September 12, 2014

Meet Your Candidates for Orange County Supervisor PAGE 8

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

SEPTEMBER 12–25, 2014 • VOLUME 12, ISSUE 17

Fall Sports Preview A look at San Juan’s prep teams and their championship dreams S P O R T S / PAG E 1 9

The San Juan Hills High School girls golf team is among several Stallions programs that will debut in the competitive South Coast League for the first time in school history in 2014. Photo: Steve Breazeale

News Rack Lawsuit Resolved, CUSD Names New K-8 School and More EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

City Council Candidates Weigh In on Development EYE ON SJC/PAGE 6

The Shea Center BBQ and Family Faire Returns SPECIAL SECTION

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

&

Shop Dine Local SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Shop & Dine Local is published the second Friday of every month. Reserve your advertising space today! Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104.

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING levato and Councilmen Larry Kramer and John Taylor voted in closed session to do away with news racks just days after they placed their own in front of City Hall and the Community Center, despite two other publications, The Capistrano Dispatch and the Capistrano Valley News, having had racks there for at least a decade.

Councilman Roy Byrnes voted against the ban, and Councilman Derek Reeve, an attorney, recused himself because he had previously represented the newspaper.

An overhead rendering of the finished Interstate 5/Ortega Highway interchange. This week, the first of a series of major closures began to reconfigure the interchange. Courtesy of the California Department of Transportation

WHAT’S NEXT: Common Sense was awarded $750 to cover the cost of filing the lawsuit, but both sides will have to pay for their attorney’s fees.

The agreement still allows the city to enact ordinances that are “reasonable and viewpoint neutral” that regulate the placement of news racks on city properties. – BP

What’s Up With...

Capistrano Unified Names New K-8 School

Five things San Juan should know this week Nine candidates will appear on the November ballot, but there will only be eight candidates actively campaigning for three seats on the San Juan Capistrano City Council after Greg Acho announced he would be withdrawing— nearly a month after the official deadline to do so.

City Council Hopeful Withdraws from Election THE LATEST: The race for three seats on the San Juan Capistrano City Council is down to eight candidates after Gregory Acho announced last Wednesday he would be withdrawing from the race.

Acho, president of CTE Media Group, a local digital marketing business, said increased demands from his work necessitated the decision.

“It would be difficult for me to devote the time necessary to campaign,” Acho said in a statement. “But more importantly, if I were elected, my time would be limited in performing the important duties of a City Council member.”

Acho was also the lone candidate not to submit a ballot statement.

WHAT’S NEXT: Acho’s name will still appear on the ballot, however. The deadline to officially withdraw from the race passed Aug. 8.

The ballot order was officially set by a random drawing by the Secretary of State on Aug. 14. The ballot will be presented The Capistrano Dispatch September 12–25, 2014

in the following order: Jan Siegel, Derek Reeve, Pam Patterson, Acho, John Taylor, Robert Williams, Stephanie Frisch, Kerry Ferguson and Larry Kramer. – Brian Park

News Rack Lawsuit Resolved THE LATEST: The city of San Juan Capistrano and a local newspaper have come to a resolution in a legal dispute over the placement of news racks on city properties.

The agreement between the city and Community Common Sense was approved

by Orange County Superior Court Judge James Di Cesare on Friday, Aug. 22. It reaffirmed Di Cesare’s order in December that allowed all news racks to be returned in front of City Hall and the Community Center. Common Sense can continue to place up to 10 copies of their paper inside the center’s reading room, and news racks can also be placed on city sidewalks.

The lawsuit stems from the city’s decision last August to remove all news racks from the two properties. The owners of Common Sense, which is often critical of city policies, argued that Mayor Sam Al-

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District has selected a name for its new K-8 campus in Rancho Mission Viejo: Escencia School.

Escencia is the name of Rancho Mission Viejo’s second village, which is currently being developed and will be the future site of the school. In Spanish, it means “essence.”

The name was chosen unanimously, without discussion or public comment, from a list of seven possibilities, including Acjachemen, Barbara L. Banda, Glenn T. Seaborg, Helena Modjeska, Ortega Oaks and Ronald Reagan. The list was finalized in May, after the district gathered more than 40 names from the community, trustees and staff.

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

The school already has a principal in line. In April, the board appointed Greg Merwin, currently the principal at George White Elementary in Laguna Niguel, to be the school’s first principal. – BP

Major Closures Begin at Interstate 5/Ortega Highway Interchange THE LATEST: For the next two months, motorists travelling through San Juan Capistrano will be better off avoiding Ortega Highway.

As part of the California Department of Transportation’s $86.2 million Interstate 5/Ortega Highway project, the first in a series of major closures at the interchange began Monday, Sept. 8.

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Starting that day, the northbound I-5 off-ramp will be closed for two weeks.

That is followed by a six-week closure of the southbound on-ramp and another three-week closure of Ortega Highway, between the southbound ramps and Del Obispo Street.

In November, Ortega Highway will be reduced to one lane in both directions between Del Obispo Street and El Camino Real, and eastbound traffic will stop at Del Obispo Street, before the bridge.

The project began February 2013 and is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2015.

WHAT’S NEXT: Motorists can exit and enter the freeway using Junipero Serra Road and Camino Capistrano.

The successive closures are anticipated to be completed around Thanksgiving, according to Caltrans spokeswoman Liz Philippon.

The closures are necessary for construction crews to complete major realignment work at the interchange.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information about the project and closures, visit www.ortega.dot.ca.gov. – BP

San Juan Capistrano Launches Mobile App THE LATEST: The city of San Juan Capistrano is going mobile.

In August, the city launched its own mobile application that aims to provide smart-phone users a quick way to connect with the city.

The new app allows residents to pay their water bills and receive updates from City Hall, including scheduled closures and detours for the Interstate 5/Ortega Highway interchange project. Users can also report issues, from animal control to water emergencies, using their phone’s GPS function and camera to record and document incidents.

For visitors, the app includes a “Shop, Dine, To download the Visit” category with diapp, scan the QR rect links to businesses, code above. restaurants, historical destinations and travel options.

The app also provides directions, maps and descriptions for the city’s parks, facilities and trail system.

FIND OUT MORE: To download the app, scan the QR code, located above, or visit Apple’s App Store or Google Play and search “San Juan Capistrano.”

For more information or questions, contact Cathy Salcedo at 949.443.6317 or email csalcedo@sanjuancapistrano.org.

– BP www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY BRIAN PARK

Save the Date for Vintage Food & Wine Festival Tickets are available for the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce’s 18th annual Vintage Food & Wine Festival.

The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Mission San Juan Capistrano’s central courtyard.

More than 20 local restaurants will be serving up their best creations and over 10 wineries and craft breweries will be pouring select libations. The event also includes a silent auction, live music by Family Style and dancing.

Tickets cost $75 per person or $850 for reserved tables for 10. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The event is typically a sold-out affair.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 949.493.4700, online at www.vintagesjc. com or by visiting the chamber’s office, 31421 La Matanza Street.

Greek Festival Returns to San Juan Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church in San Juan Capistrano is inviting the community to celebrate Greek culture and cuisine at the second annual Greek Festival on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28.

The weekend event celebrates all aspects of Greek culture. Guests can enjoy traditional Greek fare, from gyros, lamb chops and souvlaki to sweet pastries like baklava. For adults, authentic Greek wine, beer and spirits will also be served.

