January 8, 2016

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

“Bears about Town” Art Exhibit Coming to SJC Library PAGE 13 FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

JANUARY 8-21, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 1

Backtracking on the Bottleneck

City Council rescinds approval of Ortega Highway widening contract, effectively terminating funding for the project E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 5

Near Reata Park on the east side of town, Ortega Highway widens from two lanes to four lanes. The City Council recently voted to keep the two-lane 0.9-mile section of the highway as it is, rather than completing the widening. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Planning Commission Votes No on Marijuana Businesses EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

New City Manager to Assume Role in February EYE ON SJC/PAGE 8

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Local Surfer Competes in World Longboard Championships SPORTS/PAGE 18

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

“It’s a lifesaver for my dad,” Behmerwohld said. “I very seldom go past Crown Valley, and I sure don’t relish going to a marijuana dispensary in Santa Ana to get my dad’s medicine. It seems to me that you’re fixing a problem that doesn’t exist.”

Five things San Juan should know this week

WHAT’S NEXT: The city of San Clemente recently approved a ban on medical marijuana commercial outlets, testing facilities and delivery services, and the Dana Point City Council also voted to adopt an ordinance banning the sale of marijuana by dispensaries, along with its cultivation in and delivery to the city.

The proposed ban will come before the San Juan Capistrano City Council for approval at a future meeting.—AJ

El Niño Rings in New Year with SoCal Rain THE LATEST: Throughout south Orange County, strong El Niño storms began on Tuesday and continued through Wednesday evening, bringing in enough wind and rain to cause high tides, hail, thunderstorms and flash flooding in some areas.

San Juan Capistrano received just over 2 inches of rain during the last 72 hours, according to the National Weather Service.

Local forecasts predict that the city won’t see much rain over the next week, with the exception of a 40 to 50 percent chance of showers on Saturday.

In response to the previous storms, Orange County activated its Emergency Operation Center on Tuesday, and the city of San Juan Capistrano set up its own EOC, ready to be activated if necessary.

The city is also continuing to offer sandbags to residents (with proof of residency) at the following locations: Orange County Fire Authority Fire Station #7, located at 31865 Del Obispo Street; the Public Works counter in City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto; and the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. Residents are limited to 10 sandbags per household.

Sand is available at the San Juan Capistrano Library parking lot, located at 31490 El Horno Street, and the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park parking lot. Residents should bring a shovel to fill their bags. For more information, call City Hall at 949.493.1171 or visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

The city’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has been actively involved with storm preparations and emergency response, and will hold its next disaster preparedness classes beginning on Jan. 19. The course involves six consecutive Tuesday night sessions from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a final exercise on Feb 27. Topics include disaster medical operations, fire suppression, light searchand-rescue operations and disaster psychology, team operations and terrorism.

For more information, call 949.234.4565 or visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org/CERT. WHAT’S NEXT: According to data released this week by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this year’s El The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

City Announces Planning Commission Vacancy Following Commissioner’s Death

Rainwater from this week’s El Niño storms flowed rapidly through the San Juan Creek channel Wednesday afternoon. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Niño is equal in strength to what was previously the strongest El Niño on record in 1997-1998. For updated weather advisories and precipitation totals for area cities, visit www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx.—Allison Jarrell

Planning Commission Votes No on Marijuana Businesses in City THE LATEST: On Dec. 22, the San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted to recommend that the City Council prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries, manufacturers, cultivation and delivery within the city.

The commission vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Thomas Nelson dissenting and Commissioner Mark Speros absent.

The topic came before the commission in response to the recently adopted Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act. The state’s new law, which took effect Jan. 1, maintains local control to regulate or ban medical marijuana cultivation, transportation and distribution. The state’s deadline for cities to ban or regulate medical cannabis is March 1, 2016. Currently, San Juan Capistrano’s municipal code doesn’t contain any regulations on marijuana.

During the discussion, City Attorney HongDao Nguyen informed the commission that cities such as Los Angeles and

Santa Ana still allow and regulate medical marijuana, so options to obtain medical marijuana in the area do exist. San Juan residents with a medical card will still be able to possess and use medical marijuana in their homes.

Nguyen’s report noted that “a quick search of weedmaps.com identifies several cannabis dispensaries that currently operate in San Juan Capistrano” via mobile delivery. When asked how the city would attempt to regulate those services, Nguyen replied with options ranging from cease and desist letters and citations to “full-blown litigation” and filing criminal or civil complaints to obtain injunctions.

Commissioner Nelson said he couldn’t “disagree more” with the proposed ban, adding that the commission “can’t be in the business of standing in the way of something that is helping people.”

Commissioner Lennie DeCaro countered that the commission isn’t “depriving anyone of that ability.”

“We’re just saying, we don’t need it in this town because it adds another layer of bureaucracy that we’re now in control of,” DeCaro said. “And I don’t think our city is well equipped to handle that.”

“I would completely disagree with that,” Nelson replied.

During public comment, Steve Behmerwohld, a resident of San Juan for 25 years, said the ban would negatively impact his 91-year-old father who has been using medical marijuana for years for his pain.

Page 3

THE LATEST: Following the untimely death of longtime planning commissioner Sheldon Cohen, the city of San Juan Capistrano has announced a vacancy on the commission and is accepting applications.

Cohen died after suffering a heart attack on Dec. 15. He lived with his family in San Juan for more than 30 years and had served as a member of the Planning Commission since 1996, which included multiple terms as chairman.

The Planning Commission began its Dec. 22 meeting with Commissioner Rob Williams dedicating the meeting to Cohen’s memory. Williams said Cohen was a good friend who “gave his life to the city of San Juan.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The Planning Commission consists of seven members who reside in San Juan Capistrano. With one vacancy, the city is now accepting applications from residents to serve a term on the commission through March 31, 2017.

The appointee must be a registered voter in the city and is required by state law to file Fair Political Practices Commission conflict of interest statements upon appointment, annually and upon leaving office.

Application forms are available on the city’s website at www.sanjuancapistrano. org and at the City Clerk’s office, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto in City Hall.

Applications will be accepted until 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 and will be reviewed by the City Council, with interviews conducted at an open session meeting, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. Questions concerning the commission or the application process should be directed to the City Clerk’s office at 949.493.1171.—AJ (Cont. on page 4) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

City, Business Community to Promote the Use of Rideshares

interest from the dozen or so restaurant and shop owners she’s reached out to.

A letter from the chamber supporting the rideshare program noted that it has the potential to not only “assist the community with parking and traffic relief,” but also to promote safer driving.

THE LATEST: In an effort to increase business while decreasing parking problems in downtown San Juan, the City Council voted Dec. 15 to pursue a program that encourages visitors and residents to utilize rideshares such as Uber or Lyft to travel into town.

The concept, brought before the council by Mayor Pam Patterson, entails recruiting restaurant and shop owners to participate in a promotion offering a uniform discount to patrons who show their rideshare receipts. Patterson said offering diners and shoppers a 10 percent discount, for example, for using rideshare services on the city’s busiest, most congested nights, would encourage more business without adding additional cars.

Patterson said it would also be beneficial for residents to know they can earn extra income by becoming rideshare drivers.

Patterson said she has been collaborating with the San Juan Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Tourism Association since September on the program, adding that she has received 100 percent

WHAT’S NEXT: Councilman Sam Allevato proposed including businesses on the east side of town in the promotion, noting that some restaurants have been struggling in Marbella Plaza. Patterson agreed that it would be a good idea to include businesses outside of the downtown area.

Councilman Derek Reeve proposed that Patterson appoint a mayoral subcommittee and bypass staff so their time isn’t taken away from other projects. Patterson replied that the program has been slow moving and would prefer staff to draft and send a letter to businesses and then potentially hand over the responses to the chamber of HTA. She added that once at least 24 businesses sign on to participate, Uber will launch advertising to promote the city’s rideshare program.

“I really was hoping that this would have been implemented by now,” Patterson said. “We do need parking solutions, and we need them right away.”

The resolution to direct staff to work with Patterson on the program was approved 4-1, with Reeve opposing.—AJ

(Cont. from page 3)

OCASA Appeals to OCDE, Announces Open Enrollment Dates THE LATEST: After failing to receive a majority approval in December from the Capistrano Unified School District, the Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts charter school has submitted its petition for approval to the Orange County Department of Education in an effort to open its doors this fall in the south Orange County area.

