October 23, 2015

INSIDE: Crib to College An Educational Guide to Your Child’s Success OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

SPECIAL SECTION FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

OCTOBER 23–NOVEMBER 12, 2015 • VOLUME 13, ISSUE 20

El Niño on the Horizon As scientists warn of the record strength of this winter’s El Niño, South Orange County prepares for the deluge E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

San Juan Creek is a city channel that has historically had issues with debris and flooding during intense or consistent rain events.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

City Council Approves Temporary Group Home Moratorium EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Horse Sculptures Bring Artistic Flair, Awareness to Town SJC LIVING/PAGE 34

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Team USA Wins Gold at ISA World Jr. Surfing Championship SPORTS/PAGE 38

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING are recusing themselves “to avoid even the slightest appearance of impropriety.”

WHAT’S NEXT: In September, the Housing Advisory Committee agreed unanimously with city-appointed hearing officer Michael Roush’s August ruling that Worley’s rent increase of $641 a month “is not proper” and the City Council “should reverse the rent increase to no lower than the maximum allowable increase” under the city’s rent control ordinance.

According to the Oct. 26 agenda posted on the city’s website, city staff will recommend that the council “adopt a resolution denying a $641/month rent increase” and approve a “$37/month rent increase for each unit located in El Nido Mobile Estates.” Staff also will recommend that the council “order the return of rent paid in excess of said $37/month, in accordance with San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code.”—AJ

El Nido Mobile Estates park owner Richard Worley makes his case for raising the rent $641 per month during an August hearing at City Hall. The increase has since been ruled unfair by a hearing officer and the city’s Housing Advisory Committee. Photo: Allison Jarrell

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week City Council Approves Temporary Group Home Moratorium THE LATEST: After discussing the negative impacts some residents say group homes are having on their neighborhoods and quality of life, the City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday night to approve a temporary moratorium on permitting or establishing congregate living facilities in residential zones. The newly approved ordinance is intended to allow time for city staff to consider appropriate amendments to the city’s municipal code.

Faculty members, residents and neighbors of Hope by the Sea, a residential drug and alcohol treatment center in San Juan Capistrano, attended Tuesday’s meeting to speak about the benefits of sober living homes. Council members acknowledged and often agreed with the positive aspects they spoke about, but the council majority contended that while there are facilities like Hope by the Sea functioning well in the area, there are certain homes that aren’t complying with regulations.

WHAT’S NEXT: With a 3-2 vote—Mayor Derek Reeve and Councilman Sam Allevato dissented—the City Council approved the 45-day moratorium and gave direction to the Neighborhood Quality of

Life Committee to contact area homes that seem to be functioning out of compliance with city code in order to come up with potential solutions.—Allison Jarrell

Mobile Home Rent Hearing Set for Monday THE LATEST: At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, council members voted unanimously—with two recusals—to schedule the El Nido Mobile Estates rent control hearing for 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26 in the council chambers. The next phase of the residents’ fight against a $641-a-month rent increase comes almost two months after the hike in question went into effect, which has more than doubled the rent of some residents.

Tom Perrin, steering group leader of the El Nido residents, said Thursday that dozens of residents who have not paid the full increased rent have received notices such as “Three (3) Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit” and “Sixty (60) Day Notice to Terminate Possession.”

“The impact on these senior citizens, retired veterans and disabled folks was extremely hard-hitting and emotionally devastating,” Perrin wrote in an email.

Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson and Councilman Sam Allevato announced Tuesday that they will be recusing themselves from all future discussion and hearings regarding El Nido. One of Worley’s lawyers present at the council meeting confirmed his request for the recusals “based on their publicly-demonstrated and recorded bias and pre-judgement.” Allevato and Ferguson made comments at an earlier meeting that seemed to favor the side of the mobile home residents.

Allevato and Ferguson noted that while they would have proceeded with open minds and are not legally disqualified, they

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

CUSD to Keep Current 2016-2017 Calendar THE LATEST: To the chagrin of some parents, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted 6-1 on Oct. 14 night to keep the current academic calendar for the 2016-2017 school year with an Aug. 15 start date.

The board discussed three options for 2016-2017—keep the current calendar with an Aug. 15 start date, amend the calendar to mirror this year’s schedule with an Aug. 22 start date and the first semester ending in January, or start the year on Aug. 22 with the first semester ending in December, which would cut Thanksgiving break short.

Members of the public spoke for more than an hour about the options, with the majority of students and teachers in favor of keeping the calendar as is. A group of students at the meeting said they already start sports and extracurricular activities in mid-August, and the early end date in June aligns well with Saddleback College courses. According to CUSD, about 60 percent of the district’s college-going students attend Saddleback.

The parents who spoke opposing the Aug. 15 start date cited higher temperatures, lack of air conditioning and doubt that the schedule would actually help high school students.

WHAT’S NEXT: While some trustees viewed air conditioning as a separate issue, Superintendent Kirsten Vital noted that the lack of air conditioning in some schools is currently being examined by staff.—AJ

School District Unveils Multiyear Technology Plan THE LATEST: School district staff present-

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ed a three-year technology plan Oct. 14 at the Capistrano Unified School District’s board meeting.

While the technology guideline for school years 2015-2018 is in constant flux due to changing technologies, staff said the district is currently focused on advancing digital literacy and tools such as Chromebooks, implementing online and blended learning, driving instruction with data and incorporating multimedia and online collaboration between students and teachers.

Staff noted specific examples of pursuing more technology-enhanced curriculum, such as incorporating Microsoft IT Academy—a pilot program that would allow students to earn their Microsoft certification—as well as learning the elements and ideas behind coding beginning in kindergarten.

CUSD also launched its first mobile app last month and is working on providing push notifications. The app is available for iOS and Android and can be personalized with school-specific information.

WHAT’S NEXT: The presentation was an information item only, so no board action was taken.—AJ

Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Armed Robbery Suspects THE LATEST: The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying four suspects in a Mission Viejo armed robbery.

On Oct. 21 around 12:45 p.m., four suspects described as “male, African-Americans, wearing black masks and clothing” entered the Fredric H. Rubel jewelry store inside The Shops at Mission Viejo and began smashing glass display cases with hammers and grabbing jewelry.

“At least one of the suspects was armed with a handgun; however, no shots were fired and there were no injuries to any of the employees,” Lt. Jeff Hallock said in a press release.

Witnesses later reported bags of jewelry being thrown from a vehicle off the 405 freeway near Beach Boulevard. Investigators found the items to be consistent with the stolen jewelry.

WHAT’S NEXT: Investigators are still collecting evidence from both scenes. There are conflicting witness accounts of the suspected vehicle that was seen leaving the mall.

Anyone with information about the robbery or additional victims is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714.647.7000. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855.TIP.OCCS (855.847.6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.—AJ www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

The Calm before the Storm

As scientists warn of the potentially unprecedented strength of this winter’s El Niño, South Orange County prepares for the deluge

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

E

l Niño anticipation has been building in South Orange County for months.

Record-high ocean temperatures brought waves of pelagic red crabs to Southern California beaches in June— about a month earlier than the tiny red crustaceans usually appear—and with them came the early arrival of yellowtail and bluefin tuna, causing local anglers to speculate whether the accelerated fishing season was a predictor of the severity of the upcoming El Niño.

Guesses as to what to expect this winter became clearer last week, when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released an El Niño Southern Oscillation advisory Oct. 8 stating there is an approximately 95 percent chance that El Niño will continue through the Northern Hemisphere in winter 2015-2016, gradually weakening through spring 2016.

The advisory, issued by the Climate Prediction Center and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, predicted that El Niño will peak in late fall or early winter.

PREDICTING MORE FREQUENT WINTER STORMS NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory climatologist Bill Patzert said in an interview on Monday that this year’s El Niño will be comparable to, if not larger than, the winters of 1983 and 1997.

“Recently we saw another collapse of the trade winds,” Patzert said. “As we’re speaking, that large signal is actually increasing. It sort of makes it a sure thing.”

Patzert described the growing El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean—a failure in the trade winds in the tropical Pacific, redistribution of heat from the western Pacific to the eastern Pacific and warming that extends from Peru to Ecuador.

“When this happens, for those of us in the seasonal forecasting business, it’s like a no-brainer,” Patzert said. “The stage is definitely set; everything’s in place here.”

NOAA’s advisory notes that temperature and precipitation impacts from El Niño will likely be seen in the upcoming months, including “below-average temperatures and above-median precipitation across the southern tier of the United States.”

Southern California could get some of that early rain in October, November or

December, which could put a damper on fire danger this season. However, Patzert said heavy rains usually don’t arrive until January, February, March and April.

Patzert added that Southern California cities, especially South Orange County, should prepare for storms that aren’t necessarily stronger, but greater in number. Consistent rain, combined with more than four years of severe drought and South Orange County’s hilly landscape, is a recipe for mudslides and flooding.

Substantial rain may be months away, but Patzert noted that, technically, El Niño is already here.

“It’s not as if it’s arriving this January.

This is a very big signal; many places around the planet are already feeling the impacts,” Patzert said, pointing to the punishing drought in Southeast Asia.

“We’re not waiting for it to arrive; it’s here and it’s already having impacts. And it doesn’t dissipate until April 2016.”

PREPARING FOR THE RAIN David Ott, Interim Assistant City Manager for the city of San Juan Capistrano, said city staff, volunteer organizations and agencies countywide are working together to prepare for this winter’s string of storms.

The last time San Juan saw major flooding was in 2010. Ott said areas of concrete in the city’s channels eroded, allowing water underneath and flood-

This is a very big signal; “many places around the

planet are already feeling the impacts. We’re not waiting for it to arrive; it’s here and it’s already having impacts. And it doesn’t dissipate until April 2016.

—Bill Patzert

”

ing the mobile home park across from City Hall. Additional flooding occurred downstream with damage to homes. Ott said previous El Niño weather events have also caused mudslides and flooding along Ortega Highway.

In order to better predict potential problem areas, Ott said the city is currently GIS mapping areas that may

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

A NASA image from the OSTM/Jason-2 satellite shows sea surface height similar to the conditions leading up to the record-breaking 1997 El Niño. Image: Courtesy of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

BE PREPARED THIS WINTER A training session for San Juan Capistrano’s Large Animal Rescue Team (LART) is scheduled for Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. The session is open to the public. Training for the city’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is anticipated within the next month, but a date has not yet been finalized.

Other Resources for Staying Alert: OC EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

updates on the center’s website at ocsd.org/ divisions/fieldops/emb.

READYOC For information on how to prepare for potential flooding, landslides or other emergencies, follow ReadyOC, Orange County’s emergency preparedness campaign, online at www.readyoc.org, on Twitter at @ ReadyOC and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/readyoc. You can also download the ReadyOC app for iOS or Android.

For up-to-date information on weather events, natural disasters and other emergency situations in Orange County, follow the Orange County Emergency Operations Center on Twitter at @OrangeCountyEOC or sign up for Orange County EOC email

ALERTOC

be prone to flooding and will be doing outreach including distributing mailers to homes in flood-prone areas to help residents prepare for the winter.

Ott said sandbags are available to residents—15 per household unless emergency situations dictate otherwise— at locations such as City Hall, the fire station and the community center.

“One of those flood-prone areas is right here at City Hall,” Ott said, noting that the building is also home to the city’s emergency operations center. “So we’re completing backup plans for ourselves, just like we’re going to be asking people in other flood-prone areas.”

The city has also been working for about two months on cleaning all of its major storm drain facilities, Ott said, including San Juan Creek.

“We’re going to have to keep hitting those hot spots, because debris is still going to come down from the creek no

matter how much you clean it,” Ott said. “We’re going to have to make sure during those winter rain events that our grates aren’t getting clogged.”

In the meantime, Ott said a “tabletop exercise” is planned for November, where city staff, volunteer groups and staff from the Orange County Emergency Operations Center will meet to discuss roles, responsibilities and preparations.

“In recorded history, nobody’s seen it come together like this,” Ott said of the impending El Niño. “We don’t know what that means. We just know we better be as prepared as possible.”

For information on San Juan Capistrano’s Emergency Plan or CERT program, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

For up-to-date information on this winter’s El Niño, visit www.sealevel.jpl.nasa. gov/science/elninopdo or www.elnino. noaa.gov. CD

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Orange County’s regional public mass notification system, is designed to keep residents informed during emergency events. You can register to receive alerts at www.alertoc.com.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Jorge and Maria Olamendi received Hispanic Heritage Month honors from the California Assembly on Oct. 14.

Photo: Eric Heinz

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

Dana Point: Olamendi’s Honored for Hispanic Heritage Jorge Olamendi and his family were recognized by state officials and local agencies on Oct. 14 at their restaurant, Olamendi’s Mexican Cuisine, for their contributions to Hispanic heritage as part of the state’s month celebrating the culture.

The restaurant filled to the brim with supporters, whom Olamendi said are the reason he has had a long run as part of Dana Point’s Hispanic cuisine.

“I appreciate and am honored to be recognized, and I would respectfully like to extend this recognition to all of the Hispanics that have contributed to the success and greatness of America,” Olamendi said, who was present but had his daughter, Esmerelda, read his speech.

Olamendi also touched on the prospect of finding the American dream.

“It’s not easy, but with hard work and integrity we will be able to make our American dream and to share our American dream with people of all cultures,” he said.

Olamendi’s has a storied history ingrained in the traditions of its native palate. Much of the menu originates from the concoctions of Olamendi’s parents, who brought him to the United States from Mexico. One photo on the restaurant’s walls show him serving former President Richard Nixon.

Each year during the state’s Hispanic Heritage month, California Assembly representatives select one person or entity from their district that is emblematic of Hispanic culture to receive the honors.

Board of Equalization member Diane Harkey and Assemblyman Bill Brough were joined by Dana Point city councilmembers and Mayor Carlos Olvera during the celebration.

Olamendi’s turned 42 this year and, as its ubiquitous décor suggests, will celebrate Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 1. The restaurant is located at 34664 Pacific Coast Highway.

Page 6

San Clemente: City Defends Water Rate Structure, Penalties During a presentation at Tuesday night’s San Clemente City Council meeting, Sanjay Gaur, vice president of Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. provided information regarding the city’s water rate structure—saying the notions of the legality of the rates are justifiable.

Since the city’s new rate structure increase went into effect Aug. 1, many residents have compared the rates to the ones found to be not justifiable in court in San Juan Capistrano.

