January 22, 2016

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

Taste of San Juan Kicks Off Fiesta Season PAGE 10 FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

JANUARY 22–FEBRAURY 11, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2

Hoop Dreams

CVCS international basketball players Amazon Nwoye and Spider Adetunji are finding success in America S P O R T S / PAG E 1 6 Capistrano Valley Christian School seniors Spider Adetunji, left, and Amazon Nwoye left their homes in Lagos, Nigeria to follow their dreams of playing basketball at the next level. Photo: Allison Jarrell

City Council Greenlights Trail Improvements EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Lawsuit Filed Against City Over Water Refunds EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

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Rotary Car Show Rolls into Town Feb. 6 SJC LIVING/PAGE 15

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week City Council Greenlights Creek Trail Improvements THE LATEST: In an unexpected turn of events, the City Council voted 3-1-1 Monday night, with Mayor Pam Patterson dissenting and Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson abstaining, to approve upgrades to a 1,000-foot stretch of the San Juan Creek Trail. The trail runs along San Juan Creek and is adjacent to the incoming Oaks Development, which includes 32 homes along with an equestrian facility.

The City Council originally approved renovations to the multiuse trail in conjunction with The Oaks development in 2014—including a Class 1 paved bike trail and an unpaved multiuse hiking/biking/ equestrian trail that would complete the gap in the San Juan Creek Trail system.

But the multiuse trail became a major topic of contention over the last six months, moving slowly from its design stages in the Trails and Equestrian Commission to City Council amid debate that evolved into arguments over whether the trail is safest left as is or with a divided multiuse trail and paved Class 1 bikeway.

Opponents of the bikeway often cited issues with horses being spooked by cyclists, while cyclists in favor of the renovated trail said the path is dangerous and at times impossible to traverse due to ruts created in the dirt.

At the Nov. 17 City Council meeting, councilmembers decided to allow The Oaks developer to obtain building permits and certificates of occupancy “pending the city’s final determination of whether and what trail and bikeway improvements would be required, if any.” Since that meeting, developer Tim O-Grady had offered to place a cash deposit with the city in exchange for being relieved of any obligation to construct the trail improvements.

However, after numerous public comments and lengthy council discussion, Councilman Sam Allevato made a motion to put in the Class 1 bikeway along the development with the equestrian trail along the creek, separated by a split rail fence, rather than collect the deposit from the developer. Councilman Derek Reeve seconded the motion, and Councilman John Perry was the defining yes vote, notably changing his mind since previous discussions where he questioned having

Improvements for the dirt portion of the San Juan Creek Trail—including a paved Class 1 bikeway—were approved by the City Council Monday night. Photo: Allison Jarrell

a bike path and multiuse trail next to one another and fought to further examine the issue of equestrian safety on that section of the trail.

“I am ready to end this thing tonight and say build the damn trail … and do it however you want, and if it turns out that it is unsafe, as some people claim, we’ll know that pretty quick,” Perry said. “I don’t want to fight it anymore with all the animosity and 200 emails from people all over the world. This is absolutely a waste of time.”

mer with a deadline to apply for refunds in October. Residents were repaid for the rates they paid between Aug. 28, 2013 and July 1, 2014. The lawsuit argues that’s only about 20 percent of what San Juan residents are actually owed, since they were overcharged for water “from at least February 2010 to July 2015.”

“It’s pretty straightforward,” McCarthy said. “If you overcharge someone a dollar, you can’t give them 20 cents back and then walk away.”

WHAT’S NEXT: With the council’s approval in place, the trail improvements can now be constructed and installed by The Oaks development. The only costs the city incurs will be the trail’s maintenance once completed.—AJ

Lawsuit Filed Against City Over Water Refunds THE LATEST: A class action lawsuit seeking upwards of $15 million in water refunds was filed against the city of San Juan Capistrano Jan. 8. The suit requests the city “refund its customers the millions of dollars which it illegally and wrongfully assessed for water services.”

Law firm Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy filed the complaint on behalf of residents Hootan Daneshmand, Lauri McIntosh and Brian Montgomery after filing a notice of claim twice on Sept. 30 and Dec. 4, and never receiving a response from the city, said attorney Niall McCarthy.

After San Juan’s water rates were deemed unconstitutional by the Fourth District Court of Appeal last year, the city implemented a refund process last sum-

The Capistrano Dispatch January 22–February 11, 2016

WHAT’S NEXT: The city has a total of 30 days to respond to the suit.

FIND OUT MORE: For more on this story, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.—AJ

City Set to Ban Pot Businesses in Town THE LATEST: Unlike many topics at San Juan Capistrano City Council meetings, consensus was reached in record time Monday night to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, manufacturers, cultivation and delivery within the city.

The ordinance came before the council after the Planning Commission voted Dec. 22 during its public hearing to recommend that the council prohibit cannabis businesses and manufacturers in town. The commission voted 4-1, with Commissioner Thomas Nelson dissenting and Commissioner Mark Speros absent.

Following a mere 12 minutes of discussion Monday night, the City Council voted unanimously to approve the commission’s recommendation and bring the ordinance back for final approval. Twenty-five year resident Steve Behmerwohld was the sole

Page 3

public speaker on the item, saying he’s never heard of a marijuana problem in town and feels the ban is a “solution looking for a problem.”

Councilman John Perry said he’s against the increasing legalization nationwide and thinks marijuana should be “prescribed by a real doctor” and “dispensed by a pharmacy.” He added that he’s “seen a couple of the marijuana fairs” with “stoned slackers” in Colorado and “it just gets out of control.”

“You call a number and suddenly someone appears with the marijuana.

That’s not San Juan,” Perry said, referring to cannabis delivery services currently operating in the city. “Or you get 10 or 15 cannabis shops downtown, that’s not San Juan. I think we’re a little better than that.”

San Juan Capistrano is the last of the tri-cities to prohibit marijuana business in town. The city of San Clemente recently approved a ban on medical marijuana commercial outlets, testing facilities and delivery services, and the Dana Point City Council also voted to adopt an ordinance banning the sale of marijuana by dispensaries, along with its cultivation in and delivery to the city.

WHAT’S NEXT: During the Dec. 22 Planning Commission meeting, City Attorney HongDao Nguyen noted that San Juan residents with a medical card will still be able to possess and use medical marijuana in their homes—they just have to go elsewhere to buy it.

When asked how the city can begin to regulate the dispensaries operating via mobile delivery, Nguyen listed options ranging from cease and desist letters and (Cont. on page 4) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) citations to “full-blown litigation” and filing criminal or civil complaints to obtain injunctions.

The second reading and final vote on the ordinance is on the agenda for the council’s Jan. 25 meeting, which begins at 4 p.m. The ordinance goes into effect 30 days after it’s passed.—AJ

‘A Peek at La Pata’ Hike Takes Place Saturday Morning THE LATEST: “A Peek at La Pata” hike, hosted by San Clemente Councilwoman Lori Donchak, will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, along the Forster Ranch Ridgeline Trail. The hike is scheduled to begin at the Camino Del Rio trailhead at the end of Camino Del Rio, where street parking will be permissible during the event.

Participants will be able to see the progress made on the county’s Avenida La Pata/Camino Del Rio Extension Project, which is designed to complete the planned improvements identified in the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways.

