June 24, 2016

In this Issue Check out Inside/Outside: Refine Your Space OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

SPECIAL PULLOUT FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

JUNE 24-JULY 7, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 12

The Curse of Capistrano Camino Real Playhouse summer show features chapter of San Juan’s literary history with Zorro adaptation S J C L I V I N G / PAG E 1 1

A’driana Abbate, of Anaheim, plays Lolita; Gerardo Villa-Lobos, of Santa Ana, plays Don Diego; and Jake LaRosa, of Ladera Ranch, plays Sgt. Gonzales in the Camino Real Playhouse’s adaptation of “The Curse of Capistrano.” Photo: Allison Jarrell

Council Chooses Which Districts Will Vote in November Election EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

17-year-old Admits to Starting 70-acre Fire in San Juan EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Disabled Athlete Sets State Shot Put Record SPORTS/PAGE 18

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING these incidents, and if not for the media’s help in bringing the public’s attention to these fires, it’s possible that the trail may have gone cold.”

The blaze didn’t occur during windy conditions, which meant it was slower to spread and easier to extinguish. Nevertheless, it took 135 firefighters to put the flames out last Wednesday evening. No evacuations were issued and no homes were damaged as a result of the fire.

WHAT’S NEXT: Following his confession, the 17-year-old was released from police custody to his mother.

“OCFA fire investigators are working with the Orange County District Attorney’s office to determine what specific charges will be filed against the juvenile,” Kurtz said.—AJ

A 17-year-old confessed to starting the 70-acre June 15 brush fire in San Juan Capistrano with a lighter.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Districts 1 and 5 to Vote for Two Seats in November City Council Election THE LATEST: On Monday, June 20, the City Council voted 3-2—Councilman Derek Reeve and Councilman Sam Allevato opposed—to select the southeastern District 5 as the second district that will be able to elect a City Council member on Nov. 8.

District 1, located in the northeast side of town, was previously selected as the other district voting this year due to a stipulated agreement with the plaintiffs of a Voting Rights Act lawsuit, which dictated the first district chosen be the area with the highest percentage of Latino voters.

The switch to district elections—approved unanimously by the Council in February—was prompted by a voting rights lawsuit filed against the city in January claiming San Juan’s at-large election system violated the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 and resulted in vote dilution for Latino residents. The City Council commenced with the transition and hired a demographer who used Census data and community input to draw a map of five voting districts.

On Monday night, Reeve and Allevato reiterated their position that the selection The Capistrano Dispatch June 24-July 7, 2016

of the second district to vote this year should be randomized to avoid the appearance of bias or political conspiracy. Mayor Pam Patterson, Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ferguson and Councilman John Perry instead chose District 5, saying it would offer the most geographical balance. Perry lives in District 5 but has stated previously that he does not intend to run for his seat.

WHAT’S NEXT: The approval means that only residents living in Districts 1 and 5 can run for City Council this November, and only residents living in a candidate’s respective district can vote for them. To view a map of the districts, visit www. thecapistranodispatch.com. Residents can register to vote online at registertovote. ca.gov.—Allison Jarrell

17-year-old Admits to Starting 70-acre Brush Fire in San Juan THE LATEST: A 17-year-old has admitted to starting the June 15 brush fire in San Juan Capistrano that scorched 70 acres between Golden Lantern and Camino Capistrano, according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz. The alleged arsonist told investigators that he set the fire with a cigarette lighter.

Kurtz said that news coverage of the fire generated a tip to the Orange County Register, which was then passed on to OCFA, resulting in the identification and eventual confession of the arsonist.

“This is the second time in as many months that the news media played a vital role in helping our investigations division break an active arson case,” Kurtz said. “A lot of effort is put into the investigation of

Equestrian Study Shows More than $50 Million in Economic Impact THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition presented an economic impact study to the City Council Monday night that showed the equestrian community brings in more than $50 million to the city over the course of a year.

Raymond Sfeir, a professor of economics and management science at Chapman University, presented his findings, which he calculated after surveying 300 equine boarders and 200 equestrian competitors.

About 72.5 percent of boarding respondents were non-residents, while 89.2 percent of horse show competitors were from out of town.

The boarders surveyed listed trails, quality/availability of facilities and proximity to their homes as the top reasons for boarding in San Juan. More than 50 percent of competitors said they come to San Juan for the “world class show grounds at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.”

After all factors and expenses were figured in, it was estimated that boarders brought in a total of $38.3 million in revenue over the course of a year, while horse show competitors brought in $11.7 million, for a combined total of $50.1 million.

WHAT’S NEXT: To view the report, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org and click the PowerPoint presentation link in the June 21 City Council agenda.—AJ

CUSD Leans Toward Districtwide Bond Rather than Separate Regional Bonds THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees held

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another lengthy bond discussion Wednesday night that was largely focused on moving away from pursuing a bond model of six separate School Facilities Improvement Districts (SFIDs) covering different regions, and instead further examining a districtwide bond, or a large SFID that may carve out certain areas to be excluded from taxation.

Over the last several months, the board has been discussing placing an $889 million general obligation bond on the Nov. 8 general election ballot, which would be used to leverage state funds and pay for more than $800 million of deferred maintenance of district facilities.

After recently contemplating splitting the bond up into smaller regional bonds, a majority of trustees now seem to favor the initial idea of a districtwide bond or a large SFID with carved out areas, such as communities that consist primarily of older residents. Several trustees said after speaking with constituents, they felt a single bond was the clearer, more transparent choice versus confusing residents with six SFIDs. The board will discuss in depth which areas could potentially be excluded from a districtwide SFID at its July 13 meeting.

WHAT’S NEXT: The deadline for placing a bond measure on the November ballot is Aug. 12, so the last opportunity for the board to vote on the measure would be its regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 10.

Two-thirds of the board—five trustees— must approve the measure for it to be placed on the ballot.

To see a complete list of proposed district projects that could be funded by a bond, visit www.capousd.ca.schoolloop. com and click “Draft – Proposed Projects

by School Site” at the very bottom right of the screen.—AJ

City Council Adopts Budget, Capital Improvement Program THE LATEST: The City Council voted unanimously on June 20 to approve the city’s budget for fiscal years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, as well as the proposed sevenyear Capital Improvement Program for 2016 through 2023.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city’s approved operating budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 is $59.8 million and $60.6 million for 20172018.

For details on the budget, visit www. thecapistranodispatch.com. —AJ

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Friends of the Library Mired in Controversy Local nonprofit moves from voting member structure to self-electing board, angering some

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he annual meeting of the Friends of the Library on June 1 felt a little less than friendly. Tension hung on The Bookstore patio as dozens of members took their seats, which also ran two-by-two along the handicap access ramp due to unanticipated overflow.

FOL Board President Mary DeMers laid out the agenda for the evening—affirm bylaws that were adopted June 8, 2015, publish the year-end financials and accept applications for the board. She spoke of the two-year anniversary of The Bookstore. Later, board member Shirley Sauvageau reported that over 5,733 volunteer hours have been clocked since the opening, with $1,500 in average book sales per month.

Financially, the nonprofit is in the red— events brought in $13,000 over the last year, while they cost more than $30,000 to put on. Total income was $60,331, while total expenses were $62,509. The board admitted they need to change “some things,” and attributed the loss to a $10,000 per year mortgage for The Bookstore, cleaning expenses, security cameras, computer expenses and “substantial professional fees” incurred during the Friends’ “transitional period.”

This period of transition is what the vast majority of people in attendance were there to hear about. Numerous members—longtime San Juan residents, former FOL board members, area librarians, a former San Juan librarian and former San Juan city officials—have said that problems with the group came to a head last year when they weren’t properly notified of the new bylaws and the new deadlines and rules for renewing their membership.

The unexpected change of those rules left some members in attendance without the ability to renew their membership, and they were told they could not vote on the new bylaws, which were approved.

The new bylaws are different than the old in two noticeable ways: the specific purpose of the nonprofit and the membership.

The previous mission statement said the purpose of the organization “shall be to support library programs, services and facilities; to enhance the library by means

The Capistrano Dispatch June 24-July 7, 2016

of gifts, endowments, reading materials, collections and additional programs and services; and to create public awareness between the library and the community.”

The new one states “the specific purpose of the Corporation shall include but not be limited to: promoting, supporting, enhancing literacy, arts and culture in the community by engaging with the public and raising awareness of the library, its programs, assisting with and providing additional programs and services to the community.”

And membership changed completely, from defining members as “any person or group interested in the purposes of the organization” being “eligible for membership” and that “each individual member or group shall be entitled to one vote,” to not technically having members at all.

“The Corporation shall have no members within the meaning of section 5056 of the California Nonprofit Corporation Law,” the new bylaws read.

That law states that a “member” is “any person who, pursuant to a specific provision of a corporation’s articles or bylaws, has the right to vote for the election of a director or directors” or any person who “has the right to vote on changes to the articles or bylaws.”

DeMers said she made the changes after the board sought legal advice. She was told by consultants to get her business records together—that the group was “legally exposed to significant financial risk.”

“Legal documents were scattered all over the place; we were surprised to see that we didn’t have everything that we needed,” DeMers said at the meeting.

“Basically he said, you’re rudderless, and you’re open to significant litigation and you need to protect your organization. So we sought legal advice and took it.”

The advice, DeMers said, was to move from a “membership-driven structure” to that of a “mission-driven” structure, wherein the group isn’t focused on benefitting its own members. And members don’t vote for the board. Rather, the board receives applications and vets them themselves.

While the San Juan Friends group is changing its structure, other nearby groups seem to be functioning in the same way they’ve been for years, and in some case decades. Friends groups in Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente all said they have voting members that have a say as to who sits on the board.

Dozens of members in attendance on June 1 brought up the changes, saying they felt disenfranchised by the new bylaws.

Former Councilwoman Laura Freese has been a longtime supporter of the library and the Friends of the Library, but said she’s disappointed with how “controversial” the group has become.

“Once you’ve lost the trust of the people, you’ve got to make a change,” Freese said. “You can’t just keep doing what you’re doing and gain trust back.” CD

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter 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.

Tuesday, June 21 DISTURBANCE Via Estancia, 27900 Block (4:20 p.m.) A “sober living home client” was causing a disturbance, making threats and throwing things after the caller asked him to leave the residence. The client was asked to leave after blowing a 0.40 the night before.

The caller told police that the tenant had violated house rules by drinking alcohol for the last three weeks. Police said the subject was intoxicated in his residence, making it a “civil issue.” A second related call came in at 5:41 p.m., reporting that the subject had “attempted to instigate a fight with the manager and assistant” via verbal abuse and throwing things. The subject hit the manager in the face and the manager hit back in self-defense.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Ortega Highway/Interstate 5 (9:38 a.m.)

A patrol check was requested for a Middle Eastern man with a “white cloth that drapes over his neck” and “teal baggy pants” carrying a backpack and holding a sign that says “HAMAS” in front of the Shell station. Police discovered the sign actually read “HOMLAS.” The man agreed to stop soliciting drivers.

DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (8:03 a.m.) A male transient, possibly under the influence of drugs, was harassing an employee at the Costco car wash and “trying to push his shopping cart” into the car wash and into the employee. The subject was also seen “dirty dancing on the trees.”

