November 13, 2015

INSIDE: South County Real Estate Guide SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

NOVEMBER 13–26, 2015 • VOLUME 13, ISSUE 21

Beneath the Sash San Juan Capistrano native Berlin Armenta to compete in Miss California USA pageant E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

Miss Orange County 2016 Berlin Armenta, of San Juan Capistrano, is ready to represent her city and county in next month’s statewide pageant.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

City Emphasizes Increased Water Conservation EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Fiesta Association Names 2016 Dignitaries SJC LIVING/PAGE 23

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

San Juan Capistrano Prep Football Playoff Preview SPORTS/PAGE 24

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

made by the commission.

WHAT’S NEXT: A hearing date has yet to be determined by the court.—EH

Parents Discuss Vaccination Law at CUSD Meeting

Five things San Juan should know this week City Emphasizes Increased Water Conservation THE LATEST: In an effort to raise awareness and increase water savings in San Juan Capistrano, the City Council recently partnered with local movie producer Steve Oedekerk to produce an informational online video titled San Juan Saves.

This most recent push for further conservation in the city is aptly timed, following the release of data from the state’s Water Resources Control Board showing that San Juan Capistrano only conserved 26.9 percent from this past June through September compared to the same fourmonth period in 2013. The state mandates that San Juan cut 28 percent of its water use.

Oedekerk said at the Nov. 3 council meeting that after listening to the City Council brainstorm ways to increase conservation, he was inspired to create an easy-to-access video that breaks water conservation down into easy steps. The video can be viewed at www.sjcwater.com.

WHAT’S NEXT: The video also reminds residents about the rebates offered by the city and the county for replacing old toilets, as well as other county rebate programs, which can be found at www.ocwatersmart.com.

For more information, visit the city’s website at www.sanjuancapistrano.org or call 949.234.4400.—Allison Jarrell

Capistrano Farmers Market Now Accepting SNAP THE LATEST: The Old Capistrano Certified Farmers Market has become the first south Orange County farmers market to accept SNAP benefits, according to the San Juan Chamber of Commerce. The addition of SNAP—formerly known as the Food Stamp Program—aims to make fresh, local produce more affordable for low-income families in the San Juan Capistrano area.

“Households in the SNAP program can now use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards to purchase fresh produce and other food items at the market,” a chamber press release states. “Cardholders will determine the amount of purchase and The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

The Old Capistrano Certified Farmers Market now accepts SNAP benefits, making fresh produce more affordable for some. Photo: Courtesy of the San Juan Chamber of Commerce

will receive wooden tokens worth $0.50, $1.00 or $5.00. With those tokens, they can purchase fresh-picked produce, local honey, homemade breads, preserves and other food items offered at the farmers market—some produced using organic farming methods.”

EBT cards will be processed onsite at the market’s EBT machine.

such as Bass Factory Outlet, Calvin Klein, Chico’s Outlet, Cole Haan, Columbia Sportswear Company, Converse, GUESS Factory Store, H&M, Levi’s Outlet Store, Nike Factory Store, The PUMA Outlet Store, Tilly’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Vans and White House Black Market.

WHAT’S NEXT: Now in its 14th year, the San Juan Chamber’s farmers market takes place every Wednesday year-round. The market runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the spring and summer and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the fall and winter and is located on Yorba Street between Camino Capistrano and El Camino Real, one block south of Mission San Juan Capistrano.

For more information, visit www.FarmersMarketSJC.com or call 949.493.4700.

To find out how to apply for SNAP benefits in your county, call 1.877.847.3663. —AJ

Outlets at San Clemente Opens This Week THE LATEST: The grand opening of the Outlets at San Clemente will feature a full weekend of events. The inaugural Tree Lighting Concert on Saturday, Nov. 14 will feature the band American Authors, known for their Billboard Top 40 song “Best Day of My Life;” 2015 “American Idol” winner Nick Fradiani; and up-andcoming singer from the first season of The X-Factor, John Lindahl.

The concert is free to the public and will be hosted by Valentine of 104.3 FM’s morning show.

The Christmas tree is from Mt. Shasta and is decorated with 3,000 lights and holiday décor.

“The opening will feature fast-casual eateries and more than 35 retail stores

WHAT’S NEXT: The Outlets will host Moonlight Madness, an all-night shopping extravaganza on Thanksgiving, beginning at 8 p.m. on Nov. 26. Shops will remain open all night and throughout Black Friday on until 10 p.m. on Nov. 27. On Dec. 5 there will be a charity fundraiser featuring $50,000 in prizes. Ticket are $35 and include a private catered lunch, wine and craft beer tasting, entertainment and a $25 donation of choice to one of 18 nonprofit organizations.

FIND OUT MORE: For a complete list of shops and more information, visit www. outletsatsanclemente.com/stores. —Eric Heinz

Lawsuit Filed Against SONGS Dry-Cask Storage Decision THE LATEST: On Nov. 3, a lawsuit was filed by Michael Aguirre and Citizens Oversight Inc. against the decision made by the California Coastal Commission that permitted San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station stakeholders to store spent nuclear fuel at the now-offline nuclear power plant.

The lawsuit argues proper channels of examination were not followed and storing the fuel would be detrimental to human safety.

The lawsuit asks the Superior Court of San Diego County to nullify the decision

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THE LATEST: A group of concerned parents addressed the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Oct. 28 regarding the implementation of the SB 277 vaccination bill for the 2016-2017 school year.

Amanda McKay, a CUSD parent of three, presented the topic to the board as a citizen’s request agenda item and was followed by 11 speakers—including one parent in favor of the new law—who largely sought to explain to the board their reasons for opposing mandated vaccinations, as well as discussing implementation for the 2016-2017 school year.

In June, Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 277 into law, eliminating vaccine exemptions in schools statewide with the exception of noted medical issues.

“The Legislature, after considerable debate, specifically amended SB 277, to exempt a child from immunizations whenever the child’s physician concludes that there are ‘circumstances, including but not limited to, family medical history, for which the physician does not recommend immunization …’” Brown wrote in a letter to the California State Senate.

“Thus, SB 277, while requiring that school children be vaccinated, explicitly provides an exception when a physician believes that circumstances—in the judgement and sound discretion of the physician—so warrant.”

While the law is already passed, many parents spoke during the meeting about the importance of exemptions such as personal beliefs. One parent from Las Flores said she wanted the trustees to better understand parents who choose “alternative vaccination schedules” for their children.

“Most of us aren’t aimlessly following a B-list celebrity or a debunked medical study,” she said. “Most of us have very principled reasons for our choices, and they’re based in logic, ethics and morality.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The item was information only, so no board action was required after the presentation. Trustee Jim Reardon, backed by Board President Lynn HattonHodson, requested the board receive the source documentation cited during the speakers’ presentations, including documentation backing up allegations that parents are receiving notices mandating their children be vaccinated in order to participate in the current school year, rather than by 2016-2017, per the law.—AJ www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter

Mysterious Lights Over Orange County Navy’s Doing

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Wednesday, November 11 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Ortega Highway, 28200 Block (2:42 a.m.)

A woman told police she could hear someone outside her front door attempting to get in. She described the noises as a thumping sound.

Tuesday, November 10 GRAND THEFT Doheney Park Road, 33900 Block (8:51 p.m.) A man and woman allegedly stole a cash card worth $1500 from the warehouse and were seen running behind the Dollar Tree store.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 30300 Block (7:57 p.m.) Two elderly women were in a physical altercation at Silverado Senior Living. The women were separated but an employee at the front desk wanted police to respond to possibly file a report.

Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Adm. Cecil D. Haney (left) observes the assistant weapons officer, Lt. Rick Bates (center) give instructions during the 156th successful test flight of an unarmed Trident II D5 missile launched from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky on Nov. 7. Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Byron C. Linder

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

DISTURBANCE Avenida Cabrillo, 25900 Block (7:58 p.m.) Police searched the area for three boys flying a drone and looking into windows.

COMPILED BY EVAN DA SILVA

Light seen in sky Saturday a demonstration of U.S. Deterrence Forces readiness

n response to numerous sightings of a bright light with a blue/green tail seen streaking across the sky above Orange County just after sunset on Nov. 7, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reported shortly before 7 p.m. that the mysterious light was due to a Naval test fire.

The tower at John Wayne Airport confirmed the sight—that left a blue glowing cloud in its wake and baffled witnesses, thinking it could be anything from an incoming bomb to a meteor or even otherworldly visitors—was the Navy’s doing.

According to a Nov. 9 press release by the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) public affairs office, Saturday’s test fire of an unarmed Trident II D5 missile was performed in order to “obtain valid reliability, accuracy and performance factors for use by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and USSTRATCOM.” The missile test was launched in the Pacific Test Range off the Southern California coast from the USS Kentucky, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, or SSBN. The launch—part of a Demonstration and Shakedowns Operation, or DASO—was monitored by Admiral Cecil D. Haney, USSTRATCOM commander, who in the press release referred to such tests as necessary to show round-the-clock readiness of U.S. deterrence forces.