In his presentation, Gaur explained the city’s water revenues across the board pay for water supply, meter maintenance, customer service and fire suppression.

The city also calculates for “hottest days,” or peaking demand, which are expected to draw more water from customers.

Resident Brad Malamud spoke during the oral communication part of the meeting and said despite the justification efforts, this still did not explain the equations for the city’s rates and penalties.

City Attorney Scott Smith commented on the matter after council requested his opinion.

He said Proposition 218 does not make the tiered rates illegal by the way in which the city has collected the funds.

Since August, the city has collected around $750,000 from penalties for over usage.

City Council members said no general fund expenses will be used from the funds collected from the upper-tiered rates. City Manager James Makshanoff said the city plans to revisit the current rates after the first of the year.

“The drought study is in the budget, but there will be a request for additional funds to see what the rates have done and to do the new rate study,” Makshanoff said during the meeting.

To wit, no lawsuits have been filed against the city’s structured rates.

—Eric Heinz www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Saddleback College students pass by the fenced-off construction zone for the new science building on their way to and from classes. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Saddleback College Nears 50 San Juan Capistrano’s nearest community college after nearly five decades of change continues forward momentum

BY ERIC HEINZ, ALLISON JARRELL AND ANDREA SWAYNE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

s Saddleback College approaches its 50th anniversary in 2018, the school is looking toward the future with a number of projects in academia and facilities.

In its nearly five decades of service to the community, Saddleback has been a staple for local students, both traditional and non-traditional, and has continually strived to meet the needs of the changes in local population and culture.

Well-known in the tri-city area, as well as across south Orange County, as the local college, Saddleback draws a large number of area high school graduates from San Clemente, Dana Hills and San Juan Hills high schools—many before they’ve finished their senior year.

As the college finishes out its fifth decade of service, we are taking a look at current challenges and new developments on the horizon.

ACADEMICS Kathy Werle, Ph.D, Saddleback College vice president for instruction, said although the college has no plans in the immediate future to offer four-year programs, it is possible specialized curricula could develop.

In January, 12 community colleges were selected to offer pilot four-year programs, but Saddleback was not among that group, as California community college officials deemed the school was better suited as a two-year college.

“The (California Community College)

Chancellor’s Office was really looking at offering high-unit programs that exceed the number we can allow students to transfer with and competed with programs four-year California universities offer,” Werle said. “Our project was … seen as too close to what the four-year universities were doing.”

The community colleges selected to receive four-year programs were given bachelor’s degree offerings such as dental hygiene and mortuary science—programs that Saddleback wanted but did not get. Had Saddleback been given these four-year programs, Werle said, it would have put them in direct competition with current four-year schools to which the community college currently sends its two-year transfer students.

Although not selected for four-year programs, at least this time around, Saddleback’s overall mission as an institution has continually changed over time in many other ways, Werle added.

“Historically, Saddleback had a heavy concentration of career technical education programs,” she said. “I think people in the community see us more as a transfer institution now. And Capistrano Unified School District, as well as Saddleback Valley (district), are working to strengthen adult education and we got funding to increase the number of classes offered.”

From adult education programs for non-traditional students furthering their education, to concurrent and dual enrollment for students wishing to take college courses before they graduate high school, Saddleback officials work to keep pace

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2015

with community needs and demands.

Werle said some of the classes offered are especially beneficial because high school Advanced Placement class credit can be fickle—some universities require a top score on the test in order to receive credit, and if that doesn’t happen, the class doesn’t fulfill its intended purpose.

Advancement Via Individual Determination is also offered at Saddleback, which helps students acclimate to the college environment. Werle said Saddleback is the only community college that offers AVID—a national high school program— in California.

A big part of the college’s role is to ensure credit transfers are guaranteed in order to facilitate students to larger universities to complete their bachelor’s degrees and beyond, Werle said.

The number of students transferring to specific colleges changes every year, Saddleback public information officer Jennie McCue said, but UC Berkley, UC San Diego and San Diego State are historically among the top universities.

“We have a number of programs specifically aligned with the university programs,” Werle said.

The Freshman Advantage program offered by the college engages new students with help in planning their academic schedule throughout their studies. Next fall, Werle said, the college will work on a cohort-based schedule that would give students more time to take general education courses while they decide on a major.

The college is also looking to implement a June 20 start date for summer classes, after the high schools are out for the year.

And early registration will now take place March 15.

Saddleback currently enrolls about 25,000 students.

HIGH SCHOOL PERSPECTIVES Local high school officials have taken note of the statewide push for community colleges to offer more four-year degrees, and they’re eagerly waiting for those opportunities to come to South Orange County. Of the 60 percent of CUSD’s college-bound seniors who attend Saddleback College, a significant number of students come from Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Maureen Scherf, head academic advisor at San Juan Hills High School, said although Saddleback College is not yet part of the statewide pilot program, she’s looking forward to future opportunities at the school for students to get their bachelor’s degree in career technical education fields.

Scherf said the technical training that community colleges are beginning to offer students is invaluable in today’s job market and makes students much more employable. She added that this is particularly true in Orange County, which she said is “saturated” in bachelor’s degrees.

“The most important thing is just focusing on career technical education—industry sectors that traditionally in the past 10

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years haven’t hired a lot of kids because they aren’t trained” Scherf said. “Community colleges are looking to train those kids.”

Brad Baker, assistant principal of guidance at San Clemente High School, said he’s also pleased with the potential for local high-level, affordable courses.

“The bottom line is that it’s important to bridge high school and junior college relationships, providing multiple pathways for students to choose from wherever they see themselves in the future,” Baker said.

“Supporting that choice … that’s our job.”

FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS The college is currently constructing a new sciences building, an 81,381-squarefoot building with 26 science laboratories, four classrooms and staff offices, according to the annual state of the college report given by Saddleback President Tod Burnett, Ph.D, in August.

The building, expected to be complete in fall 2016, is the most visual sign of progress on campus currently—one that will not only be an improvement for the school’s science programs, but is also leading to a need for the addition of other new facilities.

Tony Lipold, athletic director and dean of kinesiology and athletics, said the new science building has created a parking issue, which in turn will result in the 2018 addition of a new stadium and practice fields.

“In order to provide more parking closer to the new science building, our east practice fields for football and soccer— that now surround the baseball field—will have to be relocated,” Lipold said. “A new stadium has been on the radar, since the school opened. The current stadium has always been regarded as temporary, the only permanent features in it being the lights and the home bleachers. It has worked but it hasn’t been ideal.”

With funding finally in place, a new 8,000-seat, state-of-the-art facility is slated for construction in 2018 at the site of the current stadium, he said. The project will also include nine track lanes and a field also suited for soccer, football, lacrosse and concert events inside and outside, new fields for soccer, football and area for track and field throwing events.

“The new stadium is long overdue,” Lipold said. “Probably the thing its construction will have the most impact on is the fact that it’s going to be a stadium for use by all south county high school teams that have historically had to play CIF championship games at places like Orange Coast College and Cal State Fullerton, the closest suitable stadium being about 30 miles away.”

Lipold also said he sees the new stadium as creating a new gateway to Saddleback, both physically—due to its location as people enter campus off of Avery Parkway—and with regard to recruiting, by hosting both high profile high school and college events. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Community NEWS BITES Breakthrough SJC Meetings Fundraiser Nov. 10 COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

MONDAY, OCT. 26

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting 10 a.m.

The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 27

Planning Commission Meeting

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

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28

Coffee with a Cop 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

San Juan Capistrano Police Services invites the community to attend Coffee with a Cop at Starbucks, located at 27211 Ortega Highway. Ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the deputies in your community. For more information, call 949.443.6369 or visit www.sjcpoliceservices.com.

Downtown Farmers Market 3 p.m.–

7 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from dozens of vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday.

Visit www.farmersmarketsjc.com or call 949.493.4700 to find out more.

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting 7 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, OCT. 30

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.

Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

Join Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano as they celebrate their 10th year providing academic opportunity for highly motivated, underserved students. Since 2006, Breakthrough SJC has served 264 students as they prepare to go to college and break the cycle of poverty in their families.

A fundraiser to benefit the nonprofit and its programs is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano McDonald’s, located at 31822 Del Obispo Street.

Breakthrough will have an information booth for those who want to learn more about the program at the fundraiser.

Twenty-five percent of all in-restaurant proceeds (excluding drive-thru) will directly support Breakthrough SJC. For more information, contact Jessica Jaramillo at jessica.jaramillo@smes.org or 949.661.0108 ext. 1348.

Mission Hospital Student Auxiliary Raises $25,000 for Neuroscience & Spine Institute

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting 5 p.m.

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

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.

The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 13

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

Sunday, October 18 DISTURBANCE-GANG La Zanja Street/Camino Capistrano (8:25 p.m.) A caller reported multiple men outside fighting. One of the men had a knife and was identified as a gang member.

Another caller overheard the men yelling to someone to go grab a baseball bat. One person was spotted on the ground with several men surrounding him.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

City Looking for Holiday Letter Writers The city of San Juan Capistrano is looking for volunteers to write return letters to children that have written letters or sent their holiday wish list to Santa Claus in care of the Community Services Department. All materials are supplied and volunteers can answer letters from the comfort of home. Good penmanship, spelling, and use of grammar are a must.

Letters are answered Nov. 9 through Dec. 14. Call 949.493.5911 or email hivanoff@

In April 2013, the Student Auxiliary of Mission Hospital made a bold commitment to donate $25,000 to support the hospital’s new Neuroscience & Spine Institute. This month, the Student Auxiliary contributed the final payment to reach their goal.

TUESDAY, NOV. 3

The Student Auxiliary will be recognized on the hospital donor wall as a “Guardian,” one of Mission Hospital’s prestigious donor groups.

“I am in awe of this exceptional group of student leaders and philanthropists,” Cathleen A. Collins, chief development officer for Mission Hospital Foundation, said. “Their generous gift speaks to their passion and commitment to Mission Hospital and the health and wellness of our community.”

Shortly after reaching their goal to support the Neuroscience & Spine Institute, the Student Auxiliary announced a new target—raising $25,000 to benefit Mission Hospital’s Behavioral Health Program.

More than 100 student volunteers serve in various capacities throughout the hospital in a comprehensive year-round program. Students welcome visitors at information desks, assist in delivering meals to patients and support patient registration and discharge.

To learn more about the impact of philanthropy at Mission Hospital and the Student Auxiliary, visit www.mission4health.com.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 31800 Block (8:00 p.m.) A male transient was threatening to harm the staff inside a restaurant when they closed down for the night. The man was standing in front of the restaurant’s front door before he made a run for a nearby park. As he left, the man threatened to burn the building down.

Saturday, October 17 SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Via La Jolla, 26500 Block (12:59 p.m.)

A man, believed to be in his mid-20s, was walking up and down a street and walking into garages that were left open.

Friday, October 16 DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (3:04 p.m.) A male transient who was begging for money outside of Costco threw food and started yelling at a caller as he drove by. The man was wearing a white hat and Page 9

sanjuancapistrano.org for more details or to be a volunteer this season.

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Hosts Free Flu Clinic The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians is hosting a free community flu clinic to promote wellness in the surrounding communities. The clinic, which is open to the public, will take place on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Tribal Hall, located at 31411 La Matanza Street, Ste. A., in San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call 949.488.3294.

Free Senior Flu Clinic at the SJC Community Center Memorial Health Care and the city of San Juan Capistrano will host a flu vaccination clinic at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon for adults ages 55 plus. The vaccination clinic is free while supplies last. No appointment is required.

There will be drive-up service available for those unable to get out of their vehicles.

This year’s flu vaccination is a 3-in-1 strain.

Connect Hearing will be on site offering complimentary hearing screenings as well as many other senior service vendors with additional information. If you miss the clinic, call 949.493.5911 for a list of other clinics in the area.

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.

cargo shorts and was carrying a sign.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Paseo Brillo, 26700 Block (7:33 a.m.) A caller alerted deputies to a homeless man with a bright pink bicycle that was living in the bushes near a residence. The caller said the man had been there for two days.

Thursday, October 15 SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Capistrano, 32100 Block (7:46 p.m.) A woman with short, spiked blonde hair was screaming at people and saying that she “hated everyone.” The caller thought the woman was going to attack someone.

PETTY THEFT Camino Capistrano, 31600 Block (6:51 p.m.) A man believed to be in his 20s wearing a green backpack stole an iPhone from a customer at L’Hirondelle Restaurant and ran out. The man was seen running toward the Amtrack station. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor THE COUNCIL IS ELECTED TO CONDUCT CITY BUSINESS, NOT PREACH —Ruth Clark, San Juan Capistrano There isn’t a cross on top of City Hall.

The separation of church and state is important to me and many other San Juan Capistrano citizens. Some are Christian, some are not. My religion is important and personal to me, but I do not want any religion to be part of our City Council. The mayor and fellow council members are elected to do the business of the city only, not to preach or proselytize. I am Christian; nonetheless, I do not want Christian or any other religious invocations setting the tone at our council business meetings.

I believe Pam Patterson was out of order with her invocation prayer and personal

beliefs—the City Council needs to enforce guidelines that prohibit that type of sanctimony in City Hall. There are many types of Christians, and they do not all believe or practice their faith in the same way. Keep your religion personal—at your home and your church—and I will do the same.

There are plenty of inspirational messages that emphasize our compassion and camaraderie, are more appropriate for the public setting and don’t alienate or attempt to elevate a particular view over others.

Keep your religion out of City Council business meetings.

areas.

There should be a different place for recovering drug addicts to live to recover from their problem. Group homes could cause families to leave their town out of fear and how complicated their neighborhood has become due to group homes.

Group homes take away living space for families who need it to care for their children. Most of all, they leave a bad example for growing children who are curious and like to do everything they see an older person do.

GROUP HOMES SHOULD NOT EXIST IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS —Jordan Shaw, San Juan Capistrano I am a 13-year-old Boy Scout in Troop 12 and I attended the San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting on Oct. 6. The issue of group homes was discussed at the meeting. In my opinion, I think group homes should not exist in residential

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GUEST OPINION: Sow What? by Angelica Gonzalez and Hannah Cole

Why it’s Beneficial to Buy Your Food from Local Farmers Markets

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uying local or from farmers markets has numerous benefits. Not only is the variety amazing, the produce tastes delicious and it comes from well-known sources. Many local grocery stores also buy local fruits and vegetables, and they have signs that tell the buyer where the produce comes from.

