March 11, 2016

San Juan Spring Sports Preview OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

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FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

MARCH 11-24, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 5

Fiesta Kicks Off Swallows Day Parade Annual events pay tribute to San Juan Capistrano’s Old West heritage S J C L I V I N G / PAG E 1 2 Gary and Megan McCarver enjoy a dance together during the Fiesta Association’s annual El Presidente Ball on March 4.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

City Council Continues Search for Demographer EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Court Rules City Council Illegally Repealed Hotel Approval EYE ON SJC/PAGE 4

Online: Official Guide to the 58th Annual Swallows Day Parade www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

Riders in last year’s Swallows Day Parade. Photo: Allison Jarrell

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week 58th Swallows Day Parade this Saturday THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano’s most prominent event, the annual Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Street Faire, is set to take place throughout the downtown this Saturday, March 12, rain or shine. Each year the event is put on by members of the Fiesta Association.

The parade takes place from 11 a.m. to about 1 p.m. The route begins at El Camino Real and Ortega Highway and proceeds south on Del Obispo Street to Camino Capistrano, then north on Camino Capistrano to La Zanja Street.

The Mercado runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features an array of vendors including food, drinks, entertainment and a kid-friendly fun zone at the Historic Town Center Park, located at 31852 El Camino Real.

Parking for parade participants and spectators is prohibited along the parade route, with no vehicle access between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Some road closures downtown will begin as early as 6 a.m. and most will be in effect by 10 a.m. For a full map and timeline of closures, visit www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

Free shuttle service is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fluidmaster, located at 30800 Rancho Viejo Road, and at the Capistrano Business Plaza, located at 30250 Rancho Viejo Road on the east side of The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

Interstate 5 (use the Junipero Serra exit).

The shuttle will drop visitors off at the Old Fire Station complex on the corner of El Horno and La Matanza, leaving a short walk into downtown.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is reminding those attending the parade that bringing in glass bottles or containers of any kind to the parade route is prohibited. Coolers are permitted.

Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited in all public areas. Persons observing suspicious activities are encouraged to call the sheriff’s department at 949.770.6011 for non-emergencies or 911 for emergencies.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information, call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade. com. To view a digital version of the official parade guide inserted into this week’s edition, visit www.thecapistranodispatch. com/swallows.—Allison Jarrell

City Continues Search for Demographer THE LATEST: On March 1, the San Juan Capistrano City Council took another step toward holding district elections for council seats by directing the city manager to continue the search for a demographer to work on dividing the city into voting districts.

After receiving only one proposal out of six firms that were contacted, City Manager Ben Siegel and City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger recommended the city hire Doug Johnson of the National Demographics Corporation at a cost of no more than $22,000 from the city’s General Fund.

With a unanimous vote, the council decided to direct the city manager’s office to expand the search and call for more proposals before selecting a firm for the job.

At their Feb. 16 meeting, council members unanimously approved transitioning

from at-large to district elections before the upcoming Nov. 8 election. Along with approving the switch, the council directed staff to bring back a district-mapping process that would include at least three community forums to gather input and authorized the city manager to hire a demographer. Community input and the demography work would be used to determine whether to create five districts or four with an elected mayor.

The council’s recent actions have been prompted by a voting rights lawsuit filed against the city on Jan. 27, which claims the city’s at-large elections violate the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 and result in “vote dilution for the Latino residents” by denying them “effective political participation in elections.” Latinos account for about 39 percent of San Juan’s population, and according to city staff, no Latino representatives have been elected to the City Council for at least the last five election cycles.

Ballinger and Siegel advised the council to initiate the switch to district elections— as many other cities that have been similarly sued have done—in order to avoid costly litigation.

WHAT’S NEXT: The council’s vote on March 1 authorized Siegel to award a contract to a demographer, in an amount not to exceed $45,000, after more proposals have been received and reviewed.—AJ

Council to Consider Year-long Moratorium on Sober Living Homes THE LATEST: After approving a 45-day moratorium in November on permitting or establishing congregate living facilities in residential zones, the City Council is set to discuss adopting a year-long temporary moratorium at its March 15 public meeting.

The 45-day moratorium, which is now expired, was approved with a 3-2 vote. Staff said the ordinance was intended to allow time for city staff to consider appropriate amendments to the city’s municipal code.

The topic initially came up as residents have complained about the negative impacts group homes are having on their neighborhoods and quality of life.

WHAT’S NEXT: Tuesday’s meeting begins at 5 p.m. at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To view the rest of the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.—AJ

Declining Water Conservation on City Council’s Agenda THE LATEST: The City Council has a packed agenda for its public meeting on March 15, including an item regarding the

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city’s water conservation efforts, which have not been meeting the state mandated 28 percent reduction each month.

According to staff, the city started off reducing its water usage roughly 27 percent each month over a four-month summer period, just under the 28 percent goal. However, water savings have since declined, totaling only 23 percent in January. In February, water usage actually increased from the 2013 benchmark by 15 percent.

WHAT’S NEXT: Staff said the recent increase in water use “may trigger action by the SWRCB.” Tuesday’s meeting begins at 5 p.m. at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To view the rest of the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.—AJ

MemorialCare to Close San Clemente Hospital May 31 THE LATEST: After an 18-month effort to keep MemorialCare’s Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente open, officials announced last week they will close the campus on May 31. In a statement released by Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, administrator Tony Struthers said the health care provider will continue to examine possibilities of providing forms of urgent care to area residents, but the hospital services will cease May 31.

Struthers said the hospital—located at 654 Camino De Los Mares—will continue to meet with local officials and agencies to plan “a transition of services.”

MemorialCare officials have said since August 2014 the current hospital model is not feasible to keep open because of declining inpatient numbers. Inpatient services traditionally are large sources of funding for hospitals.

Struthers said the hospital was averaging 11.6 inpatients a day before the closure. A total of 16 inpatient surgeries were done in February, less than one per day, and outpatient surgeries totaled 56 in that month. That was not enough to sustain the hospital, he said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Struthers said no decision has been made regarding the sale of the San Clemente campus.

“At this point we have had some inquiries but nothing beyond that,” he stated in an email.

CEO of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center Stephen Geidt said MemorialCare is “exploring all options.”

During a protest rally on March 9, San Clemente Mayor Bob Baker, Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Ward and Councilman Chris Hamm all vowed to keep emergency medical services present in San Clemente and would do what it takes to keep a hospital open. —Eric Heinz www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Court Rules City Council Illegally Repealed Urban Village Hotel Approval Actions of council majority deemed unlawful by superior court judge

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

n Orange County Superior Court judge has ruled that the San Juan Capistrano City Council unlawfully repealed the approval of the San Juan Hotel & Villas project in January 2015, acting “in excess of their jurisdiction.”