“A credible, effective nuclear deterrent is essential to our national security and

Monday, November 9

A Trident II D-5 ballistic missile is launched from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky during a missile test at the Pacific Test Range on Nov. 7. Photo: U.S. Navy photo

the security of U.S. allies and friends,” Adm. Haney said. “Strategic weapons tests demonstrate the readiness of our nation’s nuclear triad and serve to assure our allies and deter our potential adversaries.”

The launch was the Navy’s Strategic Systems Program’s 156th successful test flight of its kind since 1989.

Also on board the submarine to observe the test were, from Indiana, Sen. Joe Donnelly, Rep. Pete Visclosky, Rep. Jackie Walorski and Rep. Larry Bucshon, along with Rep. Stephen Womack of Arkansas and Senate and House subcommittee staff members.

Another successful test flight was launched on Nov. 9. Haney and the congressional delegation were not on board for that launch.

Visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com to view a video of the light emitted from the missile launch on Nov. 7. CD

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano, 32000 Block (5:08 p.m.) Police received reports of a woman, aged 30 to 40, who entered Pizza Hut and began yelling. She then left the restaurant and went outside, pacing back and forth.

The woman who reported her believed she was possibly on illegal drugs and was afraid she would come back inside.

BURGLARY REPORT Camino Del Avion, 25500 Block (3:29 p.m.) A woman at Del Obispo Elementary in a silver Chrysler minivan reported her windows had been smashed.

DISTURBANCE Calle Aviador, 32900 Block (12:57 p.m.) Stor-It Self Storage reported a man who was cussing, saying he was going to cut the lock on his unit and not pay the bill.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo Carmel, 26400 Block (9 a.m.) A known gang member and a woman were seen squatting in an empty house on Paseo Carmel.

CITIZEN ASSIST Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (8:03 a.m.) An elderly woman arrived at the fire station. She told them she was supposed to have met someone earlier at the Rite Aid parking lot to give them money because she had won $2 million.

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PETTY THEFT REPORT Del Obispo Street/ Camino Capistrano (6:40 p.m.) A homeless man in front of Michaels told police someone had stolen all of his belongings from his shopping cart.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY San Juan Creek Road/La Novia Avenue (5:22 p.m.) A caller reportedly saw a subject lighting a fire in the brush off the side of Whispering Hills Trail, approximately 1 to 1.5 miles up the trail from the end of San Juan Creek Road.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano, 31500 Block (12:06 p.m.) Police searched a parking lot for an apparently homeless man who was looking into car windows and playing with their door handles.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 31900 Block (10:26 a.m.) Casa De Kathy Thrift Store reported a man in the alley behind the business who was hitting his head against the wall.

Sunday, November 8 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES San Juan Creek Road/ Camino Capistrano (7:23 a.m.) Public Storage requested a patrol check for a man who had been sitting out front since the previous night holding a pair of bolt cutters.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Oretga Highway/ Sundance Drive (2:25 a.m.) A girl was cited for violating curfew and possessing tobacco products.

Saturday, November 7 WELFARE CHECK San Juan Creek Road/ Camino Capistrano (12:50 p.m.) Police conducted a patrol check for a woman in her 40s. She was seen stumbling around and wearing a blue bikini that was undone on one side, exposing her breast. It appeared she may have needed help.

VANDALISM REPORT Via Escolar, 28900 Block (11:13 a.m.) A man calling from the tire store told police his tires had been slashed in San Juan and he had AAA tow his vehicle to the location. The man wanted to talk to a deputy and file a report.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano, 33700 Block (5:28 a.m.) A caller from the Residence Inn said a man and a woman were arguing in their room and talking about “cutting something up.” The caller saw both of them wearing gloves before they entered the room. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Beneath the Sash San Juan Capistrano native Berlin Armenta is on her way to compete for the title of Miss California USA

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

B

erlin Armenta isn’t your typical pageant girl.

She wasn’t endlessly coached and groomed for beauty pageants at an early age like the toddlers on television. Rather than flashing a smile and hoping for world peace, she’s focused on making a difference in her own community by spreading a message of kindness and anti-bullying.

At the age of 18, Berlin lives with her family in San Juan Capistrano, works two jobs, attends college and supports her parents and younger brother, all while practicing for pageants on the weekends on a makeshift runway in her garage.

“I wake up every day with determination; I live off a schedule,” Berlin said. “I’m really focused on the future. When you have a goal and you put your mind to it, you will accomplish it.”

It’s not hard to imagine that with such determination and drive Berlin found herself last August at the Miss Orange County pageant. And she didn’t just compete—she won the crown. Now, as the 2016 Miss Orange County USA, Berlin has set her sights even higher—on Miss California USA. A Young Competitor in the Making Berlin set the bar high for herself at an early age.

As president of her fifth-grade class at Kinoshita Elementary School, she decided pen a letter to President Barack Obama to let him know that not only was she too a president, but perhaps one day she’d be the first woman president in the White House.

Obama responded that he was proud of her and noted that she has a “lovely family”—she had included a photo in their correspondence.

She took a step closer to realizing her potential at the age of 9. She and her family used to lie on their living room floor every Saturday morning and watch television, and on one such day, she saw a commercial for the Bellas Artes modeling academy in Anaheim. She knew instantly that she wanted to model. Her parents called the next day, and she auditioned the following week for a scholarship from the academy.

Ever since her first audition, Berlin has continued competing in an array of The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

Miss Orange County 2016 Berlin Armenta, center, poses for a photo on Los Rios Street with her family. (L to R) Berlin’s 12-year-old brother Christopher, her father Hugo, her mother Celina and her 26-year-old brother Irvin. Photo: Allison Jarrell

contests and pageants while dabbling in modeling, acting and dancing. And while troubles have come in and out of her life—bullying, struggles with weight, low grades in school—she said her family has been there through it all.

When her parents were in a pinch with only one car, her dad would bicycle to work. If they were completely without transportation, they’d take public transit together, oftentimes across Orange County and Los Angeles to modeling or pageant opportunities.

“My dad and my brother are both my No. 1 fans; my parents are so supportive,” Berlin beamed during a recent interview at her home. And her 12-year-old brother, Christopher, is proudly following in her footsteps—from taking musical theater and drama in school to modeling in his free time.

“She’s inspiring because of all the obstacles she’s overcome,” Christopher said, sitting across from his big sister. “I want to grow up to be someone like that.”

Berlin and Christopher, and their parents, Hugo and Celina, recall with fondness—and some humor—the time the two competed on “Toddlers and Tiaras” in Las Vegas. Berlin was 12 years old and it was their first time at a major hotel.

“We couldn’t afford to stay there for two days, so we left our house the day of the competition at 3 a.m., and my competition started at 8 a.m.,” Berlin said. “It was the first time we had been to Las Vegas ever

in our lives, and here we were in an old red minivan, while it was pouring rain.

We were afraid the car was going to break down on the way there!”

After arriving at the show, Berlin and her family learned it would cost about $400 for her hair and makeup. After a disastrous run-in with a hair stylist who had perhaps never seen curls before, they decided to take matters, literally, into their own hands.

“My parents were brushing my hair and making curls with their fingers and some gel,” Berlin recalled, smiling.

And as she watched the other children receive orders from their parents, she said she felt proud that her mom and dad were the ones smiling—posters in hand—cheering her on.

“My parents told me to relax; they’ve always been like that,” Berlin said. “They encouraged me to be myself on stage, to not pretend to be someone I’m not.”

Overcoming Obstacles Early in Life Berlin’s family has lived in San Juan Capistrano for 23 years, but in their lowincome situation, she said that meant moving from their Los Rios Street home to renting a room out in another family’s house—and sometimes housing with multiple families—before they found an apartment of their own on Calle San Luis.

During these transitions, Berlin was dealing with depression and bullying at school.

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HOW TO HELP BERLIN Anyone interested in supporting Berlin as she competes for the title of Miss California USA 2016 can send sponsor requests or donations to armenta_berlin@yahoo.com, or visit her online GoFundMe campaign at www. gofundme.com/r926enb5.

••• A fundraiser will be held at The Mission Grill on Nov. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to support Berlin’s journey and competition expenses. The event will include raffle tickets. The Mission Grill is located at 31721 Camino Capistrano, across from The Mission in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

“People were calling me fat. It was a, ‘You’re in the pageant industry and overweight’ kind of thing,” she said. “Those two things don’t go together. I was really affected by it, but I didn’t really talk about it.

“I didn’t know who to turn to. It didn’t feel like my friends were my friends at the time,” she said. “I was constantly questioning myself. There were times when I went home, did homework, took a shower, and cried in my bed.”

Berlin said her older brother, Irvin, helped add some structure in her life by www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC exercising with her early each morning.

Her family also became Christians, and she joined Mission Cristiana Fuente de Vida church, where she found companionship and acceptance. She became more focused, more balanced and, as she puts it, she found herself.

