January 24, 2014

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

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE JANUARY 24-FEBRUARY 13, 2014 FOUNDED IN 2002

VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2

City Council Says No to Rancho San Juan Opponents say the development would have limited San Juan Hills High School’s ability to expand E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

The San Juan Capistrano City Council on Tuesday unanimously denied rezoning land near San Juan Hills High School that would have allowed for a 100-unit apartment complex. Photo by Brian Park

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

‘Ghost Trains’ Continue to Haunt San Juan Motorists

Moments in Time: Pristine Hillsides, Thanks to Ridgeline Ordinance

Capo Coyotes Ice Hockey Well Represented in All Start Game

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SOAPBOX/PAGE 8

SPORTS/PAGE 14

SAN CLEMENTE

EYE ON SJC

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Residents of the Capistrano Shores Mobile Home Park told City Council members Tuesday that the city’s new general plan should be revised to reflect the true nature of their residences and said the city was obstructing needed improvements to the community. Residents and attorneys for the community said the city improperly rezoned the area as open space in its 1993 General Plan from a designation allowing residences.

Since the trailer park is a nonconforming use under its current zoning, infrastructure improvements are harder to make as they require special permits. Residents indicated much of the gas and electrical systems in the park are over 60 years old. They said they no longer meet code requirements and need replacing. A plan for replacing the utilities was approved by the California Coastal Commission last year but still requires city approvals to move forward.

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

DANA POINT

NEWS

A stretch of Coast Highway was shut down for nearly six hours Friday, Jan. 10 after two large boulders crashed into the roadway, authorities said. No injuries were reported from the rockslide that closed the road in both directions from Beach Road to Camino Capistrano from around 4 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., said Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Lt. Jeff Hallock. Rockslides are not uncommon, said Dana Point’s Public Works and Engineering Director Brad Fowler. City crews responded to the disruption and broke up the boulders before hauling them away, he said.

Concrete railing along much of Coast Highway’s bluff block small slides from impacting traffic, Fowler said. But, periodically the system experiences failures.

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

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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…the Ghost Trains?

THE LATEST: The Orange County Transportation Authority is trying to exorcise San Juan Capistrano’s “ghost train” problem, but a permanent solution is still several months away.

In a presentation to the City Council on Tuesday, Jennifer Bergener, OCTA’s director of rail and facilities, said additional monitoring and adjustments over the next 90 days at the problematic Del Obispo Street railroad crossing could reduce motorists’ wait time to 45-60 seconds.

The problem arose in 2011, after OCTA completed an $85 million project to bring safety enhancements to 52 crossings in eight cities. City officials and residents, however, began to experience long waits at the Del Obispo crossing, when arms went down and no trains passed.

Councilmembers expressed displeasure at the slow process to find a solution.

“This has been going on for three years now, and we’re in no better shape than we were,” Councilman Larry Kramer said.

WHAT’S NEXT: A long-term fix to implement positive train control—a safety system that’s activated in case of human error— could eliminate the problem, but that solution is at least 24 months away and $2 million short, Bergener said.

“That’s very discouraging,” Councilman Roy Byrnes said.

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

Park

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…Beer at the Mercado?

THE LATEST: After a one-year hiatus, the Fiesta Association is bringing back their popular beer garden at the Swallows Day

Parade’s companion event, the Mercado.

Following a meeting with city staff and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the Fiesta Association agreed to open beer sales for three hours, between 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., said board member Jeff Schroeder.

The beer garden was cancelled last year after the sheriff’s department restricted sales to two hours, citing a rise in alcoholrelated incidents over the last several years. The board determined it wasn’t financially prudent to have beer sales for that brief of a period.

The beer garden is one of the Fiesta Association’s biggest fundraisers, generating around $18,000, according to Schroeder.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire are scheduled to take place Saturday, March 22.

…the Crash at El Adobe?

THE LATEST: A drunken driver of a red Mercedes Benz crashed into the outdoor dining area of the historic El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant Sunday night, causing minor structural damage, according to an Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman.

Three patrons, who were dining just a few feet from the accident, were unharmed, said Lt. Gary Strachan.

The Mercedes plowed through a metal guard rail, coming to a stop after striking a brick pillar.

“There were three people that were sitting here. If it wasn’t for (the pillar), they would have been hit,” said Chris Ingerson, the restaurant’s general manager.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 24-February 13, 2014

FIND OUT MORE: For more photos, follow us on Twitter, @CapoDispatch. – BP

the length of the bond, as well as the overall size, and so it was unclear if that was the method voted on to provide the savings, or if Talega residents were owed additional monies. Superintendent Joseph Farley said he hoped to provide another refund.

FIND OUT MORE: For more on the story, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. – Jim

Shilander

5 Orange County Sheriff’s deputies tend to the scene where a red Mercedes Benz crashed into the outdoor dining area of El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant on Sunday. Photo by Chris Ingerson

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FIND OUT MORE: For more information about the Fiesta Association, visit www. swallowsparade.com. – BP

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WHAT’S NEXT: The driver, identified in the sheriff’s blotter as 61-year-old Jose Santiago Brema, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.

...the Talega CFD?

THE LATEST: Residents of the San Clemente Talega development received good news Wednesday as the Capistrano Unified School District reversed a previous decision and voted to refund approximately $17 million to taxpayers between 2014 and 2033 from refinancing the area’s community finance district.

The board had voted in August to keep the funds for at least a year, citing facilities needs at San Clemente High School. In the months afterward, Talega residents, angered by the decision, organized and asked for a rehearing, which was granted last month.

WHAT’S NEXT: Talega residents might also be in line for a further windfall.

During research on the CFD, residents discovered a 2006 refinancing they said should have reduced their tax burden by $4.7 million in interest. District staff indicated that the refinancing also shortened

Page 3

…the Name of the New School?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District is asking for the community’s input for the name of a new K-8 school to be built in the developing Rancho Mission Viejo community.