Judge Randall Sherman issued a tentative ruling on Feb. 25 before finalizing the ruling last week, which states the City Council’s repeal of the Urban Village development approval “was unauthorized by law because it was premised on a referendum.”

Sherman said referendums do not apply to resolutions that are “administrative, adjudicative or executive in nature,” and in this case, the resolution to approve the project was not legislative because “it merely pursued a plan already adopted by the City Council.”

City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger said the City Council “is continuing to evaluate its options” with regards to appealing the verdict—a verdict which could potentially award Urban Village Development more than $5 million in damages. The City Council is scheduled to discuss the issue in closed session on March 15.

From Approved to Repealed The San Juan Hotel & Villas project was initially approved by a previous City Council on Nov. 19, 2014, after the locally-owned company had spent more than two years working with city staff and presenting at numerous public hearings and community meetings. The 136-room hotel was set to be operated by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and would have included commercial space in addition to 30 single-family homes on a 3.17-acre site in the historic town center.

A new City Council was sworn into office in December, filling out the dais with a majority of members that opposed the development—then-mayor Derek Reeve, Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson and Councilwoman Pam Patterson were outspoken critics of the project during their campaigns.

Patterson became an active participant in the movement for a referendum, and along with a group of citizens opposing the development, petitioned against the project’s approval. The group collected enough signatures for a voter referendum, which was validated by the Registrar of Voters.

When the petitions came back before the City Council on Jan. 20, 2015, rather than putting the matter before voters as The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

a referendum, the majority of council members chose to make the decision themselves to repeal the project’s approval, saying their election to the City Council was indicative of how residents would vote on the project.

The council voted 4-1, with Councilman Sam Allevato dissenting, to repeal the approval.

Urban Village’s attorney, Chuck Krolikowski, maintained that because the council’s actions were administrative and not legislative, the referendum was used to illegally repeal the project’s approval.

Furthermore, Urban Village principal Joshua Host said the referendum’s signatures were collected by “espousing outrageous lies to unsuspecting residents,” including that the hotel and villas would be constructed in Veteran’s Park. Urban Village filed a suit on Jan. 27, 2015 seeking at least $5 million in damages due to loss of use of the property and diminution of the property’s value.

What’s Next The superior court ruled the city’s argument that the approval of the project was inconsistent with the General Plan is the subject of a different case, Save Our Historic Town Center v. City of San Juan Capistrano, which was on hold until the issue of the referendum was ruled on. That case will is set to be heard next month.

Host said while he’s happy with Sherman’s decision—which included ordering the reinstatement of the project’s entitlements—he “never wanted a fight” in court. He said he’s open to trying to “find a middle ground that would work for everybody.”

“We’ve extended an olive branch to the city,” Host said. “Damages are amounting on a daily basis. I think there are some very bright council members, and hopefully they can bring everyone together and we have can have a conversation about what’s best for the city’s constituents.”

Currently, a new boutique hotel is planned for the property Urban Village had planned to build on, which is owned by local movie producer and director Steve Oedekerk. That hotel—also to be operated

by Kimpton—is currently going through the city’s planning process.

Host said he’s supportive of Oedekerk and his endeavors, but he hasn’t necessarily moved past the idea of pursuing development in San Juan.

“Building here isn’t ruled out,” Host said. CD Page 4

EYE ON SJC

Community NEWS BITES Friends of the Library Hosts Meetings Special Events

AYSO Girls Team to Compete in Western State Championship

COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

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, MARCH 16

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

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, MARCH 21

Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission

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, MARCH 22

Planning Commission Meeting

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

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, MARCH 25

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library is joining in the Swallows Day festivities with a special book sale on March 12 at The Bookstore, adjacent to the library. The sale will run from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature an array of used books for bargain prices, as well as an extensive collection of books by Western writer Louis L’Amour. The Bookstore is located 31495-A El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano.

The Friends of the Library is also set to host a lecture at The Bookstore on Tuesday, March 22, at 4 p.m. with Robert W. Jordan, the former United States ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2001 to 2003.

Jordan is the author of Desert Diplomat: Inside Saudi Arabia Following 9/11. The event is free, though a $10 donation is suggested. A reception and book signing will follow the lecture.

For more information about these events, call 949.493.2688 or follow the Friends of the Library on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sjcfriends.

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter

San Juan Capistrano’s AYSO Extra Girls U9 team from Region 87, aka The Blue Dynamite, went undefeated in fall 2015, allowing only one goal throughout the whole season.

The team took first place in the Cerritos Cup and the Irvine World Cup and won the AYSO Extra Section 11 Tournament, which takes them to the Western State Championship in Bullhead, Arizona on March 20. Blue Dynamite is the only San Juan Section 11 team to play in the Western State Championship.

The AYSO Extra Girls U9 team from Region 87. Photo: Courtesy Lauren Recupero/Lauren Ford Photography

broken sometime between March 1 and the morning of March 2. There was nothing missing from the vehicle, no cameras and no witnesses present. The caller said he would pay for it.

COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

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, March 2 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (9:16 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for suspicious activity. A man in his 20s was ringing the caller’s doorbell, and after he left she reported that her neighbor’s dogs were barking and her neighbors were not home. She was afraid something happened.

DISTURBANCE—MUSIC OR PARTY Avenida de la Vista, 30800 Block (6:22 p.m.) A caller reported loud music coming from a garage with “numerous subjects drinking.” The caller said they had “lookouts.”

VANDALISM REPORT Camino Capistrano, 33700 Block (5:24 p.m.) A man reported that the rear left window of his vehicle was

DISTURBANCE Via Solana/Calle Arroyo (4:25 p.m.) A man wearing all black clothing in Cook Park was screaming at children and threatening patrons at the softball fields.

KEEP THE PEACE Paseo Corrales, 28300 Block (3:53 p.m.) A caller said his grandmother was refusing to give him his property so he could leave.

STOLEN VEHICLE Calle Arroyo, 27100 Block (3:14 p.m.) Car keys were stolen from a gym locker at 24 Hour Fitness and the vehicle was taken from the parking lot. The car, a red GMC Yukon XL, was OnStar equipped. Police called OnStar and requested activation for the location of the vehicle. OnStar reported that the vehicle was stationary in a parking lot off of Peter A Hartman Way, with the closest cross street being Jeronimo. Police arrested a 25-year-old woman, who is currently being held without bail at the Central Womens Jail. A court date was set for March 14 at the Harbor Justice Center.

CITIZEN ASSIST Ridge Road, 29400 Block (12:38 p.m.) A woman reported that two men in a white truck were harassing her in the Rite Aid parking lot and trying to get

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OC Mosquito and Vector Control to Hold Town Hall Meetings The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District, and representatives from the Orange County Health Care Agency, will hold several town hall meetings to educate residents about invasive mosquito species—which have been found in nine Orange County cities— and Zika virus, and to facilitate an open dialogue about the potential for future aerial efforts to control adult mosquitoes.

