The Capistrano Dispatch

YO U R N O. 1 SOURCE FOR LOC A L N EWS, EV EN TS , S P O RTS A N D M O R E

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE JANUARY 25-FEBRUARY 7, 2013 FOUNDED IN 2002

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 2

A Titan Effort In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, St. Margaret’s lends on-the-ground support in New York and New Jersey E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4 Headmaster Marcus Hurlbut (right) works with a volunteer from Operation Blessing during renovation efforts in Breezy Point, Queens. Courtesy photo

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CUSD Refinancing Saves District and Taxpayers Millions

Q&A: St. Margaret’s Harrison White Commits to Yale Baseball

10th Annual Rotary/ CARE Car Show Returns to San Juan

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 18

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EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE The San Clemente City Council unanimously approved allowing leashed dogs into 10 additional city parks Tuesday, an increase from the current two. Beaches, Parks and Recreation Director Sharon Heider noted that there had been a great deal of “passionate discussion” on the issue, on both sides, in considering the proposal.

According to the new rules, leashed dogs will be allowed in the additional parks.

Citations for failure to pick up dog waste will be increased to $100 from $50. No dog beach access was included as a part of the proposal. The city did not include monies to pay for dog waste bag stations at the parks themselves. Heider told the council that the city had found that providing bags does not necessarily mean that waste would be picked up more often.

DANA POINT

NEWS

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

City council voted to bring the international Elephant Parade—a public art exhibit aimed to promote awareness and support the conservation of Asian elephants—to Dana Point in October. With strong support from the Dana Point Tourism Business Improvement District— or TBID—the council approved the $150,000 contract on the group’s behalf. City Manager Doug Chotkevys assured the council that the money would come directly from the $3-a-night bed fee and not the city’s general fund. For eight weeks, painted elephant statues standing 5 feet tall will be placed throughout the city. The event will culminate with a gala and auction, where funds from the artwork sold goes to the Asian Elephant Foundation and participating artists.

This will be the Elephant Parade’s first U.S. appearance. Past host cities include Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London and Milan.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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…CUSD Refinancing?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District’s decision to refinance its government bonds could not have come at a better time and will save the district and taxpayers more than anticipated, an analysis revealed Wednesday, January 23.

Lori Raineri, the district’s contracted public finance advisor, delivered the good news during a presentation to the board of trustees.

Refinancing general obligation bonds will save the district $7.46 million, or $650,000 annually, from 2013-2014 through 2025-2026. In October, savings were projected at $5.52 million—a 35 percent difference.

Refinancing Certificates of Participation, which are similar to a mortgage, will save the district $3.19 million, or $260,000 annually, over the same period.

Raineri said savings were higher than projected because interest rates continued to fall, up until the bonds were sold.

In both cases, rates eventually increased after sales were completed. Raineri also said competitive bidding for underwriting saved $2 million.

“This is masterful work,” Trustee Jim Reardon said. “I’ve seen a number of refinances around the county in municipalities. Nothing resembles this. The amount of money we’re saving is amazing.”

FIND OUT MORE: For the full presentation, visit capousd.ca.schoolloop.com.

—Brian Park

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…the Juaneño Election?

THE LATEST: For the first time in its history, the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians The Capistrano Dispatch January 25-February 7, 2013

will be led by an all-woman council following the tribe’s election Saturday, January 19.

Teresa Romero was elected chair, defeating longtime tribal leader and incumbent Anthony Rivera. Jacque Nuñez will serve as vice chair, defeating Anthony Vaughn and the late Francine Yorba, who passed away in December but whose name was left on the ballot out of respect.

Kim Leone and Kristina Yorba, who both ran uncontested, are the new secretary and treasurer, respectively. Ruthie Stoffel and Heidi Perez were elected as the council’s two newest members-atlarge, over a field of four others.

WHAT’S NEXT: The new officers will serve four-year terms and will officially be inaugurated at the tribe’s next general council meeting in February.

Romero said among the new council’s top priorities will be to continue to work toward federal recognition and to unite the tribe, which has suffered from several years of in-fighting.

one who’s made this happen,” Goldie Cortese said.

Dr. Joe Cortese passed away in 2008.

Affectionately known as “Dr. Fleas,” Cortese was an active volunteer, serving two years as president of the Rotary Club, and more than 30 years in all. He was also a founding member of CARE and in 2011, was voted Citizen of the Year in San Juan Capistrano.

WHAT’S NEXT: Weather permitting, grading work will begin this week and a chain-link fenced will be erected thereafter, according to Matt Gaffney, president of CARE and a member of the OSF board of directors. OSF President Brad Gates said walkways, drainage and amenities, such as a shade structure, picnic tables, water fountains and a monument bearing a plaque will also be added. The park is projected to open in the beginning of summer.

FIND OUT MORE: To view photos from the event, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. —BP

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

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…the Dog Park?

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano Open Space Foundation and Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort were joined by Mayor John Taylor and Councilman Larry Kramer during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Dr. Joe Cortese Dog Park on Wednesday, January 23.

“My late husband would be beyond proud and it’s just one more way to bring the animal community together in our little town, so thank you to every-

…Another SONGS Hearing?

THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced Tuesday that it will hold a public meeting February 12 in Capistrano Beach to discuss the status of its review of Southern California Edison’s restart plan for Unit 2 of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

The meeting will include discussion of the inspection and technical evaluation of Edison’s response to the NRC’s March 2012 Confirmatory Action Letter on the steam generator tube degradation that caused the shutdown at Unit 3 a year ago.

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WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Capo Beach Church (formerly Capo Beach Calvary Chapel), 25975 Domingo Avenue. The facility has seating for 1,100. The public will be able to ask questions of NRC staff and Edison concerning the inspection and technical evaluation activities, according to a NRC release.

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

—Jim Shilander

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…a SONGS Task Force?

THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has announced the creation of a special San Onofre Review Panel, which will oversee Southern California Edison’s proposed restart plan.

The panel includes Art Howell, the deputy regional administrator for Region IV, which oversees SONGS and other plants in the southwest. Howell has been a vocal presence at a number of public meetings on technical issues with Edison personnel. Other members of the body include members of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation and the senior resident inspector of SONGS. No Edison officials are on the panel, nor are there any members of the general public.

WHAT’S NEXT: The panel will be responsible for coordinating public meetings with Edison, as well as providing a recommendation to senior NRC officials as to whether to approve the restart of Unit 2.

The NRC has publicly stated that a restart will not be permitted until there is assurance that the plant can be operated safely.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, visit www.nrc.gov. —JS www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

A Titan Effort: St. Margaret’s Steps Up for Hurricane Relief In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, St. Margaret’s provides on-the-ground relief

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

I

t’s been nearly three months since Hurricane Sandy touched down in the Mid-Atlantic, ravaging entire neighborhoods and upturning people’s lives in its wake.

