October 11, 2013

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

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE OCTOBER 11-24, 2013 FOUNDED IN 2002

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 19

Preparing for the Gauntlet JSerra football ready to test its strength in league play S P O R T S / PAG E 1 8

JSerra junior Ethan Aguayo and the Lions are off to a 5-0 start to their season and head into Trinity League play with high hopes.

Photo by Tony Tribolet/www.xpsphoto.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Councilman Allevato Files Response to Recall Campaign

Shea Center BBQ Draws Record Crowd, Raises $700,000

Moments in Time: The Life and Times of Madame Modjeska

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 4

SJC LIVING/PAGE 17

EYE ON SJC

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE San Clemente has filled its vacant assistant city manager position. The city announced Wednesday that Erik Sund, an assistant director of business services for the city of Long Beach, would take over the role previously filled by current City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson. Sund emerged from a pool of 145 applicants, eight of whom were interviewed. Gudgeirsson cited Sund’s experience working in multiple cities, including Irvine and Downey, as well as compatibility in the workplace. “I could see us working very well together, in terms of finding better ways of doing things,” Gudgeirsson said. With the city, Sund will focus primarily on finance and administrative services.

Gudgeirsson initially left the position in March, when he took over for George Scarborough as city manager. Bill Cameron, the city’s public works director, has been serving in an interim capacity since June. Sund will start November 4.

DANA POINT

NEWS

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

As construction moves forward to transform Dana Point’s downtown into a pedestrianfriendly destination, city staff is looking to San Clemente to answer their parking questions.

You cannot talk about changes coming to Dana Point’s core, Town Center, without parking being brought up, said Councilman Bill Brough. But since revamp plans were approved by the California Coastal Commission in 2006, parking has been on the back burner.

Last week, the Dana Point City Council unanimously approved a $35,000 contract with the San Francisco-based Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates to develop a parking plan. Staff is considering a parking plan similar to San Clemente’s Avenida Del Mar, a mix of street and city leased lots, said Ursula-Luna Reynosa, Dana Point’s community development director.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

…the Recall?

THE LATEST: City Councilman Sam Allevato has filed his response to a recall campaign started by a group of residents upset about the councilmember’s support for the city’s disputed water rates.

Recall organizers, known as Residents for Honest Government, served Allevato with a notice of intent to recall on September 17. Allevato filed his 200-word response with the city clerk’s office on Monday, September 30. In it, he defended his voting record and support for the city’s groundwater recovery plant and tiered water rate structure, which was declared illegal by an Orange County Superior Court judge in a lawsuit filed by the Capistrano Taxpayers Association.

Recall organizers said Allevato’s vote to appeal in the lawsuit, in addition to his February 2010 vote to establish the new rate structure, moved them to act.

WHAT’S NEXT: Recall organizers must now publish the notice at least once in a newspaper of general circulation. Once the city clerk’s office approves the format of the recall petition, recall organizers have 120 days to gather petition signatures from 20 percent of the city’s 17,637 voters, or 3,527 people, to enact a special election.

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story and to read Allevato’s response, visit www. thecapistranodispatch.com. – Brian Park

2

…Affordable Housing?

THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano is looking to add to its affordable housing stock by selling a piece of land across The Capistrano Dispatch October 11–24, 2013

from JSerra Catholic High School to a developer.

The City Council on Tuesday, October 1 gave city staff the go-ahead to seek out developers to build affordable housing on a 2-acre property that is located on the northwest corner of Camino Capistrano and Junipero Serra Road.

Plans to build affordable housing at the location go back to 2008, but with the statewide dissolution of redevelopment agencies in 2011, a proposed project to build at 26-unit complex was put on hold.

Nelson Miller, interim director of development services, told the council that taking a new approach by selling the land to a developer would be a more efficient use of city resources.

WHAT’S NEXT: City staff’s proposed timeline for the project indicates a proposal could be selected by April and that nine months of construction could begin

by March 2016.

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

3

…the Northwest Open Space Park?

THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano will reevaluate their plans to build the first phase of a community park in the Northwest Open Space after city staff received proposals from consultants that varied dramatically in scope and cost.

In April, the City Council updated plans to build the 13-acre park to reduce the number of community gardening plots from 200 to 75, to set aside land for a commercial organic farm lease and to include two horseshoe pits, two volleyball courts and two bocce ball courts.

City staff received four proposals from consultants to amend the park plan, but the costs ranged from $9,675 to $60,630. Nelson Miller, interim director of development services, attributed the disparity to an unclear understanding of the city’s request for proposals by the consultants.

WHAT’S NEXT: Miller said reevaluating the project will allow the city to find an alternate approach for design and construction. New proposals could include a single contract for design, cost analysis, construction design and project management.

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

4

…Reporting from Executive Sessions?

THE LATEST: City Councilman Roy Byrnes wants more transparency out of closed meetings following a disagreement with City Attorney Hans Van Ligten over the accounts of a recent executive session.

In August, Van Ligten’s office, on behalf of the city, sent letters to three local newspapers, The Dispatch, Community Common Sense and The Capistrano Valley News, calling for the removal of newspaper racks from City Hall and the Community Center. Common Sense editorial board member Kim McCarthy asked the City Council on Tuesday, October 1 how the decision was made.

