January 10, 2020

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

What’s Going On at The Ranch PAGE 8 FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

JANUARY 10-23, 2020 • VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1

Bright Future

Mayor Troy Bourne: 2020 a Big Year for San Juan Capistrano E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 7

Mayor Troy Bourne stands in front of San Juan Capistrano City Hall. Bourne said there will be positive developments for the area in 2020. Photo: Collin Breaux

Local Woman Tied to Murder Investigation EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Live Music Around San Juan

GETTING OUT/PAGE 12

thecapistranodispatch.com

League Play Opens for HS Basketball, Soccer SPORTS/PAGE 18

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 San Juan Capistrano Woman Arrested in Connection With Murder Investigation THE LATEST: Sheila Marie Ritze, 40, of San Juan Capistrano, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact in relation to federal criminal complaints stemming from a first-degree murder charge.

Ritze is one of two defendants, the other being Hoang Xuan Le of Fountain Valley, charged in a case alleging a victim was lured onto a boat in the Dana Point Harbor on Oct. 14 with promises of an overnight fishing trip, according to a Dec. 19 news release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

The victim’s body was recovered from the Pacific Ocean several miles northwest of Oceanside on Oct. 16, the news release said. Le, 38, is charged with first-degree murder.

“Le has confessed to a confidential human source that he took the victim out on the boat, confronted the victim about a debt owed, shot the victim, tied weights to the victim’s ankles, and sank the victim’s body in the ocean,” an affidavit said.

A confidential source is said to have worked with law enforcement and recorded Le allegedly selling narcotics and expressing interest in being hired as a hitman.

Ritze is linked by information showing her phone was allegedly in the location of the harbor at the times the boat left and returned, and by surveillance tapes made at Dana Point Harbor showing three individuals—believed to be Ritze, Le and the victim—when the boat was launched, but showing only Ritze and Le when the boat returned hours later, according to the news release.

“In addition to being one of two registered owners of the boat linked to the murder, Ritze allegedly surveyed surveillance cameras in the area around Dana Point Harbor soon after the murder and purchased a tracking device found after the murder on a vehicle beThe Capistrano Dispatch January 10-23, 2020

A San Juan Capistrano woman pleaded not guilty after being charged with being an accessory after the fact in a first-degree murder case related to the killing of a man during a boating trip originating in Dana Point Harbor. Photo: Collin Breaux

longing to the victim’s girlfriend, according to data retrieved from Ritze’s phone that is outlined in the affidavit,” the news release said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Ritze and Le pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on Jan. 6.

The trial is scheduled to start on Feb. 25, with U.S. District Judge David O. Carter presiding.

If convicted, Le could face a sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, prosecutors said.

Ritze could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.—Collin Breaux

What’s Ahead in 2020 For Capistrano Unified School District?

THE LATEST: A vote on regional bond measures to upgrade schools will be a big topic for the Capistrano Unified School District in 2020, along with other issues, CUSD Board of Trustees President Jim Reardon said during a phone interview.

The bond measures will be on the March 2020 Primary Election ballot and, if passed, will secure educational facility

upgrades and school renovation funds for San Clemente, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, and Laguna Niguel. Classrooms and buildings at San Clemente High School will be renovated, among other upgrades, if voters approve the bond.

“That’s something we are hopeful for, because it addresses some needs,” said Reardon, who was selected as the board president at a December board meeting during an annual trustee reorganization.

Reardon said facility upgrades are necessary, particularly in San Clemente.

Reardon was opposed to a previous districtwide bond measure in 2016 that failed to get enough votes, but he supports the bond measure on the March ballot, because it is split up into various areas based on specific needs.

“I do support this bond, and I think it’s reasonably tailored,” Reardon said. “I’m urging people to vote for this.”

Other developments in play for 2020 include a recent successful negotiation with teachers on a multiyear contract. Reardon said the decision is a big change in direction for CUSD, which was previously in perpetual negotiations.

“The teachers got a reasonable increase in compensation,” Reardon said.

On the educational side, Reardon said a topic expected to come up in public Page 3

meetings—and which has already been discussed in the background—is a mechanism for high school students to get an associate degree while coenrolled in college. The co-enrollment model will be with Saddleback College and will probably take more than a year to come together, Reardon said.

Some students are currently co-enrolled, but there is no official mechanism to facilitate the co-enrollment, and CUSD wants to facilitate co-enrollment so more people can take advantage of it, Reardon said.

Special education is also expected to receive more attention in 2020.

“We’ll see some renewed focus there,” Reardon said.

Further down the road, there will also be elections in November for a number of seats on the Board of Trustees.

“We’ll be switching into election mode come fall,” Reardon said.—CB

OCTA Officially Submits Concerns for Caltrans/TCA Scoping Period THE LATEST: The Orange County Trans(Cont. on page 4) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

(Cont. from page 3) portation Authority (OCTA) has officially submitted its comments on the latest efforts to relieve traffic, in a project known as the South County Traffic Relief Effort (SCTRE).

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in cooperation with the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), is proceeding forward in initiating the environmental phase to conduct more detailed studies regarding proposed routes to relieve traffic.

In October, a memo from OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson explained the agency’s position on the proposed 241 Toll Road extensions through San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

“The efforts leading up to the environmental phase have raised concerns with OCTA,” Johnson said in the report, which was presented during the OCTA’s Regional Planning and Highway Committee meeting on Oct. 6. “These concerns generally focus on a lack of meaningful stakeholder coordination, questionable technical analyses, and conflicts with Measure M2 and other improvements planned by OCTA.” In a Dec. 5 letter, OCTA officially submitted its comments for the public scoping period currently scheduled to close on Feb. 7.

“The SCTRE is not part of the transportation system vision,” the letter states. “The SCTRE project is inconsistent with current transportation system plans and regional transportation planning documents.”

Without adequate development of system and regional plans and meaningful stakeholder input, projects could emerge haphazardly and lacking public support. This creates confusion about the vision for the transportation system, the letter goes on to state.

One of the major concerns OCTA executives has expressed with SCTRE is the possibility that Measure M-funded roadways will be converted to toll lanes.

“If you vote yes (on Measure M2), you expect those tax-funded projects to be built,” Johnson said in a previous interview. “It’s extremely concerning to us, and we take it very seriously that we deliver on our promises.”

In February 2018, OCTA had initiated a project to build six new miles of carpool lanes between San Juan Creek Road and Avenida Pico on I-5. Ideas 11 and 12 would convert Measure M-funded carpool lanes—Avenida Pico to San Juan Creek Road—to HOT lanes.

In a previous statement, TCA had said the agency is aware of OCTA’s concerns.

“TCA has had, and will continue to have, opportunities for robust input from the public and stakeholders, including OCTA,” the statement said.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 10-23, 2020

WHAT’S NEXT: In the scoping period thus far, TCA and Caltrans have hosted three community meetings in San Clemente, Mission Viejo and Dana Point in an effort to educate the public regarding the proposals and to gather input. The 30-day public-comment period has been extended to 90 days, closing on Feb. 7.—Lillian Boyd

Spate of New Laws Goes into Effect THE LATEST: A litany of new laws in California went into effect at the start of this month. Many of those laws address an array of issues related to employment, housing and public safety, among several others.