School names may include, but are not limited to, geographic locations within district boundaries or other names significant to the district or the community, according to a release.

In January, CUSD trustees held a brief discussion to consider names. Trustee Anna Bryson suggested the name “Gabrielino,” after the native people that inhabited the location of the future school. Trustee Amy Hanacek suggested “Sycamore,” and “Gavilan,” the Spanish word for the sparrowhawk.

In speaking with the family that has owned and managed the ranch’s land since 1882, Trustee Gary Pritchard said the family requested the board consider Marguerite “Daisy” O’Neill.

The board continued their discussion to a meeting in March.

WHAT’S NEXT: The school is slated to open in 2016 and will serve 1,200-1,600 students.

FIND OUT MORE: To submit a suggestion or for more information, email communications@capousd.org. – BP www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Business Beat

BY BRIAN PARK

News and updates on San Juan Capistrano’s business community MOVING u Accent Portraits by Diana/San Juan Photo & Digital—32281 Camino Capistrano, #C104, 949.661.6465, www.accentportraitsbydiana.com, www.sjcphoto-digital.com San Juan’s dynamic duo of photography is moving in together.

Diana and Scott Schmitt, who can often be spotted around town taking photos for the Fiesta Association or their son’s San Juan Hills High School football games, have combined their businesses under one roof.

Starting Feb. 1, Scott and his staff at San Juan Photo & Digital will be moving seven doors down into Diana’s photography studio, Accent Portraits by Diana.

“The lab is joining forces with the studio,” Scott said. “We’ve worked closely together for 27 years, and now we’re working even closer.”

Scott Schmitt’s photo lab, San Juan Photo & Digital, will be moving in with his wife Diana’s business, Accent Portraits by Diana, on Feb. 1. Photo by Cheryl Wayland

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter

The couple bought the lab in 1989, and a year later, Diana opened her studio. In 2009, San Juan Photo & Digital received the Mayor’s Business Award, in recognition of Scott and Diana’s support for community programs and activities.

Services for both businesses will remain the same. Scott noted that more customers have been coming in to print photos off their iPhones, using the lab’s digital kiosk. Scott’s staff is also able to help customers with different smart phones. Both businesses will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“It’s the same great service, same great staff, all under the same roof,” Scott said. u The Zuri Pet Spa— 32423 Calle Perfecto, 949.429.7222, www.thezuripetspa.com When The Zuri Pet Spa opened four years ago, it primarily focused on grooming services with some small scale boarding. But as the boarding side of the business grew, owners and mother-and-daughter team Linda and Jenn Harris quickly realized they needed to expand.

“We needed to move into a bigger place, but we wanted to stay in San Juan because we love it here,” Linda said.

The two recently moved their business south, from a 1,400-squre-foot spot in the Marbella Plaza to a 9,000-square-foot space on Calle Perfecto.

Although the business is up and running, the finishing touches are being put together.

In a couple months, Linda said the spa expects to have around 65, 5-by-7-foot overnight suites, which will be equipped with televisions and other amenities to make dogs feel like they’re at home. The extra

was parked across the way. The caller said no commercial vehicles are allowed to park on the street.

Monday, January 20

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Tuesday, January 21

Sunday, January 19

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Calle San Luis, 26400 Block (9:53 a.m.)

A caller complained that a commercial vehicle, described as a white gardening truck,

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Ortega Highway/Interstate 5 (6:38 p.m.)

Three drunken men were seen stumbling into traffic lanes.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 24-February 13, 2014

The Zuri Pet Spa owners and mother-and-daughter team Jenn and Linda Harris pose for a photo with some of their pet clients. Photo by Brian Park

ANNIVERSARY u Five Vines Wine Bar 31761 Camino Capistrano, #11, 949.800.9145, www.fivevineswinebar.com It’s been an exciting and interesting first year for Five Vines Wine Bar, said co-owner Suzy Fairchild.

“We came into this with no expectations,”

KEEP THE PEACE Woodlake Court, 29600 Block (3:27 p.m.)

A woman said her neighbor was yelling at her because of her barking dogs.

Saturday, January 18

CITIZEN ASSIST Del Obispo Street, 32000 Block (9:08 p.m.) A man’s car was locked inside the parking lot at Capistrano Valley Christian School.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Sundance Drive/Ortega Highway (8:02 p.m.) A man was seen standing on a street corner, continually approaching vehicles waiting to make a turn. The man was described to be in his 20s, wearing a white shirt, tie and black pants.

COMPILED BY BRIAN PARK

space also allows the spa to have separate play groups for big and small dogs.

Once completed, the spa will have a Tuscan theme. Linda said the spa specializes in holistic methods to pamper pooches, including all-natural shampoos and snacks.

Zuri spa’s business hours will be expanded as well: from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

For overnight stays, Linda said there will always be someone on staff to care for the dogs.

Page 4

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY El Camino Real/El Horno Street (11:32 p.m.) Loud music was audible from an area west of the Mission. Another caller said she heard what sounded like Indian drums coming from El Horno Street.

Friday, January 17 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Mission Hills Drive, 27100 Block (6:41 p.m.)

A woman called authorities after smelling an “electric type” fire odor on her front porch, although she could not see anything burning.

Thursday, January 16 DISTURBANCE Calle Santa Barbara, 26500 Block

said Fairchild, who runs the business with her husband, Randy Fisher. “We thought that if we did what we loved, people would love it too … The biggest part is all the love and support we’ve gotten throughout the year and all the people we’ve met.”

Five Vines celebrated their one-year anniversary with a special celebration on Friday, Jan. 10. Fairchild and Fisher showed their appreciation by treating guests to free food and celebrated the occasion with champagne toasts. u Cottage Home and Garden —31720 Los Rios Street, 949.493.3920, www.cottage-home-and-garden.com Cottage Home and Garden, the eclectic shop in the Los Rios Historic District, recently celebrated their 5th anniversary.

