The Capistrano Dispatch

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OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE NOVEMBER 23–DECEMBER 13, 2012 FOUNDED IN 2002

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 22

Capistrano Winter Sports Local teams set their sights on league and playoff success S P O R T S / PAG E 2 0

Sophomore Eric Rwahwire, freshman Nolan Willet and senior Nick Worrell and the Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball team will attempt to repeat as San Joaquin League champions in 2012. Photo by Kevin Dahlgren

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City Projects Lower Output at Groundwater Recovery Plant

Fiesta Association Names Swallows Day Dignitaries

Special Section: Holiday Happenings and Gift Guide

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 4

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EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE At a meeting honoring the recently completed work of the General Plan Advisory Committee last Tuesday, members of the committee pressed the three members of the City Council present to fulfill a promise to meet with the body before the council makes its own decisions on what would be in the General Plan. Alan Korsen, one of two chairman of GPAC, told the council members present that after the Advisory Commission finishes its work revising the General Plan, members of the GPAC would like to meet with the council to discuss the reasoning behind their initial decisions. “We’ve been promised that almost since the very beginning,” Korsen said. Chief among the concerns, Korsen noted, was the Planning Commission’s rejection of GPAC’s proposed two-story height limit for downtown San Clemente.

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

The Dana Point Friends of the Library Bookstore is temporarily closed while the county works toward formalizing license agreements between Orange County Libraries and FOL bookstores county-wide. All other FOL bookstores remain open. A county attorney said formal agreements allowing nonprofit volunteer FOL groups to occupy county property are necessary. Final approval by the Board of Supervisors is expected in December. Meanwhile, the FOL will elect a new board at their December meeting. With a new board and a signed licensing agreement with the county in place, the bookstore could reopen by early January. County Librarian Helen Fried said that in light of recent infighting—an attempt by former volunteers to oust the current board and a lawsuit filed by the board in response—the temporary closure could provide the FOL time to amicably resolve their conflicts.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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…the Groundwater Recovery Plant?

THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano’s controversial Groundwater Recovery Plant is producing less water than projected, forcing the city to increase its dependence on imported water, according to the city’s first quarter financial report.

In a presentation to the City Council on Tuesday, November 13, Cindy Russell, the city’s chief financial officer, said the plant has fallen short of its projected output in the first quarter, spanning from June to September, by 398 acre feet. The city had initially projected a total output for the fiscal year at 4,545 a.f. The Utilities Department has asked that number be revised and decreased to 4,000 a.f.

Meanwhile, the city’s reliance on imported water has increased by 286.9 a.f. The annual projection was revised and increased from 2,767 a.f. to 3,312 a.f.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city still expects $1.4 million in revenue from water operations, after $1.3 million is allocated for Capital Improvement Projects. That money will go toward lowering the city’s $3.9 million water deficit, which Russell projects will be made up by June 2015.

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

—Brian Park

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…San Juan Creek Road Extension?

THE LATEST: The city of San Juan Capistrano confirmed its long-standing position against an extension of San Juan Creek Road after a virtually unanimous show of

solidarity between the City Council and residents on Tuesday, November 13.

Although the project remains on the county’s Master Plan of Arterial Highways, there are no immediate plans to extend the road, which would cut through the city-owned Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.

“When we bought that piece of property, not only were we getting open space to stop the development of 300 homes, we had open space to stop the extension,” said Councilwoman Laura Freese, who brought the item to the council’s attention.

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

…City Commissions?

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council on Tuesday, November 13, approved several changes to the city’s commission structure that aim to improve the efficiency of City Hall and make the city more business friendly.

Among the changes include reducing the number of planning commissioners from seven to five members, creating a new Investment Advisory Committee and making the Transportation Commission a subgroup of the Planning Commission, much like the Design Review Committee.

A subcommittee of Mayor Larry

The Capistrano Dispatch November 23–December 13, 2012

WHAT’S NEXT: The changes will be reviewed further by the commissions.

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

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WHAT’S NEXT: The council directed staff to look into taking the plan off the city’s General Plan. According to Alan Oswald, the city’s senior traffic engineer, the city’s plan must be consistent with the county’s plan or else the city could lose out in its Measure M2 funding for transportation projects.

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Kramer and Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor met with commission chairpersons to receive their input. Kramer, Taylor and City Manager Karen Brust also met with their counterparts from the cities of Buena Park, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo and San Clemente to see how those cities’ commissions worked.

…the SONGS Public Meeting?

THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has announced a new date and location for its meeting with officials at Southern California Edison to discuss the company’s confirmatory action letter responding to the NRC’s inspection of the steam generator tubes at both units of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

The meeting is now scheduled for November 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Hills Hotel in Laguna Hills. The meeting had originally been scheduled for November 16 in Dana Point, but the venue was not secured and the meeting was delayed so that a new venue could be found.

According to the NRC’s new release, the meeting will include a technical presentation by SCE on the basis, methodology and conclusions of their efforts to identify the causes of the unexpected steam generator tube wear, the corrective actions taken to address those causes and the basis for continued safe operation of Unit 2.

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WHAT’S NEXT: The NRC is encouraging the public to primarily view the event via webcast, due to the limited capacity (400 people) of the venue.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information about the webcast, visit video.nrc.gov.

—Jim Shilander

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…CUSD Refinancing?

THE LATEST: In a move that could save district taxpayers an additional $906,300 annually, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday, November 13, unanimously approved to refinance its general obligation bonds.

The bonds, which are derived from 1999 voter-approved Measure A, total $64.9 million—of which $30.2 million is callable. Sacramento-based Government Financial Services, the district’s contracted public finance firm, suggested the district take advantage of low interest rates, which could increase savings for district taxpayers from $5.5 million to $6.4 million.

At their October 24 meeting, the board unanimously approved to refinance $22.8 million of its Certificates of Participation, which could save the district an additional $190,000 annually.

WHAT’S NEXT: The bonds are expected to be sold by December 4, according to Clark Hampton, the deputy superintendent of business services. Government Financial Services will provide an analysis of both the refinancing of COP’s and bonds at the board’s January meeting.

FIND OUT MORE: To view the October 24 presentation, visit www.capousd.org.

—BP www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

eventually superseded by the state’s current constitution.

Archive documents show that 22 San Juan Capistrano residents were part of the vote to approve the original constitution.

At the City Council meeting, the Youth Advisory Board led a reenactment of the vote featuring fourth-grade students from San Juan Elementary. The students also presented state birthday cards, which are currently on display at the San Juan Capistrano Library. The City Council welcomed the students, Youth Advisory Board members and Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Joseph Farley onto the dais for a photo opportunity.

Laguna Woods-resident Galal Kernahan helped organize the effort and is part of a charge to include the state’s first constitution into the fourth-grade curriculum locally and statewide. What started at San Juan Elementary, Kernahan hopes, will become a model for other schools.

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

Compiled by Brian Park

Fiesta Association Names New Señor San Juan and Ms. Fiesta The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association has elected Pamela and Jim Schuler of Dana Point as Ms. Fiesta and Señor San Juan for the 2013 Fiesta de las Golondrinas season and Swallows Day Parade. The two senior dignitaries will be joined by Jr. Ms. Fiesta Julia Delamare and Jr. Señor San Juan Julian Cereghino, both from the Mission Parish School. The four were unanimously selected during the Fiesta Association’s Kickoff BBQ at Zoomars Petting Zoo in October. Former mayor Joe Soto will serve as grand marshal of the Swallows Day Parade, which is scheduled to take place Saturday, March 23.

