December 18, 2015

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

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SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

SPECIAL THREE-WEEK ISSUE. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

DECEMBER 18, 2015–JANUARY 7, 2016 • VOLUME 13, ISSUE 24

A look back at the issues that made headlines in San Juan Capistrano this year E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Photos: Staff

City Council Unanimously Selects Next City Manager EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Rotarians Bring Holiday Cheer to Hundreds of Kids EYE ON SJC/PAGE 7

SVC Football Team to Play for CIF State Championship SPORTS/PAGE 16

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Community Mourns Death of Longtime Planning Commissioner THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council began its Tuesday, Dec. 15 meeting with a moment of silence for Sheldon Cohen, a longtime planning commissioner who died after suffering a heart attack earlier that day.

Mayor Pam Patterson announced the news at the beginning of the council meeting.

“I would like us all to take a moment of silence and pray for him and his family … we are dedicating the meeting this evening in his memory,” Patterson said tearfully.

Councilman Derek Reeve later wrote in a Facebook post that Cohen was “always a dedicated and thoughtful volunteer who loved San Juan Capistrano.”

For the majority of the more than 30 years that he lived in San Juan, Cohen served on various city commissions and committees. Cohen was a member of the Planning Commission since 1996 and served as the chairman of the commission for multiple years, including as the most recent chair.

Cohen was appointed to the now-defunct Transportation Commission in 1990 and served multiple terms as chairman.

He also served on the board of directors of the Capo Valley Bobby Sox’s Girls Softball program for six years, including two terms as president.

Cohen was honored on the city’s Wall of Recognition in May 2013 for his dedication to serving San Juan Capistrano.

WHAT’S NEXT: Our thoughts and condolences are with Cohen’s family, friends and those whose lives he touched throughout the community. Information was not available at press time regarding memorial or funeral arrangements.—Allison Jarrell

City Council Unanimously Selects New City Manager THE LATEST: After almost six months of searching, San Juan Capistrano has its next city manager.

The City Council announced Tuesday night the unanimous selection of Ben

Ben Siegel. Photo: City of San Juan Capistrano

Siegel as the city’s new manager following the departure of Karen Brust in July. After four years of service to San Juan, Brust left her position to accept the role of city manager in her hometown, Encinitas, in September.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for me, and I am honored to be selected,” Siegel said in a city press release. “San Juan Capistrano’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty are truly unique, and I am eager to work with the City Council, staff and the community.”

“Siegel, 37, comes to San Juan Capistrano from the city of Laguna Beach, where he has worked since 2012 and currently serves as the assistant city manager/director of public works,” the release stated.

“Siegel has broad experience in municipal management and an extensive knowledge of land use, development and transportation issues.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Siegel will begin his work at the city on Feb. 8, following formal approval on Jan. 5 of an employment agreement and $20,000 per month contract.—AJ

Tensions Flare Over Hotel Project at Special Council Meeting THE LATEST: A special Dec. 11 City Council meeting called by Mayor Pam Patterson at the eleventh hour resulted in a 4-1 vote against Patterson’s resolution to “clarify the Historic Town Center Master Plan regarding the established building height limit and setbacks for new construction on adjoining lots of the Esslinger Building and the Judge Egan House.”

The 1 p.m. meeting was publicly noticed Thursday, just minutes over the 24-hour window required for special City Council

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

meetings, and still drew nearly 100 residents to the council chamber.

Patterson said she wanted to clarify the restrictions on new development between the two buildings, including establishing that the height of new buildings cannot exceed the height of the two current structures, as well as defining setbacks for new construction beginning at the property lines of the current buildings.

Back in June, San Juan Capistrano resident and movie producer Steve Oedekerk brought a proposal for a three-story Kimpton boutique hotel before the City Council to be constructed on the plot of land in question. Oedekerk reemphasized on Friday that all of the hotel’s plans—including the height and setback from the adjacent Egan House—were made in coordination with city staff and according to the city’s codes. He noted that he should not be penalized for discrepancies between the Historic Town Center Master Plan and the city’s General Plan—discrepancies the council has asked the Planning Commission to review and settle, including height limits and setbacks for new construction.

All of the public speakers who addressed the council spoke in favor of Oedekerk and the Kimpton hotel—many of them accusing Patterson of targeting the project. Several speakers noted that Bill Griffith owns the buildings on either side of Oedekerk’s land and questioned Griffith’s influence over Patterson’s actions. Griffith also has a hotel in the works, the Mission Inn, near the Mission San Juan Capistrano.

While Griffith was out of town and not at the Dec. 11 meeting, he attended the council’s Dec. 15 meeting to deny allegations of influence over the mayor and council. Griffith listed politicians across the political spectrum that he’s supported in the past, saying he votes and pledges his money the way he believes “policy should go.” He added that his wife has been friends with Patterson for a long time.

WHAT’S NEXT: The issue will go back to the Planning Commission for review at a future meeting. The next commission meeting is scheduled for Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. An agenda has not yet been posted.—AJ

Parks & Rec Commission to Discuss Riding Park Monday THE LATEST: After agendizing the discussion on Nov. 16, the San Juan Capistrano Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission is set to talk about the use of the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, located in San Juan off of Ortega Highway, at its Dec. 21 meeting.

At the commission’s November meeting,

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Commissioner Kim McCarthy proposed an agenda item to discuss “providing unrestricted access to all areas of the eastern open space at La Pata and Ortega, with the exception of areas protected by conservation easements.” In her report, McCarthy recommended not renewing the current Blenheim riding park lease and not leasing to other private companies.

The vast majority of residents who spoke on the item during the November meeting countered McCarthy’s remarks, saying they already have full access to the park—having picnics on the grounds, seeing horse shows for free and riding through on horseback and bicycle.

The discussion scheduled for Monday’s meeting does not require any action by the commission. Staff’s report states that the goal is to provide commissioners with “additional information regarding the evolution” of the riding park.

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will take place at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To view the full agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.—AJ

CUSD Schools Remain Open, Vigilant, in Light of LAUSD Credible Threat Closure THE LATEST: While schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were closed Tuesday due to what authorities deemed a credible threat, Capistrano Unified School District schools remained open.

Parents of students attending CUSD schools received an email from Superintendent Kirsten Vital Tuesday afternoon, which read, in part, as follows: “CUSD has been in communication with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Juvenile Services Bureau and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC), and we have been advised that there has been no credible threat against CUSD at this time.”

Vital said CUSD administration had been checking in with schools to ensure they had not been threatened. CUSD has a safety plan specific to each site and is reviewed every year. The district partners with County Sheriff’s Department to plan the OCIAC as well as the Sheriff’s Department’s School Mobile Assessment and Resource Team, or SMART. Vital asked parents to speak with their children about reporting anything suspicious.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to OCSD Lt. Jeff Hallock, the sheriff’s department took no specific action related to the LAUSD incident. —Andrea Swayne www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Looking Back on 2015 THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

N

ot unlike years past, it’s been a turbulent and fruitful 12 months in San Juan Capistrano, filled with hotel proposals, lawsuits, a designated skatepark location and the completion of the Interstate 5/Ortega Highway interchange. San Juan was often thrust into the spotlight, with major events such as the groundbreaking ruling rejecting the city’s tiered water rates system and the canonization of Father Junípero Serra by Pope Francis.

So before we step into the New Year, let’s take a look back at some of the biggest stories of 2015.

JANUARY Maricela Sanchez, 20; her 3-year-old son, Jaiden Liborio; and her 2-year-old son, Iker Liborio, died from injuries after their condo caught fire on La Zanja Street on Jan. 20. A total of 17 people were living in the four-bedroom condo at the time. Investigators believed a child started the fire while playing with a lighter in the living room; no smoke alarms were found in the unit. The tragic incident led to hundreds of smoke alarms being distributed by city volunteers throughout the following months.

