December 13, 2019

INSIDE: 2019 Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

DECEMBER 13-26, 2019 • VOLUME 17, ISSUE 23

Championship Brand San Juan Hills Football Wins First CIF-SS Title S P O R T S / PAG E 2 6

San Juan Hills football capped a postseason of firsts with the program’s first CIF-SS title with a win in Division 4 over Loyola, 21-15, on Nov. 30. Photo: San Juan Hills Football

Mission Leadership, Docent Society at Odds EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

On Stage at The Coach House: Donavon Frankenreiter GETTING OUT/PAGE 10

thecapistranodispatch.com

2019 Winter Sports Preview SPORTS/PAGE 22

GO TO THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Mission Leadership, Docent Society Volunteers Clash, Part Ways THE LATEST: A dispute between Mission San Juan Capistrano leadership and the Mission Docent Society has resulted in the docent organization being removed from volunteer services at the Mission.

The Docent Society was reportedly dissolved in September, with disgruntled members saying Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams was involved in the dissolution. For years, Docent Society volunteers had given tours at the Mission and had volunteered in other ways.

As of a recent count, 30 of the 99 touring docents had resigned or had chosen not to respond to whether they’re still actively volunteering, according to Karen Kirby, a former Docent Society Education Committee member.

Maria Salcido-Nelson, who was an active touring docent for six years, said the Docent Society has helped the Mission.

“The Society has always served to educate, inform and guide the children that came to learn about Mission life,” Salcido-Nelson said. “We have served the Mission as a Society for over 38 years. It’s with a heavy heart that the camaraderie and love for the Mission and children has been tarnished.”

Adams said disgruntled Docent volunteers “want to run the Mission rather than serve the mission of the Mission,” saying the Mission is focused on its preservation, Christmas programming, education efforts, serving low-income students and other goals.

“Despite being a historic place, however, we all need to change how we do things from time to time. I do not think length of time doing something is an acceptable excuse to not change,” Adams said. “Length of time doing something wrong, in other words, doesn’t validate behavior that can be better or more impactful or more inclusive.

“I wish we could make everyone happy, but we can’t. There’s just a lot of other important things that we can be doing for the betterment of the community than being mired in outdated notions of history and representation.”

The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

Mission San Juan Capistrano leadership and the Mission Docent Society are at odds after the Docent Society organization was reportedly removed from volunteer services at the Mission. Photo: Collin Breaux

Adams said she respects everyone’s past contributions, but the Mission is a professional organization “trying to do the right thing for the good of all,” and if disgruntled volunteers “got on board, there would be no issue.”

The matters raised by disgruntled docents were “disruptive, personal, petty grievances,” and the Mission does not discuss personnel matters, Adams said.

Helen Gavin, a member of the Docent Society for 32 years, said the Docent Society and its members never wanted to run the Mission and that the aim of the Society was educating and informing visitors about Mission San Juan Capistrano.

“The docents have been more than willing to change, as that is how the Society has lasted for 38 years,” Gavin said. “It is not a question of making ‘everyone happy,’ but it is the poor and what I believe to be disrespectful treatment of the majority of the Mission’s volunteers that has caused docents to present their concerns.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Docent Society member Peg Hyland said there has been talk of members still working in other ways.

“There are other places to be a docent,” Hyland said. “I don’t know what we’ll do.”

The Docent Society had its own charter and bylaws, Docent Society members said.

Adams said the Docent Society was never independent of the Mission.

Student field trip tours are continuing uninterrupted, and the Mission has more than 200 other volunteers, Adams said.

—Collin Breaux

Putuidem Village Plans Moving Forward THE LATEST: Plans for the Putuidem Cultural Village at the Northwest Open Space are moving forward after the San

Juan Capistrano City Council approved revised plans during a regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

The village will pay tribute to the Native American Acjachemen tribe on a portion of the area. Features of the Putuidem Village will include entry wood gates, picnic tables, interpretive and directional signage, portable restrooms, and native plants.

Estimated total construction costs are $1.53 million, and funding will come from several sources, including community facility district bonds.

City officials had asked several questions about the project and Northwest Open Space, including the proximity to railroad tracks and how to handle the possibility of encampments being set up there. The possibility of reaching out to the Orange County Transportation Authority about safety measures was mentioned.

Mayor Troy Bourne, who replaced former Mayor Brian Maryott during a city council reorganization earlier in the meeting, asked how to secure the site and keep people from sleeping there and destroying amenities. Bourne said he did not want concerns to be interpreted as a lack of support for moving forward with the village project.

“The park will be operated and managed the same as the other city parks, so it will be maintained by city staff. We do not have dedicated security,” City Manager Ben Siegel said. “If there are issues, the sheriff’s deputies would respond based on a call. We’re not budgeting any additional (money) for security. That is a very legitimate concern. I share those concerns when I see some of the amenities.”

Other parks are available at night and experience similar issues, Siegel said.

Maryott said people should not get sidetracked by the possibility of encampments,

Page 3

as homelessness continues in San Juan Capistrano and surrounding areas.

“It’s such a great park. We wouldn’t take back any of the parks we have now,” Maryott said. “It’s a tough thing for everybody involved, but I don’t want to let it start to manage us in terms of the amenities we look for, for residents.”

Resident Kerry Ferguson said the coming village will offer something for everyone.

“This is not just something for a few families, although we have a lot of families who are directly related to that space. It’s something for our children and grandchildren,” Ferguson said. “I think this is going to be like Los Rios Park and the gardens there. Think how much we’ve learned from seeing those gardens.”

The council also approved a code amendment permitting existing uses of the Northwest Open Space in general, including the dog park and equestrian facilities, as well as the winery and weddings with A Stone’s Throw Winery at the historic Swanner House.

“A lot of these uses have kind of crept in without necessarily the full review process that would have happened if they had been done in conformance with zoning changes,” Bourne said.

Only uses spelled out in the code amendment are permitted, and the code amendment does not include “glamping,” an issue that caused concern with some citizens.

WHAT’S NEXT: Advertising for construction for the Putuidem Village project will begin in January 2020, with a construction contract potentially being awarded in the spring. Construction could take two to four months, with project completion possible in time for summer.—CB

Business Owners Call for Signage During Construction THE LATEST: Small business owners in the Los Rios Historic District are calling for signage to direct people to the area while construction continues on Verdugo Street.

The construction has blocked off parts of downtown San Juan Capistrano, though some walking paths remain open. Damian Orozco, owner of The Tea House, said while he is fully supportive of the Verdugo Street project and called it a long time coming, signage could improve traffic flow and help downtown visitors get to Los Rios Street.

Orozco urged customers to not get discouraged with parking issues.

“We are working on it as business owners, neighbors, the city,” Orozco said.

(Cont. on page 4) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) Luis Santiago, owner of Las Catrinas, said business has been affected, and sales have been down during construction.

Santiago said business is important with the holidays coming up. More visible signage directing people to the Los Rios area and local businesses could convince people to stop by, Santiago said.

“We want them to come here,” Santiago said.

While The Tea House tends to be fully booked for reservations, businesses that rely on walk-ins and foot traffic might not be so fortunate during the construction.

Los Rios business owners recently met with city officials to discuss signage and other topics related to the construction.

“I felt very respected by the city when we met with them,” Orozco said.

In an email to The Capistrano Dispatch on Dec. 3, City Manager Ben Siegel wrote they appreciate the concerns of the downtown business owners and are committed to doing everything they can to mitigate the impacts of construction.