Bank of America Volunteers Teach Fiscal Responsibility at Boys & Girls Club Twenty-one volunteers from Bank of America were joined by 275 children at the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley on Friday, November 16, to take part in United Way’s “Day of Caring” event. The volunteers taught the children about fiscal responsibility through simple lessons in financial literacy and also took in a few rounds of dodgeball and other games. Friday’s event caps a monthlong effort by Bank of America volunteers and United Way in Orange County. In recent weeks, volunteers have also assembled backpacks filled with food and snacks for needy children and helped prepare the Thomas House Shelter in Garden Grove for the holiday season.

Fuji Electric Unveils Electric Car Charger at the Marriott Electric car owners travelling through San Juan Capistrano have a new place to charge their vehicles after Fuji Electric unveiled its D.C. quick charger at the Residence Inn by Marriott on Saturday, November 17.

The 25kW charging station is Fuji’s first publicly available quick charger on ChargePoint, a national network of independently owned charging stations. The charging station is owned by EV-integrator Evoasis and provides a full charge in approximately one hour.

On Saturday, Residence Inn General Manager Ketra Slayton was joined by Mayor Larry Kramer, Chamber of Commerce Board President Stephanie Frisch and Fuji

Pamela and Jim Schuler of Dana Point have been selected as Ms. Fiesta and Señor San Juan for the 2013 Swallows Day Parade. Courtesy photo

Zia Jewelry Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Electric representatives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Guests also included the Nissan Leaf community, owners of the fully-electric car and advocates of low-emission vehicles, who travelled from Los Angeles and San Diego.

While on a vacation to Southern California, a 25-yearold Ron Cohan fell in love with the charm of San Juan Capistrano—so much so that he instantly packed his bags, closed his flower business in Miami to start anew here. Thirty-five years later, Cohan is the proud owner of a unique jewelry store in the heart of downtown, Zia Jewelry, 31761 Camino Capistrano. Cohan, his friends and several longtime patrons recently celebrated his store’s 35th anniversary with a three-day celebration.

“I love the feel of the downtown. We’ve been through ups and downs, but the community has always supported us and we’ve absolutely done our best for everybody that we deal with it.”

Most of Zia Jewelry’s business does not come from brand-name sales. Instead, Cohan’s philosophy has always been to showcase lesser known jewelry artists and their original designs. Cohan’s store specializes in American Southwestern designs but also features jewelry from around the globe.

“Regular jewelry stores are boring,” Cohan said. “One of the main reasons for jewelry is to enhance your appearance, and there’s so many ways to do that.”

To celebrate its anniversary, Zia Jewelry will be offering sale and discount prices until the end of November. For more information, visit www.ziajewelryonline.com.

Free Masons Debut in San Juan The Free and Accepted Masons, Veritas Lodge #855, are setting up their new home in San Juan Capistrano— the first new lodge in south Orange County in 30 years, according to a news release. The group is relocating from Mission Viejo and will have their first meeting on Thursday, January 10, at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place at The Woman’s Club, 31442 El Horno, and begins with dinner and a social hour. The lodge intends to meet regularly at the location on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. The lodge has already taken steps to invest into the community. In August, members and families of the lodge donated backpacks for students at San Juan Elementary. The lodge says they, and the California Grand Lodge, will continue to support the school and regional education. For more information, visit www.veritaslodge. com or call 949.441.0357.

San Juan Elementary Helps Celebrate Anniversary of State Constitution The San Juan Capistrano City Council celebrated the 163rd anniversary of California’s first constitution on Tuesday, November 13. The original constitution was ratified nearly a year before California’s statehood and was

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SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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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 22. 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.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO Norb Garrett

ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

EDITORIAL

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

Finance Director > Mike Reed

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting Manager Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Senior Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander Reporter, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne Sports & News Reporter > Steve Breazeale Staff Reporter, Copy Editor > Justin Swanson

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Sales Associates > Angela Edwards

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

GUEST OPINION: By Sam Allevato, San Juan Capistrano City Councilman

Hispanic Community Continues to Shape San Juan The Hispanic vote proved vital this election season, despite the nonbelievers

I

have always treated the Hispanic community with respect and gratitude for the rich heritage that they bring to our city. I have lived in California essentially my whole life (I moved here from West Virginia when I was 2-years-old) and have a long and rich history of association with the Hispanic community. I grew up in the East Los Angeles area and can honestly relate to their culture and heritage. They are the “founding fathers” of this city after all, and they have given so much to the cultural and historic character of this city.

I believe the Hispanic voters of this community recognize this fact from my voting record and my affiliation with the organizations they love, i.e. Mariachi Capistrano, Camino Health Care, the Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Boys & Girls Club, etc. My opponents (like Ms. McCarthy) have publicly opposed these organizations and continue to

classify our city as a “Sanctuary City,” a label which has been refuted repeatedly by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol and our own Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

Sam Allevato This hate-inspired mantra has needlessly caused fear and division within our town, and the Hispanic voters have taken notice.

I believe our 40 percent Hispanic population in San Juan Capistrano is due to economic, historical and social reasons and not to any actions taken or not taken by the City Council. Four years ago, this mantra of a Sanctuary City was used against Joe Soto, but it did not work this time.

I have always enforced the law and I too am opposed to free giveaways to non-citizens using taxpayer money.

However, I differ with my own Republican Party (which is finally waking up to my reasoning) in that we need to fix the immigration issue with real solutions and not continue to threaten to deport their parents and grandparents, many of whom have been here, paying taxes and contributing to our society. Creating a guest-worker program and a path to legal-resident status is a beginning I hope the federal government will take on soon.

Hispanic voters do get out and vote and I paid attention to this fact, where I believe my opponents “wrote them off” as non-voters. I walked the Villas, Village San Juan and all the neighborhoods in San Juan equally. I enjoyed the help of over 25 volunteers that helped me in this effort.

I continue to honor the Hispanic tradition of our town and look forward to the day when we can all just be considered

“Americans” and we can drop all the hyphenations, i.e. Italian-American, Irish-American, etc. I don’t think this will happen in my lifetime as some folks want to continue to want to divide us by race and ethnicity, rather than unite us, however I will continue to welcome members of all races, colors and creeds and work for the benefit of all our residents.

Just because you have a more Anglo sounding name does not make you more American than those of us with more ethnic sounding names. I would ask you to visit our historic Mission San Juan Capistrano cemetery and look at the names and number of Hispanic veterans who gave up their lives in defense of our country. That should be the real story because they died defending the right of their descendants to vote in this great country. CD

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

In Response to Jack Chestek T

his is in response to Jack Chestek’s letter to the editor in the last Dispatch. I had had a conversation with Jack a few weeks ago about water in San Juan Capistrano. I Larry Kramer would just like to correct a couple of his points.

He writes, “Our mayor told me he can’t see a need for more than one night of water storage in our town.”

