January 27, 2023

El Camino Real venue by June 2024.

Photo: Collin Breaux

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TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Camino Real Playhouse President Announces Anticipated Switch to Another Building

BY COLLIN BREAUX

True to the old theater saying, the show must go on in San Juan Capistrano. Camino Real Playhouse President Leslie Eisner recently announced the community theater will eventually move to a new location. The move is expected to happen because of plans to turn the Playhouse’s current location on El Camino Real into a parking garage and office/ retail space.

An anonymous donor has offered to buy a new building for the Playhouse to use, Eisner told the theater’s supporters on Sunday, Jan. 22.

“There are only two conditions: we must stay in San Juan Capistrano, and we must raise the money to retrofit a building into a theatre,” Eisner said.

No specific location has been named yet. Eisner declined to say how much money the donor offered.

Eisner is asking Playhouse supporters and the community to donate, which can be done at caminorealplayhouse.org.

“We’re asking you, as patrons of this Playhouse, as citizens of San Juan Capistrano, as lovers of the performing arts and as concerned neighbors, to help us,” she said. “The management team here at Camino Real Playhouse vows to put in the long hours and hard work necessary, but for the Playhouse to survive, we need your help at levels we have never asked for before.”

“While we shop for a building, we have been meeting with realtors,

Actress Kyla Stone Credits Marco

Forster Experiences with Fueling Her Theatrical

BY COLLIN BREAUX

architects, and spoken with city officials,” Eisner continued. “With permit and architectural fees, construction costs of turning an office building into a theatre, signage and moving costs, we will need to raise well over one million dollars—$1.5 million, to be exact, by our architect’s account.”

The City of San Juan Capistrano has agreed to sell the current Playhouse property to local developer Dan Almquist, who is behind the plans to revamp the site for parking and business use.

Almquist is also looking to bring about a new performing arts center separate from the Playhouse. An exact location for the new center has not been settled on yet, though a spot near the El Camino Real site and Historic Town Center Park has been floated.

Almquist is working on securing enough necessary funding for the performing arts center.

The current Playhouse building will eventually be torn down to make way for the redevelopment. The Playhouse must vacate the El Camino Real location by June 2024.

“There are plans to build a performing arts center. However, that center will provide a content very different from what we provide as a community theater,” Eisner said. “They will not compete with us, but rather be complementary. So, between the two venues, we can present a full array of theatrical and other enter-

tainment to the community.”

The 2023-24 season will mark the last such one for the Playhouse in the El Camino Real building. Upcoming shows for this year include Strangers on a Train, Over the River and Through the Woods and It Runs in the Family.

Camino Real Playhouse has faced another challenge over the past few years when it had to temporarily halt live performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We withstood over a year with no shows or income due to the pandemic, and we withstood a challenging economy, enough to make most volunteer organizations give up,” Eisner said. “If you know anything about our team here at the Playhouse, you know that we have no intention of backing down now. We may be small, but we are mighty.”

When explaining the history of the Playhouse, Eisner said founders BJ and Tom Scott convinced the City of San Juan 34 years ago to rent the building to the Playhouse for $100 a year.

“They signed a 25-year lease, and Tom Scott and a group of volunteers converted this space into a main stage and black box theater where tens of thousands have enjoyed hundreds of productions,” Eisner said. “When you walk the hallway, you see the cast photos going all the way back to the beginning, and it reminds you of the spectacular shows that you’ve experienced here.”

Eisner further said most community theaters are “nonprofit entities” and exist “only by a staff that volunteers their time, patrons that purchase tickets, and generous donors who invest in their community through us.”

Dream

If you go to see a performance of The Secret Garden in Los Angeles soon, you’ll witness actress Kyla Stone perform on stage.

Stone has local roots. The Anaheim-born thespian went to school at Ambuehl Elementary School and Marco Forster Middle School in San Juan Cap-

istrano before heading off to the South Orange County School of the Arts at Dana Hills High School.

Stone always loved theater and the arts growing up, a fascination that was nurtured at Ambuehl and Marco Forster through supportive teachers who let her sing in class.

Her mother was the office manager at Ambuehl, which Stone credits with easing the way into being able to be friends with her teachers.

Stone was able to sing the score to The Phantom of the Opera while in school, an outlet she carried with her as she got older. She still has friends from school who are also following their own paths and careers.

As for what she’s up to now, Stone

is performing in The Secret Garden which tells the story of a wealthy abandoned child who finds a hidden garden on her uncle’s estate—at the Ahmanson Theater, the same venue where she was first exposed to theater at the age of 5.

The show has just begun running for audiences.

“It was such an out-of-body experience,” she said of being on stage. “You never stop learning. You get to fulfill all sorts of dreams you never knew you had.”

Stone recently a finished a 12-month tour in Anastasia, in which she was the first ever African American version of the title role.

“I’ve been auditioning for all sorts

of things,” Stone said of what else she’s busy with in the meantime.

When asked the difference between Los Angeles and Orange County, Stone said life is more face-paced.

“A lot more traffic,” she said. “It takes two hours to get anywhere.”

Stone also noted you tend to run into people who are chasing a dream while in Los Angeles and constantly surrounded by artistic people.

