March 13, 2015

INSIDE: Celebrating Swallows Day in San Juan Capistrano

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

MARCH 13-26, 2015 • VOLUME 13, ISSUE 4

San Juan Spring Sports Preview Area teams gearing up for new season, challenges S P O R T S / PAG E 24

From L to R: Jake Bradley, Evan Clary and Michael Messina will lead the St. Margaret’s baseball team in 2015. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Swallows Project Changing Direction EYE ON SJC/PAGE 5

Spieker Development Moves to Rancho Mission Viejo EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Siegel: From Mallorca to San Juan, Fr. Serra Remembered SJC LIVING/PAGE 21

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING with Perry, and in addition, Patterson recommended Allevato be removed from all of his positions on outside agencies due to his “lack of decorum and professionalism.”

Patterson and Ferguson said they felt Allevato’s emails to his supporters and an editorial he wrote were “personal attacks” against the other council members.

Allevato responded to the council members’ comments by defending the work he’s done while serving on the TCA, as well as boards like the OCFA. Shortly after Mayor Derek Reeve suggested the council have a “valuable discussion” on whether they support the toll road, Allevato walked out of the council chambers.

“You know what, I’m done,” Allevato said before exiting.

The council went on to remove Allevato from the four boards he served on. Reeve abstained from three of the four votes and voted against removing Allevato from the Orange County Library Advisory Board.

Gerry Manning, who founded the lacrosse program at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, has been named to the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame’s Orange County chapter. Photo: Courtesy

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Spieker Development Moves to Rancho Mission Viejo THE LATEST: After the San Juan Capistrano City Council voted in December to overturn the Laguna Glen retirement facility previously approved on the Vermeulen property, the facility’s developer announced last week that the project has moved outside city limits to Rancho Mission Viejo, on a 60-acre site across from Reata Park.

The new development, to be called Reata Glen, will be similar in size, design and amenities compared to the previous Laguna Glen proposal, according to Troy Bourne, principal at Spieker Senior Development.

“With nearly a thousand seniors who had signed up, it was important to us to get a beautiful site that was as close as possible to the original location,” Bourne said.

The new community will be located above the intersection of Ortega Highway and Reata Road. A health center will be constructed adjacent to the community to provide long-term care services. Bourne said the new location saves Spieker almost $15 million in developer’s fees that Laguna Glen would have paid the city of San Juan The Capistrano Dispatch March 13-26, 2015

Capistrano.

“We’ll be able to invest more in the community as a result,” Bourne said.

WHAT’S NEXT: With Reata Glen moving forward, Bourne said Spieker has filed an application with the city to place housing on the Vermeulen property.

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

—Allison Jarrell

Allevato Removed from Boards, Decides Not to Resign

WHAT’S NEXT: Allevato said in an interview last Wednesday that the actions of his fellow council members were “spiteful” and “retaliatory,” adding that he had “some decisions to make.” However, on March 11, Allevato confirmed to The Dispatch that he has decided to stay in office.

“I now have more time to devote to my important priorities for moving the city forward, such as monument welcoming signs and beautification of the new Ortega interchange, the Residential Rental Inspection Program and Safe Cities Ordinance and finding more parking for downtown,” Allevato wrote in an email.—AJ

No Explosive Found After CUSD Lockdown

THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano Councilman Sam Allevato made an early exit from City Council chambers March 3 following a heated discussion about his removal from the outside agencies he served on, including the Transportation Corridor Agencies and the Orange County Fire Authority.

The last item on the council’s March 3 agenda was to appoint a representative to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Decommissioning Community Engagement Panel and to consider filling the vacancies on outside agencies created by former council member Roy Byrnes’ retirement. However, the discussion quickly shifted when newly-appointed Councilman John Perry asked if the council could discuss other positions as well. Perry requested that Allevato be removed from the TCA due to his “outspoken” support of the toll road, which Perry said conflicted with the viewpoint of the rest of the council.

Mayor Pro Tem Pam Patterson and Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson agreed

THE LATEST: Students at San Clemente High School and other schools across southern portions of Capistrano Unified School District were locked down last Wednesday afternoon after a bomb threat mentioning SCHS was phoned into the sheriff’s office.

Lt. Jeff Hallock, public information officer for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, said the threat was called in at approximately 1:30 p.m. to the sheriff’s department. The only school mentioned in the call was San Clemente High School.

The department’s Hazardous Device Squad, including bomb-sniffing dogs, was brought on campus to search for a device. Hallock said there was no reason to consider the threat credible, but that the department took the threat seriously.

The squad was only dispatched to SCHS. The school was cleared at approximately 4 p.m. with no explosive device found.

As a precautionary measure, CUSD officials also issued a shelter in place order for other area schools in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano while

Page 3

school officials performed visual inspections before clearing each campus.

WHAT’S NEXT: Hallock said an investigation into the call is ongoing.

—Jim Shilander

Volunteers to Install More Smoke Alarms Saturday THE LATEST: Volunteers will gather for a second time on March 14 in San Juan Capistrano’s La Zanja neighborhood to distribute and install smoke alarms. On Feb. 21, close to 150 volunteers installed approximately 700 smoke alarms in 400 condos in the La Zanja neighborhood, according to Orange County Fire Authority Captain Steve Concialdi. The effort, which was in partnership with the city of San Juan Capistrano, was in response to the devastating Jan. 20 La Zanja condo fire, which claimed the lives of a young mother and her two sons.

Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at 31522 El Camino Real to canvass the Capistrano Villas and finish installing the alarms by 3 p.m.

WHAT’S NEXT: “Our hearts still break for this close-knit community, and we are trying to do everything in our power to save lives,” Concialdi said. “We know smoke alarms save lives.”—AJ

Local Lacrosse Coach Inducted into Hall of Fame THE LATEST: In a ceremony on campus on March 9, former St. Margaret’s Episcopal boys lacrosse head coach Gerry Manning was inducted into the OC Chapter of the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

“I’m walking a little bit taller today that’s for sure,” Manning said Tuesday.

The news of Manning’s induction comes following a long, successful career that he began as a lacrosse player in the Orange County Lacrosse Club in the 1960s. Manning went on to create the St. Margaret’s Episcopal School lacrosse program in 2001 and became the school’s first head coach.

He currently works as a physical education teacher for kindergarten through fi fth-graders at St. Margaret’s, in addition to coaching the school’s sixth-grade lacrosse team.

Manning is one of only two coaches in Orange County history to earn more than 100 varsity wins—his overall record was 123-54.

WHAT’S NEXT: Manning will be honored at the Orange County semifinals, May 9 at Yorba Linda High School, and plans are underway for a public reception on May 2.—AJ www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY EVAN DA SILVA

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, March 10 DISTURBANCE La Zanja Street/Avenida De La Vista (2:17 p.m.) Police conducted a patrol check for 11 “gang type” subjects loitering in an alleyway.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Paseo Del Puerta/Avenida California (1:15 p.m.) A man parked his silver Lexus in a “no parking” area and was later seen walking out of the nearby bushes.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Stonehill Drive/Camino Capistrano (9:40 a.m.) A caller said a fire extinguisher was in the middle of the road.

CITIZEN ASSIST Alipaz Street, 32200 Block (6:50 a.m.) A man called police saying his car had been towed by mistake. He claimed the towers admitted it was a mistake but refused to bring it back.

Monday, March 9 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Del Obispo Street, 32000 Block (2:06 p.m.) A man working at an office had been receiving “suspicious,” non-threatening emails from someone in the community.

Sunday, March 8 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Del Obispo Street/Aguacate Road (7:36 a.m.) Police were notified of a man in a white Chevrolet utility truck who was driving “very slowly” on Peppertree Bend for about 20 minutes. When the man who called police went to leave, he saw the truck again.

Thursday, March 5 BURGLARY IN PROCESS Camino Capistrano/ Avenida Padre (8:31 p.m.) A man wearing a black hoodie and jeans was at a store using a flashlight and metal object to break in. The caller believed he was attempting to pick the lock.

DISTURBANCE Summerfield Lane, 26700 Block (8:24 p.m.) A man, who had attempted to take two five-gallon water bottles from a front patio, went back to sitting in his grey Toyota 4-Runner.

KEEP THE PEACE Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (1:27 p.m.) A woman called police about a former business partner who was removing her signs from outside the business.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 13–26, 2015

Wednesday, March 4 CITIZEN ASSIST Eastview Court, 26300 Block (3:05 p.m.) A woman said people were going onto her property and stealing her old cigarette butts.

DISTURBANCE Paseo Santa Clara, 26500 Block (3:58 p.m.) Police checked on a woman’s elderly neighbor because she could hear yelling and things being thrown inside the home. The elderly resident stated her 43-year-old son was there, had used meth in the past and she was upstairs, scared.

CITIZEN ASSIST Valle Road, 32800 Block (10:48 a.m.) A woman reported having video evidence of her neighbor who had been going onto her property while she was asleep.

CITIZEN ASSIST Los Rios Street, 31500 Block (10:27 a.m.) Policed assistance was requested by a woman whose 18-year-old son refused to go to school.

Cliff swallows nests in Santa Clara County. Photo: Courtesy of Ron Hinchley via Wikimedia Commons

Swallows Vocalization Project Changing Direction

Tuesday, March 3 WELFARE CHECK Calle Arroyo/La Novia Avenue (7:57 p.m.) A possibly drunk, blonde woman in her early 20s was seen stumbling toward Bad to the Bone and walking into traffic lanes.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Aeropuerto, 26000 Block (6:19 p.m.) Police were requested to seize a man in his early 20s who was acting “erratic” and throwing things around the home while hitting himself. He did not have any weapons but was possibly under the influence of illegal drugs.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Peppertree Bend, 32200 Block (1:09 p.m.) A woman reported an unmarked white van with unknown plates that was parked three feet from the curb.

