February 12, 2016

Kids Pet Parade Set for Feb. 20 PAGE 12

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

FEBRAURY 12-25, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3

La Pata Nears Completion Long-awaited extension connecting San Juan Capistrano to San Clemente will be done in fall E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6 San Clemente Deputy Public Works Director Tom Bonigut speaks to attendees during the Peek at La Pata hike on Jan. 23. The group paused to discuss the bicycle and pedestrian bridge over La Pata. Photo: Eric Heinz

City Council to Consider Switch to District Elections EYE ON SJC/PAGE 8

City Exploring Options for Lower Rosan Property EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

San Juan Students Take Part in Signing Day Celebrations SPORTS/PAGE 18

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EYE ON SJC

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est Clean Renewable Energy bonds.

“Students represent the citizens of the next generation, so by getting students involved in activism or being proactive in society, we can build a better world that way,” Tran said. “We’re demonstrating what we learn in school about freedom of speech and democracy—we want to show the district that we’re taking initiative.”

Five things San Juan should know this week City Explores Options for Lower Rosan Ranch THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council is set to consider an agreement at its Feb. 16 meeting with Costa Mesa developer Lab Holding, LLC, to “explore the feasibility” of the developer acquiring and creating a “unique commercial retail/lifestyle center” on the city’s Lower Rosan property.

City officials have been attempting to sell the Lower Rosan Ranch, a 16.48-acre property located north of Stonehill Drive, for years and were planning on selling it “through a brokerage,” according to staff. In contrast to past offers from big box stores like Home Depot that created contention among residents and were ultimately rejected by the city, Lab Holding’s proposal is described by city staff as “a unique development concept unlike any of the other proposals that have been submitted for this property.”

WHAT’S NEXT: If approved by the council, the proposed agreement with Lab Holding does not entail a binding sale of the property or any particular project. The agreement would create a limited term during which negotiations surrounding site plans, development standards, tenant mix, financing plans and a project schedule can be discussed.

Any potential development would go through an entitlement process and require commission and committee review.—Allison Jarrell

Council Contemplates Traffic Signal Where Ortega Narrows THE LATEST: Following a City Council majority vote in January to halt the widening of a 0.9-mile segment of Ortega Highway known to many residents and commuters as the “choke point,” City Councilman John Perry and Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ferguson presented a new proposal at the council’s Feb. 2 meeting for staff to investigate installing a traffic signal at Avenida Siega and Ortega Highway as well as “no parking” zones along the north side of Ortega Highway.

Reasons for the proposal included the The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-25, 2016

Signs criticizing the City Council’s decision to not approve the widening of a 0.9-mile stretch of Ortega Highway could be seen along the highway’s “choke point” on Jan. 19. The signs were placed by a local coalition of residents known as Capistrano Forward. Photo: Alex Paris

“dangerous situation” residents experience when they attempt to enter and exit residential neighborhoods along the highway. Perry and Ferguson said the traffic would be “pulsed” with a traffic light, “causing gaps in the traffic flow” and “allowing safer entry and exiting along Ortega.”

WHAT’S NEXT: With a 3-2 vote—Councilmen Sam Allevato and Derek Reeve dissenting—the council directed staff to look into installing the traffic signal and “no parking” zones.—AJ

CUSD Approves Increase in Pay for Substitute Teachers THE LATEST: After showing interest last month in increasing pay for substitute teachers, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved an increased rate at their Feb. 10 meeting of $105 per day and a long-term rate of $150 after 30 days. The increase in daily compensation is the first raise for CUSD substitutes in more than 15 years.

The 651 substitute teachers employed in Capistrano Unified were previously paid the lowest daily rate, and the highest longterm rate, of the districts CUSD surveyed in the county, at $90 a day, $100 per day after 10 days and $221 per day after 40 days of work.

In order to become more competitive with neighboring districts, staff recommended increasing pay to $105 a day, which will be offset by decreasing longterm pay. The majority of trustees initially asked staff to analyze increasing rates to $115 per day and $130 after 40 days, but staff reported back that the “trustees’ sug-

gestions did not stay within the $260,000 cap” in the district’s budget.

WHAT’S NEXT: The new daily wages are effective immediately, with the long-term wages going into effect on July 1.—AJ

Local Students Petition for Solar Energy in School District THE LATEST: A coalition of student clubs within four Capistrano Unified School District high schools began petitioning Feb. 1 to install solar panel arrays on every high school campus in the district.

The “Dear Capistrano Unified School District: Let’s Go Solar!” petition on change.org has already garnered more than 490 signatures from area students, parents, faculty and supporters interested in utilizing solar energy in schools.

The San Juan Hills High School’s Ecology Action Team, led by sophomore and club president Russell Tran, has taken charge of the student-led movement with assistance from KyotoUSA, a Berkeleybased nonprofit organization that works with cities, public school districts and communities to develop strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other schools involved with the petition include Dana Hills High School, San Clemente High School and Tesoro High School.

Tran said neighboring school districts in Los Angeles, Irvine, Newport-Mesa and Santa Ana have successfully implemented solar array projects, and he hopes CUSD will follow suit. He noted that CUSD has several funding options for solar, including Proposition 39, Qualified Zone Academy Bonds, California Energy Commission zero percent interest loans and low-inter-

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WHAT’S NEXT: The coalition of students plans to present their petition to the Board of Trustees at a future meeting.

In the meantime, CUSD spokesman Ryan Burris said the district has begun reaching out to the high schools and clubs involved in the solar movement to ensure they’re part of the district’s ongoing conversation regarding funding, facility improvements and energy efficiency efforts.

Burris added that at the Board of Trustees’ Feb. 10 meeting, energy audit services provided by Schneider Electric were approved in order to capitalize on the available funding through Proposition 39.

For more information on the students’ solar petition, visit www.cusdsolar.org.— AJ

Assemblyman Bill Brough Introduces Community Facilities Districts Bill THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano representative Assemblyman Bill Brough’s bill to amend the code relating to Community Facilities Districts—a controversial bond method of paying for public infrastructure and buildings—was referred to the Assembly Local Government Committee on Feb. 4.

