July 11, 2014

An Historic Family Reunion OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

SJC LIVING/PAGE 14 FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

JULY 11-24, 2014 • VOLUME 12, ISSUE 13

President’s Choice

Restaurateurs recall Nixon encounters and favorites E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

During his time in San Clemente, President Richard Nixon was known to frequent several local eateries, including El Adobe de Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano (shown here) and Olamendi’s in Dana Point. Photo courtesy of the Richard Nixon Foundation

Closures Looming for Ortega Interchange Project, Filing Period Opens for City Council Race EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

My Turn: Volzke Bids Fond Farewell to Column, Coffee Chat SOAPBOX/PAGE 8

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Local Baseball Stars Named to AllState Teams SPORTS/PAGE 18

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

The larger project was approved by the City Council in 2005. Both projects would be built together as one community. The changes, which include eliminating a southwestern access point and creating a turnaround for a gated entryway off Del Obispo, aim to internalize traffic in the neighborhood.

Five things San Juan should know this week Volzke Departs Coffee Chat THE LATEST: Jonathan Volzke, the founder and former editor of The Dispatch, will host his final “Coffee Chat” on Friday, July 11.

The weekly community forum began 18 years ago, when Volzke was the editor for the Capistrano Valley News. He is giving up hosting duties due to his new job as public information manager for the Santa Margarita Water District. Since leaving The Dispatch in 2012, Volzke has worked for Lake Forest-based Faubel Public Affairs and most recently at Communications Lab. The chats began in order to gauge the community’s opinions about the Capistrano Valley News but evolved to be a place for residents to discuss local issues.

“We are such a town that prides itself on its community, and this is a place where you can go to find that community, whether you agree or disagree with people,” Volzke said.

Volzke begins his new job July 21. He said the demands of his new position, including serving the ratepayers of the water district, necessitated his decision to give up hosting duties. Volzke is also giving up his regular column in The Dispatch, “My Turn.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The chats will continue with longtime co-host Erin Kutnick. Volzke will be replaced by a rotation of Steve Behmerwohld, Eric Bergstrom, Mark Bodenhamer, John Gillotti and Tom Scott.

Coffee Chat takes place at Mission Grill, 31721 Camino Capistrano, on Fridays at 8 a.m.

FIND OUT MORE: To read Volzke’s final column, turn to page 8 of this week’s issue. – Brian Park

Long-term Closures Coming for Ortega Interchange Project THE LATEST: Four long-term closures are scheduled for the Interstate 5/Ortega Highway interchange project in order to reconfigure on- and off-ramps and apThe Capistrano Dispatch July 11-24, 2014

An overhead image of The New Home Company’s 40-unit Oliva community. The nine units within the outline are new additions. The other 31 units were approved by the City Council in 2005. Courtesy of The New Home Company

proaching streets.

Starting in early to mid-August, the northbound I-5 off-ramp at Ortega will be closed for three weeks to allow construction crews to realign the ramp and accommodate a new loop on-ramp. The new northbound off-ramp will be available for use in early September.

The southbound on-ramp at Ortega will be closed for six weeks, starting in late August or early September. During that time, crews will realign and widen the ramp.

In mid-September, Ortega Highway, starting from the bridge to Del Obispo Street, will be closed for three weeks.

Crews will be realigning Ortega to curve into Del Obispo. No pedestrian access or westbound traffic will be allowed over the bridge during this time.

For four weeks, traffic from El Camino Real to Del Obispo will be reduced to one lane in each direction as crews continue to realign the area and relocate utility structures.

WHAT’S NEXT: The project is expected to be completed in late summer or early fall of 2015, according to Caltrans.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information on the project, including updates and detour routes, visit ortega.dot.ca.gov. – BP

Filing Period Opens July 14 for City Council Race THE LATEST: The filing period for the November 4 municipal election in San Juan Capistrano will open Monday, July 14.

Three seats on the San Juan Capistrano City Council, currently occupied by Councilmen Larry Kramer, Derek Reeve and John Taylor, are up for election.

While Kramer and Taylor have announced their intention to run for re-

election, Reeve has yet to do so. Stephanie Frisch, chair of the Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors and business owner, and Jan Siegel, a Cultural Heritage Commissioner and active volunteer, have also announced their candidacies.

Interested candidates must be registered voters and residents of the city.

WHAT’S NEXT: Candidates have until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 8 to return nomination papers signed by no less than 20 nor more than 30 registered voters in San Juan to the City Clerk’s office. The deadline may be extended to Wednesday, August 13 if an incumbent chooses not to run for re-election by the August 8 deadline.

Candidates must also disclose investments and interests in real property when filing papers. Although there is no charge for filing, candidates can also prepare a statement—which includes their name, age, occupation and a 200-word description of their qualifications—for $1,000.

– BP

Planning Commission OKs 40-home Olivia Project THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved changes to an already-approved housing project, as well as additional units on an adjacent lot, that combined would create a 40-home community.

The commission voted 3-0, with Commissioners Ian Gardiner and Roy Nunn absent, to accept changes for The New Home Company’s 31-unit development, Oliva, located on 17 acres at 32281 Del Obispo Street. Additionally, the commission approved the developer’s plan to add nine homes on an adjacent 4.5-acre lot.

Page 3

WHAT’S NEXT: The additional nine-unit lot will be considered by the council in August, according to city planner David Contreras.

Across the street, Spieker Senior Development’s proposal to build a 418-unit senior community, including a health care center, is ongoing.

A draft environmental report is available for public review until Tuesday, July 22.

The community would be built on a 35acre site currently occupied by Armstrong Garden Center, which would be closed and relocated closer to the company’s headquarters in Ventura County, according to the report. Farm to Market, also located on the site, closed in July. – BP

County, TCA to Compensate Rancho Mission Viejo for New Roadway THE LATEST: The Rancho Mission Viejo Company will be compensated by the county and the Transportation Corridor Agencies for the construction of a new arterial roadway that will eventually service the developer’s second village, Esencia.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on June 24 approved granting fee credits, through the TCA, to Rancho Mission Viejo for right-of-way, grading and construction costs for “F street,” which will connect Cow Camp Road to Oso Parkway.

In 2004, the county approved the company’s “Ranch Plan,” a long-term strategy to develop its land. Included was a provision that F Street would be built if the TCA’s plan to extend the SR-241 toll road from Oso to Cow Camp did not materialize. The TCA’s permit application for the extension was denied by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board in June 2013 and has since been appealed.

WHAT’S NEXT: Grading for Esencia is underway. The village will be triple the size of the first village, Sendero, and may be open in late 2015. – BP

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?

••• Send your suggestions to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

President’s Choice

N

president’s staff and moments shared between Nixon and Jorge Olamendi, sit two round tables. Stamped with the presidential seal. Both tables proudly bear the name “Richard M. Nixon.”

Nixon returned to San Clemente after resigning the office of the presidency on Aug. 9, 1974. With the help of Brennan, daughter Julie and husband David Eisenhower, grandson of Dwight D. Eisenhower, moved to a home nearby, located off of Capistrano Beach’s Beach Road.

It was Brennan who introduced the president to Olamendi’s after happening on the restaurant’s then-new location, just down the road from the Nixon-Eisenhower home.

