The Capistrano Dispatch

BEST OF SAN JUAN VOTING OPENS OCTOBER 12 ON THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE OCTOBER 11–25, 2012 FOUNDED IN 2002

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 19

Faithful Food Service Mission Basilica’s Serra’s Pantry Helps Local Families Put Food on the Table E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

David Bordages and Ray Poncé help oversee food distribution to struggling families through Mission Basilica’s Serra’s Pantry & Outreach Ministries. Photo by Brian Park

City Council Candidates Submit Finance Statements

Council and CUSD Candidates Answer Our Questions

Breazeale: San JuanArea Football Teams Deserve More Credit

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EYE ON SJC/PAGE 8-9

SPORTS/PAGE 26

SAN CLEMENTE

EYE ON SJC

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Congressman Ken Calvert made one of his lasts visits to San Clemente as its representative in Congress Tuesday. Calvert toured the offices and factory of Traffix Devices, which manufactures traffic safety products that are used all over the world, on Avenida La Pata. Due to redistricting, Calvert will no longer represent the area in Congress after January 9, 2013. Darrel Issa will then represent the area. Calvert said he very much enjoyed coming to the city as its representative. “I’ve come here quite a bit,” Calvert said. Calvert noted that the city faced a number of challenges in the coming decade, especially with regard to transportation. As a supporter of the 241 Toll Road extension, Calvert noted that it was still important for residents to have another way out of the city in case of a disaster.

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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

Pete Hammer, president and founder of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, announced he will be stepping down as the organization’s president. Following Hammer’s announcement, the board of directors voted unanimously to appoint Terry Rifkin as the new president. Rifkin is a founding director, member of the Executive Committee and chairwoman of the group’s Support and Outreach Committee. Hammer will stay on as chairman of the board for 2013. The chairman position was written into the group’s original bylaws in anticipation of the time when Hammer would be ready to relinquish day-to-day operations but allow him to continue to serve as the face of the organization. The group’s focus is fundraising for a monument in Memorial Park at Camp Pendleton for fallen Marines from Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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…Campaign Finances?

THE LATEST: With less than a month to go until the November 6 election, San Juan Capistrano City Council candidates have started to put up their signs around the city and have submitted their first round of campaign finance statements.

Incumbent Councilman Sam Allevato and Ginny Kerr, who are running in support of each other, have each raised significantly more funds than the team of Roy Byrnes and Kim McCarthy, who are members of the local watchdog group Capistrano Common Sense.

Thus far, Allevato and Kerr have raised $16,826.72 and $18,608.55, respectively.

Both have received support from former Orange County sheriff Brad Gates, former councilman Joe Soto and Rancho Mission Viejo leaders Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre. Additionally, Kerr has loaned her own campaign $2,570 and has received a contribution from Ed Connor, who filed a complaint last month with the state Fair Political Practices Commission against Capistrano Common Sense.

McCarthy has raised $4,000, including a $1,200 personal loan to her campaign.

Byrnes has raised $7,150, primarily through a $6,000 personal loan. Despite the parity in campaign funds, McCarthy and Byrnes each received the Orange County GOP’s endorsements last week over Allevato and Kerr.

Political newcomer Tom Marantz indicated he will not spend nor receive more than $1,000 in campaign funds.

WHAT’S NEXT: The second campaignfinance statements are due Thursday, October 25. McCarthy’s and Byrnes’ endorsements must receive final approval at the GOP Central Committee’s next The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-October 25, 2012

meeting on Monday, October 15.

FIND OUT MORE: To view the statements, visit thecapistranodispatch.com —Brian Park

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…the Red-Light Cameras?

THE LATEST: The city announced Thursday, October 4 that the red-light cameras at the Del Obispo/Ortega Highway and Del Obispo/Camino Capistrano intersections have been removed.

The City Council voted unanimously in May to do away with the cameras because of a projected loss in revenue from red-light camera citations. The city began a Red Light Photo Enforcement program to enhance traffic safety in 2000. As a result, collisions dropped at the Ortega Highway and Camino Capistrano intersections by 44.4 percent and 80.7 percent, respectively, according to the city’s Chief of Police Services Lt. John Meyer.

However, since the program has proven to be successful, the number of citations, along with the revenue generated, has also dropped.

WHAT’S NEXT: Citations already in the system will be processed until December.

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

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…the Revised Flood Maps?

THE LATEST: For some San Juan Capistrano residents and property owners encumbered by flood insurance costs, a

new revision to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood map might provide some relief.

Approximately 349 parcels in San Juan Capistrano have been removed from FEMA’s flood maps, the city announced last week. Property owners located in those parcels are no longer required to pay for flood insurance, which costs a typical residential property $1,000 annually, according to the city’s senior civil engineer Ziad Mazboudi.

The city objected to a 2008 revision by FEMA, which added several parcels into new flood zones.

WHAT’S NEXT: FEMA released a revised map on September 27. The new map goes into effect February 2013.

FIND OUT MORE: To view the revised flood map, visit thecapistranodispatch. com. —BP

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…the SONGS Public Meeting?

THE LATEST: A standing-room-only crowd attended a Nuclear Regulatory Commission-run public meeting Tuesday, October 9 at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Hotel in Dana Point to discuss safety, regulation and the possible restart of Unit 2 at the currently offline San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

Attendees were addressed by a panel of industry and governmental professionals as well as local advocates on both sides of the debate on whether to re-start the plant.

The meeting followed news last week that plant owner Southern California Edison had submitted a response to the NRC’s action letter addressing the fail-

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ures of Unit 3 and the wear experienced in Unit 2. Edison also submitted a re-start plan for Unit 2, which it plans to operate at 70 percent capacity for five months, followed by further inspections.

WHAT’S NEXT: NRC Region IV administrator Elmo Collins said there will be another public meeting to continue discussion of the re-start plan, but a date has yet to be set.

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

—Jim Shilander and Andrea Swayne

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…Oxford Preparatory Academy?

THE LATEST: A capacity crowd turned out for the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees October 8 meeting, most who were there to participate in an open discussion concerning Oxford Preparatory Academy’s anticipated K-12 expansion request.

Parents who spoke were evenly split between those in favor of expanding the Mission Viejo-based school to the high school level and those who were against it. Because the issue was not on the agenda, board members were not allowed to voice their comments or questions.

OPA, which currently occupies what was formerly Barcelona Elementary, has not filed an official proposal with the district, according to Superintendent Joseph Farley.

WHAT’S NEXT: No official timeline is in place for when OPA will submit their proposal.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit thecapistranodispatch.com. —Steve Breazeale www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Brian Park

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

BBQ Kicks off Fiesta de las Golondrinas Season The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association will bid farewell to the swallows and welcome the 2012-2013 Fiesta de las Golondrinas season with a traditional Western barbecue at Zoomars Petting Zoo on Sunday, October 14, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Guests are invited to partake in a homemade barbecue meal of tri-tip, Santa Maria style beans, salad, tortillas and salsa. Live country western music will be performed by J.D. Crawford and the Western Continentals.

The Fiesta Association will also announce the grand marshals for the annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado, and guests can also submit their votes to elect this year’s Ms. Fiesta and Señor San Juan.

Tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for children 5 years old and younger. Admission includes lunch and entry into the petting zoo and all activities. Beer, wine and soft drinks can be purchased separately.

Tickets can be purchased at the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, located at 31421 La Matanza Street.

For more information about the Fiesta Association, visit swallowsparade.org.

Volunteers Give San Juan Elementary a Makeover

DirecTV Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Joe Bosch paints pots with fifth graders from San Juan Elementary School. Courtesy photo

San Juan Elementary School, the oldest public school in Orange County, received quite the makeover on Monday, October 8, when volunteers from DirecTV and OneOC, a Santa Ana-based nonprofit, spent their afternoon giving the school a much-needed facelift.