When it comes to employment and the state’s workforce, many will be seeing a bump in pay as California’s minimum wage increased by another dollar this year. According to the state’s Department of Industrial Relations, employers with a staff of 25 or fewer must pay $12 an hour, while large employers are required to pay $13 an hour.

The state’s minimum wage will continue to gradually increase to $15 an hour for all employers by January 2023.

In January 2017, the hourly minimum wage for those working at businesses with 25 or fewer employees was $10; for those at large companies, it was $10.50.

A new law that Gov. Gavin Newsom enacted in mid-September places new restrictions on businesses that hire independent contractors. According to Assembly Bill 5, those who provide “labor or services for remuneration shall be considered an employee rather than an independent contractor.”

However, individuals can be exempt from the rule if they can prove that they are free from the control of a supervisor and that the scope of their work is outside of the company’s usual course of business. They’re also exempt if they have an established independent trade or business.

Renters in the state will also see more protections beginning this year, as a new law, AB 1482, places a cap on annual rent hikes at 5% for the next 10 years.

Los Angeles Times reports that roughly 2.4 million households in California will be impacted, as well as those living in certain single-family home rentals.

As the rest of the nation grapples with issues of gun violence and coming up with legislative solutions, the state of California took additional steps to clamp down on the matter with two new laws this past year.

In October, Newsom signed into law a pair of bills further limiting the types of firearms sold and to whom they’re sold.

In Senate Bill 61, the law expands the

current prohibition of selling firearms to anyone under the age of 21 by also restricting the sale of semiautomatic centerfire rifles to only those who are 21 and older.

The same measure also includes language limiting Californians from purchasing more than one of those weapons per month. That section of the law will go into effect on July 1, 2021.

And under AB 164, those who have already been barred from owning a gun in another state may not be legally allowed to possess one here in California.

Other laws going into effect this year are meant to make elections more transparent and also protect the environment, particularly beach cities.

One new law Newsom recently enacted prohibits smoking and vaping in California’s state parks and on its beaches. Those caught smoking cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars or pipes in such areas will be fined $25.

Another environmental law aims to impede President Donald Trump’s plans to allow for new oil and gas wells in the state’s national parks and wilderness areas, LA Times reported this past fall.

AB 342 prohibits any new leases from “authorizing new construction of oil- and gas-related infrastructure upon public lands, including tidelands and submerged lands, to support production of oil and natural gas.”

And with the 2020 elections about to heat up in the coming months, constituents who receive political text messages should be able to see which candidate or group paid for that text.

The Text Message DISCLOSE Act, or AB 201, requires candidate-controlled committees to disclose the name of the candidate and the office being sought in such messages. The act also includes language requiring the committees to disclose the names of top funders who contributed $50,000 or more toward the advertising effort.

New voters will also be allowed to register to vote or change their party affiliation on election days at polling places. California joined 16 other states and Washington, D.C., where Election Day voter registration is allowed, according to an LA Times article from early October.

WHAT’S NEXT: California’s Primary Election is on March 3.—Shawn Raymundo

Red Cross Holds Blood Drive THE LATEST: The Red Cross held a blood drive at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center on Tuesday, Jan. 7. People stopped by to donate blood, Page 4

Denise Austin donates blood during a blood drive on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Photo: Collin Breaux

which will go to help victims of accidents or other traumas.

Donors answered a questionnaire when they first showed up to see if they qualified. Once they qualified, they were then taken into a booth to answer further questions, including about their physical history. Music was played during the blood drive to prevent people from eavesdropping on the consultations for medical privacy reasons.

Donors had to have a certain range of iron in their blood.

“We recommend having a protein meal before the donation,” charge nurse Patricia Malvica said. “Hydration is also important.”

There was a steady influx of donors around noon that day, though the Community Center still had a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. Potential donors were quickly attended to when they first walked in.

After giving blood, donors enjoyed refreshments and snacks at a table before heading out. Tips for donors after they give include staying in the recovery area for approximately 15 minutes to eat and drink and removing a wrap bandage within the next hour if they had one put on their arm.

The City of San Juan Capistrano promoted the blood drive and hosted the event in partnership with the Red Cross.

Donors could sign up for an appointment beforehand on the Red Cross website using sponsor code CityofSJC. The Red Cross is safety-conscious and looks after donors, Malvica said.

“When I talk with donors, they have a very selfless attitude,” Malvica said.

“They’re giving, because they care.”

There have been previous blood donation opportunities in the area, including in March 2019, when Rancho Mission Viejo teenager Austin Le Monte held a blood drive to celebrate his birthday.

Plenty of people came out to help, with Le Monte saying then the need for blood will always be important.—CB thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

‘Capistrano Dispatch’ Expanding Circulation in Rancho Mission Viejo

MONDAY, JAN. 13 Youth Advisory Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. The city’s Youth Advisory Board will hold a regular meeting. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch will expand distribution in the Village of Esencia in Rancho Mission Viejo. Deliveries will be added beginning on Jan. 24.

The Capistrano Dispatch covers news and stories out of Rancho Mission Viejo.

FRIDAY, JAN. 17

Volunteer Shoppers Help Kids Choose Presents Volunteer shoppers helped kids with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley shop for holiday gifts on Dec. 14 as a way to celebrate their focus on academic achievement.

“At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley we prioritize academic success by facilitating an entire hour of homework time known as ‘Power Hour’ for all members Monday-Thursday. During this hour, members who are dedicated and productive earn points on a daily basis,” said Karen Banse, a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley. “We acknowledge our members’ dedication with our biggest event of the year, Operation Holiday Homework. On this day, we fill every room of the club with gifts for all ages and genders and our members get to use their homework points to ‘shop’ for their entire family.”

There were 50 volunteer shoppers helping kids choose presents for their loved ones and 55 wrapper volunteers to assist with wrapping presents.

Mission Statues Being Temporarily Relocated Three historic statues will be temporarily moved from their permanent space in the Serra Chapel at Mission San Juan Capistrano, according to a winter 2019 issue of the Jewel, a Mission newsletter.

The relocation will take place in midJanuary to conserve the statues.

“The statues of Saint Dominic and Saint Loyola, both believed to have been displayed in the niches of the Great Stone Church before the earthquake of 1812, as well as an 18th century statue of Saint Joseph, are in need of cleaning, as well as stabilization of surface paint and in-painting of losses,” the newsletter said.

“Fine Art Conservation Laboratories in Santa Barbara have been contacted for this project.”