“I may not live in a big house and I may not dress like I have a lot of money, but those are all materialistic things,” Berlin said. “What counts is what’s in your heart.”

To help ensure that other children don’t go through the same school experiences she had, Berlin is currently reaching out to schools in her capacity as Miss Orange County as part of her Kindness Begins with Me campaign. She hopes by sharing her “testimony of hope” and the effects of bullying that she can relate to kids and encourage them to reach out to friends, family and teachers if they need help.

“I’m not the only one who struggled

with this,” Berlin said. “There are so many people out there who want to succeed but don’t know how, or they’re just lost because their family is going through something. I want to find out who people are and hear their testimony because I wish people would have been there for me. I can relate to them; tell them they’re not alone.”

Looking Forward Today, Berlin is attending Saddleback College part-time, working at Naficy’s Medical Group and 3:16 Bakery Shop, and she is preparing to compete in the Miss California USA pageant in Long Beach on Dec. 4-6. She’s currently raising the funds to make it there and said she’s ecstatic— and a bit nervous—about competing for the Miss California crown.

“My goal is to focus on expanding my anti-bullying campaign and sharing my testimony of hope,” Berlin said. “It’s not

about displaying a pretty face and asking for world peace. It’s about actually having a goal and accomplishing it.”

She’s also looking forward to becoming a full-time student next semester—her long-term dream is to become an undercover detective. To get there, she plans on studying criminal justice, transferring to San Marcos State University for a bachelor’s in crime scene investigation and joining a police academy after that.

Berlin’s older brother, Irvin, is currently studying for his masters in clinical psychology at Cal State Fullerton and said he’s proud of his sister for committing herself to following her heart and making opportunities—not just waiting for them to come to her.

“It’s motivational, to say the least,” Irvin said. “Perseverance is very important and I think she has that. That’s hard to find.

She has accomplished a lot of things by now, and she can only grow more.” CD

New Principal for Junipero Serra High School

Farmers & Merchants Bank honored 11 members of the Southern California community at its annual “California’s Strongest People You Can Bank On” awards on Oct. 27.

Katherine Holman of Otra Mas in San Juan Capistrano received the Compassion Award for her work with the nonprofit.

The awards were given to people that demonstrated values such as charity and service above self.

Winners were nominated by bank employees and represent many communities throughout Southern California including Long Beach, Newport Beach, San Juan The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

Free E-Waste and Shredding

8 a.m.-noon. The city of San Juan Capistrano, in partnership with Goodwill of Orange County, is hosting a free e-waste and shredding event at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. For more information, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, NOV. 17

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

COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

Otra Mas Director Recognized with Compassion Award

SATURDAY, NOV. 14

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting

NEWS BITES The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved the appointments of three principals at the Oct. 21 special board meeting, including Meg Ervais as the new principal of Junipero Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano.

For the past 24 years, Ervais has served the communities of Capistrano Unified School District as a bi-lingual teacher, assistant principal and principal. Most recently, Ervais served as the K-8 administrator for the Capistrano Virtual and Capistrano Home School programs.

“Ms. Ervais’ knowledge, background and leadership skills will positively serve students who need an alternative to the comprehensive high school setting and support them in achieving their potential,” a district release stated.

Community Meetings

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18

Downtown Farmers Market

From (L to R): (Front row) F&M President W. Henry Walker, Anthony Haywood, Coronada King Haywood, Yetta Kane, Carol Wait, Dr. Kenneth B. Deck. (Back row), Terry Geiling, Annette Kashiwabara, James Hogan, Carla Hogan Debora Wondercheck, Katherine Holman, Dr. John L. Blake, Kenneth G. Walker, and F&M Chairman of the Board and CEO Daniel K. Walker. Photo: Courtesy

Capistrano, San Clemente and Laguna Hills.

F&M presented the awards to all 11 winners at a luncheon in Long Beach.

Assistance League Provides School Clothing to CUSD Families In September and October, volunteers from the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley provided school clothing to nearly 900 children from 27 schools, and awarded grants to 79 teachers at 12 middle schools in the Capistrano Unified School District.

The clothing program is part of the National Assistance League’s Operation School Bell Program and was held at Target in San Clemente. This year, $65,000 was budgeted and nearly 900 children received new school clothes. The league provides $65 for each elementary school student and $75 for each middle school student to purchase clothing consisting of tops, bottoms, socks, underwear and a jacket.

The Links to Learning Program awarded nearly $36,000 in grants to 12 CUSD

middle schools and to Journey Charter School. The grants will serve about 16,000 students and include funding for books for literature circles, frog specimens for lab dissections, math manipulatives, materials for art projects, a cello for a middle school orchestra and full-color maps for social science/geography classes.

Both programs are funded by money from the Bargain Box Thrift Store in San Clemente. Another major fundraiser for these programs is the Christmas Home Tour which will take place on Dec. 6.

The local Assistance League Chapter raises funds for needy children in the Capistrano Unified School District and for military families at Camp Pendleton.

For more information on the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, visit www. capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org or call 949.291.8408.

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.

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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, NOV. 20

Coffee Chat

8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

TUESDAY, NOV. 24

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.

FRIDAY, NOV. 27

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: By City Councilman Sam Allevato

Just the Facts, Ma’am, Just the Facts

I

read with some amazement City Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson’s Soapbox column in the Oct. 23, 2015 edition of The Capistrano Dispatch. I am reminded of the old “Dragnet” television series with the catchphrase often misattributed to Sgt. Joe Friday, “Just the facts, ma’am, just the facts!”

Here are some facts that Ferguson should take careful note of: The Vermeulen family lawsuit is under litigation and we shouldn’t be commenting on its merits in the media. The council majority voted to set aside an additional $500,000 for outside counsel to defend this lawsuit because our current city attorney firm did work for the Vermeulen family last year. Why does Ferguson so vigorously defend Mayor Derek Reeve’s statement that this lawsuit couldn’t possibly cause the city to go bankrupt? Reeve is an attorney, but I don’t believe he should be giving legal opinions from the dais, especially since he doesn’t even practice this area of the law.

Robert Ming was hired by the council majority for $12,000 to aid in the selection of a new city manager after we had already hired a professional executive search firm, Ralph Andersen & Associates, at a cost of approximately $24,000. Robert Ming is an attorney and former eight-year council member and two-time mayor for the city of Laguna Niguel. When I asked for completed staff work of where he has conducted city manager recruitments, he stated that

his firm had none. But this council majority voted to hire him for additional work even though he was the highest bidder and the least qualified, overlooking bids of much smaller amounts. Ming endorsed members of the council majority in the last general election as they endorsed him also.

Now Ferguson states that, “We are bringing Mission Inn San Juan Capistrano to town...” The fact is that prior City Councils worked hard on the Plaza Banderas hotel project for numerous years. The name has changed, but not the approved plan by former council members.

The council now awaits the Mission Inn plan, which is supposed to come back to city staff soon for their review Sam Allevato for compliance with the originally-approved Plaza Banderas plan.

Another baseless claim Ferguson makes is that, “After years of talking, important projects are moving ahead, such as closing gaps in our trails …” How does she explain the tortuous process the city’s Trails and Equestrian Commission has conducted for the past four months deliberating over the trail next to the new Oaks project?

Weighted with supporters of this council majority, the commission has delayed this trail improvement by recommending such outrageous things as taking out the bike trail (which is on the county and city

Master Bike Trail Plan) and the bioswale (required by law) and finally, leaving the dirt berm as it is, which would deny access to road bicycles, moms with strollers and wheelchairs (violating the Americans with Disabilities Act). Horses, bikes, walkers and strollers can safely use our trails. If your horse spooks, stay in the arena. You have a training issue, not a safety one.

Finally, Ferguson points to the summer trolley as something positive that this council majority has actually accomplished. Sure, she tries to diminish the cost by calling the AQMD money a “grant,” however, this money comes in the form of gas tax funds paid by all of us.

At a total cost of $54,906 for 4,779 riders (June 12 through Sept. 4), this computes to $11.49 per rider. How many of those riders actually stopped downtown to shop or eat? What was the taxpayers’ return on investment for this project? If this proposal comes to council next year, I would hope that the council majority will ask for some real-world metrics, not anecdotal testimonials, to gauge the success of expending another $55,000 in taxpayer funds.

Fiscal conservatives, are you watching?

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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Letters to the Editor IN REPONSE TO KERRY FERGUSON’S COLUMN —Michael Forster, San Juan Capistrano Was I the only one dissapointed by City Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson’s guest opinion about moving the city forward in the Oct. 23-Nov. 12, 2015 edition of The Capistrano Dispatch? The column just reinforced why many constituents are so frustrated with the lack of integrity and political tone deafness. Councilwoman Ferguson’s letter promotes that the new council members arrived on scene to save our city from the evils of the previous council. The reality is that these new faces on the City Council are trying to politically highjack the city by tacking politics to their minority extreme.