Mother-and-daughter owners Richelle and Sydney Rowland celebrated by offering special promotions, refreshments and a free terrarium workshop, led by Sydney.

Richelle, who specializes in the garden ornament aspect of the business, said the pair plan on visiting Greece, Italy and Turkey this year to source new products. The two annually visit different countries to meet with artists and vendors at bazaars, markets and street fairs.

“We don’t have the run-of-the-mill product line,” Richelle said. “We deal directly with several artists.”

Sydney, who makes many of the women’s accessories herself, said the business serves as a “one-stop shop” for many people.

“We’re an eclectic shop,” Sydney said.

“It’s a little bit of everything, and there’s some sensory overload because there are so many things.” CD

(12:08 a.m.) Two men were in a physical altercation, which involved broken bottles, in the garage. The caller, who was described as being uncooperative by dispatch, said she could only hear the fight.

After deputies arrived, people started heading back inside. Dispatch received a call back asking deputies to stay at the scene.

Wednesday, January 15 ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Paseo Santa Clara/Avenida De La Vista (7:09 p.m.) A man called from his car, complaining that a white Nissan Sentra was double parked and blocking his way out. The man said he had been honking his horn for 20 minutes with no results.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Stonehill Drive/Camino Capistrano (3:35 p.m.) A caller witnessed a truck dropping a load of white powder out into traffic lanes. The caller thought the powder might have been drugs. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

City Council Says No to Rancho San Juan Opponents say project would have limited San Juan Hills High School’s ability to expand Story and Photos by Brian Park The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he San Juan Capistrano City Council on Tuesday unanimously rejected a bid to build a 100-unit apartment complex near San Juan Hills High School, signaling a victory for the Capistrano Unified School District, parents and nearby residents.

San Juan Hills parents and residents from around the school packed the council chambers to speak in opposition of the project. Many of those in the standingroom-only crowd held orange bumpersticker-sized signs advocating against the apartments and rezoning the land to allow the project to go through.

The council expressed sympathy for residents’ concerns that the project would exacerbate already difficult commutes, as well as a larger worry that students from Ladera Ranch and San Clemente’s Talega community would force San Juan Capistrano students to attend high school outside their own city. However, council members were also critical of the school district for what they said was poor planning.

“This council is not here to do the handy work of the school board,” Councilman Roy Byrnes said. “I do feel that the availability of this school to the parents and children of San Juan Capistrano is a compelling community consideration that we should not ignore.”

Rezoning the land for high-density residential use would have allowed the developer, Woodbridge Pacific, to move forward with their proposal to build the Rancho San Juan apartment complex on 4.6 acres of a 9.7-acre parcel of land, located on the northwest corner of Vista Montana and La Pata Avenue. Of the 100 units, 26 would have been earmarked for affordable housing, which would have met Woodbridge Pacific’s legal requirement to make 10 percent of their stock—including the 155-unit Whispering Hills development—available for low-income residents and helped the city to close the gap on its state-mandated numbers for affordable housing.

But council members and residents said the site was not appropriate for such housing, noting in previous meetings its proximity away from community support services, including public transportation.

Traffic safety and congested commutes have loomed over the project, as well. In August, the Planning Commission, citing those concerns, voted to recommend denial of the proposal to the council, despite the developer offering to pay for a new traffic signal at the entrance of the development.

In December, traffic consultants for Woodbridge Pacific proposed a mitigation plan to modify lanes and presented a study

San Juan Hills High School parents and nearby residents packed the San Juan Capistrano City Council chamber to speak out against a proposal to build a 100-unit apartment complex near the school.

It was a standing-room-crowd during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Most who came were opponents of Woodbridge Pacific’s proposal.

San Juan Capistrano resident Mike Johnson pleads with the City Council to deny rezoning land that would allow for the controversial Rancho San Juan apartment complex.

that showed the development did not adversely impact traffic. The council voted to continue consideration of the item, during which time city staff’s previous support for the Planning Commission’s decision flipped to recommend approving a rezone.

George Alvarez, a traffic engineer for the city, said the apartment complex would generate 42 outbound trips during peak morning hours, compared to around 1,700 daily inbound trips to the school.

Alvarez did, however, note that it took him about 13 minutes to get to the school from the bottom of the hill, at La Pata Avenue and Ortega Highway. “Quite a bit of traffic,” Alvarez said.

Former Planning Commissioner Rob Williams, who reviewed the project as a member of the now-defunct Design Review Committee, was one of two residents

who spoke in favor of the project.

“This project is not contributing to that traffic. If anything, this developer is saying, ‘I’m willing to spend the money to make the traffic better, even though I didn’t cause it,’” Williams said. “The traffic is going to get worse. The school won’t mitigate it. They never do.”

Council members commented that the issue highlighted the need for the city to reopen dialogue with the school district.

Although they did not address the council, three trustees—John Alpay, Ellen Addonizio and San Juan Capistrano resident Jim Reardon—attended the meeting. “(The traffic issues) are caused by the school,” Mayor Sam Allevato said. “I just implore you trustees to work with us. Let’s get some traffic improvements out there … We need to deal with this today. There

The Capistrano Dispatch January 24-February 13, 2014

Page 6

are some things we might look at to work collegiately together.”

On Jan. 8, the school board unanimously voted to send a resolution to the council, asking them to oppose the project.

Although trustees acknowledged traffic was an issue, their larger concern was the need to make room for a growing student population at San Juan Hills.

With the impending extension of La Pata Avenue, students from Talega are set to attend San Juan Hills, as are those from Ladera Ranch. Students from the two communities have priority because taxpayers there helped pay for the school through community finance districts.

