responses in the order in which their names will appear on the November ballot: SAM ALLEVATO Councilmember/Retired Policeman Because I am a sitting Councilman and this issue may come before the City Council in our quasi-judicial role, I am precluded from stating a public opinion on this item before I am presented the entire case. However, I know that there are good, honest people on both sides of this issue that care very much about San Juan. Many have roots that go back to the Juaneño tribe and early European settlers. What makes us special is our commitment to preserving our history and our heritage.

This project was sent back to start at the beginning and must now go through the entire process. It will be studied by our various commissions, which are comprised of intelligent, considerate citizens that also want the best for San Juan Capistrano, while honoring our history and our own codes and laws. That is the framework by which this issue will be considered by these commissions. They will make a recommendation to the City

Council and I will be judging this issue on aspects of property rights, historical preservation, the Los Rios Specific Plan and other related codes and ordinances.

This is where balance and good judgment come into play.

GINNY KERR Planning Commissioner I am not able to comment on the first part of the question related to the dinosaur replica at Zoomars at this time. As you may be aware, Zoomars has submitted updated plans which will be subject to the city’s review and approval process including a new review by the Planning Commission. I will form my opinion and make my recommendation only after careful review of the new plans presented by the applicant and staff, listening to public comment and participating in a discussion with my fellow commissioners when this item appears on the Planning Commission agenda.

The review and approval process is in place to balance the city’s historical value against change by evaluating projects using city design guidelines and zoning regulations to make certain that new projects protect the unique character of our city. This process allows various commissions and the Design Review Committee as well as the public to provide comments related to architectural design and suitability of the business location for the proposed use. Based upon this input, changes are frequently made to improve a project before it comes before the Planning Commission for a recommendation of approval to be forwarded to the City Council.

KIM MCCARTHY Newsletter Editor I believe that all businesses should follow city ordinances and procedures.

But certain rules seem to apply to some and not others.

For instance, during a mid-July Planning Commission Meeting, I reported two unpermitted structures built on open space at The Oaks. One was 30plus horse stalls with footings, electrical and running water—built without permits of any kind. City employees subsequently visited The Oaks and reported “no improprieties.” When I came up with proof of the illegal structures, the city employees said, “oh, woops.”

Buildings still stand, the city claims notices will go out for a Planning Commission hearing to determine whether they can remain intact. Zoomars on the other hand, was denied a permit because they constructed the dinosaur without a permit.

What am I missing here? Why is The Oaks allowed a “hearing” rather than having to appeal a denial by the Planning Commission as Zoomars had to do? Zoomars was denied the permit because, like The Oaks, they allegedly constructed something without obtaining the proper permits first.

This favoritism needs to stop in my opinion. If elected, I will make sure that the same rules apply to everyone.

TOM MARANTZ Technology Administrator Maintaining the historical perspective in our town is vital. I fully support the provisions in the Los Rios Specific Plan that seek to preserve this area’s over-200-year history. The Zoomars area is zoned as “historic commercial.” The dinosaur was installed without permitting or inspection, and I would have made safety a superseding issue in this situation. Proper procedures should have been followed. There is a permit process in place for these situations in which all these issues can be vetted and the public has input.

Every local business should have to follow their local zoning requirements, and working within those requirements,

any business should be able to erect a statue or any other structure as approved and inspected.

Our city has a rare competitive advantage with our open spaces and history.

These are vanishing resources that you cannot get back once they are gone. We need to be thoughtful and respectful of this responsibility. I strongly believe in San Juan Capistrano’s motto, “Preserving the past to enhance the future.”

We can effectively create an innovative environment for businesses to succeed while preserving our history. www. tomforsjc.com ROY L. BYRNES Retired Physician/Surgeon A “historic zone” and an “amusement park” are entirely different designations that are poles apart. The original attempt by the owner of Zoomars to classify the dinosaur replica as “historic” fails in the face of facts and simple logic.

However, Zoomars has another option open which they have not yet explored.

That option could be to approach the city with a request to re-characterize their property from “historic” to “public amusement park.” Such a request would call forth technical questions requiring study by the Director of Planning and the Planning Commission. Nevertheless this would have been a more straightforward approach rather than a “midnight rezone.”

Addressing the question of balancing historic uses within the city, I believe that historic preservation and economic benefits are not incompatible. There are many historic projects in Southern California that have accrued substantial economic benefits.

The third installment of the questionand-answer series with City Council candidates will be published October 12. The final installment will be published October 26. For the latest election updates, follow us on Twitter @capodispatch. CD

EYE ON SJC

Radio Upgrades Coming for Police and Firefighters

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

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an Juan Capistrano sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and first responders will receive an upgrade to their radio-communication equipment after the City Council expressed their commitment to a countywide replacement of the current system. The 800MHz Countywide Coordinated Communications System, which provides radio services between all 34 cities and public safety departments in Orange County, requires an upgrade by 2018.

“The biggest change that we’ve seen in the last 10-15 years is that radios are basically computers. Fifteen years to be running on the same computer is a long time,” said Robert Stoffel, the director of the sheriff’s department’s communications and technology division.

The system’s governance committee, which is made up of three county representatives and four city managers, has reached out to all city managers to request their city’s participation in the countywide upgrade. On Tuesday, September 18 the City Council agreed

to participate in the upgrade by a 4-1 motion with Councilwoman Laura Freese registering the lone opposing vote. For now, San Juan Capistrano’s estimated cost is $426,424. Freese was hesitant to make such a financial commitment due to the city’s tight budget.

“This enhances safety so we’re going to look seriously at it, but when you have no money, you have to look more seriously,” Freese said. “I’d like to see into other ways of financing this. I’d like to know how we can find out some other options.”

Stoffel said the alternative would be if San Juan Capistrano built its own radio system but added that the county’s price was the best option. Ten- and 15-year financing options are also available to cities, ranging in cost from $471,656 to $586,201. The total projected cost countywide is $74,361,064. The system’s committee will present their final proposal—including technical, operational and financial requirements—at the City Manager’s Association meeting in January 2013. San Juan Capistrano’s cost may change depending on how many other cities participate. CD

City Council Approves $128,000 for Groundwater Recovery Plant Materials

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

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he City Council on Tuesday, September 18 approved two contracts to purchase material used in filtration devices at the Groundwater Recovery Plant.

The city will receive 1,800 cubic feet of greensand filter media from New Jersey-based Hungerford and Terry for $100,719.68 and 1,200 cubic feet of anthracite media and more than 900 cubic feet of gravel and sand from Wisconsin-based Red Sand and Gravel for $27,292.10. The filter media have a life expectancy of five years, according to a city staff report.