In her letter, Councilwoman Ferguson proclaims that “naysayers … tell mostly The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

half-truths … telling untruths altogether” and the Vermeulen lawsuit “improperly undermines the will of voters who excercised their inherent referendum powers” and that “60 percent of voters voted against incumbents.” She further contends that “the facts” support her position that San Juan Capistrano’s majority interests are being carried out by City Hall. Really? Let’s take a closer look at Councilwoman Ferguson’s perspective and what truly is fact.

First, “naysayers” are not the enemy.

Naysayers are indispensable cornerstones of our democracy, freely and proudly voicing their perspective with the right to be heard and respected. Our City Council has the responsibility and duty to ensure that all residents are represented by closing their lips, opening their minds and listening well, whether they agree with it or not.

You never know when a naysayer may have it right—anyone recall Galileo, who was jailed in 1633 for heresy by claiming that the earth revolves around the sun?

Second, her premise that the Vermeu-

len lawsuit “improperly undermines the will of voters” whereby “60 percent of voters voted against incumbents” is a skewed and politically motivated perspective not quite supported by the entirety of the facts. The Speiker project detractors’ misleading signature-gathering process aside, her argument that the Speiker project was specifically rejected based on the statement that “60 percent of voters voted against incumbents” in the last general election fundamentally falls short of credible. The facts are that of the 24,293 votes cast, only a minority 32.9 percent of the votes went to new Councilwomen Pam Patterson (4,313) and Ferguson (3,690).

And let’s not forget that Councilman John Perry was appointed without a single vote of San Juan Capistrano’s 18,000 registered voters. How ludacris it is to contend that overturning of the Spieker project was supported by the majority of residents.

On the bright side, Councilwoman Ferguson goes on to offer that, “Naysayers contend falsely that City Council is not working for all our residents. We meet

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SOAPBOX constantly with constituents, whether they voted for us or not.” Councilmembers Ferguson, Patterson and Perry must be very busy these days meeting with the majority of San Juan Capistrano residents who did not vote for them. For San Juan Capistrano’s sake, I hope they are listening.

DOES LIVING NEAR SAN ONOFRE INCREASE CANCER RISKS? —Roger Johnson, San Clemente Does living near a nuclear power plant increase the risk of cancer? No one knows for sure, but recent studies in Europe report that children living near a nuclear power plant double their risk of cancer.

Could this be true for those living near San Onofre? After five years of planning, the prestigious National Academy of Sciences issued a report titled Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations Near Nuclear Facilities. Unfortunately, we may never find out. On Sept. 8, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission cancelled the research just as it was about to begin.

If you live within 31 miles of San Onofre, you would be in the study. The research would have focused on children who, along with women and the human fetus, are far more vulnerable to radiation. The reason for concern is the discharge of low-level radiation into the ocean and atmosphere which has been happening regularly since 1968.

There are many sources of radiation and many causes of cancer, but radiation effects are cumulative and the NAS has stated that even low levels of radiation can be harmful. The nuclear industry has countered this with PR campaigns trivializing the dangers of radiation. They often cite a now-discredited 1990 study by the National Cancer Institute which failed to find cancer streaks. But this study examined cancer deaths, not cancer incidence, and it studied where people died rather than where they lived or worked. Even worse, it averaged people who lived near a nuclear power plant with those who lived far away.

In 2013, there were 144,800 new cases of cancer in California. About one out of four deaths in the state are caused by cancer, and cancer is the leading cause of death in children. Cancer-causing radiation can easily penetrate living tissue which is why technicians hide behind lead shielding every time you get an X-ray.

Radiation adversely affects cell DNA, but exact causation is difficult to prove because health effects may not manifest for decades. In Japan, thousands of people continue to die every year from medical complications caused by the radiation they received as children in August of 1945.

The NRC sets standards on what is allowable based on estimates of risk to the average adult male. They state what is permissible, not what is safe. One day in 2012 (after shutdown), Edison blasted 1.03 billion gallons of radioactive effluent waste into the ocean. Were you in the ocean that day? You will never know because The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Photo: File

discharge days are secret.

The public should be outraged that the NRC blocked cancer research. Anyone concerned should contact their representatives in Congress and demand that the study be rescued by the EPA. We should all be worried, especially since the current plan is to store thousands of tons of uranium and plutonium indefinitely a few miles from here. There is no known technology for storing this material safely for decades or centuries. There is no proven technology for finding radiation leaks before they happen or fixing them after they happen. Becoming a nuclear waste dump is a threat not only to this area, but to all of Southern California.

CUSD GOES LENGTHS TO AVOID PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY —Laura Ferguson, San Clemente On behalf of Talega Residents for Fair Taxation, we would like to demonstrate the lengths that the Capistrano Unified School District goes to in order to avoid public involvement and accountability.

The Orange County Grand Jury presented findings/recommendations to improve accountability and transparency of MelloRoos for the benefit of taxpayers residing in Community Facilities Districts and CUSD disagreed. We learned Oct. 6 that CUSD’s response to the Grand Jury report on Mello-Roos was discussed by the school board at its Sept. 23 meeting after 11 p.m., unbeknownst to us. Our group attended this meeting, but left earlier after hearing incorrectly that all agenda items after a controversial item, which drew a crowd, would be continued to their next meeting. We misunderstood that although multiple agenda items were continued, the Grand Jury item was not one of them.

When the item came up for discussion for public comment, we were long gone. The usual CUSD confusion, that our group could not follow the meeting, is telling on its own.

Regardless of this surprise, by burying the Grand Jury item in its meeting agendas after items that drew countless speakers at both September meetings, and sitting in these meetings for hours hours and three hours respectively, we would have liked to remind the school board for the record how many times CUSD has misspent, wrongfully kept and failed to account for CFD Mello-Roos funds it collects for the CFDs district-wide, and stress the importance of implementing the Grand Jury’s recommendations for an audit and oversight committee and reporting of Mello-Roos expenditures by CFD on a website.

CUSD’s response to the Grand Jury is a disappointment and they should be embarrassed. The school board’s actions and response further exemplify how those at CUSD with control over our Mello-Roos taxes do not want scrutiny, oversight or accountability.

BE SAFE OR STAY OFF THE STREETS —Donna Fleming, San Juan Capistrano Mickey is the name I will give to a fast young boy on a skateboard in this true story.

Mickey was so fast that I did not see him a few weeks ago crossing Del Obispo wearing a faded brown T-shirt, blue jeans and no helmet. I was driving down Del Obispo and making my turn onto Camino Capistrano just before dusk. I looked both ways and accelerated into my right turn just as Mickey came in low, arms spread for balance and speed, just 2 feet

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to the left of my car on the crosswalk. I was already accelerating when I noticed the small flicker of light off of his smile.

His sly smile was the only reflective part and parcel of this young boy—he wore no reflectors or helmet. It happened so fast.

Mickey was little more than a small dark shadow when his smile flashed and caught my attention and he sailed in front of my moving car with a dirty windshield. Thank God I caught the small movement and slammed on my brake pedal. He flew past the front of my car, jumped the curb and headed south on Camino Capistrano.

After turning, I pulled over and retrieved my composure and my items resting on the floor of my car—handbag, book, notepad, CDs, junk mail. Annoying?

Yes. But I was so grateful that Mickey had smiled. It was his silly smile that saved his life. He was probably thinking, “I can make it,” or any number of stupid teen thoughts as he sailed across the crosswalk. Kids assume they are unbreakable.

After gathering up my things and my thoughts, I went on with my errands.

But it bothered me, knowing how close I had come to knocking that kid into an intersection. I imagined all of the what if’s.

What if I had to tell his mother, “I’m sorry I just did not see him?” Life is so precious.

Please slap some reflective tape on your kids’ skateboard and bike or shirt. Make it a rule. Be safe or stay off the city streets.

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ thecapistranodispatch.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: The Bartlett Bulletin by Lisa Bartlett, Orange County Supervisor 5th District

Improving South County Mobility

O

n Dec. 10, 2013, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to authorize execution of the construction contract for the La Pata Avenue Extension THE BARTLETT Project. This $126.5 milBULLETIN lion project will provide

By Lisa Bartlett a critical link between the communities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Commuters traveling this route should expect a 20- to 30-minute reduction in their travel time after all improvements are completed. This project provides distinct benefits to South County residents, including: • Improved public safety—redundancy to I-5 freeway for emergency vehicles • Enhanced air quality—reduction of congestion • Enriched economy—faster transport of goods and services, north-south connector The La Pata Avenue Extension Project is the most significant county roadway improvement remaining in south Orange County.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE There are three phases to this project: • Gap connector (currently underway) • Widening of the existing La Pata stretch from Ortega to just south of Vista Montana • Extension of Camino Del Rio The project celebrated its one-year construction anniversary in April. The first phase of the project, the gap connector, is 75 percent complete and on schedule to be completed in fall 2016. The remaining two phases are scheduled to begin in spring 2016. The project reached a major milestone in August: the completion of the excavation and relocation of approximately 800,000 cubic yards of refuse within Prima Deshecha

An access road for trash trucks to commute across the landfill will go through this tunnel. Photo: Courtesy

Landfill. In the next few months, earthwork and the bridge at the Prima Deshecha Landfill entrance will be completed. The county and construction crews have been working diligently to enhance connectivity for our South County communities.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT Due to the uniqueness of this project and number of invested stakeholders, it is fully financed via a combination of funding sources from Rancho Mission Viejo, Communities Facilities Districts (CFDs), Measure M, State Proposition 1B Funds, La Pata Road Fee Program, OC Waste & Recycling, County Road Fund (state gas tax) and utility reimbursements. The total estimated cost for all three phases of the La Pata project is $126.5 million.