As for her dreams, Stone said she already fulfilled hers by inspiring other people to get into theater through her theatrical performances.

She does have something else in mind, though.

“Broadway would be great one day,” Stone said. “I know it’ll come.”

Camino Real Playhouse is currently staging Strangers on a Train during its waning days at the current El Camino Real venue. Photo: Collin Breaux

Docent Society Intends to Help with National Historic Preservation Month Celebrations

BY COLLIN BREAUX

The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission approved a proposal from the San Juan Capistrano Docent Society to help with National Historic Preservation Month recognition this coming May.

Commissioners discussed the assistance on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Celebrations will be held in May in Downtown San Juan Capistrano on a to-be-determined Saturday date.

The Docent Society offered to give historical presentations at various adobes, including the Blas Aguilar Adobe, Montanez Adobe and Juan Avila Adobe. The Blas Aguilar and Montanez sites will be open to visitors.

The Docent Society also volunteered to design and print signs for the sites, as well as maps and event information. They will also lead a tour of the adobes, starting from the Blas Aguilar on El Camino Real behind Swallow’s Inn. Funds were requested from the city for the printing of signs, maps and brochures.

“This proposal is based on the activities that took place in 2022. The day’s activities can educate residents and visitors about the significant people and places that have shaped the city of San Juan Capistrano,” the Docent Society said in a written proposal to the city. “On this day, five of the 11 adobes in San Juan Capistrano will be highlighted. All are within the downtown area and walking distance from each one.”

Docent Society President Helen Gavin said the proposal was made due to prior participation last year with National Historic Preservation Month recognition.

“I was asked and pleased to participate with the Cultural Heritage Commission. I was at one of the historic sites,” Gavin said. “Our group did print the signs for the site last year. I was trying to put together a whole package that we could use for this year, with the theme of

San Juan Officials Aim to Renovate Stone Field Park

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Stone Field Park will likely get artificial turf, new structures providing shade for spectators and other fresh features

the adobes.”

Commission Vice Chair Paul Lopez said he likes the idea of getting help for the upcoming event.

“Last year, we were all a little overwhelmed—I speak for myself—and I think, the Docent Society, their help was awesome,” Lopez said.

Commission Chair Ann Ronan said she appreciated the Docent Society’s contributions made last year and welcomed more.

“I have a philosophy of including all of us in town that care about the heritage and want to share it with visitors,” Ronan said. “That’s kind of my mission and my why of why I do this work.”

Commissioner Jan Siegel said the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society and its building on Los Rios Street not being mentioned in the proposal made her “a little bit uncomfortable” when it came to the Docent Society’s motive.

“I just want to make sure that all the organizations that want to be part of this can be part of it. Preservation is a citywide important part. I don’t like to see that we’re trying to divide up the

city to where this is your thing, this is our thing,” Siegel said. “I would hope that we could come together on preservation. … If you’re trying to divide the city, that’s not what we need.”

Gavin said the proposal was not intended to divide the city and instead is to help the Cultural Heritage Commission present a citywide look at historic preservation. The Historical Society can be included in the historic presentations, Gavin said.

“I apologize if you feel like we were cutting (the Historical Society out),” Gavin said. “Our Society is everybody in the city working together. This was just an idea that I came up with to help the Commission, the city. It was just an idea to present historic preservation, dealing with adobes. Our group really wants to keep everyone together.”

Commissioner Anna Dickinson said she did not detect any request for exclusion in the proposal.

“If anyone else wants to participate, they can either come to us and ask to participate, or we can go to them and ask to participate,” Dickinson said.

Commissioner Lori Porter said they didn’t include everyone last year, including the Blas Aguilar Adobe.

“I don’t think we can (include everyone). There are four—actually five, counting the Mission’s—historical places and groups that need to be included,” Porter said. “We can’t do all five every time. The Aguilar has not had something like this before. They’ve never been included in anything like this that I can remember. I’m happy to see them highlighted.”

Ronan said the Historical Society can be a part of the celebration.

“I don’t think there’s anybody saying we can’t do whatever we want as part of this,” Ronan said. “I think we should be active. We should have docents on our site showing our buildings.”

The Cultural Heritage Commission will hear a resolution officially declaring May as National Historic Preservation Month, as recommended by staff, during an upcoming meeting on Feb. 28.

Last year’s festivities included an essay contest for fourth-grade students on San Juan Capistrano history.

under renovation plans in the works.

The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved an amendment on Jan. 17 on a joint use agreement with the Capistrano Unified School District for use of the park, which is near Capistrano Union High School and frequently used for soccer games. CUSD owns the park and leases it out to the city for use. The approved amendment extends the lease

agreement through 2048.

The anticipated renovations are part of the lease renewal and will also include sports lighting and improved accessibility for disabled people.

“The proposed amendment to the Stone Field lease provides that the city and CUSD partner on a capital improvement project,” San Juan Public Works Director Tom Toman said.“All costs associated with

the design, preparation, planning and construction of the project would be split 75% city, 25% CUSD—except for the costs associated with the lighting element, which would be the city’s sole responsibility.”