Here are some of the reasons why you may want to buy from local farmers markets: 1. You know where your food is coming from. While at a farmers market, you may be able to speak to the farmers that grew the food you are buying. They will tell you anything you want to know about the produce. This differs from traditional grocery stores, where you may not know exactly where the fruits and vegetables are grown.

2. It is healthier. Buying from the local farmers market may be a much healthier option because the fruits and vegetables lose fewer nutrients since they come straight from the farm. Also, many fruits and vegetables found at farmers markets are typically grown without pesticides, hormones and genetic modifications.

3. Protects the environment. On average, food travels 1,500 miles to get to your plate. All of this traveling causes pollution in the environment because of the trucks and packaging used to transport. Buying local eliminates the waste involved with transportation and packaging.

4. It tastes better. Fruits and vegetables bought at farmers markets are often tastier. This is because they are left in the field to ripen longer. Usually they go straight to the farmers market for sale within about 24 hours.

5. Good for local economy. You are spending your money with local farmers.

Buying straight from farmers gives them a better profit for their produce. You can help new and smaller farmers—some within your own community.

6. Larger variety of fruits and vegetables.

Farmers markets often have a larger selection of exotic or hard-to-find fruits and vegetables. Some of these include yellow plums, yellow raspberries, heirloom tomatoes, white radishes, figs and wax beans.

You do not typically find these items at most grocery stores.

7. You know what you are buying. Most vendors offer opportunities to taste their product before buying it. This is very convenient because you know if you like the product before you purchase it.

Buying produce at your local farmers market not only benefits you, but everything around you. It helps the environment because large trucks and bulky packaging are not needed to transport the goods. It helps your body because fruits and vegetables maintain their nutrients better. Finally, it helps the local economy because farmers can sell their produce straight from their gardens or farms and

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@thecapistranodispatch.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

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Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis

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Girl Scouts from Senior Troop 528 attend a local farmers market. Photo: Courtesy of Amy Cox-Petersen

gain more profit.

Angelica Gonzalez is a freshman at San Juan Hills High School and Hannah Cole is a freshman at Laguna Hills High School.

This is the second in a series of four columns written by girls in the Girl Scout Senior Troop 528 of San Juan Capistrano. CD

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 13, Issue 20. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives.

Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

Page 10

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SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: By City Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson

The Council Majority is Moving the City Forward

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iempre Adelante, Nunca Atras. Like San Junipero Serra, let’s keep San Juan Capistrano moving forward— it’s no time to regress. Some claim to be truth-tellers, but they tell mostly halftruths, leaving out important facts, and in some cases, telling untruths all together.

Will the Vermeulen lawsuit bankrupt our city? Mayor Derek Reeve says absolutely not, and with good reason. The city has filed a challenge on many grounds.

The lawsuit denies the city’s right to decide zoning by forcing it to up-zone. That’s contrary to California law. The landowners may not want to use or sell it for agribusiness uses, but someone else could, quite profitably—Armstrong Gardens has for years. The lawsuit also improperly undermines the will of the voters, who exercised their inherent referendum powers. The city wisely listened to the 60 percent of voters who voted against incumbents favoring the Spieker project during the last election. Also, Spieker didn’t challenge the repeal in a timely manner (within 90 days after the repeal).

As to Spieker’s second proposal, the California Election Code prohibits our acting contrary to the referendum within 12

months. Claims of regulatory taking, due process and equal protection are challenged on procedural and legal grounds. Last, the idea that Measure D and Measure Y funds required spending on the Kerry Ferguson Vermeulen property is an untimely attempt to change decades-old decisions. In short, the city looks forward to having their defense to this lawsuit heard by the court.

These same naysayers say Robert Ming is unqualified and his hiring as a consultant was unjustified. Ming was elected twice to the Laguna Niguel City Council and twice as mayor, and he’s also a founder and the first president of the Association of California Cities-Orange County, chosen by his peers. He has consulted similarly with several cities and will help greatly in searching for a new city manager, one who will assemble and lead a great team to help our city continue upward.

Naysayers also contend falsely that the City Council is not working for all our residents. We meet constantly with

constituents, whether they voted for us or not. We’re working to enhance everyone’s quality of life while preserving the best of our past. San Juan Capistrano is on the verge of a renaissance, and we’re happy to lead the way forward.

We are bringing the beautiful Mission Inn San Juan Capistrano to town after others had given up in favor of a strip mall with little support. It will be a landmark— another “jewel” to join the “Jewel of the Missions.” Another hotel is also planned— one that’s far superior to the proposal rammed through at 3 a.m. by the former City Council. We’re also encouraging a new Camino Real Playhouse.

Last year, in response to my article “What Would Judge Egan Think?” Bill Griffith partnered with Dan Friess to restore the Egan House, which stood vacant for 10 years. Now it will house a fabulous bakery/deli.

After years of talking, important projects are moving ahead, such as closing gaps in our trails and doing something about the Ghost Train. A new lane will prevent back-ups, for starters. At last, we’ll see a super-size skate park at our Sports Park.

We’re also working to improve safety and the quality of life of neighbors impacted by overcrowding and inconsiderate parking.

The naysayers, including Councilman Sam Allevato, claimed our summer trolley would be a boondoggle—costing the city way too much. Councilman Allevato wrote it was “running in circles, empty for hours.” However, records showed it was rarely empty, enjoyed by all and ran a useful route that helped with parking.

We well exceeded our 10 riders per hour goal and—thanks to an AQMD grant and help from the Mission and Heritage Tourism Association—we only needed a few thousand dollars from the general fund.

As I’m finishing this, yet another set of misrepresentations and untruths has been revealed, showing the lengths naysayers and bullies will go to in order to regain power. Stay tuned. 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

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

School is in full swing once again—to some that means embarking, for the first time, on a full day of classroom instruction, to others it is the beginning of the end of their young academic careers with SAT tests and college applications on the horizon.

The staff here at Picket Fence Media has scoured the region for experts in health, education, arts, finance and more to give you, the reader, supportive stories, tips and advice to help your students succeed. You’ll hear from Pamela Kahn on the correlation between a student’s health and their academic success and from Christina Altmayer on the kindergarten readiness of Orange County’s youngest pupils. Tom Bottorf and Robert Chavez explore college funding options and Elizabeth Bottiaux, a mother of four, writes on her belief that we should let kids be kids. These local experts have poured their knowledge onto the following pages to help fulfill your child’s unique needs and academic goals throughout the journey from Crib to College.

It’s Story Time!

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ark your desk, wall and smart phone calendars for free reading events throughout the tri-cities. Be sure to visit the libraries in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano for these weekly and monthly activities for the entire family. Be sure to call the local branches for updated activity times.

Monday iStock.com/ipekata

Talk! Read! Sing!

Use everyday moments to build lifelong skills

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arly involvement is key—key to brain development and school success.

Research has show that exposing children at the earliest ages—from birth on—to consistent, language rich experiences like talking, reading and singing helps set children on a learning path of achievement.

Not all children are exposed to the same levels of back-and-forth communication, be it at home, in early learning programs, at school or in being around other children.

Studies have shown that by age 3, children from lower-income families hear about 30 million fewer words than children from more affluent families.

A lack of resources can create a gap—a word gap that is—in the quantity and quality of words children learn. To increase the number and caliber of words children across the nation are exposed to, the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services partnered with Too Small to Fail in order to create free tip sheets for parents and caregivers to help enrich their child’s experiences.

These tip sheets and other resources can be found online talkingisteaching.org.

Build brain activity by talkTALK! ing to your baby or toddler.

Back-and-forth conversations will help babies make new connections, build understanding and put them on a journey to learn new words and concepts.

• Get on your child’s level and make eye contact.

• Engage in conversations. Reply to baby language. Give your child time to respond.

• Follow your baby’s lead. Identify what they are interested in and jump into nar-

ration.

• Emulate your baby’s tone. If they are happy, smile and use and upbeat tone.

• Comment about and label everything in your child’s environment.

• Introduce new words, also repeat and expand on what your child says.

You don’t have to finish a book with young children.

Instead, take the time to engage your child. Talk through the book.

Explore the pictures, ask questions and connect the story to everyday life.

• Introduce books: How to hold them and turn the page.

• Make reading an interactive experience by asking lots of questions.

• Label objects in the books and relate them to real life.

• Be expressive, use different tones for characters and have fun when reading stories.

• Repetition, repetition, repetition. Babies learn more when the same story is repeated.

READ!

Who doesn’t love music?

There is something about a good beat and catchy lyrics that puts you in a better mood. Did you know, music can nourish a child’s brain? It can also help teach new words and concepts.

• Make up songs to go along with daily routines.

• Act out the meaning of songs and encourage your child to do the same.

• Sing songs and alter lyrics to known tunes to apply to different situations.

Toddler Storytime 10:30 a.m. Children ages 2 to 3 can enjoy stories and activities to help with coordination and color, shape and number recognition at the San Clemente Library.

Parents and siblings are welcome.

Family Storytime 6:30 p.m. Join in the fun each third Monday of the month as the National Charity League Sunshine Readers host an energetic family storytime at the San Juan Capistrano Library.

Pajama Storytime 7 p.m. Wear your pajamas and head down to the Dana Point Library for a night of stories, songs and fun.

All ages are invited to this PJ storytime on the fourth Monday of each month.

Tuesday Toddler and Preschool Storytimes 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Meet your friends at the Dana Point Library for a fun, and story, filled event.

Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more. Toddlers at 10 a.m., Preschool at 11 a.m.

Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. Help your child prepare for and succeed in school by attending a Preschool Storytime at the San Clemente Library. Storytime aimed at kids ages 3 to 5.

SING!

iStock.com/ipekata

Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m. Stop by the San Juan Capistrano Library for a morning of fun stories, songs, crafts and other activities for children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers.

Wednesday Family Storytime 11:30 a.m. The entire family is invited to the San Juan Capistrano Library for stories and rhymes in both English and Spanish. All ages are welcome.

Read to a Dog 3 p.m. Practice reading skills and build confidence by sharing your favorite tales with certified therapy dogs the first Monday of the month at the Dana Point Library.

Thursday Pajama Storytime 7:45 p.m. Come to the San Clemente Library wearing your favorite slippers and jammies as the Sunshine Readers whisk the whole family off to their dreamlands.

LOCAL LIBRARIES DANA POINT LIBRARY 33481 Niguel Road 949.496.5517, ocpl.org/libloc/dana SAN CLEMENTE LIBRARY 242 Avenida Del Mar 949.492.3493, ocpl.org/liblo/sc SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO LIBRARY 31495 El Camino Real 949.493.1752, ocpl.org/libloc/sjc

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Are OC Kids Ready for Kindergarten?

OC Children & Families examines school readiness in terms of social, emotional and physical knowledge

By Christina Altmayer, Executive Director of the Children and Families Commission of Orange County

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he September back to school rush has begun to fade and students throughout Orange County are beginning to settle into another year. What teachers understand, however, is that getting ready for school means more than having a backpack, new lunch box and a ready supply of pencils.

Increasingly, research has demonstrated that “school readiness” means having the social, emotional and physical knowledge that helps a child be best positioned to learn. Kids who enter kindergarten ready to learn are more likely to display above-average social and academic skills that are sustained well into their Christina Altmayer educational careers.

This doesn’t mean every kindergartner needs to know all their numbers and letters on day one, but if we can help equip children with the skills to learn when they begin, they will be better positioned for school success and start on a path of lifelong learning.

About eight years ago, the Children and Families Commission of Orange County launched an initiative to answer the basic

question: How ready are Orange County’s children for school?

Understanding that the readiness of OC’s children is key to achieving its mission, the commission—in partnership with school districts throughout Orange County—began collecting data on children in kindergarten using a tool previously deployed in Australia and Canada. The Early Developmental Index (EDI) measures children’s readiness in five domains: physical health and well-being; social competence; emotional maturity; language and cognitive development; and general knowledge and communication.

We now have comprehensive, valid data on every public school with a kindergarten population in Orange County. So, how ready are Orange County’s children?

Overall, almost half of Orange County’s children are on track in all five areas of readiness. As we dig into the data, there are opportunities to improve how children are doing in terms of communication and knowledge skills. The commission is using the EDI data to educate parents about the importance of reading to their children every day and working with communities to see how they can provide services and environments in which children and parents can learn and play together to foster healthy development.

Additionally, the commission is digging deeper into the data to understand specific

Read Aloud, Read Often

By Tracey Frank Pringle, Owner of Club Literacy

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here is one key ingredient essential for any good-reader recipe: Motivation. For young readers to progress in the area of reading, they have to develop a love of reading and an appreciation of authors and illustrators. This will give them the natural motivation to want to read.

Becoming an independent, strong and capable reader is like building a house. The most enduring houses we admire are the houses built with the strongest foundation. Research has proven the more you do something the better you become at it–thus, children who read more develop the strongest foundations.

How do we connect and motivate children when it comes to loving books and learning to read?

One of my fondest memories growing up was visiting the public library with my mother. I recall her telling me how she

SUMMARY OF EDI RESULTS – ORANGE COUNTY (2015) Physical Health & Well-being

7%

Social Competence

9%

Emotional Maturity

8%

80%

13%

12%

General Knowledge & Communication

12% 0%

At Risk

67%

21%

72%

17% 20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

On Track

skills that need to be improved. For instance, more than one-third of kindergarteners in the county lack necessary gross and fine motor skills–a possible result of too much iPad swiping and too little crayon-grasping. A full 32 percent of children are behind in their prosocial, or “helping” behavior, and 41 percent were not ready for school based on their communication skills and general knowledge.

It is important to understand this is not a reflection of how the schools are doing. This is a point in time measurement reflecting how ready children are when they enter school. School readiness starts with a child’s first teachers—their parents. Beginning at birth, parents can help provide children with strong early care and learning opportunities. This means reading to them, talking

with them, singing to and cuddling them.

Preschool and transitional kindergarten enrollment can also play a critical role.

By working together, parents, schools and community organizations can determine how to collectively boost children’s school readiness. Already the EDI data is being used creatively throughout the county by educators in preschools, school districts, and community agencies working together to ensure that every Orange County child is ready for school.