This project has been years in the making and is the result of the collaboration of many stakeholders, including the city of San Juan Capistrano, the city of San Clemente, The Ranch and OCTA, all of which have worked very hard to make the vision of this project into reality.

WHAT’S NEXT? During the next few months, the La Pata gap connector phase will progress, as crews continue to conduct earthwork, bridge construction and paving, as well as sidewalk, traffic signals and landscape activities. La Pata Avenue is anticipated to open and help ease your drive by fall 2016.

I am very pleased to be part of this project and I look forward to improving mobility within South County and the region at large.

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

The new roadway will go under the Prima Deshecha landfill entrance bridge (left). A waste excavation pit (center) is being prepared for backfill. The La Pata roadway can be seen in the background as it makes its way to San Clemente. Photo: Courtesy

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31341 Via Del Verde, San Juan Capistrano This fantastic Warmington built home is located in the quiet enclave of San Juan Hills Estates, 3 minutes from St. Margaret school. Enter the gated community & instantly enjoy the quiet of the canyon tucked into the hills. San Juan is roughly 43% designated open space with miles of open equestrian, hiking & biking trails. This community has a low HOA of $210 & NO Mello-Roos & is minutes from downtown, the freeway & world class beaches.

The home boasts 5 bedrooms & 5 baths, with one bedroom & ensuite bath downstairs, perfect for guests or parents. One of the upstairs bedrooms also has it’s own ensuite bath, one bedroom currently used as an office, has a double door entry and shares a Jack & Jill bath with the fourth bedroom. The Master suite features a large sliding door for looking out over your very private 22,000’+ lot. This spacious Master also has it’s own retreat area, complete with a fireplace. The home features a 3 car garage, plus a super long driveway that could accommodate about 10 cars. The rear yard is larger than most you’ve seen & begging for a pool, outdoor living area or whatever you could conceive. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, the setting is private & away from it all. The custom kitchen has Granite counters. $1,196,200 Bill Arseneau BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTY ONE GROUP

Realtor since 1976 Lic. # 00572124 Mobile/text 714.322.4044 waarseneau@gmail.com UNDER PROMISE, OVER DELIVER

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: By City Councilman John Perry

What to Do About High Water Rates

T

he San Juan Capistrano City Council has initiated a study with legal and engineering consultants to investigate possible alternate structures for the city’s current Utility Services Department.

Over the last decade, it has become difficult and costly to meet regulatory requirements imposed on cities and special districts that provide water, wastewater and storm John Perry water services. Many cities have opted to explore alternate ways of continuing these services.

The current City Council set three goals for its study to see if it’s possible to: 1. Reduce current water, service charge and sewer rates.

2. Minimize future water rate increases.

3. Improve the level of service for all customers.

The city of San Juan Capistrano has a

San Juan Capistrano’s Groundwater Recovery Plant. Photo: File

particular problem that is not easy to deal with. In 2004, the City Council, at that time, decided to build a groundwater recovery plant (GWRP) that would tap into the aquifer that lies beneath the San Juan Creek. The water in this aquifer is highly contaminated with minerals and salt that must be removed before the water can be used for human consumption.

The water in the basin is managed by the San Juan Basin Authority (SJBA) through a permit issued by the State of California.

The funding to construct the GWRP was obtained through a sale of $35 million in revenue bonds by the SJBA. In 2004, the city signed a 35-year lease agreement with the SJBA to operate and maintain the

GWRP. The annual lease payments of over $2 million are part of the water rates paid by city water customers. The city doesn’t own the GWRP; it leases it from the SJBA for a 35-year period then has an option for another 35 years at $1 per year.

The GWRP has been in operation for 11 years and has consistently produced water that is more costly than that available from the Metropolitan Water District. Past City Councils justified the additional cost of the GWRP production as being necessary to supply the community with local water during earthquakes and drought.

Now, in an epic drought, the plant is able to produce only a fraction of its capacity because of the low water levels in the

aquifer. The water rates required to pay the lease to SJBA, coupled with the ever increasing cost of production to run the plant, have increased at nearly 10 percent per year over the last 10 years with no end in sight. The water rates in San Juan Capistrano are significantly higher than the surrounding water districts.

How can the City Council goals for its study be achieved? What are the alternates considered in the study?

1. The existing water system could be annexed to a nearby larger water district to achieve economies of scale to spread the cost of the water utility, including the bonds, to a larger base of customers.

2. The existing water system could be leased to a nearby water district with the city retaining ownership but having the expertise of the water district to more efficiently operate the system.

3. The city could regionalize the utility with other San Juan Basin members to spread the lease payments and operational costs. All members would share the water production as part of the Joint Powers Authority.

When all of the study results are finalized, the City Council will determine the best alternate with full public involvement and guidance along the way. 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

GUEST OPINION: By Larry Kramer

The Long-Term Effects of John Perry’s Water Lawsuit

I

hope you are enjoying your refund from the city as a result of the John Perry water lawsuit, but its long-term effects will make most of you wish this lawsuit had never been filed.

First, your refunds are not some illgotten gains the city received because of “illegal” tiered-water rates. No, those refunds are currently being paid from our sewer fund, which had a reserve and is being temporarily tapped. The money eventually has to be paid back from the water fund and you will pay for it.

Utility Department funding is separate from city funding and is a zero sum game.

If yearly operating costs are $20 million, then that is how much the city charges for water. The question is how to divide it up. Under the old system, those using the least amount of water were paying for water below cost. As the amount of water used went up, so did the cost per unit of water. Thus there was incentive to conserve and disincentive to waste water.

This lawsuit has shifted some of the burden of payment from water wasters to prudent water users.

You may have seen some effect already but there is more to come. For smaller lots, your basic charge and the charge for The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

water usage have already gone up. A higher lowest tier rate and higher basic charges went into effect July 1, 2014. Charges were increased again in July 2015.

The real effect will come if City Council has Larry Kramer the courage to conduct another rate study. That is needed because much has changed since 2014: 1. The water utility owes the sewer utility about $2.7 million.

2. The $884,000 legal costs to settle the lawsuit with Capistrano Taxpayers Association was unchallenged by Perry and his friends on the City Council.

3. The lawsuit by San Juan Hills Golf Club against the water department is unsettled.

4. The city is conducting a utilities organizational study at a cost so far of $400,000.

5. $35,000 has been appropriated for drought outreach.

6. The annual groundwater recovery plant lease payment is about $2 million regardless of usage.

7. Imported water cost is rising about 5

percent per year.

8. Because of conservation, fixed costs must be spread over fewer gallons of water used.

9. GWRP is operating at a lower capacity, thus there is less subsidy from Metropolitan Water District.

The city may say that we are going to offset these costs by operating efficiently, but there are few ways to reduce costs: 1. Reduce staff—this has happened already because city staff has seen John Perry’s future and left to use their expertise elsewhere, but I do not believe the city has fired anyone in the Utilities Department or reorganized to improve efficiency.

2. Defer maintenance in one of the older infrastructures in the county.

3. Obtain supplies at a lower cost. (Most costs are going up.)

4. Become part of a larger organization creating economies of scale but with less control.

The council took action counter to that recommended by their consultant. They are now restricting reorganizing options only to public agencies. They know they have created a “hot potato” (the Utility Department) and need to get rid of it before they get burned.

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The net result of John Perry’s lawsuit: 1. Higher water bills for prudent water users with smaller lots.

2. Lower water bills for water wasters with large lots.

3. A loss of control of setting utility rates.

4. Deferred maintenance with attendant system failures.

5. Deficit spending until an agency has the courage to set proper water rates.

6. Probable loss of our water rights.

What can you do? As City Councilman Sam Allevato said, “Pay attention to what the council is doing with the Utility Department. It is one of the most important projects ever undertaken in the city.”

Larry Kramer is a retired United States Naval submarine Captain, former San Juan Capistrano mayor and former city councilman. While on the council, Kramer served as vice chairperson of the San Juan Basin Authority and vice chairperson of the South Orange County Wastewater Authority. 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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

On Stage At the Coach House: Christmas with the Nelsons

YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 13 OLIVIA ROHDE FEAT. STEPHEN MCGRATH 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music performed by local artist Olivia Rohde and bass guitarist Stephen McGrath of Billy Idol at Rancho Capistrano Winery. 26755 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.6682, www.ranchocapistranowinery.com.