“I went there on my own and discovered what I thought was a great place,” Brennan said. “I told the president that.”

A MEXICAN EATERY, THANKS TO NIXON Nixon’s time in San Clemente helped put the city, and the area, on the map.

Then-President Nixon moved his personal home to San Clemente in 1969. La Casa Pacifica, a mansion situated above Upper Trestles, became the Nixon family’s part-time residence and was dubbed the “Western White House” during his presidency.

With the president at Casa Pacifica, staffers set up temporary homes at the San Clemente Inn, with Secret Service members housed in a hotel across from the restaurant where Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant now stands. Nixon, and his staff, first moved into San Clemente, around the time of St. Joseph’s Day, and the traditional return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano, Brennan recalled.

“We toured the Mission and went to the El Adobe,” Brennan said of the restaurant owned then by Ed Cornwall, who invited the president in for lunch. “(Cornwall)

A POST-PRESIDENTIAL RETURN TO NORMALCY As the dust settled on the Watergate scandal, Nixon withdrew to his San Clemente home.

Out of office, the Nixons attempted a return to normal life.

Nixon stayed at Casa Pacifica most mornings but typically spent his afternoons golfing at Shorecliffs Golf Club, Brennan said. Surrounded by Secret Service agents, Brennan and Nixon took to the links, where other golfers took note and waited for an opportunity to shake Nixon’s hand.

“Everyone was very pleasant too, which was good for his morale,” Brennan recalled. “We played often and we played very, very rapidly.”

And while her husband was on the course, Pat Nixon found refuge in her garden. She also made frequent trips to local shops, and the couple made the occasional trip out to eat, especially when Julie lived nearby.

Some of those outings included stops at El Adobe and Olamendi’s. Nordeck believes the Secret Service preferred El Adobe and Olamendi’s because there were plenty of dining areas away from windows.

Like many restaurants that have ever hosted a president, El Adobe marks Nixon’s seat, in the interior balcony, with a special plaque. On the menu, the popular “President’s Choice,” features several items Nixon was known to enjoy: chile relleno, chicken enchilada, shredded beef taco with rice and beans.

As a son of California, Nixon liked Mexican food but no more than any average person, Brennan said.

“He was from Southern California, and it’s the best Mexican food in America,” Brennan said. “That’s why he’d usually say ‘Let’s get Mexican food.’”

On his last visit to the restaurant, Maria Olamendi paused and said, “Thank you so much for coming to our place.” She recalls he paused and replied, “You don’t need to thank me. I love the food.” He exited the building but returned a few moments later to personally thank the staff and chefs in Spanish. CD

While living in San Clemente, former President Nixon enjoyed local Mexican fare

BY JIM SHILANDER, BRIAN PARK AND ANDREA PAPAGIANIS, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

ov. 8, 1960 was one of the most chaotic days of Richard Nixon’s life.

The vice president of the United States saw the presidential election go to John F. Kennedy by one of the narrowest of margins in history. More than 68 million ballots were cast, and when all were counted, Nixon lost by some 113,000 votes. The Electoral College vote read: Kennedy 303, Nixon 219.

Cries from Republicans rang, urging Nixon to contest the results. It’s something he didn’t do, but that night, after watching election coverage from a suite at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Nixon, along with his military aide, Air Force Maj. James Hughes, took a drive.

Nixon’s post-resignation chief of staff, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jack Brennan, relates the story: “They drove down to the Mexican border, just to get away from the anxiety,” Brennan said. “They stopped at the El Adobe for lunch.”

That lunch began a relationship that would last throughout Nixon’s presidency.

It also set the stage for a long-contested local rivalry over which south Orange County restaurant was the president’s favorite.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 11–24, 2014

After enjoying a meal at El Adobe de Capistrano, Richard Nixon and his son-in-law, David Eisenhower, give their compliments to the chef and pose for a photo. Photo: Courtesy of Richard Nixon Foundation

capitalized on President Nixon being there.They got an awful lot of publicity …

We went there several times.”

Steve Nordeck became managing partner of El Adobe de Capistrano in 2002, after he was called on by owner Richard O’Neill, the late patriarch of the Rancho Mission Viejo landowning family.

Nordeck, a former mayor of Manhattan Beach, has managed a handful of restaurants in his post-politics career. All of them, he notes, have come with some historical charm. Most of the stories he’s heard of Nixon’s affinity for El Adobe have come from others, including the tale of when the restaurant truly became a Mexican eatery, thanks to Nixon.

In the late 1960s, a diplomatic group from South America visited Nixon at the Western White House, and El Adobe, then owned by Ed Cornwall, was asked to cater the occasion. At the time, El Adobe was “more of a continental restaurant,” according to Nordeck, but Nixon and his staff told Cornwall and O’Neill they’d prefer Mexican food.

“Let’s say you own the El Adobe and I called you and said, ‘I’m with President Nixon and he’d like a Mexican dinner. Are you going to tell him you’re not a Mexican restaurant,” Nordeck said. “From that day on, El Adobe was a Mexican restaurant.

That was because of President Nixon.”

El Adobe was Nixon’s and his staff’s go-to choice for catering special events.

When Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev visited the Western White House in 1973, Brezhnev’s staff stayed at the San Clemente Inn, El Adobe catered and the menus were translated into Russian.

A GREAT HONOR TO SERVE THE PRESIDENT Maria Olamendi doesn’t remember the first time Nixon walked through the doors of her family’s restaurant, but his last visit is one she’ll never forget.

It was early 1994, around six months after Nixon’s wife of 53 years, Pat, passed away the day after their anniversary.

Nixon would follow his wife in death less than one year later. They were both 81.

Months before his death, Nixon visited Olamendi’s one last time. He looked frail, Maria recalled, but his appetite was hearty. Nixon ordered a quesadilla and a No. 15—a combination plate complete with a chile relleno, enchilada, taco, tamale and a side of rice and beans. He didn’t stop there, dessert soon followed.

“Every time he came he ate something different,” Maria said. “But he liked the Pollo a la Veracruzan, it’s a chicken breast cooked in a tomato sauce with olives and jalapenos.”

Looking at the Olamendi’s menu today, the item’s description includes a nod to the former president. “It was Don Jorge’s great honor to prepare and serve this dish especially for President Nixon,” it reads.

Maria and husband Jorge Olamendi opened their family eatery in 1973. Located off El Camino Real in San Clemente, Olamendi’s, coupled with The Bird Cage bar was a local hot spot. The restaurant moved locations three years later to a Coast Highway locale in Capistrano Beach where it’s remained for the last 37 years.

Situated below large, gold frames displaying pictures of Richard Nixon with Pat and daughters Julie and Tricia, the former

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EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY BRIAN PARK

Rotary Club Golf Tournament Raises $23,000 The San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club raised around $23,000 from their fifth annual golf tournament at San Juan Hills Golf Club on June 13.

The money will go toward the club’s charitable projects and efforts, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, Great Opportunities and college scholarships for local students. Last year the tournament raised $18,000.

More than 130 golfers participated in the shotgun tournament, including 16 Marines from the city’s adopted regiment, the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton. The Marines were sponsored

by Rotarians.

free from their class work and trips.

