August 23, 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 AUGUST 23- SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 FOUNDED IN 2002

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 16

San Juan Football Preview A look at the five teams that make up the San Juan Capistrano high school football scene S P E C I A L P U L LO U T S E C T I O N

Jacob Gibson of San Juan High School tosses a pass during a summer practice. The Stallions are looking to build on their successful 2012 season.

Photo by Steve Breazeale

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

News Organizations Told to Remove Stands from City Hall

Cowboys Ride into Town for Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo

Third Time’s a Charm for West Coast Film Festival

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 22

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 5

EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE The City Council also voted Tuesday to hold an election by mail later this year for renewal of the city’s Clean Ocean Fee, while including the first increase in the fee’s history as part of the vote. The fee has been in place since 2002 with funds being used to support measures to mitigate the effects of urban runoff, including efforts to clean up Poche Beach, and assist city departments in their own clean water efforts.

The fee was last renewed in 2007, with 75 percent approval. The council identified renewal of the Clean Ocean Fee as one of its strategic priorities for the year, earlier this spring. The fee renewal received unanimous support from the council. Mayor Bob Baker and other council members said the results of the program justified work done over the past decade, and asked voters to renew the fee.

DANA POINT

NEWS

NEXT DOOR WH AT ’S G O I N G O N I N OU R NE I G H B O R I N G TOW N S

A waterfront restaurant at the Dana Point Harbor is getting new tenants and a facelift, as local restaurateurs are set to launch a new concept at the wharf location. John and Damian Collins, the owners of StillWater Spirits & Sounds in Dana Point and the Sunsets restaurants in Capistrano Beach and San Clemente, will take over the vacant location, called home by the Jolly Roger for four decades. Last month, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a 10-year lease with the Pacific Harbor Hospitality Group with the option to renew for two additional decadelong periods. The group agreed to spend at least $800,000 on renovations and upgrades on the 6,000-square-foot, two-story building, which was built in the ’70s. The name and concept have yet to be finalized, but a summer 2014 opening is planned.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

…the CUSD/Teacher’s Union Agreement?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved an agreement with the teacher’s union last Wednesday, after a contentious debate in which one trustee sought to table a final decision until staff could find a way to restore a full school year.

The agreement with the Capistrano Unified Education Association restores two instructional days to the calendar, going back up to 177 days after budget cuts forced a decreased to 175 days last year. The agreement also begins to bring down class sizes, although parents who spoke before the board said they would like them to decrease further and a full 180-day school year brought back before teachers received pay restorations.

Trustee Jim Reardon said he was supportive of the agreement but wanted to see the district make an attempt to find $2.8 million in funds he estimated would be necessary to restore a full school year.

Board President John Alpay said what Reardon was proposing was “a first,” and was tantamount to telling staff their work negotiating the contract had been for naught.

The board ultimately voted 4-3 to approve the proposed agreement, with Reardon and trustees Ellen Addonizio and Anna Bryson dissenting.

WHAT’S NEXT: The board will consider the 2013-2014 budget in September.

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

– Jim Shilander

2

…the Dog Park?

THE LATEST: City leaders and residents, including the four-legged variety, came together Saturday for the grand opening of the Dr. Joe Cortese Dog Park.

The 2.5-acre dog park features two separate roaming areas for small and large dogs, drinking fountains for dogs and their owners, picnic tables, benches and an access ramp for the disabled.

The park was built by the Open Space Foundation, with funding also from the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort.

Cortese was a beloved local veterinarian who passed away in 2008. Affectionately known as “Dr. Fleas,” Cortese was an active volunteer, as well as a founding member of CARE. His wife Goldee was in attendance to help cut the ribbon with Mayor John Taylor.

WHAT’S NEXT: The park is open seven days a week, 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and closes at dusk during daylight savings.

FIND OUT MORE: For photos see www. thecapistranodispatch.com. –Brian Park

3

…the Library Bookstore?

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library will finally be able to break ground on their new bookstore after the City Council on Tuesday approved a $60,000 loan to the nonprofit volunteer group.

The money will come from the city’s general fund reserve and will go toward moving the current bookstore to the Bland Garden, fronting El Horno Street.

In addition to the loan, the council also approved a $327,000 construction con-

The Capistrano Dispatch August 23–September 12, 2013

tract with Riverside-based Avi-con Inc. The Friends raised $287,000 for the project over eight years, according to President Mary DeMers. However, construction bids were higher than projected, with Avi-con’s being the lowest.

WHAT’S NEXT: The loan must be paid back within five years. In a letter to the council, DeMers said the Friends expect to pay it with sales from the new bookstore and fundraising.

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

4

…a New Senior Community?

THE LATEST: City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to initiate a process that could amend San Juan Capistrano’s general plan to allow for the development of a senior living community at the property currently occupied by Armstrong Garden Centers, between Del Obispo Street and Alipaz Street.

Menlo Park-based Spieker Senior Development proposes to build 415 units, ranging from one to three stories.

The community is designed for residents over 60 and includes a clubhouse, restaurants, recreation and more.

Armstrong Garden Centers sits on 34 acres of a 43.5-acre property known as the Vermeulen Ranch Center. An amendment to the general plan would change the land use designation to allow for development. The remaining acreage would be changed from farm-to-market retail use to a general commercial space.

WHAT’S NEXT: Nelson Miller, the city’s interim development services director, said the developer has proposed a “very

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aggressive time frame” for the project and hopes to have a public hearing ready sometime between April and June 2014.

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

5…Newspapers at City Hall?

THE LATEST: Newspapers, including The Dispatch, will no longer be available at city buildings following a letter sent out to three local publications calling for the removal of newspaper racks.

Picket Fence Media, publishers of The Dispatch, and Capistrano Common Sense, which publishes a free monthly newsletter often critical of City Council policy, each received a letter Tuesday from City Attorney Hans Van Ligten requesting newspaper racks be removed at City Hall and the Community Center.

Van Ligten said the letters were prompted after CCS requested their newsletter be made available at city buildings. City staff found no record of any of the publications receiving permission to place racks at those locations.

“It was one of those questions that was never put to anyone,” Van Ligten said.

“We can’t pick and choose. That’s not right. So the choice was to have no one.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The two publications were given five days to remove newspaper racks. Newspaper racks for The Capistrano Valley News, published by The Orange County Register, were removed prior to receiving the letter, according to News Team Leader Michael Coronado.

FIND OUT MORE: To find issues of The Dispatch in town, contact editor@thecapistranodispatch.com. – BP www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

Third Time’s a Charm for West Coast Film Festival Festival co-founders Robert Kline and Stephanie Heredia aim to educate and share the filmmaking process

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

F

rom the original Star Wars trilogy to Christopher Nolan’s realistic take on the Caped Crusader, movie fans love a good trilogy and Hollywood loves making them. For the producers of the West Coast Film Festival, their hope is that the third installment of their summer movie showcase scores big with loyal fans, creates new followers and leads to yet another follow-up.

Veteran film producers Robert Kline and Stephanie Heredia, San Juan Capistrano’s resident husband-and-wife film duo, understand that festivals such as theirs need to evolve and adapt over time. While the first festival was about setting a foundation, the second was to expand its reach and introduce the community to a new way of experiencing films.

This year, Kline and Heredia have shaped the festival to give their guests a sneak peek into the filmmaking process, from the inception of a story to its creation.

“What’s fun for me is being able to talk filmmaker-to-filmmaker and seeing how they work,” Heredia said. “We bring our own experiences together, so we really have an empathy and understanding. What we wanted to do this year was share that experience with the community.”

Many of the movies the festival has screened the past two years have also been accompanied by guest speakers,

WEST COAST FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE Movie lovers will not have far to go for the third annual West Coast Film Festival. Films will be showcased primarily at Regency Theatre in downtown, but also at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School’s Performing Arts Center and the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. Below is the full schedule of the film festival: Wednesday, August 28 In the Good Old Summertime, 3 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. A tribute to actress Judy Garland.