The statues will return in the spring.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 10-23, 2020

Volunteers help kids select presents during a gift event celebrating academic success. Photo: Karen Banse

Attorney General Addresses DACA Protections California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced in a Jan. 3 press release that more than 648,000 “Dreamers” have been able to renew their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protections since California secured a preliminary injunction in January 2018. Data on DACA renewals is published as part of a quarterly report that federal immigration authorities are required to file because of the preliminary injunction, according to the press release.

“DACA is an American success story; Dreamers are teachers, health care providers, neighbors, leaders, and so much more,” Becerra said. “Their heart and tenacity in the face of a concerted effort to rip them from the only home they know is an inspiration. But, it will take all of us working together in our communities and our courts to win the day.”

DACA recipients are eligible to work in the United States for another two years with a renewal. The most recent quarter saw approximately 74,000 renewals, with a total of 648,460 renewals approved since January 2018.

“More than a quarter of DACA recipients, 184,880, live in California alone,” the press release said.

Local Musicians Performing in Capistrano Beach Local singers and songwriters Molly Bergman and Sidney Bowen will perform at the local venue The Fish Tank on Saturday, Feb. 8.

The two met through a shared voice teacher when Molly was 11 and Sidney

was 15, according to a news release.

“Now, six years later, the two Dana Point natives have put a band together to play their original songs and a few covers,” the news release said.

The inaugural performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Fish Tank is located at 34233 Via Santa Rosa in Capistrano Beach.

CUSD Schools Hosting 8th Grade Expositions High schools throughout the Capistrano Unified School District will host 8th grade expositions in January and February, so students and families can learn about what the schools offer.

Dana Hills High School’s exposition will be on Jan. 13 from 6-8 p.m., San Clemente High School’s on Feb. 3 from 5- 8 p.m., Capistrano Valley High School’s on Feb. 4 from 5-8 p.m., Tesoro High School’s on Feb. 4 from 5:45-7 p.m., San Juan Hills High School’s on Feb. 8 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and Aliso Niguel High School’s on Feb. 24 from 5-8 p.m.

“Attendees also have the opportunity to meet staff, ask questions, and prepare for their high school experience,” a press release from CUSD said. “Expositions are held prior to the opening of the School of Choice window to provide parents with the information necessary to make decisions regarding placement for the upcoming school year.”

Visit capousd.org to learn more.

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

MONDAY, JAN. 20 Parks, Recreation, Youth and Senior Services, Trails and Equestrian Commission Meeting 5:30 p.m. The city’s Parks, Recreation, Youth and Senior Services, Trails and Equestrian Commission will have a regular meeting. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 21 City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a regular meeting. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

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 (i.e., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect). San Clemente Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. bilysc.org THURSDAY, JAN. 23 Design Review Committee Meeting 4:30 p.m. The city’s Design Review Committee will hold a regular meeting. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 24

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

Page 6

The next issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Looking Ahead

2020 Poised to Be Big Year for San Juan Capistrano

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he excitement in Mayor Troy Bourne’s voice is clear when asked what the year 2020 holds in store for San Juan Capistrano.

Bourne, named the new mayor at a December city council meeting during an annual council reorganization, lists several projects as positive developments for the area. One of the first things Bourne points to is plans for the downtown area.

“The hotel, obviously, is going to open this year,” Bourne said, referencing the Inn at the Mission near Mission San Juan Capistrano. “People are going to be coming to downtown who either haven’t been here in a long time or maybe even are coming here the first time because of the hotel.

I’m excited that a lot of the things they are going to see are going to be our best foot forward.”

The hotel should provide a key financial resource for the city, which needs to thrive fiscally, Bourne said. People who stay at the hotel can also visit other downtown spots, which could create a beneficial chain effect.

“Even though we’ve had some hotels in town, they haven’t been located in the part of our town that people want to visit the most,” Bourne said. “I’m local, and I’ll stay there. I think a lot of people here in town are going to use that hotel.”

Improvements to Capistrano Plaza should be completed in 2020, according to Bourne. Those improvements will complement the Verdugo Street beautification process. Noticeable construction has been ongoing on Verdugo Street near the train station and movie theater. The Verdugo Street project will provide wider sidewalks, decorative brick pavers, enhanced lighting, landscaping and a more pedestrian-friendly gateway to downtown.

“You’re going to see Heritage Barbecue,” Bourne said, alluding to the new barbecue venue coming to downtown San Juan Capistrano that will replace the former Mission Grill. “Some projects like building a hotel are these huge capital deployments, tens of millions of dollars. Other things, like this grill, it’s a smaller capital deployment, but if it’s executed well, could be in a lot of ways really meaningful and impactful.”

Along with downtown development, Bourne said 2020 “will be the year when the skate park becomes real.” Residents have waited a long time, and frequently discussed the desire, for a skateboard park

The Capistrano Dispatch January 10-23, 2020

Kids participate in a Skate Jam in San Juan Capistrano. Mayor Troy Bourne says 2020 is hopefully the year a skateboard park becomes a reality for the town.

Photo: Collin Breaux

in San Juan Capistrano.

“I’d like to start construction in 2020 on the skate park,” Bourne said. “It might be a little bit different in terms of location and design than we had originally thought, but I’d like to start construction on it this year and not just more planning and noodling over it, but actually see the dirt start to mix so the community knows it’s coming. That’s one of the things we’ve told the community we’d like to do for a long time.”

The skate park taps into the alternative sports culture in San Juan Capistrano, and Orange County and can draw in people of all ages, Bourne said.

Other big projects include utility reorganization. The city is working to transfer utilities to the Santa Margarita Water District. The water district is constructing the Trampas Canyon Reservoir and Dam south of Ortega Highway on land acquired from Rancho Mission Viejo, with the goal of storing recycled water.

Another project in the works is the Putuidem Cultural Village at the Northwest Open Space.

“That should start construction this year,” Bourne said. “It may even be finished this year. That’s gotten a lot of media attention.

People are excited about that. One of my priorities is making sure we also get some sort of vision of what’s happening around it

and how we’re going to provide for it.”

The village will pay tribute to the Native American Acjachemen tribe on a portion of the Northwest Open Space. Features of the Putuidem Village will include entry wood gates, picnic tables, interpretive and directional signage, portable restrooms, and native plants. Providing a venue for people to experience and share that history in an appropriate, respectful way is important, Bourne said.

During a December city council meeting, Bourne and other city officials discussed safety at the Northwest Open Space, including how to keep kids safe considering the proximity to railroad tracks, reaching out to the Orange County Transportation Authority about such safety measures and the possibility of homeless encampments setting up in the area.

One project that doesn’t get a lot of attention but is something “that’s really already been given a vision” is the Ganahl Lumber relocation to the Lower Rosan property near Stonehill Drive.

“Right now, they’re parking a bunch of cars (in the location),” Bourne said. “That’s going to be developed as a commercial home improvement building center with lumber.”

The environmental impact report should be released in the first quarter of the year

Page 7

to give city officials opportunities to move forward on approvals.

