April 24, 2015

Go See Do: Things to Do in Southern California SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

APRIL 24-MAY 7, 2015 • VOLUME 13, ISSUE 8

Ripple Effect Court ruling rejecting San Juan’s tiered water rates could have statewide impacts E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 7

Jim Reardon, left, and John Perry initially filed a lawsuit in 2012 against the city’s tiered water rates, claiming they violated Proposition 218, which requires rates to be relative to cost of service. Photo: Allison Jarrell

City Council Approves Controversial Crosswalk EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

San Juan Hills High School Gets New Principal EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

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Accessible Playground Built in Green Park SJC LIVING/PAGE 14

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING within a matter of 45 minutes.

The blaze, which was visible in San Juan Capistrano from Interstate 5, was called in at 4:15 p.m. to the OCFA. The initial report was of a half-acre fire in San Juan Capistrano, south of Avery Parkway, but firefighters discovered the blaze was actually located on the hills of Laguna Niguel behind a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

Concialdi said firefighters responded aggressively to the nearly 4-acre brush fire, which was contained by 5 p.m. The fire was near a residential area, but the blaze posed no threat to the homes nearby, he said.

There were no injuries and no structures were damaged.

A helicopter drops water on April 16 to assist in controlling a 2-acre fire in Laguna Niguel. The fire was visible from the I-5 freeway in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Allison Jarrell

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week City Council Approves Controversial Crosswalk THE LATEST: Hundreds of residents living in several senior communities will soon be able to cross the street with a new traffic signal at the intersection of Rancho Viejo Road and Paseo Espada, but some residents remain concerned that consistently dangerous driving habits will make the crossing perilous for pedestrians.

The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved the crosswalk unanimously Tuesday night. The project will include a marked crosswalk, a traffic signal and new ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Different versions of a proposed crosswalk—one with an all-way stop and later a flashing beacon—were previously denied twice by the council in 2005 and again in 2011. Councilman Sam Allevato, who was on the council at that time, said engineering studies showed that a crosswalk was hazardous due to factors like lack of street lighting, speedy driving habits of area commuters and the curvature of Rancho Viejo Road. Allevato added that funding for the project didn’t exist at the time.

City Engineer George Alvarez reported Tuesday that between 21 and 24 people cross the intersection per hour, and the junction sees between 400 and 500 cars during peak hours. Alvarez said there has been one accident within the last three years, which did not involve a pedestrian.

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2015

During public comment, Barbara Delgado, resident coordinator at Villa Paloma Senior Apartments on Paseo Espada, said while their residents are grateful for the proposed crosswalk, they would have been happy with two painted lines across the street rather than a $350,000 traffic signal.

“We asked for this approximately 10 years ago, and at that time, we were talking about a can of paint and two lines,” Delgado said. “We just want to get across the street.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The estimated cost for a traffic signal at the intersection of Rancho Viejo Road and Paseo Espada is $350,000.

Staff reported to the council that the project’s funding will come from the Capistrano Circulation Fee Program, which currently has $4.96 million available from developer fees. Staff said CCFP funds were earmarked for the project.

The CCFP is also a source of funding for the city’s seven-year Capital Improvement Program, which coordinates maintenance and development of San Juan’s infrastructure. Some residents, including former councilman Larry Kramer, questioned whether those funds should be used for infrastructure improvements such as repairing damaged roads.

“It is a waste of taxpayer’s money to spend $350,000 to allow pedestrians to cross at that intersection when so many important street repairs are delayed due to lack of funding,” Kramer wrote in a letter to the council.—Allison Jarrell

Firefighters Contain Brush Fire Near San Juan THE LATEST: Orange County firefighters combated a small brush fire onApril 16 near the border of Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano, officials.

Orange County Fire Authority Capt.

Steve Concialdi said a crew of 85 firefighters and a helicopter contained the flames

WHAT’S NEXT: Concialdi said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation. Witnesses who have any information about the possible cause of the blaze are asked to call the Orange County Fire Authority at 714.573.6709.

Concialdi said OCFA routinely receives tips from the public when they ask for help.—AJ

SJHHS Attendance Concerns Raised THE LATEST: San Juan Hills High School may soon be facing a major attendance crunch, Capistrano Unified School District Trustee Jim Reardon warned Wednesday, and the district needs to be prepared to make “some difficult choices” about the future of the school.

After a presentation by district staff about district facilities needs and potential solutions for high school capacity that showed San Juan Hills may see and increasing number of students coming from Talega following the completion of La Pata Avenue from Ladrea Ranch and some from Rancho Mission Viejo (along with Tesoro), Reardon noted that the current financial climate for the district and state would “make it difficult” to pay for additions to the school.

Currently, more than 90 percent of Talega high school students attend San Clemente High School, but Talega residents at the meeting told the board many would prefer going to SJHHS following the completion of the road, since Talega Mello-Roos taxes went to pay for the school. Staff said a survey would likely be taken of parents of Talega’s Kindergarten through eighthgrade students to help determine how many would like to attend SJHHS. WHAT’S NEXT: District staff will present a financial overview of potential facilities projects at the board’s May 13 meeting.

– Jim Shilander

New Principal Named for San Juan Hills High School THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School

Page 3

District Board of Trustees officially named Aliso Viejo Middle School principal Jennifer Garett-Smalley as the new principal at San Juan Hills High School beginning next school year at its meeting Wednesday.

Garett-Smalley has been at Aliso Viejo since 2011. According to a district news release, the middle school “experienced significant improvement in student achievement, expanded course offerings, deepened students’ connection to the middle school experience and developed and implemented a strategic intervention program for academically at-risk students” during her tenure.

WHAT’S NEXT: Garrett-Smalley will replace Tom Ressler, who has served as the school’s principal for seven years and who will be retiring at the end of the school year.

The next school year will begin Aug. 25.

The board heard from a number of parents Wednesday voicing both support and opposition to moving the start of the school year before Labor Day. The board took no action, but indicated a willingness to open up future scheduling committee meetings to the public.—JS

Critics Voice SONGS Security Concerns THE LATEST: Critics of Southern California Edison and the decommissioning process for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station denounced the utility’s security plans for the site, noting a lack of ability to respond to airborne threats and vulnerability of its spent fuel pools and dry storage casks.

New San Juan Capistrano Community Engagement Panel representative Pam Patterson said she was “not feeling confident” about the current plans, noting that the plant could potentially vulnerable to a hijacked flight from John Wayne Airport, as well as doubting whether the plant’s security would be able to handle a terrorist assault.

Edison officials said security plans include having a number of defensive positions, an experienced security staff and the ability to call on other forces, such as the Marines, as well as extensive screenings or personnel to weed out potential saboteurs.

WHAT’S NEXT: Members of the CUP were to meet with members of the California Energy Commission to encourage the development of a state interim solution for storage for spent nuclear fuel, which is currently under control by the federal Department of Energy. A potential solution at Yucca Mtn. in Nevada is unlikely now that a proposed permanent repository has stalled.—JS Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

SCWD Accepting Scholarship Applications College-bound high school seniors who live in South Coast Water District’s service area are invited to apply for their 2015 scholarship program. Individual scholarships are $1,000, and a maximum of five will be awarded.

Students are eligible to apply if they: • Live in South Coast Water District’s service area, which includes Dana Point, Capo Beach, South Laguna and areas of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

• Are graduating from high school in 2015 and entering a college or university.

• Can demonstrate involvement in community service, public service, volunteer work, and/or environmental activities.

Students must write a 500-word essay about water from topics provided in the application. The deadline to apply is May 4.

Before applying, students are encouraged to call to verify that they live in the district’s service area.

For more information or to obtain an application, visit scwd.org/scholarships or call 949.499.4555, ext. 3139.

Past winners have included students from local schools such as Dana Hills High School, JSerra Catholic High School, Laguna Beach High School and more.

Annual Día del Niño Celebration Set for April 25 CREER Comunidad y Familia and St. Joseph Health Mission Hospital present the eighth annual Día del Niño (Day of the Child) celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 25. Live entertainment will

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

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.

Wednesday, April 22 9-1-1 HANGUP Camino Capistrano, 31400 Block (3:20 p.m.) A woman was heard screaming on an open line. The location listed was El Nopal Mercado.

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2015

be provided at the free event, which will take place at Stonefield Park, located on the corner of Camino Capistrano and La Zanja Street in San Juan Capistrano.

A local nonprofit, CREER’s mission is to support and encourage the development of youth and families in San Juan through education, culture, arts, sports and civic leadership programs.

For more information on CREER or Día del Niño, contact Angeles Ceballos at 714.788.8339 or angelesceb@hotmail.com, or visit www.facebook.com/creerSJC.

Doheny House Restoration to be Unveiled at Pink Gala The owners of the historic Doheny House will unveil their home’s complete, top-to-bottom period-correct restoration at the upcoming Pink Gala fundraiser to benefit cancer patients at Orange Coast Memorial Hospital, Dr. Mark Kobayashi’s Hands of Hope International, as well as other programs of Kristine Taylor Philanthropies. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature special guests—including Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Michael Ramirez, DIY and HGTV star Matt Blashaw and Phil Roberts, master painter, sculptor and Pipeline Masters trophy artist—live music, dancing under the stars, fine dining, a high-end fashion show, silent auction, a live art auction and the opportunity to have a look inside one of the area’s most beautiful and historic homes.