Working alongside students and staff, a team of more than 200 volunteers from DirectTV and another six from OneOC spent more than four hours painting murals, planting and refurbishing the school’s gardens, reorganizing the school library’s books and more.

While DirecTV provided most of the manpower, the effort was organized by The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-25, 2012

OneOC, which helps other nonprofits, corporations and other groups coordinate volunteering efforts throughout the county. The group also supplied much of the funding for supplies and tools, according to CEO and President Dan McQuaid.

“It was just an amazing event,” school Principal Silvia Pule said. “Their attitude was amazing, and they were great role models because they were volunteering with such a positive outlook on what they were doing.”

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees President Gary Pritchard, School Superintendent Joseph Farley and the district’s Chief Communication Officer Marcus Walton participated in an opening ceremony before the event.

Guests Enjoy a Night of Food, Music at ‘Vintage’ Event Several local restaurants and wineries showcased their fare at the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce’s 16th annual Vintage Food & Wine Festival on Saturday, October 6, at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Nearly 1,000 guests arrived to take in the event, which also featured a casinogaming area, silent auction and live music and dancing. Although the Vintage has rotated live musical guests in the past, the Chamber welcomed back blues band Family Style for a second year due to popular demand.

In addition to some longtime local establishments, guests also got to sample food and wine from two new businesses to San Juan Capistrano: Hamilton Oaks Vineyard, which will open a wine tasting and special events venue at the historic Swanner House, and Harlow’s Fine Dining, a new restaurant in Marbella Plaza.

The event, which commemorates the migration of the swallows, raise funds for the Chamber of Commerce.

Annual Barn Dance to Recognize Local Veterinarian The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition’s main fundraiser event, the 10th Annual Barn Dance, will be held at Blenheim Farms on Saturday, October 20, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The coalition will recognize horse veterinarian Dr. Mark Secor as the 2012 Distinguished Equestrian of the Year. Secor played an instrumental role in helping local equestrians and their animals during the Equine Herpes Virus-1 outbreak earlier this year. The award is given to any group, corporation, non-prof-

Katie Kimmel, Melissa Olsen and Chema Velazco prepare food samples from Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot for visitors during the Vintage Food & Wine Festival at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Photo by Kevin Dahlgren

it or person that has made contributions to the equestrian community.

The Barn Dance will feature an evening of food, drinks, live entertainment and fundraising. In addition to supporting the coalition, this year, all proceeds benefit Special Camp For Special Kids and Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano. For more information, including how to purchase tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit sjcec.org. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting American Horse Products, Ortega Tack and Feed and Sycamore Trails and Stables.

Mayor Kramer Selected as Guest of Honor for Military Show San Juan Capistrano Mayor Larry Kramer will serve as the guest of honor during San Clemente Military Family Outreach’s 5th Annual Variety Show on Saturday, October 27. Kramer, a Navy veteran and former submarine commander, will lead the pledge of allegiance to open the music-and-comedy show, which will raise funds for military families in north Camp Pendleton.

“It was not a particularly difficult choice to make,” volunteer show producer Bob Crittendon said in a statement. “We place a lot of emphasis on ‘Semper Fidelis’ and dedication. To us, Larry’s exemplary service to the country’s military for 30 years, followed by an equally earnest commitment to his community, is a perfect example of what public service should be.”

This year’s event also marks the 10th anniversary of the all-volunteer nonprofit group’s founding as “friends of San Onofre Marines.” The group’s mission is to provide financial support for lower income families of Camp Pendleton Marines.

The variety show will feature a lineup of amateur and professional comedians and musicians. Jimmy Brogan, a standup comic and nine-year comedy writer for Jay Leno, will headline the comedy portion of

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the show. Three singers from the “Stars of Tomorrow” high school vocal competition will open the music portion, followed by concert pianist David Dunford and surf band Woodie and the Longboards, who will perform a mix of Beach Boys hits.

The show will take place at the San Clemente Community Center at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for students, $25 for adults and $35 for reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased online at militaryfamilyoutreach.com or in-person at St. Andrew’s By the Sea, located at 2001 Calle Frontera in San Clemente, Monday, Wednesday or Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2p.m.

Montanez Adobe Project Receives Design Award The Montanez Adobe, located in San Juan Capistrano’s Los Rios Historic District, has been named a winner of one of the California Preservation Foundation’s annual design awards for restoration work done to the two-decade-old historic site.

The restoration project, which included a seismic upgrade, installation of historically-accurate wood roofing, porch posts and earthen floors, will be one of 17 award-winning statewide projects to be honored in a ceremony at the AT&T Center in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 13.

The project was spearheaded by the city’s former historic preservation manager Teri Delcamp, who left San Juan Capistrano last November to take on a similar position in Riverside. The adobe has stood in San Juan Capistrano since 1794. Its first recorded deed-holder, Polonia Gutierrez, lived in the adobe for most of her life, according to the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. Gutierrez died in 1917 in her late 80s.

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 info to bpark@thecapistranodispatch.com.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Faithful Food Service For more than 20 years, Mission Basilica’s Serra Pantry has provided food to struggling local families

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

W

hen Wendi Stewart hurt her knee two years ago while working as a hotel housekeeper, her injury was such that she could not keep her job. Life got more difficult for the Capistrano Beach resident and single mother of a six-year-old, when she took a spill down a flight of stairs and hurt her back and shoulder.

“The injuries stripped my ability to work. No money was coming in. Money was only going out,” Stewart said.

Stewart, who struggled to keep her finances in order even before her injuries, is currently receiving workers’ compensation and often relies on food stamps, now known in the state as the CalFresh Program and federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

But while government assistance has helped, it can only do so much. By the end of the month, when her food credits have run low, Stewart is forced to tighten her purse strings even further to feed her small family.

To further compound matters, on Tuesday, October 9, Los Angeles Regional Foodbank CEO and President Michael Flood and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County CEO Nicole Suydam held a media teleconference to talk about the increasing difficulty of meeting demands for food assistance due to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s dwindling supply numbers in the wake of the 2008 global recession.

What that means for Stewart, and for more than 3.5 million other Californians like herself who receive federal food aid each month, is that the helping hands of local charitable groups and organizations are often the last resort to keep food on the table.

Fortunately, one such entity exists in San Juan Capistrano, and it has drawn support from local volunteers and businesses to help struggling families in south Orange County.

Serra’s Pantry & Outreach Ministries, the service-focused arm of Mission Basilica, has been providing food assistance to local families for more than 20 years.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-25, 2012

Jeri Gesto and Lois Brown check for broken and cracked eggs to dispose before distributing cartons to Serra’s Pantry’s clients. Photo by Brian Park

What began as a charity-driven service, working out of a small church office to help a few parish families, has grown into a nonprofit organization, 80-plus volunteers strong, that provides groceries and hygiene items for more than 500 different families in need each month.

In addition to food assistance, Serra’s Pantry also provides financial and transitional support for single mothers, abuse victims, individuals with special needs and the homeless. Each December, the group also distributes up to 1,000 donated gifts and holiday meals to more than 300 families.

“It’s the jewel of our social service ministry, just like Mission San Juan Capistrano is the jewel of the California missions,” Serra’s Pantry leader David Bordages said.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday morning, rain or shine, Bordages and his team of volunteers collect donated food, package them in grocery bags and distribute them to around 300 different families per week.

Serra’s Pantry asks few questions of their “clients.” Their only requirements are that individuals provide identification, proof that they live in one of the 12 serviced communities—which includes San Juan Capistrano and those that are generally adjacent—and that families meet income guidelines set by the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program. For a family of four, that means an annual household income of $34,575 or less.