Under the requirements of the bill, AB 1666, financial reports would have to include information regarding the original maximum bond amount, the amount collected annually, amount expensed annually, specific projects to be constructed and funded and the amount committed from the CFD. It would also require the specific date the CFD would be paid off, the date the tax would end and how excess funds would be disbursed once the CFD and tax have ended.

In June, the Grand Jury of Orange County published a report that demanded CUSD implement more oversight of their tax districts, have more transparency with how money from taxpayers is spent and set clear closeout dates for the duration of the CFDs. WHAT’S NEXT: The bill will have to pass the committee before moving to the Assembly floor. A hearing date has yet to be scheduled.—Eric Heinz www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

San Juan Capistrano residents Robert Kline and Stephanie Heredia are hosting the 12th annual “A Night at the Oscars” event on Feb. 24. Photo: Brian Park

NEWS BITES THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

‘A Night at the Oscars’ Makes Glamourous Return to Downtown San Juan Capistrano producer and director Robert Kline and producer Stephanie Heredia are rolling out the red carpet and inviting local cinephiles to attend their annual pre-Oscars celebration, “A Night at the Oscars,” on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

Regency Theatres & Rick’s Café, located at 26762 Verdugo Street in downtown San Juan Capistrano, is set to host the evening of Oscar-nominated films, award predictions, movie excerpts, tributes to the classics and storytelling insights by Kline and Heredia.

Kline added that he anticipates the topic of diversity in the film industry and the controversy surrounding this year’s Oscars boycott will be a part of the discussion as well. All attendees will receive a ballot to vote for their Oscar predictions.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to mingle at Rick’s Café and Wine Bar à la Casablanca prior to the event.

Tickets are $15 at the door or can be purchased online for $16, which includes a purchasing fee. To purchase tickets, visit the theatre box office or go online at www. regencymovies.com. For more information, call 949.661.3456.

The 88th Academy Awards takes place on Sunday, Feb. 28.

San Juan Hills Senior Named Boys & Girls Clubs’ Youth of the Year Each year, one exceptional young person from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley rises to the role of Youth of the Year—the clubs’ recognition program that celebrates the extraordinary achievements of their members. This year, that youth is The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-25, 2016

Maritza Garcia, 2015 Youth of the Year, with Boys & Girls Clubs Executive Director James Littlejohn.

Photo: Courtesy

Maritza Garcia, a senior at San Juan Hills High School.

Garcia has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley for 10 years.

Coming from a family in which neither parent speaks English, Maritza turned to the clubs as her “home away from home.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs provided Garcia the guidance and opportunity to participate in a variety of life-enhancing programs that have led her to where she is today.

Garcia has already been accepted to multiple four-year colleges and plans to major in international business. Proudly, she will be the first in her family to attend college. She is currently a member of the Keystone Club, Toastmasters, the senior division softball team and College Bound programs. Garcia has also participated in Smart Girls, Girls Scouts and Sea Tech, an oceanography program. The high school senior is presently working toward her goal of working internationally by traveling to Mexico every other weekend to perform mission work.

Looking for the Sheriff’s Blotter?

For an update on crime in the San Juan Capistrano area, check out the Sheriff’s Blotter online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

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EYE ON SJC

La Pata Nears Completion

Long-awaited extension to be finished in the fall

BY ERIC HEINZ, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he highly anticipated connection of Avenida La Pata from the edge of San Clemente to just outside the city limits of San Juan Capistrano at La Pata Avenue is beginning to take its completed form.

On Saturday, Jan. 23, nearly 200 area residents attended the “Peek at La Pata” hike, a journey from Camino Del Rio in San Clemente to the highest point of the arterial highway to view how far the project has come along.

La Pata is expected to be four lanes (two in each direction), and the speed limit for the majority of the stretch will be 50 miles per hour.

The project is estimated to cost $127 million, paid for by state and Orange County Transportation Authority’s Measure M2 funds as well as various other funding. The road goes straight through land facilitated by the Prima Deshecha Landfill. The project will also widen the end of La Pata Avenue in San Juan and connect with Calle Saluda in San Clemente, as well as add a connection to Camino Del Rio. City engineers said they hope the project will help take some of the strain off traffic backups that occur while the Interstate 5 widening projects continue.

The project began in spring 2014 and is expected to be completed by this fall.

Hike participants Chris and Gemma Landay of San Clemente said the opening of La Pata will cut down their commute time when traffic on I-5 becomes congested.

“I’ll definitely use it to get out to Rancho Santa Margarita and parts of San Juan,” Chris said.

Gemma said her current commute to San Juan can be as long as 30 minutes on some days when traffic is exceptionally busy.

“I work in San Juan Capistrano, and it will cut down the time on that,” Gemma said.

“My commute is good until you hit Ortega, and then that area gets really crowded.”

San Clemente Deputy Public Works Director Tom Bonigut said people have been waiting for an alternative route to the narrow Pacific Coast Highway and I-5 for decades. Now it’s coming to fruition.

The predicted traffic on the La Pata extension was analyzed in reports that can be reviewed on Orange County’s website, but accurate figures won’t be available until the road opens.

“The La Pata extension is a benefit for San Clemente residents and helps with our intercity circulation because (Camino) Del

The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-25, 2016

People make the hike up to view La Pata on Jan. 23 in San Clemente Photo: Eric Heinz

Rio connects with it and gives people other avenues,” Bonigut said. “It gives them an alternative route. It also gives us another emergency escape route for whatever disaster could occur.”

Bonigut said he has heard a lot of positive feedback regarding the upcoming opening of the road.

“When I talked to people on Saturday’s walk, they were happy to have it done,” he said. “We’re also doing bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks.”

The bike lanes will be striped like you see in town, and a meandering sidewalk will be adjacent to the road.

Biking and hiking trail connectivity will be completed with the opening of a pedestrian bridge connecting the Prima Deshecha Trail and Forster Ridgeline Trail, which is part of the County’s Master Plan of Regional Riding and Hiking Trails, according to an Orange County press release.