Tickets are $250 and can be purchased online. All proceeds support the cause.

Doheny House, 335101 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, 949.387.8711, www. kristinetaylorphilanthropies.org.

Covered California Enrollment Ends April 30 The State of California recognized many

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Aeropuerto, 26100 Block (1:22 p.m.) A woman in her 20s was in front of the Capistrano Hardwoods store, reportedly acting suspicious, changing her clothing and saying she is going to die.

The caller believed the woman’s demeanor was drug-related.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Aeropuerto, 26100 Block (12:24 p.m.) A 50- to 60-year-old woman was on the sidewalk in front of a business waving her hands and screaming. She was wearing an orange jacket and looked “like she just got back from Woodstock.”

MISSING JUVENILE Paseo Adelanto, 32500 Block (9:42 a.m.)

A woman called to report her daughter had stolen her cell phone and was truant from school.

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people were unaware there was a 2014 tax penalty associated with not having health insurance, or that they may face that same penalty in 2015. In response, the state extended a limited-time opportunity to enroll in Covered California health plans through April 30.

Mission Hospital, along with partnering agencies, encourages anyone looking for Covered California or Medi-Cal coverage to make an enrollment appointment at any of the following locations in South Orange County: SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CHEC Family Resource Center, 27412 Calle Arroyo.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 949.489.7742 for an appointment.

Camino Health Center, 30300 Camino Capistrano.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-noon and 2 p.m.5 p.m. Call 949.240-2272 ext. 198 for an appointment.

LAKE FOREST SOC Family Resource Center, 23832 Rockfield Blvd., Suite 270.

Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call for appointment, 949.364.0500.

MISSION VIEJO Mission Hospital, Financial Counseling Office, 27700 Medical Center Road, MOB 3 Suite 253.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 949.364.1400 ext. 7654 for an appointment.

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.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Alipaz Street/Del Obispo Street (3:39 a.m.) A patrol check was requested near the liquor store when someone heard a man yelling, “Kill her. Get her.”

Tuesday, April 21 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Avenida Aeropuerto, 26000 Block (8:56 p.m.) A caller thought it suspicious when a green truck was driving near the club house with its lights off.

WELFARE CHECK Oso Road, Block 26200 (2:40 p.m.)

A caller phoned police and hour after a horse returned to Sycamore Trails Stables without the woman who had been riding it.

Community Meetings SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Historical Society Fiesta Days

10 a.m.-3 p.m. See what life in the Capistrano Valley was like in the 19th and 20th centuries during the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society’s third annual Fiesta Days. Admission is free. O’Neill Museum, 31831 Los Rios Street, 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

Downtown Farmers Market

3 p.m.–7 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from around 40 vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday. Visit, www.farmersmarketsjc.com to find out more.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Garden Angels

8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden and more. Bring gloves and wear close-toed shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

FRIDAY, MAY 1

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.

TUESDAY, MAY 5

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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

No CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

The next regular meeting is set for May 13 at 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.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Ripple Effect Appellate Court Rules San Juan Capistrano’s Tiered Water Rates Illegal

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

California Fourth District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that San Juan Capistrano’s tiered water rates are unconstitutional. Water agencies across the state have paid attention to the verdict, which has the potential to impact cities utilizing tiered rate systems to encourage residents to conserve water during California’s ongoing drought.

The court released a 28-page ruling on April 20, detailing its process for deciding that San Juan’s 2010 tiered water rate system did not sufficiently show that each tier was based on usage and the actual cost of water delivery.

“Water rates must reflect the ‘cost of service attributable’ to a given parcel,” the ruling states. “…the tiers must still correspond to the actual cost of providing service at a given level of usage. The water agency here did not try to calculate the cost of actually providing water at its various tier levels. It merely allocated all its costs among the price tier levels, based not on costs, but on pre-determined usage budgets…”

However, within the decision, the appellate court did end up reversing part of a previous ruling in 2013 by Orange County Superior Court Judge George Munoz, which found San Juan’s rate structure was completely illegal. The appellate court judges wrote that charging customers for “the capital costs of improvements to provide additional increments of water – such as building a recycling plant” satisfies “constitutional and statutory requirements.”

But the essence of the case, the decision heard around the state, was that San Juan’s water pricing violated the constitution.

“City Water’s pricing violates the constitutional requirement that fees “not exceed the proportional cost of the service attributable to the parcel,” the ruling reads.

“This is not to say City Water must calculate a rate for 225 Elm Street and then calculate another for the house across the street at 226. Neither the voters nor the Constitution say anything we can find that would prohibit tiered pricing. But the tiers must be based on usage, not budgets.”

The appellate court decision comes following years of controversy surrounding San Juan’s water rates and its groundwater recovery plant. In August 2013, the city’s rate structure was declared illegal

by Judge Gregory Munoz in a lawsuit brought against the city in 2012 by the Capistrano Taxpayers Association, led The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2015

Residents Jim Reardon and John Perry said they were happy with the appellate court decision on San Juan Capistrano’s tiered water rate system, which ruled the rates illegal under Proposition 218. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Cracking Down on Conservation The city’s top three tips for saving water are: 1) Watch the watering schedule: More water is wasted in sprinkler systems than anywhere else.

2) Check your toilets for leaks: Sneaky plumbing malfunctions can waste hundreds of gallons a day.

3) Be thrifty and think ahead: • Run the clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full.

• Watch the running water—turn off water features unless they recirculate.

• Wash vehicles using as little water as possible and use a shut-off nozzle.

• Repair plumbing and sprinklers promptly; ensure water runoff isn’t leaving your yard.

• Clean paved surfaces and structures using a broom.

by residents Jim Reardon and Councilman John Perry. Perry was appointed to City Council in February and separated himself from the organization upon becoming a council member. The city went on to appeal the ruling and continued to charge customers based on the model in question.

The CTA claimed that the city’s rate structure violated Prop 218, and went further to claim that water rates were financing a “phantom bond” used to fund water operations, even though a bond was never issued. In July 2014, San Juan adopted a new rate schedule, which ended up costing about 60 percent of residents more money, while customers in the highest two tiers were charged less than the previous model.

Perry and Reardon reported that, overall, they’re happy with the ruling.

“The opinion is kind of remarkable in a couple of ways,” Perry said. “The judge bought the argument we made that water

It’s going to have an “effect on the way everybody

Turf removal program offering rebates for eligible customers: www.ocwatersmart.com Watering Index/Watering Calculator: www.bewaterwise.com/calculator.html For more information regarding water conservation, contact Francie Kennedy, water conservation coordinator for the city of San Juan Capistrano, at 949.487.4304 or fkennendy@sanjuancapistrano.org. Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org to view the city’s full list of conservation resources.

sets water rates, not just San Juan Capistrano. It’s a good outcome for taxpayers, who are too often leaned upon to support government activity without full disclosure of the fact that they’re doing so.

”

– Jim Reardon

tiers must provide clear and convincing evidence that they’re based upon usage at a particular tier, as well as the cost of that usage. The appeals court could not find convincing financial data in their rate Page 7

study that would show how the tiers were developed.”

“It’s been 19 years since voters passed Prop 218, and this court has finally explained, I think with some precision, what it really means,” Reardon said.

But how the decision will impact conservation has turned into a fiercely contested subject. Gov. Jerry Brown, for example, released a statement condemning the court’s decision and its impact on conservation.

The ruling came after Brown imposed a mandatory 25 percent cutback in water usage statewide on Wednesday, April 1.

“The practical effect of the court’s decision is to put a straitjacket on local government at a time when maximum flexibility is needed,” Brown said in the statement.

“My policy is and will continue to be: employ every method possible to ensure water is conserved across California.”

The governor’s statement also mentioned that the April 20 decision is being reviewed by the state’s lawyers.

Kelly Salt, a San Diego attorney who served as amicus counsel in the case, said she was disappointed in the court’s decision that agencies “must calculate the incremental cost of providing water at the level of use represented by each tier.”

“The court’s analysis appears to suggest that the only incremental cost justification is based on the cost of specific sources of supply,” Salt wrote in an email. “But water service means more than just producing, treating, acquiring and delivering water to property. It includes managing and ensuring an ongoing, potable supply of water for all water users. One of the most effective means of managing an agency’s water resources is through rate structure design, such as tiered and allocation based rates.”

In Reardon’s opinion, the ruling isn’t the death toll for conservation. He says nothing in the decision prohibits tiered pricing; it just states that each tier, and the differences between them, must be justified.

“If people in the water business would give up this almost religious fervor they have about tiers, they would probably be able to realize that they can achieve conservation through a single rate without much trouble,” Reardon said. “It’s going to have an effect on the way everybody sets water rates, not just San Juan Capistrano. It’s a good outcome for taxpayers, who are too often leaned upon to support government activity without full disclosure of the fact that they’re doing so.”

The city, which released a statement about analyzing the decision and the city’s options, must now decide whether to go back to court over the recycled water rates, or perhaps move on to focusing on the cutbacks ahead.

“It could end right here,” Perry said.

“The council could accept the fact that the tiered rates are illegal and not ask the question about whether or not the recycled water rates were legal, because right now the recycled rates are undecided.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Promoting Tourism Through Community Partnerships Heritage Tourism Association Welcomes New Members, Highlights Hotel

town,” Griffith said. “This site will be the entrance to San Juan, and our commitment is to do the best we can.”