The church will also set up their own version of a taverna, replete with food and drinks to go along with big screen televisions and table games to play.

Greek performer Takis “Kokotas”

TUESDAY 9.16

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

Friday 9.19

Dana Point resident Tom Tave receives his order of pasta from Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot. Photo: Brian Park

Stathoulis will perform live and guests can also learn traditional Greek dances. The Saint Basil dance troupe will also perform dances from different regions of Greece.

Mary Platis, a food writer, will lead a class on cooking with olive oil and offer tastings.

There will also be a tour of the church, including a special presentation by Fr. Michael Courey, who will unveil and discuss two Byzantine icons to be used at St. Basil that were featured at the Getty Museum.

The festival is open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission and parking are free. St. Basil is located at 27129 Calle Arroyo. For more information, visit www. sjcgreekfest.org.

Mission Donates to American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of San Juan Capistrano received a $1,176.50 donation from Mission San Juan Capistrano last month.

Mechelle Lawrence Adams, executive di-

rector of the Mission, presented a check to San Juan Capistrano resident Steve Freese, who is currently battling cancer, and Relay for Life Chairman Ted Roberts during the Mission’s Music Under the Stars summer concert on Saturday, Aug. 31.

This summer, the Mission organized a new after-hours event, a series of stretchand-strength yoga classes, to raise donations for the American Cancer Society and honor its many visitors battling cancer. The Mission has a special prayer room, located in Serra Chapel, dedicated to Saint Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients.

In three sessions, more than 300 people participated in the program.

Local Centenarian Recognized by Daughters of the American Revolution

Coffee Chat

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

All are welcome. Mission Grill, 31721 Camino Capistrano. www.facebook. com/sjccoffeechat.

SATURDAY 9.20

13th Annual Creek Cleanup

8 a.m. to noon. As part of a statewide effort to cleanup beaches and inland waterways, grab a pair of gloves and a bag and help clear debris from local creeks. Registration starts at 8 a.m.

Signed waivers are required and kids under 18 need a parent’s signature.

Meet at Los Rios Park, 31790 Paseo Adelanto. The San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club will host a barbecue after the event. For more info, contact Ziad Mazboudi at 949.234.4413 or email zmazboudi@sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY 9.23

Planning Commission Meeting

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

WEDNESDAY 9.24

Augusta Knuth (bottom center) received a 60-year membership certificate from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Knuth, 101, is a resident of Atria Senior Living in San Juan Capistrano and holds the longest membership in the state. Courtesy photo

Augusta Knuth, a resident at Atria Senior Living in San Juan Capistrano, was honored for her 60-year membership with the Daughters of American Revolution during a reception on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Knuth, 101, is the longest tenured member of the organization in the state. The Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit organization formed to promote historic preservation and education. Its members have direct lineage to an ancestor that participated in the American Revolution.

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

Members of St. Basil’s youth dance team prepare to take the floor during last year’s Greek Festival.

Photo: Brian Park

The Capistrano Dispatch September 12–25, 2014

Page 5

H2O for HOAs

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A free seminar, hosted by the Tri City Water Savers, about the ongoing drought in California, new statewide water regulations and how they affect homeowner associations. To sign up, visit www.sanjuancapistrano. org. For more info, call Betsy Dubois at 949.234.4400 or email bdubois@ sanjuancapistrano.org.

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

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

FRIDAY 9.26

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

City Council Candidates Weigh In on Development

BY THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

s part of our ongoing coverage of the San Juan Capistrano City Council election, we asked each of the eight candidates four questions about local issues. In the editions of The Dispatch leading up to the Nov. 4 election, we will publish their answers, verbatim, in the order their names will appear on the ballot.

Note: Greg Acho withdrew from the election after the official deadline to do so. His name will still appear fourth on the ballot, but he will not be included in our Q&A series.

We asked the candidates: The city is considering several major development projects that have sparked heated discussions among residents. Which projects are of the greatest concern to you? As a council member, how would you balance the desire to add responsible developments with the need to preserve San Juan Capistrano’s historical character?

JAN SIEGEL Community Volunteer We need a smart, educated balance between growth and development in our downtown historic area.

As a 13 year member of the Cultural Heritage Commission and an active member of the Historical Society, I am a firm believer in preserving history.

But I want the City to flourish economically too. Council members must be very protective of that balance. In 2012, the City Council passed the Downtown Historic Master Plan after working with the community for over a year. The Plan is specific when it states how the historic downtown should be protected with development.

The project which concerns me the most is the one across from the Historic Mission. It is the gateway to our City, and next to the most historic site in Orange County. Developers must realize that The Capistrano Dispatch September 12–25, 2014

when they come into Historic San Juan Capistrano they must work within our guidelines, and not simply copy what has worked in other communities.

There are things that we need in the City, such as a downtown hotel. If we follow the guidelines outlined in the Historic Downtown Master Plan it can be done in a constructive way. Businesses in our downtown should compliment our culture and history.

DEREK REEVE Councilman/ Constitutional Attorney I have fought for property rights, yet three development projects require careful scrutiny: The Spieker Development; Urban Village downtown hotel/ residential project; and Capistrano Shops next to the Mission.

Spieker proposes high-density development on land surrounding Armstrong Nursery. The developer demands a General Plan Amendment to replace zoned agriculture land with 519 residential units on 33 acres that will further burden our streets and strain our water supply. The property is not zoned for high-density development. Property rights include the thousands of residents who live around land zoned agricultural.

Urban Village will forever destroy the traditional character of our downtown.

While I support a boutique hotel, jamming a large hotel with 30 residential units will further strain our water resources, increase traffic, reduce parking capacity and urbanize our town.

Capistrano Shops as proposed is ill suited for its location. The Mission is the soul of our town and nearby development must be carefully considered. The proposal calls for a strip mall with aesthetics reminiscent of Irvine, not San Juan. Any project at this location must adhere to a façade of Mission architecture.

As in the past four years, I will continue to fight for the residents and against these projects.

PAM PATTERSON Constitutional Attorney/ Businesswoman I am 100% in favor of smart development that puts our residents first, and takes care of people who are already coming here. However, San Juan CANNOT endure one more car on our roads, nor any further demand on our water supply. My candidacy was spurred by the likelihood the Council majority would approve Laguna Glen and the hotel/townhomes. Both would significantly harm the historical character of San Juan Capistrano—large scale “Irvine” projects being crammed into our small village-like setting—and further encumber an already overburdened infrastructure. Thus, these projects are of

greatest concern to me at this time.

Our town is filled with unattractive, rundown strip malls. Let’s take care of what we have before we add more, and let’s do a superior job of it. By doing so, hundreds of out-of-town parents who drop off children at our private schools will be more inclined to stay and shop. Upgrading our strip malls would be a win-win for San Juan business, residents, city revenues, and those already driving here daily without adding to our traffic and water problems. Put San Juan residents first!

Creative solutions that put residents first is the way to progress for San Juan Capistrano.

JOHN TAYLOR Businessman/ Councilmember As a current council member and member of the Real Property Subcommittee, I have seen many of the projects from their inception. We attempt to steer a developer or property owner to a successful outcome that will respect our cherished historic, small town feel.

As a 33 year resident and owner of a home on the National Register of Historic Buildings in Los Rios Historic District, and after saving the Yorba/Love House from demolition and restoring it to it’s original beauty, I believe I have the experience to know when a project meets that deliberate balance between the necessary economic development to keep a city alive and yet maintain the character we all love and cherish about San Juan Capistrano.