Three of the plant’s four filter vessels, which help remove iron and manganese from untreated water, are in need of regular rehabilitation due to the decreased effectiveness of the media inside. Over time, chemicals have been added to

counter the decline, but the addition of new media is expected to reduce the amount of chemicals used, Utilities Director Keith Van Der Maaten said.

The City Council also waived a requirement to post a public notice soliciting bids for the project after the Utilities Department failed to do so. Staff recommended the waiver, which is allowed under city code, because of the necessity to quickly rehabilitate the filters in order save on the cost of chemicals and the lack of companies in the region that can supply the media.

The motion passed 4-1 with Councilman Derek Reeve supplying the lone opposing vote.

The materials are expected to arrive six weeks from the order date. The City Council will still need to approve a future work agreement to remove and replace the media, which is projected to take two days per vessel. The project is expected to be completed by November 30. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch September 28–October 11, 2012

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EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Thursday, September 20

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.

Sunday, September 23 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Paseo Carolina/Del Obispo Street (11:18 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for an alley behind an apartment building to locate five male subjects drinking alcohol. The caller was unsure of the ages of the subjects but believed two may have been underage.

Saturday, September 22 RECKLESS DRIVING Alipaz Street/Camino del Avion (11:34 a.m.) A resident called police after witnessing a man on a black and red dirt bike riding at a high rate of speed on the San Juan Creek bike trail.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Capote de Paseo, 27200 Block (9:49 a.m.) A man driving a white Ford Explorer was seen leaving his vehicle and walking around a private pathway before returning to his vehicle.

The caller stated that there had been multiple burglaries in the area recently and thought the man could possibly be involved. The man was described in his mid-20s with dark hair and wearing jean shorts and grey tennis shoes.

OPEN DOOR Calle Bonita/Via el Rosario (9:07 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested for a residence with an open front door. The caller stated that this was odd because the residence is currently unoccupied.

Former Ortega Carwash Managers Return to San Juan

Paul Killick (left) and Geoff Hirson have come back to manage Ortega Car Wash and Lube after seven years away. Courtesy photo

Wednesday, September 19 CITIZEN ASSIST Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (9:31 p.m.)

A woman called police after her grandson left the house and took her car without permission.

PETTY THEFT REPORT La Novia Avenue, 31600 Block (6:06 p.m.) Police were called to Saint Margaret’s Episcopal School after school employees discovered several pieces of athletic equipment had been stolen from the football field.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Aviador, 33000 Block (1:26 p.m.)

A local businessman called police after he discovered one of his former employees had been using his business license to make personal purchases without permission.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Del Obispo Street, 31900 Block (12:49 a.m.) Police received a report of a man hiding in the bushes near Sam’s Liquor Store for more than 30 minutes. The caller was unable to give a description of the man.

Tuesday, September 18

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Paseo Ranchero, 31000 Block (9:47 p.m.) Police were called after a resident saw at least six sets of car headlights sitting in the vacant field across the canyon from his backyard. The caller told police he believed the cars were occupying the old Sierra Soil property, which could be accessed from La Pata in the area of the equestrian fields.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Junipero Serra Road, 26300 Block (6:10 p.m.) Police were called to the gym of Junipero Serra High School after receiving a report of some athletic equipment that may have been stolen. School officials told officers they believed the theft occurred Friday.

PETTY THEFT Calle Perfecto, 33000 Block (2:17 p.m.)

An employee of a local business reported that his cell phone had been stolen by another employee. The caller said he caught the theft on camera and that both parties involved were on location.

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

ABANDONED VEHICLE Country Hills Road, 29100 Block (10:37 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for a black Lexus that had been parked on the street for more than three days. The caller also requested that a deputy patrol check the area during the times the high school across the street is dismissing students. The caller stated parents park in the neighborhood and block driveways and impede traffic while waiting for their children to be dismissed.

Friday, September 21

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle San Remo, 28100 Block (1:09 p.m.) A resident called police to report a speed bump street sign that had gone missing and was now hanging on a garage near where it originally sat. Deputies spoke to the owner of the garage, who told officers he had found the sign at a construction site while out of state.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 28–October 11, 2012

Compiled by Brian Park

A pair of familiar faces is back in town to offer up their own brand of car-washing service, which comes with a personal touch. After seven years, Geoff Hirson and Paul Killick have returned to manage the day-to-day operations at Ortega Car Wash and Lube, located at 27201 Ortega Highway. Hirson designed and built the carwash in 1996 and opened it up a year later. For the next nine years, he and Killick ran the carwash with an emphasis on building a personal relationship with their customers.

“We always wanted this place to be like the TV show ‘Cheers,’ where everybody knows your name,” Killick said.

Hirson sold the carwash in 2005, but earlier this year, current ownership brought the pair back in an effort to restore the business’ camaraderie with clientele and the community. The two managers—Killick works full time and Hirson part time—have already begun doing so by offering free washes for the entire fleet of vans from the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley and by sponsoring the Capistrano Valley Christian Schools football team.

As for service, Killick said the carwash now offers windshield repairs, in addition to oil changes and detailing.

Mission Benefit Gala Nets $200,000 The Mission Preservation Foundation took in nearly $200,000 in proceeds from its “Romance of the Mission” benefit gala on Friday, September 14 at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The money will go toward the Gate House Preservation Project, which will preserve the historic elements of the gatehouse while also making it safer and more accessible to visitors. The project will also relocate the gift shop from the Sala building to the street-front so it can Page 7

be available to patrons after hours.

An additional $100,000 anonymous pledge will be made if it can be matched within 60 days, according to a news release.

San Juan residents Jan and H. Warren Siegel served as honorary chairs of the event, and local businessman Bill Ortega was honored for his many years of service running the Mission’s gift shop. For more information, visit missionsjc.com.

Ramos House Donation Brings Native Plants to Los Rios Park The Ramos House Café has donated $500 to the city of San Juan Capistrano for the purchase of native plants in Los Rios Park. The City Council approved the donation at their meeting on Tuesday, September 18. The native plants will enhance the gardens and will also serve as a natural habitat for birds and insects in the area, according to a city staff report. The Los Rios Garden Angels, an all-volunteer group that meets regularly to clean and maintain the park, will begin planting in October.

Shea Center BBQ Raises $425,000 Although a final figure is still being calculated, the Shea Center raised more than $425,000 in proceeds through its 34th annual BBQ and Family Faire, held Saturday, September 22. The Shea Center welcomed more than 1,500 guests to take part in its biggest event of the year, which featured rides and games for children and a live and silent auction for adults.