The City Council voted 4-1 to repeal approval of the Urban Village Hotel & Villas project, which was approved by the previous council on Nov. 19. A referendum opposing the project’s approval placed it back before the dais after validation by the Registrar of Voters. Urban Village’s legal representation maintained that because the hotel’s approvals were administrative and not legislative, the referendum was illegal.

FEBRUARY Former Councilman Roy Byrnes announced his retirement from the dais on Jan. 20. A 55-year resident of San Juan, Byrnes served multiple terms as mayor.

The City Council appointed John Perry to fill the vacancy. As a founding board member of the Capistrano Taxpayers Association, Perry had previously sued the city over its tiered water rates in 2012 and helped organize a failed recall effort against then-mayor Sam Allevato in 2013.

Mission San Juan Capistrano launched its “Hope for the Pope,” campaign, an effort aimed to bring Pope Francis to San Juan Capistrano in honor of Fr. Junípero Serra’s canonization in September. While the Pope did not travel to California, the Mission’s Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams had hoped that he would visit the Serra Chapel—the only chapel still standing where Fr. Serra celebrated mass.

Local skaters rejoice in the City Hall parking lot following the City Council’s August approval of a skatepark location in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Allison Jarrell

for a 124-room hotel and two commercial buildings. Rivendell announced in August that Marriott International will operate the Mission Inn San Juan Capistrano.

Lt. John Meyer retired from his role as chief of police services for San Juan Capistrano following more than 30 years devoted to serving the residents of Orange County, including four spent as San Juan’s chief of police. Lt. Scott Spalding was hired as the city’s new chief of police services.

APRIL

MARCH After the City Council voted in December to overturn the Laguna Glen retirement facility previously approved on the Vermeulen property, Spieker Senior Development announced a new location for the project outside city limits in Rancho Mission Viejo, on a 60-acre site across from Reata Park. The new development, called Reata Glen, will be similar in size, design and amenities compared to the previous Laguna Glen proposal. The move saved Spieker almost $15 million in developer’s fees that Laguna Glen would have paid the city of San Juan Capistrano.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office began investigating allegations of criminal misconduct in the referendum that resulted in the City Council overturning the approval of the Urban Village Hotel & Villas project. Critics of the referendum said opponents of the hotel and villas had distributed misinformation in order to get petition signatures.

Plans were revived for a hotel across from the Mission—a site that was previously approved for the failed Plaza Banderas hotel project. Rivendell Land Company, owned by Bill Griffith, purchased the property, which included an existing development entitlement from the 2011 Plaza Banderas project with approvals

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

After months of severe drought, Gov. Edmund “Jerry” Brown announced on April 1 that the state would be putting in place mandatory water reductions in cities across the state in order to cut water usage by approximately 25 percent. The mandate translated to a total potable water reduction of 28 percent in San Juan Capistrano.

On April 20, the California 4th District Court of Appeals ruled that San Juan Capistrano’s 2010 tiered water rate system is unconstitutional and did not sufficiently show that each tier was based on usage and the actual cost of water delivery. Water agencies across the state paid attention to the ruling, which critics—including the governor—have said is negatively impacting cities’ ability to utilize tiered rate systems to encourage residents to conserve water during California’s ongoing drought.

Mission San Juan Capistrano formed a Heritage Tourism Association, led by the Mission’s Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams and former city councilwoman Laura Freese. The co-op has invited businesses and nonprofits within the downtown area to pool marketing resources and leverage the Mission’s 330,000 annual visitors to improve business in San Juan Capistrano.

MAY After filing a request for a rehearing of the tiered water rates case in order

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to “correct the court record,” the city of San Juan Capistrano subsequently settled the lawsuit. The City Council approved a refund/credit process on June 2 for tier 2, 3, and 4 water customers who paid the city’s previous water rates. On Aug. 4, the council added another $320,000 to water ratepayers’ refunds in order to account for 10 percent interest during the Aug. 28, 2013, to July 1, 2014, refund period.

Citywide water conservation measures were approved by the City Council on May 5. Cutbacks include reducing turf watering to two days per week and not watering during or within 48 hours of measurable rainfall. The city ceased watering on city medians, parkways and neighborhood parks, began issuing report cards to water customers and reached out to the largest water consumers to develop action plans.

JUNE San Juan Capistrano’s free summer weekend trolley service kicked off June 12 and ran through Sept. 5, attracting 4,779 riders—including 4,010 riders on the weekends, 697 riders on the Fourth of July and 72 riders for the San Juan Summer Nights Concert Series.

On June 2, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance amending water shortage stages, prohibitions and penalties, and approved the use of penalty revenues to help fund incentive and conservation education programs. The city is subject to a $10,000 per day fine if it does not comply with the State Water Resources Control Board’s 28 percent citywide reduction.

A proposal for a Kimpton hotel situated between the Egan House and the Esslinger Building in downtown San Juan came www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC before the City Council. The boutique hotel is planned for a plot of land owned by local movie producer Steve Oedekerk, who previously worked with developer Urban Village on the San Juan Hotel & Villas project. Oedekerk and Kimpton representatives eliminated elements from the proposed hotel that were snubbed by opponents of the previous project, such as the villas component and the hotel’s proximity to the Egan House. Due to discrepancies concerning new development between the city’s Historic Town Center Master Plan and the General Plan, the council asked the Planning Commission to return with recommendations for amendments to the HTC master plan within six months.

SEPTEMBER After roughly two and a half years of construction, the Ortega Highway/Interstate 5 Interchange Improvement Project was completed Sept. 4. South Orange County officials gathered Oct. 1 to celebrate the completion of the $77.2 million project.

More than 10,000 prospective homebuyers attended the grand opening of Rancho Mission Viejo’s newest community, Esencia, on Sept. 20. Located just over two miles from downtown San Juan Capistrano, Esencia will house about 3,000 residents on 890 acres of land.

Saint Junípero Serra was canonized by Pope Francis on Sept. 23.

JULY After four years of service to San Juan, Karen Brust resigned from her position as city manager to accept a job as the city manager of Encinitas, her hometown. Brust began her new position Sept. 1. Following her announcement, Charlie View resigned from his role as director of development services, Keith Van Der Maaten resigned from his position as public works and utilities director and Steve Kooyman resigned from his position as assistant public works director. At least 20 other city staff members have left City Hall this year.

The 1,200 residents of Ranch Mission Viejo’s Sendero community, located south of Ladera Ranch, received their own 10,000-square-foot fire station—Fire Station 56—which staffs four firefighters, including two paramedics.

A lawsuit was filed against the City Council on July 16 by the Vermeulens, a longtime farming family with property off of Del Obispo Street, and Spieker Senior Development, LLC, a company that had hoped to place the Laguna Glen senior development, and subsequently a residential community, on the Vermeulens’ 34-acre parcel of land.

The plaintiffs claim that the city has denied the Vermeulens’ property rights and are seeking just compensation. An Orange County Superior Court judge recently issued a tentative ruling allowing all but one of the plaintiffs’ claims to go on to court.

AUGUST In order to accommodate a growing student population, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted to invest about $15 million in improvements for San Juan Hills High School. CUSD will construct a two-story building on campus to add permanent classrooms, as well as 87 additional parking spaces.

The City Council approved the site for a skatepark in San Juan Capistrano on Aug. 11. The approved location will harbor a 20,000-square-foot Capistrano Grind skatepark at the northwest end of the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, located near the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Del Obispo Elementary and Marco Forster Middle School. Fundraising efforts are now underway.