I was involved in the establishment of the Historic Town Center Master Plan, and supported its passage while on city council. The first project that we have seen completed is the new Mission Gatehouse and retail store. This is a perfect example of the quality and balance that we all speak of, and I believe preserves the historic character of our city, that’s what I am looking for. I will continue to fight for responsible growth that preserves our history.

ROBERT WILLIAMS Architect/ Business Owner “Balance,” “Responsible” development, and “Historical character” are key words. They all require vision and leadership. Our city council is seriously considering several projects, two of grave concern. If either is approved, the historical landscape of our downtown will be forever changed; not for the better: • “The Shops at Capistrano.” Right next door to our historic Mission … a retail “Strip Mall!” Nothing about it enhances our Mission or strengthens our economy.

It’s just a second-rate space-filler, and violation of our Historic Town Center Master Plan. This is our gateway, so must Page 6

represent who we are. This strip-mall is not worthy of that distinction.

• “Urban Village.” A 136 room, three story hotel with 30 town homes, three stories high! This is a massive proposal, and dwarfs our historic downtown. It also significantly deviates from our downtown plan. A charming boutique hotel would indeed fit, but this overreaching proposal isn’t the right fit.

We need leadership and experience to: • Implement the Historic Town Center Master Plan.

• Work up-front WITH developers and communicate our goals.

• Celebrate our historic structures, not hide them.

• Develop an overall traffic solution with developers.

Our unique charm must be protected, not sold to the highest bidder.

STEPHANIE FRISCH Independent Insurance Broker San Juan Capistrano is unique-40% of our town is, and always will be, Open Space. That makes what we do with the other 60% extremely important. We need to generate income and rebuild the tax base for our City. In my opinion, it is possible to balance our open space environment with economy and history. We aren’t a rural town, but the presence of open space and horses can give that impression. San Juan is an urban environment.

Our city has the I-5 freeway and a regional railroad dissecting it. We are a “short-cut” city for commuters in neighboring towns.

That traffic brings no revenue to our town unless we give them a reason to stop.

We must pick developments that bring not only tourists, but also residents and neighbors into our downtown commercial corridor. We need to look at the tax revenue these developments will bring so that our town shines as brightly as it can and should because we are the home of the prized jewel of the missions; Mission San Juan Capistrano.

My biggest concern is the mudslinging, the lying and the immature attitude of a noisy minority. Decisions should be based on what’s best for EVERYONE. KERRY FERGUSON Businesswoman/ Educator New buildings haven’t been approved downtown in years. Opposition is strong to the Laguna Glen proposal

by Spieker, another outside developer. The planning process for San Juan Capistrano, under the current council majority, is flawed.

It’s time for a fresh look. Instead of encouraging developers’ over-sized projects that are insensitive to San Juan’s atmosphere, I know we can do better! www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC A smaller boutique hotel downtown wouldn’t burden our daily lives with more traffic and parking headaches. Similarly, a plaza for shopping and dining that complemented the Mission would make better sense than the current proposal.

My greatest concern is the huge Laguna Glen proposal - on land promised to us for a park, now a planned high-density city within a city with 519 total units, a medical building and other facilities. While desirable for elite seniors able to afford $700,000-$1,000,000+ and $3500-$4000+ monthly fees, it’s too big for our small town and narrow streets, and traffic will increase!

If elected, I will use my experience with creative solutions and fruitful negotiation to help forge a better planning process, one that will preserve the historic character and small town atmosphere that attracted all of us to San Juan Capistrano. I ask for your vote!

LARRY KRAMER Retired Submarine Captain Two major downtown projects are in jeopardy.

Urban Village is stalled because it includes housing, which is not allowed by the General Plan. Since the current city council will not vote to allow housing the project cannot move forward. The Shops at Capistrano are being opposed because they do not reflect the historic nature of our town center.

I support a hotel, some housing, more retail and another breakfast restaurant.

The proposed projects contain these elements, but need to fit into downtown.

The Historic Downtown Master Plan protects the character of San Juan Capistrano while laying out a general development plan. We should adhere to the Master Plan , but fine-tune it . I believe in the processes established by the city.

We encourage public input, have project advisory commissions and have a strong and caring city council. Our talented and experienced city staff helps to balance development while preserving the character of San Juan Capistrano.

I am concerned that no downtown projects will be implemented. Some growth is needed to maintain a healthy downtown.

Great strides have been made but we must continue to move ahead while respecting the historic character of the city.

Stay with The Dispatch for ongoing coverage of the San Juan Capistrano City Council election. In our next issue, due Friday, Sept.

26, we will ask the candidates about the city’s water situation.

We also want to hear from you. Tell us what you think about the candidates’ answers by commenting online at www. thecapistranodispatch.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/capodispatch.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 12–25, 2014

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter

out the car.

FIREWORK VIOLATION San Juan Creek Road, 28400 Block (8:30 p.m.) A caller said there were a group of juveniles setting off fireworks in the creek.

COMPILED BY BRIAN PARK

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher.

The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Sunday, September 7 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Del Obispo Street/Alipaz Street (11:22 p.m.) At least one vehicle was parked in the alley behind Cancun Authentic Mexican Food and playing loud music.

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Calle Santa Rosalia/Calle El Sauzal (9:44 p.m.) A white sedan was parked along a red curb and sticking out into traffic. The concerned caller said motorists might hit the car when turning onto Calle Santa Rosalia.

DISTURBANCE Via Madonna/Via Del Cerro (5:22 p.m.)

Two men were driving through the neighborhood, painting numbers on curbs without permission, then asking for payment.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Alto Plano, 31800 Block (5:12 p.m.)

A landlord said a former male tenant had entered the location without permission.

The landlord said they had dealt with the man two months ago and indicated they were willing to press charges.

DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (3:22 p.m.)

A man in his 30s, wearing a gray shirt and pink shorts, was yelling at people in a community pool.

Saturday, September 6 DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL Ortega Highway, 27400 Block (11:48 p.m.)

A caller said there were a group of people doing construction work. The caller did not believe they were doing emergency repair work.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Pamela, 26400 Block (9:29 p.m.)

A woman said there were a group of people drinking in a garage area. She was upset because they were also placing beer cans on her vehicle.

DISTURBANCE Camino Dimora, 28400 Block (9:33 p.m.)

A group of juveniles were seen in a black Ford, drinking, yelling and throwing trash

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Paseo Espada, 27200 Block (6:21 p.m.)

A caller said their neighbors were being noisy because the husband was nearly deaf and the wife had to yell in order to be heard.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Plaza Drive, 31800 Block (5:26 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested for a barefoot homeless man who had set up camp behind a bus parked near dumpsters.

SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Peppertree Bend, 32200 Block (1:33 p.m.)

A caller reported hearing a single gunshot in the hill behind their location.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 31700 Block (12:45 a.m.) A caller said there was a possible fight going on behind the Swallow’s Inn. Dispatch reported that security was at the scene and a group of Marines were leaving the bar.

DISTURBANCE Via Del Cerro, 28000 Block (12:34 a.m.)

A physical fight was heard going on outside. Two people were later seen running into a park.