Although some communities along the eastern seaboard have gradually moved toward a state of normalcy, in some of the hardest hit places, like New York and New Jersey, recovery efforts remain bogged down by infrastructure that’s been spread too thin and the sheer magnitude of the initial destruction.

Volunteer and charitable efforts are invaluable during times of national crisis such as Sandy—a point proven recently by the St. Margaret’s Episcopal School community.

Within days after Hurricane Sandy struck U.S. soil, St. Margaret’s teachers, staff and students formed a committee to coordinate relief efforts from San Juan Capistrano.

“As a school, we have a philosophy that we like to respond immediately in times of disaster,” Lora Allison, the school’s director of community life, said.

“Out of an upper school of 430 students, there were over 40 who came to those committee meetings.”

Quick response to national disasters isn’t new to the St. Margaret’s community. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the school rented a truck, filled it with collected supplies and sent it to New Orleans. In 2010, after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, the school raised more than $20,000 in relief aid.

“It’s sort of become a school tradition in a way, in the case of natural disasters, for our kids to take it upon themselves to lend a hand,” Headmaster Marcus Hurlbut said. “We, as a school, have a consummate responsibility to teach: those who have much given to them have a responsibility to give back.”

In the weeks following Hurricane Sandy, students, with the aid of faculty and parents, organized an effort dubbed “Sock it to Sandy.” Students at each level organized their own events, in addition to several school-wide events.

At the lower school level, students held a sock-hop dance, with $5 admission, for all students and their families to attend. Middle school students made nosew fleece blankets to donate to hurricane victims, and upper school students held a bake sale and organized fundraising activities during the lower school

The Capistrano Dispatch January 25-February 7, 2013

A 15-member team from St. Margaret’s travelled to New York and New Jersey during winter break to help rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. Courtesy photo

dance. The school also began collection drives and sold items like pencils and T-shirts to raise additional funds.

The school was able to raise $10,000 in just three weeks. That money went to Episcopal Relief and Development, an international nonprofit whose mission is aligned with the school’s beliefs, according to Allison.

The school wanted to do more than raise money, however. As fundraising efforts progressed, several students, parents and faculty expressed interest in travelling to the East Coast to provide on-the-ground aid.

“Our mission was always two-fold,” Allison said. “One was to create an extensive fundraising effort that would be helpful, and second, we, for the first time in our school’s history, felt like we wanted to respond on the ground and send a delegation of students to put into the context of learning why we’re raising money.”

Eleven upper school students were signed up, with their parents’ consent: seniors Gianni Carson, Mattingly Messina, Hunter Matthews, Maddi Larsen and Savanna Riley; juniors Lauren Golledge and Leah Dy; sophomores Morgan Higgins, Mackenzie Greiner and Brittany Nielson; and freshman Jason Chin.

They were accompanied by five adult chaperones: Hurlbut, Allison, retired associate headmaster David Boyle and two parents: Stephanie Riley and Marina Goffredo, Savanna’s and Gianna’s mothers, respectively.

The trip was initially planned to begin in early December, but pending exams and the lack of a connection to relief efforts postponed travel. Later in the Page 4

Three months after Hurricane Sandy, there’s still work to be done in Breezy Point. Courtesy photo

month, Allison was finally able to get in contact with Operation Blessing, another international nonprofit, who set the group up to work in Breezy Point, Queens and Sea Bright, New Jersey.

The group flew into JFK on Thursday, January 3, during the last few weeks of the students’ winter break. Goffredo, a New York native, coordinated meals and accommodations on the ground, and the next morning, the group drove from Brooklyn to Breezy Point.

“We didn’t see a lot of damage from the airport, but once we crossed the bridge onto where Breezy Point was located, it was nothing like I’ve ever seen before,” Carson said. “I’ve never seen destruction like that.”

“It was a very sudden sort of emotion. We were laughing in the car, we were taking silly photos, but then we hit Breezy Point and everyone was quiet,” Savanna Riley said. “I felt like I was standing in a ghost town. This was once a community, but you thought, ‘Where are the people? Where’s the life?’”

The group immediately began work on a home in need of a complete renovation. Burt and Jeanne Metz’ home

was in the process of expansion several months before the storm, but the untimely death of their contractor left them with an incomplete house. When the hurricane hit Breezy Point, the 80-year-old couple’s home of 30 years was engulfed by water and the receding tide left only debris and layers of sand.

“It still had a foundation, but it needed a new roof, studs had to be replaced, new sheet rock installed,” Hurlbut said.

With the help of other Operation Blessing volunteers, the group worked for three days on the Metz’ home in Breezy Point. On Sunday, they travelled to Sea Bright, which posed a far different challenge.

“Because they have an ocean on one side and a river on another, there was a lot more damage,” Carson said.

Those in the group who were under 18 helped remove debris from a home, while the others, because there was considerable mold and sheet rock involved, helped demo another.

“Compared to Breezy Point, Sea Bright was pretty much decimated,” Hurlbut said. “We ate at a restaurant that somehow managed to survive the storm, but the owner said he wasn’t going to survive.”

Within a span of three days in Breezy Point, however, the team from St. Margaret’s helped build what was practically a brand new home for the Metz’s, who had been told their home was just going to be cleared of debris.

“We weren’t just tearing something down but building something back up again,” Hurlbut said.

“It was very uplifting. Everyone was excited to be helping,” Savanna Riley said. “In fact, we didn’t want to leave.”

Due to an early flight, the group was unable to attend Operation Blessing’s surprise reveal of the Metz’s home—an event that was covered by New York media and was featured on “NBC Nightly News” and CNN. Although students say they would have liked to have seen the surprise, all expressed their content, knowing they helped restore the couple’s home.

“Our kids knew they were going to miss the turnover, but the thing that really struck me was they were completely fine with it,” Allison said. “They said, ‘You know, we’ll be the Metz’s Secret Santa and they’ll never know it.’”

“We were there in spirit. They knew we were there and we helped,” Nielsen said. “It was a good experience for us to be there in the first place, and that’s all we can ask for.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY BRIAN PARK 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.

Monday, January 21 TRAFFIC HAZARD Del Obispo Street/Camino Capistrano (10:04 a.m.) A caller reported that a stalled white Ford F250 was impeding traffic. An elderly man was seen with the vehicle.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Forster Street/El Camino Real (8:50 a.m.) A pedestrian check led to the arrest of a 50-year-old man whose occupation was listed as a driver. The man was held on $500 bail at the county intake release center.

Sunday, January 20 RECKLESS DRIVING Calle San Antonio/Avenida de la Vista (5:46 p.m.) Authorities reported to the scene of a reckless driving incident and were able to pull a warrant for the driver, a 27-year-old male whose occupation was listed as a landscaper. The man was arrested and was taken to central men’s jail to await his court date on January 23. No bail amount was listed.

Saturday, January 19 KEEP THE PEACE Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (7:06 p.m.)