“Another one that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention, but I think is pretty cool is the Groves affordable housing project on Junipero Serra Road, right across the street from the Silverado San Juan Capistrano Memory Care Community,” Bourne said. “That’s 75 senior affordable units. That project should start construction this year, not necessarily finished this year, but we’ll see that start.”

Bourne said he hopes construction on the River Street Marketplace will start in the calendar year, though it won’t be finished in 2020. Part of what’s helped projects come together is a level of support and collaboration for initiatives from the community, even when they disagree on various aspects, Bourne said.

“I think it’s going to be a really big year.

I think this is definitely going to be one of those years that, people have been working for multiple years on some of these initiatives, and we’re just kind of fortunately in a position where—if we can do our job well— we can execute on some of our objectives but also on some of the objectives the community has had for a long time. We’re now in a position to see them completed,” Bourne said. “I think it’s going to be a uniquely busy year with a lot of accomplishments of things people wanted to see for a long time.” CD

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

Builders Selected for New Rancho Mission Viejo Village

Events at The Ranch

JAN. 11

Trail Clearing and Weeding

8-11 a.m. Spend your Saturday morning volunteering at The Reserve to keep trails accessible for visitors.

Be prepared to eliminate weeds and handle other work. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring work gloves if you have them. Event is for ages 10 and up. Participants must be registered by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

our neighborhood builders have been selected for a new village coming to Rancho Mission Viejo, a Dec. 23 press release said.

Lennar California Coastal, Meritage Homes, PulteGroup and TRI Pointe Homes will develop new homes for Rienda, a new village coming in early 2022, according to the press release.

Rienda will be near downtown San Juan Capistrano and a quick drive from San Clemente and Doheny State Beach.

“We’re excited to have these outstanding and highly respected homebuilders join us at Rancho Mission Viejo,” said Paul Johnson, executive vice president of community development for Rancho Mission Viejo. “Since opening the first village of Sendero in 2013, The Ranch has been admired as one of America’s most soughtafter master-planned communities. We are confident that reputation will continue to grow as more residents begin experiencing the unmatched community lifestyle.”

The initial phase for the Village of Rienda will have 671 homes in seven neighborhoods. Community amenities and programming—notable features of Rancho Mission Viejo—will be available at Rienda. Existing amenities at Rancho Mission Viejo include spacious natural land, coffee shops, exercise opportunities and social events.

Rienda means rein, a connotation Johnson touched on when explaining how the community came to be named.

“We chose the Village of Rienda’s name carefully and purposefully, because we believe it will offer residents the opportunity to truly take the reins of their desired lifestyles,” Johnson said.

Neighborhood builders were quoted as saying they looked forward to bringing Rienda to life.

Jeremy Parness, division president for Lennar California Coastal, said they are excited to continue working with Rancho Mission Viejo in bringing in “vibrant new The Capistrano Dispatch January 10-23, 2020

Rienda is a new village coming to Rancho Mission Viejo in early 2022. Pictured are existing homes at The Ranch. Photo: Collin Breaux

neighborhoods.” Elliot Mann of Meritage Homes said they look forward to providing the next chapter for Rancho Mission Viejo life.

“The Pulte team is pleased to continue its partnership with The Ranch in 2022, delivering outstanding, consumer-inspired new home designs in a beautiful setting known for its distinctive amenities and one-of-a-kind lifestyle,” said PulteGroup Southern California Division President Chris Edgar.

Tom Grable, division president of Southern California for TRI Pointe Homes,

said Rienda will “create an opportunity for homebuyers to find homes that are both attractive and very attainable.”

Home sales are said to have been strong in existing communities at Rancho Mission Viejo, including Esencia.

“Continued strong sales at the Village of Esencia are creating a scenario where the opportunities to purchase new homes and join The Ranch community are becoming very limited,” Johnson said in the press release.

To learn more, visit ranchomissionviejo. com/village-of-rienda.

JAN. 12

Fun Finding Mushroom Walk

9-11:30 a.m. Learn all about mushrooms, such as why they grow with oaks, whether you can eat them, if you can pick them, and how to identify and photograph them. Event is for ages 8 and up. Participants must be registered or on the wait list before the event occurs. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

JAN. 18

Winter Trail Hike

8-10:30 a.m. Take a walk around The Reserve. There will be views of nature on the approximately 3-mile trail length. Event is for ages 10 and up.

Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

JAN. 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

9-11:30 a.m. Give back by beautifying The Reserve with staff and other volunteers on MLK Day. Event is for ages 8 and up. Participants must be registered before the event. The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters, 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

New home sales are said to be strong at the Village of Esenecia at Rancho Mission Viejo. Four neighborhood builders have been selected for an upcoming village in the community. Photo: Collin Breaux

Page 8

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SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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Where does the time go? As we enter into a new decade in the year 2020, it feels like yesterday when we were entering the new millennium in 2000 and some were predicting the end of life on Earth as we knew it. So, as we charge headlong into the new decade and make our New Year’s resolutions, here are the things we at Picket Fence Media are committed to:

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

COMMUNITY First and foremost, we’re committed

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. 18, Issue 1. 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 January 10-23, 2020

to helping foster a strong, vibrant and respectful community. It’s my firm belief that by informing the public with “Local News You Can Use,” we can inspire more people to get involved in our community— whether through local events, supporting local businesses, getting involved in local politics or volunteering for local organizations and charities. Our communities will be stronger because of it.

UNBIASED INFORMATION SHARING We believe in providing fair and balanced reporting so that you, the readers, can make decisions for yourselves. We are apolitical and don’t take political positions or endorse candidates either locally, regionally or nationally.

I believe strongly that it’s not the role of media to try to influence opinions one way or the other—rather, simply, to do our best to present all sides of an issue and allow you, the reader, to decide for yourself how you feel about it.

of the day, we strive to celebrate our vibrant communities, their people, their history and diverse cultural aspects that define us. We try to have fun doing it and present news and information in ways to make it engaging, informative and educational.

As we enter a new decade, I’m aware and appreciative of the important role our papers/websites/social channels play in our communities. We take that responsibility very seriously and are committed to continuing our mission to provide “Local News You Can Use.” So, please take this opportunity to do everything you can to support your local community, shop and dine locally, get involved in local charities or activities, and engage in local politics. After all, our communities are ultimately shaped and defined by you!

Here’s to a happy and rewarding 2020! CD

Norb Garrett

HAVING FUN Look, reporting the news means reporting on both the good and the bad, the happy and sad, the wild and the bland. At the end

Owner and Publisher of Picket Fence Media

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Board of Supervisors Chairperson Lisa Bartlett

New Leadership Representation for OC

I

n December, I was elected to serve as President of the California State Association of Counties. As the leader of the Urban Caucus, it has been a pleasure serving as a CSAC Officer for the past two years, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be the 2020 president of the organization. This is a big deal for Orange County, because our county has not served in the role of President of CSAC for 70 years.