On Dec. 9, the CUSD Board of Trustees voted 3-3-1 to effectively deny a petition to establish OCASA within the school district. CUSD staff’s recommendation to the board was to reject the petition due to issues including an “unsound educational program” and legal concerns.

The three trustees who voted against denying the petition noted at the Dec. 9 meeting that OCASA had the option to send its petition to the county and said the county would likely approve the petition, which would eliminate any oversight the district would have had in the process.

While OCASA’s petition mentions interest in a San Clemente or San Juan Capistrano school site, representatives have repeatedly said the charter is not looking to displace one of the district’s current schools.

According to an email from OCASA representatives, the OCDE Board accepted the charter’s “appeals package” on Dec. 16. OCASA will make a presentation to the board on Jan. 13, and the board is expected to vote on the charter’s appeal on Feb. 11.

WHAT’S NEXT: In the meantime, OCASA has announced the beginning of the school’s open enrollment for the 2016-2017 school year. Enrollment began Jan. 6 and ends Feb. 28. Interested parents need to attend an information meeting before applying for enrollment.

Meetings are set to take place on Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. at the Mathnasium in San Clemente, located at 1001 Avenida Pico; on Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Keller Williams Realty in Mission Viejo, located at 27101 Puerta Real, Suite 150; and on Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. at Capo Beach Church, located at 25975 Domingo Avenue in Capistrano Beach. More dates will be announced in February.

For more information about the charter school, visit www.ocasacharter.org.—AJ

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?

••• Send your suggestions to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

EYE ON SJC

Near Reata Park on the east side of town, Ortega Highway widens from two lanes (seen here) to four lanes.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Rewinding Progress on the ‘Choke Point’ Council rescinds approval of Ortega Highway widening contract, city stands to lose $15.5 million in funding

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

n order to even discuss a design contract for the widening of a section of Ortega Highway Tuesday night, the City Council had to first push the redo button.

Council members had already approved the more than $1.5 million design contract for the widening of a 0.9-mile stretch of Ortega Highway at their last December meeting; however, Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ferguson wanted the chance to reconsider that contract approval. Conveniently for those on the council wanting a second chance, a new city policy was approved the same night, allowing for a do over.

The City Council voted 3-1-1 Tuesday night to rescind the contract approval, ultimately halting the widening of the segment east of town. Councilman Sam Allevato The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

opposed and Councilman Derek Reeve was absent.

Following the years of work and funding dedicated to widening the entirety of Ortega Highway from two lanes to four lanes—and eliminating what many in town know as a 0.9-mile “choke point”—it’s no surprise that the decision to stop the project was controversial.

Rewinding the Approval At the City Council’s Dec. 15 meeting, the council took action to approve moving forward with a personal services agreement with Anderson-Penna Partners for engineering design services in the amount of $1,545,646, which included preparing plans, specifications and cost estimates for the Ortega Highway “city-segment” widening project. The council also approved an amendment to a “funding assistant agreement” for the project with Rancho Mission Viejo.

On Jan. 5, the first council action item on the agenda was “consideration of revising City Council Policy 130—rules of order and procedures.” Brought by Mayor Pam Patterson and Councilman John Perry, the item adopted the latest version of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order (the 2011 edition) with the exception of policy regarding motions for reconsideration, which was adopted from the 2003 edition of Rosenberg’s Rules.

The council approved the new policy, with Allevato dissenting, and moved straight on to reconsidering the engineering design contract for the Ortega widening project. A motion to reconsider the contract was approved at the meeting, which was the first meeting following the

original contract approval, and according to the newly passed policy, the council was then able discuss, once again, their issues with the project.

Councilman and former mayor Derek Reeve was home sick during the meeting, but took to Facebook to voice his concerns about the council’s actions. He referred to the meeting as “maddening,” reprimanded the council for “blaming staff for doing their jobs,” and went a step further to say the coordination of agenda items G1, G2 and G3 and “comments by councilmembers” revealed the “council majority had to (have) violated the Brown Act.” He clarified that the comment reflected his personal opinion.

“They could have moved to suspend the rules regarding reconsideration but that requires 4/5 vote,” Reeve wrote in a comment on his public Facebook page. “They knew they could not get that. So instead they just changed the council policy.”

“Ortega Highway has been widened. We can’t go back to those days unfortunately,” Marlene said in response to residents reminiscing over the highway’s scenic history.

“Please listen to those of us who live there.”

Those opposed to the project voiced concerns over losing the “charm” of the “historic” highway. Some mentioned not wanting sound walls near their homes, while others questioned the validity of safety concerns such as flooding. Ferguson later said she doesn’t see “beauty in concrete walls,” and Perry commented that he was against sound walls and retaining walls and didn’t want to ruin a “scenic road to increase traffic.”

Allevato pleaded with his colleagues to listen to the majority of the residents at the meeting and “remove the bottleneck,” making the highway “safer for everyone.

“It simply begs to be improved. There’s no reason I could see for not moving forward with this,” Allevato said.

Questioning the Solution Ferguson said she brought the topic back to the council because she “didn’t care for the way the item was presented,” adding that she believes the council was not provided all the information they needed to make a “prudent and good decision” for the city.

Quoting a 2002 strategic transportation plan paid for by the then-city council, Ferguson explained her reasoning for questioning the necessity of the widening project. She said of the transit projects discussed in the plan, the widening of Ortega Highway was listed at the very bottom of secondary strategies to alleviate traffic congestion, following potential projects like the completion of the 241 toll road and an Avery Parkway extension. Ferguson said she wanted the Avery project to be reconsidered.

Allevato countered that the Avery extension is not on the county’s current master plan of arterial highways, and staff confirmed that a request to the Orange County Transportation Authority would have to be made to conduct a study to see whether or not that project would be eligible for funding. City Engineer George Alvarez also noted complications such as hilly topography in that area.

The widening project seeks to improve a 0.9-mile stretch of Ortega Highway between Calle Entradero and the eastern city limits near Reata Park that narrows from four lanes to two. The section of roadway is the last between Interstate 5 and Antonio Parkway/La Pata Avenue that remains unimproved.

The public’s comments at Tuesday’s meeting were largely in favor of pursuing the widening. More than a dozen residents who commute daily along the Ortega, have children who go to school in the area or live in a neighborhood close to the highway warned the council of how unsafe the twolane section has become. Thirty-nine-year residents Dennis and Marlene Draper said the area is especially prone to flooding.

They could have moved “to suspend the rules

Page 5

regarding reconsideration but that requires 4/5 vote.

They knew they could not get that. So instead they just changed the council policy.

”

—Derek Reeve

The Road Ahead In addition to any improvements lost by not completing the project, City Engineer George Alvarez estimated the total amount of lost revenue that was slated to widen the street is close to about $15.5 million. “$6.1 million would be in Measure M, that’s competitive money. Grant money from Measure M can only be used for widening purposes,” Alvarez said. “We also stand the chance to lose $10 million from the county of Orange. The $10 million is because the widening project was split into two phases—the county portion and then the city portion. There was an agreement executed several years ago between OCTA and the county, and that’s what the county owes the city of San Juan Capistrano—$10 million.”

Allevato asked Alvarez what it would take to generate the $16 million to do the project 10 or 20 years from now.

“We couldn’t do it without external funding, because the total cost of this project is $29 million, and there’s no way the city can make up that lost revenue without external funding,” Alvarez said. “We don’t have the resources here. What we get in Measure M, the Fair Share and the gas tax per year is close to $1.6 million, and most of that money is used for the repair of our city streets.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher.

The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Tuesday, January 5 WARRANT ARREST Los Rios Street, 31300 Block (9:09 p.m.)

An anonymous Spanish-speaking woman called police and said a wanted man was inside her building. She gave police the man’s name and said he was wanted in an attempted murder from last year.

Police responded and arrested 29-year-old Alberto Neri. Neri is now in custody at the Theo Lacy Facility, a maximum security jail complex. He was scheduled to appear in Central Superior Court on Jan. 7.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Mission Hills Drive/Branding Iron Road (9:08 p.m.) A man in a white Ford Mustang with unknown plates parked at the end of the cul-de-sac and was seen possibly buying illegal drugs from a nearby residence.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Via Pimienta/Del Obispo Street (7:55 p.m.) A cleaning lady at the Oliva development requested a patrol check for a gray sedan with unknown plates in the area.

The woman said no one else is supposed to be there because they are model homes.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (7:16 p.m.) A drunken man in his mid to late 20s broke a stall door inside the women’s restroom at Regency Theatres and resisted as theater staff tried to escort him out. Theater staff told police the man went into the women’s restroom and vandalized one of the stall doors, causing approximately $500 in damages. Staff requested prosecution and signed a PPA form. The subject, 26-year-old Jesus Lopez, blew a .265 BAC and was arrested for felony vandalism and public intoxication. Lopez posted bond and was released on Jan. 6.