Meeting dates and locations are: March 21 at 7 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community Center in Mission Viejo; March 29 at 7 p.m. at the Garden Grove Community Meeting Center; March 30 at 10 a.m. at the City Hall in Laguna Woods; and March 31 at 7 p.m. at the Clifton C. Miller Community Center in Tustin.

More information is available at www. ocvcd.org. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at bit.ly/TownHall_Aedes_RSVP. Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

her to pay them to fix the dent in her car.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino del Avion/Del Obispo Street (11:03 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for an old silver Mercedes with an intoxicated woman inside that was stopped in the middle of the road.

MISSING CHILD 0 Block (10:38 a.m.) A babysitter called to report a missing 3-yearold boy. She told police she had checked everywhere in the house and thought the boy possibly walked out through an unlocked front door. The boy was found about a half hour later under the bed in an upstairs guest room. He said “he did not want to be found and was covering himself with a blanket.”

WELFARE CHECK Camino Capistrano/Del Obispo Street (9:14 a.m.) A man received secondhand information that his 26-yearold son was possibly under the influence and sitting on a curb near his residence.

He said his son has a history of using meth, marijuana and heroin and was possibly in possession of “some type of drug.” The son, who was sitting with a woman, told police they had used meth and heroin two nights ago which caused him to “get kicked out of his sober living home.” Both subjects said they did not have any drugs but had paraphernalia.

A consent search yielded nine used syringes and a spoon and cotton in a hype kit. The subjects were cited. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: By Councilman John Perry

Actions of Previous Council to Blame for Urban Village Lawsuit

T

he Nov. 4, 2014, election brought in a new City Council majority on a wave of anti-development sentiment.

Two Irvine-scale projects—the Spieker Senior Development and Urban Village’s San Juan Hotel & Villas project, which included a 136-room three-story hotel and 30 townhouses on a 3.1-acre parcel in the middle of the city—had densities that were totally out of proportion to the rest of the city, in my opinion.

After an election occurs, there is a period of time before the newly elected council members are sworn in. During this period, the lame duck (or defeated) council members are still able to legally vote on issues before the City Council.

Such was the occasion on Nov. 18, 2014—the last council meeting for then-councilmen John Taylor and Larry Kramer, who had been defeated in the election. The council majority got the Urban Village project on the agenda so the lame-duck council members could vote for the very last time before the new council majority was seated on Dec. 2.

On the evening of Nov. 18, the city attorney explained that the General Plan did not allow the residential units associated with the proposed hotel in the Historic Town Center (HTC) to be constructed.

The city attorney also quoted a second opinion from an independent attorney who agreed with his legal opinion, and the recommendation of the Planning Com-

Letters to the Editor PAM PATTERSON AND COUNCIL MAJORITY HAVE DAMAGED SAN JUAN —Matt Gaffney, San Juan Capistrano Last week, the Orange County Superior Court ruled that Mayor Pam Patterson and the City Council (Sam Allevato excepted as he was the lone dissenting vote) broke the law when they overturned the San Juan Hotel & Villas project. Damages paid from the city to Urban Village are expected to be greater than $5 million and as much as $10 million. That’s your money, folks. It will come directly out of your taxes. Think about that the next time you ask why there is no money to fix our town’s traffic problems or improve our parks.

Pam Patterson lied about the hotel project to get elected and we will pay for it. She and her colleagues will bear no The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

mission, that a General Plan amendment would be required in order for the project to go forward.

Against the clear advice of two legal opinions and the Planning Commission, John Perry the lame-duck council majority of Sam Allevato, Larry Kramer and John Taylor made a motion that the HTC Master Plan was consistent with the General Plan and approved the Urban Village hotel and townhouses project at 3:30 a.m. on the morning of Nov. 19.

The resolution adopted by the council that morning was written by the lawyers representing the applicant, Urban Village.

The resolution was written to be “referendum proof,” in that it referred to all actions by the City Council as administrative and not legislative. This distinction is very important because a referendum can only be used to overturn legislative actions.

As soon as the word got out that the project had been approved, San Juan residents began collecting signatures for a referendum on Dec. 5 and gathered 2,501 signatures by Dec. 23 that were certified by the County of Orange.

After the referendum was certified, the new City Council majority voted to repeal the project’s approval. Urban Village attorneys filed suit alleging the referendum was invalid because all of the actions taken by the City Council were administrative,

consequences for their multimillion-dollar deceit. There is nothing we can do about it now other than pay our share. However, the worst is yet to come. The Urban Village lawsuit was only the first of several suits the city is currently defending as a result of the new council majority’s arrogant and dishonest actions.

Next up is the Vermeulen lawsuit, with damages expected to be much larger than those associated with Urban Village.

Backed by Kim McCarthy’s Common Sense hate rag, Mayor Patterson and Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson published information about the proposed senior community that was in direct conflict with published staff reports—including their now famous exaggeration of the project’s traffic by more than 2,000 percent. Once elected, they blocked the public vote they had promised during their signature collecting campaigns. Now a judge, rather than the voters, will decide the issue and determine how much of your money to give to the Vermeulen family.

not legislative, and violated the State of California Government Code. Last week, an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled that to be true, stating that the council acted “in excess of their jurisdiction” when they repealed the project’s approval.

There is a second lawsuit pending (Save Our Historic Town Center) that claims the City Council’s approval of the project on Nov. 19 was improper because the council ignored the fact that the Urban Village project required a General Plan amendment and a zoning change. The SOHTC lawsuit will be heard in court next month to determine if a General Plan amendment should have been considered as a basis for approval of the Urban Village project.

I believe the outgoing City Council knew the newly elected City Council would never approve the Urban Village project as then proposed, so on their way out the door, the lame-duck council majority approved the Urban Village project by denying that a General Plan amendment was required. What they left for the new City Council majority is an ugly tangle of very expensive lawsuits that could have an immense financial impact on the city. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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

The city is also being sued for the council majority’s water refund scheme, where funds were taken from the sewer reserves to pay for some of the liability created by Councilman John Perry’s lawsuit. The problem? Perry created more liability for San Juan Capistrano than he intended, and some residents’ lawyers were paying attention. The damages are again estimated to be in the millions.

Most recently, the city was sued for conducting elections in violation of the California Voting Rights Act. This case has a silver lining. Plaintiffs have offered to drop the case (which the city is expected to lose) if the city will simply conduct proper elections for all five council members this November. Mayor Patterson, Councilwoman Ferguson and Councilman Derek Reeve can stop this lawsuit by simply letting the voters decide if we still want them in office. It will be the first time since being elected that they could keep their promise to “let the voters decide.”

(Cont. on page 8)

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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

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EDITORIAL

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 5. 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.