She called police previously about unfamiliar vehicles in the area due to a recent burglary.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Rancho Viejo Road, 30300 Block (10:48 a.m.) A vehicle crashed into the MemorialCare building.

Monday, March 2 INDECENT EXPOSURE Camino Capistrano/ Avenida Aeropuerto (3:43 p.m.) Secondhand information was received of a man in his early 30s masturbating in a silver Toyota sedan.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (3:14 p.m.) Metro Link informed police of a man who was on the platform taking pictures of trains. He was a repeat offender.

KEEP THE PEACE Alipaz Street, 32500 Block (8:02 a.m.) A woman reported a 29-yearold man who had continually visited her trying to retrieve property that the woman said she does not have.

Cliff Swallows Expert Charles Brown will continue to lead the charge in bringing swallows back to the Mission

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

fter years of singing to the swallows, cliff swallows expert Charles Brown thinks it might be time for a change.

Brown was enlisted four years ago to help start the Swallows Vocalization Project at Mission San Juan Capistrano, but he said the program has failed thus far in bringing swallows to nest on the Mission’s walls. He’s hoping the initiation of a new approach in the near future involving plaster nests may fare better.

Prior to his work in San Juan, Brown has been studying cliff swallows in Nebraska for 33 years and teaches ecology and ornithology at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma. Brown originally began assisting Mission San Juan Capistrano in 2010 in trying to entice the birds to return to that site.

“There are some cliff swallows in the area and they nest on houses, on some bridges and other places,” Brown said.

“But they have not used the Mission itself in a number of years. Obviously they’re a famous part of the San Juan Capistrano legend, so it was desirable to try and get them to come back.”

The strategy Brown has been utilizing over the past four years is broadcasting tape-recorded calls of cliff swallows in the hope that the birds would come down to investigate and decide that the Mission is a good place to nest.

“It certainly would be more suitable

Page 5

than the apartments and houses that they’re using in the local area,” Brown said.

Brown said he believes the swallows no longer prefer nesting in San Juan due to the amount of forestation in the area. While he has seen colonies of about 20 nests about a block from the Mission in recent years, those numbers pale in comparison to the hundreds of nests that used to pop up in San Juan during the early 20th century.

“They evolved in the open country,” Brown said, “In the 1800s, Southern California was open. As things have changed, they’ve moved away.”

Brown said he intends to stick with the vocalization project one more year before turning a new leaf and trying a new approach—creating his own plaster nests to attract the swallows. Brown will be in town March 19 for the St. Joseph’s Day celebration at the Mission, where he’ll divulge the details of this new endeavor.

The goal, Brown said, is to one day have a self-sustaining population of cliff swallows in San Juan Capistrano.

“To have a viable, sustainable population, we’re going to want multiple nests,” Brown said. “These are very social birds, so they’re probably not going to remain here unless the colony reaches some sort of threshold size. If we could get 20 to 40 nests going, then at least some of the birds would come back each year and attract new ones.”

“It can be done eventually,” Brown said.

“It’s just going to take a lot of effort. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

Breakthrough Student Receives Scholarship Amy Fabian, a current eighth-grade student at Marco Forster Middle School, was one of 60 middle school students selected from across the country to join the Jack Kent Cook Foundation’s Young Scholars Program. The scholarship allows low-income students to have individualized educational advising combined with comprehensive financial support from eighth grade through college.

Fabian first learned about the opportunity at a meeting held for Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano seventh-grade students and parents. Breakthrough SJC is a tuition-free program providing academic enrichment opportunities and support for highly motivated, underserved middle and high school students, so that they can realize their potential to excel in high school and graduate from college.

Fabian said Breakthrough SJC staff supported her throughout the entire application process.

“They checked for errors, for things I messed up on [in my essays] and told me how to improve it.” Fabian is the third Breakthrough SJC student to receive the prestigious scholarship following in the footsteps of Fabiola Hernandez, a current student at Beloit College, and Ayetzy Presa, a current high school junior. This school year, Fabian attended the same Breakthrough SJC seventh-grade meeting to encourage current Breakthrough SJC students to apply for the program as well.

“Don’t give up because it will pay off,” Fabian said. “If you work hard in school, you can do anything.”

Amy Fabian presented information on the Jack Kent Cook scholarship to a group of seventh-grade students.

Photo: Courtesy of Lily Panish

Knights of Columbus Accepting New Members The Mission Basilica San Juan CapistThe Capistrano Dispatch March 13–26, 2015

Community Meetings

rano Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join its fulfilling band of brotherhood. If you’re interested in giving back to the community, see if you qualify by contacting the Knights of Columbus membership committee at 949.364.5918, jtbuys4u@gmail.com or 29561 Monarch Drive, San Juan Capistrano.

Surterre Launches High School Photography Scholarship Contest

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

St. Patrick’s Day

Surterre Properties, an Orange County real estate firm with offices in San Clemente and Dana Point, has announced the launch of their new photography scholarship contest for local high school students.

Amateur high school photographers are invited to submit photos depicting the best of Orange County in three categories: natural historical and cultural sites and landmarks, scenic vistas and landscapes and night skies.

The grand prize winner will receive a $500 scholarship, second place $250 and third $100.

Photos must be of nature and will be judged on originality, artistic composition, technical quality and photographic technique and must be natural looking—not digitally altered or manipulated beyond reality—in color and the original work and property of the contestant. Photographers may enter a maximum of three images.

Photos must be taken between Jan. 1 and April 30 and entries will be accepted from May 1 through May 17. Winners will be announced online by June 1.

More information, including a full list of rules and technical specifications for photo size and resolution can be found online at www.surterreproperties.com/OC-HighSchoolScholarship.php.

CUSD to Host Info Meetings on School of Choice The Capistrano Unified School District has scheduled a series of three informational meetings on the School of Choice program to review recent revisions to the policy, as well as enrollment priorities and administrative placements, district officials announced on Monday.

School of Choice gives students the opportunity to attend a CUSD school other than their school of residence. Specific questions from attendees will be answered, the notice said.

Meetings are scheduled for Friday, March 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday, March 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday, March 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the CUSD Board Room at 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano. Child care will not be provided during the meetings.

For more information about the School of Choice Program or the meetings, contact Mike Beekman at 949.234.9267 or mbeekman@capousd.org.—Andrea Swayne

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.

Donna Friess with her new novel, The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest. Photo: Courtesy of Scott Schmitt

Local Author, Child Activist Publishes First Novel Local author Donna Friess drew from her personal life experiences of a tragic childhood to a life of fulfillment and happiness to create her first novel published earlier this month, The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest.

Friess rose to international attention in the early 90’s when she and her sisters’ intervention put a stop to their father’s ongoing molestation. Their actions resulted in the creation of several California and U.S. laws to bring safety to women and children. Friess’ autobiography published in 1993, Cry the Darkness, depicts the reality of growing up with their closely guarded secret and the difficult 15-month long trial to protect their youngest family member.

The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest follows six nonfictional publications authored by Friess. The psychological journey follows one woman’s experiences as she struggles to come to terms with her past choices and a looming secret. The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest is available through Kindle and Amazon.com in print or e-book.

A special book launch will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 29 at the San Juan Capistrano Library (La Sala Room) located at 31495 El Camino Real. The event includes wine and appetizers, a speaker presentation, book signing and live music. All book sale proceeds will benefit SJC Friends of the Library which built THE Bookstore in 2014—San Juan’s only bookstore. Reservations are required by calling 949.218.4512 or visit www.drdonnafriess.com.

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.

Page 6

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

Downtown Farmers Market 3 p.m.– 6 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, MARCH 20

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.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

57th Annual Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Street Faire 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Fiesta Association’s Swallows Day Parade begins at 11 a.m., and the Mercado Street Faire will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

For more information, call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24

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.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: By Matt Gaffney

Retirement Community Relocation Good News for Seniors, but Not for City

T

he relocation of the Laguna Glen retirement community from the Vermeulen property to a pre-approved site across from Reata Park is a huge win for local seniors who don’t have the luxury to wait for our new council’s recall.

However, it’s a tragic loss for San Juan Capistrano. When they blocked the public vote on this project, the new council majority (who all live across from the Vermeulen site) cost the city tens of millions of dollars and a new aquatic center for our children, and, for the first time in our town’s history, denied residents the opportunity to vote on an important referendum issue.

The city will still bear the impacts of the new community (exaggerated ad nauseam

by Pam Patterson before and after the election), but because the new site is located just outside the city limits (it borders us on two sides), the millions that city staff had secured for our needed water, park and traffic improvements will now be paid to the ranch.

The senior community would have paid more property taxes than anyone in San Juan Capistrano, funding parks and other improvements year after year. I’m sure the ranch will enjoy them while we watch and complain about traffic on Ortega Highway.

And the Vermeulen property? City staff

Letters to the Editor KEEP THE PASSION, DROP THE BRASS KNUCKLES —Mark Speros, San Juan Capistrano In today’s world, apathy and intolerance are the two biggest obstacles derailing insightful governance. While apathy leads to decisions made in a vacuum filled with only the experience, biases and intellectual ability of those in power, intolerance heats discussions to frothy vindictiveness with potentially valid ideas becoming radioactive due to their method of delivery.

The former reflects disengagement by those who are being governed. Maybe they’re happy? Or maybe they’re just not “totally pissed off” enough to take action?