The improvements aim to reduce congestion and improve regional mobility in south Orange County by providing a north-south route to Interstate 5 between Ortega Highway to the north and Avenida Vista Hermosa to the south.

Other notable officials at the event include city of San Clemente Deputy Public Works Director Tom Bonigut, Orange County Public Works’ Manager of the Project Management Division Nardy Khan, and Strategic Communications Officer Shannon Widor, who will answer questions and discuss public benefits.

The trail offers panoramic views of the La Pata project, Catalina Island, Dana Point, Saddleback Peak and Camp Pendleton.

The trail is hilly with lots of ups and downs, spanning approximately two miles. All ages are welcome, and people are advised to wear a hat and closed-toe hiking shoes and to bring a water bottle.

The hike will not be conducive to baby strollers. Domestic pets are not allowed in the county’s construction zone per its permit conditions.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Avenida La Pata project is expected to be completed this fall.—Eric Heinz

San Clemente City Council Approves ReZoning of Hospital Land THE LATEST: Per a zoning ordinance passed unanimously by San Clemente City Council on Tuesday, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center will be bound to provide emergency care services on the land on which the hospital sits.

In August 2014, MemorialCare, the hospital owner, announced its intention to transform its Saddleback Memorial Medical Center San Clemente campus—Dana Point’s nearest hospital and ER—to an advanced urgent care facility. Current law prohibits ERs from existing apart from full-service hospitals.

The zoning amendment requires emergency services to continue on the 6.8-acre hospital campus, but that does not mean MemorialCare would not be able close its doors altogether, as the hospital is operated by a private entity operating as a nonprofit for public benefit, which is able to operate without paying property taxes.

People who spoke during the public forum said the time it would take to go to Mission Hospital or Saddleback’s Laguna Hills location would be too long when life or death situations arise.

During the meeting, hospital administrator Tony Struthers said he would not be able to commit to a five-year extension proposed by the city in order to ensure the hospital could continue to operate efficiently. Struthers said because the hospital does not have the inpatient numbers needed to sustain itself, this would further hinder the services it could provide.

Councilman Tim Brown said he would have liked to have be able to have a more amicable discussion regarding hospital options, but as the situation for emergency health services is in a critical state, he said he had to vote in favor of the re-zoning.

“This site and property has been operating as a hospital since before I was born, and it could save the lives of those who need emergency care,” Brown said. “The problem is the residents of San Clemente lose a very important option if they don’t have this hospital.”

On Jan. 12 and 13, legislative representatives of San Clemente’s district presented similar bills, with support of city officials, to respective state Assembly and Senate Health committees that would allow for a free-standing or satellite emergency room in San Clemente. Both bills failed to move forward in the Legislature after committee members had concerns regarding the services MemorialCare could provide, as well as questions regarding an adequate blood bank and cardiac or stroke emergency care.

WHAT’S NEXT: During the meeting, representatives from MemorialCare said they would be prepared to take legal action against the city, citing the action would be discriminatory “spot zoning” that prohibits them from adjusting to an acute medical facility.—EH

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?

••• Send your suggestions to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 22–February 11, 2016

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EYE ON SJC

Community Meetings MONDAY, JAN. 25

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting 4 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 26

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.

Snow-covered Santa Ana Mountains are seen off the coast directly west of San Juan Capistrano on Jan. 8. Photo: Allison Jarrell

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27

Downtown Farmers Market 3 p.m.–6 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, JAN. 29

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.

Camino Health Center Auxiliary Raises $260K at Fashion Show

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10

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, FEB. 12

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

Mission San Juan Capistrano Women’s Guild invites members and guests to attend the second annual fundraiser to benefit the Mission on Jan. 31 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Café Mozart, located at 31952 Camino Capistrano.The event includes wine tasting, appetizers and live entertainment by vocalist Sharon Sills with Richie Fauno on the piano. Tickets are $35.

Checks can be made payable to MSJC Women’s Guild and mailed to: Penny Tishma, 26137 Via Monterey, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Admission fee is due by Jan. 26.

Annual Stallion Showcase Feb. 6

Community Forum with CUSD Superintendent on Jan. 25

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting5 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Women’s Guild to Host Second Annual Fundraiser

Camino Health Center Auxiliary hosted its annual fashion show and luncheon on Nov. 24 at the Ritz Carlton-Laguna Niguel, raising nearly $260,000 to improve access to care at Camino Health Center.

Camino Health Center is a federally qualified health center in San Juan Capistrano and one of the 9,000 health centers caring for the 23 million Americans who are uninsured, newly jobless or the working poor.

This year’s runway show featured fashions from South Coast Plaza including Bally, Brunello Cucinelli, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Façonnable, Intermix, MaxMara, Ralph Lauren, Sandro, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John and M Missoni, providing informal modeling during the reception.

TUESDAY, FEB. 2

Parents and community members are invited to participate in a “Conversation with the Superintendent” of the Capistrano Unified School District.

The discussion will focus on the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports plan and provide an update on CUSD’s counselors and the impact they are having in helping our students achieve school and life success. Counselors are available in grades K-12 and are located at all school sites.

The goal of MTSS is for all students to be college and career ready and help students who are at-risk. MTSS was developed to provide a systematic approach for

The Capistrano Dispatch January 22–February 11, 2016

identifying at-risk students through universal screening. Interventions are in place to meet the needs of academic, social-emotional and behaviorally at-risk students.

The “Conversation with the Superintendent” will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, at the CUSD Education Center, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano.

San Juan Hills High School is inviting all eighth grade students and their parents to the Eighth Annual Stallion Showcase on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The event includes a tour of the campus and athletic facilities, as well as information presented by students, teachers, staff and parents about the school’s academic, athletic and performing arts programs.

The day’s agenda will consist of: • A welcome and introductory presentation at 9:30 a.m. at the school theater • Informational booths for athletics, clubs, academic programs, performing arts, pep squad, AVID, ASB, PTSA, parent boosters, guidance and enrollment • Advanced Placement and Accelerated Class workshops

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Two-way immersion workshop Performing arts presentations Seating in the theater is limited, so the school encourages guests to arrive early.

San Juan Hills High School is located at 29211 Vista Montana, San Juan Capistrano. For more information, contact the school at 949.234.5900.

• •

Third Thursdays Shop & Dine SJC cks Off Feb. 18 The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce kicks off a new monthly event, Third Thursdays Shop & Dine SJC, on Feb. 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in historic downtown San Juan Capistrano.

The event, which will occur the third Thursday of each month, aims to provide downtown visitors and residents the chance to stroll through the unique shops, restaurants and galleries in San Juan while enjoying in-store entertainment, special events and promotions.

The chamber encourages residents and visitors to shop locally in order to help build relationships, cohesiveness and a sense of community; to promote the distinct character and tourism of San Juan, and to support small businesses that are not only owned by people who live in the area, but also employ the greatest number of residents in the community.

Local businesses, both chamber members and non-members, are invited to take part in the monthly shop and dine event.

Businesses must agree to participate on a monthly basis and commit to a threemonth period (quarterly) to be added to promotional materials.

Business owners interested in participating can email the chamber at info@ sanjuanchamber.com or call 949.493.4700.

Include your business name, the quarter you would like to participate, contact name, address, phone, email, web address and the promotion being offered.