School officials have expressed interest in acquiring Woodbridge Pacific’s land to build an additional parking lot and expand facilities onto existing parking to accommodate for more students. Rezoning the land, trustees said, would essentially “land-lock” the school and exponentially increase its value for the developer, making any potential land swap more difficult.

Parents implored the council to consider the possibility of San Juan Capistrano students being forced to attend high school in Dana Point, Mission Viejo or San Clemente.

“Council members, your job is not only to deal pragmatically with today’s issues but to look responsibly into the future,” said San Juan Capistrano resident Mike Johnson, who has been a vocal opponent of the project and organized a small rally near the school earlier this week. “Giving this school the opportunity to expand on the last adjoining piece of property far outweighs 100 apartments being built.”

Councilman Derek Reeve said his vote addressed the current needs of the surrounding community.

“My job as a council member is to vote for San Juan Capistrano families and residents and not for the financial interests of others,” Reeve said.

Councilman Larry Kramer said he had doubts the school had plans to expand in the near future and urged the district to start planning immediately.

“I think you, the school board, have got yourself a problem. We’re not going to solve it for you. Good luck,” Kramer said.

After the meeting, Johnson said he was surprised by the favorable vote, since some council members had given indications in Dec. that they did not agree with the Planning Commission.

“This is nothing short of a miracle. I have never seen a reversal of position in San Juan Capistrano politics in all the years I’ve been actively involved,” Johnson said. “It’s a testament to people with multiple concerns taking the time to come voice them, in hopes that a city council would have ears to hear. Tonight, it appears they did.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 12, Issue 2. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent

GUEST OPINION: Moments In Time by Jan Siegel

Hills, As Far as the Eye Can See In 1989, the city had the foresight to preserve San Juan Capistrano’s pristine ridgeline

I

t has been 25 years since the city’s ridgeline preservation ordinance was adopted. While there is no such thing as a law written in stone that government cannot change, the ridgeline law probably comes the closest to it than any other regulation in San Juan Capistrano.

The city was incorporated in 1961. In 1965, the initial general plan that was adopted called for landform alternatives that could accommodate growth. Former mayor Diane Bathgate wrote in 2002, “preservation of open space, preservation of historic and culturally significant properties and maintenance of the city’s ridgelines and creeks were not included in this plan.”

In 1972, a new general plan was under consideration, and in 1974, it was adopted by the city council and included the protection and preservation of major designated ridgelines. Prior to this time, the ridgelines were only protected by policy, not law.

In 1989, a specific ridgeline preservation ordinance was passed by the city council. The vote followed two urgency restriction ordinances that gave the city time to conduct a zoning JAN SIEGEL and planning study to determine if such an ordinance should become permanent. The final ordinance read: “The intent of this (ordinance) is to add grading and construction zoning controls to the municipal code for the purpose of implementing preservation of the ridgeline goals as stated in the open space and conservation element of the general plan. No construction activity, including, but not limited to grading on any major ridgeline so designated on the general plan map shall be allowed.”

The city council passed the ridgeline ordinance by a 4-to-1 vote. Voting in favor of the ordinance were councilmen Ken

In 1989, the city of San Juan Capistrano adopted a ridgeline-preservation ordinance to protect designated hillsides from construction. Twenty-five years later, the payoff of that ordinance is easily observable just by glancing at San Juan’s hillsides. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Friess, Larry Buchheim, Tony Bland and mayor Gary Hausdorfer. Voting against the ordinance was councilman Phil Schwartze.

GUEST OPINION: Larry Kramer, Mayor Pro Tem of San Juan Capistrano

Reeve ‘Overestimates’ Water Storage Capacity Mayor Pro Tem Kramer offers a rebuttal to his fellow councilman’s column on water

I

n the latest Dispatch, Councilman Derek Reeve takes issue with the rationale that we have built the Groundwater Recovery Plant as a cheaper and better alternative than building storage tanks in anticipation of interruptions in water supply from the Metropolitan Water District.

The major error in his column is that he used the wrong amount of water storage that we have purchased in the Chiquita Reservoir.

We did not purchase 10.15 percent (24.75 million gallons) but 6.7 percent

The Capistrano Dispatch January 24-February 13, 2014

(16.3 million gallons).

Thus, our total storage is 3.19 million gallons.

To have seven days’ storage, we would need about 61 million gallons of total capacity. The estimated cost to build another 30 million galLarry Kramer lons is about $60 million, just for the tanks.

He also overestimates our potable water well capacity. It is actually about .5 million

gallons per day and is not very reliable.

Larry Kramer has been a resident of San Juan Capistrano since 2002 and has served on the City Council since 2010.

He is a husband and father of two grown daughters, who reside in California.

Professionally, Kramer served in the submarine force of the United States Navy, commanding three nuclear submarines and a submarine base. He received his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan. CD

Page 8

There would be no development on the tops of major hillsides in San Juan Capistrano. This law is unique to our community. In San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach and all other south Orange County communities, there are homes at the top of every hillside. By not having these structures, San Juan Capistrano is able to preserve its small-town feel.

In 1999, the city council approved a new general plan that incorporated the basic elements of the 1974 plan, including the ridgeline preservation ordinance. The 1999 plan, like the 1972 Plan, was comprised of a committee of local citizens who represented numerous groups within the city. The committee held public meetings and then came to its conclusions.

You can spend a Moment in Time every day you are in San Juan Capistrano by looking up and seeing our hillsides uncluttered by homes. The community was very fortunate to have a council with the foresight to pass this ordinance in 1989 and to have all the future councils maintain and support this important link in San Juan Capistrano history.

Jan Siegel is a 26-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She has served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 11 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 15 years. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, email us at editor@thecapistranodispatch.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: John Taylor, San Juan Capistrano City Councilman

San Juan Must Brace for Uncertain Water Future The Governor’s recent drought declaration highlights the importance of conservation efforts

W

ater is a precious commodity in California.