Griffith said he’s currently evaluating the potential for a parking structure on the eastern part of the property, which would help to support the parking needs of the new hotel and the rest of the downtown area.

“This will be an iconic building. If we do it well, and we execute it well, it will complement the Mission, but it will also be here for a long time,” Griffith said. “It will become a very important physical presence in the community.”

To view the Heritage Tourism Association’s map online, visit www.missionsjc. com/visit/DowntownSJC.pdf. For more on the Heritage Tourism Association and becoming a member, read the full story at www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he Heritage Tourism Association, a recently-formed group led by Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence-Adams and former councilwoman Laura Freese, is hard at work highlighting the hidden, and not-so-hidden, gems of downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Lawrence-Adams and Freese, with the addition of Christina Haakenson, the Mission’s director of marketing, are attempting to the connect the dots between the restaurants, shops and nonprofit organizations San Juan has to offer by mapping them out for visitors and leveraging the Mission’s 330,000 annual visitors to improve business throughout downtown.

The growing co-op of businesses, now at 42 members, has raised more than $44,000 in member fees and donations, which goes toward promoting the unique services and experiences they have to offer guests.

The Mission hosted a meeting for all HTA members on April 16, in order to celebrate recently-added members and make announcements about new programs and projects the Mission and the HTA are involved with.

“We’re here because we love San Juan, we love our businesses, we love this community,” Lawrence-Adams said at the meeting. “We all want to be financially successful in the efforts that we have to carry out. Our stakeholders measure us not only by the money that we make, but by the mountains that we move and the lives that we touch.”

Lawrence-Adams spoke of new initiatives the Mission is undertaking, such as helping to promote the city’s summer trolley service and subsidizing a new downtown valet parking program over

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

SAN CLEMENTE CITY COUNCIL DENIES SPORTS AUTHORITY FREEWAY SIGN, ESTRELLA PROJECT IN JEOPARDY After a second meeting that included more than a dozen resident comments, nearly an hour of deliberation and a last minute compromise proposal, the San Clemente City Council denied, by a 3-2 vote, a sign exception permit for a freeway-oriented sign for Sports Authority, potentially putting plans for the refurbishment of the Estrella Plaza project in jeopardy.

Councilman Tim Brown, who was absent from the previous debate at the council’s The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2015

Developer Bill Griffith and Mission SJC Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence-Adams addressed members of the Heritage Tourism Association on April 16. Photo: Allison Jarrell

the next six months. She went on to introduce local developer Bill Griffith, thanking him for not only financing a large portion of the HTA, but also donating a parking lot adjacent to the Mission, which will be available for patrons to park in until the lot’s development gets underway.

Rivendell Land Company, owned by Griffith, purchased the plot of land on the corner of El Camino Real and Ortega Highway and recently closed escrow.

The purchase of the property includes an existing full development entitlement from 2011—the Plaza Banderas project, which includes approvals for a 124-room hotel and two commercial buildings.

Griffith addressed the group, saying his goal is to develop a hotel that reinforces the Mission.

“There’s a tremendous opportunity on this site in specific to create a synergy of activity and events and all sorts of support between two important locations in

April 7 meeting, voted in favor of the proposal, joining Councilwoman Lori Donchak. But Mayor Pro Tem Bob Baker, who had previously sided with Donchak to create a 2-2 deadlock on April 7 (with Mayor Chris Hamm and councilwoman Kathy Ward against), reversed himself, despite the sign being reduced in size from the previous meeting.

“It’s going one step too far for me,” Baker said. “I just can’t do it.”

Brown said the current council had a good record on not granting special exceptions, or doing so only in specific circumstances. The proposed sign, he said, did not move him to think that the costs outweighed the benefits of the changes to the center. Donchak also noted the lack of residents in the area around the center opposing the proposal. Ward said she could not vote to approve a sign that does not meet the city’s guidelines for grant-

ing an exception.

A number of business owners within the plaza urged the council to vote in favor, citing the sad state of the facility, which they said had become a haven for homeless and was difficult to attract customers to. Opponents said the city needed to adhere to its established standards, which reject freeway signage in all but a few circumstances.

When the council appeared to be moving toward a denial, the applicant, Steve Usdan of Kornwasser Shopping Center Properties, the owner of the former Kmart building, asked for time to find another solution. Tim Wald, director of real estate for Sports Authority, indicated the company could accept reduced signage, changing the size of its letters from 6 feet in height to 5 feet on the freewayoriented sign, as well as lowering the sign in elevation. However, the denial still held.

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Heritage Tourism Map. Courtesy.

The future of the project may now be in doubt. Usdan said financing for its proposed $11 million rebuild was partially contingent on Sports Authority coming in. Without the sign, Usdan said, the company could terminate its lease, potentially leading to the loss of the two other retailers, Stein Mart and Sprouts. The company could choose to leave the building in its current state and offer it to a single store, he said. HE told the council before the vote that a vote against the sign was essentially a vote against the proposed project.

Wald said his company “was not playing chicken” with regard to the importance of the sign.

Because the council denied the proposal with prejudice, the developer could technically return a modified proposal to the body for review rather than having to wait a year. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: By Rick Erkeneff, Vice President/Director, South Coast Water District and Chairman, Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter

Are We at the Beginning of a Mega Drought?

F

ifty years from now, many of us will look back and realize these dry times were in fact the beginning of a mega drought. Scientists are suggesting that the Western U.S. is heading toward a drought of 20 years or longer and possibly one that lasts 100 to 200 years. In recorded history, California’s 2013 was our driest year, 2014 was our hottest and 2015 has the lowest snow pack, at only 6 percent of “normal.”

Some climate scientists suggest the “new normal” of hot and dry may in fact be an “old normal” … more on that later.

When I was elected to the South Coast Water District in 2012, water conservation and efficiency were my two main messages along with the expansion of recycled water supply and an environmentally sensitive desalination effort at Doheny Beach as long-term, local reliability solutions. All are more relevant today than ever before in our region’s history. In the short term of three to five years, how we use our supply and what we conserve will help with the transition to our new normal.

Today, south Orange County cities are being required by Governor Jerry Brown to reduce our consumption by 25 percent as compared to 2013 usage. Newport Beach is being required to reduce by 35 percent. These percentages may seem draconian, but looking at our water supply projections for the next few years and beyond, these reduction percentages most likely will be required again in addition to what we are required to do now. A reduction of 40 percent or more will be tough to achieve but it could be what we must do to conRick Erkeneff tinue water flowing into our homes, businesses and resorts but not to our thirsty gardens.

In regard to local supply options in south Orange County, SCWD’s Stonehill Groundwater Recovery Facility currently is not producing any water because our monitoring wells are showing signs of

seawater intrusion and over pumping that could cause long-term damage to the entire basin. The city of San Juan Capistrano has shifted some of their pumping and will be considering reduced pumping. This is a direct result of the last four years of belowaverage local rainfall and the last seven of eight years of below “normal” rainfall.

As for the desalination effort at Doheny, the SCWD board continues to support the project by investing in next steps, but to date the district does not have full buy-in from San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Moulton Niguel Water District. With a price tag in the millions of dollars and a fast-track time frame of approximately six to eight years before the Doheny desal could come online, we are now 100 percent dependent on imported water.

The good news is that living in our coastal community we will have the ability to have a regional desalination solution that will allow us to become largely independent of the diminishing imported water supply.

Now, to address the mega drought and the new “old normal”… Recently, a New York Times article highlighted a group of climate scientists that has stitched together the last 2,000 years of precipitation through the study of “A remarkable network of centuries-long tree ring chronologies.” One scientist suggests that we are “nudging up” to the beginning stages of a mega drought throughout the West. To exacerbate the problem of drought, their findings show the last 150 years to be abnormally wet in comparison to the whole timeline. Now add a soaring population to the equation, whereby from the mid-1970s to the late 1990s, California’s population grew by nearly 50 percent.

These decades of imported mindsets, in regard to water usage, especially landscaping and gardens, exposes a large subset of our residents believing that ornamental grass and tropical plants are acceptable in our near-desert environment.

Please take advantage of cash rebates that are flowing to ratepayers for turf removal, irrigation and in-home efficiency.

Find them at www.scwd.org. As always, I encourage your feedback and dialog. Please contact me at rerkeneff@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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

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

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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

Go See Do illustrations by Freepik.com The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 13, Issue 8. 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.

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Page 10

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Danny Collins’ a Bit Clichéd

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 24 16TH ANNUAL NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL Celebrated as one of the leading lifestyle film festivals in the United States, the Newport Beach Film Festival seeks to bring to the best classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world to Newport Beach for eight days, April 23-30. The prestigious multicultural event screens over 300 films and prides itself on showcasing the best in new, local, international and critically acclaimed cinema.

Film screenings take place at a variety of theaters in the greater Newport Beach area. For more information, visit www. newportbeachfilmfest.com/2014.

BRANT COTTON & THE OUTLIERS 8:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

Saturday | 25 YOGA & A CAUSE 12:30 p.m. Join iCan Ministry for a kid and family-friendly one-hour yoga class. iCan Ministry helps teens and young adults with unique needs and disabilities have the opportunity to learn about God and participate in youth and community activities. A $10 donation is suggested. All proceeds benefit iCan Ministry. 34000 Via de Agua, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8100, www.trainingcampfit.com.