This year, South Shores Church in Dana Point will serve as the students’ academic center. The students will also have the chance to visit many local attractions, including the Mission, the Dana Point Harbor and Caspers Wilderness Park.

Families are also welcome to join in on the outings. There will also be a farewell party, organized by the students, to thank their host families.

Stipends are offered to offset the cost of providing a bed, meals and rides to the academic center. Interested families should contact Patricia Drewes at patriciacompass@gmail.com or call 949.412.4112.

Host Families Need for Visiting Japanese Students Host families in San Juan Capistrano are needed for a homestay educational program that will welcome 18 Japanese students this summer.

Through Compass USA, students from the Aikoku School of Tokyo, an all-girls private school, have been visiting Southern California for over 30 years and San Juan Capistrano since 2010. This summer, the students are expected to live, study and practice their English-speaking skills from July 22 to August.

In homestay programs, students are treated as members of their host family, from doing chores to leisure time when The Capistrano Dispatch July 11-24, 2014

TUESDAY 7.15

Red Cross Blood Drive

San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club members invited 16 marines from the city’s adopted regiment, the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton, to their fifth annual golf tournament. Photo: Brian Park

News Next Door WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

DANA POINT

Relay for Life Raises $66,000 for American Cancer Society The 11th annual San Juan Capistrano Relay for Life raised more than $66,000 for the American Cancer Society on Saturday, June 28 at San Juan Sports Park.

More than 200 participants from 27 teams took part in the 24-hour event, which opened with cancer survivors taking the first lap around the track while supporters cheered them on. During the traditional luminaria ceremony, participants placed white bags over candles in remembrance of those who have survived or succumbed to cancer.

Participants also enjoyed live music and entertainment, games and activities and breakfast on Sunday, courtesy of Ricardo’s Place and served by the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club.

The largest donation, $30,601, came from the 20-member team from Fluidmaster, the San Juan Capistrano-based toilet company. The money goes toward cancer research and support programs.

Community Meetings

Kiki Macdonald, whose family has hosted Japanese students for the past four years, meets her homestay student, Saki, during a welcome bonfire last year. Compass USA is seeking San Juan Capistrano families who can host the students this summer.

Courtesy photo

City Hosts Low-Cost Dog, Cat Vaccine Clinic The city of San Juan Capistrano is hosting a low-cost vaccination clinic for dogs and cats on Wednesday, July 30.

The clinic will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the back parking lot of City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. The Society for California Veterinary Vaccine Care will administer the vaccines.

Dog vaccines include the four-in-one DHPP for $19 and the Bordetella vaccine for $14. Cat vaccines include the threein-one FVRCP for $18 and the leukemia/ FELV vaccine for $21. Rabies vaccines for both animals are $7 each. The Purevax rabies vaccine for cats costs $20.

Identification microchips are also available for $28. Payments should be in cash. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers.

For more information about the clinic, call the city at 949.234.4565. For more petrelated information, contact Orange County Animal Care Services at 949.249.5160 or visit www.ocpetinfo.com.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Page 6

Despite hearing from local residents, who want to see a skatepark built in Dana Point, the City Council unanimously voted to spend nearly $100,000 to build three bocce ball courts at Lantern Bay Park.

Council members heard from seven speakers last Tuesday asking the body to reconsider the project for one more tailored to area youth. The request came on the heels of a recently launched local movement, dubbed Skatepark of Dana Point, whose supporters have flooded past council, Planning Commission and Youth Board meetings to have their voices heard.

While the council moved ahead with the bocce court plans, they also directed staff to conduct an analysis of what would be needed to acquire and construct a local skatepark.

With the council’s approval, $99,850 will be transferred from the city’s Park Development Fund. The fund’s current balance sits at around $690,000.

SAN CLEMENTE While it did not decide to go as far as it could have, the San Clemente City Council approved moving forward with designs for improvements for cyclists and pedestrians on North El Camino Real, south of Dana Point.

The council unanimously approved $40,000 for consultants and city staff to provide designs for landscaping along El Camino Real’s southbound lane coming from Dana Point. The plan provides for a median to separate a bicycle and pedestrian path of 14-17 feet between the road.

The council, which approved preliminary designs for the project in March, was debating whether providing greater landscaping on the medians would provide more safety, as well as creating a more attractive gateway.

Staff estimated landscaping 50 percent of the median would add $348,000 to the project’s costs and $460,000 to cover 100 percent.

9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The city is hosting a blood drive benefitting the American Red Cross. All participants will receive a coupon for two complimentary tickets to the Hollywood or Long Beach Laugh Factory along with discounted tickets for select San Diego Padres 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.

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

WEDNESDAY 7.16

San Juan Summer Nites Concert Series

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The second installment of the popular summer concert series features the Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, Creedence Relived.

Also includes food, beer and wine, local businesses with information and product tables and fun activities for kids.

Free to attend. Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real. For more info, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org or call 949.493.5911.

THURSDAY 7.17

Wall of Recognition Ceremony

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The city will recognize the newest inductees into its Wall of Recognition: Laura Freese, Wayne and Shirley Howard, Dick Paulsen and Gwen Vermuelen. Free to attend. Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion.

FRIDAY 7.18

Coffee Chat

8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday.

All are welcome. Mission Grill, 31721 Camino Capistrano.

WEDNESDAY 7.23

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

7 p.m. Capistrano Unified School District Office Board Room, 33122 Valle Road. www.capousd.org.

FRIDAY 7.25

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter

INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Camino Capistrano, 31800 Block (3:55 p.m.) A man was lying down and not moving on the sidewalk by El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant.

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.

FIREWORK VIOLATION Paseo Carolina, 32000 Block (10:20 p.m.) A group of juveniles were seen lighting fireworks in the street.

COMPILED BY STEVE SOHANAKI

Tuesday, July 8 DISTURBANCE–MUSIC OR PARTY Avenida Del Rosal/Via Del Rey (1:03 a.m.) A group of people were drinking beer and being loud on the corner of the street.

Monday, July 7 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Villa Clara/Calle Arroyo (11 p.m.) A caller reported hearing a loud booming noise nearby and was not sure if it was fireworks or a gunshot.

FIREWORK VIOLATION Calle Delphina/Calle Reynalda (10:24 p.m.) A neighbor was setting off very loud and illegal fireworks for the fourth night in a row, possibly M180s or M1000s.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida De La Vista, 31500 Block (8:26 p.m.)

Two men and two women were seen in an outdoor hallway smoking illegal narcotics.

The caller was worried they would flee upon seeing a patrol car.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 32100 Block (8:10 p.m.) A man wearing a black and white shirt with “bro pants” was in the parking lot between Rite Aid and Big Lots harassing customers.

9-1-1 HANGUP Alipaz Street, 32100 Block (7:34 p.m.) There were sounds of a child crying in the background of a 9-1-1 hangup call from a payphone. Dispatch was unsure if it was a legitimate call or a prank by kids.

KEEP THE PEACE Paseo Alondra, 27600 Block (6:01 p.m.) A woman told police her landlord changed the locks and refused to let her inside to get her things. She said the landlord was upset because she told her she was moving out.

DISTURBANCE Avenida De La Vista, 30800 Block (1:11 a.m.) A patrol check was requested in the alleyway for people knocking down trashcans and being loud.