The recent news of a statewide drought proclamation should come as no surprise. Last year was the driest in California history and rain forecasts for 2014 are also looking bleak, prompting Gov. Jerry Brown to call this a “mega drought.”

Californians are no strangers to water shortages, but with ever-increasing demands on our already strained water supply, we need to brace ourselves for rising numbers of intense droughts in our future.

While we can’t control the weather, there is much we can do at the city level to prepare for droughts and other disasters (such as earthquakes) that threaten our water supply. Updated emergency plans and strong conservation efforts are critical. In addition, water agencies have stressed that cities should not be completely dependent on imported water, as the delta is vulnerable to earthquakes, flooding and salt water contamination.

Letters to the Editor FRACKING THREATENS WATER SUPPLY Joanna Clark, San Juan Capistrano

Our water supply is threatened by climate change, extended drought, pollution from fracking and the use of injection wells to store toxic waste from hydraulic fracturing.

Fracking is also a waste of our most precious resource—water. Hydraulic fracturing is syphoning off trillions of gallons of water from the California aqueduct system and Lake Mead is on the verge of becoming a dry lake. Humanity existed for more than 250,000 years without the use of gas or oil, but we cannot exist more than seven to 10 days without water. We must find more and better ways to conserve water and ban fracking throughout the state of California, yet Gov. Jerry Brown is pushing ahead to allow fracking, putting us all at risk.

If San Juan Capistrano bans other fracking within its city limits, other cities will follow our lead and Sacramento will have to listen and change course.

The following resolution has been sent to our mayor and City Council members: “The people of San Juan Capistrano, Calif. have a right to clean air, pure water and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the environment. San Juan Capistrano’s public natural resources are the common property of all

San Juan Capistrano is fortunate to have its own independent water supply through our Groundwater Recovery Plant. The previous City Council had the foresight to build this plant 10 years ago to John Taylor ensure that our city would have its own water supply.

The GWRP had initial issues that slowed production and increased costs, but these have been resolved and it is now producing 50 percent of the water for our city.

Some say that the cost of imported water is cheaper than producing our own.

While that may have been true initially, GWRP costs have gone down and Metropolitan Water District rates have gone up more than 63 percent since 2007 with additional increases expected every year.

We can’t afford to keep paying a premium for imported water and leave ourselves vulnerable to a water shortage, too.

Citywide conservation efforts are another vital component to protect our water supply. Since 1992, San Juan Capistrano has used a tiered rate structure that rewards prudent water users with the lowest rates and charges more to those who exceed their allocation. In Orange County, 73 percent of water suppliers used a tiered rate structure, and it has been a successful tool in encouraging conservation.

A recent lawsuit challenged this tiered rate structure. The judge ruled against the tiered rates, defying all previous court decisions on this issue. As there is no precedent for this ruling, the city is appealing the court’s decision in order to protect the taxpayers from being hit with a bill for $422,000 from the plaintiffs while the judge considers new information.

On a personal level, I am open to looking at all of the ways we can lower our costs for water—including single rate versus a tiered rate, which is now being studied and will be discussed at the next water forum on Feb. 11.

Each and every one of us needs to do our part to prevent a water shortage. Conserve water by lowering your personal usage, take advantage of utility rebates and replace your old water-guzzling toilets and appliances. Don’t overwater your yard, or better still, create a beautiful landscape with native, drought-tolerant plants.

Living in a desert climate, droughts are (and most likely always will be) a fact of life in Southern California. With the city’s proactive strategies, such as our investment in the GWRP, combined with residents’ conservation efforts, we will be prepared for a greener future.

P.S. We need your input on these very important issues. Please come to the water forum on Feb. 11 at the Community Center.

John Taylor has served on the City Council since 2010, including one year as mayor and another as mayor pro tem. He and his wife, Marianne, have lived in the Los Rios Historic District for more than 20 years and raised two children, Harrison and Claire. CD

the people, including generations yet to come.

As a trustee of these resources, the city of San Juan Capistrano conserves and maintains them for the benefit of all the people.

Therefore, it is resolved that the technology known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, used to recover oil and gas from shale formation, including the use of injection wells for the storage of fracking waste water and fluids, are permanently banned within the city limits of San Juan Capistrano and its adjacent ocean.”

Together, we can save San Juan Capistrano for all the people, including generations yet to come, if we let them know how we feel.

One side note I would like to present is this: In the ‘50s and ‘60s, when I was young and in my prime, the air in Southern California was green with smog and presented real health hazards. Now, I can state with some confidence, the air we breathe is much cleaner. I attribute this to good, but often, expensive technology and the will of the people to pay for it. The same should apply to clean water.

That’s supported by the most recent production numbers—only 61 acre feet in December Based on their state (and constantly declining) annual goal of 3,843 acre feet, each month should result in no less than 321 acre feet.

Just an unusual glitch? Nope. The previous December’s total was only 17. But forget last year. In Fiscal Year 2014 (July-December), the plant has made its production goal just twice in six months. More importantly, the plant was down more than it was up. So meeting that seven-day requirement was physically impossible for nearly two months.

But, as everyone knows, water continued to flow out of your taps during that time.

This fact proves that the Metropolitan Water District really is a far more reliable source.

So the next time Sam trumpets “the GWRP will meet 50 percent of the city’s summer needs and 100 percent of our winter demand,” I’d strongly suggest you challenge him on exactly what numbers that claim is based on. For the last eight years, it’s been a mathematical impossibility.

Let’s hope our mayor is able to work with the great powers above to “schedule” our next earthquake—otherwise, it might not be a “convenient time” for the GWRP. We may discover we have more in common with residents of West Virginia but accompanied with a multimillion-dollar price tag of our own creation.