OCTOBER

A group of seniors living in El Nido Mobile Estates successfully fought their landlord over a $641 monthly rent increase. Photo: Allison Jarrell

A group of residents living in El Nido Mobile Estates turned to the city for answers in May following a notification from their property owner of a $641 monthly rent increase—which doubled rent for some residents—beginning Sept. 1. A city hearing in August resulted in a favorable ruling for the residents, and on Oct. 26 the City Council voted to reverse the $641 rent increase, approve a $37 per month increase instead and mandated the park owner refund the additional rent charged in September and October.

NOVEMBER Developer-funded improvements for the San Juan Creek Trail extension—a 1,000-foot dirt stretch of a multiuse trail adjacent to the incoming The Oaks development—stalled after being discussed for several months by the Trails and Equestrian Commission.

The City Council approved renovations to the trail in conjunction with The Oaks development in 2014, including a Class 1 paved bike trail and an unpaved multiuse hiking/biking/equestrian trail. The City Council discussed the issue in November and agreed to bring the item back on Jan. 19. The council asked that the developer be able to continue with his work with the exception of the trail in the meantime.

DECEMBER The City Council appointed Councilwoman Pam Patterson as the new mayor and Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson as mayor pro tem. After almost six months of searching, the City Council unanimously selected Ben Siegel of Laguna Beach as the new city manager. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

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EYE ON SJC

Best of the SJC Sheriff’s Blotter 2015

DISTURBANCE Via Madrina, 27700 Block (Saturday, Aug. 14, 5:52 p.m.) A girl called police crying and saying she needed help because her grandma was “going crazy.” The line then disconnected.

The grandmother called back two minutes later and told police she was in an argument with her 12-year-old granddaughter over brushing her teeth.

COMPILED BY STAFF

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.

December CITIZEN ASSIST No address listed (4:54 p.m.)

A woman demanded a report against her 40-year-old ex-client who “forcefully” ripped her paper out of her hand while they were at Molly’s Cafe. Deputies advised the caller that it was not a crime, but she demanded it be documented. The woman told police she could’ve suffered an “extreme papercut from the forceful removal of the paper out of her hand.” In addition, neither the woman nor the ex-client initially paid for their drinks; however, the woman told police she went back and put $3 on the table.

November DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 30300 Block (Tuesday, Nov. 10, 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.

October CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Delphinia, 26400 Block (Saturday, Oct. 3, 11:29 a.m.) A woman said she was bitten on her left breast by a dog the previous night outside of the Swallow’s Inn. There was alcohol involved and she did not need medical attention at the time. At the time of the call, the woman’s breast was “really bruised” and she wanted to file a report.

September SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (Sunday, Sept. 20, 6:36 p.m.) A caller reported he found a “large amount” of marijuana in the mail box of his vacant rental property.

August UNKNOWN TROUBLE Camino Del Avion, 25900 Block (Sunday, Aug. 16, 10:20 a.m.) Police received a report from a city worker about a bloody trash bag found in a nearby park. Upon searching the bag, authorities found it had been filled with dead fish.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano, 31500 Block (Sunday, Aug. 2, 2:31 p.m.) A man locked himself in the men’s room in the back of a church because he heard “street people” and feared he would robbed.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (Sunday, Aug. 2, 2:01 a.m.) The male driver of an SUV passed out on the steering wheel while in the Del Taco drive-thru.

July SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano, 31700 Block (Thursday, July 16, 12:19 a.m.) Police responded to reports of a man in his 50s wearing a white fedora who was bothering women on the dance floor and trying to put a white cloth over their faces.

PETTY THEFT Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (Saturday, July 4, 7:14 p.m.) A male juvenile stole two 30-packs of beer, got into a black Kia full of other juveniles, and went behind Denault’s.

June PETTY THEFT REPORT Paseo Carolina, 32000 Block (Friday, June 19, 8:16 p.m.) A woman called saying that her daughter was “stealing her frying pan.”

DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (Friday, June 19, 5:36 p.m.) Police ran a patrol check for an ice cream truck blaring music in the street.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo Carolina, 32000 Block (Wednesday, June 17, 8:22 p.m.) A woman found an unknown man in her garage. He had been living there for a week and a half.

May SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Mission Hills Drive, 29200 Block (Thursday, May 28, 8:59 a.m.) A woman called because a man in a silver station wagon rolled down his window, made angry faces and began taking pictures of her.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle El Suazal, 26600 Block (Saturday, May 16, 11:13 p.m.) A woman told police her 23-year-old son was under the influence of illegal drugs and cooking more of them on her stove.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

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SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Arroya/Via Sonora (Thursday, May 14, 5:37 p.m.) Two boys were attempting to steal a park bench with a hummingbird design on it. The caller told police they were probably taking it down to the creek where the boys regularly smoke illegal drugs.

April ILLEGAL PEDDLING Avenida Placida, 28600 Block (Wednesday, April 29, 4:51 p.m.)

Two women were attempting to sell solar energy and were being “very aggressive” when the caller told them they weren’t interested.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 31700 Block (Thursday, April 2, 12:21 p.m.) A man called rambling about other drunken people disturbing him behind the Swallow’s Inn.

March CITIZEN ASSIST Alipaz Street, 32200 Block (Thursday, March 10, 6:50 a.m.) A man called police saying his car had been towed by mistake. He claimed the towers admitted it was a mistake but refused to bring it back.

CITIZEN ASSIST Eastview Court, 26300 Block (Wednesday, March 4, 3:05 p.m.)

A woman said people were going onto her property and stealing her old cigarette butts.

CITIZEN ASSIST Los Rios Street, 31500 Block (Wednesday, March 4, 10:27 a.m.) Police assistance was requested by a woman whose 18-year-old son refused to go to school.

February SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Del Verde, 31100 Block (Friday, Feb. 6, 7:15 p.m.) A patrol check was requested on a white truck with ladders on it. The caller was concerned because he heard crime was prevalent in his neighborhood and no one usually parked in that area.

January ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Via Primavera, 28500 Block (Saturday, Jan. 3, 3:31 a.m.)

A large raccoon entered a house through a doggy door and was locked inside an upstairs bedroom.

FIREWORK VIOLATION Pas Valencia, 31100 Block (Thursday, Jan. 1, 12:13 a.m.) A woman reported hearing “fireworks and gunshots,” but was unable to explain why she thought the noise was generated by both fireworks and gunshots.

EYE ON SJC

Community Fiesta Association Kicks off Season in January Meetings T THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

FRIDAY, DEC. 18

Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A spirited town

hall forum on community issues. Occurs Friday’s at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome. Coffee Chat will not meet on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. The next meeting is set for Jan. 8. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

SATURDAY, DEC. 19

Capistrano Eagles Community Food Drive Noon-5 p.m. The Capistrano

Eagles Motorcycle Club holds its semiannual community food drive benefiting Father Serra’s Pantry and San Juan Capistrano families in need at the Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano. Needed items include canned meat, fish and poultry; canned fruit; canned soup; dry pasta and beans and personal hygiene products. For more information, call 714.321.9923 or the Swallow’s Inn at 949.493.3188.

MONDAY, DEC. 21

Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission Meeting 6 p.m.

The Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

TUESDAY, DEC. 22

Planning Commission Meeting

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23

No Downtown Farmers Market The

San Juan Capistrano Farmers Market is on a holiday hiatus and will reopen Jan. 13. The market is normally open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Wednesday. Visit www.farmersmarketsjc.com or call 949.493.4700 to find out more.

TUESDAY, JAN. 5

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

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

To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 8

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

he San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association will kick off the 2016 Fiesta de las Golondrinas season with sign-ups on Jan. 2 for the infamous Fiesta Grande Hairiest Man contest. The local nonprofit brings the community an array of events each year during the threemonth Fiesta de las Golondrinas, including the Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire—one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades.