Following the Feb. 18 event, the next Shop & Dine SJC is set to take place March 17. The event is rain or shine. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

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, January 20 BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Via Cordova, 31200 Block (1:34 a.m.) A woman reported that two windows of an older-model Chevy were broken and two purses were missing. She said the vehicle had just been broken into and the subjects left in a white truck heading toward Ortega Highway.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Paseo Adelanto, 32500 Block (1:26 a.m.)

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

San Clemente: Short-Term Rentals Discussion Continued

Over the course of a three-hour discussion during Tuesday night’s San Clemente City Council meeting, the debate about putting more requirements on short-term lodging units in San Clemente could not be settled. Both those in opposition and in support gave their opinion on a code amendment that would require homeowners to occupy their residence for 275 days per year and allow them to rent 90 days out of the year.

Additional amendments included parking arrangements, the requirement of obtaining a business license and others. The code amendment was added to the Tuesday night agenda following the failure of a temporary moratorium the city planned to put on the establishment of STLUs. STLU is defined as lodging under 30 days within a residence.

Over the course of the debates, homeowners have stated that renting their home is a major contributor to their personal income.

On the other hand, residents against STLUs in their community say they’ve become a trendy, ubiquitous nuisance, bringing rambunctious behavior, unwelcome noise from guests at late hours and putting a squeeze on parking.

Toward the end of the meeting, Council-

A caller said loud screams were heard and then a man, possibly with mental issues, was seen walking toward the creek. The man who was seen was stopped by police and searched, but there was nothing suspicious about him. A similar call was reported minutes earlier.

Tuesday, January 19 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Brookfield Road, 26400 Block (9:08 p.m.)

A woman said she saw two people pushing a stroller with a child crying, “I want my mommy.” She said the man pushing the stroller looked “nervous” and made her think the child may have been abducted.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Calle Reynalda/Del Obispo Street (7:08 p.m.) Police observed a known parolee with a Varrio Viejo gang member. When the two saw the police vehicle, they ran into one of the gang member’s homes.

The two subjects were detained and searched. Police found one of them was in possession of methamphetamine. One man, a 31-year-old landscaper, was arrested in the incident and booked into the Central Men’s Jail. No bail was set.

Elizabeth Rinaldi of Dana Point won $779,264 in the Jan. 9 California Lottery Powerball draw, according to a press release from the California Lottery.

In an email to the California Lottery, Rinaldi said she usually plays Powerball when the jackpot is more than $250 million.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 22–February 11, 2016

DISTURBANCE-AUTO INVOLVED Oso Road, 26200 Block (4:24 p.m.) A caller from The Shea Center said numerous vehicles could be heard racing, and the loud engines were scaring the horses.

Monday, January 18 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Ortega Highway, 27100 Block (11:48 p.m.)

A woman pulled into the Shell gas station with another woman who was bleeding from her hand and another person with “blood all over.” The caller said the vehicle left southbound.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle San Antonio, 26400 Block (10:32 p.m.) A woman said her son saw her daughter’s boyfriend try to crawl in through the window. The man was described as homeless, does not drive a car but rides an orange bicycle, typically under the influence of a substance and

man Chris Hamm brought forth a proposal that would establish a grandfather clause to protect STLU owners already operating with a license and within compliance to stay only one day out of the year at their residence until 2021. Then they would be subject to the city’s code.

Mayor Bob Baker and Councilwoman Lori Donchak did not want to take action on the item as Baker said the document had just been presented and the public had not been able to view it with adequate time to respond.

City Manager James Makshanoff said the city plans to put the grandfather clause document on the city’s website, www.sanclemente.org.

STLU codes are expected to return to City Council during the next meeting, but it will be the discretion of the council as to whether it is put on the agenda. The planning commission was expected to discuss the zoning issues of STLUs at its Wednesday night meeting, and the discussion or decisions from that were not available until press time. Visit www.sanclementetimes. com for an updated version of this story.— Eric Heinz

Dana Point: Resident Wins More Than $775,000 in Powerball

GRAND THEFT Camino Capistrano, 32300 Block (5 p.m.)

A man at the AT&T store smashed the display case and stole an iPhone. The man was described as a 26-year-old and 5-foot-6.

sometimes sleeps in the laundry room.

The woman said he would try to do this all night. The man also unscrewed the outside lightbulbs. A 32-year-old man, listed as a construction worker, was arrested in the incident and is in custody on $15,000 bail at the Central Men’s Jail.

DISTURBANCE San Juan Creek Road/La Novia Avenue (4:52 p.m.) A caller said a woman was screaming at passersby and striking cars with her purse.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Calle La Purisima, 31500 Block (7:03 a.m.) A caller said a gunshot was heard outside his house. When police came to the residence, they found a person who was a known gang member and admitted to recent heroin use. Multiple syringes were found during a bedroom search.

9-1-1 HANG-UP Via Del Rey, 25600 Block (1:51 a.m.) A woman said her neighbor was drunk and ran his large, extended-cab Ford pickup truck into another neighbor’s white Toyota Camry. The victim then chased the man in the damaged car.

The Ocean Institute’s new six-week Tiny Tots: Parent & Me Programs for kids ages 2 to 3 is set to run on Tuesdays beginning Jan. 26. Photo: File

The jackpot was finalized at $947.9 million.

She said she and her husband got in their car and drove to a Chevron in Dana Point on Pacific Coast Highway. One of the 10 tickets they purchased ended up matching five of six numbers (16-19-32-34-57, missing only the Powerball number 13).

“I had to read (the winning ticket) like 10 times,” Rinaldi said in the release, adding that she was in “disbelief, kind of silent, kind of in shock.”

Rinaldi said she has not decided what she and her husband will do with their winnings.

“I’m still praying about it,” she said. “It’s a lot of responsibility.”

According to the California Lottery’s website, Powerball is a multistate game played in 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Powerball draw times are Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7:59 p.m. Ticket sales are suspended from 7 p.m. to 7:05 p.m. the

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day of the draw. Tickets are $2 apiece.

—Eriz Heinz

Dana Point: Ocean Institute Introduces Program for Children Ages 2-3

The Ocean Institute will offer Tiny Tots: Parent & Me Programs for children ages 2 and 3 and their parents on Tuesdays, Jan. 26 through March 1, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

The six-week adventure includes exploring shapes, colors, textures and more with a tide pool favorite: the sea star.

Each Tuesday session includes an activity and an animal encounter.

Cost for the six-week series is $150, or $30 for a single drop-in class. Register online at www.ocean-institute.org/parentchild-programs.

The Ocean Institute is located at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive in the Dana Point Harbor. For more information, visit the website or call 949.496.2274. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Teachers Urge District to Settle Labor Negotiations

CUSD Board Seeks Higher Pay for Substitute Teachers

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

Capistrano Unified Education Association representatives push CUSD for higher teacher wages

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

ell over 100 teachers and supporters displaying lime green “Settle Now!” stickers filled the Capistrano Unified School District board room on Jan. 13, occupying many of the seats and lining the back wall during the brief, two-item meeting.

During public comment, two representatives from the Capistrano Unified Education Association spoke to the group’s reasons for attending the meeting, including shedding light on labor negotiations between CUSD and CUEA that have been ongoing since September.