SHOTS HEARD—NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Camino Valverde/Paseo Andorra (6:14 p.m.) Three gunshots were heard coming from inside the mobile home estates or the park.

TRESPASSING Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (5:47 p.m.)

The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

A homeless man and woman refused to leave the seating area in front of Ralphs.

The caller said they were bothering customers, which is an ongoing issue with previous verbal threats against employees.

The caller said the woman also had a knife earlier in the week.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Del Obispo Street, 32000 Block (3:28 p.m.)

Two men were seen lying in a silver Mercedes as children were being let out of Capistrano Valley Christian School. They were last seen traveling eastbound on Del Obispo.

DISTURBANCE Via Sonora/Calle Belmonte (7:30 a.m.)

A caller reported a man riding a bicycle and carrying a large bag. The caller thought he was going through trash.

Monday, January 4

The staging area and sections of discharge pipe to be used for the Harbor dredging are seen along Baby Beach.

Photo: Alex Paris

9-1-1 HANGUP Camino Capistrano, 32000 Block (11:48 p.m.) A man called from the Ross Dress for Less payphone to say, “It’s pouring.”

News Next Door

DISTURBANCE Los Rios Street/Calle Santa Barbara (9:10 p.m.) A patrol check was requested near a garage for “several gang types yelling and looking to pull someone out of a residence.”

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

Dana Point Harbor Dredging Project Kicks Off at Baby Beach

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Del Obispo Street/Ortega Highway (7:04 p.m.) A caller from Thai Juan On reported a drunken subject “throwing up everywhere” outside the restaurant doors. The caller said the subject looked young, possibly under 21 years old.

Sunday, January 3 DRUNK DRIVING Del Obispo Street/Camino Capistrano (5:24 p.m.) A black Ford Expedition with a potentially drunk driver was seen driving in the middle of the street, nearly hitting oncoming traffic and running red lights.

The car was last seen on Del Obispo passing Camino Capistrano toward Ortega Highway.

CITIZEN ASSIST Galano Way, 31500 Block (1:22 p.m.)

A woman told police that her nephew’s older friend keeps bringing over a 15-year-old girl. She said the mother of the 15-year-old girl is getting angry that they allow the girl over there with the older boys. The woman wanted the girl to be escorted home.

DISTURBANCE Calle Arroyo, 27200 Block (12:17 p.m.)

A caller requested a patrol check for a homeless encampment in a city park east of the Ortega Equestrian Center.

The caller said they were “spooking the horses.”

Preparations for dredging the Dana Point Harbor are well underway, according to a recent update posted by the County of Orange.

A contract for the 2015-2016 Maintenance Dredging Project has been award by the County of Orange, and visitors to Baby Beach have likely noticed that mobilization and staging has already begun in the Pier parking lot.

According to the county’s press release, the project contractor has placed fencing around the construction staging area and will be using that space, as well as a portion of Baby Beach, to connect sections of the discharge pipe that will be used during the dredging. Additional sections of pipe will be stored along the Harbor seawall.

More information will be provided as the county updates the dredging schedule.—Allison Jarrell

San Clemente Planning Commission Approves Hospital Zoning Amendment

A General Plan zoning amendment was approved unanimously by the San Clemente Planning Commission to create a new regional medical zone for the Camino De Los Mares area.

The amendments are aimed at incentivizing and maintaining a medical zone, Associate City Planner Adam Atamian said during the Dec. 16 meeting.

The area includes everywhere within the Camino De Los Mares-adjacent land from Interstate 5 on- and off-ramps to past

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the hospital. The current zoning is designated as community commercial. The new zone is community commercial 4 that comes with medical-related benefits such as group counseling and has “benefits by being located near a hospital,” Atamian said.

The hospital site would be rezoned as a regional medical facility.

“Our proposal would be to create a regional medical zone and update the General Plan to reflect those uses.” Atamian said.

The new zoning that is community commercial would be for hospital-serving functions.

The rezoning has been criticized by some people at hospital meetings as being too authoritative and restrictive to business in San Clemente. Those opposed said it could set precedence for future zoning policy and not allow flexibility in changes.

Hospital Administrator Tony Struthers said Saddleback Memorial was “frustrated” by the proposals.

“For over a year we’ve been holding public meetings, speaking with community groups and leaders and collaborating with the city of San Clemente and many others to support statewide legislation that will allow us to operate a satellite emergency facility for San Clemente,” Struthers said. “In spite of this outreach…this new uncalled for and extraordinarily restrictive rezoning proposal has emerged. If this zoning proposal is recommended to the City Council, we will provide written comments detailing our concerns regarding the legality of the rezoning.”

Atamian said the rezoning would be able to accommodate the changes as long as it was a medical facility. The new zoning also would not disallow any current business that is conducted currently within the zone.

The final proposal for the zoning would have to be approved by the San Clemente City Council.—Eric Heinz www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Community Meetings

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Battle of the Mariachis Festival Tickets on Sale Jan. 13 Reserved tables and tickets for Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Battle of the Mariachis Festival will go on sale to the public on Jan. 13. The 12th annual festival is set to take place May 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The festival features live music performances by mariachi groups from across Southern California and beyond as they compete on stage for cash prizes before a panel of judges.

Festival highlights also include ringing of the historic Mission bells, a special performance of the national anthem, performances by Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano, bilingual marionette shows, traditional trick-roping performances, food vendors and exhibition performances by the local Capistrano Community Mariachi Program.

Tickets and reserved tables went on sale to Mission members on Jan. 6. Members have the opportunity to purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $5 for adults and seniors, and $3 for children ages 4 to 11. On Jan. 13, general admission tickets and reserved tables will go on sale to the public. Reserved table rates vary according to size and location. Tickets are $15 for adults and seniors, and $6 for children ages 4 to 11.

Tickets and tables may be purchased by going online to www.missionsjc.com, calling 949.234.1317 or visiting the Mission Gate House, located at 26801 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano, beginning at 9 a.m. on Jan. 13.

There are a limited number of individual admission tickets available, and tickets are expected to sell out early. For more information visit www.missionsjc.com or call 949.234.1317.

SJC Writers Group to Showcase Anthology at Launch Party The San Juan Capistrano Writers Group, in conjunction with the San Juan Capistrano Library, will be hosting a panel to launch their first-ever anthology on Jan. 9 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The launch party will give SJCWG a chance to meet their readers as well as provide inspiration for budding writers.

The SJCWG is a group of hometown authors who write both fiction and nonfiction. Members will participate in the panel discussion and speak about their writing styles, inspiration, and methods in the library’s La Sala Auditorium. The event is free to the public and includes refreshments. The authors’ books will also be available to purchase.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

MONDAY, JAN. 11

Youth Advisory Board Meeting

5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Youth Advisory Board meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

TUESDAY, JAN. 12

Planning Commission Meeting Winners from the 2015 Battle of the Mariachis Festival. Photo: Courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano

‘Jam for Sam’ at Swallow’s Inn Set for Jan. 23

CDPH: Norovirus on the Rise in California

The first annual “Jam for Sam” fundraiser for cancer research will take place at the Swallow’s Inn on Saturday, Jan. 23 from noon to 6:30 p.m. The event is being held in honor of longtime San Juan Capistrano resident and beloved Little League coach Sam Abbate, who passed away several years ago from pancreatic cancer.

There will be no cover charge for the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle and win a free night stay at the Montage Laguna Beach.

All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Four local bands are set to play throughout the day: The Cholulas, Joint Committee, Lyons Den and Misty Rosas. Each band has lifelong ties to the South County area, and many of their members grew up in San Juan Capistrano.

Information about Free Birth Certificates on Housing CA Website Starting in the new year, people experiencing homelessness will be able to get a free California ID from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Birth certificates and state IDs are required for nearly everything, from enrolling children in school to getting medical treatment to renting an apartment. For people who are experiencing homelessness and trying to get back on their feet, it’s often a significant barrier to accessing the services created to help people stabilize their lives and their families.

If you’re a service provider with questions about how to help individuals obtain free copies of their birth certificate, or if you’re an individual experiencing homelessness who needs a copy of your birth certificate, visit www.housingca.org under the “Resources” section.