That split is based on a proposed proportional use of the park. CUSD-exclusive use would be from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, when

(Cont. on page 7)

The San Juan Capistrano Docent Society will give historic presentations in May at the Blas Aguilar Adobe and other local adobes during National Historic Preservation Month. Photo: File/Allison Jarrell

NEWS BITES

CD | Rotary Club Donates Toys to Needy Children

The San Juan Rotary Club had toys left over from a Christmas toy drive, which they, in turn, gave to children dealing with homelessness or unstable housing conditions.

The toys were donated to the Illumination Foundation, an Orange-based nonprofit that helps kids in such circumstances.

“These toys will fill the hearts of our children and families in our emergency shelters and housing programs,” said Pooja Bhalla, co-chief executive officer for the Illumination Foundation.

More than 200 toys were given away.

“The foundation provides housing and health care services that support the healthy development of families and children who are unstably housed or homeless,” a news release from the Rotary Club said. “Illumination Foundation’s mission is to disrupt the cycle of homelessness in Southern California by providing a comprehensive safety net of client-centered services for the most vulnerable individuals, families and children.”

CD | Amtrak to Resume Weekend Passenger Service Through San Clemente

As the work to stabilize the railway in south San Clemente continues, commuter train service aboard the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is scheduled to resume weekend service between Orange County and San Diego starting on Feb. 4, Amtrak announced this week.

Passenger rail operations between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station and Oceanside have been suspended since Sept. 30, a result of movement on the track following the heavy rains that battered Southern California last fall.

“Emergency construction work has successfully stabilized the area, and a safety assessment has cleared the way for rail service to resume,” Amtrak said in its announcement.

While the Surfliner will shuttle passengers to and from San Diego on the weekends, Metrolink said it would continue to operate weekend commuter service as far as the San Clemente Pier. It added that it intends to resume service to Oceanside “only when we can offer the full schedule—on weekdays, as well as weekends.”

Metrolink’s current weekday service schedule takes passengers only as far south as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station.

The Orange County Transportation Authority began the roughly $12 million emergency construction project in November that’s had crews driving large metal anchors into about 700 feet of the slope adjacent to the railroad track. The work is meant to keep the slope from pushing the track further toward the coast.

The construction was initially estimated to be completed by February, but with the recent rainstorms hitting California, the stabilization project slowed, with transportation officials recently forecasting the work to be completed by the end of March.

Passengers can check with both Amtrak and Metrolink for any updates regarding service at pacificsurfliner.com/alerts and metrolinktrains.com, respectively.

CD | Annual Shea Center Fundraiser on the Horizon

The Shea Center’s yearly Drive to Ride fundraising campaign is once again set to start on Feb. 1. The benefit endeavor raises money for client financial aid and encourages people to donate after hearing the personal stories of people who have been helped by the Shea Center’s equestrian therapy services. The campaign will continue through Feb. 25.

California Love Drop—which provides food and supplies to health care workers and other professionals who assist the public—will help kick off the campaign on Feb. 2, when it delivers food to Shea

Center volunteers and staff.

Drive to Ride donations can be made online at sheacenter.org.

CD | Open Space Foundation Donates Benches for Pickleball Courts

Pickleball continues to grow as a sport in South Orange County, including in San Juan Capistrano—which now has pickleball courts along Camino Capistrano and at Cook La Novia Park.

As use of those facilities continues to grow, the San Juan Capistrano Open Space Foundation—which celebrates and encourages outdoor recreation—is donating three 6-foot perforated-style benches at the Camino Capistrano pickleball courts and two benches at the Cook La Novia Park pickleball courts.

The City Council approved accepting the benches during a meeting on Jan. 17.

“I’d like to thank the Open Space Foundation,” Councilmember John Taylor said. “I’d like to thank them for their contribution for making San Juan Capistrano a great place to live, work and play.”

Each bench would also include a plaque acknowledging the Open Space Foundation donation, a city staff report said.

“On December 19, 2022, the Parks, Equestrian, and Community Services Commission reviewed the donation request and recommended City Council approval. The Commission also reviewed potential bench colors and recommends

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

CUSD Board of Trustees

6 p.m. The governing board for the Capistrano Unified School District will hold a special meeting to consider a consulting firm to work with as trustees look for a new superintendent. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube for anyone who can’t attend in person. CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. capousd.org.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

Coffee Chat

8:30 a.m. A town hall forum on community issues. The first Friday session of the month will be held virtually via Zoom video conference; all other Friday forums will take place in person at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for information.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

City Council

5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

Learning English Class

10-11:30 a.m. The La Playa Center is hosting free English classes for adults on Wednesdays. Students will be provided materials and workbooks. La Sala Auditorium, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. crossculturalcouncil.com.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

blue benches to be consistent with the current color palette of the courts,” the report said. “Pending City Council approval, Public Works and Community Services staff would determine appropriate installation locations.”

The Open Space Foundation will cover purchase and installation costs.

“The estimated cost of each bench including tax and shipping is $973.73. The total for all five benches is $4,868.68, with installation estimated at around $1,000,” the Open Space Foundation said in a letter to the City Council. “The Open Space Foundation would like to contribute a total of $6,000 to the City of San Juan Capistrano to fund all 5 new benches.”