Friday, September 5 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE San Juan Creek Road/Paseo Christina (10:18 p.m.) Three men in their early 20s were seen near the entrance of a community, trying to hitch hike their way up the street.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE San Juan Creek Road/Camino Capistrano (5:24 p.m.) A man in a small silver SUV was seen driving with duct tape across his mouth. He was last seen driving toward the Vons shopping center.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Carolina, 32200 Block (5:25 p.m.)

A mother and daughter were in an argument outside. The daughter was in a black Ford Focus and the mother was seen hitting the car with a stick.

TERRORIST THREATS REPORT Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (4:37 p.m.) A store manager said his employee had just received a threatening letter.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONS Calle Aspero/Paseo De Tania (3:25 p.m.)

A woman with a baby stroller was seen going to several houses and digging through recyclables.

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Thursday, September 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle Chueca/Calle Resplendor (9:07 p.m.)

A caller requested a patrol check for a white Ford truck and a red Honda parked across from a pool near the location. The caller suspected a drug deal was going on because the vehicles kept going back and forth from the parking spots.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY El Camino Real/Ortega Highway (8:52 p.m.) The Orange County Fire Authority asked sheriff’s deputies to provide traffic control while tending to a vehicle fire on El Camino Real.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle La Bomba/Calle San Felipe (6:06 p.m.) A large tree branch had fallen onto a playground. The caller suspected it was the work of vandals because the site was clear of debris in the morning.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Del Obispo Street/Ortega Highway (2:28 p.m.) Construction equipment was blocking traffic and nearly hit another vehicle.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Rancho Viejo Road/Ortega Highway (7:08 a.m.) Dispatch received two calls from motorists who said they had been stuck at the same intersection, waiting for a green light, for around eight minutes.

Wednesday, September 3 CITIZEN ASSIST Via Belardes, 31900 Block (6:48 p.m.)

A man said his neighbor had just cursed at him and called him names.

DISTURBANCE Mariner Drive/Sandpiper Court (4:54 p.m.) Skateboarders were seen swerving into traffic. The caller was concerned they were going to get hit.

Monday, September 1 ILLEGAL PEDDLING Ortega Highway/Interstate 5 (12:07 p.m.)

A blond man, described to be 5 feet 7 inches, wearing a yellow shirt and tan pants was seen holding a gas can. The caller said he had been standing there, asking for money for the past week.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (6:33 a.m.)

A homeless man wearing all black clothing and carrying a backpack was inside Ralphs, talking loudly and scaring off customers, according to the store manager.

RECKLESS DRIVING Camino Las Ramblas/Pacifica Del Mar (12:01 a.m.) A group of people were seen racing at the end of Camino Las Ramblas. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Meet the Supervisor Candidates

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE San Clemente will have continued labor peace for the next three years after the City Council approved a new three-year memorandum of understanding with the San Clemente City Employee Association Tuesday.

City Finance Director Judy Vincent said that while the city’s long-term financial plan had included an assumption for a smaller increase in the most recent projections, she was confident that the city’s general fund would be able to withstand the hit, especially with additional sources of revenue due with the Outlets at San Clemente and other development projects.

The new contract includes annual salary increases of 2.775 percent for three years, beginning this year. However, as part of the contract, city employees will be required to increase their personal contribution into the California Public Employee Retirement System each year, as well increasing contributions to health care coverage in years two and three.

Two are vying for the 5th District Orange County Board of Supervisors seat

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

ith Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Pat Bates terming out and making a run for the State Senate’s 36th District seat, Dana Point Mayor Lisa Bartlett and Laguna Niguel Mayor Robert Ming are in the running to replace her.

Both Bartlett and Ming are terming out of their city council seats, having each served two consecutive four-year terms in their respective cities.

The County Supervisor race is a top-two election format where, originally, four were in the running for the Fifth District seat. Ming and Bartlett won their spots on the November ballot by beating Mission Viejo Councilman Frank Ury and county Deputy District Attorney Joe Williams in the June primary.

The Fifth District includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, the community of Shady Canyon in Irvine, as well as the unincorporated communities of Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores and Wagon Wheel.

Each of the county’s five districts elects one board member to a four-year term.

In the days leading up to the Nov. 4 election, more on this race will be included in The Capistrano Dispatch’s ongoing election coverage.

Following are the official, unedited candidate statements for Bartlett and Ming.

LISA BARTLETT Mayor/Orange County Businesswoman As a Mayor, Businesswoman, past Chairwoman of the Foothill Eastern SR-241 Toll Road and 25-year resident of Dana Point, I have decades of experience to provide residents with strong, effective leadership on issues that impact our quality of life.

I hold a Masters Degree in Business Administration and have extensive handson experience in executive management and operating my own business. As Mayor, I have consistently delivered lean, balanced budgets that include prudent

The Capistrano Dispatch September 12–25, 2014

DANA POINT

Orange County Fifth District Board of Supervisors candidates Lisa Bartlett and Robert Ming attended a community forum on Friday, Aug. 22 at Dana Point Harbor. Photo: Andrea Swayne

cash reserves, minimal unfunded pension liability, no debt, and promote economic growth for our local economy to counter the failed policies of Sacramento and Washington.

Public safety is government’s number one job. That is why I worked with the Sheriff and other Mayors in creating the Contract Cities Group to reduce crime and increase law enforcement resources for our region.

As a regional transportation leader, I have the leadership and experience needed to provide solutions for improved mobility and traffic relief.

My years of private and public sector experience have prepared me to serve as your Supervisor and oversee America’s fifth largest county.

I am honored to have the endorsement of Congressman Darrell Issa and many of our respected local leaders. I respectfully ask for your vote. www.LisaforSupervisor.com ROBERT MING Orange County Businessman/ Councilmember Integrity. Fiscal Responsibility. Leadership. These are my guiding principles and what our elected officials should deliver.

As Laguna Niguel mayor and councilmember, I’ve been committed to these principles.

Integrity is about being honorable and keeping promises. In Laguna Niguel, I promised to repave streets, maintain low crime rates, improve parks, and protect our environment. That’s what I did. As Supervisor, I’ll do the same, while bringing transparency and accountability to government.

Fiscal responsibility means making principled decisions while living within our means. I consistently voted to reduce regulations, not raise fees, or incur debt.

We built our city hall on time, under budget, and paid cash, while keeping healthy reserves.

Leadership requires listening, creative problem solving, and, building consensus.

That’s been my track record on regional boards and nonprofits. My 20 years of business experience will help government work smarter.

My endorsements include Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, Supervisors Nelson and Moorlach, Congressman Rohrabacher, Senator Mimi Walters, Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, California Republican Assembly and leaders from every South County city.

Married to Susie for 22 years with four children, I care deeply about their future.

I’ll preserve our quality of life, for my children and yours.

I respectfully ask for your vote. www.robertming.com CD Page 8

The Dana Point Planning Commission considered a county request for the addition of pay parking at Strand Beach on Monday.

The County of Orange submitted a coastal development permit application to add pay stations in the parking lot at Strand Vista Park above Strand Beach.

After hearing from a county official and the public, commissioners voted 3-1 to reject the county’s request.

The commission also heard a request for a permit to remove existing spike barrier strips and install automated barrier gates at the entrance and exit to the lot. The gates would automatically open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight.

This request was unanimously approved, with an addendum specifying that should the gates malfunction, they must remain open until repaired.

Commissioner Susan Whittaker, recused herself from both discussions due to the proximity of her residence.