According to Byrnes, the council voted 3-1 in a closed executive session meeting on August 6 to remove the racks. However, Van Ligten said no motion was passed. The confusion prompted Byrnes to ask city staff to

Page 3

look into how executive sessions could be appropriately memorialized and how other agencies go about their record keeping from closed meetings.

“I do feel that matters that we consider in executive session are extremely important, often associated with matters of great policy and a huge amount of money,” Byrnes said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The item will be placed on a future council agenda for discussion.

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

5

…the Craft Beer Pub?

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission on Tuesday, October 8 unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a new beer pub that specializes in craft brews.

The BrewHouse will be located in a 2,424-squre-foot space in the Capistrano Home Center, 31896 Plaza Drive.

“We’ll have 30 taps of beer that will not include Miller, Coors, Budweiser,” said owner Andrew Reed from Lupulin Ventures, LLC. “Those have a place and they’re readily available. We’re trying to find hard-to-find, limited releases.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The BrewHouse’s proposed operating hours will be from 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday to Saturday, according to Reed and his business partner Ron Bland. The pub will also include a tasting room and seating for up to 100 patrons. Beers will be served in 5, 10 and 16 ounce glasses, and bottled beers and appetizers will also be available.

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

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Brian Park

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Community Leaders Recognized The city of San Juan Capistrano has recognized Fluidmaster, Inc. as its Business Leader of the Year, former councilwoman Laura Freese as Community Service Leader of the Year and San Juan Hills High School Principal Tom Ressler as Educator of the Year.

Mayor John Taylor presented the three winners with their awards during the City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, October 1.

“Tonight is one of the highlights of my job as mayor,” Taylor said. “I selected these recipients because they are considered leaders in their particular categories and have made a difference in the lives of others in San Juan Capistrano.”

Fluidmaster is a leading toilet manufacturing company based in San Juan Capistrano, with more than 1,200 employees worldwide. The company has been recognized as one of the county’s best places to work by the Orange County Business Journal and the Orange County Register. Taylor highlighted the company’s work in the community, including their support for the Chamber of Commerce, Relay for Life, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, as well as allowing the Fiesta Association to use their parking lot during the Swallow’s Day Parade.

Freese served on the city council from 2008 to 2012, as well as the former Housing Advisory Committee and several other outside agencies. Freese was recognized for her current role as chairwoman of the Economic Preservation Committee, which was formed last year to help downtown businesses mitigate the effects of the Ortega Highway/Interstate 5 interchange project.

Freese, however, gave credit to the business owners and other leaders who make up the committee.

“This award should really go to them,” Freese said. “Every one of these business owners is not just working for their own good. They’re working for the good of San Juan Capistrano.”

Ressler became principal at San Juan Hills High School in 2008, after spending 22 years as a teacher and assistant principal at Capistrano Valley High School.

“He left his mark on the fabric of San Juan Capistrano and its youth. He is an innovative and passionate educator,” Taylor said.

In May, San Juan Hills was placed among the top 500 high schools in the country in Newsweek’s annual top-2,000 list—behind only Tesoro High School in the Capistrano Unified School District.

“Education is a major part of a good, successful community, and I’m very proud to say San Juan Hills is now, I think, one of the great education options in this great city,” Ressler said.

David Tyone, head sushi chef at Marbella Farmers Market, places a piece of sushi shrimp for guests at the Vintage Food & Wine Festival. Photo by Brian Park

An Evening of Food and Wine Foodies and wine aficionados had their fill during the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce’s 17th annual Vintage Food & Wine Festival October 5.

Nearly 1,000 guests arrived at the Mission to enjoy samples from more than 20 restaurants and 11 wineries and craft breweries. In addition to local favorites like Bad to the Bone BBQ, Mission Grill and Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot, new exhibitors included The BrewHouse, Five Vines Wine Bar, Rancho Capistrano Winery and Guapas Tapas & Beer.

The event also included live music, courtesy of Family Style, and dancing.

Proceeds from the festival benefit the chamber, as well as the Mission and a local Boy Scout Explorer troop.

To view more photos from the festival, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Kim Caputo holds up Maddie Fragner, a Shea Center client, as they dance to live music during the Shea Center BBQ and Family Faire. Photo by Brian Park

Shea BBQ Draws Record Crowd The Shea Center drew a record crowd for its largest fundraising event of the year, the 35th annual BBQ and Family Faire, on Saturday, September 28.

More than 1,700 guests arrived to show their support for The Shea Center’s therapeutic riding programs. Proceeds from the event totaled more than $700,000.

“This event really shows who we are as a community. I love that everyone who is part of The Shea Center comes together to celebrate and acknowledge our riders and families,” said Executive Director Dana Butler-Moburg.

Festivalgoers were treated to a riding demonstration by some of The She Center’s clients and volunteers, as well as dinner, live music, dancing and both live and silent auctions. Families also enjoyed game and activity booths and a mechanical bull ride in the fairgrounds.

Several city leaders attended the event, including City Manager Karen Brust, Mayor John Taylor and councilmen Sam Allevato, Roy Byrnes and Larry Kramer.