ART ALONG THE COAST 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and on April 26, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Twelve fine artists showcase their craft in their homes and studios along the coast, between San Clemente and Laguna Beach.

Preview and have a chance to purchase new works not yet seen by the public. For more info, including a map to all the locations, visit www.artalongthecoast.com.

Sunday | 26 NATURAL PEST MANAGEMENT 1 p.m. Gain an understanding of easy, natural pest prevention tactics such as using plants and insects to deter pests and making non-toxic remedies at home in order to create a toxin-free, organic garden. Cost is $30. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www. theecologycenter.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2015

Judy Redwood of Dana Point and Alexis and Monica Golin of Calabasas show off their derby hats during last year’s Kentucky Derby Hat Party. Photo: Brian Park

FIFTH ANNUAL KENTUCKY DERBY HAT PARTY • SATURDAY, MAY 2 1 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and the Regency Theater present the fi fth annual Kentucky Derby Hat Party. The event includes hat judging at 2:30 p.m., a parade of horses at 3 p.m. and a 3:15 live screening of the Run for the Roses. A special derby menu will be served at Rick’s Café. Tickets are $20 before May 2, $25 day of the event, and can be purchased at the Regency Theater or online at www.regencymovies.com. For more information, visit www.sjcec.org or call 949.240.6770.

SPRING REFLECTIONS FINE ART EXHIBITION The Saddleback Art League presents its 16th annual Juried Fine Art Exhibition through May 22 in the Mission Viejo Library, 100 Civic Center, Mission Viejo. The artists represented in the show are mostly local residents, many with noteworthy reputations for creative styles and subject matter in a variety of media.

Much of the artwork on display will be available for sale. For more information, visit www.saddlebackartleague.com.

Monday | 27 SADDLEBACK JAZZ CONCERT FEAT. SAXOPHONIST JOHN O’GALLAGHER 7:30 p.m. New York Saxophonist John O’Gallagher joins the Saddleback College Jazz Lab Ensemble for an evening of jazz in the McKinney Theatre. Tickets are $10 general admission or $7 for students/ seniors. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Tuesday | 28 OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at the Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Wednesday | 29 OIL PAINTING WITH VICKI DE SILVA 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy oil panting lessons with artist Vicki De Silva at San Clemente Art Supply & Custom Framing. Classes run every Wednesday through July 17.

Call for details and pricing. 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

MISSION GARDEN TOURS 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Take a half-hour tour of the Mission’s grounds with the Mission Gardening Angels every Wednesday. Meet at the front gate. Free with paid admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

Thursday | 30 MOTHER’S DAY BOOK PRESENTATION 1 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano will host a Mother’s Day writing and book presentation with longtime resident and author Donna Friess in the Soldiers Barracks. The free event includes a presentation by Friess about her latest novel, The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest, and the process of writing and publishing. A book signing will follow the event, with all book sale proceeds benefiting the Mission Preservation Foundation. Reservations are required by calling 949.234-1382 (Cont. on page 13)

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Photo: Courtesy

BY MEGAN BIANCO

E

ven in the few decent movies he’s making these days, sometimes you have to wonder if Al Pacino’s just playing a loosely-scripted version of himself. A couple of months ago we saw him as an aging, depressed actor in Barry Levinson’s The Humbling. This month we get to see Pacino as a has-been rockstar who has lost practically all of his inspiration in Dan Fogelman’s Danny Collins.

Folk singer turned Top-40 superstar Danny Collins (Pacino) is turning 70 and hasn’t aged a bit emotionally since 1970.

He still parties, sleeps with younger women and snorts cocaine. Naturally, Danny is unsatisfied by the shallow happiness he’s found. When his longtime manager Frank (Christopher Plummer) shows him a secret letter John Lennon wrote to Danny that popped up after 40 years, the musician is inspired to not only write new music but also to connect with his son (Bobby Cannavale), a boy he did not help raise.

Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner and Josh Peck co-star. Screenwriter-director Fogelman has created a resume of family films and romantic comedies over the past decade but Danny Collins has a more mature, grown-up tone than his previous projects. There is romance between Pacino’s and Bening’s characters, a family plot between Pacino and Cannavale, and a soundtrack made up of Lennon and Danny’s “hits” written

by Ryan Adams. Collins could’ve easily become bloated with content, but fortunately manages to stay steady despite some clichés in Danny’s characteristics and motives. Fans of Pacino and/or Lennon will get the most enjoyment from this dramedy CD

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Cover photos by Allison Jarrell and Alex Paris

A Day on

Catalina Island

BY ALLISON JARRELL AND ALEX PARIS

Just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California awaits Santa Catalina Island, a treasure trove of aquatic activities and entertainment—from parasailing and kayaking, to scuba diving and snorkeling. The island, home to more than 50 species of plants and animals that live nowhere else in the world, greets visitors with miles of stunning scenery, from views of the iconic Catalina Casino to the luminous orange garibaldi swimming beneath crystal clear waters. Whether you’re able to spend a weekend or just a day on Catalina Island, expect to be treated to a slice of island life.

People line up early to dine at Eric’s on the Pier, a popular food stand offering an array of classic American dishes, including the beloved buffalo burger.

Photo: Alex Paris

The Catalina Island Brew House—a brew pub, café and bakery—sits along the bustling waterfront pedestrian mall of Crescent Avenue.

Shaded patio seating, happy hour and fresh pastries make the brew house an ideal place to kick back and relax. Photo: Alex Paris Drake Anderson, 8, of Playa del Rey, gets his snorkel gear on during a fun-filled morning on Avalon’s South Beach. Photo: Allison Jarrell

The Wrigley Memorial, nestled within the island’s botanic garden, honors the memory of William Wrigley Jr., who played an instrumental role in the history of the island. Visitors can access the popular Garden to Sky Trail hike through the botanic garden. Photo: Alex Paris

HOW TO GET THERE • Catalina Express from Dana Point, Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon or Two Harbors. www.catalinaexpress.com • Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach to Avalon. www.catalinainfo.com • Island Express Helicopter from Long Beach, San Pedro or Santa Ana. www.islandexpress.com

Daniel Robles, 30, and Anton Dimas, 26, of Paramount, enjoy kayaking off of Descanso Beach. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Tourists and palm trees bask in the sun along Middle Beach, next to the Green Pleasure Pier. Photo: Alex Paris

The Lobster Trap, a favorite seafood eatery and bar among locals, offers a fun, casual atmosphere and a variety dishes including fresh, local lobster.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Lloyd’s of Avalon Confectionary has been making its homemade salt water taffy and confections in the storefront on Crescent Avenue since 1934. The shop also has an impressive assortment of retro candy, and 50 cent coffee to complement your sugar rush. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Going off the Grid A south Orange County hike for one and all

BY ALEX PARIS

South Orange County has a bewildering number of trails, many of which offer spectacular views of scenic beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Read on for a sampling of trails that represent a variety of settings and difficulties. Be sure to check city websites for trail closure information and maps beforehand.

Dana Point Headlands

Difficulty: Easy Length: 1 mile round trip Location: Scenic Drive and Dana Strand Road This bluff top trail is a great place to get a quick fix of romance, inspiration or introspection. The trail’s surface is made of soft sand, which lends to the relaxing atmosphere cultivated by native wildlife and birdcalls that envelope the path. Though short and centrally located, descending into this nature reserve brings an almost immediate sense of remoteness. The sweeping panorama and grandeur of the ocean against the coastline as it fades into the distance is breathtaking. The trail offers unobstructed views of the sunset and Catalina Island, but it’s important to note that the gates are locked promptly after sunset. No bikes or pets are allowed. Free parking is located at both ends of the trail and the Nature Interpretive Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Las Ramblas Trailhead Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3.5 mile round trip Location: Camino Las Ramblas

This is a great place to quickly elevate yourself above the hectic traffic of Interstate 5 or busy city life and clear your mind. It offers 360-degree views of the area—from the Santa Ana mountain range, to San Juan Capistrano, to Dana Point Harbor and beyond. Those views take a mild amount of exercise to ascend to—and without restrooms, shade or water—some preparation is recommended. The doubletrack trail is hard-packed and smooth, forming a 3.5-mile loop back to beginning, but there’s a vast web of single track trails that offer more challenging routes often favored by mountain bikers.

San Clemente Summit Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3 miles round trip Location: Avenida Talega

Also known as “the highest point in San Clemente,” the Summit is a point along the northern Cristianitos Trail. At 1,008 feet above sea level, the summit rewards hikers with a view of rolling hills, native California wildlife and the Pacific. Since last year, a marker and bench have been added to the point. The Cristianitos Trail is open to hikers, bikers and horses, and can be accessed from a parking lot at the terminus of Avenida Talega.

San Clemente Beach Trail

Difficulty: Easy Length: 2.3 miles to 4.6 mile round trip Location: Between North Beach and Calafia Beach The smell of salty air, the feel of a cool breeze and the occasional toot of a train horn are characteristic of this idyllic SoCal setting that balances nature and civilization. The trail is great for anything from romantic sunset walks to energetic family outings. The well-manicured path is smooth, wide and flat enough to accommodate all—from a slow gait to a hasty dog-walker or brisk cyclist. The trail parallels the Amtrak line and the beach as it makes its way past scenic cliffs, the bustling San Clemente Pier and surfing hotspots. There are many access points, including large metered parking lots with bathrooms and refreshments at its middle and both ends. The trail tends to be busy during the summer and weekends, and is cool and quiet in the early morning.

