July 12, 2013

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 JULY 12–25, 2013 FOUNDED IN 2002

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 13

Leader of the Pride JSerra’s Jim Hartigan will once again oversee the Lions athletic program E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

For the second time in his six-year tenure, JSerra Catholic High School head football coach Jim Hartigan will serve as the school’s athletic director. Photo by Brian Park

Chamber of Commerce Installs New Leadership and Recognizes Community Members

Mission San Juan Capistrano Unveils New Street-front Store

San Juan Sports Rink Gets a Much Needed Facelift

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SJC LIVING/PAGE 15

SPORTS/PAGE 18

EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE The owner of the Miramar Theater and bowling alley told the San Clemente Planning Commission last week he is “ready to go,” and “ready to do something now.” Owner Marc Spizziri attended the commission hearing for a presentation of a pair of potential plans for the site prepared by the city and private consultant Westlake Reed Leskosy.

Both plans, presented by Peter Rutti of WRL, call for restoring the screening room of the theater, which was damaged by neglect and a fire. One plan included a larger theater facility with removable seating to allow for other events. Another plan called for converting a portion of the building into an art gallery. Both plans also suggested varying degrees of retail in the bowling alley, which suffered significantly from dry-rot and other weather and water related damage.

DANA POINT

NEWS

NEXT DOOR WH AT ’S GOING O N I N OU R NE IGH B O R I N G TOWNS

Four years after Dana Point installed access gates at Strand Vista Park to the beach below, two lawsuits, pitting the city and a developer against the state and a nonprofit, are still unresolved. In a 2-1 decision, a state appellate court ultimately returned a case between the city and the California Coastal Commission back to a San Diego County trial court to enter a ruling on whether the city acted in good faith when it adopted a Nuisance Abatement Ordinance. The ordinance allowed the city to install gates and implement hours of access to Strand Beach without prior Coastal Commission approval, measures the city has maintained were necessary for public safety. The Surfrider Foundation, which won an earlier ruling in a case against the city that was appealed, has called on leaders to remove the gates, but last week the city filed a petition for rehearing and could take the cases to the California Supreme Court.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

…the Chamber of Commerce?

THE LATEST: Ringing in a new year for local business, the San Juan Chamber of Commerce installed its new leadership board and president Thursday evening at El Adobe de Capistrano and highlighted outstanding members of the community.

For their involvement in the local fold, Steve Behmerwohld and Kathy Hooper were named man and woman of the year, respectively. Hopper, a second-time recipient, is the first repeat winner of the honor for her work in the town’s time-honored traditions, the Fiesta de las Golondrinas and Swallows Day Parade. Ted Roberts, was named Ambassador of the Year.

San Diego Gas & Electric was recognized as the Business of the Year, for being a good neighbor to the city.

WHAT’S NEXT: Carolyn Franks, owner of Zoomars Petting Zoo was named the chamber’s new board president.

FIND OUT MORE: To view photos of the event, visit www.thecapistranodispatch. com.—Andrea Papagianis

2

…the Driver of the Marco Forster Jeep Crash?

THE LATEST: A Dana Point man who was facing manslaughter charges stemming from a fiery car crash that killed his passenger at Marco Forster Middle School nearly two years ago died on Saturday.

Alexander Goodrich was found unresponsive in his Newport Beach apartment and was taken to Hoag Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Goodrich’s family believes he may have committed suicide, The Capistrano Dispatch June 28-July 11, 2013

according to Goodrich’s attorney, Calvin Chris Schneider III. An investigation into his death may take up to six to eight weeks while a toxicology report is completed, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Gail Krause.

In August 2011, Alexander Goodrich was behind the wheel of a Jeep that careened down an embankment and crashed into a shed at the San Juan Capistrano school. After the vehicle burst into flames, Goodrich was able to escape but was unable to save his friend, Bryan Ferguson, a Dana Point resident.

Schneider said Goodrich was devastated by his friend’s death and had fallen into a depression.

The Orange County District Attorney’s office charged Goodrich with vehicular manslaughter, saying that he was intoxicated and driving at a high rate of speed. However, Schneider contends his client’s vehicle’s throttle had been stuck open and that a computer glitch caused it to over speed.

WHAT’S NEXT: Goodrich was due in court August 9. Schneider said the family would like to move forward with the case to clear Goodrich’s name.

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

–Brian Park

3

…the Drug Intervention Specialist at Dana Hills?

THE LATEST: Dana Point will continue to fund a drug intervention specialist position at Dana Hills High School after the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved an agree-

ment with the city Wednesday.

The position was created in 2009 to provide support for students battling drug problems or who are at-risk.

Former CUSD trustee Mike Darnold has served the role since the program’s inception. Last year, about 10 percent of Dana Hills’ student population approached Darnold for assistance, according to a district staff report.

Trustee Jim Reardon voted against the agreement, saying that the district should be providing those services, or at least, making sure the specialist was qualified. Both Reardon and Trustee Ellen Addonizio also objected because the specialist reports back to Dana Point’s assistant city manager.

WHAT’S NEXT: The board voted 4-2, with Trustee Anna Bryson absent, to approve the memorandum of understanding. Trustee Amy Hanaceck said Dana Point was providing a valuable service to the school and should be praised.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.thecapistranodispatch.com. – Brian Park

4

…Metrolink’s San Juan Program?

THE LATEST: The Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink are holding a contest to bring riders on a getaway to San Juan Capistrano.