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SOAPBOX

The San Juan Capistrano Library. File photo

(Cont. from page 6)

HOMELESS HARASSMENT AND INTERNET PORN AT THE LIBRARY —Nicole, San Clemente I visited the San Juan Capistrano library early in the evening on Monday, March 7, with my 11-year-old son. He needed to get a couple books for a school project.

As we approached the front door, we encountered a mentally disturbed homeless woman entering the library who told us, “You can’t come in to my f***ing house.”

We proceeded around her and into the library. I quickly found a library employee and let them know about the woman. They said they have a problem with some of the homeless and just shrugged off my warning.

My son and I found the computers where we could use the digital card catalog to find the books he needed. Next to us was a middle-aged man surfing the Internet. My son glanced over at the man’s computer screen and saw a terrible pornographic image.

We walked over to the children’s section where we saw the same mentally disturbed homeless woman in one of the book areas. Thankfully it wasn’t the area we needed. We found the area we needed and my son, with tears in his eyes, began to tell me about what he saw on the man’s computer. I was horrified! We grabbed the books we needed and went to the front to check out. I had my son sit a little bit away so I could tell the same worker I had first told about the mentally disturbed homeless woman what my son had seen on one of the public library computers. She wasn’t at all apologetic and just said if they catch it they turn off the computer. I questioned if they have filters on the computer, and she said they turn them off because adults get upset. I pointed out the man who was still on the computer and still nothing was done.

I am very disappointed in our local library. It should be a safe place for children and adults to study, read and check out books. Since when is it a place for mentally disturbed homeless people to harass other patrons and for sick perverts to surf the Internet for porn?

Page 8

Editor’s Note: The identity of this letter writer was fully vetted and confirmed. The last name was omitted in order to protect the identity of the author’s minor son.

A RESPONSE TO TRUMP’S HATE-FILLED RHETORIC AND HIS WHITE SUPREMACISTS —Joanna Clark, San Juan Capistrano Trump, with his xenophobia, misogyny and hate-filled racist rhetoric, and his white supremacist supporters should learn from history. They don’t understand that had it not been for a small group of black men and women who walked out of Africa 65,000 to 103,000 years ago, we wouldn’t be here. These people and their descendants settled the world, ever changing as they adapted to new environments.

During their journey, some made contact with the Neanderthals, while others made contact with the Denisovan. These species in time went extinct, but not before they passed their genes onto some of us.

Today, like it or not, we are one race—Homo sapiens sapiens—diverse in nationality, ethnicity, color, gender identities, sexual orientations and religious persuasions. But the fact is that we are all descendants of those first dark-skinned immigrants that left Africa many millennia ago.

The white person is not superior to the black person, nor is the black person superior to the white person. We are all the same race—a race that is facing a catastrophic future if we cannot put our irrational differences aside.

Yes, we’re diverse. But in that diversity, there is strength and hope. We can become an unstoppable force for change and the common good if we put our irrational differences aside and unite as one.

The decision rests with us.

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

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List What’s going on in and around town

At the Movies: Where’s the Fun in ‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot’?

EDITOR’S PICK

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 11 HOOS’GOW DAY 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hoos’Gow Day is an annual tradition that brings a taste of the Wild West back to downtown San Juan Capistrano. The “sheriff” and the “deputies” of the Fiesta Association are dressed in their traditional black and white Western garb while they roam the town in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing Western clothing, the deputies just might “arrest” you and throw you in the Hoos’Gow, leaving you no choice but to make “bail” by purchasing a Fiesta Association souvenir. Downtown San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

FROG JUMPING CONTEST 3 p.m.-4 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s third annual frog jumping contest will include music and prizes at the Mission Grill. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

Saturday | 12 ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m. The Woman’s Club of San Juan Capistrano and the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club will serve a pancake breakfast at the Woman’s Club, including pancakes, ham and scrambled eggs. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the annual breakfast. Guests are encouraged to donate $8 or $4 for kids under 10. 31442 El Horno Street, 949.276.7688.

DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES 10 a.m. Visit Dana Point Harbor, March 12 and 13, for the second of the two-weekend event, featuring education and entertainment celebrating the annual migration of California gray whales. Events for weekend two include whale watching, an art show and sale, Diamond Dig, live music, classic cars, educational lectures and activities, a clam chowder cook off, vendors, games and more. The Whale of a Concert on the Water, on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. features local bands playing atop at floating stage at Baby Beach, a barbecue and spirits garden. All activities take place at Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern. For more information, including parking, shuttle and a full events listing, visit www.festivalofwhales.com or check out the official event guide at www.danapointtimes.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

Photo: Andrea Swayne

58TH ANNUAL SWALLOWS DAY PARADE & MERCADO STREET FAIRE 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association’s 58th annual Swallows Day Parade begins at 11 a.m., with the Mercado Street Faire running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The parade is one of the largest non-motorized parades in the nation and takes place during the Fiesta de las Golondrinas season, which celebrates the return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com. To view the official parade guide online, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com/swallows.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 1 p.m.-close. Family Style performs 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by the Rye Brothers 8 p.m. to close. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Friday | 18

on current programs available to assist in saving water. Attendees include local water districts, OC Stormwater Management and the UC Cooperative Extension program. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www.californianativeplants.com.

ST. JOSEPH’S DAY & THE RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join Mission San Juan Capistrano in celebrating St. Joseph’s Day with live music, performances and activities. Admission is free for mission members and volunteers, $15 for adults and seniors and $6 for children ages 4-11. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

MULTICULTURAL ARTS SERIES: CARLOS VELASCO 7 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s Multicultural Arts Series features a performance by classical Latin guitarist Carlos Velasco. A reception prior to the concert will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is $15. RSVP to 949.493.2688.

31495-A El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.2688, www.facebook.com/sjcfriends.

Sunday | 20

‘BODICE RIPPER’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents the opening night of Bodice Ripper.

When a struggling author of macho detective thrillers falls for an editor of women’s fiction, he decides to try his hand at writing a romance novel. But his long-time collaborators—fictional characters Manley Stone and the worldly Vera—are determined to sabotage his efforts. Shows run through April 3 on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 19

LOCAL AUTHOR LECTURE SERIES 2:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library hosts Saint Junipero Serra biographer Steven Hackel, a history professor at UC Riverside, for this month’s local author lecture series. Hackel is the author of Junipero Serra: California’s Founding Father, which won the Historical Society of Southern California’s Neuerburg Award for best book on pre-Gold Rush California. Jan Siegel, a local historian and Serra expert, 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, www.facebook.com/sjcfriends.

OC FRIENDLY GARDENING FAIR 9 a.m.-2 p.m. At this special event, various organizations and companies will be at Tree of Life Nursery to educate visitors Page 10

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch. com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Photo: Paramount Pictures

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t’s ironic that two completely different comedies released last weekend, Paramount’s Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and Disney’s Zootopia, both had themes of social commentary.