“Based on feedback from business owners, staff is working to install new wayfinding signs this week, which should help navigate pedestrians from Camino Capistrano and Verdugo Street to the Los Rios Historic District businesses,” Siegel wrote. “Additionally, we are working to secure additional public parking during the busy holiday season through an agreement with a nearby landowner.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Construction for the beautification project began in October, and the project is anticipated to be completed by spring 2020. For more information on the project, visit the city website at sanjuancapistrano.org.—CB

Stop Sign Approved for Stallion Ridge Intersection THE LATEST: During a regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the San Juan Capistrano City Council approved a proposed three-way stop sign at the intersection of Stallion Ridge and a San Juan Hills High School private road.

The city received a request from the Capistrano Unified School District for traffic control help on three legs of the intersection, and the road is reportedly used for student drop-offs and pick-ups, even though CUSD discourages it. The road provides access for faculty and staff only. Traffic gets heavy during schoolday mornings and afternoons, an agenda report stated.

“I’m for it,” Councilmember Brian Maryott said. “It’s a tough area.”

The stop controls will be installed on a six-month trial basis.

“We don’t know if this is going to work or not,” City Manager Ben Siegel said. “What I’ve typically experienced is The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

when you add some type of traffic control, people behave in some ways you can predict and some ways you can’t predict, which is why we’re proposing this on a trial basis only.”

Traffic on the road is anticipated to increase when construction of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints facility nearby is completed, according to city officials.

Under a joint-use agreement between CUSD and the facility, high school students will be allowed to park in the church parking lot east of the road during school hours, city records state. The stop sign will be monitored to determine its effectiveness and effects on traffic congestion during the trial period. Findings and a recommendation to the council on whether to keep the stop signs will be presented afterward.

Councilmember Derek Reeve said he agreed with nearby communities that the stop sign is “a little bit of overkill” since it’s not needed in most situations.

“If we’re going to have a stop sign, and if it works, the only thing I would request is we have staff look into some sort of alternative—a blinking red light or what have you—that only works during that alleged 30-minute period where it’s needed,” Reeve said. “But, of course, we won’t know that until we have a stop sign there first.”

Estimated costs to install the stop signs and pavement markings are approximately $4,000, and there is “sufficient funding” available for those costs.—CB

Ongoing Litigation Extends to 2020 with Possible Settlement for OC Transportation Agencies THE LATEST: As 2019 wraps up, a classaction lawsuit stemming from a 2015 complaint against two Orange County transportation agencies is still pending litigation—with a potential settlement costing millions.

The suit alleges that the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and the companies contracted for customer service and fee collections misused personal identifiable information (PII) of customers and motorists, such as license plates, and exploited those who failed to pay tolls upon use.

The plaintiffs, various California motorists, detail instances in which their failure to pay one-time tolls online resulted in thousands of dollars in penalty fees, car liens, car repossessions, and damaged credit. One plaintiff’s toll fees added up to roughly $3,500, with toll evasion penalty fees adding up to about $55,000.

“The conversion to a cashless system was deceptively and negligently designed and implemented by defendants to cause

People walk through Los Rios Street. Business owners on Los Rios are calling for signage to direct people there during construction on Verdugo Street. Photo: Collin Breaux

a radical increase in violations (and thus revenue) for defendants,” the complaint states. “Defendants have exploited the statutory scheme under which the toll roads were authorized in California to ensnare unsuspecting California commuters in a confusing maze. This exploitation has exposed how untenable the statutory scheme is.”

The class action seeks damages and injunctive relief (court order for the defendant to stop a specified act or behavior), based on arguments that the defendants had violated the Excessive Fines and Due Process Clauses of the U.S. Constitution, as well as similar rights within the state Constitution.

“Any argument that the TCA violates the prohibition on excessive fines just by assessing proportionally larger penalties must fail,” the judge ruled. “…the evidence shows that TCA doesn’t systematically require payment of the full amount of all penalties assessed.”

Kit Cole, a spokesperson for the TCA, says she is unable to comment on pending litigation, but did say that it was unfortunate that government agencies are having to use taxpayer and toll payer money on lawsuits of this nature.

Despite several mediation meetings, including one 19-hour settlement meeting that lasted until 4:30 a.m., settlement has yet to be officially made.

According to transcripts of a motion hearing in August for the In Re Toll Roads Litigation, the TCA, 3M and BRiC-TPS LLC had reached a settlement in principal with the plaintiffs. OCTA, however, had not.

3M and BRiC, former and current contracted companies with TCA, respectively, were hired to conduct transaction management, customer service and violation processing on behalf of the TCA.

Page 4

“We have never been opposed to attempting settlement. We’ve had several conversations with the plaintiffs about the possibility of a settlement,” said Lois Bobak, an attorney representing OCTA. “…As a practical matter, there are things that would be very difficult to change in the way that roads operate. It’s likely we’re going to continue to go to the DMV to get addresses. We’re going to continue to send information to car rental companies when one of their vehicles violates.”

Bobak added that OCTA would not want to enter into a settlement if there was going to be another class-action lawsuit in the future, making the same arguments.

“The plaintiffs are somewhat constrained in the ability to give us that relief because they’ve got other lawsuits pending in other jurisdictions making the same claims,” Bobak said.

Helen Zeldes, the lead attorney representing the plaintiffs, told the judge that the plaintiffs were in the very early stages of settlement with the TCA. “One thing I will mention is the TCA (Board of Directors) needs to approve the settlement agreement,” Zeldes said during that motion hearing, adding that she saw no harm in pushing the next hearing 60 days out to let the parties finalize their agreements.

The TCA Board of Directors met on Oct. 10, and in closed session, approved the settlement agreement.

OCTA officials stated they were unable to comment since the lawsuit is ongoing. Picket Fence Media made multiple attempts to obtain comment from plaintiffs and their legal team.

As for a future court date, the matter is scheduled to be heard next on Jan. 6, 2020, where the judge will answer key questions posed that may affect future settlement negotiations between the parties—Lillian Boyd thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Students Asked to Participate in Health Survey The Capistrano Unified School District will be asking students in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11 to participate in a voluntary student health and well-being survey.

During a meeting on Nov. 20, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with WestEd, a public nonprofit educational institution that developed the surveys, for the 2019-2020 school year.

The survey gathers information on developmental support, school safety, student health, and other topics, though children are not required to take the survey, according to a letter to parents from the district.

The survey has been administered in the past several school years.

The survey is anonymous, with no names recorded or attached to the forms or data, and will be administered between January 21 and February 13 during class time, the letter said.

The District will provide presentations

for parents who want more information about the survey and how the information is used on January 14 from 9-10 a.m. and January 16 from 6-7 p.m. at the District Office, 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano.

Community Meetings

Medical Cannabis Talk Coming Up A talk about the medical uses of marijuana will happen during the San Juan Capistrano Garden Club meeting on January 20.

The meeting starts at 10 a.m. and arrival for coffee starts at 9:30 a.m. The meetings are held at the San Juan Hills Golf Club, the large clubhouse to the right of the bar, at 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. Members are welcome and seating is limited, so all guests must RSVP to gardenclubofsjc@ gmail.com.

Skate Jam Brings Youth, Community Together The fourth Skate Jam on Saturday, Nov. 23, again brought local youth and the community together to celebrate skateboarding and rally behind the idea of a skate park being built in town.

The Skate Jam was held at the San

FRIDAY, DEC. 13

The fourth Skate Jam on Saturday, Nov. 23, again brought local youth and the community together to celebrate skateboarding and rally behind the idea of a skate park being built in town. Photo: Collin Breaux

Juan Capistrano Community Center and hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Skate Park Coalition. Kids rode their skateboards and performed tricks on ramps while their parents and other adults watched.

City officials are also on board with a skate park being built. A concept design was previously presented to and approved by the council, and funding is needed. A subcommittee is looking at the skateboard park, and there have been preliminary conversations with the City of Dana Point about a potential partnership, since an identified site around the San Juan Capistrano sports park borders the neighboring city.

