December 12, 2014

Tree Lighting Ceremony Delights Downtown

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

PAGE 16

PAGE 8 FOUNDED IN 2002

DECEMBER 12–25, 2014 • VOLUME 12, ISSUE 23

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

Tartans Triumph at CIF-SS Champs

St. Margaret’s tosses aside last season’s loss to win CIF-SS East Valley Division S P O R T S / PAG E 2 2

St. Margaret’s Episcopal head football coach Stephen Barbee raises the CIF-SS East Valley Division Championship plaque as his team cheers him on. The Tartans defeated Grace Brethren on Dec. 6 to claim the division championship. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

Downtown Hotel Approval Faces Pushback EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Meet New Superintendent Kirsten Vital SJC LIVING/PAGE 6

INSIDE: Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide PAGE 9

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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

What’s Up With...

Bandit’s first robbery was on Aug. 20, when he robbed the Chase Bank at 31972 Camino Capistrano in San Juan. The suspect walked into the bank, handed a note to the teller claiming he had a gun and left on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Hayes is suspected by the FBI of being the Cal Bear Bandit and was booked at Orange County Jail on charges of bank robbery, felony evading and auto theft.

Five things San Juan should know this week Group Sues City Over Hotel and Villas Approval THE LATEST: A group of San Juan Capistrano citizens opposed to the recentlyapproved San Juan Hotel and Villas filed a lawsuit opposing the project’s approval on Monday, Dec. 8. in Orange County Superior Court.

The group filing the suit—which includes petitioners Mark Nielsen, Kenneth Friess, Robert Williams and a group referred to as “Save Our Historic Town Center”—is challenging the development’s approval by the San Juan Capistrano City Council on Nov. 19, requesting the Superior Court review and reverse the council’s decision to approve the hotel and villas.

They contend the council’s approvals violate state planning and zoning law, the Subdivision Map Act and the city’s municipal code, claiming the project is “inconsistent with the City of San Juan Capistrano General Plan,” according to a letter written by the group’s attorney, Heather Minner of the San Francisco-based law firm Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger.

The letter continues that the city should consider the suit prior to permitting any project work or issuing further permits or approvals.

After years of working with the city, the Urban Village project was finally approved by the City Council around 3 a.m. on Nov. 19, following about five hours of presentations, public comment and debate.

The development will be operated

by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and include commercial, hotel and residential uses on a 3.17-acre site in the heart of the historic town center. Thirty single-family homes will be situated near the 136-room boutique hotel, which will include a fitness center, lounge, restaurant, swimming pool and spa.

In response to the lawsuit, Urban Village principal Josh Host said it’s merely a delay and that he intends to fight for the project.

“This project is a game changer for local businesses and will create a vibrant downtown,” Host said. “That is why we had 86 percent community support based on letters submitted and residents that spoke at the City Council hearing. We have our entitlements approved, financing in place The Capistrano Dispatch December 12–25, 2014

A man suspected by FBI to be the “Cal Bear Bandit” was arrested Dec. 5 in Santa Ana. The suspect’s first robbery, according to authorities, occurred at a Chase Bank in San Juan Capistrano in August. Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

and a signed agreement with Kimpton.

Now the only thing standing in the way of a four-star, boutique hotel in downtown is this bogus lawsuit.”

WHAT’S NEXT: According to petitioner Mark Nielsen, no hearing date has been announced for the suit. Nielsen said he hopes in the meantime the City Council will recognize the validity of their argument and realize the city attorney and city staff were correct about needing a general plan amendment to approve the project.

FIND OUT MORE: Read the full story online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

—Allison Jarrell

Blenheim Building Damaged in Fire THE LATEST: A Blenheim EquiSports office building was badly damaged in a fire on Saturday, Dec. 6 after firefighters fought back flames for hours. Beginning around 3:23 a.m., responders battled a blaze that was fueled by hay, according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi.

Concialdi said 45 firefighters were sent, along with two fire trucks, six fire engines and three water trucks to the scene. The fire resulted in about $500,000 worth of damage, including computers and office equipment that were stored in the building. Concialdi said the suspected cause of the fire is an accidental equipment malfunction.

WHAT’S NEXT: Melissa Brandes, vice president of marketing for Blenheim, said the rest of the facility is functioning as usual and will host a soccer tournament this weekend.

Brandes said the firefighters did a great job of responding quickly and containing the fire to the office building.—AJ

New Council Begins with Business-friendly Agenda

WHAT’S NEXT: At his Dec. 9 arraignment, Hayes pleaded not guilty to charges of being the Cal Bear Bandit and robbing a slew of banks in Orange County since August. Recently, Hayes told a CBS reporter that he’s innocent and needs to be in rehab for his heroin addiction.—AJ

CUSD Board Swears in New Trustees, Reorganizes

WHAT’S NEXT: One of Reeve’s first actions as mayor was to change the council meetings to start an hour earlier. The Dec. 16 meeting will now start at 5 p.m., with closed session beginning by 4 p.m. at the latest.—AJ

THE LATEST: Newly-elected Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees members Martha McNicholas, Gila Jones and Lynn Hatton-Hodson were officially sworn into their seats Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Hatton-Hodson, who was re-elected last month to a second term, was chosen as the new president of the board. She succeeds John Alpay, who served two consecutive terms as president. Trustee Amy Hanacek was selected as vice president, and McNicholas was elected as clerk.

“Thank you to all of our supporters who got us through this election,” HattonHodson said during Monday night’s meeting. “Your support is invaluable.”

Alpay, who began his time on the board as clerk, said he enjoyed getting a lot done over the last four years, including hiring new superintendent Kirsten Vital.

Hatton-Hodson represents Area 7, which covers Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo and Coto de Caza. McNicholas represents Area 4, which includes parts of Laguna Niguel and Dana Point.

Jones represents Area 6, which covers portions of Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano.

Cal Bear Bandit Arrested in Santa Ana

WHAT’S NEXT: The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at the CUSD board room, located at 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano. —AJ

THE LATEST: The new San Juan Capistrano City Council majority, including Mayor Derek Reeve, Mayor Pro Tem Pam Patterson and Kerry Ferguson, set a businessfriendly tone at their Dec. 2 meeting, with discussion about creating a mayoral business committee and eliminating business licenses in town. After Reeve, Patterson and Ferguson were sworn in, the conversation turned to creating a business-oriented committee that would focus on making San Juan more easily accessible and appealing to potential businesses. Reeve was also interested in having staff examine the option of eliminating business licenses.

Former mayor Sam Allevato was hesitant toward the proposal, pointing out that unintended consequences may occur with such an abrupt change. Staff was given until the spring to look into the matter.