Using anamorphic characters as metaphors, it’s not a surprise the latter is an instant hit with audiences and critics.

But Foxtrot is a completely different Rrated racial satire based on real events of reporter Kim Barker (or Baker in the movie) and not doing nearly as well.

From 2003 to 2006, Baker (Tina Fey) goes from office news scripter to international correspondent in Afghanistan to cover the military’s involvement on the Middle East battlefield. Leaving behind her boyfriend, Chris (Josh Charles), and life as she knows it, Kim is in for a big surprise with the huge differences between Afghanistan and New York she will have to experience for the next three years.

WTF is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, of Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), and even Fey’s old mentor Lorne Michaels is a producer on WTF. Yet there is almost nothing legitimately funny to be found in the film. WTF tries to show Kim as endearingly out of her league by being ignorant about everything from Afghani culture to U.S. military, but instead comes off as insufferable. The cherry on top is Christopher Abbott and Alfred Molina, two white actors, whose portrayal of the main Afghan characters is cringe-worthily distracting. WTF was never going to be a masterpiece or classic, but when a kids’ movie with furry animals has better execution at a racially conscious plot, there’s a problem. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Alabama Joe (second from left) poses with his award for winning “Best Existing Mustache.”

Photo: Jorge Maldonado

Hannah Rock and Lezley Leone show off their outfits in front the judges during the “Soiled Dove” contest.

Photo: Jorge Maldonado

Fiesta Association board member and judge Pamela Schuler assesses contestant Corey Kase’s beard. Kase won the Hairiest Man Contest this year after shaving his face clean in January. Photo: Jorge Maldonado

Celebrating in Style Annual Fiesta Association events showcase San Juan’s Old West heritage THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

n Friday, March 4, the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association held its annual El Presidenté Ball at El Adobe de Capistrano in downtown San Juan. Guests dressed in their Western best and danced the night away to live country western music performed by The

Electric Tumbleweeds.

This year’s Fiesta Grande took place Wednesday, March 9, with Wild West shenanigans and colorful characters out in full force at the Swallow’s Inn. Contestants showed off their costumes, oversized belt buckles and well-groomed facial hair to compete for the judges’ favor. CD

Fiesta board member and chair of the El Presidenté Ball Deborah Spellum dances with her husband and fellow board member James Valgean at the ball on Friday. Photo: Allison Jarrell

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

Guests dance to live country western music at the El Presidenté Ball. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Señor San Juan Tom Scott and Ms. Fiesta Beverly Blake enjoy a dance at the ball. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Couples flocked to the dance floor Friday night during the annual El Presidenté Ball. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Page 12

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

A Day of Hope and Homecoming Fr. Serra’s prayers, perseverance helped keep missionary expedition afloat during plight

I

have said time and time again in these columns that almost everything has a San Juan Capistrano connection. I love it when history comes together for our town.

We all know that the first Mission was established in San Diego in 1769. It was almost the last. Fr. Serra wrote of the plight of the missionaries in 1770 that almost ended his stay in Alta California. In his radio address in 1931, Fr. St. John O’Sullivan recounted the following event.

“In January 1770, Gaspar de Portola and his men were exhausted from their trip to search for Monterey. When Portola returned to San Diego, he found that not one conversion of an Indian had taken place.

He found the provisions almost exhausted and no word from the San Antonio, the ship which had gone to Mexico for help.

He therefore announced to Fr. Serra that they must prepare to abandon the whole enterprise and to go back to Mexico. When Fr. Serra protested, he reminded the missionary that he did not bring his men to California to die of hunger and that if the MOMENTS IN ship San Antonio failed TIME to arrive by March 19,

By Jan Siegel he would then begin his return journey to Mexico—words that pierced the very soul of Fr. Serra.

“This was the beginning of March.

Everyone in the expedition knew of the proposed return to Mexico and all were glad of it except Fr. Serra and Fr. Crespi, who mutually agreed to remain together in California in case the rest returned to Mexico.

“On March 11, Fr. Serra announced that a novena, or nine days of prayer, would begin for the safe and speedy return of the ship San Antonio with its supplies.

Every day he went to the top of presidio hill, overlooking the bay, and watched the entrance between Point Loma and North Island, and, at the time, like Moses on the mountain top, prayed for his people.

Daily he besieged the gates of heaven with his petitions for God to send the ship and prosper the work of the California Missions, which had just started but now seemed on the point of failure. For nine days he continued his prayerful watch.

“It was on the ninth and last day of the novena, March 19, as the feast of St. Joseph was drawing to a close, when his prayers and perseverance were rewarded by the appearance of a sail at sea. He

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

caught just a sight of it through the narrow entrance of the bay as it passed by, far out on the surface of the ocean.

“While it was only a little glimpse of a sail at sea, still it meant everything to Fr. Serra and to California, and to us it meant that we should fall heirs to the most colorful, humane and romantic history that has been handed down by any state of the Union. Fr. Serra instantly announced his discovery to Portola, who gave orders to stop preparations for the return to Mexico. The missionaries rejoiced, the soldiers began to encourage one another, and the spirits of all were revived.

“Four days later, the ship sailed into port. It had not been on its way to San Diego, but to Monterey where it expected to find Portola; however, upon losing an anchor, it returned to San Diego in search of another and thus, in this unusual way, it brought the supplies to the point at which they were needed to save the whole expedition from the failure, which a few days before seemed inevitable.”

For the rest of his life, Fr. Serra always said a special prayer to St. Joseph on March 19.

For those of us in San Juan Capistrano, this date has even more significance— March 19 is also the day we celebrate the return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

Spend a “Moment in Time” enjoying the Swallows Day Parade and festivities this Saturday, March 12, as well as St. Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows on March 19. Think about St. Serra and his vision for California, and how all this led to the founding of the Mission and our town.

Saturday’s parade begins at 11 a.m., rain or shine, and is accompanied by a variety of vendors and events throughout downtown San Juan Capistrano. You can then visit the Mission on March 19 to enjoy a day filled with St. Joseph’s Day ceremonies and swallows-themed activities on the historic grounds.

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. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

SCENE { I N S AN JUAN }

Members of the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association—which puts on

the Swallows Day Parade each year—watched from behind the dais March 1 as the group’s Hangin’ Judge James Leone carried out the annual tradition of

pretending to “hang” the mayor at the beginning of the City Council meeting prior to the parade. After cracking jokes about the association’s “colorful”

traditions, Mayor Pam Patterson awarded the group with an official proclamation of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas season, Feb. 1 through April 30.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Solution:

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

Page 13

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

Single Mom Wants to Meet New Friends

I

have often emphasized to elderly singles the importance of getting involved in activities and making new friends.