But intolerance is worse---the ultimate subversion of free will, where a person is attacked---not their ideas. Nothing is more corrupting than the childish, anti-social equation of, “I hate “X”, you like “X”, so I hate you.” But it’s becoming prevalent The Capistrano Dispatch March 13-26, 2015

and its engineers stated that the senior community was the lowest impact use that could be built on the site. But no. The new council has decided it will never allow anything to be

By Matt Gaffney built there. Genius. Kerry Ferguson publicly suggested that the Vermeulens donate their land so she could have a convenient place to walk her dog. Apparently Kerry doesn’t realize that the Dr. Joe Cortese Dog Park is in our fair city. Fortunately, the courts won’t allow the council to destroy property rights so neighbors can enjoy the views of a bankrupt farm, particularly when the city has been trying to buy it for that very purpose for over two decades.

When the Vermeulen lawsuit comes— and it will—it will be the largest in San Juan Capistrano’s history, dwarfing the damages expected from John Perry’s water lawsuit or Pam Patterson’s hotel referendum fiasco. Like the Scalzo property across the street, we’ll then watch a highimpact use be built while taxpayers write checks every year for the privilege.

Count on Derek Reeve to blame the crushing financial damages on the Ranch cowboys, Mr. Allevato, the Boogey Man

and maybe even Muhammad himself. He’s already reversed his position on the retirement community, distancing himself from his colleagues’ positions. The project he called a “disaster” while campaigning he now calls a “great project” that we should sell our open space to make room for—as long as it’s in someone else’s backyard.

Shame on the new council, and shame on those who listened to the Common Sense lies during the campaign without doing their homework. More importantly, shame on those who sat home during the election and stayed silent while the new majority rode to election, each with less than 25 percent of the possible votes. We will all pay the price.

Matt Gaffney is a 59-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and a 15-year member of the San Juan Capistrano Transportation Commission. Gaffney is on the Board of Directors of the San Juan Capistrano Open Space Foundation and is a member of the city’s Open Space Committee. CD

at all levels of government, and our city could be the poster child.

Our founding fathers—Republicans and Democrats alike—would have long, highly spirited debates about the topic at hand.

Ideas would be proposed, examined from every angle, altered, expanded, reduced, re-worded, and at times, rejected. But when a consensus was reached, it was art, as our Bill of Rights clearly proves.

And regardless of the outcome, there was never the residual thought of starting the next debate by pronouncing, “Ben Franklin, you ignorant slut.” Now it seems to be almost sport.

In this time of social media, we’ve lost the art of debate and replaced it with political bullying and innuendo. Somehow we’ve reached a place where the very facts that are crucial to the debate are set aside solely to make room for name calling and personal attacks.

And it’s not just by those elected, but the citizenry as well. I’m not a member of the Sam Allevato fan club…many of his decisions are contrary to what I believe in, but while I do hold him accountable and responsible for his decisions, I don’t dislike him as a person, nor devalue his

point of view. It’s just different than mine, and that’s okay.

Yet I’ve witnessed a parade of people launch attacks from the podium—not necessarily for the action or policy being discussed or proposed, but brutal assassinations of a council member’s personal character or associations. Sam hasn’t been the only target, and it’s not limited to council meetings, either. I’ve read many editorial letters from fellow residents which include derogatory references to someone’s alleged political or social affiliations, or worse. This effectively puts any potential solution in deep freeze—who would dare suggest a thought or plan and risk being the target of a nuclear attack?

Playground time is over, folks. We’re a small city with a host of big challenges facing us. If the recent council meeting is any evidence, most of us have been neighbors to each other since the time the first cornerstone was laid at the mission. Can we please focus on the issues and possible options to solve them and leave the rest at the door? Working together we can accomplish so much more than the efforts of just a few. While a resulting decision may not always be your personal choice, at least

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@the capistranodispatch.com

Page 10

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, Evan Da Silva, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 13, Issue 5. 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 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX your point of view will have been a part of the discussion. Isn’t that the essential meaning of democracy?

RESPONSE TO PIG FARM SCENARIO —Marcia Streech, San Juan Capistrano What about us, the citizens who live in San Juan Capistrano? We are the people whose lives will be impacted daily by whatever development does eventually come to the Vermeulen property. We made our thoughts on the subject clear when we turned in and had verified by the county almost twice the number of signatures necessary to put the issue to a vote. We are concerned with traffic, which common sense tells you will increase dramatically with a project as dense as the Laguna Glen plan. Maybe seniors do not drive much, but the support staff of said seniors does, and many are needed on a daily basis.

Plus the 100-bed hospital—who staffs that and how do they get to their jobs? How do we factor in traffic from citizen use of the aquatic area proposed by the Spieker group? Then consider increased water usage as well as impact on our sewage system.

We residents chose quality of life over providing greater tax revenue and job opportunities for San Juan Capistrano politicians to crow about because, believe it or not Mr. Lihme, there are some things which money cannot buy, some things which trump money in importance. And, living in Mission Viejo, just who are you to threaten us with a pig farm? Absurd and so far-fetched. Why resort to fear mongering?

The city councilmen who voted for the Laguna Glen project are gone except for Allevato, and so is their short-sighted decision on land use of this project.

I respectfully suggest that you turn your energies toward bettering your own community and leave San Juan to those who reside here.

PROBLEMS ARE DIFFICULT TO RESOLVE ONCE ELECTED —Lon Uso, Former Mayor, San Juan Capistrano First, I want to thank Dr. Byrnes for his service to San Juan Capistrano, twice.

He is a good and decent man that I have always considered a friend and a wise advisor, even when we had our political differences.

A very important lesson that I learned while serving on the City Council is that solutions to problems, real or imagined, often become impossible to resolve once elected. These are generally due to the fact that you may not understand all of the issues involved in those problems or the many bureaucratic obstacles that can get in the way of implementing your solutions which you were unaware of before being seated.

I am still pulling shrapnel from my behind from all the grenades launched from the podium, many of them concerning the price of water. A regular grenadier on that The Capistrano Dispatch March 13-26, 2015

An artist rendering of the original Laguna Glen project. The new community, Reata Glen, will be located in Rancho Mission Viejo across from Reata Park and will be similar in size and design. Photo: Courtesy of Spieker Senior Development

subject was newly seated council member John Perry.

Today, Councilman Perry sits on a council on which he is in the great majority with all the authority to make those changes he insisted other councils should make in order to bring down your water rates.

I now wish Mr. Perry and his council all the luck in the world in delivering all that they promised you they would accomplish if elected. I am particularly looking forward to watching your water rates plummet as Mr. Perry’s policies take hold.

REGARDING THE PROPOSED SDG&E PROJECT IN SJC —Cameron Grenier, San Juan Capistrano EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was originally published in The Dispatch in June 2012. The author asked that the letter be re-published as her opinions of the project are still relevant today.

By now, you may have heard about SDG&E’s proposed “Reliability Project” that so negatively impacts our historical city and residents. After attending SDG&E’s “charrette” session, their lack of willingness to address certain important related project topics piqued my curiosity and interest to research their claims concerning this proposed project.

After concluding my research, I’m not buying their claim that this is to make electricity more reliable. It would appear this project is less about reliability and more about increasing power to other cities at San Juan’s expense.

Here are some facts: SDG&E proposes to more than double the size of the existing substation on Camino Capistrano, demolishing the old histori-

cal building that has existed on that site since 1918, and replacing it with two 45- to 50-foot-tall buildings and a 10-foothigh, 360-foot-long wall (the length of a football field), smack-dab in the middle of dense residential neighborhoods and at the northern entrance to our historical downtown area. Nothing says, “Welcome to historic San Juan” like a massive electrical substation. In addition, SDG&E currently has two transmission lines at 138,000 volts each. They want to nearly triple the voltage running through residential neighborhoods and near schools by adding two more transmission lines of 230,000 volts each, while leaving in place one 138,000 volt line.

You do the math.

Indeed, SDG&E admitted that the increased voltage will likely increase the electro-magnetic fields known as EMFs. SDG&E tries to dismiss concerns over health impacts from prolonged exposure to high levels of EMF by saying it’s not proven, but, there are scientists on both sides of the issue. Some insist it causes higher incidences of brain tumors in adults and childhood leukemia. ABC and CBS local news have both aired stories about residents living near transmission lines and substations who are convinced that stray voltage in their neighborhoods have caused a host of health issues including cancer and birth defects.

Many San Juan residents agree, and are concerned that living close to transmission lines has caused them to develop cancer.

As a resident of San Juan and a mother, I ask, why in the world would SDG&E risk exposing our residents/ children and blighting our historic town like this? SDG&E admits that they ex-

Page 9

plored “several other options” for moving the substation away from residents, actually saying it could be done, but, they don’t want to because of the cost.

Why should San Juan be “used” as the hub for electrical distribution to other cities. We don’t need the increased power. I say put the hub in the city that most needs it such as the Rancho Mission Viejo company’s project. Their project is huge, will require the additional power, and there is plenty of open space for a substation. It only makes sense.

I know you care about our lovely historical and recreational town like I do.