Pale Rider, 5:30 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. A tribute to actor, producer and director Clint Eastwood.

Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story, 8 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. A

West Coast Film Festival co-founders and veteran film producers Stephanie Heredia and Robert Kline are set to kick off their third annual event, August 28 through September 1, in San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point.

Photo by Brian Park

including directors, writers and producers. Kline said that element of the festival has been warmly greeted by audiences, who gain new insight into some of their favorite films as well as new ones.

“People want to know how you get a film made,” Kline said. “Our message to the community is, ‘Let’s watch film together. Talk to the filmmakers. Interact with them. Let’s share our passion and love of film.’”

The lesson in filmmaking kicks off the first night, Wednesday, August 28.

The last two of three shows that evening focus on Clint Eastwood’s career as a director and producer, beginning with

his 1985 western Pale Rider, which he also starred in. At 8 p.m., the festival will screen Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story, a documentary chronicling Eastwood’s career from behind the camera.

“It focuses on how unique he is as a director, who’s been going at it now for over 40 years. Most directors peak in their 50s or 60s, but he’s still directing,” Kline said. “It’s amazing how versatile he is, not just as a star, but as a director.”

On Sunday, September 1, the festival will also be showcasing a collection of student films from the University of Southern California, where Kline has taught for over 25 years. The festival

retrospective documentary on Clint Eastwood’s career behind the camera.

Friday, August 31

Thursday, August 29 Singin’ in the Rain, 1 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. The classic MGM musical starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.

Angels in Exile, 4 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. A documentary following two homeless youths living in South Africa, narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron.

Free Willy, 4:30 p.m., Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive Enter the Dragon, 7 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. The 40th anniversary of Bruce Lee’s legendary film. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. with a special martial arts demonstration by United Studios of Self Defense. An after party will be held at Guapas Tapas & Wine Bar, located next to the theatre.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 23-September 12, 2013

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The Paw Project, 2 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. A documentary on a grassroots effort to stop the practice of declawing cats. Director and veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Conrad will also be available for a Q&A session.

Crossroad, 5 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. The dramatic film’s director and producer Shervin Youssefian will be available for a Q&A session.

Go with Le Flo, 7:30 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. The film’s producers and husband-and-wife duo Michael Glover and Robyn Rosenkrantz will be available for a Q&A session. The show begins at 7 p.m. with a special musical performance by the pair.

Sunday, September 1 An American in Paris, 2:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center at St. Margaret’s Episcopal

also includes several documentaries and independent films, including the romantic comedy Go with Le Flo, a German and French language film with English subtitles, written and directed by local residents and husband-andwife team, Michael Glover and Robyn Rosenkrantz.

“The best way for a filmmaker to learn is to watch film with an audience, and for a lot of filmmakers, the only way to do that is with film festivals,” Rosenkrantz said. “It’s really fun to share the process … I still love hearing about what goes on behind the scenes.

It’s really inspiring, and I hope we can inspire others.”

Glover added that screening movies at small events like the West Coast Film Festival allows filmmakers to work intimately with the organizers who select which films to include.

“How often with anything do you get to talk to the people in charge? That’s one of the charms of smaller festivals like this. It’s going to be a lot more of a human experience,” Glover said.

Heredia said the goal of the festival is to educate their audience over time about the layers of film making, and that bringing in filmmakers like Glover and Rosenkrantz provides direct access to that knowledge.

“Film makers are storytellers, and we like to share the experience of filmmaking,” Heredia said. “That’s what’s really important about the West Coast Film Festival. Films are meant to be shared.” CD

School. A pre-film reception will take place at 1:30 p.m. at El Adobe de Capistrano.

USC School of Cinematic Arts Films, 2 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. A collection of short films by students from the University of Southern California’s film program.

Cruizin’, 5 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. A documentary on Olympic cyclist Tony Cruz as he and 14 of his friends ride their bikes 1,000 miles from North to South Vietnam over 12 days.

Heaven and Earth, 7 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café. West Coast Film Festival co-founder Robert Kline, the producer for the 1993 Oliver Stone film, will lead a discussion and Q&A session with Le Ly Hayslip, the author of the autobiographical memoir, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places, which inspired the film.

An after party will follow the film at Thai Juan On, 31878 Del Obispo Street, and includes a no-host bar. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eye on SJC

News Bites

Compiled by Brian Park and Andrea Papagianis

Props, Recognitions and Morsels of Info City Recognizes Retiring 21-year Staff Member The City Council on Tuesday recognized retiring Assistant Public Works Director Sam Shoucair, who is retiring after working 21 years in San Juan Capistrano.

“Along with bringing so much talent and experience to the job, Sam has also demonstrated hard work, perseverance and endless personality,” Mayor John Taylor said. “Anyone fortunate to know Sam will agree that he’s just a really nice guy … You’re going to be missed.”

Shoucair began working in San Juan Capistrano in 1992 as an associate civil engineer and was promoted to assistant public works director in 2008. During his tenure, he was responsible for managing and overseeing several commercial and residential development projects, including the construction of JSerra Catholic, Saddleback Valley Christian and San Juan Hills high schools.

Shoucair is a father of three and a grandfather to a 16-month-old girl. In retirement, he plans to travel the world with his girlfriend.

“This is what I call a happy ending,” Shoucair said. “Thank you San Juan Capistrano for opening your arms to me for so many years and allowing me to love you back.”

Items available for purchase include donated clothing, appliances, furniture and toys. Bagels, donuts, pizza and baked goods will also be on sale. Kids can enjoy face painting stations and games.

For more information, contact Helen Blanchard at plumtreecorner@live.com or Norma Benton at norma@njbenton. com.

Blood Drive Comes to San Juan August 27 In support of the American Red Cross, the city is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, August 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion.

All donors will receive a coupon for a free ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, as well as two complimentary tickets upon minimum purchase, at the Laugh Factory. All those who donate between August 26 and September 9 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card.

To sign up for an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code “cityofsjc,” or call 949.443.6322.

Donors must provide an acceptable form of identification, be in good health, weight at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old or have parental consent, and depending on the type of donation, must have waited the minimum amount of time since their last donation. Requirements vary by state. For more information, call 1.800.RED.CROSS.

Historical Society Hosts Annual Barbecue

Assistant Public Works Director Sam Shoucair will retire after 21 years with the city. Shoucair was recognized for his work during the City Council’s meeting on Tuesday. Photo by Brian Park

Fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club Saturday, August 24 The South Orange County Women’s Network Group is hosting a rummage sale in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley on Saturday, August 24, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fundraiser will take place at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1 Via Positiva in San Juan Capistrano.

The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society invites guests to its 27th Heritage Barbecue at the Amantes Campground at Rancho Mission Viejo on Saturday, September 7, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A buffet of tri-tip, chicken, beans, salad and tortillas will be served. Guests are also invited to browse through the Historical Society’s extensive photography collection of people and locations of San Juan Capistrano. Copies of the photographs, as well as books about San Juan Capistrano, will also be on sale.

Admission costs $25 per person or $45 for couples. Soft drinks are $1. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Historical Society at 949.493.8444 or by sending a check, with the number of guests, to their office, at 31831 Los Rios Street.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 23–September 12, 2013

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The Historical Society is also hosting a special fundraiser and dinner event to celebrate their 50th anniversary on Thursday, November 7 at El Adobe de Capistrano.

In addition to dinner, there will be live music, dancing and a prize drawing for a basket of gift certificates to local restaurants worth over $1,000. Guests are asked to come wearing historical San Juan Capistrano or cocktail attire. The evening begins at 6 p.m.

Admission is $75 per person. Reservations must be made by November 4 by contacting the Historical Society.