Client families are only allowed to receive donations once a week, but for many, once-a-week is enough to make it through difficult times.

“We’re really lucky to have this. I know that I can feed my kid and not worry, so I can pay my bills,” said Stewart, who added that she is a regular parishioner at Mission Basilica and that she only visits Serra’s Pantry when Page 6

she absolutely has to. “It saved my life.

Without Serra’s Pantry, there wouldn’t be any other options.”

Although Serra’s Pantry is registered with Second Harvest, through which they receive a twice-monthly allotment of federal food supplies, most of the food items they distribute are donated from the parish, non-parish groups and individuals, local markets and businesses and canned-food drives organized by local schools.

A typical day for volunteers begins at 7:30 a.m. with their “grocery rescue.”

The group has worked out agreements with several local markets, including Albertsons, Ralphs, Trader Joe’s and Vons, to pick up food items that are nearing the end of their shelf lives.

Once they are delivered back to Serra’s Pantry, volunteers immediately store meat, poultry and fish products into freezers. Produce, dairy and bread and cereal products go through a rigorous quality inspection and egg cartons are checked for broken and cracked eggs to dispose.

“The fruit might be a little more ripe, some people say, but it’s all still good to go,” Bordages said. “We have such a quick turnaround that the food we get, we give out within a week.”

“It’s amazing the quantity of things we receive and it all disappears by the end of the day,” added Ray Poncé, a Mission Basilica parishioner who leads volunteers during Wednesday distribution days. “These are high-quality products that you or I could go into the store and buy.”

After all the food is inspected, one dairy item, one or two meat, poultry or fish items and a pound of rice and beans are placed into grocery bags. At 11 a.m., clients, who often line up an hour in advance, enter Serra’s Pantry in groups of six. They are given the filled bags and their choice of produce and bread as well.

According to Bordages and Poncé, the group aims to provide clients with a balanced and healthy mix of grocery items. Once a month, a dietician from Second Harvest also visits to give clients a live demonstration on how to cook nutritious meals.

“We also have pastry items and sweets available that we used to include,” Bordages said. “We’re not in a position to say don’t give your kid a cupcake, but if they have a birthday party coming up, who are we to say no?

We now give them a choice.”

The ability to choose isn’t exclusive to pastries. Another important aspect of Serra’s Pantry is its market, which is stocked with canned food, condiments and other products, such as shaving cream, laundry detergent and diapers.

Clients are allowed to use the market once every other week. There is no cash exchange involved, so volunteers assign point values to items, which generally run between one to two points, and clients are given point credits based on their family size. The largest tier of credit, eight points, is for a family of one adult and six children.

“The market provides the experience of shopping, of having your choice of what you need,” Bordages said.

Food distributions typically end at 12:30 p.m., and by then, between 110 to 140 clients will have passed through Serra’s Pantry, according to Poncé.

Throughout the time volunteers are on site, they also hand out “flips,” pre-packaged sandwiches or salads, to around 20 to 25 regular homeless visitors, according to Bordages.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, there are usually around 30 volunteers who arrive to help at Serra’s Pantry. Monday distribution days are led by Jesse and Sonia Perez. Most of the volunteers are parishioners at Mission Basilica.

Saturdays, which are led by Sue Connor, draw a more diverse crowd of volunteers, including students from local high schools, groups from other area churches and even those who have to fulfill court-mandated service hours.

“We don’t ask a lot of questions (of those who are required to do community service). They’ll go through the same orientation as everyone else, and a lot of them still come back because they like what they do,” Bordages said. “We have a core group of volunteers that are really faithful.”

“It’s work, but it’s a lot of fun. The volunteers we have are amazing people and there’s such a camaraderie,” Poncé added.

To learn more about Serra’s Pantry & Outreach Ministries, including information on how to volunteer or donate, visit serraspantryoutreach.org. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Council Candidates Weigh-In on San Juan’s Water The Capistrano Dispatch

We asked the candidates:

GINNY KERR Planning Commissioner

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lawsuit has been brought against the city in regard to its water rates. Do you believe San Juan Capistrano’s water rates are too high relative to other cities? Do you support the city’s continued operation of the Groundwater Recovery Plant and why?

If elected, what other options would you seek out to fulfill San Juan Capistrano’s water needs?

Here are the candidates’ responses in the order in which their names will appear on the November ballot: SAM ALLEVATO Councilmember/Retired Policeman

Water rates are not “too high” in comparison to other water districts.

Many other water districts place their fees on the residents’ property tax bills, so it is difficult to compare water rates city by city without taking this into account. The Groundwater Recovery Plant (GWRP) was in operation when I came onto the City Council. It had some issues that have been addressed, and it is now producing 70 percent of our domestic water use and up to 5 million gallons of water a day. This is an investment for our future, as we all know that the competition for Sacramento Delta and Colorado River water is constantly being challenged. The cost of importing expensive Metropolitan District Water has been rising over 70 percent in the last five years and doubled over the last ten. Opponents have no other solution to our water needs than to shut down the plant and buy ever more expensive imported water from the unreliable Metropolitan Water. Just last week, the city received a $5 million grant from the state to upgrade our facility to 7 million gallons a day, increase non-potable supplies and provide emergency generators. Visit my website at www.friendsofsamallevato.com for the real facts, not spin.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-25, 2012

I strongly support our Ground Water Recovery Plant and believe it is an investment in our future which will allow us to achieve independence from imported water sources where we have no control over cost or availability, in addition to serving 70 percent of our current water needs. We have received grants totaling over $5 million to expand the capacity of the GRWP, increase reliability and expand our use of recycled and non-potable water for irrigation purposes.

Baseless lawsuits serve no purpose and take valuable time from our decreased staff, which would be better spent on projects which serve our residents and businesses. Defense attorney fees are dollars lost for city services.

The tiered-rate structure has been upheld in court three times and many of our surrounding cities are adopting it in order to meet conservation goals set by the state. Our water rates are based upon a sound, scientific rate study, as required by law, and are on par with those of our neighboring cities.

I will continue to participate in the local desalinization project (at no cost to the city) and collaborate with water agencies at the local and state level to address pressing issues with intelligent solutions.

KIM MCCARTHY Newsletter Editor

When elected, I will work to implement a city resolution to purchase water from the least expensive source,

eliminate the tiered water billing system that drives up our rates and charge customers only for the actual cost of delivering water. That is what the current Capistrano Taxpayers Association (www.capotax.org) lawsuit is all about.

Over a period of nine years, incumbent Sam Allevato did nothing to solve the problem and help the residents. All he kept repeating was, “I didn’t start this monstrosity,” while voting to raise water rates over and over again. Because of this, San Juan Capistrano is going to spend 25 years and many millions of residents’ dollars to try and correct the design flaws of this mistake. Then in 2035, the city turns the plant over to the San Juan Basin Authority! After all this, San Juan’s share of the water drops from 100 percent to 25 percent. Is this being done to provide another source of water for Rancho Mission Viejo Company’s newly built 14,000-home city?

All of this will have been supported by incumbent Councilman Sam Allevato.

When elected, I will fight to correct this horrendously bad deal for the residents.

TOM MARANTZ Technology Administrator

Our rates are high. I plan to tackle this problem with fresh eyes and a business mentality. We must look at every option when we use taxpayer dollars on this scale!

First off, we can buy water from Metropolitan Water District for less than producing water from the groundwater recovery plant. The council majority has ignored this reality and has supported the GWRP because it “diversifies our water supply.” Yet, the council has dropped out of the local desalinization project. Furthermore, the council has reduced our emergency reservoir supply by 34 percent. Alongside “diversifying” our water supply, we need to “diversify” our financial risk and our costs.

If elected I will work to provide ratepayers a full report of all our choices.