California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced on Dec. 23 that California is experiencing an increase in norovirus cases, which includes stomach flu or winter vomiting disease. CDPH has confirmed 32 outbreaks of norovirus in California since Oct. 1, likely resulting in hundreds of reported sicknesses in the state, and these outbreaks far exceed the number reported at this time in 2014, according to a CDPH press release.

“One of the most important things you can do to avoid norovirus and other illnesses this holiday season is to wash your hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds,” Smith said.

“This is especially important after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing or eating food. Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.”

People with norovirus are very contagious; the virus can spread quickly in closed and crowded environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, schools, cruise ships and food service settings.

People who are ill are recommended to practice good handwashing and to avoid preparing food for others while they are sick for at least 48 hours after symptoms are no longer present. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after the person has been exposed to the virus and last for one to three days. The most common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Other symptoms may include low-grade fever, headache and body aches. Norovirus symptoms can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults and people with other illnesses.

For more information, visit www.cdph. ca.gov.

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

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

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13

Downtown Farmers Market 3 p.m.– 6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from dozens of vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday. Visit www.farmersmarketsjc.com or call 949.493.4700 to find out more.

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

7 p.m. The Capistrano Unified School District governing body meets at district offices, located at 33122 Valle Road. To see the board’s agenda, visit www.capousd.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 15

Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A spirited town

hall forum on community issues.

Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

MONDAY, JAN. 18

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting

5 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit, www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 19

Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission Meeting

6 p.m. The Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

FRIDAY, JAN. 22

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Ready to Lead

put an effective manager in that role. What I’m really excited to bring to San Juan is that passion and enthusiasm, a desire to work with the community, a desire to really understand the issues and the history and to work with the very disparate groups in town with different interests, and hopefully find some common goals and improve the community, which I know is really everyone’s ultimate goal.

“This is an interesting time for the organization (of the city). You have a lot of vacancies in some key management positions, so to me, that was an opportunity… from an institutional knowledge perspective, I really see it as a huge opportunity to build and create a highly effective management team and create a culture where the best and the brightest want to come work in San Juan. And there’s no reason they wouldn’t. This is an incredibly desirable community with a lot going on.”

Newly hired City Manager Ben Siegel brings experience from projects in Lake Forest, Laguna Beach

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ast month, the City Council announced the unanimous selection of Ben Siegel as the city’s new manager following the departure of Karen Brust in July. After four years of service to San Juan, Brust left her position to accept the role of city manager in her hometown, Encinitas, in September.

Siegel, 37, comes to San Juan Capistrano from the city of Laguna Beach, where he has worked since 2012 and currently serves as the assistant city manager and director of public works. Siegel is set to begin his work in San Juan on Feb. 8.

The new manager recently sat down with The Capistrano Dispatch to talk about his background in municipal government and what he’s looking forward to most about working in the city of San Juan Capistrano.

Beginning His Career in Government: Siegel earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA and completed his Master of Public Administration degree at California State University Fullerton. He began his career in local government as an intern at the city of Encinitas.

“I knew I wanted to be in public service in some capacity. So I took an internship in Encinitas in the city manager’s office. At the time, all my favorite surf breaks were in Encinitas, so I thought, ‘Hey, this is going to be great!’ I thought that was very fortuitous. In a very short period of time, I knew that was the career for me. I really found it challenging and interesting, and I loved the diversity of disciplines you get to be involved in and working with people from all different backgrounds. You also get to have a positive impact on the community, and you play a role in projects and programs that hopefully improve the community.”

Work in Lake Forest: After interning in Encinitas, Siegel was hired on full-time by the city of Lake Forest in 2003 and went on to work in the public works department, the city manager’s office and with police services. After the assistant city manager went on maternity leave, he filled in and ended up working in that role for the next five years. Siegel said it was an interesting time for the community, as private landowners began approaching the city about rezoning the land along the 241 toll road from commercial industrial to residential following the closure of a Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

Ben Siegel, 37, of Laguna Beach, begins his role as San Juan’s new city manager on Feb. 8. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Work in Laguna Beach: Siegel moved to Laguna Beach while working in Lake Forest, met his wife, Alison, and when the opportunity arose to work as the city’s community services director, he took it. Shortly after, he was promoted to deputy city manager, and later on he also accepted the role of the city’s public works director. Siegel said he enjoyed his large “umbrella of responsibilities,” including working on transportation issues.

“What’s really interesting and unique about Laguna Beach is we have our own year-round transit program. There’s a fleet of 31 buses and trolleys, which is very unusual, but especially for a city of 25,000 people. I got some latitude to be very flexible there and try new programs to increase transit use and reduce congestion. There’s been summer service in Laguna Beach for decades, but just in the last five years the ridership on that summer service has gone up 50 percent. We got a grant from OCTA to expand that service to weekends in the non-summer months. We launched that in March, and it’s been incredibly successful—we’ve basically quadrupled the number of riders compared to what we need to sustain grant funding.”

Challenges Overcome and Lessons Learned: “Some challenges have been working with state and regional agencies. That can be tough, navigating those bureaucracies.

Some of the projects that I’ve worked on were very long-term in nature, and it can be challenging when you have a public with expectations to really advance things and accelerate them. Sometimes there are processes that are beyond the control of the city. I understand the frustration in the public in those instances, and I think the city manager’s role is to expedite it to the extent possible, but also provide effective outreach and continual communication.

“I’ve also faced challenges working with different groups and organizations in a community that have very different views.

Getting them to coalesce around one project, to move it forward, to share a vision and advance something to the point where a project can come to fruition can be incredibly challenging, but you also have to respect the process, that ultimately the idea is to get a better outcome because everyone has had the chance to provide feedback and input.”

What He Brings to the Table: Siegel said he brings experience managing complex programs and major capital projects, working with developers on entitlements and managing transportation projects and roadway extensions.

“There are generally managers and technicians. Sometimes public works directors can fit into that technician category, but I think what the (Laguna Beach) city manager saw in me was the ability to

Page 8

On Handling Contentious Topics in Town: “I understand that there are contentious issues, and that’s part of the process.

People have different opinions and these are important issues—they will shape the future of this community, so that’s to be expected. I think one of the keys is you really have to strive to maintain civility and have an understanding that you can differ on a policy level, but it’s really not productive to take it to a personal level. I know the City Council here really values input from the community, but there are certainly ways (input) can be provided, and I think the city manager’s job is to help channel that into a productive conversation before it deteriorates.”

What He’s Looking Forward to in San Juan: Siegel lives in Laguna Beach with his wife, Alison, and stepchildren Chloe, 8, and Finn, 6. He said he’s looking forward to learning more about San Juan’s history, meeting residents and business owners and appreciating the area’s beauty and equestrian culture.

He’s also looking forward to spending time with his family in town when he isn’t coaching youth basketball teams.

“I’m fascinated by this town. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Some of the history here you just don’t find in Southern California. How cool is it that you have a town with that history, but then also still have some of the challenges of new development?

“I think there are going to be some opportunities to diversify the local economy and improve economic development with opportunities for local businesses, so I’m excited about that, too.

“To have the ability to work in a community like this, it can be challenging but it’s also incredibly rewarding. And I think it’s unique, especially in Orange County, where so many of the cities are much newer. San Juan has been a community for a very long time—generations of people have lived here—so it’s very special.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

31341 VIA DEL VERDE, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

This fantastic Warmington built home is located in the quiet enclave of San Juan Hills Estates, 3 minutes from St. Margaret school. Enter the gated community & instantly enjoy the quiet of the canyon tucked into the hills. San Juan is roughly 43% designated open space with miles of open equestrian, hiking & biking trails. This community has a low HOA of $210 & NO Mello-Roos & is minutes from downtown, the freeway & world class beaches. The home boasts 5 bedrooms & 5 baths, with one bedroom & ensuite bath downstairs, perfect for guests or parents. One of the upstairs bedrooms also has it’s own ensuite bath, one bedroom currently used as an office, has a double door entry and shares a Jack & Jill bath with the fourth bedroom. The Master suite features a large sliding door for looking out over your very private 22,000’+ lot. This spacious Master also has it’s own retreat area, complete with a fireplace. The home features a 3 car garage, plus a super long driveway that could accommodate about 10 cars. The rear yard is larger than most you’ve seen & begging for a pool, outdoor living area or whatever you could conceive. Located at the end of a cul-desac, the setting is private & away from it all. The custom kitchen has Granite counters. $1,196,200

Bill Arseneau BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTY ONE GROUP

Realtor since 1976 Lic. # 00572124 Mobile/text 714.322.4044 waarseneau@gmail.com UNDER PROMISE, OVER DELIVER

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

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

DISAPPOINTED WITH EXPERIENCE AT THE MISSION —Elaine Bennett, Santa Ana I am writing this letter because I was so disappointed by my last trip to San Juan Capistrano. I have always loved and enjoyed your small town. I love taking the train down just for the day.