Beachgoers make their way through Strand Vista Park, overlooking Dana Strand Beach. On Monday, the Dana Point Planning Commission rejected a request from the county to establish pay parking at the beach. Photo: Andrea Swayne

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor WERE WE DECEIVED? —John Perry, San Juan Capistrano Last week I received a mailer from the Continuing Life Retirement Community that provided information about the proposed project to be constructed on the property now occupied by the Armstrong nursery.

The format of the mailer was to answer questions about the project. Question four states, “No portion of the land planned for the new community is classified as open space and no portion of the land is owned by the city. The city twice considered purchasing the land to convert it to open space but chose to purchase other properties instead.”

This statement brings into question the reason why the city chose not to purchase this prime agricultural land in the heart of San Juan Capistrano to preserve it from development. Was the public led to believe this land was the target of the November 2008 bond election to purchase open space?

The minutes of Open Space Committee meeting of July 7, 2008, four months before the November election, contains a report by the assistant city manager presenting information regarding the timing of the ballot measure. She identified properties such as the Kinoshita Farms and the Swanner and Williams homes as open space areas.

As far as I can determine, the purchase of the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park was never mentioned to the public as the target of the bond election. Was the secret negotiation by Brad Gates with Tony Moiso underway before the election? A letter from Mr. Moiso to Brad Gates dated May 18, 2009 indicates all of the details of the riding park purchase had already been agreed to, well before the public announcement by the city on August 8, 2009.

We now are faced with a proposed rezone from prime agricultural land to a high-density specific plan. This is the very thing the open space bond was supposed to prevent. Was the entire November election a “bait and switch” operation to lead the public to believe the agricultural land was the target, when in fact the Open Space Committee had already decided to buy the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park instead?

I believe we need a new City Council majority to take a fresh objective look at the details of this “open space” fiasco.

FOR ONCE, I AGREE WITH COUNCILMAN REEVE —Ruth Clark, San Juan Capistrano Most of the time I find that the things San Juan Capistrano City Councilman Derek Reeve says leave my head spinning and wondering why he dispenses so much The Capistrano Dispatch September 12–25, 2014

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

Continuing Life Communities/Spieker Senior Development is proposing to build a 418-unit retirement community on the current distribution site of Armstrong Garden Center on Del Obispo Street. Photo: Andrea Swayne

misinformation, untruths and insults. His particular take on things has me questioning his agenda.

But even though I disagree with almost everything Mr. Reeve seems to stand for, I have to say I agree with his and Dr. Byrnes’ recent vote against the Urban Village plan for our historic downtown area.

I think the city’s residents and tourists alike feel the same as I do about the importance of our family-oriented activities, concerts, fairs and fiestas held in the Historic Town Center Park and downtown area. Permanent residences bordering the park would likely result in noise concerns and complaints and could potentially curtail future musical performances, annual celebrations and the various fairs and festivals the tens of thousands of people come to San Juan Capistrano to enjoy.

An upscale, large-capacity hotel is very important for San Juan to keep visitors, their tourist dollars and taxes here. People come to our quaint little town—that’s over 200 years old—from all over the world to visit the Mission, petting zoo, the boutiques along Los Rios Street, the antique mall, Camino Real Playhouse, the adobes and other historic buildings.

But then they stay in Dana Point at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Laguna Cliffs Marriott. The Residence Inn and Best Western hotels really can’t compete with those luxury accommodations. While we have a lot that keep tourists coming, we could probably create more points of interest—like some of what the planners of the Urban Village group had in mind—to make sure that San Juan Capistrano remains a major tourist destination. We still have to keep our little town just as special as it’s always been.

VERMEULEN FAMILY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DEVELOP —Matt Gaffney, San Juan Capistrano In 1990, San Juan Capistrano voters approved Measure D, which uses our tax money to purchase private properties

within the city and convert them to public use, thereby saving them from possible commercial development. Through this measure, our city has acquired undeveloped land that preserves our agricultural heritage (Kinoshita Farm), provides for additional recreational uses (Sports Park), extends equestrian trails (Northwest Open Space) and meets other community needs (Community Center/Boys & Girls Club).

The Vermeulen family’s property on Del Obispo Street was evaluated for acquisition in 1990 and 2008, but the city decided to purchase other properties that better met its objectives. The Vermeulens have now proposed to develop a portion of their property as an upscale retirement community. Hundreds of local seniors have expressed interest and environmental and traffic studies commissioned by the city show the proposed project to be low impact. The Vermeulens intend to continue to own and operate their neighborhood grocery and garden center next door.

Over the next few months, the Planning Commission and the City Council will evaluate and vote on the merits of the proposed project, but one thing is already certain. You will hear outcries such as, “Preserve our open space” and “Save our farms,” which are both inaccurate and unfair. The Vermeulen property is not, and has never been “open space” and it has not been a “farm” for decades. There is nothing planted on the largely-asphalt site that is now used as a distribution center for potted plants.

It is also decidedly not “ours.” It belongs to the family who purchased it and worked it for the past half century. We had the opportunity to buy it and decided not to. We now need to honor our decision, respect the family’s property rights and allow them to develop their property in a reasonable way.

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

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

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

ART/DESIGN SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

CONTRIBUTORS Allison Aplin, Megan Bianco, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 12, Issue 17. 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

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.

Page 10

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around San Juan COMPILED BY STAFF

Saturday | 13 THE ARK OF SAN JUAN RESCUED PET ADOPTIONS 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dogs and puppies at PetsPlus, 32022 Camino Capistrano. Noon-4 p.m. Cats at PetSmart. 33963 Doheny Park Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

SECOND SATURDAY ART AND 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.

SATURDAY MOVIES IN THE PARK Dusk. The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition invites families to enjoy the film Frozen at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 La Pata Rd., San Juan Capistrano. For more info, call 949.234.1696 or visit www.sjcec.org.

‘A MUSICAL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN WEST’ 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The final two shows of the San Juan Capistrano Library’s Multicultural Arts Series feature Christina Duane and the Songs of the Oregon Trail performing “A Musical History of the American West.” Admission

EDITOR’S PICK SEPTEMBER 13: CELEBRATE OC’S 125TH IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO The city of San Juan Capistrano has a full day of activities planned to celebrate Orange County’s 125th birthday. The day begins at 10 a.m. as around 1,000 participants will hold hands around the Mission. The event will be documented by aerial photography. Other events going on throughout the day include a welcome ceremony at Historic Town Center Park at 1:30 p.m., wagon rides at the train depot and family-friendly activities at Mission Grill, the Historical Society and Zoomars Petting Zoo. Musicians, dancers and the 1880s reenactment group Spurs and Satin will be performing around town. For more info, call 949.201.9881 or visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 12–25, 2014

$20 for adults, $5 for children. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31496 El Camino Real.

For more info, call 949.218.4512 or visit www.musicatthelibrary.com.

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.

Sunday | 14

Thursday | 18

Monday | 15 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GARDEN CLUB 10 a.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Garden Club for their monthly meeting at San Juan Hills Golf Club. This month, the staff from the local Armstrong Garden Center will teach guests how to create a colorful garden throughout the winter months with fall plantings. Check-in starts at 9:30 a.m. 32120 San Juan Creek Rd. For more info, email info@sanjuancapistranogardenclub.com or visit www.sanjuancapistranogardenclub.com.