THE LATEST: The man suspected of being the “Cal Bear Bandit” was arrested by the Westminster Police Department on Dec. 5 in Santa Ana after an attempted bank robbery. Justin Hayes, 27, of Irvine had attempted to rob a U.S. National Bank and flee to a taxi cab when he was pursued by officers and apprehended.

According to authorities, the Cal Bear

Page 3

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EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Final Stretch of Ortega Reopens, Bridge Demo Set The section of Ortega Highway between Del Obispo Street and El Camino Real reopened Dec. 10. That portion of the highway was the last section of Ortega to be reconfigured as part of the Interstate5/Ortega Highway Interchange Improvement Project. Drivers can now directly access San Juan Capistrano’s Historic Town Center from I-5.

The next major work on the project is the demolition of the north side of the Ortega Highway bridge, scheduled to begin on Friday, Dec. 12. Weather permitting, the bridge is expected to close at 11 p.m., with the freeway closing in both directions at midnight. Both roads are anticipated to reopen at 6 a.m. Demolition work will continue on Saturday, Dec. 13, with road closure beginning at 11 p.m. and ending at 6 a.m. Motorists who want to drive into San Juan from I-5 must use the Camino Capistrano or Junipero Serra Road exits.

If the demolition is not completed by Dec. 13, work will continue on Dec. 19 and 20. Demolition of the bridge will allow crews to move forward with completing the northbound loop on-ramp to I-5, which is expected to open by the end of January 2015. For more information on the project, visit www.octa.net/ortega.

Man and Dog Pass Through OC on 2,000-Mile Walk for Canine Cancer On Dec. 9, Luke Robinson and his dog Indiana arrived at the Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group in San Juan Capistrano, making a stop on their 2,000-mile walk to raise funds and awareness for canine cancer. Robinson is spending six months walking from Ontario, Canada to the border of Mexico—his second walk after losing a dog to cancer. During their visit, a VSMG veterinarian conducted a health check and wellness exam to ensure Indiana is in good shape for the rest of their journey. Robinson established the Puppy

Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group staff members, including Dr. Heather Mineo and Dr. Marcos Unis, visit with Luke Robinson and his dog Indiana.

The duo is walking 2,000 to promote awareness of canine cancer. Photo: Courtesy of Lynnette Coverly

The Capistrano Dispatch December 12-25, 2014

Up Foundation to research common links between, and causes of, canine and human cancers. The foundation has funded $250,000 in studies and another $100,000 in education and awareness initiatives. For more information, visit www.puppyup.org.

We Olive & Wine Bar Ribbon Cutting We Olive & Wine Bar will celebrate the opening of its first South Orange County location in San Juan Capistrano with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, Dec. 12.

The shop features California artisan extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegars, local and limited production wines, food, body and skin care products, kitchen accessories and more. The ceremony will take place at noon at 31760 Camino Capistrano, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano.

New Method Wellness Hosts Annual Holiday Party New Method Wellness, a drug and alcohol treatment center in San Juan Capistrano, will host its 24th annual Anne P.J. Holiday Party on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 31473 Rancho Viejo Road. The event provides an opportunity for the recovery community to enjoy a fun and sober holiday gathering, while embracing the healthy relationships formed during recovery. Those planning on attending are encouraged to bring a newcomer. The event, expected to draw more than 100 people, will include a visit from Santa Claus, train rides and refreshments. For more information, contact Karin Scarpone at 949.951.1824 or karin@ newmethodwellness.com.

Pacific Medical Toys for Tots Donation Pacific Medical, a company specializing in the purchase and repair of patient monitoring equipment, is working with the Toys for Tots coalition and partnering with the OC Fire Department, Department of Social Services, Operation Santa Claus, Sparks of Love and St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Churches to gather contributions and distribute toy collections throughout Orange County. Pacific Medical’s Toys for Tots donation of $1 for each purchase and repair made in December will run throughout the entire month. Pacific Medical is also hosting a toy collection drop-off site at both corporate locations in San Juan Capistrano. The toys collected should be new and unwrapped, covering children of all ages. On Dec. 22, the toys collected from Pacific Medical customers and employees will be given out across Orange County to children in need.

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.

Former Councilmen Larry Kramer and John Taylor plan to remain supportive of San Juan’s residents by staying involved in the community and continuing their volunteer efforts. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Councilmen Exit the Dais, But Not the Community

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

s Councilmen Larry Kramer and John Taylor stepped down from their roles in City Hall on Dec. 2, they both expressed how much they’ve enjoyed getting to know the residents of San Juan Capistrano while in office.

Kramer and Taylor are well-known for being active in the tight-knit community of San Juan—the two were involved in numerous clubs, committees and volunteer organizations.

Kramer was elected to the council in 2010, serving as mayor in 2012 and mayor pro tem this past year. He initially came to San Juan 12 years ago to enjoy a relaxing retirement with some volunteer work on the side. When Kramer started going to Coffee Chat, he introduced himself as a Rotarian, and it wasn’t long after that he found himself on a city transportation committee. Since then, Kramer has served on the open space committee, as vice chairperson of the San Juan Basin Authority and as vice chairman of the South Orange County Wastewater Authority.

Before arriving in San Juan, Kramer spent 30 years in the Navy commanding submarines, and after that he worked for 10 years managing electric generation power plants across the country and abroad. He and his wife, Chris, moved around about 26 times before planting roots in San Juan.

During his time in office, Kramer said he’s proudest of his work to revitalize the downtown, which often involved meeting with local merchants and figuring out how to efficiently solve complex problems. He Page 5

was also known as “the water guy,” for his extensive knowledge of and involvement in the city’s water issues.

Similarly, Taylor said he’s also proud of his work to support downtown businesses and invest in economic development.

Elected in 2010 and serving as mayor in 2012, Taylor said his focus was largely on bringing “diverse sources of income” to San Juan and creating a thriving, historic town center.

He and his wife, Marianne, moved to the Los Rios District 25 years ago and live in the Labat House, built in 1887, that they restored. They raised their kids on Los Rios Street, while Taylor has worked as a builder and property manager for the Brea Corporate Park. Like Kramer, Taylor became very active in the community, coaching and refereeing AYSO for nine years and serving as the First Vice President of the League of California Cities Orange County Division.

With Councilwomen-elect Pam Patterson and Kerry Ferguson taking their spots at the dais, Kramer and Taylor said the extra hours in their day will be divvied up among family, friends and volunteering. Taylor will continue his work as a commercial property manager, and said two years from now he may get back into politics—he’s just not quite sure at what level that may be.

As for Kramer, he has a pretty good idea of what his days will look like.