COST OF WATER SECONDARY TO ITS AVAILABILITY Gil Jones, San Juan Capistrano

Since my friend, Jonathan Volzke, touched on the bickering at City Hall in his last column in The Dispatch (“The Only Way We Win is by Working Together,” Dec. 13-26), I will not go into that arena. I will give a brief opinion about what should be our main priorities in life.

The cost of water should not be a priority.

The availability of water should be.

I support desalination projects, wells, groundwater recovery and any other means to assure future generations of a reliable water source.

There are three absolute necessities to life: birth, air and water. Without any of these, there will be no life as we know it.

The cost of it is secondary.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 24-February 13, 2014

Page 9

JUST GIVE ME THE FACTS, PLEASE Mark Speros, San Juan Capistrano

As recently as last week, Mayor Sam Allevato was working hard to spin San Juan Capistrano residents on the reliability and production capability currently enjoyed by the city’s Groundwater Recovery Plant (“Your Questions Answered,” Jan. 10-23).

“The GWRP is now operating at a very efficient level, providing millions of gallons of drinking water daily,” Allevato wrote. “The GWRP provides us with the requisite seven days storage capacity.”

It’s a statement that bolsters confidence in the premise that our City Council majority is providing strong leadership while carefully monitoring city functions and state requirements.

Too bad he didn’t check in with City Manager Karen Brust.

Her most recent “weekly” report (from Dec. 13—it tends to come out monthly), currently posted on the city’s own website, must be talking about someone else’s GWRP. She notes that due to the installation of multiple items, the plant has been effectively closed from Nov. 11 through the end of the year.

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

SAVOY BROWN 8 p.m. British blues/rock band at The Coach House. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com, www.savoybrown.com.

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saturday

THE ARK OF SAN JUAN PET ADOPTIONS 10 a.m.4 p.m. The Ark of San Juan will be showing rescued pets ready for adoption at PetSmart. Dogs will be available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and cats from noon-4 p.m. 33963 Doheny Park Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

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SISTER CITIES CELEBRATION 6 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse presents a food and wine fundraiser with authentic dishes from Majorca, Capestrano and Goya, as well as music, dancing, raffles, a silent auction and more.

Tickets $25. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

sunday

NORTH RIDGE HIKE 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Moderate guided hike through The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Admission $5-$10. Call for info and directions. 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

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MIKE DE BELLIS SATIN EXPRESS JAZZ DUO 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m Jazz on the Patio every Sunday at Ciao Pasta Trattoria. 31661 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.5002, www.ciaopasta.net.

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. Meet at the Depot Platform for the Historical Society’s guided tour of San Juan Capistrano. Every Sunday. Cost $2-$4. 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 24-February 13, 2014

AT THE MOVIES: ‘JACK RYAN’ MAKES A SILVER SCREEN RETURN Britain has James Bond, America has Jack Ryan. Not exactly as big of an international icon in pop culture as the former, but we’ll take what we can get. The character penned by Tom Clancy has produced not only a whole series of popular books but also successful hits with Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck playing the role for more than two decades. Now, 12 years since Affleck’s turn as Ryan, comes Star Trek’s Chris Pine to give it a shot in Kenneth Branagh’s Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. After being seriously injured while serving in Afghanistan, Ryan settles down in Manhattan with girlfriend Cathy (Keira Knightley). © MMXIV Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

While working as a government analyst, Ryan discovers possible terrorist activity within the Russian Federation and United Nations. CIA agent Thomas Harper (Kevin Costner) recruits him to go to Moscow to put a stop to the vengeful Viktor Cheverin (Branagh). Jack Ryan has four movie stars to make this film entertaining eye candy and a 90-minute fun ride. The only problem is characters are stuck behind some pretty stale dialogue and sloppy editing. Pine has proven he is a fine action hero, and Knightley has an impressive American accent, but both have to work alongside an underdeveloped relationship and Cathy is merely a poorly written love interest for Knightley. Branagh, while one of the best Shakespearan directors of cinema, might not be the best choice for action/adventure.—Megan Bianco

tuesday

KNITLIT BOOK GROUP MEETING 6 p.m. Bring your knitting or craft to the San Juan Capistrano Library and discuss the latest book. Call for more info. Meets the last Tuesday of the month. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

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wednesday

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET WEAVING 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Experience the art of basket weaving, a Native American tradition, at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Free with admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FARMER’S MARKET 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba in San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700.

thursday

GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers can meet every Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden and more. Bring Gloves and wear close-toed shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

30

saturday

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR 10 a.m. Discover 200 years of San Juan Capistrano architecture on a 90-minute guided walk. Meet at Verdugo Street. Occurs every Saturday.

A $5 donation supports the Friends of the Library. For more info, call 949.489.0736.

01

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

ASTRONOMY NIGHT 6:15 p.m.–8:15 p.m. Gaze into the night sky through telescopes learn the constellations at The Reserve/Richard & Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Adults $10, kids $5. Call for more info and directions. 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

Page 11

sunday

SUNDAY GARDEN WORKSHOP: ORGANIC DESIGN & PLANNING 1 p.m. -3p.m.

The Ecology Center hosts a workshop teaching tools and techniques for designing and planning a thriving backyard ecological garden. Free.

32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

02

WHAT’S A GMO? WITH FARMER HOWARD VLIEGE 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Learn about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and why they matter, at The Ecology Center. Free. 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

monday

TRAIL CLEARING AND WEEDING 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

Spend time in the beautiful outdoors and volunteer to clear/ maintain trails at The Reserve/ Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. Free. 949.923.2210, www.theconservancy.org.

03

wednesday

NETWORKING BREAKFAST MIXER 7:30 a.m.9 a.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Chamber on the first Wednesday of the month for breakfast at the Vintage Steakhouse. This month learn from Police Services about burglary prevention. Fee $15-$25. 26701-B Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

05

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

THE ABC’S OF FALCONRY 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Presentation on the sport of falconry at the RMV Presentation Center at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Free. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event?