Saturday | 20 SATURDAY MOVIES IN THE PARK Dusk. The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition invites families to enjoy the film The Horse in the Grey Flannel Suit at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 La Pata Rd., San Juan Capistrano.

For more info, call 949.234.1696 or visit www.sjcec.org.

Wednesday | 24

Wednesday | 17 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.

SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES CONCERT SERIES 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The final show of the popular summer concert series featuring Steely Dan tribute band, Steely Jam. 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, call 949.493.5911 or visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

At the Movies: ‘The Trip to Italy’ is Delicious

GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers 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.

5TH ANNUAL WINE TASTING 5 p.m.-8 p.m. The Women’s Council of Realtors Orange County hosts its fi fth annual Wine Tasting event at El Adobe De Capistrano. Includes five wines and a buffet dinner. Admission is $35 per person. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley.

Business casual attire required. 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

To RSVP, visit www.wcrsoc.org.

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. Take a docent-led tour of San Juan Capistrano with the Historical Society.

Visit adobes built in the 1790s and take a stroll down Los Rios Street. Meet at the train depot. $2 donation for adults, $1 for children. For more info, call 949.493.8444 or visit www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

CHUCK RAGAN 8 p.m. Chuck Ragan, solo artist and front man for the iconic punk band Hot Water Music, performs at The Coach House.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. For tickets or dinner reservations, visit www.thecoachhouse.com or call 949.496.8930.

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT BREAKFAST FORUM 8 a.m.-9 a.m. The Citizens for Safe and Reliable Power host a breakfast forum to discuss San Diego Gas & Electric’s South Orange County Reliability Enhancement project. Duane Cave from SDG&E will provide an update. Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot, 26701 Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano Depot. To RSVP or for more info, visit www.reliable-power.org.

Thursday | 25 EDUCATION: WHERE ARE WE? 6:30 p.m. The Capistrano League of Woman Voters and Women For Orange County host a forum to discuss issues in public education. Guest speakers will include Capistrano Unified staff and Trustee Lynn Hatton. Irvine Ranch Water District Duck Club, 5 Riparian View, Irvine. For more info, visit www.lwvcba.org or www.womenfororangecounty.org.

Page 15

Photo: Ciro Meggiolaro

F

our years after traveling and experiencing fine dining and conversation throughout Britain in The Trip, comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are back again for a second assignment in The Trip to Italy.

Originally airing as a 12-part miniseries on British television, Michael Winterbottom edited his episodes into two films for the rest of the world to view. The first film was already an amusing odyssey across England, and now it’s even more entertaining and clever in Italy.

As was the case in the previous adventure, Coogan and Brydon play slightly fictionalized versions of themselves, where they have the same names and careers, but their relationships and personal trials are scripted for the screen. And just like the first Trip, Rob and Steve (but mostly Rob), pass time by doing humorous and often accurate impressions of other celebrities. Along the way, the married Rob is tempted by a female tour guide (Rosie Fellner).

Part of what makes Trip to Italy even better than the first movie, is the fact that this setting is even more appropriate and actually feels like a trip, rather than a tour of the comics’ home country. We see them feel and act like tourists on vacation, enjoying delicious food and gorgeous scenery. Coogan and Brydon are completely at home with each other as comedy partners and play off each other amusingly. For a taste of Italy and a good laugh, The Trip to Italy is a perfect getaway. —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

GUEST OPINION: Old San Juan by Don Tryon

Tales of Our Depot Our humble train station has been the site of many interesting events

O

ur train depot has been an integral part of San Juan Capistrano’s history and lore. It all began in 1887, when a railroad track was laid through town to connect Los Angeles to San Diego.

A small brick depot with a bell tower, telegraph office, waiting room and storage room for freight was built. The roof tiles are believed to have come from the Mission ruins.

The depot has been the scene of a number of events, some historic and some with a degree of levity.

OLD SAN JUAN Memorable is when our

By Don Tryon town drunk fell asleep in the middle of the tracks and had a train ride over him. He escaped without a scratch but complained about being awakened when some friends ran from the Mexico Lindo

From an unsolved railroad robbery to a presidential visit, San Juan Capistrano’s train depot has its fair share of colorful history. Photo: Brian Park

bar nearby to see if he was OK. Earlier in 1889, Modesta Avila strung her laundry across the tracks to protest the railroad’s existence and was sentenced to San Quentin for her deed. Then there were the times in the evenings, when after the dispatcher left for home and someone wanted to board a train, they would put a washtub alongside the tracks and light a fire to signal the train to stop.

In 1925, San Juan was the scene of the last great train robbery in Orange County.

One evening, as the train was traveling slowly through town, a robber jumped to the ladder on the side of a car, climbed on top, kicked through a side glass window, then shot down into the car and wounded the attendant. He lowered himself down a rope ladder, broke a mailcar door window and reached through to unlatch the door and gain access. He rifled the mail pouches and strongbox then jumped off the train and caught a southbound train.

The wounded attendant was rushed to the hospital but died. Only $5 was taken from the strongbox but $2,100 was stolen from the mail sacks. Despite offers of rewards, the robber/killer was never apprehended.

In 1942, during World War II, a special train arrived unannounced and it became apparent that President Franklin D. Roosevelt was on board. Earlier, the town had been aroused when Marines arrived in trucks, surrounded the depot and

some were even posted on top of nearby buildings with machine guns. A limousine picked up the president at the depot.

He was then driven to the Mission and stopped by Fr. Arthur Hutchinson to be blessed and then taken to Camp Pendleton for a visit.

Traveling by train ceased in the 1950s and the depot was boarded up from 1966 to 1974. Then came the restaurant period, when several eateries were established in an around the depot and traveling by train started again when Amtrak and Metrolink resumed service.

In the 1980s, the late mayor Larry Buchheim and some friends dressed up as deputies with badges and sidearms.

They boarded the train in Santa Ana with two guys bound in handcuffs. The train conductor wanted to know what this was all about and Buchheim said they had just rounded up these two unseemly miscreants and had to take them to San Juan Capistrano to be tried in our local courthouse, which we didn’t have.

When the train stopped, up rode a large group of cowboys with their guns prominently displayed. They boarded the train and forced “the deputies” out and made them lie down on the pavement. They took their guns and the two desperados and rode off quickly out of town. Pandemonium broke out with the passengers, train crew and visitors around the depot. It took quite a while for Buchheim to explain that everything was alright and just San Juan’s way of celebrating the return of the swallows to the Mission.

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. Tryon is a former member of the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission, the Orange County Historical Commission and the Fiesta Association. 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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s 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 September 12–25, 2014

Page 17

See today’s solution in next week’s issue.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

GARAGE SALES RUMMAGE SALE The Capistrano Terrace Mobile Home Park will be having a rummage sale through out the park with multi families joining in. September 13 & 14 Saturday and Sunday from 8am-2pm 32802 Valle Road just before the Volkswagen dealership.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY

HELP WANTED SENIORS HELPING SENIORS Help seniors stay independent and earn some extra money. We are hiring active, caring seniors to be care providers. Call 800-481-2488 or www.homecarebyseniors.com

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

GARDENER/HANDYMAN Looking for someone full time to help do gardening and maintenance work at my home in San Juan Capistrano area. Contact Jack @ 714-231-8942 or submit resume @ jack@ jntmgmt.com

WANTED STAMPS! Buying Large Postage Stamp Collections!