“I came here to ride my bicycle, play golf, do a little volunteer work and spend time with my wife, my kids and grandkids,” Kramer said. “That’s my plan right now.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

New Superintendent Kirsten Vital is confident that her experience in partnering with cities and other agencies will help CUSD strengthen its facilities and student services. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Finding a Foundation in Community Superintendent focuses on strengthening education through collaboration

BY ALLISON JARRELL AND JIM SHILANDER, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

hroughout her 22 years in education, Kirsten Vital has found that building trust and utilizing teamwork are at the foundation of creating better schools and services for students. So when Vital was chosen as the new superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District, she knew sustaining and strengthening relationships with the district’s communities would be one of her primary focuses.

“Everyone needs to be working together in order for children to succeed,” Vital said.

“I think I come with a really collaborative spirit and openness to figuring things out together.”

Vital comes to CUSD from the Alameda Unified School District, where she was also superintendent. She has previous experience at both the Los Angeles Unified and Oakland Unified school districts, and she’s worked as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and a college professor.

While in Oakland, Vital partnered with the city and county to put clinics into each middle school in the district, an $18 million project. And in Alameda, she was able to spearhead the installation of a community pool by partnering with the city.

“I’m always very open to doing partnerSuperintendency is not ships with cities,” Vital said. “Throughout always the most popular job, my career, I’ve seen that you can do some amazing things when you’re able to link because you have to make and connect partners around a collaboration.” some tough recommendaWhile Vital has grappled with some large issues during her tenure, her previtions, especially in really ous district is much smaller than CUSD, with 10,000 students spread across 10 tough fiscal times. elementary schools, two middle schools – Kirsten Vital and four high schools. CUSD has 53,000 students at 55 campuses in San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita; the communities of Las Flores, Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon, Ladera Ranch and Wagon Wheel, and a virtual school.

In order to better grasp the issues at each campus, Vital is in the midst of visiting each site by winter break. She’s met with hundreds of community members, from teachers and PTA leaders to parent volunteers and city staff members, and so far she’s seen a common trend—everyone wants to do what’s best for the children.

But Vital is tasked with focusing that effort on short-term and long-term goals. Capistrano Unified faces a number of issues in the coming years, many concentrated in south county cities.

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The Capistrano Dispatch December 12-25, 2014

FOCUSING ON FACILITIES During the economic downturn, the district was forced to cut deep into its budget, including using money previously earmarked for long-term facility needs in its general fund and laying off maintenance staff, thus exacerbating the needs at some of its oldest school, many of which are in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

In 2013, an assessment of facilities’ needs for the district was estimated at approximately $1 billion, though that was subsequently put at $822 million.

The district has embarked on some of the most immediate repair work, including replacement of the roof at San Clemente High School last summer and a new HVAC system at Dana Hills High School.

There were also a number of what former superintendent Joseph Farley called “curb appeal” projects at various campuses.

With increases in funding from the state due to the passage of Proposition 30 in 2012, the Board of Trustees prioritized restoring school days and pay cuts that had been made as a result of the budget shortfalls.

One of Vital’s priorities is to find a way to begin to address some of the district’s maintenance issues. In goals outlined at the last Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 12, Vital noted that in the short-term, upkeep can begin to take center stage by instating a facilities work order process, allowing projects to be prioritized. She noted that looking at the district’s facilities master plan and focusing on the fundamental needs at each site will also be an important next step.

These basic needs include making facilities sufficiently “cool, warm, safe and dry.”

“I think we need to move forward as one unified school district,” Vital said. “Having said that, there are differentiated needs that will have to be addressed at some point. Some of our facilities are much older than others. Some of our newer facilities may not be as strongly made. So there are different issues, depending on the city and the unincorporated area, that all need some kind of attention.”

FINDING LONG-TERM FINANCIAL FIXES Changing the long-term financing options for the district is also an issue Vital will have to contend with. Many new schools or school improvements within the district and throughout the county’s population boom have come through community facilities districts, which only allow for funding of schools within the CFD, not into the general funding structure of the district.

Another local issue will arise with the planned 2016 completion of Avenida La Pata between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. San Juan Hills High School, which sits alongside the road in San Juan Capistrano, was partially built with funds from the Talega development in San Clemente, and parents there have been anxious about the possibility of sending their children to the school, as students from Talega receive priority over others in a school-of-choice system. However, the school is already nearing capacity without a large influx from elsewhere in Page 6

the district, enough that some students scheduled to go to the school from Ladera Ranch were unable to do so during the recent school-choice period.

Vital said significant work on school-ofchoice policy will need to occur within the coming months—work that will be done publicly with the district board. One way to work around CFD funding issues, Vital said, would be to look at other long-term funding mechanisms such as a bond, which the community would need to ask for. Vital successfully got a school facilities bond on the ballot in Alameda, which passed earlier this month. Such a bond could be a method to raise funds to deal with the district’s infrastructure issues.

Another option is to carefully examine the language of the district’s many CFDs and define exactly how those dollars can be used, such as for work currently described only as “refurbishment” or “modernization.”

Vital added that it will be important for community members to be a part of funding and policy conversations, which will likely be on the docket for January and February.

THE RIGHT FIT Board of Trustees president John Alpay said Vital stood “head and shoulders” above other candidates during the district’s search, which included both nationwide and statewide candidates.

Alpay said the district had been solidified by Vital’s predecessor, Farley, allowing her to have a solid platform with which to launch the district to success. Vital presided over relative labor peace at Alameda, which Alpay said was a key to continue after a strike in 2010, before Farley’s hiring. He also cited her experience working with charter schools in Oakland as a key to her selection, since no district in south Orange County has more such schools than CUSD. Vital said she earned her “fiscal chops” during her tenure in Oakland’s school district, which was in bankruptcy and relied on state loans.

“I’ve had to make some really hard decisions in my career,” Vital said. “Superintendency is not always the most popular job, because you have to make some tough recommendations, especially in really tough fiscal times.”

In addition to working on facilities and financing, Alpay said Vital and the board are committed to improving instruction. In Alameda, Vital implemented a reading and writing program that resulted in stronger eighth-grade writers and fifth-graders having a conceptual understanding of math.

Vital also brings with her the perspective of becoming a new mother. Since adopting a girl last winter, Vital said her husband stays home full-time with their daughter—who now has six teeth and is learning to walk—so that she can have the space and time to help with the district’s 53,000 other children and young people.

“I think becoming a mom has made me an even better educator,” Vital said. “After this much time supporting families as children’s first educators, it’s enlightening and exciting to have those experiences myself.” 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.

Saturday, November 29 SUSPICOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle Del Campo, 31200 Block (9:40 p.m.) A man and woman were possibly smoking marijuana inside a white Chevy truck. The caller saw a lighter going off inside the truck.

DISTURBANCE Ortega Highway, 27200 Block (11:57 a.m.) A caller from next door to the Amata Holistic Massage parlor reported that the owner and a customer were out front in a verbal argument.

