The Capistrano Dispatch

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OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE OCTOBER 26–NOVEMBER 8, 2012 FOUNDED IN 2002

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 20

Election Special

Vote 2012

San Juan Capistrano Chooses Take a Look at City Council, CUSD, State and Federal Races SPECIAL INSERT

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

No GOP Endorsements for City Council Candidates

Live Shark Discovered at San Juan Hills Golf Course

Contract Disputes Leave Lakers Off the Air

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SJC LIVING/PAGE 23

SPORTS/PAGE 26

EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE San Clemente project engineer Tom Bonigut told members of various city commissions and the City Council Tuesday that it may take quite a bit of time to see any new sand on the city’s beaches, even as the city’s beach reclamation project has received positive feedback form the Army Corps of Engineers.

Bonigut said the project would cost $11 million, $4 million of which would come from the city and the remainder from the federal government. Bonigut said the project would involve putting in new sand on a 3,400-foot section of beach. The sand will have to be replaced every six years to keep up with current losses. Bonigut said that while the project has been given the OK to be included as part of a larger appropriations bill, its future may be in doubt due to current Office of Management and Budget regulations.

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

Dana Point restaurateurs, the Olamendis, are celebrating their company’s upcoming 40th anniversary by unveiling the new, Olamendi’s Ultra-Premium Silver Organic Tequila. Jorge Sr. and Maria Olamendi opened their first restaurant in San Clemente in 1973 then moved to the current “original Olamendi’s” Dana Point-Capistrano Beach location in 1976.

By 2009 they were operating three locations in the city. During the past year they closed all but the original, in a decision to go “back to basics” with the restaurant and focus on moving forward with the line of private label gourmet foods and beverages they started in 2008. The line includes salsas, chips, organic coffee, beer and wine and now, after 15 years in the making, Olamendi’s Tequila. The tequila is now available at the restaurant and the brand will officially launch in stores by Thanksgiving.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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…Candidate Endorsements?

THE LATEST: None of the four Republican candidates for San Juan Capistrano City Council who actively sought their party’s support will receive an endorsement, the Orange County GOP Central Committee decided Monday, October 15.

The committee, which met for the last time to give its final approval for any endorsements recommended by the Endorsements Committee, voted unanimously not to endorse either team of candidates: Councilman Sam Allevato and Ginny Kerr or Roy Byrnes and Kim McCarthy.

At their October 1 meeting, the Endorsement Committee voted 2-1-1 to recommend Byrnes and McCarthy for endorsement, despite a heated dispute between McCarthy and Committee Member Mary Young, according to the blog OC Political.

Young, who also serves as second vice chairman on the Central Committee, made the initial motion Monday not to endorse any San Juan Capistrano City Council candidate.

WHAT’S NEXT: Voters will go to the polls to fill two City Council seats on November 6. Polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

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

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...Taylor-Bible’s Withdrawal?

THE LATEST: With less than two weeks to go until the November 6 election, the

race in Trustee Area 2 for a seat on the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees is now down to three candidates, after Michele Taylor-Bible announced her withdrawal.

According to Taylor-Bible, her husband’s recent job promotion will move her family to Switzerland. Taylor-Bible, who listed her occupation as a “community volunteer,” has two sons attending CUSD schools, including one in the district’s Spanish-language Immersion Program.

Taylor-Bible’s name will still appear on the ballot. The remaining candidates are Ladera Ranch resident and community volunteer Carol McCormick and two San Juan Capistrano residents, retired public school teacher Don Franklin Richardson and Jim Reardon, a business owner and engineer.

WHAT’S NEXT: Check out our special election pull-out section to view the remaining candidates’ final responses in our question-and-answer series.

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

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…the Riding Park?

THE LATEST: Blenheim EquiSports will continue to utilize the equestrian center and sports field at the city-owned Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park after the San Juan Capistrano City Council approved a one-year extension to a license agreement Tuesday, October 16.

Under the new agreement, the city will earn $200,000 in revenue next year, down from $225,000. The decrease is due to a tax restriction that limits how much revenue the city can receive from “private activity” on bond-acquired land.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 26-November 8, 2012

The decrease is also attributed to Blenheim’s agreement to provide maintenance and security at the site of the future Reata Park and Event Center.

The extension also requires Blenheim to offer six community events.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city and Blenheim can enter into a tax-compliant management agreement, which would lift revenue restrictions, but such an agreement is complicated to arrange and would take at least until next spring or summer, according to a city staff report.

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

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…Mountain Lions?

THE LATEST: Mountain lions in San Juan Capistrano’s eastern open space may force nighttime closures at the proposed Reata Park and Event Center, but plans for the project are moving on to the next stage of city review after the Planning Commission approved a preliminary master plan for the site Tuesday, October 23.

A measure of the master plan that prohibits nighttime use of the park drew criticism from Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Commissioner Elliot Levenson, who was in attendance. “This, to me, puts a severe usage restriction on the park,” Levsenson said.

According to Ed Almanza, the city’s contracted California Environmental Quality Act consultant, the nighttime closure is necessary because of a “very high possibility of conflict between mountain lions and humans.”

Almanza cited the discovery of deer remains that appeared to have been dragged from the adjacent creek bed by

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a mountain lion and a UC Davis study of collared mountain lions in the area.

WHAT’S NEXT: The item will go to the City Council on November 13.

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

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…Transparency in City Hall?

THE LATEST: In what was described as an effort to increase transparency between the city and its residents, the San Juan Capistrano City Council approved a resolution Tuesday, October 16, that limits the city manager’s ability to make budget changes freely.

Previously, the city manager had unlimited authority to make budget adjustments and execute transfers between different city accounts and departments, or she had the ability to delegate such responsibility to other city staff members. Under the revised resolution, City Manager Karen Brust can now only make changes to transactions worth up to $50,000 and can only delegate authority to staff for transactions costing up to $10,000.

“The focus was to bring transparency to transactions. By limiting my authority, it brings the City Council in on the decisions,” Brust said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The resolution also does away with Brust’s ability to make changes to funding for capital improvement projects and appropriations for new projects from unbudgeted revenue. The authority to make changes in both instances is now reserved for the City Council.

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

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY KEVIN DAHLGREN All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website (www.ocsd.org). The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided.

Tuesday, August 23 RECKLESS DRIVING Cerro Rebal/Via Fortuna (4:13 p.m.)

Police received a report of three juvenile males riding motorized scooters on the hillside behind a residential neighborhood. The caller was unable to give a description of the boys.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Rancho Viejo Road/Calle de la Rosa (7:50 a.m.) A man standing in the center divider of Rancho Viejo Road

caused several motorists to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

One motorist reported that the man was stepping in and out of traffic in front of cars.

damage to the front bumper. The taxi company was attempting to have the vehicle towed.

Monday, August 22

SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Los Rios Street/Ramos Street (10:44 p.m.)A single gunshot was heard in the area of Los Rios Street. The caller did not see where the gunshot came from or any suspicious activity in the area.

DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32200 Block (6:31 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested near the back of the Community Center where two males were seen loitering. The men were described between 19 and 25 years old, wearing black-hooded sweatshirts and baggy jeans.

DISTURBANCE-AUTO INVOLVED Horseshoe Bend, 27800 Block (10:44 a.m.) Two males were seen riding all-terrain vehicles on the hiking trail near Horseshoe Bend. The caller told dispatch the men were not wearing helmets and was worried that one of them may injure themselves or others on the trail.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Via de Agua/Camino Las Ramblas (8:38 a.m.) Police were called after a taxi was seen parked on Via de Agua for more than three days. The caller told dispatch that the vehicle appeared to have been in a traffic collision based on the

Sunday, August 21

INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Del Obispo Street/Blue Fin Drive (3:10 p.m.)A patrol check was requested for a man lying down on the center divider of Blue Fin Drive. The caller told dispatch that the man had not moved for almost two hours. Officers checked all side streets in the area but were unable to locate the man.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Capistrano/Del Obispo Street (11:10 a.m.) Police received a report of a man standing outside of a grocery store smoking what was believed to be marijuana while engaging passersby in conversation.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Hacienda, 28800 Block (3:39 a.m.)

A woman called police after hearing her car alarm sound several times within a short time period. She believed someone might have been attempting to break into her car, but she was unable to see any suspicious activity.

Saturday, August 20 ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Paseo San Gabriel, 26400 Block (5:00 p.m.) A woman called police after attempting to leave her house, but a red Ford truck and a gray Dodge truck was blocking her driveway. The woman asked the owners of the trucks to move their cars but they refused.