“It also serves as a maintenance road for the utility companies,” Bonigut said during the hike.

Jennifer Rosales, a city of San Clemente transportation engineer, worked with residents of the area since October to come up with a plan to alleviate the excess traffic.

The Planning Commission recently approved the construction of roundabouts at Camino De Los Mares and the Camino Del Rio intersections.

George Alvarez, San Juan Capistrano city engineer, said he hasn’t heard any negative comments about the opening of La Pata and that it should provide a much needed route for the city’s residents.

“Instead of having to travel from Ortega Highway, you can turn left onto La Pata and that should help reduce some of the traffic

through our city,” Alvarez said. “If there’s a mishap on I-5, it gives you a parallel route.”

Alvarez said he hasn’t spoken with fire department officials or local Orange County sheriffs, but he said, “It’s always good to have as much access to San Clemente as possible. That’s been on the plans for decades. There are some students from Talega who attend San Juan Hills High School.”

Students living in the Talega subdivision, as well as Ladera Ranch, will have priority to attend San Juan Hills High School because of the Mello-Roos tax imposed on the subdivision, which provides funding for new facilities that included the “acquisition and construction” of the school. New classrooms are planned to accommodate the incoming students.

Although Dana Point will most likely see the smallest direct effect from the extension, city officials said the completion of La Pata will also give the city some much-needed traffic relief in an area where the city’s residents enter and exit I-5 from Pacific Coast Highway along the stretch of the freeway running past the city between San Clemente and San Juan.

“While the city has not taken a formal position on the La Pata Extension, I see a benefit to Dana Point if it provides traffic relief on Interstate 5 and a more direct route to school for our Capistrano Beach students who attend San Juan Hills High School,” said Doug Chotkevys, Dana Point city manager.

Lisa Bartlett, Orange County fifth district supervisor and Board of Supervisors chairwoman agreed, adding that she expects the opening of La Pata will also result in traffic causing less of a strain on all of Dana

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Point’s major arterial roadways.

“The La Pata Extension, once complete, will provide exceptional and enhanced regional mobility,” said Bartlett, a 26-year resident of Dana Point who also served as the city’s mayor.

“We definitely needed a redundant route,” she said. “The extension enhances public safety and improves mobility.”

Bartlett said the La Pata Extension is 85 percent complete, and the county will celebrate the connection with a ribbon cutting to open it to traffic and expects to host a pre-opening event later in the fall that would traverse the whole extension. CD —Andrea Swayne contributed to this report.

La Pata Extension gap between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano is seen from the San Clemente side. The project is expected to be completed in the fall. Photo: Eric Heinz

For more information on the La Pata Extension, visit pcpw.ocpublicworks. com/projects/lapata.

To view drone footage of the extension taken by Eric Peniata, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Voting Rights Lawsuit Prompts City Council to Consider Switch to District Elections Plaintiffs claim the city’s elections violate the California Voting Rights Act, diluting the Latino vote

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

P

laintiffs in a recent lawsuit filed against the city of San Juan Capistrano over the legality of the city’s at-large council elections are hoping to see more diversity on the dais come November. That desire may be one step closer to becoming reality as the City Council prepares to discuss the potential switch to district elections at its Feb. 16 meeting.

A lawsuit filed by the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP) and San Juan residents Tina Auclair and Louie Camacho in the Orange County Superior Court on Jan. 27 claims the city of San Juan Capistrano’s at-large elections violate the California Voting Rights Act of 2001, resulting in “vote dilution for the Latino residents” and denying them “effective political participation in elections to the San Juan Capistrano City Council.”

“Despite a Latino population of approximately 39 percent in the city of San Juan Capistrano, according to the 2010 census, no Latino serves on San Juan Capistrano’s City Council,” the nine-page complaint reads. “Rather, in San Juan Capistrano’s racially charged elections of 2008 and 2010, Latino candidates preferred by the Latino electorate were all defeated by the bloc voting of the non-Latino electorate.

The current absence of any Latinos on the San Juan Capistrano City Council reveals a lack of access to the political process.”

“We want a change,” plaintiff Tina Auclair said in an interview. “We want a lawfully elected council as soon as possible.”

Auclair and Camacho are both Latino registered voters in San Juan who “feel compelled to seek redress” for the “dilution of the Latino vote,” according to the suit. Auclair has also identified herself at community forums and City Council meetings as the leading organizer of Capistrano Forward, a coalition of residents who have been outspoken against recent actions of the City Council majority.

According to the complaint, SVREP—a non-partisan Latino voter participation organization—joined Auclair and Camacho in the suit due to obstacles the group has faced during voter registration projects in San Juan, including “a sense of futility among Latinos … due to their lack of representation” on the City Council.

“By de-incentivizing the registration of Latinos eligible to vote, San Juan Capistrano’s at-large election system obstructs SVREP’s efforts to register Latino voters and cause Latino registered voters to actually vote,” the suit claims.

Attorney Kevin Shenkman of Shenkman & Hughes PC is representing the plaintiffs in the case and said the complaint was filed after a mid-December letter to the city detailing the CVRA violation went unanswered. Shenkman’s firm has been involved in numerous CVRA lawsuits, with plaintiffs winning their cases in cities such as Palmdale, Highland, Fullerton, Garden Grove and Santa Clarita. Shenkman said the case in Palmdale went to trial before the city settled.

When asked initially how he thought the city of San Juan Capistrano would respond, Shenkman said he hoped the

council would “do the right thing” and that “the lawsuit would prompt them to take this seriously.”

“We’ll do what we have to do to make sure the voting rights of the Latinos in San Juan Capistrano are no longer abridged,” Shenkman said.

Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth Hull of Best Best & Krieger said Wednesday that the city had not yet been served with the suit but noted that discussion regarding the complaint would be on the council’s Feb. 16 closed-session agenda. However, it seems the complaint has drawn immediate action from the City Council, which elected to agendize the topic for the Feb. 16 public session as well.