Some of the items auctioned-off included VIP tickets to the “American Idol” finale, a $20,000 men’s watch and a one-year sponsorship for the center’s rare American Gypsy horse, Rushmore. Proceeds from the event go toward supporting the Shea Center’s therapeutic riding programs and daily operations. Of the center’s $2.4 million budget, only 19 percent is gathered from fees. Among the guests were several former members of the San Juan Capistrano City Council, current Mayor Larry Kramer, Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor, Councilwoman Laura Freese and Planning Commissioner and City Council candidate Ginny Kerr. To view photos from the event, visit thecapistranodispatch.com.

For more information about the Shea Center, visit sheacenter.org.

Have something interesting for the community?

Send your information to bpark@thecapistranodispatch.com.

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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 18. 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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SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Kevin Dahlgren, Adam Herzog, Darian Nourian, Tawnee Prazak

JONATHAN VOLZKE: My Turn

Let the Madness Begin New leadership must understand, not undermine, City Hall

N

ow that I’ve taken a real job, I can’t spend my days in Capistrano wearing blue jeans and flip-flops anymore. As much as I miss that, I am really fascinated by what I’ve learned working on other projects in other cities—from San Clemente to Yorba Linda.

As I drive town-to-town, it’s hard to miss one thing: It’s election season.

Signs are up from one corner of the county to another, asking for votes for City Council candidates whose names are emblazoned in orange or similar eye-catching color.

But not at home, yet. Capistrano’s yards, posts, fences and medians remain sign-free. It’s not that we don’t have an election, of course. It’s that we have a sign code that prohibits the election billboards from going up until a month from the election. That, by the way, is something we should take another look at—In this day of vote-bymail, a good percentage of votes are cast before code enforcement has the chance to take down the first wave of signs. Since voting has moved up, candidates’ ability to put up signs should move up, too.

But the lack of signs doesn’t mean that campaigning isn’t already underway in town. Not by a long shot.

Sam Allevato—the only incumbent running because Laura Freese decided not to seek reelection for family reasons—has for all practical purposes partnered up with Ginny Kerr, another equestrian who has sat on the Planning Commission for a few years. While political newcomer Tom Marantz is in the race, the battle fig-

ures to be Allevato and Kerr against City Hall critic Kim McCarthy and retired doctor Roy Byrnes.

Candidates are holding quiet meet-andgreets and shaking the Jonathan Volzke bushes to raise money, but the gloves are already off. The majority of the council is at stake: If McCarthy and Byrnes win, they’ll team with Councilman Derek Reeve for a 3-2 majority over Mayor Larry Kramer and Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor, whereas Allevato and Kerr are more likely to be in step with Kramer and Taylor.

Behind the scenes, though, the politicking has already been pretty bruising. Allevato and Kerr went to the OC Republican Central Committee to seek an endorsement, but were met there by McCarthy-Byrnes supporters who were able to toss up enough chaff that any action on the endorsement was put off until October 4. Allevato tried again with Republican Assemblywoman Diane Harkey speaking on his behalf, but was again delayed.

Then this week, Capistrano attorney Ed Connor filed a complaint that Capistrano Common Sense—the newsletter for which McCarthy and Byrnes both write—is working like a political action committee without filing the proper disclosures. Anyone who thinks Connor is just standing up for Allevato missed the battles between Connor and McCarthy over her attacks on alleged illegal immigrants in town.

The Mission and Mission Hospital fell into her sights, and the Connor family

The Capistrano Dispatch September 28–October 11, 2012

members are longtime, strong Mission parishioners.

So the gloves are off before the signs are up.

I’m voting for Allevato and Kerr. I’ve cast votes for Allevato before and shared that here. It’s not because I agree with him on his stance on every issue, but it’s because I believe Allevato—and Kerr— understand Capistrano. And while longterm incumbency can sometimes be a detriment, a lack of council experience can be just as bad or even worse.

Voting “no” on everything is not leadership.

The more I’m out and about in various Orange County communities, I see examples where past councils—from years and years ago—failed by not being involved in regional efforts. Capistrano too often is seen by those around us as a town quick to say “no.” That’s not a good reputation, because it prevents our leaders from gaining full seats on regional boards—boards that oversee major infrastructure improvements and grants of millions of dollars.

Even if I accept that those at Capistrano Common Sense have their hearts in the right place, there’s a huge gap between sitting on a dais and taking potshots from the stand. The stories in there can be well researched, but they’re researched not to discover a truth, but to prove a preconceived point. The water rates? When Common Sense compared our rates to those in nearby cities, the writer didn’t know that agencies such as Moulton-Niguel Water District, with apparently low water rates, actually put surcharges of $1,000 or more on property-tax bills. When San Clemente Page 8

raised its rates a couple of years ago, staff there published a true comparison.

Capistrano’s rates were a tad higher but not enough to be worthy of the continual shrill tenor that would make Chicken Little envious. Another thing about water rates—you’ll hear candidates say the rates have increased 105 percent since 2004. That’s true—sort of. Actually, 2004 was just the first year the council had the courage to raise the rates, which were eating into the General Fund.

Rates hadn’t been raised for more than 15 years before that. So that means any increase has to be taken back to 1989, but saying 105 percent over nearly 25 years doesn’t get as many votes.

Ironically, of course, McCarthy got her start in the public arena writing a column for The Dispatch. And she has done good for the community. But she won’t get my vote until she works to understand, rather than undermine, city government. And Byrnes is a former Mayor, true, but he last held office when I was 10-years-old, so I’m not sure the experiences he gained then are commiserate with the challenges we face now.

A solid new administration in City Hall, a new hotel, new car dealerships, the Groundwater Recovery Plant working better than ever before, increases in sales tax. Things are going in the right direction for Capistrano. It’s not time for a detour, no matter how crazy the coming weeks prove to be.

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 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: Larry Kramer, Mayor of San Juan Capistrano

The Future for City Water Service Looks Bright S

ome would say that the cost of water in San Juan Capistrano is high. I agree. There are many reasons why this is the current case. However, the future is much Larry Kramer brighter and includes our reduced dependence on outside water sources.

1. For many years the charges for both water and sewer were held artificially low—past city councils did

not raise the cost to keep up with the times. Revenues did not cover the cost of providing water or inspecting and maintaining the sewer system. Thus, large deficits were incurred. The costs of water kept increasing and the rate structure did not keep pace. The unit cost of water from our main supplier, the Metropolitan Water District, increased 63 percent since 2007.