“Few children learn to love books by themselves—someone has to lure them into the wonderful world of the written word. Someone has to show them the way.”

your children so important?

It may be hard to believe, but even the manner in which you read a book to your child will begin to model a key component in comprehension. Reading with expression is the strongest indicator of comprehension when we listen to young readers.

Help increase vocabulary, build background knowledge and model the reading process with your child by reading aloud.

If you give a kid a book, he’s gonna want another book. Remember you are inspiring your child to have an interest in books, which means they are going to read more and reading more is going to make him or her a better reader. And remember, books provide the absolute best writing models.

As the wonderful author and professor Lester Laminack says, “Reading aloud to your children is one way of making numerous deposits into an account they will draw from across their lives.”

—Jim Trelease, educator and author loved “Trixie Blenden” and “The Hardy Boys” when she was little. Of course I began checking out and voraciously reading the famous mystery series adding “Nancy Drew” to the mix.

Tracey Frank Pringle Children’s books are a great platform that allows you to share a commonality with your child. Your child can make connections within literature which spark their interest and make them want to read more.

Visit libraries regularly and buy a new book as a special treat. You can also place cloth and board books in your baby’s

77%

14%

Language & Cognitive Development

Vulnerable

80%

13%

playpen and keep books in the car for older children. And don’t forget to utilize wildly available environmental print as a fun game by reading cereal boxes and billboards.

What is the single most important act you can do to spark interest and curiosity in children?

Reading aloud is at the core of motivating your child.

Creating a bond with reading will produce a lifetime of success. Here is one statistic to keep in mind: Kindergarten teachers report that 100 percent of students want to learn to read, research however shows only 54 percent of fourth-graders and 30 percent of eighth-graders read for pleasure.

In a nutshell, why is reading to and with

Christina Altmayer was appointed Executive Director of the Children and Families Commission of Orange County in August 2013. She has worked extensively with government agencies at the state, county and municipal level on strategic planning, performance management and innovating program design.

A reading teacher for more than 20 years, Tracey Frank Pringle has dedicated her life to helping children develop a love for reading and writing. As a mother of a first- and a fourth-grader, she is also in the thick of it, trying to make sure her own children love to read. Learn more about read-alouds, tips on fostering a love of reading and Club Literacy, located in Dana Point, courses at clubliteracy.com or call 949.717.6624.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Get Active Local nonprofit helps kids make positive changes in physical, mental and emotional health

By Shae Gawlak, Founder of Fit to be Kids

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t’s a fact: Childhood and adolescent obesity has more than tripled and quadrupled, respectively, in the last 30 years, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of 2012, nearly one third of the population, ages 6 to 19, was considered overweight or obese.

The thing is this health epidemic is entirely preventable. With improved diet choices and increased activity, our children can combat and prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes and poor self esteem. Our students aren’t always presented with the better options. School lunches can fall short of nutritious and school fitness programs might not fulfill the World Health Organization’s 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

Enter Fit to be Kids and Fit ‘n Fun Clubs— free year-round community outreach programs, available throughout Orange County, impacting low-income/at-risk and special needs families. It’s more than just exercise.

These programs incorporate mind-bodyspirit practices that provide children and their parents with life-long coping skills that assist

in their ability to identify health risk factors.

Being a native of Colorado, I have always enjoyed outdoor physical activities. I was fortunate enough to have parents that understood and appreciated health and wellness and exposed our family to various exciting sports even embraced a day at the park playing football or Frisbee.

As a mother, it was important for me to provide the same lifestyle for my own children and educate them in living healthy, active lives. This is where it begins, as a parent. It is our responsibility to set a good example for our children so they follow in our footsteps.

Each week, Fit to be Kids participants take part in varying physical activities from Olympicsstyle field games and arts fitness, to Shae Gawlak martial gymnastics, swimming and even yoga. Classes then provide insight into the fundamental attributes of physical fitness and nutrition—giving students an understanding of how these things affect the structure and function of the human body.

This program, along with individual weekly fitness challenges, offers communities the ability to begin making positive behavioral changes regarding physical, mental and emotional health.

Fit to be Kids founder Shae Gawlak is a certified personal trainer with more than 20 years experience.

She is an active member of the Childhood Obesity Task Force at Mission Hospital. Find our more at fit2bekids.com.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS concept immediately. So not true. I always preface a new concept by saying, “This is hard and some of you will not understand it right away. You must listen and practice and repeat until you do. Once you understand it, then it will be easy!”

“Practice, practice, practice!” Success comes from hard work and hard work includes practice. If you want to be fast at your multiplication facts then you need to practice.

If you want an ‘A’ on your test, then you need to practice. This means practicing over a period of time, not the night before the test.

“Read with the sunrise.” Instead of trying to read at the end of the day when everyone is exhausted, read before your feet hit the floor. Every teacher wants your child to read for 20 minutes a day. Why not do it first thing each morning and start the day off on the right foot?

1 Teacher + 1 Student = Educational Success One-on-one tutoring supports unique learning needs

By Ginny Horner Villa, Owner of Under Pressure Homework Help

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arents send children to tutors for different reasons.

Some may be struggling in a subject.

Others may have a learning disability, experience test taking issues or comprehension struggles. Children often go to tutors because parents need the help. Both parents may work; they may fight with their child on a daily basis to get homework and reading done or they are simply exhausted by the work load.

The situation is different for each family.

As a tutor, I have been defined as someone

By Elizabeth Bottiaux, Four Kids and a Dog

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obody can dictate the appropriate amount of extra-curricular activities for your child.

But, I can tell you this: If your child has zero free time to be a kid because of their hectic over-scheduled life, it’s highly likely they’ll regret it later.

We live in a demographic that pushes young people to succeed. We drain our bank accounts chasing success, endlessly shuttle kids to and from activities and schedule a multitude of activities hoping it’s the ideal recipe for their success. We want the very best for them. Our kids do well. They’re high achievers. They earn college scholarships, fine tune their chosen sports, excel in academics and set high goals.

Our daughter is a dancer. Dance can be all encompassing for kids at a very early age.

It’s not unusual for kids to start dancing 20 hours a week by the age of six. That’s a part time job. We’ve chosen not to let it seep into

who sits with a child for a period of time to help them with a concept they are struggling with. This is how many people see tutors and many do not consider having a tutor because their child doesn’t struggle in school.

Tutoring is so much more: It focuses on individuals and builds their confidence in both themselves and their schooling.

I truly believe most children can be taught.

What holds many students back from meeting their potential are the external distractions of family life, pressures to succeed, safe classroom environment, confidence, social issues and even learning disabilities.

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Children have too many pressures: pressure to get A’s or to be perfect at sports, music, art and a second language, to name a few. Here are a few of my sayings to help children stay calm and Ginny Horner Villa study on.

“How fast you work has nothing to do with how smart you are.”

Children sense if they do not understand something right away, complete a task in no time at all, are not the first to finish a test or fail to write a paper in one sitting that the class is staring at them. This is not true. Let’s retrain our thinking to understand this little fact: Smart people are usually the last to finish because they are checking their work.

“Everything is hard before it is easy and everything is easy once you know how.”

Children believe they need to understand a

Let Kids be Kids Build forts, watch for shooting stars and just be . . a kid every aspect of our daughter’s life. That’s what is right for our kid. The little dancers love to dance, say the parents. I don’t doubt that. But, will they look back on childhood and wish she had had more time to just be free?

As parents, we pride ourselves on being our children’s biggest motivators. It’s important to show up and show Elizabeth Bottiaux enthusiasm. Be there for that game. Watch practices if you can. Go easy on criticizing their performance. Instead, focus on letting them know you enjoyed watching them play.

Let the coach be a coach.

Of course, we have to push our kids to an extent.

When my 6-year-old son whines about going to practice I push. He’s not allowed to quit. There have been some pretty intense battles between mother and son about heading to practice. He can be insanely stubborn and ornery. There was one particularly tough day when he was pouting and mad about water polo. With my permission, coach picked him up and threw him in the frigid water.

He pouted the entire hour and wouldn’t participate. We have not encountered that much of a power struggle over practice since. He occasionally puts up the fight about going, but fully participates and en-

Ginny Horner Villa is an educator with more than 35 years of experience. The San Juan Capistrano resident has been serving the individual needs of local students out of her home the past two years.

She is a firm believer in listening to, cheering on and supporting her students’ unique educational needs.

Under Pressure Homework Help, 949.283.4646, underpressurehomeworkhelp@gmail.com.

Mrs Villa’s Rules for Test Taking Be the last to turn it in.

When reading the instructions, circle how you are to answer the question.

When reading the question, underline what the teacher wants you to answer.

Do math problems twice. If you get the same answer, move on. If it’s different, do it again.

If you come to a question you do not know, star it and come back to it.

joys it once he’s there. We’re trying to instill strong ethics in our kids. Once we commit it, we stick with it through the season.

As I’m constantly telling my younger daughter who is obsessed with being older than eight, “You only get to be a kid once in your whole life. Don’t rush into being a teenager. You’ll be a grown up for most of your life.”

Let kids be kids. Try to strike a balance.

There’s so much to learn and memories to be made by just being a kid with unstructured time. Let them play dress up, do cartwheels on the grass, climb a tree, ride bikes to the store with friends, wrestle with their buddies, work a lemonade stand or read a good book. It’s important for them to experience normal kid stuff.

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years.

She publishes a blog, Four Kids and a Dog, about her family, girls nights out and life in the tri-city area.

Visit fourkidsandadog.com to subscribe.

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Artistic Education Builds Confidence, Community

By Michelle Hanson-Carpenter, Owner of The Arts Project Orange County

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s parents, my husband and I are constantly trying to find ways to raise a successful thriving young adult.

We have found that one of the greatest influences on our daughter’s development has been her involvement with the arts. In 2014, we established The Arts Project of Orange County to bring arts education to our community and create a “third place” for our students to belong. We believe that arts education goes beyond the creative and provides a lifetime of positive benefits.

Art has the potential for enabling students to develop important life skills and foster their future success.

Self-Worth: Arts education can build a child’s self-esteem and confidence through group and Michelle Hanson- individual art activities.

When a child engages Carpenter in art classes with their peers, they learn to accept criticism and applause from others—building confidence and self-awareness.

“Since starting to study theatre, I have really noticed that my daughter has a deeper connection with people. Because she is looking them in the eyes, projecting her voice enough for them to hear her and she has a huge glow of happiness that is so much brighter because of being involved with the arts,” said Lauren Marcisz, San Clemente resident and parent.

Acceptance: Arts education allows for empathy and acceptance of others when we train the young artists to look at all things with an open mind and from a different perspective. When we look at a situation or person in this way it is much like viewing a piece of art. It adds a new level of understanding and compassion for others.

“Art has given my daughter such a boost in confidence in herself,” said San Clemente resident Randlyn Clemons. “This has carried over into participating more in school, developing new friendships and just being a

happier girl overall.”

Accomplishment: There is a true sense of accomplishment when a student spends hour after hour learning, rehearsing, creating and cultivating their art.

“When I see a dance student work for weeks on end to learn a specific skill and finally see it through to fruition, it brings them pride from their hard work and dedication,” said Thad Hagwood, an independent dance choreographer.

Self-Expression: Arts education brings us confidence and an ability to express ourselves through feelings, thoughts or ideas without boundaries.

Dance legend Martha Graham once said “… Because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”

Community: We all need a “third place,” somewhere between home and work or school to go and feel accepted, encouraged and free from judgment.

“Working together to create something bigger than themselves, creates an immediate bond between the kids. Theatre is a collaborative entity. When we put ourselves out there in front of an audience and trust your fellow actor to go on this journey with you, you create something very special. It bonds you,” said Emily Patterson, theatre director at The Arts Project of Orange County.

Michelle Hanson-Carpenter is wife to her husband, Jeff and mom to the talented Acacia. She is a San Clemente resident and owner of The Arts Project Orange County—an arts educational facility in the Talega Business Park. Michelle has taught dance for 30 years and offers art, voice, music and acting guidance. Visit theartsprojectoc.com for more information.

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Safe Paths Drug, alcohol-free clubs provide safe, pressure-free environments for students

By Alex Paris

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wo south Orange County schools have turned peer pressure into a positive by using it to encourage drug- and alcohol-free activities, whether they’re just for fun or for the benefit of the community.

The Save Our Students Club at San Clemente High School and its counterpart at Dana Hills High School, Dana Point Paths, were started by students, for students, to provide a safe place to have fun.

These student-run organizations are dedicated to promoting community welfare, fostering healthy and beneficial relationships between members and maintaining a pressure-free environment where local youth can socialize without illicit substances.

The clubs achieve this goal, of providing a safe path through high school, by keeping members busy with a balance of work and play. While members regularly attend beach bonfires, bowling and movie nights, they have also contributed more than 2000

hours of community service.

Dana Point Paths is now an integral part of most of the city’s events, said Mike Darnold, intervention support specialist at Dana Hills. From the city’s largest celebration, the Dana Point Festival of Whales, to the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Summer Concerts in the Park, July 4th Extravaganza and Veteran’s Day commemoration, club members are there from beginning to end setting up, taking down and cleaning up.

“I prepare them for college and life by having them apply for jobs, fill out resumes,

teach them communication, responsibility, accountability and also encourage them to apply for all scholarships and grants for senior awards annually,” said Darnold, who has collaborated with the city, sheriff’s department and school faculty since 2009 supporting at-risk students facing drug- and alcohol-related issues.

With the help of Dana Point Paths, young students get to be young for a while longer.

Pressure from the outside to use drugs or alcohol is absent at their events where it’s simply about fun and embracing the teenage

years. Aside from a clean, and pressure-free, environment the program helps provide students with skills that they might otherwise not learn.

“I always said that I would like to do different things, but I never knew how to put them into action until I joined the Dana Point Paths,” said Gissel Salgado, current president of Paths. “I would recommend this club to anyone who just wants to have fun or help others because that is truthfully what we do.”

San Clemente’s S.O.S. Club entered the scene in 2013. Modeled after the Dana Point club, S.O.S has grown steadily in membership ever since. Club members often host dodge ball, ultimate Frisbee, broom ball and pizza parties—where, aside from the pizza, it’s all about health and wellness.

This program helps kids prepare to succeed in school by giving them peer support and opportunities to be a leader, said Susan Parmalee, club advisor and Wellness & Prevention Center director.