DISTURBANCE Ortega Highway/Camino Capistrano (10:43 a.m.) A 70 year old male was in the Mission Store screaming profanities at the top of his lungs.

Thursday, November 27 SUSPICOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES La Zanja St./Avenida La Vista (10:48 p.m.)

A caller stated that five people were doing drugs in a hallway under the stairs.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Alipaz St., 32200 Block (3:32 p.m.) Subjects were on a patio playing guitar and singing.

Wednesday, November 26

SUSPICOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Resplendor, 30700 Block (9:05 p.m.) Four people were loitering in the pool area. The caller stated that they were not guests, were unknown to the complex and should be removed.

WELFARE CHECK San Juan Creek Road/ Camino Capistrano (6:40 p.m.) A female transient was sitting on the center divider, begging for money, and the caller was concerned she was going to get hit by a car.

SUSPICOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano/San Juan Creek Road (4:25 p.m.) A white bassinette was under the overpass in the flood control by Vons.

No one could see or hear a child.

SUSPICOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano/Del Obispo St. (2:20 p.m.)

A male jewelry store employee called to report a possibly homeless man crying and singing in the parking lot.

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE Major progress being made on the Outlets at San Clemente plaza—located on a previously vacant land between El Camino Real/ Coast Highway and Interstate-5— and the line-up for the stores at the mall is taking shape. Tenants named by Craig Realty include the following: Aerosoles, Asics, Calvin Klein, Carter’s, Chico’s, Clarks Bostonian, Cole Haan, Converse, Fossil, Guess Factory Store, Hanes Brands, Kay Jewelers, Levi’s Outlet Store, Luggage Factory, Nike, OshKosh B’gosh, Papaya, Pearl Izumi, Perfumania, Planet Beauty, Puma, Quiksilver, Skechers, Sun Diego, Sunglass Hut, Swarovski, Tilly’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Vans and White House|Black Market. The mall is slated to be open for the 2015 holiday season.

DANA POINT A former Marine who crashed his car and killed three passengers, all fellow Marines, in Dana Point in February 2012, was convicted Wednesday of causing bodily injury while driving under the influence, and causing bodily injury with a blood alcohol concentration greater than .08 percent. Jared Ray Hale, 27, faces 12 years in prison as a result of the conviction. All four men were stationed at Camp Pendleton at the time of the crash. A sentencing hearing has been set for Jan. 30.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 12-25, 2014

Community Meetings TUESDAY, DEC. 16

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting

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

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

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

Coffee Chat

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.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24

City Offices Closed for the Holidays No Downtown Farmers Market until Jan. 14.

FRIDAY, DEC. 26

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

Page 7

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor BE TRUE TO YOUR RHETORIC —Ted Rosenfeldt, San Juan Capistrano Our newly elected City Council ran on the promise that they would base their leadership decisions on the will of the people— not small special interest groups. Last week, in their first full meeting as a new council, they had the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to this principle.

Signature collectors who stood in front of our grocery stores promised, when I spoke with them, that if residents signed the petition regarding the recently approved Spieker retirement community, they would have the opportunity to learn about the project and vote on it in a public election.

Now some activists who live close to the new project are asking the new council to break that promise and cancel the project’s approvals without letting city residents vote at all.

Our family business has been in San Juan Capistrano for 38 years. During that time, our community has seen more than its share of petitions and referendums, but never in our history has a City Council had the audacity to block the public’s vote on a referendum issue. It would be tragic if our new council made their first significant action an unprecedented disregard for the public’s input.

I think the Spieker project is a great opportunity for our town. Like many who signed the petition, I want my voice heard in an election, not silenced by a city council that thinks they know better. Please do the right thing and let the city residents decide. Put it to a vote.

RESPONSE TO KIM CRAWFORD, DRIVERS ON CAMINO LA RONDA —Diane Dokos, San Juan Capistrano Unfortunately Kim, you might consider riding your horse right out of town and never coming back to San Juan (Dear SJC Automobile Drivers, Nov. 28, 2014). Residents of this town no longer respect horses and their riders. Most residents would rather squeeze our stables right on out of here.

The speed at which people drive on Camino La Ronda has been a concern for a very long time. The horse crossing you are referring to is very dangerous, for it is located in the middle of an s-curve in the road.

Residents and visitors drive this street way over the speed limit. Many years ago, our car got totaled from an out-of-control driver. Many of us asked for speed humps, but the city said we did not qualify for them, so they gave us stop signs to slow drivers down. Well, the stop signs do not slow drivers down in fact most people do not bother to even stop at the signs. There have been many unreported accidents on The Capistrano Dispatch December 12–25, 2014

this street. One summer, motorcycle officers gave out over 200 tickets on this street.

Residents were outraged at receiving tickets and took the issue to the city for a town hall meeting. At this town hall meeting, our City Council members basically slapped the hands of the officers for giving out so many citations. The City Council took the side of the residents and obviously told our sheriff’s department to stop sending the motorcycle officers to our street, since we never see much of them anymore.

Oh yeah, the city did give us what they call “calming methods” for the street— something that was designed to calm drivers into slow driving. That is where they painted rows and rows of bright lines and reflectors. The city’s calming method of paint and reflectors only made this street resemble a high speed highway or an airport runway. It has done nothing to slow drivers down; in fact, it has made this street even more dangerous. Oh yes, the city also sends out the portable radar sign at times. It is fun to watch how the board reflects the driver’s speed at 10 to 20 miles over the speed limit of this residential street. I am not sure why the city wastes the money to send this radar unit out here; no action is ever taken to the drivers who are breaking the law.

Well Kim, I am sorry to say that automobile drivers of this community have no respect. They have no respect for our equestrian community, they have no respect for our children waiting at the corners for the school bus, they have no respect for pedestrians crossing the roadways and they have no respect for each other. So, Kim, you and your fellow equestrians be careful crossing the street of La Ronda, because no one in this town is interested in making that equestrian crossing safer.

KEEP SAN CLEMENTE’S HOSPITAL FOR ALL OF AREA —Ruth Clark, San Juan Capistrano To the city councils and residents of Dana Point, Capistrano Beach and San Juan Capistrano: San Clemente Hospital and its emergency room are important to all of us.

It is staffed by excellent doctors and nurses. It is close and easy to get to for ambulances and local people (Plus free parking). Many lives have been saved due to its easy access and convenience.

Minutes can make the difference between life and death. Other hospitals are miles and time away. It is the only local hospital not under Catholic Church control, which is important for contraceptive and secular patients. As our area grows, and it will, we need a local hospital; we have always been the neglected triangle area of south Orange County. Mission Hospital is large and like a factory. I have been a patient at Laguna Mission and San Clemente, and I have had the best care and life-saving care at San Clemente Hospital, plus they have a chef and the food is great, which is

important in recovery. Good food is great for patient morale and something to look forward to, as basically, hospital life is not where we want to be—and rather boring—between tests and treatments.