Here are some GWRP options to consider: • Reducing fixed costs. These costs

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exist whether we produce 1 gallon or 5 million gallons.

• Maintaining the status quo.

• Expanding capacity (lower rates using economies of scale).

• Reducing capacity.

• Pausing production, until MWD water prices rise. (What are the costs to restart the plant?)

• Selling or transferring the plant to a larger entity or regional water district.

The GWRP presents a business problem I am keen to solve for our town.

I ask for your vote: www.tomforsjc. com ROY L. BYRNES Retired Physician/Surgeon

Our water factory is a poorly designed, bureaucratic misadventure which has needlessly doubled water cost, produced multi-million dollar deficits and burdened our city with $42 million of debt. Desperate for cash to pay the cost to operate this debacle, San Juan has ignored the requirements of the California Constitution and increased water rates without justification.

The City Hall politicians are not truthful—They understand that full disclosure of the costs of their “water factory” folly would lead to a city-wide political revolt as water rates soar and water bills begin to resemble mortgage payments.

For nine years, incumbent Councilman Allevato has failed to address our water problems.

The taxpayer lawsuit will compel San Juan to follow the state law respecting water rates. This lawsuit is the citizen’s method to determine whether City Hall practices are legal. The lawsuit was only filed after repeated appeals to the City Council, including appeals to Mr. Allevato, were ignored.

I advocate purchasing water from the lowest cost source and renegotiating the water factory lease agreement. I also advocate an immediate new water rate structure be established that complies with Proposition 218. Water customers should pay only the cost of services they actual use. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

CUSD Candidates on Relationships and Transparency The Capistrano Dispatch

We asked the candidates:

T

he relationship between the board, teachers, school administrators, parents and students has often been strained. The relationship within the board itself has shown to be fractious at times. Do you feel that the opinions and needs of all parties involved are considered equally in the decision-making process? What steps should be taken to improve these relationships? There has also been criticism that there isn’t enough transparency with the district. If this is an issue, what can be done to improve transparency and increase constructive dialogue?

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

each of the board members to work in an effective manner.

Transparency encompasses both how the taxpayer’s money is spent and how decisions are made by the board with recommendations from the district administration. We must ensure that all decisions are made in the open and on the record. Ways to improve this line of transparency include publishing information online, such as the detailed budget information presented at board and community forums. Constituents should be able to review and question any decision that has been made and encouraged to comment and become involved at board meetings.

MICHELE TAYLOR-BIBLE Community Volunteer

The relationship between the board, community, administration and teachers has been strained for as long as I can remember. That does not do the students any good, considering that is what everyone is here for. It creates a negative environment that trickles down to the kids. The board should be more transparent on what the issues are.

However, on the other hand, because of the litigious state and world we live in, there are times that the board cannot be so open about certain things until an appropriate time. The community and the board should be more open when communicating with each other.

AMY HANACEK Small Business Owner

TRUSTEE AREA 1

KARIN SCHNELL Community Volunteer

Relationships between the various CUSD community entities have been challenging over the years. One of the noticeable improvements that the district is doing better is due to the effective administrative leadership of Superintendent Dr. Joe Farley. There is a strong communication structure in place to inform and engage both internal and external stakeholders in setting and achieving district goals.

There is an open door policy between the teachers, students, parents, board and community with the superintendent serving as the catalyst to facilitate these lines of communication.

The board has been traditionally split along two sides, “them” and “us.”

Fortunately some of the board members have been capable of working toward decisions that all can support and are willing to compromise to achieve goals. Ideally the board president sets the tone for an open dialogue among The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-25, 2012

An effective board member recognizes and respects the differences in perspective, opinions and style among parents, community, staff, students and fellow board members. Informed and productive decisions are reached by considering all view points and interests. Opportunities exist and will continue to be promoted for parents and community members to provide input and feedback through the superintendent’s community forums, various school site committees and parent organizations. Developing and conducting parent education forums assist parents in better understanding the academic, social and developmental issues of their students’ pre-school through 12th grade education. Promoting and maintaining a positive and cohesive environment from the district level to the school site will foster open and ongoing communication where concerns are addressed as professionally and expediently as possible.

Closed session discussions should be limited to issues where the security and privacy of students or staff need to be protected.

TRUSTEE AREA 2

Respectfully maintaining this focus will lead to successful decision-making.

Input from all stakeholders is a valued contribution to decision making by a school board. Students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members should be afforded ample opportunities to provide information and to comment.

I have served on a variety of schooland district-level committees in the past decade as a parent leader. In these lean times, the district will need to seek support from our parent and community leaders to assist with a wide range of needs. As a board member, I welcome the opportunity to learn from my community and will support the superintendent in his efforts to reach out to our communities through his series of forums.

DON FRANKLIN RICHARDSON Public School Teacher Did not submit a response.

JIM REARDON Business Owner/Engineer

CAROL L. MCCORMICK Community Volunteer

Productive relationships require respect. Each board member brings different experiences and perspectives with them. Healthy discussions are often times a necessary part of the decisionmaking process. I welcome open and frank discussions. Board meetings are public meetings and all business that is not subject to confidentiality mandates should be conducted before the public.

Board members must never lose sight of our mission when doing the business of the district, which is to provide a quality education to the students of CUSD. Board members are elected to serve all children in the district and to create positive learning opportunities that encourage outstanding achievement.

Page 9

In difficult financial times, relationships among adults are naturally strained. Our leaders are obligated to behave as adults and serve as examples for our students and the community.

The present board majority put the demands of the union that elected them ahead of the needs of our students. The result is a disastrous “all-cuts” reduction in school programs that directly affects students. This must be corrected. The negotiating table is the appropriate place to work on solutions that restore our school year, preserve school enrichment programs like art and the sciences, reduce class size and improve the morale and recognition of the dedicated members of our workforce. To restore trust in CUSD, I will push to televise board meetings and maintain recordings of closed-session meetings. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ADAM HERZOG 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.

Friday, October 5 WELFARE CHECK Calle Juanita, 26600 Block (3:48 p.m.)

Police received a call to check on a woman who was making vague, suicidal threats. The caller claimed that the women left in the morning very distraught, and he was concerned about her safety.

BURGLARY REPORT Marbella Vista, 30200 (10:27 a.m.)

Police were notified of a stolen vehicle Friday morning. The vehicle was stolen near Marbella Country Club.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Doheny Park Road, 34000 Block (11:23 p.m.) A female called police stating that she was attacked in the Smart and Final parking lot by a male who was trying to steal her purse. The woman escaped from the man and immediately informed the police.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Silver Spur Road, 30100 Block (6:00 a.m.) The Orange County Fire Authority was notified early Friday morning to investigate a dead body. The incident occurred on the cross streets of Silver Spur Road and Mission Hills Drive.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Ramos Way, 31600 Block (5:58 a.m.)

A man called police when he heard a loud “thump” noise from the residence next door to him. After he heard the noise, he noticed someone jumping out of the window, and all the security lights were turned on.

Thursday, October 4 CITIZEN ASSIST Del Obispo Street, 21800 Block (9:51 p.m.) Several Ralphs customers called to complain about a suspicious male who was standing outside the store, jumping out and scaring people as they The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-25, 2012

left. When confronted by someone, the subject ran away.

injuries resulting from a traffic accident involving a motorcycle and a white vehicle. The injuries were unknown.

BURGLARY REPORT Del Obispo, 31700 Block (10:37 p.m.)

Police were notified when a white Toyota Yaris was stolen. The burglary took place in the Marie Calendars parking lot.

MISSING ADULT Millpond Court (9:48 p.m.) Parents called police to report that their 19-yearold son was missing.

Wednesday, October 3 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Ortega Highway/Camino Capistrano (8:12 p.m.) Police received complaints about a suspicious male loitering in front of the Starbucks. The male was seen sitting on the patio and was talking to himself.

