November 14, 2014

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

Election Ushers in New Majority on Council PAGE 3

PAGE 8 FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

NOVEMBER 14-27, 2014 • VOLUME 12, ISSUE 21

Ramping Up Skatepark Initiative Gains Momentum E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

A skatepark initiative was discussed at the Nov. 10 meeting of the San Juan Capistrano Youth Advisory Board.

The park shown here is Ralphs Skate Court in San Clemente. Photo: Sheri Crummer

Final Hearing for Hotel and Villas Project Nov. 18 EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

San Juan Veterans Honored Monday SJC LIVING/PAGE 20

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

All Five SJC Prep Football Teams Bound for CIF Playoffs SPORTS/PAGE 22

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

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING collect 1,751 signatures. If they succeed, the development would be reconsidered.

—AJ

Arrest Made in McStay Murder Case THE LATEST: The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a suspect in the murder of former San Clemente businessman Joseph McStay, his wife, Summer, and the couple’s two sons.

Charles “Chase” Merritt, 57, a resident of Homeland, was arrested Wednesday, Nov. 5, for the murder of all four McStays.

Merritt is a former business associate of Joseph McStay. The McStay’s were former residents of San Clemente before they moved to San Diego County.

The family’s remains were discovered in November 2013 in San Bernardino County. Cause of death was ruled to be blunt force trauma. A memorial paddleout was held in January in San Clemente, and the family was formally buried July 15.

The family went missing from their home in Fallbrook in February 2010.

Sightings of the family had been reported intermittently, especially in 2010, as well as reports that the family may have fled to Mexico.

Merritt was among those interviewed in a CNN special “Who Murdered the McStay Family?” In the report, he is described as “the last person to see Joseph McStay alive,” and claimed the two discussed business before the disappearance.

At a press conference Friday, investigators said they believed the family had been murdered in their Fallbrook home and that there was no reason to suspect others were involved.

City Council members Kerry Ferguson, Derek Reeve and Pam Patterson gather for a photo at the San Juan Capistrano Veterans Day ceremony. Photo: Allison Jarrell

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Election Ushers in New Council Majority THE LATEST: San Juan residents voted for a change in City Hall last week, with council incumbents Larry Kramer and John Taylor ousted from their seats. Voters chose to reelect Councilman Derek Reeve and welcome two newcomers to the dais – Pam Patterson and Kerry Ferguson.

Patterson, an attorney and businesswoman, took the lead early on in the election, claiming the first council seat with 3,334 votes, or about 17.8 percent of the vote. Reeve was reelected with 3,152 votes and Ferguson, an educator and businesswoman, took the final seat with 2,802 votes.

“The residents wanted a change,” Reeve said of the results. “They felt that the current council wasn’t following the desires of the residents.”

Patterson and Ferguson agreed that the people of San Juan were ready for a more responsive council that emphasizes the public’s needs.

“This election reflects voters’ desire to have a city council focused on their needs and the future of our city,” Patterson wrote in an email. “I believe it is a voter mandate The Capistrano Dispatch November 14-27, 2014

to support the San Juan General Plan.”

Patterson said her goals for the upcoming term are to preserve the community’s “village-like character” and to improve upon traffic and water issues in town.

Ferguson also wants to focus on historic preservation and water issues, as well as bringing a skatepark into San Juan. Reeve wants to focus on “being more cognizant of the town’s heritage and culture.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Reeve said he recently spoke with City Manager Karen Brust about organizing a retreat for the new council members this winter. He said it will be a good first step in building a more cohesive council. —Allison Jarrell

Council Approves Laguna Glen Despite Pushback THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council may have approved the Laguna Glen project, but a group of residents are trying to reverse that decision. At the council’s Nov. 4 meeting, Mayor Sam Allevato and councilmen Larry Kramer and John Taylor voted for rezoning the land from agricultural to business to allow for the development, a continuing care retirement community on a 35-acre plot of land off Del Obispo Street. Councilmen Roy Brynes and Derrick Reeve opposed the project. The council vote went against the previous planning commission recommendation to deny Spieker Senior Development’s Laguna Glen community.

WHAT’S NEXT: A group of citizens is now collecting signatures to try and reverse the council’s approval of the Laguna Glen development. They have until Nov. 20 to

WHAT’S NEXT: According to a press release from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, Merritt was arrested without incident and was booked for murder and held without bail. The San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office filed four counts

San Bernardino Sheriff’s Officers arrested former Jospeh McStay business partner Charles Merritt Nov. 5 for the murder of the McStay family. Photo: Courtesy San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department

Page 3

of murder against Merritt. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, Wednesday, Nov. 12. His next court appearance will be Nov. 20. A preliminary hearing has been set for Nov. 25.—Jim Shilander

Final Hearing for Downtown Hotel on Nov. 18 THE LATEST: The developer of the San Juan Hotel & Villas project filed a lawsuit against the city of San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 3, challenging the decision that a general plan amendment is required to move the development forward. Joshua Host, principal of Urban Village, said after years of work and Planning Commission approval, city staff decided that the residential element of his project did not align with the city’s general plan. A general plan amendment failed to pass in August with a 2-2 council vote.

WHAT’S NEXT: A final public hearing for the boutique hotel and villas will take place at the Nov. 18 City Council meeting, beginning at 6 p.m. —AJ

CUSD Trustees Honor Outgoing Members THE LATEST: Outgoing Capistrano Unified School District Trustees Anna Bryson and Ellen Addonizio were honored for service by their colleagues and will-wishers Wednesday, as both women completed eight-year tenures on the board.

Both women were first elected in 2006 as part of a three-person slate. Bryson did not stand for reelection after running unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the 73rd Assembly District that was won by Dana Point City Councilman Bill Brough. Addonizio was defeated in her bid for a third term by San Juan Capistrano resident Gila Jones.

Dana Point Mayor Lisa Bartlett honored Bryson, whose district includes a portion of her city, including Dana Hills High School, as did Bill Evers, Bryson’s husband and a former Assistant Secretary of Education. Evers read a letter from Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a friend of the couple.

Bryson herself praised the district’s staff, saying she’d “never seen people of such quality in my life,” and said she would always treasure being a part of the lives of the district’s children.

Addonizio was praised by San Clemente resident Laura Ferguson, who called her “a shining example of effective leadership.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The board, with new members Martha McNicholas and Jones will reorganize at its first meeting on Dec. 10. – JS www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

City Offering Gardening Class

COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

Second Saturday Art Fair Ends Dec. 13 Second Saturday Art Fairs in San Juan Capistrano are coming to an end after a successful seven-year run, due to a lack of downtown parking and venue space.