Please support saving San Clemente Hospital. Write a letter to MemorialCare: 17360 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 and support the San Clemente City Council. You can email all of the members: citycouncil@san-clemente.org.

Or send a letter to: San Clemente City Council, San Clemente City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio, San Clemente, CA 92672.

We all need San Clemente Hospital and emergency care.

HOW MY DOG TRAINER TRAINED ME —Suzi Scallon, Laguna Beach He looks like a cross between Bob Marley and Jesus Christ, this sort of “dog whisperer” of San Juan Capistrano that my neighbor had been raving about, complete with dreadlocks and this total Kumbaya mellow vibe. “You gotta check out this dog trainer,” they would chorus, as they watched my daily dog walking struggle with my over-exuberant dog/puppy. “OK, OK, I’ll check it out,” I muttered vaguely, having finally reached the end of my leash!

Beginning the class, I was very nervous and stressed-out, convinced the whole thing would be an exercise in futility; my dog would never change. We would be forever locked in this push-pull the leash relationship, a never-ending tug-of-war. I became resentful of all the stress this dog was causing in my life. I began avoiding my usual dog-walk path so as not to be embarrassed in front of my neighbors.

Week after week, after class, I would feel nothing had changed; we were a hopeless case. Then we began attending the DogPack Walks, where everybody walks a different dog, not their own. “Wait a minute. He never acts like that with me,” I thought, staring in disbelief at my usually very badly-behaved dog walking just fine with that other person.

It was then I had an epiphany.

Maybe I was the problem, not my dog.

Maybe, just maybe, if I listened, really listened, to the trainer when he suggested that maybe it was me and not my dog that needed to change. Maybe it was me that needed training.

We were practicing the “stay” command and I had to drop the leash and walk away. I was absolutely terrified; convinced my dog would run away. But when the trainer took my hand, and said “Don’t worry, it will be OK,” it was! It was just like the Bob Marley song, “Don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright.” Thanks Ryan, you rock.

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 Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@thecapistranodispatch.com 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 Gift Guide Illustration by avean/iStockphoto.com

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 12, Issue 23. 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 8

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

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

Friday | 12 MERMADE MARKET 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The second semi-annual Mermade Market handmade-only craft bazaar features original crafts unique to this show. You will find fine art, gifts, jewelry, décor, textiles and more. Dec. 11-13. Event is free to attend. Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, www.mermademarket.com.

FANTASEA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13. Boaters parade through the Dana Point Harbor aboard boats decorated with festive lights.

Entrants vie for prizes in this 40th annual event. View the parade free from anywhere in the Harbor at waters’ edge. Dana Point Harbor Drive, www.danapointharbor.com.

Saturday | 13 SECOND SATURDAY ART FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The final Second Saturday art and antique fair in San Juan Capistrano will be located throughout downtown and is free to attend. Los Rios Street, Camino Capistrano, Yorba and Verdugo, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

FUN FINDING FUNGI MUSHROOM WALK 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Join the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo to find and identify mushrooms. Ages eight and up. Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

Sunday | 14 JOY OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Calvary Chapel in San Juan Capistrano is hosting a ‘Joy of Christmas’ celebration. Services will be at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., held in the Saddleback College Gymnasium, located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. The services will include musical guests and a message by John Randall, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel. For more information, call 949.443.2572 or visit www.calvarysoc.com.

MIKE HAMILTON Noon-close. Enjoy live music at Mission Grill with guitarist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Hamilton. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.8055, www.mikehamiltonmusic.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 12–25, 2014

Photo: Courtesy Fox Searchlight

Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Craig Thomas, and Mrs. Dilber, played by Gina Treasure, reenact the first scene of “The Christmas Carol,” now showing through Dec. 21 at the Camino Real Playhouse. Photo: Allison Jarrell

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 8 p.m. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future lead Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m., Sunday performances at 2 p.m. Runs until Sunday Dec. 21. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Tuesday | 16 FIESTA ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS PARTY 6 p.m. Kick up your heels at the annual Fiesta Association Christmas Party, hosted

by Sponsorship Chair Steve Weekes. The event includes a three-course meal, DJ, dance floor and a no-host bar. $20. RSVP

by Dec. 11 to lisamckissackmembership@ gmail.com. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road.

Wednesday | 17 DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.–6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday, www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

Thursday | 18 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.

Friday | 19 THE BREWHOUSE GRAND OPENING Throughout the weekend of Dec. 19, The BrewHouse in San Juan will have special beers on tap, food trucks and other activities to kick-off their official opening. Fes-

tivities commence Friday evening and run through Sunday, Dec. 21. 31896 Plaza Drive D3, San Juan Capistrano, 949.891.2337, www.thebrewhousesjc.com.

Saturday | 20 CAPISTRANO EAGLES ANNUAL COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE 12 p.m.-5 p.m. The Capistrano Eagles Motorcycle Club is hosting its annual food drive at Swallows Inn to support Father Serra’s Pantry, which benefits San Juan Capistrano families in need. Live music by Family Style from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Most needed non-perishable food items include: canned meats, fish and poultry, canned fruits, canned soup, dry pasta and beans and personal hygiene products. For more information call 714.321.9923. Swallows Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano.

SOUTH COAST SINGERS 7 p.m. Join the South Coast Singers for their holiday concert series “A Season of Love and Joy.” Event is free, but tickets need to be reserved at www.southcoastsingers.org. South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Pkwy, Dana Point.

Tuesday | 23 WINTER BREAK KIDS CRAFTS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fill your stockings with homemade crafts at the Mission. Parent or sitter must be present to participate.

No crafts on Dec. 24 or 25. $3 for nonmembers; $1 for members. 949.234.1320, www.missionsjc.com.

Page 12

At the Movies: Go ‘Wild’ with Reese

BY MEGAN BIANCO

A

fter the global acclaim and awards for Sean Penn’s Into the Wild (2007) and Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours (2010), it was only a matter of time before the female perspective of the wilderness would occur. The actress up to the challenge became Reese Witherspoon in Jean-Marc Vallée’s Wild. Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir of her cross country hike in 1995, the film is a big return to and reminder of Witherspoon’s gutsy, indie roots before becoming America’s sweetheart.

After Cheryl (Witherspoon) and her husband Paul (Thomas Sadoski) divorce, she makes the crazy decision to hike the Pacific Coast Trail all by herself.

Realizing she still hasn’t recovered from her mother’s (Laura Dern) death or her years as a drug addict, Cheryl thinks she needs to completely breakaway to move on. Along the way we see her struggle and fight along the desert and woods, and recount her life thus far.

