September 27, 2013

VOTE FOR THE “BEST OF SAN JUAN” AT WWW.THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 10, 2013 FOUNDED IN 2002

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 18

Recall Notice Served The city’s appeal in the water rate lawsuit has sparked a recall campaign against Councilman Sam Allevato E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Less than a year after surviving a contentious election, City Councilman Sam Allevato now faces a recall campaign brought on by his longtime critics. Photo by Brian Park

New K-8 CUSD School for Rancho Mission Viejo Students Could Cost $29 million

Historical Society Performance Explores Life in 19th Century San Juan

Capistrano Coyotes Ice Hockey Skates Into New Territory

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 8

SPORTS/PAGE 18

EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE A representative from Lehman Brothers told the San Clemente City Council last week the company would proceed with a number of infrastructure improvements to the Marblehead property before selling it for a planned residential development. Lehman representative Lisa Gordon said the company hired a general contractor to manage work at the site. Gordon said highest priority items were the completion of the roadways, West Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Pico, and progress on two planned parks and a trail system. Lehman declared bankruptcy five years ago, setting off the financial crisis. Gordon said work on Pico would be completed in the first quarter of next year, with Vista Hermosa following. The question, she said, would be whether enough progress would be made on trails and parks to allow the roads to open to commuters.

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

The city of Dana Point banned skateboarding down six public streets last week. City Manager Doug Chokevys said safety concerns had streamed in for years, but did not have statistics. Signs will be erected on streets throughout the Monarch Bay Terrace neighborhood, located at Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway, warning skateboarders of the ban and allowing authorities to enforce restrictions. City Engineer Brad Fowler said staff relied heavily on input from residents and recommended banning the activity on six streets including Azores, Caribbean and Caspian Sea, Sea Island and Seven Seas drives and Crete Road. The council agreed unanimously. The ban is backed by municipal code allowing the council to designate any public roadway as a no roller-skating, skateboarding or bicycling area.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

…the New CUSD School?

THE LATEST: A new K-8 school in the Capistrano Unified School District could accommodate up to 1,600 students from the Rancho Mission Viejo development and would cost $29.4 million, according to a presentation given to the school board.

The proposed 75,850-square-foot school would be located in Planning Area 2 of Rancho Mission Viejo. The new development debuted its first village, Sendero, in late June. At total buildout in 25 to 30 years, the community is expected to include 14,000 homes and introduce 4,500 new students. Sendero and PA2 are projected to produce 1,118 K-8 students and 266 high school students, who will be sent to existing high schools in the short term.

Negotiations between the district and the Rancho Mission Viejo Company are ongoing, but the developer has agreed to maintain some joint-use facilities, including a multipurpose building, sports field and perimeter landscaping.

WHAT’S NEXT: The district will conduct a study before Planning Area 3 is built to determine the high school facility needs for the entire community.

FIND OUT MORE: To view the presentation, visit capousd.ca.schoolloop.com.

– Brian Park

2

…the Del Taco?

THE LATEST: Del Taco’s color scheme may undergo its second change in less than a year after the San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission on Tuesday formed

an ad-hoc committee to work with the restaurant to find a new look.

Del Taco, located at 31780 Del Obispo Street, changed its building colors to include a “luau green” and “Chinese red” and added outdoor paneling and gooseneck lighting fixtures earlier this year, despite never receiving city approval. On Tuesday, the Lake Forest-based restaurant chain sought retroactive approval for the outdoor elements and proposed a modified color scheme.

Commissioners expressed concern the changes would make for an inappropriate gateway into the city, following the demolition of the nearby Arby’s and Chevron gas station due to the Ortega Highway interchange project.

The commission requested the restaurant remove the paneling and lighting and formed an ad-hoc committee of commissioners Evan Chaffee and Ian Gardiner to consider a new color palette and landscaping elements.

rates illegal and would have put a halt to the current billing system. Munoz’s decision sided with a lawsuit brought on by the Capistrano Taxpayers Association, a local taxpayers’ rights group. The city’s regular billing cycle was delayed while attorneys for the city determined the short-term impacts of Munoz’s ruling, before submitting their appeal.

WHAT’S NEXT: Customers will be given additional time to pay their water bills without late penalties.

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

4

WHAT’S NEXT: Chaffee and Gardiner will report back to the commission on October 22.

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

3

…the Late Water Bills?

THE LATEST: Water bills are arriving three weeks late this month as a result of the city’s ongoing water rate lawsuit, according to city officials.

On September 6, attorneys for the city filed a notice of appeal challenging Orange County Superior Court Judge Gregory Munoz’s August 28 ruling that declared San Juan Capistrano’s water

The Capistrano Dispatch September 27–October 10, 2013

…SONGS?

THE LATEST: Federal regulators issued a ruling Monday citing both the manufacturer of nuclear generators at the San Onofre nuclear power plant and its operator for issues leading to the plant’s retirement in June.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission notified Southern California Edison, the majority owner and operator of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, that the design of replacement steam generators at the plant constituted a violation of “low to moderate safety significance.”

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the manufacturer of the generators, was issued a “notice of nonconformance” from the federal agency for problems associated with their design, specifically citing the computer modeling system used as “inadequate.” The agency does not regulate Mitsubishi.

WHAT’S NEXT: Both Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric are seeking damages

Page 3

from Mitsubishi for costs associated with the faulty generators, including the cost of replacement power.

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

– Jim Shilander

5

…the Pico Interchange Project?

THE LATEST: The first phase of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Interstate 5 widening project, which will include demolition of a portion of the Avenida Pico overpass in San Clemente, is expected to begin by this time next year, according to the project manager.

The project will be the third portion of the effort to add a high-occupancy vehicle lane, from San Juan Creek Road to Avenida Pico, to begin work, said Hamid Torkamanha during a quarterly stakeholders meeting.

The first portion of the project, from San Juan Creek Road to Pacific Coast Highway, is set to begin in January. A portion from PCH to Avenida Vista Hermosa is set to begin four to five months later. The portion stretching from Vista Hermosa to Pico would then begin four to five months after that. The last portion will also be the longest and is expected to take two and a half years, as it involves the reconstruction of the Pico interchange.

WHAT’S NEXT: Torkamanha said OCTA’s efforts to acquire the properties within the new right-of-way, including the Shell station and Burger Stop on the south side of Pico, west of I-5, were underway.