The monthly art fairs first began in 2008, after a committee was formed to find a way to bring attention to the downtown area. Randi Peshkin, Second Saturday Art Fair coordinator, recently announced the closure in a press release.

“The Art Fair’s intent was to place artists in locations that show off our beautiful downtown and encourage visitors to return to shop, dine, explore and help our historic district grow,” Peshkin said. “The Second Saturday Art Fair, designed to help draw attention to the town, has done its job so well, it’s become a victim of its own success. New stores and restaurants now fill the empty spaces where artists used to be. Visitors are plentiful and downtown parking is now a serious issue.”

Parking spaces are now in high demand on the weekends, and the art fair is no longer able to use the parking lots and spaces on the east side of Camino Capistrano. But the committee, Peshkin said, has accomplished what they originally created the fair for.

“Today we live in a city with a historic downtown we are all proud of,” Peshkin

Jewelry artist Cinnamon Stanlow has been with the Art Fair since its inception. Photo: Randi Peshkin

said. “Great restaurants and intriguing independent shops line our streets and plazas. Lively day and night, our downtown is the beautiful gathering spot we all envisioned seven years ago. Sadly sometimes, with growth comes change.”

The last art fair will be held in Los Rios Park on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.sjcartfair.org.

SONGS Growl Tests Coming Next Week Southern California Edison will conduct a “growl test” of its community alert siren

system, Monday, Nov. 17 and Tuesday, Nov. 18.

The nuclear plant tests its community alert siren system every three months.

There are nine sirens in San Juan Capistrano. Each one is tested individually for a few seconds, which is known as a “growl” test.

This test is different from the annual test in October, which calls for sounding off all sirens at the same time for a threeminute duration.

In an actual emergency, the sounding of the sirens means residents should turn on their radios/televisions for instructions to find out what course of action is required.

Community Service Leader, Educator of the Year Announced

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

t the San Juan Capistrano City Council’s Oct. 21 meeting, Mayor Sam Allevato recognized volunteer Steve Behmerwohld as the city’s Community Service Leader of the Year, and Marco Forster Middle School principal Carrie Bertini as the Educator of the Year.

Behmerwohld has lived in town for more than two decades and serves on the city’s Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Commission. Last year, he received the Wall of Recognition award, which was created in 2000 to recognize individuals whose altruistic efforts make San Juan Capistrano a better place to live.

Allevato said Behmerwohld is best known for his volunteer efforts, which include mentoring students at Kinoshita Elementary School, volunteering with the Open Space Foundation, serving as a member of the Associated Senior Action Program and even donning a Santa The Capistrano Dispatch November 14-27, 2014

Claus costume each year at community Christmas functions.

“Steve is one of the personable, caring guys who is always looking for ways to give back to this community and I personCarrie Bertini ally thank him for that,” Allevato said.

Behmerwohld thanked Allevato for the award, as well as his parents and daughter for setting good examples as volunteers.

“I would like to encourSteve Behmerwohld age my fellow citizens to get out and volunteer,” Behmerwohld said. “You get back way more than you give.”

Allevato then introduced Carrie Bertini, long-time Marco Forster Middle School principal who Allevato said has “made a profound impact on countless lives.”

“Simply mention Carrie Bertini’s name

and you’re sure to get cheers and smiles as big as Texas,” Allevato said.

Bertini teaches students to focus on longterm goals, and for the past several years, she’s coached and trained students to participate in the 26.2-mile L.A. marathon.

“Of course it takes much strength, endurance and determination,” Allevato said, “but taking part in the event goes beyond that for Carrie and the students who participate each year. They feel a sense of belonging and learn to set long-term goals in a society that demands instant gratification. Carries continues to set a positive and wonderful example for San Juan Capistrano students, and we’re grateful for her efforts.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of serving this community and serving Marco Forster Middle School for 22 years, so I’ve been at Marco over half my life,” Bertini said. “It is an honor to serve this community. It is an honor to work with such an amazing staff and faculty that we have, and I’m looking forward to another 22 years.” CD Page 5

The City of San Juan Capistrano will hold a free California-friendly landscaping class Friday, Nov. 21 at 9 a.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion.

The class has been developed for new residential gardeners and those who want to take a fresh look at their old landscapes and include information making their garden California friendly, including information on rethinking elements of the site,”right plant, right place,” managing irrigation, using rainwater as a resource, building a living soil sponge and using a holistic approach to gardening.

The class is free, but limited to the first 25 people who register via Community Services. A waiting list to fill the seats of any cancellations will be created and there may be a second class this winter if there is sufficient interest.

For information, call 949.234.4400. The event is hosted by the city’s Capistrano Utilities Department. The instructor is a professional landscape designer and the class is sponsored by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Train Severs Man’s Foot Near San Juan Capistrano Tracks

A

freak accident occurred early Monday morning when a freight train severed the foot of a 25-yearold man lying near the train tracks in San Juan Capistrano.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of the incident at 1:25 a.m. Monday morning. The man was found near Stonehill Drive and Camino Capistrano with his left foot severed and his right foot badly damaged.

It’s not clear if the man fell asleep or passed out near the tracks, but officials don’t believe the incident was a suicide attempt. Public information officer Jeff Hallock said the young man had been walking home to Dana Point before the accident occurred.

Hallock said the man’s injuries are not life threatening. He was transported to Mission Hospital for medical attention.

—Allison Jarrell www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Ramping Up Movement to launch skatepark gains momentum

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

an Juan teen Ruben Villamil is one of an estimated 725 skateboarders living in the city of San Juan Capistrano. You could also say he’s one of the roughly 190 really active skaters in town—he even brought his board to Monday night’s Youth Advisory Board meeting.

Monday’s meeting was an important one for Villamil to attend, and he wasn’t alone. A room full of kids, teens and adults gathered to discuss a common goal—bringing a skatepark to the cities of San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point.

Villamil started skateboarding when he was about 12 years old. He grew up watching the older kids around him roll around town.

“I started getting interested in (skateboarding), but I noticed that there are no parks in town,” Villamil said. “San Juan needs one, because the other parks are far away, and no one wants boarders skating on their property.”

Villamil started a Change.org petition back in February in the hopes of rekindling such a discussion, and so far he’s been backed by 135 eager supporters. But skatepark advocates who spoke Monday night acknowledged that while social media outreach is vital for a grassroots effort, partnerships between the cities’ youth and leaders need to form for sustainable progress to be made.

“We’re at a point where we kind of need to create momentum on getting a park built and the young people in the community are incredibly important to that,” said Aaron Spohn, a Los Angelesbased skatepark advocate. Spohn is internationally renowned for launching upwards of 1,000 skateparks across the U.S. and abroad, and some enthusiasts may know him as the guy who teamed up with ESPN to develop the X-Games.