A caller asked for sheriff’s deputies to be on hand during a family dispute. The caller said they were trying to pick up a family member.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 31900 Block (5:02 p.m.) A caller reported a physical altercation between two male subjects. The caller said the two eventually moved into a garage. Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene and made contact with the two men. No weapons were found.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 25-February 7, 2013

ROBBERY ALARM – SILENT Paseo Espada, 27100 Block (3:20 p.m.)

A caller triggered a silent alarm and called authorities to report banging noises nearby. The noise turned out to be workers in the back alley.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Via Solis, 25600 Block (8:07 a.m.) A caller reported that a 50-year-old woman was found not breathing. Dispatch instructed the caller on how to perform CPR. Authorities arrived on scene and transported the woman to San Clemente Hospital.

HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR Calle Arroyo, 31500 Block (3:17 a.m.)

A caller notified authorities after having been a victim of a hit and run accident.

Orange County Fire arrived at the scene to administer first aid for lacerations to the caller’s hands and head. The caller was later taken to Mission Hospital.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Paseo San Gabriel, 26400 Block (2:57 a.m.) A pedestrian check led to the arrest of a 36-year-old man whose occupation was listed as a construction worker.

The man was held on $30,000 bail at central men’s jail to await his court date on January 22.

Friday, January 18 DISTURBANCE Glocamora Lane, 33700 Block (9:25 p.m.) A caller reported that several cars were driving recklessly through the community while honking their horns.

The caller also said the drivers were yelling. Authorities made no contact with the subjects.

KEEP THE PEACE Calle San Luis, 26400 Block (2:44 p.m.)

A caller reported that a repossession agent was outside his residence and was refusing to leave. The caller wanted sheriff’s deputies to be on hand to quell the situation.

TRAFFIC STOP Los Rios Street/La Zanja Street (6:56 a.m.) A traffic stop led to the arrest of a 20-year-old woman with no listed occupation. The woman was taken to Musick women’s facility, where she was held on $20,000 bail to await her court date on January 22.

DRUNK DRIVING Ortega Highway/Interstate 5 (2:05 a.m.)

A patrol check was requested for a possible drunken driver of a blue Scion TC. The caller said the vehicle crashed into the center divider of the freeway, regained control and exited southbound Page 5

I-5 at Ortega Highway. The caller believed the driver made a left onto Ortega Highway.

Thursday, January 17 PEDESTRIAN CHECK Los Rios Street, 31300 Block (10:16 p.m.) A pedestrian check of two women led to the arrest of one, a 19-year-old whose occupation was listed as a student. No further details were provided.

The woman was held on $20,000 bail at central women’s jail to await her court date on January 22.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Verdugo Street/Camino Capistrano (2:13 p.m.) An unemployed 34-year-old man was cited and released from the county intake release center following an indecent exposure call.

Wednesday, January 16 PEDESTRIAN CHECK Los Rios Street/Via Barcelona (10:37 p.m.) A pedestrian check in an area under a gang injunction led to the arrest of a known probationer. A 21-year-old unemployed man was taken into custody at central men’s jail and held on $75,000 bail. He is awaiting his court date on January 25.

Monday, January 14 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle de la Rosa, 27200 Block (10:47 a.m.) A caller reported that a large motorhome was parked on a trail on the hill near the dead end of Paseo Boveda.

The caller was unsure if anyone was living in the motorhome. When sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene, the motorhome was found to be stuck in soft dirt, so a tow truck was requested.

Deputies were unable to make contact with the owner.

Sunday, January 13 DRUNK DRIVING Ortega Highway/Rancho Viejo Road (7:36 p.m.) A caller reported that they were following a possible drunk driver in a silver Nissan Pathfinder. The caller said the vehicle eventually pulled into the Capistrano Inn. HIT AND RUN PARKED CAR REPORT Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (12:40 p.m.) A woman told police a black BMW hit her parked vehicle in the PetSmart parking lot and left without leaving any information. Authorities were later able to identify the driver as a Dana Point resident.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 31700 Block (9:06 p.m.) A call was received about a man and a woman who were causing a disturbance near the Swallow’s Inn. Sheriff’s deputies later detained the two subjects at Los Rios Park.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Mission Street, 26600 Block (12:01 p.m.) The Orange County Fire Authority responded to third-hand information from a caller who said their neighbor said they smelled smoke in their residence. When authorities arrived, it turned out the smell came from a barbecue pit.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Smoketree Lane/Orinda Road (3:53 p.m.) A pedestrian check resulted in the arrest of a 25-year-old man, whose occupation was listed as a maintenance worker. The man was taken into custody and held at Theo Lane Facility on $50,000 bail to await his court date on January 25.

RECKLESS DRIVING Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (6:38 a.m.)

A caller reported that the driver of a yellow Chevrolet Camaro was driving recklessly through San Juan Mobile Estates, nearly hitting people. The caller called back with the car’s license plate number.

Tuesday, January 15

Saturday, January 12

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Alipaz Street, 32200 Block (11:37 p.m.)

A man who was stopped by authorities looking for a grey Toyota Tundra called to report that he saw a similar car driving eastbound toward Interstate 5.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Viente, 32100 Block (9:34 p.m.)

A caller reported that a man claiming to be a process server was knocking on his door and refusing to leave. The caller said the man would not identify himself or provide any identification. The man eventually left in a white Acura Integra in an unknown direction.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Parra, 31200 Block (7:23 a.m.)

Authorities received a report about man who was digging through trash cans.

The subject was described to be around 60-years-old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, of medium build and wearing a tan jacket.

RECKLESS DRIVING Via La Jolla/Avenida California (2:22 p.m.) A caller reported that a blue Jeep was seen off-roading in an empty lot. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Brian Park

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO held at Zoomars Petting Zoo on Sunday, February 24.

The Fiesta Association is an all-volunteer organization that plans and produces the Swallows Day Parade and Mercado, heralded as the nation’s largest nonmotorized parade. The 55th installment of the parade is scheduled to take place Saturday, March 23.

Advance tickets can be purchased at the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce office, 31421 La Matanza Street. For more information, call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.org.

St. Margaret’s Students Donate Books to Local Schools, Library St. Margaret’s Episcopal School students Carolyn King, Victoria Lee and Alissa and Harout Ohanesian are all avid readers with a penchant for sharing their passion for literature with others. So much so, the four were moved to start a campus club, Books for a Bright Future, to organize their efforts.

In December, the four students executed a successful book drive at school that resulted in nearly 4,000 donated books—all within a three-week period. The donated books, all in good condition, were then delivered to students at Kinoshita Elementary School and Marco Forster Middle School. More advanced reading materials were donated to San Juan Capistrano Library.

“We wanted to give back to education, especially to communities that aren’t lucky enough to have the resources we had,” Alissa Ohanesian said.

The four girls were able to deliver the books to Kinoshita and Marco Forster students to take home before their holiday vacation.