The man then left the area toward the Stonehill bridge. About an hour later, the male transient was seen again on Costco property refusing to leave and exposing his genitals. The subject eventually left on foot toward the train tracks. Police arrested and booked the man at the Intake Release Center to identify him and cite him for indecent exposure and trespassing. He was released on June 22 with a court appearance date of July 20.

Monday, June 20 TERRORIST THREATS Camino Capistrano/San Juan Creek Road (6:42 p.m.) A man was reportedly tearing up the caller’s belongings near Descanso Park and the bike trail. The caller told police that the man took a butcher knife from him and threatened to stab him.

San Juan Resident Arrested for Attempted Murder

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

J

oshua Waring, son of former Real Housewives of Orange County personality Lauri Peterson, was arrested on June 20 for attempted murder after shooting and injuring a man in Costa Mesa, authorities said. Waring, 27, of San Juan Capistrano, fled the scene and led police on a chase in Santa Ana before surrendering after a brief standoff.

Waring has since been charged with three felony counts of attempted murder.

His arraignment was scheduled for 10 a.m.

Thursday.

A gunshot victim was initially reported to Costa Mesa police at 2:24 a.m. Tuesday at a residence in the 2900 block of Babb Street. Officers responded and found 35-year-old Daniel Lopez, of Costa Mesa, with a gunshot wound to his lower torso.

Lopez was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and is expected to survive.

Costa Mesa police said witnesses at the scene identified Waring as the suspect in the shooting. Waring fled the scene in a white 2011 BMW X3 sport utility vehicle,

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which was later reported as stolen.

At around 10:30 a.m., an Orange County Sheriff’s Department helicopter located the vehicle in the area of Standard Avenue and McFadJoshua Waring. Photo: den Avenue in Santa Courtesy of Costa Mesa Ana. Police Department “Santa Ana police officers approached Waring and he attempted to evade officers by fleeing in the white BMW,” Costa Mesa Lt. Paul Beckman said in a press release. “During the pursuit, Waring was involved in a traffic accident and later fled his vehicle. Waring attempted to hide inside a business in the area. After a brief standoff, he surrendered without further incident to the Santa Ana Police.”

Authorities are still looking for the gun used in the shooting. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Detective George Maridakis at 714.754.5051. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

TMJ and Bruxism 70 to 75% of Americans have bruxism. (Grind their teeth) Some clench, some go side to side and some vertically grind their teeth.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects to the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone (of the skull) at each side of the head just in front of the ear.

Because these joints are flexible, the jaw can move smoothly up and down, side to side, forwards and backwards. This allows us to talk, chew and yawn.

The mandible is suspended by ligaments and muscles.

There is cartilage surrounding the joint.

Bruxism causes damage to this cartilage. This results in clicking of the joint. Clicking during opening, closing, late opening, late closing determines different the different type of damage to this cartilage or disk.

Bruxism causes wear on teeth and imbalance in occlusal (Biting) system.

That effects the function of the teeth. Posterior (Back) and anterior (Front) teeth have different functions. Anterior teeth cut or tear foods. Posterior teeth help in chewing. When we are chewing, teeth do not wear down because food is between the teeth. During chewing anterior teeth are hardly in contact. When biting into an apple, posterior teeth are not contacting.

The TMJ is a unique joint. There are four primary muscles surrounding this joint: Masseter, Temporalis, Medial Pterygoid, and Lateral Pterygoid. Each muscle has different functions. The Masseter and Temporalis help up and down movement and clenching. Pterygoids help sideways and forward/backward movement.

When pterygoids move the jaw, only canines (eye teeth) should be contacting.

Posterior (back) teeth should not be in contact. (If the posterior contact, the masseter will ďŹ re up and wear down the canine teeth.) This is called canine guidance. Same way with anterior movement. This is called the occlusal system. Joint, muscles and teeth work in harmony and any malfunction can cause problems with any of these. Crowns or ďŹ llings placed or even orthodontic movement can create problems.

Soft night guards can protect the teeth from wear or breakage but only a joint stabilizing device can protect the joint, muscles and teeth. It is important to incorporate the occlusal system with this device to help all three.

For Your Free TMJ/Bruxism Consultation, Please call 949-496-5713

It would be fair to say that Dana Point Smiles is one of the best dental practices in Orange County.

We are available for emergencies 24/7.

For more information about dental care and our specials, contact Hemant Patel, D.D.S.

(949) 496-5713 24655 La Plaza, Suite E, Dana Point

www.danapointsmiles.com

EYE ON SJC

Community NEWS BITES Saddleback’s Angels for Meetings the Arts Awards ScholarCOMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

TUESDAY, JUNE 28

Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting

4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

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, JUNE 29

Downtown Farmers Market

3-7 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. Occurs every Wednesday.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 1

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, JULY 4

Fourth of July Celebration

Noon-10:30 p.m. The city hosts its annual Fourth of July Celebration at the San Juan Sports Park, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. Festivities include live music, dancing, mechanical rides, games for kids, food to purchase and a beer and wine garden.

The evening is capped off with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Arrive early to find the best spot to enjoy the show. The event is free to attend. For more info, call 949.493.5911 or visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 5

City Council Meeting Rescheduled

City Council meets on July 19 at 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

Utilities Commission Special Meeting

8 a.m. The San Juan Capistrano Utilities Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

FRIDAY, JULY 8

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes The Capistrano Dispatch June 24-July 7, 2016

ships to San Juan Students

The Angels for the Arts organization at Saddleback College presented their 2016 Student Success Showcase on May 17 at the McKinney Theatre, featuring an awards ceremony and performances from Angels for the Arts scholarship recipients and recognizing students completing degrees or transferring. Ten students were each presented a $1,000 scholarship for their accomplishments in the arts at Saddleback College. Recipients included two students from San Juan Capistrano, Kimberly Crawford and Alex McDermott.

Kimberly Crawford was honored for her work in cinema/television/radio. She has experience in marketing and advertising and is currently pursuing studies in radio, television and film. The scholarship is allowing her to acquire the necessary equipment to drive her career to new heights by creating quality media geared to cultivate self-awareness.

Alex McDermott was honored for her work in theater arts. She is a musical theater student who starred in Saddleback’s recent production of “She Loves Me.” She has been a student at Saddleback for two years, which she cites as being the most instrumental years of her educational career so far. McDermott said she has grown as an artist and her growth in the theater and music departments has been transformational.

California Highway Patrol Presents Coffee with a Cop on June 30 On June 30, officers from the California Highway Patrol Capistrano Area office and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, have coffee and build relationships.

All community members are invited to attend Coffee with a Cop, which begins at 8 a.m. at Starbucks, located at 27622 Antonio Parkway in Ladera Ranch.

Contact Officer Reynoso with questions at 949.487.4000 or email rareynoso@chp. ca.gov.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Orange County neighborhoods. The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel officers are

Saddleback College student Alex McDermott, of San Juan Capistrano, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Angels for the Arts for her work in theater arts. She is a musical theater student who starred in Saddleback’s recent production of “She Loves Me.” Photo: Courtesy of Saddleback College

unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop aims to break down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

Camino Real Playhouse to Host Broadway Master Class July 19 The Camino Real Playhouse is offering the chance to work with Broadway actor Brian Crum on Saturday, July 9 from 1-4 p.m. on the playhouse main stage. All experience levels Acclaimed Broadway are welcome. actor Brian Crum. Photo: To ensure adCourtesy of Camino Real equate personal playhouse attention, the workshop size is limited. Those interested are encouraged to register early to secure a place on the roster. The fee for the workshop is $125. Participants are asked to memorize a two-minute monologue of their choice, a group scene or a short a cappella song for the class. To register, visit www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Brian Crum was born in San Diego and left at the age of 17 to join the cast of “Wicked,” performing in all of the U.S. productions of the show. He’s also performed in “Altar Boyz,” “Grease” on Broadway, “Next to Normal” on Broadway, and regional productions including “Tarzan,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and

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“Snapshots.” He toured with “The Addams Family” as Lucas Beineke and most recently as Galileo Figaro in the rock theatrical “We Will Rock You,” based on the songs of Queen. Crum is now living in Los Angeles and perusing a career in pop music. He can be seen in the acclaimed “For the Record” series in West Hollywood playing Gatsby in the Baz Luhrmann interpretation, and the Athlete in “Dear John Hughes.”

Fifth Annual Love for Meg Memorial Golf Tournament July 1 The fifth annual Love for Meg Memorial Golf Tournament & Silent Auction is set for July 1 at the San Juan Hills Golf Club, located at 32120 San Juan Creek Road.

The tournament takes place each year in memory of Megan Gerhard-Weisberg, who passed away on March 15, 2012 during child birth in Mission Viejo. Proceeds from the tournament go toward helping save maternal lives.

Registration for golfers is $150, which includes golf, a gift bag, lunch and dinner.

Check-in is at 11:30 a.m., lunch is at noon and shotgun start is at 1 p.m. Admission to the dinner and silent auction is $50 and includes a buffet dinner, raffle, live music and entertainment. Cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m., and the dinner and silent auction begin at 6 p.m. A Kid Zone is also available for $10 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., which includes dinner, activities and on-site childcare provided by the Ladera Ranch Middle School All-Star volunteer program. Registration is now open at www.loveformeg.com.

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. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor WAITING TO SEE WHAT DISTRICT VOTING BRINGS —Ruth Clark, San Juan Capistrano Back in the beginning, at-large voting was decided upon in the City of San Juan Capistrano, as residents and officials feared district voting would cause little fiefdoms and could cause many problems and dissension rather than benefit the entire city.

It will be interesting to see what happens next.

APPALLED BY BEHAVIOR AT ANNUAL FOL MEETING —Jill Ferguson, Dana Point I was appalled by what took place at the annual meeting of San Juan Capistrano Friends of The Library on June 1. What ensued was a virtual modern day lynching that would have played out better on stage at the Camino Real Playhouse—circa the early 1900s.

In April I received an official FOL notice via email about a public meeting on June 1. My understanding is that it was an opportunity for both members and the community at large to get an overview of new policies, practices and programming, as well as a celebration of the second anniversary of The Bookstore.

In May I received a letter in the mail, hand addressed with an unknown return name, which was titled, “Attention - Attention!!! We Need Your Help.” I was confused, taken aback, appalled and angered.

This was the equivalent of spam mail. The idea of former board members using a confidential list of members (in an unofficial capacity) to circulate their dislike of the current president is classless, unprofessional, and in my opinion, has all the makings of a libel suit. To make matters worse, the letter’s authors included a FOL yellow solicitation envelope requesting money. This is most certainly unethical if not fraudulent.

The signers of this letter had a clear agenda—to incite a mob mentality—and so they did. I felt like I was at a Trump rally. Ben Franklin said there are two things that are certain: death and taxes. I would add a third—change—and the evolution that comes with it. This is the reason there are term limits for board members—they had their day, their service was appreciated, and now it’s time to pass the baton.

In defense of the current president and vice president, I have never met two women who are more passionate about books, more dedicated to The Bookstore’s expansion, or more giving of their time and talents to the community of San Juan The Capistrano Dispatch June 24-July 7, 2016

Capistrano. They are undeserving of such animosity and are owed an apology.