Annual Horse Show Dedicated to Arizona Hotshot Firefighters Sycamore Trails Stables’ annual 9/11 Memorial Western Charity Horse Show returns to San Juan Capistrano for its 11th year on Sunday, September 8.

Proceeds from the event will continue to go toward supporting the Fallen Fire Fighters Relief Fund. This year’s show is also dedicated to the memory of the Arizona Hotshots, the 19 firefighters who were killed while battling an Arizona wildfire in late June.

The show includes 20 events for both novice- and professional-level riders, at a cost of $15 per class. Registration and warm-ups begin at 7:30 a.m. Classes begin at 9:30 a.m.

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Local equestrian retailers have donated several items as raffle prizes and for a silent auction.

Sycamore Trails Stables is located at 26282 Oso Road in San Juan Capistrano.

For more information, contact Gay Gotses at 949.466.2516 or email ggotses@cox.net.

Wine Tasting Event at Sarducci’s The south Orange County chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors is hosting a special international wine tasting on Thursday, September 19, at Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot, 26701 Verdugo Street, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Five wines will be available for tasting and a buffet dinner will also be served.

Guests are asked to come wearing business casual attire.

Admission is $30 and a portion of the night’s proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley.

To reserve a spot online, visit www.wcrsoc.org.

Applications Available for CERT Program Applications are now available for the city’s Community Emergency Response Team program, which prepares citizens to prepare for and respond to emergencies or natural disasters.

The 20-hour course will take place on two consecutive weekends, September 21 to 22 and September 27 to 28.

Through demonstrations and simulations, participants will learn how to prepare for disasters, fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, team organization and how to respond to terrorism.

The program is free for San Juan Capistrano residents and businesses and $25 for non-residents.

For more information, including an application, contact Michael Cantor, the city’s safety and emergency services manager, at 949.234.4565 or email mcantor@sanjuancapistrano.org.

Free Landscaping Class Teaches Water Conservation The San Juan Capistrano Utilities Department is hosting a free course on how to be a conservation-minded gardener on Tuesday, October 29, at the Community Center’s meeting room.

An instructor from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will teach residential gardeners how to conserve water and six ways to make their yards California friendly, including the types of plants to include in a garden, using rainwater as a resource and building a living soil sponge.

Space is limited to 30 people but a waiting list will be created in case of any cancellations. A second class may be offered in the winter if there is sufficient interest. To register, visit the Community Center, located at 25925 Camino del Avion.

For more information, contact Francie Kennedy, the city’s water conservation coordinator, at 949.487.4304.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. Forward a picture along, too! We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.”

Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

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.

Tuesday, August 20 KEEP THE PEACE Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (10:37 p.m.) A man called dispatch because he wanted to evict his caretaker and his caretaker’s girlfriend, who were living with him. The man was informed this was a civil issue, but he insisted that deputies take care of the situation.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 31700 Block (10:23 p.m.) A group of five male juveniles were seen walking around parking lots while hitting and kicking parked vehicles.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Carolina/Paseo Pamela (7:21 p.m.)

A concerned mother called dispatch and said her son was getting beat up by two men outside her home. A second informant later called about the incident and said two gang members were fighting in the alleyway. Deputies arrived later and confirmed that one of the men in the fight was not the woman’s son.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT/Unknown injuries Village Road/Creekwood Drive (6:01 p.m.) A Land Rover and a Honda SUV were involved in a head-on collision. The caller told deputies that it looked like no one was injured but requested that medics report to the scene, just in case.

ROBBERY IN PROGRESS Del Obispo Street/Camino Capistrano (4:46 p.m.) A man called authorities after he claimed he was robbed and beaten by two men, and that he was following them in his car. The man said he suffered facial injuries and overheard the subjects saying something about heading to Mexico.

The man stayed on the line with dispatch while following the subjects southbound on Interstate 5. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol were notified, but Sheriff’s deputies caught and arrested the men.

WELFARE CHECK Los Rios Street, 31500 Block (3:25 p.m.) A concerned mother called authorities after her 13-year-old son took beers from the refrigerator and left her house on foot. The mother was concerned that her son might get hurt.

MEDICAL AID Oceana Court, 26200 Block (1:18 p.m.) A caller told deputies a woman had overdosed on pills and alcohol.

The caller said that the woman was an alcoholic and was hallucinating and foaming at the mouth. The caller was unsure if the overdose was done on purpose and how many pills the woman had taken.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Mayor, 33100 Block (10:57 a.m.)

A woman was concerned because one of her dogs went missing. She reported seeing graffiti on a wall in the park saying something about animals. She was concerned that the two incidents were related.

CITIZEN ASSIST Rancho Viejo Road, 29200 Block (12:27 a.m.) A locksmith called deputies after he received a call that some-

one was locked inside a building. The locksmith tried to gain entry but ended up having to cut the door open.

Monday, August 19 WELFARE CHECK Paseo Carolina, 32000 Block (4:59 p.m.) A concerned father contacted deputies because his daughter went through a divorce recently and he was worried she was going to attempt suicide. The father said his daughter didn’t have any past attempts or thoughts of suicide, but was just concerned.

PROWLER Ridge Road, 29500 Block (3:32 a.m.)

A woman reported a man for standing outside of her residence. She said the man was standing on the sidewalk inside of her front yard. Deputies arrived at the scene and arrested the man.

Wednesday, August 14 DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 32000 Block (2:16 p.m.) A man was reported to authorities for threatening employees for the way they parked in the Del Mar Reality parking lot. The man was described as being 25 years old and sitting in a blue pickup truck when the call was made.

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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 16. 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.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

EDITORIAL

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

Finance Director > Mike Reed

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting Manager Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Senior Group Editor > Andrea Swayne City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

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

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell

Letters to the Editor MONEY, ENERGY AND WATER RICHARD GARDNER, Capistrano Beach Should the city supply diesel generators for the seven production wells and also the groundwater treatment plant? It seems that this project will move forward despite the fact that the benefit received from these generators will probably never be realized.

The council pointed out that the majority of money, about $1 million, for the generators will come from a Proposition 50 grant. The logic is if we don’t use it, the money will go to Laguna Niguel or Mission Viejo. Nowhere in the staff report was the cost of operating and maintaining these generators provided. The additional operation and management costs could exceed $100,000 per year.

It is important to understand how this project got legs and why it was proposed. The major power outage of September 8, 2011 caused many utilities to review their systems to see if there were changes needed.

The staff report of November 15, 2011, set the ball in motion, but the analysis was overly conservative. The basis for reliability is a power outage lasting several days, which has never happened. Furthermore, the power outage would have to occur with a Metropolitan Water District failure to supply water for over a week. Neither of these events has ever happened, especially not simultaneously.

Finally, if the groundwater levels should drop below the well screens during a prolonged drought, the new million-dollar generators would be useless.

If the grant money was used to provide a regional recharge basin, the water levels of the San Juan basin

could be improved, even in times of serious climate changes.

Higher operational costs don’t always mean a more reliable water supply.

the motto of this country since 1956.

Prior to that, “E Pluribus Unum,” or “Out of Many, One,” served as our unofficial motto. What has happened to our sense of unity as a nation, no matter how diverse our heritage or beliefs? I say we simply keep all religion out of politics. It causes disharmony and division.

U.S. NOT FOUNDED ON ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ RUTH CLARK, San Juan Capistrano

A bloody Revolutionary War was fought by our founding fathers for freedom of religion and freedom from religious control, especially from the Anglican Church of England and the Catholic Church in France. Thousands of Huguenots, Protestant reformers from France, were massacred by the religious authorities, and many of those who survived, escaped and landed here in America to be free from religious and political control by the Catholics.

The United States was settled by people seeking to worship God in their own way. Belief in God was important to the founding fathers, many of who were Masons, including the first 13 presidents. However, Christianity was never mentioned as the only religion to be practiced in this new county.

In fact, that kind of oppression was exactly what they were escaping from.