Sunday, July 6 DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (10:26 p.m.) A caller reported that guests of a neighbor were violating community rules by drinking at the clubhouse and being very loud.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 11-24, 2014

Saturday, July 5

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 31800 Block (8:23 p.m.) A woman wearing all black was pacing in front of Inspiration Boutique and yelling at people passing by.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Camino Capistrano/Doheny Park Road (3:28 p.m.) A grey Volkswagen Jetta was in an accident with another vehicle in front of El Pollo Loco. The caller said the other party was refusing to exchange information.

Friday, July 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (11:13 p.m.) A man was being followed home by a group of men who were trying to pick a fight with him and his brother.

FIREWORK VIOLATION Alipaz Street, 32200 Block (10:46 p.m.) A group of kids were setting off fireworks and firecrackers outside near a resident’s bedroom window.

FIREWORK VIOLATION La Novia Avenue, 31500 Block (10:21 p.m.) A caller was concerned about trees catching fire after seeing flashes and hearing loud fireworks from Cook Park.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Del Obispo Street, 32200 Block (9:16 p.m.) An elderly lady complained to police that someone was knocking on her door and banging on her walls. She also said she could not tell if the sounds were being made by fireworks.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Los Rios Street, 31500 Block (2:34 a.m.) A caller reported a group of people around garages being loud and drinking.

FIREWORK VIOLATION Paseo Hacienda, 28000 Block (12:22 a.m.) Police received reports of fireworks being set off, possibly at the golf course.

Thursday, July 3 KEEP THE PEACE Windsong Drive/Starrise Lane (8:53 p.m.) A woman in a red Chevy van was at her boss’ house trying to recover her final paycheck. Her boss refused to give it to her.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Resplendor, 30700 Block (11:02 a.m.) A caller reported seeing a bald man with tattoos who appeared to be on drugs leave the area on a black bicycle.

Page 7

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: My Turn by Jonathan Volzke

A Fresh Start As he prepares for his new job, columnist Jonathan Volzke bids a fond farewell to his column and weekly Coffee Chat

I

t’s been just over two years since I signed off as editor of The Capistrano Dispatch, and today I find myself saying more goodbyes.

I’ve taken a new post as public information manager at the Santa Margarita Water District and the demands of the new job will keep me from a couple of things that have been part of my life for well over a dozen years: writing this monthly column and hosting the community Coffee Chat.

I’ll miss both, but I’ve always been an advocate of term limits and change, so these transitions are fitting, if not overdue.

Capistrano, of course, is home to plenty of vibrant voices, so I’m sure lively discussions will continue in the pages of The Dispatch. When I was editor, my favorite editions were packed with letters to the editor. We had six pages of just letters once.

Plenty is going on to discuss and debate in the months ahead. We have three council members—Larry Kramer, Derek Reeve and John Taylor—whose terms are up.

Kramer and Taylor have said they’re seeking re-election, while we haven’t heard of Reeve’s intentions. Business owner and chamber leader Stephanie Frisch and volunteer and historian Jan Siegel have announced they’re running, so already we’ve got four good folks vying for three seats—and that’s without any word from Reeve or folks who have run unsuccessfully in the past.

Around town, Urban Village has landed a Hilton but needs final City Council approval to bring that four-star hotel to the downtown, along with 33 homes. At Ortega Highway and El Camino Real, Goveia Real Estate proposes a retail center to replace the Plaza Banderas Hotel. Full disclosure: I worked on outreach for both projects.

While a few folks around town like to say I supported the projects because I was hired to, I truly believe both would be great additions to the town and was honored to work with them. Brian Lochrie, my boss at Communications LAB, hated when I said this, but I would have worked for both for free, just as a resident excited about what they can bring to our city.

Speaking of Communications LAB, the past two years were great. The owners, Lochrie and his wife, Arianna Barrios, were the best bosses I’ve ever had and I was lucky to work with great clients, including Duane Cave at San Diego Gas & Electric, which was Capistrano’s “Business of the

The Capistrano Dispatch July 11-24, 2014

Year” last year for all of the support it gives community events.

Thanks, too, to Roger Faubel, who mentored me on the transition from journalism to public affairs. I learned a great deal—with MY TURN

By Jonathan Volzke the most enduring (and confounding) lesson that much of what happens in government that frustrates us is pretty much happening as it has to. It’s easy to blame people—from elected officials to staffers—but the system is pretty convoluted, redundant and … messed up.

The people involved make good things happen despite a tangled web of regulation and requirements.

The toughest goodbye comes in my farewell to the Coffee Chat, where I play the role of Regis Philbin to Erin Kutnick’s Kelly Ripa (she doesn’t like the Kathie Lee comparisons).

We started the weekly gathering nearly 20 years ago, when I was at the Register.

Editors there thought it would be useful to hold a Friday morning open focus group to hear community feedback on each week’s edition of the paper and gather story ideas. It lasted beyond my career at the Register, beyond my decade at The Dispatch and through today. Coffee Chat outlasted several coffee shops, too, bouncing around a few times before landing now at Mission Grill. We can sit there and chat and watch the town go by for a couple of hours.

We’ve learned great history lessons from old-timers at Coffee Chat, which draws 50 or so on a good Friday. Sometimes more, sometimes less. We’ve debated the future with elected officials. City Council candidates have announced their runs for office at Coffee Chat and every serious candidate for the fi fth district seat on the board of supervisors came by to introduce themselves and take questions in the past election cycle.

We’ve celebrated birthdays, mourned losses, met new babies, some just weeks old. The Capo Girls Softball team brought trophies a couple of weeks ago when they were talking about their historic run for a state title. Jim Reardon grabbed an empty cup and passed it around and we donated $320 for the effort. Things like that have happened before, too.

But my favorite part of Coffee Chat was always just sitting back and watching folks gather. Some have come to the chat for a Page 8

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR 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

After 20 years of hosting Coffee Chat, The Dispatch founder Jonathan Volzke (right) is leaving after taking a new position as public information manager of the Santa Margarita Water District. Longtime co-host Erin Kutnick (left), along with others, will continue the forum. Photo: Brian Park

while, others are new. Folks sort of cycle through. It’s supposed to start at 8 a.m., but never really did—that’s when friends who might not otherwise see each other got to catch up a bit.

I’d wander in and let Steve Behmerwohld make his weekly joke about my being right on time at 8:15 a.m., and I’d just take a look around. No matter what’s happening east of us, no matter whether we’re debating hotels or houses in our own city, for those 90 minutes or so each Friday, San Juan Capistrano was a small town again.

Many of you haven’t been shy about letting me know The Dispatch has not only survived my departure, but improved.

No argument here, and I expect the same thing to happen with Coffee Chat. Erin has promised to continue her duties, and a host of volunteers have stepped up to take a turn in the moderator’s chair next to her.

And we know there will always plenty to talk about. Just as I enjoy the surprises I find as I turn the pages of The Dispatch now, I look forward to returning to Coffee Chat when I can.

But I’ll be sitting in the back, enjoying a view of our open hills and loving our small town.