Saturday | 14 MORNING GRATITUDE HIKE 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and slow down to appreciate the beauty of the hills and canyons.

Ages 8 and up. $5–$10. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

HANDMADE MAKER’S MARKET 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Join The Ecology Center to celebrate local and handmade goods and the individuals who make them. The outdoor market will offer functional, welldesigned products from more than 30 artisans. The event also features a Wildcraft Lab for kids, a cocktail garden lounge and live music. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse hosts four comedians. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $15, reservations are recommended. To purchase tickets, call 949.489.8082 or visit www.comedyintheoc. com. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE

S

ome of Matthew Nelson’s most vivid, and happy, memories revolve around Christmas time.

Nelson, the son of rock legend Ricky Nelson and grandson of Oswald Nelson, star of the historic “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” television show, can recall how he and his twin brother, Gunnar, would travel to their grandparents’ home in Hollywood for the holidays—when fame and everything that goes with it took a backseat in favor of family time.

As the glam-rock band Nelson, Matthew and Gunnar made their own mark on the music industry, earning hits with songs like “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection.” But throughout their storied career, which spans over 25 years and counting, Matthew knew the duo had to try their hand at making a Christmas album.

In 2015, the Nelson brothers wrapped up a long and intricate studio process and are anticipating the release of their new Christmas album This Christmas. Matthew and Gunnar will kick off their holidaythemed tour, Christmas with the Nelsons, at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 20.

The brothers, who built the show around their sharp harmonies and acoustic guitar

Tuesday | 17 LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the San Juan Chamber of Commerce for a networking lunch at Cedar Creek Inn, located at 26860 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano.

RSVP to claire@sanjuanchamber.com or call 949.493.4700. For more information, visit www.sanjuanchamber.com.

Thursday | 19 HOLIDAY ART SHOW AND SALE 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Join Mission Fine Art Gallery artists for a special holiday art show and sale and enjoy cocktails, a raffle, live music and original artwork. Additionally, Mission Fine Art Gallery, Rags & Stones and We Olive & Wine Bar will host a holiday party at the Mission Promenade Plaza during the show. 31760 Camino Capistrano, Suite C, San Juan Capistrano, 949.291.7738, www.missionfineart.gallery.

Sunday | 22 BREAD ARTISAN BAKERY POP-UP 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bread Artisan Bakery will

EDITOR’S PICK

be bringing their breads to sell at The Ecology Center’s front porch. The bakery is well-known for rustic campagne, baguettes, grissini, brioche, and kouign amann. Free to attend, no reservations necessary. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

HOLIDAY PIANO SHOW 2:30 p.m. Reflections of the Ocean Classical Keyboard Series presents a Holiday Piano Show and Extravaganza, featuring holiday piano music performed by Saddleback College students and faculty, the Sodalis Piano Quartet, Thanksgiving and Christmas organ arrangements, singa-longs and more. Tickets are $10–$15.

Children get in for free with a paying adult. McKinney Theatre, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Workers put together stages for the Outlets at San Clemente tree-lighting ceremony. Photo: Eric Heinz

NOVEMBER 14: OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE GRAND OPENING AND TREE LIGHTING 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. In honor of its grand opening, the Outlets at San Clemente is hosting a tree lighting ceremony with live musical performances. Performers will include “American Idol” winner Nick Fradiani, as well as John Lindahl and the band American Authors.

101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

Tuesday | 24 FREE CONCERT OF THANKSGIVING 7:30 p.m. Saddleback College’s Community Chorale presents a free concert to benefit Mary’s Kitchen, a nonprofit that feeds Orange County’s disadvantaged community. The program includes jazz perfor-

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Matthew and Gunnar Nelson will be performing their holiday-themed concert Christmas with the Nelsons at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 20.

Photo: Courtesy

play, will take audiences on a journey through three generations of Nelson family Christmases. The show will feature Matthew and Gunnar’s unique country and pop-style take on holiday classics with humor and family history sprinkled in.

Matthew Nelson believes the brothers have found their true voice in the form of the duo standing alongside one another, playing their guitars. It has made for what Matthew believes to be the best work the brothers have produced in the past 10 years.

“As a songwriter, it’s probably the most challenging thing you can imagine, to write a new Christmas song that sounds fresh but is still classic,” Matthew Nelson said. “I think this is kind of a spin on it that you haven’t heard before and I’m excited about it.”

Tickets for Christmas with the Nelsons are $20, and dinner reservations with priority seating are also available. Doors open at 6 p.m, and the show begins at 8 p.m.

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

mances, commercial music ensembles and a three-piano performance by members of the keyboard studies class. Admission is free. McKinney Theatre, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Wednesday | 25 WEST COAST STRAYZ 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Thursday | 26 THANKSGIVING POTLUCK 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. With the bar open and the kitchen closed, customers are welcome to bring food to share potluck style.

The Point Restaurant and Bar, 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

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

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

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Remembering the Ahachmai Way of Life Reflect on the history of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation this Thanksgiving

A

s we get ready to celebrate the first Thanksgiving with family and friends and study the lives of the Wampanoag Native People, the Pilgrims and Pocahontas, we should take a moment to appreciate the history of the Native Americans in our own area.

In 1965, 50 years ago, Bill Smith wrote in the Coastline Dispatch of the early Juaneño Indian Nation in our valley, describing in detail their culture and way of life.

“The Ahachmai Indian, independent by nature, had a great love for his family,” Smith wrote.

“There were no lengths MOMENTS IN to which he would not go TIME to provide for them or to

By Jan Siegel protect them from harm.

It was this love of family that led many of the Nation to labor for the white man, in order that his family might remain free to live their life as an independent group.

“Nomadic, as were the members of other Indian tribes and nations in the North America continent, the Ahachmai moved his home as needed. To higher ground in times of flood; near the ocean when he had to eat foods from the water; to the hills for berries, fruits, nuts and game; back to the lowlands or slopes for grain.

He started saving seed, and by planting it in the spring or fertility season, he began to reduce the moving of his camp.

“He began to locate in areas that were fairly convenient to the supplies he needed and nearly free of damage from flood dangers. Here he built his camp or village which became the start of a more permanent type of living. It was here that he built his house of reeds from the lowlands.

“In the 1600’s the valley of San Juan creek became the locale of a more concentrated settlement of Ahachmai Indians. At the time of the coming of the Spaniards to California there was a village of approximately one hundred natives living on what is now (near) the site of the Mission San Juan Capistrano. On a mesa about three-quarters of a mile west, was located the largest of the camps, one of about five hundred population. On the side of the hills on the southeast edge of the valley was another village of over one hundred Indians. Up the meandering course of the

The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

creeks and streams into the surrounding hills and mountains, were other camps ranging from two or three families to those housing many natives.”

Visiting by native people from surrounding area camps began, which led to trading, bartering and marriage.

Smith wrote that the clothing of the Ahachmai Indian was simple, “drab and plain.” The Ahachmai believed, like most other Native Americans, that the air and other elements of nature touching the body benefited their health.

Years later, when Clarence Lobo became Chief, he dressed in Sioux Indian ceremonial regalia so that he would resemble what the Anglo community thought an Indian should look like. He said that if he had dressed as a Juaneño, “he would be arrested for indecent exposure.”

“Like all Indians, the Ahachmai believed in a Supreme Being,” Smith wrote.

“They also believed in Gods of the hills, water, wind, rain, storm, fire, hunt and home. But these lesser deities were only called upon when there was a specific need.”

Travel was confined to the area that they controlled. They had little ways of going from one location to another. They only had small burros that were native to the area. And in this area, there were no navigable streams for inland travel. Rafts were used in the ocean for fishing and limited coastal travel.

As we sit around the Thanksgiving table, take a “Moment in Time” to reflect upon the Native Americans in our community and their way of life which existed for thousands of years before the Spaniards came.

Jan Siegel is a 27-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 17 years.

She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD 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

Dancers from Ballet Folklorico Corazones Alegres of Dana Point perform in observance of Dia de los Muertos at the Los Rios Historic District. Photos: Allison Jarrell

Honoring Loved Ones Lost San Juan Capistrano celebrates Dia de los Muertos with face painting, dancing and crafts

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

D

ia de los Muertos celebrations in San Juan Capistrano kicked off on Oct. 31 at the San Juan Capistrano Library, where children created their own sugar skulls, made colorful masks and had their faces painted with whimsical designs.

On Nov. 1, dancers from the Ballet Folklorico Corazones Alegres of Dana Point performed in observance of Dia de los Muertos at the Los Rios Historic District in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

The Day of the Dead celebration was hosted by Las Catrinas, a shop on Los Rios Street that offers handmade items from around the world. In addition to the ballet folklorico performances, the afternoon

included homemade altars, face painting and refreshments in front of the shop.