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Paseo Del Este, 27100 Block (9:45 p.m.)

A husband and wife were involved in a heated verbal altercation. There were no weapons and there was not a physical altercation, however, neighbors could hear the yelling.

DRUNK DRIVING Interstate 5/Ortega Highway (5:31 p.m.)

A female drunk driver was seen in a silver Jeep Cherokee exiting the Interstate 5 at Ortega Highway. She was driving recklessly and hit the center divider, causing a malfunction in the front right tire.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Ortega Hightway/Del Obispo Street (4:35 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a man who was walking across the intersection nude.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Ortega Highway, 16900 Block (4:07 a.m.) A man was seen near the Chevron gas station visibly intoxicated, bothering other customers. Police arrived and issued a citation.

Tuesday, October 2 DISTURBANCE Kimberly Lane, 26400 Block (9:01 p.m.)

Police were called when two females were seen coming in and out of their residence, arguing loudly. The caller said the altercation was possibly physical. Another caller also confirmed the argument and additionally claimed that children were involved.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (7:12 p.m.) Paramedics were called for

MISSING CHILD Brookside Lane, 27500 Block (7:01 p.m.) A young child was reported missing by concerned parents on Tuesday evening. The child was located shortly after the parents called.

MISSING JUVENILE Los Rios street, 31500 Block (12:22 a.m.) A concerned woman called police to report that her brother was missing.

The boy was a juvenile under the age of 16.

CITIZEN ASSIST Ortega Highway, 27100 Block (4:40 p.m.) A woman sought police assistance for a possible grand theft that occurred at the Best Western Hotel.

BATTERY REPORT Via Petra, 27400 Block (10:31 a.m.)

A concerned mother called police to report a battery incident involving her 24-year-old daughter. Medics were not needed.

Monday, October 1

ILLEGAL PEDDLING Camino Del Avion, 25900 (5:44 p.m.)

Police were informed of a man who was illegally selling food in a public place.

The incident took place at the soccer fields at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Doheny Park Rd, 33900 Block (12:55 p.m.) Employees of the PetSmart requested a patrol check for a suspicious male who was loitering outside. The male seemed to be in his thirties, and several customers complained about him.

KEEP THE PEACE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (9:57 a.m.)

A verbal and physical altercation took place between two roommates while one was moving out. One of the subjects was throwing his roommates belongings out the window of the residence.

INVESTIGATE MAN DOWN Rancho Viejo Road/Spotted Bull Lane (2:23 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for a man in his twenties who was lying in the middle of the road. The man seemed to be breathing, but looked as if he was in need of assistance.

Saturday, September 29 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle La Purisma, 31400 Block (11:43 p.m.) A female caller informed police she witnessed five unknown subjects trying to break into the front door of her neighbor’s residence.

DISTURBANCE/FAMILY DISPUTE Applewood Court, 29300 Block (6:51 p.m.) A man called police to report a domestic dispute. Apparently, the man was hit in the face by his 26-year-old sister.

There were no weapons involved.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (4:45 p.m.) A patrol check was requested by employees of a weight-loss clinic because several males were loitering and drinking in front of the business.

VANDALISM REPORT Paseo Manana, 26200 Block (10:17 a.m.) A female called police to report vandalism done to her home. The suspect was her estranged husband who was also initiating a verbal altercation.

Sunday, September 30 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Paseo Santa Clara, 26500 Block (6:50 p.m.) A concerned resident informed police when she saw several unknown subjects in the apartment next to her, which she said was supposed to be vacant.

Page 10

DISTURBANCE Avenida De La Vista, 30800 Block (7:19 a.m.) Police were called after a verbal argument ensued between a husband and wife. The husband told his daughter to call police after his wife started an argument because he returned home too late.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Los Rios Street, 31300 Block (8:15 a.m.)

A caller informed police of juveniles under the age of 16 riding around on their bicycles, while smoking what seemed to be marijuana. When the caller confronted the juveniles, they sped away.

DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (11:15 a.m.)

Police received a complaint from a man claiming that his roommate brought friends over and they trashed his room.

RECKLESS DRIVING Camino Del Avion/Via Positiva (1:28 p.m.) A juvenile was seen recklessly racing his dirt bike up and down the street near Marco Forster Middle School. The witness claimed the young male was driving extremely fast.

KEEP THE PEACE Calle Santa Barbara, 26500 Block (4:42 p.m.) A fight broke out when a landlord refused to pay his disgruntled tenant his security deposit. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

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34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 10, Issue 19. 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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Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

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ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

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

GUEST OPINION: Derek Reeve, San Juan Capistrano City Councilman

An Ode to Jonathan Volzke O

h my dear friend Jonathan, where have you gone? I read the aptly titled article “Let the Madness Begin” in the September 28, 2012 edition of The Capistrano Dispatch.

Though it was credited to your pen, sadly I had hoped someone had stolen your identity. The Jonathan Volzke I once knew would have never advocated obedience in the face of government subjection.

Many may be surprised to learn that despite being from polar opposite political ideologies, Volzke and I were once aligned on local issues. When I first entered San Juan Capistrano politics back in 2000, Volzke, who then worked for The Register, championed for the “little guy” by bringing light to the subversive outside influences that controlled the council. His reporting was so unwelcome by the powers that be, a “conversation” took place between City Hall and The Register, and Volzke subsequently was reassigned to Santa Ana. Fortunately not for long, as he was spurred by these events to start The Capistrano Dispatch. At first he continued his reporting, until circumstances and events began to morph Volzke into someone who was unrecognizable to me.

To begin with, Volzke through The Dispatch, endorsed friends for City Council and they actually won. First it was Mark Nielsen and Lon Uso in 2006, then Laura Freese in 2008. Of course his endorsements had little if anything to do with them winning, but he went from the outsider questioning the establishment to being an accepted member of the ruling class. This transformation also was necessitated by financial reasons. As an entrepreneur, The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-25, 2012

he simply could not afford to challenge the powers that be. Not only did advertisement sales to influential powerbrokers require toeing the line, he also needed a friendly council to keep Derek Reeve gifting taxpayer money to the Chamber because the Chamber would then use that money to buy much needed ad space in The Dispatch.

At the Register, a journalist need not worry about the realities of marketing, but at The Dispatch, it was a matter of survival.

Volzke had made it. His business was successful, his crowd was now the “in crowd,” and he was showered with affection every Friday by an adoring crowd at Coffee Chat. Then things began to take a turn. Two of his three endorsed candidates lost in 2010. He no longer had universal adulation. The economy had steadily worsened and even his political influence could not stop the shrinking number of pages in The Dispatch. Hindsight always being 20/20, one can now recognize that Volzke began to publish persuasive articles that would appeal his services to other interested suitors. It worked.

Volzke was hired by the public relations firm, who had as a major client SDG&E. The PR firm was in need of his diminishing influence to shove an unpopular substation expansion down the throats of our residents.

Volzke has now waved his Harry Potter wand and proclaimed that Allevato and Kerr should receive your vote because otherwise Byrnes and McCarthy may actually win. If that were to occur “they’ll team with Councilman Derek

Reeve for a 3-2 majority over Mayor Larry Kramer and Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor.” Despite disrespecting the independence of Byrnes and McCarthy, Volzke nevertheless truthfully outlined the primary issue for this election. A vote for Allevato and Kerr is a vote for the status quo of debt, traffic and high fees, not to mention a huge new SDG&E substation. Whereas a vote for the independence of Byrnes and McCarthy will actually change the way government works and in my opinion, for the better.