To view more photos from the event, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

CalRTA Hosts Luncheon Meeting, Raffle to Benefit CUSD

San Juan Hills Principal Tom Ressler was recognized by the city of San Juan Capistrano as the 2013 Educator of the Year. Photo by Brian Park

The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2013

Page 4

The south Orange County chapter of the California Retired Teachers Association is hosting a luncheon meeting on

Monday, October 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at El Adobe de Capistrano.

CalRTA Division 42 is made up of 500 members. Through the organization’s “Giving Back” program, $200 will be given to at least five schools in the Capistrano Unified School District to help fund school libraries, technology and enrichment.

One member of the group has made a queen-size quilt to be raffled off. Only 300 raffle tickets are available and will be sold at division meetings for $5 each or five tickets for $20. The drawing is scheduled for May 2014. For more, visit www.div42.calrta.org.

Ghost & Legends Tour Returns for the Halloween Season When there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who ya gonna call?

The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, of course.

The popular Ghost & Legends Tour returns to San Juan, and this year, for the first time, the tour will be held two days, Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26. The tour explores some of the town’s haunting tales.

Adults and children are all invited to take part in the tour and learn about all the places that go bump in the night in San Juan, including the ghost of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman that supposedly haunts Trabuco Creek.

Tour times are 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and begin at the O’Neil Museum, 31831 Los Rios Street. The cost is $6 for adults and $2 for children. All proceeds support the Historical Society.

To make reservations, call 949.444.6609.

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

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, Tim Trent

GUEST OPINION: My Turn by Jonathan Volzke

What is the Goal of a Recall?

Recalling Councilman Allevato might not be the answer to the city’s water controversy

T

he pitchforks and torches are out.

The folks at Common Sense are taking aim at Councilman Sam Allevato with a recall. The papers filed with the City Clerk say it has to do with water rates, lawsuits and appeals, but that’s only half the story. I’ve heard a lot of anger and vitriol, but one thing I haven’t heard: alternatives.

As I’ve written before, the city owes tens of millions of dollars on the bonds that paid for construction of the Groundwater recovery plant. Shut down the plant? What do we do with that debt?

Should we try to sell it? We tried that. A few years back, led by then councilman Tom Hribar, the city explored getting out of the water business. City leaders notified all of the surrounding water districts that San Juan Capistrano would be open to turning over water operations.

Nobody showed any interest but the South Coast Water District, which spent quite a bit of time and effort with the city exploring our water system. In the end, the deal didn’t go anywhere. One of the chief reasons? South Coast officials notified the city our water rates would go up—way up—if they stepped in.

So the plan is to make the best with the system we have: managing the increases from the Metropolitan Water District that average more than 6 percent a year, get the GWRP running at maximum performance and try to keep the aging infrastructure beneath our feet from falling apart. As I said before, I think the city’s doing a pretty good job.

So what do we hope to accomplish with a recall? Who is the candidate recall proponents hope to push forward? A water expert, if that’s the reason for the The Capistrano Dispatch October 11–24, 2013

San Juan, where a city council member recall? To me, that’s has never been recalled, voters in Cothe biggest quesvina recalled its entire council in 1992. tion—and one recall Today, it’s a cautionary tale about recalls proponents aren’t and their ultimate outcome. answering beyond the Facing economic pressures, the Cousual rhetoric. vina City Council instituted a 6-percent It needs to be utility tax in 1992—in the post-Proposianswered. Unless it’s MY TURN

By Jonathan Volzke someone who has the tion 13 world, a utility tax is the last tax a council can hike. The new 6-percent credentials to handle tax hike, however, outraged voters and a the water system, why recall? The recall attempt was launched. soonest any recall question will hit the It was successful. All five council ballot is July 2014. The majority of the members were kicked out of office and City Council—Mayor John Taylor and the 6-percent utility councilmen Larry tax was rescinded Kramer and Derek on October 31, Reeve—face reelec1993 when the new tion in November “reform” council 2014, so if residents was seated. End of truly want a new story? No. direction from the Because a few council, that decimonths later, that sion can be made San Juan Capistrano’s controversial groundwater recovery plant, above, and its tiered water rates have very same council then. So why put sparked a recall campaign against Councilman San approved a five-year, the city through a Allevato. File photo 8.25-percent utility recall battle? tax. Yes, the council seated specifically We’re just settling down after the to dump a 6-percent tax turned around recall battles at the Capistrano Unified and instituted an 8.25-percent utility tax School District. Two long-term trustless than a year later. ees recalled. Two “reform” trustees If that wasn’t bad enough, the same installed. Two years later, two “reform” voters who tossed out the original five candidates were themselves recalled, council members over the 6-percent including one who had gained his seat tax approved the 8.25-percent utility in the first recall. The district also went tax in an advisory vote in 1995. The through seven superintendents in four tax stepped down over the years, but years during that period. Was that a in 1999, voters again approved a tax, good time for our school district? Is that this time back at the original 6 percent. want what we want for our city?

Seven years, five council members I went to high school in Covina, a San recalled and back where they started.

Gabriel Valley town with similar agriculRecalls aren’t the way to solve tural roots to San Juan Capistrano, with disputes and disagreements. Recalling a slightly larger population. But unlike Page 6

Allevato won’t bring us lower water rates. If someone has ideas on how to improve our water system, that’s where we should be devoting our energy—not on anger-fueled political stunts. It’s only common sense.

San Juan Capistrano resident Jonathan Volzke is a former award-winning journalist for the Orange County Register and founder of The Capistrano Dispatch.