For more Dia de los Muertos photos, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. 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

Page 20

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Business Beat

News from San Juan Capistrano’s business community

BY ALLISON JARRELL

Now Open Ô GOURMET FRENCH CAFÉ & BAKERY 32341 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.5811, www.ogourmetcafe.com At Ô Gourmet French Café & Bakery, you won’t find any Danish pastries or Americanized dishes. Rather, co-owners Benoit Jussaume and Eric Djomby offer up something far more unique in San Juan Capistrano—a genuine French café experience.

For Djomby and Jussaume, teaching their customers about true French cuisine is part of their philosophy. Their approach is quite hands-on—creating and serving French pastries, breads, breakfast dishes and lunch items seven days a week.

The café opened about eight months ago and has garnered a loyal customer base—especially on the weekends when diners can leisurely enjoy the café’s all-day breakfast and array of espresso drinks indoors or out on the terrace.

“The environment, the people, it was the perfect match for us to start a small business here,” Jussaume said. “San Juan has a smalltown feel, where people know each other.”

Both Jussaume and Djomby originally hail from France, and between the two they bring many years of international culinary experience to San Juan. They pride themselves on not only baking and cooking everything fresh in-house, but also using high-quality ingredients that are often imported, such as the French ham in their popular Croque Monsieur.

Djomby and Jussaume said patrons can look forward to the holidays at Ô Gourmet as they roll out their seasonal menu, featuring a week of pumpkin-filled dishes around Thanksgiving such as quiche and crème brûlée, as well as specials later on in the holiday season such as Bûche de Noël (Yule Log) and Galette des Rois (King Cake).

Djomby and Jussaume have enjoyed their time becoming part of San Juan Capistrano’s tight-knit community. Djomby said they strive to not only offer warm bread with an authentic taste, but also a warm welcome to each person who walks through their doors. They encourage patrons to sit, relax, and share their experiences with one another—all while enjoying a café au lait and a fresh-baked croissant. Ô Gourmet is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday and all day Friday through Sunday. Ô Gourmet also offers catering services for parties and events.

Follow Ô Gourmet Café & Bakery on Facebook, or on Instagram at ogourmetcafe. CD

Ô Gourmet co-owners Benoit Jussaume and Eric Djomby pose for a photo with employee Karen Arevalo in the café, located off of Camino Capistrano. Photo: Allison Jarrell

French macarons are among the many authentic sweets and pastries offered at Ô Gourmet French Café & Bakery. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Freshly made raspberry tartlets and mini flourless chocolate cakes at Ô Gourmet French Café & Bakery.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

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

San Clemente Couple Cares Deeply About the Ocean

Y

ou wouldn’t expect two people who grew up in Chicago and now live in San Clemente would have such a deep passion for the ocean and its marine life that would inspire them to start a company to protect it. But that is what David and Pamela Jackson, in their mid-50s, have done.

Even though they are both from Chicago, they didn’t meet there. They met and married 17 years ago in Southern California. Their new San Clemente-based company is called EverythingOceans. David is the CEO and Pamela is the education director.

The company’s purpose is to help the oceans.

Their first product, to be published Nov. 20, is an illustrated children’s ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 book titled, Ocean AdBy Tom Blake ventures with Jax, which will be the first of a series. Pamela is the book’s author and Bonnie Bright is the illustrator. The book is written for children pre-kindergarten through second grade.

Parents and teachers will appreciate the depth of Jax’s story.

Jax, is a smiling, powder-blue, bottlenose dolphin who readers are going to fall The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

in love with. I sure did.

Why the interest in oceans? Pamela grew up frequenting the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago where she became fascinated with marine life. She later moved to California to pursue her love for the oceans.

She graduated from Saddleback College in the aquarium and aquaculture science degree program. She volunteers at public and private aquariums where she speaks and teaches people about the ocean and its inhabitants.

“I want to use my knowledge of the ocean’s animals to help children learn more about marine life through fun-engaging ocean adventures,” Pamela said. “If I can help children fall in love with the oceans and the animals that live there, they may grow up wanting to save them. I would like to help cultivate the next generation of ocean stewards through my stories.”

Pamela’s husband David shares her enthusiasm. He said, “It is difficult for people to understand the oceans because they cannot see what is going on underneath the waves. Pamela’s book is written from Jax the dolphin’s point-of-view. Jax describes in the first person what he sees and feels in the ocean. There is a warm, touching story to Jax’s adventure when he gets lost,

but he eventually finds his way back to the pod.

He befriends a humpback whale named Fluke who helps him.”

As I read the book, I was impressed by the clever way Pamela weaves in life’s lessons for children to David and Pamela Jackson. learn: listen to Photo: Courtesy your parents, pay attention to your surroundings, learn tolerance and recognize the special qualities of others, value teamwork and learn to trust yourself, plus many more.

She also weaves in scientific information. For example, she explains things simply so children can understand terms such as “echolocation,” the distinct sounds like clicks, whistles and squeaks that dolphins and whales use to communicate and identify the size and location of objects, find food and explore their ocean worlds.

If you have a love for animals and the ocean, you are going to love this book.

Page 22

I predict it will become one of those children’s books that youngsters will not forget while growing up.

Pamela said, “I want children to swim through my books.”

Ocean Adventures with Jax will be released on Amazon.com on Nov. 20.

Contact information for Pamela or David Jackson at everythingoceans@gmail.com.

Visit their Got Oceans Facebook page, which already has more than 27,000 visitors.

Their organization’s website is www. everythingoceans.com Hats off to this San Clemente couple for dedicating themselves to saving the ocean and its beautiful marine life.

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 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 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

Fiesta Association Says Farewell to the Swallows, Hello to New Season

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he Fiesta Association once again bid farewell to the swallows during its annual barbecue fundraiser at Reata Park. During the Oct. 24 event, the nonprofit also ushered in a new season of dignitaries and events leading up to the 58th Swallows Day Parade, set for March 12.

Tom Scott and Beverly Blake, president and vice president of the Camino Real Playhouse, will serve for a second consecutive season as Señor San Juan and Miss Fiesta.

This year’s junior dignitaries are Andy Cain, 14, of San Juan Capistrano, and Zoe Gardner, 10, of Mission Viejo. Cain said he’s excited to give back to his community as this year’s Junior Mr. Fiesta.

Gardner was ecstatic to be selected as this year’s Junior Miss Fiesta, following in the footsteps of her older brother, Gabriel, who was Junior Mr. Fiesta in 2001, and her grandpa, Señor San Juan Tom Scott.

In addition to dancing and live country music performed by The Kelly Boys Band, this year’s barbecue included the Wild Horses San Juan Capistrano group, with local artists Art Guevara and Dana Yarger (and project lead Tom Scott) all in attendance. Guevara brought his

painted horse sculpture to the event to raise awareness for the protection of wild horses across the country.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2016 At the Fiesta Association’s most recent meeting on Nov. 11, Vice President Steve Weekes announced the resignation of David Faylor as the organization’s president.

Weekes said he will serve as the interim president until the board has a candidate to vote on at a future meeting. In addition to filling the role of president, the board still has space for one to four new members.

The Fiesta Association will kick off the 2016 Fiesta de las Golondrinas season with sign-ups on Jan. 2 at 2 p.m. in The Swallows Inn for the Fiesta Grande Hairiest Man contest. The association’s mixer and membership drive will take place on Jan. 15 at The Vintage Steakhouse. Anyone interested in becoming a member or attending the mixer is encouraged to contact membership chair Leanna Bradshaw at leannabradshaw@gmail.com.

The next meeting of the Fiesta Association is set for Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Nydegger Building, located at 31421 La Matanza Street in San Juan Capistrano. For more information on future Fiesta Association events, visit www.swallowsparade.com. CD

Señor San Juan Tom Scott and Miss Fiesta Beverly Blake pose for a photo with junior dignitaries Zoe Gardner and Andy Cain. Photo: Allison Jarrell

The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

Page 23

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Prep Athletes Take Part in Signing Day Ceremonies THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

D

ozens of San Juan Capistrano high school student-athletes took one step closer to achieving their goals of playing at the collegiate level on Nov. 11 by signing their National Letter of Intent.

The date marked the first day athletes in baseball, volleyball, girls water polo, softball, lacrosse, swimming/diving, golf, tennis, cross country/track and field, wrestling, gymnastics and basketball could sign their NLI’s, declaring their college of choice.

Not all sports could sign during the fall period. Football, boys water polo and boys and girls soccer student-athletes will sign in the spring.

Here is a list of the San Juan studentathletes that will be taking their talents to the next level.

Girls Volleyball Gabrielle Benck, St. Margaret’s, Colgate University Haylee Gasser, JSerra, Montana State Shannon Geraty, Saddleback Valley Christian, University of Denver Georgina Hernandez, JSerra, Pepperdine Kaitlyn O’Brien, Saddleback Valley Christian, Biola University Boys Lacrosse Cayson Fincher, JSerra, Colorado Mesa Samuel Harnisch, St. Margaret’s, University of Denver Capistrano Valley Christian baseball player Dylan Baird will play baseball for Eastern Illinois University.