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

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Tuesday 1.28

Friday 1.31

Tuesday 2.11

Blood Drive 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The city is hosting a blood drive benefitting the American Red Cross. All participants will receive a voucher for discounted tickets to select Los Angeles Kings hockey games.

To set up an appointment, call 949.443.6322 or visit www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “cityofsjc.” Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion.

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 Restaurant, 31891 Camino Capistrano.

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

Tuesday 2.4 City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting 6 p.m.

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

Wednesday 2.12 CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting 7 p.m. Capistrano Unified School District Office Board Room, 33122 Valle Road. www.capousd.org.

Friday 2.14 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes

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

Making Friends, Finding Love For singles, surrounding yourself with friends can be just as important as finding your perfect mate

E

ach January, I get emails from lonely singles similar to one I received this week from a south Orange County woman.

She wrote, “I was married for 45 years and am a widow of eight years. I would love to find someone to spend the rest of my life with, someone who needs me as much as I need him.

“I am attractive, slender and live in a country-club atmosphere that I dearly love. I am 78, in very good health, active and wanting to live again, but I don’t know how to go about it. My female friends have husbands and not much time for me. I don’t know where to find ‘girlfriends’—someone to have lunch or go to a movie with. I hope you can give me some ideas.”

I responded: You are living again, by being active and enjoying your countryclub atmosphere. Focus first on making new female friends. At your age, that’s a heck of a lot easier than meeting a man to share your life with. The ratio of single women to single men at 78 is about 6-to-1.

Besides, you can live a great life without a man. Even if you meet a man, there is no guarantee that the relationship will be a picnic. Expand your boundaries and circle of friends beyond the ones in your neighborhood. However, don’t give up that aspect of your life. Who knows? A married man can become a widower unexpectedly.

Try these six activities to make new girlfriends: 1. Check out www.meetup.com, a website that lists all kinds of activities in Orange County. You could find an activity or two that you enjoy and most certainly would make new friends.

2. Senior centers throughout south Orange County are places to meet other seniors.

You might check out the centers’ agendas and give one or two of them a try.

pursue, doing so will take time, energy, a little money and enthusiasm. Whether or not you meet a man, I can’t say, but you will be making lots of new female friends and enriching your life. That’s a great way to start.

To comment, email Tom at tompblake@gmail.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

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50

3. Internet dating is an option for seniors, via sites such as www.ourtime.com.

However, there are lots of scammers out there trying to prey on lonely older women, so I would be very careful using the Internet to date at your age.

By Tom Blake

4. Widow and widower clubs are good places to meet other widowed people who can understand your situation. You can also find them on the meetup.com website.

5. Try a Meet and Greet gathering at Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli, on the last Thursday of each month, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It’s a great place to meet new friends. This month’s gathering is on January 30. Visit www. tutorandspunkys.com to find out more.

6. Attend a Woman Sage salon meeting. This organization meets monthly in Costa Mesa next to the Performing Arts Center in The Center Club, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Woman Sage salons feature lectures by local authors, discussion groups and dinner. The next salon is Tuesday, February 11. On that night, I will be on a panel there discussing dating after 50. If you attend, please say “Hello.” For reservations and information, visit www.womansage.org.

Regardless of what activities you

The Capistrano Dispatch January 24-February 13, 2014

Page 12

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

FOR SALE QUEEN PILLOW TOP MATTRESS - BRAND NEW Brand name, queen pillow top mattress, still sealed in MFRs original plastic. Sacrifice for $159. Call me ASAP at 949-682-5351 GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED SALES PERSON WANTED Picket Fence Media, owner of the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and Capistrano Dispatch, is looking for an advertising sales rep to join our dynamic team. We’re looking for an organized, hard-working individual with a great personality who can create marketing solutions for local businesses and push for growth in both print and online media platforms. Ideal candidate will have prior experience with media sales. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Alyssa Garrett at agarrett@sanclementetimes.com.

PROGRAM AIDE- TEEN CENTER Part-time position working with members ages 13 – 18 in our Teen Center’s 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 Thursday; on Friday, 2-10 pm. Requirements: high school diploma, experience working with children (working with teens a plus), communication skills to deal with members and with the general public (bilingual in Spanish a plus), CPR and first aid certified.

PROGRAM AIDE- MORNING PROGRAM Part-time Program Aide position to work with middle-school students. Hours will be prior to school hours: 7 am – 10 am, Monday through Friday. Duties will include planning and implementing activities in one or more of the following areas: education; social recreation; arts and crafts; and physical education.

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 *11 or by email at nwatson@bgccapo.com.

SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

MOLD REMOVAL

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

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

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

949.373.8963

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

PLUMBING

COINS GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

949.350.4692

ELECTRICIANS

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

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

949.496.9731

San Juan Hills Dog Walking Services 949.542.4981 Safe, Certified, Insured & Bonded, www.sjhillsdogwalking.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

HOME ORGANIZATION

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

Karen Fischer, Professional Organizer, Get Organized and Move!

949.355.3487 www.getorganizedandmove.com

949.212.0499

SCHOOLS

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

LANDSCAPING

The Capistrano Dispatch December 27, 2013–January 9, 2014

949.499.4464

PROFESSIONAL DOG WALKING SERVICES

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

Vermeulen’s Landscaping Inc. bvland@cox.net

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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

949.661.0967

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

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/ RESTORATION Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 714.757.3490 www.yorbalindatilemarble.com, CA License #789312

Page 16

Holiday Sale & Chairty Event! *Top Quality Handbag Sale* - Dooney & Bourke, Tignanello, B.Makowsky and more! By Dress Well Boutique. Co-Hosted with Cam Graeber, Keller Williams OC Coastal Realty (949) 533-7435. Mention your favorite charity and 20% of your total purchase will be donated to the charity of your choice! Saturday November 2nd, 10am-4pm. 33712 Calle Miramar, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 *(OR SHOWING ON OTHER DAYS BY APPOINTMENT)* Call Toll Free (855) 445-9881. www.DressWellBoutique.com

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

WOMEN’S CLOTHING & HANDBAG BOUTIQUE Dress Well Boutique 949.922.8044 33712 Calle Miramar, www.DressWellBoutique.com

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” Call today! Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

SAN JUAN BASEBALL PROSPECT HEDGES ON THE RISE

After rising through the ranks of the San Diego Padres minor league ranks, former JSerra Catholic standout and San Juan Capistrano native Austin Hedges is primed for a breakout 2014.