Fact: At present we have about three

days storage in reservoirs. Without the Groundwater Recovery Plant we would need many more reservoirs to increase our capacity to at least one week. To increase the storage to one week, it is estimated to cost about $40 million to construct above-ground steel and concrete reservoirs. Do you want to spend that much money and do you want a storage tank near you? Of course, the cost of building those additional storage tanks would be reflected in your water bill.

He writes, “Rather than paying down

The Capistrano Dispatch November 23–December 13, 2012

the city’s water debt, the mayor is taking $3 million in state grant and blowing it on his water factory. The mayor looks at grant funds as free money.”

Fact: It is against the law to use this grant money to pay down the city’s water debt or to fund operations. It must be used for capital improvements and that is what the city is doing. If we do not use the $3 million for capital improvements within the city of San Juan Capistrano, it will go to surrounding cities. I prefer for it to be used in our city instead of other cities.

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He writes, “My water management didn’t know or didn’t want to be responsible for figuring our present water rates, so it hired an outside firm to recommend our water rates.”

Fact: Setting water rates under California law is very technical and because we only do it once every few years, it is standard practice to hire an independent, reputable firm to determine water rates for water utilities. Otherwise, we have to overstaff to maintain expertise we only use during rate-setting every three years or so. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX JONATHAN VOLZKE: My Turn

As the Dust Settles…

W

ith the official swearing in of Sam Allevato and Roy Byrnes slated for the December 4 City Council meeting, there’s still some time to mull over the November 6 results.

First off, the numbers: Capistrano saw 14,928 of its 20,349 registered voters cast a ballot by the end of election day, for a 73.4 percent turnout. As always, the city turned out in a higher percentage than Orange County, which saw a 66.8 percent turnout, which about mirrored the state’s turnout of 67 percent. Cheers to Alpine County for its 84.9 percent turnout, by the way, and jeers to Napa County for its dismal 45 percent turnout.

Byrnes garnered the greatest number of votes with 5,956. Allevato was second with 5,231, while Kim McCarthy was third in the race for two seats with 4,791. When Capistrano voters go for a bit of a change, they go big: In 2008, “newcomer” Laura Freese garnered the most votes, while in 2006, thenchallenger Mark Nielsen finished atop the ballot.

And while the race for the third seat seemed close—440 votes—keep in mind that 30 votes separate two candidates vying for a seat in Fullerton as I write this. A Yorba Linda man was elected by 200 votes this year—that in a city where one vote decided a race in 2010.

It was Freese stepping down for family reasons that created the open seat that Byrnes grabbed. Allevato has actually managed to pull off something increasingly difficult in town in gaining re-election, as Capistrano voters have regularly removed incumbents since 2002. (Joe Soto served six years after his election in 2002 but was reappointed in 2004 when no challenger stepped forward. He lost his only re-election bid in 2008.)

We’ll hear a bit about money—that Allevato and Planning Commissioner Ginny Kerr greatly outspent their opponents. The final finance reports aren’t due for a few weeks but the last forms did show a great disparity in spending: Allevato and Kerr more than $35,000 each, while Byrnes and McCarthy spent less than $5,000 each.

But obviously the election wasn’t bought, as voters picked one highdollar candidate and one low-dollar candidate. The money helps buy name recognition, of course, and Allevato and Kerr invested in mailers sent to homes.

Kerr—who arguably had the least name recognition among the four top candidates—Byrnes and McCarthy seemed

to have those blue and white signs everywhere and also had strong name recognition from the Common Sense newsletter that’s been distributed throughout town the last few years.

Jonathan Volzke One issue remains unfinished: both the Fair Political Practices Commission and the Orange County District Attorney are investigating whether Common Sense publishers violated any laws during the election cycle. Capistrano attorney Ed Connor filed a complaint that the newsletter was essentially acting as an unregistered political action committee.

I suspect the difference in the campaign: Allevato and Kerr also assembled a team of volunteers to knock on every door in town with fliers supporting them, even the largely Latino communities in the Villas and San Juan Village. As Patch.com pointed out a few days after the election, those neighborhoods overwhelmingly supported Allevato.

McCarthy, of course, made her name in town as a vocal critic—very vocally and very critically—of immigration policies and her perception that Capistrano had become a “Sanctuary City.” Allevato, a former police officer, was more moderate, although he did support the city’s use of e-verify before that was made illegal in the state.

Election strategy aside, I’m convinced Capistrano voters picked the two candidates they knew and thought best for the job. Although well known in the equestrian community, Kerr’s work on the Planning Commission wasn’t high enough profile to put her in the top two spots. And McCarthy was just too well known. A smart woman with some good ideas, she was just too polarizing in her often-angry approach. Tom Marantz was another candidate who will make a good addition to our community’s leadership but needs to get involved and get his name out there.

Most of us treasure the “community” of Capistrano, and elections by their nature divide neighbors. The takeaway from this election should be that we’re going to disagree, but we must do so with respect for one another. And as we take off our armor from the election battle, we should all take a moment to look around: our community faces challenges that we need to solve together, but we have much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch November 23-December 13, 2012

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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

HIKE OFF YOUR THANKSGIVING FEAST 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Post-holiday moderate-level hike and picnic at The Reserve/ Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Bring your own leftovers for lunch. Cost $5-10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

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A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE MUSICAL 8 p.m. Preview night for the new holiday play debuting at Camino Real Playhouse. Regular shows through Dec. 16. Tickets $18-34.

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

VON COTTON 8:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

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

saturday

PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ 5 p.m.-9 p.m. A family-friendly event on Avenida Del Mar in Downtown San Clemente, with a parade, Santa Claus and entertainment, plus shops and restaurants open late. Visit www.villagesanclemente.org for info.

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AT THE MOVIES: ‘LINCOLN’ INSPIRES Schindler’s List (1993), Saving Pvt. Ryan (1998), Munich (2005) and War Horse (2011) all prove Steven Spielberg can captivate moviegoers with history on screen. This month, he’s brought us a biodrama a decade in the making simply titled Lincoln. Starring U.K.-based method actor Daniel Day-Lewis as Abe during the year he pushed for the passing of the 13th constitutional amendment to ban slavery. It’s 1865; President Lincoln has just been re-elected and the war between north and south rages on. He believes the best decision to end the war would also simultaneously create equality for mankind. But not everyone in the White House agrees, including Democratic Congressman Fernando Wood (Lee Pace) and a weary Confederate Vice President Alexander H. Stephens (Jackie Earle Haley). On Lincoln’s side are Secretary of State William Seward (David Strathairn), Republican Congressional leader Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones), Democratic operative William N. Bilbo (James Spader) and Col. Robert Latham (John Hawkes). At home, Lincoln and First Lady Mary Todd (Sally Field) also face family drama as their eldest son Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) insists on enlisting despite his parents’ resistance. Like all Spielberg movies, Lincoln features talented, well-cast stars in both large and small roles. Day-Lewis offers a fine, studied portrayal of the man, but Field, Spader and Pace are the standouts in the film. Lincoln is a well-researched, stunning picture clearly made with respect and admiration from Spielberg, but in between the history and geography, it is slightly lacking in depth and charm. —Megan Bianco

ARK PET ADOPTION 12 a.m.-4 p.m. Rescue animals up for adoption at PetSmart in the Costco Center.