Nonprofit Seeks Public’s Help After Equipment Stolen Great Opportunities, a local nonprofit that aims to inspire underprivileged children through outdoor activities, is asking for the public’s help after their equipment was stolen from a storage van last week.

The break-in was discovered Friday when Eric Groos, co-founder and vice chairman of the organization, went to the van to retrieve a bicycle for a young boy.

The van, which serves as a mobile storage unit, is often parked behind Las Golondrinas and below Best Western.

Groos discovered the van’s wind wing had been opened and most of the gear missing. Groos said the thief, or thieves, made off with diving gear, boogie boards, surfboards, bicycles and other equipment.

“The gear in there wasn’t new or fancy,” said Groos, who added that computers donated by Southern California Edison were also stolen.

Groos said most of Great Opportunities’ equipment is donated and many

Multicultural Art Series Returns to La Sala Auditorium

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School students Victoria Lee, Carolyn King and Alissa Ohanesian collected nearly 4,000 books to donate to local schools and the San Juan Capistrano Library. Courtesy photo

pairs are mismatched. One identifying mark Groos said the public can keep an eye out for is a pair of green, spraypainted lines along the bottom of most of the gear.

If any gear is spotted, the public can contact San Juan Capistrano police services at 949.770.6011. Great Opportunities also accepts donations year around and can be reached at 714.229.0912 or via email at great_opps@ hotmail.com.

Congressman Issa Scheduled to Speak at Tri-City Chamber Event The San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and San Clemente chambers of commerce have joined together to present a special lunchtime event with Darrell Issa. Courtesy photo Congressman Darrell Issa on Tuesday, January 29.

Redistricting has shifted much of south Orange County into the district represented by Issa. Guests at the event will have the chance to meet the congressman and hear him speak about his role serving the three cities in the House of Representatives.

The luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo.

The cost to attend the event is $35 per person and includes a buffet lunch.

Reservations for tables of 12 are available for $400. For $1,000, guests can receive premium reserved seating for four and recognition as presenting sponsors. For $250, guests will receive reserved seating for two and recognition as supporting sponsors.

RSVPs are required by Friday, January 25. Forms are available through the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call 949.493.4700.

Advance Tickets Available for the Taste of San Juan The Fiesta Association has announced that advance tickets are now available for the Taste of San Juan, set to take place Tuesday, February 12, from 6 to 9 p.m., at San Juan Hills Golf Club.

This popular annual event features samples of premium menu items from local restaurants and eateries.

The evenining festivities also include music and dancing.

The Taste is just one of the many events in the Fiesta Association’s lineup during the Fiesta de las Golondrinas season. The next event, the Kid’s Pet Parade, will be

After a three-year hiatus, the Multicultural Art Series returns to La Sala Auditorium at the San Juan Capistrano Library, starting this weekend.

On Saturday, January 26, Scottish singer and songwriter Jim Malcolm returns to San Juan Capistrano to play a collection of songs. Malcolm previously performed several times at La Sala, both as a solo act and as the lead singer of Old Blind Dog. He will be joined onstage by the Capistrano Celtic Chords.

Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Tickets can only be purchased at the door before each show and cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

The Multicultural Art Series began in 1990 with performances in the library, courtyard or during the fall and winter months in La Sala. The series went on a temporary hiatus in 2010 due to renovations at La Sala and the retirement of beloved librarian Teri Garza in 2012.

The series is sponsored by the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library and made possible by volunteer Music Director Bob Slater.

For more information, visit www.musicatthelibrary.com.

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34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 11, Issue 2. 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 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GUEST OPINION: My Turn by Jonathan Volzke

After the Election, New Insights Emerge In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editor@ thecapistranodispatch.com

T

he votes are counted, the council seated and “freshman” Councilman Roy Byrnes has settled into his spot on the dais. But there’s still the matter of crossing the t’s and dotJonathan Volzke ting the i’s.

The final campaign spending reports from the election, for example, are due to the City Clerk by the end of this month. We’ll be able to see how much money was spent, but most importantly, where it came from. I’m particularly interested in seeing who financed the anti-Allevato and Kerr flyers that kept popping up in my mailbox.

They were credited to the “Citizens for Sensible Development” with an address on Rancho Viejo Road. That group formed in an unsuccessful fight against the proposed Distrito La Novia development, but popped up again during the November elections.

I received at least three mailers from the group, with the scary “who really runs this town” theme. Maybe they got an amazing deal but it sure seems as if they got a lot of bang for their buck: by the second required financial reports, The Capistrano Dispatch January 25-February 7, 2013

the group reported spending only $2,500 to mail multiple pieces throughout the city.

The group didn’t report donors, but one of the anti-Distrito leaders, Mike Johnson, came out early and said he was no longer involved in the group.

Another individual involved early on was Jerri Mann, originally the group’s treasurer. Jerri Mann is the wife of Charles Mann, a San Juan Capistrano commercial property owner who lives in San Clemente. They were just sued in that city for allegedly tying two candidates there to money from a developer—a donation that was never made.

That case will be interesting to watch.

Obviously, the rights of individuals to participate in the electoral process are important, as are First Amendment rights. But when does it go too far? I’m sure all candidates in the November election have plenty of examples when they think the line was crossed.

Another change from the November election: I’m no longer a registered Democrat. There are a few reasons I made the change, but nothing earthshattering. I suspect I’m like most people and find myself bouncing between the party lines—agreeing here, disagreeing there. I voted for Reagan.

I voted for Clinton. I found both to be more pragmatic than party-bound in their approaches to issues, and that’s what I appreciated.

But to my conservative friends, don’t rejoice yet. I registered as a “decline to state,” rather than a Republican. Nationally, I have some issues with the party, and locally, I’ll be looking to see how the GOP reshapes itself after the election.

After attending a couple of the meetings in which they decided local endorse-

ments, I’d rather they either solidify the process to really understand the candidates they’re considering, or just stay out of the non-partisan (as our council and school board races are) contests all together.

I didn’t agree at the local level with the furor over the word “tax.” By the end of the process, it seemed that anybody who’d supported any “tax” could not receive the endorsement.

That didn’t make sense to me. Measure M is a half-cent sales tax approved by voters and spent on road improvements.

I voted for that twice and would again in a heartbeat—few issues strike closer to “quality of life” than traffic. Same with our Open Space Bond. I voted for that and would again. Now, not all taxes are good taxes, of course. I’ve questioned the franchise fees/taxes we charge Cox Communications and other utilities. But Reed Royalty—a Capistrano resident who founded the OC Taxpayers Association (to learn more, visit www.octax. org)—has a simple test to determine “good” taxes from “bad” taxes. Simply put, if they’re transparent, evenly distributed, cost-effective and identified with the services they provide, they can be a good tax. He also notes “if” voters would approve them, they’re a good tax.

Measure M and the Open Space Bond were voter approved, of course.