Anyone who has embarked on a new business venture knows that it takes three to five years to realize a profit along with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. As FOL is a nonprofit organization, volunteers have donated thousands of hours of their precious time. So to all of those so quick to simply “look at the bottom line” and not the back story, your ignorance showed. I applaud all the wonderful new opportunities afforded at The Bookstore. As a volunteer at many of the events, I heard nothing but praise from those in attendance. Perhaps if the balkers had attended an author event, or a concert, or understood the significance of the outreach the FOL are committed to for kids and the under-privileged in this community, they’d ditch their destructive “club member” mentality and instead be proactively involved in a cause they claim is near and dear to their hearts.

WHERE DID THE ORTEGA CONGESTION GO? —Mark Speros, San Juan Capistrano Did you notice it?

The “Ortega Highway Armageddon” that Council member Sam Allevato continues to write about in his newsletter, the warning signs Capistrano Forward repeatedly posted along Ortega, and of course the big, expensive direct mailing from the “Neighbors for Ortega Highway Chokepoint Improvement” that have been incessantly shouting we must act now or lose the chance to end this congestion, came to a feverish head at the beginning of this month.

Yet, without a dollar being spent, Ortega Highway is suddenly flowing like free beer at Swallow’s Inn. What happened? Two words: school’s out. And with it, the bum’s rush for us to lay siege on our City Council to demand immediate widening suddenly has no urgency. But as every parent knows, summer will come to an end, and with the first bell of the first day, our congestion will re-materialize. Or will it?

This summer will be unlike any other, as the La Pata extension will open in August, providing an alternate route for all those SJHHS students coming from San Clemente as well as the many, huge double tractor-trailer trash trucks coming from south of San Juan Capistrano.

But here’s the ultimate irony. The costs for that extension, like so many other road jobs, increased from what was estimated (no surprise). While county tax dollars (your money) were forced to be paid out, Rancho Mission Viejo’s financial commitment as the developer (and prime beneficiary of the extension) paid not one dime more.

The congestion generated primarily by the current school traffic is nothing

compared to what the completion of RMV’s future full buildout will be, whether Ortega is widened or not. Imagine OCTA’s alternate east/west corridor running from Antonio to I-5 and the 73 toll road, which would provide the needed capacity RMV is generating, plus provide an alternate for residents of Ladera Ranch and commuters from Riverside. The power of this direct, high-speed artery, through or under undeveloped land (eliminating the costly purchase of right-of-ways) cannot be underestimated.

This summer will be “unlike any other, as the

La Pata extension will open in August, providing an alternate route for all those SJHHS students coming from San Clemente as well as the many, huge double tractor-trailer trash trucks coming from south of San Juan Capistrano.

”

Will it be cheap? No, but neither was the 241 or 73 (which obviously were considerably larger in scale) and can you imagine what traffic would be like in Orange County without them? RMV is adding the equivalent of a small city to our east—it will be bigger than San Juan when it’s completed. It’s only fair they be required to supply/support the infrastructure that directly serves their considerable impact (and resulting RMV profits), rather than foisting the costs and gridlock on San Juan Residents and the county.

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

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com 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 City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett

Finance Director > Mike Reed

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

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

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Debra Holm Cameron Sadeghi Tim Trent Jorge Maldonad

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 12. 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

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

EDITOR’S PICK

An aerial view of the 2015 carnival at the San Juan Sports Park. Photo: Scott Schmitt

JULY 4: FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION Noon-10:30 p.m. The city hosts its annual Fourth of July celebration at the San Juan Sports Park, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. Festivities include live music performed

by Family Style from 6-8:30 p.m., dancing, carnival rides, food to purchase and a beer and wine garden. All rides and games require purchase, with the exception of a free mechanical train ride through the sports park and old fashioned family picnic games for all ages. The evening is capped off with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Bring your chairs and blankets and arrive early to find the best spot to enjoy the show. Canopies are permitted in the back portion of the sports park. Admission and parking are free. For more info, call 949.493.5911 or visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

The List What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 24 LAGUNA ART-A-FAIR 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Discover 125 distinguished artists at this juried fine art festival in Laguna Canyon, which runs through Aug. 28. Enjoy live music Thursday through Sunday, outdoor cuisine at Tivoli Too! and adult art workshops. The festival is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Adults $7.50, seniors/ military/students $5.50, children under 12 free. 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.4514, www.art-a-fair.com.

Saturday | 25 HOW TO RAISE BACKYARD CHICKENS 9:30-11 a.m. Enjoy a free class on raising backyard chickens hosted by Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and UCCE Master Gardeners of OC at Reata Park. A half hour native garden walk follows each class. RSVP to marianne@goinnative.net Page 9

or 949.606.6386. Reata Park and Event Center, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

STAR WARS DAY AT THE OC ZOO 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The OC Zoo invites families for a fun day with live Star Wars characters, crafts and games. The first 100 children ages 12 and under to attend the event in a Star Wars costume will receive a gift and complimentary train ride ticket for the Irvine Park Railroad. All visitors are encouraged to wear Star Wars costumes. All activities are free with a paid admission of $2 per person, ages 2 and under are free.

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847, www.ocparks.com/oczoo.

ORANGE COUNTY FOOD, WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Noon-7 p.m. The fourth annual Orange County Food, Wine and Music Festival will be held at Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point this Saturday. A $40 ticket includes admission and unlimited drink samples from the 40 craft breweries in attendance, along with 50 varieties of wine. A $100 VIP tickets gets you the unlimited drinks and an unlimited tasting ticket for 20 local food vendors. Otherwise, admission is $10 and you can purchase drinks as you go. More information and tickets available at www. foodwineandmusicfestival.com. Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point. 33501 Niguel Road.

(Cont. on page 10) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 9) SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Telesound performs until 6:30 p.m., followed by Honky Tonk Kings at 8:30 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Thursday | 30 STRETCH AND STRENGTH CLASS SERIES 6-7 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano is partnering with I Heart Yoga to host the second annual Stretch and Strength Class Series, bringing yoga enthusiasts together.

Bring a personal exercise mat and enjoy stretching, meditation and renewal in the Mission courtyard. $10 donation benefits American Cancer Society Relay for Life of San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1321, www.missionsjc.com.

Friday | 01 HISTORIC BELL RINGING: FEAST OF SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA Noon. Join Mission San Juan Capistrano for a historic bell ringing ceremony in honor of Saint Junipero Serra, founder of the Mission. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7-9:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents a movie night featuring Hello, My Name is Doris,

At the Movies: Dory is Worth Finding

BY MEGAN BIANCO

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f all the unnecessary sequels to come out this year, the one that turns out to be not only tolerable, but actually good, is naturally Pixar’s Finding Dory. Thirteen years ago, the original Finding Nemo was a mega success with audiences, to the point where it seemed like no one could go less than two viewings at the theater. Although Nemo’s story was completed in the previous movie, Dory’s journey is not over yet.

After their first fish adventure, Marlin (Albert Brooks), Nemo (Hayden Rolence) and Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) are back at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

But Dory is suddenly getting random visuals of old memories in between her usual 10-second short-term memory loss problem. Eventually she fully remembers that her parents are in “the jewel of Morro Bay, California,” and has to meet them again. But she ends up inside a marine life The Capistrano Dispatch June 24-July7, 2016

The Best Thing We Ate This Week

Fire-Roasted Tri-Tip Sandwich BAD TO THE BONE BBQ

31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.218.0227, www.badtothebone-bbq.com

The words themselves are satisfying: fire-roasted, tri-tip… sandwich. Even though, yeah, you roast with fire, and how many tips are enough tips and from where exactly are these tips coming?

Luckily, one bite into said sandwich and you just stop caring about semantics.

The sirloin cut of beef (aka tri-tip) is fatty and evanescent. It’s got chew and Bad to the Bone’s Fire-Roasted Tri-Tip Sandwich. char. It tastes and feels, well, roasted Photo: Matt Cortina over an open-fire. The barbecue sauce is sweet and spicy, with a finish of smokey molasses. The accompanying sweet potato fries are crisp, skin-on, and so precisely seasoned that you’re not sure if you taste cinnamon and brown sugar or are just making phantom associations in your head. The point is: good barbecue may be hard to figure out, but it’s not hard to enjoy, and that’s what we found this week at Bad to the Bone BBQ.

25925 Camino Del Avion. For ticket pre-sale info, call 949.493.5911 or visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

starring Sally Field. A $2 donation supports the library. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495-A El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Friday | 08

Saturday | 02

SUMMER MOVIE NIGHTS: ‘THE LORAX’ 7 p.m. Enjoy a free summer movie night on the CVCS football field, presented by South Shores Church. The movie begins at dusk (approx. 8:15 p.m.). Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and food. 32032 Del Obispo Street,

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CARNIVAL Noon-10 p.m. The city’s annual carnival runs July 2-4 and includes thrill rides for teens and adults, rides for children and an array of carnival games at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, located at

institute along the way.

Ed O’Neill voices a squid named Hank helping Dory out, while Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Dominic West and Idris Elba voice other institute animals Dory meets.

Despite the redundancy that the trailers might have shown with the plot being similar to the first film, Finding Dory still finds a way to be its own story and theme.

Dory’s memory syndrome becomes more than just comic relief and is a lesson in patience and confidence. Dory doesn’t become annoying as the main lead, and her new and old friends are used appropriately for her new tale. Finding Dory is the first film to see with your kids this summer. CD

Finding Dory.

Photo: ©2013 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.4991, www.south-shores.org.

SUMMER OF THEATRE: DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 7:30 p.m. The Saddleback College Performing Arts Department presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast June 8-9.

Seating opens at 6 p.m. and is first-come, first-served, with reserved seating avail-able for $25. The event will be held outdoors and attendees are encouraged to bring low-back chairs and blankets to sit on. Food trucks will be available and picnic meals are permitted. Parking and admission is free. Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Saturday | 09 MUSIC IN THE WILDLANDS 8-10 a.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and listen to the singing of the birds and humming of the insects. Learn about how Native Americans used local plants like elderberry, known as the “tree of music,” to create musical instruments and create your own take home musical instrument. Ages 6 and up. Adults $10, children $5, free for RMV residents. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

View the full “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

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

On Stage at the Coach House: Mitch Ryder

BY STEVE BREAZEALE

Y

ou’d have to go way back in his career timeline to pinpoint the moment when Mitch Ryder decided he was going to be a force of nature while performing onstage. Way before they even laid down their first tracks in a studio, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels made a vow to create a record that sounded as if the band was right there in front of you, hitting you with a distinct American rock and roll sound.

“When you would go to a concert, you would get a little disappointed because the music had changed,” Ryder said. “It wasn’t bad, it had just changed. We thought, ‘Why don’t we concentrate on making a live sounding record?’ It was a formula that worked quite a few times for us,” The idea paid off, as Ryder and his scruffy, charged and controlled vocals powered the band to the top of the charts,

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Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels will perform at the Coach House on July 3. Photo: Courtesy

reaching as high as No. 4 in the country with their hit single “Devil with a Blue Dress On” in 1966. The band did not remain intact for very long, but Ryder’s impact as a soulful R&B singer and bona fide rock and roll star keep him in demand to this day.

Ryder has been touring the world for over 40 years, performing with multiple bands. He will be performing with the Detroit Wheels at the Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano on July 3.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets are $20.

Ryder, who hails from the Motor City, plans on delivering a power-packed set list that feature classic hits, covers and new material. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Living room in the Philharmonic House of Design by Tamra Mundia, Concept Design, Inc.