CUEA president Sally White told the Board of Trustees that teachers are “tired of begging for a raise.”

“They have been worn out and worn down by constant changes to education that come from above,” White said. “Since 2007 to 2008, they’ve only seen 2 percent added to the salary schedule; that’s 0.25 percent a year.”

Michael Hulse, a 13-year history teacher at Dana Hills High School and member of CEUA’s executive board, added that while his job in CUSD was initially the envy of all his peers, today “qualified teachers no longer wait patiently for an opening in our district.”

“The best candidates often have offers

Teachers and supporters clap for Capistrano Unified Education Association representatives who spoke at the Jan. 13 Capistrano Unified School District meeting about ongoing labor negotiations and the need for increased teacher salaries. Photo: Allison Jarrell

More than 100 attendees at the Jan. 13 CUSD meeting wore “Settle Now!” stickers to show solidarity with district teachers as negotiations calling for higher pay continue. Photo: Allison Jarrell

before they ever finish their credential programs,” Hulse said. “We now hire from a shrinking pool of candidates and hope for the best.”

White noted that Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed 2016-2017 budget recently delivered good news with increased funding for education. Brown wrote that “relative to years past, the state budget is in good shape” and “education funding is at its highest level ever.”

White asked CUSD trustees to reflect that increase in the district’s budget.

Capistrano Unified Education Association president Sally White told the CUSD Board of Trustees that teachers are “tired of begging for a raise.” Photo: Allison Jarrell

“Please show them by your budgeting that they matter … that someone is noticing what they’ve been doing a shoestring for too many years,” she said.

Negotiations between CEUA and CUSD are set to continue on Jan. 22.

“All of the districts around us have gotten very good increases in the last few years, and we haven’t been able to do that,” White said in an interview. “This year, we’ve gotten the most amount of money from the state. If we can’t get a good raise this year, we’re never going to get one.” CD

he Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously Jan. 13 to have staff analyze a pay increase for the district’s substitute teachers, marking the group’s first pay raise in more than 15 years.

While the district currently employs 651 substitute teachers, staff noted a shortage of subs throughout California has emerged as the economy improves and more baby boomers retire. Capistrano Unified substitutes are paid the lowest daily rate, and the highest long-term rate, of the districts CUSD surveyed in the county—$90 a day, $100 per day after 10 days and $221 per day after 40 days of work. Staff said several veteran substitutes recently “sent letters or have simply resigned, citing insufficient pay as the reason.”

In order to become more competitive with neighboring districts, staff recommended increasing pay to $105 a day, which would be offset by decreasing long-term pay. Irvine Unified pays substitutes $110 per day and $150 after 15 days; Laguna Beach Unified has a daily rate of $125 and $150 after 14 days, and Saddleback Valley Unified pays subs $90 a day and $100 after 10 days. CUSD is the only district with an increase in pay after 40 days.

The majority of trustees agreed that pay rates need to be increased beyond $105 per day in order to become competitive with other districts and asked staff to analyze increasing the proposed rates to $115 per day and $130 after 40 days.

Staff will present their findings and recommendations to the board for approval at a future meeting. CD

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor A SAD DAY IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO —Larry Kramer, San Juan Capistrano Jan. 5 was a sad day for our fair city.

That was the day the City Council majority threw all rational thought out the window.

For what purpose, only they know. They re-voted on the engineering and design contract to remove the 0.9-mile choke point on Ortega Highway and voted against the contract.

The council majority claim they are for safety, but it is an unsafe highway now and will get worse. They campaigned against traffic congestion. It is congested now (level D/E) and getting worse (level F).

The road performs at unsatisfactory levels during peak hours, but that is fine with them. Two of them live on the other side of town and likely do not use it. The third, who was not elected to the council but appointed, does not like sound walls and retaining walls. They want to keep a four-lane state highway “rural.”

I feel sad for the contractor who thought they had a contract and began work. But in San Juan Capistrano, a contract is not final. They can and have later changed their minds. Is that business friendly? Will they pay the contractor for the work already done (using your tax dollars)?

I feel sad for the many good, honest, hardworking people who devoted thousands of hours negotiating, planning and designing this small section of highway over the past 10 years that is now for nothing.

I feel sad for the people who were in the accident on Ortega Highway on Jan. 8. They were trying to make a left hand turn onto La Novia, but another car got in a hurry going east and decided to occupy the same piece of road. As the traffic increases, the number of accidents will likely increase.

I feel sad for the students and parents going to and from San Juan Hills High School and wasting their time in traffic.

I feel sad for the people working in San Juan Capistrano who live off Ortega Highway.

I feel sad for the people who live in Sendero who will decide not to travel to our city to a restaurant or play or movie because of the delays. I also feel sad for the businesses that will experience reduced patronage.

For all those people, as you are stuck in traffic, remember that, as Councilman John Perry said, the choke point is a calming device. So just stay calm as your engine idles.

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 Councilman Sam Allevato

Council Majority Ignores Overwhelming Public Input

T

he City Council majority of Mayor Pam Patterson, Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ferguson and Councilman John Perry voted Jan. 5 to, once again, effectively delay the removal of the 0.9-mile Ortega Highway choke point. With a 3-1 vote (Patterson, Ferguson and Perry voting yes; myself voting no and Councilman Derek Reeve absent), this council majority ignored the overwhelming testimony of 18 speakers (mostly residents) that pointed to the dangers, flooding, congestion and environmental concerns that necessitate the removal of this choke point.

Instead, this council majority has been indoctrinated by others to say that the removal of the choke point will just increase traffic, raise the speed limits and will destroy the small town charm of our city.

These obtuse arguments were presented by only a handful of other speakers who also objected nonsensically to commuters from surrounding cities only being encouraged to use Ortega Highway if the choke point is removed, thus increasing traffic.

By this vote to delay, the council majority has turned their backs on $15.5 million in state and local funding earmarked for this major improvement to the county’s Master Plan of Arterial Highways.

“

”

What they effectively have done is to punish our residents who live along Ortega Highway, the parents who must endure the traffic mess while taking their children to San Juan Hills High School and the novice young drivers who have to maneuver through this dangerous section of roadway on their only way to the high school—just to spite other motorists that may be so emboldened as to use a gas-taxfunded state highway.

Councilwoman Ferguson pointed to the 2002 San Juan Capistrano Strategic Transportation Plan as some infallible document that must be followed, when what it actually says is that widening Ortega Highway to four lanes should occur after

The Capistrano Dispatch January 22-February 11, 2016

the “city pursue(s) and achieve(s) commitments or resolution to the first five recommended strategies,” including: 1. Construction of the Ortega Highway/ Interstate 5 Interchange Sam Allevato (completed in 2015) 2. La Pata extension to San Clemente (to be completed September 2016) 3. Completion of the SR 241 toll road to I-5 (Ferguson opposes the Tesoro extension of the toll road. Rancho Mission Viejo is building its own road that will mirror the footprint of the toll road.)

As you can see, all three of these strategies have been completed, will soon be completed or there are commitments to complete the project. I personally know the author of the city’s 2002 transportation plan, and he said the document is a loose blueprint developed 14 years ago and a lot has changed since then. He recommends that the choke point be removed now.