Friday, August 19 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Camino Capistrano/Verdugo Street (6:53 p.m.) A two-car collision occurred near the train tracks on Verdugo Street. According to witness statements, small pieces of debris from the vehicles had fallen onto the train tracks. The caller was worried it may cause the train to derail if it was not removed quickly. City officials contacted Metrolink and temporarily shut down the train tracks. Officers were able to clear the tracks and reopen train lines after a short delay.

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

JONATHAN VOLZKE: My Turn

An Odd Ode

In response to Councilman Reeve, dangerous political ideologies threaten to hold back the city

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must say I was surprised on many levels when I opened the last edition of The Dispatch and saw Councilman Derek Reeve’s “Ode to Jonathan Volzke.” My first reaction was that I didn’t recall any discussions with Mr. Reeve about my vision and ideals, and as I read on about my personal and professional demise, I realized Mr. Reeve had simply moved from plagiarizing for Patch.com to writing fantasy for The Dispatch.

Mr. Reeve was, of course, writing in response to my earlier column in support of City Council candidates Sam Allevato and Ginny Kerr. It was only fair, of course, that Mr. Reeve, who supports fellow Capistrano Common Sense candidates Roy Byrnes and Kim McCarthy, be allowed to reply, but I found it interesting Mr. Reeve dedicated his column to his wishful ode rather than extolling the virtues of his candidates.

I’ve not been in the PR game long, but I recognize the play: When you have the message, stress the message. When you don’t, attack the messenger.

Still, the column provides the opportunity for me to expand on my earlier thoughts—particularly the one that seemed to hit home with Mr. Reeve: that always voting “no” is not leadership. Mr. Reeve shuddered at the thought of “going along to get along” or of “becoming a lapdog.”

I’d hoped Mr. Reeve would avoid talking about dogs. Last time he famously announced from the council dais that he’d named his dog Mohammad—a particular insult to Muslims, who see dogs

as unclean—even conservative hero Bill O’Reilly labeled him a “pinhead” on national TV. While it’s Mr. Reeve’s right to name his dog whatever he wants, and even talk about it, there’s a difJonathan Volzke ference between something being right and something being appropriate. In this case, Mr. Reeve put the city at risk, because the city engineer at the time was Muslim and was in City Hall’s sights for replacement. Also in the audience that night was a Muslim business owner appealing a Planning Commission decision. Mr. Reeve’s comments unnecessarily put the city at risk in two potential legal cases. And Ms. McCarthy, of course, has shown even more hostility toward Latinos than Mr. Reeve has for Muslims.

The dais is not a place to air ideology. It’s just not in the best interest of the city of San Juan Capistrano, which should be first and foremost in the interest of every man and woman honored to sit in one of those five chairs. Ideology also brought us Mr. Reeve’s infamous proposal to overturn Capistrano’s ban of guns and other weapons in city parks, which resulted in more national embarrassment.

Even in a minority, Mr. Reeve could put residents first. Years ago, I watched the council approve a development in town 4-1, with only then-Councilman Gil Jones voting “no.” Two weeks later, when the project came back for the routine second reading, it passed unanimously. I asked Councilman Jones why he’d changed his mind. He gave me an important lesson in local governance, telling me he’d approached the developer to ask if a unanimous approval was important. When the developer said it was, Councilman Jones asked him to make the project’s sign smaller.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 26-November 8, 2012

The developer agreed, and Councilman Jones—knowing the project had the votes of the council majority—supported it, knowing he’d made it a little bit better for Capistrano.

Mr. Reeve brought up the expansion of the San Diego Gas & Electric substation on Camino Capistrano, a block from my home. Yes, SDG&E is a client, but as a resident, I suggest Mr. Reeve consider the lessons of the past in the approach to SDG&E’s proposal to upgrade a facility last improved before Capistrano was even a city.

Because utilities cross multiple communities, like railroads, they are governed by the Public Utilities Commission to ensure the network is coordinated and cohesive. Just like San Juan Hills, the SDG&E substation does not require city approval, but the utility has promised to work with the city. Mr. Reeve, naturally, skipped the numerous open houses and workshops on the proposal, but is quick to criticize the project. Rather than flat-out fight the project, history shows a successful strategy would be to work with the utility instead of against it to create the best project possible—just like former councilman Jones.

Leadership shouldn’t be about the ego or personal goals of one council member, but about doing what’s best for our city. Councilman Allevato and Commissioner Kerr know that; both have demonstrated it. They address issues instead of punting them off to others. Our City Council members are asked to sit on outside agencies—for transportation, sewage and water—yet Mr. Reeve has never volunteered for any. That’s not in the best interest of constituents either, because he is missing the opportunity to discuss regional issues with experts and compare our city to those around us. Water rates? Capistrano’s average bill in 2010 was less than that in San

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Clemente or South Coast Water District.

You can’t just look at a bill to know that: some agencies don’t include sewage fees as Capistrano does, and some, such as Moulton-Niguel, put a large portion of the water charges on homeowners’ property-tax bills, so it’s invisible monthto-month.

Ms. McCarthy will likely adopt Mr. Reeve’s same isolated stance. She has repeatedly stated she would vote against accepting any grant money for the city.

That ideology would make us less safe: The city receives a grant of $100,000 a year to fund a deputy sheriff in our community. We also received a $1.5 million grant from OCTA to improve our northern open space—money that other cities would have been happy to have.

Frankly, McCarthy shows disrespect for most stakeholders in our community.

She even got into an argument with a GOP committee member while unsuccessfully seeking an endorsement from the Republican Party. It was so bad another committee member said Ms. McCarthy’s behavior caused him to fear how she’d treat constituents. Another committee member noted she lied on her endorsement application.

It’s easy to complain, it’s easy to vote “no.” It’s harder to study issues, to gain perspective and develop solutions that aren’t dictated by ideology but by what’s best for San Juan Capistrano. That’s what leaders do. The early years of The Dispatch weren’t about whether an incumbent was seeking re-election, they were about the public involvement and processes that led to decision-making.

There were times before The Dispatch when incumbents were reappointed without electoral challenge. City Hall, our community, has come a long way since 2002. There’s more to go, but Ms. McCarthy and Mr. Byrnes would be a step back. That’s why I support Sam Allevato and Ginny Kerr. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: Mark Bodenhamer, Chief Executive Officer of the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce

Out of Line: Irresponsible Claims Take Shots at Chamber Councilman Reeve’s column wrongly criticizes the hard work of the Chamber

I

couldn’t have been more disappointed or disturbed by Councilman Reeve’s guest opinion regarding Jonathan Volzke’s endorsements in the last edition of The Dispatch. In his column, MARK BODENHAMER Reeve took unnecessary and factually incorrect potshots at my employer, the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce.

Reeve asserted that Volzke used political influence to steer a “gift” of taxpayer money to the Chamber. He also claimed that the Chamber used moneys received from the city for buying ads in The Dispatch, as part of some kickback scheme with Jonathan.

That’s an incorrect and, frankly, irresponsible claim. It effectively accuses the Chamber of a serious crime like money laundering or racketeering— I’m not sure which, as it’s the first time anyone’s suggested that I participated in such acts.

The reality is we really only buy ads when promoting special events and that comes out of an event budget, not the general Chamber account. Most of the advertising we’ve done over the years were traded or heavily discounted in exchange for media sponsorships.

The fact is our funding helped us conduct 27 ribbon-cutting ceremonies celebrating local business openings.

We’ve hosted a dozen breakfast meetings to educate residents and businesses about issues facing San Juan Capistrano. We are taking a leadership role in advocating for local merchants during Caltrans’ upcoming Ortega reconstruction project.

We send out hundreds of visitor packets to potential tourists every year. We’ve started new programs like “Microbrews by the Mission” and “Restaurant Week” for our local restaurants.

When the city’s funding for fireworks was reduced, we jumped to action and worked to assist the city in finding corporate sponsors to successfully bridge

the budget gap.

The net profit we made on all those endeavors? Zero dollars.

That’s not all we do, but I can’t outline everything in one column. However, those interested can find out more about the services we provide to the city in the detailed, quarterly reports that we provide to the city, per the terms of our contract.

To make matters worse, Reeve is using this false statement in an effort to elect his political allies to City Council.

This is troubling, to say the least.

I want to clearly state to the people of San Juan Capistrano that we take great pride in representing you and our local businesses. We take our responsibility as stewards of some taxpayer money extremely seriously.