Hairiest Man contest sign-ups begin at noon and close at 3 p.m. at the Swallow’s Inn, located at 31786 Camino Capistrano in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Entry into the contest is $5. Contestants can show up freshly shaven or receive a free shave

Steve Holt, winner of the 2015 Fiesta Grande Hairiest Man Contest, hugs friend and competitor Jim Curwood, former parade marshal and owner of Buy My Bikes. Photo: Allison Jarrell

compliments of Hair of the Dog Barber Shop. The final moustache/beard judging will take place at the Fiesta Grande on

March 9 at the Swallow’s Inn. The Fiesta Association’s second event of the New Year will be a mixer and membership drive on Jan. 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Vintage Steakhouse, located at 26701 Verdugo Street in San Juan Capistrano. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 949.493.1976.

This year’s Swallows Day Parade will take place March 12, a week before the Mission celebrates St. Joseph’s Day/The Return of the Swallows on March 19. For more information on future Fiesta Association events or becoming a member, call 949.493.1976, visit www.swallowsparade. com or follow the association on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SwallowsDayParade. CD

Rotarians, Students Bring Christmas Cheer to Hundreds of Kids PHOTOS AND STORY BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

anta and Mrs. Claus greeted more than 600 local kids Saturday morning at the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club’s annual Santa’s Visit at Marco Forster Middle School. Santa Claus, played by volunteer Alan Weddle, arrived atop a fire engine and greeted a crowd of children beside Mrs. Claus, played by Martha Orozco.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club, the holiday event is in its 26th year and included 187 student volunteers from Capistrano Valley High School, Capistrano Christian School, San Juan Hills High School, Marco Forster Middle School and programs such as CREER Comunidad y Familia, PAL (Peer Assistance Leadership) and AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination). The students worked different booths throughout the event including face painting and arts and crafts, and interacted in Spanish with parents who don’t speak English.

Mike Darnold, Rotary Club’s Youth Services leader and Dana Hills High School intervention specialist, said many high school students enjoy giving back to Marco Forster as they attended middle school there.

“The older kids come back to the school that gave them so much,” Darnold said.

“It’s not just about giving presents to little kids; it’s so much more.”

Marco Forster Principal Carrie Bertini said students in the school’s leadership classes wrapped, sorted and stacked more than 600 presents, which were then given to kids as they got their photos taken with Santa.

“It’s a great way for us to showcase how amazing the youth of this community are, because they have the opportunity to give back,” Bertini said.

For a photo slideshow from the event, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

More than 600 local children and their parents attended the San Juan Capistrano Rotary’s annual Santa’s Visit at Marco Forster Middle School on Saturday.

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www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor A FINAL REBUTTAL TO CARLA BAUER REGARDING SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE —Ruth Clark, San Juan Capistrano I believe that Pam Patterson was purposely preaching her religious views rather than giving an inspirational invocation during her address at the San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting on Sept.

1, 2015. The views that newly appointed Mayor Patterson expressed about abortion in her “sermon” could possibly incite an unstable person to act violently as we’ve recently seen in the Planned Parenthood attack in Colorado Springs. I value all of the rights we have as U.S. citizens, particularly our freedom of speech and the freedom each of us has to practice our faith without government influence or interference.

Simply having the right to say something does not mean you should. An individual can face legal action for inciting panic by falsely yelling, “Fire!” in a public place when there is no actual fire, and even if you’re joking with a flight atten-

dant or fellow passenger about hijacking a plane, you could land in jail. There are just some times or places that you really do not have the freedom to say whatever you want. In her role as a public servant, it was inappropriate for Patterson to espouse beliefs such as, “Holy Father, we stand before you this evening to acknowledge the fact that we have turned away from you,” while addressing the public at the Sept.

1 city business meeting. Even stranger was her suggestion that everyone present watch a religious author’s videos—how does that have anything at all to do with her position on the City Council? Who is she to speak to God on my or anyone else’s behalf?

There is this strange perception among certain Christian groups that the United States of America is a Christian country, despite the fact that nowhere in our founding documents is there any such declaration. The writers of both the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights very purposefully prohibited the establishment of any particular religion as well as any religious tests for holding office. That said, Pam Patterson is free to practice her religion, and she is also endowed with the right to freedom of speech. But she also holds an official government position, and when

she is fulfilling those duties, she is barred from trying to influence or interfere with the religious beliefs of her constituency.

Letters to the editor that are critical of our local politicians should not be construed as a threat, unless of course they are genuinely threatening harm. The fact is, Mayor Patterson’s behavior was inappropriate and offensive, as well as bullying. Some so-called “Christian” conservative religious groups are busily trying to remake laws to suit their beliefs and force everyone in the country to believe, worship and behave as they do. I see these people as the biggest threat to freedom of speech and religion in this country today.

I don’t care what religion the San Juan City Council members practice. I just want them to be moral, honest and ethical, and to do what’s right and best for the citizens of our beautiful and diverse city. I love my country and do what I can to keep it free; one of the ways we do that is to uphold the U.S. Constitution by keeping religion out of politics and politics out of religion.

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.

GUEST OPINION: By Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ferguson

What’s Really Happening with the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park

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or those who might think the city is selling the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano or discontinuing the fine activities that already go on there, think again. I am the City Council’s liaison to the equestrian community, and I recently had a chance to talk with Melissa Brandes of Blenheim EquiSports and Mechelle Lawrence Adams, executive director of Mission San Juan Capistrano and founder of the Heritage Tourism Association, about promoting greater use of the riding park by San Juan Capistrano residents.

To further the dialogue, I Kerry Ferguson called a kick-off meeting in late November to generate ideas for enhancing public access that are consistent with the current program, which includes the fine jumping and dressage competitions that have made our Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park one of the finest venues in the country and more than once the site of Olympic trials in both sports.

The discussion was lively and positive and harnessed ideas from Commissioner

Robert Parks of the Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission, Commissioner Jill Hannah of the Trails and Equestrian Commission, Melissa Brandes, Olympic equestrian coach Robert Ridland, city staff and myself.

A later meeting with John Berney and Julie Ryan-Johnson, both of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition, also was fruitful.

While the riding park management agreement has a lot of restrictions, it reveals a lot of permitted uses for the public in addition to sporting and equestrian events, including pageants, fairs, carnivals, growing dry-farmed crops and farmers’ markets.

Here are some of the suggestions that have been put forth so far: • Expanding the public picnic area to include bocce ball, volleyball and playground equipment • The city assuming responsibility for scheduling sports groups such as soccer and lacrosse, with priority given to San Juan Capistrano-based teams • Blenheim EquiSports conducting an open house event at the facility to welcome

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

the public and show them the amenities and opportunities for public access • More Western-style riding events • A day to “Test Drive a Quarter Horse,” so that our youth who haven’t had an opportunity to ride horseback can try it out • A “Ride for the Homefront” to benefit our military • A “Western Movies Under the Stars” series • A “Classical Champagne Picnic Concert” As you can see, there is a wide range of ideas, and everyone in attendance felt like they had barely scratched the surface. If you haven’t visited the riding park lately, I suggest you do. It is open to the public, and it is a beautiful place for a picnic. The idea is to develop the most efficient and best use of this grand space so that the greatest number of San Juan Capistrano residents can enjoy it. CD

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FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

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

Page 8

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SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: Sow What? By Angelica Gonzalez, Cate Petersen, Hannah Cole, Jillian Kurlfink, Jinous Jooyan and Katie Flores

Maintaining Healthier Habits and an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle in 2016

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he girls in Troop 528 are interested in planting new seeds of awareness and setting eco-friendly practices in motion within the community. For the most part, food is at the center of this.

Food connects many things—the land where it is grown, the water that irrigates and the air that supplies oxygen.

Here are six food-centric steps individuals can take in 2016 to be healthier and sow a brighter future for our planet.

Buy Local: There are many benefits to buying from local farmers markets. These benefits include greater variety, fresher fruits and vegetables and usually better taste. Also, you know where the food is coming from.