ON TREND THE COLORS, FABRICS AND TEXTURES OF 2016

NO WATER, NO PROBLEM

DROUGHT-PROOF LANDSCAPING TIPS

OUTDOOR LIVING

COMFORT IN YOUR BACKYARD

INSIDE/OUTSIDE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | REFINE YOUR SPACE

Welcome

T

his year’s Inside/ Outside was designed to show off, well, design. In coming up with what to feature in our annual interior and exterior design issue, we talked to architects, designers, decorators, consignment shop owners, landscapers, curators and homeowners about what is happening in design this year, and how market trends are shaping what we’re putting in our homes, businesses and outdoor spaces.

In the pages of this special edition, you’ll find tips and stories about what goes on inside and outside homes in South Orange County. For interior design stories, you can read about the unique spaces local designers have worked in—from skateboard palaces to mortuaries—on page 3. On page 4, you’ll find out this year’s trends in color, texture and furniture.

Find out some options for restoring old treasured pieces (and finding them in consignment shops) on page 5. And check out photos from the stunning Philharmonic House of Design in Dana Point, which over a dozen local designers decorated, on page 6.

Then head outdoors for stories that scan everything from landscaping to sustainable home design. On page 18, you’ll learn about what you need to get building renovations approved in the tri-cities. Then, find out how to refine your outdoor areas into living spaces on page 9.

We chatted with the proprietors of FoxLin Architects about sustainable design on page 10.

And we’ll give you low-down on water-free and drought-resistant exterior design on page 11.

It’s a good time to be a homeowner in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point. With average home prices hovering around $1 million dollars, the market is strong, as evidenced by the robust array of designers, architects and builders from which to choose when you undertake renovations or choose to buy or sell.

We hope you pull out a few nuggets from Inside/Outside to carry into your next homerelated project.

INSIDE/OUTSIDE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | REFINE YOUR SPACE

A kids’ salt therapy room was designed by Prizant Design.

Photo: Courtesy

Tamra Mundia designed a professional skateboarder’s home according to his specifications. Photo: Courtesy

UNIQUE

Spaces

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From yachts to morgues, local designers have worked in some special places

ne imagines that when a person first decides he or she wants to dedicate their life to interior and exterior design, they don’t dream about designing a mortuary. Or a skateboarder’s ping pong-centric garage. Or a fishing boat.

But those are just some of the requests that many local designers have received over their careers. And in fact, that sort of challenge is precisely what many professionals appreciate about the job—using their expertise to mold a clients’ vision (whatever and wherever that may be) into something unique and usable.

Tamra Mundia of Concept Design in San Clemente had a unique workplace design challenge on her hands when she took on the redesign of a mortuary. The emotional nature of a mortuary posed a unique challenge for Mundia—it had to be nurturing and peaceful for visitors, but upbeat and welcoming for employees.

“The fun thing is the mortuary itself we’ve designed to be calming, while the corporate side is bright and colorful and happy for the employees,” Mundia said. The design ended up having neutral grays and calming, cooler tones in the public area, with brighter, warmer colors in the employee section.

Mundia also pointed to her unique experience working with a 19-year-old professional skateboarder in San Juan Capistrano, whose request was to redesign an historic home in the city with a ping-pong room (accessible via garage door), and that all the interior colors would be black, charcoal grey, white and red—in short, you average 19-year-old guy’s entire color palette.

Meanwhile, Gerald Moskowitz of Jeddy’s Interiors in Dana Point, has dedicated the latter part of his design career to unique spaces—he’s one of the top yacht design-

ers in the country. After running a design firm in Palm Springs, Moskowitz says his yacht design business took off in the Harbor.

“I’ve been a boater all my life. I’ve got a boat in Dana Harbor,” he said. “About 20 years ago people started asking me to do their boats. … I moved here lock, stock and barrel and sold my place there.”

Moskowitz says although the yacht may be a unique place to design, many people treat theirs as a second home—and want it designed as such.

“They want it to their specifications. They want it to their likes and dislikes,” he said. “The first thing you do when you buy a home is you change the carpet, change the blinds. Well when people buy a boat of any size and value, they tend to do the same thing.”

Jeddy’s has worked on boats for local residents as well as those made by the prestigious Pacific Asian Enterprises company, which makes the Nordhavn yacht.

Moskowitz says designing and remodeling a yacht poses unique challenges as opposed to home redesign, which Jeddy’s also does. Being able to withstand the elements, but also make the yacht feel like home is where Moskowitz says his expertise kicks in.

“It can be very demanding, and it can be much more difficult than anything because of the angles and just generally things are much more difficult to do,” Moskowitz says.

As far as yacht design trends are concerned, “Most people tend to want more substantial fabrics to the environment. They want water-proof things, sun-proof things.

They want umbrella fabrics or vinyl fabrics or high-end leatherette fabrics.”

Some designers are asked by people that own specialty shops to turn their office or store into something functional for their customers. Cynthia Prizant, who runs Prizant Design in San Clemente, was proposed that exact challenge by a unique specialty therapy group.

A remodeled dining area in a yacht redesigned by Jeddy’s Interiors.

Photo: Courtesy

Cockpit cushions are on one of the yachts redesigned by Jeddy’s Interiors. Photo: Courtesy

“I did a salt therapy salon,” Prizant said. “It’s kind of a new up-and-coming health thing where it’s based on the salt caves in Europe, and they blow in this salted air through these generators into the room and it’s supposed to help people who have breathing and skin issues.”

A massive amount of salt is required for salt therapy— it’s in the air, in the furniture, and in the floors. Working with a tough material like salt and turning it into therapy rooms for children and adults was the challenge.

“The whole floor is covered with five inches of Himalayan salt. So iI did a salon that basically has a children’s therapy room and an adults’ therapy room,” she said.

“We had to consider, in terms of the materials, how the salt would affect that. We ended up doing one backlit wall of salt bricks that had LED lights behind it. And then the floors had heating elements so that the salt was also heated.”

There’s no shortage of unique places, or pieces, to design. Yachts, mortuaries and therapy rooms are just some, so open your eyes and see the magic done by local designers throughout the area.

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ON

Trend

The colors, textures and fabrics of 2016 as told by local designers

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alking about interior design trends is a bit like sharing an opinion—it should be taken with a grain of salt. Trends tend to trickle down from producers into various media sources, then to designers. And along the way, savvy homeowners, renters and amateur designers pick up pieces of the trends and blend them with their own personal tastes.

For instance, Pantone comes out with a much ballyhooed “color of the year.” Sometimes the color is a hit—this year, the colors are rose quartz and serenity (pink and grayish blue)—and sometimes they flop—emerald wasn’t used in many designs. Other paint and design companies come out with their own trends, as well. Benjamin Moore dubbed 2016’s color “simply white.”

Then, the wheels are set in motion.

“So then what happens is a lot of the vendors, the producer of the fabrics, will produce a little bit more in those colors,” says Cynthia Prizant of Prizant Design in San Clemente. “So you’ll see in the magazines images of rooms and vignettes that are designed with those colors.”

Pantone comes out with a much ballyhooed “color of the year.” Sometimes the color is a hit and sometimes they flop.

“You’ll see once they’ve set the colors, you’ll see products along those lines that will pop up with accessories and fabrics,” Prizant said, but added, “To be honest, a lot of times they don’t become the trend in the common population.”

Indeed, many designers use trendy colors as a well-noted reference, but rely on their own training and, most importantly, the wishes of the client to guide the design.

“It’s not about what’s trendy,” says Emily Turner of Maison Blue Design Group, “it’s always focused on what clients’ personal tastes are. From a color standpoint, it’s really personal.”

Turner said that trends also tend to move slower in house design, than in, say, fashion, because people aren’t changing their home decor every day, or buying entire new wardrobes every year or so, like some do with clothes. That leads to more “classic” designs in homes; but then again what is considered “classic” is constantly evolving, and thus prone to trends.

So given that trends come and go, and are influenced by regional and personal predilections, local designers are still able to pick out some things that are popular this year.

In general, warm is out and cool is in. The Tuscan trend that was popular at the end of the last decade has softened and cooled into a palette that includes more coastal colors— 4

Mid-century modern style is on full display in the colors, furniture and fixtures in Prizant Design’s living room. Photo: Jeri Koegel

Neutrals are classic, but gray is enjoying a high point in this design by Prizant Design. Photo: Jeri Koegel

A Maison Blue design featured throwback chairs with bold lines with neutral grays, in front of a wood inset. Photo: Courtesy

blues, greens, neutrals.

Della Hayden, also of Maison Blue agrees that coastal, and it’s colors, are in—that’s partly because it’s popular in the Southern California region, but also because it’s (and here’s that word again) classic.

“The current trend in color is gray, white, navy and neutral. Those are primarily the current trendy colors, but they’re also classic, and I think that’s one of the elements everyone is trying to get to,” she said.

Aside from the coastal theme, Prizant says there is a trend toward mid-century modern in the design requests she’s receiving. It’s a sort of Mad Men-style, ’50s-era chic that is evidenced in clear lines, bold colors and material changes.

“There’s a huge resurgence of mid-century modern,” she said. “You can see it not only in the trade form, but also in [consumer stores like] Crate and Barrel.”

Walnut tones in wood fixtures are popular, but so are grayer and white-washed wood floors—a product of the trend toward gray and neutral, Prizant said. In metals, golds are coming back.

“One of the other trends is a transition from silvers to golds,” she said. “So for instance lighting fixtures, you’ll see a lot of the antique brass and golds whereas a couple years ago it was brushed silvers and nickels. I also think that’s driven by the mid-century modern (trend).”

Turner and Hayden at Maison Blue agree in the shift in trend, but are calling it an “industrial, kind of reclaimed look.”

“I think that goes back to a couple years ago and they talked about sustainable and everybody’s trying to be more

Cooler tones like blues and greens are trending this year, along with neutrals, in this design by Maison Blue. Photo: Courtesy

responsible and trying to rescue things,” Hayden said.

Turner said that no matter how influenced a design is by trends, it still needs to fit the function aspect of any design.

“They need to be multifunctional,” Turner said. “Especially in our crowded market, people are living in smaller homes, so their homes have to be especially versatile. That’s a huge part of what we do from the start is space planning, and trying to design around function.”

So the next time you’re leafing through a design magazine, watching a home remodeling show or visiting a furniture store, pick out the cooler colors, the gold fixtures and the gray woods, and decide if they’re for you—or if you’ll wait until the trends change next year.

REFINING YOUR

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Space

Using repurposed and refurbished items to elevate home design REUSING AND REPURPOSING FURNITURE AND MATERIALS

has become chic. Whether it’s because of the ubiquity of home remodeling shows on cable TV or just a general cultural push toward reuse, the desire to turn old into new is frequently requested by designers.

But the consignment collection and refurbishment business is strong on its own, with many people taking a do-it-yourself approach to home design and picking out pieces that complement the spaces they’ve cultivate. That said, a well-curated consignment shop can give the shopper ideas and inspiration on how to use unique pieces and antique gems.

Katie Dabney and Sam Gaylord own Revel, a new consignment shop in San Juan Capistrano. Inside, you won’t find items strewn about, or even placed on racks—instead, pieces collected from interested sellers are artfully mixed with dozens of other pieces to create display vignettes.