The annual conference is always one of my favorite events of the year, because County Supervisors, administrators, and department heads all come together to discuss the most pressing issues facing each of our counties. One of the best realizations from the conference exercises and workshops is that no matter the geography, population, or location of each county, many of us face a lot of the same issues.

Homelessness, natural disaster resiliency, affordable housing and transportation mobility, to name a few, are common issues facing county leaders across the state. The conference provides a great opportunity for us to gain insight from each other on how county leaders are utilizing innovative opportunities to address these issues.

I am so excited to continue on this leadership journey with CSAC and look forward to advocating on behalf of Orange

County and the state’s 57 other counties in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C. The critical role counties play is sometimes overlooked, and that is no longer acceptable. The many services we provide our constituents daily is important and necessary, so we need the support from our state and federal leaders to ensure those services are carried out and protected.

CSAC has always been a leading advocate in the state capitol, with the governor’s office as well as our legislature. The organization, along with our individual counties, are always educating and driving the conversation THE BARTLETT when it comes to counties BULLETIN and our role serving our

By Lisa Bartlett constituents. Our story is a very difficult one to tell, which is why we have fallen short on funding and other major policy decisions. As president, it is my goal this year to reverse that mindset of our legislature and governor. I will work closely with our state officials to educate and advocate for what counties deserve.

We need more funding for programs and services related to homelessness.

We need more flexibility in our Mental

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Health Services Act dollars, so we can be innovative and treat our most vulnerable population. We need more support for our court systems and security officers. These are just a few issues I, along with CSAC, will be advocating for this coming year.

I want to thank all County of Orange department leaders and staff, including my fellow supervisors and CEO Frank Kim, who have continuously supported my efforts with CSAC and helped me achieve this role. I could not do this work without you. This is a tremendous opportunity for our county to have a greater influence at the state and federal level. I am very honored to have been elected to this role by my County Supervisor colleagues from across the state and look forward to working with each of our counties and CSAC in the upcoming year.

I hope everyone had a joyous holiday season spent with family and friends, and Happy New Year.

Lisa Bartlett is the chairperson of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She was reelected in 2018. CD

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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

thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Editor DOCENTS STILL AROUND —CAROL BRINKMAN, San Juan Capistrano In response to the recent article regarding the Mission Docent Society parting ways with the Mission at San Juan Capistrano, I would like to affirm that SJC Mission Docents continue to be a vital and active part of the Mission’s outreach, and they continue to guide adult and student tours of the Mission. I am one of those Docents.

A splinter of disgruntled docents recently left the Mission because they did not get their way! Regretfully, this old guard became so entrenched in their fixed way of doing things, they forgot their purpose was to serve the Mission and began to think they were independent of it.

They forgot that the Docent Bylaws do not grant independence from the Mission; that docent fees they collected do not belong to them; that they do not have proprietary ownership of effective touring techniques; and that copywriting universal teacher practices such as using age-appropriate vocabulary does not bestow ownership.

They forgot that Docents work under the auspices of the Mission at San Juan Capistrano and the leadership of its Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams.

There have been positive effects resulting from this recent kerfuffle. A new, revitalized docent-education program has been created. No longer do volunteers have to pay $25 to belong to the Docent Society. No longer are Docents obligated to pay for their docent hats, which in the future will be a graduation gift upon completion of their training. All Mission volunteers (i.e., Docents, Garden Angels and the Mission Guild) have been joined into one cohesive volunteer group. Most importantly, Mission leadership has heard the noise, has invited all voices to be heard, has respectfully listened, has proactively solicited feedback and openly answered all of our questions, and leadership has demonstrated openness to new ideas when they support the growth of the Mission at San Juan Capistrano. It makes me proud to be a Docent.

MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FORSAKES FRANCISCAN HOSPITALITY —KERRY FERGUSON, San Juan Capistrano When Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams and Monsignor Michael McKiernan ousted the venerable Mission San Juan Capistrano Docent Society last summer, taking total control of educational programs and seizing Society funds, it was, sadly, handled in a manner that betrayed Saint Junipero Serra’s Franciscan Hospitality, The Capistrano Dispatch January 10-23, 2020

Mission San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Collin Breaux

faithfully practiced by everyone connected with the Mission for 243 years.

It broke the hearts of at least one-third of the 95 members who donated time and teaching talents for 38 years and moved them to discontinue their service. They include Mary Susa, serving since 1985; Helen Gavin, serving since 1988; and many others who served similar tenures. Mary and Helen were responsible for saving and restoring the original Mission Bells. They also used their considerable talents and knowledge training new docents. The results spoke for themselves. Their contributions and those of all cannot be overestimated. As it is, the Mission now depends on large classes to provide enough “tour guides.”

Over those 38 years, the Mission San Juan Capistrano Docent Society operated independently, with by-laws, treasury and monthly meetings, hosting Mission history experts to stay current. Its reputation for great teaching and Franciscan Hospitality built annual student numbers to nearly 60,000. Numerous docents became wellknown experts on Mission life. They also donated, including $5,000 to one Mission project alone. The California Mission Foundation honored the Society last year and will honor Mary Susa in 2020. The loss of intellectual knowledge itself was immense.

The Mission San Juan Capistrano Docent Society always lauded Mechelle Lawrence Adams for the many restoration projects she’s implemented. Thus, the numerous defensive and unprofessional statements

by Ms. Adams in The Capistrano Dispatch’s Dec. 13 issue are especially sad. In doing so, she besmirched the Mission San Juan Capistrano itself, including the remaining Docents. Many felt the same as those who had left but decided to continue for now.

Strangely, Ms. Adams denigrated their teaching while wanting to “brand for the Mission” materials Docents had created for their Docent training classes.

Executives stooping to demean those serving them well, with dubious accusations and rude, hurtful name-calling, destroys their source of respect. This needn’t have happened as it did. Concerns could have been addressed in the spirit of Franciscan Hospitality instead of blunt force. I wish it had.

TAKE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE —SUSAN KOBARA, Carlsbad Every day, there is news of climate catastrophes that may be linked to climate change. Every day, we hear the same excuses from world leaders and legislators: it’s a hoax; we can’t do anything unless China and India do something; climate has changed before; there’s no scientific consensus.

Unless we act, history will show a lack of moral leadership that caused one of the greatest human failures.

But there is hope and a path forward.

Scientists agree that climate change can be stopped by ending the burning of fossil fuels. A fee on carbon does exactly this, in addition to generating jobs and encouraging energy innovation. If you want to be part of the solution, join a group such as Citizens Climate Lobby, a nonpartisan group that is working on getting Congress to pass carbon reduction legislation.

RESPONSE TO SANDRA WEAVER —JEFFREY HERMAN, San Clemente Sandra Weaver wrote a heartfelt letter to the San Clemente Times in its Dec. 12 issue regarding the homeless, blaming

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government and society for their situation.

Let’s look at a couple of facts, which are undeniable: 1. Every person’s present-day condition can almost always be traced back to decisions he or she made earlier in life; neither the government nor society is responsible for the continual bad decisions a person makes.

