May 13, 2016

Fiesta Day Highlights City’s Roots OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

PAGE 18

FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

MAY 13-26, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 9

Election 2016: Dividing into Districts Community’s input is vital in splitting city’s population into voting districts for Nov. 8 E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 5

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Residents suggested at the May 4 districting meeting that Interstate 5 and Ortega Highway could be considered natural dividers when drawing up districts. Photo: Allison Jarrell

City Drops Summer Trolley, Will Pursue 2017 Tri-City Service EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

City’s Utility Study Continues with May 17 Public Hearing EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

CdM Dethrones St. Margaret’s in Lacrosse Championship Game SPORTS/PAGE 22

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING utility services and reviewing its options for the groundwater recovery plant in light of increasing costs and complexities in providing water and wastewater services.

The Utilities Commission held its first hearing on April 26 and is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council regarding what criteria should be used to evaluate future reorganization proposals. The Council voted April 5 to hold the public hearings, implement a public outreach program, enlist the help of the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) in studying reorganization options, and appropriate $150,000 from the city’s water fund “to cover anticipated costs associated with the LAFCO review process and related professional services.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Utilities Commission meetings begin at 8 a.m. and are held at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. For more information on the city’s utilities reorganization study, visit www.waterstudy. sanjuancapistrano.org. —AJ

While last year’s trolley program was considered a success with at least 10 riders per hour, the City Council has opted to drop the program this summer and instead focus on a tri-city trolley in 2017. Photo: Eric Heinz

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week City Drops Summer Trolley Service, Plans to Pursue Tri-City Trolley in 2017 THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council voted unanimously May 3 to suspend the city’s trolley service this summer—a move Council members said will allow staff to focus on securing grant funding for next year while working with the cities of Dana Point and San Clemente on a tri-city trolley for the summer of 2017.

City Manager Ben Siegel initially presented the Council with two trolley options. The Council’s first choice was to execute an agreement for a trolley and a shuttle to run between June 10 and Labor Day at an estimated cost of $115,000— about $90,000 for the trolley and $23,000 for the shuttle. Siegel said the city has applied for Project V funding—a grant from the Orange County Transportation Authority Measure M2 program—which would be available for the summer of 2017.

If the Council chose to move forward with trolley service this summer, Siegel The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

proposed covering the cost with $74,000 in Air Quality Management District (AQMD) funds, with the balance coming from the city’s general fund reserves.

The alternative Siegel presented was to suspend trolley service for this summer, wait on the grant application and direct staff to work with the cities of Dana Point and San Clemente on a tri-city summer trolley for 2017. The Council voted unanimously on this option, with Mayor Pam Patterson absent due to an early departure from the meeting.

WHAT’S NEXT: Siegel noted that the city of Dana Point will still offer a trolley service this summer, while San Clemente is waiting on Project V funding for 2017.

Siegel added that Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett is strongly advocating for the tri-city model.

Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson, who last year led the effort for a city trolley, admitted that a trolley this year would “kind of be limping” compared to “something great” next year.

“We’ve proven we can do it. We know that it’s going to be viable, but we want to do it right,” Ferguson said.—Allison Jarrell

Riding Park Events to be Discussed by Commissions THE LATEST: At a joint workshop set for Monday, May 16, the Trails and Equestrian Commission and the Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission will brainstorm ideas for events that Blenheim Facility Management can host throughout the year at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.

Public access to the 70-acre riding park off of Ortega Highway has historically been a point of contention for some residents, while others say that the park has always been open for everyone to enjoy.

The park was part of the Open Space Bond Measure Y purchase of 132 acres in 2010.

Under Blenheim’s management agreement, the company is required to provide at least six special community events throughout 2016. Thus far, two separate Two Stepping Under the Stars events are scheduled for July 29-30.

WHAT’S NEXT: The workshop begins at 4 p.m. on Monday at City Hall. To read the full agenda report, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org. —AJ

City’s Study of Utility Alternatives Continues with May 17 Public Hearing

Preview: City Council Meeting, Budget Workshop

THE LATEST: The city will continue its investigation into reorganizing its utility services with a public hearing at the Utilities Commission’s meeting on Tuesday, May 17. The city has been studying its

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council has another packed agenda on Tuesday, May 17. Topics on the docket include (but are not limited to): • Public hearings on extending develPage 3

opment agreements for the Inn at the Mission hotel project and Pacifica San Juan, and a resolution to vacate a portion of right-of-way on Ortega Highway • Consideration of an agreement to continue financially supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley • Curing an alleged Brown Act violation regarding the Council’s previous action to reimburse Councilman John Perry for up to $5,000 in legal costs that he incurred during an FPPC administrative investigation • Discussion regarding whether to proceed with the Del Obispo Street Widening Project, which would widen the street between Calle Aspero and Paseo De La Paz. The project is under design but not currently listed as a Council priority.

City Council meetings begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall following the council’s closed session. To view the City Council’s full agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

WHAT’S NEXT: The City Council also has a budget workshop for fiscal years 20162017 and 2017-2018 scheduled for Monday, May 23 at 3 p.m. at City Hall. —AJ

State Senate Passes Resolution to Urge Federal Government to Pass Interim Nuclear Storage Bill THE LATEST: California’s State Senate approved a resolution April 28 to urge the U.S. Department of Energy to pass a bill that would allow for temporary interim storage of spent nuclear fuel at facilities away from San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, a few miles south of San Clemente.

The Senate Joint Resolution presses the federal government to pass the Interim Consolidated Storage Act of 2016, supported by Rep. Darrell Issa, (R-Vista). Language in the bill requires areas that would take the nuclear waste to gain consent from the facility accepting it as well as the neighboring communities. Areas in Texas and New Mexico have been mentioned as possible storage sites.

A press release from State Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) stated the nuclear waste stored at the current facility is on or near earthquake faults.

WHAT’S NEXT: Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy John F. Kotek will attend the next Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting hosted by SCE, according to a press release from Issa’s office.

The next CEP meeting is set for June 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion.—Eric Heinz www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Election 2016: Dividing into Districts

GET INVOLVED. VOICE YOUR OPINION. Listed below are the dates, times and locations set for the upcoming community outreach forum and City Council public hearings.

May 18: 5 p.m.-7 p.m., City Council Public Hearing, City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto

Community’s input is vital in splitting San Juan Capistrano’s population into voting districts

June 1: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Community Outreach Meeting, Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

an Juan Capistrano’s Nov. 8 election will be a historical one—a monumental turning point in the city’s political landscape. Sure, the ballot may not look so different at first glance—two seats up for grabs and perhaps a slew of candidates throwing their hats in the ring—but rather than seeking the support of the city as a whole, each candidate will be elected by a single, newly formed voting district, of which the total population—not the number of registered voters—will amount to about 6,900 people.

That’s because San Juan Capistrano is currently transitioning from at-large municipal elections to by-district elections, which will take effect during the next election on Nov. 8. Under the previous at-large system, voters could elect City Council members living anywhere in San Juan Capistrano. Under the new system, voters separated into five districts within the city will vote for a City Council candidate who lives within their respective district.

The city’s switch to district elections— which was approved unanimously by the council in February—was prompted by a voting rights lawsuit filed against the city in January by the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP) and San Juan residents Tina Auclair and Louie Camacho. The suit claims San Juan’s at-large elections violated the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 and resulted 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.