Waterman’s Harbor. Photo: Andrea Papagianis

Seafood for Every Budget

BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS

around four-course, feast-style dinners.

On the other, small plates and happy hours see out-of-towners and just-offof-workers enjoying the San Clemente staple’s unfussy style. No matter the side patrons choose, the fish is fresh and responsibly sourced. Another thing is certain: views from this pier-top eatery are striking wherever the seat. 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.498.6390, www.thefishermansrestaurant.com.

$$$ Waterman’s Harbor

$ Jon’s Fish Market

Photo: Alex Paris

Frills are nonexistent at Jon’s. Fish is the focus. Whether it be grilled, battered and fried or smoked in house, Jon’s Fish Market dishes its fresh fish offerings up on plastic plates. A steady stream of patrons carry cafeteria-style trays, towering with piping hot fish and chip combos, to picnic tables at the edge of Dana Point’s harbor where guests perk up with each crackle of the speaker waiting for their name to be called—order’s up. 34665 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.2807, www.jonsfishmarket.com.

Named for those who make their living, or mark, on the water, this dockside dining destination is all seafood, all the time.

Fresh always, local when possible means offerings can change daily. Oysters from Baja California, Hawaiian ahi tuna and locally-caught halibut accompany the crowd favorite, crab beignets—an airy, crab fritter—on this fish-forward menu. Live music and uninterrupted waterway views go hand-in-hand each night at Waterman’s. 34661 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.764.3474, www.watermandp.com.

$$$$ Raya

Photo: Allison Jarrell

$$ The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar

Fisherman’s tells a tale of two restaurants.

On one side of the pier families gather

Courtesy photo

Raya is synonymous with refinement.

Its every detail, from service to spice, are fine-tuned. Locally-raised meats, sustainably-sourced fish and farmers’ market produce are showcased with the vibrant Latin flavors of renowned Chef Richard Sandoval on an ever-developing, East-meets-West menu. A twist to traditional Japanese dishes sees miso udon finished with poblano and sashimi served Mexican aguachile style. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaraya.

Dining Snapshots

Photo: Andrea Papagianis

Afternoon Tea Artifex Brewing Company 919 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente 949.429.7805, www.artifexbrewing.com Despite being open for just seven months, Artifex Brewing Company’s demand has already exceeded its supply. Seasonal and staple beers alike pour from taps across Orange and San Diego counties—the latter, home to three of the brewery’s four owners.

A crowd favorite: The No Name IPA—a West Coast-style Indian Pale Ale—that Artifex has brewed since day one. “We are actually at the point now where we can’t make enough beer

to keep up,” said partner Johnny Johur, who earned his brewing stripes at Pizza Port. For Artifex, a San Clemente-based brewing operation that meticulously utilizes every inch of its current space for both production and tasting, expansion plans are in the works. Artifex will soon take over an adjacent suite to increase its production. In its first calendar year, Artifex is on target to produce about 1,000 barrels—or 2,000 kegs—of its ever-changing brews. On tap now are the English Brown Ale, American Tea, and Hibisc-This, a hibiscus and orange peel cream ale. Much like the brewery’s shifting tasting room drafts, Artifex hosts a rotation of food trucks—because every cold beer deserves an equally good bite.

—Andrea Papagianis

Photo: Andrea Papagianis

Vietnamese Sticky Wings MRK Public 1402 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.441.7621, www.mrkpublic.com Knickknacks, T-shirts and photographs are what many of us have to show for our travels. Flavor: That’s what Moriah Robison, Rayne Frey and Kai Robison—the brains, and names, behind MRK Public— have delivered their home town, San Clemente. Clean, fresh tastes from their trips to Vietnam and Thailand are the pinnacle of this eatery’s short menu. Brined for 24 hours, before being parbaked and flashfried to order, MRK’s Vietnamese sticky

wings are a tender, messy, savory twist to this quintessential bar food. “This dish is sweet, salty, sour and spicy. It sort of has it all,” said Moriah. “It isn’t going to be for everybody but if you are open to its flavors then you are going to love it.” Talk about having it all. The wings are topped with flash-fried garlic—a Thai-inspired element that adds a surprisingly sweet crunch. It is just one of the many tastes of their culinary travels these brothers and longtime friends are sharing with guests. “We are having the best response we could have hoped for,” Kai said of the restaurant’s first six months of business. “People are excited about having something different.”—Andrea Papagianis

All Aboard the Angels Express Baseball fans can forget about fighting rush hour, and ballpark traffic. When the Angels are home on weekdays, game-goers can leave the stress of commuting behind by catching the Angels Express. Metrolink trains bound for the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, adjacent to Angel Stadium, run from the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station for weekday home games starting at 7:05 p.m. Southbound trains depart 30 minutes after the final out with trains leaving Anaheim no later than 11:30 p.m. The train’s full schedule can be found at www.octa.net/angelsexpress. Round-trip tickets cost $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and disabled riders and $4 for riders under 18. Children under 5 ride free with the purchase of an adult fare.

ANGELS EXPRESS Start: Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station Finish: Anaheim—Angels Stadium Stops: Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana and Orange Courtesy photo

Departure Time: 5:50 p.m.

Arrival Time: 6:20 p.m.

Walk-able

Art Discover regional artistry at Orange County’s coastal art walks Huntington Beach Downtown Art Walk

Each third Thursday of the month, established and emerging artists showcase their work throughout sites and businesses in Huntington Beach’s downtown district—Main Street north of Pacific Coast Highway. View visual and performing arts, meet local talent and enjoy live music, food and more once a month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. www.hbdowntown.com. 1

Balboa Island Artwalk

The 21st installation of this Balboa Island summer kick-off event features more than 100 artists exhibiting paintings, jewelry, glassworks, sculpture and photography, among other mediums. Musicians will perform throughout the day along the 1-mile-long event located on South Bayfront Promenade. This year’s event will be held Sunday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.balboaislandartwalk.info. 2

First Thursdays Art Walk

Art is in season all year round at this educational event celebrating Laguna Beach’s diverse arts and culture community. The walk, held the first Thursday of

each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., features a free trolley service between galleries located in north, central and south Laguna.

An art walk guide attends each trolley. www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com. 3

North Beach Art Walk

Rain or shine, this art walk through San Clemente’s eclectic North Beach celebrates the small city’s creative rhythm. Explore North Beach’s galleries and surf shops the second Friday of every month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Walks begin at Artwistic Creations, 1237 N. El Camino Real, and end at Knuckleheads Sports Bar. www.facebook. com/northbeachartwalk. 4

Village Art Faire

For over a decade San Clemente’s monthly art faire has put Southern California artists and craftspeople in direct contact with the local community. Handcrafted goods, ceramics, photography and glass, metal and wood-works are displayed, and sold, the first Sunday of each month along the city’s downtown passage—Avenida Del Mar—from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.villagesanclemente.org. 5 * All events are free to the public.

Take it to Go

Clockwise from top: Lunch at North Beach. Photo: Andrea Papagianis Monarch Beach Market. Photo: Alex Paris Marbella Farmers Market. Photo: Alex Paris

Grab your meal and go, see, do Longer days and warmer weather call for meals to be had outdoors. With a plethora of beach and hillside parks with unobstructed views of the Pacific and sprawling desert landscapes, there are plenty of views to choose from. So whether you’re looking for a romantic, sunset dinner or a quick lunch for a day at the beach, these local markets serve up sandwiches, salads, sushi and more for every dine on the go occasion.

Make it a Beach Day Snag a sandwich, smoothie or juice from Hanson’s Market and head to North Beach. Bask in the sun or hit the San Clemente Beach Trail and head south toward the Pier. Whatever the activity, Hanson’s has the perfect grab-and-go dining option. Whenever possible, Hanson’s utilizes organic fruits and vegetables— ensuring their juices, like the Sweet Life, and smoothies, with names honoring the market’s San Clemente roots, are truly natural and fresh. Sandwiches too are created with the brightest of ingredients.

For a spiced up bite, try the Spicy Riviera where it’s all about the jalapeños. 415 E. Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.218.1690, www.hansonsmarket.com.

Saddle Up, Take a Hike For breakfast, lunch, dinner and every snacking in between Marbella Farmers Market has you covered. Hitting the trail by horse, bike or foot? Shop Marbella’s deli counter or craft your own salad. The market is large and the dining options are extensive. Looking for a leisurely walk or ride with a beach picnic as a stop? Load up on a cheese platter, sushi rolls and freshlybaked sweets before heading to Descanso Park where you can catch the San Juan Creek Trail to Doheny State Beach. Or, if you want more of a challenge, head east on Highway 74 to climb Cleveland National Forest’s Sitton Peak. 31109 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite A, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.1067.

Catch the Setting Sun Long before the city of Dana Point took his name, Richard Henry Dana Jr. described the Headlands as the “only romantic spot on the coast.” Don’t just take his word for it.

Experience it. Stop off at Monarch Beach Market to shop wraps, sandwiches, salads, juices, coffees and more before cozying up at one of the city’s bluff-top parks—like Pines or Strand Vista. Grab a slip and create your own, order online or snatch a prepared bite from the cold case and skip the deli-counter wait altogether. 24040 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point, 949.429.8750, www.monarchbeachmarket.com.