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

Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meets every Tuesday. Because I Love You (BILY) is free and can help parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect).

San Clemente Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. bilysc.org FRIDAY, DEC. 27 The next edition of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

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

EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

The Reserve Offers a Peek at Nature

Events at The Ranch DEC. 13

Hilltop Bar Night & Swirl. Sniff. Sip.

5-9 p.m. The spacious event bar at The Hilltop Club is open every Friday evening, so come grab a drink, then stay to hang out with good friends and close neighbors. This is a Ranch-resident-only event.

65 Esencia Drive, Rancho Mission Viejo.

949.768.1882. ranchomissionviejo.com.

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo offers visitors a peek at nature. The habitat preserve consists of thousands of acres and is intended to help animals and plants thrive, though public programs allow the community to benefit from the open space, too.

Coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands and vernal pools are a few of the preserved habitats, according to a fact sheet. The Reserve has scientific management and land monitoring in place to ensure the area remains intact.

The Reserve stems from a 1990 agreement that Rancho Mission Viejo proprietors voluntarily entered into with wildlife and resource agencies for the preparation of a comprehensive conservation plan, a fact sheet stated. That plan became the Southern Subregional Habitat Conservation Plan, approved in 2007.

Hikes are conducted at The Reserve throughout the year, including ridge to ridge hikes, which Education and Public Programs Manager Leeta Latham called a recreational event.

“It’s a great hike,” Latham said. “When you get to the top of each of the ridges, you get a good view of the reserve.”

Usually, 15 to 20 people participate in a hike.

Hikers get to check out some of the plants near the path, and sometimes wildlife is spotted. Participants get a chance to exercise and see what’s on the trails. Those who participate are usually looking to walk a couple of miles, Latham said.

Students also come out to get a look at

DEC. 14

Holiday Nature Crafting

9-11 a.m. Make Christmas gifts, decorations and whatever else comes to mind while on The Reserve. The creations will come from nature, giving them an earthy and unique touch. The event is for all ages, though participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13. Cost is $5.

The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, 28811 Ortega Highway. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

Trail Clearing and Weeding

The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo offers visitors a peek at nature. Photo: File

The Reserve, with the visits adding to the education they get in a classroom. Some students use binoculars while bird-watching and get a chance to identify insects.

“The biggest thing I think they love about it is the experience in nature,” Latham said.

“It’s all hands-on and interactive.”

The Reserve is also said to be a great spot for astronomy since there isn’t much light pollution. Family astronomy nights for kids and parents to come gaze at and

learn about the stars have been organized.

Astronomers tend to point their telescopes at different points of interest, Latham said.

“I really enjoy the astronomy nights because they’re really relaxing,” Latham said.

There are also summer camp opportunities for kids. Volunteer opportunities are also available to help re-plant native plants, remove invasive plants and other ways of helping. For more information, visit rmvreserve.org.

Proceeds from Turkey Trot Announced

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

R

ancho Mission Viejo anticipates proceeds of $15,000 from the recent Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, which will benefit The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.

The holiday event featured a 5K run and 1K Little Gobbler run.

“Rancho Mission Viejo had a 13% increase in registrations for this year’s Turkey

The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

Trot. Even with the rain, residents and the surrounding community made The Ranch rock rain or shine!” a news release said.

“There were hundreds of 5k runners on race day, with dozens of kids who weathered the storm for the 1k Gobbler run.”

The Reserve is a habitat that offers opportunities for environmental learning and community involvement. Events at The Reserve include hikes, star-gazing and holiday

nature crafting opportunities.

“During the 2018/19 school year, 4,430 students participated in 67 field trips,” the news release said. “Programs are designed to promote hands-on learning through inquiry and investigation in an outdoor classroom.”

Participants had photo opportunities after the run and were encouraged to wear turkey and holiday-themed attire.

Page 7

8-11 a.m. Volunteer to keep The Reserve pristine, quaint and navigable for nature lovers. Work will include handling weeds. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring work gloves if they have them. The event is for ages 10 and up, though participants must be registered by 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 28811 Ortega Highway. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

DEC. 19

Christmas Bird Count

8-11 a.m. The holiday season is more than just family gatherings and presents. It’s also a time to visit The Reserve and see how many birds are out during the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Binoculars and a field guide will be used during the count, which will take place along a private road. Participants will drive from site to site and are asked to wear neutral-colored clothing.

The event is for ages 10 and up, though participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for supporters of The Reserve. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 28811 Ortega Highway.

949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: It’s Not Easy Being Green by Maureen Gebelein

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Collin Breaux, 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.322.4765 debra@wellsadsolutions.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Collin Breaux Senior City Editor, DP Times > Lillian Boyd City Editor, SC Times > Shawn Raymundo Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

Real Estate Sales > Debra Wells (SJC) Multi-Media Assistant > Kendra Burns ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Copy Editor > Randall Youngman

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent

> Traci Kelly (SC) > Debra Wells (SJC)

EDITOR EMERITUS Jonathan Volzke

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 17, Issue 23. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (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 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

Shop at Friends of the Library Bookstore

I

n the song “Bein’ Green,” a well-known frog laments that it is not easy being green.

But with the holidays right around the corner, this seems like a good time of year to talk about how the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library Bookstore can help you have an eco-friendly, green holiday season.

Buy used. The Friends of the Library Bookstore has gently used books. Many families have decided to only purchase used gifts, so the Bookstore is a perfect place to shop. If you visit us, you won’t be disappointed!

Make your own gifts. The FOL Bookstore has books on knitting, sewing, decorating, kitchen and garden gifts and really anything you can imagine. Visit us to get books on gifts you can make for family and friends.

Shop local. Did you know that the FOL Bookstore is the only bookstore in town?

You can certainly reduce miles traveled by visiting us and shopping locally!

Donate. More and more families are celebrating an altruistic holiday and make donations instead of purchasing gifts. The Friends of the Library is a 501 (c)(3), and funds raised go to support San Juan Capistrano Library. We also accept used books, so if you are cleaning up for the holidays, consider donating your used books to us. If IT’S NOT EASY you purchase from AmaBEING GREEN

By Maureen zon during the holidays, Gebelein start at amazonsmile.com and register us as your charity. The Friends of the Library will get .5% of the purchase price, at no extra cost to you. Call us at the Bookstore if you’d like more info on how to

do this.

The Friends of the Library Bookstore is located at 34195-A El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. We can be reached by phone at 949.493.2688. Winter hours are SundayThursday 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. We are closed on Fridays.

Visit our website at sjcfol.com for information or to make an online donation.

All things considered, I guess it’s not that hard bein’ green!

Maureen Gebelein is a resident of San Juan Capistrano and former retired library director at Fullerton Public Library. Currently on the Board of the Friends of the Library, she is passionate about books, reading & literacy! CD

Letters to the Editor

fornia. Small, quaint, intimate, and most importantly, appropriate!

Had the developers who designed these projects been taking an architectural design class and were asked to design a hotel for a very historic four-block city center, and they turned in the complex being built now, or a strip mall next to a noted historic neighborhood, they would have been sent back to the drawing board to design something more appropriate or told to find a new profession, which, by the way, is what those who approved these projects should have said—and they are equally to blame.

Remember, developers are here to make money. Most have no affinity with and no love of this town. And even if they were to have stakes in this town, they often have no respect for the history and spirit of San Juan. If they did, they would never design big hotel complexes and two-story structures anywhere in town, let alone surrounding the Mission or Los Rios.