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

EYE ON SJC

Recall Notice Served The city’s appeal in the water rate lawsuit has sparked a recall campaign against Councilman Sam Allevato

By Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

Worthington said. “We’re talking millions of dollars.”

Both Worthington and Perry have group of San Juan Capistrano resicontributed articles to Community dents who have long been critical Common Sense, formerly Capistrano of the city’s water policies filed a Common Sense, publishers of a monthly notice of intent to recall nine-year City newsletter often critical of Allevato, as Councilman Sam Allevato, prompting a well as other water rate supporters, drove of his supporters to come to his Mayor John Taylor and Councilman Lardefense Tuesday, September 17. ry Kramer. Councilmen Roy Byrnes and Clint Worthington, a representative Derek Reeve, who often vote against for the recall organizers, Residents for continued investment into the groundHonest Government, served Allevato water facility, have also written guest with the notice during the oral comcolumns in Common Sense newsletters. munications portion of the City Council In a prepared statement during the meeting that evening. council meeting, Allevato defended his “We intend to seek your recall and reactions on the dais and said that he has moval from the office of city councilman been unfairly targeted by the group. in the city of San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

“My friends, do not be fooled by this, and demand election of a successor in as each and every one of you have exthat office,” said Worthington, reading perienced bullying in your life,” Allevato from the official notice. said. “I’m not scared of these people.

The group cites Allevato’s ongoThey constantly win by intimidation. I ing support of the city’s controversial have nothing to hide.” groundwater recovery plant and his Although he is still listed as an February 2010 vote to increase water editorial board member on the Comrates and establish a new tiered rate mon Sense website, Perry said he has structure. Those rates were declared since scaled back his role and is now illegal by an Orange County Superior a contributing editor. “I don’t have any Court judge in August in a lawsuit say about how they formulate the paper, brought on by the Capistrano Taxpayers but they occasionally ask me to write Association. columns,” Perry said.

Worthington was an early advocate News of the recall attempt was first of the CTA but said he published in an email has since ceded the sent the day before “I’m not scared of the council meeting by bulk of responsibility to the association’s Common Sense to its these people. They subscribers. Allevato’s founding board members, John Perry and holding constantly win by supporters, Jim Reardon. Perry is signs that read “I’m one of 30 signatories in for Allevato” and intimidation. I have All on the recall notice but “Stand Up for Sam,” said he only serves in took to the podium to nothing to hide.” an advisory role for the speak in his defense group during the filing —Councilman Sam Allevato and criticize recall orprocess. ganizers and Common “When it comes to Sense.

Residents for Honest Government, all “They’re not city hall watchdogs. A I’m doing is preparing forms for them watchdog can heal or lay peacefully. … I’m not directly involved in their They’re nothing more than political policy,” Perry said. “Quite frankly, I’m bullies,” said Jonathan Volzke, a former trying to keep myself at arm’s length Orange County Register reporter and because I’m busy with the lawsuit and founder of The Dispatch who now with the CTA.” works for the public affairs firm, ComWorthington said he and other recall munications LAB. “They’re not professupporters were moved to act following sional in their attacks. It’s not even the city’s decision to appeal in the water political. It’s personal.” rate lawsuit.

Resident Mike Johnson said although “It was a difficult decision to recall, he often disagrees with Allevato’s decibut it was a decision that was made for sions, he could not support a recall. us when the city decided they wanted “Sam, we’ve publicly disagreed nuto appeal and not give back the resimerous times over the years. We’ve also dents the money that is due to them,” sat and had a beer and discussed our

A

The Capistrano Dispatch September 27-October 10, 2013

Page 4

City Councilman Sam Allevato’s supporters stood by as the councilman addressed an attempt to recall him from the council. Photo by Brian Park

differences and laughed. I can’t find any reason for you to be recalled,” Johnson said. “If I had to be for you or against you, I’d have to be for you because I’m not for the divisive, hurtful attacks that you’ve been a target of.”

Allevato was first appointed to the council in 2004. He and Byrnes, who served on the council from 1972 to 1976, were reelected in November. In what was a contentious election, Byrnes was the top vote-getter with 5,959 votes, or 25.5 percent of the total. Allevato finished second with 5,234 votes, a 22.4-percent share. Kim McCarthy, who ran alongside Byrnes and manages advertisements for Common Sense newsletters, finished third with 4,793 votes.

“These folks have been trying to get me off the City Council for a long time.

Now they’re going to try a different way.

I just feel it’s being put on the backs of the residents of this town for a $100,000 special election,” Allevato said. “It’s not right. I just won an election less than a year ago. They couldn’t beat me in a straight-up election, so now they’re going to go around the back door on the taxpayers’ dime.”

Despite raising the most campaign contributions of any candidate, Allevato’s campaign partner, former Planning Commissioner Ginny Kerr finished in fourth with 4,364 votes. Kerr also returned to the City Council chambers to speak for Allevato.

“Sam has served this community longer than they’ve lived here,” Kerr said. “It’s clear there’s two groups of people … The criticizers are small in number but unfortunately destructive to our town.”

Worthington objects to the notion that

recall organizers represent a minority.

Residents for Honest Government have set up a blog to update the progress of its recall campaign and to collect donations and gather volunteers.

“We have a number of volunteers who’ve already stepped up to the plate,” Worthington said. “We didn’t have any problem getting the 30 signatures. If there is any indication of how easy it was to get 30 signatures, we shouldn’t have a problem getting this placed on the ballot.”

Worthington said the group has already filed papers with the state to be registered as a political action committee. Recall organizers turned in their official notice with the City Clerk’s office on Monday, September 23. Allevato has until the following Monday to submit a 200-word response.

After the notice is published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation, recall organizers have 120 days to gather petition signatures from 20 percent of the city’s 17,629 voters, according to the most recent registration data provided by the county registrar, or 3,525 people, to enact a special recall election.

Since being served with the notice, Allevato has been working with his campaign advisor from the November election. Once recall organizers begin to seek signatures, Worthington said he expects there to be an anti-recall campaign.

“I anticipate that the supporters of Sam Allevato will gather around the wagons and try to protect him,” Worthington said. “But the bottom line is, every time people get their water bills, they’re going to remember.” 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.