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

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@thecapistranodispatch.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@thecapistranodispatch.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Lisa Consenza (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

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 ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting Manager Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Amanda Huffman, Catherine Manso, Sean Robb, Jenna Ross, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 12, Issue 13. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives.

Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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@capistranodispatch.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: By Derek Reeve, San Juan Capistrano City Councilman

It is Time to Respectfully Agree to Disagree Councilman Kramer might think it crazy, but I’ve been steadfast with my campaign promises

W

hile our city leaders may routinely disagree on issues, there is nevertheless the expectation of the public and others that the council will remain respectful and civil with each other.

Unfortunately, that has never been the case for the majority of our city council and particularly Councilman Larry Kramer.

In a recent article in The Dispatch (“New Water Rates Will Set the City on an Upward Path,” June 27-July 10), Councilman Kramer lambasted Councilman Roy Byrnes and me for senselessness and political posturing. His reason?

Simply because we disagree with his vote to increase your water rates by more than 30 percent.

This is nothing new for Councilman Kramer. He previously allied himself with radical fringe groups to condemn me for the names of my dogs, publicly called my wife and I bad parents, and he conspired with establishment Orange

By Derek Reeve

County RINOs (Republican In Name Only) and a liberal legislator from Northern California to fraudulently induce the attorney general to investigate me for arguing that Kramer’s illegal vote to ban newspapers was itself a violation of the Constitution, just to

name a few.

Despite his lack of decorum, he got one thing right. I have never raised taxes or fees. I never have nor will I in the future. I thank him for this moment of accuracy.

This has in fact been a steadfast and consistent position of mine for the past four years. As a liberal politician, Kramer regards this position as crazy and bizarre.

However, it is a pledge many Republican candidates for office make. The sad truth is most Republicans fail to keep their word. This was my primary motivation

for running for council four years ago. I was tired of supporting candidates who would say one thing and then violate their campaign promises soon after they were elected. I am proud that I have never broken a campaign promise.

Not only have I fought tax and fee increases, and supported tax reductions when the opportunity arose, I even advocated eliminating the needless business licenses, a tax that Kramer supports.

Kramer continues to advocate for taxpayer bonds, taxing downtown parking and a new ordinance that would criminally penalize water usage on top of his 30 percent water rate increase. He refuses to acknowledge that alternatives exist.

Why raise taxes when we can simply cut spending? Government does not have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem.

City leaders set a poor example by bullying those who simply disagree with them. Degrading fellow council members and insulting their family is contempt-

ible. While my term on the city council is near conclusion, I urge people to vote for leaders who keep their word and reject spendthrift bullies. Always remember: Together, we can fight City Hall.

Derek Reeve has been a resident of San Juan Capistrano since 1998 and has served on the City Council since 2010. He is a husband and father of two children, who currently attend school in San Juan Capistrano. Professionally, Reeve is an attorney who has been a member of the California State Bar Association since 1996. He is a constitutional scholar and graduate of the University of Southern California, as well as Claremont Graduate University. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@the capistranodispatch.com

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

What is Vector Control?

The county agency is working to protect citizens from disease-carrying insects, animals

I

t’s inevitable. Whenever I tell people I represent the city of San Juan Capistrano on the Orange County Vector Control District Board of Directors, the first question they ask is “What is vector control?”

It’s the agency that fights mosquitoes and other disease-carrying creatures, I tell them. That leads to the next inevitable question: “We have mosquitoes in Orange County? I never see them.”

Exactly, I say, because the staff at vector control is very good at what they do.

First formed to protect county residents from the dangers of mosquitoes in 1947, OCVCD has extended its scope of work to include the control of red imported fire ants and rats, providing surveillance for other disease-carrying insects and animals. OCVCD identifies threats, assesses risk, treats the source and educates residents on how to protect themselves and their families.

It’s important work. The World Health Organization sounded the alarm last month, reporting that half the people living in the Western Hemisphere are at risk of getting infected by diseases carried by mosquitoes, ticks and flies (called vectors), including deadly illness caused by the West Nile Virus.

Cases of dengue fever, swine flu (H1N1), avian flu (H5N1)—also known as bird flu—and malaria are increasing. Sad-

The Capistrano Dispatch July 11-24, 2014

ly, cases of typhus have already been reported in the county, making the threat real and the work that OCVCD does more important than ever.

With 42 percent of our city open space, our miles of hiking trails and

By John Taylor equestrian community, we need to be careful as summer approaches. Wear bug spray when you are in our open space and cover up as much as possible.

And there’s even new threats such as the Asian tiger mosquito, which has reached Los Angeles. In areas that are infested, vector control districts have shifted more than 10 percent of their budgets to battle these mosquitoes because of the danger they pose to public health.

Unlike other mosquitoes, Asian tiger mosquitoes often bite in the middle of the day and prefer humans over birds (the preferred meal for common mosquitoes) and have the ability to transmit a variety of diseases. If you see mosquitoes during the day please contact the Orange County Vector Control District immediately at 714.971.2421.

OCVCD advises residents to repair or replace torn or removed window screens. Discard containers, cans, buckets and other water containers around Page 10

your home. Remove water dishes from beneath potted plants. Dump or drain standing water. Empty bird baths and small fountains. Do not store water in uncovered buckets or rain barrels and make sure your lawn drains and rain gutters are cleaned regularly to ensure they don’t collect water. The Asian tiger mosquito can reproduce in a water-filled container as small as a bottle cap.

And if you garden, don’t let fruit or vegetables fall to the ground or rot. That attracts rats and other pests. Vector Control has a great website full of tips to protect your family at www.ocvcd.org.

San Juan Capistrano residents will

always owe a debt of gratitude toward the residents who approved not one but two bonds to buy open space, and the volunteers who turned much of that open space into usable park land. We can add the employees of Orange County Vector Control District to our thank you list for helping us enjoy the outdoors safely.

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

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 11 FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents the documentary The Boys, about award-winning songwriters and siblings Robert and Richard Sherman.

Special date due to Independence Day. $2 donation. La Sala Auditorium at the San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real. www.sjcfol.org.

Saturday | 12 SECOND SATURDAY ART & ANTIQUE FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Over 60 artists, craftspeople and musicians exhibit their work in downtown San Juan Capistrano, along Camino Capistrano and Los Rios, Verdugo and Yorba streets. Occurs the second Saturday of each month, from March to December. www.sjcartfair.org.

BACKYARD SKILLS: BACKYARD CHICKENS 1 p.m. Learn how to swap vegetable waste for fresh, organic eggs and fertilizer at The Ecology Center. Talk will focus on chickens, coop maintenance, disease, pest prevention, regulations and permits.

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

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse hosts a lineup of four comedians on the second Saturday of each month. Admission $15. To purchase, call 949.489.8082 or visit www.comedyintheoc.com. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

EDITOR’S PICK TWO STEPPING UNDER THE STARS 5 p.m.-9 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and Blenheim Facility Management present the second annual Two Stepping Under the Stars. Dance the night away, outdoors at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, located on the corner of La Pata Ave. and Ortega Hwy. in San Juan Capistrano. Includes free dance lessons at 5 p.m., live music performed

by The Kelly Boyz, a FunZone, casino tables, a silent auction and raffle. Food and drinks from In-N-Out and California Pizza Kitchen available for purchased. Free to attend. For more info, visit www.sjec.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 11–24, 2014

Sunday | 13 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Pack up the family and put on your blue suede shoes as Elvis Presleyimpersonator, Raymond Michael, hits the stage. Hot August Night, a tribute to Neil Diamond, also performs. Free. Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

Monday | 14 JOE GROHMAN GOLF FOUNDATION FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS Second annual golf tournament benefitting the Joe Grohman Golf Foundation, which helps wounded servicemen and women enjoy the game. A flyover of jets will start the tournament. The evening includes dinner, raffle, silent auction and gifts.