I was also mystified by all those who claim to be “conservative” who attacked the Rancho Mission Viejo development and others during the election. Aren’t property owners’ rights a basic tenet of conservatism? Chances are nearly everyone lives in a house that someone else didn’t want built.

Some bad, some good, in taxes and political parties. One other positive

Page 8

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Ariana Crisafulli, Kevin Dahlgren, Tawnee Prazak

PUBLISHER’S LETTER:

By Norb Garrett

The Team Keeps Getting Stronger

I

’m happy to announce some exciting editorial staff changes and additions that will enable us to expand upon our area-best community media coverage here in San Juan Capistrano.

Starting last week, I’ve promoted Andrea Swayne to the role of Group Senior Editor. Most of you know Andrea as the editor of the Dana Point Times and a regular contributor to The Dispatch.

She will now oversee editorial efforts for all three of our community papers (The Dispatch, SC Times and DP Times). Dispatch City Editor Brian Park will report to Andrea, as will Sports Editor Steve Breazeale. In Dana Point, we welcome a brand new employee—Andrea Papagianis—to the role of City Editor in Dana Point.

All of these moves will help deepen our resources as we expand our news reporting, sports coverage and online efforts.

As the only locally-owned, community newspaper and media business, The Dispatch strives to provide you, our reader, with local news you can use.

While others might try to imitate us, we continue to relish our role in helping provide you with information that will help you take advantage of all that San Juan Capistrano has to offer.

Please join me in congratulating our team on these changes. CD change from my switch in voter registration: I’ll now get all of the campaign mailers sent during elections.

San Juan Capistrano resident Jonathan Volzke is the founder of The Capistrano Dispatch and now works for Faubel Public Affairs. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

10th Annual

Rotary-Care Car Show February 2, 2013 10th Annual Rotary/CARE Car Shows Returns This year’s event aims to be a drive down memory lane Calling all car enthusiasts and animal lovers: You, your family and your fourlegged companions are welcome to check out a showcase of 400-plus classic, new and exotic cars during the 10th Annual Rotary/CARE Car Show at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center and Sports Park on Saturday, February 2. Cars from all throughout Southern California are expected to participate in the open-class show, with trophies going to the top 15 entries, including the Mayor’s Trophy, selected by San Juan Capistrano Mayor John Taylor.

Once again, the show will feature the popular “New Car Row,” where some of the latest models from local dealers will be on display, including a selection from the seven dealerships that make up the Capistrano Auto Center.

But it’s not all about the brand new cars.

Family Classic Cars in San Juan Capistrano has supported the show since its debut in 2004. This year, they were named the event’s presenting sponsor and will once again be showcasing selected models from their 40,000-square-foot showroom.

The theme of this year’s show also pays homage to the Old Mission Drive-In Theater and the classic cars that once filled its lot.

The theater, which stood near the corner of Camino Capistrano and Del Obispo Street, held a full capacity of 710 cars. When it opened in 1966, it premiered with Paradise Hawaiian Style and Night of the Grizzly, and it was the ninth drive-in theater in Orange County. The theater closed in 1986, with a double bill of Silverado and The Emerald Forest, but at least for one day, the show will go on.

Local artist Bill Drysdale’s painting of the theater has served as the show’s logo of sorts, in banners, advertisements and T-shirts. From hot rods and muscle cars to cruisers and woodies, this year’s show is shaping up to be a drive down memory lane.

The show is presented by the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano and Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort (CARE). Proceeds from the show go toward the Rotary Club’s

year-round charitable projects, including high school scholarships and support for military families, the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center and the San Juan Creek Cleanup Project.

Funds also help CARE, whose mission is to rescue homeless and abandoned pets and support other animal-rescue related programs.

As such, the car show also marks the final station of its companion event, the 5th Annual Dr. Joe Cortese Memorial Motorcycle Poker Run. Cortese, affectionately known as “Dr. Fleas,” was a longtime Rotarian, founding member of CARE and beloved veterinarian in San Juan Capistrano. In February, the Rotary Club, CARE, the city of San Juan Capistrano and the Open Space Foundation will honor Cortese with the grand opening of the Dr. Joe Cortese Dog Park in the city’s northwest open space.

This year’s poker run begins with check-in, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Orange County Harley-Davidson, 8677 Research Drive, in Irvine. Winding through south Orange County, riders will pick up one card at designated stations, and the best and worst poker hands at the end of the ride will earn a prize.

Show organizers estimate a crowd of 1,500 will attend the event. Family-friendly offerings are readily available: a foot court featuring Las Golondrinas Mexican food, exhibits, music and live entertainment, including two performances by the Disc Dogs demo team. Guests are also encouraged to bring their dogs, so long as they are well-behaved and leashed.

Admission to the show is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 11 through 17 and free for children 10 and under. The San Juan Capistrano Community Center and Sports Park is located at 25925 Camino Del Avion.

For more information, visit www.sjcrotary.org/carshow. The Rotary Club has also set up a Facebook page and Twitter account for the event at www.facebook.com/ sjcrotarycarshow and www.twitter.com/sjcrotarysho.

— The Capistrano Dispatch

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

RIBBON CUTTING AND GRAND OPENING 4:30 p.m.5:30 p.m. Celebrate the opening of Cancun Authentic Mexican Food with the SJC Chamber.

Complimentary appetizers.

31952 Del Obispo St., Suite 300, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

25

saturday

YOGA IN NATURE 9 a.m.11 a.m. Special yoga hike at the Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy.

Admission $5-$10. Limited space; sign up early. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

26

SJC SISTER CITIES CELEBRATION AND FUNDRAISER Camino Real Playhouse hosts the celebration of San Juan Capistrano’s sister cities of Capestrano, Italy; Majorca, Spain; and Goya, Argentina with regional food and wine from each of these areas, silent auction and entertainment. Tickets $30. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

BERLIN 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $24. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

CHERYL SILVERSTEIN 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Jazz vocalist performs with a pianist at RokPrime. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.236.6669, www.rokprime.com.