The weekend getaway “More History Less Traffic,” includes overnight accommodations in the city, tickets to the Mission, breakfast or lunch at Mission Grill, dinner at Sarducci’s and roundtrip Metrolink tickets for two.

OCTA has taken a number of steps to encourage tourism and continued

Page 3

economic health in the city during Ortega Highway construction project, which is expected to last two years. Metrolink began a program in June to encourage riders to visit the city to offer reduced prices at area attractions for those purchasing tickets to the area.

WHAT’S NEXT: The contest is open until July 19 and includes chances to get away to Anaheim, San Clemente and Pasadena.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.octa.net/ sanjuancapistrano. — Jim Shilander

5

…SONGS Layoffs?

THE LATEST: Southern California Edison announced last June that the utility had given the first round of notices to over 600 non-union employees that they would be laid-off this summer.

The notice formalized the announcement that the company would retire the plant as a power production facility. The company said last month it would be reducing its workforce by 1,100 positions.

The notices, given to employees June 24, give the employees 60 days’ notice that they will be let go.

WHAT’S NEXT: The utility has stated that it will be working with two of its unions, the Utility Workers Union of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, through collective bargaining on how it would reduce its union workforce.

Edison Chief Nuclear Officer Peter Dietrich indicated that the utility would host a job fair for displaced workers.

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

EYE ON SJC

Leader of the Pride JSerra’s Jim Hartigan will once again oversee the Lions athletic program

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

J

Serra Catholic head football coach Jim Hartigan is a man of perpetual motion.

On a warm, muggy Wednesday morning, he arrives at the school’s athletic campus at 6 a.m. to unlock doors, review schedules and go over the day’s itinerary with his coaching staff.

That’s about as easy as the day gets for him.

In no time, his varsity team begins to trickle into the weight room, some still rubbing the sleep out of their eyes. Meanwhile, Hartigan stands at the ready, his eyes trained to spot any player in need of some extra motivation.

As soon as the morning weight training sessions concludes around 9:45 a.m., Hartigan hustles out to a practice field to watch the future crop of Lions football players, the junior varsity and freshmen squads, go through 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 passing drills.

At this time last year, Hartigan’s day would have ended with a post-practice meeting with his staff and an afternoon session with the varsity. But in March, athletic director Dave Lawn retired to pursue full-time coaching opportunities and JSerra placed the interim tag on Hartigan. On June 20, rather than hire an outsider, the school announced Hartigan as its full-time athletic director, in addition to continuing his duties as head football coach.

“Jim knows the school really well …

He runs a tight ship and that was one of the reasons we looked to him for this position,” said Amanda Samaan, a spokesperson for the school. “When you hire someone new from the outside, they have that learning curve. Jim has been here and created his own history along the way, so he understands the process and procedures.”

It’s a position Hartigan is already familiar with. Shortly after arriving at JSerra to coach football in 2007, Hartigan became athletic director and served in that role until 2010. That December, the school offered him the chance to focus solely on football by extending his contract five years through 2015-2016, opening the door for Lawn’s arrival.

Now, in his second go-around, Hartigan said he is better prepared The Capistrano Dispatch July 12–25, 2013

JSerra Catholic Athletic Director Jim Hartigan was the first football coach at Santa Margarita and the architect behind their initial success. He said he hopes to draw from the experience to produce similar results at JSerra. Photo by Brian Park

to oversee the 23 athletic teams at JSerra, where 83 percent of the school’s 1,000-plus student body participates in a sport. Already, Hartigan is jumping from one practice to another, from the football field to the swimming pool and then to the tennis courts. There are also regular meetings with all of his coaches to go over scheduling, upcoming camps, academics, discipline, equipment and facility needs for each sport.

“Planes fly and land all the time.

Every day at this place, we’re kicking off, teeing off, everything is just going,” Hartigan said.

In his first tenure as athletic director, Hartigan said he brought a football coach’s mentality to the position. When meeting with his coaches, he would bring out his dry erase board to list out priorities and objectives as if they were offensive game plans and defensive schemes. Hartigan said he’s still very much detail oriented, but he trusts his coaches and assistants enough to delegate more responsibility.

“A lot of people who are here were with me the last time I was athletic director, so they know how I work,” Hartigan said. “I’m going to try and be everywhere I can, but I’m going to rely on our head coaches to do a good job.”

For Hartigan, the big picture goal is to improve JSerra’s brand name and attractiveness to potential student athletes. Winning is only one part of the equation, and across the board, JSerra’s team have done plenty of that in just under a decade since the school opened: one state title and CIF-Southern Page 4

Section championship in girls cross country, two pairs of runner-up finishes at the state and CIF levels, nearly 40 CIF appearances and six titles in the Trinity League—one of the most competitive leagues in the country.

Hartigan said he relishes the opportunity to build a program up in its early stages. He became Santa Margarita’s first football coach in 1989 and built the program into one of the nation’s premier programs, winning consecutive CIF-SS championships in 1996 and 1997 and coaching 2002 Heisman Trophy winner and N.F.L. first-round pick Carson Palmer. He also coached for five years at Clovis West in Fresno, where he won a CIF-Central Section title in 2004 and coached several players who earned Division 1 scholarships.

“His track record obviously speaks for itself,” said Brandon Huffman, a national recruiting analyst for Fox Sports and Scout.com. “He’s been at two big time schools where athletics were a big part of their vision. He understands it, and I think he’s definitely the person who is capable of doing it.”

Coming to JSerra in 2007 allowed Hartigan and his young family to come back to their south Orange County roots. Professionally, Hartigan said JSerra’s location and potential to draw high-level athletes from a talent-rich area made the decision to move from a good job in Fresno even easier.