2. The start-up of the Groundwater Recovery Plant was difficult. The plant was not producing water at the design output and thus the cost per unit of

water was very high.

3. The Groundwater Recovery Plant output was significantly curtailed for many years because of MtBE in the water resulting in the shutting down of two major wells supplying the plant.

The future looks much better.

1. The rates for water and sewer were increased based on a 2009 independent rate study. The large deficits should be gone in the next few years and a healthy reserve will be obtained.

2. Many of the problems with the plant have been resolved and it is

operating nearer capacity, resulting in a lower cost per unit output.

3. Modifications to the plant have been made which allow the wells with trace contaminants of MtBE to be put back in service.

4. Additional wells have been drilled to support the plant.

5. A state grant has been received and will further increase the capacity and reliability of the plant, thus further reducing the cost per unit output. CD

beautify Los Rios Park with plants butterflies are attracted to. I sat with Dotty Frankel who was accepting an award for the DAR’s program on our Constitution at the Mission. Next to me was Jean Vincenzi who works tirelessly with the Friends of the Library to make our library even better. Behind me were Rosa Beas, who with her husband works for the youth of our city, and Stephanie Heredia who, with her husband, Bob Kline, gives our city a week of magic during the West Coast Film Festival and Steve Behmerwohld who was in his ASAP uniform — one of his many volunteer services to our city.

With all that energy, this should have been a wonderful positive meeting. Then a “black hole” got up to speak, and the mood changed to one of why isn’t the city doing more, more, more to support his needs.

I consider myself a conservative. I even voted for Barry Goldwater. But I thought being a conservative meant taking personal responsibility and not wanting government to do those things I could do for myself. And yet, that person touts his membership in a group that claims “common sense.”

Two things the “black hole” has mentioned Tuesday night and in the past: One is personal responsibility for emergency preparedness. My husband and I took the city’s CERT training. I may not have the agility of an EMT, but I recognize that in an emergency all governments’ resources will be overwhelmed and I can do some things myself. And as far as lending a hand to our neighbors, it didn’t require an athlete to pass out information on smoke detectors to residents who had

lost a neighbor in a fire and to let the fire department know that one family had hearing problems and could use a different type of detector, which they could supply. Or if we have wildfires and have to use the Riding Park to stable animals, it doesn’t take much to be trained to take photos of the horses for record keeping. Small things, but I refuse to accept the position that less than perfect health keeps someone from being prepared.

And last night’s complaint was about car theft. I know I don’t want police on every corner in my neighborhood, but if we have a problem, the first thing I would do is see if our neighborhood watch is active and ask the police in for a briefing about what we can do to reduce our risk.

So, instead of making the council and staff and audience listen to the “black hole,” it would be so pleasant if we could enjoy going to City Council meetings and celebrate the wonderful job our council, staff and citizens do to make this a fabulous place to live.

Letters to the Community THANKS FOR THE WEST COAST FILM FESTIVAL —Jan Siegel, San Juan Capistrano

Kudos to Bob Kline and Stephanie Heredia for a successful 2nd annual West Coast Film Festival. Their hard work and dedication to San Juan Capistrano made for an enjoyable week of varied entertainment. Also, a special thank you to the Regency Theatre for showing the silent film, For the Soul of Rafael, which was made at the Mission.

to yield the right of way and driving in bike lanes.

I understand that budgets are tight and we must carefully allocate our limited law enforcement resources to the most-needed areas. But as our streets are gradually turning to anarchy, I hope that traffic enforcement might increase in priority.

TRAIN HORNS STILL BLARING DESPITE ‘IMPROVEMENTS’ —Shelley Bachelder, San Juan Capistrano

SAN JUAN TRAFFIC TURNING TO ‘ANARCHY” —Corinna Henson, San Juan Capistrano

It is unavoidable that an increase of population and an increase in large construction projects will affect traffic adversely. I realize this and do my best to be patient in congested areas of town.

However, others apparently are not so patient and are increasingly ignoring traffic laws. It is now to the point where at every major intersection I encounter there is always someone running a red light. It’s a guaranteed event, so I pause before entering the intersection, as a driver or as a pedestrian, to avoid a collision.

Another increasing problem is drivers blocking intersections: insisting on entering an intersection they cannot clear thus remaining in the center of the intersection when the light has changed and preventing the cross traffic from moving.

Adding to the free-for-all attitude on the road are more mundane—yet also dangerous and very common—issues such as texting while driving, refusing

I just read the article on the “Del Obispo Traffic Study” (August 24), which is expected to cost nearly $160,000 to figure out a way to alleviate the traffic congestion caused by the new “queue-cutter signal” at the Del Obispo crossing. I’m sure I’m not the only one, especially among those of us who live near the railroad tracks, who finds it ironic that all of these “improvements” at the train crossings were intended for the sole reason of eliminating the train horns from sounding as they passed through town. The construction has been completed for several months now and yet the train horns are still blaring as much as ever.

What a blow it would be to have to contend with all the inconvenience brought on by these “improvements” and still have the horns continue as they did before any of this mess occurred.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING TURNS SOUR —Chris Kramer, San Juan Capistrano

I went Tuesday evening to support a friend, Marianne Taylor, who is working with John Q. Humphreys to

The Capistrano Dispatch September 27–October 11, 2012

Page 10

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR TWO-WEEK EVENT PLANNER

THE LIST

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

friday

BOEING BOEING 6:30 p.m.

Debut of the new farcical comedy that’s ’60s retro at Camino Real Playhouse. Preview tickets $18-$28, Sept. 29 gala night tickets $34-$44 and regular shows $24-$34. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

28

saturday

WOMEN & WHEELS CAR CARE 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free event on car maintenance and safety at Star Motors, includes a light breakfast and gift bag.

32955 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1970, www.star-motors.com.

29

MEET THE WINEMAKER 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Winemaker McPrice Myers of Paso Robles at DaVine Food & Wine. $25 for 6 tastings and appetizers. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

TOAST TO THE CASA 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Annual gala benefit at Casa Romantica with food from local restaurants, wine, dancing, auctions and more. $175. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

DANA POINT BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP & TASTE OF BREWS 12 p.m. Kansas City Barbeque Society hosts a world-class barbecue contest. 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org. Taste of Brews brings two dozen breweries. $40; includes unlimited craft beer tastes, snacks and water.

714.375.1132, www.tasteofbrews.com. Both events at at Sea Terrace Park at PCH & Niguel Road in Dana Point.

sunday

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FUNDRAISER 4 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.