According to the agenda released on Wednesday, an administrative item regarding a switch to district elections—brought before the council by City Attorney Jeff Ballinger and newly hired City Manager Ben Siegel—asks the council to authorize the transition from the city’s current at-large elections to “by-district” in time for the upcoming election on Nov. 8, 2016.

The switch would entail either four or five districts in addition to an elected mayor.

Pending authorization, the council would direct staff to bring back a districtmapping process for future approval that would include at least three community forums. In addition, the council will be asked to authorize an agreement with the National Demographics Corporation to provide demographic services at a cost not to exceed $50,000.

According to city staff, no Latino representatives have been elected to the City Council for at least the last five election cycles. Staff said such facts are “relevant to determining whether racially polarized voting exists.

“Given the low threshold, which must be met in order to establish a valid claim under the CVRA, and the cost to the city of defending such actions, most cities have elected to initiate the process to change from an at-large to a by-district election system in order to avoid costly litigation,” staff reported.

Currently, City Councilman Derek Reeve and City Councilwomen Pam Patterson and Kerry Ferguson live within about a mile of each other west of Del Obispo and north of Camino del Avion, with Ferguson and Patterson less than a half mile down the street from each other.

Councilman Sam Allevato lives east of the highway and Councilman John Perry lives near the golf course.

The establishment of districts within the city has the potential to shake up that distribution. Reeve took to his public Facebook page Tuesday to applaud the change but not the process.

“While I do too support district elections drawn according to the unique characteristics and interests of the neighborhoods that make them, I find it deeply unfortunate that the plaintiffs have resorted to calling San Juan Capistrano a racist town,” Reeve wrote. CD Page 8

Community Meetings TUESDAY, FEB. 16

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.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17

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.

FRIDAY, FEB. 19

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.

MONDAY, FEB. 22

Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission Meeting

6 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano 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, FEB. 23

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, FEB. 24

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. 26

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor MOVING DOWNTOWN TRAIN STOP WOULD EASE GRIDLOCK —Ron Senkbeil, San Juan Capistrano We should move the Amtrak and Metrolink train stop out of downtown to the Lower Rosan Ranch Property to ease gridlock and downtown parking problems.

Moving the passenger train stop away from downtown would eliminate the continuing nightmare of ghost trains and the everyday chaotic mess at our busiest crosstown intersection at the Del Obispo and Camino Capistrano rail crossing.

Moving the train stop would also free up valuable downtown parking spaces, taken up by all-day commuters. These spaces are needed for a growing vibrant downtown economy.

South Orange County has outgrown the quaint 120-year-old San Juan Capistrano train station. Once a useful transportation hub, it served a handful of intrepid travelers, local rural farmers and cattle ranchers. Miles and miles of open space and very few roads with cars surrounded it.

Fast-forward 100 years, and there are 100,000 more people, 100,000 more cars and 120 trains every 24 hours. This growth has resulted in tremendous downtown gridlock.

Amtrak and Metrolink are not the only causes of Capistrano’s gridlock, of course, and most of the 120 trains carry freight, run at night and don’t stop. No traffic backups there.

But passenger trains coming through the city’s train corridor always stop and block roads downtown, with the biggest muddle occurring when the traffic is at its worst—during rush hours.

Moving the train stop might also lessen the need for another parking structure proposed for our town’s east entrance. The Mission should be the center of focus, not a multi-storied parking structure.

The Lower Rosan Ranch property could easily accommodate the train stop and still have plenty of room for all types of public transportation, transfers and parking.

Tour and school bus passengers could park there and use the free shuttle service to visit the Mission. That would free up hundreds of feet of parking alongside the Mission on Camino Capistrano that is now used for that purpose.

The Lower Rosan Ranch, connecting all the new shuttles serving San Juan Capistrano and up and down the coast could better serve our tri-city community and make the South Coast a friendly go-to destination for business and vacationers.

A new modern transportation hub in south Orange County would launch San Juan Capistrano into the 21st Century The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-25, 2016

while preserving our beloved depot to serve as a historical focal point instead of a growing choke point.

PLEASE RESPECT YOUR POSITION, CITIZENS ON THE DAIS —Kathy Hooper, San Juan Capistrano Mayor Pam Patterson and Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ferguson, I am asking you to consider stepping down from your positions.

At the City Council meeting on Jan. 25, your actions were disgraceful. Ms. Patterson, please come to a meeting at least looking like you have read your packet.

The fact that you ask your fellow councilmembers which item you’re on does not make you look capable to handle your responsibility.

Why can’t you look at the people who have taken the time to come to the meeting to talk to you? What is so important on your cell phone that you have to text or “write” notes? Shouldn’t you be giving your undivided attention to the people you swore to serve? Your demeanor as mayor is disgusting at best. You show no respect for the citizens, let alone your fellow council persons.

To reprimand a fellow councilperson in public, on video, is not appropriate, and I might add would never have been done by any past mayor or councilperson. Your actions show that you have made up your mind before even listening to the people who put you on that dais. Your personal agendas are very apparent—not only to those of us who have watched your progression to mayor, but also to others who never paid much attention to how the city had been run until now. You are now becoming an embarrassment to our city.

Ms. Patterson, your lack of decorum, respect and leadership is very evident.

You have accused members of the City Council, who have been elected to their positions just as you were, of not showing “decorum,” and yet you turn around and now think (I suppose because you are mayor) that the rules have changed for you. They have not. You should be displaying a higher standard.

I would never have even thought of sending this type of message to a councilperson in the past. The councilpersons who are represented on the back wall of the City Council chambers respected the citizens of this town, respected the office they held and held the office with grace, dignity and commitment to the people who elected them.

Ms. Ferguson, please do not walk in Ms. Patterson’s shadow. Vote your conscious, not what Ms. Patterson has bullied you into doing. You seem to genuinely care about San Juan—please take the strings off and stand up for yourself. To have Ms. Patterson “yell” at you to vote on Jan. 25 was degrading to you at the very least, and

embarrassing to the people you represent.