America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion. The Treaty of Tripoli, Article 11, in particular, makes this very clear. Ratified unanimously by the U.S. Senate and signed by President John Adams, it became the law of the land on June 10, 1797. Here is an excerpt. You can read the entire treaty online: “As the government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion…”

“In God We Trust” has only been

The Capistrano Dispatch August 23–September 12, 2013

San Juan Capistrano’s City Hall received a makeover in July with the addition of the nation’s motto, “In God We Trust,” and a Freedom Shrine in its City Council chamber. Photo by Brian Park

STUDENTS NEED ALL THE HELP THEY CAN GET LAURDEN DUNN, San Clemente I cannot recall a time when I feared going to school, yet now I fear sending my own children to school. Schools are supposed to be safe, nurturing environments where children can go to learn and grow. So my question is why are we failing to provide the necessary services to facilitate healthy minds and academic achievement?

Currently the average counselor-tostudent ratio is 1:471, which is almost double what is recommended by the American Counseling Association.

With suicide being the third leading Page 8

cause of death for adolescents and school violence increasing, this raises great concern.

As a graduate student in the masters of social work program at the University of Southern California, I have had the opportunity to advocate for change by gaining support for H.R. 320, the Student Support Act. This act, which amends the Secondary Education Act of 1965, will require the secretary of education to provide $1 million in grants for schools to hire mental health professional in order to reduce the student-to-provider ratio.

I can say from personal experience, when I attended San Clemente High School, the school counselor made a large impact on my life; In fact, she is the reason why I chose to go into the social work field. Unfortunately, because of budget cuts, schools have not been able to provide mental health services.

Considering the recent events involving school violence and bullying, I feel that this bill can make a large impact. If passed, there will be one school counselor for every 250 students, one school psychologist for every 1,000 students, and one social worker for every 250 students.

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. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Veteran Stallion Roster Looking to Improve League Chances

By Steve Breazeale Gibson will be without his top two receivers, Kyle Mucerino and Scott Hoover, but will have returning starters Matt Mucerino and Ilias Irby out on the perimeter.

The starting offensive line should be a strength for the Stallions as seniors Jake Nelson (tackle), Joey Casillas (center) and Brandon Leggett (guard) return.

The seniors from this year’s edition of the San Juan Hills football team were part of the program’s winless 2011 season. They were also a part of the record-setting 2012 season that saw the Stallions flip the tables on the opposition and rattle off six consecutive wins to start their year. After a 0-10 Season, the Stallions suddenly found themselves in the hunt for a league title.

Head coach Aaron Flowers has preached steady progression since he took the job two years ago. Now, with a bevy of returning players who have been involved in a total culture change at San Juan Hills, they are looking to take the next step and emerge as a contender in the Sea View League.

Offense

After watching Sea View League opponent Aliso Niguel wear them down with a no-huddle, up tempo offense during an October 19 matchup last year, the Stallions coaching staff decided they would implement that style over the offseason. Flowers and his staff felt that with eight returning offensive starters on the depth chart, now was the time to act.

The offense is now practicing at a higher tempo and they hope to carry that over into the regular season. Defensive coordinator Armando Gonzalez told The Capistrano Dispatch in June that the amount of reps taken by the varsity squad in the offseason was the most he has ever seen in the program’s history.

Flowers and his staff has made the up tempo offense a priority, but even with the added reps and his players growing familiarity with the system, the veteran coach knows it will not be a finished product right away.

“It’s a work in progress … The stuff we’re trying to do, you just can’t implement in a month … it’s kind of an entire program situation,” Flowers said. “It is a culture shift and that takes a while. Even throughout the season we are going to be developing it as we go.”

The responsibility of making sure the

2013 Dispatch Football Preview

Defense

The San Juan Hills football team has increased the tempo of their summer practices. Photo by Steve Breazeale

San Juan Hills Stallions 29211 Vista Montana, San Juan Capistrano, Ca. 92675 HC: Aaron Flowers 2012 Record: 7-3 (2-3 Sea View League) PTS/G: 25.3 PTS Allowed: 188

August 30 vs. Thousand Oaks, 7 p.m.

September 5 at Canyon, 7 p.m.

September 12 vs. Artesia, 7 p.m.

September 20 at Marina, 7 p.m.

September 27 vs. Fullerton, 7 p.m.

October 4 at Dos Pueblos, 7 p.m.

October 11 at Laguna Hills, 7 p.m.

BYE WEEK October 25 at Aliso Niguel, 7 p.m.

November 1 vs. Capistrano Valley, 7 p.m.

November 8 vs. Dana Hills, 7 p.m.

Key Stats: The Stallions managed to keep their preseason opponents at bay in 2012.

Despite a narrow 21-17 win over Canyon and a 27-21 victory over Fullerton, the Stallions defeated their six non-league opponents by an average margin of 16 points. However, once they entered league play the tables turned on them.

The Stallions were outscored 103-70 in their Sea View League contests. Chalk the disparity up to tougher opponents and defenses. The Stallions will need to translate preseason success into league wins in 2013.

up tempo offense runs smoothly will fall to returning senior quarterback Jacob Gibson. Gibson threw for 1,852 yards and 15 touchdowns last year in what was his first year ever playing the position at the varsity level. It was a solid campaign, and Flowers is banking on the experience Gibson gained last year

translating to more consistency going forward.

“Last year was a big-time learning process for him … We just tell him, if you just execute the offense then those things come. Just execute the offense and the big plays that are within the offense will come.”

San Juan Hills Schedule

The defense has also stepped up their tempo in the offseason practices, which is a direct result of the new offensive play calling speed, according to Gonzalez.

The Stallions will employ a 3-4 defensive look and have a deep linebacking corps at their disposal. Senior middle linebacker Brennan Walsh, a first team All Sea View League defensive selection in 2012, will lead a talented group made up of returning starters Curren Lapes, junior Jacob Venegas and senior Steven Aguilar.

In all, the Stallions defense returns six varsity starters.

The secondary should be secure with senior strong safety Ian Hickey and senior William Blum back in the mix. Blum was a first team All Sea View League defensive selection in 2012.

“We have a chance to be a very good defensive team as long as we execute,” Flowers said.

With all of the steam built up from last year and the returning depth, the Stallions will look to gain ground in the Sea View League. With teams like Capistrano Valley and Laguna Hills losing a good amount of seniors to graduation, the league that saw three teams claim a share of the title last season could play out in the same manner again this time around.

“We expect to be in the mix. That’s become our expectation as a program and that’s not overconfidence,” Flowers said. “We prepared all year long to be in the mix at the end of the year … I see each game coming down to the wire.” www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Looking for a Breakthrough Lions hoping tougher nonconference slate will lead to more Trinity League success

By Jim Shilander JSerra football head coach Jim Hartigan said to break through into the upper tier of the county’s toughest league, his Lions are going to have to grow up fast.

After some tough early season practice helped to build depth, Hartigan said he’s excited to see how his team rises to the challenge of the season.

“I’m pleased with the work, I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made,” Hartigan said.

Like many teams, his players were worn down a bit from two-a-day practices, but the demanding schedule actually allowed some of that depth to come through.

“We just have to get through the injuries, and the fact that they’re tired.” Hartigan said, “We need to find a way to get game one under our belts. Hopefully on the bye week we can get healed up a little bit, then go back full bore with Huntington Beach, because our schedule just gets tougher as we go.”

Hartigan said an improved non-conference schedule, opening with perennial Las Vegas power Centennial, will help prepare the Lions to get over the hump in Trinity League play, against an opponent other than Orange Lutheran.

Each of the last two years, JSerra has started 5-0 in nonleague play before facing the jump in competition.