Several speakers in favor of the removal of the choke point astutely pointed out that Ortega Highway is already a four-lane state highway and this two-lane segment presents a traffic bottleneck and safety hazard for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. In addition, there are no storm drains, curbs or gutters to deal with the seasonal flooding. Staff reiterated that this choke point has a rate of 37 traffic accidents over the last 5 years compared to 30 accidents on a comparable section of city roadway, qualifying this as a “high traffic accident” location.

By this vote to delay, the council majority has turned their backs on $15.5 million in state and local funding earmarked for this major improvement to the county’s Master Plan of Arterial Highways. After more than 10 years of planning, endless commission and council meetings, hundreds of staff hours and salary expended, and even a lawsuit that the city signed off on to agree to the aesthetics of the project, this council majority has once again turned Saint Serra’s motto upside down by acting “always backwards, never forward.” CD

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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.

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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-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

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 22 OCEAN INSTITUTE RED HOT JAZZ FESTIVAL 5:30 p.m. Jan. 22, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 23. The Ocean Institute’s jazz fundraising weekend event combines renowned jazz artists with an elegant evening of epicurean dining, cocktails, and live and silent auctions.

Featured performers include Rick Braun, Richard Elliot and Louis Price. Since 2003 this event has raised more than $1 million to benefit Ocean Institute hands-on, ocean-oriented educational programs.

Tickets from $95. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.oijazzfestival.com.

SHOWOFF! INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents seven original 10-minute plays written by seven different directors. Tickets are $18. Shows run through Jan. 24 on Thursday, 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.

RODEO REVIVAL 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Saturday | 23 ‘JAM FOR SAM’ AT SWALLOW’S INN Noon-6:30 p.m. The first annual “Jam for Sam” fundraiser for cancer research takes place at the Swallow’s Inn in honor of longtime San Juan Capistrano resident and Little League coach Sam Abbate, who passed away several years ago from pancreatic cancer. No cover charge. Enter the raffle for a chance to win a free night stay at the Montage Laguna Beach. All proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society.

Local bands performing live include The Cholulas, Joint Committee, Lyons Den and Misty Rosas.

VANESSA CARLTON 8 p.m. Live music at The Coach House featuring Vanessa Carlton, Skye Steele and Nilu. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

EDITOR’S PICK THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11: TASTE OF SAN JUAN 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association invites the community to help kick off the 2016 Fiesta de las Golondrinas season with the annual Taste of San Juan at the San Juan Hills Golf Club, featuring live music by Mark Liddell & The Wranglers. Each year, the event brings together dozens of San Juan’s finest restaurants to tempt guests with samples of their fare. Last year’s event drew 400 guests who voted for their favorite eateries, including Mission Grill for “Best Appetizer,” 3:16 Bakery with “Best Dessert” and L’Hirondelle for “Best Main Dish” and overall best dish of the evening.

Tickets are $35. San Juan Hills Golf Club is located at 32120 San Juan Creek Road.

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

Sunday | 24 ECOLOGY CENTER COMMUNITY TABLE DINNER 4 p.m.-7 p.m. The Ecology Center’s Community Table is a unique experience that’s part farm-to-table dinner and part education, where guests can enjoy delicious local food and meet the rancher/farmer and

The Capistrano Dispatch January 22–February 11, 2016

El Adobe de Capistrano and 3:16 Bakery were just two of the 26 area restaurants that participated in last year’s annual Taste of San Juan. Photos: Allison Jarrell

chef who are responsible for making the meal. Chefs Flemming Hansen and Mette Helbaks of Stedsans in Copenhagen, Denmark, will be applying their expertise to locally sourced California produce for a truly unique meal. Tickets are $115 for members, $125 for non-members, and can be purchased at www.theecologycenter. org. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223.

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Tuesday | 26 KNITLIT BOOK CLUB/DISCUSSION 6 p.m.-7 p.m. The KnitLit Knitting Book Group meets at the San Juan Capistrano Library to work on knitting projects and have a lively discussion of the club’s latest book. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTTING OUT

Wednesday | 27 BILINGUAL FAMILY STORYTIME 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Bring the entire family for stories and rhymes in both English and Spanish at the San Juan Capistrano Library. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Thursday | 28 MISSION READERS BOOK DISCUSSION 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Join other readers the fourth Thursday of each month for a lively and informal book discussion.

Copies of the book will be available to checkout following the meeting. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Friday | 29 TAKE FIVE! AT THE CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents a collection of five short plays written by playwright Austin Peay. Tickets are $20. Shows run Jan. 29 and 30. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 30 PAINTING AND VINO Noon-3 p.m. Sip wine while participating in a step-by-step painting class taught by a professional artist. All supplies provided. $45. Register online at www.paintingandvino.com. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

RAINWATER HARVESTING SOLUTIONS 1 p.m. Join The Ecology Center to learn about the basics of rainwater harvesting for your home, including rain barrel installation methods and other easy water conservation strategies. Participants take home a free rain barrel. Admission is $40$50. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

FAMILY STYLE 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s.

555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

Sunday | 31 WANDA JACKSON 7 p.m. Live music at The Coach House featuring Wanda Jackson, Hot Rod Trio and Dylan Olds. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 5 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Monday | 01 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 and clear weeds.

Bring work gloves if you have them.

Drinks and snacks provided. Ages 10 and up. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

Friday | 05 FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m.-9 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents a monthly movie night. A $2 donation supports the library. Call the library for more information. La Sala Auditorium at the San Juan

Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Saturday | 06 13TH ANNUAL ROTARY CAR SHOW 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Rotary presents its annual car show, featuring more than 400 hot rods, muscle cars, classics, cruisers and vintage autos at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center & Sports Park, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. The event also features a disc dogs exhibition, refreshments and a variety of vendors. Money raised benefits the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) and other rotary charities. Admission is $5, $2 for children 11 to 17 and free for kids under 11 years of age. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. To register a car online, visit www.sjcrotary.org.

DANA POINT NATURE TOUR 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This docent-led walk explores the ecology and natural history of the Headlands area. Tours occur on the first Saturday of each month. RSVP required to wqintern@danapoint.org or 949.248.3527.

Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

FAMILY FILM FEATURE 10 a.m.-noon. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents a familyfriendly matinee film the first Saturday of the month. Free admission and popcorn.

Call the library for more information.

La Sala Auditorium at the San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Sunday | 07 NORTH RIDGE HIKE 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a hike up the North Ridge trail, over to Wilson’s Camp

and returning through Shady Canyon.

Ages 10 and up. Adults $10, children $5.

The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

Saturday | 13 FUN FINDING FUNGI MUSHROOM WALK 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and explore the fascinating world of wild mushrooms with amateur mycologist Joanne Schwartz. P $10 adults, $5 kids. Ages 8 and up. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse hosts a lineup of four comedians on the second Saturday of each month.

Admission is $17.50; 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.

Sunday | 14 ITALIAN VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Experience an “Evening in Florence” at the Vue Restaurant with dinner with live entertainment. Priced at $105 per person (plus tax and gratuity), the dinner includes one bottle of Chianti per couple. Valet parking $5. Call for reservations (required) and menu information.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Vue Restaurant, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.lagunacliffs.com, 949.487.7577.