W. Earl Brown and Gaby Hoffmann co-star. Fresh off of Dallas Buyers Club, Vallée chooses another biopic to direct Witherspoon. With copious amounts of foul language, sex, drug use, and emotional and physical pain, Wild is the most ambitious project for the Oscarwinning star since American Psycho 14 years earlier. Dern and Hoffmann are good as Cheryl’s life support, while Vallée succeeds in penning, what could be Witherspoon’s second Oscar nominated performance. Behind Laggies and Gone Girl, Wild is one of the greatest female leads film of 2014. CD

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

Ballet Foklorico de San Juan Capistrano dancers perform at the tree lighting ceremony in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Maliah and Liam Howe smile for a photo with Santa Claus.

Junior Sarah Tran, left, and Senior Sydney Brewer, both of Capistrano Valley High School, perform Christmas songs on Camino Capistrano.

Ten-year-old Gianni Contreras performs with Mariachi for All at the Mission’s Christmas program.

Members of the Mariachi for All—Capistrano Community Mariachi Program perform at “Christmas at the Mission.”

Lighting Up the Holiday Season Thousands Attend Annual Downtown Ceremony and Festivities PHOTOS AND STORY BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

an Juan Capistrano’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony attracted thousands of people to the city’s Historic Town Center Park Dec. 6, with an array of events including performances by local musicians and dancers, hay rides and train rides and a special program following the lighting at the Mission.

Heidi Ivanoff, Senior Program & Special Events Coordinator for the city, said this year’s event was “blessed with wonderful weather.” Even with traffic delays due to Ortega construction, Ivanoff said the lighting attracts roughly 10,000 people each season, and this year was no different.

Many local clubs and organizations participate in the holiday festivities each year, and Ivanoff said several of the groups use The Capistrano Dispatch December 12–25, 2014

the opportunity for fundraising. One such group, the Capistrano Valley High School Orchestra, kicked-off the ceremony with a performance and later sold food and holiday trinkets in a booth while other members played in trios and quartets around town. Ivanoff said the city tries to change a couple aspects of the event each season, and this year that meant adding a free outdoor movie showing—The Grinch—sponsored by SD&E. OCTA sponsored a free shuttle service with three park-and-ride locations for attendees to take advantage of until about 11 p.m., which Ivanoff said allowed for visitors to participate in the downtown’s “Moonlight Shop & Dine.”

“It was wonderful seeing all of the new businesses and restaurants participating downtown,” Ivanoff said. CD

The San Juan Capistrano tree lighting ceremony took place in the Historic Town Center Park on Dec. 6.

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Finding Love After 75 is Possible Age shouldn’t be a cause to give up

S Flashback Friday

Actress Mary Astor protects actor Gilbert Roland from a firing squad during the 1928 filming of silent movie, ‘Rose of the Golden West,’ in San Juan Capistrano.

Photo: Courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

San Juan Mourns the Loss of Kris Aemisseger

Dozens attend memorial for beloved homeless woman

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

K

ris Aemisseger was a daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and a dear friend to all who encountered her. Kris was also homeless and lived on the streets of San Juan Capistrano—her home by choice. Kris passed away on Nov. 25, surrounded by her family and friends.

Just four days before, she had suffered a heart attack outside of the Starbucks across from Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Gina Seriel, founder of the nonprofit Our Father’s Table, spent hours tracking Kris’ family down while Kris was at the hospital. She contacted relatives from Mission Viejo to all the way to Tennessee.

Mark Rindahl, one of Kris’ nephews, said if it weren’t for Gina finding and contacting their family, they wouldn’t have been able to be there.

A memorial service was held Sunday, Dec. 7 for Kris at the Starbucks she so often frequented. Pastor Leland Lantz of the Lutheran Church of The Cross led the serThe Capistrano Dispatch December 12-25, 2014

vice for more than 60 friends and family—both her biological family and her San Juan family—in attendance. Those who couldn’t attend the Sunday afternoon memorial wrote letters to be read Kris Aemisseger at the service, including Shelly Davis, Kris’ daughter, and Marc, the Starbucks store manager.

Those who attended Kris’ memorial shared stories of their relationships and encounters with Kris, including her partner, Bill, who she had shared over 20 years with on the streets.

“We were blessed by Kris and her light,” Gina said. “She will be forever missed.”

Look for the full story on Kris’ life and memorial in the Dec. 26 edition of The Dispatch. CD

ingles ages 50 to 80 often say to me, “I’m too old to meet somebody.” I tell them they are wrong. Today I share three stories of how couples in their mid70s found love.

These stories were sent to me this week by subscribers to my weekly “On Life and Love After 50” online newsletter. The subscribers reside throughout the USA, Canada and in many foreign countries.

Zoe of Glastonbury, England, emailed: “The actress Dame Judi Dench turns 80 on Dec. 9. When Michael Williams, her beloved husband of 30 years, died in 2001, it never occurred to her to think of another man in her life.”

“But fate, in the guise of a few red squirrels, changed that. A neighbor, David Mills, has established the British Wildlife Center.

He invited Dame Judi to the opening of a new accommodation for his red squirrels.

Their relationship started from there. She was 76 and he was 68.”

“They are seen everywhere together but both lead busy lives and live in their separate homes. We aren’t all Judi Dench, of course, but she met the right man by doing just what you, Tom, always recommend to older singles—moving outside the comfort zone and doing something new. I doubt that Dame Judi had opening a home for red squirrels on her agenda as a stage set for romance.”

Another subscriber, Carm, 75, a Jackson, Mich., high school classmate of mine, spends six months each year living in Barra, Mexico, about four hours south of Puerto Vallarta. A year ago, a relationship he was involved in for several years ended.

Carm emailed, “I have a new (and last) girlfriend here in Barra. She’s recently widowed but we’ve known each other for

seven years. She has lived here for 14 years. She’s originally from England but moved to Canada in her early 30s and has been in Mexico for 18 years. A year older than me and so fine.

“She has a house to sell, then we’re off to Italy for a month. When we return, we’ll be searching for a new town in Mexico to live -- likely Oaxaca. I’m very happy.”

A third newsletter reader, Rich, also 75, described how he recently found love: “As a widower of three years, I attended a sketching and painting program in Northern Wisconsin in September. I met Rose, a widow my age, who is a watercolor artist, photographer, birder with a quick wit and a huge ON LIFE AND sense of humor.

LOVE AFTER 50 “We found, as two acBy Tom Blake tive, upbeat persons, that we had many common interests and views which lead to a strong attraction. We accept each other as we find each other now, not comparing our current relationship to what we had with our spouses. Rose lives in Iowa while I am in the suburbs of Chicago, 300 miles apart.

“We split time between the two locations.