Photo: Courtesy

Girls Lacrosse Noelani Murayama, St. Margaret’s, Cal

Stallion Players Lend a Hand at Challenger Classic

Cross Country Andrew Burkhardt, JSerra, Cal

Baseball Dylan Baird, Capistrano Valley Christian, Eastern Illinois University Colton Hector, JSerra, College of the Holy Cross Chase Strumpf, JSerra, UCLA Brady Shockey, JSerra, USC Davis Wendzel, JSerra, Baylor

Girls Swimming Casey Cunningham, Saddleback Valley Christian, BYU Catherine Lowengrub, JSerra, Louisiana State University

Boys Volleyball Noah Dyer, Saddleback Valley Christian, Pepperdine

Girls Golf Annika Gino, Saddleback Valley Christian, Lee University

Gymnastics Grace Kramer, JSerra, Arizona State

L to R: St. Margaret’s athletes Noelani Murayama, Gabrielle Benck and Samuel Harnisch all signed National Letters of Intent on Nov. 11. Photo: Courtesy

A San Juan Hills High School baseball player poses with a Little Leaguer during the Challenger Classic at Angels Stadium on Oct. 31. Photo: Gioia McCarthy THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he San Juan Hills High School baseball team and coaching staff, led by head coach Jeremy Wooten, traveled to Angels Stadium in Anaheim on Oct. 31 to volunteer at the 10th annual Challenger Classic for Orange County Little League players.

More than 900 children with physical and intellectual disabilities from 40 Chal-

lenger Division Little League teams got to play baseball on the diamond at Angels Stadium. The Stallion players in attendance helped the Little Leaguers run, catch and hit throughout the day.

Current Angels infielder Efren Navarro, along with former Angels greats Garrett Anderson, Bobby Grich and Chuck Finley were also on hand to take part in the day’s events. CD

JSerra Catholic had 10 student-athletes take part in an NLI signing day ceremony on Nov. 11. Photo: Courtesy

The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

Page 24

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OBITUARY

Beverly Ann Shaver AUGUST 1, 1929 – OCTOBER 21, 2015

Beverly Ann “Bev” Shaver, 86, entered in to Heaven October 21, 2015 in Sweet Home Oregon after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born August 1, 1929 in Madison Wisconsin to John and Lorraine Heffron and was the eldest of two children. The family moved to California in 1943 and settled in the Los Angeles area. Beverly graduated from Saint Monica’s High School 1948 and during her junior and senior years was the esteemed captain of the girls’ basketball team. She was also honored with the title of best all-around player.

In 1954 she married Robert G. Shaver (“Bob”) and they made their home in Capistrano Beach where they raised their 5 children.

Retiring in Sweet Home Oregon in 1983, Bev spent her time fishing with Bob and enjoying her grandchildren. She is remembered for her feisty, competitive nature on her bowling league and playing spirited card games with her family.

Bev is survived by her sons, John, David and Robert Shaver; daughters Tracy Lapham and Mary Cope; and sister Rosemary Dorazio. She has 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob in 2007.

Services were held at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Sweet Home, October 27.

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The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

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Page 25

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

San Juan Prep Football Playoff Preview

Key Stat: The Warriors average yards rushing per game. SVC has dominated their opponents with their rushing attack, piling up an average of 273 rushing yards per game. The SVC run game is powered by seniors Dalton Lohman and David Molina. Lohman and Molina have rushed for 1,170 and 553 yards, respectively, and have scored a combined 25 touchdowns. Junior quarterback Cade Henjum (476 rushing yards) proved he could run as well.

Their Opponent: SVC will host Santa Paula at San Juan Hills High School on Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Santa Paula placed second in the fourteam Frontier League and, just like the Warriors, they like to run the ball, but at an even higher rate. Santa Paula’s junior quarterback Keshaun Mata attempted only 94 passes all season, throwing five touchdowns to six interceptions. The Cardinals (5-5, 2-1) average 214 yards rushing per game and are led by running back Zackery Marquez, who is averaging just over 148 yards per contest.

The Santa Paula defense is susceptible to giving up lots of points. In ten games, the Cardinals allowed 24 points or more six times. On the flip side, SVC’s defense has allowed 14 points or less in six of their victories.

Local teams gear up for run through the postseason COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

T

he final week of the 2015 prep football regular season was filled with ups and downs for the five San Juan Capistrano programs.

The biggest surprise came out of JSerra Catholic, where the surging Lions capped off their season with back-to-back wins over Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran, two of the better teams in Orange County.

Unfortunately for the Lions, who improved their playoff chances with those wins, the Trinity League standings turned into a logjam.

The highly competitive six-team league awards three playoff spots and, following its victories over the Monarchs and Lancers, the Lions sat in a three-way tie for third place with Servite and Orange Lutheran. A coin flip determined JSerra would finish fourth in league, putting their playoff fate in the hands of the CIF-SS Championship at-large selection process.

The PAC-5 Division awarded at-large berths to Chaminade and Westlake, based on those program’s performance and strength of schedule, and the Lions were left out of the playoffs.

Capistrano Valley Christian (7-3, 3-2) missed out on the playoffs after losing to Southlands Christian 32-26 in their final game of the season. The loss put the Eagles in a three-way tie for second place in the San Joaquin League standings and the team lost a coin flip, which put them in third place.

Three San Juan programs will get to continue their seasons tonight, when they take the field in the first round of their respective playoff divisions.

Here is a re-cap of how San Juan Hills, Saddleback Valley Christian and St. Margaret’s punched their tickets to the playoffs, along with a preview of tonight’s games.

For in-game updates, scores and more for all of the San Juan Capistrano prep football programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

SAN JUAN HILLS How They Got There: The Stallions finished the season with an 8-2 overall record and went 2-2 in South Coast League play.

San Juan Hills finished third in league and earned an at-large bid into the CIF-SS West Valley Division Championships.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 13–26, 2015

ST. MARGARET’S

St. Margaret’s quarterback George Krantz leads Orange County in passing touchdowns and yards per game this season. Photo: Courtesy St. Margaret’s Athletics

travel to play Valencia of Valencia on Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

The Vikings (7-3, 5-0) ran away with the Foothill League title and did not dodge tough opponents during their nonleague slate. Valencia lost to reigning PAC-5 Division champion Centennial of Corona on Oct. 2 and lost a close one to Chaminade, a PAC-5 playoff team, on Sept. 11. The Vikings, much like the Stallions, are a battle-tested team.

Senior quarterback Patrick O’Brien will lead the San Juan Hills High School football team into the CIF-SS West Valley Division Championships this week.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Season Highlights: The Stallions earned an at-large nod thanks in large part to nonleague victories over strong San Clemente (Aug. 28) and Los Alamitos (Sept. 25) teams. San Juan Hills won those games convincingly.

Key Stat: Quarterback Patrick O’Brien’s completion percentage. The senior signal caller is having a spectacular year and has completed just over 76 percent of his 265 pass attempts.

Their Opponent: San Juan Hills will

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN How They Got There: The Warriors went undefeated during the regular season, finishing with a perfect 10-0 overall record and won their 10th straight San Joaquin League title. SVC earned the No. 2 overall seed in the CIF-SS East Valley Division Championships.

Season Highlights: The Warriors opened their league schedule with a game against rival Capistrano Valley Christian and, after being held scoreless in the first half, stormed back for a 13-10 win. It was the Warriors closest margin of victory this season.

Page 26

How They Got There: St. Margaret’s went 8-2 on the season and ended up placing third in the Academy League following a coin flip between the Tartans and Crean Lutheran, which St. Margaret’s lost. St. Margaret’s, the defending CIF-SS East Valley Division champions, earned an at-large bid.

Season Highlights: A beefed up nonleague schedule included a win over Bishop’s of La Jolla on Sept. 18. The Tartans also defeated Academy League champion Brethren Christian on Oct. 24.

Key Stat: The sheer amount of points the St. Margaret’s offense is capable of producing on any given night. Junior quarterback George Krantz leads Orange County in touchdown passes (38) and passing yards per game (309.7). Senior Nick Shanks, who plays receiver and running back, has scored 26 total touchdowns, the fourth-best mark in the county.

Shanks is currently tied for first in Orange County in receiving touchdowns with 17.

Their Opponent: St. Margaret’s will travel to play Hamilton on Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Hamilton (6-4, 3-0) got arguably the toughest first-round draw in the East Valley Division when they drew the Tartans.

The St. Margaret’s roster is loaded with championship experience and the team lost only two games by a combined nine points this season.

Hamilton, which is located in Anza, has one common opponent with the Tartans.

Hamilton lost to The Webb Schools 42-11 on Aug. 28. St. Margaret’s easily defeated The Webb Schools 55-13 on Sept. 11. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com