Then you deliberately ignore the people you swore to represent. You are showing us all that you don’t get to express your own mind, possibly for fear of the other woman on the dais.

Please remember that grace, respect and regard for the citizens will extend much further than this office. At some point, both of you will no longer be on the City Council, but you will still live in a town that you helped destroy, bankrupt or build. The way you are greeted or accepted in town will be the proof of your legacy.

Former councilpersons can all walk in this town with their heads held high—they made a positive difference. Will you two be able to earn the same respect from the citizens? Certainly not yet.

Please respect the office and the citizens of this community.

TRADITIONAL LENT HAS HEALTH BENEFITS —Lobart Ikle, Laguna Beach Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter, when many Christians abstain from animal foods on Ash Wednesday and Fridays in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert before launching his ministry.

But meat-free Lent is much more than a symbol of religious devotion to Christ. It helps reduce the risk of chronic disease, environmental degradation and animal abuse. Dozens of medical reports have linked consumption of animal products with elevated risk of heart failure, stroke, cancer and other killer diseases. A 2007 U.N. report named meat production as the largest source of greenhouse gases and water pollution. Undercover investigations have documented farm animals being beaten, caged, crowded, deprived, mutilated and electrically shocked.

Lent offers a superb opportunity to honor Christ’s powerful message of compassion and love by adopting a meat-free diet for Lent and beyond. After all, it’s the diet mandated in Genesis 1:29 and observed in the Garden of Eden.

Our supermarket offers a rich array of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, as well as the more traditional vegetables, fruits and grains. Entering “vegan recipes” in our favorite search engine offers more products, recipes and transition tips than we can use.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 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.

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34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Melissa Calvano, Evan Da Silva, Debra Holm, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 3. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

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

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

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

EDITOR’S PICK

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20: KIDS PET PARADE Noon. Families are welcome to dress in costume and bring their furry friends to the annual Kids Pet Parade, presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association in Los Rios Park. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the parade begins at noon. Each entrant will receive lunch and one free entry to Zoomars Petting Zoo. Ribbons will be awarded to all first- through third-place winners, and the Judges’ Choice Winner will appear in the Swallows Day Parade, which takes place early this year on March 12. $5 entry fee per category. 31747 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. For more information, email nathankbanda@yahoo.com or visit www.swallowsparade.org.

The List What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 12 ‘LOVE IS IN THE AIR’ FASHION SHOW 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Join the Dana Point Woman’s Club for a gourmet luncheon, raffle prizes, silent auction, gift baskets and a fashion show of designs by Chico’s.

Tickets $50. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. For more information and tickets, call 949.426.0605.

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

SOLONE SINGS SINATRA 7 p.m.-10 p.m. John Solone will perform hits by Frank Sinatra. Tickets are $5. Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn, 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesanclementeinn.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-25, 2016

BALLROOM BASH VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY 7:15 p.m. The $10 admission includes a short Rumba lesson followed by dancing to recorded music that includes Foxtrot, Swing, Waltz, Cha-Cha and other Latin dances as well as soft drinks and delicious refreshments. Plenty of free parking.

Singles and couples are welcome. Community Presbyterian Church of San Juan Capistrano, 32203 Del Obispo, 949.498.0233, www.ballroombash.com.

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. With a little luck and some rain, participants may find a wide range of fungal forms and species. $10 adults, $5 kids. Ages 8 and up. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

LOS RIOS LITTLE FREE LIBRARY GRAND OPENING 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Stewards Dave and Mary Ann Davidson invite the community to elebrate the official opening of the Los Rios Little Free Library. After selecting a Page 12

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GETTTING OUT book from the library, community members are encouraged to return and contribute a book of their own whenever they can. 26621 Ramos Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.370.5408, www.littlefreelibrary.org.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER & DANCE 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Entertainment provided by the Street Corner Symphony Band.

Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Reservations required. Dana Point Community/Senior Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.248.3507, www.danapoint.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. Doors open at 7 p.m. 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 FIVE VINES WINE BAR VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Enjoy extended hours, special wine flights and pairings and live music at night. No reservations, firstcome, first-served only. Five Vines Wine Bar, 31761 Camino Capistrano, Suite 11, 949.800.9145, www.fivevineswinebar.com.

ITALIAN VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Experience an “Evening in Florence” at the Vue Restaurant with a four-course romantic Italian dinner with live entertainment. Priced at $105 per person, the dinner includes one bottle of Chianti per couple. Valet parking $5. Call for reservations and menu information.

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

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

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

Thursday | 18

Sunday | 21

THIRD THURSDAY SHOP & DINE SJC 5 p.m.-8 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce kicks off the new monthly event in historic downtown San Juan. On the third Thursday of every month, visitors and residents will have the chance to stroll through unique shops, restaurants and galleries while enjoying in-store entertainment, special events and promotions. For more information, call 949.493.4700, email info@sanjuanchamber. com or visit www.sanjuanchamber.com.

CASPERS NATURE HIKE 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Join OC Park rangers every Sunday morning for an easy 1-mile hike on the nature trail. Admission is free, parking is $5 per vehicle. Participants should meet at the Old Corral day use area and wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended. Rain will cancel the hike. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

Friday | 19

LOCAL AUTHOR LECTURE SERIES 2:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library will host master keyboardist and author Martin Martino Gerschwitz and authors Mary Minerman and Legh Townsend for this month’s local author lecture series. Author Susan Sherbert will moderate the discussion. Admission is free, but RSVP is required as space is limited. The Bookstore, 31495-A El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.2688.

HOUSE CONCERT AT THE BOOKSTORE 6 p.m. Master keyboardist Martin Martino Gerschwitz will play live at the library with a reception before the performance at 5:30 p.m. Gerschwitz was a former member of Iron Butterfly, The Animals and Meat Loaf. Tickets are $15.

RSVP is required by calling 949.493.2688.