What was most disconcerting in his endorsement of the status quo was Vol-

zke’s statement, “Voting ‘no’ on everything is not leadership.” I am not sure George Washington, Benjamin Franklin or Thomas Jefferson would have agreed. Nor would have the Jonathan Volzke I once knew. Voting yes to get along is an odd definition of leadership.

I for one never was capable of playing the obedient lapdog. I could never sacrifice my honest assessment of the best interest of our residents just to be a part of the “in crowd.” Sacrificing values was never something I was comfortable with. Oh, Jonathan Volzke. Wherever you may be, we miss you. CD

Letters to the Community NINE YEARS IS ENOUGH —Jack Chestek, San Juan Capistrano I read Jonathan Volzke was voting for Sam Allevato. His justification is basically “while long-term incumbency can sometimes be a detriment, a lack of council experience can be just as bad or even worse.” I disagree. Sam Allevato is simply not qualified to rerun for our City Council. After nine years, Mr. Allevato still doesn’t understand the basics of our water service and spending taxpayers’ bucks. Our City Hall is being sued for gouging residents on water charges approved by Mr. Allevato “during his watch.” Mr. Allevato won’t or can’t explain how city debt climbed to some number between $200 million and $300 million of red ink “during his watch.” Mr. Allevato likes

Page 12

to deal with developers more than residents. My example here is the La Novia development. Mr. Allevato is totally in the dark on the subject of traffic flow in this town. Again Sam Allevato is a nice guy, but he doesn’t have the knowledge or management skills to be a City Council member.

I can’t say I have been following Mr. Allevato’s career, but I happen to notice the projects he takes on or appears interested in don’t seem to go anywhere, like the Great Park in Irvine, the extension of the 241 Toll Road, putting La Plata through to San Clemente and removing the Ortega “choke point” for the benefit of the ranch—not this town. After nine years something should have changed. Sam you had a good run, and it’s okay to retire.

(Cont. on page 17)

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Community (cont.)

CUSD SHOULD SUPPORT OXFORD PREPARATORY ACADEMY

in education and to help even more children reach their fullest potential.

—Linda Plass, San Clemente

IN DEFENSE OF SAM ALLEVATO

I support OPA. I am writing to express my unwavering support for Oxford Preparatory Academy’s request to Capistrano Unified School District for a five-year charter renewal and growth to include a K-12 charter school. I firmly believe that charter schools such as OPA are an asset to our community.

My husband and I chose to move our children to OPA’s Independent Study program knowing that there is no guarantee of permanent placement because we find the philosophy and academic program at OPA to be invigorating. By allowing for a variety of educational opportunities, parents can choose the best academic environment to meet their child’s unique needs. This is exactly what our family has found in OPA. OPA has a highly credentialed leadership team, a rigorous curriculum and proven academic results.

The demand for OPA exceeds its capacity and we want more—five more years, a K-12 school and more permanent seats at OPA for all students who wish to attend this charter school full time. Mr. Bill Gates is quoted in Bloomberg Business Week as saying, “The majority of children in the country are attending schools that don’t work for them, so it’s imperative that we take the risk to make the change, not just small changes at the margin but dramatic changes that are centered around the student.” Like Mr. Gates, I believe that charter schools can revolutionize the way students are educated.

Together, CUSD and OPA can be the leaders in this education revolution.

Oxford Preparatory Academy is making an invaluable impact on our children and thus our community. Please vote “yes” on the OPA charter renewal and expansion and allow Oxford Preparatory Academy to continue with its excellence

—Ed Johnston, San Juan Capistrano I don’t know Jack Chestek and the validity of his experiences and “facts” regarding Sam Allevato, but he focused on development and other concerns, which are city function delegated and shared responsibilities. I personally have seen the character of Sam Allevato at numerous city and community functions on his own time, and he is an active supporter of our youth, including the Boys & Girls Club. I think we are blessed to have a man of his caliber representing our best interests, along with the other elected officials and staff.

TRAIN-HORN NIGHTMARES —Tom Wittman, San Juan Capistrano We live above the San Juan Hills golf course, and the train horns echo like an amphitheater. It is a shame that our City Council and Planning Commission cannot figure out a way to satisfy the liability issue that the insurance company is adamant about. We spent $7 million on this quiet zone project, of which $1 million-plus was from the city and the rest from Measure M. It’s time for our city leaders to complete this project. It is amazing to me that we can conquer outer space but can’t implement a quiet zone.

CORRECTION: An editorial cartoon on the Zoomars dinosaur structure (September 28) requires a correction. The cartoon’s caption incorrectly attributed the Capistrano Historical Society. The primary group in opposition of the structure is the Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 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.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-25, 2012

Page 17

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

CARNIVAL COLOSSAL & EXPO 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Weekend carnival at Vista Hermosa Sports Park. Saturday and Sunday hours are 1 p.m.-11 p.m. 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, 949.276.8866, www.san-clemente.org.

12

saturday

HAUNTED HOUSE 7 p.m.

– 11 p.m. JunQie’s hosts a haunted house on Friday and Saturday nights. Adults $5, High School Students $3, Kids Free.

24662 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.496.4406, www.junqies.net

13

TREASURE CRAWL The famous cowhide trade route that ran from Mission San Juan to Capo Beach is alive again. Stop by Ricardo’s Place Restaurant, 32082 Camino Capistrano, and get your treasure map.

SECOND SATURDAY ART FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The San Juan Chamber presents the monthly art event showcasing 60 artists, craftspeople and musicians along the streets of Camino Capistrano, Yorba, Verdugo and Los Rios.

949.493.4700, www.sjcartfair.org.

ORANGE COUNTY OPEN HOUSE EVENT Surterre agents will be holding more than 100 open houses over the weekend from San Clemente to Newport Beach. More info and listings at www.orangecountyopenhouses.com.

sunday

14

OCTOBERWOOD WOODIE CAR SHOW 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Free car show at Lantern Bay Park with vendors, live music and food. 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

FAREWELL TO THE SWALLOWS BBQ 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

The Fiesta Association says goodbye to the swallows and welcomes the new Fiesta de las Golondrinas season. $6-$12. Zoomars Petting Zoo, 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.swallowsparade.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-25, 2012

AT THE MOVIES: ‘LOOPER’ THROWS YOU FOR A LOOP For those who don’t venture into sci-fi often, their perception of time-travel rules might only be along the lines of the guidelines in Back to the Future—don’t change history and don’t speak to your past or future self. In San Clemente-native Rian Johnson’s Looper, those rules are not only broken freely, but breaking them is an important part of the film. In 2044, in a fictional Kansas city, part of the population is mildly telekinetic and “Loopers” (hit-men) exist as part of the crime world’s way of getting rid of people. Drugs are used as eye drops and the city is run by a mobster from the future (Jeff Daniels). Once loopers hit 30 years past the date they began their first job, they are sent back into the past and are killed by their younger selves. But when Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is sent to face his future self Bruce Willis in Looper. © 2012, Looper, LLC. (Bruce Willis), things don’t go as planned. Future Joe is determined to stay alive and Past Joe hides out in an old farmhouse owned by a single mom (Emily Blunt). Looper is a film, much like Mulholland Drive, where by the third act, there are so many storylines and characters there seems no way they can all come together.

But they do, and Johnson uniquely pulls it off without any questions left over. Despite a clichéd theme near the middle and Gordon-Levitt’s distracting prosthetics, Looper is fascinating all the way through. —Megan Bianco

tuesday

16

LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m. Chamber event at El Adobe Restaurant. More info: 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

thursday

EVENING NETWORKING MIXER AND SAN JUAN AUTO SHOW 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Chamber’s monthly mixer featuring an auto show at the Camino Real Playhouse parking lot. Cost $15-$25. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

18

ANTHONY RIVERA & THE RAINING HORSESHOES 7:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

WIN FREE TICKETS! The first person to email us with Dispatch Free Concert Tix in the subject line will receive a free pair of tickets from The Coach House to see John Sebastian on Sunday, Oct. 14. John Sebastian wrote and sang the theme song for the TV show, “Welcome Back, Kotter” which went to #1 on the charts. Include your name and phone number.