“It gives kids an opportunity to reduce stress by participating in fun, healthy activities,” Parmelee said.

Discover more about these studentrun organizations by visiting sosschs.com and danapointpaths.org where you’ll find resources for parents and students on drug and alcohol abuse including links for early intervention and counseling services.

For more information about S.O.S. San Clemente, visit sosschs.com. For further information on Dana Point’s Paths, visit danapointpaths.org.

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Healthy Students Learn Better

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ith school back in session—and cold and flu season on the horizon—we reached out to Pamela Kahn, Coordinator of Health and Wellness for the Orange County Department of Education on the affect a student’s overall health can have on their studies. Kahn, also touches on work being done at the county, district and school level to ensure the wellbeing of students and gives a quick overview of Senate Bill 277—signed by Gov. Jerry Brown this summer—that alters the state’s vaccination exemptions.

Picket Fence Media: How can health and wellness impact a student’s academic success?

Pamela Kahn: There is no question that good Pamela Kahn health and the ability to learn are linked. When your child is emotionally and physically healthy they are more likely to attend school regularly and be ready to learn. The opposite is true too. Students with poor health have a higher probability of school failure, grade retention and dropout. Yale University researchers found students with the healthiest habits were 2.2 times more likely to reach target scores. Simply put, healthy students are better students.

What are schools doing to address the health needs of students?

School health programs can reduce the prevalence of health risk behaviors among young people and have a positive effect on academic performance. The Orange County Department of Education, along with local school districts, provides services and programs that help keep kids healthy and in school. OCDE provides resources and education around such issues as risky behaviors like alcohol and tobacco use as well as bullying. We offer programs to encourage more daily physical activity and how to eat healthy. Also, OCDE and school nurses work with families to ensure all students with health conditions receive needed medications and services that allow students to maximize their academic potential.

Any at home recommendations for parents to keep kids in tip-top shape?

Schools work in partnership with parents to ensure children are healthy, happy and emotionally ready for the school day. Parents can ensure a regular bedtime, a healthy breakfast, a calm morning routine, teach the importance of good hand hygiene, provide current emergency contact numbers to the school and make sure they communicate

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any health conditions their child may have (allergies, asthma, diabetes, etc.) to the school nurse so proper accommodations are put into place.

With flu season approaching, is it required that children receive a flu shot?

While schools do not require children to receive the flu vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. School aged-children are the group with the highest rates of flu. They also tend to be the ones who spread flu to others. Remember, students aren’t the only ones at school affected by the flu: Teacher absenteeism costs time and money, as well as possibly having a negative effect on your student’s learning. Visit cdc.gov for more information.

What about other vaccinations? Do children have to be vaccinated in order to attend school?

Children in California are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools. In the past, parents have been able to file a Personal Belief Exemption stating they did not want their children to have any or all of the required immunizations. This will no longer be possible after Jan. 1, 2016. Senate Bill 277 eliminates new personal belief exemptions and mandates that children receive the required vaccines before school entry. The law allows for a child to have a medical exemption when a physician believes the circumstances warrant. Students who had a personal belief exemption prior to Jan. 1, 2016 will be required to be immunized when they enroll in the next grade span. Grade spans are defined as birth to preschool; grades kindergarten to 6; and grades 7 to 12. Visit shotsforschool.org for detailed information.

Pamela Kahn is the Orange County Department of Health’s Coordinator of Health and Wellness. She is a registered nurse and holds a Master of Public Health. For answers to more student and family health related questions, visit ocde.us/health.

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Crowdfunding College Millennials look to strangers for financial help

By Robert A. Chavez

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t’s growing. $1.2 trillion that is—the amount of student loan debt America’s students and graduates currently owe.

Many graduates are living with the financial and emotional burden of being stuck in a debt situation for decades to come. Due to student loan exclusions, even bankruptcy will not relieve these.

What’s a student or parent to do when college tuition rates continue to rise?

A growing number of students and families are turning to crowdfunding websites such as GoFundMe, Kickstarter and Indiegogo to pay for undergraduate and graduate educations. College counselors are even advising college-bound students to explore such financavenues to offset of Robert A. Chavez ing minimize their borrowing needs. In 2014, on GoFundMe.com alone, more than 140,000 educational accounts raised some $17.5 million. Projections for this year see this number rising as educational funds increase in popularity.

What is crowdfunding? A method of raising capital through the collective efforts of friends, family, customers, business associates and people worldwide. This approach

By Jan Kerchner, Certified Educational Planner

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taps into the collective efforts of a large pool of individuals—primarily via social media.

There are several crowdfunding platforms— including ones featuring donation-based projects that ask for contributions to charitable causes, nonprofit organizations, educational cost assistance, disaster relief and medical bills. When donors give to a donation-based project they have no expectations of a return of any kind.

Don’t go at it alone. Crowdfunding campaign funds should be used along with other cost-reducing means like scholarships

or need and merit-based financial aid. If all cost-cutting means are used appropriately and started as early as possible the need for student loans can be eliminated. The greatest graduation gift a student can have is to be able to pursue and engage in their educational, artistic or business endeavors without the weight of debt becoming a factor in their choices.

A Cautionary Note: Not all crowdfunding platforms are created equal and the success rate for your project can go from very, very low to fairly decent.

Finding the Right Fit Preparation is Key for students with learning differences

rom entrepreneurs to celebrities, airline founders to financiers and investors to authors, people with learning differences are often the game changers in our society.

College is a logical next step after high school. With appropriate advanced planning, students with learning differences can have a successful college experience.

Below are three critical items for parents to consider when preparing for the college admission process.

homework and reminding of upcoming tests or soccer games, there is work to be done.

Be honest with yourself and your student. If there are weak areas, work on those now.

Evaluate your student’s readiness for college and help them develop skills to balance their academic and personal lives.

Be realistic about your student’s readiness to manage independent living while maintaining good grades.

If your student is in middle school, there is time to develop the skills necessary to successfully manage academic and personal life. However, if your student is a junior in high school and you are still checking on

Identify the parameters necessary to maximize your student’s success in college.

Prepare a list of factors with your student that are key to his or her acaJan Kerchner demic success. Consider college type, location, ambience and size. Most importantly, consider the academic rigor and the level of

LD friendliness of the college. Finally, define the accommodations needed to achieve academic success.

Colleges offer a breadth of support services for students with learning differences.

However, keep in mind that they vary from college to college. Research is tantamount to finding the right fit.

The accommodations being utilized by your student in his or her education are documented in your student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and in the Psychological Educational Evaluation completed by the licensed psychologist who diagnosed your student. If your student is finding them useful in his or her current setting, look for colleges offering similar accommodations.

Complimentary “Crowdfunding for College” workshops are being offered locally where you can receive instruction on avoiding most fees, developing funding projects and more. For dates, times and locations send an email to crowdfundingnofees@ gmail.com or call 949.370.2412.

Robert Chavez is a third-generation local resident, Army veteran and Chico State graduate. The former elementary school teacher was the first in his family to graduate from college. For 10 years, he served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley.

Obtain accommodations for standardized testing early in high school.

The paperwork for requesting accommodations for high stakes tests must be generated and submitted to the College Board or ACT by your school’s counseling office.

Accommodations can range from extended time and multiple days of testing to having a reader.

It can take the College Board or ACT a month or longer to approve the request for the accommodations so start early.

With more than 2,000 universities across the country, there are programs and colleges for every type of student. Staying informed, building your student’s skills early, identifying your student’s needs and doing the research will contribute to a good fit. In turn, your student may be a game changer too.

Jan Kerchner, CEO of The College Blueprint, LLC, founded The College Blueprint ADDvantage to provide a comprehensive resource for college bound students and families challenged with LD, ADHD, and High Functioning Autism. Find out more at collegeblueprint.com.

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College Admissions: 5 Things to Know “When applying to college, employ the academic and personal skills you’ve learned to this point, including self-advocacy, research, personal ref lection and self-expression. You are ultimately in control of your future.”

—Amy Warren, Associate Director of College Counseling, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

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he college research and application process can be daunting. To help you navigate the lengthy route to your post-high school education, we reached out to St. Margaret’s Episcopal School college counselors, Roland Allen and Amy Warren—creators of the online course, The Road to Selective College Admissions, through edX, a global online learning community founded by Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Here are their top five tips for college-interested students:

BE YOURSELF.

The best story you can tell is your own. Many students tell us they want to stand out in the college process. These same students often seek to imitate what Roland Allen they think has worked for others. The best college applicants are those who do the hard work of getting to know themselves by setting goals and assessing their strengths and weaknesses. They also approach their applications by thinking Amy Warren about what they want colleges to know about them, rather than trying to guess what they think colleges want to hear.

BE OPEN.

Your perfect college could be one you hadn’t heard of before. Spread a wide net when it comes to assembling college lists. With so many to choose from, it is important to keep an open mind as you explore college

options. If you find a school that piques your interest, stay focused on that interest.

BE REALISTIC.

While it is OK to reach, make sure your college list does not include only highly selective schools. You want choices. Likewise, be realistic about your finances. Talk to your parents early in the process to access your family’s financial resources. Use the Net Price Calculator on each college’s website to gauge what you and your parents will be expected to contribute to your education if admitted. Also, think in advance about how much loan debt you are willing to take on, if finances are a concern.

BE THOUGHTFUL.

A successful college process does not happen by accident. You need to understand deadlines and application requirements. Also, create time in your senior-year schedule to research colleges and draft applications. As with other parts of this process, we recommend sketching out a game-plan with your school counselor, teacher or other trusted adult.

BE BOLD.

Put yourself out there. If you do not know the answer to something college related, ask people who know the answer. Utilize your school counselor, or if the answer is college-specific, call the college admissions or financial aid office. If you need more information on specific academic programs, go to college websites and look for contacts in academic departments of interest.

They’re happy to help you.

Learn more insights from these experts by enrolling in their free edX course, The Road to Selective College Admissions, by visiting edx.org.

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Three Biggest Obstacles to Debt-Free College

By Tom Bottorf, Co-Founder of GetCollegeFunding

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ith the majority of students taking six years to finish college and student loan debt sitting at $1.4 trillion, many new graduates are moving back home where they are unable to pay their student loans, move out or get married.

The good news is most problems associated with attending and paying for college can be avoided.

Allowing a 17-year-old to make a 1 $100,000 to $250,000 decision.

It continues to amaze me how many families I meet say that, “Wherever our child wants to attend college, we’ll make it happen. They deserve it ... they’ve earned it.” When a family can comfortably “write the check,” that’s one thing—but many parents put at risk their financial future. Your “college list” should feature 10 or so schools that are fits for mom, dad and student—both financially and academically.

Believing a 4-year college is for everyone.

Not long ago a college diploma was 2 highly regarded as a “ticket to success.” This is no longer the case. Popular alternatives many young adults have chosen with success are 1- and 2-year certificates, vocational schools, military service,

Tom Bottorf

apprenticeships leading to business ownership, even taking a “gap year” to think it through a bit more. Don’t force a 4-year college degree.

Skills and experience are highly regarded on a college graduate’s resume.

Assuming there is financial aid for each student. Unless a family can write the check, it’s imperative to know if a student qualifies for need-based aid, merit-based aid, a combination of both, or neither. It’s also crucial to understand each college’s financial aid policies. The bottom line is this: the academic profile and personal accomplishments of the student, the financial profile of the parents and the policies of the individual colleges directly affect the financial aid offered—or not—to your student by the colleges.

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Tom Bottorf is the co-Founder of GetCollegeFunding and a new venture called CollegeSuccessFormula. He has taken all the information and experience his organization has imparted to families in private counseling over the last 10 years, and created an interactive online college planning platform—collegesuccessformula.com.

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Bella Collina San Clemente Bella Collina San Clemente is a private, family-friendly golf club where members of all ages come together to socialize and enjoy the game of golf. In addition to the scenic 27-hole golf course, designed by legendary tournament champion Gary Player, Bella Collina also offers an active social calendar.

Members enjoy wine dinners, concerts, festive holiday celebrations and much more all year round. In addition to Single and Family Golf Memberships, Bella Collina San Clemente offers Junior Golf for children and Social Membership for non-golfers. Whether you are looking to create lasting memories with your family or a place to escape your busy schedule, Bella Collina San Clemente is the perfect place to get away. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.498.6604, bellacollinasanclemente.com.

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

Kristen Ritzau D.D.S., Shoreline Dental Studio

When you step foot on the Capistrano Valley Christian Schools campus you are not in the typical school setting. The campus’ facilities provide a sense of security and calmness with a dynamic spirit. Parents who consider Capistrano Valley Christian Schools say their values, both academically and spiritually, are consistent with an environment emphasizing Christian values, strong academics and individual student responsibility and leadership. The opportunity for their children to participate in this rigorous and rewarding experience from junior kindergarten through high school is viewed as a wonderfully unique opportunity. Positive peer pressure and close teacher/student relationships produce high achievement, a disciplined environment and a setting where the school becomes an extension of the home. Students have the opportunity to participate in quality athletic programs, dynamic drama productions and real life leadership situations—all undergirded by the Word of God. 32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, cvcs.org.

Early and regular dental care is vital to children for both their health care and social confidence. At Shoreline Dental, we help kids keep their bright and healthy smiles by working hard to prevent tooth decay and support overall oral health. We encourage regular cleanings, promote healthy habits at home and offer helpful conservative solutions for patients that may need a bit of work. Whether it is taking a look at that first baby tooth or helping teenagers whiten their teeth for the Senior Prom, Dr. Kristen Ritzau and staff provide nothing but the best care for the entire family. We offer a number of sedation options for kids and adults alike. As someone who grew up here in San Clemente and is a mom of a 1-year-old, Dr. Ritzau loves to give back to the community that helped raise her. 122 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.245.6046, info@shorelinedentalstudio.com.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School

Our Savior’s Lutheran School

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School is fully accredited and staffed by an outstanding team of credentialed, nurturing and dedicated professionals. The campus offers a welcoming learning environment for all students that is centered on the value of family. OLF is a dynamic, technology-driven institution of learning that prides itself on academic rigor and high student expectations.

OLF’s Early Education Center offers a Transitional Kindergarten; the first year of a two-year academic Kindergarten program that is specifically designed to give 4-yearolds and young fives the “gift of time” to develop socially, emotionally and cognitively.