Accessories, furniture, rugs, photos and more are arranged in what look like little rooms, creating looks for interested buyers to use for inspiration.

“We are resale done right. We take care of it, and try to make it look good,” Dabney said. “We take things in and try to be creative and give people ideas on what to do with their new old things.”

Revel opened in mid-September. Dabney quit her job in

Photos of the unique vignettes and displays set up at Revel in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Courtesy

advertising, and Gaylord quit his in finance, to open up the shop and “do something we love to do.”

“It’s a lot of hard work. It’s like moving every day,” Gaylord said.

Dabney said Revel will make house calls for consultations, and will deliver anywhere locally or ship elsewhere. She said that patrons can save up to 60 percent on retail items, and sellers get their items put in the store for 60 days. There’s also a five-day return policy on items, which other consignment stores don’t always have.

The key, Dabney says, is providing quality products at prices that don’t exclude large groups of people. That process requires an eye for aesthetic and passion for refining and repurposing items.

“It’s hopefully a little bit different here from your average

consignment store,” she said. We have something for everyone. If it’s dusty, we clean it. We try not to take things that are broken, because would you buy it? If you wouldn’t buy it yourself, we wouldn’t have it here. But everything in here has had some love before.”

There’s a bevy of other good consignment shops in the area, including 2nd Hand Treasures in Capistrano Beach.

Owners Helen and Ziad Mahshi have created a stunning showroom, that features a rotating selection of well-priced, high-quality and unique wares. At any given point, you’re liable to find something like a music machine from the early 19th century, a signed Salvador Dali print, a restored stage trunk or a turquoise stone necklace.

Whether you shop at 2nd Hand Treasures, Revel, both or more, you’ll likely come away not only with a new piece for your home, but a head full of ideas on what to design next.

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SHOWING

It Off

Philharmonic House of Design displays local flavor and design expertise

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hat do you get when you put fifteen renowned interior designers into a cliffside mega-mansion and let them have at the design any way they wish?

It’s a five bedroom, five and one-half bath, 8,656-square-foot home that sits on a lot double that size. It’s views of the Pacific Coast are unparalleled in the region, and the design of the home blends the outdoor with the indoor. In many ways, the Philharmonic House of Design is the physical embodiment of this magazine—a look at how interiors and exteriors work as yin and yang to create a wholly comfortable and setting-appropriate home.

Now surely a professionally designed home listed just shy of $10 million in the exclusive Strand neighborhood is a bit opulent, but proceeds from tickets sold for viewings throughout May and June benefit the Philharmonic Youth Music Education Programs. This year’s home was a smash hit for viewers, as attendees were able to see the latest in design trends in the home. And even if many of us can’t afford the home—or even one mortgage payment on it— the House of Design is an opportunity to see designers on display, and a chance to take a few things from their books and put it into our own homes.

Inside, you’ll find a chef’s kitchen that would make any home, or professional, cook green with envy. A large neolithtopped island allows for many friends and family members to sit. Glass-paneled cabinets offset by white frames are both classic and casual. There are Wold & Sub Zero Appliances, Rohl & Kohler Fixtures, two dishwashers and a convection oven. The kitchen, designed by Wendy Ann Miller, is fresh and bright, and inspires the home cook to spend the whole day preparing fresh ingredients into myriad dishes.

The living room was designed by Tamra Mundia of Concept Design and opens up to the seascape just steps away from the home. Marble flooring gives way to neutral-colored furniture and rugs. The large open gateway to the outdoor living space is both a tableau and a functional way to control temperature and keep fresh air moving through the home.

The master bedroom, designed by Frank Pitman, hasmore golden, lavender and stained tones while balancing elegance with comfort. Antique, repurposed items like binoculars on a stand, a pear-shaped chandelier and a quartz stone-shaped lamp seem to both fit in and stand out. Again, the large open wall, with sliding doors, that faces the ocean is the ideal accent in color and tone.

Downstairs, a sprawling game room designed by Nancy Del Santa will keep guests occupied for hours. There’s a bar—just steps away from the straight-outta-Europe wine cellar and tasting room (designed by Barbara Mclane)—a pool table, and an entertainment setup with plenty of space to roam free and entertain. The doors open up to the pool area, which features a raised hot tub on one end of the long pool, 6

The kitchen was designed by Wendy Ann Miller. Photo: Matt Cortina

The dining room is casual but refined. Photo: Matt Cortina

An outdoor living space in the House of Design. Photo: Matt Cortina

Bar in the game room, designed by Nancy Del Santo. Photo: Matt Cortina

and a barbecue station on the other. Did we also mention the downstairs sauna and the home theater room with a projector, designed by the IDI Student Team? Or the spa/massage setup ready for a masseuse to come in and pamper away?

There’s also a clever kid’s room in the downstairs area, with a sailboat-shaped bed, a fun lighting fixture, and an oversized cartoonish octopus sculpture inset into the wall

on the way out to the pool.

Want and need—it’s tough to tell the difference walking through the House of Design. Many of the features the average folks only dream about having in their homes seem both attainable and well-placed in the house. We may not be able to afford the House of Design, but we can certainly borrow some of its rooms and put them in our own places.

INSIDE/OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | REFINE YOUR SPACE

NO WATER

NO PROBLEM Creative landscaping opportunities with drought-resistant plants

S RENOVATIONS

outhern California is known for so many wonderful things and, at least, one unequivocally bad thing: drought.

Water issues have plagued the entire state for years, and climate change will only exacerbate the situation.

About 50 percent of drinking water in this area is used for landscaping, and not for drinking, cooking or bathing, according to the South Coast Water District. About 80 percent of that water comes from the Colorado River and Northern California, but those resources are rapidly dwindling as other communities across the West find ways to deal with their own water shortages.

But whether by mandate or personal choice, many Californians are finding clever ways to scale back on water use.

One such way is to plant drought-resistant and low-water varietals. We took a trip down to the stunning and very drought-tolerant gardens at Casa Romantica in San Clemente to see which plants thrive in the area.

Throughout the grounds, you’ll find plants of every color.

There’s the bluish plumbago shrub, and the red kalanchoe,

Aeonium. Photo: File

Lantana. Photo: File

also known as the “widow’s thrill.” The cotyledon looks like a spiky green elk’s horn, and the lantana comes in a rainbow of colors. The gardens fill out the palette with purple African basil, orange firecracker plants and the ivy geranium.

Remember, Southern California is a coastal desert. It’s not supposed to be able to support lush green lawns and many typically verdant varieties of plants that look good, but are water-intensive. That said, just because we live in a desert, it doesn’t mean there aren’t tons of native plants that can make your yard pop.

versus

For the permit applications and to see if you’re specific projects needs a permit, call the Building and Safety Services Department at 949.443.6347, or visit https://www.sanjuancapistrano.org/Index.aspx?page=42.

Remodels

When do you need a permit?

AT SOME POINT OR ANOTHER, it may come time to re-

model or renovate your home. At which time, you might come face to face with your city’s municipal codes regarding zoning, planning and the like.

And getting through the paperwork associated with your city’s regulations can sometimes be more of a hassle—or at least seem more daunting—than the actual renovation itself.

In general, the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano require you to get a permit for many improvement projects, which are subject to construction codes and inspections. This is in order to ensure the safety of the home—when your home was built, it had to meet certain codes, and you can’t just go and change them at your whim if it might, according to the city, put your home in structural danger.

In an effort to hasten the permit process, we’ve assembled some key tenets straight from the building departments of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

DANA POINT In general, the city of Dana Point requires

homeowners and tenants looking to remodel to file for a building permit with the city. This includes renovations to bathrooms, kitchens, pools, patios, water heaters and more.

8

Firecracker plant. Photo: File

It’s important to note that some renovations within these areas are considered maintenance, and not subject to a permit: for instance, replacing a toilet or refrigerator, or refacing the cabinets. If you’re unsure of whether your project requires a permit, call the Dana Point Community Development, Building and Safety Department at 949.248.3594.

If your project does require a permit, there are a variety of forms you’ll need to fill out depending on the project. Those forms are available at http://www.danapoint.org/department/community-development/building-safety.

You should prepare to submit floor plans and prove your set-up meets energy and safety codes found on the website above. You should also be prepared to pay several fees to cover the inspection and processing costs.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO In San Juan, you’ll have to file a

permit for most renovations to bathrooms, kitchens, pools, patios and outdoor areas. You’ll need to get approval from any combination of the public works, planning, fire and building departments, depending on the scope of your remodel.

Those divisions take about three to five weeks to review most projects, and if the inspections pass, the city will review the project and issue a permit within 15 business days. You’ll be able to track your permit’s progress on the city’s website.

And getting through the paperwork associated with your city’s regulations can sometimes be more of a hassle—or at least seem more daunting than the actual renovation itself.

SAN CLEMENTE

For most renovations in San Clemente, you’ll need a permit. This includes all electrical, plumbing, mechanical or structural projects; installing water heaters, dishwashers, garbage disposals; re-roofing, remodeling, repairing stairs, replacing windows; and building retaining walls, decks pools and more.

To get a permit, draw up a blueprint and bring it to any relevant city division for review—in general, exterior updates need only be checked by the Building and Planning Departments.

You’ll need to submit a permit application, proof of ownership of the home, and proof of HOA approval, if necessary. Fees will need to be paid—$25 for small projects, and up to $2,000 for major additions like extra buildings or pools.

Many projects can receive approval on the day-of submittal, after walking into city offices.

To check what you’ll need for your project, visit the city’s Building Division website at http://38.106.5.200/department-services/building-services.

INSIDE/OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | REFINE YOUR SPACE

OUTDOOR

Living

Tips from designers on how to create a comfy outdoor living space IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES AS EVER

being trendy in Southern California—here, it’s a way of a life. But now interior designers are being asked more and more to design outdoor living spaces and to help bridge the design gap between inside and outside. We asked several designers to share some tips on designing outdoor living spaces, and we distilled their expertise into the following five tips:

A firepit can bridge gaps between indoor and outdoor spaces. This area was designed by the South Coast Plaza Stores. Photo: File

1. Plan your outdoor space like an indoor area Designers are quick to note that the main similarity between interior and exterior design is spacial planning. Make sure that nothing is too cramped, and that from a design standpoint, you group fabrics and colors that work well together. Identify key traffic areas (from bathroom to pool, or from kitchen to grill) and ensure that they are open.

2. Choose weather-hardy fabrics Leatherette and umbrella canvasses are extra popular right now and come in a variety of colors to match whatever your scheme is. These materials are weather-resistant and will be both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for most designers.

Barbe ues a d the like are ideal for outdoor living. Photo: File

3. Use lighting to bridge gaps Just as you would draw in natural light in indoor living spaces, let the natural light bridge the gap between the inside and out-

side, and provide shade in spots via umbrellas or tree cover. In planning, take pictures of all areas of the intended living space throughout the day to see which areas need the most attention.

4. Let nature handle the colors Many designers, especially given current trends, will use large windows and door openings to frame the outdoors as a tableau that can be enjoyed inside. With the trend now toward neutral and cooler colors, bright flowering plants, and the natural colors of the sky draw the eye from inside out.

5. Food and drink areas can be the glue An outdoor barbecue area or bar is a great way to use your lifestyle to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors.

You can also plan to have clear paths to indoor bars or wine cellars. It’s also trendy to purchase drink carts, for beverages always within reach.