Following the direction of City Manager Ben Siegel and City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger, the City Council commenced with the transition and voted unanimously April 19 to allocate $70,000 from the city’s general fund to pay for a demographer and community outreach services in order to begin the process of mapping out voting districts. In an effort to conduct The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

(From left) Karin Mac Donald of Q2 Data & Research speaks with residents Connie Vermeulen and Kathleen Petersen about how homeowners associations will be impacted by districting. Photo: Allison Jarrell

a “transparent districting process,” city officials have been encouraging residents to participate in the outreach meetings, which are being led by districting consultant team Q2 Data & Research, LLC. The first two outreach meetings took place on May 4 and 7.

Karin Mac Donald, owner and senior researcher of Q2 Data & Research, is based in Oakland and has worked on redistricting in cities such as San Diego and San Francisco. Mac Donald led the first community forum on May 4 with dozens of residents in attendance at the Community Center.

The meeting included an overview of the districting process as well as time to talk with the consultants before providing input. Mac Donald explained to the crowd the criteria used to draw up voting districts, including equal population, compliance with the Federal Voting Rights Act, contiguity, compactness and “communities of interest,” which Mac Donald defined as “a geographic area comprised of residents who share similar interests, including, but not limited to, social, cultural, ethnic, geographic or economic interests.” Such communities can be neighborhoods or areas where people are working together to establish a park, support a school or preserve a historic area.

About a dozen residents spoke at the first meeting, some raising concerns over a more divided community with less control over local government. Others looked forward to the opportunity to represent a greater number of community members.

Such is the case for Sergio Farias.

Farias ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2008 and said depending on how the districts are drawn, he’d like to run again.

Farias said that members of San Juan’s immigrant community feel left out of the political process.

“I think it’s going to benefit all of us,” Farias said. “Whoever runs should represent everyone.”

As feedback is received, the consulting team is developing and building upon draft district maps that will be sent to the City Council for initial feedback on May 18.

The maps will then be presented to the community in another outreach meeting on June 1, and will go back before the City Council for final adjustments and approval on June 6. The city’s final plan is due to the Orange County Registrar of Voters by July 6.

According to city officials, once the district boundaries are adopted, the Council will vote to determine which two of the five districts will elect a City Council member on Nov. 8. The terms of Sam Allevato and John Perry end in December.

At the May 4 meeting, several residents questioned why the entire five-member Council wasn’t being legally elected in November and raised concerns that three-fifths of the city would be “disenfranchised.” According to Best Best & Krieger, the city’s legal representation, the determination that only two districts will vote on Nov. 8 was made by the City Council in closed session due to the litigation surrounding the process. An attorney for the city said it was “one of the terms that was acceptable to the plaintiffs.” CD

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June 6: 5 p.m., City Council Public Hearing, City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto All meeting locations are compliant with the American Disability Act and have parking available. The Community Center and City Hall are within walking distance of a number of bus stops. To view bus stop locations and routes, visit www.octa.net/bus/overview.

A Spanish interpreter is present at all meetings, and interpreters in other languages can be requested with 48-hour notice to the City Clerk. Documents on the city’s districting website—districting.sanjuancapistrano.org—can be translated by clicking the “Translate This Page” button at the top right corner of the page.

Beyond attending a meeting and submitting your ideas in person, there are several ways to become involved with the districting process. Residents can send their comments to the City Clerk via mail to: 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, or via email to districting@sanjuancapistrano.org.

Prior to submitting your comments, the city’s demographers encourage residents to consider the following: • What connects your community?

• Where is your community located within the city?

• What defines your community of interest? (What’s the mission or commonality of your community?)

• What is different outside of the boundaries of your community of interest?

With this information in mind, the city is asking residents to create a map of their community’s boundaries or suggested districts (using Google maps, GIS system, etc.) or write down the boundaries or districts on paper. To download a community of interest form in English or Spanish, or to learn how to create a community of interest using Google Maps, visit districting.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Not registered to vote yet?

Registering can be done in a matter of minutes online at www.registertovote.ca.gov. Voters must be registered a minimum of 15 days prior to an upcoming election. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

City Council Allows Planning Commissioner to Stay On, Review Projects Despite conflict concerns, Council majority votes against removing Rob Williams from Planning Commission, tables the discussion until FPPC investigation is closed

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

D

espite Councilman Derek Reeve’s concerns over the “appearance of conflict,” the majority of the San Juan Capistrano City Council voted against Reeve’s request to remove architect Rob Williams from his post as Planning Commissioner on May 3.

In a 3-2 vote—Sam Allevato and Reeve dissenting—the Council voted to table the discussion until a Fair Political Practices Commission investigation of Williams is closed. At that time, Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson proposed they can revisit the subject if they feel it’s necessary.

But Reeve said that the closure of the FPPC’s investigation won’t resolve his concerns that Williams’ continued review of the city’s Historic Town Center Master Plan and the Hotel Capistrano by Kimpton creates “the appearance of conflict.”

Before the final vote, Reeve offered a substitute motion to have Williams remain on the commission and recuse himself from any matter regarding the HTC and Kimpton hotel, but it only drew support from Allevato.

In Reeve’s initial agenda report, he asked the Council to consider removing Williams due to his unwillingness to recuse himself from reviewing the city’s Historic Town Center Master Plan and the Hotel Capistrano by Kimpton.

“The update of the Historic Town Center Master Plan (HTC) and the two proposed hotel projects, Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano and Hotel Capistrano

by Kimpton, are priority issues facing San Juan Capistrano,” Reeve said. “It is critically important that these vital projects be reviewed in a process that is above reproach or allegation of bias.”

The allegation of bias to which Reeve refers is centered around Williams’ personal and fiduciary relationship to landowner and developer Bill Griffith—who owns the local Rivendell Land Company—and Rivendell consultant Dan Friess. Williams was subcontracted by Friess for architectural work on two buildings that are now owned by Rivendell: the Egan House and the clock tower.

On Dec. 11, 2015, the City Council voted The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

to exclude Williams from reviewing any issues within the Historic Town Center Master Plan related to the Egan House and Esslinger property, which is also owned by Griffith and is separated from the Egan House property by a plot of land owned by Steve Oedekerk, where the Hotel Capistrano by Kimpton is planned.

Griffith is currently moving forward with his own hotel project across from the Mission, known as Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, which Williams has recused himself from reviewing.

Reeve said Williams “rightfully recused himself” from participating in Inn at the Mission discussions “due to his personal and financial relationships with the proponents” of that hotel and to “avoid any appearance of impropriety.”

“Despite these appropriate actions, the continued review by Mr. Williams of the HTC as a whole and the Hotel Capistrano

by Kimpton hotel project continue to create the appearance of conflict,” Reeve said. “This appearance of conflict results from allegations of financial conflict, Mr. Williams’ alleged actions related to his opposition to the previous hotel project on the same site as the current Hotel Capistrano by Kimpton proposal, his personal relationship with the proponents of the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano project and other concerns of potential conflict or bias for or against the projects and their proponents.”

During the meeting, Reeve further noted the relationship connecting the two hotels, saying that “the simple reality in business is if you can have the only taco stand in town, that’s what you want.”

“If you can be the only hotel, there’s a motivation there,” Reeve said. “I’m not saying there’s any actual impropriety, but the appearance is blatant. It’s obvious. Not one of us would hesitate to recuse ourselves.”