Sunday, September 22 CITIZEN ASSIST Ortega Highway/El Camino Real (3:42 p.m.) A woman was seen trying to get her car out of a locked parking lot.

Witnesses say the woman was standing outside of the lot looking very confused.

on the horse trail near the Hunt Club.

The caller said the men were riding on the east side of the complex.

Friday, September 20 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Capistrano/La Zanja Street (7:14 p.m.) Deputies were notified that there were multiple juveniles at Stone Field Park that were smoking and drinking. An eyewitness told deputies he saw the juveniles hide in trees in order to smoke and drink.

CITIZEN ASSIST Paseo Adelanto, 32500 Block (5:54 p.m.)

A man called to report that a towing company had shown up and was trying to tow his truck illegally.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Del Obispo Street/Ortega Highway (3:16 p.m.) A man called dispatch and said traffic was terrible due to the construction being done. The man told deputies if they did not come and direct traffic there would be an accident.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Del Obispo Street/Ortega Highway (12:43 p.m.) A white Toyota SUV stalled in the middle of the intersection of Ortega Highway and Del Obispo Street. A sheriff’s unit was able to clear the vehicle from the intersection 15 minutes after the vehicle had stalled.

Thursday, September 19

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Spotted Bull Way, 29400 Block (7:25 a.m.) Sheriff’s dispatch received a call from a frantic woman who was choking. Dispatch reported the line then disconnected. The woman was able to call back and said she was now able to breathe.

BURGLARY ALARM-AUDIBLE Via San Vicente, 31100 Block (5:14 p.m.) An alarm was triggered in a residential neighborhood. Dispatch then called the residence and spoke with the homeowner who said that he couldn’t remember the code to turn off the alarm by his kitchen door.

Saturday, September 21

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Rancho Viejo Road/Highland Drive (12:53 p.m.) A caller notified deputies of a man asleep inside a black Mercedes Benz. The caller said the parked vehicle was blocking oncoming traffic.

RECKLESS DRIVING Golden Ridge Lane, 30400 Block (2:15 p.m.) A man called deputies to report two men who were riding a single quad

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (7:28 p.m.)

A caller reported witnessing several photographers taking pictures while standing by the tracks near the train station.

FOUND BICYCLE Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (9:37 a.m.) A San Juan Capistrano volunteer notified deputies of a bicycle that had been chained to the bike rack near the train station for more than 10 days.

DISTURBANCE Briarwood Lane, 26500 Block (8:06 a.m.) A woman was seen pushing a cart with a trash bag through a neighborhood, going through recycling bins. The woman was described to be in her 40s, wearing a sweatshirt and long pants and was last seen walking on foot into a different neighborhood.

Wednesday, September 18 CITIZEN ASSIST Paseo Adelanto, 32500 Block (9:42 a.m.) A female employee called deputies because of a man who came into the front lobby and said he was having issues with his roommate.

Tuesday, September 17 RECKLESS DRIVING Alipaz Street/Camino Del Avion (3:55 p.m.) Two men were riding dirt bikes in the creek bed near the terminus of Alipaz Street.

Monday, September 16 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (4:44 p.m.) A man driving a grey Infiniti called deputies after he was involved in a car accident with a silver Ford sedan. The caller said that no one had been injured.

ANNOYING PHONE CALL Via Cocida, 27000 Block (12:28 p.m.)

A woman called deputies and informed them she had been receiving multiple annoying phone calls about a scam. She said each of the phone calls were from different phone numbers.

DISTURBANCE Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (8:55 a.m.)

A man was falling asleep on a bench near the train station. When asked to leave, he refused.

Sunday, September 15 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Paseo Adelanto/Del Obispo Street (3:07 p.m.) Authorities received a call about a loud neighborhood party that was playing loud mariachi music.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Camino Las Ramblas/5-Freeway (2:37 p.m.) A silver Toyota Prius ran a red light and then proceeded to crash into a wall.

When medics arrived at the scene, the driver turned down medical attention.

Saturday, September 14 DISTURBANCE Calle Resplendor, 30700 Block (12:21 a.m.) A man called sheriff’s deputies after hearing multiple men arguing loudly in the wooded area behind his house.

The caller did not see the men and only heard their arguing.

DISTURBANCE Spyglass Court, 32100 Block (12:07 a.m.) A man called to complain that a man walking near him was talking loudly on his phone.

Friday, September 13 DISTURBANCE La Zanja Street, 26500 Block (10:19 p.m.) Sheriff’s deputies detained a man in the alley way who was under the influence of narcotics. Deputies later found out the man was affiliated with a gang. The man was arrested and held on $40,000 bail.

PATROL CHECK Via Corrizo, 26200 Block (2:14 p.m.)

A caller informed deputies that she had just heard someone attempt to open her front door.

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Brian Park

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Mission Bells Ring for Constitution Day City leaders joined the San Clemente Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Tuesday, September 17, at Mission San Juan Capistrano to celebrate Constitution Day. Following an opening speech by Mechelle Lawrence Adams, the Mission’s executive director, Mayor John Taylor, Councilman Larry Kramer and more than 20 members of the local DAR chapter watched as the Mission rang its historic bells to commemorate the day and the start of Constitution Week.

This year marks the 226th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. In 1955, DAR began a petitioning campaign to recognize September 17-23 as Constitution Week. A year later, the resolution was adopted by Congress and signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Taylor presented the local DAR chapter with a proclamation from the city officially recognizing Constitution Week, at the Mission and once more during the City Council meeting that evening. The proclamation will be on display at the San Juan Capistrano Library through September.

Free Seminar Aims to Demystify Car Maintenance for Women Star Motors is offering a course on Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to noon, to help women learn more about proper vehicle maintenance.

The free seminar, called “Women & Wheels,” aims to give women more confidence when dealing with auto repair shops. The course will cover a number of

topics, including regular maintenance tips, basic engine mechanics and how to check tire pressure and measure tread wear.

Star Motors has been certified as a female-friendly auto repair shop by askpetty.com, a company dedicated to making sure women receive fair treatment from auto and tire dealers and service companies.

The event is open to men and teen drivers and includes a light breakfast, refreshments and a raffle.