The Friends of the San Juan Capistrano Library host a fundraiser at the Nydegger Bldg. with an author lecture/book signing with Capt. Dave Anderson and his book, Lily: A Gray Whale’s Odyssey. Also features refreshments, music and more. $20. 31421 La Matanza, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

30

The Capistrano Dispatch September 28–October 11, 2012

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE: OZOMATLI The Coach House will be jumpin’ when Ozomatli takes the stage next Sunday with a concert doubleheader featuring a kid-friendly OzoKids performance followed by their regular set list known to “take you around the world by taking you around Los Angeles.” Their music is an LA-born urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga. The OzoKids show is like a regular Ozomatli show, but familyfriendly and designed to appeal to the younger set. Of course, kids are the VIPs and get their own “kids only” section in the front of the stage. The kids’ Courtesy photo set includes Ozomatli’s trademark fusion of music from around the world, with Latin American songs in English and Spanish. Ozomatli fans rejoice. The band is working on a new CD expected to be ready for release in springtime next year. They are also currently putting final touches on the TV musical score for Gabriel Iglesias’ new “Hey! It’s Fluffy” cartoons for the new season of “Stand Up Revolution” debuting in October. The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, Sunday, September 30. OzoKids show starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15. Ozomatli show starts at 8 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) and tickets are $30. Both shows are all ages. www.thecoachhouse.com. —Tyler and A.J. Bardzilowski

tuesday

SATIN JAZZ EXPRESS 6:30 p.m. Music at Montego Restaurant.

27211 Ortega Hwy. Ste. B, San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www. montegorestaurant.com.

02

wednesday

THE BISHOP’S CHESS CLUB 6 p.m.-7:45 p.m.

Chess club meets at the library featuring a screening of Searching for Bobby Fischer, chess games and more. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

03

thursday

04

GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.

Volunteer at Los Rios Park and also help plant the new butterfly garden. 31661 Los Rios St., 949.493.5911, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

SENIORS’ SUNSET SERENADE DANCE 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Adults ages 55 and older are invited to the Community Center for dancing, live entertainment, appetizers and more. Tickets $10. 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m.9 p.m. Library shows the movie Shine a Light, directed

by Martin Scorsese featuring the Rolling Stones. Donation $2. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.5132, www.ocpl.org.

friday

05

saturday

THE VINTAGE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL “FAREWELL TO THE SWALLOWS” 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Wine, food, dancing, games, auctions at more at Mission San Juan Capistrano. $50. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

06

FARM TO FORK 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Kids learn the journey food takes from the garden to the kitchen at The Ecology Center. $20-$25. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

Page 15

sunday

MARINE WILDLIFE CRUISE 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute cruise where participants get a ship-board view of whales, dolphins, sunfish, sea lions and other creatures of the sea.

Tickets $22-$35. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

07

tuesday

PRO AND CONS OF BALLOT MEASURES 7 p.m.

The League of Women Voters present the pros and cons of the ballot measures on the November election ballot at Palisades Methodist Church. 27002 Camino de Estrella, Capistrano Beach, 949.492.7675.

09

SENIOR FASHION SHOW 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Senior program hosts a free fashion show at the Community Center. 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

wednesday

10

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

KARAOKE WITH LES AND JOEL 7:30 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

thursday

11

CARNIVAL COLOSSAL AND EXPO 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Carnival at Vista Hermosa Sports Park.

987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, 949.276.8866, www.san-clemente.org.

JOEY SELLERS 7 p.m. Local composer and trombonist Joey Sellers gives a presentation on the history of jazz at Casa Romantica in conjunction with their current exhibition, “Jazz Jazz Jazz.” $7. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org. *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 Saturday 9.29

Thursday 10.4

National Drug Take-Back Day 10

Loss of Loved One Support Group

a.m. – 2 p.m. San Juan Capistrano Police Services, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will be accepting expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs anonymously—no questions asked. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Tuesday 10.2 City Council Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

1 p.m. – 3 p.m. A free meeting for anyone who has lost a loved one through death or divorce. Hosted by Dr. Donna Friess. The group is limited to twenty. Reservations are recommended and available by calling 949.493.5911. Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion.

Senior Dance 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Adults ages 55 and up are invited to dance or just enjoy the music at the Sunset Serenade Dance. Tickets are $10.

Appetizers and champagne will also be provided. Pre-sale tickets are also available. Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion. For more information, call 949.493.5911.

Friday 10.5 Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A town hall forum on community issues, hosted by Jonathan Volzke. Every Friday. All are welcome. El Adobe Restaurant, 31891 Camino Capistrano.

Friday 10.12 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50: Tom Blake

Internet Dating Can Lead to Wasting Time on Phantom Love Internet Dating Can Lead to Wasting Time on Phantom Love

I

can’t estimate the what’s puzzling. After four years and a number of times “disastrous” face-to-face meeting, Jackie women have emailed is still corresponding with the guy and me saying they’ve fallen experiencing phantom love. in love with a great guy “When we talk by phone and write, they met online. Some there is magic. I feel in love. We don’t even add that they are live close enough to see each other contemplating maroften. I haven’t seen him in a year and ON LIFE AND riage. a half. And, he’s on the edge of poverty, LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake There is a tone to slipping downward as we speak.” these emails that make I asked her why she continues this me suspect there has never been a facecharade. “Loneliness, hopelessness, to-face meeting. I reply by asking how desperation…and mostly overwhelmtheir initial in-person meeting went. ing fear that this is the best I can do…

More often than not, the answer is that nothing better will ever happen… similar to this: “We haven’t met in perthat having a phone friend is better than son but plan to somenothing,” Jackie said.

I told Jackie that the time in the future.”

I told Jackie that the When they ask for time she is investing in time she is investing my opinion about their this phantom love afin this phantom love arrangement, I tell affair—one she knows fair—one she knows will will never work—is them they aren’t in love with a real person, never work—is stealing stealing time away but only an image. from trying to meet time away from trying They get irked at me to meet someone near- someone nearby who when I tell them that would be more suitby who would be more able for her. chemistry between suitable for her. two people is imposI suggested she atsible to predict without tend one of our South meeting face-to-face, and they may be County Singles 50+ meet and greet wasting their time. events at Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana A woman named Jackie who lives in Point Deli.

Orange County met a man online four Her reply, “I don’t go to bars.” years ago on a dating website called (I’ve never heard anyone refer to my Christian Mingle. “Through emails and deli as a bar before; it’s just a sandwich phone calls, there was magic,” Jackie shop that happens to serve beer and said. “And then we met in person. It was wine.) disastrous. I still feel queasy thinking I said, “Of course you don’t go to bars. about it.”