They are albatrosses that do not fit in San Juan. They are a disgrace to the Mission, to this town, to the Native Americans on whose backs the Mission was built, and to the early inhabitants of Los Rios. Developers are going to finish their projects, take their money and go on to either enhance (because sometimes they do) or destroy another town. Leaving all of us behind to answer the questions, “Where is Los Rios?” “Where is the Mission?”

8-21 edition of The Capistrano Dispatch.

Tom Cavanaugh lays out many of the advantages of trees, including reducing air temperature, trapping dust, pollen and smoke, blocking noise, providing animal habitat, adding beauty to our city, storing carbon and providing oxygen.

I have been urging at the very least to plant boxes of coast live oaks.

I was very pleased that one organization in town, The Ecology Center, has been taking positive action. Please join them in their effort.

The city just approved plans for the Northwest Open Space. I hope the planting of native plants, including trees, will be included as the city goes forward with the plan.

I hope everyone in San Juan Capistrano will include the planting of native plants in their plans for the new year.

WHERE IS THE MISSION? GAIL FAYAD, San Juan Capistrano I originally wrote this almost two years ago. And even though I know it is water under the bridge, I would, however, still like to address the slow, painful unraveling of the historic ambience and history of this town over the years. The changing, as most have noted, of the General Plan to meet the projects rather than forcing the projects to adhere to the General Plan.

I shudder at the thought of someday tourists coming up to us and asking, “Where’s the Mission?” And we will have to answer, “On the other side of that big building, next to the huge hotel complex.”

Or, “Where’s Los Rios?” And we will have to answer, “Across the railroad tracks next to that big strip mall over there.”

We should never lose sight, either figuratively speaking or literally speaking, of the Mission or of Los Rios. They are our claim to historic fame! They are the reason tourists come here, if only briefly, to be engulfed in history and to take a trip back to yesteryear! They will not leave this town complaining there were no big hotel complexes in town or no strip mall next to the historic neighborhood. Quite the contrary, I am sure they would deem those complexes to be very inappropriate.

Think Fess Parker Inn, Los Olivos, Cali-

TREES AND PLANTS ARE BENEFICIAL LARRY KRAMER, San Juan Capistrano This is a follow-up to Tom Cavanaugh’s excellent letter to the editor in the Nov.

Page 8

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

EDITOR’S NOTE: The San Juan Capistrano City Council recently approved revised plans for the Putuidem Cultural Village at the Northwest Open Space, which includes planting native plants.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. thecapistranodispatch.com

K

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Dark Waters’ Might Be Dark Horse This Season

What’s going on in and around town COMPILED BY STAFF

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to The Dispatch by going to thecapistranodispatch.com, and clicking “Submit an Event”under the “Getting Out” tab.

Friday | 13 LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 7-10 p.m. Enjoy the music of Family Style at San Juan Hills Golf Club. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano.

949.240.1919.

EDITOR’S PICK The Crazy Christmas House & Santa’s Toy Drive is collecting toys for families of the Camp Pendleton USMC IMEF unit. Photo: Kimberly Harden

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18: CRAZY CHRISTMAS HOUSE & SANTA’S TOY DRIVE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Crazy Christmas House & Santa’s Toy Drive will benefit families of the Camp Pendleton USMC IMEF unit. Drop by to donate a new toy, take pictures with Santa, and enjoy cocoa and cookies. Donate through GoFundMe if you’re unable to make it.

31192 Calle Del Campo, San Juan Capistrano.

Saturday | 14 FRUIT TREE CARE AND PRUNING 9-10 a.m. Hosted by UCCE Orange County Master Gardeners. Learn about fruit trees, including selection, pruning, maintenance and diseases. Reata Park & Event Center, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.809.9760. mgorange.ucanr.edu.

AUTOIMMUNE NATURAL HEALTH WORKSHOP Noon-1 p.m. Hosted by Dr. Kari Young with Young Health Solutions. Learn about avoiding common toxins, natural healing and other topics. The workshop can help people who are frequently tired, have an autoimmune or thyroid condition and other conditions. 31401 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 102, San Juan Capistrano.

949.916.8500.

Sunday | 15 FAMILY FUN WOOD WORKSHOP 1-4 p.m. Complete a wood project at AR Workshop. Choose different wood signs or other wood projects and give it a personal touch with paints and colors.

Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy while you engage in hands-on fun.

Register online. 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano.

949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT DOCENT BREWEY 2-5 p.m. Enjoy music by Hot Rod Trio at Docent Brewery. 33049 Calle Aviador, Suite C, San Juan Capistrano.

949.767.8170. docentbrewing.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

Tuesday | 17 AFTERSCHOOL CLUB AT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO LIBRARY 3:30-4:30 p.m. Enjoy a variety of activities, including stories and crafts. For ages 5 and up. 31495 El Camino Real. 949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

Thursday | 19 CHAMPAGNE COWGIRL AND WHISKEY COWBOY CHRISTMAS PARTY 5-8 p.m. Hosted by Wildfire Mercantile.

Enjoy drinks and chili and learn about line dancing from Marie Kelly. Last-minute holiday shopping is also welcome. 26850 Ortega Highway, K, San Juan Capistrano.

949.240.6770. wildfiremercantile.net.

Saturday | 21 WILDFLOWER WONDERLAND 9:30-10:30 a.m. Learn about the upcoming wildflower season at Tree of Life Nursery.

Learn the best spots to check out spring flowers, how to plant seed mixes and what those will bring into a garden. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.728.0685. californianativeplants.com.

Sunday | 22 CHRISTMAS AT OCEANS CHURCH 9 a.m. Oceans Church invites you to a candlelight service with special music.

There will be a photo booth, hot chocolate and other delightful activities. 31571 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano. theoceanschurch.com.

PANNING FOR GOLD 11 a.m.-3 p.m. At Mission San Juan Capistrano. Search for gold in a trough. Recurring event. Visit website for more information and cost. 26801 Ortega Highway.

949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

ADOBE BRICK MAKING 11 a.m.-3 p.m. At Mission San Juan Capistrano. Kids can make their own bricks and learn about the lives of Native Americans at the Mission. Recurring event. Visit website for more information and cost. 26801 Ortega Highway. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

SERRA CHAPEL TOUR 11:15 a.m.-noon. At Mission San Juan Capistrano. Guests can enjoy a private tour of the Serra Chapel in honor of Saint Serra’s 300th birthday. Recurring event. 26801 Ortega Highway. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

Monday | 23 CELEBRATE RECOVERY 6:30 p.m. A Celebrate Recovery ministry for fellowship and to celebrate healing. There will be food, group sessions, worship and recovery help. Saddleback Church Rancho Capistrano, 29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.609.8000. saddleback.com or email celebraterecoveryrc@gmail.com.

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Photo: Mary Cybulsk / Focus Features

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

ilm director Todd Haynes’ Dark Waters is one of those movies you go in expecting to upset you, though hoping it has a satisfying outcome in the end. Unfortunately, this isn’t entirely the case. Based on the shockingly real allegations from the past 60 years, the film centers on Ohio attorney Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) after he gets an unexpected visit at work from local West Virginia farmer Wilbur Tennant (Bill Camp) in 1998.

Wilbur strongly believes, and has possible proof, that the country’s biggest chemical company, DuPont, is willfully dumping a fatal, manmade chemical into the public water, one that is also used in coating cookware and appliances. Bilott then makes it his mission for the next 20 years to fight and stop DuPont, seeking justice for the 3,500 West Virginia plaintiffs who have contracted cancer or birth defects as a result of the Teflon® chemical called PFOA. Unlike a lot of “true story” movies that have a definite conclusion, the story of Bilott vs. DuPont is actually still ongoing. Putting this depressing element aside for a moment, Dark Waters as a film is rather good. Ruffalo’s casting and performance are fitting and carry the film all the way through.