Registrations are required by Wednesday, October 9 and can be made online at www.star-motors.com, by email at emma@star-motors.com or by calling 949.443.1970. Star Motors is located at 32955 Calle Perfecto in San Juan Capistrano.

Throughout the month of October, Star Motors is also taking part in a national campaign called “Brakes for Breasts” to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and preventative research. Along with 50 other independent auto service shops across the country, Star Motors will be offering free brake pads to customers and will donate 10 percent of all brake service work to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund.

Tickets Available for The Vintage The Chamber of Commerce’s Vintage Food & Wine Festival returns to Mission San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, October 5.

The annual event, now in its 17th year, welcomes guests to the Mission’s historic grounds to partake in their choice of food, wine and other libations, courtesy of more than 30 local restaurants and wineries.

Individual tickets cost $75 and include unlimited food, wine tasting, a silent auction, dancing and live music performed by local favorites, Family Style.

Proceeds benefit the chamber, the Mission and a local Boy Scout Explorer troop.

The festival begins at 6 p.m. For tickets and information, contact the chamber at 949.493.4700, email info@sanjuanchamber.com or visit www.vintagesjc.com.

Katie Kimmel, Melissa Olsen and Chema Velazco prepare food samples from Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot for guests during last year’s Vintage Food & Wine Festival at the Mission. Photo by Kevin Dahlgren

‘Bicycle Jim’ to Serve as Grand Marshal for 56th Swallows Day Parade The Fiesta Association, the all-volunteer group that organizes the Swallows Day Parade and the Fiesta de las Golondrinas season, has announced Jim Curwood as the grand marshal for next year’s parade.

Curwood, known around town as “Bicycle Jim” and for donning a bee costume in humorous commercials on local television, has owned and operated Buy My Bikes for more than 30 years. Curwood is also noted for his work in the community, including donating bikes to local causes.

The Fiesta Association also announced the theme for next year’s parade, “New Trails West,” and its colors, black, gun metal grey and red. The 56th Swallows Day Parade is scheduled to take place March 22. The association is hosting a barbecue on Sunday, October 20, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Zoomars Petting Zoo, 31791 Los Rios Street.

For more information, visit www.swallowsparade.com.

Historical Society Explores Life in 19th Century San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano Mayor John Taylor presented the San Clemente Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution with a city proclamation recognizing Constitution Week during a ceremony at the Mission on Tuesday, September 17. Courtesy photo

The Capistrano Dispatch September 27–October 10, 2013

Page 8

The Historical Society is hosting a special performance event that explores what life was like in late 19th century San Juan Capistrano through the eyes of two of the area’s most colorful historic residents, Judge Richard Egan and Madame Helena Modjeska.

The event, called “An Evening of Conversation with Judge Richard Egan and Madame Helena Modjeska,” will take place at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion, on Wednesday, October 16, at 7 p.m.

Admission is free.

The Historical Society’s Michelle Kelly will moderate a “historical interview” with Judge Egan and Modjeska, who will be portrayed by San Juan Capistrano resident Judge Warren Siegel and Camino Real Playhouse actress Jessica Morrow, respectively.

Judge Egan, who lived from 1842 to 1923, was a resident of San Juan Capistrano for more than 50 years. He served as alcalde, or chief dignitary of the area, and was also a school board member, surveyor, county supervisor and Mission preservationist. His red brick house, known as the Harmony House, served as the center of the town’s social life and currently sits across the street from El Adobe de Capistrano.

Modjeska was considered one of the greatest Shakespearean actresses of her time. She and her husband built a home in Santiago Canyon called Arden, named after the forest in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” Modjeska and her husband were also close friends with Egan.

For more information, visit www. sjchistoricalsociety.com or call 949.493.8444.

Judge Richard Egan served as alcalde, or chief dignitary, of San Juan Capistrano in the late 19th century. San Juan Capistrano resident Judge Warren Siegel will assume the role of Egan in a special performance “interview” hosted by the Historical Society on Wednesday, October 16. Courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

A Dignified Retirement for Worn U.S. Flags The Ortega Equestrian Center and Boy Scout Troop 12 are doing their patriotic duty by asking the community to retire worn American flags with dignity.

John and Kathy Holman from the equestrian center and local Eagle Scout Andrew Ashby are accepting flags that are no longer fit for display to be ceremonially retired and properly disposed.

Flags will be accepted at the equestrian center, 27252 Calle Arroyo, until the end of October. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Business Beat

BY BRIAN PARK

News and updates on San Juan Capistrano’s business community NEW BUSINESS The Prosecco Project 32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.742.0958, www.proseccoproject.com Fashion has always been a part of Needah Kavallierou’s life. Her father has owned and operated Sami’s Tailoring in San Juan Capistrano for nearly 30 years, and as a youth, Kavallierou would often sketch her own designs and try to make them with her own hands.

Kavallierou, who earned her master’s degree in psychology from Chapman University, works as a part-time therapist by day. Not longer after getting married last year, Kavallierou visited the fashion district in Los Angeles, and it’s there that she rediscovered her passion for style.

“I went to the Cooper Building with all the independent fashion designers,” Kavallierou said. “I was practicing psychology, but I wanted to go back to my first love.”

That experience led Kavallierou to open a pop-up boutique, The Prosecco Project, in her father’s store. The boutique specializes in boho-chic, a style inspired by the bohemian lifestyle that emphasizes u

loose-fitting tops and dresses with intricate details and patterns. Currently, the boutique features six different designers’ pieces and accessories, all handpicked by Kavallierou.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

court and much more efficient for the courts and citizens,” said Executive Chairman Mark Nielsen, a former San Juan Capistrano mayor and city councilman.

CHANGES

TextPower 27134-A Paseo Espada, Suite 324, 818.222.8600, www.textpower.com TextPower, a wireless technology company specializing in text messaging services, has struck a deal to provide juror alert services for the New Jersey state court system, the company announced last week.

Prospective jurors are typically required to call into automated phone systems daily until they find out whether they must report for jury duty. With the new alert system, jurors who opt into the service can instead receive text messages notifying them of their status a week before their reporting date. More than 50,000 New Jersey jurors have already signed up for the service, according to a release.

“It’s a tremendous cost savings for the

GRAND OPENING 7-Eleven 26572 Junipero Serra Road San Juan Capistrano residents looking to get their fix of Slurpees, Big Gulps and snacks don’t have far to go with the addition of the city’s first 7-Eleven.