I also encourage you to not get distracted by incorrect claims like this when deciding on a candidate to vote for.

San Juan Capistrano is a community that is small enough where elections can still be about people and honest exchanges

of ideas. That’s a great luxury that many communities have sadly “outgrown.”

There is just no need for this kind of untruthful and divisive politics here, which makes it all the more disappointing.

Councilman Reeve: with all due respect, I would ask that you please leave our organization’s name and reputation out of your political strategies. I would ask that you slow down to consider just how detrimental this kind of language is to the community and its political process.

You are entitled to your opinion.

By voting against the renewal of our service contract with the city you’ve made it clear that you don’t support that expense, and I can respect that decision.

That’s your prerogative as an elected member of the City Council.

But with that role comes an obligation to be a leader by positively representing the community. Your decision to tear down the Chamber (or anyone in the community) for your own benefit doesn’t meet that standard, in my opinion. CD

groundwater recovery system. That’s 66 years just to break even under the best circumstances.

Little Nellie knows that 66 years does not take into effect the consequences of the ranch building 14,000 homes on what used to be permeable soil that feeds our aquifer (Little Nellie remembers what happened to Trabuco and Oso creeks and that aquifer when Mission Viejo was built out). Having served 12 years on the City Council, Little Nellie and I are beginning to suspect that staff may end up empire building a water department, an agenda not consistent with efficiently serving the needs of our residents.

Wake up, Councilmembers. If you want to know the value of our GWRS, try selling it. What’s that, Little Nellie? We tried that all ready, and we couldn’t give it away? I guess I should not have asked.

Maybe it’s time to cut our losses.

Respectfully, David Swerdlin, former City Council member who voted against the GWRS from day one, and Little Nellie, my wise old mule.

I would like to voice my support for Sam Allevato and Ginny Kerr for City Council. Both have dedicated years to serving the city of San Juan Capistrano and will provide a fair representation of all San Juan residents, not just specialinterest groups. Please join me in voting for Sam and Ginny.

Letters to the Community MULE MATH AND WATER —David Swerdlin, San Juan Capistrano

I read Mayor Kramer’s letter on our groundwater recovery system. It’s good to know that San Juan Capistrano residents will soon be saving money when we increase the capacity of our water factory by 40 percent. So, let’s do some Mule Math, Little Nellie style (she’s my wise old mule), to see just when our residents actually make out on their water bills.

Though Mayor Kramer did not factor in how much more per acre foot of water this “factory” cost our residents from inception to date, let alone to that future time when we achieve water nirvana and start saving money, Little Nellie will do what staff and council haven’t attempted.

Our GWRS water costs our residents $1,300 or so per acre foot. Water from Metropolitan Water District that is piped to San Juan Capistrano now costs approximately $900. We get a subsidy from MWD of $250 for every acre foot of water our “factory” produces. (By the way, that subsidy from MWD is funded by—you guessed it—the money we pay MWD every month. And that state grant we just got? That is funded by us as

well, through taxes.)

But, Mule Math speaking, it has cost us $150 more per acre foot of water since 2002 to use our groundwater, subsidy and all, instead of buying all our water from MWD. In our city’s best-case scenario, our GWRS may break even or save our residents $5 to $10 per acre foot of water, if all goes as planned in the next few years, when we increase GWRS capacity by 40 percent with a million-dollar state grant to bring production to 6,000 acre feet per year.

But wait, neither staff nor council has told us yet how many acre feet of water our factory has produced since 2002—the number we need to multiply by $150. Little Nellie is guessing 27,000 acre feet of water over ten years, which comes to $4 million that has to be made up before we benefit from having a water factory. Divide that total by our projected yearly savings of $10 per acre foot, times 6,000 acre feet per year produced under the best circumstances, and we will get the number of decades it will take just to break even to have locally-produced drinking water. Using Little Nellie Mule Math, it comes to 66 years to make up the extra money we have already spent to have our own

The Capistrano Dispatch October 26-November 8, 2012

ALLEVATO AND KERR WILL PROVIDE FAIR REPRESENTATION

Page 6

—Joanne Marquez, San Juan Capistrano

‘DISAPPOINTED’ BY COUNCILMAN REEVE’S COLUMN —Linda Cooley, San Juan Capistrano

I have known both Derek Reeve and Jonathan Volzke for over 12 years, when I first took an interest in San Juan Capistrano politics. I have known both of these men as intelligent professionals, each with their own values and strengths, each of whom have devoted a great deal of voluntary, unpaid time to our city. As such, I am surprised and very disappointed to see Councilman Reeve attacking Mr. Volzke for merely endorsing two candidates for our city council.

For Mr. Reeve to take this fine man’s background and very respectable career choices and cast them in a negative light designed to fit his foregone conclusions and political choices, i.e. two other (Cont. on page 8) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Community (Cont. from page 6) candidates Mr. Reeve is known to support, represents the kind of divisive and deceptive tactics that are unfortunately well-known in national (especially this year’s “Chicago style”) politics. And while I know it’s not the first time we have seen that here in San Juan Capistrano, I am disappointed in the source— a current, active member of our City Council.

The viciousness of this op-ed piece does make me wonder, though—does the Councilman fear all that much the opposing opinion of those with influence in our community, or does it concern him more that Mr. Volzke is one of those influential people?

BYRNES AND MCCARTHY IN-LINE WITH LONE COUNCIL MEMBER —Carole Matson, San Juan Capistrano

For some time, I’ve been concerned that during the “City Council reports on outside agencies,” all but one City Council member reports participation on various subcommittees of State and regional organizations, meetings with local boards and commissions, participation in community events and speaking engagements for civic groups. In fact, at one meeting he reported only having attended concerts and a cocktail party in a barn that was nicer than his home; add to this his “moral lapses” when he forgets that our City Council represents all races and religions.

We now have two candidates (Roy Byrnes and Kim McCarthy) that threaten to perform in the same manner. In fact, Kim was chastised by the Republican Central Committee and held accountable for falsifying information on her application and her rude conduct during the interview process. It was stated that she is not an acceptable representative of the Republican Party.

Please help keep our city on a solid footing and vote for City Council candidates Ginny Kerr, a San Juan Capist-

rano Planning Commissioner and our incumbent Councilman Sam Allevato.

These two candidates have a proven track record and will provide prudent guidance while protecting the integrity of our city.

SAN JUAN VOTERS MUST MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION —Sara Shelton, San Juan Capistrano

I’ve been going door to door in our neighborhoods handing out candidate information on the two City Council candidates I’m supporting and have found that the majority of residents I spoke to are concerned with their water bills. So I’ve taken the time to read, ask questions and have come up with some conclusions on my own.

Our charges are in the median range.

In other words, if we compare what we pay versus what other cities are paying, we are right in the middle. The outrageous statements coming from the rabble raisers simply confirm that they don’t have a grasp of the situation California is in. San Juan Capistrano’s Water Department is forward thinking and makes 50-year plans for the future—not simply day-to-day schedules.

The Groundwater Recovery Plant will be a viable source of water in the future.

Some people have been demanding that we “shop around” for the cheapest water. Oh please, let’s get real. Bringing in another source of water would require retrofitting our entire city.

Whoops, there goes the savings. It’s not the same as shopping around for the cheapest gasoline. And don’t forget to include other things that factor into the other agency’s revenues but don’t show up as a water fee, like property taxes and special district assessments like Mello-Roos.

So please educate yourself and look at the candidates records before you jump on the band wagon with the senseless.

Make an informed decision as to who you want representing you on our City

GUEST OPINION: Larry Kramer, Mayor of San Juan Capistrano

Traffic Improvements are on the Way Despite what some people say, the City Council has taken steps to improve city traffic

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just read some information in one of the McCarthy/ Byrnes flyers about some things that they are going to do to improve traffic in the city, and it surprised LARRY KRAMER me because positive action has already been taken by the City Council and city staff—someone did not do their homework.

The intersection at Rancho Viejo Road and Junipero Serra has already been reconfigured to facilitate smoother traffic flow. This $1.3-million project required $24,000 for a problem noted after construction. The change cost less than 2 percent of the total cost and was done in five days.

We have taken the approach that if we Council. I’m going with the candidates who have demonstrated their worth: Ginny Kerr, currently serving us as a Planning Commissioner, and Councilman Sam Allevato, a proven leader.