Spohn said he’s willing to help bring a park to town, offering his guidance as both an educator and organizer. During his Monday night presentation, Spohn spoke about the benefits of skateboarding, as well as specific opportunities for parks to be built in the San Juan/Dana Point area.

Beyond providing multiple health and mental benefits, Spohn has found that launching skateparks engages kids who are more alternative or counter-culture, or don’t want to participate in organized team sports. His skateparks in Fontana and Palm Springs have also exponentially reduced gang activity and crime in the surrounding areas, he said.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 14-27, 2014

Aaron Spohn, a Los Angeles-based skatepark designer and builder, spoke Monday at the San Juan Capistrano Youth Advisory Board meeting in support of building a skatepark in the city. Photo: Allison Jarrell

“When you don’t have a skatepark in your community, your community is a skatepark,” Spohn said. “If you don’t have a space for them to go, then they’re probably skating somewhere they shouldn’t be.”

Based on San Juan’s population of 35,852 people, Spohn estimates that there are about 725 skateboarders in town. To serve those skaters, Spohn said a park of about 13,000 to 14,000 square feet would be the minimum space recommended. However, if neighboring communities like Dana Point, Laguna Niguel and San Clemente are taken into consideration, that number rises to about 52,000 square feet.

Spohn visited multiple locations around town, and while he hasn’t looked too far into any single option, he noticed potential for parks in spots like San Juan’s Sierra Park, a strip of land along Camino Capistrano and the undeveloped area between San Juan Creek and La Novia Avenue. While those sites lack amenities, he said they provide good visibility and accessibility—two important components of a successful skatepark.

He also presented renderings of a potential waterfront skatepark in Dana Point, which could include elements like a bowl, streetscape features, sculptures and lighting.

Smiling faces swept across the council chambers during the presentation. Teens whispered rapidly back and forth, and parents explained what was going on to their young ones. Spohn took note of the large youth presence and said it’s up to the Youth Advisory Board and other teens in town to start reaching out to city officials. By forming a collaborative skatepark committee, Spohn said park advocates can get a conversation rolling between San Juan and Dana Point.

“I think it’s best for us to talk to Dana Point’s Youth Advisory Board, and talk

I started getting inter“ested in (skateboarding),

but I noticed that there are no parks in town. San Juan needs one, because the other parks are far away, and no one wants boarders skating on their property.

”

– Ruben Villamil, San Juan Capistrano skateboarder within our own youth ad board, and talk with Great Opportunities to get a joint venture going, or to just decide and help each other with making a skatepark,” said San Juan Youth Advisory Board member Michael Elsanadi.

Elsanadi agreed that a skatepark subcommittee meeting on a weekly basis would “really get things going.”

Brian Phillips, organizer of the “Skatepark of Dana Point” group, said he feels “the possibility of a joint venture between Dana and San Juan is a very realistic option.”

“Especially if it could be somewhere close to the border, like Marco Forster or Del Obispo schools,” Phillips said. “I think the Dana Point Youth Board would be ecstatic to get an email from you guys.”

Councilmember John Taylor spoke during the board’s public forum, adding his support to the skatepark movement.

“I love the idea of a skatepark in our community,” Taylor said. “I think it’s something that we’ve wanted for a long time … I really applaud you for taking this on.”

Page 6

Councilwoman-elect Kerry Ferguson also addressed the board. Ferguson previously told The Dispatch it’s important for kids and teens to have recreational opportunities that don’t require being on a team. Ferguson said she would dedicate whatever resources necessary to help the youth board during her time on the council.

Spohn said it’s not too difficult for a grassroots movement such as the Dana Point/San Juan skatepark to qualify for state or federal grants. Eric Groos, director of Great Opportunities, a charitable nonprofit that works with kids in the San Juan area, also said he’s aware of a company willing to donate cement for the project.

The skatepark movement in Dana Point gained momentum back in March when supporters of the community organization Skatepark of Dana Point spoke at a council meeting. At the July 1 meeting, the council directed staff to prepare a feasibility report analyzing the prospect of building a skatepark in town.

According to that study, construction of a 4,000-square foot park would cost around $150,000, and larger parks with concrete bowls or other elements at 30,000 to 40,000 square feet would cost $800,000 to $1,200,000.

Beyond the nuts and bolts of the project, several people in attendance were impressed with the tone of Monday night’s discourse.

Dana Point resident Patricia Perrone was happy to take her four kids—who enjoy skateboarding and go to San Juan schools—to the meeting. Perrone said in the past, she’s heard too many negative associations with skateboarding.

“It’s very frustrating to me, because my kids are very respectful,” Perrone said. “I’m excited to see you guys involved in this, and I would be happy to be part of a committee in the joint venture hopefully between the two cities. I would just like to see more movement away from the negative stereotypes of skateboarding.”

Perrone’s 8-year-old daughter Taryn also decided to address the board.

“I go to school to Del Obispo, and there’s no skateparks around for everybody to go to,” Taryn said. “So I want to build a skatepark around here so they don’t have to drive all the way out to somewhere.”

And then came Aidan, Perrone’s 8-year-old son.

“Every skatepark is probably a few miles away, so I can’t skate to it,” Aidan said. “The closest skatepark I think is either Lags or San Clemente. If there was a closer one, me and my friends could probably skate to it, and we wouldn’t have our parents drive us super far.”

The issue is now in the Youth Advisory Board’s court. Members were encouraged by those in attendance to reach out to both Dana Point and San Juan officials in order to finally get the skatepark conversation rolling. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY JACQUELINE DEMARCO

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

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

Tuesday, November 11 DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/La Zanja Street (3:22 p.m.) Four children, all approximately 10 years old, were knocking over trash cans, jumping the fence towards the soccer field and creating a disturbance.

Monday, November 10 KEEP THE PEACE Silver Creek Drive, 27400 Block (9:44 p.m.) A woman requested assistance in getting people to leave the party in her backyard because they were refusing to leave.

CITIZEN ASSIST Los Rios Street, 31400 Block (4:15 p.m.) A caller complained that his landlord turned off his water.

yelling profanities at the caller.

Sunday, November 9 DRUNK DRIVING Arbor Road/ Ridge Road (9:42 p.m.)

Four men were drinking beer from open containers and a caller said it looked like they were getting ready to leave in a black Toyota Camry.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle San Luis, 26500 Block (6:48 p.m.)

A caller reported that someone turned off the lights in the laundry mat and garage area. He did not know who did it, but he thought they did it for illegal activities to occur at night.

DISTURBANCE Carreterra Drive, 32500 Block (2:24 p.m.)