This week, a woman named Lynda emailed asking for advice on how to do that.

Lynda said: “I was a single mom for 17 years and was very involved in my children’s lives and their activities. I have had the same type of work for 32 years and have moved a lot due to a military way of life. When I was in my 20s and 30s, making friends happened without even thinking about it.

“Now, in my mid-50s, making friends seems to be tougher than I imagined. I have friends at work, but most of them are married and have their own lives outside of work.

“Since I am approaching retirement, I’m trying to figure out what I can do to make friends and get involved in my community. I love animals and have two dogs of my own.

I hope to someday find someone I can experience life, with although I am very content being on my own with my dogs. I have thought about volunteering with Meals on Wheels and/or helping out with dog-rescue places. Any input would be appreciated.”

Tom’s answer: Making new friends now is wise. By doing so, you will already have friends when you retire.

Yes, making friends is more difficult compared to when we were younger. Having women friends is as important, if not more important, than having men friends.

By pursuing activities you enjoy, making new friends will easily follow. You already seem to know what you want to do.

You love animals and have two dogs.

You have thought about volunteering at an animal shelter. Go for it; you are a natural.

Two months ago, I rescued a dog and got to know the volunteers at the San ClementeDana Point Animal Shelter. You would immediately make friends at an animal shelter.

Next, you mentioned volunteering for Meals on Wheels. That’s a great cause.

I suggest you start doing that once or

twice a week.

It is important to try new things. After my life partner Greta retired, she became involved in tai chi, yoga and water aerobics classes. Through exercise, she has made many wonderful new friends.

If you need more ideas, check out www. meetup.com, a free website that lists all kinds of clubs and activities across the United States that you can join. Pick a couple of activities that interest you and try them.

You also mentioned that you would like to meet a man with whom to experience life, but are also content just spending time with your dogs. I think you can do both. Make time without the dogs to let a man into your life. Yes, you treasure your dogs, but don’t be so obsessed with them that you shut out potential mates.

You have many positives in your life. You ON LIFE AND have worked in the same LOVE AFTER 50 field for 32 years and

By Tom Blake not many people can say that. This shows stability, dedication and loyalty—all great traits. In addition, you were a single mom for 17 years and that required a huge commitment.

Pursue making new friends before retirement with the same energy you put forth into working and raising your children. You will accomplish your goal quickly.

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

Pet of the Week: Bowie

B

owie, a 3-year-old Turkish Angora/domestic short hair mix, is the perfect roommate—he’s affectionate, but not needy, tidy, has great bathroom manners and is cool with just hanging out and watching TV. He doesn’t shed very much, likes other cats, does fine with dogs and is all around a really cool cat. As the Ark’s Cat of the Week, Bowie is currently available for a reduced adoption fee. Bowie is in The Cattery at the San Juan PetSmart waiting for his forever family to arrive. To meet Bowie, you can attend weekend adoption events on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or contact The Ark at 949.388.0034 or cat@arkofsanjuan.org to arrange a different time.

The Ark of San Juan is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that rescues companion animals from San Juan Capistrano and the surrounding area. For more information, visit www.arkofsanjuan.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

Page 14

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Capistrano Preps Spring Sports Preview

BY STEVE BREAZEALE AND MICHAEL MATOSSIAN, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he 2016 spring sports season has already begun for the five San Juan Capistrano high schools. Some programs have league title aspirations, others remain focused on staying competitive, and all of them are coveting the ultimate goal of succeeding in the CIF-SS playoffs.

Here is a look at several San Juan programs that are primed for big seasons.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @ SouthOCsports all season long for in-game updates, news and more.

San Juan Hills High School BASEBALL

Last Season: 14-17 overall (4-8 league) Players to Watch: Jack McCarthy, Nick Hernandez and Connor Glenn.

Circle ’em: Valley View (March 19 at Angel Stadium) and Mission Viejo (3/22) Outlook: With 12 returning players from last year’s team, nine of which saw considerable playing time, head coach Jeremey Wooten believes the 2016 version of the San Juan Hills baseball team is shaping up to be a well-balanced group.

With the emergence of junior first baseman Connor Glenn and the return of senior standouts Jack McCarthy and Nick Hernandez to the lineup, the Stallions bats figure to have plenty of pop.

Hernandez, who also doubles as the team’s top pitcher, was a first team All-Sea View League selection last season and led the team with a .323 batting average and nine doubles.

McCarthy, also a first team all-league selection and an Oregon State commit, and Glenn, a left-handed power hitter, will be surrounded by veteran bats in the lineup.

“I am very confident that the middle part of our lineup will have big years for us,” Wooten said. “Our plan is to have players hitting around these guys who can really swing the bat. This team has the potential to be the most complete lineup, one through nine, in school history.”

Hernandez will be looking to build on his solid junior campaign on the mound. As a starter in 2015, Hernandez led the team with a 1.17 ERA, notching four wins and 40 strikeouts. Riley Glenn, Justin Dunham and sophomore Kaleb Marschall will round out the rest of the Stallions rotation. McCarthy will serve as the team’s closer. In 21 innings of relief last season, McCarthy compiled a 0.00 ERA and recorded six saves.

The Stallions will have to go through San Clemente, who advanced to the CIFSS Division 2 semifinals in 2015, and Mission Viejo, the reigning CIF-SS Division 2 champion, in Sea View League play. –Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

Senior pitcher Nick Hernandez will lead the San Juan Hills High School baseball rotation in 2016. Photo: Courtesy

BOYS AND GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING

Outlook: For first-year head coach Derya Buyukuncu and his staff, guiding the San Juan Hills boys and girls swim teams in 2016 will be a bit of a learning experience.

Buyukuncu brings an impressive resume to the pool deck at San Juan Hills.

He is a six-time Olympian who competed in the backstroke and butterfly events representing his native Turkey. He is backed by a staff with more than 30 years of experience between them.

“This is our first year with them; we don’t know what they are capable of,” Buyukuncu said. “Our goal is to see how the kids are and what they swim, and we will see what place that is going to take us.”

On the girls’ team, the Stallions have a lot of freshmen swimmers coming in from the Gators Swim Club, a local club team.

Buyukuncu’s staff will be looking to help these girls take their club experience and translate that into league and possible CIF success.

“We want to work on their little stuff: turns, kicking and technique,” Buyukuncu said. “I think that is going to help them, especially if they really want to get better at swimming.”

On the boys’ team, the Stallions will be

looking to the backstroke, freestyle and individual medley to be the events that can contribute a good amount of points each meet.

“The first couple meets are going to really show us what they are capable of,” Buyukuncu said. “Then we are going to get a sense of who can lead this team.”