RESIDENTS EXPECT COOPERATION, NOT DIVISIVE TACTICS, FROM CANDIDATES —Kathy Hooper, San Juan Capistrano

Oh, my goodness. What has this community come to?

I have lived in this community for 32 years, and I have seen my share of uncomfortable, mean-spirited and nasty campaigns, but Roy Byrnes and Kim McCarthy, you take the cake.

For two people that claim to “care so much” about San Juan, thanks, but no thanks—I for one do not want your type

see a problem, we fix it.

Elimination of the “ghost train” is already being accomplished. This problem goes back many years and has become a significant concern since the safe crossings were installed. The City Council asked OCTA to study this, they did, and they proposed a solution, which the City Council accepted.

OCTA is working on implementing that potential solution now.

A proposed off-ramp at Stonehill is already on the project list from OCTA’s 1/2 cent tax funds. It is still a long shot because there is no money currently earmarked for it.

The City Council has done some very positive work in the past few years. Give us some credit for taking action to benefit our residents. CD

of “caring” in my life or in this community.

I was at the Republican Committee meeting October 15 when Ms. McCarthy was admonished for her lies and total disrespect for the committee and the process. She was reminded that the committee was aware that “she had supported and contributed to other parties, while asking for the endorsement of this party.” The Chairperson of the committee informed the attendees “this committee was misled from the beginning with untruths, misstatement of facts and exaggerations by McCarthy and Byrnes.” You two were told by the committee “that your misconduct, lack of respect for the committee and lies were something the committee would (Cont. on page 10)

SOAPBOX PATRICK O’BRIEN: The Way I See It

Titles Don’t Mean Much Compared to Ability A

s with most citizens, it is this time of year we peruse our voter information and see the local blooming of political-name recognition signs. I find the Roy Byrnes and Kim McCarthy—excuse me, Dr. Roy Byrnes and Kim McCarthy—signs interesting.

Both of these candidates have been instrumental in producing the Capistrano Common Sense leaflet that until recently, at least in our neighborhood, was delivered via questionable “undocumented” delivery persons. I speak reasonably good Spanish, so I inquired.

To be fair, it is now distributed by mail.

But there is a certain irony there into which I will not go. If Mr. Reeve were running, I suppose his name might be added to the sign. However, he is not up for election.

Nonetheless, I am the first to honor a person’s right, and desire, to put his or her credentials on an election poster.

But each time, I am reminded of an event that happened a few years ago when I played golf—and very poorly (I might as well confess in case anyone who reads this will know my true inabilities. There is no way in which I can safely plagiarize my golf score without being ashamed.)

As is usual, with any premade foursome at San Juan Hills Golf Club, or any golf course for that matter, we all

introduce ourselves by our first name. It is unlikely any of us shall ever see each other again.

One of our foursome told me that I could call him “Dr. Such and Such.” (I hide the name for fear of Patrick O’Brien embarrassment. Actually, I can’t remember it.) It struck me as being a bit formal to use one’s title for a round of golf in which all golfers seemed to be racing for the highest score, so, in a bit of mischief, I informed him politely that he could call me “Professor O’Brien” or “Dean O’Brien,” whichever made him most comfortable.

By the third hole, I noticed that the good doctor was not amongst us. Where had he gone? I had been thrashing my way through the trees and long grass, so I didn’t expect to meet him until the hole appeared within putting distance. I was informed he’d left after the second hole.

“He was having a terrible day, ten on a four par and heaven knows what on the second hole. He invoked the deity any number of times. I think it was something you said. He left,” said my one of my new partners. I’d already forgotten what I said, so intent was I in trying to keep my head down and left arm straight.

The point? Any person has a perfect right, even self-duty, to use his title since he has earned it. But it has nothing to do with one’s ability to deal with the complexities of city government.

The sometimes confusing Kim McCarthy is now associated with our good ex-mayor who uses the standard line about being “a fiscal conservative.” If you have ever read the pamphlet they have produced with other “conservative” types, including the word-borrowing Councilman Reeve, it would give one pause as to whether Roy Byrnes and Kim McCarthy should be elected.

Oh yes, I see another Irishman and fellow traveler among their group, Jim Reardon is back at running—this time for CUSD school board.

Somehow I feel much more comfortable with Sam (who doesn’t mind being called “Sam”) and Ginny Kerr, who has been on the city Planning Commission for some five years. I feel they both are fiscally conservative, as well as creative.

Roy Byrnes was a good mayor many years ago when San Juan was relatively simple. Could he have seen the problems that were in our future? Or did he see them and ignore them? If one spends too much time looking at one’s pocket book, one might not see the road. Times have changed and saying “no” to anything that involves money is

not the answer. A title does not entitle.

Water is expensive and with our development and global warming conditions, it will get more expensive. That’s a fact. Traffic control is essential and San Juan is not the little village anymore. It was inevitable. The land purchases and development by the city were necessary. Everyone is a fiscal conservative, but that doesn’t mean we sit and let ourselves be stifled in “conservative” I’m-hiding, maybe-it-will-pass-mode.

Most things worthwhile are created and sometimes risky.

Sincerely, Professor or Dean or Patrick or Pat O’Brien—your choice. I kind of like Patrick, But high school friends of many years ago in San Francisco called me “Paddy”—I’ve been called worse.

I guess it depends on who’s doing the calling.

Patrick O’Brien and his wife Marilyn have been residents of San Juan Capistrano for forty years. He is a former professor of English and Dean of the Language Arts Division at Cypress College. He currently has three thrillers available for the Kindle on Amazon: “Visitation: A Novel of the Paranormal,” “Under Occam’s Razor” and “Mordida.” His fourth, “The Erebus Pool,” will be out in January.

He can be reached at pallenob@gmail. com. CD

mail that can only be described as a “hit piece” with the intent to dissuade voters from supporting Sam Allevato and Ginny Kerr. At the bottom of the piece, it stated that it was “paid for by Citizens for Sensible Development.”

While I resigned from that loosely formed group (in December of 2010), comprised of citizens that opposed the plans for the Distrito/Meadows Projects, I was, indeed, the person that registered the URL, citizensforsensibledevelopment.com. (If you search that information out, on various internet search venues, you would find this to be public information.)

Please let me take this opportunity to state for the record, I had no idea that I was still associated with that group or URL in any way. (I thought it had expired. Turns out, it expires November 12.) I have contacted Network Solutions to terminate the URL and to hopefully delete my association with it in any way, shape or form.

To my knowledge, I do not know of any people from that original group, acting in concert in any way and that “Citizens for Sensible Development,” as the group was loosely known as over two years ago, had nothing to do with that mailer.

Obviously, somebody has commandeered “Citizens for Sensible Development” and used that name without permission of the larger group. At the time of submitting this to The Dispatch, I have spoken personally to Sam Allevato and left a message for Ginny Kerr.

Letters to the Community (Cont. from page 8) not accept.” The endorsement given to you two by the committee was then revoked because of your actions.

There was a reason for that action by the committee, fellow San Juan residents.

It shows us if they are willing to lie and be that disrespectful to get what they wanted to from a committee who could just give them a one-word “endorsement,” what will they do to “earn” this community’s vote? Where does it stop?

Don’t you think you need to be responsible and take responsibility for your actions? You cannot possibly think that you are entitled to that kind of deception and not have to answer to anyone. You do have to answer to the citizens of this town. Believe it or not, honesty, respect, concern and responsibility for actions are important or should be to all of us, and we should expect no less than that.

KERR DOESN’T UNDERSTAND WATER

I have to compliment City Council candidate Ginny Kerr on her firm and direct response to The Dispatch’s questions on our city’s water issues. Ms. Kerr sounds like a knowledgeable insider but she doesn’t understand the water factory, her GWRP, is not an affordable source of water and has no future in our town. As for baseless lawsuits, I have to question why a law firm representing residents would sue our City Hall if it didn’t have proof that water rates and tier-rate codes haven’t been violated.

Based on Ms. Kerr’s remarks I believe she could care less about the residents of this town. Her primary interest appears to be climbing a political ladder.

Oh yeah, one other problem I have with Ms. Kerr is she is teamed up with Sam Allevato.