We can make a difference by contacting the California Public Utilities Commission. Let them know you oppose this project and want it moved away from our historic downtown. They may be contacted via email at: public.advisor@ cpuc.ca.gov or in writing to: CPUC Public Advisor, 505 Van Ness Avenue, Room 2103, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Let’s all unite to help preser ve our city motto: “Preser ving the Past to Enhance the Future.” We all simply need to say “no”, not in San Juan Capistrano.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@thecapistranodispatch.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

EDITOR’S PICK

Friday | 13 PROFESSOR MACK’S LAST TRAIN: A WORLD PREMIER MELODRAMA 8 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to “cheer” for the heroes and “boo” the villains while hurling foam rocks in the Camino Real Playhouse’s annual family-friendly Old West melodrama. Based loosely on old San Juan history, you’ll learn lots of fun facts. Performances run through March 21 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

ACRYLIC AND OIL PAINTING WITH JOE SEVERSON 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Three-week acrylic painting workshop for beginners to intermediate-level painters from March 13 to April 3 at San Clemente Art Supply & Custom Framing. Cost is $95. Students are required to bring their own materials.

1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

The United States Marine Corps 3rd Aircraft Wing Band makes its way up the parade route at last year’s Swallows Day Parade. Photo by Brian Park

Saturday | 14

57TH ANNUAL SWALLOWS DAY PARADE •SATURDAY, MARCH 21 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s 57th Swallows Day Parade begins at 11 a.m., and the Mercado Street Faire will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The Fiesta de las Golondrinas celebrates the legend of the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19. The Swallows Day Parade is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades and takes place throughout downtown San Juan. For more information call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com.

MARIACHIS AT THE MISSION 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. On the second Saturday of each month, enjoy live mariachi music in the Mission performed by the talented Capistrano Community Mariachi Program.

26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

pel, the oldest operating church in California. Tours are every Sunday. Admission $2-$3. Price is in addition to museum admission for non-members. 26801 Ortega Highway, 949.234.1320, www.missionsjc. com/activities/holiday-crafts.php.

EL PRESIDENTÉ BALL 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s 2015 El Presidenté Ball is a wild western formal event celebrating the heritage of San Juan Capistrano. Colorful characters are welcome and encouraged to come dressed in Western, Spanish, Mexican or early Californian attire. Enjoy great food and old-fashioned fun while dancing under the stars (weather permitting) to live country-western style music at Mission San Juan Capistrano, located at 26801 Ortega Highway. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased online or at Fiesta Association meetings or events. For more information, visit www.swallowsparade.com/ presball.html.

Sunday | 15 SERRA CHAPEL TOUR 11:15 a.m. In honor of Father Serra’s 300th birthday celebration, tour the Serra ChaThe Capistrano Dispatch March 13-26, 2015

A WHALE OF A CONCERT Noon-5 p.m. As the California gray whales sing their songs while making their way through the Dana Point Headlands, the Festival of Whales will be putting on a free outdoor concert in their honor. Three bands—The Pettybreakers” (a Tom Petty Tribute Band), Mobility USAF Rock Band and The Tijuana Dogs will perform atop a specially designed floating stage. Multiple concessions including barbecue and spirits, for those 21 years and older, will be available for purchase. Baby Beach at the Dana Point Harbor, 34451 Ensenada Place, www.festivalofwhales.com.

Monday | 16 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GARDEN CLUB 9:45 a.m. Jim Semelroth, a member of the Southern California Bluebird Club, will present the club’s mission of preserving (Cont. on page 12) Page 11

At the Movies: Remembering ‘’71’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

B

ehind Dane DeHaan and Miles Teller, one of the most successful young actors to break into film in the last two years is Jack O’Connell.

Beginning his career on the UK teen soap television show “Skins” (2009-13) before Angelina Jolie chose him to be the star of her war epic Unbroken (2014), O’Connell was also the lead in Starred Up (2013) and ’71, directed by Yann Demange. Now, ’71 is finally receiving a U.S. theatrical release after spending a full year at film festivals.

Aimless and introverted, Gary Hook (O’Connell) joins the British military in the midst of Belfast’s most dangerous period—during “The Troubles,” when Catholics and Protestants were at war with each other. Leaving behind his little brother in England, Hook is accidently abandoned on the streets of Belfast on his unit’s first day occupying the town after a deadly encounter with locals. All alone and with both groups against him,

Hook must find a way to escape without getting killed.

Sam Reid, Sean Harris, Charlie Murphy and Barry Keoghan co-star. ’71 is both Demange’s and screenwriter Photo: Courtesy Gregory Burke’s first feature film after a decade of working in TV. Their film is unapologetic with its use of graphic gore and corrupted characters showing a terrible period in Ireland’s history, and shedding some light on the terror out on the streets. But the real stand-out in the film is O’Connell, who has the masculine presence of an old Hollywood movie star and delivers effortlessly. Three movies in and it doesn’t look like he’ll be disappearing anytime soon. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 11) the Western Bluebird in urban environments during this month’s San Juan Capistrano Garden Club meeting. All are welcome. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, www.sanjuancapistranogardenclub.com.

Tuesday | 17 CREATE AN HERB BASKET 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Join Marianne Taylor and learn how to create a basket full of fresh herbs to use in your kitchen. Materials fee is $15. RSVP to the City of San Juan Capistrano at 949.443.6391. San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion.

Wednesday | 18 FIESTA GRANDÉ 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Four contests and a night of Wild West entertainment are rolled into one evening of fun at the Fiesta Grandé. Join your friends and make new ones at the Swallow’s Inn and enter to win one of the categories being judged. Spectators are welcome.

Entrance fee is $5 per person, per category.

Pay when you arrive. Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Boot Barn.

For more information, call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

Thursday | 19 ST. JOSEPH’S DAY AND THE RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS CELEBRATION 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Join Mission San Juan Capistrano in celebrating St. Joseph’s Day with live music, performances and activities.

Admission is free for mission members, $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $6 for children ages 4-11. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

Friday | 20 HOOS’GOW DAY 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hoos’Gow Day is an annual tradition that brings a taste of the Wild West back to San Juan Capistrano. The “sheriff” and the “deputies” of the Fiesta Association are dressed in their traditional black and white western garb while they roam the town in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing western clothing, the deputies just might “arrest” you and throw you in the Hoos’gow, leaving you no choice but to make “bail” by purchasing a Fiesta Association souvenir. For more info, 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com.

FROG JUMPING CONTEST 3 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s second annual frog jumping contest will include music and prizes at the Mission Grill, 31721 Page 12

Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, www.swallowsparade.com.

Saturday | 21 ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m. The Woman’s Club of San Juan Capistrano and the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club will serve a pancake breakfast at the Woman’s Club, including pancakes, ham and scrambled eggs. Guests are encouraged to donate $8, or $4 for kids under 10. 31442 El Horno Street, 949.276.7688, www.womansclubofsanjuancapistrano.com.

Sunday | 22 CASPERS NATURE HIKE 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Join OC Park rangers every Sunday morning for an easy 1-mile hike on the nature trail, which takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. Admission is free, parking is $5 per vehicle. Participants should meet at the Old Corral day use area and wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended. Rain will cancel the hike.

Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

Monday | 23 COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at The Swallow’s Inn with steak night and happy hour prices. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

Wednesday | 25 WOMEN’S GUILD ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP TEA 11:30 a.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano Women’s Guild will hold its annual membership tea in the soldiers’ barracks on the mission grounds. Admission is $25 per person.

For further information regarding membership, contact Pat March at 949.234.1322 or pmarch@misisonsjc.com.

Thursday | 26 YOGA IN THE PARK 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Reata Park serves as the perfect backdrop for soul-reviving yoga sessions hosted by Goin Native and led by Kimya Sadaghiani, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Bring a mat and meet at the pavilion.

Admission is free. Reata Park, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

INSIDE

PARADE MAP & EVENTS

Check out this year’s route and events leading up to the parade

A LOOK BACK

Kay Shaw talks about her husband’s vision for the very first Swallows Day Parade

NEWBIES GUIDE TO THE PARADE Tips and tricks for navigating this year’s Swallows Day Parade

Timeline: An EverEvolving Fiesta ns to

ditio Highlights and ad olondrinas the Fiesta de las G ars. throughout the ye

1954 First official Swallows Day

Parade organized by Businessman’s Association

1960 Second Swallows Day Parade; Kay Shaw rides in the Swallows Day Parade. Photos: Courtesy of Kay Shaw

Remembering the Beginnings of San Juan Capistrano’s Swallows Day Parade

Kay Shaw recalls her husband’s vision for a non-motorized parade in San Juan

BY ALLISON JARRELL Ninety-three-year-old Kathrine “Kay” Shaw remembers much about the origin of the Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano. It’s a subject near and dear to Kay’s heart because her late husband, Fulton Shaw, is credited as one of the parade’s founders in the early 1950s.

Fulton hailed from the San Diego area, and Kay was originally from Glendora, where her father owned the local newspaper. The two eventually ended up meeting at Knott’s Berry Farm before moving together to San Juan Capistrano in the late 1950s. When Kay met Fulton at Knott’s, they were both in their 30s and Fulton was working at Old MacDonald’s Farm, training animals and making TV appearances with barnyard critters (imagine a chicken playing the piano). Kay was interested in following in her father’s footsteps and getting into publicity and she went on to become the founder of Knott’s Birdcage Theater.

After moving to San Juan, the duo became embedded in the community. Kay was, and still is today, involved in the Woman’s Club. She and Fulton often visited the mission to enjoy its beauty and to learn more about San Juan’s history.

The pair adored living in San Juan Capistrano—which, at the time, had only 500 people to its name and was filled lemon trees, orange groves and dirt roads. Kay remembers a few businesses existing in San Juan, like a small café and Shorty’s Market, but at the time there wasn’t much else.

A group of residents who owned horses were already putting on their own parade when Kay and Fulton arrived in San Juan, but Fulton had a larger vision to draw more people in to town.