949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

HART & SOUL 7 p.m. Live music at Thai Juan On. 31878 Del Obispo Street, #109, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.0332, www.thaijuanon.com.

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR 10 a.m. Discover 200 years of San Juan Capistrano architecture on a 90-minute guided walk that includes adobes, Spanish-era dwellings and modern buildings. Meet at Verdugo Street.

Occurs every Saturday; a $5 donation supports the Friends of the Library. For more info, call 949.489.0736.

AFTER PARTY COVER BAND 8 p.m. Hits of the ‘80s, ‘90s and today at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

AL STEWART 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House.

Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

sunday

monday

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

tuesday

KNITLIT BOOK GROUP 6 p.m. Bring your knitting or other craft project and discuss the book “Work Song” by Ian Doig at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

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RUBEN GONZALEZ 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

wednesday

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MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Restaurants and bars in downtown San Juan offer microbrews and food at great prices. 949.493.4700,

AN IRISH CHRISTMAS 2 p.m. Special show at Irvine Barclay Theater featuring traditional Irish music, dance, storytelling, laughter and more.

Tickets $28-48. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646, www.thebarclay.org

www.sanjuanchamber.com.

KALEIDOSCOPE LIGHTS UP YOUR HOLIDAYS 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony at the Kaleidoscope with music and dance, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, a visit from Santa and much more. 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy., Mission Viejo, www.gokaleidoscope.com.

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

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

thursday

WHALE WATCHING 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Dana Wharf offers daily whale watching tours. $30-45. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

THANKS TO THE OCEAN’ BEACH CLEANUP 9 a.m.12 p.m. Give thanks to the ocean and volunteer in the beach cleanup at Doheny State Beach. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.6172, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. SJC Historical Society leads a tour to see Los Rios Historical District, O’Neill Museum, Montanez Adobe, the Mission, Rios Adobe and more. Meet at the train depot on Verdugo Street. Every Sunday. $2 adults, $1 children.

949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

YO GABBA GABBA LIVE 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Special show at the Honda Center. Tickets start at $25.75. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

THE FULLTONES 2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

HOLIDAY SUCCULENT TERRARIUM CLASS 12 p.m.

Class on making holiday globes with succulents at Goin Native. Cost $18-23. 31661 Los Rios St., 949.606.6386, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Helicopter performs, followed by 8:30 p.m. Rob Staley Band at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

BOOK SIGNING 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy a glass of wine and the chance to meet local author Tom Conroy at SC Wine Company. 212 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com

READ TO A DOG 3 p.m. Kids can practice reading skills to a certified therapy dog at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

(Cont. on page 15)

The Capistrano Dispatch November 23–December 13, 2012

Page 10

29

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

10% Off Christmas Boxed Cards While Supplies Last Paper Annex 31103 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite D-2 San Juan Capistrano 949.661.4342

Mark Robert’s Mini Stocking Ornament $24.75 Two Doors Down 949.443.1783 32291 Camino Capistrano #B San Juan Capistrano TwoDoorsDown.com

Massage Therapy Gift Cards Treat your loved ones to a much needed hour of stress relief! $49 for a one hour gift card.

The Massage Associates 31952 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano 949.489.7924 www.themassageassociates.com

Atenti Handbags $74 - $154 The Nest 31711 Los Rios Street San Juan Capistrano 949.661.1395

Cultured Opal Necklace & Earring Set Sale: $139 Zia Jewelry 31761 Camino Capistrano #3 San Juan Capistrano 949.493.1322 ZiaJewelryOnline.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10) HOLIDAY IN THE HARBOR 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Celebrate the season at the Dana Point Harbor with seasonal activities for kids and families, pictures with Santa, live entertainment and much more. Free admission. Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2979, www.danapointharbor.com.

friday

30

A TUNA CHRISTMAS 7 p.m. A new comedy debuts at Cabrillo Playhouse. Tickets $15-20. Shows through Dec. 23.

202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

POWERSHARES TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP CUP 7:30 p.m. Special one-time event at the Honda Center featuring tennis legends Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and more. Tickets start at $45. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

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

saturday

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE AND CRAFT FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Shop for holiday gifts at Community Presbyterian Church, featuring fun for the whole family, crafts, photos with Santa, refreshments, and much more. 32202 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1502, www.sjcpres.org.

01

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO TREE LIGHTING 4 p.m.9 p.m. Annual tree lighting ceremony and festivities at Historic Town Center Park with musical and dance performances and the tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. After, browse stores, restaurants, Zoomars and more for holiday specials, great prices, goodies and more fun. Santa will be over at Los Rios Park for pictures. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

HOLLY JOLLY HOOPLA 2 p.m.-5 p.m. The city of San Clemente presents a holiday event at the SC Community Center with a snow hill for sledding, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, crafts, movies and much more holiday fun for the whole family. After the Hoopla, follow the bells down the lane to “Christmas at the Casa” at 5:30 p.m. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, www.san-clemente.org.

CHRISTMAS AT THE MISSION 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano kicks off the holidays with their annual event featuring a nativity scene, a visit and photos with St. Nicholas, live music performances, activities and food.

Bring a canned food donation. $3-5. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Take a holiday boat cruise with Santa and his helpers at Dana Wharf; cruises run Saturday and Sunday. $1. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

SPECIAL WINE TASTING EVENT 4 p.m.-7 p.m. DaVine Food & Wine features a wine tasting with special guest Jennifer Rheuban from J Vineyards & Winery. $25; includes five wine tastes and light holiday appetizers. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

CRAFT LAB WORKSHOP 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn how to hand-craft jewelry, beeswax candles, ornaments and even pies at The Ecology Center. $45-$50. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 23–December 13, 2012

ON STAGE: Dennis Quaid and the Sharks Rock ‘n’ roll and country soul: that’s Why not make a night of it and enjoy what Dennis Quaid and his band, The dinner at the Coach House before the Sharks, promise Coach House concertgoshow? Dinner reservations give patrons priority seating that is closer and more ers at their December 8 performance. central to the stage. And besides that, the The actor known for roles in films such as The Big Easy, Great Balls of Fire!, The menu offers a variety of entrée choices, Rookie, The Day After Tomorrow, Wyatt Earp from steak and chicken to fish and vegand Soul Surfer, is not only a movie star etarian meals, as well as a selection of appetizers and desserts. but a rock star as well.

The Coach House, 33157 Camino CapQuaid sings lead vocals and plays rhythm guitar for his longtime rock band. istrano, San Juan Capistrano, Saturday, A Dennis Quaid and the Sharks perforDecember 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. Shows mance promises fans a high-energy, party- Dennis Quaid. Courtesy photo start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more worthy mix of original music as well as information, tickets or dinner reservations, classics including “Spill the Wine,” “Great Balls of Fire,” see www.thecoachhouse.com or call 949.496.8930.

“LA Woman,” “Louie Louie,” “Gloria” and more.

—Andrea Swayne

sunday

VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A special holiday Village Art Fair with great gifts and more in downtown San Clemente. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.218.5378, www.villagesanclemente.org.