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

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

At the Movies: ‘Spotlight’ Slightly Misdirected

BY MEGAN BIANCO

D

Photo: Open Road Films

The Capistrano Dispatch January 22–February 11, 2016

espite the irony that Tom McCarthy’s Spotlight won Best Acting Ensemble, Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture at the Critics’ Choice Awards last weekend, your local movie critic doesn’t feel entirely confident with those accolades. Two weeks ago, Spotlight’s hype was overshadowed by The Revenant at the Golden Globes, and now it’s up in the air which of the films could win big at the Oscars.

Editor Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber) is hired at The Boston Globe in 2001, and right away he thinks the paper’s top priority should be investigating overlooked incidents of child molestation among Catholic priests.

He gives the assignment to the spotlight department for long-term research consisting of journalists portrayed by Michael Keaton,

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Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo and Brian d’Arcy James.

The things that Spotlight does well is give the viewer plenty of thorough information on the tragedy, and McAdams, Stanley Tucci and Schreiber don’t miss a beat with their acting. But the tone and structure of the film feels a bit too technical, while some directing choices from McCarthy are a bit heavy-handed. Most confusing is the fact that Ruffalo—who displays fidgety characteristics that are distracting and almost seems like he’s in a different movie—is getting the most performance hype. Spotlight is a good way for those who want to learn more about the subject, but as far as Best Picture contenders go this season, I’m still with The Big Short and Fury Road. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Willie Nelson: Still Going Strong at 82

L

ast August, Willie Nelson was scheduled to perform at the Orange County Fair. My life partner Greta Cohn and I, and our Dana Point friends, Ron and Lee Cohan, had tickets for the concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre, an outdoor venue. The four of us realized it would probably be our last chance to see Willie, a country music legend; he turns 83 this April 29.

Most, not all, of the audience appeared to be ages 50 to 90. We were in our seats; the band’s instruments were in place on the stage. And then it started raining hard; the show was canceled.

ON LIFE AND Three months LOVE AFTER 50 later, when the four of

By Tom Blake us heard Willie would be performing this Jan. 6 at the Grove in Anaheim, we purchased tickets.

On the night of the concert, it rained again, but the Grove is an indoor venue, so we knew the show would go on. I will admit, however, the possibility of a raincaused cancelation crossed my mind as we made the drive to Anaheim.

Frankly, my expectations about Willie performing were modest. I imagined that

GUEST OPINION: Four Kids and a Dog by Elizabeth Bottiaux

Dana Point Discoveries

I

t wasn’t a day that could be spent indoors. The air was clear and crisp and it felt as if adventure was waiting to unfold before us. The aquamarine sky and sparkling ocean beckoned us. While all the big kids were in school, my youngest and I took a field trip to one of our favorite local spots.

The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center and Trail System are local gems.

There’s something for all ages inside the Nature Center. Kids can pop their heads up through a clear dome and gain the perspective of a small animal in a mini recreation of the headlands area. We learned about watersheds by listening to recorded information through headphones and

Tom Blake and Greta Cohn happy to have a second chance to see Willie Nelson perform. Photo: Courtesy

his family members, including his sons Micah and Lukas on guitars and “little sister” Bobbie, as Willie calls her, on piano, would be the primary performers, and that Willie would sing only a few songs.

When the lights dimmed, Willie led his band onto the stage. He was wearing a Tshirt with “Maui” printed on the front and his usual red bandana headband.

Willie picked up Trigger, the name he’s given to his ancient Martin N-20 classical guitar that he’s had for 47 years—the one with a gaping hole and faded autographs from famous people such as Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings on it. He began with one of his classics, “Whiskey River.” The four of us were surprised by how great Willie and his band sounded.

He was on stage nonstop for more than 90 minutes. He sang: “Georgia on My Mind,” “On the Road Again,” “Angel

Flying Too Close to the Ground,” “Crazy,” “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” “Good-Hearted Woman,” “Always on My Mind” and about 25 other songs, all of them familiar.

He was gracious and personable. Fans kept tossing cowboy hats onto the stage.

Willie would wear the hats for a couple of songs and then toss them to the crowd Frisbee-style. He also threw five headbands to the crowd.

Another Orange County friend, Ken Stetter, and his girlfriend Peggy McGuire, were seated in the same aisle about 20 feet away, although I didn’t know that until a week later.

“I, too, went to see Willie Nelson, with Peggy,” Ken said. “We also had tickets this summer at the fair. I thought his ‘little sister’ Bobbie was a huge plus—really good musician. I had a great night, like

examining an expansive wooden watershed model.

My son got to spin the species wheel. When the wheel stopped and pointed to an animal, he would eagerly locate the animal inside of the FOUR KIDS nature center. We dared AND A DOG to stick our hands into the

By Elizabeth mystery box and guess Bottiaux its contents. I braved the box first. I have to admit, I was a bit squeamish about reaching into a box involving unknown ingredients. I’ll give one hint: it doesn’t bite. As we marveled at the enormous hand-painted mural that captures the era of Richard Henry Dana, Jr. it transported us back in time.

Friendly and knowledgeable docent Tressa Lam provided a wealth of information. She explained how the prized Pacific pocket mouse is closely monitored by biologists within the confines of the conservation area. We got to speak with one of the biologists about the pocket

mouse tracking system. Tracking tubes are used to measure the number of paw prints of these tiny fur balls. The mice, once thought to be entirely extinct, are hibernating in these winter months, and will re-emerge March through October.

Tucked away in 29.4 acres of conservation area, the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area is home to many native plants and animal species. The coastal California gnatcatcher and the Pacific pocket mouse are on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Threatened and Endangered Species List. Both make their home in the conservation area. Coastal Sagebrush grows rampantly throughout the area. We were taught to rub the plant in our hands and then breathe in the fresh scent.

The mostly flat, 1-mile trail is ideal for young children. We borrowed a pair of binoculars and took them out on the trail to enhance the already majestic panoramic views. As we walked the easy sand trail, we were serenaded by birds and the distant crashing of waves. The ocean shimmered and shone under the

The Capistrano Dispatch January 22-February 11, 2016

Page 13

you. Two thumbs up!”

“Little sister” Bobbie is 85 years old.

Greta and I didn’t know if we’d ever see Willie again. However, a week later we did—only this time it wasn’t in person. On Friday, Jan. 15, we watched on PBS TV station KCET, Willie receiving The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

He had received the award on Nov. 18, 2015, in Washington, D.C. A multitude of entertainers performed his music as he and his wife sat in a booth above and to the side of the stage.

Johnny Cash’s daughter, Rosanne, performed “Pancho and Lefty,” and Alison Krauss of the group Union Station performed, “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.” Paul Simon and Neil Young also sang. It was an incredible night of music.

After Willie received the award on stage, he strapped on Trigger and did a few songs with all of the guest performers joining him. With a career that spans six decades, his final song was, appropriately enough, “On the Road Again.”

Greta said, “Just because we are older doesn’t mean we stop doing what we love.

To Willie, 82 is just a number.”

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. His latest book can be found online at www.smashwords.com/books/view/574810.

See his website at www.findingloveafter60. com (Yes, after 60; time rolls on.) To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. CD 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

warm golden sun. The views on this clear day were breathtaking. Both of us enjoyed pointing out animal tracks and mysterious holes that were presumably animals’ homes.