Things Every South OC Kid Must Do

Pretend City Children’s Museum

This summer, view artists’ work from the pioneering feminist movement Riot Grrrl and emerging artists living and working in China.

Museum admission is free on Fridays. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1122, www.ocma.net.

BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS

It’s a fact: Childhood goes quickly. This summer, revel in the wonder that is growing up. The days of dress-up, superhero lunch boxes and imagination without limit will be gone soon enough. So, embrace fun, educational opportunities by exploring Orange County with these 10 things every kid must do.

1

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Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Rescue, rehabilitate, release and research. Add educate, inspire and a few sea lions to that list, and the center comes to life. Each day, PMMC staffers rescue seals and sea lions from California’s shores—many dehydrated and in desperate need of nourishment. Seven days a week, visitors—some 45,000 each year—can see firsthand the care these marine mammals receive before they are released back into the wild.

“They are our future,” said Mary Beth Steen, the center’s director of development, of young visitors. “You never know when you have a future marine biologist visiting, like our executive director, who believes in educating everyone about the importance of taking care of our ocean.” Educational programs with a focus on environmental stewardship are available year round for children of all ages. 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3050, www.pacificmmc.org.

6

Experience a rocket launch at Discovery Cube.

7

Race in the Ocean Festival’s annual Dolphin Dash.

8

Watch art come to life at the Pageant of the Masters.

Then, dig for prehistoric bones, experience historic earthquakes and explore more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Visit before May 10 and embark on an adventure by land, air and sea with LEGO. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823, www.discoverycube.org.

Pretend City Children’s Museum

The brilliance behind this mini city is that (almost) nothing is off limits. Youngsters learn through play as they leap into action as a firefighter, sort and deliver mail, earn a paycheck from the construction site and interact with different members of the community. And to encourage discovering diversity outside the museum, guests are introduced to a new family every quarter in the “Our Home” exhibit—be it a single-parent, same-sex or first-generation, immigrant family. “It is a really great message,” said Leslie Perovich, Pretend City’s senior director of advancement.

“Even though they don’t look like your family, they are still a family.” This summer Pretend City welcomes Heart and Seoul: Growing Up Korean—an immersive, hands-on exhibit highlighting Korean culture, one of the largest and most rapidly growing populations in Orange County.

29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900, www.pretendcity.org.

5

Explore art and cultural ideas at the Orange County Museum of Art.

Celebrate the local ecosystem at this actionpacked event with races, and activities, on land and sea. Build a sandcastle, enter the fishing derby and cheer on lifeguard game contestants.

The San Clemente Ocean Festival will be held on July 18 and 19. www.oceanfestival.org.

3

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Youth enrichment through the arts is at the core of Segerstrom’s mission. Live performances and free programs introduce the youngest of audiences to the magic and wonder of live theater, film, music and dance. “We hope … that as each show entertains and delights young people, they create happy and memorable shared family experiences and encourage an interest in learning more about the performing arts,” said Terrence Dwyer, SCFTA president. With the addition of a sensory-friendly series, Segerstrom has embraced safeguards to ensure adults and children with autism or sensory sensitivities experience live performance without barriers. The center’s sensory-friendly series opens Sunday, Oct. 25 with “Room on the Broom.” And SCFTA’s popular summer series, Movie Mondays—a five-week, free program—begins July 13 with Little Shop of Horrors. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org.

4

OC Fair & Event Center

Explore ancient and modern sources of happiness during these 90-minute theatrical, living pictures or re-creations of artwork. Pageant runs each night at 8:30 p.m. from July 8 to Aug. 31. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145, www.foapom.com.

9

Relive California’s maritime history at the Ocean Institute.

Set sail aboard on the Spirit of Dana Point and live life as a 19th century sailor by moving cargo on the Brig Pilgrim. Then, study area sea life at wet tables and interactive exhibits. 24000 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

OC Fair & Event Center

Nothing says summer quite like a trip to the fair. Concerts, food trucks and rides are quintessential warm-weather accompaniments—and the OC Fair serves it all up in droves. At Imaginology—Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead—guests can learn and discover with their hands by creating art, playing with science toys, petting zoo animals and more.

The three-day, no-cost festival starts Friday, April 24. May sees the OC Marathon, Gem Faire, Scottish Fest USA, motorcycle racing and OC Night Market—a three-night event with more than 200 vendors. Special events and concerts continue throughout the summer. The fairgrounds also play host to the Orange County Market Place every Saturday and Sunday; a farmers market on Thursdays and Food Truck Fare days, which bring gourmet from-a-truck cuisine on Wednesdays and Thursdays. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com.

ZOOMARS Petting Zoo

10

Feed a goat a carrot at ZOOMARS Petting Zoo.

Also, while you’re there, pan for gold, gemstones and fossils like California’s early settlers, hop aboard the mini train for a spin and meet llamas, rabbits, emus and visit the goat pen for a hug. 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.831.6550, www.zoomars.com.

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12) or visit www.drdonnafriess.com. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

SINGLES 50+ MEET AND GREET 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Singles over 50 are invited to attend this free event held the last Thursday of each month. Carl the DJ will be spinning the tunes. Tutor and Spunky’s Deli, 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy #116, Dana Point, 949.248.9008, www. tutorandspunkys.com.

Friday | 01 WE OLIVE & WINE BAR GRAND OPENING Located in downtown San Juan Capistrano, We Olive & Wine Bar is celebrating the grand opening of its wine bar throughout the weekend, May 1-3. Designed to be tasting-oriented and educational, the wine bar will offer smallproduction artisan wines, a selection of specialty handcrafted beers and small tapas plates featuring We Olive products.

During the grand opening, the store will host wine tastings, live music, olive oil culinary demos, and provide free olive oil ice cream and the opportunity to win free olive oil for a year. 31760 Camino Capistrano Suite B, San Juan Capistrano, www. weolive.com/san-juan-capistrano.

GEORGE FRYER & THE CLATCH 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine. 34673 Golden Lanten Street, Dana Point Harbor, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

Saturday | 02 RUSTY LONG BOOK SIGNING 1 p.m.-5 p.m. San Clemente-based professional big wave surfer Rusty Long will debut his first book, The Finest Line: The Global Pursuit of Big Wave Surfing.

The book features the top surfers who have led the charge in the sport, as well as the underground heroes and legends of each region with images by about 20 photographers and 100 surfers. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Interval Gallery, 412 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.4879, www. interval.surf.

FREE PAINT DROP-OFF EVENT 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nonprofit PaintCare is hosting a free paint-only drop-off event open to all California households and businesses. What’s accepted: containers with original labels, house paint and primers (latex or oil-based), stains, deck and concrete sealers, and clear finishes (e.g. varnishes and shellac). For details on what products are accepted, visit www. paintcare.org/sanjuancapistrano. Capistrano School District Parking Lot, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano.

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2015

Sunday | 03

At the Coach House: Tony Calabrese

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.

“TALKING WITH…” A COLLECTION OF FEMALE MONOLOGUES 2:30 p.m. The Department of Theatre Arts at Saddleback College presents “Talking With…”

by Jane Martin in the Studio Theatre.

Directed by Hal Landon, these one-act monologues feature thought-provoking monologues from idiosyncratic female characters who amuse, move and frighten, always speaking from the depths of their souls. Tickets are $15 general admission or $10 for students/seniors.

Not recommended for audiences under 15. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

MIKE HAMILTON Noon-4 p.m & 5 p.m. to close. Enjoy live music at Mission Grill each Sunday with guitarist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Hamilton. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.8055, www.mikehamiltonmusic.com.

Monday | 04 SLOW RIDE SESSIONS 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Join the Ecology Center at The Cellar for complimentary beer tastings courtesy of New Belgium Brewery.

Ecology Center staff will share simple tips and tricks to live a conscious, ecofriendly lifestyle. The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

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.

Tuesday | 05 LAGUNA BEACH LIVE! ALL-STARS BIG BAND 7:30 p.m. Big band jazz music featuring Meloney Collins at the Laguna Playhouse. Tickets are $35. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, 949.715.9713, www.lagunabeachlive.org.

BY ALLISON JARRELL

S

an Diego comedian Tony Calabrese, known as the Italian Godfather of Comedy, is returning to the Coach House on Wednesday, May 6.

Calabrese, a two-time bank president turned comedian, describes his humor as largely self-deprecating—true life observations of a middle-aged, married fat guy with three grandchildren. His comedic style is in the vein of performers like Rodney Dangerfield—utilizing animated facial expressions.

Calabrese has performed on stage over 3,000 times, with more than 20 shows at the Coach House. He performs regularly at The Comedy Store, The Comedy Palace, The Madhouse Comedy Club and other venues.

“Getting laughs from strangers is an art form; it takes a long time to perfect,” Calabrese said. “There aren’t any shortcuts, you just have to practice.”

Local comedian Jim Taylor is producing and performing in the show as well.

Taylor has had his own show at the Irvine Improv for the last three years, with shows off and on at the Coach House.

Taylor was voted the guy with the

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY TOASTMASTERS MEETING 7 p.m.-8:40 p.m. Practice becoming a more confident communicator.

Occurs every Tuesday. Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point. 949.280.9777, 3944816.toastmastersclubs.org/.

Wednesday | 06 NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET WEAVING 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn about the traditions and culture of basket weaving at Mission San Juan Capistrano. First and third Wednesday of every month. Free with paid admission.