“We loved the area. Once we came here to live, Fulton said, ‘Every town needs a parade!’” Kay recalled. “He said this town had to have a real parade where we could invite outsiders to come in and visit. He also felt the town needed outside money.”

Kay describes Fulton as gregarious—a lover of people.

(She’s the same way, but admits that she wasn’t nearly as outgoing). Being a people person made it easy for Fulton to begin organizing the parade, Kay said. He reached out to his friends, members of the Native American community and other community members to get the parade on its feet.

“I love to look back at the beginning,” Kay said smiling.

“My husband was a very active person with a great imagination and a will to do things. He loved San Juan with all of his heart.”

It was one of Fulton’s friends, the well-known judge, Marco Forster, who proposed the name, Fiesta de las Golondrinas. Kay recalls the moment when they were all together and the name was chosen. It came suddenly to Forster, she said, as if he were just waiting for Fulton to ask.

The parade’s title as the largest non-motorized parade in the nation had an earnest start, as Kay said all entrants were originally required to walk, ride a horse or ride in a horsedrawn carriage. In order to help get the word out, Kay relied on her publicity background and, as the parade chairperson, she reached out to local and regional newspapers.

“I worked the hardest at the beginning to get enough money to have bands, because I love a marching band.” Kay recalled.

“I wanted to have at least three bands, so we had to figure out how to get the money.”

Kay’s solution was to hold fundraisers by cooking and serving up as much food as they possibly could—including roasting a pig in the middle of town.

The first official Swallows Day Parade Fulton Shaw, one of the founders took place in 1954, and of the Swallows Day Parade in San in 1960, the parade Juan Capistrano. included celebrity grand marshals Barbara Stanwyck and Audie Murphy—another publicity move, Kay said, to draw attention to the tiny town of San Juan. She still remembers how Stanwyck told the most interesting stories and even requested a specific type of champagne for her arrival.

As the years rolled on, San Juan Capistrano continued to grow in size, and so did the Swallows Day Parade. Today, Kay still enjoys watching the parade go by her daughter’s home, right next to the Mission. She and Fulton always thought big when it came to Fiesta de las Golondrinas—but did they ever expect it would grow to such epic proportions?

“Oh yeah, you have to!” Kay said. “When you’re in publicity, you see everything big—no failures. You don’t want to spend your time on failures.”

Barbara Stanwyck and Audie Murphy first Grand Marshals

1961 Chief Clarence Lobo appeared in full ceremonial tribal dress

1964 San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association established

1967 First Pancake Breakfast by Woman’s Club and Rotary

1971 First Hairiest Man in Town Contest

1977 Parade route revised to

Camino Capistrano to allow for larger crowd

1979 First Toddler Marathon 1980 Leon Rene, composer of

“When Swallows Return to Capistrano,” is Grand Marshal

1981 First Swallows Day Barbecue 1983 Belt Buckle Contest established 1986 First Ms. Fiesta 1987 First Miss Fiesta and Jr. Senor San Juan Capistrano

1990 Anita Adkisson becomes first woman president of Fiesta Association

1991 First Boot Contest 1992 Clydesdale horses in parade 2014 First annual Frog Jumping Contest

2015 El Presidenté Ball is held at the Mission

Information courtesy of Jan Siegel and the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society.

March 14 El Presidenté Ball

March 18 Fiesta Grande

6 p.m.-10 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s 2015 El Presidenté Ball is a Western formal event celebrating the heritage of San Juan Capistrano. Enjoy great food and old-fashioned fun while dancing under the stars (weather permitting) to live country-western style music at Mission San Juan Capistrano, located at 26801 Ortega Highway. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased online or at Fiesta Association meetings or events. For more information, visit www.swallowsparade.com/presball.html.

6 p.m.-9 p.m. Four contests and a night of Wild West entertainment are rolled into one evening of fun at the Fiesta Grandé. Join your friends and make new ones at the Swallow’s Inn and enter to win one of the categories being judged. Spectators are welcome. Entrance fee is $5 per person, per category. Pay when you arrive.

Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Boot Barn. For more information, call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

March 19 St. Joseph’s Day/ Return of the Swallows 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Join Mission San Juan Capistrano in celebrating St. Joseph’s Day with live music, performances and activities. The celebration includes a special guest lecture on cliff swallows, ringing of the historic bells and community presentations. Admission is free for Mission members, $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $6 for children ages 4-11. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

March 20 Hoos’Gow Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hoos’Gow Day is an annual tradition that brings a taste of the Wild West back to downtown San Juan Capistrano. The “sheriff” and the “deputies” of the Fiesta Association are dressed in their traditional black and white Western garb while they roam the town in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing western clothing, the deputies just might “arrest” you and throw you in the hoos’gow, leaving you no choice but to make “bail” by purchasing a Fiesta Association souvenir. For more information call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com.

FIESTA DE LAS GOLONDRINAS

Events

March 20 Frog Jumping Contest 3 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s second annual frog jumping contest will include music and prizes at Mission Grill, 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

March 21 Parade Day Highlights 57th Annual Swallows Day Parade 11 a.m. The U.S. Marine Corp Marching Band and Mounted Color Guard will kick off the Swallows Day Parade, the grand finale of Fiesta de las Golondrinas.

Mercado Street Faire 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The Mercado Street Faire will be located at the Historic Town Center Park (on El Camino Real, just off Ortega Highway).

The Newbies Guide to Swallows Day Avoid the Parking Crunch

Woman’s Club, located at 31442 El Horno Street.

Guests are encouraged to make an $8 donation, or $4 for kids under 10. For more information, call 949.

276.7688 or visit www. womansclubofsanjuancapistrano.com.

The Swallows Day Parade begins at 11 a.m., but it’s best to arrive early on Saturday as parking fills up fast and street closures start at 10 a.m.

Invite Out-of-Town Guests to Arrive by Train

Metrolink has a special Swallows Day Parade promotion, which includes a chance to win free rail tickets: www.octa.net/Metrolink/Win-Metrolink-Tickets. All the parade events are within easy walking distance of San Juan’s Metrolink station.

• Board Metrolink Train 660 or 859 at the station nearest to you.

• Arrive at San Juan Capistrano station.

• From the station, walk to the Swallows Day Parade and the Mercado Street Faire in the Historic Town Center Park (on El Camino Real, just off Ortega Highway).

Take the Shuttle Bus

If you’re too close to take the train (but too far away to walk) a shuttle bus service will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, starting along north Rancho Viejo Road. Free shuttle bus parking can be found at Fluidmaster, located at 30800 Rancho Viejo Road, and the Capistrano Business Plaza, located at 30250 Rancho Viejo Road on the east side of Interstate 5 (use the Junipero Serra Exit).

Shuttles will drop passengers off at the corner of El Horno and La Matanza streets for a short walk into downtown San Juan Capistrano. Riders may also use the shuttle bus to participate in the Pancake Breakfast at the Women’s Club, adjacent to the Old Fire Station. The shuttle costs $2 to ride.

Start with a Homemade Breakfast

Begin your morning bright and early with the annual pancake breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Woman’s Club of San Juan Capistrano and the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club will serve up pancakes, ham and scrambled eggs at the

Dress in Your Best Western Garb

If you’re looking for a lastminute outfit upgrade, stop in at one of San Juan’s local shops for your equestrian and Western gear needs.

Stores like American Horse Products, located at 31896 Plaza Drive Suite C4, and Ortega Tack & Feed, at 31738 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite A, offer a range of apparel, from hats and boots to jewelry and casual wear. They also have your horse covered with feed, bedding and other supplies.

Refuel with Some Local Cuisine

San Juan Capistrano is filled with dining options downtown—just on Camino Capistrano alone you’ll find Mexican fare and margaritas at El Adobe de Capistrano, a twist on classic American and Mexican cuisine at Mission Grill and some tasty tomato soup at Sundried Tomato.

y a D s w o l l a Sw Parade Tips The Swallows Day Parade is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades, taking place throughout downtown San Juan Capistrano. Read on for details on the parade and tips for navigating your way through the day’s many events.

Starting at 11 a.m. the 57th Annual Swallows Day Parade will kick off with the U.S. Marine Corp Marching Band and Mounted Color Guard.

Swallows Day Parade Stats

• More than 130 entries • 500 horses by wagon and/or mounted groups • More than 3,800 people on foot in the parade • 23 floats, nine marching bands • Two hours in length—the route is a little over a mile long At 2 p.m., awards will take place at the Historic Town Center Park, located near the Mercado Street Faire area between the back of Swallow’s Inn and the back of Marie Calendars’ parking lots. The parade is adjudicated with 10 professional judges who will award the best entries in the parade.

Visit the Mercado Street Fair

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Mercado Street Faire will be located at the Historic Town Center Park, on El Camino Real, just off Ortega Highway. Steps away from the main parade route, families can peruse booths filled with cowboy hats, clothing, jewelry and tasty dining options, from barbeque and spuds to sausage and salads. Ice cold beer will be sold between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Live music will be provided by the traditional country music group, Working Cowboy Band. New cars from local dealers will also be available to view and schedule a test drive. Family entertainment will be provided, as well as a kid’s play zone in the Historic Town Center Park. The play zone will include a bounce house, slides and human bubbles to roll across the water in.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARADE AND OTHER FIESTA ASSOCIATION EVENTS, CALL 949.493.1976 OR VISIT WWW.SWALLOWSPARADE.COM.

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

From Mallorca to San Juan: Father Serra Remembered, Celebrated

Y

ou are never a hero in your own hometown” is an adage that is definitely true for Fr. Junípero Serra.