EMAIL: tickets@thecapistranodispatch.com

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SPINSTERS OF BLACKMEAD 8 p.m. Play at Camino Real Playhouse. $18.

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

friday

19

WINE AND MUSIC CRUISE 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Dana Wharf’s cruise on a luxury catamaran with wine, snacks, music and more. Tickets $49. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

saturday

DOHENY BEACH HALLOWEEN HAUNT 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The campground at Doheny State Beach transforms into a spooky area, with educational booths and a fun zone. Free admission with donation of one can of food per person. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.6172, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

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Page 19

BACKYARD SKILLS 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Craft your own beer at The Ecology Center. $30. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

sunday

21

HUNGER WALK 12:30 p.m.

Walk to raise money for families in need at the SC Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.492.8477, www.family-assistance.org.

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. SJC Historical Society leads a tour to see downtown San Juan Capistrano.

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

tuesday

23

RIBBON CUTTING 4 p.m.

Grand opening of Brush Salon.

31770 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

wednesday

PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Carve the ultimate pumpkin at the Swallow’s Inn. Live music at 7:30 p.m.

31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

24

HART & SOUL 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Live music at Montego Restaurant. 27211 Ortega Hwy. Ste B, San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com.

thursday

25

SUCCULENT WREATH MAKING CLASS 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Design your own wreath at Goin Native. $49. 31661 Los Rios St., 949.493.5911, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

MISSION READERS BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP 10:30 a.m. Discussion of “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event?

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

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Monday 10.15

Friday 10.19

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

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

Tuesday 10.16 City Council Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Tuesday 10.23 Free Flu Shot Clinic 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The city is joining with Memorial Health Clinic to host a free flu vaccination clinic.

Exhibitors will be on site to provide information and give out free goodies. For more information, call 949.493.5911. No appointment is necessary. Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion.

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

Friday 10.26 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50: Tom Blake

Taken for a Ride Newly single 50-plus womencan make naïve targets for unscrupulous men

M

ost age 50-plus women who have been single for a while are pretty darn savvy when it comes to dating. However, women who have just become single often are naïve about dating, and it can cost them money and embarrassment. Four newly single women shared their experiences by email this week.

Woman No. 1 joined seniorfriendfinder.com this May and soon was duped by a scammer. “He is in Pretoria, Johannesburg, South Africa. His name is Charles Roberts, and he claims he is a private contractor. I believed his story and through his sweet and convincing ways I fell for him,” she said.

Although she had never met him, she sent him $6,000 via Western Union before coming to her senses. Here’s the foolish part. “I still care for him and have forgiven him,” she said.

Is she serious? She still cares for someone she’s never met who got $6,000 of her money?

Woman No. 2 wrote, “I signed up with a national company, Elite Matchmaking (Los Angeles). The contract is a no-refund contract and it cannot be disputed with the credit card company.”

“The cost varies. I paid $4,000; some members pay $25,000. I was lured with a picture of an attractive, sophisticated man, but when matched with him, he was married with an ill wife. I had no dates.”

“I have a new matchmaker and still have had no dates.”

How much money will she pay to matchmaking services before she real-

The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-25, 2012

izes she’s wasting her money?

Woman No. 3, who is in divorce proceedings, signed up with dating website ourtime.com a month ago. She was contacted by a man ON LIFE AND masquerading as an LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake Army Staff Sergeant, based in Afghanistan.

She said, “He asked for a laptop for his son living in Africa, money, men’s cologne and two pairs of expensive tennis shoes. I sent $100 to an address in Ghana.”

Now, she’s worried: “I am so ashamed and now am afraid because the money transfer had my address on it. He might come after me since he knows where I live.”

Woman No. 4, age 61, said, “I just met someone online who lives miles away.

“I purchased a webcam so we can see each other when we’re on the phone.

He wants to see me at least twice a day.

He likes very much what he sees. He is a retired psychologist. He says I am his phone wife and soon to be his real wife.”

She added, “He is making plans to travel next month to meet me and my family. Is it a chance I have to take? And if I don’t?”

I told her to not let him visit yet. He is coming on way too strong. “Phone wife and soon-to-be real wife?” Ridiculous.

There’s a reason he can’t find a nice woman where he lives.

These four naïve women are so lonely and vulnerable they sacrifice money

and/or take foolish risks to be with men they don’t know. That’s dangerous.

There are scammers on every online dating site, especially the sites that cater to seniors. These women need to learn the dating-after-50 ropes to avoid future mistakes.

Page 20

To comment: tompblake@gmail.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. CD

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING JAN SIEGEL: Moments In Time

Native American History and Religion Meet in San Juan This month, Mission Basilica will recognize the canonization of the first Native American saint

A

s I have written many times, the way that current events and history come together in San Juan Capistrano make this a very unique community. Now, religion can be added to what makes our town so special.

On Sunday, October 21, Kateri Tekakwitha will be canonized by the Catholic Church. She is the first Native American to become a saint. Her saint day is July 14, and she is a patron saint of the environment and ecology. “At the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, October 21, there will be a special recognition of the canonization with members of the Native American Community�

Rev. Msgr. Arthur A. Holquin said. The event will be celebrated at the Mission Basilica, which is one of only seven sites in North America that have a statue honoring Kateri Tekakwitha.

Tekakwitha was born in 1656 and died on April 17, 1680. She was the daughter of Kenneronkwa, a Mohawk chief and Tagaskouta, a Roman Catholic Algonquian. At the age of four, Kateri got small pox, which left her with poor

eyesight and many scars on her face. The epidemic took the life of her brother and her parents. She was subsequently adopted by her uncle, a chief Jan Siegel from another clan. As she grew up, she realized that the only reasons men were interested in her were political. She was not interested in getting married and instead became interested in the religion of her mother.

In 1666, her adopted village was burned down and she was once again uprooted to another place, Fonda, N.Y. On Easter Sunday, April 18, 1676, Tekakwitha was baptized and she took the name Kateri, which is a Mohawk pronunciation of the French name Catherine, after Catherine of Siena. Her religious fervor caused disapproval from her own clan. She was persecuted and ostracized by family and friends. Finally she could not stand the torment and she fled to an established community of Native American Christians in Kahnawake,

Quebec, Canada. It was here that she lived a life of prayer and penance and cared for the sick and aged. In 1679 she took a vow of chastity. Just a year later, at the age of 24, Tekakwitha died.

It was reported that after she died, all of her facial scars disappeared.

Saint-like powers began to be attributed to Tekakwitha soon after her death, but it took almost 200 years for the Vatican to take notice. The process for her canonization began in 1884.

She was declared venerable by Pope Pius XII on January 3, 1943. She was beatified on June 22, 1980 by Pope John Paul II. For sainthood, a certified miracle was needed. Although there were reports of the healing powers of Tekakwitha, it was not until 2006 that a certified miracle was proclaimed by the church.

An 11-year-old Native American boy in Seattle, Wash. was fatally ill with a flesh-eating bacteria and made a full recovery after his parents said that they had been praying to Kateri. That incident was the one that Pope Bene-

dict XVI needed to declare Kateri ready for canonization.

Besides the basilica in San Juan Capistrano, the other shrines to Tekakwitha are the National Kateri Shrine in Fonda, N.Y., the National Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, N.Y., the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. , a statue on the outside of the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre in Quebec, a statue depicting Kateri kneeling in prayer at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, La Crosse, Wis., and a life-size statue at the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima in Lewiston, N.Y. Fifty years after her death, a convent was opened in Mexico, whose residents pray daily for her canonization.