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

WATERLOGGED WEDNESDAYS MOVIE NIGHT Sundown. Hobie Surf Shop presents one Bruce Brown film per month through June 2015. Tonight’s movie is The Endless Summer (1964). Free. 34174 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.496.2366.

Thursday | 07 LECTURE: ANCIENT LANDSLIDES, FLOODS AND FAULTS 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Join geologist Aron Taylor as he discusses the landslides, floods and faults that have shaped San Juan Creek. Ages 8 and up. Free. Participants must be registered by 2 p.m. that day. RMV presentation center, call for directions, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

Page 13

Photo: Courtesy

deepest voice in high school, but he said it wasn’t until later in life that he embraced his natural comedic style.

“When you find your voice, you realize what you’re really passionate about,” Taylor said. “You’re not just a talking head, and the audience connects with you.”

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5. Taylor said the show will be PG-13 to R-light humor—risqué not raunchy.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. For tickets or more information call 949.496.8930 or go to www.thecoachhouse.com. CD OPEN ARTIST STUDIO 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a creative workspace alongside a community of artists. Free.

Ages 16 and up. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

UPCOMING: FRIDAY, MAY 8 FUN AND FABULOUS MOTHER’S DAY FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON 10 a.m. Presented by the Catholic Charities Auxiliary Chapters 4 and 5, the show includes fashions by Chico and special guest Gerri Gerkin, 2014 Catholic Woman of the Year. Social hour begins at 10 a.m. at El Adobe de Capistrano; the luncheon begins at noon. The event also includes a pre-loved jewelry sale, opportunity drawings, free champagne and door prizes. Admission is $40 for members, $45 for non-members.

Contact Teress Weber at 949.488.3872 for reservations. El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, www.eladobedecapistrano.com.

TESORO 9 p.m. Tesoro, a Latin rumba flamenco rock group based out of Tucson, with high-energy sound and performance with a showcase at the OC Tavern. Ages 21 and over, cover is $8. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

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

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

A Playground Rises in San Juan

Volunteers gather at Green Park to construct eco-friendly playset on Earth Day

BY ALEX PARIS, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

M

ore than 200 volunteers and community leaders gathered at Green Park in the La Zanja neighborhood on Earth Day to construct a playground large enough to satisfy the play needs of more than 1,300 San Juan Capistrano kids.

The volunteer effort was a collaboration of several different local and national organizations, each contributing to a lively and organized event. Volunteers were split into 16 teams that simultaneously dug holes, spread mountains of wood chips, mixed and poured concrete, painted and proceeded to build a playground from the dirt up.

The previous degrading play structures were removed by NeighborWorks Orange County, which will refurbish and relocate them. The new Playworld Systems brand equipment is Cradle to Cradle certified, which indicates a product has sustainable and environmentally responsible origins. The funding for the project was provided by Yokohama Tire Company, which partnered with non-profit playground builder KaBOOM, which, in turn coupled their motivational and organizational expertise with the

Volunteers add color to a newly added play structure of tires in Green Park, one of the many new additions.

Photo: Alex Paris

construction know-how and equipment of Habitat for Humanity Orange County.

CD

Flashback Friday

Felley Salaberri, Lucana Forster McFadden, Ysidora

Forster Echenique and Juanita Salaberri pose in front of the Mission. The date of the photograph is unknown.

Photo courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society.

Volunteers put the finishing touches on the main play structure at Green Park in the La Zanja neighborhood on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Paris

Ark of San Juan Presents Annual Garden Tour Paws in the Garden tour features four homes, raises funds for local animal rescue THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he Ark of San Juan Companion Animal Rescue will host their seventh annual Paws in the Garden, garden tour on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The day includes tours of four gardens—one in Capistrano Beach and three in San Juan Capistrano—door prizes and opportunity drawings.

In Capo Beach, tour an original 1929 Doheny cottage made famous by legendary antiquarian Gep Durenberger, and stroll winding paths through English

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2015

Page 14

gardens and aviaries on the property spanning five city lots. The cottage was the first structure built in Capistrano Beach and the Doheny family lived in it while their estate was being built on the coast, a short distance away. The property is the home of Daviell Maldonado and Eric Guenther, owners/designers of Whim Home and Studio Pink Design Services in San Juan Capistrano.

In San Juan, participants can see an award-winning, California-friendly garden featuring Southwestern arid-tropical native plants, an elegant multi-level garden designed by Roger’s Gardens, and a panoramic view of the city and a garden in the historic Los Rios District, featuring hollyhocks, sages, roses, jonquil, wisteria, orange and fig trees, vegetable gardens and a hidden tree house.

Tickets are $25 and proceeds go toward the Ark’s efforts to save abandoned pets.

Tickets may be purchased online via PayPal or by mailing a check to Ark of San Juan, P.O. Box 117, San Juan Capistrano, 92693. On tour day, the tickets will be willcall at any of the four gardens. Tickets will also be sold at any of the four doors.

For more information call 949.388.0034, email arkofsanjuan@cox.net or visit www. arkofsanjuan.org. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Planting the Seed Ecology Center instills stewardship at Earth Day event THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C

Marianne Taylor shows a troop of girl scouts from the Laguna Niguel area the root system of the milkweed they grew for the Los Rios Park certified butterfly garden.

Eco Garden Expo Returns to Los Rios Street STORY AND PHOTO BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he second annual Eco Garden Expo, presented by local nonprofit Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, will take place May 2-3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Los Rios Park, located in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The event is free and open to the public.

Goin Native founder and executive director, Marianne Taylor, is a 25-year resident of the Los Rios Historic District, specializing in garden education, dirt therapy and community volunteerism. Taylor said after teaching classes for about six years, she realized that she “wanted to get people more connected and involved with the whole process” of gardening.

“This expo is about gathering inspiration and ideas to redo your yard or garden,” Taylor said. “It’s about keeping up with drought trends and living more sustainably.”

Taylor switched out her Los Rios Street yard for drought-tolerant plants 25 years ago, and has been a strong advocate of na-

tive landscaping ever since. People wanted to know how and why she made those choices, so Taylor created the Goin Native nonprofit to educate the community about drought-tolerant landscaping with native plants. Today, the nonprofit has a handful of programs, like the Los Rios Garden Angels volunteer group and a master gardener program at Reata Park.

Taylor said the Eco Expo helps spread awareness of these programs, as well as education about eco-friendly yard and garden options. About 50 exhibitors will be at this year’s expo, ranging from backyard bees and edible gardening, to artisan crafts and composting with worms. Hands-on workshops will offer lessons in making flower bouquets and headbands, and multiple demonstration gardens will be available to help guide visitors in applying designs to their own green space.

The event’s opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on May 2 with special guest speaker A.G. Kawamura, former California Secretary of Agriculture, and a blessing by the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians. CD

hildren and their families flocked to the Ecology Center on April 11 for the center’s annual Earth Day celebration—a day filled with a variety of eco-friendly activities and entertainment.

Visitors were invited to explore the center with a scavenger hunt while enjoying hands-on activities for children and adults, live music and free food. Organic vegetables, herb starts and native, droughttolerant plants were also available at the center’s annual Spring Seedling Sale.

Guests were encouraged to take their ecoawareness to the next level by pledging to make every day Earth Day. CD

Weston Burt, 3, of San Juan Capistrano, examines a ball of seeds he rolled at one of the Earth Day interactive stations. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Sequoia Baird, 2, of Newport Beach, works on a coloring book during the Ecology Center’s annual Earth Day event. Photo: Allison Jarrell

SJC LIVING

Above: Owner Tim Liao of Coast Coffee & Tea. Below: Coast Coffee & Tea serves a variety of handcrafted teas that are inspired by coastal towns. Photos: Allison Jarrell

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

NOW OPEN COAST COFFEE & TEA 31431 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 101 949.332.9626 www.coasttea.com Tim Liao grew up loving tea. He recalls appreciating the intricacies of making the perfect cup, and his passion grew quickly from there.

“Growing up in an Asian home, tea was always what we drank,” Liao said.

“So I grew up knowing how to make tea at a young age.”

Liao set out to make the delicious beverage for others to enjoy, and began his business as a small tea pur veyor in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter before his recent move to San Juan Capistrano. But Liao’s quest transformed in that time from simply supplying tea drinkers with quality leaves, to showing them how to brew the tea properly and make delectable concoctions.

Coast Coffee & Tea boasts not only a wide array of handcrafted teas from around the world, but also offers Portola Coffee and Caffe Calabria for the coffee lovers in San Juan. Liao also provides fresh-baked goods and healthy snacks like fruit and veggie boxes—and he often adds to his menu based on demand.

“We’re a business that’s going to grow with the town,” Liao said. “We enjoy being community-oriented.”

SYCAMORE CHIROPRACTIC 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 103 949.388.1432 www.drpinoc.com Dr. Craig Petersen, a chiropractor since 1997, first opened his doors in San Juan Capistrano in 2001. After moving locations a couple of times, Petersen Page 16

said he’s happy to have found a new home within the city, on Rancho Viejo Road. The official ribbon cutting for Sycamore’s new location took place on April 16.

Over the almost 15 years he’s been in town, Petersen said he has always focused on his patients’ underlying problems so that their pain doesn’t come back, rather than just correcting the symptoms. He utilizes special equipment and hands-on adjusting to bring his clients long-lasting change Petersen works with his wife Kimmie—the marketing expert—and together the two have become immersed in San Juan life.