Buying locally benefits you and everyone around you. Try visiting the San Juan Capistrano Farmers Market each Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. or the Dana Point Farmers Market each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

—Angelica Gonzalez, 9th grade, San Juan Hills High School Leave No Fruit Behind: Take fruits from trees at your home and donate them to food banks or share them with your neighbors. It is wasteful to leave fruit on the ground that others can eat. Did you know that about 21 percent of children and 15 percent of seniors are at risk of hunger in Orange County? There are people going hungry and it is wasteful not to harvest and share. Please do your part to harvest your fruits and vegetables and donate those not used to local food banks.

—Cate Petersen, 9th grade, San Juan Hills High School Protect Our Animals: People aren’t always protecting animals to the best of their ability. Instead of passing by trash on the street that can fall into a storm drain that goes to the ocean, try picking it up and throwing it into a trash can. By doing so, you will have just prevented an animal from choking. Sea animals can mistake trash, especially plastic, for food. Plastic water bottles should be used minimally and recycled when used.

—Hannah Cole, 9th grade, Laguna Hills High School Eat Your Vegetables: Buying fresh foods and vegetables has many benefits. First, there is less packaging that gets thrown into the trash.

Second, less water is used to produce them. Did you know that it takes 518 gallons of water to produce one pound of

(From L to R): Cate Petersen, Angelica Gonzalez, Jillian Kurlfink, Jinous Jooyan, Katie Flores and Hannah Cole. Photo: Courtesy of Amy Cox-Petersen

beef? It takes less than 50 gallons of water to produce one pound of most vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and strawberries. Try having one meal each week that includes little or no meat and enjoy the veggies.

—Jillian Kurlfink, 9th grade, JSerra High School Lose the Packaging: It is wasteful for companies to package items they sell in large amounts of packing material. The reason for this is because it limits our resources and it takes up space in landfills when tossed out. Companies should be mindful of this. As a customer, you can buy products that use less packing material and always bring your own bags to help out.

—Jinous Jooyan, 9th grade, San Juan Hills High School Reusable Stocking Stuffers: A good New Year’s resolution is reduce, reuse and recycle. Our planet is full of unnecessary trash. In 2016, help out your community by buying reusable water bottles and lunch containers and use them each day. Even a little thing like this can make a huge impact on our planet.

Consider reusable containers as stocking stuffers this year.

—Katie Flores, 9th grade, Santa Margarita High School The girls from Troop 528 hope you will consider some of these tips in 2016. Have a happy, healthy and eco-friendly new year!

This is the final installment in a series of four columns written by girls from Girl Scout Senior Troop 528 of San Juan Capistrano. 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@the capistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

Page 9

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 18 HARRY CONNICK JR.’S ‘THE HAPPY ELF’ 6:30 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County presents the musical theatre production of Harry Connick, Jr.’s The Happy Elf. Pre-sale tickets are $12; $15 at the door and subject to availability.

The show runs Dec. 18-20 at 6:30 p.m., with an additional show at 2 p.m. on Dec. 19. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente, 949.276.2787, www.tapocthehappyelf. brownpapertickets.com.

DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Watch at water’s edge or take in the view from aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari or Ocean Institute harbor cruise as boaters from all around Orange County decorate their vessels with sparkling lights and add costumes, music and animation to fit with each year’s theme and vie for prizes including Judges’ Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Most Original and more. This year’s theme, “A Galactic Holiday” promises a variety of Star Wars and related themed boats. Viewing is free from anywhere in the harbor. Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5794, www.danapointharbor.com.

‘A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS’ 7:30 p.m. The Saddleback College Department of Theatre Arts presents A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec. 4-13 in the Studio Theatre. This holiday play with live music is based on the beloved annual television special including the classic song, “Christmas Time is Here” and the music of Vince Guaraldi. See website for show dates and times. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 seniors, $10 students and $8 children 12 and under. Studio Theatre, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

‘A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents A Child’s Christmas in Wales, a nostalgic story of Christmas day—from its quiet, magical beginning full of thrilling expectations, to bedtime, replete with the joy of a perfect Christmas. Shows run through Dec. 20 on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

The Mission Basilica. Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19: MESSIAH AT THE MISSION BASILICA 2 p.m. An orchestral ensemble will perform music from Handel’s Messiah, one of the most popular events each year at the Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano. Admission is free. Donations of cooking oil or sugar are welcomed for Serra’s Pantry. Mission Basilica, 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1360, www.missionparish.org.

Saturday | 19

Kayak Center, 34671 Puerto Place, Dana Point Harbor, 949.661.4947.

CASA LA PAZ HOLIDAY SALE & HONEY TASTING 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tree of Life Nursery’s Casa La Paz plant and bookstore is having a holiday sale, with select items discounted throughout the store. There will also be a honey bar for tasting local honey. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www.californianativeplants.com.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Family Style performs until 6:30 p.m., followed by California Rangers at 8:30 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

CHILDREN’S CRAFT OPEN HOUSE 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Children under 12 are encouraged to come to the library to make creative seasonal crafts. Some crafts will be suitable for holiday gifts or cards. Adult supervision is recommended. Admission is free. Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach, 949.497.1733, www.ocpl.org/libloc/lbch.

SPARK SOME CHRISTMAS LOVE 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Dana Point Jet Ski hosts a day of holiday activities for the entire family held in conjunction with its annual participation in the ABC7 and Southern California Firefighters Spark of Love Toy Drive. Bring toys for donation and take photos with Santa, local firefighters and their engine. The free event also includes firefighter helmets and stickers for kids, a raffle and popcorn. Dana Point Jet Ski and

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

Monday | 21

Sunday | 20 MIKE HAMILTON Noon-4 p.m. & 5 p.m. to close. Enjoy live music at Mission Grill each Sunday with guitarist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Hamilton. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.8055, www.mikehamiltonmusic.com.

SOUTH COAST SINGERS HOLIDAY CONCERT 7 p.m. Join the South Coast Singers, with members hailing from the tri-city area and other south Orange County cities for a holiday show “Heav’n and Nature Sing.”

General admission $20, seniors and students $16, children 6 and under are free.

Ticket information is available online.

South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point, 949.613.7840, www.southcoastsingers.org.

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EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano

WINTER BREAK KIDS CRAFTS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano offers an array of crafts for children ages 6-12 from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1. Monday: lasso/jump rope, Tuesday: miniature adobe brick house, Wednesday: cornhusk dolls/action figures, Thursday: mini coiled clay pot, Friday: arrowhead necklace.

Parent or sitter must be present to participate. No crafts on Dec. 24 or 25. $5 for non-members in addition to admission, $1 for members. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

(Cont. on page 13) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10) PJ STORYTIME WITH THE SUNSHINE READERS 6:30 p.m-7:30 p.m. An energetic reading event hosted by the National Charity League Sunshine Readers for children of all ages every third Monday of the month at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Pajamas are welcome but not required. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

Wednesday | 23 OPEN ARTIST STUDIO 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Enjoy a creative workspace alongside a community of artists every Wednesday. No studio on Dec. 30. Free. Ages 16 and up. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

Saturday | 26 ENGLISH BEAT 8 p.m. English Beat performs live at the Coach House. Tickets are $26. Doors open at 6 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Monday | 28 ELAN BRASS QUINTET 2 p.m-4 p.m. Live music by the Elan Brass Quintet. No pre-registration required.

Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Tuesday | 29 FAMILY GAMING AFTERNOON 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Family game time in the library meeting room. Play the Wii, Xbox Kinnect or traditional board and card games. No registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

KNITLIT BOOK CLUB/DISCUSSION 6 p.m.-7 p.m. The KnitLit Knitting Book Group meets at the San Juan Capistrano Library the last Tuesday of each month to work on knitting projects and have a lively discussion of the club’s latest book. Copies of the book will be available for checkout from the library following the meeting.