CAMPFIRE PROGRAM 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Every Saturday night families can enjoy entertaining activities, presentations and more at Caspers Wilderness Park. Free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2207, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

sunday

27

HEARTLESS 2:30 p.m. Sunday Funday at the Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 25-February 7, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: ‘ZERO DARK THIRTY’ Two of the biggest surprises from the announcement of the Academy Award nominations this year were the absence of directors Ben Affleck and Kathryn Bigelow. Both gained glowing praise for their political, suspenseful dramas Argo and Zero Dark Thirty, as well as nominations at other award ceremonies. It would seem, while not everyone enjoyed Zero Dark Thirty, some still found it a landmark in cinema during 2012. For nearly an entire decade after the events of 9/11, CIA operative Maya (Chastain) thoroughly and obsessively leads a nationwide search for the location of Osama bin Laden. After years of help from her allies, disbelief from her oppressors, and numerous Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty. ©2012 Zero Dark Thirty, LLC. radical group attacks around the world, Maya cracks and won’t be satisfied until bin Laden is dead. The film has been getting a lot of attention and criticism for its excessive use of torture sequences which some think are unnecessary and glamorizing in the first half hour. This could be a theory on why Zero Dark Thirty was nominated for Best Picture and Actress, but not Director for the Oscars. While the direction and performances are fine, there seems to be—whether it be pacing and narrative—a spark missing and the lasting impact Bigelow’s Oscar winner The Hurt Locker (2008) had. Nevertheless, award committees seem to think the film deserves the recognition and everyone is curious to see if Chastain will take home the big trophy for Best Actress.—Megan Bianco

tuesday

KNITLIT BOOK GROUP 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Bring your knitting or other project and discuss the book “Bossy Pants” by Tina Fey at the Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

29

wednesday

MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m. A 14-venue “pub crawl” featuring seasonal micro/ craft brews for $4, live music, food and more in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Camino Capistrano and Ortega Highway, 949.493.4700, www.facebook.com/MicrobrewsByTheMission.

30

thursday

THE WORKING COWBOY BAND MEMORIAL CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Gathering with live music at The Swallows Inn to remember the life of William “Bill” Gunter. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

31

ALO 8 p.m. The Coach House. Tickets $16-$18. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

friday

01

BENNY CHADWICK AND FRIENDS 7:45 p.m.-11 p.m.

Live music at The Vintage.

26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Showing of “Moonrise Kingdom,” at the library. $2. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.5132, www.ocpl.org.

saturday

24 HOUR CREATIVE 8 p.m. The third annual event at Camino Real Playhouse featuring a theatrical challenge for six writers, six directors and many brave actors who’ve created an evening of theater in just 24 hours. Tickets $18-$28. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

02

Page 13

SINBAD 8 p.m. Stand-up comedy at The Coach House.

Tickets $35. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

sunday

03

FALCON DEMONSTRATION 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Learn about the bird at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. $5-$10. 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. SJC Historical Society leads a tour to see Los Rios Historical District, the Mission and more. Meet at the train depot on Verdugo Street. $1-$2. 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

monday

04

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

wednesday

NETWORK BREAKFAST MIXER 7:30 a.m.9 a.m. Join the SJC Chamber on the first Wednesday of the month for breakfast at the Vintage Steakhouse. Special guest speaker each month on topics of local interest. Cost $15-$25. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

06

PLANT GALLS AND THEIR INDUCERS 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Speaker Dr. Peter Bryant will discuss his recent research on local gall insects at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

thursday

EVENING NETWORKING MIXER 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Join the SJC Chamber’s networking mixer with drinks and appetizers at a local venue, TBA. Admission $15-$25.

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 Tuesday 1.29

Monday 2.4

Friday 2.1

Put Your Life Story into Words 1 p.m. The second of a five-part series designed to help aspiring wordsmiths write their memoir, life story or autobiography. The topic of the workshop is “But What Will I Write About?” No writing experience is required. A $5 material fee is payable to the instructor at the workshop. To register, call 949.493.5911. Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion.

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

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

Tuesday 2.5 City Council, Housing Advisory and Successor Agency Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Friday 2.8 Next regular issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes

Kind Act Reunites Lost Camera with its Owner Two San Juan Capistrano residents go out of their way to reunite a lost camera with its owner

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

W

hen Irvine resident and professional photographer Marlan Globerson lost her brand new digital camera back in May, the loss couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Over the course of 25 years, Globerson had carved out a successful career for herself as a fine-art photographer, specializing in black-and-white portraits on silver print—a special type of photographic printing.

But with the advance of digital photography and editing software, Globerson said she found herself in a “career crisis,” unsure if she would take the next step into the digital realm.

“I felt like my world was falling apart,” Globerson said. “Computers have changed the way we work. My computer was always in my head and now it’s in the camera.”

To compound matters, Globerson was in the midst of helping her ill mother relocate from a senior community in Arizona to one closer in Orange County.

It’s during this transition that Globerson decided to give digital photography a shot. She bought a Canon G9 camera and began documenting her life, from a going-away party for her mother in Arizona to outdoor excursions.

On one such occasion, Globerson and her family visited San Juan Capistrano.

She and her daughter hiked a trail along Ortega Highway, met her mother for lunch in downtown and altogether, they walked down the Los Rios Historic District.

“I fell in love with it. I’d been maybe once but not in a very long time,” The Capistrano Dispatch January 25-February 7, 2013

Don Tryon (left) and Cheryl Wayland (right) helped Marlon Globerson’s find her camera after it had been missing for nearly six months in San Juan Capistrano. Courtesy photo

Globerson said.

The family ended their day at the O’Neill Museum, home of the Historical Society. There, Globerson was fascinated by the archival photos of San Juan Capistrano.

But when the family returned home, Globerson realized she had lost her camera—somewhere in San Juan Capistrano.

“I reported it to the police. I called every boutique, the restaurant and even the candy store on Ortega,” Globerson said. “I grieved for a few weeks for the loss of the camera but mostly for the loss of all those images.”

Unbeknownst to Globerson, her

camera lay in the O’Neill Museum and would stay there for several months until Don Tryon, Historical Society board member and archivist, discovered it.

“I saw the camera for the longest time and the secretary said someone left it ages ago,” Tryon said. “I took it apart and there were a heck of a lot of pictures in there. Having taken so many vacation pictures myself, I felt sorry for whoever it was.”

Tryon took the camera and memory card to San Juan Photo & Digital to see if they could somehow identify the owner of the camera. Manager Cheryl Wayland scanned through sev-

Page 14

eral hundred photos and found a lead: familiar photos of the Arizona landscape and pictures from Globerson’s mother’s going-away party.

“I recognized these photos were from Arizona, and then I found a photo of two men with nametags,” Wayland said.

“I found the name of the facility so I Googled it and I recognized the interior shots were the same as what they had on their website.”

Tryon then took the copies of the photos and contacted the senior community in Arizona, Heritage Palmeras.

From there, the staff identified Globerson’s mother and in November, they contacted Globerson.

“I got this call asking if I lost a camera in San Juan Capistrano. She said, ‘someone named Don Tryon called and asked me to call you because they think it’s your camera.’”

After connecting over the phone, Globerson met Tryon and Wayland to retrieve her camera and thank the two.

“These are people who were doing this on their own. I’m still blown away,” Globerson said.

Globerson said getting her camera back has also inspired her to continue her career, digital cameras included.

“All the signs are here and I can move on now.”

When asked how she came to share her story with The Dispatch, Globerson said after searching for local newspapers on the Internet, she found an advertisement for The Dispatch’s annual “Best of” campaign.