“I always felt like this was a diamond in the rough,” Hartigan said. “My competitive side wanted to get back into the Trinity League. I knew I could poten-

tially do what I did at Santa Margarita.”

JSerra has done well in several other sports, but the Lions football team has struggled to compete in the Trinity League, against the likes of Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, Servite, St. John Bosco and Hartigan’s former team, Santa Margarita. Huffman believes JSerra may have been overly ambitious by joining the league so early in their history without having established a reputation.

“They jumped in with the sharks almost from the get-go,” Huffman said.

“When you look at a program like Oaks Christian, they got going by beating up on lower-level competition and working their way up to being the peak program they are now. JSerra didn’t give themselves that time.”

Although the new job will take away from his time with the football team, Hartigan was comfortable with taking on the added responsibilities because he said the program had built quality depth in the last few years and that the next season could be a turning point for them.

“I hate to miss football. There are going to be times that I will be pulled off the field, but we do have a very good staff that knows what my expectations are,” Hartigan said. “There are still a lot of things we need to do, in all sports, to get to the next level, but I’m seeing a lot of similar growth we had at Santa Margarita … If we could do the same thing here, that would just be another great school in south Orange County and in the Trinity League.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. 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. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Wednesday, July 10 TRESPASSING Calle Chueca/Camino Capistrano (6:52 p.m.) Four boys were seen hopping the fence into the pool area. The caller said this was an ongoing problem.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Steeplechase Drive, 30800 Block (6:48 p.m.) A man was seen going door-todoor soliciting his own termite service.

The man complied when he was asked to leave the area.

BURGLARY ALARM-AUDIBLE Rancho Viejo Road, 30200 Block (5:22 p.m.) A man was locked into a house he had just moved into because he did not know the code to turn off the infrared alarm system. A deputy went to the residence to let out the trapped caller.

Tuesday, July 9 DISTURBANCE Pas Santa Clara, 26500 Block (9:33 p.m.) Authorities were called after a man witnessed five or six juveniles smoking near the Los Rios Apartments.

KEEP THE PEACE Camino Capistrano, 33300 Block (4:07 p.m.) A man called authorities after he brought his vehicle to the Ford dealership to get serviced and the vehicle was returned to the caller with damage.

Monday, July 8 FIREWORK VIOLATION Avenida De La Vista/La Zanja Street (3:35 p.m.) A group of young boys were seen setting off loud fireworks.

Sunday, July 7 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Alipaz Street, 32500 Block (8:24 p.m.)

Deputies received a noise complaint.

When they showed up to the residence, they found a live band playing on the patio of the house.

Saturday, July 6 SHOTS HEARD Peppertree Bend, 32200 Block (11:58 p.m.) A man called authorities and claims to have heard two gun shots go off in his neighborhood.

Friday, July 5 FIREWORK VIOLATION Ridge Road, 29400 Block (11:p.m.) A man claimed to hear fireworks going off behind his house near Trabuco. The caller was concerned that the noises may have been gun shots but was unsure.

FIREWORK VIOLATION Pas Pamela, 26400 Block (9:43 p.m.)

Juveniles were seen lighting off fireworks in an alley way near the caller’s residence for about 15 minutes.

ANNOYING PHONE CALL Pas Adelanto, 32400 Block (7:04 p.m.)

A man called authorities after receiving numerous phone calls from an unknown man. The caller was parked in his white

Toyota Tacoma in front of Capistrano when he contacted authorities.

TRESPASSING Camino Del Avion, 25500 Block (6:31 p.m.) A group of skateboarders were seen sneaking into Del Obispo Elementary’s school yard. When the juveniles were confronted, they complied and agreed to leave.

Wednesday, July 3 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Camino Capistrano, 31700 Block (7:58 p.m.) Authorities were contracted after a man saw a vehicle leaking fuel. Dispatch requested a tow-truck and Orange County Fire to report to the scene.

FIREWORK VIOLATION Via Limon, 31000 Block (6:13 p.m.)

A caller informed deputies of two loud explosions being set off directly behind his house, on the dirt path of San Juan Creek Road.

HIT AND RUN FELONY Camino Capistrano/Del Obispo Street (11:47 a.m.) A blue Mercedes Benz was seen running into a parked, green Subaru located in the Union Bank parking lot. The Mercedes driver left a card on the Subaru’s windshield.

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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 13. 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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hey say a messy desk is a sign of a messy mind, so indulge me in a little desk cleaning.

I supported the City Council decision to eliminate the Design Review Commission. I told the council that night that San Juan Capistrano’s reputation as being less than business friendly is largely rooted in the work of the DRC, which was a subcommittee to the Planning Commission.

I sat through many a DRC meeting back in my days as a reporter. The attention to detail commissioners paid to potential projects at first seemed laudable, but after a while, a pattern of over-management became clear. I actually watched commissioners debate the radius of arches on projects, the colors of flowers in ground covering. I watched project proponents go through three meetings, four meetings … seven meetings—all while paying architects and others to attend or make changes.

I saw suggested changes incorporated in plans, only to be changed again at a following DRC meeting.

All of that was before a project went to the Planning Commission, where the project was again “reviewed” for consistency with the city’s standards.

Somewhere along the way, the charter of the Design Review Commission was lost: It was set up, city staff told the City Council, “to offer advice to applicants.”

That would have worked fine—an applicant could hear the “advice” and be free to accept it or reject it, taking their chances with the full Planning Commission or City Council. But somewhere along the way, the DRC took on a power to have applicants jump through hoop after hoop after hoop.