That’s passé with older singles. But Jackie said there was no kind way to attending our meet and greet singles tell the guy that she felt no chemistry, function isn’t like plopping down on “not even a spark,” she said. But here’s a stool and listening to Billy Joel play The Capistrano Dispatch September 28–October 11, 2012

‘Piano Man’ with other lonesome souls at 9 p.m. on a Saturday.

“Instead, you will meet face-to-face other friendly singles and if you have no interest in dating anyone you meet there, at least you won’t waste four more years on someone else with whom you have absolutely no chemistry.”

I think, for Jackie, getting out among new people would be a boost to her selfesteem. Perhaps, she’d even break away from her phantom romance.

The internet is just one tool older singles can use to reach out to find potential mates. However, they need to get out and make new friends locally as well.

Page 16

The next meet and greet at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli is Thursday, October 11, 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The September event attracted approximately 135 singles age 50 an over.

At the very least, Jackie could make some new friends.

For more information about the South OC Champs Meet and Greet Club, see www.tutorandspunkys.com.

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Rotary Club’s Third Annual Trail Run and Bike Ride Return October 6 The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club’s annual Ridge Events began in 2008 as a celebration of the city’s open space, and although that part hasn’t changed, the competition has risen to another level.

As participation has grown over the years, the Rotary Club has added new events to cater to a larger competition pool. What began as a brisk trek along the city’s southern open space off Camino Las Ramblas has now grown to include a combination of trail runs and bike rides, ranging in distance from 5 to 10 kilometers.

Last year, Michelle Barton set the fastest women’s time in the 10K in the event’s history at 44:52. Dean Dobberteen was last year’s high mark in the men’s division at 40:14, but Ricardo Godoy’s record-time of 31:34 still stands.

Rotarian and San Juan Capistrano Mayor Larry Kramer, who came up with the idea for the Ridge Events, won his heat in last year’s 5K event and is looking to better his time this year.

This year, Rotary Club President Dr. Carol Daderian announced that the Ridge Events would include a combination 10K trail run and mountain bike poker ride for competitors who wish to get the most out of the experience.

This year’s event begins Saturday, October 6, and is expected to draw 350 competitors, according to a news release.

Both the 5K and 10K trail runs begin at 7:30 a.m. and will lead runners along the Las Ramblas trailhead. The 5K run finishes at Patriot Point, where runners can cool down and take in a view of San Juan Capistrano before heading back down. The 10K runners, however, will take on a “fun but challenging” trek

that runs along the ridgeline and to San Juan Hills High School before it turns back. The 10K run is intended for more serious runners and includes a 600-foot elevation.

The 3rd Annual Mountain Bike Poker Ride begins at 9:30 a.m. In this non-timed event, cyclists travel to five separate posts along the trail where they draw one playing card. At the end of the ride, the cyclist with the best hand wins a $300 trail GPS system, courtesy of Jim Curwood, owner of Buy My Bikes in San Juan Capistrano. The cyclist with the worst five-card hand won’t go emptyhanded however, as they will receive a yet unannounced prize.

Following the conclusion of the poker ride, the trails will be opened to ridge walkers, their families and their pets, who can go for a hike and enjoy the views of Capistrano Valley, Saddleback, Dana Point Harbor and even Catalina Island.

Entry fees before the event are $40 for the 10K run, $30 for the 5K, $35 for the poker ride and $60 for the combination poker ride and trail run.

The fees are marked up $5 on race day.

Active duty Marines can enter all events for only $10.

Proceeds collected from the event will be split between the city and the Rotary Club. The city’s 25 percent share will go toward maintenance and improvements to the trail system. The Rotary Club will take its share to fund its many local charities, including the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, the San Juan Creek Cleanup Project and high school scholarships.

For more information or to register, visit sanjuantrailrun.org. CD

SJC LIVING

Couple Married in San Juan Despite Trying Times Family affected by cancer diagnosis receives dream wedding

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

F

or one Corona family facing an uncertain future, San Juan Capistrano will forever serve as a reminder of the best of times, when their love and commitment to each other triumphed over sickness.

On Sunday, September 23, Kelly and Veronica Haro were married in a formal wedding ceremony at Serra Plaza, in front of their six children and 55 other guests. The wedding was completely planned and funded by Wish Upon a Wedding, a nonprofit organization that helps couples facing life-altering circumstances.

In May, Kelly visited the hospital complaining of a weeklong headache that would not dissipate. Doctors conducted a series of tests and found a mass in Kelly’s brain that was eventually diagnosed as glioblastoma, an especially aggressive form of cancer.

Kelly and Veronica were married in

an Orange County courthouse that month, but planning for an actual wedding proved difficult given Kelly’s condition. Doctors told Kelly that with treatment, his life expectancy would be around 18 months. However, Kelly’s situation is exacerbated by a rare genetic mutation that runs in his family, Li-Fraumemi syndrome, which worsens with radiation and chemotherapy. Without treatment, doctors have given Kelly only three to six months to live.

“He’s been really positive throughout this whole thing,” Veronica said.

“I’ve been supporting him through the whole thing, and I don’t plan on going away.”

Veronica heard about Wish Upon a Wedding from an aunt and after researching the organization, she submitted an application detailing her family’s situation. Although the two were legally married, Veronica’s submission was inspired by her children—both she and Kelly have two children from previous relationships and another two together.

Veronica and Kelly Haro at their wedding, which took place at Serra Plaza and was completely planned and funded by Wish Upon a Wedding, a nonprofit organization. Courtesy photo

“There are no words to describe it.

It was unbelievable. I didn’t expect an entire wedding like that.”

—Veronica Haro

“We got married in the courthouse, not thinking that we were ever going to have a real, true ceremony,” Veronica said. “The kids, they didn’t get to celebrate, but they kept asking us about really getting married.”

Wish Upon a Wedding heard Veronica’s case and immediately stepped in. While the family was in Germany for more than five weeks for Kelly to receive a holistic brand of treatment, the organization planned the entire wedding, from wedding attire, flowers, food, entertainment and the venue.

“Our goal is to make our clients guests at their own wedding,” said Stacey Gitten, public relations chair for the organization.

When Veronica arrived in San Juan Capistrano on Sunday, it was the first time she saw all the work that went into her own wedding.

“There are no words to describe Page 19

it. It was unbelievable. I didn’t expect an entire wedding like that,” Veronica said. “I was never one of those girls to dream about my wedding, but even if I did, it never would’ve compared to the outcome.”