In a recent interview, Williams dismissed Reeve’s analogy, saying that the hotels are different enough that visitors will come to stay at the Marriott or Kimpton specifically. He added that the “Marriott would never build a hotel if they felt they would lose money on it.”

“Both of those hotels are going to be successful if they’re built successfully,”

Councilman Derek Reeve, left, and Councilman John Perry listen to Rob Williams defend his position on the Planning Commission on May 3. Reeve requested the Council remove Williams from the commission, saying his continued review of the Historic Town Center Master Plan and the Hotel Capistrano project “continue to create the appearance of conflict.” Photo: Allison Jarrell

Williams said.

Williams is also a member of the Save Our Historic Town Center (SOHTC) group—along with Mark Nielsen and Ken Friess—which is currently in the midst of suing the city and landowner Steve Oedekerk. Allevato brought up the lawsuit at the May 3 meeting, adding that the city had received a letter from the SOHTC group on April 19 threatening litigation over the Kimpton’s CEQA review. “… there is an active lawsuit now involving the Save Our Historic Town Center group, which is suing Mr. Oedekerk personally, and Rob Williams is a member of that organization,” Allevato said. “… He is suing someone and then reviewing that person’s project. I don’t think you can be unbiased and fair.”

Williams responded that he was not involved with the letter, that it was written solely by Mark Nielsen, and that he had not been made aware of it before it was sent. In an interview, Williams claimed that he has not been recently active in the group.

Williams was also named in a “threatened litigation” item in the Council’s closed session earlier that day. According to a memorandum from City Manager Ben Siegel, the item was listed in closed session because he felt Williams “intended to initiate litigation against the city related to Councilmember Reeve’s May 3 agenda item.”

In the memo, Siegel wrote that he had alerted Williams of Reeve’s agenda item on Friday, April 22, and told Williams that “if he would recuse himself from matters related to HTCMP and the Kimpton Hotel Project, Councilmember Reeve would not bring a Council agenda item and, in fact, would publicly commend him.

“Commissioner Williams responded by stating, unequivocally, that he has no intention of stepping down, that he ‘has made a living of not backing down,’ that ‘you don’t know what you’re getting into,’

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that ‘things would get ugly,’ Siegel wrote.

“He further stated that the City Council would need to remove him from the Planning Commission before he would recuse himself.”

During the Council’s discussion in open session, Ferguson questioned whether Reeve had evidence that there was a transfer of funds between Griffith and Williams. Reeve replied that the dais “isn’t a courtroom” and he had not subpoenaed Williams’ bank account.

Later on, Ferguson replied to Reeve saying, “People are innocent until proven guilty.”

Reeve said that because Williams refuses to recuse himself from reviewing the HTC and Hotel Capistrano, “the integrity of the review of these projects will be called into question and expose the city to legal challenge no matter what the ultimate decision is.”

“The appearance of impropriety is as dangerous as impropriety itself,” Reeve said.

Reeve’s request to remove Williams from the Planning Commission came amid an ongoing Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) investigation into Williams. In February, the FPPC sent a letter to Williams alerting him that he was to be fined $400 for failing to report income from his company, Studio 6 Architects, on his Statements of Economic Interest (Form 700).

During the FPPC’s hearing on April 21, the item regarding Williams’ enforcement agreement was pulled from the commission’s consent calendar due to a new complaint received from Oedekerk, which details financial connections between Griffith, Friess and Williams.

FPPC Communications Director Jay Wierenga confirmed that the “investigation is open and ongoing” and “a case is not closed until the full commission votes on the outcome proposed by FPPC Enforcement.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

South County School Roundup

The latest South Orange County news from the Capistrano Unified School District

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Local Schools Transitioning to Specialized Instruction Model A group of local elementary schools is getting an educational makeover, following what Capistrano Unified School District is calling an “elementary schools reimagining process.” Principals from seven elementary schools, including R.H. Dana, attended the April 27 CUSD Board of Trustees meeting to present their school’s new educational focus.

District staff said the reimagining process began by engaging stakeholders to determine each school’s educational focus and creating “three-year blueprints for implementation, a list of priority needs and a brand promise for the launch of their reimagined school.”

Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Kirsten Vital told the board that the process came from challenging conversations this year about how to reinvigorate under-enrolled schools in the district. She said the district believes investing in these schools will result in more families choosing these programs and returning to their neighborhood schools.

Local schools and their new focus include: R.H. Dana Elementary School, Science and Technology; Del Obispo Elementary School, College and Career Readiness/AVID; Kinoshita Elementary School, College and Career Readiness/ AVID; Lobo Elementary School, STEAM; Marblehead Elementary School, Environmental Studies.

A revised district policy regarding renaming the schools and potentially adding the word “academy” came back before the board on May 11. However, trustees determined that a new policy was unnecessary due to the board’s current ability to rename schools. The board voted 6-1 to table the item indefinitely.

CUSD Examines Facilities Funding, Viability of a District-wide Bond On April 25, CUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital hosted a forum at San Clemente High School that identified potential funding sources to meet the estimated $800 million in facility maintenance costs required in the district.

Some of the future funding opportunities discussed include seeking Community Funded Districts and a district-wide School Facilities Improvement District, which both implement property taxes for The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

facility funding.

The options presented April 25 were the result of a community committee consensus report, which was initially presented to CUSD in December following four meetings where committee members discussed district facilities, school funding and public information research.

At the April 27 CUSD Board of Trustees meeting, Vital summarized the findings discussed during the Monday forum, specifically focusing on the committee’s recommendation that the district “pursue all possible funding options, including studying the feasibility of a general obligation bond.” She said CUSD would be conducting a second poll “to measure the community’s possible commitment to any kind of assessment.”

“A special board workshop is being planned for May 18, for us to look at the poll results and our options moving forward,” Vital said. “I expect that the board will be examining this throughout … May and then finally in June.” —Eric Heinz/ Allison Jarrell

CUSD Trustees Review New High School Graduation Requirements After holding three board workshops to discuss revised high school graduation requirements, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees held the first public hearing of the new requirements on April 27.

The last time the district’s high school graduation requirements were revised was in February 2009. Major changes include the removal of the California High School Exit Exam, which is no longer required nor offered by the district; a proposed increase in the math requirement from 20 to 30 credits starting with the class of 2020; the removal of reading skills development classes, which are no longer offered; and additional flexibility for College and Career Planning (CCP) and health classes, so that students may take both courses over the summer through various districtapproved providers and/or accredited institutions.

The majority of trustees voiced concerns with the first draft of the policy, including the staff recommendation that students would need a GPA of 3.75 or higher to opt out of CCP, which would be implemented in fall 2016. Several parents and teachers have also voiced concerns with the option to opt out of CCP, citing the value of the life skills learned in the class.

No board actions were taken April 27, as the item was only a first reading. A second

CUSD met May 11 and April 27 to discuss a variety of topics. File photo.

reading was scheduled for May 11, but was held due to a technicality—the agenda item was not posted early enough prior to the meeting on CUSD’s website, which violates the Brown Act. Vital said the discussion would be back on the agenda for the board’s special meeting on May 18.

Calendar Committee Presents Progress to CUSD Board Following a controversial vote last fall to start the 2016-2017 school year early on Aug. 15, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees formed a School Calendar Committee tasked with making a recommendation for the 20172018 academic calendar. Comprised of 37 members—including parents, PTA, board members, union representatives, district personnel and students—the committee engaged residents with three public forums, input collected via email and a phone survey of 436 CUSD families. On May 11, the committee presented its findings to the board.