The Bookstore, 31495-A El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

A NIGHT IN HISTORIC MOTOWN 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The Angels for the Arts at Saddleback College presents their second annual Black History Month celebration with “A Night in Historic Motown” in the McKinney Theatre. Tickets prices vary and are available online or by phone from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

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

LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the San Juan Chamber of Commerce for a networking lunch at Trevor’s at the Tracks (formerly Sarducci’s), located at 26701 Verdugo Street in San Juan Capistrano. RSVP to claire@ sanjuanchamber.com or call 949.493.4700.

For more information, visit www.sanjuanchamber.com.

SAN JUAN’S DIRTY LAUNDRY 8 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to “cheer” for the heroes and “boo” the villains while hurling foam rocks during the Camino Real Playhouse’s annual family-friendly Old West melodrama. Enjoy an evening of mystery, frivolity and authentic old time melodramatic music as a story unfolds about lost love, a villainous railroad tycoon, a brave woman and the fruition of Orange County in 1889. Performances run on select dates through March 6. Shows will begin at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

For information on tickets and dates, visit www.caminorealplayhouse.org. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082.

Wednesday | 17

Saturday | 20

SIERRA SAGE NATURE HIKE 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Join the Sierra Sage chapter of the Sierra Club for a hike among the natural scenery of The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. Ages 16 and up.

Adults $10, children $5. The Richard and

SHOOTING STARS WILDFLOWER WALK 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Local wildflower expert Bob Allen will lead an exploration of The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo to look for early wildflowers like the Padre Shooting Star. Ages 8 and up. The Richard and

Tuesday | 16

The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-25, 2016

Wednesday | 24 LECTURE: LIVING WITH WILDLIFE 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for an informative workshop about Orange County’s wildlife.

Reserve Executive Director Laura Coley Eisenberg will discuss how to identify our local flora and fauna. Free. Ages 8 and up.

RMV Presentation Center, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

Thursday | 25 DOO WAH RIDERS 7:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Saturday | 27 DANA POINT SYMPHONY 7:30 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2016 season with conductor Dean Anderson and featuring Aya Kiyonaga on violin. Program includes Grieg’s “Two Elgiac Melodies,” Bedrich Smetana’s “Má Vlast Moldau” and Brahms’ “Violin Concerto” and “Hungarian Dances.” Buy tickets online or at the door on a first come, first served basis. St. Edward’s Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, www.danapointsymphony.com.

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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: ‘Hail, Caesar!’ Lingers in Disappointment

Photo: Universal Studios

BY MEGAN BIANCO

fter Jay Roach gave us his dramatic biopic on the blacklisted era of 1950s Hollywood in Trumbo last November, Joel and Ethan Coen have released their own take on the time period with the satirical Hail, Caesar! Those who are fans, or at least familiar with the brothers’ unique and distinctive style, will know that their movies are in the “love it or hate it” category.

In 1951 Hollywood, we follow Capital Pictures studio head Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) around town for a day.

As the day’s events transpire, his big movie star Baird Whitlock (George Clooney) is drugged and kidnapped by a secret group of blacklisted communist screenwriters, while new cowboy star Hobie Doyle (Alden Ehrenreich) is getting a public image makeover by being cast in a sophisticated romantic comedy by director Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes).

There are a lot of moments that work, such as Channing Tatum’s dance scene, a wise-cracking Esther Williams-esque Scarlett Johansson and especially Ehrenreich’s whole story arc—he’s impressively the best part of the film with his spot-on John Wayne mimic. But what really holds back the success of Hail, Caesar! is the lack of subtlety and self-awareness it could have advanced from. The film has a cynical and harsh feel that is almost jarring. The filmmakers want to make fun of the business side of Hollywood but come off as more hypocritical in the end. Hardcore Coen Bros. fans might get a kick out of the picture, but movie fans who want to see a good comedy about the golden age of Hollywood may want to stick with Singin’ in the Rain. CD

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SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

An Expedition that Shaped History The Portola Expedition created pathways for future missions, statewide explorations

S

ometimes there is a short period of history that can change the world.

Such a time occurred from June 1769 to July 1770—the period of the Portola Expedition in California. a was born in Catalonia. He joined the army and rose quickly to the rank of Captain. He was rewarded for his services by Charles III who named him governor of Baja California in 1767. Fear of the RusMOMENTS IN sians coming from the TIME

By Jan Siegel north in Alta California convinced the king to send an expedition from Baja to discourage the Russians.

The expedition consisted of both land and sea, and Portola led one of the two land expeditions. Father Junípero Serra was the Franciscan missionary with Portola.

Portola’s first trek from San Diego to Northern California was to look for mission sites and Monterey Bay. He passed

by Monterey Bay without recognizing the spot and continued on to San Francisco Bay. He returned to San Diego to pick up supplies and then once again returned north, this time locating Monterey Bay where he and Serra established Mission San Carlos.

Portola returned to Baja California and continued in his position as governor. In 1784, he retired and returned to Spain.

Like Serra and Portola, there were 13 Catalan “volunteers” who were part of the expedition as were the other missionaries. Serra, Crespi, Gomez, Vizcaino and Parron were Catalonians. All of the missionaries spent some time at the first mission in San Diego. It was not until 1977 that a researcher who was working in Mexico City found a volume of supply records that listed all of the names of the leather-jackets and Catalans that had also been recorded by the expedition diarists.

For the first time, a complete list of those on the Portola Expedition was confirmed.

The supply records indicated the name of each person on the expedition and what his allotment of clothing and equipment was. According to Harry Crosby in a 2005 article in the Journal of the California Mission Studies Association, “Each man was given his own page or pages on which were recorded the places and dates on which he was issued supplies other than

The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-25, 2016

basic rations.” The men had to pay for their own supplies.

It was what Portola accomplished in that one year that defined his legacy. He introduced the horse into California. He created a pathway for future missions and he made possible a supply route that opened up California for future explorations.

Currently, Mission San Juan Capistrano has a tribute to Portola as part of their Spanish Colonial art exhibit. The riderless horse statue on the Mission grounds is in memory of the fallen Portola riders of the 20th Century. Once a year, these riders keep alive the life and times of Gaspar de Portola by riding through Rancho Mission Viejo and recapturing the life that represented early California.