The children also enjoyed the wedding, especially a photo booth that was set up for the reception, Veronica said.

“They loved it. They had a blast.”

As for the future, Kelly and Veronica say they will keep fighting the cancer despite the grim prognosis. According to Kelly, it’s his faith that keeps him going. For Veronica, it’s their children who keeps her strong and the wedding served as definitive proof of their parents’ love.

“My main goal was just to show our kids that we are married because they’d been asking,” Veronica said. “To give them something in their hearts and in their minds to grow with.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

HOMECOMING GAME BRINGS HARTIGAN CLAN FULL CIRCLE

Back in 1997, current JSerra football coach Jim Hartigan was guiding the Santa Margarita football team to an undefeated season and a CIF-SS Division 5 championship. Current Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer was playing for Hartigan and the Eagles in what would be a historic run.

But there was something that happened off the field before that championship game that makes JSerra’s Friday night homecoming game against Trabuco Hills more personal for the Haritgan clan. Three days before kickoff, Jim’s wife, Gina, gave birth to their eldest daughter, Gemma.

A day after being released from the

Gemma Hartigan, 14, has not missed a single homecoming game that her dad, Jim, has coached in. Courtesy photo

hospital, Gina took newborn Gemma out to the Eagles big game so the two of them could cheer for Jim. “The whole family was there to see (Gemma) and watch the game,”

Gina Haritgan said. “It was an amazing game and an exciting time. It’s a very spirited and memorable time in our family’s life.”

Fast forward 14 years to September 28, when Gemma, 14, will be out on the field to literally “cheer” for her dad as a freshman member of the JSerra cheer squad. It will be the 14th straight homecoming game she’s attended.

The Lions (4-0) are looking to maintain their unbeaten streak against the Mustangs (4-1) and it should be a tough contest.

Gemma no doubt knows the stakes; she’s been there before—on the sideline, cheering for dad. —Steve Breazeale

Fall Sports Preview San Juan area schools hit the pool, courts and courses

By Steve Breazeale and Adam Herzog The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he San Juan area high schools are rich in tradition and feature defending State champions (JSerra girls cross country, St. Margaret’s boys cross country) as well as programs on the rise.

Here is a breakdown of two programs from each high school that have already started their march toward a strong athletic season.

Check out our sports page at thecapistranodispatch.com and follow us on our new sports Twitter feed @SouthOCSports for news, in-game updates, features and more.

SAN JUAN HILLS BOYS WATER POLO Being a relatively new school and a member of the tough Sea View League has been a challenge for the young Stallion boys water polo team in recent years, according to head coach Dan Newberry. The Stallions went winless in the Sea View league last season but Newberry believes they will better that mark this year with a little help from their experienced players.

In 2012, the Stallions (5-5, 0-2 league) will have the benefit of relying on players who have performed on the varsity level before. Every starter from the Stallions squad last season is returning again with another year under their belts.

“They definitely have been getting better and we took third place at the Segerstrom Varsity Tournament a couple weeks ago,” Newberry said.

“The guys are playing more physical and obviously with age comes size and maturity. They’ve been able to play with that physical aspect this year.”

The Stallions primary two-meter player this season has been junior Chris Garau, who was the team’s leading scorer in 2011. “(Garau) is a very crafty player.

One-on-one, he does an exceptional job and he knows a lot about the game,” Newberry said.

Senior goalie Parker Luehe, who stands at 6-feet-6-inches tall, has been solid for the Stallions in net and recently recorded 26 saves in an 8-6 win over JSerra. —Steve Breazeale GIRLS VOLLEYBALL The Stallions have already got their first taste of tournament victory under new head coach Mitzi Kincaid.

Up until Kincaid’s arrival, the Stallion girls volleyball squad had not won a tournament at the varsity level. But from September 21 to September 22, the Stallions went 4-2 at the Dave Mohs Tournament en route to a first place finish in the Silver Division.

Kincaid comes to San Juan Hills after coaching at San Clemente and most recently, Tesoro. She has brought Curtis Yoder, of the famed Yoder volleyball family, as her assistant varsity coach.

Kincaid has brought a new style of volleyball to San Juan Hills and it’s one she hopes will impact the program at all levels.

“We’re trying to make a consistent program here. Our practices will look similar in the drills as they do all the way from the freshmen to varsity.”

As far as a system of offense and defense, Kincaid has been implementing the professional sets used by the Brazilian and U.S. national teams.

The Stallions aren’t a big and powerful team, according to Kincaid, but they are quick and scrappy, which could

The Capistrano Dispatch September 28–October 11, 2012

Andrew Scholte (with ball) competing for the San Juan Hills boys water polo team. Courtesy photo

make them a tough out in league play, which starts October 2 when the Stallions play El Toro at home.

Junior setter Justine Bowers, who is a co-captain, will be a player to watch in 2012. Kincaid said that the junior’s competitive nature and club level experience helps make her a leader on the court. —SB JSERRA BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Head coach Marty Dugard likes to call the 2012 version of the girls crosscountry team “The Killers.” The back-toback defending Trinity League and CIF Division 4 State Champion Lions are a group that appear nice on the outside, but will do anything to win on the inside, according to Dugard, who also doubles as the boys cross country coach.

Much of that same girls team that won the coveted hardware last year is returning and will be led by senior standout Colby Lindolm and sophomore Ashley Geisler.

The girls team does not employ a pack-running strategy, where a teams’

Page 20

runners all try to stay within minutes of each other. Because of the girls’ competitive nature, Dugard feels it’s better to let them just go out and compete and see who finishes where.

“It’s really cool to watch (the girls) race…their competitive drive to beat each other is what pushes them,” Dugard said. “We look good and I’m confident we’re going to go back and take another shot at State.”

The boys team is going through a rebuilding phase according to Dugard.

There are no seniors returning to the team and only two juniors on the roster.

Look for junior Nic Fracassi and sophomore Anthony Mariconda to step into leading roles for the Lions, who finished second in the Trinity League and sixth at State last season. —SB GIRLS TENNIS In the span of five years, JSerra girls tennis head coach Kirk Orahood has seen the program go from winning zero games in the Trinity League, to rise as contending league champs.

(Cont. on page 22) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 20) Last season the Lions went into the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs and won a wild card round. Orahood expects much of the same this time around.

“This year I’ve told the team we are never not going to the CIF playoffs,” Orahood said.