On Nov. 22, I came down with my sister for a day trip. As we came into town, we stopped at Mission Grill for a quick snack before enjoying the Mission. I have been there before and always have been pleased with the food, service and love the relaxed atmosphere. The plan was to enjoy the Mission and then go have a nice lunch.

As we came into the Mission, my sister asked if they had any recommendations for lunch. The first thing out of the young man’s mouth was, “Don’t go across the street. The food is bad and the service is awful.” I felt so embarrassed (we had just left there). As we went on through the Mission, my sister asked several other employees the same question and got very similar answers—this seemed like a script. Why not skip this and talk about some positive choices? This left me very confused and disappointed in the Mission. It ruined the day, and we will not visit the Mission again.

THE MAYOR’S DISHONORABLE INTENT —Dave Solt, San Juan Capistrano Politics 101 says that when a government official wants to do something greasy, he/she should schedule a one-agenda item meeting on a Friday afternoon—this would assure the meeting would be mostly ignored. Mayor Pam Patterson did exactly this when she called a special City Council meeting with 24 hours and one minute notification for Dec. 11. The item—land use definitions— did not require a special meeting and certainly did not require being held on a Friday afternoon during the holiday shopping season. Her intent was dishonorable.

ENJOY YOUR “BULGE,” AKA THE ORTEGA HIGHWAY CHOKE POINT —Ann Ronan, San Juan Capistrano At the Dec. 15, 2015, City Council meeting, city staff recommended that we finally, after 10 years, move forward with widening the 0.9-mile choke point of the Ortega Highway, utilizing county funds that were committed to our city and expire Nov. 5, 2016. The goals were to increase safety, reduce flooding and reduce traffic congestion.

The council voted 3-2 to move forward The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@thecapistranodispatch.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Cars drive the two-lane stretch of Ortega Highway east of town toward Reata Park on a recent rainy afternoon.

The highway is four lanes except for this 0.9-mile section. Photo: Allison Jarrell

on Dec. 15 and then changed its mind.

Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson proposed to reconsider the vote to give the council more time to feel comfortable with making a decision and so as not to feel pressured by grant deadlines. At the Jan. 5 meeting, they voted not to move forward with the widening.

They disregarded residents who spoke rationally about how dangerous it is for them to leave their streets. They disregarded the flooding issue, first responder delays and 10 years of staff, commission and city councils’ studies. They said no thanks to more than $1 million already allocated to our city in grant funds and up to $16 million more—these funds will now go to other cities that truly care about their residents’ safety. I believe the council majority allowed a few residents, hanging on to their efforts to spite “The Ranch,” to negatively impact their good judgement about what is best for all us.

Current Planning Commissioner Lennie DeCaro, who has passionately fought against the widening project since the beginning, stated in the OC Register on Jan. 17, 2008, “If they (the Ranch) want to use the Ortega Highway as a driveway to other communities (proposed Rancho Mission Viejo communities), I will fight it the entire way.” In the Register on Feb. 12, 2008, DeCaro stated, “I think Ortega Highway is a linchpin for the development (of Rancho Mission Viejo).” “We can’t widen it because it will just encourage growth.”

Councilwoman Ferguson’s final comments on Jan. 5 included, “I still think this is a problem brought on by the Ranch, and it would be great if they would make their own solution through their own property.”

(According to the city engineer, the topology (hilly) probably isn’t feasible—the area is also a nature preserve). Ferguson then made reference to a petition signed

by Hunt Club residents, which has been resolved with the settlement—“285 people in Lennie’s (DeCaro) community do not want this.”

Councilman John Perry’s final comments about the matter were, “Some residents have the perspective that we’re going to have to kneel down and accommodate all the development happening out of San Juan. It’s a bulge. I won’t call it a choke point … I would remove the bulge; but, the sound walls and retaining walls are a non-starter for me. Let’s ruin a scenic road to increase traffic.”

Sound walls are required by law. Next time you’re stuck in traffic there or nearly in an accident, remember you are in a “bulge” not a “choke point.”

There has been plenty of time to get educated about this project. The council majority berated staff for not getting them information in enough time to meet grant deadlines. Grant funding announcements are almost always finalized four to eight weeks before applications are due. It takes a concerted effort by experienced staff to create a competitive application in that short time. Effective City Council members need to get up to speed quickly on issues while managing time-bound pressures. If they aren’t committed to spending the time to do so, or don’t have the capacity to do so, they shouldn’t be representing any of us. If you can’t attend council meetings, I urge you to watch the videos of meetings posted on the city’s website, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Page 10

Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@thecapistranodispatch.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

ART/DESIGN SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 1. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives.

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FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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SOAPBOX NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS SHOULD INCLUDE EATING HEALTHIER FOOD —Lobart Ikle, Laguna Beach Once again, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, particularly those to improve our diet and exercise routine.

Although gun violence and traffic accidents remain the leading causes of death among young people, the most dangerous weapon for the rest of us is still our fork.

Well over a million of us are killed each year by high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and other chronic diseases linked to our meat-based diet.

But times are changing. According to Gallup, 22 percent of American consumers are avoiding meat, and 12 percent are avoiding dairy products. Supermarket chains, along with Target and Walmart, offer a growing selection of delicious and healthy plant-based products. Meat consumption has dropped by 8 percent in the past decade.

Hundreds of school, college, hospital and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday and vegan meals. Fastfood chains like Chipotle, Panera, Subway, Taco Bell and White Castle are rolling out vegan options.

Let’s make this New Year’s resolution about exploring the rich variety of plantbased entrees, lunch meats, cheeses, ice creams and milks, as well as the more traditional green and yellow veggies. The Internet offers tons of recipes and transition tips.

Editor’s note: According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control in 2010, the

leading causes of death among people ages 15 to 35 is categorized as unintentional injury. Homicide and suicide were listed as the second-leading causes. Illnesses such as heart disease and cancer were listed as the top leading causes of death in people older than the aforementioned ages.

Changing landscapes Wildlife at risk • Rising seas • Ocean acidification, with loss of life at the bottom of the ocean’s food chain • Increased risk of drought, fire, floods and loss of life • Stronger storms, increased storm damage and loss of life • More heat-related illness, disease and loss of life • Economic losses The questions each of us have to ask ourselves are, “Which one will have the most impact on my life, or on the places I care about?” and “What can I do to help mitigate the changes that are coming?”

The cities of Lancaster and Sebastopol have both enacted city ordinances mandating solar power. In Lancaster, new single-family residential units must include at least 1 kilowatt (kW) of solar power capacity per home.

Sebastopol went a step further, requiring all newly built homes, commercial buildings and major residential remodels/ additions to be equipped with solar power systems capable of providing two watts of photovoltaic-derived power per square foot of insulated building area or, in other words, at least 75 percent of the building’s total annual electric load.

At least a dozen cities have announced they are transitioning to renewable energy.

Just this past week, San Diego announced it would be functioning on 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Others have set 2020 as the year to complete their transition. There is no reason why we shouldn’t • •

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO NEEDS TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE —Joanna Clark, San Juan Capistrano Our influence on the environment is having catastrophic effects on atmospheric, geologic, hydrologic, biospheric and other earth system processes.

Global warming and climate change are brought about by excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Since the beginning of the industrial age, carbon dioxide levels have steadily increased from 280 parts per million (ppm) to more than 400 ppm, and they continue to rise. Carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere on a time scale of centuries warming the planet.

Climate change driven by global warming is already beginning to transform life on Earth. Around the globe, seasons are shifting, temperatures are climbing and sea levels are rising. And meanwhile, our planet must still supply us—and all living things—with air, water, food and safe places to live. If we don’t act now, climate change will rapidly alter the lands and waters we all depend upon for survival, leaving our children and grandchildren with a very different world.

Some of the most dangerous consequences of climate change are: • Higher temperatures

be doing the same.

Some years ago, actor Larry Hagman installed what he called his “gonzo” solar array at his home in Ojai, California.

Few of us have the space to install such an enormous residential solar array, but there are large areas in all of our cities where “gonzo” size arrays could be built.

Where you ask? The answer to that question is simple: parking lots.