Some of the work they did—on The Capistrano Dispatch July 12–25, 2013

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Darian Nourian, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell

GUEST OPINION: Conscious Living by Meryl Gwinn

GUEST OPINION: My Turn by Jonathan Volzke

A Little Desk Cleaning T

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

projects ranging from office parks to housing developments to simple commercial remodels—was excellent. But in the end it was just too much.

Now, some I’ve MY TURN

By Jonathan Volzke talked to have said this just creates more work for the Planning Commission, but I hope that wasn’t the City Council’s intent. I’d suggest the message is that city government quit worrying about trying to design projects on the dais and focus on ensuring they fit the city’s written design guidelines. Between planning staff and our commissions—we still have more than any other city around (Laguna Hills doesn’t even have a Planning Commission!)—projects will continue with the quality we’ve come to expect in town.

Bummer that the Metrolink Holiday Toy Train has been cancelled by budget cuts. That was always a big night downtown and a lot of fun—but also carried a hefty bill. The Orange County Transportation Authority’s share was $270,000. There’s talk about it coming back through private donations in the future, but Santa will be sticking to the sleigh instead of the train this year. Remember, the downtown Christmas Tree lighting, another great night, is still on for December 7.

Speaking of City Hall, you’ll be finding a little balance in your mailbox soon. The city has revived its newsletter, which will be mailed to residents and provide accurate information. I didn’t like when the city did away with the printed edition a few years back. Cities from Westminster to San Clemente publish some sort of City Hall news, so I’m glad we’ll be able

to get the news straight from the horse’s mouth at least once a month. (Oops, twice when The Dispatch is published, of course.)

Something else new: I’m working with a group of folks in town on ways to ensure the reconstruction of the Ortega Interchange doesn’t hurt businesses downtown. One of the items we’ve come up with, borrowing from other places that have successful programs, is a Downtown Host program. The idea is that some friendly volunteers with a bit of knowledge of San Juan Capistrano would make themselves available in the downtown, offering a friendly greeting and any necessary advice to visitors.

“Where’s a good place for Italian food?”

“Where can I get batteries for my camera?” “Where’s a bathroom with a diaper-changing station?” The Mission has been a great partner in laying the groundwork for the program, and, honestly, I’m excited to show off our town a bit. It’s always humbling to see the license plates from states all over the country parked in our downtown.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please call Pat March at the Mission, 949. 234.1322. We plan our first meeting at the Mission on July 24.

OK, now that the desk is clean, better head out to the garage.

San Juan Capistrano resident Jonathan Volzke is the founder of The Capistrano Dispatch and now works for Faubel Public Affairs. CD PLEASE NOTE: 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 Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editor@ capistranodispatch.com

Page 6

Choose Dirt I

t’s sweet summertime and it’s apparent, quite literally at first bite, as you sink your teeth into a deep red strawberry, from the farmers market.

Senses are stirred and I’m reminded of humid Julys in the east navigating prickly blackberry bushes and strawberry fields. “Oh, you’re bored girls?

Get a job,” said my mother, and it wasn’t so bad filling up those little green fruit baskets with delicious summertime indulgence.

Speaking of nostalgia, right now the food movement is CONSCIOUS LIVING about remembering

By Meryl Gwinn our health is a direct correlation of what goes into our bodies.

With the compromised state of our convenience- and dollar-driven global food system, food awareness has become a matter of life or sickness. The truth is, we are what we eat.

So what can we do? A great start is to choose fresh, local and organic seasonal produce. Why? Because things that have come recently from the ground, and moreover, rich, nutrientdense soil, are more valuable to our health, environment and local economy.

Buying organic ensures we’re getting pure produce from well-cared for earth that hasn’t been treated with harmful pesticides. Eating in season puts us back in harmony with nature’s cycles.

Before the birth of refrigeration and preservatives, we ate what grew when it grew and were grateful for it—with less chemical side effects.

Purchasing from local farmers allows us to support small family organizations (Cont. on page 8) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

Choose Dirt (cont.)

(Cont. from page 6) with honest intentions, and reconnects us with old-world goodness of simpler times. It cuts out the unsustainable process of spraying, packaging, freezing and transporting food intended to survive on dehydrating supermarket shelves. Organics are sometimes a tad pricier, but it helps to think of it as health insurance of your personal plan.

It’s preventative medicine that’s priceless coverage, and it comes in a variety of colors and fascinating heirloom varieties.

Ninety cents more for poison-free agriculture or a $20 copay—it’s worth considering.

Visiting the farm stand at South Coast Farms is a joyful experience, and it’s here that you will taste the most delicious strawberries of your adult life. The 28 acres in San Juan Capistrano is the oldest working farm in Orange County, and its history of salvation from a “stripmall casualty” fate by the people of San Juan Capistrano is heroic.

Farmer and establisher George Kibby and his crew are enriching the soil continuously to produce healthy, organic crops to feed those who have supported this land since the 1800s. Their Com-

LOCAL FARMER’S MARKETS San Juan Capistrano Wednesdays 3 p.m.-7 p.m., downtown Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Del Obispo Plaza Dana Point Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

San Clemente Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

VALUABLE WEBSITES www.farmersmarketorangecounty.com www.southcoastfarms.com www.sanclementemarket.com munity Supported Agriculture (CSA) program supplies fresh farm boxes with seasonal produce to members at reasonable prices, supporting a direct relationship between farmer and consumer.

Boxes come in multiple sizes and can be picked up at a variety of locations weekly or bi-weekly.