He’s since moved on and now works for Communications LAB, a public relations and community outreach firm in Lake Forest. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editor@ capistranodispatch.com

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

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Community RECALL CAMPAIGN IS POLITICAL POSTURING —Wyatt Hart, San Juan Capistrano I believe the petition to recall Councilman Sam Allevato is simply political posturing for the upcoming election. It does not serve the best interest of the citizens of San Juan Capistrano. Folks are being asked to recall Mr. Allevato, who was reelected to our council in the most recent election cycle and is still serving the first year of a four-year term. This is troubling to me. It appears to be an attempt at retaliation and intimidation of an elected official because he voted on city attorney advice with a majority of the council to appeal a court decision which was adverse to our city.

Recall proponents are simply trying to get a good man to change his vote by intimidation and/or get him removed from the council so they can insert a like-minded individual. Our general election determines who the citizens would like to represent them on the council and this special election would be a waste of taxpayer money.

As a retired sheriff’s captain with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, former San Juan Capistrano mayor and councilmember and resident of San Juan Capistrano for 45 years, I support the results of our recent city election and hope other citizens don’t buy into this wasteful recall nonsense.

EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE IS AT STAKE —Katherine Holman, San Juan Capistrano Where have all the stables gone? I keep hearing, “Horses will always be part of San Juan Capistrano’s heritage.”

I’ve lived in the Capistrano Valley most of my life and have watched stable after stable, pasture after pasture being swallowed up by developments. That’s progress. It’s time we all wake up and realize that we need to protect our boarding facilities and our equestrian heritage.

San Clemente had a large horse stable down by Reeves Rubber (Denny’s) and Elmore’s (Western White House), a beautiful thoroughbred training facility at the south end of the city. Bridle paths meandered down extra wide streets from the hills to the beach. Dana Point had a great stable where Albertsons now stands and acres and acres of pasture with cattle grazing all the way to Crown Valley and San Juan Capistrano.

Capistrano Beach had a large stable (Smith’s) replaced by a Kmart and hundreds of houses. Many of the homeowners that boarded horses on their multi-acre lots have subdivided and built more homes. The Forster Ranch The Capistrano Dispatch October 11–24, 2013

covered thousands of acres bordered

by Capistrano Beach, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Mission Viejo had a world-class equestrian facility where the Home Depot now stands and at the Capistrano Tennis and Saddle Club, which is now the Mercedes dealership.

San Juan has lost Andy’s Rancho Cazador, the Raymund’s stables, Conway’s stables, Gail Monk’s stable, Morgan’s outcasts, Rocky’s stables, Sal’s Good Times, Finney’s Rio Vista, the Hurtz Ranch (now The Oaks), Jim’s Hilltop Mesa (Belford Terrace), Gary and Pat Pfeiffer’s San Juan Creek stables, River Oaks (off Alipaz), Rosenbaum’s Ranch (now home to thousands of houses), Friday’s Wagon Wheel stables, Morey Leavitt’s performance horse stable, Cathy Hanson’s quarter horses, Creekside Equestrian Center (now Blenheim’s private estate), and there are others that could be on the chopping block soon if we don’t pay attention.

Most of the stables have given way to housing tracts, business centers and schools. Our equestrian centers are struggling to stay afloat; tough economic times have made it hard for facilities to survive, let alone thrive. We cannot afford to lose our equestrian heritage.

There is a place in our valley for everything, including our horses.

We need a prominent leader like Councilman Sam Allevato to protect our legacy. Sam has shown over the years that he is forward thinking and a positive advocate for our community’s heritage.

WATER WOES —Ruth Clark, San Juan Capistrano Southern California has always had water shortage problems, and fights over water still continue in California, our supply being highly dependent on the snow pack in the Sierras. It will only get worse as the population increases.

Colorado and Arizona will also grow and compete for more water from the Colorado River. Something such as a severe drought or an earthquake could easily stop or destroy our water supply.

Of course a local treatment plant costs money but wouldn’t you rather pay more now and have good water than have no water? I think a recall election is a waste of time and money. Our previous city council was smart to establish a local municipal water supply for San Juan Capistrano. The legitimacy of tiered water rates may be questionable, but they do make us more careful with our water usage.

Our local water supply is naturally brackish and unfit to drink or use except Page 8

to water the landscape. When our family moved here more than 50 years ago, we would flush the toilet to see if the water was light enough to wash clothes or shower. The rainbow of colors included red, black, brown and gray. Even then, everything we washed turned, what was called, “tattle-tale” gray. Most people sent their laundry to commercial laundries, which would pick up and deliver the laundry so our clothes, sheets and towels would look clean. Everyone had five-gallon water bottles in their kitchens, and water companies like Sparkletts delivered and picked up empty water bottles two or three times a week.

We were thrilled when we were able to get metropolitan water that was clear, fresh and didn’t smell.

TURN OFF THE WATER FACTORY —Jack Chestek, San Juan Capistrano Seven thousand four hundred and fifty acre-feet. This is the amount of water our city plans on producing from its water factory in the year 2020. That amount is clearly called out in a recent report by the Municipal Water District of Orange County and has been confirmed by Keith Van Der Maaten, the city’s utilities director.