Serra was born on the island of Mallorca, off the coast of Spain, in the town of Petra on Nov. 24, 1713. Until 1884, the only mention of Serra in Petra was on Saint Praxedis day, when the priest would name all of the illustrious sons from the town.

In 1876, seminary student Francisco Torrens discovered a biography of Fr. Serra written by Fr. Francisco Palou, which had been published in Mexico in 1787. It was the first that Torrens had heard of Fr. Serra. Torrens became so enamored with Serra that he started writing newspaper articles about the MOMENTS IN missionary. In 1884, the TIME

By Jan Siegel newspaper also published a letter from New York referring to the festivities celebrated in California in memory of the 100th anniversary of Serra’s death.

Because of Torrens’ tenacity, the town council of Petra finally agreed to dedicate a square in Petra to Fr. Serra’s memory. The dedication was Nov. 27, 1892. On Sept. 28, 1913, the first statue of Serra was dedicated in the town square. More than 10,000 people came to Petra from all over Mallorca to pay tribute to this native son.

The museum dedicated to Fr. Serra was opened in 1959. The nine missions founded

by Serra are depicted with photos and displays. The museum has no artifacts from the California Mission period. It, however, does have artifacts from the Mexican missions and a number of tributes to Serra from when he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988. In the courtyard leading up to the museum, there are the nine missions represented in tile. A replica of a mission

bell from Santa Barbara is in the garden.

In the historic area around where Fr. Serra lived, the doorways of the homes recognize their native son with plaques. This seems to be a Mallorcan tradition, because in the town of Valldemosa, where Santa Catalina was born, all of the homes have tiles commemorating the life of Catalina.

Around the corner from the museum is the street and house where Fr. Serra grew up. The street has not changed in 300 years. The house was restored in 1932, and since 1981 it has belonged to “Father Serra’s Foundation,” an institution founded by the Rotary Club.

Serra moved to the city of Palma from Petra at the age of 16 to pursue studies which led to his ordination and to his becoming a professor. There are many reminders of the time that Serra spent at the Convent of Saint Francis. From the Statue of Serra and a Native American child, which is a copy of the O’Sullivan statue in the San Juan Capistrano Mission, to a plaque commemorating the life of Serra in the courtyard, there is recognition of this future saint.

While the island of Mallorca is a delightful place for a vacation with lots of history, beaches, churches and museums, you can walk in the footsteps of Fr. Serra and spend a ‘Moment In Time’ closer to home by walking around San Juan Capistrano and visiting our historic mission, including the Serra Chapel, which is the only existing church where Serra actually celebrated Mass.

Jan Siegel is a 27-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She has served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years.

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

PET OF THE WEEK: HARVEY Harvey has a big smile on his face because The Ark of San Juan rescued him on his last day at the Orange County Shelter. Harvey is about a year old—a strong boy, energetic, very sweet and eager to please and learn.

Harvey is currently working with an animal trainer to learn to follow commands and he is doing great—he learned to sit, stay and lay down all in one session. Harvey is smart and loves older kids and teens, but would do well in any active household. Come see Harvey at The Ark’s adoption event this Saturday at Petco in San Juan Capistrano from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or contact The Ark at 949.388.0034 to arrange another time to meet Harvey.

For more information, visit www.arkofsanjuan.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 13–26, 2015

Flashback Friday This early 1950s photo features a sixth-grade class celebrating St. Joseph’s Day and the return of the swallows in the center courtyard from the Serra Chapel.

Photo: San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

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 21

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

Stuff We Take for Granted

Get rid of your ‘stuff’ so she won’t get rid of you

A

s we age, events in life such as moving in together or downsizing can create “stuff.” By “stuff” I mean unnecessary items we hoard that we are reluctant to get rid of: boxes of belongings, old photos, old silverware, dusty books and even items left by our parents that we seldom, if ever, looked at. Stuff is usually stored in attics, closets and basements.

For couples, stuff can be problematic, and even create a rift in a relationship, particularly when one person is neat and ON LIFE AND tidy and the other is a LOVE AFTER 50 hoarder of stuff.

By Tom Blake Last month, when I sold the deli I had owned for 26 years, 170 boxes of financial records had to be

June Carter Cash, Johnny Cash, Tom Blake.

Photo: Courtesy

removed from the restaurant’s storeroom.

Certain corporate records must be kept for seven years. I did not have room at my Dana Point home.

As a courtesy, Greta, my life partner of 17 years, let me store the boxes on the garage floor at her San Clemente home. I already had boxes of personal stuff taking up valuable shelf space there.

I could tell by the way she looked at the boxes and then at me that storing the deli stuff there would only be temporary.

After a few days, Greta said, “I love you. But, we need the stuff in the garage moved because we have guests coming and they need to park their car in there.”

I asked Ted Alvarez, my Laguna Beach

CPA, if other clients of his have had similar problems. Ted said, “Of course, this happens often when businesses are sold or downsized. You should rent a storage unit for your deli records. It’s a corporate tax write off.”

So, that’s what I did. I went to Price Self Storage in San Juan Capistrano and rented a 10-foot by 7-foot space.

I spent several days sorting through the boxes, tossing some stuff out, repacking the boxes, marking and dating them, and then took them to the storage unit.

I did the same thing with some of my personal stuff stored in Greta’s garage as well. Four 50-gallon containers of trash were filled.

I learned that I should have started years ago to toss out unnecessary stuff I had accumulated. At least I didn’t leave the job for my siblings or Greta to have to do.

Going through stuff that was significant in your life can be a monumental, emotional and time-consuming task.

Sometimes, we find precious items that are impossible to discard.

For example, in a file, I uncovered a 1975 photo that included June Carter Cash, Johnny Cash holding his son John Carter, and me.

I also found a signed document dated August 26, 1996, from Johnny authorizing me to use his quote on the back of my first book, “Middle Aged and Dating Again.”

Johnny wrote: “In the 20 years I have

known Tom Blake, he has become an authority on dating and relationships.”

In addition, I found a letter hand-written from my mom to my dad, postmarked June 17, 1946, when Dad was in Europe helping post World War II France get back on its manufacturing feet after the war.

Best of all, however, was when Greta saw her garage cleared out, she gave me a big hug. Getting rid of stuff kept me in good standing with her.

Advice to stuff savers: Clear out your clutter. It could strengthen your relationship, and you will be doing your heirs a huge favor. Plus, you never know what precious stuff you might find.

For a hoot, check out comedian George Carlin’s YouTube video about stuff: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac The age 50-plus singles Meet and Greet is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point. For information, contact the deli at 949.248.9008.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and former 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.

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

2015 San Juan Area Spring Prep Sports Preview

BY STEVE BREAZEALE AND KEVIN DAHLGREN, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he 2015 prep sports spring season is on the horizon. In our annual preview, we highlight several San Juan Capistrano area high school sports teams primed for big seasons.

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

JSerra Catholic BASEBALL LAST SEASON: The Lions won the Trinity League and advanced to the semifinals of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Royce Lewis, Jake Pries, Brady Shockey and Jack Owen.

CIRCLE ‘EM: National High School Invit.

(3/25-28), Mater Dei (4/17) and Santa Margarita (5/12).

OUTLOOK: In the JSerra High School baseball team’s dugout, head coach Brett Kay has the day’s practice schedule pinned to a bulletin board. At the bottom of the schedule, in big bold letters, reads a question: Can you embrace the challenges that face you today?

That has been what Kay and his staff have been asking of the Lions daily, on both a micro and macro level.

JSerra enters the year as one of the top teams in the country, loaded with returning Division 1 talent and a championship pedigree. The Lions won their first Trinity League title since 2009 last season and narrowly missed out on playing for a CIF championship.

With eight returning starters on the

roster, the talent is clearly there. But Kay stresses how far the team has to go until they live up to the lofty expectations.

“I think there’s a lot of external pressure on us to perform. There’s a lot of rankings coming out that people are seeing which are fine and dandy and nice for us to be able to look at. But as cliché as it can be, it doesn’t matter how you start,” Kay said.

The Lions return several strong arms and will be led on the mound by sophomore Jack Owen and senior Quentin Longrie. Ryan Lepner, Collin Quinn and transfer Reed Connelly add to the pitching depth.

The infield is made up of several standouts, like Chase Strumpf, Royce Lewis and Ryan Pena, who can play multiple positions. Because the Lions will be playing upwards of 30 games this year, they will be using a lot of pitchers and rotate multiple players around the diamond on any given day. Kay says the Lions versatility up and down the roster will be crucial to their chances at another league title and a deep playoff run.—Steve Breazeale BASEBALL SCHEDULE: DATE

OPPONENT, LOCATION, TIME

3/14 3/17

Loyola (Dbl. Header), JSCHS, 1:30/4 p.m.

Huntington Beach (Dbl. Head), JSCHS, 3/6 p.m.

3/21 Cypress (Dbl. Head), TBA, 12/3 p.m.

3/25-28 National High School Invit., Cary, N.C., TBA 4/7-10 Boras Classic, JSCHS, TBA 4/15* Mater Dei, MDHS, 6 p.m.

4/17* Mater Dei, JSCHS, 6 p.m.

4/20* Orange Lutheran, JSCHS, 6 p.m.

4/22* Orange Lutheran, Hart Park, 7 p.m.

4/24* Orange Lutheran, TBA, 6 p.m.

4/29* St. John Bosco, Angel Stadium, 3:30 p.m.

5/1* St. John Bosco, TBA, 6 p.m.

5/6* Servite, JSCHS, 6 p.m.