San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. For reservations, information or to sponsor a Marine or veteran, call 949.280.7506 or email golfreflex@aol.com.

ORANGE COUNTY CIRCA 1889 A collection of historic photographs taken 125 years ago documenting the found of Orange County on display at the Old Orange County Courthouse from July 14 to Oct. 10. An opening reception will be held on July 17 at 7 p.m. 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana. For more info, call 714.973.6607 or email oldcounty.courthouse@ocparks.com.

Saturday | 19 MUSIC UNDER THE STARS CONCERT 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. The Long Run, Experience the Eagles tribute band performs as part of the Mission’s popular summer concert series. Enjoy live music, dancing and a picnic in the Mission’s central courtyard.

Proceeds benefit Mission preservation efforts. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. For tickets, visit www.missionsjc.com.

Monday | 21

DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from around 40 vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday. www. farmersmarketsjc.com.

EQUESTRIAN SUMMER LECTURE SERIES 6:30 p.m. Veterinarian Mark Secor will discuss and offer a practical course on emergency first aid for horses as part of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition’s summer lecture series. Refreshments will be provided. Please bring your own lawn chair. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited. Rancho Sierra Vista Stables at Mission Equine Hospital, 31441 Avenida De La Vista, San Juan Capistrano. www.sjcec.org.

LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Help clean and

KIDS’ FREE GARDENING WORKSHOP 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Casa Romantica offers a free workshop for kids ages 7-11. This outdoor, hands-on learning experience will promote environmental awareness and the joy of being in nature while learning waterwise gardening. Reservations required.

415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

DINNER WITH GREAT OPPORTUNITIES 8:30 p.m. Fundraising dinner for the nonprofit, Great Opportunities, at Ricardo’s Place. $25 dinner includes choice of chicken, carnitas or garlic shrimp with rice, beans, salad, tortillas and one drink. Live music courtesy of the Kelly Band. Tickets available at Ricardo’s Place or call Eric Groos at 949.370.5656. 32802 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. www.greatopps.org.

Wednesday | 16

Thursday | 17

maintain Los Rios Park with fellow green thumbs. Meets every Thursday, except rain days and holidays, in front of the Montanez Adobe. Bring gloves, clippers and an apron. Must be 18 or older. Sign the volunteer form at www.goinnative.net.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GARDEN CLUB 10 a.m. Goin Native owner Marianne Taylor will discuss how to establish butterfly habitats in your garden during this month’s San Juan Capistrano Garden Club meeting. All are welcome. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Rd. For more info, visit www.sanjuancapistranogardenclub.com.

Tuesday | 22 BREAKTHROUGH SAN JUAN VISITORS’ DAY 8:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m. Get an inside look at Breakthrough San Juan, an educational program at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School that helps Marco Forster Middle School students and future teachers excel in the classroom. Includes continental breakfast. St. Margaret’s Tartan Courtyard, 31641 La Novia Ave., San Juan Capistrano. RSVP to lorena.martinez@ smes.org.

Page 13

Photo: Magnolia Pictures

At the Movies: Life Itself Gets This Reviewer’s Thumbs Up

O

ne year after his death, famed movie critic Roger Ebert is honored with the documentary Life Itself. The picture remembers the writer’s presence as a man who watched flicks in the theater just like ordinary moviegoers and told us if the movie was good, bad or in between. His first published review was for the 1967 classic Bonnie & Clyde, and his harshly negative review for the comedy dud North (1994) became famous in its own right. Now his legacy carries on in print and on screen.

Ebert began his career at his college newspaper, before quickly becoming the Chicago Sun-Times movie reviewer at age 25. By the late 1970s, Ebert and rival critic Gene Siskel were asked to host a local show called ‘Sneak Previews’ for Midwestern audiences. The show would become PBS’ syndicated “At the Movies.” The two coined the use of the terms “thumbs up” and “thumbs down,” to critique movies for two decades. Ebert also found time to pen the script for cult favorite, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970) and more than a dozen books on film criticism.

As discussed in the film, 2002 marked the start of 11 years of serious health issues for Ebert. Life Itself is directed

by Steve James of Hoop Dreams (1994) fame and genuinely shows audiences a fan of cinema with a passion that kept him moving for 70 years. Despite his ailments, the critic dedicated himself to writing to his last day. Roger Ebert lived the life many movie lovers wish they could and James pays tribute to it.

—Megan Bianco 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 PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

An Historic Family Reunion

BY BRIAN PARK, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

or one of San Juan Capistrano’s most prominent families, a weekend-long reunion provided a unique opportunity to explore their roots and teach younger generations about their heritage.

More than 220 members of the Forster family met in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 28 to catch up, rekindle relationships and learn about their forefathers’ role in shaping the city, as well as much of south Orange County.

The reunion coincided with the 200th anniversary of the birth of family patriarch John “Don Juan” Forster in Liverpool, England. After arriving in Southern California, by way of Mexico, Don Juan married Doña Ysidora Pico, sister of Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of California, in 1837.

With the help of his brother-in-law, Don Juan went on to become, at one point, the largest landowner in the state, with over 220,000 acres, including land that would eventually become Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Camp Pendleton and parts of San Diego County.

In 1844, Don Juan purchased the Mis-

From the Track to the Page JSerra cross country coach makes headlines as a writer

BY SEAN ROBB, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

M

artin Dugard isn’t your typical high school cross country and track coach.

After finishing a morning practice with his runners, he quickly retreats back to his small office in the corner of his garage, where he works all day writing one of his new books he hopes to add to his long list of best sellers.

Apart from leading the JSerra girls cross country team to four CIF championships, Trinity League championships and three state titles, Dugard is a New York Times best-selling author and has achieved fame for writing the popular “Killing” series with Fox News political commentator Bill O’Reilly.

Dugard started his writing career as an adventure sports magazine writer for publications like Sports Illustrated, Outside The Capistrano Dispatch July 11-24, 2014

sion for $710. He and his family lived there until 1864, when President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation returning ownership of the Mission to the Roman Catholic Church.

During the reunion, family members were able to visit many of the old sites Don Juan once owned.

On Friday, the family held a reception on the grounds of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. There, the family was able to study a 12-foot-wide family tree.

The next day, the family gathered at the Mission wearing custom designed T-shirts.

Following a group photo, the Mission rang its ceremonial bells for the family. Later, Juan Forster, Don Juan’s great grandson, and Christa Forster, great-great-granddaughter, delivered seminars about the family patriarch and matriarch in the room they once lived in—the Sala room.

“A lot of the young people had no idea so it meant a lot to them,” said Pat Forster, great-great grandson of Don Juan. “It starts to mean something.”