Jim Adam and his family have owned and operated the former Independent Spirit gas station, sandwiched between JSerra Catholic High School and Interstate 5, for 25 years. For the last seven years, the family has been working with the city to transition into a 76 gas station and 7-Eleven store, pouring in around $500,000. Five weeks ago, Adam was finally able to open the remodeled location and celebrated the occasion with a grand opening on Friday, September 20.

“We used to have a garage and a tiny little snack shop. Now that we’re a 7-Eleven and 76 gas station, it’s changed everything,” Adam said. u

Montego Restaurant & Bar 27211 Ortega Highway, Suite B, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com Chad Dickey, owner of Montego Restaurant & Bar, is looking to reintroduce the business to the community with a revamped menu.

The location was formerly called the Ibiza Night Club and The Palms and served as a lounge area for Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar, located just below.

Dickey, who bought the restaurant last year, just after the name change to Montego, said he’s hoping to attract a more mature and sophisticated clientele by offering a menu that emphasizes quality over quantity.

“We really tried to expand to have smaller-portioned foods, so we’re heavy in our starters and appetizers,” said Dickey, who highlighted the chorizo clams u

u

and braised short rib sliders. As for entrée items, Dickey said one of the early favorites has been the salmon.

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

Brian Park, 949.388.7700, x108 bpark@thecapistranodispatch.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@thecapistranodispatch.com BILLING Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@thecapistranodispatch.com

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 18. 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 Community DON’T BE BULLIED BY RECALL EFFORT —Laura Freese, San Juan Capistrano The season of lies and cruelty has begun early. It usually begins at election time, but last Tuesday, the deceitful group which operates under the alias of Community Common Sense launched their poisoned arrow at Councilman Sam Allevato by filing recall papers against him.

Recalls are usually reserved for public officials who have acted egregiously, hatefully or immorally, like the unethical Mayor Filner of San Diego.

Recalls should not be used because a group doesn’t like the way a council member has voted in the past; that is what elections are for. The Community Common Sense group filed the recall papers against Councilman Allevato solely as a foothold to get one of their own likeminded colleagues to take his place on the dais.

As Jonathan Volzke said at the meeting on Tuesday, the Common Sense people want their readers to think of them as “city hall watchdogs,” but they are not watchdogs. They are “political bullies” who attack everything to which they don’t agree. They make personal attacks with lies and halftruths. When I was on the council, I was accused of voting for the red lights at the Del Obispo Street railroad crossing. That vote took place two years prior to my election to council, but when I pointed it out to Mr. Worthington, he told me he realized it was an incorrect statement but refused to retract it. Obviously, it did not serve their purpose to tell the truth.

If you examine Sam Allevato’s record, you will see that not only has he served the council faithfully for the last nine years, but prior to that, he was a Planning Commissioner and a com-

munity activist. On the other hand, if you examine the records of any of the Community Common Sense people, you will find that they have only participated by starting bullying groups. You will not see any of them pulling weeds with the Los Rios Garden Angels, nor on a city commission, nor rolling up their sleeves cleaning the creeks or digging holes for the betterment of the city. No, they are Monday morning quarterbacks: They do nothing, then sit back and criticize. Worse, they then enhance their criticism with fabrications.

Here is the crux of the matter. It will cost the taxpayers of San Juan Capistrano approximately $100,000 for a special election. The only way we should shell out that type of money is if the council member is a despicable, immoral character. Sam Allevato, though I disagreed with him on many issues as a council member, is an upright, moral, law-abiding man who is doing what he thinks is best for San Juan Capistrano. We need that $100,000 to be used for the good of the city, not to be spent stupidly as the Common Sense bullies would have us do.

Please do not sign any recall notices.

Remember that the reason for recalls should be unethical behavior, not a voting record disagreement. Going forward, beware of those who distort the truth. Those deceptions could very well cause us to lose our quality of life in San Juan Capistrano.

JONATHAN MAKES NOISE —John Perry, San Juan Capistrano It was really nice to see Jonathan’s photo on The Dispatch column. It kind of reminds me of the jolly small town editor writing his folksy local story.

But wait a minute, that editor has left

The Capistrano Dispatch September 27-October 10, 2013

the building and has gone on to bigger and maybe not better things.

Jonathan went to work as a full-time lobbyist for Faubel Public Affairs firm.

We all know what lobbyists do best.

They get paid to get things in print that make their clients or future clients look good. Being a newspaper guy, Jonathan surely knows his way around the pressroom and has all kinds of news connections to keep his clients paying his salary.

Case in point, Jonathan says Community Common Sense is responsible for the water rate lawsuit. If he did some research, he would find that the Capistrano Taxpayers Association is a federally chartered 501 c.4 nonprofit public interest corporation. Some CTA members still have a casual relationship with CCS, but none of the CCS regulars participated financially in the lawsuit preparation and research. He might be surprised to know that more than 100 San Juan Capistrano residents joined the CTA as members and actively financed the lawsuit.

Lobbyists use misinformation to demonize their client’s enemies. Some lobbyists use planted stories that sound true but upon close examination shows half-truths and some outrageous falsehoods. Such is the life of a lobbyist. You have to say busy to keep your clients happy; it’s not an easy job.

I wonder sometimes when Jonathan looks in the mirror what does he see?

Is it all about the money or does he really believe all of the stuff he writes about? It must be hard at the end of the day to feel some pride in what he is doing.

A public records request recently received from the city included an email that Jonathan wrote to the San Juan Capistrano City Council on Page 10

Friday, January 31 at 9:04 a.m. from faubelpublicaffairs.com. In this email, Jonathan suggests to the council that they might want to call Orange County Register Editor Michael Coronado to follow up on an article in the Capistrano Valley News on water issues. Jonathan suggests that Michael is a fair guy, so it might be worth a phone call or maybe a coffee meeting—in my opinion, to plant an article favorable to the city. Do you think Jonathan might know the editor, who might owe him a favor? You never know what might come from such a “suggestion.”

I find it hard to take anything Mr. Volzke says or writes seriously, knowing he gets paid by the word to influence public opinion. I kind of liked him better as a crusty small town newspaper editor fighting for the people.