According to the manager of the Orange County Public Information Office, the “county installed a “gonzo array” in the parking lot of the complex on Grand Avenue … it’s being replicated where there are open-air lots.”

It’s time to choose. Continue to rely on fossil fuels and totally destroy our children’s and grandchildren’s future, or transition to renewable energy and mitigate the changes that are already in progress, giving our children and grandchildren a chance for a livable, if not somewhat difficult, future.

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

GUEST OPINION: The Bartlett Bulletin by Lisa Bartlett, Orange County Supervisor 5th District

Preparing for El Niño in Orange County

A

s your Orange County Supervisor, public safety is among my top priorities. This includes preparing for and raising public awareness about El Nino in Orange County and the expected greater than usual rainfall and storm clusters with the potential for saturating the ground and producing flash flooding.

The County of Orange is responsible for all large flood control channels around the County, as well as street gutters and catch basins in the unincorporated areas, including Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel, in addition to the cities of Mission Viejo, Lake Forest and Dana Point.

All other cities maintain their own street gutters and catch basins.

Dangers from El Niño conditions are very real. In 1982-83, El Niño storms killed 36 people and caused $1.2 billion in damages when coastal Orange County areas flooded and mudslides destroyed canyon homes. In December 1997, the most severe storm ever measured in Orange The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

County hit, devastating parts of Laguna Beach, Lake Forest and Irvine, and around the Interstate 5 freeway. More than 7 inches of rain fell in parts of South County in one day.

Residents are encouraged to get ready now for expected winter rains and potential flooding. Make sure you and your family are prepared both at home and away. Be alert THE BARTLETT for potential dangers, BULLETIN and by all means stay out

By Lisa Bartlett of rivers, flood channels and storm drains. If storm gutters by your house are blocked, please call your public works department if you live in a city. If you live in an unincorporated area, please call OC Public Works at 714.955.0200.

Please be aware that standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available for property owners to financially protect themselves. Most private flood policies have a 30-day waiting period. Homeowners can keep their home

safe from flooding by using sandbags, plywood, straw bales or plastic sheeting to direct flood waters away from buildings and onto the street.

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.

The following are additional iprecautions to take in preparation for El Niño: • Have roofs repaired by licensed and bonded contractors and fix leaks.

• Clear gutters, downspouts and roof drains of leaves and other debris.

• Report street storm drains to city public works departments or OC Public Works for those in the unincorporated areas.

• Place sandbags to protect vulnerable areas from flooding around your home.

• Trim all landscaping and branches away from homes, vehicles and power lines.

• Have weakened trees inspected by arborists.

• Prepare a disaster supply kit that is portable in case of evacuation.

Page 11

• Have

a family emergency plan and reunification plan.

• Keep valuable documents, keepsakes and medicines in one place for easy access.

• Keep sneakers, a blanket and water in your car in case of emergencies.

• Photograph valuables at your home and property for future insurance claims if needed.

Please sign up for AlertOC. By registering with AlertOC, time-sensitive voice messages from the County of Orange or the city in which you live or work may be sent to your home, cell or business phone. Text messages may also be sent to cell phones, email accounts and hearing impaired receiving devices. To register for AlertOC, please visit www.AlertOC. com. For more tips to prepare for El Niño, please visit www.ReadyOC.org. 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.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 08 THE ARTS PROJECT OC: AUDITIONS FOR ‘BIG!’ THE MUSICAL 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8 or 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9. Ages 10-18. Callbacks will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The Arts Project of Orange County, 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente, 949.276.2787, More www.theartsprojectoc.com.

LOUIE ANDERSON 8 p.m. Louie Anderson performs live comedy at The Coach House with Cindy Burns. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Saturday | 09 WHALE WALK AND TALK 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Learn about the area’s largest mammal visitor on this 1.5-mile walk through the Dana Point Headlands conservation area on the second Saturday of the month, except October and November.

Tours will also run March 5, 6 and 12 and 13 during the Festival of Whales. Hear about California gray whale migration patterns, different whale species and learn how to spot, watch and identify whales.

Bring binoculars or borrow ours. RSVP to wgintern@danapoint.com or 949.248.3527.

Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www. danapoint.org.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Dalton Gang performs until 6:30 p.m., followed by Rob Staley at 8:30 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 10 START THE YEAR OFF RIGHT HIKE 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Join the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a winter hike at the Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy. Enjoy the company of fellow hiking enthusiasts, take in the fragrant aroma of dampened sage and breathe in the cool winter air.

Ages 10 and up. $10 for adults, $5 for kids, free for supporters and RMV residents.

Call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

American guitar master Larry Pattis is set to perform on Jan. 14 at The Bookstore in the San Juan Capistrano Library. Photo: Courtesy ofCourtesy of Larry Pattis

The “Bears about Town” multicultural traveling art exhibit is coming from Mission Viejo to the San Juan Capistrano Library on Jan. 14. Photo: Courtesy of SJC Friends of the Library

Monday | 11 PJ STORYTIME WITH THE SUNSHINE READERS 6:30 p.m-7:30 p.m. An energetic reading event hosted by the National Charity League Sunshine Readers for children off all ages at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Pajamas are welcome but not required. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14: TRAVELING ART EXHIBIT & CONCERT AT THE BOOKSTORE 6 p.m. The “Bears about Town” multicultural traveling art exhibit kicks off 2016 in style with a welcome reception and “Meet the Artists” reception at The Bookstore in the San Juan Capistrano Library. The Bears exhibit began as a Mission Viejo community cultural arts project, traveling from there to the University of California Irvine campus and most recently to the Saddleback College Library. The event features live music by American guitar master Larry Pattis from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. A joint reception for Pattis and the Bears begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, benefitting the Friends of the Library. RSVP to 949.218.4512 or 949.493.2688. The Bookstore is located at 31495-A El Camino Real.

system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY TOASTMASTERS MEETING 7 p.m.-8:40 p.m. Practice becoming a more confident communicator on Tuesdays at Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, 949.429.1794, 3944816.toastmastersclubs.org.

Wednesday | 13

Tuesday | 12 OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound

PAINTING AND VINO 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sip wine while participating in a step-by-step painting class taught by an artist. All supplies provided. $45. Register online at www.paintingandvino.com.

StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del

Page 13

Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

LECTURE: FUN WITH FUNGI 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and explore the fascinating world of wild mushrooms with amateur mycologist Joanne Schwartz. Learn about finding and identifying fungi in Southern California. Free. Ages 8 and up. RMV Presentation Center, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

Thursday | 14 SAN JUAN CHAMBER NETWORKING MIXER 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of networking and delicious food and drink (Cont. on page 14) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

On Stage at the Coach House: Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa Carlton. Photo: Eddie Chacon

(Cont. from page 13) with the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce. $15 for chamber members, $25 for potential members. RSVP to info@ sanjuanchamber.com or call 949.493.4700.

TRAVELING ART EXHIBIT & CONCERT AT THE BOOKSTORE 6 p.m. The “Bears about Town” multicultural traveling art exhibit kicks off 2016 in style with a welcome reception and “Meet the Artists” reception at The Bookstore in the San Juan Capistrano Library. The Bears exhibit began as a Mission Viejo community cultural arts project, traveling from there to the University of California Irvine campus and most recently to the Saddleback College Library. The event features live music by American guitar master Larry Pattis from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

A joint reception for Pattis and the Bears begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, benefitting the Friends of the Library. RSVP t o 949.218.4512 or 949.493.2688.

The Bookstore is located at 31495-A El Camino Real.

CHANCEY WILLIAMS & THE YOUNGER BROTHER BAND 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Friday | 15 HANS & JANINE 4 p.m. Live music at Waterman’s Harbor, 34661 Golden Lantern Street, in the Dana Point Harbor, 949.764.3474, www.watermandp.com.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. See more events online. Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

ore than 14 years removed from her breakout album, Be Not Nobody, Vanessa Carlton has produced her fifth album, Liberman, a peaceful and calm record that Carlton believes makes for an intimate listening experience.

Carlton, whose hit single “A Thousand Miles” peaked inside the top-5 of the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 2002, is in the midst of a West Coast Liberman tour and will perform at The Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano on Jan. 23.

The tracks off Liberman are intricate

M

and layered, driven primarily by Carlton’s performance on the piano. When she takes the stage, however, she will be accompanied by only one other musician, Skye Steele.

Carlton said the two are able to recreate the record’s dreamy vibes by recording tracks live onstage, looping them, and adding additional melodies on top.