Illumination Foundation Co-CEO Dr. Pooja Bhalla, Illumination Foundation Board Chair Dr. Jacqueline DuPont-Carlson and Illumination Foundation Board Member Karen Jordan were happy to receive donated toys for kids from the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club. Photo: Courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club

(Cont. from page 5)

school is in regular session. City-exclusive use would be for non-school hours including weekends, holidays and summer breaks.

“CUSD estimates the design and environmental cost for the project will be approximately $275,000, and the city’s current capital budget includes funding for the city’s share of these design-related costs,” Toman said. “Funding for the construction phase of the project has not been identified but is anticipated to be discussed in detail at the May 2023 budget workshop. The preliminary cost estimate for the total project is approximately $3 million to $4 million dollars.”

Councilmembers spoke about the expected benefits from the upcoming enhancements before signing off on the lease extension.

“The first time I brought this up, I don’t even think I was seated on the (City) Council, when I discussed this with the city manager. Part of what we were looking at was trying to expand usage,” Councilmember Sergio Farias said. “The fields were closed down for renovations often. Soccer has quite an impact on the fields. … How do you (expand usage)? You do that with artificial turf. Artificial turf is also all-season, at least in Southern California. Even if you get rain, people can use it.”

Farias said he expects the renovations to get done “like all the other great things we’ve done.”

Councilmember John Taylor said he agreed with Farias and also hopes artificial turf is installed.

“Soccer just destroys grass. The groups that play out there play weekends, Sundays, Saturdays, evenings,” Taylor said. “Sometimes, they play into the night. If we can figure out a way to get this funded, if there’s any potential donations other groups would like to help with, maybe we can pursue that as well. I’m really excited about moving forward with this.”

San Juan resident Heather Chapman,

who works with local advocacy group UNIDOS South OC—which represents the Capistrano Villas neighborhood across the street from Stone Field—thanked the City Council and staff for their focus on the park and urged city leaders to incorporate residential voices when pursuing upgrades.

“Be broad in efforts to get insight on the renovation plans from residents of the Stone Field area. Stone Field is a very special and sentimental place for our low-income neighbors, and seeking their input on this project will be really important,” Chapman said. “There are already murmurs that the artificial turf may make it so desirable for clubs that

residents will never get to use it.”

“My second request is that as things move forward, the (City) Council will protect a percentage of daylight hours for non-fee based open play so that participation in club or league will not be a prerequisite to access this important city resource,” Chapman continued.

Farias said conversations have never come up about raising revenue from the park. No fees have been proposed for use of Stone Field.

CUSD Trustee Gila Jones, whose representation area includes San Juan Capistrano, said Stone Field Park is a great asset for the city since many other local cities don’t have a “nice playing field right on their edge of downtown.”

“I’m pleased that the investments that CUSD and the city are going to provide will make Stone Field even better for the residents and Union High students,” Jones said. As part of the lease extension, the city will also continue to sublease use of the on-site community building to local nonprofit CREER Comunidad y Familia, which holds after-school tutoring sessions for kids and has given away food to needy residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. That sublease runs through the end of 2027, with an optional five-year extension. CREER would continue to pay the city $74 per month for use of the building.

Benefit for the arts at Casa Romantica

An Evening with Alicia Olatuja

San Juan Capistrano officials are looking to put in artificial turf at Stone Field Park, as the area is frequently used for soccer games. Photo: Collin Breaux

Fresh Air: Nature Reserve Director Recommends Best Outdoor Spots in RMV

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Rancho Mission Viejo has an abundance of outdoor spots where you can go to walk, relax and enjoy natural scenic beauty.

That got us wondering: what are some places recommended by an expert who works there?

We asked Leeta Latham, executive director for The Nature Reserve—RMV’s sprawling untouched preserve—for pointers.

“It is difficult to choose ‘favorite spots’ on The Nature Reserve, because there are so many, but I’ll name just a few,” Latham said. “The Mother Oak is a favorite and iconic part of The Nature Reserve. It is the oldest known oak tree on The Nature Reserve and beautiful any time of year.”

Latham also loves the Shady Canyon trail, “especially during the late winter and early spring.”

Most of Latham’s favorite places are open to the public through The Nature Reserve’s guided events.

“We have hikes and walks every weekend where the public and Ranch residents can explore and learn about the land,” she said.

The hope is that through the events and activities, visitors can find their own

favorite spots on The Nature Reserve. “Within the community of Rancho Mission Viejo, my favorite outdoor spots are exploring the community trails and catching any view of The Nature Reserve,” she said. “I also love visiting the RMV Farms to see what’s currently

being grown for food within the community.”

During this time of year, a wide variety of mushrooms and native wildflowers “blanket the grasslands” with “pops of bright colors,” Latham noted. While The Ranch’s outdoors can be

eye-catching during the day, Latham also enjoys surveying the land at night.

“I love being outside at night during an Astronomy Night or Night Hike,” she said. “Our outdoor amphitheater gets you away from the city lights and gives you views of stars and planets you don’t always have an opportunity to see from home.”