Feedback from the forums included the following concerns with an early start in August: heat and weather, impact on family vacations, alignment with sports schedules, ending the first semester before the winter holiday, and alignment with colleges for summer school and orientations.

Staff confirmed that the current 2016-2017 calendar aligns with sports schedules and colleges, and the first semester ends before winter break. Addressing heat concerns, staff said it would cost an estimated $12.5 million to install air conditioning in every district classroom.

In the phone poll, 22 percent thought the Aug. 15 start date is a “very good idea,” 32 percent said it is a “very bad idea,” and 46 percent said it is somewhat good or bad or had no opinion.

The School Calendar Committee will meet again May 13 to review draft calendars for the 2017-2018 school year.

Proposed calendars will be presented to the board on May 25.

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Capo Unified Continues Consideration of New Immunization Policy On May 11, the Capistrano Unified Board of Trustees held the third reading of the district’s new immunization requirements for the 2016-2017 school year.

Last June, Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 277 into law, eliminating personal belief exemptions from immunization in schools statewide.

In order to comply with the new law, which goes into effect July 1, the district will no longer enroll students who don’t have the required vaccinations, “unless the family submits a medical exemption from a licensed physician,” according to staff.

Since the first reading of the policy in March, trustees have been directing staff to make revisions. On Wednesday night, three parents brought up the issue of whether special education students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) would be exempt from the new vaccination requirements.

Staff answered that under federal law, all students with an IEP are guaranteed access to educational services, regardless of their immunization status.

Trustee Jim Reardon voiced several concerns Wednesday night, including that people will be seeking reasons to obtain an IEP in order to avoid immunization.

He anticipates the district will “have difficulty sorting through the authenticity of physicians’ statements granting regular edu-cation students exemptions,” and was glad that staff is looking into a form that can be used to “obtain proof of authenticity.” “… there’s going to be a significant flood of these things coming to us that may not be proper,” Reardon said, adding that local, prominent doctors may end up, in some cases, becoming victims of forgery.

With several suggested revisions to the policy from the board, the item was continued to the next regularly scheduled meeting. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

San Juan Capistrano E-Waste and Shredding Event San Juan Capistrano is teaming up with Goodwill of Orange County to host a free e-waste disposal and document shredding event from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21. The public is invited to dispose of electronic waste such as old cell phones, computers, monitors, printers, toner cartridges, scanners, VCR/DVD players, TVs, microwaves and other small appliances free of charge at the City Hall parking lot, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Items that will not be accepted include: large appliances, batteries, oils, solvents, tires or other household hazardous waste.

Those items are accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste facility at the Prima Deshecha landfill. For information on hours and days of the week for that facility, visit www.oclandfills.com/landfill.

There is no limit on the amount of paperwork you can bring, and items will be accepted from everyone, not just residents of San Juan Capistrano. Goodwill will collect documents in a lock box and transport them to its secure shredding facility.

For more information, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org, call 949.234.4414 or email environment@sanjuancapistrano.org.

Saddleback Celebrates Students’ Success at Annual Showcase The Saddleback College Division of Fine Arts & Media Technology and the Angels for the Arts will present the 2016 Student Success Showcase on May 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the McKinney Theatre. The evening highlights the success of Saddleback students over the past year and includes award presentations and performances by this year’s Angels for the Arts scholarship recipients. Admission is free.

For more information on the Angels for the Arts, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts/ angels-events.

Free Arts Showcase at Segerstrom Concert Hall on May 24 Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ annual Arts Teach Showcase is set for Tuesday, May 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

Teachers, school administrators, PTA members, community partners, nonprofit organizations and others interested in presenting world-class artists at assemblies or have them teach art workshops at their The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

sites are encouraged to attend the annual showcase. At this free event, more than 60 internationally acclaimed professional artists will be on hand, representing a variety of art forms such as dance, music, theater, storytelling and the visual arts.

Guests will watch samples of live performances, experience hands-on workshops and visit with one of the nation’s most extensive rosters of talented teaching artists to discuss ways they can customize programs specific to their organization’s needs.

For questions or to register, call 714.556.2122 ext. 4310 or email artsteach@ scfta.org. For more information, visit www. scfta.org/showcase.

Local Church to Host Two Seminars on Caregiving in May Community Presbyterian Church in San Juan Capistrano is presenting a two-part seminar on caregiving on Sunday, May 15, and Sunday, May 22, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Both events, titled “Seasons of Caregiving,” are open to the community and would be beneficial to anyone involved in caregiving or supporting a caregiver.

During the seminars, participants will learn about trends in caregiving, resources available to caregivers, recognizing when to shift to the role of caregiver, and how to address one’s own needs while doing the same for those they care for. The seminars will be led by Rev. Robin Clardy.

The cost to attend is a nonperishable food item for the Family Assistance Ministries food bank. To reserve a space, email office@sjcpres.org or call the church office at 949.493.1502. The Community Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall is located at 32202 Del Obispo Street in San Juan Capistrano.

Friends of the Library Launches Membership Drive, Announces June 1 Meeting The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library nonprofit organization is looking for new members. For $20 a year, members can help support the library as the cultural hub of the community through concerts, lectures and The Bookstore. Annual memberships expire May 31.

The organization is also looking for nominations for its board of directors ahead of the group’s annual meeting on Wednesday, June 1, at 6 p.m. on the patio of The Bookstore, 31495-A El Camino Real. Those interested in being on the board should send a resume and letter of interest by June 1 that includes why you would like to be a director, what your time constraints are and what skills you would bring to the Friends of the Library to: Nominations Committee, SJC Friends of the Library—The Bookstore, 31495-A El Camino

Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

The purpose of the June 1 meeting is to affirm bylaws adopted June 8, 2015, publish year-end FY 2015-2016 financial statements and call for director nominations. Officers and directors will be elected in August.

For more information, follow the Friends on Facebook at www.facebook. com/sjcfriends.

Local Theater School to Premier Short Film at Regency The Acting Academy for Kids in San Juan Capistrano is set to premiere the school’s short film “Family Style Dinner” on May 16 at the Regency Theatre, located at 26772 Verdugo Street in downtown San Juan. Acting Academy for Kids is a performing arts program that offers classes, workshops and camps devoted to the education, skills and resources needed to train the next generation of talented performers. Programs are available for kids ages 4 to 17.

At 4:20 p.m., the actors will begin arriving and will walk the “red carpet” before participating in cast interviews. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the first screening and 5:40 p.m. for the second screening. An after-party at Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria featuring a buffet-style dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Selma’s is located at 31781 Camino Capistrano.

Tickets for the film premiere are $20, and tickets for the after- party are $25. Tickets can be purchased online at www.actingacademyforkids.tix.com. Questions can be directed to actingacademy4kids@gmail.com.

Homefront America Bringing Field of Honor to Los Rios Park On May 21, local nonprofit Homefront America will be transforming Los Rios Park into what’s known as a Field of Honor—a display of several hundred American flags, each standing 7 feet tall, as a tribute to military, veterans and first responders. According to organizers, the Field of Honor display in San Juan Capistrano will be the first of its kind in south Orange County.

Posting of the flags will commence between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on May 21 and will be available for viewing May 22 through May 30 from sunrise to sunset.

On May 30, a Memorial Day ceremony will be conducted from 10 a.m. to noon onsite by local VFW Serra Post 3801. The public is invited to attend.