Anne Hathaway appears as basically the “concerned wife” cliché, but she does it very well—and enough for me to think she could deserve some awardsnomination hype. Haynes effectively sets a dramatic tone and atmosphere, but it doesn’t come across as preachy or over-the-top in their narrative. There are a couple of moments of comic relief that don’t particularly land, but beyond that, Dark Waters might be the dark horse of this movie season. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

On Stage at The Coach House: Donavon Frankenreiter

Donavon Frankenreiter is performing at The Coach House on Dec. 27-28. Photo: File

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C

ome Dec. 27-28, Donavon Frankenreiter will perform at The Coach House, a venue where he previously saw performers including Willie Nelson and B.B. King.

“I’ve watched a million shows at The Coach House,” Frankenreiter said. “It’s a great place to go to.”

Frankenreiter grew up surfing in California, a lifestyle that influenced the sound of his music, and he now lives in Hawaii.

He recently released the album Bass & Drum Tracks, the songs on which are exactly what the title describes, instrumental and sparse re-workings of earlier songs mixed in with new tracks. The opening track, “Big Wave,” can feel like it’s slowly creeping up on the listener in the way it builds a pace while maintaining a low-key vibe.

The upcoming San Juan Capistrano stop is part of The Record Player Tour, on which Frankenreiter and associate Matt Grundy will play the album live, along with some new songs.

“It’s really fun,” Frankenreiter said.

“We’ve been looking forward to it.”

Frankenreiter said he didn’t know if Bass & Drum Tracks would work as an album and called the experience “kind of nerve-wracking,” since there’s a tendency to go with the natural flow of a song once you start playing one. He wanted to rerecord songs and didn’t want to find the masters of past tracks.

He feels the bass and drums are the basis of every song.

“I made it for people to jam to. Bass &

The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

Drum Tracks was a tool we were making to do something new,” Frankenreiter said.

Frankenreiter isn’t sure how to describe his music for people unfamiliar with it, saying there are acoustic and electric parts while mentioning he doesn’t like analyzing what he does. One could say his music has an intimate and rustic feel, such as during the song “Woman” from his 2015 album The Heart.

“Don’t be a fool, woman, I’m in love with you,” Frankenreiter softly croons on the song.

The Coach House, where attendees can have a drink and a meal and be right up close to the stage when musicians perform, is a home away from home for Frankenreiter. He mentioned how the walls are adorned with autographed pictures of other musicians who have performed there in the past. Frankenreiter also recalls seeing Gov’t Mule and Leon Russell at The Coach House.

“There’s not anything like it in the area,” Frankenreiter said. “You love to have a room that has incredible history like that.”

The Coach House shows will be a kickoff of sorts for The Record Player Tour, because Frankenreiter will head to San Diego County, Ventura County, and elsewhere afterward.

Tom Curren and Sidney Bowen will also perform. The two will fit in well with the concert and area, as Curren has experience surfing while Bowen is from Orange County, according to biographies. Visit thecoachhouse.com or call 949.496.8930 for ticket prices and more information. CD

Page 10

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS FRIDAY, DEC. 13 Dana Point Symphony Orchestra 3rd Annual Holiday Concert

7:30 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony marks its return for a ninth season with its third holiday concert program. The symphony will perform Hallelujah Chorus, Lord Nelson Mass and other holiday favorites. Purchase your tickets at danapointsymphony.com. St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 33866 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point. 949.542.6282.

A Christmas Together Tour

7 p.m. The San Clemente Community Center hosts the 9th annual “A Christmas Together” tour. A tour that promotes the group over the individual, celebrates Jesus’ birthday through story and song, and seeks to help Christian artists care for the needs of their families during the holidays. San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. achristmastogether.com for tickets and more information.

SATURDAY, DEC. 14 Holiday Nature Crafting at the Reserve

9-11 a.m. Enjoy a cool, winter morning creating treasured keepsakes and personalized gifts made from natural and recycled materials. Take a walk around the area to look for natural treasures for winter plant bundles. Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.

The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

Gingerbread House-Making

10-11 a.m. Bring your children to Casa Romantica for the traditional holiday craft of building gingerbread houses. Limited spaces available; reservations are required. This event is appropriate for children ages 6 and up. A parent or guardian must be present for the duration of the class. Please register only your participating child. Tickets are $12 per person. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.com.

Meet the Grinch

11 a.m.-1 p.m. The mean one will be at ZOOMARS Petting Zoo as part of the zoo’s Christmas Wonderland activities. Head out to the zoo to see the Grinch engage in escapades and ring in the holiday season.

ZOOMARS Petting Zoo, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.831.6550. zoomars.com.

Adaptive Freedom Foundation Santa Paddle

10 a.m.-noon Spend the day creating life changing experiences for both individuals with disabilities and their family and friends through use of a WASUP (Wheelchair Adapted Stand-Up Paddle) boards. The WASUP board secures a wheelchair onto a paddle board and provides the opportunity to get out on the water. Hot cocoa, snacks and Santa hats will be provided. Holiday gear is encouraged. Check in will be at 10 a.m. and paddling out together is at 10:30.

Hosted by the Adaptive Freedom Foundation. Baby Beach, 34445 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. 714).465.6001. eventbrite.com for tickets and more information.

(Continued)

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Pancake B reakfast w ith Santa

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sit on Santa’s lap, eat some breakfast and take a picture at The Jailhouse Cafe in San Clemente. The first 20 children will get a gift. $5 for prepaid tickets by Dec. 13, $7 at the door. Tickets include pancakes and hot chocolate and can be bought at the cafe. The Jailhouse Café, 111 W. Avenida Palizada, San Clemente. 949.212.9448. breakfastsanclemente.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15 Merry Monarch Celebration

3-5 p.m. Celebrate the season and support Capistrano Unified School District students at Monarch Beach Resort. There will be student performances, hot cocoa and cookies, visits with Santa Claus and a holiday tree lighting. One hundred percent of ticket sales will benefit music program in the district.

Tickets may be purchased at the door for cash only. One Monarch Beach Resort , Dana Point. 949.234.3900. Visit bit.ly/MerryMonarch2019 to purchase tickets in advance.

V isit Wi th Santa

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kris Kringle and Mrs. Claus will be at the ZOOMARS Petting Zoo Mini Christmas Tree Farm to hear what

(Cont.)

kids want for Christmas. St. Nick will visit with the animals. ZOOMARS Petting Zoo, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.831.6550. zoomars.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 19 Christmas B ird Count at the Ranch

8-11 a.m. Join experienced birders for the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them, though there will be plenty to borrow. Ages 10 and up. Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 31-JAN. 1 New Y ear’ s at San Ju an Hills Golf Club

8 p.m.-1 a.m. Ring in the New Year at San Juan Hills Golf Club, with a DJ and a special guest band. The event will feature tapas, appetizer stations and a champagne toast.

Tickets are $120 per person. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1167. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

Cool Picks

gift ideas for everyone on your list AWARD WINNING SALON Book your Holiday Appts now Brush Salon 31770 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano • 949.496.8800 brushsalon.com

GIFT CARDS FOR A ONE HOUR MASSAGE Mention this ad for $10 off 2 or more gift cards The Massage Associates 31952 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano • 949.489.7924 themassageassociates.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Where Do All Those School Names Come From?

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the final part in a three-part series. The first part was published in the Nov. 8 edition.

W

ill Bathgate’s son William A. (Billy) Bathgate was born and raised in San Juan Capistrano.

He served in the Army Air Corps in WWII, when he was still in high school. After the war, he returned to high school, graduating as class valedictorian, and later earned a degree in mechanical engineering from USC. He married Ann (Pat) Millsap in 1957.