Latham’s favorite thing about visiting outdoor spots is watching them change throughout the year.

“I love watching the land change just after the first rains come through,” she said. “To see the first signs of green ‘fuzz’ emerge from the soil, as grasses and wildflowers begin to sprout. Then, to watch as the first blooms appear with yellows, purples, reds and other colors.”

RMV’s natural space adds to the community’s emphasis on well-being, because there is “so much research” that shows being outdoors and connecting with nature is important to physical and mental health, Latham said.

“Whether we experience the outdoors through a hike or sit quietly listening to the birds,” she continued, “the sunlight, fresh air, and the natural environment can lead to lower stress levels and have an overall positive impact on our health.” CD

Reata Glen Resident Organizes Donation Drive for Military Families

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Becky Mauger lives in a retirement community, but that doesn’t mean she’s resting on her laurels. Mauger and other residents at Reata Glen have been busy collecting donations that they will give to military families in need on Saturday, Jan. 28, at St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church in San Clemente during a baby shower-themed event.

The senior citizens at the Rancho Mission Viejo facility began collecting items in December. Mauger got the idea to loop her neighbors in, because she frequently helps out low-income military families as a board member for the

San Clemente Military Family Outreach program.

Mauger has been doing the donation drives for three years and calls this year’s round “very exciting.”

“We wanted to do something fun that we could all contribute to,” she said.

More than 400 items and more than $800 in Target gift cards are set to go to young parents out of Camp Pendleton. Baby clothes, blankets, strollers, car seats and other accessories will be given to families.

A small number of moms will get to go in and collect items every 15 minutes during Saturday’s giveaway at St. Andrew’s, Mauger said. Volunteers will

be on hand to help parents.

“We go station to station and help them put the things in their car,” Mauger said. “You look at (the military parents), and they’re so young. This gives them a good feeling. It’s so rewarding.”

Many Camp Pendleton families arrive to the base from outside the local area, and so they don’t have access to nearby resources or connections when dealing with the challenge of a newborn, Mauger said.

“These are folks that are defending our country,” she said. “We have to give back.”

Mauger has a personal connection to the military and assisting enlisted mem-

bers, because her family has a history of service. Her grandfather served in World War I, and her father in World War II, with her mother receiving assistance then.

“It really does hit home,” Mauger said. “We can be a resource for these military families.”

The San Clemente Military Family Outreach program has also helped military families with dental bills, maintains a food pantry and gave away 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to families in November.

The program has openings for volunteers. More information on the program is available at militaryfamilyoutreach.org. CD

The Mother Oak tree at The Nature Reserve is one outdoor spot that Executive Director Leeta Latham loves to visit. Photo: Courtesy of The Nature Reserve

LETTER | BY PFM MANAGING EDITOR SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Launching a New Era for ‘Best Ofs’

Since launching in 2007, The Capistrano Dispatch has proudly published its annual Best of San Juan Capistrano People’s Choice Horseshoe Awards, highlighting all the businesses, individuals and groups that you, the readers, deemed the finest this town has to offer.

In that time, we’ve seen numerous locally owned shops and San Juan-based organizations receive recognition for continuing to make our little slice of South Orange County special, unique and ever-so charming.

It’s been an incredible honor to present winners with their medals, and we know it also means a lot to many who get to proudly display their awards for patrons to see.

While the local business community has experienced many high points, it’s also had to overcome some lows—most recently, the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic beginning in 2020.

Recovery has, at times, felt slow, but there continue to be signs of promise.

Unemployment in the area is down, the downtown corridor is buzzing, and new stores and restaurants keep popping up, in turn, giving us as a news team plenty of opportunities to report on fun and exciting changes.

It’s in that vein that we here at Picket Fence Media have decided to take our annual “Best of” awards in a fresh, new direction.

Many of our loyal readers have undoubtedly opened previous Best of San Juan Capistrano issues and enjoyed the photos of delicious eats or smiling

business owners, as well as the overall aesthetic and graphics.

Then there are our brief write-ups on the winners— emphasis on the word brief.

So, who chooses the categories and businesses that will be featured? That would be myself and the rest of the editorial team—with input from PFM Publisher Norb Garrett, along with the design and sales departments.

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

CITY EDITOR

Collin Breaux • 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS

Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING

With nearly 100 categories to feature, each comprising two finalists, the editorial team has had limited space in what we could write, creating the unfortunate consequence of hardly getting to the heart of what the shops and hard-working individuals have to offer our city.

SHAWN RAYMUNDO PFM MANAGING EDITOR

To remedy that issue and give readers a more comprehensive and interesting view on many of the winning organizations, we’re moving away from those brief descriptions and are instead going to highlight just a handful of the categories.

This will give us the opportunity to sit down with some of the Gold and Silver Horseshoe winners, for more in-depth features and profiles, allowing them to tell us their unique stories and history. It also presents a path to tell these stories visually through photo galleries online and video packages on our social channels.

Without revealing too much of what’s to come in the new issue, which drops on Feb. 24, I’d like to add that under this new format we’ll be able to shine a light on some of our legacy businesses that have collected dozens of Gold and Silver medals over the past 16 years.