Gaspar de Portola. Photos courtesty of Wikipedia Commons.

On Thursday, March 10, at 7 p.m., the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society will host a presentation on the life and times of Portola by Milt McMenamin at the Community Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. Admission to the semi-annual meeting is free.

You have the opportunity over the next month to spend a “Moment in Time” in San Juan Capistrano and experience the history of Gaspar de Portola. Take the time to discover why Portola is not only an important part of San Juan’s history but also in the history of California.

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

She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SCTimes 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 SCTimes or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

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SJC LIVING

Pets of the Week: Aimie & Cozette

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

Senior Cyclist Leaves No Carbon Footprint

I

met John Bates in Dana Point in 1990 in the parking lot of the Dana Niguel Bank, which is now the Pacific Western Bank. My deli, Tutor and Spunky’s, and other local restaurants were serving food at an outdoor Chamber of Commerce mixer.

John has always been interested in local transportation. In 1990, he was a commissioner on the Dana Point Traffic Improvement Commission. I recall him telling me that day, “Our first recommendation was to ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 get rid of Caltrans and return to two-way traffic

By Tom Blake on PCH and Del Prado.”

Over the years, John and I have stayed in touch. Recently we met for coffee in the Dana Point Harbor at Coffee Importers.

He is still interested in local transportation but on a more personal level. To get to the Harbor from his San Juan Capistrano home, he rode his bicycle.

I asked him how often he rode. John said, “All of the time. Before I retired 12 years ago, I sold my car and used my bike to commute to my Dana Point office from my home.”

“Have you always been a bike rider?”

I asked.

He said, “I got my first bike at age 8 when my family moved from Los Angeles to Pasadena. That bike was several sizes too large for me. I couldn’t sit on the seat because my feet didn’t reach the pedals, so I rode around all day in a standing position.

“But, I loved the freedom and the extended range that that bike afforded me,” he continued. “I soon learned the streets of Pasadena, the Rose Bowl, Devil’s Gate Dam, Colorado Boulevard and the Rose Parade. I knew it all and thought it was cool.

“I had several bikes during my youth and graduated from fat balloon-tire cruisers to thin-tire hot racing bikes,” John said. “I used them all for delivering newspapers and for my basic transportation for years. However, when I turned 16 and got my driver’s license, I put my bike away for several years.”

John said when he and his wife Judy had children, they got their son and daughter bicycles as soon as the children were able to ride. The family went on riding trips together, including a three-day trip from their Mission Viejo home to San Diego.

John added, “Years later, when my daughter graduated from the University of San Francisco, she and I rode our bikes from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, a 360-mile trip down Highway 1 that took six days. She and I still have occasional

The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-25, 2016

half-day rides and always talk about the highlights of our six-day trip together.

“Now that I’m retired, I bought a battery-assisted bicycle and use my bike to get to and from the Mission San Juan Capistrano, where I’m a volunteer docent, and zip around from Mission Viejo to San Clemente and Dana Point for lunch, coffee meetings, shopping and various errands,” he said.

“At age 78, I consider myself very fortunate to still enjoy cycling,” John added.

“My bike is again my basic transportation, and, even after all these years, I still get a thrill from the freedom that riding a bicycle gives me. Once in a while I fall off, but after 70 years of cycling, I’m still in one piece and enjoy every minute on the road.

By riding my bike instead of driving a car, I get valuable exercise and am pleased that I don’t leave a carbon footprint on the environment. However, I will admit that my wife still has her car and sometimes I ride with her.

T

he Ark of San Juan recently rescued Aimie and Cozette from the Orange County Shelter, and the duo will soon be available for adoption.

Aimie and Cozette are about4 months old—one is a wirehaired terrier mix, and the other is a shorthaired dachshund mix. The sweet and snuggly girls recently went to a foster home and are ready to find their new forever homes!

Contact The Ark at 949.388.0034 to arrange a time to meet Aimie and Cozette. The Ark of San Juan is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that rescues companion animals from

Aimie and Cozette. Photo courtesy of The Ark of San Juan

San Juan Capistrano and the surrounding area. For more information, visit www.arkofsanjuan.org. 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: Very Easy

John Bates. Photo: Tom Blake

“And regarding the 1990 Traffic Improvement Commission recommendation about the two-way traffic in Dana Point, it only took 25 years to make it happen, but we were right. It’s much better for all concerned.”

If more people would follow John’s bikeriding example, our cities might start to resemble European cities such as Amsterdam where bicycles outnumber automobiles. Wouldn’t that be nice?

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 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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

Page 15

Man’s best friend met man’s favorite hobby at the 13th annual San Juan Capistrano { I N S AN JUAN } Rotary Car Show on Feb. 6., bringing more than 500 cars and 140 motorcycle riders to town. For a full photo slideshow, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

SCENE

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS 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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Excel Electric - CA #793860

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

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

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

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

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

FOR RENT

LOST/FOUND

2 BEDROOM 2 BATH 1,560 S.F. FOR RENT Beautiful view, Senior Community. Shorecliffs Mobile Home Park, SC. $1,900/mo. plus utilities.

Available March. No smoking or pets. 949-310-0117 / 949-581-7149

HAVE YOU SEEN ME? I went missing in the hills of Talega in San Clemente. My name is Addie, I’m a 4-year-old Airedale terrier.

Please call Cristina, 949.933.5461.

REWARD!

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

LIST

GARAGE SALES

LOCALS ONLY

ESTATE/MOVING SALE ON 2/13/16 Starting at 8:00 am at 31852 Paseo La Branza, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Furniture, jewelry, tools, etc.

USE LOCALS ONLY

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch. com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-18, 2016

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

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Preps Roundup COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the San Clemente High School winter sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

CVCS Hires Curtis as New AD, Head Football Coach Capistrano Valley Christian announced the hiring of Rick Curtis as the school’s new athletic director and head football coach in a press release on Feb. 8. Curtis will replace Eric Preszler, who left to coach at Arrowhead Christian.