02

PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring your pets in holiday outfits and have their picture taken with Santa at Petsmart, hosted by the Ark of San Juan Rescue Group. 33963 Doheny Park Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Walk through four decorated homes in Cypress Cove, San Clemente, in event sponsored by the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley and benefitting CUSD schools. $30.

949.291.8408, www.capistrano.assistanceleague.org.

A FEAST OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY CONCERT 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The Saddleback College choirs and symphony present a holiday concert. $20. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu.

OPERATION HOLIDAY MAGIC Donate cards to single marines and families, gift cards, as well as toys to children of marine families; goes to Dana Point’s adopted 5th Marine Regiment. Drop off locations throughout Dana Point and Shorecliffs Golf Course in San Clemente.

More info: www.danapoint5thmarines.com.

monday

03

ANNUAL HOLIDAY STUDENT ART SALE 12 p.m.6 p.m. Saddleback College student works on sale Dec. 2-4. Room FA 202, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu.

tuesday

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m. Children ages 3-6 and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, crafts and fun. No registration is required. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

04

MIKE DEBELLIS 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live jazz at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com.

Page 15

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND 7:30 p.m. The legendary artist and band hold a concert at the Honda Center. Tickets start at $72. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

wednesday

05

BREAKFAST MIXER 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. Chamber breakfast event at a local restaurant, TBD. More info: 949.493.4700, www. sanjuanchamber.com.

BISHOP’S CHESS CLUB 6 p.m.-7:45 p.m. Chess club meets the first Wednesday of the month at the San Juan Capistrano library to play games, give instruction, discuss chess and much more. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

BILINGUAL STORYTIME 11:30 a.m. Stories in Spanish and English for kids at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

thursday

PHOTOS WITH SANTA 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Kids can get a free photo with the man in the red suit at the El Torito Courtyard and again on Thurs., Dec. 13, at the Dana Wharf Courtyard same time. 34521 Golden Lantern Dana Point, 949.496.2979, www.danapointharbor.com.

06

CASA HOLIDAY EXHIBITION 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience the nostalgia of Christmases past with Casa Romantica’s holiday exhibition featuring vintage cookie tins, doll houses, trains and more. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

THE STAN ZABEK BAND ‘JUMPIN BLUES’ 7:30 p.m.

Live music at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

ZACK CHURCHILL 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Live reggae, blues and rock at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event?

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

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Friday 11.30 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 11.27 Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting 5 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano.org

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

Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www. sanjuancapistrano.org

Monday 12.3

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

Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Commission Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano.org Tuesday 12.4

Thursday 12.6

December 12.14 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes

City Council Meeting 6 p.m. City

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50: Tom Blake

Recovering After a Spouse Moves Out Without Notice R ecently, I received an email from a man named Trent, in which he shared his story about unexpectedly becoming single later in life and the lesson he learned from it. I could relate to a part of his story: a similar experience happened to me, which I explain at the end of the column.

After Trent’s first marriage ended, he raised four children by himself while living in Utah. After five years, a friend introduced him to a woman who also had four children.

Trent said, “We dated for one year and married. We did a pretty good job of blending our families. I supported her and her kids for seven years. During the last three years of this economic recession, things became tight financially. I asked for her help via a part-time job but was met with resistance each time. Her youngest was 15, already in high school, so it wasn’t like I was asking her to leave a small child at home.

“Things went downhill from there and eventually she reconnected on Facebook with a man she had known from high school who lived in another state.

Over many months, they corresponded and eventually met in person.

“Several months later, while I was out of town with my kids, she rented a moving truck and took off with about 80 percent of the items in our home.

She pulled her three kids from work and school and they all headed east. I found out about the moving truck from a neighbor’s phone call and returned home several days later.”

Trent said his oldest step-daughter telephoned to tell him about the other man. Trent hired a private detective

who tracked his wife down in Washington, D.C. She had taken a bunch of cash, his car and most of their furniture. He flew there and repossessed his car.

Things weren’t working ON LIFE AND out too well for her.

LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake Trent said, “Within two months, her younger kids had flown to stay with their dad in another state and within another month the youngest returned to live and attend high school and be with us again.

My ex found out during the divorce that our home was under water as to equity and she had already gotten cash and furniture so that was about it.

“I was not paying alimony as the marriage was short-term and she was co-habitating with someone. Her child support for her kids went away when her kids went to stay with their dad and it turned out the fellow she fell for was renting his big home and did not own it.

The moral of the story: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

“I truly did love her, was hurt deeply by not just the breakup of our marriage but also the loss of sense of family.”

So, what’s become of Trent? He has forgiven his ex-wife and wishes her success. He has slowly started dating again.

“I hope through the process of self improvement, becoming totally healed, and meeting an independent and happy woman, we will be able to form a new life together. May we all never give up.”

I can relate to Trent’s story, having had a similar experience. On Christmas Eve 1993, my wife of seven years

The Capistrano Dispatch November 23–December 13, 2012

backed up a U-Haul to our Dana Point home, took what furniture and belongings she wanted and moved out of my life. I was out of town visiting my mom.

From that rather jolting experience, I began writing newspaper columns about being single after 50. My first article, published July 4, 1994, was titled “Home alone with only my dogs for company.”

There have been close to 3,000 articles since.

As Trent did, I started dating again.

On June 24, 1998, a R.H. Dana special education school teacher named Greta ordered a fresh carrot juice at Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli. Yes, she was attractive, but more importantly, I could tell from her smile she was a kind and gentle person. Without hesitation, I walked around the counter and said, “Would you like to have dinner?”

“That would be lovely,” Greta replied.

We’ve been together since. In fact, on the second Thursday of each month,

Page 17

when we have our age 50-plus singles meet and greet gatherings at Tutor and Spunky’s, Greta is the main greeter (the next gathering is Thursday, December 13).

Besides Trent’s statement about the grass not always being greener, I’d like to add one other lesson from today’s column: adversity often leads to opportunity. For me, my wife’s departure opened the door to becoming a columnist and it also brought Greta into my life. And for those things I am most grateful, particularly during this Thanksgiving time.

I suspect Trent will have a similar result with the new woman he’s met.

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 MEET AND GREET LOCATION: www.tutorandspunkys.com www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING JAN SIEGEL: Moments In Time

When the Earth Trembled and Quaked Juaneño elder Wick Lobo’s research reveals details of the 1812 San Juan Capistrano earthquake

T

his year marks the 200th anniversary of the earthquake that destroyed the Great Stone Church at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano.

December 8, 1812, was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. It was a beautiful sunlit day. The earthquake occurred 17 minutes after sunrise. Suddenly, what had taken nine years to build was a rubble of stones, and forty lives were gone from the community.

Wick Lobo, an elder in the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians and a Mission docent who was raised in San Juan Capistrano, has compiled a history of that memorable day and documented what happened to the relatives of those who perished during the earthquake.

The beginning of construction of the Great Stone Church was March 2, 1797. It was the largest building west of the Mississippi River and was the only structure of that period not constructed

primarily with adobe bricks. Pam Gibson, in her book “Two Hundred Years in San Juan Capistrano,” states “that sandstone had to be quarried six miles Jan Siegel away to the northeast, limestone was obtained near El Toro, sycamore wood came from Trabuco and stone was brought from the old Mission site and from a rocky point near the ocean. Some were carried while other were brought to the Mission is small wooden carts.” All in all it was an amazing feat to be completed in just nine years.