“We play Orange Lutheran off the get go, we had a big win against them last year. If we can string together five, or maybe six (wins) and then try and figure out who else we can beat in the league, it would be ideal,” Hartigan said. “We came close last year to beating Bosco. But we didn’t play well against Santa Margarita, we didn’t play well against Mater Dei and we were sloppy versus Servite. We have to find a way to capture a couple more wins in the Trinity League, other than the traditional one we’ve been doing in the past.”

Offense

The continued progress of junior quarterback Nick Robinson will be an important part of that effort.

“He’s done a nice job. Last year as a sophomore, we threw him in the fire and he grew up, he had to,” Hartigan said.

“He really got better as the league wore on. We’re going to be better up front this year, so hopefully he’ll take less hits.

We’ve changed some things offensively to get the ball out quicker, so I’m expecting him to have a much better year.

He’s going to be the key that gets this engine going.”

While Robinson will be the key for the offense, senior Casey Eugenio will be heart of both the offense and defense for the Lions.

“He’s just amazing,” Hartigan said. “He’s a playmaker. He’s proven, week in, week out, year in, year out, that’s he going to make plays on offense, defense and special teams. And sometimes he’s done all three. He’s just a good, solid, tough high school football player. He’s really the heart and soul of our team and we really need him to have a good year.”

Wide receiver/safety Ethan Aguayo is another player to

2013 Dispatch Football Preview

JSerra Schedule August 31 at Centennial, 11 a.m.

September 13 vs. Huntington Beach at Saddleback College, 7 p.m.

September 20 vs. Buena Park at Saddleback College, 7 p.m.

September 27 vs. Dana Hills at Saddleback College, 7 p.m.

October 4 at Trabuco Hills, 7 p.m.

Otober 11 vs. Orange Lutheran at Orange Coast College, 7 p.m.

October 18 vs. Mater Dei at Saddleback College, 7 p.m.

October 25 vs. St. John Bosco at Saddleback College, 7 p.m.

November 1 at Servite at Cerritos College, 7:30 p.m.

November 8 vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College, 7 p.m.

Senior Casey Eugenio will look to build on his solid junior campaign.

Courtesy photo

watch, coming off a solid JV season that also included time on the varsity squad. Dante Pettis, another receiver and corner, has received Division I interest, including scholarship offers from San Diego State and Nevada, as well as garnering interest from Villanova.

Defense

Defensively, Hartigan said he’s liked seeing the improved pass rush in fall camp, especially coupled with improvements in the weight room that will help the team be stouter against the run. Coupled with an athletic secondary, and an active linebacking corps, Hartigan hopes to see the unit give up fewer big plays this season and force teams to have to sustain their drives.

Breaking into the upper division of the Trinity League, Hartigan said, would go a long way to securing the programs first CIF-SS playoff invitation.

“I think it’s time,” Hartigan said. “This is our seventh year. Certainly we want to try and earn that for ourselves by taking third outright, which means you’d have to win three games. There’s always the chance of being the wildcard, but you have to win seven games to even be considered for that. It’s important, but it’s only going to happen if we stay healthy and we progress.”

JSerra Catholic High School Lions 26351 Junipero Serra Road San Juan Capistrano, Ca. 92675 HC: Jim Hartigan 2012 Record 6-4 (1-4 Trinity League) PTS/G: 21.6 PTS Allowed/G: 24/7 Key Stats: Casey Eugenio is the dynamo of the Lions offense and defense, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can put up the same big numbers he did in 2012. As the team’s go-to running back and kick returner, Eugenio amassed 1,006 total yards of total offense last season. He was also a defensive back and racked up 98 total tackles, which was second on the team. Another key stat to keep an eye on will be junior quarterback Nick Robinson’s touchdown-to-interception ratio. In his sophomore season, Robinson threw five touchdowns and 11 interceptions, seven of which came in league play. That ratio will have to improve if the Lions are going to get over the hump in the Trinity League win column. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Core Players Return for Tartans Title Defense

By Steve Breazeale When St. Margaret’s head football coach Rod Baltau took over three years ago he inherited a team that was full of sophomores and freshman. It was a young squad, but that core group of players developed an identity and translated that into almost immediate success. The Tartans run to the second round of the CIF-SS East Valley playoffs in 2012 marked the end to much of that groups high school football careers.

There are still several players who had been a part of the Tartans dominating run in the Academy League on the 2013 roster but now, Baltau makes comparisons to that team he guided to a 9-3 overall record back in 2010.

“We were getting older but now we’re back to being younger but I guess that’s just how it works,” Baltau said. “It’s going to be fun to see some young guys that are going to need to step up. It looks like they are but when we go live we’ll see if they actually do.”

The Tartans steamrolled their way through the Academy League last year, going 3-0. They outscored their in-league opponents 156-14. With a good portion of last year’s roster gone to graduation, it will be interesting to see if the Tartans can maintain the torrent pace set by last year’s veterans.

Offense

The Tartans skill positions will be a strong point heading into the new season. Senior quarterback Josh Davis is a three-year starter and provides the consistency and skill that is necessary for the position. Two years ago Davis was named the Academy League Offensive Player of the Year. Baltau describes Davis as a dual-threat quarterback who can make big throws but also burst out of the pocket and scramble to pick up yards.

Joining Davis in the backfield will be returning starting running back Oscar Gomez, who is the reigning league offensive MVP. Gomez had a breakout sophomore season and will look to thrive again in the Tartans spread offense.

Baltau also likes the look of his young offensive line, which he says has good size.

Two-way player Jake Hines will look to sure up the Tartans receiving corps.

Defense

St. Margaret’s has been able to put a lot of points on the board in years past but where they have excelled is on defense. They recorded five shutouts last season,

2013 Dispatch Football Preview

Senior Quarterback Josh Davis returns for the Tartans in 2013. Photo by Steve Breazeale.

including one in the playoffs, and will have several impact players returning.

Hines, who is going to the University of Massachusetts Amherst to play college football next season, will be one of the team’s outside linebackers. Hines has started at the position since he was a freshman. He will play in tandem alongside junior middle linebacker Dalan Cragun. Baltau feels that the two have a special knack for the linebacker position and will provide the defense with veteran leadership.

St. Margaret’s Schedule September 6 vs. Village Christian, 7 p.m.

September 12 at Linfield September 20 at Whittier Christian, 7 p.m.

September 27 vs. Laguna Beach, 7 p.m.

October 4 vs. Frederick Douglass Academy, 7 p.m.

October 11 vs. Sage Hill, 7 p.m.

October 18 at Brethren Christian, 7 p.m.

October 25 at Crean Lutheran, 7 p.m.

November 2 at Mission Prep, 7 p.m.

November 8 vs. Calvary Chapel, 7 p.m.

“They’re experienced but they love playing linebacker,” Baltau said. A lot of our guys have to go both ways, and Hines will start on offense, but they just love playing defense and they love getting after it.”

The Tartans will run a multiple defensive scheme this season, switching between 4-4, 4-3 and even 4-2 defensive looks.

A game to mark off on the calendar will be the Tartans September 27 non-league matchup with Laguna Beach, who defeated St. Margaret’s last season.

St. Margaret’s Tartans 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, Ca. 92675 HC: Rod Baltau 2012 Record: 10-2 (4-0, 1st in Academy League) PTS/G: 42.2 PTS Allowed/G: 8.8 Key Stats: The trend over at St. Margaret’s in recent years has been a standout defense. Last year was no exception. The Tartans smothered their opponents in the regular season, holding three opponents to seven points or less while recording five shutouts, including one in the playoffs. The team took a hit to graduation so the stat to watch will be the points allowed. Time will tell if this year’s defensive group can be just as effective as the 2012 version. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Saddleback Valley Christian High School

By Kevin Dahlgren The Saddleback Valley Christian football team steamrolled their way to the 2012 San Joaquin League championship last season and so far in the early going of fall camp, head coach Justin Reber likes what he sees out of his returning players.