Since breaking from a major record label, Carlton said she has the freedom to produce records like Liberman, where her musical interests and artistic choices take center stage.

“It was such an incredible rejuvenation

for me because it was being a part of a project and executing an album in a way that was only about ideas, musically— and nothing else. It was made outside of the machine,” Carlton said. “This record is very much a reflection of what I like to hear and what I wanted to create.”

For a full list of Carlton’s tour dates, visit www.vanessacarlton.com.

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

Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

forms and species. $10 adults, $5 kids.

Ages 8 and up. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

32082 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. RSVP to Claire at claire@sanjuanchamber.com or call 949.493.4700. For more information, visit www.sanjuanchamber.com.

FIESTA ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP MIXER 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Join or renew your membership with the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association and celebrate San Juan’s rich heritage. $20 entry includes taco, slider, pot sticker and dessert stations with a no host bar at The Vintage Steakhouse, located at 26701 Verdugo Street in San Juan Capistrano. Entry is free with new memberships. Annual membership dues are $30 for individuals, $50 for families.

RSVP to leannabradshaw@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.swallowsparade.org.

SHOWOFF! INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents seven original 10-minute plays written by seven different directors. Tickets are $18. Shows run through Jan. 24 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 16 ECO-DESIGN FARM TOUR 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Enjoy a guided tour of The Ecology Center while learning about household water solutions. $5 suggested donation for non-members. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

FUN FINDING FUNGI MUSHROOM WALK 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and explore the fascinating world of wild mushrooms with amateur mycologist Joanne Schwartz.

With a little luck and some rain, participants may find a wide range of fungal

THE BAYOU BROTHERS 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s.

555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

Sunday | 17 LOCAL AUTHOR LECTURE SERIES 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library hosts San Juan author Joe DeLadurantey for this month’s local author lecture series. DeLadurantey utilizes 40 years of law enforcement experience to pen his intriguing crime novels.

Councilman Sam Allevato will moderate the discussion. Admission is free, but RSVP is required as space is limited. The Bookstore, 31495-A El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.2688.

ECOLOGY CENTER COMMUNITY TABLE DINNER 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. The Ecology Center’s Community Table is a unique experience that’s part farm-to-table dinner and part education, where guests can enjoy delicious local food and meet the rancher/ farmer and chef who are responsible for making the meal. Chef Paul Buchanan of Primal Alchemy has composed a menu showcasing seasonal food grown by urban farms. Tickets are $115 for members, $125 for non-members, and can be purchased at www.theecologycenter.org. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223.

Tuesday | 19 LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the San Juan Chamber of Commerce for a networking lunch at Ricardo’s Place, located at

Page 14

Thursday | 21 EREADER OPEN HOUSE 9 a.m-10 a.m. Learn how to download free eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks from the San Juan Capistrano Library’s website to your tablet, eReader, computer or smart phone. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

READ TO A DOG 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Kids can read to licensed therapy dogs every other Thursday at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Studies have shown that reading to therapy dogs can improve children’s reading skills and selfconfidence. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Friday | 22 COCO MONTOYA 8 p.m. Live music at The Coach House featuring Coco Montoya, Johnny Oskam and Four Sue. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 6 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

DUSTIN FRANK & THE TRADERS 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s.

555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Samson Finds a Home

O

n the night of Dec. 16, my partner Greta and I picked up her granddaughter, Ashley Avalos, and her two greatgrandchildren, Ava and Anthony, at LAX. They had flown in from North Carolina. We arrived at Greta’s San Clemente home at 10 p.m.

When we opened the front door to enter the house, the five of us were joined by a 150-pound German shepherd, who just walked in with us, right out of the night.

At least he was friendly. He had a collar, but no name tag. I grabbed him by the collar and took him outside in case he had just gotten away from his owners. He was as strong as a horse.

The street was empty. We walked him around the neighborhood, but no one was out looking for him.

Greta telephoned her friend Jane who volunteers at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter in San Clemente. Jane suggested we telephone the shelter, but no one answered. A message on their recording gave a number to call the Sheriff’s Department. It was 11 p.m. The Sheriff said ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 they could do nothing.

By Tom Blake We could not keep the dog at Greta’s home because of the two great grandchildren, and Greta is allergic to dogs. Her backyard is not enclosed.

What were we going to do?

The only solution was for me to take him to my Dana Point home and have him stay there with me. I had no idea how comfortable he’d be in the car, let alone the house, or whether he’d devour me on the drive to Dana Point.

We pulled into the garage, and I shut the garage door before we got out of the car. At least he couldn’t get out of the house. He did a full inspection of the house, with me moving breakable things out of the way. I let him inspect the enclosed backyard.

I decided to sleep downstairs on the couch pull-out bed. All I had to nourish him with was bread and water.

At midnight, I climbed into bed. He tried to do that as well. I finally got him to lie on the rug next to the bed. He was moving around most of the night. He’d put his nose under my arm every 20 minutes or so. Sleep was scarce that night.

At 3 a.m., I remembered we had one Jimmy Dean sausage croissant sandwich in the freezer. I warmed half of it for him.

He inhaled it. After that, he settled down and slept from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Page 15

Samson. Photo: Tom Blake

For breakfast, he got the other half of the croissant, again, inhaling it.

I had coffee.

My mission: get him safely to the animal shelter, where I arrived at 10:15 a.m.

No one had called.

I was assured by one of the workers that he would be adopted after a quarantine period. “He’s a magnificent dog,” she said.

This experience opened my eyes to the wonderful San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter that we are so blessed to have. The volunteers there love dogs and cats. Greta’s volunteer friend Jane sent a picture of him. His name was “Samson.”

That night, I found myself missing that big German shepherd who dragged me around for 12 hours.

I checked with the shelter three times over the next week. He was still there.

On Tuesday, Dec. 29, Greta and I went to the shelter to check on Samson. Good news: he was being adopted that day. The new owners had visited him four times before deciding.

We got to see him before he left for his new home. Dog trainer Esther Horn took us to his kennel and explained all the loving care the animals get there. She said, “Samson’s a big puller.” I couldn’t deny that.

It warmed my heart that this story had such a beautiful ending. Visit and support the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. It will touch your heart. And maybe you will even be moved to adopt one of their beautiful and lonely animals that just want to go to a home.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. His latest book can be found online at www.smashwords.com/books/view/574810.

See his website at www.findingloveafter60. com (Yes, after 60; time rolls on.) To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times 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 DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS AUTOMOBILE REPAIR

Star Motors

32959 Calle Perfecto, 949.443.1970, www.star-motors.com

ELECTRICIANS

Excel Electric

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

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Excel Electric - CA #793860

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

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

San Juan Photo & Digital

32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668, www.sjcphotodigital.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

AUTOS FOR SALE

FOR SALE

NISSAN PATHFINDER 4x4 2009 Silver with black interior.

Bluetooth CD player. New Bilstein shocks. K&N air filter. In great shape. $14,800 949-633-3860

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

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

ATTWOOD SUMP PUMP $80 Call 248-5268

SCHOOLS

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo.

OBITUARY

William C Walter

William (Bill) C Walter, born May 13,1935 in Buffalo, NY to Mildred and William Walter, Sr., died peacefully in hospice surrounded by family and friends on Dec 2, 2015.

Bill’s passion was cycling. At age 16, won Elgin to Chicago 50-mile Road Classic; at 55 won 1990 US National Champion in the Men 5559 Sprint; in lifetime achieved over 300 medals/trophies.

Bill studied engineering at Purdue and U of Buffalo. His engineering career included rockets, geodesic domes, bulk storage tanks with Fluor and Jacobs, post-earthquake inspections, and two patents.

Bill arrived in CA in 1987, in 1996 married Judy Jones and moved to San Clemente, becoming much loved Uncle Bill to 3 sons

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

of Judy’s sister. He was a partner, friend, supporter of Judy’s career and activism.

Preceded in death: first wife Paula and son Richard. Surviving family: daughters Kathleen (Alexander) Gilchrist & Mary (Deno) Sfikas, and wife Judith Jones.

Bill worked hard, a strong cycling competitor, enjoyed comradery after racing, quick to raise a toast saying, “I love life!”More on Bill’s life and contributing in lieu of flowers at O’Connor Mortuary website http://www. oconnormortuary.com/obituaries/ William-Walter-2/). Memorial Celebration will be 11am Sat Jan 23, 2015; email judyjones414@ gmail.com for location and directions.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

LIST LOCALS ONLY

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

Page 16

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

New Year, Same Historic Charm In 2016, let an array of tours and knowledgeable guides lead you through San Juan’s vibrant past

O

ne hundred years ago, in 1916, Charles Francis Saunders wrote a book to encourage train travel to California on behalf of the Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads. In it, he described San Juan Capistrano.