I question the 7,450 acre-foot output for a number of reasons: 1. Our source of ground water is disappearing. The 40,000 acre-foot basin of water we had 10 years ago is down around 20,000 acre-feet today.

2. Our water factory has treated approximately 23,500 acre-feet of ground water over a nine-year period, between 2004 and 2013, an average of 2,600 acrefeet per year.

3. I feel safe in saying our water basin is being depleted around 2,000 acre-feet per year. Yes, I understand the basin in replenished every year.

4. If the basin is allowed to continue dropping at 2,000 acre-feet a year in six more years, the basin may only have a capacity of 8,000 acre-feet of treatable water.

5. Getting 7,450 acre-feet of drinking water out of the basin in 2020 could be a challenge because it takes 8,500 acre-feet of ground water to make 7,450 acre-feet of drinking water.

The decline in the basin level presents another problem. As the basin level declines, the intrusion of salt water increases. The city’s water factory cannot make drinking water out of salt water and all the wells in town would become useless. At this time, the projected cost to fix the city’s seawater intrusion problem is estimated to go over $100 million.

So where is the $100 million coming

from? Well, at this time, the San Juan Basin Authority is saying most of the expenses have to come out of the pockets of the 11,000 rate payers that have been benefitting from our city’s ground water treatment system. Yeah, sure. So what can 11,000 residents look forward to getting for more than $100 million?

Well, let’s see what the plans call for: adding one, maybe two, treatment factories; blending recycled water (I call it poop water) with our basin water; and using treated salt water to back up our basin water.

Note that if anyone thinks the price of our water is high now, wait until our basin is refilled with treated seawater that sells for more than $2,000 per acre-foot.

This cost has to be on top of the $1,360 to treat our ground water today.

In summary, the fixes to our city’s water problems are very simple: Turn off the city’s water factory. This stops the depletion of our ground water basin and eliminates the need to blow $100 million to fix the sea water intrusion problem.

It’s that simple.

FROM BUSTED TO GRAND MARSHAL —George Derby, San Juan Capistrano Congratulations to “Buy My Bikes” Jimmy. No one in our city is more deserving as far as I’m concerned. And to think it’s only been a couple of years since I wrote a letter to the Orange County Register defending this violator of a San Juan Capistrano ordinance.

Jimmy’s blow-up Santa Claus was clearly a major affront to one of our prized city inspectors—an inspector hell bent on enforcement and generating revenue. Recession be damned, the inspector had him a violator. Citation book in hand, he wrote “Buy My Bikes” Jimmy up. Nice job. Got that scoundrel.

Well, code enforcement, after being inundated with complaints from folks like me, rescinded the citation.

Merry Christmas, Jimmy. Now you are the grand marshal. Only in America.

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

BEATLES VS. STONES 8 p.m. Beatles tribute band Abbey Road and Rolling Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash have a musical shootout at The Coach House. Tickets $15-$18. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

11

THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents a new madcap comedy that features the 43rd annual grudge match between rival golf clubs.

Shows through Oct. 13. Tickets $18-$24. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

saturday

WOMEN AND WHEELS CAR CARE EVENT 10 a.m.-noon Star Motors hosts a special course to help women learn about proper car maintenance.

Men and teen drivers are also welcome. Light breakfast and refreshments will be served.

32955 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1970, www.star-motors.com.

12

sunday

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

13

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

monday

14

COLUMBUS DAY DRIVE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS GOLF TOURNAMENT 9 a.m.-8 p.m. The 10th annual golf tournament at Marbella

The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2013

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE: JERROD NIEMANN Country music artist Jerrod Niemann will perform at The Coach House on Wednesday, October 23, as part of a nationwide tour to showcase his sophomore album, Free the Music. Niemann, who studied music theory and production in college, is the sort of songwriter who is willing to test convention. While still undoubtedly country, some of his songs incorporate brass instruments and include nuances of rock and reggae. “This is my interpretation of how I feel about country right now,” Niemann said in his artist’s bio statement. Niemann’s version of country music is a combination of the old and the new, a mix of traditional fiddles and horns with the unique sound of the pedal steel guitar.

“The pedal steel guitar has come to define country music, but there was years and years of country being made before that instrument was even invented.

Courtesy photo Horns have been in country going back to the 1920s, and fiddles and other string instruments date back even further. I took all those things and put them on Free The Music,” Niemann said. Ry Bradley and 2nd Hand Smoke will open for Niemann. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased, along with dinner reservations, by visiting www.thecoachhouse.com or by calling 949.496.8930. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. —Victor Carno

Country Club to support and raise funds for the athletes of the Special Olympics Orange County. Fee $250. 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.3700, www.columbusdaydrive.com.

tuesday

LUNCH LOCAL - FIANO’S RESTAURANT 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the Chamber of Commerce for networking and lunch at Fiano’s Restaurant.

31781 Camino Capistrano, Suite 201, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

15

wednesday

AN EVENING CONVERSATION WITH JUDGE EGAN AND MADAME MODJESKA 7 p.m. The Historical Society presents a special performance that explores what life was like in late 19th century San Juan through the eyes of Judge Richard Egan and Madame Helena Modjeska, portrayed by Warren Siegel and Jessica Morrow. Free. Community Center.