ORIGINAL MEMBERS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECENT ‘HIT PIECE’

—Jack Chestek, San Juan Capistrano The Capistrano Dispatch October 26-November 8, 2012

—Mike Johnson, San Juan Capistrano

On October 15, I received a piece of

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H C T A P S I ANO D

l a i c e p S n o i t lec

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2 1 0 2 e t o V ER B M E V O N

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A Look at Federal and State Elections and Propositions

School District Candidates Make Their Case for Election

6

City Council Candidates Wrap Up Campaigns

Vote 2012

Election Special

City Council Candidates Ask for Your Vote

A heated election season winds down as the candidates have their final say COMPILED BY STAFF

                                                                                 Here are their responses in the order in which they will appear on the November ballot: Sam Allevato Councilmember/Retired Policeman I admire and respect every voter.

I only know myself to be honest, have integrity and also bring solid experience to my position.

The remaining issue is one of leadership and honest dealing with the public.

My opponents have made statements that are blatantly false, maligned my character and have distorted the facts. They have been called out as liars in public forums and have nothing to respond with other than mass mailings unregistered with the state that promote more fabrication and lies. They can never stand toe-to-toe with someone that is armed with the truth and facts. A few desperate people have even resorted to stealing my signs.

They have done nothing but put a black eye on our wonderful city and driven down property values. Our city is finan-

cially sound, our revenues continue to climb to over 19 percent this year, and we have made the tough choices to reign in pension costs and reduced staff, which will save us millions over the years. We have reduced the budget by 12 percent, improved our existing groundwater recovery plant and returned our auto dealers and new small businesses to town.

I am a proven leader with experience.

Visit: www.friendsofsamallevato.com Ginny Kerr Planning Commissioner As a member of the City Council I will fight to preserve the unique character and historical significance of our city. I am dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for our residents and encouraging growth and vitality in our local businesses.

Our city is financially sound. We are headed toward independence from reliance upon imported water where we have no control over cost or availability and we have traffic improvements either being implemented or being planned to move traffic around our city.

I have been a Planning Commissioner for the last five years and I understand the issues and the process. It is essential to our local economy to streamline the business approval process and diversify our tax base so that we can continue to provide services to our residents.

I will work diligently in cooperation with my colleagues to lead San Juan Capistrano into a bright future, free of personal agendas.

Research the candidates to make certain they meet your standards for honesty, integrity, knowledge of the issues, applicable experience and a desire to continue to lead our city in a positive direction.

Choose wisely. The future of our city is dependent upon your vote. www.ginnykerrforcitycouncil.com Kim McCarthy Newsletter Editor In my opinion, the most important issue facing San Juan Capistrano is cronyism.

Our City Council seats have been occupied by

good ol’ boys to control taxpayer dollars and council votes for their personal enrichment. The result for residents is out of control water rates, traffic nightmares and mounting debt of over $100 million.

Take the high cost of water for example.

Allevato and Kerr advocate continuing operation of the Groundwater Recovery Plant knowing that the current rate structure has produced a multi-million dollar deficit in the Utilities Department. The GWRP is too expensive to operate because of staff compensation and benefits which currently amount to $2.4 million per year.

In addition, it is a poorly designed facility that requires extensive, costly maintenance. We simply can’t afford to pay the water rates required to keep it running.

Ginny Kerr states that she won’t increase water rates “without a water-rate study” but surely she’s aware that Allevato already voted to automatically increase our rates every year through 2016.

Beware what these politicians tell you.

Look at your water bills, look at the traffic they have created, and ask yourself if they deserve to be rewarded with your vote.

Tom Marantz Technology Administrator I’d like to bring balance to the Council.

There are a lot of changes happening in our town, and we should have a Council that is more responsive to its residents and businesses.

I am a strong believer in creating collaborations between all the stakeholders in our community: from residents, local groups and our commissions to businesses and developers, just to name a few. These collaborations lead to better outcomes for all involved, and I will have an open-door policy as a Councilmember to facilitate this.

I will work to make our Council actions clearer, so we remove the confusion a lot of residents expressed to me around many local issues. We can accomplish this by providing a better account of what is happening to solve our issues like the “ghost train,” quiet zones and budgetary matters, incorporating dashboards so our citizens can quickly assess where we stand.

As the independent candidate, I plan to lead guided by my principles: hard and honest work, small efficient government,

pragmatic decision-making, and I come from a place that values cooperation and transparency to represent our town.

It would be a privilege to serve the people of San Juan Capistrano. God bless this great town we call home. www.tomforsjc.com Roy L. Byrnes Retired Physician/ Surgeon We need more truth and openness from our city government. Councilman Allevato should not be reelected because he deceived the public.

He helped to engineer the gift of $27.5 million of bond money to purchase the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park which is largely closed to us. This deception will eventually cost over $55 million in total.

We're forbidden entry and use, except for a movie two times a year or when the Blenheim leaseholder permits.

We were told: “It's necessary to buy this to prevent massive development and oppressive traffic.” That was false because flood plains, conservation and power line and pipeline easements vastly limit the use; less than 60 percent of the land is buildable. After the purchase, the “prevented” development was moved across the Ortega Highway so we got the extra traffic anyway.

Allevato's Council promised to: “Buy Open Space within the City.” More deception! They showed us five phony acquisition targets. The “stealth target” was located within the future city of Rancho Mission Viejo outside San Juan. Their future citizens will enjoy free “open space views” which we'll pay for! I'm an experienced former mayor. Please vote for me and for Kim McCarthy. We can do better.

We'll make a difference.

                 

         

Vote 2012

Election Special

CUSD Candidates Make their Final Pitch

Candidates in Districts 1 and 2 make their case for a place on the board COMPILED BY BRIAN PARK

                                                                  Here are the candidates’ responses in the order in which their names will appear on the November ballot:

   Karin Schnell Community Volunteer Over the years I have worked in education on a variety of levels, from museum education, to teaching at California State University, Fullerton. Specifically to CUSD, I partnered with the district for grants for programs at elementary schools and coordinated the Capistrano Alliance for Arts Education to raise awareness and advocacy for arts education.

I have served on several commissions as a community appointee by Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates on the John Wayne Airport Arts Commission and the newly formed Arts and Culture Commission in the city of Dana Point. As chair of both of these commissions, it is my responsibility to lead and work closely with my fellow commissioners and the community.

It is vital to provide a truly 21st century education that prepares all children for our future workforce. This can be accomplished with STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). Fields such as high technology and the entertainment business are central to California economic vitality.

It is also important to educate our young people for college, work, and life using the Four C’s: critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration and creativity and innovation. As adults we must strive to

be lifelong learners. I know as a board member my skills will include critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.

As a parent, education advocate, and community leader, I am the qualified, independent choice who will work for you and your children. www.karinschnell.com Amy Hanacek Small Business Owner I have enjoyed almost 20 years working in my children’s schools. CUSD teachers and administrators have done an excellent job educating my sons despite receiving inadequate funding from the state. I am motivated to not only promote this road to success for all students but also to enhance and improve this valuable path.

My goal is to make CUSD a model district with outstanding and innovative curriculum and instruction presented by highly qualified teachers at each and every school. As a believer and strong supporter of public education, I will advocate for important educational reforms in California that will result in greater local control and flexibility in how we utilize state-allocated funds. I am committed to reforms that will equalize school funding in California and bring desperately needed resources to CUSD. In short, I will do my best to foster an environment of excellence in all areas of public education and remain committed to our children so that they may become the innovators and good neighbors of the 21st century.

   Carol L. McCormick Community Volunteer As a long time board member in my community I have demonstrated sound financial management and fiscal accountability to my constituents. I understand a board member’s responsibility to adhere to public meeting guidelines as defined in the Brown Act and am committed to maintaining open and transparent communication.

My leadership experience includes more than a decade of service to schools, youth sports, scouting and my community services association. I have successfully worked with parents, businesses and community leaders to successfully manage activities that support children.

Having worked in college admissions at USC, I recognize the value of broad, rigorous academic prepara-

tion and the importance of meaningful extra-curricular activities. I am committed to protecting and promoting opportunities for students to have a full and rich educational experience in our schools.

My family has made a commitment to our community.

My three children grew up here and have received an outstanding education. I am saddened that students entering kindergarten today may not have all of the benefits of the same outstanding public education that my children had because of the steady decline in funding for schools by the state of California. We need reforms that bring greater local control and flexibility in how districts use state-allocated funds. I am committed to getting CUSD what we need to best serve our students.