For more information, call 949.248.9468 or visit www.homefrontamerica.org.

Community Meetings TUESDAY, MAY 17

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, MAY 18

Downtown Farmers Market

3 p.m.–7 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from dozens of vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Visit www.farmersmarketsjc.com or call 949.493.4700 to find out more.

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.

CUSD Board of Trustees Workshop

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, MAY 20

Coffee Chat

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

MONDAY, MAY 23

City Council Budget Workshop

3 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. See the agenda at www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

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, MAY 27

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

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Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY CAMERON SADEGHI

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, May 4 DISTURBANCE Calle Resplendor, 30800 Block (3:26 p.m.) A caller told police he went to the residence where his brother rents a room. The caller said he threw a “tiny pebble” at his brother’s window so he would know to come out and see him. The caller said the landlord and her two sons “got extremely angry” and threatened to assault him. The caller was waiting for police to arrive outside.

Tuesday, May 3 SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Avenida Aeropuerto, 26000 Block (9:56 p.m.) Shots were heard coming from Camino Capistrano.

RECKLESS DRIVING Ortega Highway/Interstate 5 (11:57 a.m.) A male subject in a black Ford F-150 exited the freeway and nearly hit two elderly pedestrians while driving northbound on Ortega Highway.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/CIRCUMSTANCES Ortega Highway/Interstate 5 (10:01 a.m.)

A caller received secondhand information that a male subject was “sitting on the edge of the bridge with his feet dangling over the side.” The man was described as wearing a red shirt and Levis. Police and Fire Station 10 were en route.

Monday, May 2 DISTURBANCE Sonoma Way, 29300 Block (8:41 a.m.) A woman said a security officer was “cussing and screaming” at her and her son about a parking issue.

Sunday, May 1 UNKNOWN TROUBLE Del Obispo Street, 31900 Block (5:25 p.m.) A “hysterical” employee at Sam’s Liquor called police to report a drunken male subject outside.

Police were unable to gather much information about the subject other than that he had “something in his hands.”

Saturday, April 30 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle de Bonanza, 34000 Block (3:41 p.m.) A male subject requested paramedics because he was “tripping on snake venom.”

BATTERY Camino Capistrano, 33000 Block (11:49 a.m.) A man reported that he was walking across the street near the Budget Rent-A-Car when a male subject driving a white Nissan Sentra nearly hit him. The man confronted the subject “about his bad driving,” and the subject “shoved” the man’s coffee into him and “punched him in the face.” The subject went inside the Budget or the auto business next door, and the caller was waiting outside. The subject was described as a heavyset man with gray hair and a white beard.

STOLEN VEHICLE Calle Arroyo, 27300 Block (12:19 a.m.) A 2003 Dodge 2500 was stolen from a parking lot within one hour of parking it. The caller said the car was “definitely not towed because there have never been tow trucks there before.”

Friday, April 29 ILLEGAL PEDDLING Hillside Terrace, 30100 Block (8:25 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a male subject going door to door and asking for money “to pay for the curbs to be painted.”

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

RESIDENTS ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE RIDING PARK IN TOWN

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

—Tom Scott, San Juan Capistrano A few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to visit the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at the east entrance to our beautiful town. Parking was free, staff was most welcoming, and I sat at a picnic table with a cup of coffee watching a marvelously talented field of horses and riders competing in an equestrian jumping event. Red-tailed hawks were circling over the hills in the distance and native songbirds added a background chorus—our wonderful open space has brought peace to this corner of the world.

When I contacted Melissa Brandes, vice president of marketing for Blenheim Facility Management, to thank her and her staff for their work, I learned so much more about the facility.

The open space owned by the city of San Juan Capistrano is managed by Blenheim Facility Management, which is tasked with maintaining a world-class facility that hosts 12 week-long international equestrian competitions each year, bringing thousands of visitors to our town who enjoy our restaurants, shops and entertainment events. In addition, they host 13 equestrian competitions that include dressage, Western and hunter/jumper disciplines at county and interscholastic levels. This unique facility also had the privilege of being chosen to host the 2000 Olympic Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Team, which marked the first year a trial was held west of the Mississippi. In 2004, a new record was broken. The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano was once again chosen as the host facility for Show Jumping and Dressage Team Trials.

Never before had trials been held in the same facility for two consecutive qualifiers. In 2008, the U.S. Dressage Team Trials returned to San Juan Capistrano.

The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, also a regular event for me, is well known around the country and attracts thousands of visitors to our town for a weekend of great competition and large amounts of prize money. Rancho Mission Viejo donates all of its rodeo profits to charitable organizations in our community.

I also learned that Blenheim Facility Management sets up six soccer fields and hosts tournaments and league play during 14 weekends every year. Top teams compete on the specially prepared turf that is maintained by the experts Blenheim employs. Like other city-owned facilities, there is a fee for the use of the soccer fields to help offset the maintenance and The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

Finance Director > Mike Reed

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

support of the events.

In addition to the array of sports uses, the facility hosts a variety of community events and offers the public a beautiful area for picnics, pleasant strolls and many other activities, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the ongoing equestrian events free of admission or a parking fee.

Blenheim will be offering a series of public tours of the facility several times this summer. Contact Blenheim EquiSports at 949.234.1695 to sign up.

We are so fortunate to have a city that had the foresight to purchase this property when it did so that Blenheim EquiSports could put San Juan Capistrano on the map as an open-to-the-public equestrian event destination.

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.

Page 10

OPERATIONS

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

A scene from last year’s Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, which takes place each summer at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Debra Holm Cameron Sadeghi Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 9. 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.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX PUBLISHER’S LETTER: By Norb Garrett

Investing in our Future

I

t gives me great pleasure to introduce our new Group Managing Editor, Matt Cortina. As our businesses continue to grow, I felt it was important that we add an editorial leader who can help drive our content growth efforts across all platforms—print, web, social and video.

Matt comes to us from New Jersey via Colorado, where he most recently served as Senior Editor at Boulder Weekly. But he’s no stranger to our area—in fact his wife and her family are from San Juan Capistrano, and he is very familiar with the beach city communities that comprise Picket Fence Media’s coverage area.

Not only will Matt be driving editorial strategy and working with our city editors at San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch, but he’ll also

Matt Cortina. Photo: Eric Heinz

be writing often and working with our Associate Publisher, Lauralyn Loynes, on new projects.

Please join me in welcoming Matt to our beautiful communities, and feel free to reach out to him directly at mcortina@ picketfencemedia.com. CD

Allison Jarrell, Steve Breazeale and Andrea Swayne. Photo: Eric Heinz

Picket Fence Media Takes Five Journalism Awards

BY MATT CORTINA, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

wo Picket Fence Media newspapers—Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch—won five awards in the Better Newspapers Contest, run by the California Newspaper Publishers Association (CNPA), for stories written last year.

The awards were handed out at a CNPA convention in San Francisco on April 30, where top newspapers and other publications from across the state gathered to honor the best in journalism in 2015. To ensure fair competition, newspapers were split into weekly and daily categories, then split again into circulation groups.

Allison Jarrell, editor of The Capistrano Dispatch, won first place in the Coverage of Education category for her story, “A Call for Equality in the Classroom.” The story examines the Capistrano Unified School District’s nondiscrimination policy through the lens of a transgender student, Sid. Also winning first was sports editor Steve Breazeale, who won for Sports Page 12

Feature Story with his piece that ran in the Dana Point Times, “Speeding Down the Path.” Breazale’s story profiled a Dana Hills High School baseball player who was uncannily good at stealing bases, and sought out where the student-athlete acquired such a unique skill set.