A man complained that his neighbor’s vehicle was making a lot of noise. It was discovered that the noise was coming from a motorhome.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (1:50 p.m.)

A female employee refused to leave after being terminated. Her employer indicated that she had not been given her final check.

Friday, November 7 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Edgewood Road/Aspen Way (3:47 p.m.)

High school kids were seen hanging out in a park, smoking marijuana and drinking beer.

Thursday, November 6

Saturday, November 8 DISTURBANCE- MUSIC OR PARTY Calle Delphina, 26500 Block (7:50 p.m.)

A large party was loudly drinking in the street and drag racing.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 31900 Block (12:20 p.m.) An apparently homeless man was yelling at customers at Cafe Mozart.

ANNOYING PHONE CALL Camino Capistrano, 32000 Block (3:46 p.m.) A male customer was not happy with his order and was repeatedly calling and

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino De Vista, 26400 Block (6:59 a.m.)

A man hid his backpack in the bushes. He was seen with syringes in his backpack.

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

Lunch Local

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce’s monthly networking lunch takes place at Fiano’s Restaurant, 31781 Camino Capistrano.

RSVP to claire@sanjuanchamber.com.

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting

6 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

To see the night’s agenda, visit, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19

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. Visit, www.farmersmarketsjc.com to find out more.

Friday, Nov. 21

8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Mission Grill, 31721 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome. Go to www. facebook.com/sjccoffeechat for more.

With the restrooms at the base of the San Clemente Pier slated for demolition Nov. 17, the next set of restrooms scheduled for a remodel were on the agenda of the Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission Tuesday.

Staff looked at two restrooms, T Street and Boca del Canon, to see if both could be remodeled in a similar fashion. The department had hoped to avoid a major Spanish Colonial remodel, but said the option could be explored.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26

Downtown Farmers Market

DANA POINT

The Capistrano Dispatch November 14-27, 2014

TUESDAY, NOV. 18

Coffee Chat

SAN CLEMENTE

Brian Cleveland Dunn, 61, of Capistrano Beach was arraigned Nov. 3 on felony charges of misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement while employed as the former general manager of the OC Dana Point Harbor’s commercial core, officials said.

Dunn is accused of submitting more than $130,000 in falsified invoices to the county and making unauthorized purchases of more than $440,000, according to an Orange County District Attorney’s Office press release.

Dunn is out of custody after posting $200,000 in bail and has pleaded not guilty. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 11 years and four months in state prison.

Community Meetings

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Mission Bells Rang Wednesday in Remembrance of Steve Freese

T

he bells of Mission San Juan Capistrano rang a somber hymn Wednesday afternoon, as Laura Freese mourned the loss of her husband, Steve Freese. Laura, a former San Juan Capistrano councilwoman, had been supporting Steve over the past few years during his battle with cancer. Laura was surrounded by family and friends when the bells began ringing at 3 p.m. CD Page 8

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. Visit, www.farmersmarketsjc.com to find out more.

Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission discusses area development at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

7 p.m. The Capistrano Unified School District governing body meets at district offices, located at 33122 Valle Road. To see the board’s agenda, visit www.capousd.org.

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

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

MONEY CANNOT BUY RESPECT —Donna Fleming, San Juan Capistrano Dear Mr. Bourne, Last month, residents of San Juan Capistrano stood and watched as you brought in out-of-town folk wearing blue T-shirts to speak for your Laguna Glen senior development at our San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting. Your out-of-towners had no idea what to say, but you had them arrive at 2:30 p.m. so you could tell them what to say. Using your communication skills gained at Brigham Young University, you coached your flock on talking points. You were even so kind to provide a box lunch for your people. But you left residents standing for over six hours and no box lunch. Was that considerate to residents? Despite the long wait, residents of SJC waited until 10 p.m. to take the podium and give their three minutes on why they opposed this project.

You have today blanketed our town with a letter touting the benefits of your very large “knock your socks off” development. But, you neglected to mention what you will take away.

You have lied to us Mr. Bourne. Your Laguna Glen development will affect the traffic. It will create a drain on our infrastructure.

And we do not have the water to support this very large project. Over and above the very obvious things that your development impacts, you will take away a piece of old San Juan Capistrano and a part of the peace and tranquility on the 35-acre parcel behind Armstrong Gardens. Once big developers start, this town will never be the same.

I am not a misinformed activist Mr. Bourne. I am a mother of three grown children and a longtime resident of San Juan Capistrano. You have lied to the residents of San Juan Capistrano. I hope I never have to sit in a public meeting and watch my children lie to the public.

You are a graduate of BYU, a wellrespected school with an honor code.

The honor code of BYU very specifically advocates living an honorable life.

Be honest. Live a chaste and virtuous life.

Obey the law. Use clean language. Respect others. Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the honor code.

So my question to you, Troy Bourne, is this. Did you get a great education and accept a diploma from BYU only to go out into the world and lie and tell others how to lie? Do you consider screaming at seniors as they collect signatures at Ralphs and Vons respect for others?

You know very well that the residents and the city planners overwhelmingly do not want Laguna Glen in San Juan CapThe Capistrano Dispatch November 14-27, 2014

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com San Juan Capistrano resident Shelley Bachelder holds a sign in protest against Spieker Senior Development’s Laguna Glen proposal. Photo: Brian Park

istrano. You were able to get the rezone through with the help of Sam Allevato.

That will not happen again. Laguna Glen has become Sam’s Waterloo.

Some things cannot be bought Mr. Bourne. Respect is one of those things.

PLEASE WALK IN OUR SHOES —Ronald and Dianne Bauer, San Juan Capistrano Who are we? We are your parents and grandparents. We have worked all of our lives to help you, our children, our grandchildren and our friends. We have served in wars, many of us in Korea and/ or Vietnam. We volunteer at Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission Hospital, Mission Thrift and Gift, Saddleback Hospital, the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, local women’s groups, local churches and with many other various groups in San Juan Capistrano. We are gladly serving the community and are happy to continue to do so.

There are hundreds of us, most over 75 years old, who have signed up to live in the proposed continuing care community. Many of us are already current residents of San Juan Capistrano. We want to downsize from our current houses into smaller and more manageable homes. We will not be adding to the count of additional residents to our community. Because we have worked all of our lives and are getting older, we are tired. We may be alone now, because our loved one has passed on. We would like to live where we feel safe and secure. Many of us are women who are alone. We also know that if we need assisted or nursing care as we get older we can get it at the new community.