OLF’s students are committed learners who demonstrate excellence in academic expectations, technology acquisition and service to their community. With a crosscurricular and cross-cultural approach to instruction, OLF offers each student differentiated opportunities to explore, investigate and integrate academic concepts. 105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, 949.492.7320, olfschool.net

There’s something special going on at Our Savior’s Lutheran School. Dedicated teachers educate and inspire, creating a learn¬ing environment in which students excel academically. With small class sizes, a fully accredited school and a highly educated, credentialed teaching staff, students are able to develop their individual gifts and learn who they are—beloved children of God. Parents express their appreciation for the strong academics and appreciate even more, the emphasis on Christian value of love for one another.

Our Savior’s Lutheran offers preschool through fifth-grade with a full day kindergarten and many enrichment opportunities for children both during and after the school day. Newborn to 3-year-old Parent and Me sessions are offered.

We celebrate and honor the diversity of gifts, abilities and backgrounds each child contributes to the school community.

All faiths are welcome. 200 Avenida San Pablo, San Clemente, 949.492.6165, oursaviorsschool.net

Opportunities For Learning Proudly serving Orange County’s student community since 2002, Opportunities For Learning Public Charter Schools offer a hybrid-educational program consisting of independent study, small group instruction and online classes as an alternative to the traditional classroom environment. OFL creates an individualized learning path for each student to ensure a rigorous collegepreparatory curriculum regardless of their past school experiences. OFL is a Western Association Schools and Colleges accredited public school dedicated to providing quality educational services to all students. Students with the desire and ability can accelerate their learning and work at a pace faster than the traditional school model while maintaining their ability to attend a 2-year community college, 4-year university, vocational training or to enter directly into the workforce. OFL unique features include: open entry, continuous learning in a year-round school, individualized programs, highlyqualified teachers, and experiential learning trips. 33261 Del Obispo Street, Suite E, Dana Point, 949.248.1282, emsofl.com.

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Santa Margarita Catholic High School Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a well-rounded, college-preparatory education—one that saw more than $30.8 million in scholarships awarded to the class of 2015. The school offers 19 AP courses, an interdisciplinary and auxiliary studies program as well as the international baccalaureate program. The school’s One-toOne Tablet PC program puts a tablet in the hands of every student and teacher. Campus Ministry provides students the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God. The school’s athletic program emphasizes character building and has seen 56 CIF championships and 187 league championships.

The award-winning arts program includes more than 60 courses. With more than 70 campus clubs and activities, students are encouraged to explore their passions. The school’s recently modernized library media center provides a collaborative learning environment. Santa Margarita also recently opened the Eagle Athletic Center which features a first-class weight room. 22062 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.766.6000, smhs.org.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Core values of character, community, balance and breadth, and high expectations guide how the independent St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, founded in 1979, educates its 1,250 students from preschool through grade 12. Its class of 2015 graduates matriculated to diverse institutions across the nation including Brown University, Carnegie Mellon University, Colgate University, Emory University, Harvard University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Villanova University, Meredith College and Trinity College.

The Upper School offers 26 Advanced Placement courses and innovative, challenging academic electives such as mobile application programming, multivariable calculus and engineering. Every graduate is prepared and qualified to enroll in a four-year college or university, and because of the school’s reputation for the depth and quality of its education, more than 130 leading colleges and universities across the country visit St. Margaret’s annually to recruit its graduates.

St. Margaret’s begins with an early childhood program that meets each child at his

South Coast Conservatory South Coast Conservatory has been teaching dance and performing arts in southern Orange County for more 24 years.

Started in Laguna Niguel in 1992, the conservatory now has a second location in San Clemente. At South Coast Conservatory, we offer professional dance instruction to students ages 3 to adult, and from beginning to professional levels. Our conservatory has two convenient locations featuring 11 studios staffed by highly-trained faculty members—experts in hip hop, musical theatre, creative dance, ballet, tumbling, jazz and more. Our students and staff put on two annual productions. South Coast Conservatory is home to a nationally ranked competitive program, a ballet company, a modern company and master classes that feature guest teachers from around the world.

27652 Camino Capistrano, Laguna Niguel; 400-C Camino De Estrella, San Clemente, 949.367.0099, ssconservatory.com.

or her unique stage of development, fostering cognitive, physical, social, emotional and creative growth. The Preschool curriculum develops exploration and foundation skills, receiving the highest marks from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This proven approach to educating young children best prepares them for future social and academic success throughout Lower and Middle School years.

The school invests in STEM curriculum, with computer science and engineering programs beginning in kindergarten. Students in all divisions innovate and create in stateof-the-art maker design and fabrication labs.

A hallmark of St. Margaret’s educational approach is how its renowned and expert faculty, more than 65 percent hold advanced degrees, are engaged in the life of each student. Teachers, advisors, three college counselors, chaplains and coaches provide a solid framework of guidance and support.

Through small classes, every student is known and nurtured.

St. Margaret’s students and alumni are easily recognized for their integrity, leadership, character and values. The school’s Episcopal identity guides its inclusive community that values faith and reason, embraces debate and differences, and emphasizes the spiritual and intellectual development of each child. Alongside rigorous academics and a breadth of student programs, St. Margaret’s fosters lives of understanding, respect, compassion, responsibility and the courage to lead and serve others. 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.0108, www.smes.org

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

On Stage at the Coach House: Duncan Sheik & Suzanne Vega

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 23 HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR & MOONLIGHT MOVIE 3 p.m.-9 p.m. The city of Dana Point hosts its annual Halloween event with carnival games, crafts, cookie decorating, marionette show, storytime, a costume parade and a screening of the animated film, ParaNorman. Admission is free and complimentary popcorn, treats and hot chocolate will be served. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

BOO CRUISE 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Wear your Halloween costume on this 20-minute haunted harbor cruise. Trips depart every 20 minutes. $5 per person, kids 1 and under are free. A costume contest on every cruise. Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

GHOST & LEGENDS TOURS 7 p.m. Get in the Halloween spirit by joining San Juan Capistrano Historical Society tour guides on a spooky walking tour of Los Rios Street, the oldest residential neighborhood in California. Tours will take place Oct. 23-24 and start at the O’Neill Museum. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for kids. Reservations are required and should be made as soon as possible.

31831 Los Rios Street, 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

OLD MONEY JIM 7 p.m. Free concert at San Juan Hills Golf Club’s 19 Sports Bar & Grill. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.1919, www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

Saturday | 24 SPOOKY SEAS 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Ocean Institute presents Spooky Seas Animal Presentations with live animals from Adventures in Science. Special guests include spooky spiders and slithering snakes. Visit the Ecology Center Lab to build a vampire squid rocket. Cost is include in regular admission price. Weekend hours 10 a.m.

– 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and children ages 3-12. Members and children under 2 are free. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

A scene from last year’s Farewell to the Swallows Barbecue hosted by the Fiesta Association. Photo: Andrea Swayne

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24: FAREWELL TO THE SWALLOWS BARBECUE 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Fiesta Association bids farewell to the swallows during its annual barbecue fundraiser at Reata Park, featuring dancing and live country music performed

by The Kelly Boys Band and family-friendly activities, games and prizes. Tickets are $15 (free for kids under 5) and can be purchased at the event. For more information call 949.463.1976 or email farewelltotheswallows@gmail.com. Reata Park, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, www.swallowsparade.com.

DOHENY HALLOWEEN HAUNT 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The annual Halloween time event includes carnival games, a spooky walk, face painting, crafts and educational booths. Free admission with one can of food per person. The Doheny Boneyard Café will have food for purchase.

Doheny State Beach, picnic areas A and B, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

‘SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE MAPLE LEAF MURDER’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents Sherlock Holmes: The Maple Leaf Murder, a mysterious adventure in which Holmes is summoned to the Canadian wilderness while a family struggles to cope with the perplexing murder of a ruthless rancher. Shows each weekend through Nov. 1. Tickets are $20. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Sunday | 25 WOOFSTOCK: PEOPLE AND PAWS FOR OUR STATE PARKS Noon-4 p.m. The San Onofre Parks Foundation, Pet Project Foundation, in partnership with California State Parks, present a family-friendly Halloween-themed fundraising event for the state parks.

Woofstock will include a dog and owner costume contest and parade, photo spot, raffles, animal rescue groups, free face painting, “Ask the Trainer,” demonstrations, pet product vendors, goodie bags,

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

food and live entertainment. Tickets are $20 per family online, $25 at the door.

San Clemente State Beach Campground, 225 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, www.2015woofstock.eventbrite.com.

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Join nonprofit Coral65 for a fundraiser at San Juan Hills Golf Club. The event includes refreshments, a silent auction and prize drawings. Tickets are $40 (sales end Oct. 24). RSVP to coral65.eventbrite.com. Proceeds benefit Coral65’s relief and support programs for women 65 and older afflicted with breast cancer or other cancers. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

Monday | 26 YOGA UNDER THE TREES 9 a.m-10 a.m. Join Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and pure.love.yoga for a ‘Breathe & Stretch Under the Trees’ yoga class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Suggested donation is $10. No RSVP required, just show up. 31661 Los Rios Street, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

Wednesday | 28 PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST 6 p.m. Carving begins at 6 p.m., Working Cowboys play at 7 p.m. and judging begins at 8 p.m. at The Swallow’s Inn. First 10 (Cont. on page 30)

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Photo: Courtesy

BY ALLISON JARRELL

D

uncan Sheik and Suzanne Vega are coming to the Coach House on Sunday, Nov. 8, treating audiences to newly-released music as well as a fresh take on beloved hits from the ’80s and ’90s.

While Sheik is largely known for his 1996 debut single “Barely Breathing,” the singer/songwriter/composer has since been focusing on albums that break away from the conventional pop scene. Released in 2011, Duncan Sheik Covers 80s features his take on the synth-pop era with covers of bands like The Cure, New Order, Tears for Fears and The Smiths. Sheik’s newest album, Legerdemain, was released this month, marking his first production of original non-theatrical music since 2006.

In the world of musical theatre, Sheik has been active as a songwriter and composer in shows such as Broadway’s Spring Awakening, for which he won two Tony Awards and a Grammy. Sheik’s musical adaption of American Psycho is set to premiere on Broadway in 2016.

Singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega is known for her eclectic, folk-inspired hits from the 1980s such as “Luka” and “Tom’s Diner.” Vega has gone on to produce numerous albums as well as collections of writing and poetry.

In 2011, she wrote and performed an original play, Carson McCullers Talks About Love, which features songs she wrote with Sheik.

Sheik and Vega are co-headlining the Nov. 8 show. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35, and dinner reservations with priority seating are also available.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets and more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 29) contestants get a pumpkin and tools to carve with. Prizes for first, second and third place. Pumpkins provided by Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm in Laguna Hills. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

JSERRA SPEAKER SERIES: IS EVERYTHING UP FOR GRABS? 7 p.m.-9 p.m. JSerra Catholic High School hosts guest speaker Patrick Madrid, a popular radio host and author who will give parents and students practical advice for talking with classmates, colleagues, neighbors and family friends about faith.

The event will take place in the school’s center room. 26351 Junipero Serra Road, 949.493.9307, www.jserra.org.

Thursday | 29 YAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Canines and their companions are invited to the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel for tricks and treats in celebration of Howl-O-Ween. This seasonal Yappy Hour celebration is a chance for pups to strut their stuff in their favorite costume.

A panel of judges will determine which canine will take home the prize in the costume categories of scariest, funniest, most glamorous and, of course, best in show.

First place prize in each category is a hand-painted dog bowl by Debby Carman of Faux Paws Productions. Cost to enter the costume contest is $10 per canine.

1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, www.ritz-carlton.com.

Friday | 30 TASTE OF SAN CLEMENTE 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce presents the 25th annual event featuring the cuisine of chamber member restaurants, wine and microbrews, silent auction, live music by World Tour-Legends of Rock and dancing.

Tickets are $95 and include an engraved, limited edition Taste of San Clemente wine glass or beer mug. Tickets must be purchased in advance. There will be no tickets sold at the door. Required dress is cocktail attire—no denim. Casino San Clemente, 140 Avenida Pico, 949.492.1131, www.scchamber.com.

KIDS ART NIGHT 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County hosts an evening of art, movies and fun for kids. The event includes a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas and painting a canvas of the famous moon scene from the movie with Jack Skellington and Sally. Open to ages 5 and older. Registration is $35 per child with a sibling discount. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente, 949.276.2787, www.theartsprojectoc.com.

Saturday | 31

At the Movies: ‘Crimson Peak’ is Horror-able

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Noon-3 p.m. Enjoy a celebration of life and family at the San Juan Capistrano Library’s annual Day of the Dead event with children’s crafts and artwork. Admission is free. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

BY MEGAN BIANCO

T

he most hyped horror movie of the month and of the year is Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak. Three years in the making, the gothic horror flick is one targeted at a specific audience that appreciates an era of horror where scary monsters and melodrama blend together.

Del Toro’s latest Hollywood blockbuster takes cues from all sorts of inspiration, from Hitchcock’s Rebecca (1940) to Kubrick’s The Shining (1980), and is led by popular character actors Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain and Tom Hiddleston.

In 1831 Buffalo, New York, aspiring novelist Edith Cushing (Wasikowska) begins a relationship with English heir/entrepreneur, Thomas Sharpe (Hiddleston).

Thomas is new in town and hoping to expand his clay mining machine with his sister and partner, Lucille (Chastain), attached to his hip. Soon he proposes to Edith and convinces her to move back to his family’s estate, which is full of eeriness and mystery, along with the Sharpes’ own secrets.

Charlie Hunnam co-stars as Edith’s best friend and local doctor. Despite his suc-

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m. Flock of 80’s performs until 6:30 p.m., followed by Three Chord Justice at 8:30 p.m. A Halloween costume contest begins at 9:30 p.m. with prizes for first, second and third place, as well as best couple.

The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Wednesday | 04 LECTURE: THE LOVELY LIFE OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for science-based stories, entertaining video, colorful photos, and amusing insights about Monarch butterfly life cycles. Ages 8 and up. Admission is free. Space is limited, and participants must be registered by 2 p.m. Nov. 4. The RMV Presentation Center, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

Thursday | 05 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 7:30 p.m. Saddleback College’s Department of Theatre Arts presents a contemporary take on William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Nov. 5-8 in the McKinney Theatre. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5, 6 and 7, and 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 8. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 seniors and $10 students.