Curtis has been a familiar face on the Orange County high school football scene since 1976. Curtis was the head football coach at Santa Margarita from 2014-2015.

Prior to his stint with the Eagles, Curtis was the head football coach at Northwood High School from 2000-2013.

Curtis guided the Eagles to an 11-10 overall record in two seasons, making a CIF-SS Pac-5 Division playoff appearance in 2014.

At Northwood, Curtis led his squads to three league championships and seven playoff appearances.

Curtis has served as athletic director at Irvine High School, Northwood and Santa Margarita.

The Eagles went 4-6 overall in 2015, including a 3-2 record in San Joaquin League play. Capistrano Valley Christian failed to make the playoffs.

Curtis will take over as the school’s athletic director and head football coach on July 1, 2016, according to the release.

D’Aquila Helps Lead Lions Soccer to Playoffs JSerra freshman Isabella D’Aquila has been on a goal-scoring tear this season and has been a driving factor in the Lions push into the upcoming CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.

As of Feb. 11, D’Aquila had scored 25 goals in 18 contests, the third-highest mark in Orange County. The freshman also tallied 12 assists.

JSerra (13-3-4, 5-2-1 league) finished third in the Trinity League and will await the releasing of the playoff brackets on Feb. 15.

The Lions caught fire midway through the season, which coincided with league The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-25, 2016

play. After opening with a 4-0 loss to Santa Margarita to start their league run, JSerra went on a four-match unbeaten streak, defeating Orange Lutheran twice, tying with Mater Dei and exacting revenge over the Eagles in a 3-1 win on Jan. 28.

D’Aquila found the back of the net in 15 of 18 matches played this season, scoring two goals or more seven times. D’Aquila scored a hat trick in three contests.

Warriors Hoops Claims Fifth Straight League Title Despite a loss to rival Capistrano Valley Christian down the stretch, the Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball team went on to claim its fi fth consecutive San Joaquin League title on Feb. 10.

The Warriors (16-11, 5-1) defeated Orangewood Academy 90-50 on Feb. 10 to capture the league hardware.

SVC defeated CVC 51-47 in an overtime thriller on Jan. 22 and, in the rematch on Feb. 5, the Eagles bested the Warriors 68-60.

A major key to the Warriors success this season has been the play of Trey Smith, a recent transfer who currently leads Orange County in points scored.

Smith finished the regular season averaging 25.7 points per game and has scored 20 or more points 20 times this season.

Smith eclipsed the 30-point barrier nine times. Smith was even more effective in league play, where he averaged just over 29 points per game against San Joaquin League opponents.

The Warriors will likely enter the upcoming CIF-SS Division 5AA playoffs as a top-3 seed. SVC finished the year ranked in a tie for third in the division.

SVC Boys Soccer Goes Undefeated in League The Saddleback Valley Christian boys soccer team won the San Joaquin League title in dramatic fashion in 2016. The Warriors (12-3, 8-0) went undefeated in league play and captured the programs first league title since 2012.

SVC was dominant throughout its league.

The Warriors outscored their San Joaquin opponents by a combined 36-5 margin.

In the Warriors final game of the season, a league contest against Capistrano Valley Christian on Feb. 10, the team scored a season-high 11 goals in an 11-0 win. Cal State Fullerton-bound senior Brian Peek scored three goals in the victory.

SVC finished the year ranked fourth in the CIF-SS Division 6 rankings and will compete in the upcoming CIF-SS playoffs. CD Page 17

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Signing Day Celebration San Juan Capistrano student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

ll five San Juan Capistrano high schools held signing day ceremonies for student-athletes on Feb. 3. The date marked the first eligible day for athletes competing in football, boys soccer, girls soccer and girls water polo to declare their college of choice.

Several high schools had ceremonies that also honored student-athletes who inked their NLI in the fall.

Here is a list of San Juan studentathletes who will continue their playing careers at the collegiate level.

SAN JUAN HILLS Softball: Kelly Settineri, Newberry College Soccer: Isabella Angotti-Jone, Concordia Univ.; Grace Dalo, Concordia Univ.; Marissa Cordero, Cal State Fullerton; Shayna Larson, Cal Poly Pomona Baseball: Jack McCarthy, Oregon State Univ.

Golf: Emily Lichty, Cal State San Marcos Water Polo: Cambria Greer, Univ. of Toronto Football: Patrick O’Brien, Univ. of Nebraska ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL Soccer: Grace Chalmers, Trinity College; Sarah Gencarella, Wheaton College; Dane Lind, Amherst College; Olivia Miller, Middlebury College; Owen Smith, New York Univ.

Volleyball: Charlotte Duran, Amherst College; Kendall Robison, Haverford College Lacrosse: Payton Fales, Colby College; Nick Shanks, Tufts Univ.; Erik Suh, St. John’s Univ.

JSERRA CATHOLIC Football: Connor O’Brien, Univ. of Pennsylvania; Nick Harris, Univ. of Washington; Luke Wattenberg, Univ. of Washington; Reed Gershenson, Case Western Reserve Univ.; Danny Khouri, Azusa Pacific Univ.

Water Polo: Cooper Dolan, Bucknell Univ.; Damjan Kertesz, Air Force Academy

JSerra student-athletes on signing day Photo: Courtesy

Soccer: Savannah Sexton, George Fox Univ.

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN Soccer: Brian Peek, Cal State Fullerton

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN Football: Ben Sukut, Arkansas State

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School held a signing day ceremony for 10 student-athletes on Feb. 3. Photo: Courtesy

Eight San Juan Hills High School student-athletes took part in a signing day ceremony on campus on Feb. 3.

Photo: Courtesy

The Capistrano Dispatch February 12-25, 2016

Capistrano Valley Christian’s Ben Sukut signs his NLI to play football for Arkansas State on Feb. 3.

Photo: Courtesy

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Saddleback Valley Christian’s Brian Peek signed his NLI to play soccer for Cal State Fullerton on Feb. 3.

Photo: Courtesy

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