2. Every person living on the street is someone’s son or daughter, someone’s brother or sister, someone’s father or mother. Where are the relatives of the homeless?

Why aren’t they reaching out to their own family member living on the street?

I’m sure if Ms. Weaver discovered she had a homeless relative, she wouldn’t hesitate to assist that family member in some way. (You would, right, Sandra?)

To show the rest of us how sincere Ms. Weaver is, why doesn’t she invite a homeless person into her own home—surely, she has a spare room, or can set aside space in her garage or backyard, and provide nourishment and care to that person.

Doing so would set an example for the rest of us that compassion and responsibility begin with each concerned individual.

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

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

Tuesday | 14 ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE AT JSERRA 6-8 p.m. Students, faculty, coaches, and administration will be in attendance to answer all questions. Register online.

JSerra Catholic High School, 26351 Junipero Serra Rd., San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9307. jserra.org.

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.

Wednesday | 15 MARIONETTE SHOW AT THE LIBRARY 4 p.m. Enjoy a live puppet performance at the San Juan Capistrano Library.

The event is free and for all ages. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

Friday | 10 LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 7-10 p.m. Family Style will perform. 32120 San Juan Creek Rd., San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1167. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

Thursday | 16 BUILDERS CLUB AT THE LIBRARY 3-4 p.m. Build with LEGOS, Duplos and dominoes at the San Juan Capistrano Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

Saturday | 11 BACK TO SHEA DAY 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is having an open house for clients, families and the community.

There will be horse riding and interaction, games, lunch and crafts. Admission is free, though attendees must RSVP through the Shea Center website.

26284 Oso Rd., San Juan Capistrano.

949.240.8441. sheacenter.org.

SIGN UP FOR HAIRIEST MAN CONTEST 1-3 p.m. Sign up for the Hairiest Man Contest at Swallow’s Inn. Participants will be shaved and have photos taken after they sign up. Judges will decide the hairiest man in March during the Fiesta Grande. $5 entry fee. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1976. swallowsparade.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT KNUCKLEHEADS 4-7 p.m. Jim Plays Dan will perform.

1717 N El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.492.2410. knuckleheadssportsbar.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT HENNESSEY’S TAVERN 7 p.m. Mike Silvestri will perform. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.441.4777. hennesseystavern.com.

Sunday | 12 HAPPY HOUR WOOD WORKSHOP 3-6 p.m. Attend a DIY workshop to make your own wood project. Choose from different items, including signs, wood clocks, centerpiece boxes and more. Projects can be personalized with paints and colors. AR The Capistrano Dispatch January 10-23, 2020

Friday | 17 LIVE MUSIC AT MARBELLA COUNTRY CLUB 5:30 p.m. Gregory Brock will perform.

30800 Golf Club Dr., San Juan Capistrano. 949.248.3700. marbellacc.net.

Saturday | 18

EDITOR’S PICK Jim Plays Dan is playing The BrewHouse on Jan. 18. Photo: File

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18: JIM PLAYS DAN AT THE BREWHOUSE 5-8 p.m. Enjoy live music at this relaxed craft beer spot. Jim Plays Dan has been playing locally in South Orange County for more than 10 years and pays tribute to Steely Dan. 31896 Plaza Dr., Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. thebrewhousesjc.com.

Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano. 949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

Monday | 13 CELEBRATE RECOVERY 6:30-9:30 p.m. Have fellowship and cel-

ebrate healing through the 8 Recovery Principles with the Celebrate Recovery ministry. There will be group sessions and refreshments. For more information, email celebraterecoveryrc@gmail. com. Saddleback Church Rancho Capistrano, 29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.609.8700. saddleback.com.

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MORGAN TRAIL HIKE 8 a.m.-3 p.m. A hike hosted by the Orange County Sierrans. Participants will start from the Candy Store and follow the Bear Canyon Trail to its junction with the Morgan Trail, which will take you up to the South Main Divide Road through a mix of chaparral and woodland to a scenic grove. Bringing water, a lunch and hiking boots is recommended. Round trip is 10 miles. Ball Park Pizza, 31654 Rancho Viejo Rd., San Juan Capistrano. meetup.com.

LANDSCAPING LESSONS 9:30-10:30 a.m. Learn about the basics of design and key maintenance tips at Tree of Life Nursery from designer in residence Randi Gunder. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.728.0685. californianativeplants.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S INN 2-6 p.m. The Missiles of October will perform. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

Tuesday | 21 KIDS MARTIAL ARTS CLASS 5-6 p.m. Stop by to learn about real world fighting. OC Training Studio, 33155 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.289.4428. octrainingstudio.com.

Thursday | 23 MISSION READERS BOOK GROUP 10:30-11:45 a.m. Join to talk about a

On Stage at The Coach House: Coco Montoya

selected book at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Meetings are held in the fireplace room. Contact the library to find out what the book is for the month. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

Friday | 24 LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 7-10 p.m. Jim Plays Dan will perform. 32120 San Juan Creek Rd., San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1167. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

At the Movies: Recapping the 2020 Golden Globes

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

ome have been wondering if cutting back awards season a few weeks this year was a good or bad move. For me, the sooner it’s over, the better. At the end of the day, the arts should be appreciated on their own, rather than turned into a competition between contenders and gossip blogs. Posting about my faves’ red carpet looks was fun in school, but now it just feels old and tired.

But since movies, pop culture and film trivia are my forte, I will give a brief summary of how things went down, with what I dug and what I didn’t. Film fans are theorizing that The Irishman and Marriage Story getting largely snubbed for most of the night might have been because of a bias against Netflix and streaming, in general.

Need I remind fans that last year’s Roma was also a Netflix-produced film and did quite well during awards season—and that all three films received theatrical releases

on top of going straight to the Netflix website?

Sam Mendes winning Best Director for 1917 was indeed a surprise, especially over Bong Joon-ho for Parasite, Quentin Tarantino for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Martin Scorsese for The Irishman. Taron Egerton and Awkwafina winning Best Actor and Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for Rocketman and The Farewell, respectively, were deserving and refreshing choices, while it was a bit underwhelming that Renee Zellweger and Joaquin Phoenix won Best Actress and Best Actor in a Drama for Judy and Joker, respectively. And the big wins of the night, Best Drama and Best Musical or Comedy, went to 1917 and Once Upon a Time again. Eh. In general, I always preferred the SAGs and BAFTAs among the pre-Oscars shows. So maybe the next couple of weeks will bring something unexpected and fresh to the so-far-bland season. CD

The 1917 team wins Best Drama at the Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 5. Photo: Courtesy of Paul Drinkwater/NBC The Capistrano Dispatch January 10-23, 2020

Coco Montoya is bringing the blues to The Coach House on Jan. 16. Photo: Ken Weingart

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

hough the blues can bring up images of sadness, blues musician Coco Montoya was a happy man when asked how he felt before his upcoming gig at The Coach House on Jan. 16. He felt great and was ready for the new year days before his stop in San Juan Capistrano.