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Friday | 06 FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m.-9 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents a monthly movie night. A $2 donation supports the library. Call the library for more information. La Sala Auditorium at the San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Sunday | 08 BIRD SAFARI 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a bird count with docent and bird expert Diane Etchison.

Learn to identify an array of birds while combing The Reserve for resident and migrant species. Participants will drive from site to site to look, listen and count the birds. Ages 8 and up. Adults $10, children $5. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

Tuesday | 10

Saturday | 07 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS STUDY SESSION 10 a.m.-noon. The League of Women Voters or Orange County Inter-league Organization hosts the third of three study ses-

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

sions to discuss the influence of money in Orange County politics. Free and open to the public. For this concurrence session, voting on the league position will be by league members only. Study materials can be found online. St. Joseph Conference Center, 480 Batavia Street, Orange, www.ocilo.ca.lwvnet.org.

FALL BRIDAL BASH 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Come see the latest in wedding planning and designs, and meet some of Orange County’s wedding professionals. Enjoy light bites including street tacos, ceviche tostadas and empanadas and

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Photo: Courtesy

cess with Hellboy (2004) and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), Del Toro hasn’t really found a market in the U.S. with his films, and with Crimson Peak he might have stopped trying. Peak has vibrant costumes and set design but also graphic gore and ghosts, mixing targeted audiences. Even with the spooky effects, it’s less about shocking the viewer or blowing minds and more about paying homage to a cult genre. Movie fans who enjoy Coppola’s Dracula (1992) or Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow (1999) will like Crimson Peak best. CD

a signature margarita drink special. RSVP to 949.248.3700 ext. 303. Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano, www.marbellacc.net.

Thursday | 12 SAN JUAN CHAMBER NETWORKING MIXER 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. An evening of networking at the recently opened Hennessey’s Tavern. Chamber members $15, potential members $25. RSVP to info@sanjuanchamber.com or call 949.493.4700. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.441.4777, www.hennesseystavern.com.

‘A PIECE OF MY HEART’ AT SOCSA 7 p.m. South Orange County School of the Arts students present the award-winning play by Shirley Lauro which follows several women’s enlistment, service and recovery from the Vietnam War. Tickets are $12 to $15 and available online or at the door.

Show also runs Nov. 13. Dana Hills High School, Porthole Theater, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, www.socsarts.org.

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

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Time to Prepare for El Niño With our homes, gardens and neighborhoods ready, we can handle the effects of El Niño

M

y father, who was raised on the East Coast until settling in Southern California after World War II, often joked that California has four seasons: earthquake, fire, flood and mudslides. Well, his assessment is not far off from the truth.

After El Niño hit Ventura County in the winter of 1966, I witnessed, at 11 years old, the punishing effects of the winter rains as our family car filled with rainwater and floated down the street.

This El Niño storm devastated coastal homes, marinas, bridges and surrounding hillside areas throughout Southern California.

Climate experts believe that there is a 95 percent chance of El DIRT THERAPY Niño weather conditions

By Marrianne lasting throughout the Taylor remainder of this year.

While we’re finally going to get some relief from one condition—the drought—it’s time we prepare our home, gardens and neighborhoods for this wet winter.

What exactly is El Niño? It’s the name given to a shift in trade winds over the Pacific Ocean, which causes a rise in ocean temperatures. These trade winds normally blow sun-warmed ocean water toward Australia and Indonesia, while allowing deeper, colder water to rise to the surface.

During an El Niño year, these winds decrease or stop so that the warm waters remain and the cold water don’t rise to the top, creating warmer water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and along the equator, causing humidity and rain.

If the experts are correct, El Niño is expected to be a strong weather pattern this winter. The time is now to prepare your home, garden and neighborhood before the rains arrive.

Preparing Your Home: Clean your rain gutters of debris to ensure water flows smoothly into storm drains. Be sure to check the gutters again for capturing and diverting water when the storm arrives. Installing rain barrels now is ideal for saving winter water for summer use. Fix leaking windows and check your weather-stripping around the doors. Make sure that water can’t get inside house.

Walk around your house and check the stucco for large cracks. While you’re at

it, inspect your roof and check for aging and damages. From the ground level, look up and see if there is sagging. Be sure to schedule pruning your trees; you don’t want heavy limbs crashing on your roof.

You may need to call a professional to do a roof inspection. With the first heavy rain, check your interior walls for leaks so they can be repaired quickly. You don’t want another problem—mold.

Consider purchasing flood insurance.

Purchase sand bags. Take photographs inside and outside of your house in the event you need to file an insurance claim.

Keep an itemized list of your furnishing, electronics and personal valuable belongings. Create a family evacuation plan.

Preparing Your Garden: Lay mulch to absorb the heavy rainfall; bare soil can’t permeate the rainwater and causes runoff, clogged drains and hillside erosion. Mulch will slow down the water and help retain the moisture in the soil.

By increasing the layer of mulch in your gardens, you can turn off your sprinklers this winter.

With cool nights and warm days, fall is the ideal time to plant native plants. Get your plantings in now; you don’t want to plant when the rains have arrived. With heavy winds and rains, young plants get stressed and may perish.

If you live on a hillside be sure to check the bare slope and cover it with biodegradable jute landscape fabric, which will hold the dirt in place. This is also a good time to plant native plants in the jute for erosion control. The fabric will disappear as the plants grow. Check out Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano—they have a large selection of California native plants.

Preparing Your Neighborhood: If you live in areas at risk, be diligent and have a plan. Schedule a neighborhood preparedness meeting, and encourage neighbors to develop a plan dealing with localized flooding, wind damage and power outages, as well as arrangements to evacuate.

Although we’ve been in a drought for the last four years, this deluge of rainwater from El Niño is needed to fill up our nearly empty reservoirs. We Californians must continue to conserve water and be mindful of our use. Every drop counts.

For more information, visit www.water. ca.gov/floodsafe.

Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens is a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

Sundried Tomato Bistro’s Comfort Combo grilled cheese sandwich won first place and their Kitchen Sink chili won first for people’s choice. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Capistrano Chili Cook-Off & Grilled Cheese Contest

D

espite record-breaking October heat, hundreds of people attended the first annual Capistrano Chili Cook-Off & Grilled Cheese Contest on Oct. 10. The event, which took place in the parking lot behind The BrewHouse, featured chili and grilled cheese tasting, craft beer and live music by Family Style. Guest judges included City Councilman Sam Allevato, local movie producer Steve Oedekerk, Miss Orange County 2015 and San Juan resident Berlin Armenta and Carolyn Franks, owner of Zoomars Petting Zoo. In the restaurant division, Sundried Tomato Bistro won first place for grilled cheese and first place people’s choice for their chili. Hennessy’s Tavern was the grand champion in the chili category. In the amateur division, “Some Like it Hot” placed first, “West Coast Divas” came in second and “Hole in the Wall Chili” took third.

Proceeds from the event benefited local nonprofit Great Opportunities, which will use the funds to provide horseback riding lessons to underserved youth in the area. CD

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Solution:

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

skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people through special outreach programs. Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. CD

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PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the 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 Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

The Reasons Behind Why I Keep Writing This Column Activities are beneficial for seniors in retirement

S

Grace + Zen owner and teacher Nikki Sulon does a warm up with three students during a combo ballet and yoga class. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Business Beat

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

NOW OPEN GRACE + ZEN Marbella Plaza, 31105 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite C-8, 949.482.1327, www.graceandzenoc.com At the Grace + Zen Children’s School of Yoga and Ballet, owner and teacher Nikki Sulon’s mantra is all about equilibrium— the balance of graceful ballet, mindful yoga and an overall positive, healthy lifestyle.

A trained children’s yoga and dance instructor, 28-year-old Sulon is already teaching South Orange County kids the ways of grace and zen in her very own studio just months after moving to Dana Point from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Located in San Juan Capistrano’s Marbella Plaza, Grace + Zen’s official grand opening and San Juan Chamber ribbon cutting took place Sept. 12. Since then, Sulon has begun offering classes such as infant massage and baby yoga, teen yoga, prenatal yoga and combo classes for toddlers through 10-year-olds consisting of both yoga and ballet. She’s also adding special needs yoga classes for children 5 and up.

Each class runs for roughly an hour and a half and includes a craft or healthy snack at the end.

“It’s a really good opportunity for kids to

come and make friends outside of school,” Sulon said. “And parents of the older kids love it because they can drop them off and go run errands for an hour and a half.”

Sulon discovered her love of dance, yoga and teaching at an early age. While in college, she minored in dance and taught on the weekends; during the summers, she worked as a camp counselor at the YMCA. After a knee surgery the summer before her sophomore year, Sulon began doing bikram yoga, as she heard it was helpful in healing joints. She continued to explore different styles of yoga while keeping her love of dance and teaching in the forefront.

“It was then that I decided I wanted to put all of my effort into creating my own studio,” Sulon said. She specifically wanted to work with young children, not only because she loves their active imaginations, but to see the positive impact she’s having on their coordination, concentration and overall behavior.

“This helps calm them down. So many kids today are overstimulated with technology,” Sulon said. “It’s good to have them step away for a moment to use their imaginations and do a craft.”

“The kids learn a lot more than just first position and how to do a plie,” Sulon continued. “They’re learning to wait their turn, to raise their hand. Some of these kids are in here before they get to preschool, so they’re learning classroom etiquette.”

For more information about Grace + Zen, including a schedule of classes, visit www.graceandzenoc.com or follow the studio on Facebook at www.facebook. com/GraceandZen or Instagram at graceandzenoc.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

ometimes, when you’ve done something for years and years, you ponder, “Is it time for a change?”

The older one gets, the more one asks the question. I made a decision like that eight months ago when I sold Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli after 26 years. It was tough to walk away, but I knew it was time.

Your body and your mind let you know.

I’ve written newspaper articles and newsletters for nearly as long; my first column was published on July 4, 1994. Since then, I’ve inked more than 3,000 articles.

This Sunday, a man in Costco asked, “Now that you are retired, are you going to stop writing?” I didn’t have to think about that question for long. “Absolutely not!” I responded.

When people retire, it is essential they have hobbies and activities that keep not only their bodies moving, but of equal importance, activities that keep their brains working. And I can’t think of anything better for me than writing to accomplish the latter.

I recommend to people that before retiring, they already have those hobbies and activities in place. I started stand up paddleboarding last October, four months before I stopped working at the deli so that I would have a physical activity to pursue on Day 1 of retirement. Now, my buddy Russell Kerr, who is also recently retired, and I paddle four or five times a week from Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor.

“

When people retire, it is essential they have hobbies and activities that keep not only their bodies moving, but of equal importance, activities that keep their brains working.

”

For me, the mentally-stimulating activity was also in place upon retirement with my newspaper writing. One particular thing about my column topic—On Life and Love after 50—is that the number of people who find themselves single later in life keeps growing.

People get divorced and become widows and widowers, and they are the people who I hear from the most and can help the most.

Column writing keeps me in touch with them. They email me with their experiences, questions and dilemmas. Their information helps keep the column fresh.

The subject never gets old; there is always something new that pops up.

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This past Monday, I was in the CVS Pharmacy in Dana Point at Golden Lantern and Niguel Road getting a flu shot. Karen, one of the lovely employees who works there said, “I’ve been following your articles for years and used to see you at the deli.” I told her I sold it and Karen said, “Oh, I know, I read about it in the newspaper.”

It’s simple, rewarding moments like Karen’s comment that encourage me to keep writing the column.

Last week, on the Finding Love After 50 Facebook page I oversee, one of the 470 members, Gina Woodruff of Long Beach, described how at age 50 she is starting to travel on her own to distant places, which I think is pretty brave for a single woman.

In the last couple months, she has been to New York City and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Her experiences are so interesting I recommended she create a blog and even publish an e-book on the unique topic of a single woman traveling alone. She says she will ON LIFE AND do that. Her writing and LOVE AFTER 50 travel will help keep her

By Tom Blake young.

When seniors tell me they’d like to write a book, I encourage them to pursue e-book publishing, as it doesn’t cost much and it is relatively easy to do. In that way, they can hand down their legacies to their families. And while they are doing it, they will be exercising their brains.

The most heart-warming and rewarding aspect of my writing is when a senior couple says they met because of something they read in an article, or a book, or a column that I wrote.

To those who ask, “Are you going to continue writing?” my answer is simple: “Do you have a story to share?”

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating.

His latest book can be found online at, www. smashwords.com/books/view/574810. See his website at www.findingloveafter60.com (Yes, after 60, time rolls on.) To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. CD The age 50+ singles Meet and Greet is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point. No admission charge. Happy hour prices. Call 949.248.9008 for information.

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.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Wild Horses Find Sanctuary in San Juan Capistrano Horse sculptures spread awareness for wild mustangs while bringing artistic flair to the streets of San Juan these works of art will stimulate the arts and culture scene in San Juan and bring more visitors into town. The group’s goal is to gain momentum with public exhibitions and outreach, and ultimately, each emblazoned mustang will be sold at a gala event, with the proceeds benefitting the Return to Freedom Foundation and other participating local nonprofits. According to their bio, the Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary “currently provides a safe haven to more than 400 wild horses and burros.”

Art Guevara has been working on his horse quite publicly—you’ve likely seen him painting in the library courtyard or on Los Rios Street. Guevara starts up a conversation instantly—whether it’s about the swallows and ladybugs he’s painting, or the history of Zorro’s affiliation with San Juan (which his horse is themed after).

Recently, Guevara visited the City Council to share the news about the wild horses movement. He hopes the project revives a once-thriving art community in San Juan Capistrano.

“We should embrace art; we should embrace culture,” Guevara said. “It brings good people to fill up the restaurants and the businesses. Everyone is happy.”

For more information on supporting and participating in the wild horses movement, contact Tom Scott at 949.842.1321 or Jim Carter at 949.248.5300. You can also follow Return to Freedom, American Wild Horse Sanctuary on Facebook at www. facebook.com/returntofreedom. CD

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

“There is nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse.”

—John Lubbock, “The Use of Life”

B

rightly colored horses, speckled with symbolism and saturated in story, have arrived one by one in San Juan Capistrano. You may have seen the patriotic stallion standing guard at Mission Grill over the last few months, or perhaps you noticed the regal Native American-themed steed at American Horse Products.