According to Wick Lobo, “the Mission was flourishing in 1812. The number of Juaneños living at the Mission: 1,361.

Number of baptisms: 245. Livestock: cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and mules numbered 23,401. Agriculture: wheat, barley, corn, beans, peas, lentils

and garbanzos equaled 5,848 bushels.”

Lobo’s research documents those that perished on that fateful day. “The death toll included eight males and thirty-two women. Within the count were four and 26 married men and women, respectively, three single men and two unmarried women and finally, four widows and one child less than a year old. In the death count were three young boys, Estanislano, Marcial and Cirilo. The two older boys were eight and twelve, respectively. The youngest of the three, Cirilo, was five-months-old. Cirilo’s mother Teodosia also died in the earthquake.”

Nineteen parents were killed on December 8, 1812. One father, 18 mothers and 21 non-parents were part of the carnage. Suddenly, 32 children had become orphans.

“Six of the remaining 32 survivors were adults ranging from 17 to 40-plus years of age. Materna Teminavam, noted as the oldest of six adult children,

died at the age of 40-plus. She married Peregrino Ayaubenet on July 10, 1840.

The union produced nine children. One of the children was named Materna and relatives are still around from that core.”

Crispiniana Yriguiban and Teodosia Hugapim were killed in the earthquake but both are progenitors to two core families in San Juan Capitrano. The Doram and Rios families trace their lineage back to these two people. Today, Nathan and Mikah Banda are descendants of these families. Their daughter was recently baptized at the Mission which continues the Juaneño line.

Take a moment in time and visit the Great Stone Church at the Mission and think back to that day 200 years ago. On December 8, the Mission Bells will ring in remembrance to the 40 Juaneños who died that day. And you can also go into the Treasures Room at the Mission and see the tribute to all those who perished 200 years ago. CD

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively 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

JEWELER

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

949.493.3632 949.373.8963 Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, www.abbysdesigns.com

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

COINS GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

949.350.4692

Vermeulen’s Landscaping Inc. bvland@cox.net

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

A to Z Leak Detection www.atozleakdetection.com Chick’s Plumbing www.chicks-plumbing.com

949.661.0967

949.496.9731

PRINTING

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

MOLD REMOVAL

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

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

WATER DAMAGE

949.212.0499

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

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

Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. 949.215.2323 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com Clear Windows 949.485.8793 San Clemente, www.clearwindows-llc.com

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

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

Locals Only Business Spotlight for only

949.499.4464

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

LANDSCAPING

COMPUTER SERVICES

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

PLUMBING

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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WINDOW CLEANING/PRESSURE WASHING

SCHOOLS

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 DANA POINT HARBOR OCEAN VIEW CONDO 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Gated Condo For Rent. Condo has hookups and 2 car underground parking garage. Please call (909) 391-2129 for more information.

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!

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

CAPISTRANO WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Local Teams Look for Winter Success Talent and optimism is abound for many of the area’s basketball and soccer teams

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he storylines for San Juan Capistrano’s high school winter sports teams span the gamut, from teams that hope to reestablish themselves to others that are looking to maintain their dominance. There will also be plenty of fresh faces to go along with some stalwart names, and they all hope to make their mark this season.

In addition to basketball and soccer, there’s a lot going on for the area’s girls water polo and wrestling teams. Make sure to log onto our sports page at www. thecapistranodispatch.com and follow us on Twitter @ SouthOCsports for in-game updates, news and scores all season long.

SAN JUAN HILLS GIRLS SOCCER Third-year head coach Farrel Moore is hoping that a deep roster filled with senior experience will help the San Juan Hills girls soccer team better their fi fth-place 2011 Sea View League finish and vault them into the top of the league standings in 2012.

With each year that goes by at San Juan Hills High, each sports team’s roster becomes deeper. Because the school is relatively new, large and experienced senior classes are hard to come by. But as the school establishes its foothold in the area, the sports programs have been on the rise.

One of the better examples of this is the football team, which reaped the benefits of one of the denser, upperclassmen-filled rosters in school history and came away with a winning record in the fall. Moore sees much of the same happening in the girls soccer The Capistrano Dispatch November 23–December 13, 2012

SAN JUAN HILLS GIRLS BASKETBALL The girls basketball team at San Juan Hills won the first league game in the school’s short history last season en route to a 1-7 Sea View League record and a first-round CIF-SS playoff appearance.

According to head coach Taryn Commins, the goal heading into 2012 will be to build on that little bit of momentum and improve their record.

While four seniors departed, four out of five starting players return to the Stallions’ young lineup this season. There are no seniors on Commins’ roster and most of them are juniors who already have a few years of varsity experience.

Junior guards Evelyn Fox and Abby Conklin will man the Stallions backcourt while sophomore guard-forward Allie Biedermann, junior forward Erin Thompson and junior center Annika Van Galder make up the frontcourt.

The Stallions run a man-to-man style of defense

and the magic number Commins has been telling her team this season is 40. That is, Commins believes if the Stallions hold their opponents to 40 points or fewer, they have a good chance of winning.

“We work harder on defense because we sometimes have a hard time scoring. That magic number is 40,” Commins said.

“We are a little bit bigger and Sophomore guard Allie more physical this year than Biedermann. Courtesy photo we were last year…We have to hold (opponents) to 40 in order to be successful and the win games we have to win.”

Commins is also looking to her mostly inexperienced bench to jump in and contribute on both offense and defense. – SB

program.

“Each year we are doing more and more and we see more talent coming in. We see more skilled players,” Moore said. “More kids are interested in our soccer program at all the levels and we are stronger than we were (in 2011). We have a deeper talent pool this year.”

The deep talent pool Moore is referring to can be seen on her opening day roster. The list includes 10 seniors, most of whom who have varsity-level experience.

The most senior-heavy unit on the pitch for the Stallions will be their defense. The entire three-player starting back line projects to feature three returning seniors and senior goalie Scarlet Gamino will mind the net.

Senior Nicole Svarna will be a part of the Stallions defense and is coming back healthy for the first time since early last season, when she tore her ACL. Svarna says she is almost back to full strength and is looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

“We all know each other, and everyone’s a lot more experienced,” Svarna said. “It’s been almost a year (since the injury) and I’m ready to get out there and play with my friends.” —SB

players have the St. Margaret’s boys basketball team heading in a new direction for the 2012 season.

First-year head coach Brian Carmer says he is ready for the challenge of a new season, and he is excited to put in his new system and watch a young core of talented players evolve with it.

“The old coach did an awesome job. It’s going to take some time to adjust to the new system. We have some younger players, but this is a close knit group, and I am excited for them to get play in some varsity competition,” Carmer said.

Defending champion, Brethren, will be the toughest test St. Margaret’s will face in the Academy League this year.

The team built some confidence this offseason after going 5-2 in summer-league play. That winning experience should definitely pay some dividends for a young team that includes only one senior and four juniors.

— AH

ST. MARGARET’S GIRLS BASKETBALL After a four-year stretch of league dominance was snapped over the last two seasons, the St. Margaret’s girls basketball team is looking to get back on track and win the Academy League.