We would never have met if we did not follow our artistic interests in a group setting. Rose is my love for the rest of my live. Happy does not begin to describe the joy we both feel.”

Is 75 too old to find love? No, as these three couples discovered. When people get out of the house and pursue outside interests, they dramatically improve their chances of finding romance. And as the band Pablo Cruise sang in the 1970s, “Love will find a way.”

To sign up for my complimentary newsletter, go to the home page of www. findingloveafter50.com or email me at tompblake@gmail.com.

Tom Blake is a San Clemente resident and Dana Point business owner who has authored three books on middle-aged dating.

For dating information: www.FindingLoveAfter50.com. To comment: tompblake@ gmail.com. 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.

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

Page 17

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

100th Anniversary of the Fr. Serra Statue

D

uring my hiatus from writing for The Dispatch, a significant anniversary occurred in San Juan Capistrano. The statue of Fr. Serra and the Indian boy at the Mission celebrated its 100th anniversary.

When Fr. St. John O’Sullivan, the Great Mission Restorer, arrived in San Juan Capistrano in 1910, he knew very little about Fr. Serra. But he quickly became an admirer of all that Serra had accomplished.

To honor him, O’Sullivan commissioned an artist to make a sculpture of Serra for the front of the Mission.

Tole Van Rensaalar was the sculptor that did the statue. There are no records

A statue of Fr. Serra and the Indian boy in Petra, Serra’s hometown on the island of Mallorca. Photo: Courtesy Jan Siegel

as to what he was paid, so it was probably room, board and supplies. It took him three years to complete the sculpture, as O’Sullivan was always firing him because, according to local legend, Van Rensaalar was “addicted to the bottle.” He was a Los Angeles artist who came to San Juan Capistrano by train and stayed at the Mendelson Hotel.

The model for the Indian boy was Clarence Mendelson, the 9-yearMOMENTS IN old son of the hotel TIME

By Jan Siegel owner. Clarence was an altar boy at the Mission, and although he had no Indian characteristics, he had a good physique for the artist. He was depicted facing Serra, so facial features were not important.

Van Rensaalar had another problem. He could not find a picture of Serra, so with O’Sullivan constantly encouraging him to finish the sculpture, he used O’Sullivan’s face in place of Serra’s. At the time, no one thought that anything was strange about the two models for this statue. The statue was officially dedicated on Aug. 13, 1914.

Originally erected near the Mission Gate, the statue was moved several times over the years. Each time it suffered some damage. Weather and erosion also took its toll on the sculpture. In 1995, the Historical Society and private donors, along with the Mission Docent Society, commissioned sculptor Tom Gillenwater

to refurbish and restore the Serra Statue.

The statue was cleaned, missing pieces restored, cracks and chips filled and a preservative coating was added.

We recently returned from a trip to Mallorca, Spain, and Serra’s hometown of Petra.

In the village square in Petra, there are two statues of Serra. One was completed one year before our Mission statue and features the head of Serra. The other one is a replica of our Mission statue, but has Serra’s head, and the native Indian boy is a frontal representation. It was commissioned in 1988, when Serra was beatified by Pope John Paul II. This replica is also seen in the University courtyard in Palma, where Serra taught

before coming to Mexico. The statues in Mallorca also have Serra holding a cross high above his head, whereas the statue at the Mission has him holding no cross.

During this holiday season, spend a ‘Moment in Time’ by visiting the Mission and viewing the statue of Fr. Serra, and reflect on our history and our legends. Perhaps it is fitting that our statue represents the builder and the restorer of the Mission. 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.

Mosaics Transform Saddleback Church Scenery Local artist creates mosaic Stations of the Cross for Rancho Capistrano church

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

V

isitors to Saddleback Church in San Juan Capistrano can now enjoy a trail of mosaic scenes showcasing the 15 Stations of the Cross, thanks to the craftsmanship of local artist Lance Jost.

Jost, who lives in Dana Point with his wife Donna, completed the stations last month following two years of meticulous work. Jost has an extensive history of commissioned artwork—from the famous 100-foot long Electric Lady Mural, custommade in the 70s for Jimi Hendrix’s recording studio in Greenwich Village, to more recent mosaics on Dana Point’s Pacific Coast Highway pedestrian bridge. Jost also helped create the nautically-themed fountain in Dana Point’s La Plaza Park, along with landscape architect Yvonne English.

As a person of faith, Jost said he felt The Capistrano Dispatch December 12-25, 2014

compelled to create spiritually-oriented artwork for the church. So in 2012, he began working with Saddleback Church to craft the mosaic Stations of the Cross.

With the church’s surrounding open space, spring-fed lake and tree-covered trails, Jost said he was “overjoyed to have such a beautiful site” to work with.

Each mosaic scene is 3 feet by 4 feet, with the exception of the Last Supper which measures 4 feet by 8 feet. The stations’ sculpted figures are cast in glass so their color won’t fade, and each background is made of mixed mediums like stone and marble.

Jost said one of the most gratifying moments following the project’s completion was when he received an email from Saddleback Pastor Rick Warren, thanking him for his work. Jost said there’s been discussion of doing a large mosaic of Christ being baptized behind the church’s baptismal font. CD

This Last Supper mosaic is one of 15 Stations of the Cross crafted by local artist Lance Jost near the Saddleback Church in San Juan Capistrano. Visitors can find the trail of stations on the west side of the I-5 freeway between Avery Parkway and Junipero Serra, next door to the Mercedes Benz Dealership. Photo: Courtesy Donna Jost

Page 18

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ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

Excel Electric - CA #793860

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GARAGE ORGANIZING

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JEWELER

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

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PLUMBING

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

WATER DAMAGE

Chick’s Plumbing

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ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

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

MOLD REMOVAL

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The Capistrano Dispatch December 12–25, 2014

SCHOOLS

Page 19

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Scoreboard THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

YOUTH SOCCER The California Football Academy girls U13 team finished first in the Coast Soccer League’s Silver South Division this season.

It is the fi fth consecutive year the team has captured the division title with an undefeated record.

The team, which is made up of players from San Juan Capistrano and surround-

ing cities, went 9-0-3 on the season, conceding only four goals all year.

The team’s performance earned them a promotion to the league’s Silver Elite South Division next season.

The team includes: Paige Campbell, Dafne Saldivar, Sabrina Tanamachi, McKenna Alvarez, Hadley Thorsell, Lucy Terry, Isabelle Peloso, Briana Mendoza, Emily Lowe, Peyton Lynch, Caroline Christl, Piper Biolos, Charlotte Jones, and Savannah Burns. The team is coached by Shawn Burns.

Cole Mezak. Photo: Hao Blake Chang

Grom Spotlight: Cole Mezak

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C

ole Mezak, 12, of San Juan Capistrano, is ready to return to competition after taking a two-year hiatus to free surf and travel.