It may not be evident at first, but each horse has (at least) two stories to tell— the first delves into the growing need to protect horses living in the wild. The second, and perhaps the closest to home, is the move to revitalize the local economy by energizing the streets with equestrianthemed art.

Dana Point resident Dana Yarger— well known in the area for the parade of decorated elephants he brought to Dana Point two years ago—said his choice to bring mustang sculptures to San Juan is a nod to the town’s storied past. Yarger is fascinated by the historical anecdotes of the wild mustangs that once roamed the hills of San Juan Capistrano, so he views the addition of his colorful equine statues as a vibrant reminder of that past.

Along with Tom Scott, president of the Camino Real Playhouse, and Jim Carter, coowner of America Horse Products, Yarger

GUEST OPINION: Four Kids and a Dog by Elizabeth Bottiaux

Those Crazy, Hazy Holidays Halloween kicks off fast track to chaotic season

T

he holidays are upon us. Goblins, turkeys and a jolly old man are waiting to launch their annual extravaganzas. Although the weather remains blazing hot, summer has come to a screeching halt. Kids of all ages—from preschool to college—have resumed their studies. Time for phase two.

Happy Halloween. Or, maybe I should just go ahead and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Because, let’s face it, as soon as it’s Halloween, it’s already basically the big daddy of all holidays. The holidays all seem to happen at lightning

Local painter Art Guevara works on his horse across from the San Juan Capistrano Library. Guevara’s horse features the story of Zorro as well as San Juan symbols like swallows and ladybugs.

has enlisted about 10 artists so far to join the “Wild Horses in San Juan Capistrano” movement. Participating artists include San Juan Capistrano painter Art Guevara and world-renowned street artist Chor Boogie, who recently began painting his horse at the Camino Real Playhouse. Celebrities so far enlisted include actor William Devane and actress Katharine Ross.

Organizers are optimistic that the painting, display and eventual auction of

speed. By the time Christmas is over, I’m out of breath, fanning myself with a Christmas card wondering what just hit me.

Halloween kicks off the mayhem innocently enough. Pumpkins FOUR KIDS AND A DOG are carved into jack-oBy Elizabeth lanterns, skeletons with Bottiaux a glow in their dark eyes are propped up on our porches and eerie grey tomb stones stand tall, speared into our front lawns. Children play dress up for a night with all their neighborhood pals.

They morph into witches, goblins, ninjas, princesses and every other disguise imaginable.

As they consume ridiculous amounts of normally outlawed sweets that sky rocket their blood sugar and drop kick their sanity, we plummet deeper into the excess.

Before we can say, “Boo!” all the Halloween decorations are yanked down and packed away in bulging plastic bins for next year. One more minor obstacle on the road to yuletide euphoria—time to gobble

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

‘til we wobble.

My favorite decorations are that of Thanksgiving. The thankful theme is one that I truly enjoy partaking in with family.

We started a thankful tree tradition. Last year I purchased that overpriced little thankful tree from Pottery Barn Kids, the store with whom I have a love-hate relationship—love to shop there, hate the prices. On Thanksgiving, everyone writes something for which they’re thankful on a paper leaf, hangs it on the tree, and we read about each other’s thankfulness over turkey and cranberries during dinner.

Thanksgiving colors are relaxing and peaceful, like a Hawaiian sunset—tangerine oranges with blazing crimsons, beiges, browns and burlap galore with hints of gold. I’d happily leave all things Thanksgiving strategically placed throughout my home, all year long. That is, if it weren’t for you know what.

Whatever happened to Christmas being about the big JC, anyway? It’s turned into a colossal spectacle of greed, materialism and overconsumption. There are so many December hoops we’re required to jump through in order to reach the grand prize.

Page 34

Ho, ho ... HELP! Creating that December to remember is nothing short of self-inflicted torture.

It’s truly insane, the amount of things we attempt to pack into one magical month.

Besides the shopping, baking, caroling, churching and dragging the wee ones to sit on mall Santa’s lap, there’s the daunting decorating. The tree—real or fake?

No matter, it all requires lots of work. The setup, the tear down. Dec. 26 is the day, and not one day later, we pull the plug on Christmas in our home. By that time, if I see another pine needle or sparkly bit of tinsel on the floor, I’ll simply explode.

On that note, happy holidays, to you and yours.

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years. She publishes a blog, www.fourkidsandadog.com, about family life in our tri-city area. 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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Page 36

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Prep Football Roundup— Week 8

tough task at hand with the Chargers last week but now, their toughest matchup todate looms against the Diablos (8-0, 2-0), who travel to San Juan Hills on Oct. 23.

Mission Viejo has won 20 straight games and stormed back from a 16-point deficit in the second half to upend Tesoro 39-33 on Oct. 16.—Steve Breazeale

BY STEVE BREAZEALE AND CONNOR SCHMITT, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

LIONS FALL SHORT AGAINST EAGLES For the first time since 2013, Santa Margarita marched onto the field without Stanford-bound quarterback KJ Costello, who was sidelined with an ankle injury for a Trinity League matchup against JSerra on Oct. 16.

Fortunately for the Eagles, their backup quarterback, Richard Wagner, thrived in the pocket just like Costello has been known to do.

Wagner, a junior, confidently filled the “next man up” role, throwing 19 passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns against the Lions.

After a 51-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, Santa Margarita celebrated a 28-21 victory over the Lions.

The Eagles had not defeated JSerra since 2012.

Lions (5-2, 0-2) running back Avery Williams struck first against the Eagles, ending a long offensive drive with a one-yard touchdown to make the score 7-0. Three plays later, Wagner connected with Grant Calcaterra for a 66-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.

After forcing a quick three-and-out to start the fourth quarter, with the game knotted at 21-21, a pass attempt from Lions quarterback Riley O’Brien drew a defensive pass-interference against the Eagles, setting the Lions up with good field position. On the next play, an errant O’Brien pass was intercepted.

On the Eagles next drive, Wagner connected once again to Calcaterra for a 51-yard touchdown to seal the win.

JSerra will play St. John Bosco at Cerritos College on Oct. 23. —Connor Schmitt

F

or in-game updates, scores and news for all of the San Juan Capistrano high school football teams, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

STALLIONS HOLD OFF CHARGERS, PREPARE FOR DIABLOS Following his team’s thrilling 40-36 South Coast League opening victory over El Toro on Oct. 16, San Juan Hills head coach Aaron Flowers had to tamper the electric feeling that was coursing throughout the Stallions’ ranks.

The coach was proud of his team’s effort, which featured a late game-winning drive that was executed by standout senior quarterback Patrick O’Brien, but when asked about the Stallions next opponent, reigning league and CIF-SS West Valley Division champion Mission Viejo, the coach stressed the mantra that has been at the heart of this special season the Stallions have put together.

“We’re 1-0 this week and that’s what we’ve been telling our kids. This league, especially this year, it’s going to be a weekly basis,” Flowers said. “It’s like each week has its own life. We’re 1-0 this week and we’ll enjoy this for a little bit and re-group and see what we can do (against Mission Viejo).”

San Juan Hills (7-0, 1-0 league) had a

Running back Cole Suchesk (middle) and the San Juan Hills High School football team will host Mission Viejo on Oct. 23. Photo: Steve Breazeale

IN OTHER SAN JUAN AREA FOOTBALL ACTION: St. Margaret’s bounced back from a 43-40 loss to Justin Siena on Oct. 10 with a convincing 52-7 win over Sage Hill on Oct. 16. The Tartans will travel to play Brethren Christian in a big Academy League tilt on Oct. 24.

Capistrano Valley Christian defeated Fairmont Prep 36-20 on Oct. 15. The Eagles will travel to play Santa Clarita Christian on Oct. 24.

Saddleback Valley Christian remained undefeated on the season following a 56-8 win over Southlands Christian on Oct. 16.

The Warriors will play Fairmont Prep on the road on Oct. 24. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

Page 37

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Striking Gold Team USA crowned world champion goldmedalists at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

new class of prospectors—armed with surfboards and athleticism instead of pick axes and shovels— staked their claim and then struck gold on Sunday, Oct. 18, winning the International Surfing Association World Junior Surfing Championship for the first time in history.

The team fought through seven days of competition—Oct. 12 through 18 at Oceanside Pier—and more than 300 of the best surfers from 35 other countries, to become ISA world champion gold medalists, a title that has historically eluded the United States team.

With five surfers still in the competition—along with the strong finishes in repechage rounds by their teammates— team USA was in a great position going into the finals. The deal was sealed in the second finals heat of the day, Boys U16, with an individual gold medal performance

by Stevie Pittman (North Carolina), whose points contribution put them out of reach by their closest contenders, France, Hawaii, Australia and Japan. Pittman’s individual gold was also the first in ISA World Junior Championship history for the U.S. Team USA’s final point total was 7,536 out of a possible 10,240. Runner-up France had 6,565, followed by Hawaii in third place (6,385), Australia in fourth (5,516) and in fifth, Japan, with 5,140 points.

The team included two surfers from San Clemente—Colt Ward and Kei Kobayashi

Team USA earned the first ever team gold medal for the United States at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, Oct. 12-18 at the Oceanside Pier. Photo: Andrea Swayne

in Boys U18—as well as Jake Marshall (Encinitas) and Nolan Rapoza (Long Beach) also Boys U18; Luke Gordon (South Carolina), John Mel (Santa Cruz), Ryland Rubens (Pacific Beach) and Pittman in Boys U16; Tia Blanco (Oceanside) and Frankie Harrer (Malibu) in Girls U18; and in Girls U16, Alyssa Spencer (Encinitas) and Tiare Thompson (La Jolla). Team USA is led by head coach Ryan Simmons and assistant coach Micah Byrne.

The five athletes in the final—Blanco (silver), Harrer (bronze), Marshall (bronze), Mel (copper) and Pittman (gold)—earned the most individual ISAWJC medals ever for team USA. The most a U.S. team had ever earned was four in 2004 in Tahiti and four in Ecuador in 2014. In the years in between, team USA struggled at ISA Worlds.

The previous best result for the country came in 2004 when the team brought home silver, competing in a field of 175 surfers from 23 countries. That year’s individual medalists were Karina Petroni,

Team USA gathers for a final cheer before taking the stage to receive their gold medals. Photo: Andrea Swayne

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2015

TEAM RESULTS 1. USA-7536 2. France-6565 3. Hawaii-6385 4. Australia-5516 5. Japan-5140 6. Portugal-4361 7. South Africa-4270 8. Costa Rica-4233 9. Peru-4023 10. Tahiti-3885 11. UK-3404 12. Brazil-3396 13. Barbados-3286 14. Argentina-3248 15. New Zealand-3096 16. Mexico-3031 17. Chile-2900 18. Ecuador-2776

19. Nicaragua-2637 20. Puerto Rico-2569 21. Belgium-2363 22. Wales-2348 23. Panama-2215 24. Canada-1536 25. Isreal-1415 26. Germany-1111 27. Italy-1000 28. Colombia-994 29. Norway-982 30. Russia-954 31. El Salvador-940 32. Denmark-767 33. Uruguay-576 34. Venezuela-443 =35. Jamaica-320 =35. Austria-320

Erica Hosseini, Jeremy Johnston and San Clemente’s Tanner Gudauskas.

Kobayashi, who despite a string of quality performances in the first four days of competition went down in a tough repechage round, counted the team’s first-ever gold medal as the biggest honor in his surfing career so far. And although he said he was a bit disappointed with his performance, he believes the coaching, camaraderie and support of Surfing America— the San Clemente-based ISA-recognized national governing body for surfing in the U.S.—made all the difference.

“I’m really stoked and it is such an honor to be a part of this team and competing in my first ISA,” Kobayashi said. “It meant a lot to all of us, not just to win, but to win it for Coach Simmons. We are all so stoked! This meant a lot to him and for all of his hard work, picking the team and believing in us, we can’t thank him enough.”

Colt Ward, who ages out of junior-level competition next year, agreed.

“To bring home the team gold is amazing,” Ward said. “It’s what all of us wanted to do, going into this contest, and we did it!

We all worked super hard to get here, had a

Page 38

bunch of training camps through the year, and it paid off. Our team was so strong and even though I’m not going to be here next year, I think they can keep it going.”

“Hopefully we can back it up next year in the Azores,” Kobayashi added. “We are sure going to try.”

Team alternates, Malia Osterkamp (San Clemente), Nick Marshall (Encinitas) and Luke Marks (Florida) joined Jake Marshall and Kobayashi to win a copper medal in the Aloha Cup—a special 50-minute event where four boys and one girl from each country surf three waves apiece.

All three waves count and all five surfers’ scores contribute to a team score.

Coach Simmons referred to the goldmedal victory as “one of the best feelings of (his) life,” when asked how he felt to stand on the podium with his team as ISA President Fernando Aguerre presented them with the championship trophy and then went down the line, placing a gold medal around each of their necks.

“This was a really good team with everyone coming together and supporting each other. It was truly a team effort to get it done, and that’s why we won,” Simmons said. “We had some kids who had experience and the new kids were kind of taken under the wings of the veterans. The rookies learned from them all week long. We started strong and we never let up, never thought we had it won, so I think that was kind of the key. We kept our noses down and kept pushing forward to make sure that we got the gold.”

Surfing America Executive Director Greg Cruse said that although garnering funding for the team has historically been a challenge, the coaching, training and strong camaraderie among team members, built over the last three years, figured heavily into the win. Also figuring in was the team’s determination to compensate for the loss of three top performers—Griffin Colapinto (San Clemente) and Caroline Marks (Florida, recently moved to SC) to injuries right before the event, along with Kanoa Igarashi (Huntington Beach), who didn’t qualify because he didn’t surf the USA Champs.

“The alternates chosen to fill those spots were scrappy and they really wanted it.

They gutted it out, did what they needed to do and we made it to the top of the podium,” Cruse said. “This victory is awesome.

It’s been a long hard road and we kind of ‘MacGyvered it’ with bubblegum and bailing wire, to have the resources to do it. But we all pitched in together and with amazing surfers, amazing coaches and amazing parents, we pulled through in the end.”

This first-time team gold for the U.S. could prove to be a historic triumph for another reason—team members could very well be among the first surfers ever to compete for the U.S. in the 2020 Olympics.

Last month the 2020 Tokyo Olympics organizing committee officially requested the addition of surfing, a move the International Olympic Committee is expected to approve in August 2016. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com