5/8* Servite, SHS, 3:15 p.m.

5/12* Santa Margarita, JSCHS, 6 p.m.

5/14* Santa Margarita, SMCHS, 3:15 p.m. *denotes league game

The JSerra girls swim team is looking to reach a fourth straight appearance in the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

have a good group of senior girls that we can rely “on“Webecause they have the experience. The amount of leadership we have is amazing. ” —Coach Kevin Clements

GIRLS SWIMMING LAST SEASON: The Lions finished runnerup in CIF after winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.

SWIMMERS TO WATCH: Karli Thuen, Kaitlyn Albertoli, Brittany Kahn and Sonia Wang.

CIRCLE ‘EM: Milikan Relays (3/24) and league meet against Santa Margarita (4/30).

JSerra shortstop Chase Strumpf, right, will help lead the Lions baseball team in 2015. Photo: Steve Breazeale

The Capistrano Dispatch March 13–26, 2015

OUTLOOK: The JSerra girls swim team enters the 2015 season with a bitter taste in its mouth after coming up just short in the CIF-SS Division 1 finals last year.

The good news for the Lions is that the team returns a talented field of veteran swimmers this season, which is keeping head coach Kevin Clements confident going forward.

“We have a good group of senior girls that we can rely on because they have the experience,” Clements said. “The amount Page 24

of leadership we have is amazing.”

Collegiate committed swimmers Karli Theun (Univ. of Arizona), Kaitlyn Albertoli (Stanford), Brittany Kahn (Duke), and Sonia Wang (Harvard) will form the marquee relay team for the Lions this year, according to Clements.

Theun, Albertoli, Kahn, and Wang were all part of the 2012 and 2013 squads that won back-to-back CIF championships before finishing as runners-up last year.

“Quite simply, we will need all four swimmers to perform well. They all have fantastic skill in the own right,” Clements said.—Kevin Dahlgren GIRLS SWIMMING SCHEDULE: DATE

OPPONENT, LOCATION, TIME

3/24 3/26* 4/1* 4/16* 4/23* 4/30* 5/6-8

Millikan Relays, MHS, 3 p.m.

Mater Dei, JSCHS, 3:15 p.m.

Orange Lutheran, JSCHS, 3:15 p.m.

St. John Bosco, JSCHS, 3:15 p.m.

Servite/Rosary, SHS, 3:15 p.m.

Santa Margarita, SMCHS, 3:15 p.m.

Trinity League Finals, JSCHS, TBA

*denotes league meet

(Cont. on page 27) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

GARAGE SALES SJC GARAGE SALE - 3/14, SAT. 8 AM Guadalupe Street. One of a kind items! Books, jewelry, clothing, purses, dishes, Corning ware, silverware, Dia de los Muertos art, etc.

ESTATE SALE MARCH 14TH @ 7 TO 1 P.M. Bernhardt bedroom furniture. Orleans International buffet, dining room table, 8 chairs.

Tommy Bahama style glass kitchen table 5 chairs, china, dishes, home accents, end tables, hallway table, lamps, linens and more.

242 West El Portal #B San Clemente.

HELP WANTED PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT/ OFFICE ASSISTANT Days needed are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Entry level position. Must be tech savvy and a team player. Please call 949-241-6633

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

OBITUARY

John Stanley Zelko

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

John Stanley Zelko, 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2015. Services will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 2pm, Pacific View Memorial Park, in Corona del Mar.

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

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Excel Electric

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

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

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Excel Electric - CA #793860

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

Star Motors

32959 Calle Perfecto, 949.443.1970, www.star-motors.com

BANKING

JEWELER

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

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

Independence Bank

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

ELECTRICIANS

MOLD REMOVAL

Jarvis Restoration

31942 Paseo Sagrado, 949.362.5388, www.jarvisrestoration.com

After-Hours Electric

Ca Lic #697355 714.396.2188, 949.573.8386, www.bbb.org The Capistrano Dispatch March 13–26, 2015

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Call Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or e-mail dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

San Juan Photo & Digital

32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668, www.sjcphotodigital.com Page 25

PLUMBING

Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

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

SCHOOLS

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

WATER DAMAGE

Jarvis Restoration

31942 Paseo Sagrado, 949.362.5388, www.jarvisrestoration.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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 24)

St. Margaret’s Episcopal BASEBALL LAST SEASON: The Tartans placed second in league and advanced to the quarterfinals of the playoffs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kyle Hermann, Jake Bradley, Chris Murphy and Michael Messina.

CIRCLE ‘EM: Crean Lutheran (3/31, 4/2) and Sage Hill (4/14, 4/17).

OUTLOOK: When the CIF-SS Division 6 baseball preseason polls were first posted on Feb. 23, St. Margaret’s entered the fray in the No. 10 spot. The Tartans are coming off a successful year that saw them place second in the Academy League and march into the quarterfinals of the playoffs. But they are not the only Academy League team inside the top of the rankings.

League rivals Crean Lutheran and Sage Hill checked in at No. 1 and No. 4 in Division 6, respectively, which will make for another tough schedule of league games for the Tartans this season.

The Tartans will lean on their defense in order to make another deep postseason run, according to head coach Mel Taylor.

The Tartans return standout catcher Jake Bradley, shortstop/pitcher Kyler Hermann and all-league center fielder Chris Murphy. All three can hit and Taylor says they make for a dynamic defensive group up the middle of the field.

Hermann is the only true battle tested

pitcher in the Tartans rotation. Taylor said he is a smart pitcher who pitches to contact, which plays to the Tartans strength in the field.

“We will have a very, very solid defense this year. So if our pitchers can just keep guys on the front foot, get ground balls, rolling the ball over, we should do well,” Taylor said.—SB BASEBALL SCHEDULE: DATE

OPPONENT, LOCATION, TIME

3/13 3/17 3/20 3/24* 3/27* 3/31* 4/2* 4/14* 4/17* 4/21 4/24

Firebaugh, San Juan SP, TBA Saddleback Valley Christian, SVC, 3:15 p.m.

Beverly Hills, SMES, 3:15 p.m.

Oxford Academy, SMES, 6 p.m.

Oxford Academy, OA, 3:15 p.m.

Crean Lutheran, CLHS, 3:15 p.m.

Crean Lutheran, SMES, 3:15 p.m.

Sage Hill, SHHS, 3:15 p.m.

Sage Hill, SMES, 3:15 p.m.

St. Michael’s Prep, SMP, 3:15 p.m.

Capistrano Valley Christian, SMES, 6:30 p.m.

Calvary Chapel, CCHS, 3 p.m.

Calvary Chapel, SMES, 3:15 p.m.

Brethren Christian, BCHS, 3:15 p.m.

Whittier Christian, WCHS, 4 p.m.

Brethren Christian, SMES, 3:15 p.m.

Whitney, WHS, 3:15 p.m.

4/28* 5/1* 5/5* 5/6 5/8* 5/14*

*denotes league game

GIRLS LACROSSE LAST SEASON: The Tartans advanced to the first round of the playoffs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Margaret KaplanPaliwoda, Marissa Young, Noelani Murayama and Cameron Manor.

CIRCLE ‘EM: Mater Dei (3/24) and Santa Margarita (4/14).

OUTLOOK: St. Margaret’s girls lacrosse

Sophomore attack Cameron Manor, right, and the St. Margaret’s girls lacrosse team will field a veteran group in 2015. Photo: Steve Breazeale

From L to R: Jake Bradley, Evan Clary and Michael Messina will lead the St. Margaret’s baseball team in 2015.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

The Capistrano Dispatch March 13–26, 2015

head coach Holly Reilly accredits her team chemistry to the Tartans success in recent years. The Tartans do not carry a lot of players on varsity, but that makes for a tight-knit group that likes to play for one another, according to Reilly.

The Tartans lost only two seniors and the returning group of players has played alongside one another for several years.

The St. Margaret’s defense is heavy with returning talent and will be led by Meredith College commit Margaret Kaplan-Paliwoda. Reilly described Camila Anderson as a “tenacious defender” who holds the defense together.

The lineup will feature several up and coming sophomores like Cameron Manor, who spent the offseason with a travel club team. Reilly said she has seen a noticeable jump in Manor’s abilities and will be a big contributor on attack.

With so many familiar pieces returning who know her system, Reilly and her staff have attempted to add new dimensions to Page 27

this year’s team.

“A lot of things worked for us last year.

It’s adding, we know our girls, now the girls know what we’re trying to do on offense or defense so it’s what can we add in to the sets offensively or what can we adjust and add to our defense,” Reilly said. “When we play teams we can show a couple different versions of St. Margaret’s and make it difficult for our opponents.”

—SB GIRLS LACROSSE SCHEDULE: DATE

OPPONENT, LOCATION, TIME

3/12 3/17 3/19 3/24 4/14 4/21 4/23 4/24 4/28

Sage Hill, SMES, 4:30 p.m.

Laguna Hills, LHHS, 5:30 p.m.

Dana Hills, SMES, 5 p.m.

Mater Dei, SMES, 4:30 p.m.

Santa Margarita, SMCHS, 5:30 p.m.

San Clemente, SCHS, 5:30 p.m.

Beckman, SMES, TBA Sage Hill, SHHS, 4:30 p.m.

Temecula Valley, SMES, 5:30 p.m.

(Cont. on page 28) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

The San Juan Hills softball team will field a young, but talented, group full of freshmen and sophomores in 2015. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

(Cont. from page 27)

San Juan Hills SOFTBALL LAST SEASON: San Juan Hills finished third in league and advanced to the first round of the playoffs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Allie Holbrook, Brie Johnson, Jessica Scotty and Kayla Black.