People we encountered on the trail seemed happy. Some even stopped for casual conversation. Quick greetings and friendly smiles were exchanged with passersby. It was as if we had an unspoken understanding that this lovely location was a small slice of heaven. Visiting this place was a beautiful way to reconnect with nature, oneself and rediscover the simple pleasures in life.

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 5, 7, 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

Got the Winter Garden Blues?

Get outside and plant bare root plants while you still have time

Y

ou’ve worked diligently in your garden this past fall planning, preparing, pruning, planting and mulching, lying in wait for the glorious spring to showcase the fruits of your labor. With the work now done, it’s time to take a break and rest from your laborious efforts.

A gardener rest? Heck no! Say goodbye to the winter garden blues—it’s time to grab your gloves and mosey on over to your local nursery. This is the ideal time to stock up and save money on bare root trees, shrubs and rosebushes. But you better move quickly, as these hearty plants need to get into the ground during the cold days of January in order to thrive.

If you are not familiar with bare root plants, they are deciduous plants that have been grown in the ground and dug up while in their dormant state. The soil is removed from the root, giving rise to the term “bare root.” Bare root plants come in a variety DIRT THERAPY of flora, from trees to

By Marrianne Taylor shrubs to roses—popular varieties include berries, artichokes, grapes, wisterias and strawberries. Fruit trees come in bare root form, saving you money and giving you an abundance of produce in the summer. This is the perfect time to stock up on the varieties of plants that are readily available at half the cost.

What exactly is the process of uprooting and growing a bare root plant? After the plant is dug up, the top of the plant is pruned to a compact size and the roots are sized and pruned in balance with the top of the plant.

Plants are gently packaged in moist sawdust wrapped in paper or plastic or sold in bulk containers with damp planting mix.

My two favorite local nurseries, Plant Depot in San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Hills Nursery, have knowledgeable and skilled staff to help you select the right plant for your landscape. Plants are sold online as well, but they’re best from the nursery so you can inspect the plant and root systems before bringing them home.

One thing is for certain: once you’ve purchased your bare root plants, they need to be in the ground before the weather warms up. Sometimes February surprises us in south Orange County with a heat wave, so don’t wait.

Bare root plants are far more cost ef-

fective than a container plant, especially if your plans include a huge rose garden or a fruit orchard. If you purchase online, bare root shipping costs are lower due to the size and weight of the plant. When purchasing from a local nursery, you can easily stack several packaged plants in the back of your vehicle. Most importantly, when buying a bare root plant, you can inspect the root system and ensure the roots are robust, well spread, undamaged and moist before purchasing.

The only disadvantage of bare root plants is that these small, pruned beauties-to-be may die due to improper or untimely planting. Our Southern California cool season has a small window of opportunity when planting with bare roots—it is best to plant in January and within the first few weeks of February. Remember, these same plants in a container can be planted all year, but you will pay almost triple the price or more.

SELECTING BARE ROOT PLANTS: 1. Make sure the plant is still dormant and doesn’t have too many newly sprouted leaves or stems on twigs.

2. Look for balanced placement of branches so the tree will grow evenly.

3. Make sure the root system is moist and not dried out. Check out the roots if it’s in a bulk bin.

4. When in doubt, ask for help at the nursery. Personnel are well trained and will guide you through the process.

PLANTING A BARE ROOT: 1. If you’re unable to plant the day of purchase, put your plants in a bucket of water in a cool shady place.

2. Follow the planting directions from the nursery or the plant manufacturer for success. Moving quickly with the cool temperatures is the key.

3. Check the soil weekly, making sure it’s is moist, not saturated. Also check that the plant hasn’t sunk below ground level, causing roots to drown and rot.

4. In the spring, give new plants light fertilizer.

If you have never enjoyed the many benefits of bare root gardening, you’re in for a huge treat. Your garden will produce copious fruit and flowers this summer and fall and for seasons to come.

Interested in gardening or growing your garden skills? A Free Smart Gardening Series begins Feb. 6 at Reata Park in San Juan Capistrano. Classes will be hosted

by Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and taught by the UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County. For more information, visit www.goinnative.net.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. 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

The Capistrano Dispatch January 22–February 11, 2016

Celebration of Life for Sheldon Cohen THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

celebration in honor of the life of Sheldon Cohen—beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, attorney, city servant and friend to many—will be held at Reata Park in San Juan Capistrano on Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. Cohen passed away suddenly on Dec. 15.

“He was incredibly loving, caring, dedicated, generous and loyal,” Cohen’s family said in a statement. “He was the life of the party, always telling jokes and making people laugh and smile. He was a proud resident of San Juan Capistrano, serving his community on the planning commission, open space committee and other various committees for many years.

He was also a distinguished attorney and practiced law for over 30 years.”

Cohen’s family said he “loved life and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, taking road trips, hiking at Zion National Park, barbecuing and rooting for his ASU Sun Devils.”

“He made an impact on everyone that knew him,” his family said. “He will be forever loved and missed.”

Reata Park was built and funded due in part to Cohen’s hard work and dedication to the city as a member of the Open Space

Committee. All are welcome to attend the Jan. 30 celebration and are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Cohen. Reata Park is located at 28633 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano.

There will be a gathering immeSheldon Cohen. diately following Photo: Jess Block-Nerren/ the celebration at Felten Media Services Sarducci’s Restaurant, located at 26701 Verdugo Street in San Juan Capistrano, for anyone who wishes to attend.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the San Juan Capistrano Open Space Foundation in Cohen’s memory: San Juan Capistrano Open Space Foundation, 31103 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite D-2133, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

Cohen is survived by his wife Lois, daughters Meredith and Allison, grandchildren Kai, Owen and Mischa, and sister Barbara. 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

Pet of the Week: Varys

V

arys, a playful 1-year-old German Shepherd/Husky mix, is looking for his new forever home! This young pup is very friendly and loves giving lots of hugs and kisses—belly rubs are his favorite, of course!

Varys is currently being fostered at The Zuri Pet Spa & Resort. If you would like to know more about him—or any of the other pets up for adoption—contact Zuri at 949.429.7222 or thezuripetspa@yahoo. com. Or stop by for a visit at 32423 Calle Perfecto in San Juan Capistrano. CD

Page 14

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SJC LIVING

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport was one of more than 400 cars displayed at the 2015 SJC Rotary Car Show in San Juan Capistrano.

Cruisin’ for a Cause Annual SJC Rotary car show rolls into town Feb. 6 PHOTOS AND STORY BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he 13th annual San Juan Capistrano Car Show is set to take place on Feb. 6 at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center and Sports Park, featuring more than 400 hot rods, muscle cars, classics, cruisers and vintage autos.

As in years past, the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., includes a variety of vendors, exhibits, refreshments, raffle drawings and disc dog performances throughout the day. This year the show will also salute the popular Top 40 disc jockeys that many car enthusiasts grew up listening to on Los Angeles radio stations such as KFWB, KLAC and KHJ. Soundbites of featured jockeys such as Wolfman Jack, Bob Eubanks and Don Steele will play throughout the day.

Another likely highlight for many auto aficionados is what organizers are calling the “$4 million Triangle”—a display showcasing the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, the McLaren P1 and the Porsche 918 Spyder.

The event also features the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort, or CARE, and wellbehaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

Last year’s car show drew more than 4,000 visitors, raising more than $30,000 for CARE and SJC Rotary charities. In the past, exhibitors have traveled from as far away as Minneapolis to display their classic cars.