Dana Point Times editor Andrea Swayne won a second place prize in Environmental Reporting for her story, “Is El Niño Rolling Out a Red Carpet?” The story looked at the phenomenon of tuna crabs washing up on local shores in droves and examined the possibility that warm waters from El Niño were the cause.

While it hasn’t yet been formally announced, CNPA has indicated that two Dispatch stories from Allison Jarrell will be honored. Jarrell’s story, “Getting Louder,” about a local melanoma survivor raising cancer awareness, will win third or fourth place in the Profile Feature category.

And her story, “Giving a Hand Up,” about a local woman who helps the homeless population, will be honored in the NonProfile Feature category. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 13 BALLROOM BASH 7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. The evening starts with a brief waltz lesson shortly after 7:30 p.m., followed by recorded Latin, swing and ballroom music for dancing. The $10 admission includes refreshments and soft drinks, and it’s open to singles and couples ages 18 and older. Community Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 32202 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.498.0233, www.ballroombash.com.

Saturday | 14 PAWS IN THE GARDEN 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The Ark of San Juan Companion Animal Rescue presents their eighth annual tour of local gardens to help fund their ongoing mission of saving lost and abandoned pets. This year’s tour includes “A Garden for Wildlife,” with golf course views and paths connecting garden “rooms” created for butterflies and birds; “The Pink Cottage,” a 1937 charmer featured in many magazines; and a tour favorite known as “Folie Gep House.”

Tickets are $25 and may be ordered online or by mail. For more information, call 949.388.0034, email info@arkofsanjuan.org or visit www.arkofsanjuan.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

On Stage at The Coach House: Fuel

BY STEVE BREAZEALE

B

rett Scallions admits he was somewhat hesitant to relive the past.

Several years ago, the former Fuel frontman and guitarist had been touring with the legendary Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek of The Doors, but felt like he needed to change things up.

And while searching for a new creative

The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

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.

lunch at L’Hirondelle Restaurant, located at 31631 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. RSVP to claire@sanjuanchamber.com or call 949.493.4700. For more information, visit www.sanjuanchamber.com.

Thursday | 19

Sunday | 15 DANA POINT ART WALK 1 p.m.–4 p.m. The city partners with local businesses and artists to bring a celebration of art to the Lantern District.

Attendance is free, as is participation.

The Art Walk will also feature live music and special offerings by area businesses.

For information on participating as an artist, email dpartwalk@cox.net. For more information, call Sherry Murphy at Dana Point Parks and Recreation, 949.248.3536.

Town/Center Lantern District, Del Prado Avenue between Blue Lantern and Old Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

LOCAL AUTHOR LECTURE SERIES 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. This month’s Local Author Lecture Series from the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library features a legal twist: both writers have backgrounds as lawyers. Scott Hunter, author of Unshackled Leadership and Solange Ritchie, author of the novel The Burning Man, will discuss their writing and legal work, with a booking signing and reception to follow. 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.

THIRD THURSDAY SHOP & DINE SJC 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Enjoy special promotions, trunk shows, artist demonstrations and more at participating businesses throughout the city of San Juan Capistrano on the Third Thursday of each month. Events take place during the special extended hours of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 949.493.4700, email info@sanjuanchamber.com or visit www.visitsjc.com/thirdthursdays.

Friday | 20 MULTICULTURAL ARTS SERIES: CARLOS VELASCO 6:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s Multicultural Arts Series features a performance by classical Latin guitarist Carlos Velasco. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m., with the concert following at 7 p.m. Admission is $15. Space is limited; RSVP to 949.493.2688. 31495-A El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, www.facebook.com/sjcfriends.

LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Join the San Juan Chamber of Commerce for a networking

CVCS PRESENTS ‘INTO THE WOODS’ 7 p.m. Capistrano Valley Christian School Junior High Theater Arts students present Disney’s Into the Woods, a musical that weaves the plots of several fairy tales.

A second performance is set for May 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 general admission, $10 for seniors and students or $20 for VIP. Tickets are available online at www.cvcs.org under “The Arts,” or at the door the day of the performance.

path, Scallions decided a return to his past was the way to start fresh.

Scallions and fans are glad he made the choice.

Scallions has reignited and reimagined Fuel, the band that brought him to international prominence. He is the lone original member in the current iteration of the band, which first earned major attention with their 1998 debut album, Sunburn.

Fuel’s latest album, Puppet Stings, was released in 2014 and features all new members, including former Puddle of Mudd drummer Shannon Boone and Scallions’ longtime collaborator and fellow guitarist, Andy Anderson. Fuel will be appearing at The Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano on May 27. Tickets are $23, and doors open at 6 p.m.

Fuel took off following its platinum sophomore release, Something Like Human, which featured the hit single “Hemorrhage (In My Hands).” Scallions eventually split with the band, but now, after an eight-year absence, he’s returned.

Weary of sounding like a recycled version of their former selves, Scallions wanted the new version of Fuel to take chances and explore new sounds on Puppet Strings, while also staying true to its postgrunge roots.

“This record has some more blues as well as punk rock sounds,” Scallions said.

“We wanted elements that hadn’t been there before, but above all, we wanted to make a solid record.”

Scallions said Fuel will perform songs from across its catalog while on tour.

Tuesday | 17

Page 15

Capistrano Valley Christian School, 32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683.

‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents a fabulously fun song-and-dance show that follows a sweet and seemingly not-so-bright sorority sister named Elle Woods (and her Chihuahua, Bruiser) as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.

Shows run through June 5; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $29-$41. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 21 DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL 11 a.m. May 21-22. Bands hit the sand with blues, rock and soul at the 19th annual two-day music festival at Doheny State Beach. Lineup includes Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot!, Aaron Neville, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Edgar Winter Band, Walter Trout, The Record Company and more atop three stages.

The event also includes food, microbrew tastings, a wine lounge and merchandise vendors throughout. Paid parking wiall be available in the Doheny State Beach lot.

Overflow parking will be available at Dana Hills High School with a $5 shuttle service to and from the event. General admission $60 single day; $115 both days. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.360.7800, www.dohenybluesfestival.com.

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

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets and more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. CD

Fuel will perform at The Coach House Concert Hall on May 27. Photo: Courtesy

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Mission Art through the Ages

T

he docents of Mission San Juan Capistrano are offering a fresh take on the Mission’s historical art collection. A new monthly Mission Art Walk helps visitors understand what a fabulous collection of art the Mission has and how much needs to be done to restore and preserve these incredible objects.

The Art Walk starts in Serra Chapel, which, of course, is a special structure and worthy of a tour all by itself. While docents could easily spend the entire 45-minute tour discussing art in the chapel, the walk is designed so that each docent gets to choose the works of art they’d like to discuss.

MOMENTS IN This means each tour is TIME unique to the docent, and

By Jan Siegel visitors would benefit from returning each month for a slightly different Art Walk.

The Mission Colonial Art in the Serra Chapel is unique. The paintings are dark because their paint incorporated earth,

The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

rock or stone. Colonial art is rarely signed because painting for the church was an act of faith, and it was considered sinful to bring attention to the artist.