INSIDE/OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | REFINE YOUR SPACE

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE

Design?

Q&A: Sustainable Design with Michael Fox and Juintow Lin of FoxLin Architects

W

e sat down with Michael Fox and Juintow Lin of FoxLin Architects in Capistrano Beach to talk about how their architecture firm has focused on creating sustainable, eco-friendly designs for their clients throughout the world.

Fox and Lin met as students at MIT. They’ve both written books and performed research on sustainable design, and have been teaching architecture students about sustainable design elements for years.

As their practice continues to grow—along with the need for more sustainably designed homes—we picked the architects’ brains on the current state of eco-responsible design and technology.

Inside/Outside: Your company specializes in “sustainable design.” What does that mean?

Juintow Lin: There’s many different aspects of it. The most obvious one that people usually think of is low energy design—spending less on electricity, natural gas and those types of things and finding different ways to achieve that.

The most basic way is the passive way. Orienting for solar heating or shading, basically how you position the building on the site. How to encourage airflow through the building with natural ventilation. And then what color.

There’s also active strategies, which are like solar panels, water reclamation, water recycling, all these other things.

How do homeowners interested in sustainable design mentally get over the financial burden of some of the more expensive elements?

Michael Fox: All that passive stuff is pretty easy to convince people to do because it doesn’t really cost people more money. Your space is going to be brighter, you’re going to be able to use the AC less. And all of the design kind of makes sense. The other stuff is trickier because it involves an above and beyond investment. That’s where return on investment becomes important. Yeah, you can get solar panels and you’ll pay for it for 10 years, but after that…

Lin: I actually find with the solar panels, that’s probably the most common one, that people are tending to request that because it’s so much less expensive to do when you’re doing new construction that the incentives are so high that it makes sense to do it then. I find almost everybody these days is asking for the electric car charging port and some cities are now requiring it.

But there’s other ways to be sustainable. For instance, your location, if you’re close to public transportation, the size of your home, … or the quality of the building materials.

Fox: The best thing is probably legislative change. Like the 10

A Foxlin Architects design uses active and passive ways to reduce energy usage. Photo: Courtesy

city of Carlsbad, they require that you put the infrastructure in for solar panels when you do construction. The entire city of Los Angeles requires 100 percent water reclamation.

Can we call sustainable design a trend still, or is it becoming a necessity in Southern California?

Lin: We both teach in architecture school so we’re training the next sets of architects, and in our school we have very much been talking about this. And for that reason, I think it is a long-term change and trend that’s happening, but I also think that in terms of the power companies, they also are interested in these types of things and they have a lot of different grants and programs because they realize their infrastructure is not large enough to handle this increasing need for energy.

Interior architectural design elements form FoxLin Architects, Photo: Doug Edmonds

Fox: The bigger problem is that Los Angeles is really just a developer-driven arena and if you look at, say, the housing going in by the Great Park and (South Orange County) housing neighborhoods, there’s really not architecture involved in that. Homes are plopped down by literally the thousands, and none of this (sustainability) stuff we’re talking about is accounted for, so it’s just developers. That’s where you need the codes.

Lin: Most people work in an office, and there’s a great opportunity every 10-20 years, all the existing building stock gets renovated, and every 30-50 years the buildings get rebuilt.

There is a great opportunity in this process in recycling these buildings to make change.

Are you interested in driving that change toward more widespread sustainability?

Fox: There’s this other level of active stuff that you have— window shades that are motorized and photovoltaic so that when the sun comes down, they immediately come down. So this is using technology at another step higher.

Fox: For the most part, I think you have to make green green.

There has to be financial return and incentives enough to have it make sense. Not so that people want to do it for the planet, but that it makes sense that you’re going to get a real return.

Lin: The one thing we do is we definitely promote that in our teaching. We have both gone to China and taught because there’s a big issue there in terms of energy. I’ve been there and taught sustainable design.

Fox: Juintow knows the facts more than me, but it’s really important that it’s not just about doing what you have to do or what feels good. For instance, buildings are responsible for 50 percent of all energy use, including transportation of materials.

And it’s because we have offices that are hermetically sealed, and we have ACs running all the time. We spend 80 percent of our time in buildings, and they just use a ton of energy. When you think about where does all our energy go, it’s used for powering our buildings.

Is there hope in technology to make sustainability easier for homeowners?

Lin: For instance in commercial buildings, if it’s a normal big floor, the people on the outside have different lighting requirements than people in the middle, so there’s automated systems to deal with that now so you’re not lighting the edge of the building.

Fox: The thing is with residential and definitely with commercial is it’s difficult in Orange County. Whereas if you’re in parts of LA, it’s kind of vogue to actually show off the fact that you have solar panels and you have the electric charger, and it’s a cool kind of hipster thing that you’ve done. Whereas here there’s not that awareness. It’s not really like this vogue thing and that kind of change in public perception needs to happen here. You look at all the houses on The Strand, and I just point that out because they’re all architect-designed houses, but (sustainability) is not prioritized. So it’s part of changing the mindset of the clients, not the architects.

INSIDE/OUTSIDE INSIDE/OUTSIDE |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| REFINE REFINE YOUR YOUR SPACE SPACE

LOCAL

KNOWLEDGE From the Ground Up

Recommendations for Selecting an Architect

How to Sell Your Home for Top Dollar Faster

By Stan Schrofer, Principal at Stan Schrofer & Associates

By Doug Echelberger, The Echelberger Group

1. Experience: A) How many projects has the architect completed in your community?

B) How long has the architect been working in Southern California?

Thinking about putting your home on the market? Keep your knowledge local when it comes to selling your home for top dollar faster.

How you refine your home, inside and out, matters. Here are five ways you can get more money out of your home.

By David Faylor, General Contractor

2. Resume: A) Does the architect’s resume reflect cre-

Every new building should have a firm foundation, have great windows and doors, a watertight roof and be ecofriendly with energy smart technology. Then, you can do whatever design you want on the floors and walls.

Hi, my name is David the Local Builder and General Contractor. I would like to share my recommendations when planning a new project. There are dozens of procedures along with many hundreds of details involved with getting any project to a starting point. Most times the permit process takes longer than the actual building of the project itself.

Be prepared with blueprints and bids before you undertake financing the job. How long does it take to draw plans and obtain the permits? Well, that’s a good question.

Depending on how much you are building, it requires specific tasks in order to achieve an approval from the local City Hall Building Department.

ative designs, experience, and good organizational skills?

B) Does it give you a good sense of his achievements and creativity?

FIVE WAYS TO INCREASE THE PROPERTY VALUE OF YOUR HOME

3. Webpage and Video: A) What access is provided to

1. Get a Home Inspection Why wait for the buyer to request a home inspection?

Before you list your home, hire an inspector find out about any potential problems. For a few hundred dollars, you can prepare your home for sale and have the time to fix any issues that could lower your property value.

Ask a trusted real estate professional to recommend an inspector. Hidden problems can cause serious damage— water leaks, pest infestation, electrical problems—which will result in a lower price for your home.

Most projects require eight or more of these professionals: Architect /Geologist Surveyor / Civil Engineer Structural Engineer Environmental Impact Energy Efficiency Engineer Solar Engineering Pool & Spa Design Engineer Electrical Load Calculations Plumbing Fire Sprinklers Protective Coating Specialist Structural Steel Fabrication Concrete Specialist Retaining Walls & Deep Caissons Wood/Stone/Glass Fine Finishes Interior Designer Landscape Designer Most families that build an addition onto their existing home or build a new home “from the ground up” do so on average every 8¬10 years or longer. So finding the people and parts you need could be difficult if you are new to the area or don’t know of a local team to put your whole package together. This can be a very enduring long process and educational in every aspect. Then there are the timeconsuming months just to obtain the permit.

Having the complete team at your fingertips in just one phone call can really shorten the timeframe to obtaining permits and completing the construction in the quickest amount of time. It’s your investment so have the local team with the local knowledge of each professional’s budget to fit into your particular project.

“No job is too difficult” with our reputation and experience.

Call us for a consultation on your new or existing project.

We have several architects to choose from for each building design size to meet your particular needs.

Local Builders serving South Orange Co. since 1989. Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente. 949¬510¬5679. Local Builders Lic. # 589688.

Custom homes and hillside specialists, challenging concrete structures, major kitchens and fabulous restaurants.

show documentation of the architect’s completed designs?

B) Does the architect have an organized webpage and/or video of his latest projects?

4. Client References: Contacting previous clients allows you to get an understanding of thearchitect’s performance and responsibility of meeting projected time frames.

5. Drafting: Does the architect provide drafting for interior cabinet elevations, ceiling, and architectural features as part of his service?

6. CAD: Is the architect performing his work in CAD (Computer Automated Drafting), which allows for easy revisions that are not costly to clients.

7. Renderings: Does the architect supply colored elevations of your project? (CAD or artist-sketched colored productions)

8. Models: Does the architect have a consultant that he has previously worked with to complete a cost effective visual model of your project, if required by HOA or owner?

9. Time Line: A) Does the architect complete projects on time, in a professional manner? B) Does the Architect have previous experience working with the H.O.A. and H.O.A. architect, and fully understands their requirements? C) Is the architect also familiar with the local Building Department and their requirements?

10. Interior Designer: Can the architect supply local creative interior designers to the clients, while maintaining a working relationship with them?

11. Landscape Architect: A) Does the architect have creative, cost efficient landscape architects available for the client to interview? B) The architect should stay active in reviewing landscape designs.

12. Contractors: Is the architect reviewing the Contractor’s bids, and providing a bid form evaluation to make a fair comparison of bid costs to his clients, with a minimum of three general contractor’s bids? This will influence the project’s savings significantly.

13. Specification Book: Does the architect have a completed specification package for each project?

14. Site Construction Inspectors: Does the Architect make job site inspections for quality of work performed by the general and subcontractors?

15. Design Experience: A) Does the architect have design experience in various disciplines that you are attracted to?

16. Insurance: Does the architect and general contractor carry professional liability insurance?

Stan Schrofer & Associates, Inc. 34932 Calle Del Sol, Suite A, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 949-488-9595.

2. Paint the Walls Adding a new coat of paint to the walls can enhance your home’s value. It may sound too good to be true, but something as simple as paint makes a room feel fresh and new. And, buyers are willing to pay more for a turnkey home that doesn’t require any work.

To appeal to a large buyer audience, choose a shade of white, grey or another neutral color.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency Buyers will pay more for a house that is energy efficient.

Who doesn’t like the idea of saving money over the longterm? Install new appliances that require less energy. Replace old windows with new ones to prevent leaks. Simple changes can make the difference. You can request an audit from your local utility company. Identify areas that need to be repaired, so you can make changes before you list your property.

4. Work on Curb Appeal Working on curb appeal is all about maximizing first impressions. Landscaping is another area where you can make changes regardless of your budget. Start with trimming overgrown bushes and trees, cleaning up your lawn, and drawing attention with flowers, shrubs and other greenery.

Not everyone has the creative eye; hire a landscaper to design your outdoor space. An expert can select plants that are low maintenance while still enhancing your space.

5. Update the Bathroom and Kitchen As we know, oftentimes the kitchen sells the home. The bathroom is a close second when it comes to meeting a buyer’s expectations for an updated space. Whether you can afford to do a major remodel or can only budget for a few small changes, these two areas are where you should focus.