The family also got to visit the Forster Mansion on Ortega Highway, which was built by Frank Forster and is currently owned by Maryanne and Phillip Charris. That evening, the family gathered at El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant for dinner.

On Sunday, the family met at the Old Mission Cemetery, located atop a hill overlooking Ortega Highway, and visited the Forster crypt. The weekend closed with a tour of the ranch house Don Juan lived in and Runner’s World. He decided to make the leap to books in 1995.

“The transition from 1,500-word pieces to an 80,000-word book was like learning to write all over again because I could stretch out a concept or idea but still had to be succinct and focus on the overarching story. I probably deleted twice as many words as finally made it into the book,” Dugard said in an email.

Since 1995, Dugard has written many different types of genres, from novels to non-fiction history. Most of his work has revolved around his love for history.

“I like to say that you couldn’t get me into the library when I was in college, but now you can’t get me out of it. Writing history is a lot like detective work,” Dugard said. “You piece together not just a person’s life story, but add period details like the clothes they wore, the language they used and other little bits of minutiae that make a story rise up off the page.”

Dugard has traveled across the globe to research his books, like when he competed in one of the world’s most physically demanding races in Africa for his book, “The Toughest Race On Earth.” He also wrote “Chasing Lance,” a travelogue that featured stories from his time covering the Tour De France, where he cycled a stage

(From L to R) Juan, Michael, David, Ann and Pat Forster pose for a photo beside a cutout of family patriarch John “Don Juan” Forster during a family reunion dinner at El Adobe de Capistrano. Photo: Brian Park

at Camp Pendleton, following his ouster from the Mission.

Throughout the weekend, family members wore color-coded nametags to distinguish which branch of the family they were from: blue for Juan Fernando and red for Marco Antonio, both sons of Don Juan.

The family lost touch with Juan Fernando, who reemerged in Los Angeles in 1970, according to Pat. For some family members who were meeting for the first time, they were surprised to learn that many had similar names.

“A lot of Marcos,” said Michael Forster, great-great-great grandson of Don Juan.

The oldest Forster to attend was 96-year-old Melita Forster and the youngest was 3-week-old Graycen Forster. One Forster traveled from as far as South America, after stopping in Seattle, according to Michael.

While researching for James Patterson’s book, “The Murder of King Tut,” JSerra Catholic High School cross country coach and author Martin Dugard visited Egypt with his wife, Calene Dugard. Courtesy photo

of the tour.

Recently, Dugard has been collaborating with well-known and critically acclaimed authors. He worked with James Patterson on the fictional novel, “The Murder of King Tut” and has written three books with O’Reilly, including “Killing Lincoln,” “Killing Kennedy” and “Killing Jesus.”

“I didn’t think my ego would let me be a collaborator. So I was surprised to learn that I enjoy collaborating a great deal, not just because I get to work with some big name writers, but because I also learn a Page 14

Tom Forster, Michael’s cousin, is a California native who moved to Oklahoma City to continue his family’s cattle ranching business. The best thing out of the weekend, he said, was teaching younger Forsters about the family’s legacy.

“Something like we just did I think makes the younger generation take more notice of it and hopefully they’ll want to take it up,” Tom said. “I hope they paid attention because it was tremendous.”

Michael said even for those who were well aware of the family history, the weekend provided a time to reflect and appreciate.

“For me, just having that history is something to be proud of. Nobody can take it away. It’s a source of pride,” Michael said. “I think everybody appreciated it, and I think people who were already aware learned a little something.” CD great deal about different ways to approach a story or accelerate the pace of a narrative from these great storytellers,” Dugard said.

While Dugard enjoys history, he has a passion for the sport of running. His memoir, “To Be a Runner,” highlights his personal journey of running and the emotions of coaching cross country and track.

Dugard says that coaching cross country is the best thing to ever happen to his running.

“I am forced to be more disciplined because I have to be down at the high school by 2:45 every afternoon. This means I can’t procrastinate in the morning. I need to be at my desk by 8 a.m. and get in my daily word count before it’s time to go coach,” Dugard said.

Dugard has been a busy man recently with cross country summer practice recently starting while promoting his new book, “The Explorers,” a historical non-fiction documenting the travels of two explorers who set on a journey to find the source of the Nile River. Dugard is also working with O’Reilly on “Killing Patton,” a new addition to the series.

For more information about Dugard and his books, visit www.martindugard. com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

FOR SALE KING SIZE PILLOWTOP MATTRESS - BRAND NEW - $250! Still factory sealed in the MFRs original plastic bag - never opened, not refurbished. 949-842-9994 BED FRAME Metal bed frame. Adjustable for all sizes. $35/ obo. New condition. 949.533.9761

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

HARLEY HANDLE BARS Chrome, 8-inch, T Bars (drag specialties).

Slight curve back. $70. Can send pictures.

Text or call 949-633-3860 for more info.

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Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

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

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

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

BANKING

Independence Bank

32291 Camino Capistrano, Suite A, 949.373.8963, www.independence-bank.net

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICIANS

After-Hours Electric

Ca Lic #697355 714.396.2188, 949.573.8386, www.bbb.org The Capistrano Dispatch Julu 11-24, 2014

Excel Electric

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

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Excel Electric - CA #793860

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

HOME ORGANIZATION

Karen Fischer, Professional Organizer, Get Organized and Move!

949.355.3487, www.getorganizedandmove.com

MOLD REMOVAL

Jarvis Restoration

31942 Paseo Sagrado, 949.362.5388, www.jarvisrestoration.com

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

San Juan Photo & Digital

32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668, www.sjcphotodigital. com

PLUMBING

Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing. com

JEWELER

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, 949.493.3632, www.abbysdesigns.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. 33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B, 949.212.0499

Page 16

SCHOOLS

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

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/ RESTORATION

Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc.

714.757.3490, CA License #789312 www.yorbalindatilemarble.com

WATER DAMAGE

Jarvis Restoration

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Old San Juan by Don Tryon

Hotels of Our Past and Future San Juan has been home to several hotels in the past. Could another be on the way?

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here’s a lot of news lately about our town getting a grand new hotel behind the late Judge Richard Egan’s Harmony Hall house. Hilton wants one built in our downtown to accommodate our many visitors who want to walk to our historic sites and fine restaurants. It’s going through a maze of red tape for approval.

In the early Mission years, the padres accommodated travelers in one of the Mission’s rooms, but when Domingo Oyharzabal came to town in 1867, he met Juan Sallaberri and together they bought the Casa Manuel Garcia Adobe. They extended the second floor and established the French Hotel. This adobe is no longer a hotel, but it’s still here and is located two doors north of El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant on Camino Capistrano El Adobe was originally two adobes that had OLD SAN JUAN a passageway between

By Don Tryon them for the stage coach from Santa Ana to San Diego to stop and unload passengers for a meal, break or to change horses. Some riders stayed overnight at the French Hotel to visit our village and the Mission ruins.

In 1875, Marks Mendelson established a two story wood frame hotel on El Camino Real where our Historic Town Center Park is today. He called it the Mendelson Mission Inn. It was quite grand and had accommodated many prominent people, some of whom used to go the old San Juan Hot Springs out east along the Ortega Highway. The accommodations at the hotel were far better than at the hot springs.