The Stallions will face off against Mission Viejo in their first league meet on March 22. –Michael Matossian

JSerra Catholic BOYS LACROSSE

Last Season: 15-5 (6-0 league); advanced to the U.S. Lacrosse Orange County Championship game.

Players to Watch: Emerson Roth, Austin Shackleford and Matt Karzak.

Circle ’em: Foothill (3/29) and Servite (4/14) Outlook: The offseason was filled with change for the JSerra boys lacrosse team.

The Lions lost 16 seniors to graduation and a head coach that guided them to the championship game of the U.S. Lacrosse Orange County playoffs.

But first-year head coach Brendan Fowler likes what he sees out of the newlook Lions.

Page 15

Senior attack Emerson Roth, right, and the JSerra boys lacrosse team head into the new season with a new look and new head coach. Photo: Steve Breazeale

After dropping back-to-back games to start the season, the Lions (2-2) have won two in a row and are buying in to Fowler’s desire for the team to play a tough brand of lacrosse.

“We’re kind of building from a fresh start here for the most part,” Fowler said.

“We demand our kids to play hard and be tough on ground balls. They’ve responded well to that. There are mistakes here and there but, we ask them to play hard and that’s what we want to be known for.”

(Cont. on page 17) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Excel Electric - CA #793860

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

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

San Juan Photo & Digital

32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668, www.sjcphotodigital.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

FOR SALE

LOST/FOUND

MUST SELL!! SEATS 7! NISSAN PATHFINDER 4x4 2009 Silver with black interior. Bluetooth CD player.

New Bilstein shocks. K&N air filter. In great shape. $13,000 949-633-3860

PHOTO SLIDES FOUND IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO Found: 2-18-16 at 10:30 am Location: San Juan Creek Road, in front of Plant Depot (SJC) Item Found: Box containing Kodak Carousel Transvue 80 slide tray, with slides. There is a label on it that says, “1993-96 Family.” Also written on it is, “Patterson Family, 1993, 94, 95, 96.” Call Don at 949.798.9952

QUANTUM ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR Value $3,000 for sale for $800 OBO Call 949-496-9541

HELP WANTED OCEAN INSTITUTE IS HIRING INSTRUCTORS. Visit http://www. ocean-institute.org/employment for more information.

SEEKING PART-TIME COPY EDITOR Picket Fence Media is hiring a parttime copy editor. Responsibilities include line editing for print, web and social and working with a team of editors on deadlines for weekly community newspapers. The job is based in Capistrano Beach, CA, and is for 15-20 hours per week (MondayThursday) at a negotiated hourly rate. Prior newspaper/magazine/ media experience required. Qualified candidates should email agarrett@ sanclementetimes.com and put “COPY EDITOR” in the subject line.

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.

SERVICES HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris – 949 510 6645

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

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The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

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

Page 16

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 15) Although they lost several standout players, JSerra returns a talented senior class that has experience. Midfielder Austin Shackleford, Emerson Roth (attack), and Vincent Cifarelli (attack) are all seniors who have helped lead the Lions offense in the early going. Two-way players Evan Jones and Cayson Fincher add versatility to the Lions’ approach.

The Lions offense figures to get stronger once senior attack Matt Karzak returns from an injury. –SB

Capistrano Valley Christian BASEBALL

Last Season: 19-9-1 overall (10-1-1 league); advanced to the second round of the CIFSS Division 5 Championships.

Players to Watch: Dylan Baird, Alec Arnone, Andre Antone and Zack Mendez.

Circle ’em: Ayala (3/15) and Santa Margarita (4/6) Outlook: Pitching depth can be a major key to a deep postseason push and the Capistrano Valley Christian baseball team is hoping its strong trio of right-handed starting pitchers will take them to the playoffs once more in 2016.

The Eagles’ rotation will be led by senior Dylan Baird, an Eastern Illinois commit who compiled a 2.48 ERA as a junior.

Head coach Clemente Bonilla said Baird’s composure on the mound sets the tone for the rest of the rotation, which features hard-throwing junior Andre Antone, a UCI commit, and standout sophomore Alec Arnone.

Antone and Arnone will also be key bats in the middle of the Eagles lineup. Arrone batted .304 as a freshman and Antone hit .310 as a sophomore. Junior Zack Mendez is off to a hot start in 2016 and is batting .556 through two games played. Junior first baseman Tyler Piston will provide some power and swatted his first home run of the season in the Eagles’ 16-3 win over Whittier on March 5.

The Eagles are a young team and will graduate just two starting seniors this season.

Bonilla said the team’s biggest strength has been team chemistry, which he believes will serve the team well as they prepare to play a tough nonleague schedule filled with Trinity League opponents and perennial CIF-SS contenders.

“There’s just a good vibe about (the team). Hopefully it will be one of those seasons where you have the physical tools that you need and you have that “X” factor where the kids get along really well,” Bonilla said. “It could be one of those magical things where it goes our way because we have good chemistry.”—SB

L to R: Sophomore Alec Arnone, junior Andre Antone and senior Dylan Baird make up a hard-throwing trio of pitchers for the Capistrano Valley baseball team. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Saddleback Valley Christian BOYS AND GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING

The Capistrano Valley Christian boys golf team has won the league sportsmanship award for two consecutive years. Photo: Courtesy

BOYS GOLF

Last Season: 8-8 overall (8-6 league) Players to Watch: Jackson Miller, Alex Mansfield, Wesley Deffenbaugh and Chris Cenzer.

Circle ’em: Herald Invitational (4/4) and The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

Saddleback Valley Christian (4/18) Outlook: The Capistrano Valley Christian boys golf team is off to a 2-1 start to its season and is being led by four returning players who played big roles in 2015.

Sophomore Wesley Deffenbaugh, who was an All-San Joaquin League honorable mention selection as a freshman, picked up his first medalist honors of the season in a 255-307 victory over Guajome Park on Ben Brown’s Golf Course on March 3. The sophomore carded a 41 (+9) on the front nine to help the Eagles secure the victory.

Junior Alex Mansfield, another Eagle who earned honorable mention last season, and senior Chris Cenzer round out the top of the Eagles scoring leaders in the early going. Both hold scoring averages in the 40s, according to head coach Ryan Curammeng.

The Eagles’ depth chart will get a boost once junior Jackson Miller returns to the team. Miller is currently playing for the Eagles basketball team in the CIF Championships.

The Eagles have done well on the course in recent years, but what Curammeng is more proud of is the team’s accomplishments off it. The Eagles have won the San Joaquin League Sportsmanship Award for two consecutive seasons.

The award is voted on by the San Joaquin League coaches.—SB

L to R: Jack Ryan Wineke, Beau Monson, Cole Brehm, Matthew Bergen and Jordan Owen look to lead the Saddleback Valley Christian boys and girls swim teams. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Page 17

Last Season: N/A Athletes to Watch: Casey Cunningham, Cole Brehm, Jordan Owen, Jack Ryan Wineke and Matthew Bergen.