Even if you are working with a limited budget, focus on the areas that will get the most attention. Think lighting, hardware, countertops and cabinets. When in doubt, a coat of paint will always make rooms look and feel brand new.

You don’t have to spend a lot to increase the value of your home. Focus instead on spending what you can afford wisely.

You can sell your home for top dollar faster with the help of a trusted real estate professional.

The Echelberger Group is a full-service team with a list of vetted vendors to meet all of your real estate needs. As always, if you are considering leasing, buying or selling real estate, please call for a confidential appointment: 949.463.0400. Or email me at doug@echelberger.com. www.echelberger.com.

11

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

The Curse of Capistrano

On the Bill When: July 15-17, 22-24 and 29-31 at 7:30 p.m. The show is just under two hours long with an intermission.

Camino Real Playhouse summer show brings chapter of San Juan’s literary history to life with Zorro adaptation

Where: Performed on the stage in the Historic Town Center Park, located at 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Tickets: $15 per person online or on-site.

Discounted tickets for families of up to five are $40 on-site only. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

C

ome back to a time in history where men were as fast as their swords.

These dashing caballeros created a new country—Alta California. The King of Spain had granted large areas of land called haciendas to those he felt were worthy. These men were called Dons and ruled these haciendas and all who worked the land. Above all of the Dons was the Governor, a ruthless and cruel man. The missions were sprouting up along the El Camino Real. Some Dons were corrupt and the few honest men could not speak out for fear of retaliation. There was no one to turn to until one man stood up for what was right…” — Camino Real Playhouse Community members and patrons of the local Camino Real Playhouse are in luck if they’re in the mood for sword fights, flamenco, fiestas, political intrigue and romance this summer. The Playhouse is presenting nine performances spanning three weekends next month of “The Curse of Capistrano” at the Historic Town Center Park. Each year the playhouse’s summer production is an anticipated community

Pre-show: An interactive demonstration for children starts at 7 p.m. Kids will learn how to sword fight using soft foam swords.

Free Zorro masks will also be given out to children.

Dan Blackley adapted the original 1919 novel The Curse of Capistrano and co-wrote the play with Kyle Seitz for the Camino Real Playhouse. Photo: Allison Jarrell

event—a tradition that draws families and friends together to share a picnic and enjoy the natural beauty downtown San Juan has to offer.

The Curse of Capistrano, written by Johnston McCulley and originally published in 1919, was the first literary work to feature the fictional character of Zorro, and what some may not know is that San Juan Capistrano plays a large part in setting the scene in the novel. In fact, not too far into chapter one, you’ll find references to El Camino Real, the missions, and, of course, San Juan Capistrano.

“Zorro really wasn’t an historical character, but he’s very much a part of San Juan Capistrano because the book was written here,” said Tom Scott, president of the playhouse. “And we’re bringing that to life.”

The book was adapted for the playhouse by the show’s director, Dan Blackley, and co-writer Kyle Seitz, a former student of

A’driana Abbate, of Anaheim, plays Lolita; Gerardo Villa-Lobos, of Santa Ana, plays Don Diego; and Jake LaRosa, of Ladera Ranch, plays Sgt. Gonzales in the Camino Real Playhouse’s adaptation of “The Curse of Capistrano.” Photo: Allison Jarrell

The Capistrano Dispatch June 24-July 7, 2016

Pro Tip: Picnicking starts around 6 p.m., and each night a Prettiest Picnic Contest is held.

Judging is over by about 7 p.m. Winners will receive gift certificates to the theater for the coming season.

In addition to allowing picnics, concessions will be available at the park. Blankets can be place toward the front of the park, followed by low-back chairs and higherbacked chairs in the back.

After acquiring the rights to the image of Zorro, Show Producer and Playhouse Vice President Beverly Blake designed the artwork for “The Curse of Capistrano.” Image: Courtesy of Camino Real Playhouse

Blackley’s. The duo began writing the play after Blackley was inspired to pursue the project last year during his time directing “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

“I was looking at the (Historic Town Center Park) stage, and the Mission bells chimed,” Blackley recalled. “I grew up with the Mission and the swallows, and every time I saw it as a kid, I also thought of Zorro, because the mission bell would ring and that was the cue for Zorro to go off and fight injustice. So I turned and looked back at the stage with the bougainvillea and with the way it sort of looks like a mission, I thought, this is the show we need to do in this city.”

Luckily, Scott and Playhouse Vice President Beverly Blake agreed, and so began the makings of a new twist on the summer tradition.

“I felt like it would draw the community together,” Blake said. “This is the best community I’ve ever lived in, and I just thought this would be really special for it.

The enthusiasm has been overwhelming.”

In addition to what Scott describes as a fast-paced play—revitalized skillfully, he added, from not-so-thrilling 1800s language—the show is filled with drama and attention to details that remain true to the story, from the 1880 period costumes and

Page 11

furniture to professionally choreographed sword fights. Blackley said he also focused on keeping things light and comic throughout the play, drawing inspiration from old Errol Flynn films like The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Sea Hawk and the 1940s version of The Mark of Zorro.

Blackley said he enjoyed sprinkling humor throughout the script, and is also looking forward to the incorporation of flamenco guitarists and dancers.

“We have lots of fun elements throughout the show on top of the fact that it’s outside in this beautiful historic park— with picnics,” Blackley said. “It’s a perfect summer show.”

Attendees are invited to come early to the 7:30 p.m. performance. Scott said it’s common for people to arrive around 6 p.m. or so to enjoy their picnics and watch the set take shape—he often sees residents making new friends, swapping dishes and sharing conversation.

“By the time the show starts, everyone is kind of family,” he said.

Scott and Blake hope to draw lots of San Juan families to the show this year with a special family discount of $40 for families of up to five. Regular tickets are $15 each.

“It’s such a part of all of our histories.

We wanted to do this so that the younger generation would learn about someone they perceive as this, sort of mythical superhero,” Blake said. “The legend started right here in San Juan Capistrano.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

The Many Benefits of Backyard Chickens Raising urban chickens provides learning opportunities in sustainable living

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ant to add to your already green lifestyle of solar panels, drought tolerant landscapes and rain barrels? Well say hello to the hens—but first, be sure to check with your city regarding chicken L.O.R.E. (Law and Ordinances and your Rights and Entitlement) before you go any greener. Currently, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Beach have a “green light” to raise these fine-feathered fowls as long as there are no roosters in the group.

Raising chickens is the next step in true sustainability at home. Farm fresh eggs couldn’t be easier and can be in abundance right outside your own backdoor.

The health benefits from raising your own hens include: more nutritious eggs that are fresher than store bought; yolk is darker yellow and provides substantially more Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids; and eggs contain less saturated fat and less cholesterol—now that’s something to cluck about.

If you choose to start raising chickens for the delicious meat, the taste is simply incredible and free from chemicals and hormones. Chickens are also perfect solutions for naturally fertilizing your garden and a substitute for pesticides eating away all the bad bugs.

What a great learning experience to begin with your kids at any age—growing and feeding chicks and gathering eggs.

Although easy to raise, chickens require little attention other than fresh water, food and a chicken coop. But don’t be fooled, going greener can be costly. Depending

on your coop design and the chickens you purchase, things can get expensive, so do your research and check local poultry purveyors and mypetchicken.com for more online resources.

Want to learn more about raising chickens from the experts?

Join us this weekend Saturday, June 25 from 9:30-11 a.m. at Reata Park and Event Center in San Juan Capistrano for a free class on raising backyard chickens with the UCCE Master Gardeners of OC sharing the latest information from the University of California on the best techniques for raising chickens without raising cane in your neighborhood. For more details, visit goinnative.net.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin Native DIRT THERAPY Therapeutic Gardens, a

By Marianne 501(c)(3) that teaches Taylor gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. 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.

Aj Baghaei of the BreadBar offers artisanal bread baked in the traditional French style.

A Bountiful Market San Juan Capistrano’s weekly farmers market now accepts food stamps TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JORGE MALDONADO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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very Wednesday from 3-7 p.m., the Old Capistrano Certified Farmers Market comes alive with a variety of local vendors next to the city’s Historic Town Center Park. The market, now in its 14th season, has begun accepting SNAP

Backyard chickens at a San Juan Capistrano home enjoy the warm sunshine on a recent afternoon.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

The Capistrano Dispatch June 24-July 7, 2016

Arellano Produce provides customers with freshly picked fruits and vegetables every week.

Page 12

benefits (formerly known as food stamps), making local produce more available to the public.

Vendors’ goods range from local farmers’ produce to fresh fish caught in the region, as well as all sorts of snacks, such as roasted peanuts, kettle corn, vegan chips and fresh honey. On a regular basis, visitors can expect to find homemade dog treats, flowers for every occasion and gourmet sweet and spicy salsas, pesto, jams and chips for snacks on the go.

The weekly farmers market is located on Yorba Street between Camino Capistrano and El Camino Real. In the fall and winter, the market closes an hour earlier, at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www. farmersmarketsjc.com or follow Old Capistrano Certified Farmers Market on Facebook.

For a photo gallery featuring different vendors at the market, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

Visitors explore the Old Capistrano Certified Farmers Market, open every Wednesday in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

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NISSAN PATHFINDER 4x4 2009 Silver with black interior.

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GREAT CATS! Two grey tabby sisters, about 9 y/o.

Still playful and never claw or mark.

Moving and can’t take them with us.

Would prefer to keep them together.

Free to a good home. 949-226-1008

HELP WANTED

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

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

DANA POINT MARINA INN Seeking applicants for full and part time housekeepers, housekeeping support staff, painters and room guest maintenance repair person.

Apply in person at 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 24–July 7, 2016

HELP WANTED (CONT.) CASSANO’S PIZZA IS LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED COOK Must be a team player, must be dependable. 30-40 Hours a week.

Apply in person at 818 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, Ca.

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Page 13

SCHOOLS

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

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AUTOS FOR SALE

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

Dating When a Spouse has Alzheimer’s?

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Attendees stroll through the Mission grounds during last year’s Romance of the Mission benefit gala.

Photo: Carla Rhea

Romance of the Mission Benefit Gala Set for Sept. 16

BY THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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ission San Juan Capistrano’s annual Romance of the Mission benefit gala is planned for Friday, Sept. 16 on the historic Mission grounds. Longtime benefit gala partners The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel are the 2016 honorees, and this year’s concert artist is American Idol Season 14 finalist Clark Beckham. Beckham will perform a live concert in the ruins of the Great Stone Church with songs that cross many genres, including the benefit gala tradition, “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.”

The benefit gala begins at 6 p.m. with an opening reception in the Mission’s front gardens, followed by the Clark Beckham concert, historic bell ringing and candlelight four-course plated dinner hosted by The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in the main courtyard.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets, underwriting

Clark Beckham.

Photo: Courtesy Mission San Juan Capistrano

opportunities or more information about the benefit gala, contact Barb Beier at 949.234.1323 or visit www.missionsjc.com.

CD

Pet of the Week: Pancake

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The Capistrano Dispatch June 24-July 7, 2016

his wife is not really ‘that far along after all.’

Maybe she has another three or four years to go. I am nearly 71 and he will be 76 in two months. I don’t want to be ‘back door Dora’ for the next four years. Please help me understand my situation better.”