Both the stand and the CSA are supportive of foods from other local farmers in the region as well as non-local options in order to offer a variety of fare. Check out their website for some rich history on organic farming, www. southcoastfarms.com.

Days spent at the farmers market are enhanced by shaking the calloused

hand of the farmer and choosing from his crop of vibrant yet soil-caked carrots. Imperfection is relatable. Recently at my house the bounty is supplied by friends’ and neighbors’ generously producing citrus and avocado trees and backyard gardens. Designing our meals around what’s available is actually more convenient and twice as fun.

There are loads of people around here growing their own food, restaurants offering local ingredients and inspiring community cooperatives taking root.

In San Clemente, a member-owned market is being established to provide high quality foods and education that strengthen economy and ecology while enhancing consumer well-being.

The San Clemente Community Market embraces ideas such as minimal packaging, bulk items and procuring local produce from several small farms in Orange and San Diego counties. They are currently in the process of establishing a store location. Check out their website and see how you can become a member-owner, www.sanclementemarket.com.

So let’s get back down to the earth this summer by slowing down and realigning our values, health and habits.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@thecapistranodispatch. com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

Choose dirt over plastic, open air markets over big box warehouse stores and real smiles over those scary selfcheckouts nagging you to, “place the item back in the bag.”

Meryl Gwinn has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, has studied yoga, health, food, and humans around the globe. She is a constant pursuer of natural medicine and whole-healing solutions. Gwinn welcomes reader feedback at meryl.gwinn@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: 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 Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editor@ capistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR TWO-WEEK EVENT PLANNER

THE LIST

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

friday

CAPISTRANO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 7:30 p.m.

A rowdy outdoor production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at Historic Town Center Park. $15.

31806 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

12

saturday

13

ART FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Artists feature their work, also includes musicians, business and restaurant specials and more in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.4700, www.sjcartfair.org.

MISSION STORE: GRAND OPENING 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Public opening of the brand new Mission Store at Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

JULIO MONTERO AND THE FAR SOUTH TRIO 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Concert in the courtyard at the San Juan Capistrano Library. $5-$10. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, www.musicatthelibrary.com.

sunday

14

THE FULLTONES 1:30 p.m.

Live music at The Swallows Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

monday

PRESIDENT FORD MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Golf event to honor Ford’s centennial birthday at San Juan Hills Golf Course.

Golfer fee $150. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1167.

15

tuesday

16

LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. Join the SJC Chamber of Commerce for lunch at Mission Grill. 31721 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 12–25, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: ‘THE LONE RANGER’ STAYS ALONE Not many movie viewers seem to be anticipating Disney’s new Jerry Bruckheimer-Gore Verbinski-Johnny Depp product The Lone Ranger as much as Hollywood might like. Why? Probably because unlike the trio’s last hit franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean, few young viewers have Tonto and John Reid on their radar. Every kid who has visited Disneyland since 1954 knows who the Pirates are, but kids seemed to stop paying attention to the Lone Ranger in 1981. And unfortunately with this version, no one under 55 will care either. In 1869, John Reid (Armie Hammer) returns home to Texas after graduating law school to become a Ranger alongside his older brother Dan (James Badge Dale). When Dan is killed by notorious outlaw Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner), John is reluctantly paired with an eccentric Native American named Tonto (Johnny Depp) © Disney Studios to avenge his brother’s death. Ruth Wilson co-stars as John’s love interest and Helen Bonham Carter appears as a one-legged brothel owner. Gore Verbinski’s direction is memorable eye candy along with Wilson’s presence, and Hans Zimmer’s ear catching score. Depp’s portrayal of Tonto however, comes across stereotypical and indulgent, next to some pretty corny dialogue from everyone throughout the movie. On top of the film’s irrelevance, it’s also a half hour too long, which could have been spent in production on a western that’s more intriguing. —Megan Bianco

wednesday

SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES CONCERT 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Concert and expo in Historic Town Center Park featuring music by “Bub” Pop Rock Bank, kids activities, food and drinks and more.

Seating and parking free. 31806 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

17

RUSTY BLADE’S PIRATE ADVENTURE 2 p.m.

A pirate adventure with Rusty Blade for kids to enjoy at the San Juan Capistrano Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

friday

19

THE ORIGINALITIES 8:30 p.m. Live music at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com.

saturday

BLUEGRASS/OLD TIME/ FOLK MUSIC JAM 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Chip DeSon and about eight other pickers perform at The Historic Town Center Park for a live music event. 31806 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

20

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Live music by Rolling Stones tribute band, Jumping Jack Flash, dining, dancing and more in the courtyard of the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Ticket info online. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY FOOD DRIVE Noon-5 p.m.

Annual community food drive at The Swallow’s Inn to benefit families in need, with live music and more fun.

Also needed: personal hygiene items, school supplies, etc. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.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. $5 donation supports the Friends of the Library. For more info, call 949.489.0736.

Page 10

sunday

BREAK OF DAWN WALK 6:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Early morning guided summer walk starting at Talega through The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Cost $5-$10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www. theconservancy.org.

21

COMMUNITY TABLE: SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Enjoy a multi-coursed meal with local and sustainable ingredients in The Ecology Center’s courtyard. Cost $40-$45. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

monday

MISSION’S CLAY CAMP 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Camp for kids at the Mission on ceramic handbuilding techniques and how to throw clay on the wheel. $300$330. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

22

wednesday

GOOD EATS WITH THE WILDLIFE COMPANY 2 p.m.