Nick, (619) 672-0434

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

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

Ca Lic #697355 714.396.2188, 949.573.8386, www.bbb.org The Capistrano Dispatch September 12–25, 2014

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

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

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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

31942 Paseo Sagrado, 949.362.5388, www.jarvisrestoration.com

WOMEN’S CLOTHING & HANDBAG BOUTIQUE

Dress Well Boutique

33712 Calle Miramar, 949.922.8044, www.DressWellBoutique.com

LIST LOCALS ONLY

USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Fall Sports Preview

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he 2014 prep sports season is underway in San Juan Capistrano. We chose to highlight several fall sports programs that are poised for success in the coming months.

For in-game updates, news and more for all of the San Juan area sports teams, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

SAN JUAN HILLS // GIRLS GOLF // 2013-2014 Highlights: Sea View League champions; CIF-SS Academic Champions Coach: Jim Tinker Season Outlook: The San Juan Hills girls golf team will no longer tee it up against the league rivals they have grown accustomed to playing against since the school’s inception in 2007. Following a successful 2013 season, where they captured a share of the Sea View League title, the Stallions are headed to the South Coast League for the first time in program history.

The move will be a challenging one, but the Stallions will rely on four returning starters from last year’s rotation in the new year.

Leading the charge will be senior Haley Heesch, who is among the team’s most consistent players, according to head coach Jim Tinker. Tinker said that Heesch has all-around ability and usually leads the

The San Juan Hills girls golf team won a share of the Sea View League title in 2013. The team returns four starters for the new season. Photo: Steve Breazeale

team in the greens in regulation statistic.

Tinker pegged junior Emily Lichty as the team’s breakout season candidate and so far in the early going, Lichty has made an impression.

As of Sept. 10, the Stallions are off to a perfect 3-0 to start their season and Lichty has earned medalist honors in two matches. Her scores of 46 and 38 in the Stallions first two matches, respectively, helped fuel the team to consecutive wins over Capistrano Valley. The Stallions third win came against JSerra on Sept. 9 “Emily has just played extremely well.

She’s really long off the tee and wants to play in college,” Tinker said. “(Lichty and Heesch) have just been awesome.”

San Juan Hills will face the likes of Dana

Hills, Tesoro and San Clemente in league play. The Titans, Dolphins and Tritons routinely battle for the top spot in league and boast deep lineups. Heesch believes the Stallions team chemistry, which has been solidified after playing alongside one another for so long, will help them succeed in the new league.

“We have a really close bond. We’re all comfortable enough to work together and I think that comes out in the golf game,” Heesch said. “Out on the course we help read putts, give advice. We’re always at each other’s side.”

The Stallions will play a tough preseason schedule, going up against area rivals JSerra Catholic and St. Margaret’s, as well as competing in several high-profile tournaments.

Circle ‘em: Rainbow Sandals Invitational (Sept. 26); @ Dana Hills (Oct. 7); San Clemente (Oct. 16).

// GIRLS VOLLEYBALL // 2013-2014 record: 11-8 (6-2 league) Coach: Mitzi Kincaid Playoffs: Quarterfinals (Lost to Notre Dame)

San Juan Hills’ Rachel Richtie and Sam Dayton block a hit during a volleyball practice. Photo: Steve Breazeale

The Capistrano Dispatch September 12–25, 2014

Season Outlook: In head coach Mitzi Kincaid’s short tenure with the San Juan Hills girls volleyball program, she has witnessed first-hand the team’s steady rise in on-court success. In two years, Kincaid has turned the Stallions into a contending team, one that narrowly missed out on winning the league title last season and reached the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Page 19

Division 1A Championships for a second consecutive year.

This year, the Stallions find themselves, like many of the San Juan Hills High School sports programs, jumping up to the South Coast League for the first time in school history.

Despite the shift to a new league, which includes perennial playoff contender Dana Hills, the Stallions are focusing on how to peak later in the year and get over the hump in the playoff quarterfinals.

“I think over the last two years, we’re known for inclining with our skills as we go through a season. We’re on that same plane (this year),” Kincaid said. “We just have to make sure that we are at our highest as we finish the season, not sloping down.”

The Stallions (0-1) seven returning players have been working on their defense and blocking technique in preparation for the 2014 season, Kincaid said.

A strong group of younger players will lead San Juan Hills this season, including junior middle blocker Samantha Dayton and sophomores Rachel Ritchie (outside hitter) and Phia Bellizzi (libero). Bellizzi was recently named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Phenom List and, at libero, will be crucial to the Stallions game plan on defense.

“We have some good defensive players.

We have strong blocking and some nice firepower with hitting added,” Kincaid said.

Circle ‘em: Dave Mohs Tournament (Sept.

13-14); St. Margaret’s (Sept. 16); San Clemente (Oct. 2); Dana Hills (Oct. 16).

(Cont. on page 20) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Capistrano Valley Christian sophomore outside hitter Jessica Castillo readies for a serve during practice.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN

// BOYS & GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY //

// GIRLS VOLLEYBALL //

2013-2014 season highlights: League champions (boys); Second-place in league (girls)

2013-2014 record: 11-11 (2-6 league)

Coach: Sarah Brooks Season Outlook: For a seventh consecutive year the Saddleback Valley Christian boys cross country team captured the San Joaquin League title. The team qualified for CIF-SS prelims, but did not advance past that stage of postseason competition.

Returning to the top of the rotation is junior Josiah Howard and senior Evan Finney-Passo, the Warriors veteran runners. Both Howard and Finney-Passo were among the runners who attempted to make it to the CIF-SS Individual Championships.

Howard and Finney-Passo will lead the pack, but head coach Sarah Brooks pegged junior Andrew Ashby to have a breakout season.

The Warriors have yet to run in a sanctioned race and will wait to see if they will have the low times to repeat as league champions.

“I see a strong pack. Our two returners, and Ashby, will be far up there. We also have some freshman guys in the mix,” Brooks said. “I think they’re running quite tightly based on practices.”

The girls team will not field enough runners to compete as a team in 2014. Last season, the girls team had nine runners and finished second in league. But following senior graduation the team is left with just three runners on the roster, who will race as individuals this year.

Sophomores Tiffany Hernandez, Emma Nielson and freshman Emily Sato will compete at meets in hopes of a high individual finish.

Circle ‘em: Laguna Hills Invitational (Sept.

13); San Joaquin League Finals (Nov. 3).

Page 20

Coach: Kelle Bond Playoffs: First Round (Lost to Anaheim) Season Outlook: The 2013 version of the Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball team ended a playoff drought that lasted for 15 years. The Eagles were able to finish third in the San Joaquin League and advanced to the first round of the CIF-SS Championships.

But this year, the team will look different—and younger.

The Eagles will carry six freshmen on the varsity roster and so far, through three games played, four have broken into the starting rotation.

Head coach Kelle Bond did not have to worry about an influx of freshman learning her system on the fly. Because the high school is connected to the junior high, Bond has been able to work with the core group of freshman for the past two years, when they were seventh and eighth-graders.

“The freshman coming in and buying into the program has been fantastic.

They’re very dedicated and competitive.

They’re a very athletic class,” Bond said.

The team is not without its share of returning players. Senior middle blocker Mia Wallace, junior defensive specialist Lilly Jeltema, junior setter Michaela Krum and sophomores Jessica Castillo (outside hitter) and Talia Knowles (defensive specialist) return.