“I wanted to acknowledge these people,” Globerson said. “I’ve found the ‘Best of San Juan,’ and well, it’s Don and Cheryl.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

2013 Festival of Whales Coloring Contest

Every child who enters

WINS one FREE

Whale Watching or Fishing Ticket for kids 9 & under ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MARCH 13, 2013

GRAND PRIZE Let the seagulls sing you to sleep… with a one-night beach get-a-way for a family of four in a Ocean View Suite, at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach in beautiful Dana Point, CA. A warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie at check-in is the hotel’s promise of a warm and caring experience.

IN ADDITION, Breakfast for four at Proud Mary’s in the Dana Point Harbor! And a whale watching trip for four from Dana Wharf Sportfishing!

www.danawharf.com

COURTESY OF DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING AND WHALE WATCHING

DANAWHARF.COM *No photo copies will be entered.* Mail completed entry form & coloring page to: Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 Contestant’s Name Address

Age

Parent/Legal Guardian

Phone

Email I would like to recieve a child’s PLEASE CHECK ONE

Whale Watching Ticket

Fishing Ticket SJC

Contest is open to all children ages 9 and under. Two free kids with one paid adult. All entries must be received by March 13, 2013 for judging. Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times, The Capistrano Dispatch and Dana Wharf Sportfishing assume no responsibility for lost or late entries. All completed entries will receive one free kids tickets with one paid adult ticket, complaints of the Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, mailed to the address on the contest entry. We do not accept the tickets on any group outing, and no copies are valid. The grand prize winner will be contacted by telephone. Some entries will be displayed around Dana Point Harbor during the 2013 Festival of Whales. The Grand Prize entry will be displayed at Dana Wharf Sportfishing. Contest entries will become the property of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and cannot be returned. Employees of Picket Fence Media, Dana Wharf Sportfishing and their families are not eligible to win. All winners are responsible for taxes and applicable fees. All parents/legal guardians of the winners will be required to verify identity through a signed affidavit, social security number and valid driver’s license. Contest void where prohibited. Entry into this contest will serve as entrant’s agreement of the above contest rules. Coloring contest winner will be announced at the Festival of Whales Concert Sunday, March 10th at Baby Beach.

SJC LIVING

Atria Duo Defy Challenges Through Art and Adventure Neither age nor physical setbacks have stopped two Atria seniors from their pursuits

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

I

f their exploits in 2012 provide any indication of what they’re capable of, then Bruce Brown and Julian Grembla have plenty more headlines to make in 2013.

The two friends, both residents of Atria Senior Living in San Juan Capistrano, have overcome their fair share of obstacles to accomplish some amazing things.

Brown worked for 25 years as an electrical engineer and as a specialist in airport construction. His real passion, however, has always been art. Brown often took whatever spare time he had and devoted it to painting, and he was even one of the original exhibitors at the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach.

But at the age of 52, Brown suffered a debilitating stroke that robbed him of his speech and mobility and paralyzed the right side of his body. No longer able to paint with his right hand, Brown used art as his therapy and began painting with his left.

Brown communicates through hand signals, notes and at times, an iPad. Although he indicated that his artwork has improved, little by little, painting with his left hand wasn’t so much a challenge as it was learning a different

Atria Senior Living residents Julian Grembla and Bruce Brown stand in front of a collection of Brown’s artwork that line a hallway in Atria. Photo by Brian Park

style.

Brown paints religiously, five hours a day; five days for a single painting. His artwork has become so voluminous, his apartment, where hundreds of his paintings lie stacked against his walls, seems more an oil-and-acrylic shrine than an abode.

Since his stroke, Brown has sold more than 100 paintings, starting at around $250 each. In September, Brown’s artwork was featured in an art show at Atria, during which a few more paintings found their way into people’s homes, offices and art collections.

Meanwhile, Grembla has become the reluctant daredevil of Atria, if only for a fall he took from 12,500 feet.

In June, just four months after turning 96, Grembla became the talk of Atria when he decided to go skydiving with his family in Lake Elsinore. When asked about the drop and the subsequent attention, Grembla said, “It was a very casual experience. I was surprised so many of my friends made a fuss over it.”

Grembla is legally blind, as he suffers from macular degeneration, an agerelated condition that results in a loss of vision in the center of the eye.

“The scenery I saw was limited, but it was a nice sensation,” Grembla said.

“The first 100 feet or so is very fast until you pull the chord and then it slows down to a nice ride.”

Brown and Grembla often share a table during meals. When communication becomes too difficult and hand signals don’t suffice, Brown often pulls out his iPad. It’s also through technology that the two have come to share their mutual love of opera.

“He has an iPod that he’s demonstrated for me several times, so we get into some opera,” Grembla said. “I’ve been an opera fan since I was 10 or 12 years old.”

Each month, Brown and Grembla are joined by other opera enthusiasts from Atria and take a trip to the IMAX theater at the Irvine Spectrum, where they watch live simulcasts of shows at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Brown indicates that art and opera still serve as a therapy of sorts, but life and his faith are his inspiration. The staff at Atria has tentatively planned to do another art show to showcase his work, sometime in the coming months.

As for Grembla, when asked what great feat is next on his list, he said: “It could be anything. Incidentally, I heard we’re going to see Rigoletto. It’s my favorite opera.” CD

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Why are Online Daters Dishonest About Age? In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared.

The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at letters@thecapistranodispatch.com

I

’ve heard it so often for years it’s almost comical: “I look younger than my age.”

You’d think looking younger would be an asset in dating after age 50. But some people who say they look younger than their age claim it’s a problem.

Annette from Orange County, wrote, “I have been single for five years. I had one relationship which I regret ending and have found it very difficult to meet anyone I am interested in who is interested in me.

“I am financially successful, have a great career, have raised five amazing children...the difficult thing is I am

59 but look 10 years younger (always have) so I am interested in younger men. This makes internet dating very difficult.”

It’s not just women who have this “lookON LIFE AND younger” problem.

LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake Jim wrote, “I am 76 and in excellent health.

Moved to the Orlando area 18 months ago to avoid St. Louis winters and to work on my golf game. All is going well.

“My issue is I am not attracted to women much over 60. I easily pass for 10 years younger.

“So what I do on Plenty of Fish, SeniorPeopleMeet/OurTime, OKCupid dating sites is list my age as 66, along with information and pictures. Then, when I meet a mutually attractive woman, I tell her my true age before we become intimate. Sometimes it leads to her seeing me as a liar and ending the

The Capistrano Dispatch January 25-February 7, 2013

relationship.

“My experience is women are interested in dating within a biological age and if you are not loaded, you can’t get around that. I am not loaded, just financially sound. Listing my age as 76 almost guarantees no interest.”

Looking younger than one’s age must be a very difficult problem to have. In Annette’s case, she says it’s the reason she’s always been interested in younger men. And yet, younger men aren’t interested in her. She has two choices: Make herself look older, or change her search strategy, and be open to dating men closer to her age, or heaven forbid, men even older. Think how those older men would feel when finding a young-looking woman who is financially sound. She’d be a prize to them and no longer alone.