25925 Camino Del Avion, 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

16

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. 31745 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

17

friday

MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m. A 14-venue pub crawl featuring micro and craft brews for $4, music and food in SJC the last Wed. of the month. Camino Capistrano and Ortega Highway, 949.493.4700, www.facebook.com/microbrewsbythemission.

18

saturday

19

THE ARK OF SAN JUAN DOG AND CAT ADOPTIONS 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Ark in SJC has dogs for adoption at PetCo, 32391 Camino Capistrano; Noon-4 p.m. Cats and kitPage 13

tens for adoption will be at PetSmart, 33963 Doheny Park Road, Dana Point. 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

sunday

20

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

monday

FAMILY STORYTIME 7 p.m. The National Charity League Sunshine Readers offer energetic and entertaining stories for kids of all ages at the library. Wear your pajamas and join the fun. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

21

wednesday

23

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

AUTHOR READING: ARCHAEOLOGY 7:30 p.m. Archaeology lecture by Professor Patrick Geyer at the San Juan Capistrano Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

thursday

MISSION READERS BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP 10:30 a.m. Book discussion at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Copies of the book can be checked out following the meeting. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

24

WORKING COWBOYS 7:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event?

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

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Tuesday 10.15

Saturday 10.19

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

2C Ranch Dedication Ceremony 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The community is invited to take part in a dedication ceremony for the 2C Ranch, an open space trail rest stop and staging area, located at the terminus of Old San Juan Road. For more information, call 949.493.5911.

Friday 10.18 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.

Care are offering a free vaccination clinic for adults 55 and older. For more information, call the city’s Community Services Department at 949.493.5911.

Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion.

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

Tuesday 10.22

Friday 10.25

Flu Vaccination Clinic 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The city and Memorial Medical Health

Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes

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

A Disappearing Act A few dates later and he’s missing in action.

Why do men disappear?

A

or women through the ages of 50 to 80, dating is difficult. To them it seems there just aren’t enough single men to go around. And then, they finally meet a guy who seems interested.

They have a few dates, it’s going well, and then the guy disappears. This recently happened to Laura, 52, a divorcee of seven years.

Laura said: “I met a nice man, age 59, on ourtime.com. We met for coffee, which turned into breakfast. He asked me out again. We ended this date with a hug.”

The next date ended with a kiss on the cheek. The third date, a kiss on the lips. Laura felt the relationship was progressing nicely. A fourth date was scheduled for a Saturday festival in his city. Twice during the week he phoned her to confirm the date. But, when Saturday morning came, he hadn’t called her to finalize plans.

Laura said, “I text him and asked if we were still on. He responded hours later saying he was sorry, had the flu and didn’t feel well, but would talk to me later.”

That was their last contact. Laura verified that he was back at work so she knew he hadn’t died.

Laura added, “He pursued me, showing what I thought was genuine interest and then dumped me. I don’t get it.

Thank goodness I didn’t sleep with him.

I would have felt absolutely horrible instead of feeling a bit annoyed. Why do men do this?”

I mentioned Laura’s experience to 10 singles age 50 plus, and asked them, The Capistrano Dispatch October 11–24, 2013

“Why do men disappear?”

India said, “Sometimes these jerks are married and testing the waters. They may get caught or just cold feet and take the easy way ON LIFE AND out.”

LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake Ken, a Dana Point deli customer of mine, said, “I don’t like confrontation with women. I prefer to just fade away instead of arguing over why I don’t want to date her again.”

Judie shared, “The most logical reason he disappeared … He’s just not that into her.”

Lawrence, from Rancho Santa Margarita, emailed, “My guess is Laura’s man bailed because she wouldn’t sleep with him. Many people (not me) go by the ‘three-date rule.’”

Dianne added, “Men disappear when they aren’t interested, and lie when women they are trying to dump run them down and corner them. Men generally do not enjoy ‘relationship’ conversations about what isn’t working.

It’s like on the East Coast where people are always saying, ‘We’ll have to get together for dinner,’ and don’t.”

Jon wrote, “People disappear for a lot of reasons, some of them hard to understand except for the one who takes off.

Often it has nothing to do with the one who is left.”

Joanne said, “They haven’t matured enough to be honest and don’t know how else to exit. You are better off without

them.”

Gloria shared, “I’ve had the same experience so many times I could write a book on it. There are a lot of excuses from men. Don’t spend your days wondering why a man disappeared.”

Chris, from Dana Point, said, “This guy was looking for a quick score and when he realized it was going to take longer than he was willing to wait, he bailed.

These jerks are looking for notches in their belt, nothing more. She was smart to hold off. She would have just become another notch.”

Mindy summarized the discussion, “They disappear because they aren’t interested. Why? A thousand reasons and none matter. Move on.”

Page 14

The next singles age 50 plus Meet and Greet is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli, Dana Point, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For questions or to comment, email Tom at tompblake@gmail.com or 949.248.9008.

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

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

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

Locals Only

FOR SALE WII FIT, DVD PLAYER, KIDS WETSUIT Wii Fit and DVD player $25/each. Boys Rip Curl Wetsuit, short-arm, full suit. New condition $85. Call or text 949.533.9761.