Our local schools are an integral part of the fabric of our neighborhoods. Their success is our success. I am dedicated to success of all children and families in CUSD. Don Franklin Richardson Public School Teacher I have taught in California’s public schools for over 40 years. I have had a chance to teach at the elementary, intermediate, high school and college levels. In the evenings, I ran an athletic program at Capistrano Valley Christian School just before the principal, a friend, left to start Saddleback Valley Christian School. I graduated from the University of Redlands in biology and chemistry with the daughter of a couple who had a part in starting St. Margaret’s Episcopal School here in San Juan Capistrano. I have had a chance to teach at the two prison schools in the foothills of Saddleback Mountain. I have been the manager of our family’s shopping center for over 30 years. I have been in the band, have played and coached football and swam. Besides the sciences, I have taught drama, dart, history and math. My family has been in California for over 150 years.

Jim Reardon Business Owner/Engineer I have an unquestionable commitment to public education, including educational choices such as magnet and charter schools.

I can read and understand financial statements, and I have formal training and experience in board governance that I have successfully applied to my business and with several non-profit organizations including a private school. I believe that California has an iron-clad school funding mechanism in its Constitution and that no new school taxes or fees are necessary to restore greatness to our public schools.

          

         

Vote 2012 Voters Choosing in a Variety of Federal and State Races

Election Special  

Proposition 32 would forbid payroll deductions by unions or corporations to be used for political purposes. It would also prohibit unions or corporations from contributing directly to candidates or candidate committees.

 

BY JIM SHILANDER

                                            Due to the redrawing of district lines, San Juan has been drawn into the 49th Congressional District, which is currently represented by Vista Republican Darrell Issa, who currently chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Issa has served in Congress since 2001.

Republican Ken Calvert currently represents the city in Congress. His district has been redrawn to primarily include Riverside County and other parts of the Inland Empire.

Issa is being challenged by Democrat Jerry Tetalman, a Carlsbad Realtor. A long-time political activist, Tetalman said that he’d volunteered previously on a number of different campaigns and decided to run this year because “it was time.”

“I really felt I needed to take a stand,” Tetalman said.

Tetalman said he would be in favor of phasing out the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. “I believe we need to move to renewables. The risks of San Onofre are too great, in terms of safety.”

Tetalman said he also opposed offshore drilling in the area, which he said Issa had favored. He pointed to the damage wrought by the 1969 oil spill near Santa Barbara. Tetalman said he would champion electrifying transportation, as well as high-speed rail if elected.

         The incumbent is seeking her fourth term in the Senate. The former San Francisco Mayor has served since 1993. She currently serves on the Judiciary Committee, the Appropriations Committee, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Select Committee on Intelligence, Homeland Security Subcommittee of Appropriations and the Rules and Administration Committee.

She is being challenged by Danville Autism

advocate Elizabeth Emken. Emken is the former vice president for government relations at Autism Speaks, a national advocacy organization. She had previously worked at IBM. She had previously run for Congress in the 11th District, which is in northern California.

                   Corbett is best known for his involvement in a 2007 lawsuit while he taught at Capistrano Valley High School. Corbett allegedly disparaged creationism during a lecture, which prompted a lawsuit by a Christian student. The student initially won his suit against the Capistrano Unified School District in Federal District Court, but the suit was overturned on appeal. As a candidate, he has stated that he would champion equalization of state education funding, noting the funding problems of CUSD in recent years.

Harkey currently serves as vice-chair of both the Assembly Committee on Appropriations and Revenue and Taxation Committee. She has recently spoken out against state funding of high-speed rail projects, and has promised to introduce a bill to de-fund the program in January if re-elected. She also serves on the Assembly Committee on Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security, the Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and the Banking and Finance Committee and Budget Committee.

         .  

Proposition 30 would increase sales taxes and income taxes for those earning more than $250,000 a year in order to fund schools and community colleges, as well as public safety services.

 

Proposition 31 would establish a two-year budgeting cycle, as well as force the state legislature to offset any spending over $25 million with corresponding budget cuts. It also forces a performance review of all state programs, as well as allows local governments to alter how laws governing state-funded programs apply to them.

Proposition 33 would allow auto insurance companies to set prices based on whether a driver has previously had insurance.

 

Proposition 34 would abolish the death penalty in the state, making life without parole the maximum sentence for those found guilty of murder. It would apply retroactively; meaning those currently under a death sentence would be commuted to life sentences.

 

Proposition 35 would increase the penalties for human trafficking, allowing for sentences up to life in prison, in some cases. It requires those found guilty of trafficking to register as sex offender, and to provide information on their internet access and identities.

 

Proposition 36 changes the state’s “three-strikes law,” to impose a life sentence only in the case of a serious or violent felony conviction. It would also allow the state to reasses those currently facing life sentences for non-violent felonies.

 

Proposition 37 would require labels on food that either is genetically modified, or processed food with genetically modified ingredients. Certain foods would be exempt from labeling. Genetically modified foods would also be prohibited from being labeled as “natural.”

 

Proposition 38 would increase personal income tax rates on annual earnings over $7,316 using sliding scale from .4% for lowest individual earners to 2.2% for individuals earning over $2.5 million, for twelve years, and allocates 60% of revenues to K-12 schools, 30% to repaying state debt, and 10% to early childhood programs for the first four years.

 

Proposition 39 requires multi-state businesses to calculate their state income tax liability based on the percentage of their sales in the state.

 

Proposition 40 would accept the State Senate districts drawn by the Citizen Redistricting Commission. If rejected, the boundary lines will be adjusted by officials, supervised by the state Supreme Court.

         

Locals Only

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

ELECTRICIANS

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

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

949.493.7769 Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 Excel Electric - CA #793860 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

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

LANDSCAPING Vermeulen’s Landscaping Inc. bvland@cox.net

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.697.9454

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

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

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

PRINTING

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

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

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

Locals Only Business Spotlight for only

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

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

949.212.0499

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

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

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

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

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

WINDOW CLEANING/PRESSURE WASHING Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. 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.

CLASSIFIEDS SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT WWW.THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM FOR RENT STATION RENTAL AVAILABLE Magical Shears-upscale brand new salon- has FT and/or PT station available for rent in Dana Point. Includes extended education by Paul Mitchell. Call Janell at 949-636-1980

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.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday

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

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

949.388.7700 ext. 104

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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

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR & MOVIE 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Watch Monster House at Lantern Bay Park with costumes, cupcake decorating and pumpkincarving. 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

26

HALLOWEEN BOO CRUISE 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Dana Wharf hosts cruises on their “haunted” vessel with. Dress in your costumes to be part of a contest! $5. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

saturday

HALLOWEEN SPAGHETTI DINNER AND FAMILY GAME NIGHT 6 p.m. Food and games at St. Clement’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. Wear your Halloween costumes. $15-$30. 202 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente, 949.492.3401, www.scbythesea.org.

27

PUMPKIN PARTY 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kaleidoscope’s Halloween party where kids can trick-or-treat, pick a pumpkin ($5) and join a demo on painting pumpkins. 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy., Mission Viejo, www.gokaleidoscope.com.

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

SWALLOW’S COSTUME CONTEST 9 p.m. Swallow’s Inn features a costume contest with prizes, the Monster Mash and live music all day. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

sunday

HALLOWEEN HALF MARATHON 5K/10K & 1K KIDS RUN 7 a.m. Salt Creek will be a spooktacular venue for the Halloween-themed runs. Wear your costume. Entry $15-$99. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, orangemantriathlon.com.

28

The Capistrano Dispatch October 26-November 8, 2012

AT THE MOVIES: ‘ARGO’ CAPTIVATES In retrospect, many expected Ben Affleck’s career to follow a path similar his Pearl Harbor (2001) co-star Josh Hartnett, a former teen heartthrob who makes occasional movie appearances. But Affleck already shared a Best Screenplay Oscar with best friend Matt Damon as both broke into leading men careers with Good Will Hunting (1997). After a string of action films and romantic comedies, Affleck took a note from George Clooney and tried his hand at directing. Turns out he’s pretty good at it. Movie critics and viewers loved Gone Baby Gone (2007) and The Town (2010). His latest project in theaters, Argo is receiving rave reviews as well. Based on real life events in 1979-80, Argo tells the tale of CIA-assigned exfiltration expert John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Ben Affleck in Argo.