My take on the situation: The man went on a dating site, likely because he is lonely. He did not try to hide that he is married and his wife has Alzheimer’s. What he did may not be right, but it is somewhat understandable.

The woman entered this relationship knowing the situation. She should have known she was walking into a minefield. Now, she wants to go visit the wife to see how sick she really is. That is totally wrong and disrespectful. She has no business going there.

Next, she worries about ON LIFE AND how his stepchildren view LOVE AFTER 50 her. She’s not going to be

By Tom Blake able to change that either, probably ever. After all, the ill woman is their mother.

So, either she accepts the situation the way it is, stays in the background, and stops worrying so much about herself, or she needs to exit the relationship. I find her motives and dilemma to be her problem.

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, email tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, 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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

ancake is a friendly 3-year-old feline looking for her new forever home.

Rescued by The Zuri Pet Rescue, Pancake has been spayed and is up-to-date on her vaccinations. If you’re looking for an all-around great cat, Pancake may be the one for you! If you are interested in meeting Pancake, call The Zuri Pet Rescue at 949.429.7222, or stop by The Zuri Pet Spa & Resort, 32423 Calle Perfecto in San Juan Capistrano. For more information, visit www.thezuripetspa.com. CD

ne of the most difficult and controversial senior relationship topics that readers bring up is dating when the spouse of one of the two people has Alzheimer’s.

A Southern California woman wrote, “I am dating a man whose wife has Alzheimer’s and is very well cared for in an expensive facility. He visits her daily, sometimes as much as three times a day. They had a 35-year marriage in which he raised her children, and he considers them equally his own.

“Here is my dilemma. I don’t doubt that he loved his wife, and still does as much as he can. But on his dating profile (how I met him) he said he has more love to give than his wife can accept. That is kind of awkward wording, but I knew what he was trying to say.

“I do not think he is morally bad for seeking companionship since his wife has been going downhill for five years, and has been in this facility for the past three years.

But his children do not like the idea of their father going out with other women. They know that he is, but they have told him, ‘We don’t want to hear about it.’

“That puts me in the ‘other woman’ category. I feel ‘back door’ and it doesn’t feel good. I have never asked to go with him to visit his wife. I find myself feeling resentful about the position this puts me in. I know he is happy with me as he has told me he loves me and often speaks of our future together.

“But I also know that he will always be in touch with his children, who will probably ask at some point if I was ‘dating’ their father while their mother was still alive.

I don’t want to be a pariah when the day comes when his wife passes away.

“Would it be reasonable or fair of me to tell him that unless I can be part of his life now, i.e. visit his wife in the facility and not be hidden from his children, I cannot go on this way?

“If I cannot go to the facility, then perhaps

Solution:

Pancake. Photo: Courtesy of The Zuri Pet Rescue

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 14

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Southern Section Rolls Out New High School Playoff Groups Governing body implements new competitive equity-based system

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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he high school sports postseason will have a different look next fall, as the CIF Southern Section, the prep sports governing body in the Southland, released its much-anticipated new fall sports playoff groupings on June 17.

The groupings are the result of a dramatic re-structuring of the way programs are evaluated and placed come playoff time and are now based off a power rankings-style point system that separates programs into several divisions based on past performance, strength of schedule and postseason performance.

The new competitive equity-based system was approved by the CIF-SS in January and will take effect in the fall.

Football, boys water polo, girls tennis and girls volleyball are the fall sports that will be affected by the change. New playoff groupings for winter and spring sports will be released later in the year.

Under the old playoff structure, teams in one league played against their league counterparts in the postseason. Now, each individual team has been placed in a division (separate from their regular season league) that it will compete in in the playoffs. For example, the San Juan Hills High School football team has been placed in Division 3 for the upcoming season. The Stallions will compete in the South Coast League against the likes of San Clemente (Division 2) and Mission Viejo (Division 1). The three teams will still play each other in the regular season but would not see each other in the postseason.

The CIF-SS used a points-based system to create the new playoff divisions. The system factors in a team’s regular season record, strength of schedule and playoff performance over a two-year period. The CIF-SS used results from the 2014 and Page 16

2015 seasons to create the new divisions for the 2016 fall season. Once the 2016 season is over, the 2014 results will no longer be used in the calculation and the CIF-SS will compile new data and restructure the divisions annually.

Not every sport used the same power rankings formula. One of the three determining factors could be weighed more favorably depending on the sport.

In a slideshow presented to CIF-SS member-schools earlier this year, CIF-SS commissioner Rob Wigod stated that the No. 1 issue, and cause for the new system, was the need for a level playing field across the board for all sports.

All sports, except football, will continue awarding playoff spots to programs under the old model. All four-member leagues will have two guaranteed playoff bids and five- to six-member leagues will get three guaranteed playoff entries. The CIF-SS will still utilize wild card games and/or at-large berths to fill standard 32-team brackets. For football, each playoff grouping will feature a 16-team bracket. Football league champions and runners-up will receive automatic playoff entries in fourto five-member leagues.

The St. Margaret’s football team will compete in the CIF-SS Division 7 playoffs. Photo: Courtesy

A lot of offseason chatter has focused on the football realignment and potential postseason matchups. But San Juan Hills head coach Aaron Flowers said his program’s approach will continue to be focusing on whoever is on the other side of the ball come game time.

“We don’t look at it as that big of a change,” Flowers said. “If you end up being good, you’re going to end up playing good teams. (The CIF-SS) put a lot of time and effort into this and when I look at it, it seems like everything makes sense.”

JSerra Catholic will remain in Division 1 (formerly Pac-5 Division). St. Margaret’s Episcopal made a noticeable jump and will now compete in Division 7 after competing in Division 13 in 2015. Saddleback Valley Christian also made a large leap and was placed in Division 8, up from Division 13 in 2015. Capistrano Valley Christian will be in Division 11, up from Division 13 in 2015. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

A New Playing Field Disabled studentathlete Kendall Stier wins inaugural state shot put event

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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hen she was in second grade, Kendall Stier’s teacher asked her a question that remains etched in her memory to this day.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” the teacher asked.

It is a question one hears often in life but Stier has always issued the same reply.

“I want to be a Paralympian,” Stier responded.

Stier, 15, was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that impairs motor function. It can be a major hindrance for anyone with such lofty, athletic goals. But despite her disability, Stier is on track to make good on her childhood dreams.

Before the start of the 2016 high school track and field season, the CIF—the prep sports governing body in the state—declared that disabled student-athletes would be allowed to compete in certain track and field and swimming events for the first time ever.

As a freshman at Saddleback Valley Christian School, Stier joined the Warriors track and field team and decided to compete in the seated shot put event.

It only took Stier a few months before she found herself in Veterans Memorial Stadium in Clovis, competing in front of thousands of people at the CIF State Track and Field Championships, where she took

Kendall Stier chalks up her hands in preparation for shot put training. Stier, who has cerebral palsy, is the reigning CIF State seated shot put champion. Photo: Steve Breazeale

home first-place in girls seated shot put and set a state record with her 11-foot-3inch throw in the finals.

Stier has been invited to compete in the upcoming Angel City Games, one of the largest Paralympic competitions on the West Coast, in Los Angeles on July 7 and will head to Madison, Wisconsin, to compete in the National Disabled Junior Olympics one week later.

It’s been a whirlwind ride for Stier, who originally joined the track and field team because she wanted the opportunity to finally compete alongside her twin sister, Madison.

Kendall grew up watching Madison play sports and got involved whenever she could. Kendall took up cheerleading and soccer, but always felt like she couldn’t reach her full potential in those activities.

It wasn’t until she discovered shot put that she found her true calling.

Kendall Stier will head to regional and national track and field events this summer to compete in the seated shot put event. Photo: Steve Breazeale

The Capistrano Dispatch June 24-July 7, 2016

“I was just very strong at it. I had no weaknesses and since it was seated shot put I didn’t have my legs to hold me back like other sports,” Stier said. “But since my arms are so strong shot put just felt good.”

Shot put is a sport that involves strength, coordination, balance and timing—factors that Stier had to master while performing on her custom-made throwing seat, which was welded together by local Wounded Warriors from Camp Pendleton in San Clemente. When she throws, Stier is strapped in and the chair is tethered to the ground to prevent it from toppling over.

When she is ready to throw, Stier grips the nearly six-pound metal ball and braces her body for what’s to come next.

Stier cannot use much of her lower body strength because she is seated, which means her upper body needs to work double time in order to heave the ball as far as possible. She grips a pole that is welded to her chair with her left hand, the ball tucked against her neck with her right. She doesn’t rotate back in a hurry, but every move is calculated. She stops at a certain spot on the way back, much like a golfer stopping at the top of a backswing.

Her left arm becomes fully extended, and she is ready to unload her power from the right side. She whips her body back around from where it came and extends her arm and flicks her wrist, sending the ball sailing down the target line.

It’s a repeatable, efficient move that has brought her so much success that she is eyeing a new dream. Stier wants to catch the eye of the USA Paralympic team coaches and qualify for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

A TRAILBLAZING TEENAGER While Stier has found success, she is well aware of the uphill battle that many disabled athletes face on a daily basis.

Page 18

When signing her daughter up for the SVC track and field team, Shannon Stier, Kendall’s mother, learned that the team’s budget could not account for a disabled athlete traveling with the team. Because the stipulation that disabled athletes could participate in 2016 was so new, SVC could not anticipate how many disabled student-athletes would join and did not plan accordingly, Shannon said. Kendall could join the team, but it was going to be an uphill trek if she was going to compete on a consistent basis.

In order for Kendall to compete, there needs to be a certified representative from the school present, so Shannon went to Cerritos College and became a certified para sports coach/consultant and obtained USA Track & Field level 1 certification.

The Stier family had to pay for all of Kendall’s custom-made equipment and Shannon drove, delivered and set up Kendall’s seat at every local track and field meet.

The Stiers, who live in San Clemente, said they are lucky to have the support from the community, which has helped them along the way. But many are not so lucky. Shannon saw several studentathletes compete in seated shot put using barstools or lawn chairs this past season.

Funding, Shannon described, has become one of the major hurdles disabled athletes need to clear if they want to compete.

Shannon and her husband, Mark, have a deal in place with their daughters: If you want to play a high school sport, you have to pay half of your team fees to prove you are dedicated. Kendall ran countless garage sales, sold lemonade and logged hours of pet-sitting in order to raise enough money to meet her half of the bargain Now that the doors are open and they can compete alongside their able-bodied peers, the Stiers are anticipating more and more disabled athletes like Kendall will follow suit.

“It’s tough when you’re the first. We’ve got a lot of bumps and bruises along the way,” Shannon Stier said. “It wasn’t until just now, in 2016, that disabled studentathletes had a chance to take the field.

Most student-athletes want to play in their high school, in front of their peers. They want to have all the accolades, awards and opportunities they would get in college if they succeed.”

Kendall will be doing her part by conducting a clinic at the Angel City Games.

She’s going to share how she trains, prepares and explain her throwing technique. She is looking forward to sharing everything she has learned.

“When I go onto this chair or feel a lot of anxiety, I just think of all those kid’s that also want to do shot put,” Kendall said. “I throw for them because I know that even though it seems dicey now, at some point in the future it’s going to be better. … Everyone is going to make this into a bigger event in the future, I just know it.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com