CIRCLE ‘EM: Dana Hills (3/17) and San Clemente (4/23).

OUTLOOK: The San Juan Hills softball team is in the midst of a rising youth movement. With most of the team from last year gone to graduation, first-year head coach Dan Massucco envisions four freshmen and four sophomores starting for the Stallions when the season opens up.

Returning No. 1 pitcher Allie Holbrook headlines the sophomore class. Holbrook started as a freshman and showed veteran poise by pitching the Stallions to a 7-1 victory over Northwood in a win or go home wild card game last season.

The Stallions infield is full of freshman starters who have impressed Massucco early on. Freshman second baseman Brie Johnson plays well in the field but where Massucco thinks she makes the biggest impact is at the plate.

“I think when (Johnson) leaves this The Capistrano Dispatch March 13–26, 2015

school she is going to hold all of the hitting records,” Massucco said.

Massucco is gearing the team’s approach at the plate to fit his preferred small-ball style of play. Massucco said his team will bunt for hits, hit the ball the other way and be aggressive on the base paths this season.

“It’s changing the mindset a little bit but it’s coming,” Massucco said. “I’m happy with where it is but I think it’s going to take about halfway through the season, then I think we’re going to be a tough out.”—SB SOFTBALL SCHEDULE: DATE

OPPONENT, LOCATION, TIME

3/9-13 3/17 3/24 3/28 3/31 4/14* 4/16 4/21* 4/23* 4/28* 4/30* 5/7* 5/13*

Saddleback Valley Tourn., TBA, TBA Dana Hills, SJHHS, 4:30 p.m.

University, UHS, 3:15 p.m.

JSerra Catholic, JSCHS, 12 p.m.

Fullerton, FHS, 3:15 p.m.

Trabuco Hills, SJHHS, 4:30 p.m.

Dana Hills, DHHS, 4:30 p.m.

Laguna Hills, LHHS, 4 p.m.

San Clemente, SJHHS, 4:30 p.m.

Tesoro, THS, 4:30 p.m.

Trabuco Hills, THHS, 4:30 p.m.

Laguna Hills, SJHHS, 4:30 p.m.

Tesoro, SJHHS, 4:30 p.m.

The San Juan Hills girls track and field team returns depth at every level and is looking to send a host of athletes to CIF competition. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Becerra.

CIRCLE ‘EM: Triton Invitational (3/21), OC Championships (4/25) and Tesoro (4/23).

*denotes league game

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD LAST SEASON: The Stallions finished third in league.

ATHLETES TO WATCH: Katie Camarena, Lauren Vissman, Elle Brandt and Mikaela

OUTLOOK: Last year was a breakout year for the San Juan Hills girls track and field team, as the Stallions finished third in league and sent several athletes to CIF competition.

A majority of that talent from last year were freshman, which means the Stallions have the depth to build on last year, according to head coach Cat Nolan.

“This year, what I’m excited about, is we have the depth at all the levels,” Nolan said. “So it’s not just, you have one super star who is going to win four events for

Page 28

you and that’s how you win your league championship. We have maybe the top person in one event and, if we don’t, we have second or third (best).”

Junior Katie Camarena is fresh off an eighth and 11th place finish in the 800 and 600-yard race, respectively, at the Indoor State Championships in Fresno. Camarena will also be a part of the Stallions 4x400meter relay team, which qualified for CIF last year.

Sophomore Lauren Vissman set the school record in the 200-meter dash last year and will also be a part of the 4x400 relay team.

Junior Mikaela Becerra and sophomore Rachel Gendusa are surpassing the 100foot mark in the discus and are close to clearing 30 feet in the shot put, marks that should net the Stallions points throughout the year.—SB GIRLS TRACK & FIELD SCHEDULE: DATE

OPPONENT, LOCATION, TIME

3/14 3/21 3/25* 3/28 4/2* 4/4 4/10-11 4/16* 4/18 4/23* 4/25 4/29 5/5-8

Irvine Invit., IHS, 8 a.m.

Triton Invit., SCHS, TBA Laguna Hills, SJHHS, 2:45 p.m.

Beach Cities Invit., HBHS, 8 a.m.

Capistrano Valley, CVHS, 2:45 p.m.

Trabuco Hills Invit., THHS, 8 a.m.

Arcadia Invit., AHS, TBA San Clemente, SJHHS, 2:45 p.m.

Mt. SAC Relays, Mt. SAC, TBA Tesoro, THS, 2:45 p.m.

OC Championships, MVHS, 8:30 a.m.

Trabuco Hills, THHS, 2:45 p.m.

SVL Prelims/Finals, SCHS, TBA

*denotes league meet

(Cont. on page 30) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 28)

Saddleback Valley Christian BOYS VOLLEYBALL LAST SEASON: The Warriors won league, the CIF-SS Division 5 Championship and finished runner-up at the State CIF Regional Division III Championships.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Noah Dyer, Jon Minsberg and Trevor O’Reilly.

CIRCLE ‘EM: Santa Margarita (4/15), Redondo Invit. (5/1) and Orangewood Academy (4/2).

OUTLOOK: After their most successful season in school history, the Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team will have a few obstacles to overcome in 2015.

First off, the squad lost nine players from last year’s CIF-SS and CIF State Regional runner-up team. The Warriors return a solid starting lineup, but beyond that, they have few players with varsity experience.

Head coach Ryan Van Rensselaer decided to forego a junior varsity team this season and immerse all the players who would normally be on that team onto the varsity. The move has jumpstarted the development of several newcomers and he has seen his veterans take on strong leadership roles.

After every play in practice, the Warriors are huddling up and congratulating each other like they would during a regular season game. Van Rensselaer believes this type of team bonding can help put the Warriors over the top when the time comes.

“They bring each other in on every

The Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team are the reigning CIF-SS Division 5 champions. Photo: Steve Breazeale

play during practice. It might be goofy or kind of lame to a lot of high school boys, but they’re bridging the uncomfortable … they see the effect of it when we’re playing games,” Van Rensselaer said. “The chemistry, I’ve never seen anything like it.

That’s going to be the difference.”

Despite the loss of several seniors, Saddleback Valley Christian’s starting lineup is loaded with talent. Junior Noah Dyer and sophomore Jon Minsberg have emerged as all-CIF players and will both

play setter and opposite.

Middle blocker Trevor O’Reilly and Jacob Pelletier, who has moved to libero, return.

The Warriors will play their toughest schedule to date and consistently face Division 1 and Division 2 programs before heading into league play.—SB BOYS VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE: DATE

OPPONENT, LOCATION, TIME

3/14 3/18 3/19 3/24 4/2* 4/14 4/15 4/22* 4/23 4/28* 5/1 5/5* 5/6*

Dos Pueblos Invit., TBA, TBA San Juan Hills, SVC, TBA Trabuco Hills, THHS, 5 p.m.

Laguna Hills, LHHS, 5:30 p.m.

Orangewood Academy, OAHS, 4:30 p.m.

South Pasadena, SPHS, 5 p.m.

Santa Margarita, SMCHS, 5:30 p.m.

Orangewood Academy, SVC, 5 p.m.

St. Margaret’s, SMES, 5 p.m.

The Webb Schools, TWS, 6 p.m.

Redondo Invit., RUHS, TBA Avalon (Dbl. Header), AHS, TBA The Webb Schools, SVC, 5 p.m.

*denotes league game

Capistrano Valley Christian

year head coach Steve Poblete, the Capistrano Valley Christian softball team looks to resurrect the program a year removed from the cancellation of the 2014 season due to lack of player interest.

“We really are starting from scratch this season,” Poblete said.

This year’s squad is made up almost entirely of first-year players; only three of the girls on the varsity team have any previous softball experience. Along with a lack of experience, the squad is an underclassman-laden team with only one junior on the roster.

“We have a lot of first-year players,” Poblete added. “Fortunately for us we have an experienced pitcher and catcher, which are crucial at this level.”

The freshman pitcher-catcher tandem of Riley Dungan and Sarah Delitkanich have the most experience on the team and will form the duo the rest of the team will look to for leadership. Dungan will be the team’s No. 1 starting pitcher and Delitkanich will handle catching duties. –KD SOFTBALL SCHEDULE:

SOFTBALL LAST SEASON: The 2014 season was cancelled due to lack of player interest.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Riley Dungan, Sarah Delitkanich and Alexis Rucker.

CIRCLE ‘EM: League games against Brethren Christian (3/23, 3/31).

After not existing last season due to lack of interest, the Capistrano Valley Christian softball team is looking to build a foundation in 2015. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

The Capistrano Dispatch March 13–26, 2015

OUTLOOK: Under the guidance of first-

Page 30

DATE

OPPONENT, LOCATION, TIME

3/23* 3/30* 3/31* 4/14* 4/17* 4/18* 4/21* 4/28* 4/30* 5/7* 5/12 5/14

Brethren Christian, BCHS, 3:15 p.m.

Connelly, CVCS, 3 p.m.

Brethren Christian, CVCS, 3 p.m.

Eastside Christian, ECHS, 3 p.m.

Avalon, CVCS, 3 p.m.

Avalon, CVCS, 10 a.m.

Orangewood Academy, OAHS, 3:30 p.m.

Fairmont Prep, CVCS, 3 p.m.

Eastside Christian, CVCS, 3 p.m.

Orangewood Academy, CVCS, 3 p.m.

Connelly, CHS, 3:30 p.m.

Fairmont Prep, FPHS, 3:30 p.m.

*denotes league game

www.thecapistranodispatch.com