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. www.thecapistranodispatch.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

THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY 8 p.m. New play debuts at the Camino Real Playhouse. Shows through October 13. $24 for preview night; $30 regular shows.

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

27

THE FULLTONES 8:30 p.m. Live band at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

SIDEWAYS DOWN 6:30 p.m. Live music at Sunsets, 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Capistrano Beach, 949.276.8880, www.sunsetsbar.com.

saturday

THE BATTLE OF THE PADDLE 6 a.m. Join Rainbow Sandals and Gerry Lopez for the two-day stand-up paddle event at Doheny Beach, now in its 6th year. Event includes competitions, demonstrations and on-the-shore activities, including music, food, drinks and more. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, www.battleofthepaddle.com.

28

GARDENING WITH NATIVES AND EDIBLES 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. Presentation at Tree of Life Nursery on how to combine natives and edibles in the home garden. 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www. californianativeplants.com.

THE BLUES AND BOOZE TOUR 2013 5 p.m. Concert at The Surfin Cowboy featuring The K.K. Martin band, raffles with great prizes and more. Proceeds benefit the Orange County Blues Society. 34235 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach, 949.485.0533, www.bdmcgees.com.

sunday

29

MIKE HAMILTON 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Live music at Mission Grill, 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.8055, www.missiongrillsjc.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 27-October 10, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: TAKE NO ‘PRISONERS’ As seen on “Breaking Bad” and “Dexter,” the anti-hero has made a big comeback on television during the last decade. But in cinema, the protagonist type has been in a steady, modest league since the 1980s. Usually one main character, with a dark past or motive, fits the bill in a movie, but in Canadian director Denis Villeneuve’s new chilling mystery-thriller Prisoners there are two. Stars Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, both toggle between hero, anti-hero and even villain throughout the feature. On Thanksgiving Day, on a quiet suburban street, the Dover family (Jackman, Maria Bello, Dylan Minnette and Erin Gerasimovich) and Birch family (Terrence Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman in Prisoners. Photo by Wilson Webb Howard, Viola Davis, Zoe Soul and Kyla Simmons) meet up for a holiday dinner. Soon after eating, the youngest daughters Hannah (Gerasimovich) and Joy (Simmons) go missing. Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal) searches for the girls and looks at a handful of disturbing suspects. Paul Dano plays the prime suspect (and eventual victim), while Melissa Leo co-stars as his aunt. Aaron Guzikowski’s screenplay, along with Villeneuve’s polarizing direction, creates a creepy tone throughout. Jackman and Dano deliver most unsettling performances that leave a chill with viewers, but Bello unfortunately seems miscast. Though the film could have used a bit more editing, Gyllenhaal’s sequences are chair-grabbing and will make audiences ponder why he isn’t held in higher esteem as an actor. — Megan Bianco

CALIFORNIA CRUISING 4 p.m.-8 p.m. The Sand Dollar Guild and the Ocean Institute host an evening filled with surf music, food, casino games and more. $75 each or $135 for two. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

monday

30

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.

THE BEN SCHACHTER JAZZ TRIO 7:30 p.m. Jazz concert at Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

tuesday

BRAKE FOR BREASTS All month, Star Motors gives away free brake pads and donates 10 percent of proceeds from all brake jobs to the Cleveland Breast Cancer Fund. 32955 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1970, www.star-motors.com.

01

OPEN MIC NIGHT AND JAM SESSION 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

wednesday

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

02

CB CYCLEBARN OPEN HOUSE 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Check out the indoor cycling studio in San Clemente. Includes prizes, giveaways and more. 372 Camino de Estrella, San Clemente, 949.303.3112, www.fitnesssuperpass.com.

thursday

LOS RIOS PARK GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Help volunteer with Goin Native at Los Rios Park; meet at the Montanez Adobe. Every Thursday. 31661 Los Rios St., 949.606.6386, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

03

Page 12

GLUE AND GO COSTUMES FOR KIDS 4 p.m. Special event at the Dana Point Library for kids to make Halloween costumes with household items. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

ANITA HUGHES AT ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Author Anita Hughes will sign books, speak about her writing and read from her newest book, “Lake Como.” St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.0108.

friday

04

FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m.9 p.m. Showing of a special movie in La Sala auditorium at the library. $2. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.5132, www.ocpl.org.

FALL CLASSIC FLIGHT 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Flights of wine for the season at SC Wine Company. 212 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com SUPER DIAMOND 8 p.m. Neil Diamond tribute at The Coach House; Atomic Jones opens. Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

saturday

THE VINTAGE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The 17th annual event at Mission San Juan Capistrano featuring food from local restaurants, wine tastings, music, casino games, auctions and more. $75. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.vintagesjc.com.

05

FARM TO FORK: KIDS COOKING CLASS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids are invited to The Ecology Center to explore the garden, harvest and prepare a meal alongside a professional chef. Ages 6-12. Cost $20-$25. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

WILDFLOWERS OF ORANGE COUNTY 9:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. Informative workshop at Tree of Life Nursery.

33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www.californianativeplants.com.

HARBOR MUSIC CRUISE 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Dana Wharf’s music cruise in the Harbor. Tickets $15. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

(Cont. on page 14) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12) THE BOARDROOM : A SURFBOARD SHOW 10 a.m.6 p.m. Two-day celebration of the surf lifestyle with surfboards, shaping, appraisals, skateboards, films, art and music at the OC Fair and Event Center. $12. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 678.781.7953, www.boardroomshow.com.

MARC COHN 8 p.m. Special musical guest at The Coach House. Tickets $37. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

BACKYARD SKILLS: MUSHROOMS 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Transform waste into food and learn how to grow your own mushrooms at the Center for Living Peace. $12. 4139 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5500, www.goodhappens.org.

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.

monday

TRAIL CLEARING AND WEEDING 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Volunteer to clear and clean the trails with staff at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

07

tuesday

BULLIES UNCORKED 1 p.m.4 p.m. The Southern California Bulldog Rescue group hosts an event at Sundried Tomato Cafe with wine, food, auctions, gift baskets, raffles and more to benefit SCBR. $40, $45 door. 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, www.socalbulldogrescue.org.