Although, the girl’s lost three four-year varsity players, head coach Lori Fava is not worried about their chances.

“We still have some experience and a few of the major contributors from last year. We play an unselfish brand of basketball, and I think that will really help us as the season progresses,” Fava said.

Having a point guard like Yamili Burgos is going to make things a little bit easier. Fava has been impressed by her skills, and the junior point guard is looking to improve on a sophomore season that garnered a second team All-CIF selection. St. Margaret’s will also rely heavily on senior center Emily Morton and versatile junior Juliana Coleman.

The girls’ biggest competition will be Whitney High School, the two-time defending Academy League champions. —Adam Herzog ST. MARGARET’S BOYS BASKETBALL A new head coach, new system and some young Page 20

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS BASKETBALL Spending just a few minutes inside the gym at the Capistrano Valley Christian boys basketball team practices will tell you that this team likes to run.

Over the offseason, third-year head coach Zach Brogdon saw his roster transform into a very guardheavy team with only two legitimately-sized big men.

With that in mind, Brogdon has pushed his team to achieve an up-tempo style as they head into a bigger, more physical league.

Two sophomores and two seniors return for the Eagles, who went 21-7 en route to claiming the Express League title in 2011. This season, Capistrano Valley Christian will jump up to the San Joaquin League, where Brogdon expects the play to be tougher.

Freshman point guard Kci Thompson will be in charge of establishing and maintaining the tempo of the Eagles offense. Despite his youth, Thompson has earned the starting nod from Brogdon and his staff and due to his style of play.

Looking to spread the floor for the Eagles will be returning sophomore Andre Anderson, who was also the running back for the football team in the fall. Anderson is among the team’s better shooters and will be looking to knock down open three-pointers, according to Brogdon.

“We are definitely young, but we have a lot of guards and we are going to try and get up the floor and push www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS the tempo,” Brogdon said. “We are used to being equal size in the Express League. Now we’re up against bigger competition. We need to prepare for the size and speed for the (San Joaquin) league.” —Steve Breazeale CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN GIRLS SOCCER This season will be the first time Capistrano Valley Christian has fielded a girls soccer team in five years.

In recent years, the girls have been playing with the boys and competing against other boys teams from around the county. As a parent with a girl playing on the team, new head coach Nicole Grady-Parno, a longtime soccer fan and former player, decided it was time to re-establish the Eagles girls soccer program.

After a quick talk with the administration and athletic directors, Grady-Parno got the go-ahead to run the show. Now she leads a team of 16 players, two of whom gained experience while playing for the boys team last season.

Sophomore Emily Shanton is one of two returners and one of the team’s key playmakers at the forward position who will likely play alongside freshman forward Lauren Messore. Grady-Parno pegged both Shanton and Messore as the team’s goal scoring sparkplugs.

Grady-Parno is also happy with her goalkeeping situation, as sophomore Mia Wallace will join the squad in 2012. Wallace has experience at the position playing outside of school and has impressed Grady-Parno in the early going.

“We have a solid group of girls and they’re eager to play and learn quickly,” Grady-Parno said. —SB

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS BASKETBALL Coming off a 20-win season last year, the Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball team will look to repeat as San Joaquin League champions with the help of senior Nick Worrell.

A year ago, Worrell led the Warriors to an undefeated season (10-0) in league play while taking home the San Joaquin League Most Valuable Player award and first team All-CIF honors.

When asked about the key to repeating as League champions, head coach Jeff Lewis said the Warriors are focusing on two things.

“I think the area that needs the most improvement from last year is our defense. We also want to continue to get our younger guys playing time so that they can build experience and be ready when it is their time,” Lewis said.

Key games for the Warriors basketball squad will come against rivals Capistrano Valley Christian.

“Our students are always excited for those games.

It’s a very meaningful and fun rivalry that spans all of our sports,” said assistant coach Jesse Mercado.

—Kevin Dahlgren SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN GIRLS SOCCER The Warriors are eager to get the 2012-2013 season underway after suffering a loss in the first round of last year’s CIF Southern Section playoffs.

Head coach Josh Cummins is optimistic that his team will improve on last year’s early playoff exit.

“It’s been a lot of fun to watch these girls grow within the program and I am very pleased with the talent we

have on our team this year,” Cummins said. “Our goal this year is to win a league championship and make a good run deep into the playoffs.”

Senior captain and four-year varsity starter Megan Stoll will look to finish her record-setting career at Saddleback Valley Christian with another league championship. Stoll holds the record for most career goals scored and is currently applying to Chapman University, Cal State San Marcos and Vanguard University.

Several key games this year will come during matchups with Capistrano Valley Christian, Sage Hill and JSerra. This marks the first year that the Warriors will have the chance to face their cross-town rivals, the Eagles, in girls soccer. —KD JSERRA GIRLS BASKETBALL Coach Mary Rossignol has been successful as head coach of the JSerra varsity girls basketball team, having won 66 percent of her games as she enters her sixth season at the helm.

After a second-place Trinity League finish behind state powerhouse Mater Dei and a third round CIF-SS playoff exit to Windward of Los Angeles, Rossignol has lofty expectations for her team in 2012.

“We have a great group of student athletes and they all work really well with each other,” Rossignol said.

The Lions return several key players from last year’s team, like standout sophomore guard Coco Miller, who averaged 16 points per game as a freshman. Also returning is senior guard August Touchard, who averaged 14 points per game last season. The combination of Miller and Touchard should give the Lions one of the best backcourts in the county this year, according (Cont. on page 22)

SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 22) to Rossignol.

More young talent is down low, as 6-feet-4-inch sophomore center Megan House looks to give the Lions a size advantage in the key.

According to Rossignol, the team is looking to outwork their opponents this year with full-court, “up in your face” defensive pressure. They are going to couple their defensive intensity with a fast and uptempo offense.

With this balanced playing style, the Lions are looking to best their second-place finish in league and contend with Mater Dei for the top spot. – Darian Nourian JSERRA BOYS BASKETBALL Head coach Joedy Gardner enters his fourth season

at the helm for the Lions, and according to the veteran coach, this JSerra boys basketball teams has the chance to be one of the best in school history.

“We have high expectations this year. We are looking to win the school’s first ever Trinity League title and a state championship,” Gardner said. “With all of the talent we have this year, the pieces are definitely in place for us to achieve our team goals.”

After making a strong CIF-SS championship run last year, the Lions return core players in senior forward Jamal Aytes and the tandem brother duo of guards Rex and Devon Pflueger.

The Lions have also brought in a promising group of talent for the new season. New transfers like 6-feet-8inch sophomore Nick Pallas and 6-feet-9-inch junior Dylan Osetkowski change the dynamic of the team

drastically, Garnder says.

Junior guard Johnnie Vassar, who, according to Gardner, could be a player to watch on the national scene this year, also joins the squad via transfer. “(Vassar) is very quick and reminds me a lot of (Milwaukee Bucks guard) Brandon Jennings,” Gardner said. “He is going to play a very important role for our team this year, especially offensively with his quickness and ability to spread the floor.”