“This is the biggest team, size and strength-wise, that I have had as a coach at this school,” Reber said. “This team could be twice as good as the team we put out on the field last season.”

That’s saying a lot, considering the Warriors pounded their way through league opponents with a devastating run game last year.

It’s been a while since the small San Juan Capistrano team got to don the pads and start tackling, which they finally did last week.

“We’re excited to get back on the field and start hitting again,” senior wideout Marco Castellanos said.

Castellanos and the rest of this year’s varsity team began practicing last week with hopes of putting together another league championship. With eight returning offensive players and six players returning on the defensive side of the ball, the 2013 Warriors team thinks they are ready and able to capture back-to-back San Joaquin League titles.

Lohman was an absolute force last season as he rushed for 1,969 yards and 25 touchdowns. Lohman accounted for 25 of the team’s 38 rushing touchdowns.

Camarillo-Towles kept the offense flowing and balanced the run-heavy attack.

Coach Reber thinks they have found ways to fill those holes left by the graduated seniors. All they had to do was look to their depth chart.

“We have four legit weapons at wide receiver who will fill the role on offense and we think Jake Markum is going to step in at quarterback without missing a beat,” Reber said.

The list of receivers that Markum, a junior, will have at his disposal consists of Charlie Morris, Caleb Ward, Sawyer Caso-Nogle and David Molina.

Markum isn’t worried about the offense missing any strides this season, despite losing their record-setting running back.

“Our offense is much better than last year. The offensive line is doing a great job, we have four really good receivers and we have the ability to score a lot of points,” he said.

Defense When asked how the team was preparing for the upcoming season, junior wide receiver and free safety Charlie Morris said, “I feel like our defense has gotten much better since last year, we are working on getting the new players up to speed but we will be ready for the first game.

Overall we’ve got a really great team.”

Senior linebacker Josh Sandberg and junior defensive lineman Asa Johnson are also slated to return.

This year, the marquee matchup for the Warriors will take place October 4 when they take on Aliso Niguel out of the Sea View League. It will be the largest school, by far, that the Warriors have faced in over two years.

“This team can compete with the bigger schools like Aliso Niguel. We might not have the size or strength they do, but we have great players who will go 100 percent for four quarters. I’m excited to see what our guys can prove,” Reber said.

2013 Dispatch Football Preview

August 30 at Firebaugh, 7 p.m.

September 7 at Polytechnic, 2 p.m.

September 20 vs. Rock Academy at San Juan Hills High, 7 p.m.

September 28 vs. Riverside Christian at San Juan Hills High, 7 p.m.

October 4 at Aliso Niguel, 7 p.m.

October 12 at Indian Springs, 7 p.m.

October 18 at Southlands Christian, TBA October 25 at Fairmont Prep, TBA November 1 vs. Santa Clarita Christian at St. Margaret’s Episcopal, 7 p.m.

November 7 vs. Capistrano Valley Christian at San Clemente High, 7:30 p.m.

Saddleback Valley Christian Warriors 26333 Oso Road San Juan Capistrano, Ca. 92675 HC: Justin Reber 2012: 6-5 (5-0, 1st in San Joaquin League) PTS/G: 33.6 PTS Allowed/G: 21

Offense The Warriors will be missing two key pieces from their offense that contributed so much one year ago. Running back Forrest Lohman and quarterback Brandon Camarillo-Towes have graduated, leaving major holes to fill.

Saddleback Valley Christian Schedule

The Capistrano Valley Christian football team is looking for a foothold in the San Joaquin League. Photo by Kevin Dahlgren

Key Stats: The Warriors ran the ball 457 times in 2012 and attempted only 222 passes. The lion’s share of those rush carries went to Forrest Lohman, who graduated after a stellar senior season.

With Lohman gone it will be interesting to see which player steps up and fills the production void in his absence. The Warriors have a deep receiving corps but will still need to find that go-to back if they are to repeat as league champs. Out of the returning players who saw time last year, only senior Marco Castellanos had more than 20 carries. Castellanos is listed as a receiver but could be an option heading into the new season.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Eagles Taking Flight After a successful first season in 11-man football, Capistrano Valley Christian looks to returning players for strength

By Kevin Dahlgren The Capistrano Valley Christian football team ended their 2012 campaign with a second-place finish in the San Joaquin League. Their only loss in league play came October 13 in the form of a 49-14 trouncing by inner-city rival Saddleback Valley Christian. This year, the Eagles will have plenty of time to prepare for the rematch of last season’s defeat as they take on the Warriors in their final game of the season on November 7 at San Clemente High School.

Offense

Entering the 2013 season, junior quarterback Riley Babick and the rest of the Eagles squad are eager to redeem their second-place finish. Once again Babick will look to sophomore receiver Ben Sukut, who led the Eagles in receiving and all-purpose yards as a freshman,

for help in leading his team to a league championship.

Sukut was easily Babick’s favorite target last year and the two combined for 11 passing touchdowns.

Defense

On the defensive side of the ball, Sukut collected six interceptions totaling over 316 yards in interception returns playing at defensive back. Sukut’s all-around 2012 performance earned him a spot on the Maxpreps.com Freshman All-American Team.

This year’s Eagles team is chalk-full of young talent, with 11 returning sophomores including defensive back Dylan Baird, who led all underclassmen with 40 tackles and tied with Sukut for the interceptions lead.

Despite being a young team, the Eagles are prepared to make a run at a league title and the even more elusive CIF-SS championship.

Canyon High, 7 p.m.

October 7 vs. Saddleback Valley Christian at San Clemente High, 7:30 p.m.

Capistrano Valley Christian Schedule

Capistrano Valley Christian Eagles 32032 Del Obispo Street San Juan Capistrano, Ca. 92675 HC: Dan Dodd 2012 Record: 8-3 (4-1 San Joaquin League) PTS/G: 29.3 PTS Allowed/G: 25.7

August 30 at Maranatha Christian, 7 p.m.

September 6 vs. Rock Academy at San Clemente High, 7 p.m.

September 13 vs. Sage Hill at San Clemente High, 7:30 p.m.

September 20 at Linfield Christian, 7:30 p.m.

October 4 vs. Crean Lutheran at San Clemente High, 7:30 p.m.

October 12 at Southlands Christian, 7 p.m.

October 18 vs. Fairmont Prep at San Clemente High, 7:30 p.m.

October 26 vs. Santa Clarita Christian at

Key Stats: In their first season playing 11-man football, the Eagles definitely held their own. Riley Babick had a breakout sophomore season, throwing for 2,267 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also had 108 rushing yards and was effective at the goal line, punching in four rushing touchdowns on the year. Babick’s success can partially be accredited to sophomore wide out Ben Sukut, who caught 89 passes as a freshman for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns. If Babick and Sukut can fall into an even more effective rhythm, those eyepopping stats could get even bigger.

2013 Dispatch Football Preview

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

23

STEVE TYRELL 8 p.m.

Concert at The Coach House.

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

CHANCEY WILLIAMS AND THE YOUNGER BROTHERS BAND 8:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

saturday

RMV RODEO 2 p.m. Saturday; 11:30 a.m. Sunday. The richest two-day rodeo in the nation with a purse totaling over $200,000, featuring rodeo contestants in saddle bronc and bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping, as well as much more fun for the whole family.

Admission $10-$25. Location: corner of Ortega Highway and La Pata, www.rmvrodeo.com.

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PET ADOPTION 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Ark of San Juan has dogs, cats and kittens for adoption at PetSmart in the Costco/Staples plaza. 33963 Doheny Park Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

THE BLUES & BOOZE TOUR 2013 3 p.m. Blues concert featuring Big Daddy Williams & Lexi G. and Jumpin Jack Benny at The Ribjoint, benefiting The Orange County Blues Society. Tickets $20. 34294 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.661.9500, www.ribjointdanapoint.com, www.bdmcgees.com.

sunday

BLACK SHEEP DOWNED BIKER POKER RUN AND RALLY 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fundraiser event and poker run at Historic Town Center Park to benefit Harley motorcycle owners who are injured in an accident with live classic rock, barbecue, games, raffles, vendors and more. Tickets $20. 31852 El Camino Real, SJC, 714.215.2711.