Tony Mendez (Affleck) flying to Iran to save six Americans hiding in the Canadian © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. embassy from Iranian radicals on the hunt for them. Mendez comes up with the scheme to rescue the group by pretending to make an on-location sci-fi movie titled Argo, with the help of make-up artist John Chambers (John Goodman) and director Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin). The first hour introduces the talented cast, including Bryan Cranston, Kyle Chandler, Clea DuVall, Rory Cochrane, Victor Garber, Chris Messina, Bob Gunton, Philip Baker Hall and Taylor Schilling. Hour two keeps moviegoers on the edge of their seats as Affleck and crew try to nonchalantly, yet hurriedly escape Iranian soil. The Town was a revelation for Affleck, but Argo is his magnum opus. —Megan Bianco

BOO AT THE ZOO 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Halloween- and western-themed fundraiser at Zoomars with activities, rides, live animals, food, and more to benefit the Pet Project Foundation. $20-$100. 31791 Los Rios, San Juan Capistrano, 949.595.8899, www.petprojectfoundation.org.

DAY OF THE DEAD: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND FAMILY 12 p.m.-4 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Library’s annual community celebration of Dia de los Muertos with live dance and music, artwork, crafts and face painting, food and drink and more. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

TIDEPOOL TERRORS 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A day of Halloween fun at The Ocean Institute with Trick-or-Treating, a costume contest, stories, spooky science labs and more.

Dress up! Cost $4.50-$6.50. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

monday

29

PAJAMA STORYTIME 7 p.m. Wear your PJs and listen to stories at the library.

31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

wednesday

HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. “Dungeon of Fear” haunted house for kids 14 and younger.

520 W Avenida de Los Lobos Marinos, San Clemente, kelli@4spoc.com.

31

SPECIAL HALLOWEEN NIGHT WITH FLASHBACK HEART ATTACK 8 p.m. Halloween party and live music at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

COSTUME PARTY 8 p.m.–12 a.m. Halloween event at Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

COLT FORD AND JJ LAWHORN 8 p.m. Country at The Coach House. $20-$25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION A 12-venue “pub crawl” featuring micro/craft brews for $4, music, food/ appetizers and more in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Camino Capistrano and Ortega Highway, 949.493.4700.

Page 20

thursday

FAIR TRADE HOLIDAY SHOPPING 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Lincoln Street Boutique featuring holiday shopping with proceeds going to those suppressed by war. Wine and light appetizers will be served. 141 Ave Del Mar, 949.705.7753.

01

friday

02

STANDING ROOM ONLY: A MUSICAL REVUE 8 p.m.

Camino Real Playhouse. $20-$30.

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

CONCERT OF PRAISE & THANKSGIVING 7:30 p.m.

Concert at St. Edward’s Catholic Church featuring Renee Bondi. Donation $10-$20. 33926 Calle la Primavera, Dana Point, 949.493.0282, www.reneebondi.com.

saturday

03

WALK FOR LIFE 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. The Pregnancy Resource Center hosts a 2-mile walk at the harbor. Island Way and Dana Drive, Dana Point, 949.218.5777, www.prcsanclemente.com

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Start your holiday shopping at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. Benefits The Ark of San Juan. 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

sunday

04

VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.3 p.m. Enjoy an arts and crafts faire along Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente. 949.218.5378, www.villagesanclemente.org.

wednesday

NETWORK BREAKFAST MIXER 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. Join the Chamber for breakfast at The Vintage Steakhouse. Cost $15-$25.

26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

07

*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 Thursday 11.1 Design Review Committee 4:30 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano. org.

Monday 11.5 Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Commission Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Friday 11.2 Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues, hosted by The Dispatch founder Jonathan Volzke. Occurs every Friday. All are welcome. El Adobe Restaurant, 31891 Camino Capistrano.

Tuesday 11.6 Election Day Polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Thursday 11.8 Loss of Loved One Support Group 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, a professor emeritus of the psychology of communication, an author and an expert in trauma recovery. The group is limited to twenty. Reservations are recommended and available by calling 949.493.5911. Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion.

Friday 11.9 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50: Tom Blake

Love Story: the Email that Changed a Tennis Pro’s Life K irk Orahood is in his fi fth year as the director of tennis and head coach for both the boys and girls tennis teams at JSerra High School in San Juan Capistrano.

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 While having lunch at

By Tom Blake my Dana Point deli one day, he noticed my How 50 Couples Found Love after 50 book on display and said, “I have a story that would have fit in your book.”

Kirk said that on October 11, 2007, he and his twin brother Keith were driving home from work on Pacific Coast Highway when they noticed a woman with short blonde hair who reminded them of Valerie, Kirk’s sixth grade (1964) girlfriend. Kirk and Keith had a conversation about her and how she would likely look now. Kirk hadn’t communicated with Valerie in 43 years The next day, Kirk received an email, which, he said, changed his universe.

“Emblazoned across my computer screen were the words, ‘Do you remember me?’” Kirk said as he described the message as very strong coincidence that makes one suspect the power of ESP. The email was from Valerie.

“Anxious emails revealed that we were both divorced and unencumbered.

Subsequent emails became phone conversations, which led to another revelation, a sweet, sexy, Southern accent—definitely not acquired in Bakersfield, where we had been in the sixth grade together. Valerie had been living in Nashville for years,” Kirk said. “One of the first questions she asked was, ‘Do you remember declaring at recess one day that you were going to marry me?’ I replied, ‘No.’”

A friend of a friend of Kirk’s was attending a convention in Nashville had lunch with Valerie. She and the friend of a friend had wagered $1 to see who could locate the most classmates.

“Valerie coyly suggested he locate ‘the twins,’ meaning my twin brother and me. He agreed, accomplished the task via Classmates.com and Valerie gladly paid up. She then contacted me through my tennis website, Kirk said.

“Valerie asked if I ever visited Nashville. Yes, I had, for tennis events long past. But more importantly, I had three tickets to come see my daughter play college tennis in that area, when tennis season resumed in the spring.”

They planned to see each other then.

Kirk said Valerie became impatient.

So much so that waiting until tennis season was no longer an option. She decided to buck the plan and bought a plane ticket to visit Kirk in San Clemente at the end of January.

“I greeted her at John Wayne Airport. Valerie was so awesome and classy. Her smile was still the same, which is what I remembered the most about her,” Kirk said.

“We enjoyed an incredible sunset at Fisherman’s restaurant. I gave her a big ‘Gone with the Wind’ kiss as soon as we returned home from the romantic evening on the pier.

“We had a great reunion, caught up on old times, present times and future times. She admitted to always loving me, having never forgotten me. I’d never forgotten her either. I believe good qualities that attract young people are inherent, still present in the mature version.”

Tennis coach Kirk is a pretty romantic dude. For Valerie’s birthday, he

The Capistrano Dispatch October 26-November 8, 2012

wrote and recorded a love song titled; “A Friend of a Friend, of a Friend of Mine,” which was based on the luncheon in Nashville that Valerie had with Kirk’s friend of a friend. After singing the song to her, he presented her with a framed copy, CD in front, sheet music in the background and told her, “Every word in the song is true, including these: ‘You moved to the South, me to the coast; your cute little smile what I remembered most.’”

During their getting-reacquainted discussions, they discovered they had encountered brief near-sightings of each other in Crested Butte, Houston and Nashville, which prompted these words in the song: “We led separate lives, not too unlike, our paths never crossed, the timing not right.”

Kirk also included words in the song based on another coincidence—they both have a boy and girl, the boys sharing the same unique first name, Hunter: “We both raised two kids, we did our best, you in Music City, me in the West.”

Kirk invited Valerie back to Southern California for the 2008 Valentine’s Day week-end. He surprised her by driving to the Colonel Nichols Elementary School in Bakersfield.

“There on the exact playground spot where I made my marriage proclamation 45 years ago, I asked Valerie if she would like to share the rest of her life with me. She said ‘yes’ and we were married in June, 2009,” he said.

Valerie moved to Southern California and they bought a home in Laguna Niguel.

Unfortunately, after unsuccessful attempts at finding suitable employment here and difficulty with selling her Nashville house, Valerie has temporarily returned to Tennessee.

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“We are back in our bi-domicile relationship until something changes,” Kirk said.

The couple, however, is keeping the romance alive, commuting often to spend time with each other.

Rest assured, the romantic, creative tennis coach and his wife will soon figure out a way to be together permanently.

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

Fish Out of Water Live shark found at San Juan Hills Golf Course

By Brian Park Capistrano Dispatch

Y

ou’ve heard the saying “it’s raining cats and dogs.” It’s supposed to signify a heavy rainfall. But what does it mean when it starts raining sharks?

That’s exactly what happened Monday at San Juan Hills Golf Club, when a 2-foot-long shark was spotted thrashing about on the 12th tee box.

(You read that right. A live shark was found at the golf course.)