There are those of you who are against the building of the community. You say it will add more people, more congestion and destroy the small-town feeling of San Juan Capistrano. We do not want to be a burden to our city, but please try to walk in our shoes. Most of us either do not drive or will not be driving in the next few

years. We will not add much to the congestion. We want to live in the continuing care community because we can be taken to our doctors and on outings. They will provide our transportation.

Please walk in our shoes. Please withdraw your petition to stop the building of our new home. It will not impact the city in a negative manner. The senior citizens will benefit our town. We will shop in our stores, eat at our restaurants and volunteer at our schools’ after school clubs, in our churches and other areas. Since many of us are already members of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, we will continue to preserve the historical legacy of this town.

Please walk in our shoes and give us a chance to live out our lives in San Juan Capistrano, a place that we love.

If you have signed the referendum petition and would like to remove your signature, please call San Juan Capistrano City Hall.

A LETTER TO CITY COUNCIL —Ruth A. Clark, San Juan Capistrano I agree that we need a luxury hotel in the downtown area; nonetheless, I still do not like the idea of permanent housing next to our Historic Town Center Park.

Perhaps rather than selling the proposed villas as residences, they should be incorporated as a part of the hotel. Initially, they could be used as short-term vacation rentals or leased for one to three years at a time, until they could be utilized as luxury suites by the hotel. With all the current development and our value as a destination city, the local and tourist population will continue to grow. I think that we need planning that works to everyone’s advantage and wisely manages future growth.

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 > Allison Jarrell 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 Megan Bianco, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 12, Issue 21. 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

On Stage at the Coach House: Minnie Driver

EDITOR’S PICK

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

Friday | 14 NORTH BEACH ART WALK 6 p.m. The art walk will begin at Artwistic Creations and progress down North El Camino Real, ending with the official After Party Headquarters from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Knuckleheads Sports Bar, located at Avenida Pico and El Camino Real. Attendees must be over 21 to attend the after party.

1237 N El Camino Real, San Clemente.

STEPPING OUT 8 p.m. A suspenseful Sherlock Holmes mystery. Shows through Nov. 23. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 15 ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL OPEN HOUSE 8:15 a.m.-1 p.m. St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is hosting its Annual Admission Open House. Hours for preschool and kindergarten are 8:15 a.m.-9:30 a.m., and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for first through 12th grade.

For more information, call 949.661.0108 ext.248 or visit www.smes.org.

BOOKSTORE PATIO SALE 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Bookstore is hosting its first ever patio sale. 31496 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call 949.493.2688 or visit www.sjcfol.org.

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR 10 a.m. A guided tour of San Juan Capistrano’s historic adobes, Spanish-era dwellings and modern buildings. Occurs every Saturday. Meet at the train depot on Verdugo St. $5 donation benefits the Friends of the Library. For more info, visit www.sjcfol.org.

Courtesy photo

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16: LOCAL AUTHOR LECTURE SERIES 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Local photographer and author Frank Ritenour will speak about his series of books, “San Juan Capistrano treasures,” “Dana Point – Harboring the Good Life,” and “The Spirit of San Clemente.” The Bookstore hosts a local author every third Sunday, along with free refreshments and live music. 31496 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

For more information, call 949.493.2688 or visit www.sjcfol.org.

Minnie Driver. Courtesy photo

donation for adults, $1 for children.

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

as healthy food demos. 25975 Domingo Avenue, South Coast, 949.330.7106, www.momsincharge.org.

BIG FAT STEVE 1:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Library for a fun, and story, filled event for children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers.

Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more. No registration is required. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Monday | 17 BLOOD DRIVE 8:15 a.m.-6:15 p.m. The city of Dana Point is sponsoring a blood drive. All participants will receive two tickets to the Laugh Factory and two tickets to the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live and a five dollar coupon for Acapulco Restaurants.

Make an appointment to donate at www. redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code CODP. Dana Point City Hall, City Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.248.3579, www.danapoint.org.

CHERYL SILVERSTEIN 8 p.m. Singing pop, jazz and blues classics.

Pierside, 610 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.210.9080, www.singoutloud.net.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GARDEN CLUB 10 a.m. This month the San Juan Capistrano Garden Club will be decorating birdhouses with succulents. All are welcome. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Rd. For more info, visit www.sanjuancapistranogardenclub.com.

Sunday | 16

Tuesday | 18

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. Take a docent-led, 1.5-hour 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 platform. $2

MOMS IN CHARGE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS MEETING 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The presentation takes place at Capo Beach Christian School and includes guest speakers focusing on children’s health topics, as well

The Capistrano Dispatch November 14-27, 2014

Wednesday | 19 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.

FAMILY STORYTIME 11:30 a.m. Bring the entire family for stories and rhymes in English and Spanish at the San Juan Capistrano Library. All ages welcome. No registration is required.

31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Thursday | 20 GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet each Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park to maintain the gardens and more. Bring gloves and wear close-toed shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

(Cont. on page 17)

Page 15

BY CATHERINE MANSO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

A

cademy Award winner and singer-songwriter Minnie Driver is performing at the Coach House on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

The popular television and movie actress has found some time away from her schedule to perform shows for her newly released album, “Ask Me to Dance.” The album features similar styles and a new take on some wellknown songs by Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Elliott Smith and many more.

She’ll not only be performing her new material, but some songs from her previous albums ”Everything I’ve Got in My Pocket” and “Seastories” with her band of Los Angeles-based musicians, Tired Pony.

“We’ve all known each other for many, many years. They all play with different bands, but we come together to make records and tour as much we can,” Driver said. “My band allows me to sing what is more natural for me. I’ve had vocal training when I was younger, but that’s nothing when you’re writing songs and singing from your heart.”

Don’t miss Driver’s first ever appearance at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, and be delighted by how well her musicianship matches up to her acclaimed acting talent.

Tickets cost $15. Dinner reservations with priority seating are also available.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 949.496.8930 or go to www.thecoachhouse.com. CD

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GETTING OUT

Wednesday | 26

(Cont. from page 15) BRIAN LYNN JONES 7:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

FAMILY STORYTIME 11:30 a.m. Bring the entire family for stories and rhymes in both English and Spanish at the San Juan Capistrano Library.

All ages are welcome. No registration is required. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/ libloc/sjc.

Friday | 21 MIKE HAMILTON 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Enjoy live music at Salt Creek Grille with guitarist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Hamilton.

32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.mikehamiltonmusic.com.

SADDLEBACK WINTERDANCE 7:30 p.m. The Saddleback College Dance Department presents the annual Winterdance showcase. Cost: $12 presale, $16 at the door, free for children. Shows at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. For more info, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

LIVE MUSIC AT OC TAVERN 9:30 p.m. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. Free. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

Saturday | 22 DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR 10 a.m. A guided tour of San Juan Capistrano’s historic adobes, Spanish-era dwellings and modern buildings. Meet at the train depot on Verdugo Street. $5 donation benefits the Friends of the Library. For more info, visit www.sjcfol.org.