Interactive kids program with zoo animals at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

24

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700.

thursday

GARDEN ANGEL VOLUNTEERS 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers needed every Thursday at Los Rios Park with Goin Native. Bring gloves and clippers. 31661 Los Rios St., 949.606.6386, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

25

JIMI NELSON AND THE DRIFTING COWBOYS 8:30 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.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 Tuesday 7.16 Utilities Commission Meeting 8 a.m.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

City Council, Housing Authority & Successor Agency Meeting 6 p.m.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

concert series features the pop rock band BUB. Also includes food vendors, a beer and wine garden hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. Fun activities for kids as well. Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real. For more information, call 949.493.5911.

Friday 7.19

Wednesday 7.17 San Juan Summer Nights Concert Series 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The second installment of the popular summer

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 de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano.

Tuesday 7.23 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.

Friday 7.26 Next regular of The Dispatch publishes

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

73 Meant to Be, 72 Me and You Celebrating an anniversary, kismet in San Juan Capistrano

O

n June 24, 1998, a woman came into Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli, and ordered a freshly squeezed carrot juice. Then, she went to a table and sat down while her juice was prepared. What struck me about her was the radiance on her face that suggested a warm, inner ON LIFE AND beauty.

LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake I walked around the counter and said to her, “Would you like to have dinner?”

She said, “That would be lovely.”

Three nights later, on Saturday, June 27, 1998, we had dinner at the Claim Jumper on La Paz. Greta and I have been a couple ever since.

Age wise, Greta and I are close to each other. Six months ago, when we went to check on my Dana Point rental property, the man at the guard shack requested I create a new password for entry. Without thinking, I just tossed out, “7372,” my age and Greta’s age, respectively. I figured that number would be easy to remember.

On June 29 of this year, to celebrate our 15th anniversary, we attended an outdoor concert in the courtyard at the San Juan Capistrano Library. My friend Jeff Singer, who is on the board of directors of the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library, had alerted me to a Multicultural Arts Concert Series sponsored by the library on five different summer Saturday nights.

Each concert night, there are 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. performances. We attended the 6:30 p.m. performance, which was titled, “Vagabond Opera,” the name of a traveling ensemble based out of Portland, Ore. The four men and three women are all incredibly talented. They sang, danced and six of them played musical instruments. One woman played the drums and another belly danced and played the trumpet. The third sang and belly danced. For $10 per person, it was the most lovely and enjoyable anniversary event we could have attended anywhere in Orange County, at any price.

After the concert, I asked Greta what she wanted to do next, although I knew what she was going to say.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 12-25, 2013

“I want to go to Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot and have dinner outside on the patio and watch the trains go by,” she said. Greta loves Sarducci’s. Owner Tom Bogdanski, who started Sarducci’s with his partner Dennis in 1985, was near the hostess stand and greeted us as we walked in. Now, Tom is the sole owner.

After a lovely, romantic meal, I added a tip to the bill without thinking too much about the amount and then I realized why Greta and I are together—serendipity.

The total with the tip was $73.72. As we walked to the parking lot, Greta took my arm, just as she had 15 years before while leaving the Claim Jumper and said, “You see, we’re meant to be.”

Those of us living in south Orange County are blessed to have so many wonderful restaurant and event choices in the greatest place in the world to live.

Page 12

For information about the remaining three Multicultural Arts concert series at the San Juan Capistrano library, visit their website, www.musicatthelibrary.com.

Sarducci’s can be found online at www.capistranodepot.com.

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Moments In Time by Jan Siegel

What’s in Store at the Mission The Mission’s new street-front gift shop offers a variety of mementos for all occasions

I

n 1919, Father St. John O’Sullivan opened up a ticket booth and gift shop at the front of the Mission to help raise money for a restoration project.

Now, 94 years later, the historic Mission has come full circle to realize Fr. O’Sullivan’s dream.

The new gatehouse opened in March and incorporates the ticket booth of Fr. O’Sullivan’s time. Sam U’Ren, the Mission’s preservation manager, supervised the “seismic retrofit, re-plaster and stabilization of the building’s infrastructure from floor to ceiling.” The building was brought back to its 1919 roots, and arts and crafts furnishings are in keeping with that era.

The completion of Fr. O’Sullivan’s plan happens on July 13 when the new Mission Store opens to the public. By moving the gift shop to the front of the Mission, it will be easier for visitors to access the store, either before or after touring this historic site. It will also make shopping more accessible to people who just want to purchase Mission and religious memorabilia.

As stated in the Mission’s spring

newsletter, the Jewel: “The Mission Store will have a variety of products to offer visitors, members and travelers, including religious medals, artwork depicting saints and MOMENTS icons, ornaments, post IN TIME

By Jan Siegel cards, crosses, devotional items, gardenthemed products, vintage California items, architecture-inspired items, swallows-inspired items, silver and gold jewelry, sustainable items and items recycled and reinvented creatively for a second life.

“The store will feature seasonal and holiday items such as Christmas gifts, organic or natural materials items for clothing, caps, bags, wedding, baptism, anniversary gifts, frames, platters, candlesticks and more.”

There will also be a collection of religious and historic books for sale.

Many items in the store will reflect not only the Mission period, but the history of San Juan Capistrano as well. There

will also be many handmade items from around the world. Fourth graders will still be able to find mementos of their school visits for Mission projects.

Trained volunteers will be working alongside Mission staff in the store.

Mission members will receive 10 percent off most purchases, invitations for special events and special shopping passes given throughout the year. If you have not renewed your Mission membership or if you are thinking of becoming a Preservation Society member, this is the perfect time to join.