Annette’s problem solved.

In Jim’s case, listing his age as 10-years-younger is getting him dates, but little else. Being dishonest about his age doesn’t pay in the end. It wastes the

Page 16

time of the women he meets. I think he should do what Annette should do. Be more open to dating women closer to his age.

Advice for singles who think looking 10-years-younger than their age is a problem: make it less of a problem.

Forget the wrinkles. Seek a mate closer to your age who has important qualities that truly matter: kindness, consideration, caring, loving, inner beauty, thoughtfulness, a good listener, interesting, and above all, who loves and appreciates you. There’s no need to lie.

Older singles should appreciate life and what they have. Those blessed with younger-than-their-age genes should be grateful, gracious and honest. That’s what will attract a mate.

To comment: tompblake@gmail.com Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at www.findingloveafter50.com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Locals Only

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

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CLASSIFIEDS SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT WWW.THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM GARAGE SALES CAPISTRANO BEACH Cal. King Bed frame with built in drawers and mirror, shelves, household items, clothes and nic nacs. 1/26, 8am to 12n. Corner of Calle Carmelita/ Juanita.

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SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

JSERRA’S ROSSIGNOL WINS 100TH CAREER GAME When the final buzzer sounded on December 28, the scoreboard at Oaks Christian High School read: JSerra 65, Newbury Park 24.

The JSerra girls basketball team had just won their 10th game of the season, giving head coach Mary Rossignol her 100th career victory. In the school’s 10-year history, no coach had yet to reach the historic mark.

Rossignol and the Lions (17-4, 3-1) have rattled off seven more wins since that time, placing JSerra in the hunt for a Trinity League title and Rossignol’s current career-win total at 107 and counting.

“As a coach winning is great, but to hit a milestone like that is something you never

Mary Rossignol won her school record setting 100th game on December 28. Courtesy photo

forget,” Rossignol said in a press release. “It has taken time, commitment and hard work but it has all been worth it.”

Rossignol was instated as the Lions head coach at the start of the 2007-2008 season and has led JSerra to the playoffs each year, including a CIF-SS semifinals and Division 4 state championship tournament appearance in 2011.

This season the Lions trail first-place Mater Dei by one game in the league standings and will play host to the Monarchs on January 26 in a game that could decide the Trinity League title.

—Steve Breazeale

Q&A: Harrison White, Yale Commit, St. Margaret’s Shortstop

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

hen asked what first comes to his mind when thinking about his senior shortstop Harrison White, St. Margaret’s head baseball coach Mel Taylor needed only one word—Leader.

For the past four years, White has been a steady presence for St. Margaret’s, both on the field and in the clubhouse. In 19 games played during the regular season, White compiled a .525 batting average and had a .603 on-base percentage.

He was solid with the glove all season as well, recording only eight errors at shortstop.

In a pinch, he even took the mound for the Tartans.

He pitched 40 innings and boasted a 2.45 earned run average.

The 5-foot-9, 160-pound lefty also possesses other intangibles, especially when it comes to leading his fellow players.

“He’s definitely the leader of our team. He’s the catalyst all the way from the kids lifting in the weight room to motivating them the way they should be. He’s the guy setting the tone,” Taylor said. “He’s out there at the end of practice conditioning more, taking ground balls…When these younger guys see him, our program only lifts.”

White recently committed to play Division 1 baseball for Yale. We caught up with White to talk about his career at St. Margaret’s, why he chose Yale and the upcoming season.

The Capistrano Dispatch: You had a few schools looking at you, who were they and why did you ultimately decide on Yale?

Harrison White: Columbia, Princeton, Dartmouth (were looking) but a lot of those doors had recently closed. But I think ultimately throughout the whole process Yale was at the top or near the top of the list…

Amherst (UMass) was probably my top choice…

Ultimately I decided to go to Yale because it’s an Ivy League school and it’s tough to turn down an Ivy League education. Plus, with the opportunity to play baseball there it was almost a no brainer.

What kind of role do the coaches at Yale see you stepping into as a freshman next fall?

They told me I’ll probably be in the lineup sometime

W

The Capistrano Dispatch January 25-February 7, 2013

St. Margaret’s senior shortstop Harrison White recently committed to play baseball for Yale. In the spring, White will lead a Tartans team that made it to the CIF-SS Division 6 semifinals last season. Courtesy photo

early on… I’m really excited to be in the lineup as a freshman. I don’t know if I’ll play defense or be a designated hitter, that hasn’t made itself clear yet. But I’m hoping to be in the lineup as a hitter at least.

Do you think you’ll be ready to step into the batter’s box and compete with Division 1 pitching talent as a freshman?

It’s going to be interesting, going from a Division 6 high school baseball level to a Division 1 college baseball level is definitely going to be a big jump…Considering my summer practice schedule I don’t think it’s going to be a huge issue but it will definitely be a challenge.

What have you been doing in preparation for the jump to college ball?

I’ve been working on outfield and doing a little bit of pitching and catching, basically anything to help out the team and be on the field. I’ve always bounced around the infield so outfield is a little bit of a foreign place for me…I figure if I need to go in the outfield, I don’t want the coaches to feel uncomfortable putting Page 18

me out there. If I work on it now and improve those skills I’ll be more likely to be on the field.

What are you most proud of when you look back on your career at St. Margaret’s?

It’s really the hard work that pays off in the end. I’m really excited to know now after having gone through everything I’ve gone through with sports and pushing your body and your mind to the limit that it changes you as a person. It makes you a better person and a better athlete.

You’re going to the Ivy League, I’m assuming you had a high G.P.A? What was it?

This past semester I had a 4.5 (G.P.A). Cumulative it is a 4.23.

Do you have a major picked out yet?

Recently I’ve gotten into music. If you would have asked me this six months ago I probably would have said a doctor…But I’ve really gotten into music.

What instruments do you play?

I play the acoustic guitar and sing. I’ve had people tell me I’d be a good record producer because I have a good ear for things, but I’m not sure. We’ll see.

Who are you musical influences?

John Denver is a big one. John Mayer, the Zac Brown Band…and from a vocalist standpoint Michael Buble is what I strive for.

So what are your expectations for this year’s Tartan team?

Having gone that far (to the Division 6 semi-finals) last year, now that we know what we’re capable of, expectations are high. This year I think we have a better base…All we can do is improve. CD GAME OF THE WEEK: 1/25, CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN AT SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN The Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball team (17-5, 6-0) had their way with Capistrano Valley Christian (18-3, 3-2) in a lopsided 67-34 San Joaquin League victory on January 8. Now it’s time for the rematch.

Since their win over the Eagles, the Warriors have rattled off five consecutive wins to take a commanding lead in the league standings. The Eagles enter the game riding a three-game win streak and will jump into a tie for second place with a victory. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com