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.

Dana Point Turkey Trot 2013. Photo: Andrea Papagianis

Sunday | 23 MARINE MAMMAL CRUISE 10 a.m. Join the Ocean Institute aboard the 70-foot RV Sea Explorer for an opportunity to see whales, fish, dolphins, sea lions and other wildlife along the Southern California coast. $35 for adults, $22 for children 4-12. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

Monday | 24 COUNTRY DANCING 6:30 p.m. Country Dancing with DJ Patrick at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

PJ STORYTIME WITH THE SUNSHINE READERS 7 p.m-8 p.m. Reading event for children off all ages, pajamas wearing encouraged but not required, at the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Tuesday | 25 PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Library for a fun, and story, filled event for children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers. Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more.

31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

FREE CONCERT OF THANKSGIVING 7:30 p.m. Saddleback College is hosting a free concert in the McKinney Theatre, with a free-will offering to benefit Mary’s Kitchen. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Thursday | 27 37TH ANNUAL DANA POINT TURKEY TROT 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Compete in either the 10k or 5k race and have kids run in the Gobble Wobble race. Stop by the two-day health fair, Wednesday-Thursday, and enter the costume contest on Thursday. Cost: $12-35.

Dana Point Harbor, Golden Lantern & Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. To register go to www.turkeytrot.com.

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.

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event? Send your listing to events@ thecapistranodispatch.com

‘Nightcrawler’ Creeps to the Top

M

Jake Gyllenhaal as Lou Bloom and Riz Ahmed as Rick in Nightcrawler.

Photo: Chuck Zlotnick/Open Road Films

The Capistrano Dispatch November 14-27, 2014

ovie fanatics may strongly suspect Nightcrawler writer/director Dan Gilroy’s inspiration for the film came to him post-double feature screening of Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy and Nicolas Refn’s Drive. The screenwriter’s first effort behind the camera is the project he’s been waiting for and a career turnaround for lead Jake Gyllenhaal. Nightcrawler, not to be mistaken as an X-men spin-off, is one of the creepiest, but essential thrillers of 2014.

Set primarily at night all over Los Angeles, a man named Louis Bloom (Gyllenhaal) has an obsession with succeeding in life, no matter the means or medium. When he discovers a demand for freelance camera work by nighttime television news outlets, Louis finds his calling. He follows an older cameraman, Joe (Bill Paxton), hires homeless assistant Rick

Page 17

(Riz Ahmed) and convinces TV news director Nina (Rene Russo) to air his footage. Very quickly the lines between ethics and honesty become blurred as Louis makes a reputation for himself.

Nightcrawler was released on Halloween, fittingly, with the dark atmosphere and tone, not to mention Gyllenhaal’s “freakiness.” The casting of Paxton and Russo, along with a ’80s inspired score, brings a retro feel to the film, reminiscent of 1980s thrillers. Gyllenhaal, who lost an alarming 25 pounds to fit the desperation of his character, has added another great performance to his portfolio, alongside Donnie Darko and Brokeback Mountain.

Gilroy’s steady character study and dedication to stellar cinematography keeps viewers transfixed throughout the picture.

—Megan Bianco

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Business Beat News from San Juan Capistrano’s business community COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

NOW OPEN LAS CATRINAS 31742 Los Rios Street, 949.441.7182, Facebook: Las catrinas sjc When Luis Santiago lost his job last summer, he wasn’t sure what his next step would be. Santiago had worked for 20 years as the manager of the Mission San Juan Capistrano gift shop, but that ended when the Mission began running the shop itself.

In April, the Oaxaca, Mexico native decided to start fresh and reconnect with his roots, resulting in Las Catrinas, a store filled with unique, handmade items from around the world. Six months after opening, Santiago is happy he took the risk of starting his own business.

“I love the customers,” he said. “They’re all happy when they come to this street, especially when they find the street by mistake. When they find it, they fall in love, and they keep coming back.”

Santiago said the store’s colorful atmosphere fits perfectly into the surrounding Los Rios District, which is the oldest continually occupied neighborhood in California. Las Catrinas is located in one of the street’s older buildings, constructed in the 1890s.

Since its inception, Santiago’s shop has

GUEST OPINION: Old San Juan by Don Tryon

Street Names are Part of Our History

W

hen Mission San Juan Capistrano was established in 1776, it was built by the Spanish Padres and our local Indians, the Acjachemens, later called the Juaneno after San Juan Capistrano. This Spanish and Mexican influence on the names of our streets prevailed for many years until a brief period when county officials changed a few street names to white, Anglo-Saxon names. Through the efforts of a former town historian, Alfonso Yorba, and many town elders, they were changed back to The Capistrano Dispatch November 14-27, 2014

Las Catrinas celebrated its opening on Los Rios Street with a ribbon cutting in November. Courtesy photo

grown from carrying a small selection of handmade gifts from Oaxaca to a wide array of items – from Guatemalan table runners and ornaments from Israel, to Navajo rugs and Talavera ceramic kitchenware and outdoor décor.

“It’s really a joy to work here,” Santiago said. “What makes me happy is that the people are happy, and they keep coming back.”

RRM Design Group celebrated its return to San Juan Capistrano with an October ribbon cutting.

Courtesy photo

RRM DESIGN GROUP 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 205, 949.361.7950, www.rrmdesign.com The RRM Design Group returned to

Spanish names, which developers follow to this day.

Most of the names connect with our local history. El Camino Real is the Kings Highway that connected all the old Missions. Los Rios is named after the Rios family, which has lived on that street from its very beginnings in the late 18th century. Rio also means river. Arguello is the alley between the Capistrano Trading Post and the Capistrano Plaza building, named after the town’s first administrator under Mexican rule. He wasn’t well-liked, so all he gets is an alley. Del Avion and Aeropuerto are named for the airports that were once there.

Ortega Highway was named for the Spanish soldier and scout who was the first European to discover this valley and future Mission site. Del Obispo, “The Bishop,” is named for the bishop that visited here long ago. Ramos, Lobo, Yorba, Belardes and Forster streets are named for long established families of this area.

El Horno, “the oven,” represents the tilemaking ovens that were located on this road. La Zanja refers to the man-made wa-

ter courses bringing water to the Mission and town. Rancho Viejo, “Old Ranch,” refers to the view of the ranch nearby called Rancho Mission Viejo. Camino Capistrano, of course, is Capistrano Highway. The name Capistrano is the Spanish version of Capestrano, an Italian village where St. John, a warrior priest, came from. Arroyo Grande is “a grand wash,” probably for the older river bed above San Juan Creek. Oso is “bear” in Spanish. There aren’t many bears in this valley, but there were a lot in the hills back in the early days. Junipero OLD SAN JUAN Serra is named for the

By Don Tryon padre who began the chain of California Missions.