That selection was based on multiple factors, including, to name a few, how many overall medals the winning business has taken home in their respective category; whether the winner has established a dynasty or even unseated a dynasty; and reader appeal.

It’s important to state, though, that while some categories may not get a spotlight one year, there will be opportunities in the next.

Change can be tough, and I expect to receive a few voicemails and emails from those disgruntled voices who oppose our decision. To them, I’ll stress that it’s been our mission to make sure our readers’ voices are heard by choosing who, what and where deserve the honor of “Best” in San Juan Capistrano and Rancho Mission Viejo.

That mission will continue to get represented in the upcoming issue. Every business, person, group or location that’s receiving a Gold or Silver Horseshoe Award this year will still be listed and recognized.

The new issue is about a month away, and we’re excited to present it to you. We’ve been hard at work putting it all together, as well as the upcoming Best of Dana Point and Best of San Clemente issues. We hope you enjoy and appreciate these unique stories told in our new format. CD

Hello to the Fabulous Fifth!

Thank you to all the Fifth District residents for the privilege to represent you. I look forward to continuing my service as the newly elected County Supervisor for the new Fabulous Fifth District.

In January of 2023, I was sworn in as your Fifth District Supervisor, which includes my hometown of Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, a portion of Irvine, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto

de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel.

In 2022, we had a productive year of big changes and significant challenges at the County of Orange and in our office. Those challenges created opportunity.

I worked with my colleagues and the community to address the fentanyl epidemic, homeless crisis, and proliferation of illegal sober living homes harming our neighborhoods. I served on the John Wayne Airport Ad Hoc Committee, hired the first Black woman as airport director,

and launched the Fly Friendly program.

We immediately benefited from Airport Director Charlene Reynolds’ expertise and began addressing years of deferred maintenance, improved concessions, greening up the airport, and transparency in the community.

We protected our coastline by securing federal funds for sand replenishment and negotiated a settlement with the company at fault for the 2021 Orange County Oil Spill.

We directed unprecedented investments

Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com

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CEO/FOUNDER

Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor

Shawn Raymundo

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg

City Reporter, SC Times

C. Jayden Smith

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Digital Producer

Evan Lancaster

Columnists

Tom Blake

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Andrea PapagianisCamacho

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ADVERTISING

Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (SC + DP)

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Art Director-Special Projects

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Marc Hostetter

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Alyssa Garrett

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Inna Cazares

FINANCE

Accounting & Finance Manager

Tricia Zines

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

The Capistrano Dispatch Vol. 21, Issue 2. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GUEST OPINION | Foley Report by OC Board Supervisor Katrina Foley

(Cont. from page 10)

in the community through millions of dollars in business, arts, nutrition, veterans, housing, and other types of grants.

Some of our most notable community investments last year included:

• $4.4 million to build housing, combat homelessness and address food insecurity.

• $3.9 million in arts and music, revitalizing schools, parks, pet adoptions, libraries and community gardens.

• $1.2 million for climate conservation, sustainability practices, and maternal health initiatives.

• $1.6 million for Orange County small businesses and local Chambers of Commerce.

• $600,000 for law enforcement vehicles, crime victim support, anti-hate educational trips, and ADA accessibility for veterans.

Our year in review is a preview of the work ethic our team embodies. The privilege to represent 1,677,797,

or 53%, of all Orange County residents in less than two years was a challenge, but offered me a breadth of experience that few other elected officials enjoy. I look forward to bringing that experience to our county for the next four years.

FOLEY REPORT

Letter to The Editor

ARE STRS BUSINESSES OR NOT? ALAN BELL, Capistrano Beach

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

BY OC BOARD SUPERVISOR

KATRINA FOLEY

With all the celebrations completed, we are ready to get to work for the Fabulous Fifth District through many collaborations, conversations, and a can-do attitude. Please sign up for our newsletter by going to d5.ocgov.com. We want to hear from you about county issues you care about. Let’s get to work! CD

Elected in 2022, Katrina Foley represents the Fifth Supervisorial District on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She was previously elected to serve the Second District from 2021-2022.

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 Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

In Paul Wyatt’s recent letter to the editor, he revealed that, last May, City Attorney Patrick Munoz unilaterally reinterpreted our residential zoning based on several new cases relating to shortterm rentals (STRs).

Without changing one word of the zoning code or seeking an independent legal opinion, our residential neighborhoods were suddenly transformed.

Despite a long history of rigorously defending Dana Point against STRs by quoting that same (unchanged) municipal code, the city decided that STRs (previously classified as businesses, regulated in the Dana Point business code) are now allowed in all residential neighborhoods.

It appears that the city can now allow other businesses to operate in residential areas, as well. They certainly wouldn’t pick and choose which businesses are and aren’t allowed. That

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

would be arbitrary and capricious. If the city’s intent is to remove an STR’s business classification, will they no longer have to pay TOT or be subject to business regulations? I’m sure I’m not the only resident eager for answers to these questions.

It seems our council is declaring open season on residential neighborhoods. Despite the 4,000 residents who successfully overturned council’s 2016 attempt to turn us into “Party Central,” STR investors seem to have far more sway than ordinary residents.