ART EXHIBIT OPENING 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Casa Romantica hosts a wine and cheese reception to debut the exhibit by Rick J. Delanty titled, “The Colors of San Clemente.” Free and open to the public. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

MARIACHI FOR ALL 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Live mariachi music at Ricardo’s Place that helps raise funds for the Capistrano Community Mariachi Program. 32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.680.8972, www.capomariachi.org.

MIKE DEBELLIS QUARTET 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Classic jazz hits at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com.

OC HOME AND GARDEN SHOW 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Find everything for your home and garden all weekend at the OC Fair and Event Center. $7. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 800.571.9012, www.thebesthomeshow.com.

SJC WRITERS GROUP 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Writers are invited to the San Juan Capistrano Library to inspire and help one another with writing projects. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

06

08

wednesday

09

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

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

KARAOKE WITH LES AND JOEL 7 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

thursday

10

THE ARK OF SAN JUAN GOLF FUNDRAISER 9:30 a.m.

Fundraiser at Talega Golf Club. $135. 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, 949.388.0034 www.arkofsanjuan.org.

CURIOSITY CARTS 10 a.m.-12 p.m. A hands-on learning experience for kids with replicas of Mission artifacts used by the Juaneño Indians at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

KARLA BONOFF 7:30 p.m. Concert at The Coach House; JD Peterson opens. $20. 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

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE: SATURDAY, SEPT 28, 2013 Time: 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. 34455 & 34442 Via Verde, Capo Beach. Items: clothes steamer, Britax toddler car seat, Womens Clothing & Shoes, Household Items, Books, Misc etc MOVING SALE – SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 25782 Calle Ricardo, SJC. Off Del Obispo and Calle Aspero near Farm to Market. Furniture, sporting goods, patio furniture, books, boys and womens clothing, computers, appliances and more!

Locals Only

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

HELP WANTED

The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively

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.

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 27126 Paseo Espada, Suite 1604, www.oasisair.com

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

949.373.8963

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

949.388.7700 ext. 104

949.661.0967

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

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

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

COINS 949.350.4692

ELECTRICIANS

*2.1 readership per 11,500 copies distributed

Vermeulen’s Landscaping Inc. bvland@cox.net

MOLD REMOVAL

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

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

LANDSCAPING

BANKING

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

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

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

HOME ORGANIZATION Karen Fischer, Professional Organizer, Get Organized and Move!

949.355.3487 www.getorganizedandmove.com

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

949.499.4464 949.496.9731

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 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!

WINDOW TINTING Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

949.215.2323

949.212.0499

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

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 Monday 10.7

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

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

photos can be purchased. Photos can also be touched up upon request. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 949.493.5911. Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Wednesday 10.2

Friday 10.4

Tuesday 10.8

Senior Portrait Day 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seniors 50 and older are invited to have their portraits taken by local photographer Diana Schmitt of Accent Portraits by Diana. The first 8-inch-by10-inch photo is free and additional

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.

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

Tuesday 10.1

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

Friday 10.11 Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

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

A Recent Widower’s Dilemma When is the right time to bring a new woman to family functions?

A

recent widower named Tony asked for guidance: “I’m 60, my wife died in early 2013. We were married for 30-plus years, our marriage was incredibly blessed. I’m a better person due to my late wife.

“We raised her two sons from a prior marriage. My stepsons are now in their 40s. We did not have additional children from our marriage. We (I) have three grandchildren, 10, 12 and 14. All are healthy and normal for their age. A grandchild is named after me.

“I’m now dating. I’m planning to ask my stepsons if I can bring a companion to family holiday functions. I’m not asking for an immediate response, knowing they need time to consider.

“I’ll honor their response. I won’t make threats if they deny my request. I don’t want to give control of my remaining life to my stepsons, however I realize the complex task the parents have to discuss the subject with the grandchildren.

“How should I handle the sensitive issue?”

My response to Tony was as follows: “Yes, this is a sensitive issue. Kudos to you for being considerate of your stepsons and step-grandchildren.

I am not a widower so by no means am I an expert on this topic. But in 18 years of writing newspaper columns about dating later in life, I’ve heard enough stories from new widowers and the women who have dated them to gain knowledge on the issue.

You’ve got some time before the holidays. Even if you’ve already met a new woman, why not hold off a while before asking them? Yes, you want to be in control of your decisions, but, on

the other hand, you certainly don’t want to alienate the family you have loved and raised for more than 30 years.

Over the holidays, especially this first holiday season, being with them ON LIFE AND will be essential for you.

LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake What I’m about to say may not apply to you, but it often applies to new widowers. Many jump back into dating before they’ve properly healed. They miss their spouses so much it’s almost unbearable.

Some are so darned lonely they feel dating and having a new mate will cure their loneliness.

But, what often happens, they wake up one morning and realize that they can’t go on with the new relationship.

That they’ve been kidding themselves and still love their deceased wife. They end the relationship, and in doing so, break some woman’s heart.

I asked four widow friends of mine for their opinion on Tony’s question.

Patricia said, “Better that Tony take the time to heal before introducing a new woman into his still grieving family or he will lose the stepsons’ families as well. They are not ready for this and neither is he.”

Marsi added, “It has not been a year of grieving for him or his family. It is too soon and the family may feel it is disrespectful to their mother’s memory. To bring a date just for the sake of not being alone for the day, I would pass. It won’t hurt him to go alone for one function. If the relationship progresses, the following year would be more appropriate.”

Julie suggested, “It is too soon to bring

The Capistrano Dispatch September 27-October 10, 2013

someone else to the family holiday events.

If this new companion cares about him, she will graciously allow him time alone with his family. If not—red flag.”

Karla said, “I’d be uncomfortable going to family holiday events with a recently widowed man. I’d prefer a quiet breakfast or lunch before he goes to be with his family. That would show he cares enough to be with me for part of the day.”

New widowers need to realize that the families are grieving as much as they are, and the widowers should be considerate of those family members.

I hope Tony doesn’t ask the question, and attends the family holiday functions alone this first year.

For Tony to gain insight on what other widowers have gone through, I

Page 16

suggested he read my eBook, titled, “Widower Dating. Gold Mine or Mine Field?”

The electronic book can be downloaded immediately to one’s computer by following this link, at www.smashwords. com.

To comment, email 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 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 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

Greek Festival a Hit in its Debut Story and photos by Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

I

n a town known for its Native American heritage, Spanish influences and California cowboy lifestyle, the Greek Festival is adding a Mediterranean flair to the mix.