Circle ’em: JSerra Catholic (3/17) and Freelance League Meet (4/30) Outlook: The Saddleback Valley Christian boys and girls swim teams may look young on paper, but the Warriors will return multiple underclassmen with valuable CIF experience and a handful of veteran swimmers to the pool in 2016.

Last season, the Warriors left the Academy League for the first time in program history. Instead of participating in a league meet, SVC hosted a freelance league meet against other area teams and had several individuals qualify for the CIF-SS prelims.

One swimmer who had a breakout season in 2015 was Casey Cunningham, who returns to anchor several events for the girls team. Cunningham, a BYU commit who won the CIF-SS Division 3 500-meter freestyle championship in 2015, will focus on the 200- and 500-meter freestyle as well as play a part in relay teams. SVC head coach Bert Bergen says Cunningham is on the verge of breaking several school records.

Sophomore Jordan Owen will compete in the 100-meter backstroke and will be a part of a strong group of young swimmers.

On the boys team, Cole Brehm (100-meter butterfly), Jack Ryan Wineke (Cont. on page 18) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 17) (200-meter freestyle) and Matthew Bergen (500-meter freestyle) return. Bergen has already made a preliminary CIF-SS qualifying cut in practice and will look to advance in the event in the postseason.

“It’s a young group but they have experience from last year and I think we’ll do real well,” Bert Bergen said. “They just know what’s expected of them and their peers. It’s a much more mature group just because they’ve done this before.”—SB

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Last Season: 30-5-1 overall (6-0 league); Won the CIF-SS Division 4 Championships and advanced to the CIF SoCal Regional Division 3 Championship match.

Players to Watch: Noah Dyer, Jon Minsberg, Spencer Alden and Jacob Pelletier.

Circle ’em: Beckman (3/15) and Redondo Classic Tournament (4/29-30) Outlook: The Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team has its sights set on accomplishing something special in 2016.

The Warriors have won three straight CIFSS Championships in their division and are gunning for a rare four-peat.

There is good reason for the optimism, as the Warriors return five starters from last year’s championship team. It is a group of players who have played alongside each other for several years and have formed a tight bond.

Senior Noah Dyer is the team’s unquestioned leader and has been the central cog of the Warriors squad since he arrived on campus as a freshman. Junior outside hitter Jon Minsberg and seniors Spencer Alden (outside hitter/opposite), Jacob Pelletier (libero) and Trevor O’Reilly (middle blocker) return.

While the Warriors return those five experienced players, there are new faces that have been added to the mix that will play key roles, like sophomore opposite Bryce Laxson.

The Warriors have torn through the CIF-SS Championships three years running, but where the team has hit a snag is at the CIF SoCal Regional tournament.

The Warriors have lost to Laguna Beach in the Division 3 title game two years in a row, which is something the returning SVC players hope to rectify in 2016.

“This year we’re really hoping to see if we can take state. That’s the one that’s kind of eluded us,” Dyer said. “I think we’re there physically but I think it’s going to take that mental step. We have a bunch of young guys so we have to pick that up and we have to believe that we can do it.”—SB

St. Margaret’s Episcopal BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

Last Season: N/A Athletes to Watch: Nic Gitter, Luke Gitter and McKinley McQuaide.

Circle ’em: Irvine Invitational (3/11) and Trabuco Hills Invitational (4/2) The Capistrano Dispatch March 11-24, 2016

L to R: Charlie Smith, Derek Lindquist, McKinley McQuaide, Anne Otterbein and Lauren McCaffrey will compete in multiple events for the St. Margaret’s track and field team in 2016. Photo: Michael Matossian

The Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team is eyeing its fourth straight CIF-SS Division 4 Championship in 2016. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Outlook: Changing the culture of the St. Margaret’s boys and girls track and field team is the goal for first-year head coach Patrick Bendzick and his staff. Once Bendzick was brought in to lead the team, the coach realized a different approach was necessary if the Tartans were to achieve their potential.

“We view track as a team sport, and in the past athletes have been able to kind of pick what events they want. They come and they go,” Bendzick said. “It is really the mentality of ‘We are in this for everyone from the get-go’ … so the kids have been very willing to say, hey, I’ll fill that hole; I’ll take that event; I’ll jump in that relay.”

On the boys team, the distance events will be major point contributors yet again.

Nic Gitter, Luke Gitter and Charlie Smith earned All-Academy League honors in cross country in the fall and will be looking to build off those strong performances.

In the field events, Nick Amoukhteh is the team’s leader in both the shot put and the discus and has a great opportunity to improve on his finish in the CIF-SS prelims last year.

The sprinters will be major contributors to the girls team. Bendzick said the team pulls a lot of athletes from the soccer

L to R: Nick Visconti, Jordan Chun, Matthew Hamadani, David Chou will provide leadership for a young St. Margaret’s boys volleyball team. Photo: Steve Breazeale

team, who should play roles in the 4x100meter relay and sprint events.

One of the standout athletes for the girls is McKinley McQuaide. McQuaide is a four-event athlete and was a CIF-SS Finalist in the shot put last year. She brings an element of consistency and versatility to the team and has some lofty goals for herself this season, according to Bendzick.

Emily Sun is a high jumper that should contend for a league title as a freshman.

“I don’t think that anybody in our program expects to do anything other than to win our league,” Bendzick said. “This first year is a little bit of an experimental year, as everyone gets used to the training and the new expectations, but the kids have responded pretty well.”

The Tartans look to start off strong at the Irvine High School Invitational, March 11.—MM

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Last Season: 21-8 overall (12-0 league); advanced to the CIF-SS Division 4 Championship match and the second round of the CIF SoCal Regional Division 3 Championships.

Players to Watch: Jordan Cun, David Chou and Ethan Hill.

Page 18

Circle ’em: Crean Lutheran (3/17) and Laguna Hills (3/22) Outlook: After a season that ended with a deep postseason run, the St. Margaret’s boys volleyball team will regroup with a young squad in 2016.

The Tartans return only two starters from last season in senior setter Jordan Chun and sophomore outside hitter David Chou. Both players were a part of a team that reached the CIF-SS Division 4 championship match and appeared in the state regional tournament.

“It’s predominantly a group of young guys,” head coach Jeremey Dailey said.

“The last couple seasons we had some pretty good players and had high expectations and we still have expectations this year. We’re going to see a lot of growth from where we are now to the end of the year.”

Freshman Ethan Hill has impressed Dailey in the early going and has already got significant playing time. Hill is a club player who has made the switch to outside hitter, where Dailey hopes to utilize his 6-foot-2-inch frame.

The Tartans are currently 2-1 on the season and notched a win over Academy League rival Brethren Christian on March 8. –SB www.thecapistranodispatch.com