Famous Shakespearean actress Madame Modjeska visited here to socialize with locals like Judge Richard Egan, Marco Forster and Henry George Rosenbaum.

When the first movie was made in San Juan Capistrano in 1915, famous movie actress Mary Pickford and director/

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium The Capistrano Dispatch July 11–24, 2014

producer D. W. Griffith and most of their crew stayed at the inn as well. Later more movies were made in this area and the inn accommodated them all. Many social events were held in this grand old hotel.

Eventually the inn fell on hard times and was torn down in the early 1930s.

Then Fred Stoffel built a really grand brick two-story Capistrano Hotel on Camino Capistrano in 1920. It was quite a place and offered all the modern amenities of the time. San Juan was always a popular spot for visitors to the Mission and a convenient stopover for those driving to San Diego or Los Angeles. In 1942, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt got off the train to motor down to Camp Pendleton, the hotel and many other buildings in town had Marines stationed on the roofs with guns to repel any potential threats.

On another occasion, a group of guys pushed a cow up the stairs without being spotted by the Capistrano Hotel clerk.

They abandoned the poor critter there and the animal blared for hours in the hallways awakening all the guests. The hotel was torn down in 1965 and replaced by a wax museum—which didn’t last very long.

Later we had two fine motor-inns, the Mission Inn on Ortega and El Camino Real, which has been torn down, but the Best Western on the Ortega Highway, east of the freeway, still stands.

In the past 25 years we have had three proposals for a downtown hotel. Two have failed—one across from the Mission and another for the Historic Town Center Park. The third we wish well for approval.

Don Tryon is a 25-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. He is currently the vice president and archivist for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. CD

San Juan Capistrano Celebrates the 4th of July

Laguna Niguel residents Donna and Joel Loiseau take to the dance floor.

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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

Jane Carlile of Newport Beach and Jone Clay of San Juan Capistrano came dressed in red, white and blue.

Siblings Grace and Isaac Morgan are all smiles while riding the Ferris wheel.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRIAN PARK

popular beer garden for adults. There were also plenty of mechanical rides, carnival games and activities for kids.

Councilmen Larry Kramer, Derek Reeve and John Taylor attended the event.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Serra Post 3801 from San Juan Capistrano presented the colors while local resident Ashley Peters sang the national anthem. At the end of the evening, guests enjoyed a 15-minute choreographed fireworks show.

Garrison West from KSBR radio emceed the event, and for the third year in a row, San Diego Gas and Electric sponsored the show. CD

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he city of San Juan Capistrano celebrated Independence Day in style during its annual 4th of July celebration last Friday.

Hundreds of residents and out-of-town visitors gathered at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park to mark the nation’s 238th birthday. Those who arrived early claimed prime viewing spots for the fireworks show, but there was plenty of room for all in attendance.

Guests enjoyed live music, courtesy of Family Style, and dancing. Food and drinks were available for purchase, including the

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Hills Set to Host Wounded Warrior Tournament

South C ounty Players Named to All-State Baseball Teams

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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an Juan Hills Golf Course is getting ready to host a tournament to give back to those who have sacrificed for their country.

The local course will host its second annual golf tournament on Monday, July 14. The tournament will directly benefit the Joe Grohman Foundation, which helps wounded military veterans enjoy the game of golf. The foundation sends travelling golf clinics to military bases, where they provide custom adaptive golf equipment, allowing wounded military personnel to play the game.

The event will have plenty of proceedings before the golfers tee off, including scheduled appearances from San Juan Capistrano city council members and a ceremonial singing of the national anthem.

Following the opening ceremonies, vintage jets will take part in a flyover of the area.

Following the 18 holes of golf, there will be a dinner, raffle and silent auction.

Last year’s tournament raised over $10,000. Event organizer Larry Brotherton anticipates this year’s version will raise considerably more.

For those interested in sponsoring a

San Juan Sports Rink Changes Direction

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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JC Sports Rink owner Michael Schwartz has made the most of a bad situation.

The sports rink, located behind Marco Forester Middle School and Kinoshita Elementary, had long been a south Orange County roller hockey establishment. Players would flock by the hundreds every week to take part in organized league games on one of the few well-maintained rinks in the area.

But even after multiple improvements to the playing surface, boards and surrounding area, Schwartz saw the number of hockey players dwindle. The custom playing surface he laid down was perfect for hockey players during the day. But at night, the cool air caused the playing The Capistrano Dispatch July 11-24, 2014

A Wounded Warrior takes part in the Joe Grohman Foundation’s golf clinic in 2013. Photo: Eddie Meeks Photography

marine from Camp Pendleton or a veteran, email Brotherton at golfreflex@aol.com.

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surface to become slick and slippery, which Schwartz says was not a good fit for the fast paced action of roller hockey.

The rink became active during the day but at night, Schwartz said it felt like a “ghost town.”

That’s why, in December, Schwartz decided to shut down roller hockey at the rink and dive headfirst into providing the city with an artificial grass-lined surface specifically designed for indoor soccer and box lacrosse.

In the first month the SJC Sports Rink offered full-time indoor soccer, Schwartz’s SJC Arena Soccer League had seven teams. Now the league has 32 teams, spread across men’s, women’s and co-ed divisions.

“There was just not enough business for roller hockey in the city. It was like pulling teeth to get people there,” Schwartz said. “Now you can feel the momentum of the place building. Every night you get fans and it’s getting packed as opposed to all the nights I was there by myself for hockey.”

Local lacrosse programs also use the facility on a regular basis.

The influx of soccer and lacrosse play-

everal south Orange County high school baseball players were named to the 2014 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Baseball first, second, third, underclass and small-school teams on July 7.

JSerra Catholic senior pitcher and first baseman Parker Joe Robinson was named to the first team in the multi-purpose category. Robinson, a Texas commit and this season’s Trinity League Player of the Year, batted .378 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 2014. On the mound, Robinson went 4-2 with 47 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings.

Dana Hills senior Louis Raymond was named to the second team. Raymond hit .321 on the year and excelled on the pitching mound. The University of San Francisco commit helped pitch the Dolphins to the Sea View League title behind a 10-4 record and a 2.07 ERA in 2014.

San Clemente battery mates Kolby Allard and Lucas Herbert were named to the All-State Baseball Underclass teams.

Allard, a junior pitcher, led the Tritons with a 1.32 ERA this season and was named to the first team. Herbert, a junior catcher, was a presence in the middle of the Tritons lineup, where he batted .284 with 16 RBIs. Herbert was named to the

JSerra’s Parker Joe Robinson was named to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Baseball first team on July 7.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

second team. Both players are committed to UCLA. JSerra’s Brady Shockey was one of only two sophomores named to the underclass team.

Capistrano Valley Christian seniors Parker Coss and Eric Fukuda were named to the small-school first and second teams, respectively. Coss was also named the CIF-SS Division 6 Player of the Year. CD

The SJC Sports Rink underwent a transformation from hockey rink to indoor soccer and lacrosse arena.

Courtesy photo

ers has Schwartz feeling good about his decision to forego hockey and embrace what he feels the public wants.

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“You wouldn’t go back to a program that didn’t work. It’s San Juan Capistrano, there’s tons of soccer interest.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com