The show is the terminus of the Dr. Joe Cortese Drive-In Bike Show and Poker Run, which kicks off earlier in the day and runs from Orange County Harley Davidson in Irvine to the car show. Stops in between include Cook’s Corner, Troy Lee Designs in Laguna Beach and Montgomery Motorcycle Co. in San Clemente.

Participants should arrive at the car show by 1 p.m. at the latest.

Admission to the show is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 11 to 17 and free for kids 10 and under. To register a car, visit www.sjcrotary.org. Mission San Juan Capistrano is providing two free future Mission admission tickets to each participating car owner. CD

Visitors peruse the display of cars at last year’s San Juan Capistrano Car Show, hosted by the SJC Rotary.

Page 15

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Amazon Nwoye, left, and Spider Adetunji have excelled for the Capistrano Valley Christian School basketball team while earning top marks in the classroom. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Hoop Dreams CVCS international basketball players Amazon Nwoye and Spider Adetunji are finding success in America

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t was on the suburban, western side of Lagos, Nigeria, where Amazon Nwoye’s dream took root.

As a young boy, Nwoye grew up dreaming of glory on the soccer pitch, but after being introduced to the sport of basketball in eighth grade, that all changed. He instantly became hooked on all things hoops. Every day, the energetic and outgoing kid would pray to God, hoping that his dream of going to college, getting a good education and being able to play the sport he grew to love would come true.

In another part of Lagos, Spider Adetunji was chasing the same dream. His mom would give him money so he could take the bus by himself to a local school with a basketball court. He and his friends and teammates would play for hours and when Adetunji, the eldest of five children, would return at night, his parents were proud of him. They knew he was working hard toward becoming a better player.

Page 16

Nwoye and Adetunji would eventually meet and play together on the same club basketball team in Lagos for one summer two years ago before embarking on a journey that would send them halfway around the world to the city of San Juan Capistrano.

It is in the historic mission city that the duo’s dreams of a brighter future have taken flight.

Nwoye and Adetunji both made the choice to leave Lagos and enroll at Capistrano Valley Christian School in San Juan over one year ago. Now, not only are they members of the Eagles winning basketball team, but also have become leaders in the classroom as well.

Nwoye and Adetunji came to CVCS through the school’s international student program. According to the school’s website, 22 percent of the CVCS high school student body are international students that hail from 10 different countries.

Nwoye and Adetunji heard of the CVCS international program through friend and fellow countryman Simon Okolue, a former standout for the Eagles’ basketball team who is now playing for Northwest Florida State College.

It was success stories like Okolue’s that drove Nwoye and Adetunji to push themselves to succeed back in Lagos.

“That kind of motivates us to see people who have done it and come back (to Lagos) and do camps. That was how I got to know you can always come (to America),” Adetunji said. “The more you get better, you can have the chance to come out here and go to college and play basketball.”

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

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

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The Capistrano Dispatch January 22-28, 2016

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

Page 17

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Spider Adetunji leads the Eagles basketball team in points per game (14.3) and rebounds (12.9). Photo: Allison Jarrell

Hoop Dreams (Cont. from page 16) The day Nwoye and Adetunji stepped onto campus at CVCS, they made an impact. The two played pivotal roles in the basketball team’s march to the CIF-SS Division 5A semifinals in 2015 and have led the Eagles to a 15-5 record in 2016.

The Eagles are currently ranked second in CIF-SS Div. 5A and will open San Joaquin League play against crosstown rival Saddleback Valley Christian on Jan. 22.

Nwoye is a forward who has the ability to handle the ball and defend any position.

The versatile 6-foot-6-incher is averaging 13.9 points per game and is shooting 51 percent from the field.

Adetunji (6-7) is the Eagles’ presence down low. He anchors the Eagles’ system on both offense and defense and is averaging double digits in both scoring (14.3 points per game) and rebounds (12.9 per game).

“They both have relentless motors … they’re competitors,” head coach Zach Brogdon said. “They both just do so many things for us on the court, it’s tough to even put a value on it. Their teammates just know that they’re there helps us.”

Both players came to CVCS with a raw but athletic basketball background.

In Lagos, the club basketball circuit had plenty of talented players, but the systems Nwoye and Adetunji played in did not feature many plays. It was more “hero ball” oriented, full of individuals determined to stand out on their own. This type of play forced both Nwoye and Adetunji to be aggressive on the court. Adetunji said the first time he practiced with his club team, he defended his opponents with such tenacity that one player wanted to hit him in the face. Adetunji’s effort that first day

of practice caught the eye of his coach, whose praise gave him the confidence to keep pushing forward.

Nwoye and Adetunji have learned to scale back their aggressiveness on the court and channel it into Brogdon’s structured system.

“I’ve grown and learned a lot. Last year, everything was coming fast at me,” Nwoye said. “(In Lagos) we don’t really run many plays. We have four or three plays and we run fast-break stuff. It’s a fast game. Here we have to run plays to make a basket. I had to adjust to that.”

CVCS senior Amazon Nwoye is averaging 13.9 points per game and 5.1 rebounds for the Eagles basketball team. Photo: Allison Jarrell

In Lagos, Adetunji and Nwoye grew up speaking and learning English in the classroom, which made their transition to the American school system easier. They both have grade-point averages above 4.0 and have been named principal list seal bearers, the highest academic honor bestowed upon students at CVCS. They’ve also been awarded head of school honors, an award doled out for outstanding character and citizenship.

Once they reach college, Nwoye and Adetunji plan on studying kinesiology.

Both described their deep passion for

2015-2016 SEASON STATS

PPG

RBG

APG

SPG

BPG

FG%

AMAZON NWOYE

13.9

5.1

1.9

1.9

0.3

51

SPIDER ADETUNJI

14.3

12.9

1.5

2.5

1.2

61

Spider Adetunji, left, and Amazon Nwoye share a laugh during an Eagles basketball practice.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

The Capistrano Dispatch January 22–February 11, 2016

Page 18

athletics and want to stay as close to the world of sport as they can.

Nwoye and Adetunji’s ultimate goal is to play basketball at the professional level, and they are striving for a college scholarship offer. While no official offer has been made yet, Brogdon said the two are garnering plenty of interest from Golden State Athletic Conference and NAIA programs.

While Adetunji and Nwoye’s paths are sure to separate at some point, one thing that will keep them aligned is their sense of family and community.

Nwoye comes from a large family and, aside from wanting to help provide for them in the future, he wants to set up a charitable foundation for the people of Lagos once his dreams of turning professional are realized. “(My family) supported me to come here; they wanted me to come here and get a good education so I could come back and help those in need to get a good education,” Nwoye said. “Whenever I see people that are homeless back home, all the people in need, I get so moody because I want to help them … That’s been my dream.”

As the oldest child, Adetunji is determined to succeed for his four siblings and his parents, both of whom work full-time in order to sustain a large family.

As the duo’s success on the hardwood and in the classroom continues, their hopes and dreams continue to take a more defined shape.

“I think it all starts now,” Adetunji said. “We have some games ahead of us, in league and in CIF, so we just need to get done with this first. When we get to college, we know the next step we have to take: working toward making that goal a reality.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com