HELP WANTED 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.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively 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 GUEST OPINION: Moments In Time by Jan Siegel

The Life and Times of Madame Modjeska From Poland to the American stage, the famed Shakespearean actress called Orange County her home

O

n October 16, the Historical Society will be presenting “An Evening with Judge Richard Egan and Madame Helena Modjeska.” In November, an exhibit MOMENTS of recreated costumes IN TIME

By Jan Siegel worn by Modjeska, made by young Polish designers, will be on display at the Leck House.

Known as Jadwiga Modrzejewsic Chlopowski, Modjeska was a leading Polish actress in the decades of 1860 through 1870. As a young girl, she was mentored by an actor by the name of Gustaw Zimajer, who used the stage name Modrzejewski. Modjeska feminized the name to Modrzejewsic.

Modjeska thought they were married, but it turned out that he was not divorced from his first wife at the time of their “marriage.” They had two children, a son and a daughter. The daughter died in infancy and it was after her death that Modjeska left her “husband” and went to Krakow and Warsaw.

In Krakow, she met a Polish nobleman, Karol Bozenta Chiopowski, who was the editor of a liberal nationalist newspaper. They were married on September 12, 1868. Their home became the center of the artistic and literary world in Krakow. Political upheaval in Poland was making life difficult for the Chiopowskis. Under the guise of visiting the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, they came to the United States with a small group of artists and writers in 1876. They hoped to follow a German colony of immigrants to Anaheim and establish a utopian commune.

Modjeska had retired from the stage and was going to be content as a farmer’s wife. The problem was that none of this group of artists and writers knew anything about farming or ranching, and most of them could not speak English. The community was a disaster and most left to go in other directions. Chiopowski was now known as Count Bozenta—although he wasn’t actually a count, it gained him publicity. Bozenta was much easier for Americans to remember and pronounce. For Modjeska, it meant coming out of retirement and trying for the American stage. Her English The Capistrano Dispatch October 11–24, 2013

Already a star in her homeland of Poland, Madame Helena Modjeska was a successful Shakespearean actress in America during the 1880s and 1890s. She and her family lived in Orange County and often visited San Juan Capistrano and her friend, Judge Richard Egan, whose home still stands on Camino Capistrano. Courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

Modjeska was a close friend to Judge Richard Egan in San Juan Capistrano ... Both of them loved a good party. was limited, so she went to San Francisco and hired a speech coach, and for six months, she immersed herself in studying. On August 20, 1877, she debuted in an English play at the California Theatre in San Francisco. It was at this theater that a stage manager suggested that she change her name to Madame Modjeska.

Modjeska gained almost instant success. In the 1880s and 1890s, she was

the leading female interpreter of Shakespeare on the American stage. During her career, she played nine Shakespearean heroines, including Ophelia, Juliet, Desdemona and Queen Anne. In 1883, she became an American citizen and produced Ibsen’s “A Doll House” in Louisville, Ky. This was the first time the play was staged in the country. Her leading men included Maurice Barrymore and Otis Skinner.

Page 17

In 1883, she purchased 400 acres in Santiago Canyon. She commissioned New York architect Stanford White to design a ranch house for her family.

She named the house Arden, after the Shakespearean forest in “As You Like It.” Modjeska became well-acquainted with New York and California socialites who often visited her home. James Irvine II, whose family owned much of the land in Orange County, named his daughter Helena in Modjeska’s honor.

Modjeska was also a close friend to Judge Richard Egan in San Juan Capistrano. She came either by carriage or by train to Egan’s home on Camino Capistrano. It was Modjeska who dubbed Egan the “King of Capistrano.” Egan in turn went around town “knighting” other prominent people.

Both of them loved a good party.

Even after suffering a stroke in 1897, which left her partially paralyzed, she recovered to return to the stage until 1907. Her stage travels took her throughout the United States, England and her beloved Poland. She died in Newport Beach on April 8, 1909 and was buried in Krakow.

Her son, Ralph Modjeski, was a renowned bridge engineer, best known for building the Oakland Bay Bridge.

Modjeska was also godmother to American actress Ethel Barrymore.

You can spend a Moment in Time and enjoy a “conversation” with Judge Egan and Madame Modjeska on Wednesday evening, October 16, at 7 p.m. at the Community Center. A collection of costumes and memorabilia will be on display at the Leck House from Friday, November 10 to Saturday, November 23. Both events are free to the public.

Jan Siegel is a 26-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She has served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 11 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 15 years. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The 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

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

CONCUSSION MEASURES EXPAND TO PRIVATE, CHARTER SCHOOLS

Concussions have been a hot button topic in the southland sports world for years and on September 30, measures to ensure student-athlete safety were expanded.

On September 30 Governor Gerry Brown signed into action Assembly Bill (AB) 588, which expands an existing law aimed at protecting school athletes suspected of suffering a concussion during play.

The bill, which was dubbed the ‘Safe at Play Bill’ and introduced by Assemblyman Steve Fox (D-Palmdale),

requires a student-athlete attending a private or charter school who was thought to have suffered a concussion to leave the field of play and not return until cleared by a health care provider.

A bill was enacted last year that required all public school athletes to do the same. This bill expands that law to the private and charter school realm.

“Our student athletes have not been equally protected from the dangers of concussion injury and re-injury,” Fox said in a statement. “Now all pupils will be safer in the sports activities they enjoy.”