Until August 31, for every $50 guests spend at the store, they will receive a $2 coupon for general admission into the Mission. Discounts become handy for the out-of-town visitors you may have this summer. All proceeds from the store support historic Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The talk of the summer will definitely be about the new Mission Store, which will become a shopping destination for residents and visitors alike. The store is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can spend a Moment In Time now and

The street-front location of the Mission’s new store aims to provide more access for paying visitors and regular shoppers. Courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano and InGrace Photography

be among the first to experience this new addition in our community.

Jan Siegel is a 26-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She has served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 11 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 15 years. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD PLEASE NOTE: 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 editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT WWW.THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

FOR RENT 3BR, 2 BA - QUIET, PRIVATE CANYON HOME with panoramic ocean view. Walk to downtown San Clemente and minutes from beach. Just remodeled with gourmet kitchen, 48” Wolf range and plenty of storage. Open, light floor plan with custom cabinetry and built-in dining banquette. Beautiful yard and garden with built-in gas BBQ and rooftop deck overlooking 25 acres of coastal canyon. Concordia, Shorecliffs and SC High schools. $4000/mo. Avail. Aug 1st. Year lease. Please call/text Jason 949.939.8186 murrayphoto@cox.net

FOR SALE BLACK FENDER GUITAR & AMP FOR KIDS Kid’s size black Fender electric guitar with matching amp. Great condition, just needs a few new strings. Barely used. $140 or make me an offer. Call or text 949.533.9761.

SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-456-2376 HANDYMAN: Carpentry, electrical, tile, auto, detailing. Alex 949-813-2967

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

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

949.373.8963

*2.1 readership per 11,500 copies distributed

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

949.388.7700 ext. 104

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

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

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

COINS

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano area?

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.661.0967

MOLD REMOVAL

BANKING

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

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

949.350.4692

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

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS Excel Electric - CA #793860 949.493.7769 32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com

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

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

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

Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!

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WATER DAMAGE

949.499.4464 949.496.9731

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

WINDOW CLEANING/PRESSURE WASHING

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

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

YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

949.212.0499

SCHOOLS 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

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” Call today! Contact Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or email aedwards@thecapistranodispatch.com.

SPORTS

5

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

VERSTEGEN, LOYATHO PLAY IN WORLD INLINE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS

It is an age old adage in the sports world that wearing your country’s colors is a feeling that is second to none. San Juan Capistrano resident Celeste Loyatho has heard the saying countless times but doesn’t shy away from expressing the pride she has when donning the USA’s colors as she heads out onto the roller hockey rink.

On July 15 Loyatho will represent Team USA in the 2013 FIRS World Inline Hockey Championships as they take on Team India at the Honda Center in Anaheim for a 5:45 p.m. start time.

“It’s incredible. You hear everyone say

it but there is nothing like wearing you’re country’s flag on your chest,” Loyatho said.

“It’s a big tournament this year because we are hosting.”

Loyatho plays for the USA Women’s Senior team, which lost to team Canada in the finals of last year’s contest.

San Juan’s Stephen Verstegen and the Junior Mens team have already racked up an impressive 5-0 overall record in their bracket of play. In five games Verstegen has tallied four goals and six assists. The team was set to play Colombia on July 11. Results were not available at press time. —Steve Breazeale

JSerra’s Strumpf on to Next Stage of USA Baseball Tryouts, Cohen Named to Development Team

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

J

JSerra freshman Chase Strumpf was selected to compete at the USA Baseball 15U National Team Trials. Photo courtesy of JSerra Athletics

San Juan’s Celeste Loyatho will represent Team USA in the FIRS World Inline Hockey Championships on July 15. Courtesy photo

Serra standout freshman shortstop Chase Strumpf impressed a lot of people out on the baseball diamond during his first year of high school.

At the USA Baseball 15U National Team Championships in Cary, N.C. in late June, Strumpf kept on impressing and on July 1 was named to the 40-man roster of the 15U National Team Trials.

Strumpf has now made it past the first stage of tryouts for the USA National Team and will head to Cary, N.C. again from July 13-18 with the hopes of being named to the final 20-man 15U National Team roster.

JSerra sophomore Sam Cohen was named to the USA Baseball 17U National Development Program.

Photo courtesy of JSerra Athletics

The 15U National Team will compete in the COPABE “AA”/15U Pan American Championships in Barranquilla,

Colombia from July 26 to August 4.

Strumpf is currently committed to UCLA. JSerra sophomore catcher Sam Cohen was named to the USA Baseball 17U National Development Program on July 8. Cohen competed in the National Team Championships and was selected to the Development Program’s 40-man roster. Two players from that 40-man roster will be invited to the USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials and eight will be invited to the 2014 USA Baseball Tournament of Stars.

For more information on Strumpf and Cohen’s journey through the USA Baseball selection process visit www. thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

SO CAL BLUES SEE SUCCESS IN HAWAII

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he So Cal Blues girls U19 soccer team may not have a lot of time to practice, given a majority of players are off competing for their respective collegiate teams during the year, but that apparently is not enough to slow them down.

On June 23, following a 2-0 win over the Hawaiian champion Express team in the finals of the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships, the Blues proved they could still come together and excel on the biggest of stages.