31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

At the Movies: Rough Sailing for ‘In the Heart of the Sea’

BY MEGAN BIANCO

I

f there is one actor who seems to have been fated with misfortune throughout 2015, it would have to be Thor star Chris Hemsworth, beginning the year with the quickly forgotten Blackhat and then followed up with the disaster reboot Vacation. Even Avengers: Age of Ultron received mixed reactions.

Now Hemsworth’s second collaboration with Ron Howard, In the Heart of the Sea, is being ignored by movie fans—most likely due to Star Wars frenzy. Does it deserve the failure as much as the earlier flops? Sort of.

In 1820 New England, avid boatman Owen Chase (Hemsworth) leaves pregnant wife Peggy (Charlotte Riley) for an assignment as first mate of the new whaling ship the Essex. Though he was

Call for reservations. Monarch Bay Plaza, 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BROADWAY TIME 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Party with your friends at the Camino Real Playhouse at their New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a dinner provided by Sundried Tomato, a comedic performance by Tom Riehl and dancing to the music of Martin Gerschwitz and Gina Kessler. Imbibe a champagne toast when the ball drops in Times Square (9 p.m.

PST). Tickets are $68 and are very limited—purchase well in advance. Camino Real Playhouse Stage II, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Thursday | 31

SWALLOW’S INN NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 7:30 p.m. Ring in the New Year at the Swallow’s Inn, featuring live music by Dawson. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and include party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and midnight snacks. Tickets are limited—see a bartender to purchase in advance. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT SALT CREEK GRILLE 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Enjoy a holiday-inspired menu by Executive Chef Scott Green and then dance the night away to live music

by The Society Band before ringing in the New Year with a champagne toast.

DONAVON FRANKENREITER & TOM CURREN 8 p.m. Donavon Frankenreiter & Tom Curren perform live at the Coach House with David Rosales and Gal Musette. Tickets are $45. Doors open at 6 p.m. 33157

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

Photo: © Warner Bros.

promised to be the captain, Owen is passed over for George Pollard (Benjamin Walker) due to nepotism. Owen and George don’t see eye-to-eye on the voyage, but Owen befriends teen sailor Thomas Nickerson (Tom Holland) while one big, mean whale causes havoc on the ship.

Ben Whishaw co-stars as Moby Dick author Herman Melville being told the story by a grown-up Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson). One big problem with Howard’s Heart of the Sea is that despite the impression elicited by movie trailers, audiences don’t

see nearly enough of the whale. Another is that the characters’ interaction and development seem to be treated as an afterthought—especially evident among supporting roles. The special effects are visually pleasing, but not enough to make up for the lacking structure. Hemsworth plays a decent lead and his performance is entertaining, but this just isn’t his year.

In the Heart of the Sea offers an entertaining 122 minutes, just not the meaty story moviegoers have come to expect from Ron Howard. CD

Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Monday | 04

MIDNIGHT AT THE CLIFFS NYE CELEBRATION 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Ring in the New Year with friends and family in the Richard Henry Dana Ballroom with live music by ’80s tribute band Flashback Heart Attack, drinks, small bites and a midnight champagne toast. VIP booth packages as well as New Year’s Eve room packages available. Limited early bird tickets are $125 per person.

General admission is $140. Tickets can be purchased at www.midnightatthecliffs. eventbrite.com. For VIP package info, call 949.487.7521. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.lagunacliffs.com.

TRAIL CLEARING AND WEEDING 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Volunteer with The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo to help keep the trails clean. Bring work gloves if you have them. Drinks and snacks provided. Ages 10 and up. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

OC TAVERN’S ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE BLAST 9:30 p.m. The New Year’s Eve Blast kicks off with a space party (house music) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8. Must be over 21 to enter. 2369 S. El Camino Real San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

Friday | 01 JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE 8 p.m. Jack Russell’s Great White performs live at the Coach House with Silent Citizen and The Void. Tickets are $20.

Doors open at 6 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Page 13

Thursday | 07 GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden and more.

Bring gloves and wear closed-toe shoes.

949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

Sunday | 10 START THE YEAR OFF RIGHT HIKE 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Winter hike at the Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy. Ages 10 and up. $10 for adults, $5 for kids, free for supporters and RMV residents.

Call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

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

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

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

My Aunt Margaret She was the Happiest Person I Ever Knew; Her Secret was Like a Christmas Carol

D

oesn’t everyone have a favorite relative? Mine was my Auntie Margaret.

She was one of those special souls who made people feel like they should always be giving each other presents. Every morning felt like Christmas at Margaret’s home.

My aunt could make a card game seem like a visit to Vegas and a simple trip to the grocery store like a shopping spree on the Champs-Élysées. With my aunt behind the wheel, riding in her Chevrolet Impala felt like riding an African Impala.

Margaret never had a big house, expensive furniture, a VIP job or a fancy car. But her house had welcoming warmth; she always left the back porch light on and the key under the mat. I remember every piece of furniture she owned—her armchair and sofa became a symbol of comfort and calm and contentment for more than 50 years. Her delight in even the smallest things made them seem priceless. I learned to treasure her possessions too.

They had meaning; they were a reflection of her. Margaret wasn’t looking for things to make her happy; she was already happy looking at all the things she had.

Her secret, I think, was constantly acting out her optimism. My Aunt Margaret made me truly understand that it isn’t the cards we are dealt, it’s how we play them— attitude is more imporWAVELENGTHS tant than aptitude; having

By Jim Kempton our family love us is more important than having anything else in the world; always thinking of and remembering others is so much more rewarding than thinking of ourselves.

In short, Margaret showed us that choosing to be happy is not only an option, but also the secret to a wonderful life. She was my favorite aunt (maybe my favorite person) not because of how much she had but because of how much she gave.

Margaret had a career, too, and in business she led by example. Everyone who ever worked with her (or for her) did better work, had more fun, created greater customer satisfaction and built stronger companies than any other job they ever had.

My aunt had no more opportunities or lucky breaks than the next person. And she certainly had her share of adversity

and heartbreak. Yet I never heard a complaint or an unkind word from her—no matter what her own hardship. She never went on holiday to St. Tropez, shopped on Rodeo Drive or dined at Wolfgang Puck’s.

But she lived as if she had. Margaret thought of her life as a great and beautiful adventure. And so it was: she somehow understood that a happy life was not about enduring hardships but overcoming them.

In the end, her life was like Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: it taught my family what happiness means, what real success is and what love can do. She was living proof that given a glass half empty or half full, choosing the half-full glass always makes the drink taste better. Merry Christmas!

Jim Kempton consults companies on optimizing their business. If the CEOs he advises all experienced the three spirits of Scrooge and operated like his aunt, their corporations would light the world on fire.

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

Pet of the Week: Yoshi

Yoshi. Photo: San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter

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ute little Yoshi is believed to be Flemish giant/Dutch mix.

He has a mellow, friendly personality and loves to be pet. In fact, he thinks lounging around with humans is great fun. Yoshi has great litter box habits and would make an awesome rabbit for a loving family ready to take on a big bunny. If you would like to know more about Yoshi, please call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente.

CD

GUEST OPINION: Four Kids and a Dog by Elizabeth Bottiaux

The Cousin Experience: Trading Materialistic Gifts for Memories

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hey’re on every young child’s holiday wish list. Our house certainly doesn’t need more of them. Toys are quickly forgotten, broken, outgrown or sucked up by the vacuum. Instead of giving in to their trendy toy desires, our extended family has created the “Cousin Experience.”

There are eight young cousins in our family.

They range in age from 5 to 13 years old. Every year we parents would frantically communicate with each other about our children’s top toy FOUR KIDS picks. Kids’ lists would AND A DOG include a wide variety of

By Elizabeth materialistic junk. We’d Bottiaux stress over ideas, race to stores, wrap the gifts and then haul the whole mess over to the celebration.