In their annual top-10 Prospect Watch list, www.mlbpipeline.com named the 21-year-old the No. 2 catching prospect in all of baseball.

Hedges posted a respectable .260 batting average with 10 home runs, 38 RBIs and an OPS of .723 in 86 games at the high-A and AA levels in 2013. But according to the website’s evaluation of him, Hedges is a potential star based on his ability behind the plate.

Austin Hedges, seen here playing for JSerra, was named the No. 2 catching prospect in baseball by www.mlbpipeline.com. Photo courtesy of Brett Kay

Per the www.mlbpipeline.com Prospect Watch: Top-10 Catchers article released on January 16:

“Wherever he goes, the 21-year-old’s calling card will be his defense. Hedges has an unbelievably quick release and an accurate arm, he moves well behind the plate and works very well with pitchers.

His bat isn’t as advanced as his glove, but he should hit enough to be an outstanding everyday big league catcher.”

After being called up to the Arizona Fall League, Hedges was selected as a starter for the Fall Stars West lineup.

In the annual showcase event Hedges threw out two base runners, flashing the quick release and accuracy that have served him well to this point.

— Steve Breazeale

San Juan Football Standouts Earn All-CIF Honors SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN The Warriors were represented on the All-CIF Northeast Division offensive team by senior running back James Bethea and senior lineman Christian Kellinger.

Bethea averaged 107 yards per game and scored 11 touchdowns.

Lineman Jonathan Bunnel and defensive back Marco Castellanos were named to the division’s defensive team.

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

T

he All-CIF Southern Section football selections were released last week and several San Juan area athletes were named to the elite list.

St. Margaret’s, who finished runner-up in the East Valley Division playoffs, led the area with six selections.

SAN JUAN HILLS The Stallions won the Sea View League for the first time in school history and advanced to the second round of the CIF-SS Southwest Division playoffs.

Junior Jake Nelson was named to the Southwest Division’s offensive team. Nelson was also named first-team All-Sea View League.

Senior free safety William Blum was named to the division’s defensive team. Blum set a school record in 2014 for most tackles in a season with 130. Blum was the Sea View League defensive player of the year.

ST. MARGARET’S Senior linebacker Jake Hines was named the East Valley Division’s defensive player of the year. Defensive

San Juan Hills senior offensive lineman Jake Nelson was named to the All-CIF Southwest Division offensive team. Photo courtesy San Juan Hills Athletics

lineman Austin Hall and linebacker Dalan Cragun were selected to the defensive team.

The Tartans offense was prolific in 2014 and for that, four St. Margaret’s offensive players made the list. Senior quarterback Josh Davis, running back Oscar Gomez, lineman Jameson Edwards and wide receiver Fernando Delgado were all named to the offensive team.

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN The Eagles’ sophomore wide receiver Ben Sukut was named to the All-CIF Northeast Division offensive team.

Sukut had a breakout sophomore campaign that saw him collect 62 passes for 773 yards and 10 touchdowns.

JSERRA CATHOLIC The Lions had one of the most successful seasons in their school’s 10-year history, thanks in large part to the versatile Dante Pettis. Pettis, who pulled triple duty by playing offense, defense and special teams, was named to the All-CIF PAC-5 Division’s offensive team as a wide receiver.

Pettis reeled in 50 catches for 889 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2014. CD

Capo Coyotes Send Four Players to All-Star Game

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

I

n their inaugural season in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League the Capistrano Coyotes sent four players to the Honda Center in Anaheim on Jan. 22 to become the team’s first ADHSHL All-Star Game representatives.

The Coyotes were represented by seniors Connor Reed (forward), Keenan Haase (forward), Jacob Fricks (defense) and junior goalie Kevin Vernon. Head coach Darren Gardner was selected as a coach for Team Orange.

Reed was the lone Coyote on Team Black. The other three players played for Team Orange. Team Orange won the contest 9-8 in a sudden death shootout.

All of the Coyotes had productive All-Star nights on the ice.

Reed, who is tied for the league lead in points (29) and leads the league in assists, scored two goals and tallied two assists in the game. Reed also showed off his speed at The Capistrano Dispatch January 24-February 13, 2014

the event and won the fastest skater competition. Reed completed two laps around the ice in 15.53 seconds during the first intermission.

Haase scored one goal and had three assists. Haase, who has played in only five games this season due to a concussion, is ranked first in the league in average points per game with 3.62. Haase made it to the final four in the event’s shootout competition.

Fricks, a defenseman, assisted on two goals.

Vernon played in goal for Team Orange and stopped 12 of 14 shots. He was the man in the net during the shootout and stopped all three Team Black attempts.

The Coyotes (10-1) will return to league play on Jan. 25 with a match against Villa Park (5-7). On January 28 the Coyotes will travel to Dodger Stadium to compete on the NHL Winter Classic ice rink against Orange Lutheran.

The Coyotes have compiled the best winning percentage in the league. The team currently has the top-ranked offense and third-ranked defense. CD Page 14

(From L to R): Capistrano Coyotes players Connor Reed, Jacob Fricks, Keenan Haase and Kevin Vernon (kneeling) and head coach Darren Gardner on the ice after the ADHSHL All-Star Game on Jan. 22.

Courtesy photo

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