The U19 team went 4-0-1 overall in the regional tournament, ensuring its place in the U.S Youth Soccer National Championships, which kicks off on July The Capistrano Dispatch July 12–25, 2013

The So Cal Blues U14 team made it to the U.S Youth Soccer Far West Regional quarterfinals. Courtesy photo

22 at Overland Park Soccer Complex in Overland Park, Kan. The San Juan Capistrano club’s U13 team went undefeated in pool play and made it to the semifinals, where they lost to the state champions from Colo-

rado in penalties.

The highlight of the U13 team’s tournament came in the quarterfinals on June 21 where, playing with only 10 players, they erased an early 0-1 deficit to go on to win 2-1 on a late, game-winPage 17

ning goal. Goaltender Lauren Brzykcy kept the team in the game with several crucial saves down the stretch, according to U13 coach Tad Bobak. San Juan residents Emiley Benner and Jennifer McFadden are part of the U13 team.

“It was our first time making it to regionals and we did a tremendous job out there but fell a little short in the semifinals,” Bobak said. “We are going to use the same approach of pulling ourselves together and overcoming the next obstacle we have in front of us.”

The San Juan Capistrano based club’s U14 team started off hot, winning their first three games by a combined score of 11-0. But they were shut down by Oregon in the quarterfinals and lost, 1-0. The team punched its ticket to the regionals by not conceding a goal in the Cal State Cup tournament. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

San Juan Plays Host to Cal LAX Classic

By Darian Nourian The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano played host to the 4th Annual Cal Lax Classic from July 5-7. The tournament is one of the largest in the area, drawing lacrosse players, coaches and fans from all over the west coast and as far away as Texas.

Each age group (U13, U15, High School) featured two divisions (gold and silver) which ensured that all teams played at least five games. The tournament featured some of the top club teams from the West Coast including the Seattle Starz, Silverfin, Trilogy West, Saddleback Starz, OC Crush and the NC Mavericks.

While the tournament officially kicked off on July 5, with one or two teams playing their first round of games, the bulk of round-robin play started on July 6, where all teams began to compete for playoff seedings.

In the U13 gold division, Silverfin of Thousands Oaks would claw their way to the championship game with two closely contested wins over the Seattle Starz and Saddleback Starz. In the final game Silverfin defeated the team from Seattle 10-9 in a last-second thriller to take the championship. The two teams also met in divisional play, where Silverfin was again victorious, 5-4.

The U15 division, however, would belong to the Seattle Starz as they took down Mater Dei head coach Paddy Chester’s Trilogy West team 11-6 in the U15

Silverfin Lacrosse Club of Thousand Oaks claimed three out of the six division championships at the CAL Lax Classic in San Juan Capistrano.

Photo by Darian Nourian

gold championship. The Seattle Starz would go on to defeat the Saddleback Starz 11-4 in the U15 silver division, completing the two-division sweep.

Finally, in high school action, Silverfin would claim its third title of the day in the high school silver championship by defeating the Seattle Starz 10-2.

The final game of the tournament would be the high

school gold championship, where the NC Mavericks took down the Saddleback Starz 5-3.

The sheer number of people who attended the event, along with the competitive level of play at the Cal Lax Classic shows the rapid growth of lacrosse on the west coast over the past decade and the role San Juan Capistrano has played in growing the sport. CD

SJC SPORTS RINK GETS A FACELIFT

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

T

here still is a lot of work to be done, but the SJC Sports Rink has undergone a major transformation.

Gone are the sagging nets and cracked playing surface that the old rink, which sits behind Marco Forster Middle School, was known for. Quality boards with glass, home and away benches, a retrofitted scoreboard, bleachers and an NHL size rink are now in its place.

Since taking over as owner of the rink just over one year ago, Michael Schwartz and his family, friends and fellow hockey players have put in the time and effort to make the once cartoonish rink into a destination for dedicated hockey, lacrosse and soccer players in the area.

The first thing Schwartz and his team wanted to do was increase the size of the rink to NHL regulations.

The cracks in the old playing surface were filled in and paved over. The size was more than doubled and now provides more legitimate options not only for indoor roller hockey players, but also for ice hockey players who want to practice year-round, according to Schwartz. Several local lacrosse teams, like Trilogy West, use the facility.

There are also a steady number of pick-up soccer

The Capistrano Dispatch July 12-25, 2013

The SJC Sports Rink has been upgraded to NHL playing size.

Courtesy photo

games that take place on weeknights. Schwartz lets the soccer players use the court on one condition; after they are done playing they have to help him out with an odd chore or two to help fix up the rink.

“I want to say that it’s the best outdoor facility in the world,” Schwartz said. “There are no outdoor facilities Page 18

that have glass. There are no outdoor facilities that have Sport Court surfaces. I think I can actually back it up I guess you could say.”

In October of last year the rink was host to one youth travel team. Since the expansion and upgrade of the facilities there are now 14 teams that call the SJC Sports Rink home. There are teams ranging from 6U to adult teams, including the Breakaway Bullies, a professional outfit that has merged with SJC Uprising, another local professional team.

Aside from travel teams, there is also a regular men’s league that competes every week. Clinics are offered and youth pick-up games are a regular occurrence.

The rink has had a major facelift but there is still work to be done, according to Schwartz.

He has purchased large, gymnasium-styled fold out bleachers that are currently sitting idle on the sidelines, waiting to be installed. There are plans to hang specially made mesh fabric above the locker rooms, benches and bleachers. An all-encompassing net will eventually line the outside of the rink to stop any stray pucks or balls.

Those are the immediate renovations that Schwartz is working on. The ultimate goal of the future, he says, is to have two rinks at the site in order to accommodate the steadily growing numbers.

“There’s going to be a lot more teams with a lot more kids here.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com