On Saturday, September 21, St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church welcomed more than 1,000 guests to its first ever Greek Festival in San Juan Capistrano. The event featured authentic Greek cuisine, sweets, drinks, live music, dancing and tours of the new church.

Mayor John Taylor and Mayor Pro Tem Sam Allevato helped to open the festival by welcoming the church community and thanking parishioners and volunteers for their work in putting on the event. The two were joined by Fr. Bill Tragus for the ceremonial breaking of plates, along with shouts of “Opa,” a Greek expression of joy and celebration.

“I was very happy to see our whole community getting together, working together, sharing our culture, hospitality and food,” Tragus said. “I think everybody was very happy. We got a lot of compliments from our business neighbors and guests.”

Initially, the festival was scheduled to take place over two days, but Tragus said the church did not want to overcommit themselves in their first go-round with the festival. Tragus said the church hopes to make next year’s festival a weekend-long event.

For more photos from the festival, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

Members of St. Basil’s youth dance team prepare to take the stage for a traditional Greek dance.

San Juan Capistrano Mayor John Taylor and his son Harrison stop for a photo while making their way through the Greek Festival.

Sandy Rains displays a tray of Greek salads. The Festival featured traditional Greek fare, from sweets like baklava to souvlaki, a type of kebab.

Accompanied by live music, festivalgoers take to the dance floor.

SPORTS

5

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK: JSERRA V. DANA HILLS

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

JSerra junior Ethan Aguayo runs the ball against Centennial on August 31.

Courtesy photo

The JSerra football team historically gets off to hot starts in the preseason.

But this year’s run, even though they have only played three games, feels different to the team looking to build momentum before they run the gauntlet of Trinity League play.

The Lions (3-0) will host Dana Hills (1-3) out of the Sea View League on Friday night at Saddleback College.

The Lions narrowly walked away with a 21-16 victory over the Dolphins in 2012 but in the span of one year, JSerra players feel the team has undergone a fundamental change.

“The intensity went up this year …

It’s overall determination. We want to go further than we have in the past,” said D.J. Bailey, a JSerra junior defensive end.

The Lions most recent game, a 52-13 win over Buena Park, should serve them well in the match against Dana Hills.

JSerra went up against prolific Buena Park running back Deven Boston and limited him to just 60 yards. Boston scored twice but it could be considered a victory given that in Buena Park’s three previous games Boston rushed for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Dolphins will counter with their own prolific rusher, senior Justin Scott, on Friday.

— Steve Breazeale

Capistrano Coyotes Skate Into New Territory

By Steve Brezeale The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he process of creating a high school hockey team that draws from the Capistrano Unified School District has been a laborious one. But after 14 months of patient talks and paperwork, students attending eight local high schools finally have the chance to play alongside classmates as part of the Capistrano Coyotes high school ice hockey team.

The 22-man roster consists of students from San Juan Hills, Capistrano Valley, San Clemente and Dana Hills, to name a few.

The team is not a Capistrano Unified sanctioned sport and plays in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League, which now features 28 teams from 19 different California schools.

The Coyotes were one of 14 new teams added to the mix for the 2013-2014 season.

Coyotes head coach Darren Gardner will be in charge of building a program that, several weeks ago, did not exist.

Gardner has 39 years of playing and coaching experience at the professional, high school and club level and has been in this start-up situation before.

After successfully guiding the club team Phoenix Junior Coyotes, to two Arizona State Championships, Gardner left for a coaching gig in Minnesota that was nursing a 2-year-old high school hockey program. That team was full of sophomores but eventually went on to win a Minnesota sectional title.

In the world of junior hockey, club teams have been the norm for years.

The Anaheim Ducks league was established in 2008, which finally gave Southern California high school students who wanted to play at both the club and high

Coyotes players Max Kamper, left, and Declan Curtis hold off a Corona-Norco player during a game on September 7. Photo by Leslie Bird

school levels the opportunity. Half of the Coyotes players still play on their club team, which has created a unique atmosphere.

“Every single kid on the team, it’s the first time they get to play high school hockey. It’s new to them. There are more players on the bench, more players in practice. It’s a different environment,” Gardner said.

“It’s great to get more ice time in and get that high school sports experience with all the fans and everything,” Capistrano Connections Academy sophomore Declan Curtis added. “Everyone works hard and the team has a lot of potential.”

On any given week the Coyotes can be without several of their players due to club commitments. That means more ice time for the non-club players and a constant mix and match roster that Gardner calls a “juggling act.” That

The Capistrano Dispatch September 27–October 10, 2013

Max Kamper controls the puck for the Capistrano Coyotes during a game on September 7.

Photo by Leslie Bird

normally would spell trouble when it comes to winning games, but so far the Coyotes have been successful.

They are off to a 2-0 start in the young season that will eventually see them play 15 games. The Coyotes have outscored

Page 18

their opponents 8-1 and have wins over Corona-Norco and most recently, a 3-0 win over Edison that came on September 21.

Because the Coyotes draw from such a large talent pool, their roster is made up of all skill levels. They are led by three seniors, Keenan Haase (forward), Connor Reid (forward) and Colin Kennedy (defenseman). There is one freshman on the team, nine sophomores and a handful of juniors. In all, the Coyotes have players who have competed at the 18AAA, 16AAA and 16AA divisions, which Gardner feels is a good mix. The hard part, according to the veteran coach, has been getting the talent to mesh together in the early goings.

“We started with this wide vista … It’s kind of like when you were a kid. When you go to the park and all your buddies show up and you play a game. You know everyone. You know their strengths and weaknesses,” Garnder said. “Now throw in 10 kids that come from a neighborhood you’ve never seen. You don’t know the talent so you don’t know how to even up the teams. We’re still learning, trying to get comfortable and find our stride and get a routine.”

The Coyotes don’t have the luxury of an established program like Santa Margarita or JSerra have, which means they are taking baby steps in forming their style of play and practice routines until it all comes together. They are hoping to gain eight more players to reach the desired number of 30 that the Anaheim Ducks league wants them to hit.

For now the team will continue to learn how to play with each other and rely on their mix of talent as they tread onto new and yet unscratched ice. They will travel to play against San Diego South, another district-wide team, on October 5. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com