Preparing for the Gauntlet Lions football ready to test its strength in league play

By Steve Brezeale The Capistrano Dispatch

ive weeks into the 2013 high school football season, JSerra stands at a perfect 5-0 after preseason play. It’s a solid accomplishment for a program on the rise, but the Lions have been in this situation before.

A near perfect record through five games is something the team has grown accustomed to under the guidance of head coach Jim Hartigan. In the last five seasons combined, JSerra is 24-1 before heading into the gauntlet of the Trinity League. It’s when they hit league play that the Lions struggle to find wins.

Playing in arguably the toughest high school football league in the nation, the Lions have gone 3-22 in their last 25 league games. But this year, there is a distinct feeling among the players and coaches that the Lions can make strides in the Trinity League win column.

Their first test will be Friday, when they travel to play Orange Lutheran at Orange Coast College.

“It’s great that we went undefeated but we’ve done that before. I think we played a better slate of teams, had a bigger margin of victory than we did one year ago,” Hartigan said. “That helps with the confidence, but in the Trinity League, our first three opponents are undefeated. It’s going to be a tough stretch … We know we have to take this one game at a time.”

Hartigan has experience in growing high school football programs. He was hired as Santa Margarita’s first head football coach in 1989 and helped build that program into the formidable powerhouse it is today.

When speaking with The Capistrano Dispatch back in July, Hartigan made parallels between the growth of Santa Margarita athletics and JSerra. He pointed to Santa Margarita’s pivotal 10th year as the jumping off point, where he saw an exponential growth not only in numbers of athletes, but the skill and competitiveness of the programs. JSerra is currently celebrating their school’s 10-year anniversary.

F

The Capistrano Dispatch October 11–24, 2013

Senior receiver Dante Pettis and the JSerra football team are 5-0 heading into Trinity League play. Photo by Tony Tribolet/www.xpsphoto.com

Not only has the school matured into a magnet for football talent, the players themselves have undergone a transformation. Team lunch meetings, longer film sessions and more intense weight training exercises are all being regarded as the catalyst for their early success.

“We’ve been working a lot harder in practice. The intensity went up a notch this year. I think the results are just from all the hard work and practices,” junior defensive end D.J. Bailey said.

Hartigan added in years past, just getting through a routine practice was a task. Now the players are wanting more.

“They’re working harder. There’s no question they’ve adapted. With the meetings, workouts … They are understanding how short the preparation is in between games. This team seems willing,” Hartigan said.

On the field, the Lions have been formidable. A high-powered offense coupled with a stingy defense has them outscoring their opponents 210-71. They did not steer clear of tough competition and have wins over quality teams like Huntington Beach and Trabuco Hills. On October 7, the Lions were ranked No. 10 in the CIF-SS Pac-5 Division coaches’ poll.

A switch to a spread offense in the offseason, with the ability to run no-huddle, has made big plays the trademark of the team.

Pulling the offensive trigger is junior quarterback Nick Robinson, who has thrown for 1,078 yards and Page 18

The two bills, according to the statement issued by Fox, were created to “protect school athletes from complications or re-injuries associated with concussions”.

The bill received unanimous support from both the State Assembly and State Senate en route to reaching Governor Brown’s desk.

The law will go into effect starting January 1, 2014, according to Assemblyman Fox’s office.

— Steve Breazeale

owns a tidy 14:4 touchdown to interception ratio. Robinson started as a sophomore in 2012, where he took his share of licks. He has already eclipsed the five touchdown mark he set last season and is close to besting the 1,267 passing yards he accrued in 2012. He’s done this in only five games.

Surrounding Robinson is a plethora of skill players.

Senior receiver Dante Pettis, the reigning Orange County long jump and 200-meter track and field champion, has three 100-plus yard games under his belt and has scored eight touchdowns. Pettis has been Robinson’s favorite deep-threat target and has relished the role the new offense puts him in.

“This year, we’re using our speed to spread everyone out and it’s working,” Pettis said. “Everything’s faster ... I’m a receiver so I love it, just running the routes and catching the ball.”

Junior utility man Ethan Aguayo has been a valuable receiver (224 yards, two touchdowns) as well as the primary kick and punt returner.

Senior running back Casey Eugenio has seemingly improved on his stellar 2012 campaign. Eugenio has rushed for over 100 yards in every game, averaging 7.4 yards per carry while scoring nine touchdowns.

The offense has been prolific and the defense has been, at times, stifling. Over the offseason, the defensive line made an effort to learn a wider variety of moves that would help them blow past opposing offensive linemen. The defensive pressure up front has the Lions averaging four sacks per game (Bailey leads the team with six) and they have given up more than 15 points only once.

“Defensively we’ve been working a lot on new moves.

Last year was just more of a bull rush. This year we are going with more strategy, how to approach an offensive tackle,” Bailey said. “The little things have been helping us a lot. Knowing how to turn your hips and throw your arms … We’ve been getting more pressure on the quarterback this year.”

The Lions feel they have made strides this season but know that come Friday, a brand new season begins.

Every one of their remaining opponents, with the exception of Santa Margarita, is ranked in the Pac-5 top-10, a list that includes No. 1 St. John Bosco and No. 3 Mater Dei. Even with a daunting task looming, the Lions feel they’re ready.

“If we come out and do what we’ve been doing the past couple weeks and play our game I think we can compete with anybody,” Robinson said. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com