Family Christmas gatherings would yield a towering mountain of plastic packaging and heaps of shredded wrapping

paper. Was there a way to improve upon the cousin Christmas? There had to be.

We put our heads together and hatched a plan. I’m no Grinch, but limiting the amount of stuff our kids received sounded like a worthy idea.

With parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents and Santa delivering presents aplenty, kids were ending up with sleigh loads of stuff. Stuff is fun for a while. But, I can’t recall a single gift any of my kids received from a cousin over the years. It’s all mass-produced, forgettable paraphernalia. Stuff is only special for a short while.

When I asked them, there was a long awkward pause before my kids said simply they too couldn’t quite remember cousin gifts from Christmases past.

When the kids were younger we did allow them to exchange gifts. Cousins picked names from a hat and got a present for that person. In the early days, that route was easier than embarking on an experience. A few years ago we switched it up. What a great decision that was. We’ve

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

never looked back.

Vivid memories of our day at the CHILL event at the Queen Mary in Long Beach last year are alive and well at family gatherings.

Ice skating with eight wobbly skaters rendered many screeches and plenty of hearty laughter. We narrowly avoided disaster when my daughter carelessly formed an arabesque on ice and nearly beheaded a nearby skater. Flying down the indoor ice hill on a sled, frigid wind blowing through their hair, beside cousins is priceless.

Soaring through the air on swings from Neverland Ranch together 20 times in a row is a memory they’re sure to savor for years.

One year we experienced an interactive pirate dinner theatre show together.

Although the meal was barely fit for humans, the cousins bonded over watching skilled dancers fling themselves around on a giant pirate ship. They even braved the stage together at the show’s finale.

It’s fun rehashing those pirate memories.

This year we’re planning a day trip on the train. We haven’t quite decided where

Page 14

our final destination lies. Maybe we’ll journey to San Diego for the day or possibly up to the City of Angels. It doesn’t matter where we go. It matters that we’ll all be together—one big, loud, laughing bunch of cousins hanging out.

It’s not always easy to carve out quality cousin time. With everyone’s hectic schedules and busy lives, it gets tough to coordinate. We make the time though. The Cousin Experience allows us to bypass plastic stuff and have fun while creating crazy, happy memories together instead.

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years. She publishes a blog, www.fourkidsandadog.com, about family life in our tri-city area. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Connecting with Your True Nature Practicing yoga in nature and among the trees brings us back to our roots

W

hen was the last time you stood still and looked at a tree from the bottom of its weathered trunk up through the variance of its branches?

Depending on the type of tree, time of year, the age of the tree, where it’s located and what it’s been through, there can be a lot to take in as you bear witness to its life.

If you’ve experienced this, you may have found there is much to be learned from a tree—but only if you take the time to notice. From saplings to giants, trees stay and survive the weather without much fuss. They are loyal and giving.

Without trees, it would be difficult to breathe, as they gift us immeasurable amounts of oxygen and life. Homes for many, fruits for all.

Spending time in the opulence of nature can be a salve for healing, connecting and transforming the mind and body. The simple act of getting away and allowing for a bit of quietness in nature can open your senses to an entirely different symphony that often plays in the background of our busy lives.

The natural system of healing, called Ayurveda, dates back more than 5,000 years and originated in India. It relies upon local land for medicinal and energetic healing effects. Just as in India and other parts of our world, nature is all around us, calling us to return, connect and heal. Thinking among an environment of trees, taking in a deep breath of rich, fresh oxygen and in exchange, releasing carbon dioxide, helps to create the life force of a tree. Who is to question whether we are breathing gifts from the trees into our internal or whether the trees are breathing us as our external?

This simple yet powerful union with nature is an unspoken contract—a partnership— and a support to each other. I’ll take care of you if you take care of me.

Take an already nourishing environment and now consider adding the element of yoga. Yoga is an ancient science of connecting all things but simplified into connecting

the mind, body and spirit (or nature). Yoga has many branches, just as trees do, and practicing asana, or postures, in nature or under the trees can be a beautiful union.

Yoga, much like a tree, can teach us invaluable lessons about ourselves. Yoga practice allows for stretching, balancing and building strength in our mind and body; trees teach us how to trust the timing of nature, to bend and not break, and to know when to drop the heaviness of dead leaves. When we look at trees, we don’t analyze how we can change them; we just accept them as they are. With yoga, we do the same with ourselves.

Practicing yoga in nature amongst the trees not only pumps the body full of the freshest quality DIRT THERAPY oxygen available, but

By Marrianne Taylor allows us to honor our truest nature, amongst nature.

When one practices yoga in nature, there can be a lot to take in as you bear witness to life. When one is enveloped by the exact rhythm of nature, the symphony, if you will, connects the mind, body and spirit, creating a masterpiece not to be missed.

Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and Yoga Trippin’ have partnered up to offer the experience of practicing yoga in nature. Come stand among the opulence, breathing, receiving, giving and honoring your truest nature.

We invite you every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to come practice yoga under the trees. Give what you can by donation. In return, you give yourself the gift of connecting with your truest nature and nature itself. 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.

Santa and Mrs. Claus take photos with families at the “Crazy Christmas House” on Calle Del Campo in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Allison Jarrell

The Crazy Christmas House & Toy Drive THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

n Dec. 16, dozens of children and their families gathered on Calle Del Campo in San Juan Capistrano for the ninth annual Santa’s Toy Drive to benefit the families of the Camp Pendleton USMC 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Santa and Mrs. Claus were in attendance to take photos with families and little ones, while toys were donated to the families of Camp

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

Pendleton Marines.

MaryLou and Bill Mosich have been decorating their home and inviting Santa over since the mid-1990s, with their daughter Kimberly Harden taking the lead nine years ago with the toy drive.

Check out the festive lighting for yourself at 31192 Calle Del Campo. For updates on future events and light displays, follow “Crazy Christmas House & Santa’s Toy Drive” on Facebook. CD

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Saddleback Valley Christian’s Savai’i Cravens (1) celebrates a touchdown with Jonathan Robinson during the Warriors 59-45 win over Kennedy on Dec. 12. Photo: Courtesy SVC Athletics

Warriors Set to Play for CIF Division 5A State Football Championship

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he Saddleback Valley Christian football team was awarded the CIFSS East Valley Division Championship on Dec. 5 due to a forfeit by their opponent. The Warriors were denied a chance to play in what was, at the time, the biggest game of the season.

On Dec. 12, the Warriors more than made up for lost time.

SVC defeated visiting Kennedy of Delano in the CIF Division 5A South Regional semifinals 59-45 at Laguna Hills High School, punching their ticket to the CIF Division 5A State Championship game.

The Warriors will host St. Bernard’s in the Division 5A title game on Dec. 19 at Laguna Hills High School at 6 p.m.

In the south regional championship, the Warriors scored 14 unanswered points in the final seven minutes of play to hold off a charging Thunderbirds squad.

Kennedy made a move midway through the fourth quarter, intercepting SVC quarterback Cade Henjum for the third time and turning the turnover into points following a 10-yard touchdown run by Rafael Martinez.

Martinez’s third and final touchdown run brought things even at 45-45.

A 56-yard hookup between Henjum and senior David Molina pushed the Warriors downfield in a hurry on their next possession. Molina capped off the scoring drive six plays later with a one-yard touchdown run, giving SVC a 52-45 lead.

The Warriors defense came up with its biggest stop of the night on Kennedy’s next possession, forcing a turnover on downs that gave the home team the ball at Kennedy’s 28-yard line.