“I’ve always been attracted to the area and the character of the town,” Petersen said. “We enjoy meeting new people in the community.” CD

Dr. Craig Petersen. Photo: Courtesy

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

FOR SALE PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Folds up for easy storage. Great workout at home. $140. 949.533.9761 VINTAGE SURFBOARD 1985 STEWART/T&C SURFBOARD’ -$250. 949.933.0122

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

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

OTHER INTERESTING STUFF HOMESELLERS Find out what the home down the street sold for! Free computerized list of area home sales and current listings. Free recorded message 1-800-287-1012 ID#1041. - The W Realty Group -

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

SERVICES

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

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

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR

Star Motors

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

BANKING

Independence Bank

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

ELECTRICIANS

Excel Electric

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

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Excel Electric - CA #793860

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

JEWELER

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

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

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

San Juan Photo & Digital

32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668, www.sjcphotodigital.com

After-Hours Electric

Ca Lic #697355 714.396.2188, 949.573.8386, www.bbb.org The Capistrano Dispatch April 24–May 7, 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

Page 18

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY

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

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

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

Finding Love in California, Making a Life in Austria

M

y life partner Greta and I are liv“At first, it was hard, I ing for a month in a 500-year-old didn’t speak German. But building in Graz, Austria. The now, I love living in Graz.” apartment where we are staying is owned Maddie now has a baby by the Schachners, a couple who met at brother named James. the DMV in Fresno. Christian is Austrian.

How did Greta and I His wife, Jai, is an American citizen who meet them and why are was born on the Laos/Thailand border. we living in their home?

While not my typical “after 50” tale, I There is a website called ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 homeexchange.com. wanted to share their story that shows

By Tom Blake how love can overcome distance.

On that website, people In 2008, Jai was living in Fresno. Her can trade their home/apartment/ranch— purse had been stolen so she was at the where ever they live—for an agreed upon DMV to get a replacement driver’s license. period of time with people who own living Christian, who purchases antique Ameriaccommodations as well. People from difcan cars and sells them in Austria, was ferent countries often exchange homes. in Fresno registering an old Cadillac. He In December 2014, Christian, Jai, and Jai were in line next to each Maddie and James stayed in other. They had just enough Greta’s San Clemente home time to tell each other a little for the holidays. And now, about their backgrounds. we are staying at their home He asked for her phone in Graz. While we are here, number and they started dating. they are living at Christian’s Soon, however, he had to return father’s farm outside of town. to Austria. The odds of this We have been in Graz, the 6,100-mile long-distance relationsecond largest city in Austria, ship working were against them. for a week and love it. The They corresponded. Chriscity’s central tram station is tian returned to Fresno a few 100 yards away. The main times for more cars and to see train station is less than a half Jai Schachner has decorated their home with proverbs and Jai. He wanted her to visit Ausmile away. There is no need to tria. Since arriving in the United little sayings in every room. rent a car or drive anywhere.

We like this one the best.

States as a young child, she had Photo: Tom Blake There are a variety of restaunever been out of the country. rants within walking distance.

She didn’t even own a passport.

I will be blogging our trip at www.

Due to paperwork issues, getting a passtravelafter55.com. I hope you will follow us port took her months. Christian didn’t know and email your comments. for sure, but he thought she might be dragTom Blake is a retired Dana Point busiging her feet and probably didn’t really want ness owner and San Clemente resident who to visit Austria. One day he emailed, “I really has authored books on middle-aged dating. would love for you to visit.” She shocked See his website at www.findingloveafter50. him by replying, “Send me a ticket.” com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com.

She spent three weeks visiting Christian CD in Graz. In March 2012, they married in PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Las Vegas. He wore traditional Austrian Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions Lederhosen for the wedding. are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The CapJai and her daughter, Maddie, packed istrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. their things and moved to Graz. Jai said,

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-30, 2015

Page 19

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

People and Plants Thrive Together at the Eco Garden Expo

Joanie Espy, a vendor at last year’s Eco Expo, shows off some of her flowers. Photo: Brian Park

“A

pril showers bring May flowers” was once the childhood song sung by many in the past as spring approached. The song’s lyrics clearly no longer apply to Southern California. Welcome to our new normal—coming to terms with Mother Nature and our arid environment.

Gov. Brown a few weeks ago called us to action once again to reduce our water use by 25 percent. Many of us already reduced 25 percent of our water use last year, and now we’re being asked to reduce another 25 percent this year. What do we do as homeowners to tackle this no-water landscape? Is there life without lawn? Are we capable of creating beautiful landscapes without water or with less water use?

Where will the children play? How do we keep up and manage this new landscape?

So many concerns, where to begin?

Your search for information is over. The answers to these questions and more will be provided at a free event May 2 and 3— the Eco Garden Expo in Los Rios Park, located in historic downtown San Juan Capistrano. The two-day event, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will equip, empower and guide you in choosing the right landscape for your home, saving you time, money and water.

During the event, visitors can listen to numerous environmental and landscape experts share their ideas, concepts and designs supporting this new arid environment.

Learn how to create beauty in the garden with a variety of California-friendly plants, or create a landscape that is completely edible and get your daily five servings of veggies.

Learn the importance of bees in the garden as a friend and not a foe. Throw away those nasty pesticides, and let the beneficial insects do the work and reduce your weeds by eating them for dinner.

Page 20

The expo offers 50 fabulous exhibitors bringing you the best in products, plants and produce, along with artisan wares. Visit the numerous demonstration gardens and talk to the experts on incorporating these landscape ideas in your garden, and enjoy hands-on workshops creating a flower headband or bouquet. Hanson’s Market will recreate a mini market and café inside the park offering organic and fresh meals, snacks and healthy drinks.

The Eco Garden Expo is the brainchild of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, which supports and educates the public about the importance of plants, the environment and their health through hands-on gardening and DIRT THERAPY classes in local parks and

By Marrianne Taylor at the community center and clubs.

Los Rios Park, under the guidance GNTG since 2009, has an established certified butterfly garden maintained by volunteers and the Capistrano Unified School District Adult Transition Workability students and teachers. The SJC Community Senior Center and Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley benefit from the many enrichment programs and hands-on workshops given monthly by volunteers from GNTG. For more information on Eco Garden Expo and GNTG, go to www.goinnative. net/expo-2015. 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.

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Hills QB Patrick O’Brien Blazes Recruiting Trail

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t may have taken some time, but collegiate football programs are beginning to notice San Juan Hills soon –to-be senior quarterback Patrick O’Brien.

The 6-foot-4-inch 230-pound quarterback has been making a name for himself this offseason, following a solid junior campaign. But after winning quarterback MVP honors at the SoCal Opening Regional Camp on March 8 and leading his 7-on-7 passing league team to wins at the 2015 Passing Down SoCal Regional and IMG 7-on-7 event, O’Brien was still without an official offer.

In a matter of days, all that has changed.

O’Brien picked up his first offer from Nebraska on April 21 and two days later, Colorado State University followed suit.

The soon to be senior said that Boise State University was out to watch him on April 22 and he is expecting USC, Arizona State and UCLA to stop by in the coming weeks.

O’Brien has emerged as the hot Southern Orange County quarterback prospect after Tesoro High School’s Devon Mod-

San Juan Hills’ Patrick O’Brien has two offers from Nebraska and Colorado State University.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

ster came off the boards when he declared his commitment to Arizona on April 15.

O’Brien had a solid junior season with the Stallions, leading them to a 4-7 overall record including a 1-3 run through the highly competitive South Coast League.

O’Brien displayed his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback in 2014, passing for 2,093 yards and rushing for 640 more.

He completed 65 percent of his passes and threw 12 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, averaging just over 190 yards per game.

O’Brien was the team’s third leading rusher, averaging 4.55 yards per carry and a shade over 58 yards per game. He led the team with 13 rushing touchdowns. CD

San Juan Area Signing Day

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School held a signing day ceremony for six student-athletes on April 15.

Photo: Courtesy COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

A

pril 15 marked the opening of the spring period for high school athletes to sign their National Letter of Intent, declaring their college of choice.

On April 15, several San Juan Capistrano high schools held signing day events for their student-athletes. Visit www. thecapistranodispatch.com for a full photo slideshow of the day’s events.

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2015

Capistrano Valley Christian baseball players Tucker Hathaway, Nash Hathaway, Carson Canada and DJ Sutorius signed their NLIs on April 15. Photo: Courtesy

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL Six student-athletes took part in a signing day event. Tartans boys lacrosse player Ryan Harnisch (University of Denver) was the lone athlete who sent in his NLI, although the school announced that five others are verbally committed to programs and have been accepted into their colleges, including: • Ashley ang, Diving, niversity of Chicago

• Ryan ’Hare, ootball, enyon College • atrick allon, Lacrosse, Skidmore College • ake Bradley, Baseball, Willamette University • Nick avarone, Lacrosse, Whittier College CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN The Eagles baseball team had four players sign their NLI’s on April 15, including:

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• ucker Hathaway, idland niversity • Nash Hathaway, idland niversity • Carson Canada, idland niversity • D Sutorius, Coppin State Senior Aaron Corral was an early baseball signee with the University of New Mexico. Josh Anderson, a kicker and punter for the Eagles football team, also signed earlier this year with Olivet Nazarene University. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com