Colonial art was also a communication method between the church and the indigenous people. People could not read or write, so the pictures told the story of the church and Christian doctrine. Fr. Serra was very aware of the power of visual images and ordered paintings for the Missions he founded in California.

The tour moves from Serra Chapel to the Spanish Colonial Room, where more Colonial art is displayed. Besides paintings, the Mission is fortunate to have a collection of restored statues from the period, which were once used as teaching tools. When Native Americans entered the church, they were given Catholic names based on the saints. The Native people could then look at the image of a saint and theoretically feel a connection to the church.

The final stop on the tour is the Mission Treasures Exhibit. This room features the Mission Plein Art of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Plein Art is important

Page 17

Docent Peg Hyland, 70, led visitors on a Mission Art Walk tour on April 27. Photo: Jorge Maldonaldo

because it gives an accurate view of the Mission in decline and then in rebirth with the coming of Fr. St. John O’Sullivan in 1910. The room also has a newly restored painting from the Colonial era. The before and after images highlight the importance of restoring these works of art as well as how labor intensive and expensive that restoration is. Restoration is painstaking

work that cannot be rushed. The room also houses a Mission painting that is awaiting much needed restoration.

This tour will not only help you better understand the art of the Colonial and Plein Air periods, but also make you aware of the incredible collection of art the Mission has accumulated over the years.

Spend a “Moment in Time” and take the Mission Art Walk tour the third Friday of every month at 11 a.m. The tour is free with paid admission to the Mission ($8 per adult). Special group tours are available by calling 949.234.1306. This is an excellent opportunity to return for a visit to the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Jan Siegel is a 28-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 18 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 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.

SJC LIVING

Newly inducted Historical Society member Diane Lewis (left), a retired textile professor from Saddleback College, stands with longtime resident and Historical Society member Jan Siegel in the new Leck House exhibit. Lewis alerted the society that their collection of clothing and artifacts from some of the town’s founding families was not just credible, but extremely valuable and unique.

When asked how one determines the age of vintage garments, Diane Lewis pointed out these “fashion plates,” dated either 1860 or 1866, which were attached to the inside of an old trunk. Besides the date being listed, the shape of the gowns indicates the era from which they came. Lewis said the plates were likely from Spain, as the writing is in Spanish.

A Fiesta on Los Rios Street

Historical Society’s Fiesta Day celebrates San Juan’s storied past PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

os Rios Street was bustling with activity last Saturday, May 7, during the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society’s third annual Fiesta Day celebration. In alignment with National Historic Preservation Week, the event highlighted the many facets of San Juan’s roots—from Acjachemen artifacts and traditions, to historic Los Rios open houses and an exhibit featuring relics from some of the city’s founding families.

The Leck House exhibit, titled “The Ladies of Historic San Juan Capistrano,” showcased intricately stitched clothing and artifacts from historic San Juan families. Due to the amount of interest garnered, the exhibit was extended for two weeks, through May 20. That leaves about a week left to enjoy a fascinating

fabric-filled chapter of San Juan’s story.

The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leck House, located on the grounds of the O’Neill Museum on Los Rios Street. The exhibit is free to the public, but donations are accepted to help in the preservation and restoration of these articles.

A full color photo slideshow from this year’s Fiesta Day can be found at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

For those interested in participating in future Historical Society events, the society’s annual open house takes place June 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the O’Neill Museum. Members get in for free, members’ guests are $10, or you can join the society for $25 at the gate. Reservations are required—RSVP by calling Gwen at 949.493.8444. CD

Bea Torres teaches Jack and Lily Markel, of San Juan Capistrano, the art of crafting homemade tortillas.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

Johnnie Bavier, a member of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, weaves a basket during the Fiesta Day celebration. Bavier said Acjachemen basket weaving involves utilizing plants that are native to the area, such as pine needles, yucca and raffia.

A close-up look at the intricate Acjachemen weaving technique used to create each basket. The design is known as a wheat stitch.

Page 18

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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

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Excel Electric - CA #793860

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San Juan Photo & Digital

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

32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668, www.sjcphotodigital.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc.

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CLASSIFIEDS

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF CAPISTRANO VALLEY Part-time Program Aides to work with youth ages 6-18 in our afterschool programs. Duties will include planning and implementing activities in one or more of the following areas: education; social recreation; arts and crafts; and physical education. Hours vary by location: Aliso Viejo ( 2:00pm – 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday); Rancho Santa Margarita (2-6 pm M, Th, F and 12:30-6 pm T, W); Via Positiva/San Juan Capistrano (2-6 pm, M-F). If you are interested or to get more information about the position, please contact Lynn Watson, 949.240.7898 ext. *10 or by email at lwatson@bgccapo.com.

HIRING IN-HOME CARE ATTENDANT FOR LOCAL DISABLED Training provided, compassion needed (students welcome), DL license/background screened, FT/ PT, #800-811-9767 www.RainbowHomeCare.com

LOST/FOUND LOST ITEM Silver bracelet with Irish Charms.

Lost in San Juan Hills West. Reward offered. If found, please call 949-388-9502 GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch May 13–26, 2016

Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

OTHER STUFF DISCOUNTED TICKETS For Juice Newton! $15 The Coach House May 29th at 7pm.

Call: 818-462-3253 SEEKING ROOM FOR RENT 2 separate Seniors are looking to rent a room for each person. Would like a private bath and kitchen privileges and some garage space if possible.

Please call 949-248-8315 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

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SCHOOLS

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

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33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B, 949.212.0499

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 WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARD Wood Rot Repair Certified Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed. Phone Chris -949 510 6645

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

American Bravery Lasts Long in the French Countryside

I

am currently enjoying a trip to Europe with my life partner, Greta. I am 76; Greta is 74. Now that we are both retired, we want to travel as much as we can, as long as we are physically able to do so.

Our first stop was Paris, where we have been for 18 days.

But for years, the most important place on our priority list to visit in France has been Normandy, two hours north of Paris, where D-Day occurred on June 6, 1944. On this trip, we finally had the opportunity to scratch it off the list of places to visit.

Subconsciously, Greta ON LIFE AND and I must have sensed LOVE AFTER 50 that we were doing someBy Tom Blake thing important the day we traveled by train to Normandy, as we both awoke at 2:30 a.m., even though our alarm was set for 4 a.m.

Our plan was to catch the 5:26 a.m. metro train from our local Fontenay-auxRoses station, a half-mile walk from our home in Paris. We were on the station platform when the train arrived.

Paris metro trains usually stop for 30 to 40 seconds before the doors close and the train moves on. But at our third stop, the doors remained open. Then an announcement: “This train is delayed because there is an incident.” We glanced at each other.

Since the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels, the whole region has been on a high security alert. In the station, we saw a German shepherd being walked along the platform by a security agent. We wondered if our long-awaited Normandy trip would be postponed.

But soon the train doors closed, and we were on our way.

At the Gare Saint-Lazare station, we boarded a high-speed train to the city of Caen, and then changed trains to go to Bayeux, which was the first city in France liberated by the allied forces after the

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

The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

Normandy invasion.

We walked 25 minutes to the Bayeux tourism office. There, we booked a taxi to take us on a two-and-a-half-hour tour with no narration, just a ride with a very nice French driver named Arnold.

Our first stop was the Pointe du Hoc. From the taxi, it was a quarter-mile walk to the coastline.

Details of the invasion were posted along the way. This is the spot where approximately 250 U.S. Army Rangers scaled 300-foot cliffs to surprise the German soldiers guarding the big guns that were perched up there. At the end of the day, only 93 Rangers had not been killed or wounded.