If this strikes you as less than fair, please write to comment@danapoint.org and let the council know what you think.

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

FRIDAY | 27

WOOD CRAFT WORKSHOP

6-9 p.m. Craft your own wood sign, plank tray or photo frame with this fun DIY workshop. Customize your project with designer paints and non-toxic colors. Participants can register online beforehand. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano. 949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB

6:30-9:30 p.m. British Invasion will perform. Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE

8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Sublime tribute band 40oz to Freedom will perform. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER

9 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Eighties tribute band 80s All Stars will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

FRIDAY NIGHT AT SWALLOW’S

9 p.m.-1 a.m. Put on your cowboy hat and boots and get ready to enjoy all the Western-style fun at one of San Juan Capistrano’s best-known dive bars and country music spots. 33 Thunder Band will perform. Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

THURSDAY | 02 TASTE OF SAN JUAN

6-9 p.m. The Swallows Day Parade season is in full swing again, and that means the return of this annual showcase for local restaurants. Numerous eateries, including The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar, will be on hand to offer samples and compete for recognition in various categories—including best dessert. There will also be live music. Tickets are $50. Reata Park, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.615.1920. swallowsparade.com.

SATURDAY | 28

CAMPESINO BRUNCH

10 a.m.-noon. The Ecology Center is providing a preview of its upcoming café menu. The sneak peek will include a four-course, family-style meal. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S

11 a.m. Matt Akiona will perform. Enjoy the entertainment on the outdoor patio while you chow down on food and sip drinks. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

SAN JUAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FUNDRAISER

6-11 p.m. San Juan Children’s Ed Foundation is hosting a Roaring ’20s-themed fundraiser gala for San Juan Elementary School. Attendees are welcome to dress as The Great Gatsby or a silent film star. The event is for adults and will feature dinner, drinks, music, casino games, dancing, opportunity drawings and a live auction. Tickets are $100 per person. Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano. president@sjcef.org. myvlink.org.

SUNDAY | 29

LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S

6-9 p.m. Big City Hillbillies will perform.

Enjoy the music and have a pint at this downtown pub. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

LIVE MUSIC

AT HENNESSEY’S DANA POINT

9 p.m.-1 a.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Pop Vision will perform. Hennessey’s Tavern, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. 949.488.0121. hennesseystavern.com.

WEDNESDAY | 01

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE

6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge when it comes to music, movies and other subjects. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

FRIDAY | 03

FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE

7:30 p.m. Watch a live performance of Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train

at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater. Showings for the mystery thriller will continue through Feb. 19. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.com.

MONDAY | 06

BRIDGE GAME

12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

TUESDAY | 07

TRIVIA TUESDAY

6-8 p.m. Come test your knowledge about different subjects during this trivia night held every Tuesday. The Dog Pawrk Brewing Company, 27122 Paseo Espada, Suite 904, San Juan Capistrano. 949.652.3379. thedogpawrk.beer.

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Editor’s Pick

Restaurants will offer samples of their dishes during the annual Taste of San Juan event coming up at Reata Park. Photo: Collin Breaux

FOOZ FIGHTERS ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

“Fly along with me, I can’t quite make it alone.”

So go the lyrics for the Foo Fighters song “Learn to Fly.”

Come February, tribute band Fooz Fighters surely won’t be alone when they perform at The Coach House.

The band aims for an authentic recreation of the popular rock act fronted by Dave Grohl and will bring that energy to the San Juan Capistrano venue on Feb. 19. To that effect, Fooz Fighters lead singer Nicky Rich grew his hair out and sports a beard to resemble Grohl. Rich has even gone as far as tattoos similar to the ones Grohl has.

Looking like a band is just as important as sounding like one when it comes to tribute acts, guitarist and founding member Brent Wright said.

“We were like, ‘Holy cow, he kind of looks like Dave Grohl,’ ” Wright said of Rich’s resemblance to the former Nirvana drummer.

Drawing on the discography of the Foo Fighters—which includes hit songs “My Hero” and “Everlong”—is an endeavor that appeals to a lot of people, according to Rich, adding: “I thought, for sure, we would be able to draw people in.

Dave Grohl’s such a popular guy. He’s a rock star.”

The band Fooz Fighters has found that Foo Fighters’ loyal fans are willing to see them, as well. Rich said they’ve met some great people at shows who tend to be inviting and welcoming, an experience that has left him humbled.

Not only is Rich’s Grohl-esque hair a daily reality for him, it’s one that also causes him to sometimes be mistaken for the real deal when he’s walking down the street. Rich and Wright relayed anecdotes of Rich getting stopped for autographs while in Los Angeles for a concert.

“You put your heart into this thing,” Rich said. “We have just skyrocketed. It’s an investment.”

That investment isn’t one Fooz Fighters expects to profit from, either. Rich mentions they barely break even when it comes to touring. Instead, it’s something they do for

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

It has been 11 years since Puss in Boots starred in his first side picture, and fifth inclusion of the Shrek movie series. And in Joel Crawford’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, we now see the orange tabby has still impressively got it.