His first foray back into surf contests came Sunday at the Western Surfing Association event at the San Clemente Pier.

Cole said his return was prompted by missing his friends who surf competitively and the desire to keep challenging himself to improve. Although he was on the alternate list and didn’t make it into the event, he is excited and committed to finishing the second half of the season.

“Contests help me progress,” he said.

“Seeing the other kids doing better tricks than me makes me want to get better. I like the challenge of WSA contests. There are a lot of good surfers and everybody is so nice.”

Cole’s travels have taken him to Hawaii, Costa Rica and Mexico. He left for his next adventure to Hawaii on Thursday to surf at Velzyland on Oahu’s North Shore.

“Velzyland gets really fun and you can get some airs on the inside,” Cole said.

A seventh-grader at La Paz Middle School, Cole tries to utilize a tutorial

period during the school day to finish his homework to keep his grades in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ range and so that he can surf after school as many days per week as possible.

Cole has been surfing since the age of two, when he started riding waves on the nose of his dad’s board and he can’t imagine a life without it.

“It’s just fun and lets you get away,” he said. “Surfing just makes me my own person. It’s good self-expression and takes away stress. And it gets my muscles going, makes me stronger. And I like the adrenaline rush.”

When asked what he thinks taking time off from contests did for his surfing, Cole said the freedom has been good for his skills and his quest for a future career as a professional surfer—either free surfing or on the World Tour.

“My snaps have more power and I’m boosting airs more frequently now,” Cole said, adding that throughout his break from competition his sponsors have continued to be supportive.

“I’d like to thanks my sponsors Hurley, Killer Dana, Timmy Patterson and Mud Energy and my parents too, for their support.” CD

The California Football Academy girls U13 team. Courtesy Photo

SJC PREP SPORTS ROUNDUP

Warriors Girls Volleyball Finishes Championship Season COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

A

fter capturing the CIF-SS Division 3A Championship with a 3-0 victory over Woodcrest Christian, the Saddleback Valley Christian girls volleyball team went on another deep postseason run in the CIF State Division III Championships.

The Warriors advanced to the Division III State title match on Dec. 6 but were swept in

three sets by Sacred Heart Catheral, 3-0.

The team was led by seniors Heidi Dyer and Jaelyn Greene, junior Shannon Geraty and freshman Lilly Dyer over the course of the season.

The Warriors (33-6) went undefeated in San Joaquin League play, and losses were few and far between. A season highlight included a 14-match win streak that lasted from Sept. 19 to Oct. 17. CD

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Tartans Triumphant in CIF-SS Championship Game St. Margaret’s tosses aside last season’s loss to win CIF-SS East Valley Division

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ast season’s CIF-SS East Valley Division runner-up finish was still on the minds of the St. Margaret’s football team when they took the field Dec. 6 to play Grace Brethren in the 2014 championship game. The Tartans, a perennial playoff contender, got so far last season, only to see it escape their grasp.

But when things got close on Dec. 6, with a chance to finally stamp their name on the CIF-SS record books, St. Margaret’s relied on their trademark defense to come through with big plays in a 34-21 victory.

Trailing 20-14 in the fourth quarter, Grace Brethren drove downfield and into Tartans territory, when quarterback Matthew Woodard threw his first of two

consecutive interceptions to St. Margaret’s defensive back Fernando Delgado.

The Tartans cashed in on the first mistake when, on the ensuing drive, quarterback George Krantz threw a screen pass to Nick Shanks, who bobbed and weaved his way around the Lancers defense and into the end zone for a 33-yard touchdown strike.

Seven seconds later, Delgado intercepted Woodard for a second time and again, the Tartans turned the turnover into points. Running back Oscar Gomez burst for a 21-yard touchdown and put St. Margaret’s up 34-14 with just over five minutes to go.

Delgado’s timely interceptions helped swing the momentum late, but the Tartans run defense was impressive in the first half. Grace Brethren came into the game averaging 362 rushing yards per contest

and were limited to just 66 yards on the ground in the opening two quarters.

“It feels great. Complete team effort … We knew we could do it. Defense wins championships and that’s exactly what we did today,” St. Margaret’s head coach Stephen Barbee said. “(The defense) has been a staple for the last five years since I’ve been here, and it shined. It shined tonight.”

The Tartans will play for the CIF State Division IV South Championship against Christian High of El Cajon at Granite Hills High School on Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

St. Margaret’s took an early 7-0 lead over Grace Brethren on a one-yard Oscar Gomez touchdown run in the first four minutes.

Nick Shanks returned a Lancers punt 65 yards for a touchdown with three minutes remaining in the first quarter to put St.

Margaret’s up 14-0.

Shanks had 38 yards rushing on seven carries and caught five passes for 91 yards and a touchdown.

Kicker Charlie Beall converted two field goal tries from 37 and 42 yards out.

Beall’s second and final field goal began the fourth quarter and gave the Tartans a 20-14 lead.

St. Margaret’s finished the year with a county-best 14-0 undefeated record.

The win over the Lancers was a long time coming for the group of Tartans seniors, who were able to overcome last year’s disappointment and hoist a CIF-SS trophy on their home turf Saturday night.

“It’s surreal. We’ve been together four long years and we just fought. Finish strong was our motto into that second half,” Delgado said. CD

DOMINATING DEFENSE

St. Margaret’s football players take turn raising the CIF-SS East Valley Division Championship plaque on Dec. 6. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

Thousands filled the seats at St. Margaret’s Episcopal to watch the Tartans play Grace Brethren on Dec. 6. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

The Capistrano Dispatch December 12–25, 2014

St. Margaret’s senior Fernando Delgado returns an interception against Grace Brethren on Dec. 6. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

Page 22

When trying to sum up the catalyst behind St. Margaret’s successful 2014 season, there are a lot of things that come to mind.

They had a strong running game, led

by Oscar Gomez. Their quarterback, George Krantz, made few mistakes in distributing the ball to versatile playmakers like Nick Shanks. All of those factors made for a high-scoring offensive unit.

But after defeating Grace Brethren in the title game, head coach Stephen Barbee may have summed up the Tartans secret to success best: Defense wins championships.

The Tartans played with a hardhitting, swarm-to-the-ball style on the defensive side of things. Their defense certainly shined bright on the biggest of stages on Dec. 6, forcing three turnovers and halting what was a potent Lancers running attack. However, that performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan.

The St. Margaret’s defense was downright dominant all season long.

In 14 games played, including the playoffs, opposing teams were held to an average of 11.4 points per game.

The defense recorded four shutouts and held opponents to seven or fewer points eight times.

While the Tartans offense certainly lit up the scoreboard this year, it was the defense that, more often than not, kept opponents off of it. www.thecapistranodispatch.com