“I happen to love playing at The Coach House,” Montoya said. “I’ve been playing there for many years.”

Montoya first played The Coach House with Albert Collins. The venue— a home away from home for Montoya, who was born in Santa Monica—has a great sound system and always makes things easy for him, Montoya said.

Montoya released the album Coming in Hot in 2019, and true to the album name, said the title track is doing well on the roots music charts.

“It’s wonderful to have something people appreciate,” Montoya said.

For his concert at The Coach House, Montoya is bringing fellow musicians Jeff Paris, Rena Beavers and Nathan Brown with him, all of whom he has known for a while and calls good friends and incredible musicians.

The San Juan Capistrano performance is part of a tour through California. After The Coach House, Montoya will head to Arizona and other spots west before playing some dates up north.

“In March is when we’ll really be busy,” he said.

Page 13

Montoya is driven to listen to, record and play music that affects him emotionally, one reason he’s drawn to the blues.

“The blues is the basis for everything,” Montoya, a self-taught player, said. “It’s not something you think. It’s something you feel.”

He always tries to go by his ear when it comes to music and knows it’s working based on his gut feeling.

Reflecting on the live experience during a concert, Montoya said anything can happen.

“That’s the challenge of playing live,” Montoya said. “You have to develop the attitude of it’s going to be what it’s going to be.”

His musicians take chances here and there, and everyone laughs if there’s a screw-up. Montoya also spoke about the synergy musicians have with audiences during concerts, saying each feeds off the other. He aims to entertain crowds while on stage.

San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful area from Montoya’s perspective, a high compliment given he’s traveled all over the world and has seen some lovely places.

As a Southern California native, Montoya appreciates getting to come back to the area after touring.

“When I come home, this is home.

I’m not a snow guy,” he said. “I love the weather. I love the people.”

Montoya will play The Coach House on Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are $15. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

See the Lincoln Document at Mission San Juan Capistrano

H

ope everyone was able to see the holiday lights at the Mission. As it was advertised, it was where history meets holiday. Well, the lights are gone, but the history remains, and 2020 starts with the emphasis on our past. For a limited time from Thursday, Feb. 13 until Monday, Feb. 17, the Lincoln Document, which is the original patent of title signed

by President Abraham Lincoln on March 18, 1865 that returned the Mission San Juan Capistrano to the Catholic Church, will be on display in the Treasures Room at the Mission. This is one of the last acts signed by Lincoln.

Twenty-four days later, the President would be assassinated. For many years, this document was out in the open. No one realized it was the original! But for the past 10 years, it has been preserved and protected MOMENTS IN TIME in the archives. This is a

By Jan Siegel rare opportunity to see a piece of real history.

Lincoln is important to the history of the Mission and to California. He should also be remembered for bringing the citrus industry to California. On July 2, 1862, Lincoln signed into law the Morrill Land Grant Act, which “granted federal lands to each state to establish colleges for the teaching of agriculture and allied arts.” He also created the U.S. Department of Agriculture Homestead Act, which “granted western land to those who would farm,” and the Pacific Railway Act, “which

cleared the way for the transcontinental railway.” These new federal laws gave citrus growers the means of transporting their fruit to eastern markets. The new laws allowed for the migration of people to California. They also led to the founding of the University of California. The Southern Pacific Railroad and the University of California worked together toward the common goal of developing agricultural goals for the state. The Southern Pacific Railroad offered greatly reduced fares to farmers who came West to attend University of California programs. Charles Francis Saunders wrote many books on travel to California and did publicity for the Railroads. Saunders is best remembered in San Juan Capistrano as writing Capistrano Nights with Fr. St. John O’Sullivan.

When California became a state of the United States in 1850, property rights changed. Although the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo had guaranteed property rights, the Land Act of 1851 seemed to strip them away. According to Pam Gibson in Two Hundred Years in San Juan Capistrano, “Those who claimed to own land now had to prove it before the U.S. Land Commission within two years or forfeit it.” The Commission met in San Francisco, which was costly to pursue. Many of the landowners did not speak English, and the documents and proceedings were in English. “Social and economic chaos was the result.”

Bishop Joseph Sadoc Alemany contested the right of the Mexican governors to sell the missions and asked that they be restored to the ownership of the Catholic Church.

Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. Online, The Capistrano Dispatch will create a gallery of the month’s photos. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com.

After lengthy consideration, the Land Commission decided that the sale of the missions had been illegal. In 1865, the five tracts of Mission San Juan Capistrano were officially restored to the Catholic Church. This is when the Forster family, who had purchased the Mission San Juan Capistrano, moved out and to the Ranch House which is now part of Camp Pendleton.

Although Lincoln never visited San Juan Capistrano or California, his impact is very much part of history. Spend a “Moment in Time,” from Feb. 13-17 at the Mission, and see the impact that our 16th President had on our community.

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 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

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:

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

The Capistrano Dispatch January 10-23, 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo portrays a horse on Verdugo Street in San Juan Capistrano, circa 1950-1969.

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Fiona iona is an 8-month-old cutie that is a bit on the shy side. Though she can be a bit timid at first meeting, she loves other cats and would do well in a quiet home where she can get comfortable.

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

Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries

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

Page 14

thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email debra@wellsadsolutions.com

DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED: MARKETING REP We are seeking an immediate hire for a part-time street team marketing representative. Our street team is responsible for opening dialogue with local businesses and maintaining a relationship in order to develop a route list of places that we can display our concert schedules at.Please email in a basic resume to Luna luna@thecoachhouse.com.

FOR SALE RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE (TYPE 47) Type 47 Restaurant Liquor License for sale. Text or call for details 949.510.9724

Submit your info online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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 January 10-23, 2020

Page 15

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SJC LIVING

Business Beat News from San Juan’s business community THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

New Business TRIO REWARDS 32242 Paseo De Adelanto, Suite A, San Juan Capistrano 855.321.8746, triorewards.com An app company that encourages local shopping through a reward system held its ribbon-cutting in San Juan Capistrano on Dec. 12.

Trio Rewards celebrated the opening of their “official corporate offices” at 32242 Paseo De Adelanto, Suite A. The ribboncutting was hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce.

“Local means less excess all the way around, and that’s good for the community and environment. We want to bring back the neighborhood feel and reward businesses and customers for keeping it local,” Founder and CEO Mike Jalonen said in the news release.

Members can earn rewards on purchases that can be redeemed at Trio merchant

Trio Rewards, an app company, celebrates during a recent ribbon-cutting in town. Photo: File

locations, according to the news release.

Users can earn up to 5% on purchases and become eligible for monthly prizes and other giveaways. Scanning sales receipts is part of what goes into using the app. Users are encouraged to share the app with their friends.

The Trio team working out of the office headquarters includes COO Brandon Castaneda, CFO Michael Viola, the sales team and marketing support.