The Eagles have been playing up to larger competition in the preseason. They will debut in tournament play at the Rock of the Dome Tournament on Sept. 13, before heading in the formidable San Joaquin League, which features rival Saddleback Valley Christian.

Circle ‘em: Saddleback Valley Christian (Oct. 1); Webb School (Oct. 7).

(Cont. on page 22) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS give the Lions their first taste of elite competition before league play.

JSERRA CATHOLIC

Circle em’: Sage Hill Prep Classic (Sept.

27); Santa Margarita (Oct. 9)

// BOYS CROSS COUNTRY // Coach: Martin Dugard 2013-2014 Highlights: Fourth-place at CIFSS Championships; Eighth-place at State

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL

Season Outlook: JSerra cross country head coach Martin Dugard thought the school’s boys team had last year’s CIF-SS Division 4 Team Championship wrapped up with less than one mile to go in the race. At the 2.5-mile mark on the famous Mt. SAC course, Dugard made a head count and thought he had enough runners near the front of the pack to take it all.

But instead, the team failed to close it out and settled for a fourth-place finish.

“They were just a little bit reluctant and kind of held back,” Dugard said. “I still kick myself. We should have won that race.”

The Lions return six solid contributors from last year’s squad, who enter the 2014 season with a new approach in mind. In the wake of last year’s letdown, Dugard said this group has attacked their offseason workouts unlike any he has seen before.

“They’ve got a little swagger this year.

Now they know. This is the first time I’ve had a guy’s team who really, everyone, shows up with purpose,” Dugard said.

Leading the group will be senior Anthony Mariconda and junior Andrew Burkhardt, the reigning Trinity League 3,200-meter champion. Senior co-captains Liam Dugard and Matthew Chamberlain, along with Jack Mosher round out the top5. Dugard says he has several other runners capable of breaking into the group and contributing.

// GIRLS VOLLEYBALL //

Circle ‘em: Laguna Hills Invitational (Sept.

14); Trinity League Prelims (Oct. 1); Mt. SAC Invitational (Oct. 18).

// GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY // Coach: Martin Dugard 2013-2014 Highlights: CIF-SS Division 4 Champion; Trinity League Champion; Sixth-place at State Season Outlook: The JSerra girls cross country team will once again start the new season as the team to beat in both the Trinity League and CIF-SS Division 4. The Lions are fresh off their fourth consecutive CIF-SS title and fourth straight Trinity League championship, solidifying their dynasty in the making.

The Lions will be led by three strong senior runners in Ashley Geisler, the twotime defending Trinity League champion, Tori Yanco and Charlotte Owen. At the start of last season, Geisler was recovering from a leg injury and did not peak until later in the year. Head coach Martin Dugard expects her to come out strong to start the 2014 season.

Sophomore Mckayla Giacobetti has had The Capistrano Dispatch September 12–18, 2014

2013-2014 record: 13-13 (8-2 league) Coach: Susie Maga Playoffs: Quarterfinals (lost to Aquinas)

Rachel Test and the JSerra girls tennis team will look to topple rival Santa Margarita in 2014.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

a strong offseason and will be in the mix.

Dugard says that freshman Skylar Giacobetti can be the team’s secret weapon in the early going, until teams catch on that she can be a strong runner.

“The team takes turns fighting to be No. 1. (Geisler) is easily the top dog but (Yanco) is gunning for her, Owen is gunning for her. They all want their piece of the pie. They’re really fierce competitors,” Dugard said.

The competitive nature that has been spreading throughout the Lions roster has culminated over four years of dominance. Three years ago this current group of Lions seniors were all freshman, who quickly learned how to succeed, which Dugard believes has factored into their lofty 2014 aspirations.

“They’ve gotten to the point where they just assume they’re going to win. They know how to win,” Dugard said. “They know on big races, what to do, how to score it, how to run and be that tight pack and get those low numbers.”

Circle ‘em: Laguna Hills Invitational (Sept.

14); Trinity League Prelims (Oct. 1); Mt. SAC Invitational (Oct. 18).

// GIRLS TENNIS // 2013-2014 record: 20-3 (8-2 league) Coach: Kirk Orahood Playoffs: Second Round (Lost to Peninsula) Season Outlook: The JSerra girls tennis team took a hit to graduation this offseason, which has forced head coach Kirk Orahood to mix and match his returning players accordingly.

Last year, sisters Zoe and Mary Caffen were positioned alongside other players to

St. Margaret’s junior Brie Vandenburg goes up for a hit during volleyball practice. Photo: Steve Breazeale

form two strong, separate doubles teams.

This year, the Caffen sisters will join the ranks of the Lions singles players.

Sophomore Jadie Acidera will return to lead what looks to be a solid Lions singles rotation. Acidera is currently the team’s No. 1 singles player and will be responsible for squaring off against an opposing team’s top player. “(Acidera) is consistent but mainly, she’s just a fierce competitor. She has the eye of the tiger,” Orahood said. “I’ve never had anyone like her here at this school.

This girl, you just look at her face and you can tell she just wants to win.”

Samantha Ramirez is currently dealing with an ankle injury, but once she is healthy, Orahood plans on pairing her up with someone in the top doubles team.

The Lions had a successful 2013 season, with the only blemish on their regular season record coming at the hands of Trinity League opponent Santa Margarita.

Orahood said that the Eagles will again be the Lions toughest opponent in 2014.

So far, JSerra is off to a perfect 4-0 start to their season.

JSerra will play in the high-profile Sage Hill Prep Classic on Sept. 27, which will Page 22

Season Outlook: The St. Margaret’s girls volleyball team got a nice preseason boost when they captured the Segerstrom Tournament title on Sept. 8. The team took the court for the first time with much of the same starting lineup from last year’s successful run, and dug in deep to notch their first big win of the season.

The Tartans trailed in both the semifinals and finals of the tournament, but rallied in both matches, ultimately knocking off Foothill in the championship match.

Senior co-captain and outside hitter Peyton McRobie accredited the win to the team’s chemistry. Four of the Tartans players have played alongside each other all four years of their high school career, which has translated to success on the court.

“We played so solid. We were super cohesive. I think it was a good chance for us to connect because there wasn’t any pressure of league or anything,” McRobie said. “I think we have a lot of girls who are really committed and want to win. They’ve seen the success we’ve had in the past and they want to live up to that tradition we have here.”

St. Margaret’s will field a veteran team this season as nine players, six of them starters, return. Because they have so many returning players, head coach Susie Maga has decided to run a more up-tempo offense in 2014. Maga made the decision after assessing personnel and deciding that the team will be mature enough to handle such a shift.

Senior outside hitter Emily Miller, libero Gabrielle Axelson and middle blocker Gabrielle Benck will provide the leadership, along with McRobie, a 2013 All-CIF selection.

St. Margaret’s will be without standout outside hitter Kashea Kloss, who transferred to Santa Margarita in the offseason.

The Tartans main opposition in the Academy League will be Sage Hill and Crean Lutheran, who split a share of the league title in 2013. In order to prepare for the tough league run, and a move up in the CIF-SS Division Championships, the Tartans will face larger, public schools in the early going. To go along with their tournament win, the Tartans defeated Laguna Hills 3-0 on Sept. 4 and will play San Juan Hills on Sept. 16.

Circle ‘em: San Juan Hills (Sept. 16); Crean Lutheran (Sept. 23); Sage Hill (Oct. 14).

CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com