The Warriors have been dealing with injuries throughout their playoff run and that trend continued Saturday night. SVC’s standout running back Dalton Lohman went down with a leg injury on the Warriors first series and never returned to action. Henjum, who did not start SVC’s CIF-SS semifinal matchup against Crean Lutheran, was still nursing a leg injury but completed 22 of 37 passes for 373 yards and four touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Warriors erased Kennedy’s 23-21 advantage at the half early in the third behind stellar efforts from unlikely contributors.

Freshman tailback Isaac Moreno and Ryan De Viso, who combined for only two touches in the opening 24 minutes, caught fire in the third quarter. De Viso and Moreno led the Warriors downfield on back-to-back drives and both scored touchdowns to increase SVC’s lead to 35-28.

Moreno led the team with 18 carries for 100 rushing yards. De Viso chipped in 31 yards and a score on five carries.

SVC receiver Savai’i Cravens pushed the lead to 45-30 on a spectacular 32-yard catch and run touchdown that saw him break two tackles and toe the sideline all the way to the end zone. Cravens led all receivers with nine catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns.

St. Bernard’s of Eureka enters the state title game with a red-hot quarterback in tow. Junior quarterback Jack Rice powered the Crusaders (13-1) to a dominating 55-0 victory over Fall River in the Division 5A north regional championship on Dec. 5. Rice threw seven touchdown passes for 257 yards and carried the ball 10 times for 148 yards. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015-January 7, 2016

Page 16

BUSINESS DIRECTORY LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR

Star Motors

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

ELECTRICIANS

Excel Electric

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

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Excel Electric - CA #793860

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

JEWELER

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

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

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

San Juan Photo & Digital

32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668, www.sjcphotodigital.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

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

SCHOOLS

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

AUTOS FOR SALE

FOR SALE

NISSAN PATHFINDER 4x4 2009 Silver with black interior. Bluetooth CD player with lan hookup.

New Bilstein shocks. K&N air filter. In great shape. $15,500 949-633-3860

CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring.

We sell tile too! Mike 949-240-1545.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

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

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

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

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano area?

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

949.388.7700, ext. 104

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

Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015–January 7, 2016

LIST LOCALS ONLY

Page 17

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

San Juan Capistrano Sports Year in Review

JULY Senior Hoopers Victorious at National Senior Games The San Juan Capistrano-based USA 80 senior basketball team won its age-group title at the 2015 National Senior Games in Minneapolis, Minn. on July 15. The local team defeated a senior team from Texas in the championship game. The USA 80 team has won age-division titles at the ages of 65, 70, 75 and 80.

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

A

s 2015 draws to a close, we take a look back at the people, stories and moments that defined the sports landscape in San Juan Capistrano over the past 12 months.

AUGUST

JANUARY San Juan Surfers Dominate in Oceanside San Juan Capistrano was well represented at the Western Surfing Association’s sixth event of the season Jan. 17-18, as four locals earned podium finishes in Oceanside. San Juan’s Cameron Duby led the way, taking first in the Girls U16, third in Girls U18 and fifth in Girls Longboard U18 at the event.

The San Juan Capistrano-based USA 80 senior basketball team placed first in its age division at the 2015 National Senior Games in Minneapolis, Minn. Photo: Courtesy

SEPTEMBER Stallions Football Breaks Through For the first time in program history, the San Juan Hills High School football team broke into the top-10 of the CIF-SS West Valley Division rankings on Sept.

8. Following back-to-back wins over San Clemente and Canyon, the Stallions made their debut in the rankings in the No. 9 spot. San Juan Hills finished the year ranked No. 5.

FEBRUARY Capo Coyotes Go Back-to-Back The Capistrano Coyotes ice hockey team defeated Villa Park in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League Division 2 league championship game on Feb. 25, notching the team’s second consecutive divisional title.

Barbee Named Tartans Head Football Coach After filling in as interim head coach of the St. Margaret’s Episcopal football team midway through the 2014-2015 season, Stephen Barbee was named the program’s head coach on Feb. 25. Barbee, who stepped into the head coach’s role after the sudden resignation of former head coach Rod Baltau, guided the Tartans to an undefeated regular season, an Academy League title, the CIF-SS East Valley Division Championship, the CIF Division IV Southern Regional State Championship and an appearance in the CIF Division IV State Championship game.

MARCH Gerry Manning Inducted into US Lacrosse Hall of Fame Former St. Margaret’s Episcopal head lacrosse coach Gerry Manning was inducted into the OC Chapter of the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame during a ceremony on campus on March 9. Manning, who has been a fixture of the Orange County lacrosse scene since the 1960’s, founded the lacrosse program at St. Margaret’s.

APRIL Lions Win Boras Classic South Title The JSerra baseball team bested some of

Dyer Named to USA Volleyball Boys Youth National Team Saddleback Valley Christian’s Noah Dyer was selected to represent the United States as part of the USA Volleyball Boys Youth National Team. Dyer and his USYNT members placed seventh at the 2015 FIVB Boys U19 World Championship in Argentina.

The St. Margaret’s boys lacrosse team won the U.S. Lacrosse Orange County and Southern Section Championships in 2015. Photo: Courtesy

the most elite high school teams in the state during the team’s march to claiming the Boras Baseball Classic southern division hardware on April 10. The Lions defeated Trinity League rival Mater Dei 5-0 in the southern championship game.

JSerra lost to St. Francis, the north champion, 3-2 in the tournament championship game at Cal State Fullerton.

MAY

14-8 in the Southern Section Championship on May 16.

O’Brien Commits to Nebraska San Juan Hills High School standout senior quarterback Patrick O’Brien took to Twitter on May 21 to announce his commitment to play football for Nebraska. The fast-rising prospect also held offers from Colorado, Colorado State, Texas Tech and UNLV.

Hedges Debuts for Padres Former JSerra Catholic standout catcher Austin Hedges made his Major League Baseball debut for the San Diego Padres on May 4. Hedges pinch-hit in the eighth inning and struck out on four pitches to then-reigning World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner of the San Francisco Giants.

Hedges got his first big league start on May 6 and recorded his first hit, an RBI single, in his second at-bat.

Warriors Volleyball Wins CIF-SS Division 4 Championship The Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team swept rival St. Margaret’s in three sets on May 23 to claim the CIF-SS Division 4 Championship. The Warriors advanced to the finals of the CIF SoCal Division 3 Championship but lost to Laguna Beach.

Tartans Lacrosse Wins OC and Southern Section Championships For the second time in three years, the St. Margaret’s boys lacrosse team won the U.S. Lacrosse Orange County Championship. The Tartans defeated JSerra 14-9 in the championship game on May 13. The Tartans went on to defeat Palos Verdes

Huston Wins Gold at X Games San Juan Capistrano resident Nyjah Huston dominated the field in the street skateboarding event at X Games Austin on June 7, defending his title and taking home the gold medal. It was the sixth gold-medal performance of Huston’s career at X Games.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 18, 2015–January 7, 2016

JUNE

Page 18

OCTOBER Warriors Beach Volleyball Finishes Perfect Season The Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team went a perfect 13-0 in the Interscholastic Beach Volleyball League’s regular season, claiming the Orange division title.

NOVEMBER Lions Football Finishes Strong The JSerra football team closed out its season on a high note, defeating Trinity League rivals Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran in back-to-back weeks. The Lions thrilling 45-40 win over Orange Lutheran on Nov. 6 put JSerra in a three-way tie for third place in league. A lost coin flip kept them out of the postseason.

DECEMBER Warriors Football Earns Historic CIF-SS Championship In an unusual turn of events, the Saddleback Valley Christian football team was awarded the CIF-SS East Valley Division Championship without ever stepping onto the field. The Warriors, who are now vying for a state championship, won the game due to a forfeit by Grace Brethren, their scheduled opponent in the championship game on Dec. 5. Grace Brethren was forced to forfeit because they fielded an ineligible player earlier in the season. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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-desac, 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