The shark was discovered around 4 p.m. by an on-duty course marshal, who immediately called the clubhouse to report the displaced fish.

“It was just wriggling around,” Director of Club Operations Melissa McCormack said. “Honestly, this is the weirdest thing that’s happened here.”

The marshal picked up the shark, placed it in the back of his golf cart and drove it back to the clubhouse. There, cart attendant Bryan Stizer, a San Juan Capistrano resident, briefly placed the shark into a bucket filled with water and a bit of salt, before clocking out

on his break to drive the shark out to Baby Beach in Dana Point, where it was released back into the ocean.

“I thought he was dead,” Stizer said.

“When I dropped him into the water, he just lied there for a few seconds, but then he did a twist and shot off into the water.”

McCormack believes the shark was picked out of the water by a predatory bird and was dropped onto the course, which is less than 4 miles away from the Pacific Ocean. The shark was found bleeding from puncture wounds near its dorsal fin.

“It had a little blood on it, but it was still alive,” McCormack said. “We didn’t want to waste any time. Poor guy, he got dropped onto a golf course.”

McCormack said the shark was light brown in color with black spots and could have been a leopard shark.

Leopard sharks are a common species in local ocean waters, said Julianne Steers, chief aquarist at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. Steers confirmed the species after viewing a photo.

According to the state Department

This live shark, approximately 2-feet-long, was found on the 12th tee box at San Juan Hills Golf Club. Club staff believes the shark was dropped by a predatory bird. The shark was taken to Dana Point, where it was released into the ocean. Courtesy photo

of Fish and Game’s website, leopard sharks can be found in bay environments and shallow waters along the West Coast, from as far south as Mazatlan, Mexico northward to Oregon.

Steers added that it’s not as common to find leopard sharks so close to the shore this late in the year.

As for how the shark got to the golf course, Steers said there are predatory birds in the area known to prey on fish in shallow waters, but she could not

confirm without seeing the shark for herself.

“I have seen peregrine falcons and we do have ospreys. Between the two of those, ospreys are probably more frequent. Those are the only two that would’ve had the strength,” Steers said.

It’s also possible the shark got to the golf course by human hands.

“I have heard and seen instances,” Steers said. “You hate to think a human could do this.” CD

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

After a historic run that ended with a Section 10 championship, the San Juan Little League Senior All-Stars were honored in front of the San Juan Capistrano City Council on Tuesday, October 16.

The team, which won the District 68 and Section 10 championships back in July, was honored with certificates from the council, which were presented to them by Mayor Larry Kramer.

“You displayed talent, spirit and sportsmanship and you made your city proud,” Kramer said.

The team was the first San Juan Little League team to win a sectional championship and the first to win District 68

Where are the Lakers?

titles in back-to-back fashion.

After Kramer congratulated the players, coaches and parents in attendance, team coach Bruce Robison, who has 22 years of coaching experience, took to the podium.

Storylines to follow heading into this week’s matchups

By Darian Nourian The Capistrano Dispatch

T

Due to dispute amongst cable providers, Lakers games are only available to those with Time Warner Cable. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers

their games,” San Clemente resident Oscar Montecinos said. “I just think that it’s getting out of control with all these big TV contracts. It should be about the fans, not the money.”

Some Lakers fans have already gone to extraordinary lengths just to watch their team play.

Steve Behmerwohld, a San Juan Capistrano resident and avid Lakers fan of 30-plus years, switched his television provider from Dish Network to DirecTV before the start of last year’s NBA season. He did so because at the time, it was rumored that Dish Network would no longer carry Lakers games.

Dish Network agreed to a deal to air the games one day before the start of the 2011 regular season—after Behmerwohld had already switched providers.

“I understand that when you pay players so much money, somebody has to pay for it, so a television deal of such magnitude (20 years, $3 billion) is justi-

The Capistrano Dispatch October 26-November 8, 2012

The San Juan Little League Senior All-Stars were recognized by the San Juan Capistrano City Council on Tuesday, October 16. Photo by Brian Park

“When you get through District 68 you’ve done something…For (the team) to then go through Section 10, that’s quite an accomplishment,” Robison said. “That was our goal, to go one step higher than we did (last year). I’m very proud of these guys. It was a great run at it.”

The District 68 and Section 10 championship San Juan Capistrano Little League Senior All-Stars are: Mario Morales, Steven Cervantes, Caleb Ward, Jason Core, Gary Elkins, Marcos Romero, Josh Robison, Ryan Lefner, Cole Steines, Mick Archambeault and Iain Jones. —Steve Breazeale

WEEK 8 FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Contract disputes between cable providers have taken the team off-air, leaving fans frustrated he Los Angeles Lakers are about to embark on yet another NBA calendar year, kicking off their season October 30 against the Dallas Mavericks. With the new additions of superstars Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, Laker fans throughout southern Orange County are buzzing over the thought of yet another NBA championship, which would be the franchise’s 17th.

Unfortunately for those fans, at least for now, Lakers games will not be seen by the majority of households in southern Orange County. The reason being that Time Warner Cable, the team’s new $3-billion television partner, has not been able to convince other cable providers to carry their two new networks, Sportsnet and Deportes.

Cox Communications, DirecTV and Dish Network are all major television providers in the area that have continued to hold out on Time Warner’s new networks due to the asking price, which is reported to be $3.95 per subscriber per month, according to a Los Angeles Times report. If a deal is reached between Time Warner and other cable providers, the Lakers will be back on air.

“We are still in negotiations, but we are trying to get the new networks before the Lakers’ first official regular season game,” A public relations representative for Cox Communications said.

A deal between providers is something that all local Lakers fans are hoping for so that they are able to watch the team come October 30.

“I am a huge Lakers fan and it is really tough already not being able to watch

COUNCIL HONORS SAN JUAN LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM

San Juan Hills at Capistrano Valley, 7 p.m. The Stallions (7-1, 1-1 league) and the Cougars (7-1, 1-1) have identical records and will both be fighting to keep their seasons alive. Because Dana Hills (3-5, 2-0) and Laguna Hills (4-3, 2-1) already have two league wins each, whoever wins the game between San Juan Hills and Capo Valley will have a good shot at challenging for the league title if their record improves to 2-1. Both teams have two games left on their schedule. The Sea View League standings are among the most confusing in the county right now but after Friday’s games, things should become clearer. The Stallions are coming off a big come-frombehind victory over Aliso Niguel and the Cougars are coming off a signature win over Laguna Hills.

JSerra v. Santa Margarita, at Saddleback College, 7:30 p.m. The Lions (5-3, 0-3) will certainly have their hands full with Santa Margarita (7-1, 2-1), a team that is still finding ways to win despite losing their starting quarterback, Johnny Stanton. A question mark heading into this game will be Lions running back Casey Eugenio, who exited last week’s game with an injury.

St. Margaret’s v. Brethren Christian The Tartans (7-1, 2-0) have steamrolled through league play so far but will face arguably their toughest test Friday against the Warriors (5-3, 1-0). If the Tartans win, they could essentially secure yet another Academy League title.

fied in an owner’s sense,” Behmerwohld said. “But it is really just a helpless feeling, since we can’t really control what our television providers do. I’m sure that the parties involved will come to a deal, it is just a matter of when and how much.”

When 30 San Clemente residents were asked in an informal survey whether they were willing to pay $3.95 more per month for their television service to be able to watch Lakers games, all 30 responded that they would.

“It is in the best interest of both parties to get this deal done before the start of the regular season and that is what we are hoping for,” a public relations representative from Dish Network said.

This holdout could affect local bars and restaurants, which rely on being able to show these games for business.

Michael Merrigan is the owner of OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar in San Clemente and his restaurant carries DirecTV. “The people want to be able to come

in and watch the Lakers, especially now more than ever with their exciting new acquisitions in Nash and Howard,” Merrigan said. “We haven’t been affected by the holdout so far, since it’s only the preseason…but as November inches closer, I do worry a little.”

It seems as if professional sports have been attracted to holdouts lately.

The NBA and the NFL players and owners’ contract negotiations drew mass media attention at the beginning of their respective seasons. The NHL players association is currently in a dispute with the league and in lock out mode.

Now local television providers are in a dispute with Time Warner Cable.

It is just another instance of business affecting the world of sports and many southern Orange County Lakers fans are suffering as a result.

For now fans will just have to remain patient, having already missed the team’s first eight preseason games. CD

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—Steve Breazeale

www.thecapistranodispatch.com