This was where awe and amazement set in for us. The courage of the soldiers—American, Canadian, British and from a few other countries—who had been dumped into the cold waters of the English Channel to come ashore and then fight was almost beyond comprehension.

To put the beaches of Normandy into perspective, 156,000 U.S. troops took part in the D-Day invasion, which had been planned for more than a year.

Next, our driver took us to Omaha Beach. There were 3,683 allied soldiers who were killed coming ashore at the beach. One cannot be prepared for the emotion that one feels there. As a former member of the Amphibious Navy, I was overcome with pride walking on Omaha Beach for what happened there. I touched the sand and picked up a few pebbles and looked out at the English Channel.

And then Arnold drove us to the Normandy American Cemetery, located atop a hill overlooking Omaha Beach. For as far as the eye can see, there are white crosses dotting the landscape. Buried there are 9,387 of our troops from different battle locations, including three women. In investigating the gravestones, we found the burial site of one of the women. The cemetery is staggering. These brave Americans helped save the world.

Of course, there is so much more to see in Normandy. One could easily spend 3-4 days. But Greta and I had accomplished what we had planned. All of our emotions had been left at the battle sites and cemetery.

As we walked to our cab, Greta said, “It is a place where everyone who can should come, and no one should ever forget.”

Over only a couple of weeks, 425,000 troops were killed in the Battle of Normandy, including approximately 200,000 German soldiers. Those staggering figures prompt one to ask, “Is war really worth it?”

During a stop in the small, charming city of Bayeux, we walked past a restaurant with this sign in the window: “Welcome to our Liberators.”

It was nice to see that the French people are grateful to the U.S. and other countries

for the sacrifices made to liberate their country.

As we headed to the Bayeux train station to return to Paris, Greta said, “Not bad for a couple of mid-70s accomplishing what we did today.”

I gave her a big hug.

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 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

Remembering John Tattam THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

J

ohn Tattam was born on Christmas Day in 1922 in Moree, Australia. He passed away peacefully on April 27, 2016. John served as a navigator in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, later returning to Australia with his English war bride, Margaret. There, they raised their family of five children.

The Tattams immigrated to the United States in 1961 and made their home in San Juan Capistrano in the early ’70s.

John served on the American Lung Association and was a board member at Saddleback Hospital in its early years.

Avid history buffs, he and Margaret became docents at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. Over the years, John gave thousands of visitors tours of the Mission. Sadly, Margaret passed away in 2013. John was also active in the San Juan Historical Society. John will be dearly missed by family and friends.

No doubt, he is now smiling down on the community he loved so much. CD

Pet of the Week: Sassy

S

assy is a fantastic 2-year-old basset hound/lab mix with a wonderful nature.

She’s a gentle giant who loves everyone—dogs, cats and kids—and she thinks she can fit on everyone’s lap!

The Ark of San Juan is a volunteer-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that rescues adoptable companion animals in San Juan Capistrano and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.arkofsanjuan.org. CD

Page 21

Sassy. Photo: Courtesy of the San ClementeDana Point Animal Shelter

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Sea Kings Dethrone Tartans in OC Lacrosse Championship

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

H

eading into the fourth quarter of the US Lacrosse Orange County Championship game at Trabuco Hills High School on May 11, the St. Margaret’s boys lacrosse team was carrying all the momentum.

In a game that went back-and-forth the entire night, which made big leads hard to come by, the third-seeded Tartans’ took a late one-goal advantage against top-seeded Corona del Mar, scoring twice in the final two minutes of the third. The momentum had swung to the Tartans, the defending county champions.

But Corona del Mar, powered by senior attackman Jordan Greenhall, responded to the Tartans’ charge in a big way.

Greenhall scored two goals in the fourth, the second proving to be the deciding factor, and the Sea Kings’ defense clamped down to secure an 11-9 victory.

Corona del Mar will face Loyola of Los Angeles in the US Lacrosse Southern Section championship game on May 14 at Valencia High School.

Trailing by one, Corona del Mar threw everything it had at the Tartans’ defense and goalie Payton Fales in the fourth.

Fales, a Colby College commit, made three straight saves on the Sea Kings’

first possession of the fourth quarter until Greenhall broke free. CdM midfielder Stephen Von Der Ahe connected with Greenhall as he cut through the middle of the Tartans defense at the front of the net for the game-winning goal with just under five minutes to play.

The game was a true heavyweight bout.

There were seven lead changes and neither team led by more than two goals.

St. Margaret’s overcame deficits of 2-0 and 5-3 in the first half to keep things close. St. Margaret’s erased CdM’s 5-3 advantage by scoring twice in the final two minutes of the second quarter. A goal by senior Nick Shanks with five seconds on the clock capped off a St. Margaret’s run that sent the two teams into the half tied 5-5.

The Tartans’ first lead of the game came 10 seconds into the second half, when Erik Suh won a faceoff and assisted on a Kevin Groeninger goal to make it 6-5.

Samuel Harnisch scored for St. Margaret’s following a designed play that sprung him loose from behind the net to take a 9-8 lead into the fourth quarter.

Will Favreau and Greenhall each recorded four goals and an assist to lead Corona del Mar. Shanks had a team-high three goals. Fales finished with 15 saves. CD

Corona del Mar’s Jason Simaan carries the ball against St. Margaret’s during the US Lacrosse Orange County Championship game on May 11. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Senior attack Nick Shanks led St. Margaret’s with three goals in an 11-9 loss to Corona del Mar on May 11.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Warriors Volleyball Eying Rare Four-Peat

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team has its eyes set on a lofty goal. Given their track record and personnel, they should be able to achieve it.

The Warriors are vying for a rare fourth consecutive CIF-SS Championship, and began their title defense with a three-set sweep of Sage Hill in the Division 4 opening round on May 10.

Saddleback Valley Christian (31-3) was scheduled to play Rio Hondo Prep in the second round on May 12. Results were not available at press time.

Noah Dyer has resided at the center of the Warriors’ three previous CIF-SS Championship efforts. The senior outside hitter and setter does it all for the Warriors and has earned the reputation as the

The Capistrano Dispatch May 13-26, 2016

team’s playmaker.

With team’s keying in on Dyer, the Warriors had to adjust their game plan for 2016, which meant getting more players involved in the offense. That meant creating more chances for Jon Minsberg, Spencer Alden and Trevor O’Reilly.

“Our setter had to run a deceptive, fluid offense and our defense had to give us opportunities to get back in system,” head coach Ran Van Rensselaer said. “We are a tough team to consistently put the ball away on.”

The well-balanced approach has resulted in another dominating year for the Warriors.

Although they will make a run through Division 4 in the postseason, SVC did not shy away from top-level talent during the regular season. The team’s opening match was against Division 1 powerhouse Huntington Beach, which the Warriors lost in four sets. SVC went on to earn one impres-

The Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team will attempt to win its fourth consecutive CIF-SS Championship this postseason. Photo: Steve Breazeale

sive win after another over upper-division opponents. In a final tuneup before postseason play, the Warriors placed second at the Redondo Union Varsity Tournament.

If things go the Warriors’ way over

Page 22

the next nine days, they will join a rare group of programs that have claimed four straight CIF-SS titles. Only Loyola (198588), Santa Ynez (1999-2002) and Viewpoint (2005-08) have accomplished the feat. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com