A lot of our streets start with the word Paseo, which in Spain would mean “a stroll,” but in California means a trail.

Alipaz is a slang word that sort of reads “toward peace.” La Matanza is interesting.

If you were to say, “Let’s have a matanza,” you would essentially be saying, “a killing

Page 18

San Juan Capistrano from San Clemente in July, and recently celebrated that return with an October ribbon cutting. The design group was based in San Juan from 2001 to 2006, but moved to San Clemente in search of more room to grow.

Mike Sherrod, principal and firm owner, said the group missed the vibrant downtown location, so when their lease was up, they headed back to San Juan. The design group’s expertise is creating environments that reflect their clients’ visions, and Sherrod said that often includes areas that are walkable.

“It’s nice to be located in that kind of environment, because it reflects our mission,” he said.

In town, Sherrod and his team are already conceptualizing a Verdugo Street redesign, incorporating more green elements and strengthening the connection between the depot and downtown.

Sherrod said the design would essentially create a new pedestrian plaza in town.

BEAUTIFUL SMILEZ 31734 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite D, 949.496.2930, www.beautifulsmilez.com Beautiful Smilez Dentistry has opened its doors in San Juan Capistrano, filling the space Dr. Kenneth Pearson’s dental office left behind in the Ortega Business Plaza.

Since opening on Aug. 26, Beautiful Smilez has been taking new patients and offering a variety of services such as general, family and cosmetic dentistry. Office manager Martina Fuentes, who has worked in San Juan Capistrano for 15 years, said she and Dr. Nadia Rezaiamiri both enjoy working in the community. CD

or butchering” for a barbeque. My favorite is La Novia, which means “the girl friend.”

Now figure out how that name came about for a street.

Acjachemen is a street named in honor of the Indian tribe who originally owned this entire valley. Spring Street was named for the road that led to the San Juan Hot Springs up on the Ortega Highway. Trabuco means “Blunderbuss,” another name for a rifle that was lost in the hills. The road to our dump site, La Pata, strangely means “the foot.” A lot of our streets start out with Cerro meaning “a hill,” San for “Saint,” and Via for “way.” Las Ramblas is “the avenue,” Adelanto is “entrance or opening,” and Aquate is “avocado.”

For the record, my Spanish is not very good, and I thank Jerry Nieblas for helping me with these interpretations. 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

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

FITNESS EQUIPMENT PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Folds up for easy storage. Great workout at home. $175. 949.533.9761

HELP WANTED SURFSIDE TAXI-DRIVERS WANTED Make daily money, average weekly money $600-$800. Drive for the best taxi company in town. We have airport business,local hotels and restaurants!! Call Rob 949-226-9122

WANTED LOOKING FOR A ROOM RENTAL in exchange for light housekeeping, errands and caregiving. Please call (949) 542-0790.

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

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 November 14–27, 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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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

To Marry or Not? For older singles it can be an economic decision

S

ingles who are fortunate enough to find a mate later in life often wrestle with the question, “Should we get married?”

Nancy, not her real name, 65, lives in south Orange County. She was a stay-athome mom for 25 years. She divorced in 1996 and has not remarried. Her ex-husband passed away in 2009. She receives his Social Security benefits.

She emailed, “I have a man I’d like to spend the rest of my life with. Is there a way to be together with my guy without legally marrying so I don’t lose SS benefits from my ex-husband?”

In the 21 years I have written columns about finding love after 50, I am amazed at how often the marriage question comes up. Here is what other singles have said about the topic.

Annie said, “I met my partner five years ago. We are in a totally committed relationship and living together. We are continually surprised at the number of our friends who ask, ‘When is he going to make me legal?’”

“We don’t feel the need to be married.

Our kids don’t care one way or the other.

We have designed a ring for me. I will wear it on my wedding ring finger. We are turning 65 this year; we have earned the right to do as we wish.”

Maria wrote, “My cousin, a widow of many years in her mid-60s, committed to her companion who she lives with. He gave her a diamond-band ring and they consider themselves married. She did it this way so she could keep her social security and her sense of financial independence.”

Jennifer added, “Older people have often spent a lifetime working and accumulating assets and they frequently like to keep their finances separate. Many want their children or grandchildren to be their sole heirs. Marriage or re-marriage can interfere with this inheritance plan or complicate it. Sometimes, it’s simpler just to remain single, and live together.

“Older couples who live together benefit from the closeness and companionship of

a live-in partner, and probably live longer too. They can pool their money and talents, which means they will probably enjoy an enhanced lifestyle together.

Those, who for religious or other reasons, are uncomfortable with this ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 arrangement, can still get

By Tom Blake married.”

Marcia stated, “My friend Russ and I have not married for a myriad of reasons. We caution couples in their sixties concerning marriage as they have had a lifetime of building obligations and acquiring assets and responsibilities.”

“I have known couples who have religious ceremonies under God and outside the law and they are also happy. Some couples keep their houses (highly recommended) and some buy a new one with a tenancy agreement in case one dies. We are not in our youthful building stage and cannot afford to make serious financial errors.”

Joan, a family counselor, said, “Hospitals will not listen to anything a boyfriend or girlfriend has to say. They only take instructions from a legally married spouse.”

My lawyer advised me that an unmarried person, who wants a partner to be able to make medical decisions for him or her, needs to have a durable power of attorney for health care, properly prepared and executed, usually by a lawyer.

Tom’s comment to Nancy: To protect your social security benefits, don’t remarry.

You might check with the Social Security Administration just to be sure of your rights.

Then, if you want a non-binding commitment ceremony, and to wear a ring, and live together—whatever you choose—do so happily knowing you are within the law. 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@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

VFW Commander Art Hasselbrink, left, invites Navy veteran Les Blair, center, to the podium during Monday’s Veterans Day ceremony in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Veterans Honored in San Juan

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

wave of red, white and blue washed over Veterans Park Monday morning as residents and veterans of San Juan Capistrano gathered to honor the self-sacrificing men and women who have served, and continue to serve, their country.

Commander Art Hasselbrink of the local VFW Serra Post 3801 addressed the patriotic crowd alongside speakers such as Les Blair and Bill Hardy, both World War II Navy veterans. Mayor Sam Allevato, council members Derek Reeve and Roy Byrnes, council member John Taylor and councilwomen-elect Pam Patterson and Kerry Ferguson were also in attendance at the downtown Veterans Day ceremony.