We do not have to travel to the East Coast to recognize and honor this remarkable woman. You can take a moment in time and visit the basilica in historic San Juan Capistrano to show appreciation for the dedication of this American Saint. CD

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively MORTGAGE

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INSURANCE

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

949.373.8963

949.697.9454

JEWELER

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

COMPUTER SERVICES San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581

COINS GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

949.350.4692

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

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BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.697.9454

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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

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

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

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

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

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

WINDOW CLEANING/PRESSURE WASHING Bayside Window Cleaning 949.215.2323 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com Clear Windows 949.485.8793 San Clemente, www.clearwindows-llc.com

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.

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HELP WANTED THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF CAPISTRANO VALLEY has part-time PROGRAM AIDE positions available for hours Monday through Friday: - GRIP Program Aide: 7-10 am Lead GRIP Program Aide – 7-10 am (some supervisory experience preferred) - Program Aide (Registration): 1-6 pm Program Aide (Middle School) – 2-6 pm. Duties will include planning and implementing activities in one or more of the following areas: education; social recreation; arts and crafts; and physical education. Requirements: high school diploma, experience working with children, communication skills to deal with children and with the general public (bilingual in Spanish a plus), CPR and first aid certified. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is an equal opportunity employer.

If interested, contact Nicole Watson at 949.240.7898 extension *19 or by email at nwatson@bgccapo.com.

MEDICAL/HEALTH SERVICES HOME CAREGIVERS NEEDED FOR SOUTH OC ResCare HomeCare is in need of caregivers to assist seniors in their homes. F/T, P/T, & live-in staff with 1 yr exp who drive & have own vehicle.

Please call Kathy at 1 (800) 707-8781 to learn more!

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SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

OUTDOOR SPOTLIGHT

ROTARY CLUB’S 3rd ANNUAL RIDGE EVENTS RESULTS

The San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club’s annual Ridge Events took place Saturday, October 6, with 105 runners turning out to take part in the action.

Once again, the event featured a 5K and 10K trail run as well as a mountain bike poker ride. A new wrinkle in this year’s installment was a combination 10K trail run and mountain bike poker ride.

The poker ride featured participants traversing the hills of San Juan, stopping at designated break points, to collect a playing card from each of the five stations. When the rider reached the finish line, whoever had the best

Local Marines pose for a photo after completing the Rotary Club’s Trail Run. Courtesy photo

five-card poker hand won a prize from Buy My Bikes bike shop.

The trail runs not only attract top-level running talent, but it is also a draw for those looking to get some

exercise and have fun.

Here is a rundown of the top San Juan residents who placed in their respective divisions in the 5K trail runs: Claire Taylor, 5K- first place U18 Women. Jill Dorris, 5K- second place (fifth overall) 40-49 Women. Neil Armstrong, 5K- first place (fourth overall) 19-29 Men. Wes Phillips, 5K- first place 50-59 Men. Stephanie Blanco Gress, 5K- second place 30-39 Women. Jason Gress, 5K- third place 40-49 Men. Frances Solt, 5K- first place 5059 Women. David Solt, 5K- first place 60-69 Men. Larry Kramer, 5K- first place 70+ Men. —Steve Breazeale

JSerra Championship Swim Team Honored by City Council

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

I

n a ceremony at the October 2 San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting, the reigning CIF Division 1 JSerra championship girls swim team was recognized for their historic run through the playoffs.

Coach Mary McLaughlin was accompanied by five swim team members who played an integral part in the Lions success last season. McLaughlin was gracious for the council’s recognition and announced the teams’ 2011 accolades which include: winning the Division 1 title, setting seven Trinity League records and having two Trinity League co-swimmers of the year among their ranks.

Members of last year’s JSerra CIF Division 1 Championship team pose for a photo with members of the San Juan Capistrano City Council. Photo

by Brian Park

Each team member present stepped up to the podium to address the council and those in attendance.

Sophomore Brittany Kahn, who set the Division 1 record in the 500 freestyle event, stressed that team

chemistry was a secret to the teams’ success.

“Because we’re all having so much fun (on the team), we tend to swim way faster,” Kahn said with a laugh.

Senior Rebecca Millard, the oldest member of the squad, has seen the team morph into a title contender.

“I’ve really seen this team grow. I remember (in 2010), we finished something like 22nd at CIF,” Millard said. “We came absolutely out of nowhere to win (CIF).

We all walk with our heads up…we’re looking to win (CIF) again.”

The swim team presented the City Council with blue bracelets and “Joy Jars” of candy as part of the NEGU foundation’s effort to help children diagnosed with cancer. NEGU (negu.org) stands for “Never Ever Give Up,” which has become the team’s slogan. CD

San Juan Football Teams Deserve More Credit Thoughts on the local teams as they head into league play

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

I

f you live in the San Juan area and follow high school football, odds are you’re taking a look around at the local teams and thinking, “What happened?”—And that’s a good thing.

As we cross over the mid-way mark for most teams’ schedules and into Steve Breazeale league play, it’s important to look back on last season to see where teams stood at this important juncture.

Last season the five San Juan area schools, made up of San Juan Hills High, Capistrano Valley Christian, JSerra, St. Margaret’s and Saddleback Valley Christian, were a combined 19-16 (.543 win percentage) heading into the eighth week of football.

This season, those same programs are a combined 24-7 (.774 win percentage) entering Week 8. These teams hold an impressive win percentage despite beefing up their schedules and one team even jumping from 8-man to 11-man. So what happened?

Those football minds much smarter than I can point to certain things, but here is what I’ve seen so far in the early going.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-25, 2012

The maturation of the San Juan Hills football team (6-1, 0-1 league) has been significant. A team that went winless last year has suddenly found ways to win games in 2012. Head coach Aaron Flowers seems to have finally established his system and has molded his team into a winning squad. Even though they lost their Sea View League opener October 5 to Laguna Hills (who has owned the league in recent years), the Stallions’ run through the preseason was highlighted by a school-record six straight wins to start a season.

I’m not going to jump onto the Stallions bandwagon just yet, as they have a lot of work to do in league play, but everything they’ve done this season is an improvement on last year.

JSerra (5-1, 0-1) has the reputation of doing well in the preseason but falling flat in the Trinity League. But who can blame them when they play against Servite, Mater Dei and Santa Margarita (ranked No. 1 in the nation by ESPN’s recruitingnation.com) in the span of one month. This season, the Lions have solid wins over Trabuco Hills and Huntington Beach under their belt as they head into league play, which could help them out. I’ve witnessed a lot of high school football games this year and Lions running back Casey Eugenio has been one of the more explosive backs I’ve seen.

Capistrano Valley Christian (6-0, 3-0) finally decided Page 26

to join the 11-man football scene, moving up from 8-man. So far the Eagles have been making it look easy.

Sophomore Riley Babick looks like the real deal and has led an offense that has put up 93 points in its last two games.

The two enigmas in this whole San Juan area discussion are St. Margaret’s and Saddleback Valley Christian, but I label them that for two totally different reasons.

St. Margaret’s (5-1, 1-0 league) has been a perennial playoff contender and wins the Academy just about every year. They’ve been arguably the most consistent team in the area for years now and they’ve been going about their business of winning in 2012. So let’s just leave it at that before I jinx them.

Saddleback Valley Christian went 9-2 last year and made it to the playoffs. They’ve struggled out of the gate this year (2-4, 1-0) but have won two out of their last three, which includes a league win. A league match against Capo Christian on Saturday will tell us if they’ve turned things around or not.

I know, I know. League play only just started and a lot is still to be determined. But when looking at the results of the first half of the season, it must feel good to be a San Juan area high school football fan right now. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com