“The rapid increase in merchant acquisition and onboarding will be much easier with the staff in one location, making our growth that much faster and smoother as we expand into new territories,” Castaneda said.

Trio honored special guests at the ribbon-cutting that “contributed to their significant roots in San Juan Capistrano,” with flagship partners including Rancho Capistrano Winery, Sundried Tomato, Trevor’s at the Tracks, Ruby’s Diner, and Bueno Bueno, according to the news release. Those businesses are well-known and frequently patronized in the downtown Verdugo Street area.

Trio announced Smash Burger as a new partner in November 2019 on their social media platforms.

The Chamber of Commerce announced a partnership with Trio Rewards in 2017.

Reasons Trio suggests going with its

app as opposed to other rewards programs include other programs requiring different cards and apps for individual businesses, point calculation systems being cumbersome and other programs being difficult in general for users.

Trio has previously picked winners for gift card giveaways for Ricardo’s Place and Power Cleaners. Trio has a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Facebook by people who have used the app, has more than 1,400 followers on Instagram and offered $50 in bonus rewards for Cyber Monday in 2019.

Local residents are already using and enjoying the app. Several users, in fact, said they love using Trio.

Benefits for businesses touted by Trio include marketing, being able to reach customers and ease of use since the program runs itself. Businesses can enroll with Trio for free with no cancellation fees and change reward levels whenever they want.

The business is also patriotic and in tune with the community, posting tributes to veterans on Veterans Day and wishing everyone well during holidays on their social media pages. Trio has also recognized firefighters who dealt with the California fires in 2019.

Trio Rewards is open 24 hours. For more information, visit triorewards.com or call 855.321.8746. CD

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Prep Roundup

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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 Basketball Wins 9th Straight The San Juan Hills girls basketball team looks primed to defend its Sea View League title after a strong preseason and a dominant league-opening performance.

The Stallions (13-4, 1-0) won their ninth straight game with a 61-39 victory at Capistrano Valley in both team’s league opener on Tuesday, Jan. 7. San Juan Hills came out strong with a 14-5 first quarter and out of halftime with a 22-12 third quarter.

The Stallions’ top two scorers were again their top two scorers, with senior Grace Gentry leading the way with 22 points and junior Emily Freeman right behind with 17 points. Gentry made 10 of 14 baskets and added 13 rebounds, and Freeman hit five 3-pointers.

San Juan Hills, ranked No. 9 in CIF-SS Division 3AA, has posted double-digit margins of victory in its past five games and eight of its past nine, with margins of 20 points or more in five of its past seven games.

The Stallions continued in league at Mission Viejo on Thursday, Jan. 9, but results were not available at press time.

San Juan Hills hosts Laguna Hills on Jan. 14, El Toro on Jan. 16 and Capistrano Valley on Jan. 23

JSerra Girls Soccer Opens League with Win The JSerra girls soccer team had its 31-game unbeaten streak snapped in December by San Juan Hills, and the Lions fell from the Division 1 top spot down to No. 2. However, JSerra (9-1-0, 1-0-0) sent out its reminder that the back-to-back-toback CIF-SS champion isn’t done.

The Lions opened the Trinity League with a win over rival Santa Margarita, 3-1, at home on Saturday, Jan. 4. Santa Margarita is No. 7 in Division 1.

Seniors Kennedy Carter and Samantha Williams and junior Abby Lynch each scored a goal for JSerra. Senior goalie

The Capistrano Dispatch January 10-23, 2020

JSerra girls soccer fell to No. 2 in the Division 1 rankings, but the Lions opened league play on the right foot with a win over Santa Margarita. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Ryan Campbell made eight saves, and Williams added two assists.

JSerra has allowed only seven goals in 10 games, but five of those goals came in the San Juan Hills loss, a 5-1 defeat in the Aliso Cup. The Lions have posted seven shutouts, including back-to-back clean sheets after the San Juan Hills game to close out December.

Lynch leads JSerra in goals with nine.

Carter is right behind with eight goals, and Williams has six. Williams also has four assists, and Lynch has two.

JSerra played at Rosary on Thursday, Jan. 9, but results were not available at press time. The Lions continue on the road at Orange Lutheran on Jan. 14, Mater Dei on Jan. 16 and Santa Margarita on Jan. 21.

JSerra Boys Basketball Edged in League Opener The JSerra boys basketball team was upset at home in dramatic fashion to open the Trinity League.

Santa Margarita broke a 43-43 tie on an open layup with one second remaining to down JSerra, 45-43, on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

The Eagles were led in a team effort with three players sharing top-scoring honors at eight points. Utah-bound Ian Martinez of JSerra led all scorers with 23 points.

JSerra, ranked No. 10 in Division 1,

had high aspirations for league play, but the opener is a tough setback. Luckily for the Lions, the Trinity League has two rounds of league play this year, unlike last year’s single round robin. JSerra plays at Santa Margarita on Jan. 24.

The Lions play at St. John Bosco, No. 8 in Division 1, on Friday, Jan. 10 and at Servite on Jan. 15 before hosting Orange Lutheran on Jan. 17. JSerra plays at Mater Dei, ranked No. 5 in Division 1, on Jan. 22.

St. Margaret’s Girls Soccer Eviscerates League Opener The St. Margaret’s girls soccer team had a mild preseason with a 3-1-3 record and a No. 3 ranking in Division 3, but the Tartans were more than ready to feast on the San Joaquin League.

St. Margaret’s completely dominated its league opener at Southlands Christian, 12-0, on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Running through the San Joaquin League is nothing new for the Tartans, who went 7-0-1 in league last season while outscoring its opponents by a collection 43-0 score. St. Margaret’s beat Southlands Christian 9-0 and 8-0 last season.

The opener was St. Margaret’s fourth shutout of the season, including a scoreless draw at Santa Margarita.

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St. Margaret’s hosts Orange Lutheran in a nonleague game on Saturday, Jan. 11 and returns to league at rival Sage Hill on Jan. 13. St. Margaret’s hosts Saddleback Valley Christian on Jan. 14.

Extra Points Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball (14-3) posted a strong preseason to earn the No. 5 ranking in Division 3A, but the reigning Division 3A champion Capistrano Valley Christian (11-8) showed it wasn’t going anywhere with a 67-55 win over the Warriors at Mission Viejo High School on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

SVC and CVC play again at San Juan Hills on Jan. 24.

St. Margaret’s boys basketball (11-6) is ranked No. 8 in Division 4AA and is next in action at home against Southlands Christian on Jan. 14. The Tartans also host reigning Academy League champion Sage Hill on Jan. 17.

JSerra boys soccer (7-0, 1-0) has scored 35 goals in seven games and continued to show off its hot offense with a 4-1 win over Santa Margarita in its league opener on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Senior Carson Kendall scored all four goals for the Lions.

JSerra plays at St. John Bosco on Friday, Jan. 10, at Servite on Jan. 15, at Orange Lutheran on Jan. 17 and at Mater Dei on Jan. 22. CD

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