“Two hours run by Santa Fe train carries you from Los Angeles to a flowery old-fashioned village mothered by the most poetic of all the Mission ruins, that of San Juan Capistrano. A portion of the vast estabMOMENTS IN TIME lishment—in its prime,

By Jan Siegel perhaps the finest link of the Mission chain—has been carefully restored, but most of the place is still a ruin, time stained and crumbling, well beloved of artists and poets. One of the rooms is used as a chapel, where religious services are regularly held—a resident priest occupying another part of the building as his living quarters. Visitors are made welcome, and a guide who knows his business shows them about the lovely, broken corridors ivyclad and rose-entwined, opens up musty old rooms with charming bits of hand-wrought decoration, and before the desolated altar piece of the roofless church, tells the story of the great catastrophe that brought ruin to the Mission on the day of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 1812.”

This is the same author who years later would return to the Mission, meet Fr. St. John O’Sullivan and record the stories of our community in the book, “Capistrano Nights.” Saunders starts out in that book stating, “some years before I had been there (San Juan Capistrano) and fallen under its spell.”

We are fortunate to still have that “spell”—the historic charm of San Juan

Capistrano. As the new year begins, this is a good time to remember our history by visiting the Mission and taking the Architectural Walking Tour and Adobe Walking Tour.

The Mission is open daily and still has “guides who know their business” to retell the tale of this landmark.

The Architectural Walking Tour, sponsored by the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library, is given on Saturdays and entails a two-hour walk around historic downtown San Juan Capistrano. Two hundred years of architecture is featured downtown—Spanish, Mission, Italianate, Monterey, Streamline Moderne and Renaissance styles are part of our history.

The Adobe Walking Tour, sponsored by the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, is given every Sunday and involves a one-hour walk explaining the structures that still stand and those that are no longer around in this historic area. Family histories on these buildings are also included in the discussions.

For more information on all of these activities, visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano website, www.missionsjc.com; the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society website, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com; and the city of San Juan Capistrano website at www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

Make your New Year’s resolution this year to spend a “Moment In Time” and reflect upon our local history.

Author’s Note: Let me start the New Year with a correction from the last article. The dates in the second and third paragraphs were 100 years off. They should have read: “The current church was built in 1778. On Oct. 23, 1778, Fr. Serra celebrated Mass, baptized and administered confirmation. By 1782, a permanent church was constructed on the site. Knowing that his health was fail-

The Montanez Adobe is one of the adobes featured during the historical society’s walking tour.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

ing, in 1783 Fr. Serra did a farewell tour of the nine Missions he founded.”

Jan Siegel is a 27-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 17 years. She was named Woman of the Year by the Cham-

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.

SCENE { IN SAN JUAN }

As the first entrant in the

Fiesta Association’s Hairiest Man contest, Wes Bradford Photo: Allison Jarrell

of San Juan Capistrano re-

ceived a free shave from Simona Lutz at Hair of the Dog Barber Shop on Saturday, Jan. 2. Contestants now have a couple months to grow out their facial hair before the final moustache/beard judging at the Fiesta Grande on March 9 at the Swallow’s Inn.

Pet of the Week: Blossom

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

B

lossom and her 2-week-old kittens were found abandoned inside a pet carrier in a San Juan Capistrano parking lot on a very hot day.

Since then, all of the kittens have found homes. One-year-old Blossom is ready for a forever home of her own, too. Blossom is super sweet and playful, loves cats, kids and dogs and will fit in any home.

To see if Blossom is the right fit for your family, you can visit her at the Cattery in the San Juan Capistrano PetSmart. Weekend adoption events are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Cattery.

The Ark of San Juan is a nonprofit organization that rescues animals from the San Juan Capistrano area.

For more information, visit www.arkofsanjuan.org. DP Blossom. Photo: The Ark of San Juan

This week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

ber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD

Page 17

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Prep Roundup

Capistrano Valley Christian senior guard Amazon Nwoye was named the Century Elks Holiday Classic Tournament MVP. Photo: Courtesy CVCS Athletics COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

T

he 2016 winter sports season is in full swing, and several San Juan Capistrano high school programs are having standout seasons. Here is a look around the San Juan preps landscape.

San Juan Capistrano’s Kevin Skvarna catches a wave during the WSL Jeep World Longboarding Championship in Hainan Island, China. Photo: Courtesy

Kevin Skvarna Takes on China Local surfer heads across the globe for world longboard championships

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

standout performance at the World Surfing League’s North American Longboard Championships in Huntington Beach earned San Juan Capistrano resident Kevin Skvarna a trip halfway around the world.

Skvarna, a senior at San Juan Hills High School, has been competing on the local and West Coast surfing circuit for several years. But following an appearance in the semifinals of the Huntington Beach contest, Skvarna punched his ticket to the WSL Jeep World Longboarding Championship in Hainan Island, China.

Skvarna and a large group of other top American surfers made their way to the remote part of China for a weeklong competition that ran from Dec. 5-12.

At only 17 years old, Skvarna was the youngest competitor in the field. The senior took to the waters alongside some of the best longboarders in the world and held his own.

In his opening round heat, Skvarna placed second with a score of 14.46. The second-place finish earned him a berth in the contest’s second round, where he was edged by Matthew Moir of South Africa 17.84 to 15.66.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 8-21, 2016

“It was definitely a proving ground for me … When I got there in my first heat I don’t think anyone knew who I was,” Skvarna said. “It opened some people’s eyes because they didn’t know who I was and I was so young. It was a big confidence-building thing. It makes me feel like I can take it to the next level for sure.”

some people’s “eyesIt opened because they didn’t

know who I was and I was so young. It was a big confidence-building thing. It makes me feel like I can take it to the next level for sure.

”

—Kevin Skvarna

Skvarna said the contest was “by far” the biggest stage he has competed on.

While soaking in all the contest experience he could, he relished in the fact of traveling with a large group of talented American surfers. Skvarna said he is good friends with Capistrano Beach resident

Rachel Tilly and cheered her on as she claimed the Women’s Longboarding Championship at the event.

Skvarna is also a vital member and captain of the San Juan Hills High School surf team, which is in the midst of a dominant run. The trip to China meant Skvarna could not compete in the Capistrano Coast League Finals this season. Skvarna is the two-time defending boys longboard champion.

The Stallions won three of five team championships at the event at Salt Creek Beach on Dec. 2-4. The team captured the longboard, bodyboard and shortboard division titles. Senior Jack Reckinger (boys longboard), senior Walker Carvalho (bodyboard), senior Kolton Sullivan (boys shortboard) and sophomore Lily Benjamin (girls shortboard) won individual league titles for the Stallions.

Skvarna missed out on the league finals, but he is anticipating a return to the Stallion ranks when the team heads to the Scholastic Surf Series State Championships on May 16. The Stallions are the three-time defending state champions.

“I definitely think we can win (state) again this year. I don’t know if that’s been done before but that would be cool to get four years of state championships under our belts,” Skvarna said. CD

Page 18

Eagles Basketball Players Rack up Tournament Honors The Capistrano Valley Christian boys basketball team had a successful run at the Century Elks Holiday Classic Tournament Dec. 29-30. The Eagles barnstormed their way to the tournament’s championship game, where they defeated Twenty Nine Palms 72-59 to claim the tournament hardware.

Three Eagles (13-4) players were named to the All-Tournament team, and senior Amazon Nwoye was named the tournament MVP. Senior forward Spider Adentunji and senior guard KCI Thompson were named to the All-Tournament first team.

Capistrano Valley Christian will host Calvin Christian on Jan. 8 and open San Joaquin League play on Jan. 22 against Saddleback Valley Christian.

Stallions Girls Soccer Breaks into Top-10 The San Juan Hills High School girls soccer program earned a spot in the CIF-SS Division 1 rankings two weeks ago. The Stallions debuted in the divisional top-10 for the first time this season as the No. 9-ranked squad.

San Juan Hills (9-2-2) opened its season with a nine-match unbeaten streak, toppling regional rivals Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo and Capistrano Valley along the way. The Stallions’ first loss of the season came against Esperanza in the Excalibur Tournament on Dec. 28.

San Juan Hills was set to open Sea View League play against Tesoro on Jan. 7. Results were not available at press time. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com