The Lions (6-2, 1-0 league as of September 25) will feature some new blood on this year’s squad as incoming freshmen Mary and Zoe Kaffen join the team as highly touted junior players.

The Kaffen sisters had a productive off-season and recently won the Michael Chang Tennis Classic preseason high school tournament.

Although they are new to the program, Orahood got a better understanding of the Kaffen sisters’ style of play in a recent preseason match. Mary would end up losing in three straight sets to her opponent, but Orahood never saw her give up on a single ball.

“I was proud of her, she didn’t give up,” Orahood said. “Even when she was down (in the match).”

Senior Cara Cummings will provide stability and experience as a member of the Lions No. 1 doubles team.

Cummings usually plays alongside her cousin, senior Kelsey Testman, and Orahood will stick with the winning duo for the foreseeable future. —SB

The Kaffen sisters (left) accepting their first place trophies for winning the Michael Chang Tennis Classic.

The Kaffens are freshmen at JSerra and will play a crucial role on the tennis team. Courtesy photo

committed to Mississippi State University, the Warriors are looking to breeze through league and compete for a CIFSS championship. According to Coach Greene, the key to this year’s success is the team’s experience.

“Last year we had a lot of new players, including five freshmen. This year we have two senior captains and tons more experience. The girls are working really hard,” Greene said. —AH CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN

GIRLS TENNIS Off to a 5-2 record, the Saddleback Valley Christian girls tennis team has already made huge improvements over last year’s winless season.

Led by coach Chrissy Griffith, this year’s team has six new players, including freshmen standouts Brena Weaver and Isabella Maniello, as well as senior newcomer Morgan Kachenmeister.

According to coach Griffith, another huge addition to this year’s team is new assistant coach Missy Berchiolli.

“It was definitely tough last year by myself, so Missy has been a huge help for me, as well as a big influence on our girls,” Griffith said.

The Warrior’s have already exceeded expectations and are looking to continue their hot streak as they enter a stretch of crucial league games, most notably an October 2 rematch against Torbut V’ Torah, a team they already lost to.

—Adam Herzog

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL This year the Eagles will be led by new head coach Kelle Bond, a longtime volleyball coach with an impressive pedigree. After coaching high school volleyball in Texas for several years, Bond landed the assistant coaching job at Boise State University, where she coached the Broncos women’s volleyball squad from 2006 to 2009.

Now she has guided the Broncos to a 6-1 overall record as of September 25.

Last season the Eagles went 9-10 overall with a 2-6 record in league play and fell short of making the playoffs.

Bond inherited a team with solid returning players and six seniors, including the team’s co-captain and setter, Alex Peregord. Bond describes Peregord as extremely coachable and the setter is comfortable running the Eagles offense in the early going.

Another senior that has been crucial to the Eagles’ early success is junior co-captain Christina Argaez. Argaez is the versatile, Swiss Army knife type of player who can lead the team in digs one day and kills the next. —SB

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Currently ranked No. 2 in CIF-SS division 4AA, the Saddleback Valley Christian girls volleyball team has lofty expectations as they enter league play.

Led by Chelsea Duhs, the 6-feet-1inch senior captain who has already

BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY There is all kinds of new, young talent on the Eagles boys and girls cross country teams.

The size of the girls’ roster has nearly doubled, jumping from six runners last season to 11 this year; a lot of them are

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN

The Capistrano Dispatch September 27–October 11, 2012

Members of the Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball team. Courtesy photo

freshmen who have already made an impact.

Freshman Lauren Messore is a soccer player by trade, but has crossed the aisle to compete for the cross country team this fall. Head coach Don Easter describes her as a very competitive runner and in the Eagles’ first two meets; Messore has been the No. 1 runner.

A freshman on the boys side that has also shown a lot of promise is Austin Aguas. Aguas ran with the freshman at the Tri County Invitational on September 22 but Easter said he could have easily ran with the varsity team. Aguas will join the varsity squad in their first San Joaquin Cluster League meet on October 4 at Laguna Niguel Park.

“I think we have a couple of underclassmen that have improved over last year,” Easter said. “We have a young core and I think it will be something we can build on in the future.”

Two returning runners on the girls team to watch are junior Tina Boyle and senior Sierra Hamilton.

Senior Ryan Pierce and juniors Justin Burger and Eric Beveridge return for the boys. —SB ST. MARGARET’S BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY The St. Margaret’s boys cross country team has dominated Division 5 in recent years and enter the 2012 fall season as the defending back-to-back

Page 22

CIF-SS Division 5 and State champions.

This year’s team is not as stacked as it was when the Tartans made those recent historic runs, according to head coach Rob Lakeman, as seniors have left to graduation. But so far the Tartans have performed well enough to maintain their No.1 Division 5 ranking in the CIF-SS poll, despite being trounced by Crean Lutheran, September 19 in an Academy League Cluster meet. It was the Tartans’ first league defeat since 2008.

Senior Brandon Price has been an absolute force in his high school career and now steps into the No. 1 runner spot for the Tartans. Price recently broke the 15-minute mark at the Woodbridge Invitational on September 15 with a time of 14:57.

Others have stepped up to fill the senior void, including Price’s little brother, freshman Collin Price, who has been the Tartans’ No. 2 runner in the early going.

“We’re going to be solid, just not as deep this year,” Lakeman said. “We are still the team to beat in Division 5, there’s no doubt about it.”

The St. Margaret’s girls cross-country team is on track to have a bounce back year in 2012. Last season, Lakeman’s girls team had the fewest members since he came to the school in 2005. So far the team has shown an improvement in numbers and results. Sophomore standout Sam Geller has impressed Lakeman with her leadership and will be the Tartans’ No. 1 runner. The Tartans recently finished second at the Academy League Cluster Meet September 19. —SB GIRLS GOLF The Tartan girls golf team is used to being perennial Academy League contenders as they’ve won or had a share of the league title six out of the past eight seasons. This year things might be a little different and the competition might be a little tougher.

Head coach Rocky Parker will field a team mixed with returning, standout players as well as those playing in their first year of competitive golf. The Tartans currently hold a 4-6 overall record but are coming off a hot week where they went 3-0 (2-0 league).

Senior four-year varsity starter Allie Frost has been the team’s anchor this season by shooting consistently in the mid-to-high 30s and low 40s.

Sophomore Carly Jordan has had a solid start to 2012 and broke into the 30s for the first time at Marbella Country Club on September 25 against San Juan Hills.

St. Margaret’s biggest competition over the years has been Fairmont Prep, who Parker pegged as a team the Tartans need to keep an eye on if they hope to win league. —SB CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com