During his speech, Allevato said it was an honor to be “among heroes” who have

San Juan Capistrano resident Kathy Petersen holds portraits of her late husband Michael Petersen, a Vietnam veteran, and his uncle, Aciano “Chano” Avila, a World War II veteran. Photo: Allison Jarrell

given, and continue to give, their lives so that others can enjoy freedom.

“I, your city and your country thank you for that,” Allevato said.

Vietnam veteran Julian Ramos, a descendent of the Acjachemen tribe, was born and raised in San Juan Capistrano. As Ramos put away tables and chairs following the ceremony, he reflected on the town’s annual celebration as an important reminder of veterans’ service to their country.

“I appreciate what we have here,” Ramos said. “Veterans’ sacrifices are not forgotten.” CD

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 November 14-27, 2014

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

Page 20

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

SJC’s Prescott Checks Nation’s Capital Off Marathon List

BY CHRISTEN ALISSA RUBIO, SPECIAL TO THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t’s 4:15 a.m. and while most people are still cozy in their beds, Margie Prescott is tying her running shoes. By 5 a.m. she’s out the door and ready to run for miles. This isn’t just her every day routine, it’s her passion.

“Running is cheaper than therapy,” Prescott said.

The 51-year-old mother of three and former special education teacher from San Juan Capistrano uses running as a time to pray and meditate while taking in the calming ocean views and mountainous scenes that the Southern California landscape has to offer.

But peace and quiet is only a bonus for Prescott, who began training four months ago to compete for the first time in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., which took place on Oct. 26.

While training, Prescott ran 55 to 60 miles a week in order to prepare for the race. Although she had knee surgery this past year, Prescott’s goal was to finish the 26.2-miles in less than three hours. She ended up finishing first in her age group with a time of three hours and 22 minutes.

After running marathons for more than 10 years, 26.2 miles are not at all daunting for Prescott.

“I like the competitive aspect of it,” she said.

Traveling almost 3,000 miles to run may seem unappealing to some, but for Prescott, it is how she prefers experiencing other places. She has previously participated

Football: San Juan Area Playoff Picture COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

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ll five of the San Juan Capistrano high school football programs are headed to the CIF-SS playoffs this week. Here is a rundown of the week’s matchups. All games will be held Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports for scores and updates on all of the high school football playoff games.

JSerra v. Santiago-Corona at Saddleback College, 7:30 p.m.

The Lions put an exclamation mark on the end of their regular season run with a 38-21 victory over Trinity League opponent Servite on Nov. 7.

A 9-1 overall record on the year, including a 4-1 mark in the highly competitive Trinity League, earned the Lions the No. 2 overall seed in the CIF-SS Pac-5 Division playoffs. JSerra finished second in the Trinity League and will enter the playoffs for the first time in school history.

The Capistrano Dispatc h November 14-27, 2014

San Juan Capistrano’s Margie Prescott poses in front of the US Marines Corps Memorial after completing the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. Courtesy photo

in marathons in cities such as Boston, Chicago and New York.

“The neat thing about running a marathon is you’re seeing 26 miles of an area on foot,” Prescott said.

The Marine Corps Marathon has become a popular

If the Lions advance past Santiago-Corona, they will face the winner of Bishop Amat/Lakewood in the second round on Nov. 21.

San Juan Hills v. Upland at Upland High School

destination in the American running community, Prescott said. The course takes runners past several major landmarks, including the United States Capitol, Washington Monument, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

“When you’re in the marathon community you get this bucket list and you think …‘I want to go here and I want to go there’, and for the last four years I have just always desired to run Marine Corps and I thought, ‘Okay I’ve got to do it,” Prescott said.

Prescott enjoyed running in a marathon that honors the military, as her father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force.

Prescott may have built up a strong marathon pedigree, but that does not mean it comes easily to her. Prescott said she has been able to overcome the physical aspect of training. It is the mental side of things, where the fatigued mind can affect the body’s movements, that becomes the more difficult obstacle to overcome.

When she begins to doubt herself, she remembers all the training she has completed.

“If you’ve put in the training, essentially your body is there and you know you can do it,” Prescott said.

Only when the course becomes too intense does she listen to music in order to help push past the most difficult parts. During easier parts of a marathon, Prescott prefers to take in the crowds that line the race route.

“I think it’s really neat to see people come out and support,” she said. “You really see what the community is all about.”

Her passion for running and love of the tight knit running community keeps Prescott going and determined to continue to check marathons off on her bucket list.

Prescott plans to compete in the 2015 Boston Marathon in April.

Christen Rubio is a San Juan Capistrano native. After graduating from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in 2011 she moved to Washington, D.C. to attend The Catholic University of America, where she studies Media Studies. She will graduate in May and looks forward to coming home. CD

will face the winner of St. Genevieve/Santa Paula in the second round on Nov. 21.

Saddleback Valley Christian v. Crean Lutheran at San Juan Hills

The San Juan Hills High School football team’s strength of schedule and performance in nonleague contests earned them an at-large berth into the CIF-SS West Valley Division playoffs.

The Stallions (4-6, 1-3) won only one game in the South Coast League but garnered enough consideration to grab one of three available at-large berths.

San Juan Hills will have a tough task in the opening round, where they are set to play top-seeded Upland (8-2, 5-0). If the Stallions get past Upland, they will play the winner of Edison/Hart in the second round on Nov. 21.

The Warriors defeated Santa Clarita Christian in a shootout, 54-40, on Nov. 6 to finish the year with a perfect 10-0 record.

Saddleback Valley Christian will open their CIF-SS East Valley Division playoff run at home against at-large Crean Lutheran (6-4, 2-2) on Nov. 14.

The Warriors are poised to make a deep playoff run and could potentially meet St. Margaret’s in the semifinals.

St. Margaret’s v. Excelsior Charter at SMES

The Eagles strong finish in San Joaquin League play earned them a second-place finish and a berth into the CIF-SS East Valley Division playoffs.

After losing their league-opening game to rival Saddleback Valley Christian, Capistrano Valley Christian (7-3, 4-1) won four consecutive games to close out their regular season.

St. Anthony (9-1, 4-0) is the third overall seed in the East Valley Division. CD

The Tartans wrapped up their perfect season with a 42-0 shutout over Calvary Chapel on Nov. 7. Now the Academy League champions will turn their attention toward another deep playoff run in the CIF-SS East Valley Division.

St. Margaret’s has reached the finals of the postseason tournament in each of the past two seasons and this year, they enter the fray as the No. 1 overall seed.

If the Tartans advance past Excelsior Charter, they Page 22

Capistrano Valley Christian v. St. Anthony at St. Anthony High School

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