When San Juan Capistrano became a city in 1961, Billy became one of the first councilmen and served as the second mayor of the new city. He was also known for his Christmas trees and was the only local grower of Fuyu persimmons. Pat Bathgate was a founding member of the San Juan Community Task Force. Bathgate Elementary School is named after Billy and Pat. They were also the Swallows Day Parade Grand Marshals in 1997. One of their daughters, Diane, went on to become a city councilmember and mayor of San Juan Capistrano, following in her father’s footsteps.

John Malcom graduated from USC, where he was a member of the baseball team, captain of the football team, president of both the student body and the senior class in 1912, member of Phi

Alpha fraternity, on the debating team and active in the YMCA and Literary Society.

While he was teaching at Anaheim High School during WWI, he was given an honorary commission as Major of Cadets of California at Anaheim High School by the governor of California. Like something out of a Hollywood movie, Malcom married the daughter of the USC president in 1916.

They had met when both were students.

Of course, he was the captain of the football team! In 1920, Malcolm came to San Juan Capistrano and became the first principal of the Capistrano Union High School, where he served for 37 years. He also taught history, Spanish and athletics. He served as President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of Orange County, was on the original board of the San Juan Boy Scouts and was President of the San Juan Rotary Club.

During WWII, he was manager of the Conservation Corps for San Juan Capistrano. At the time of his retirement in 1957, Malcom was acting superintendent of the MOMENTS school district. Several IN TIME years after his death, the

By Jan Siegel Capistrano Unified School District named Malcom Elementary School in Laguna Niguel in honor of his devotion and service to the education of youth in the community.

Aaron Buchheim, the father of Carl and Larry Buchheim, came to Capistrano Beach in 1903, purchased 400 acres of land from the Oyharzabals, became the largest wheat grower in the region and pioneered in the citrus industry. He was a member of the San Juan Capistrano School District Board and instrumental in the formation of the original Orange County Fair. Carl and Larry Buchheim had a 200-acre ranch on which they grew oranges. When San Juan Capistrano was incorporated in 1961, Carl was elected to the first city council and

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

BY MYLES MELLOR

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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 Solution:

T

The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

Newhart, John and Lucille Janton, and Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Harvey. The property contained both a restaurant and a gas station, with the wives running the diner and the men pumping gas. In 1960, the restaurant moved to a larger location at 26917 Ortega Highway just east of the Mission. Newhart Middle School in Mission Viejo is named for him.

H.L. (Les) Remmers was a prominent vegetable grower and businessman in San Juan Capistrano. He was president of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary and on the first board of the San Juan Historical Society.

Les also wrote on local history for the Coastline Dispatch.

The Community Presbyterian Church has put together a book on the history of the church to celebrate the 100th anniversary. The information in this article is based on the book. Two things bring all of these people together. One is their deep faith. The other is their commitment to the community of San Juan Capistrano.

During the holiday season take a “Moment in Time” to share your faith, your family, and our amazing community. Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Jan Siegel was a 33-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and now resides in the neighboring town of Rancho Mission Viejo.

She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years, has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 26 years and is currently the museum curator for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Ted hree-month-old Ted is looking for a place he can finally call his own. A shy little kitten, Ted will need some reassurance from his new family in the beginning and would best settle in a quiet home environment.

If you would like to know more about Ted, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. CD

became the first mayor. Larry was a trustee in the high school district and a member of the San Juan Planning Commission before being appointed to the city council in 1978 and voted mayor in 1992. Larry was known for his famous beans, which he prepared each year for the San Jun Capistrano Historical Society annual BBQ. Carl was Grand Marshal of the Swallows Day Parade in 1986; Larry followed in 1992.

Carl Hankey traded one-half acre of his newly discovered oil land for 22 acres of land in San Juan Capistrano in 1919. The property had a Victorian cottage. In 1993, the house was scheduled for demolition, but was moved, renovated and preserved.

Today, that house is listed on the Inventory of Historic and Cultural Landmarks in San Juan Capistrano. Hankey grew oranges and became the Vice President of the Santiago Orange Growers Association, which by 1929 was the largest Valencia packing house in America. He also grew beautiful gladiolas and in 1933 at a flower show, he won the sweepstakes award for the state of California and the bronze award for the entire United States. He was elected president of the Capistrano Union High School Board in 1954. Carl Hankey Middle School in Mission Viejo is named for him.

Harold Ambuehl moved to San Juan Capistrano in 1949. He became a teaching principal at San Juan School, the oldest public school in Orange County. He retired in 1972, after serving as principal and principal/superintendent of the San Juan School District until it merged with the new Capistrano Unified School District. He was considered one of the most experienced and respected educators in the School District. In 1977, Harold J. Ambuehl Elementary School in San Juan Capistrano was named for him.

In 1946, three Long Beach cops and their wives opened the Walnut Grove restaurant at 32065 State Highway 101 (now Camino Capistrano) in San Juan Capistrano. The owners were Fred and Lorraine

Ted. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

Page 19

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Christmas in San Juan Capistrano

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in San Juan Capistrano.

The holiday season kicked off on Saturday, Dec. 7, with a Christmas tree lighting and holiday events around town.

The City of San Juan Capistrano held a tree lighting at Center Park, which filled the area with kids, parents and community members. Along with festive lights, the ceremony featured musical performances and school and military organizations selling treats to raise money.

Mission San Juan Capistrano also hosted its own event with an opening night for Capistrano Lights, a holiday celebration held on the historic grounds of one of the town’s most notable places.

The opening night featured musical performances, hands-on arts and crafts activities, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and other seasonal events.

Capistrano Lights continues into January. Visit capistranolights.com for additional dates and more information. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch November 22-December 12, 2019

Page 20

thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE—SAT. DEC. 14TH 421 Calle Empalme 8am – 11am. Camping gear, some furniture , antiques, odds and ends.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT Part-time Office Assistant- Flexible daytime hours. Office work, Mailing Duties. Must live locally San Juan Capistrano. Send resume with the subject line “Office Assistant” to info@elitemedlistings.com HELP WANTED: LIVE IN COMPANION Elder lady looking for a female live-in companion to help with light house chores and transportation. Free room included.

Call 858-486-3221

FOR SALE RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE (TYPE 47) Type 47 Restaurant Liquor License for sale.

Text or call for details 949.510.9724

OTHER STUFF SEEKING LIFESAVER My name is Ken Wilshire. I’m looking for a woman named Diane, who lived in Capistrano Beach in 1994. She was instrumental in saving my life on 11/04/1994. She was approximately 5’6 with reddish hair and a lot of freckles.

She also had breast implants. She would now be in her late 50’s or early 60’s. Call with any info (913)850-3308.

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano area? *2.1 readership per 11,500 copies distributed

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

Page 21

thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

2019 San Juan Winter Sports Preview

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

s we count down the days to the holidays, the winter sports season is well underway across the CIFSouthern Section.

In our annual preview, we highlight a handful of the winter sports programs at San Juan Capistrano’s five high schools from the court, to the field, to the pool and to the mat as teams enter the tournament season while looking ahead to league play on the other side of the new year.

For in-game updates, news and more for all of the SJC high school sports programs, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SouthOCSports

SAN JUAN HILLS GIRLS SOCCER

There has been a steady progression over the past few seasons for San Juan Hills girls soccer.

The Stallions finished second in the Sea View League in 2016-17, won their first league title in the Sea View League in 2017-18 and played in the South Coast League for the first time last season before advancing to their first CIF-SS quarterfinal.

Now the Stallions, packed with 18 seniors, are looking to make another breakthrough in the South Coast League and possibly beyond.