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The Capistrano Dispatch August 23–September 12, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: ‘PARANOIA’ ANNOYS This summer’s movie season started on a high note, with hit blockbusters such as Iron Man 3 and This Is the End, and indie sleepers like The Way, Way Back and Blue Jasmine. But August 2013 has been relatively underwhelming. One of the most blasé of this month’s late summer releases is Paranoia. This not-so-thrilling thriller stars two film legends and two attractive B-listers but lacks originality and bombed at the box office. After losing his job at a phone company, Adam (Liam Hemsworth) blows his last use of the company credit card on partying with friends. Rather than call him out on it, his old boss Wyatt (Gary Oldman) offers a deal. If Adam agrees to spy on Wyatt’s old partner, and business rival, Goddard Gary Oldman, Liam Hemsworth and Harrison Ford (Harrison Ford), he can have a new, bigger job. But the more Adam plays the in Paranoia. © 2013 Paranoia Productions, LLC. part, the more connected he feels toward Goddard’s young protégé Emma (Amber Heard). Embeth Davidtz, Richard Dreyfuss and Julian McMahon co-star. Directed by Robert Luketic, known mostly for romcoms such as Legally Blonde (2001), and based on the novel by Joseph Finder, Paranoia is a blend of good looking people, lackluster dialogue, bad editing and an obnoxious music score. With Luketic clearly out of his element in this genre and Dreyfuss’ and Hemsworth’s carelessly delivered lines, Paranoia failed to crack the Top 10 opening weekend. And it looks like Hemsworth and Heard will have to find something less forgettable to make them household names. — Megan Bianco

MIKE HAMILTON Noon-4 p.m. Live music at Mission Grill, 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.8055, www.missiongrillsjc.com.

JUSTIN FOUTZ 1:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

THE SERRA CHAPEL TOUR 11:15 a.m. Tour at the Mission in honor of Father Junípero Serra, who was born 300 years ago this year. Offered Sundays. Admission $6$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

monday

26

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.

tuesday

CURIOSITY CARTS 10 a.m.-Noon. A hands-on learning experience for kids 5 and older with replicas of Mission artifacts used by the Juaneño Indians at Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

27

PHIL VANDERMOST 8 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

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

wednesday

WEST COAST FILM FESTIVAL The 3rd Annual West Coast Film Festival at various venues in San Juan Capistrano begins and runs through Sept. 1, featuring indie films, documentaries, classics and much more. Tickets on sale at the local Regency Theatre.

More info: 949.489.7771, www.westcoastfilmfest.com.

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MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m. A 14-venue “pub crawl” featuring seasonal craft brews, Page 17

live music, food and appetizers and more in downtown San Juan Capistrano, the last Wednesday of the month.

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

thursday

29

THE HIGHWAY MAN SHOW 7:30 p.m. Special live show at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www. swallowsinn.com.

LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 am-10:30 am. Join the SJC Los Rios Park Garden Angels in front of the Montanez Adobe to volunteer in the garden, grow our butterfly sanctuary and care for the native plants. Every Thursday.

31661 Los Rios St., 949.493.5911, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

friday

30

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

MARSHALL TUCKER BAND 8 p.m. Classic rock band in concert at The Coach House. Tickets $35; call for info. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

saturday

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, dining and dancing in the courtyard of Mission San Juan Capistrano. The final show of the series features music by The Fab Four: Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles with “Ed Sullivan.” Ticket info online. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

31

THIRD RAIL BLUE AND GRAND JUNCTION 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn, day and night. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

(Cont. on page 18) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 17) ALL STARS LIVE 8:30 p.m. Live music at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com.

FUNNIEST HOUSEWIVES OF OC 8 p.m. Popular comedy show at The Coach House. Tickets $20; call for info. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

sunday

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

949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

01

PANNING FOR GOLD 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Try your luck at finding gold in custom-designed troughs at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Cost $3 with admission. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

monday

15TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY PIG ROAST 1 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn and The Capistrano Eagles MC present a pig roast celebration with live music by Family Style and more fun.

Donation $15. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

02

tuesday

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11 a.m. Children ages 3-6 and their caregivers are invited for stories, songs, crafts and fun at the San Juan Capistrano Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

03

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

wednesday

NETWORK BREAKFAST MIXER 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Join the chamber on the first Wednesday of the month for breakfast at the Vintage Steakhouse. Cost $15 members/$25 potential members. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

04

BISHOP’S CHESS CLUB 6 p.m.-7:45 p.m. The club meets the first Wednesday of the month at the San Juan Capistrano Library for chess games, instruction, discussion and more. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET WEAVING 10 a.m.1 p.m. Experience the art of basket weaving, a Native American tradition, at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Free with admission. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

thursday

TASTE OF SOUTH COUNTY AND THE CAPISTRANO AUTO SHOW 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Food and beverages from a host of south OC’s restaurants and cafes, as well as music, and new cars on display at Independence Bank in SJC. Cost $15-$25. 32291 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

05

EDITOR’S PICK: OTTMAR LIEBERT & LUNA NEGRA 8 p.m. Ottmar Leibert and his band Luna Negra bring southwest border-country flamenco music to the Coach House stage. Far from old school flamenco, songs from Liebert’s latest release, “Dune,” include a mix of acoustic and electric guitar, gypsy accordion, electric bass, funky drumOttmar Liebert. Photo by Joe Mozdzen boxing and percussion.

Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. Dinner reservations are also available. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@thecapistranodispatch.com

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

HELP WANTED PHARMACY CLERK TYPIST Fulltime, San Clemente area, experience required, ins. benefits, call (949) 496-0123 for appt. or fax resume to (949) 496-0489.

PROGRAM AIDE Part-time position working members ages 7 – 18 in our after-school program. Duties include registration and assisting with programs in the areas of the Arts, Health and Life Skills, and Education.

Hours will be: 2 – 6 pm, Monday through Friday.

Requirements: high school diploma, experience working with children, communication skills to deal with children and with the general public (bilingual in Spanish a plus), CPR and first aid certified. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is an equal opportunity employer. If interested, please contact Nicole Watson, Area Director, at 949.240.7898 extension *19 or by email at nwatson@bgccapo.com.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY

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

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

949.350.4692

ELECTRICIANS

*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

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

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!

Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/RESTORATION

949.499.4464 949.496.9731

Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 714.757.3490 www.yorbalindatilemarble.com, CA License #789312

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

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

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

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

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Tuesday 8.27 Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting 5 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

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

Friday 8.30 Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues, hosted by The Dispatch founder Jonathan Volzke.

Occurs every Friday. All are welcome. El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano.

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

Tuesday 9.10

Tuesday 9.3 City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Monday 9.9

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

Friday 9.13 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes

Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Commission Meeting 6 p.m. City

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

Finding Glee in the OC No reason to take living in south Orange County for granted

M

ost everyone I know who lives in south Orange County feels blessed to be here. Besides the incredible Southern California weather, this August not withstanding, we have a choice of beaches and Dana Point Harbor in which to enjoy aquatic activities.

When outsiders come to visit, they marvel at the beauty and versatility of the area. I hear comments from them often in Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli. They remind us that we should never take for granted what we have here.

That point was driven home when my brother Bill, his wife Linda and his two boys visited for five days this month from Dallas. Bill is a masters swimmer and took part in the nationals at the Aquatic Center in Mission Viejo, along with 1,437 others. With the center’s three outdoor pools, it’s a swimming venue to be proud of. There must have been 300 volunteers helping out.

On one of the nights, our family enjoyed dinner at the Wind & Sea Restaurant in the Harbor, a landmark location for Dana Point. You dine at a table overlooking the marina entrance.