This year’s team is very optimistic about the season but will have to go through one of the most rigorous schedules in the county, playing nationally ranked teams on a regular basis. They also must navigate their way through the tough Trinity League, which includes powerhouse programs like Mater Dei and St. John Bosco. —DN CD

SAN JUAN HILLS GIRLS SOCCER

CAPO WINTER PREVIEW SCHEDULES Schedules reflect league games

JSERRA BOYS BASKETBALL Date 1/2 1/4 1/9 1/11 1/16 1/18 1/25 1/30 2/5 2/7

Opponent Mater Dei St. John Bosco Servite Santa Margarita Orange Lutheran Mater Dei St. John Bosco Servite Santa Margarita Orange Lutheran

Location, Time JSerra, 7 p.m.

JSerra, 7 p.m.

Servite, 7 p.m.

JSerra, 7 p.m.

JSerra, 7 p.m.

Mater Dei, 7 p.m.

St. John Bosco, 7 p.m.

JSerra, 7 p.m.

Santa Margarita, 7 p.m.

Orange Lutheran, 7 a.m.

JSERRA GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE Date 1/3 1/10 1/15 1/17 1/26 1/31 2/4 2/7

Opponent Mater Dei Rosary Santa Margarita Orange Lutheran Mater Dei Rosary Santa Margarita Orange Lutheran

Location, Time Mater Dei, 7 p.m.

Rosary, 7 p.m.

JSerra, 7 p.m.

Orange Lutheran, 7 p.m.

JSerra, 7 p.m.

JSerra, 7 p.m.

Santa Margarita, 7 p.m.

JSerra, 7 p.m.

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS BASKETBALL Date 1/4 1/8 1/11 1/15 1/18 1/22 1/25 1/29 1/31 2/4 2/6

Opponent Liberty Christian Saddleback Valley Christian Avalon Eastside Christian Fairmont Prep Orangewood Academy Saddleback Valley Christian Avalon Eastside Christian Fairmont Prep Orangewood Academy

Location, Time CVCS, 7:30 p.m.

CVCS, 7:30 p.m.

CVCS, 3:30 p.m.

Eastside Christian, 7 p.m.

CVCS, 7:30 p.m.

Orangewood, 7 p.m.

SVC, 7:30 p.m.

Avalon, 3:30 p.m.

CVCS, 7:30 p.m.

Fairmont Prep, 7:30 p.m.

CVCS, 7:30 p.m.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 23-December 13, 2012

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN GIRLS SOCCER Date 1/9 1/12 1/14 1/16 1/22 1/25 1/29 2/4 2/6

Opponent Saddleback Valley Christian Avalon Fairmont Prep Connelly Tarbut V’Torah Saddleback Valley Christian Fairmont Prep Connelly Tarbut V’Torah

Location, Time Rancho Cap., 3:15 p.m.

Rancho Cap., 12 p.m.

Fairmont Prep, 3:15 p.m.

Connelly, 3 p.m.

Rancho Cap., 3:15 p.m.

SVC, 3 p.m.

Rancho Cap., 3:15 p.m.

Rancho Cap., 3:15 p.m.

Tarbut V’Torah, 3 p.m.

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS BASKETBALL Editor’s Note: All scheduled times TBA and are subject to change Date 1/8 1/10 1/12 1/18 1/19 1/22 1/25 1/29 1/4 1/6

Opponent Capistrano Valley Christian Orangewood Academy Avalon Eastside Christian Avalon Fairmont Prep Capistrano Valley Christian Orangewood Academy Eastside Christian Fairmont Prep

Location CVC SVC Avalon Eastside Christian SVC Fairmont Prep SVC Orangewood SVC SVC

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN GIRLS SOCCER Editor’s Note: All scheduled times TBA and are subject to change Date 1/8 1/11 1/15 1/19 1/22 1/23 1/25 1/29 1/31 2/6

Opponent Avalon Connelly Tarbut V’torah Avalon Fairmont Prep Sage Hill Capistrano Valley Christian Connelly Tarbut V’torah Fairmont Prep

Location/Time Avalon, TBA Rancho Cap., 3 p.m.

Tarbut V’torah, TBA Rancho Cap., TBA Rancho Cap., 3 p.m.

Sage Hill, 5 p.m.

Rancho Cap., 3 p.m.

Hydra Flow Field, TBA Rancho Cap., 3 p.m.

Trident Field, TBA

Page 22

Date 1/8 1/10 1/15 1/17 1/22 1/25 2/4 2/6

Opponent Capistrano Valley Trabuco Hills Laguna Hills El Toro Capistrano Valley Trabuco Hills Laguna Hills El Toro

Location, Time Capistrano Valley, 4:30 p.m.

Trabuco Hills, 4:30 p.m.

San Juan Hills, 4:30 p.m.

San Juan Hills, 4:30 p.m.

San Juan Hills, 4:30 p.m.

San Juan Hills, 4:30 p.m.

Laguna Hills, 4:30 p.m.

El Toro, 3:15 p.m.

SAN JUAN HILLS GIRLS BASKETBALL Date 1/8 1/10 1/12 1/17 1/22 1/25 1/29 2/2

Opponent Tesoro Trabuco Hills Mission Viejo Dana Hills Tesoro Trabuco Hills Aliso Niguel Mission Viejo

Location, Time Tesoro, 7:30 p.m.

Trabuco Hills, 7 p.m.

San Juan Hills, 7 p.m.

Dana Hills, 7 p.m.

San Juan Hills, 7 p.m.

San Juan Hills, 7 p.m.

Aliso Niguel, 7 p.m.

Mission Viejo, 7 p.m.

ST. MARGARET’S BOYS BASKETBALL Date 1/5 1/8 1/10 1/12 1/18 1/19 1/25 1/29 1/31 2/2 2/5 2/7

Opponent Cerritos Valley Christian Whitney Oxford Academy Sage Hill Brethren Christian Desert Christian Crean Lutheran Whitney Oxford Academy Sage Hill Brethren Christian Crean Lutheran

Location, Time St. Margaret’s, 5 p.m.

St. Margaret’s, 7:30 p.m.

St. Margaret’s, 7:30 p.m.

Sage Hill, 7:30 p.m.

Brethren Christian, 8 p.m.

Liberty Christian, 4 p.m.

Crean Lutheran, 7:30 p.m.

Whitney, 7:30 p.m.

Oxford, 7:30 p.m.

St. Margaret’s, 7:30 p.m.

St. Margaret’s, 7:30 p.m.

St. Margaret’s, 7:30 p.m.

ST. MARGARET’S GIRLS BASKETBALL Date 1/10 1/12 1/18 1/25 1/29 1/31 2/2 2/5 2/7

Opponent Oxford Academy Sage Hill Brethren Christian Crean Lutheran Whitney Oxford Academy Sage Hill Brethren Christian Crean Lutheran

Location, Time St. Margaret’s, 6 p.m.

Sage Hill, 6 p.m.

Vanguard Univ., 6:30 p.m.

Crean Lutheran, 6 p.m.

Whitney, 6 p.m.

Oxford, 6 p.m.

St. Margaret’s, 6 p.m.

St. Margaret’s 6 p.m.

St. Margaret’s, 6 p.m. www.thecapistranodispatch.com