“Every year, it’s trying to get better,” San Juan Hills coach Farrel Moore said.

“I think they’re a really unique group in that there’s so many of them that have all grown up together. They’re excited to go through this journey together and see it through.”

San Juan Hills was more than competitive in its first season in the South Coast League, but the Stallions lacked the extra scoring touch at times in league play. San Juan Hills scored only six goals in league play—four in one win over Tesoro—and played to five scoreless draws in league, including both games against league champion Aliso Niguel.

Moore believes the extra year of experience and more confidence in front of the goal will help the Stallions get over that hump.

Chico State-bound Mikayla Robertson The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

The San Juan Hills girls soccer team will look for an offensive infusion after five scoreless draws in league last season. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

returns for her senior season after leading San Juan Hills in goals last season.

Moore said that the addition of the dynamic Sophie Wright to the midfield will give San Juan Hills a spark as well.

San Juan Hills opened the season at No. 8 in the Division 1 poll, but fell out after a 1-3 start. However, the Stallions were again close and competitive in 1-0 losses to No. 3 Harvard-Westlake and No. 2 Los Alamitos.

San Juan Hills opens league play at Dana Hills on Jan. 7 and hosts San Clemente on Jan. 9. The Stallions play at Aliso Niguel on

Jan. 11 and host the Wolverines on Jan. 28.

SAN JUAN HILLS GIRLS BASKETBALL

The San Juan Hills girls basketball team was led by senior performers last year in a run to the Sea View League title and to the CIF-SS quarterfinals while posting the program’s second 20-win season.

This season, the Stallions are led by one impact senior and a youth movement that has come to play.

Senior Grace Gentry is a can’t-miss player for the Stallions and is at the front

The JSerra boys basketball team is loaded with talent and will look to make noise in the Trinity League and at the top of the CIF-SS. Photo: Zach Cavanagh Page 22

of their efforts each and every game. San Juan Hills lost its top two scorers to graduation, and Gentry was the third-leading scorer last season. So far, Gentry is averaging a double-double with 16.1 points per game and 13.9 rebounds per game.

Junior Emily Freeman is next up, averaging 9.8 points per game and 4.6 rebounds and leads the Stallions with 19 three-pointers made.

After Freeman, it’s the youth leading the way with three freshmen and a sophomore. Freshman Amanda Edwards is scoring 7.8 points per game, and freshman Lily Sisson is averaging 7 points per game.

Both are shooting 33% on three-point shots.

San Juan Hills has been up and down during the tournament season with a record of 5-4. Curiously, the Stallions are 0-3 when Gentry has scored 20 points or more and 5-1 in more balanced efforts.

San Juan Hills is currently ranked No. 10 in Division 3AA. San Juan Hills opens Sea View League play with two road games at Capistrano Valley on Jan. 7 and at Mission Viejo on Jan. 9. The Stallions host Laguna Hills on Jan. 14 and El Toro on Jan. 16.

JSERRA BOYS BASKETBALL

As it goes for JSerra in plenty of sports, the Lions boys basketball team would thoroughly dominate any other league in Orange County, but they’re in the dogfight that is the Trinity League.

Taking down Mater Dei may be a tough task, but there’s no question that JSerra will make an impact in the Trinity League, with a possible run for an Open Division playoff spot or the top of Division 1.

“We’re always going to compete and put our best foot forward,” JSerra coach Keith Wilkinson said. “Mater Dei has been good for a long dang time, I’ve got a ton of respect for them, but we’re coming after them. We’re going to do everything we can to get into that upper echelon, and I’ll take my group every day of the week.”

The leader of that effort is Utah-bound Ian Martinez. Martinez is averaging well over 20 points a game for the Lions. In addition to being able to leap out of the gym and get to the rim whenever he wants, the 6-foot-7 Martinez has worked on his outside shooting and is a tenacious defender.

“He’s a matchup nightmare. He’s got a chance—and I don’t say this often, because I’ve played with so many good ones—kid’s got a chance to have a future playing in the NBA if he keeps progressing.”

Senior point guard Justin Williams also returns for JSerra to run the offense, and junior guard Max Bowman has shot 50% on three-pointers.

The Lions are also bolstered down low with 6-foot-11, 250-pound senior Francesco (Cont. on page 25) thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 22) Borra from Italy and 7-foot, 205-pound Hugo Clarkin, who has signed with San Jose State.

“I think we’re deeper,” Wilkinson said.

“Last year, we probably were about sevendeep. This year, honestly, we can go 11 or 12 deep and have guys that can really play.”

JSerra is ranked No. 10 in Division 1 and is 7-2 on the season. The Lions continue in the CVCS Eagle Classic this week and the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic after Christmas.

JSerra opens Trinity League play at home against Santa Margarita on Jan. 8.

The Lions play at Mater Dei on Jan. 22 and host the Monarchs in the season finale on Feb. 6.

JSERRA GIRLS SOCCER

The JSerra girls soccer team is the definition of soccer excellence in Orange County, the CIF-SS, California and quite possibly the entire nation.

Last season, the Lions went unbeaten at 22-0-3 to win their third straight CIFSS Division 1 title, second CIF Southern California Regional title in three years and finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today.

Over those three CIF-SS championship seasons, the shining star had been Isabella D’Aquila, a US National Team player with numerous player of the year accolades on the local, state and national levels. With her legendary high school career over and D’Aquila playing in college at Santa Clara, some might wonder if that spells the end of the JSerra dynasty.

Well, not quite.

Outside of D’Aquila, almost all of JSerra’s starters were juniors, so that means the Lions are once again stacked and ready to dominate Southern California.

JSerra’s senior class includes Stanfordbound Samantha Williams and Ryan Campbell, LMU-bound Bella Beltran, UCLA-bound Jordyn Gather, Coloradobound Kendyll Fritts, Utah-bound Kennedy Carter and Santa Clara-bound Rachel Bastone.

JSerra is No. 1 in the CIF-SS Division 1 poll and No. 1 in the USA Today national preseason poll. The Lions are 5-0-0.

Junior Abby Lynch has led the scoring this season with six goals. Carter is right behind with five goals. Williams and junior Presley Easton have three goals each.

JSerra opens Trinity League play at home against Santa Margarita on Jan. 4.

The Lions play at Mater Dei on Jan. 16 and at Santa Margarita on Jan. 21. JSerra closes the season at home against Mater Dei on Feb. 4.

ST. MARGARET’S GIRLS SOCCER

The St. Margaret’s soccer team has new leadership, but a solid core remains from last season’s playoff run to keep the Tartans in position for success.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

The CVC boys basketball team captured its first CIF-SS championship last season, and the Eagles will build off that experience this season. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Last season, St. Margaret’s lost the CIF-SS Division 4 title in a bizarre penalty shootout at La Salle, but the Tartans got revenge in the regional playoffs with a 2-1 win at La Salle for the Southern California championship.

This season, Jenny Anderson-Hammond takes over as head coach after longtime St. Margaret’s coach Johnny Marmelstein stepped down.

The Tartans are experienced, with seniors Juliet Ballard, Campbell Case, Charlotte Jones, Kennedy Barlow, Ella Kang and Jasper Adams leading the way. St. Margaret’s is bolstered by juniors Bryce Chan and Olivia Young, and freshman Liesel Blau is making an impact.

St. Margaret’s is ranked No. 2 in CIF-SS Division 3 and is 1-1-1 on the early season.

The Tartans opened at the Cathedral Catholic Tournament with a 1-0 win over Westview of San Diego, a 3-0 loss to Cathedral Catholic of San Diego, and a scoreless draw against Mt. Carmel of San Diego.