Pointing toward the water, Bill asked, “What’s that guy doing?”

My partner Greta said, “He’s a stand-up paddleboarder, it’s quite the craze here now. Baby Beach, inside the Harbor down by the Ocean Institute, has calm water and that’s where most people learn how to do it.”

Besides the constant passing of boats in and out, a guy went by in a float tube, fly casting in every direction.

When you’ve been to the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano over the years for a myriad of concerts, as

Greta and I have (Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Don Ho), it’s easy to take the venue for granted.

But it took our Texas visitors to remind us of how special that little ON LIFE AND concert hall is. When LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake Bill and Linda walked in, they marveled about its quaintness and how there was not a bad seat in the house. And these are people from the state that is home to well-known venues such as Gilley’s and Billy Bob’s Texas.

They were thrilled with the concert, as were Greta and I. Bill Medley, the surviving member of the original Righteous Brothers, an Orange County native, put on an incredible performance, particularly for a 72-year-old guy. It was the anniversary of Bobby Hatfield’s birthday, the other half of the Righteous Brothers, who died November 5, 2003. Medley often mentioned Bobby throughout the show. Medley’s daughter, McKenna, who reminded us of Reese Witherspoon, is a rising star in Nashville. She added lots of zip to the performance.

When you go to the Coach House, be sure to say hello to John the bartender.

He’s been there for at least a quarter century and can make a drink in the blink of an eye.

The city of Dana Point has done a great job of promoting social activities.

Pretty much every weekend, there is something fun to do. Nothing was more enjoyable for Greta and me than on Sunday, when we attended one of the summer concert series events the

The Capistrano Dispatch August 23–September 12, 2013

city sponsors. Each summer, there are eight free outdoor concerts held in three different locations. This one was at Sea Terrace Park near the Dana Point Library. I’m estimating 4,000 people were there.

The band was called ABBAfab, an ABBA tribute band that had 10 members. Usually, at these events, Greta and I stay seated in our lawn chairs and just enjoy the music. But on that Sunday, we were down in front of the stage, dancing and singing along with about 300 other crazies. This was a really special concert for us.

Yes, we are huge ABBA fans (the Swedish group has sold close to 400 millions albums). In May of this year, we went to the new ABBA museum in Stockholm on opening day and got to watch original members Bjorn and Frida interviewed live by NBC personality Natalie Morales on the “Today Show.”

So, if you’re starting to take living in south Orange County for granted, check

Page 20

out all of the diverse events that happen here and get out there and enjoy them.

You’ll appreciate what we have.

The next singles age 50 plus Meet and Greet is Thursday, August 29, 5 p.m. to 7:30 at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point.

No cover charge. Happy hour prices.

Featuring Carl the DJ. For directions: www.tutorandspunkys. com Call 949 248-9008 for questions.

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 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 editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

CELTIC CLASSIC COMING TO THE OC

Kilts will be optional as Celtic clans and strongmen descend on Dana Point Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25, for the California Celtic Classic and World Highland Games.

The games—which have a rich history dating back to 632 B.C. in Ireland and served as an inspiration for the modern-day Olympics—include a variety of traditional Irish and Scottish sporting events such as the hammer throw, stone putt, caber toss and many other weight-lifting related contests.

Ten of America’s top Highland athletes will compete for one spot in the International Highland Games Federa-

A Highland Games competitor. Courtesy photo

tion World Amateur Highland Games Championship, scheduled in Europe for 2014.

The event will also include a strongman competition, where 10 of

California’s top strength athletes are set to compete.

The festival grounds will be decked out to mimic medieval times and will also feature a Celtic food fair, live music, dancing, a haggis eating contest, clan gathering and a Celtic marketplace.

The two-day festival will be held at Sea Terrace Community Park, at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Niguel Road, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Kids under 13 are free.

For more information or to purchase tickets, log on to www.calcelticclassic. com. — Darian Nourian

Prestige and a Paycheck

Country’s richest two-day rodeo brings top cowboys to San Juan Capistrano

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he waning summer months and early fall can be a hectic time for cowboys on the professional rodeo circuit. As the National Rodeo Finals in December draw nearer, cowboys aren’t just battling with the bucking horses and bulls they ride. For some competitors, they’re also jockeying with one another in hopes of earning a spot in the end-of-the-year championship.

For that reason, the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo can make or break a cowboy’s season. The National Rodeo Finals accept only the top 15 money winners in eight categories: all-around, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer roping and bull riding. The Rodeo, now in its 13th year in San Juan Capistrano, is known as the richest two-day rodeo in the country and typically draws the top 30 competitors in each category.

For those cowboys on the bubble or sitting just outside the top 15, a win in San Juan Capistrano can mean a trip to Las Vegas.

Wade Sumpter of Fowler, Colo. is a former winner at the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, earning top billing as a steer wrestler two years ago. This year, he enters the Rodeo squarely at 15th in the standings and has accumulated $40,757 in winnings. Ahead of him is Bray Armes of Ponder, Texas ($41,872) and behind him, Seth Brockman from

In the saddle bronc event at the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, cowboys compete for style point while attempting to stay in the saddle for 8 seconds atop a wildly bucking bronco. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Wheatland, Wyo. ($40,539).

“When you’re on the bubble, you have to just keep chipping away,” Sumpter said. “You’re competing against the best in the world, with the top 30 guys there.

Other rodeos might have the top 100.”

The life of a rodeo cowboy is strenuous, marked by painful bruises and long nights on the road, away from home.

Cowboys typically pay their own way to different rodeos throughout the country, even into Canada. In July, Sumpter came away with his second steer wrestling title at the Calgary Stampede, one of the world’s largest rodeos, and collected $100,000. However that win and those earnings don’t count toward the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association standings. According to Sumpter, rodeos like Calgary are a mix of business and gambling—a shot at earning a paycheck to feed the family.

“It still counts in the checkbook, even if it doesn’t count toward the standings,” Sumpter said. “It’s kind of like buying a lottery ticket and winning. It sure helps.”

As important as it is to make the

The Capistrano Dispatch August 23-September 12, 2013

finals, Sumpter has a lot more on his mind these days. His wife, Linsay Rosser-Sumpter, who grew up in a rodeo family herself, is pregnant with the couple’s first child, a son, who is due in late December.

Linsay is the granddaughter of Cotton Rosser, the patriarch of the Flying U Rodeo, which produces the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo. Linsay is a former rodeo competitor, but now spends most of her time organizing the music for rodeos and coaching the rodeo team at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colo. Linsay tries to make it out to her husband’s rodeos whenever she can, but Saturday in San Juan Capistrano will be the first time they’ve seen each other in six weeks.

“It kind of goes with the territory of being raised in a rodeo family,” Linsay said. “The rodeo has blessed both of our lives. This year might be a little harder on him because he probably wants to be home. It’s a little different now because I can feel the baby move, and he hasn’t been here for that. But we’ve been lucky. I’ve always been in his corner.”

Page 22

As a rodeo cowboy, Sumpter says distractions—even the best kinds, like impending fatherhood—don’t have much of an effect on performance.

Much of what the cowboy does depends on the animal, which are also evaluated and given points.

“You can’t just show up to a rodeo, do your best and win,” Sumtper said.

“There are a lot of variables.”

“I don’t think Wade lets stuff bother him. He’s very cool, calm and collected,” said Linsay’s aunt Cindy Rosser, also from the Flying U Rodeo. “He just goes.”

The 13th annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo takes place Saturday, August 24 to Sunday, August 25 at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, on the corner of Ortega Highway and La Pata Avenue. On Saturday, gates open at 2 p.m. and the rodeo begins at 4 p.m. On Sunday, gates open at 11:30 a.m. and the rodeo begins at 1:30 p.m.

For more information on the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, visit www.rmvrodeo.com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com