St. Margaret’s is the consensus favorite in the San Joaquin League after a dominant run last year. The Tartans did not allow a goal in league play and outscored their opponents by a collective 43-0 score.

St. Margaret’s opens league play at Southlands Christian on Jan. 7 and at Sage Hill on Jan. 13. The Tartans host Saddleback Valley Christian on Jan. 14 and Sage Hill on Jan. 21.

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS BASKETBALL

Last season was a historic run for the Capistrano Valley Christian boys basketball team, as the Eagles won their first CIF-SS championship and set a program high in wins with 26.

CVC will take a dip after losing three of its top four scorers from last season, but the Eagles still have plenty of talent to compete and youth to continue to build the program.

“It depends on when we click,” CVC coach Chris Childress said. “And if we click at the right time, I think we can make some noise. Right now, I’m just trying to lay the foundation for this group. I think they’re going to be special for years to come.”

Senior Luke Powell is the top returner for the Eagles and is averaging 16.7 points to open the season. Junior Addyson Gbye and sophomore Bence Duka are both averaging double figures with 13.8 points and 11.7 points, respectively.

Duka is the big man at 6-foot-8 and added 10 pounds of muscle over the offseason.

CVC has a strong group of young players, and a standout is 6-foot-7 freshman Athian Athian.

“I think we have a little more balance,” Childress said. “We’re picking it up on the defensive end. We’re trying to guard a

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little better and getting after it.”

CVC is 4-2 and ranked No. 16 in Division 2AA. The Eagles open league play against Saddleback Valley Christian at Mission Viejo High School on Jan. 7. CVC plays SVC again at San Juan Hills High School on Jan. 24.

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN GIRLS SOCCER

The Saddleback Valley Christian girls soccer team is already bouncing back after a disappointing 2018-19 season.

The Warriors went 15-4-1 in 2017-18, but SVC fell to 2-8-1 last season. This season, the Warriors have already doubled their win total at 4-1-0 and have been extremely strong in their wins.

SVC won its first four games of the season: a 5-0 shutout of Tarbut V’ Torah, a 2-1 win at Crean Lutheran, a 6-1 win over Calvary Chapel and a 5-3 win at Whittier Christian.

Senior standout midfielder Alexa Vernola has led the way for the Warriors.

SVC has a tough league, with St. Margaret’s at the top and Sage Hill and Pacifica Christian right behind. However, a strong start could have the Warriors right in the playoff mix.

SVC opens league play against Southlands Christian on Dec. 19. The Warriors play at St. Margaret’s on Jan. 14 and host Sage Hill on Jan. 16. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Championship Brand San Juan Hills wins first CIF-SS football title

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

n the campus of a 154-year-old school, it was the 12-year-old school that made history on Nov. 30.

San Juan Hills senior Joey Hobert scored a rushing touchdown, returned a fumble for a touchdown and blocked an extra point as the Stallions pulled out a victory over Loyola of Los Angeles, 21-15, and captured the program’s first CIF-SS championship in the Division 4 title game at Loyola High School in Los Angeles.

“We worked so hard for this, all the seniors,” Hobert said. “We knew that this was going to be a senior-led team the whole time. Since the last game of last season against Calabasas, we knew we were destined to do something great with this team. We all knew it.”

San Juan Hills (11-4) won its second straight Sea View League championship, first CIF-SS quarterfinal and first CIF-SS semifinal to reach its first CIF-SS championship game and championship. The Stallions beat No. 1 seed Paramount in the semifinals on a dramatic two-point conversion in overtime, 29-28.

“For a lot of schools, either you’ve won

Gold Rush JSerra’s Grover, St. Margaret’s Adelman win state titles

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

wo state champions hailed from San Juan Capistrano schools at the CIF State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 30 at Woodward Park in Fresno.

JSerra senior Anthony Grover cruised to the Division 4 individual title, and St. Margaret’s junior Jackson Adelman took home the Division 5 individual title on the 5,000-meter course.

Grover finished 14 seconds ahead of his competition at 15:03 to capture his third straight state championship. The Wake Forest-bound Grover was coming off his second CIF-SS championship.

Grover had won the CIF-SS Division 4 title with a time of 14:53 on the three-mile Riverside course on Nov. 16.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 13-26, 2019

San Juan Hills football capped a postseason of firsts with the program’s first CIF-SS title with a win in Division 4 over Loyola, 21-15, on Nov. 30. Photo: San Juan Hills Football

year will go down in San Juan Hills lore.”

Frith said one of his keys to the CIF-SS title game was a “championship defense,” and despite some late yards, the Stallions defense showed up, as it had all season.

In the Division 4 championship, Hobert returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and the Stallions got interceptions from James Gaines and Chase Schmidt.

In the regional game, Hobert and Jonah Johnson each pulled in interceptions.

San Juan Hills forced a turnover in 14 straight games and multiple turnovers in 10 games, including the last four playoff games.

“I feel blessed,” senior defensive end Tyler Wegis said. “Senior year, we got to bring the whole team together and made such a large run to the championship. It’s a great opportunity.”

In the CIF-SS title game, San Juan Hills established its game plan and mentality on its first drive of the game. Pinned on their own 1-yard line, San Juan Hills rode senior running back Austin Hogan 13 times on a 16-play, 99-yard drive that was capped with a powerful 9-yard TD run by Hogan.

Hogan led the San Juan Hills offense throughout the playoffs with an average of 126 yards rushing per game and seven rushing touchdowns. Hogan ran for 144 yards on 29 carries in the championship game.

Hobert returned the fumble for a score in the second quarter and scored as “wildcat” quarterback in the fourth quarter.

Schmidt sealed the title with an interception in the end zone with 26 seconds left. CD

a championship or you haven’t,” San Juan Hills coach Rob Frith said after the CIF-SS title game. “For this program, still being such a relatively new school, for us to get this thing done tonight, forever San Juan Hills has won a CIF championship in football. No one can ever take that away from this group.”

The Stallions weren’t done with firsts yet, either, as San Juan Hills played in its first CIF Southern California Regional playoff game on Dec. 6. The Stallions hosted Division 5 champion Aquinas in the SoCal Division 2-AA Regional Bowl.

Aquinas stifled the San Juan Hills offense and dominated time of possession to grind out the win, 24-10, and end the Stallions’ season.

“You had two champions here tonight, playing for the opportunity to get to state,” Frith said after the regional game. “(Aquinas) seized that opportunity. When you get to this point and you lose, you’re still a champion. There’s so much to celebrate.

The legacy that this senior class has left behind will never be forgotten. Even if it’s repeated, there still can only be one first.

This senior class and what they did this

Grover qualified for the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland on Dec. 7, where he ran a time of 15:32 on the 5,000-meter course and finished 21st.

Adelman claimed redemption with his win. He had finished second at last season’s state championships, but his winning time of 15:39 this year was four seconds faster than the eventual runnerup. Adelman paced St. Margaret’s to a second-place team finish.

Adelman also won a CIF-SS championship on Nov. 16 in Riverside. Adelman’s three-mile, personal-record time of 15:20 took the individual title and led St. Margaret’s to a second-place finish.

Adelman qualified for the Foot Locker West Regionals at Mt. SAC on Dec. 7, where he finished 57th with a time of 15:39 on the 5,000-meter course.

The St. Margaret’s girls won their second straight CIF-SS championship on Nov. 16. Freshman Liesel Blau led the Tartans with a second-place finish at 18:05, as four St. Margaret’s runners finished in the top 15.

Blau finished third at the state meet with a time of 18:00. CD

JSerra’s Anthony Grover and St. Margaret’s Jackson Adelman captured state championships on Dec. 7 at Woodward Park in Fresno. Photos: Edna Ermisch and St. Margaret’s

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