I love when successful franchises feel comfortable enough to experiment with their themes and stories when they don’t have to worry about box-office performance. Peter Hewitt’s Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991) was a clever metaphor for limbo and the afterlife, while The Last Wish is actually not much different.

Along with one of the most colorful, exciting opening sequences I’ve seen in a while, Crawford’s animated fantasy might be one of the best animated efforts from 2022.

As we all know in myth, cats have nine lives, and our protagonist Puss (voiced as usual by Antonio Banderas) is informed by a local animal doctor that he has officially used up eight of them from his wild

life as a vigilante on the run.

The doc’s best advice is to consider retiring and transitioning into a “lap cat” for a nice, older human. Initially offended at the suggestion, Puss changes his mind when he has a run-in with a spooky, cloak-wearing wolf (Wagner Moura), who is a little too aware of Puss’ mortality.

Now suddenly feeling vulnerable, the feline reunites with old flame Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) and a misunderstood pup named Perro (Harvey Gullien) to find the certain star to make a legendary “last wish” for more lives.

As someone who hasn’t seen a new animated family film since probably the first Puss in Boots spin-off, but recently became an aunt, I now have a revamped appreciation for family-friendly entertainment.

The Last Wish isn’t anything super subversive or irreverent, but it is fun and in the traditional fairytale way. Puss and Kitty have a great tongue-in-cheek camaraderie in which you can tell Banderas

the fans—and given an actual Foo Fighters ticket may cost $200 to $300, paying $20 to see Fooz Fighters at The Coach House may be the more prudent option.

Additionally, Wright said it’s hard to sell original music now.

“The thing with the tribute band is it’s popular now,” Wright said. “This was a quick way to get up on the stage.”

Being on that stage has its challenges, though, since imitating Grohl musically can be hard. Rich said getting the screams down can be difficult—even for Grohl, who also has been left hoarse occasionally.

“I do all the screams,” Rich said. “It’s very taxing.”

Rich, too, notes they have spent hours and hours breaking down Foo Fighters songs to

SHOW DETAILS | FOOZ FIGHTERS

Sunday, Feb. 19. Doors open at 5 p.m.; concert starts at 7 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $20.

successfully replicate them. Authentically mimicking how Foo Fighters sound live is crucial to Fooz Fighters, because they’re not merely aiming for just the album sound.

Fooz Fighters members study live footage from Foo Fighters to achieve this and have seen the band in concert several times, Wright said.

“We want to be that whole Foo Fighters experience,” Wright said.

One difference between Foo Fighters and Fooz Fighters is the latter will go to places the former doesn’t go, such as Boise—where they’ll be starting their tour soon—and San Juan Capistrano for The Coach House show.

The Feb. 19 gig will be their first time at The Coach House and one in which Blink-182 tribute band Blink 180-True will also perform.

Rich played the San Juan spot a long time ago in a different capacity and would love to keep doing so on a regular basis.

Fans can expect a real Foo Fighters experience that night with actual amps and the whole live music works, Rich said.

“We’re not smoke and mirrors,” he said. “I can’t wait for the show and to meet some new friends.” CD

and Hayek are having fun with their vocal performances.

Florence Pugh, John Mulaney and Wagner Moura are wonderfully sinister as the baddies; there are token references to grown-up classics the parents will recognize; and the vibrant faux-hand-drawn animation for some sequences in the

same vein as Sony’s Into the Spider-verse (2018) brings a fresh eyeful for viewing.

Though I found Gullien’s Perro a little too similar to Josh Gad’s Olaf in Disney’s Frozen (2013), The Last Wish would do just fine for the families who enjoy cats, Shrek-adjacent humor and plenty of classic fairytale references. CD

Photo: Courtesy of DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures

Tribute band Fooz Fighters looks forward to performing your favorite Foo Fighters songs at The Coach House on Feb. 19. Photo: Courtesy of Leah Horstman

CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED

STAFF SERVICES ANALYST (SSA)

The Orange Coast District of California State Parks is hiring a Staff Services Analyst (SSA) to assist with the daily analysis and review of special events at Doheny, San Clemente, and San Onofre State Beaches. The sector processes more than 1000 permits annually, including more than a dozen major sporting or music events with live media coverage and operating budgets exceeding two million dollars. The major events have yearlong planning elements which require full-time attention from State Parks staff. The sector generates over $750,000.00 annually in special events revenue and has hosted events including the Ohana Festival and World Surf League Finals. Please submit your application to CalCareers for JC350751 (see url below). The salary range is $20.39 - $34.13 per hour. Education Requirement: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized four-year accredited college or university. The hiring unit contact is Scott Kibbey (scott.kibbey@parks.ca.gov).

Final Filing Date: 1/30/2023 www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/ JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=350751

HELP WANTED

Experienced Tile setters and helpers, Slab Fabricators, Slab Installation 5 years exp. Top pay based on experienced. 949-395-3369.

Senior Dating Availability—Full-Time, Part-Time or No Time?

There is something strange going on in the senior single dating arena. Lately, I’ve been receiving emails from single seniors who say they’d like to have a romantic partner in their lives.

For example, Cher emailed, “I lost my love last year in January. He was a wonderful man. It’s been a year now, and I would very much like to meet someone wonderful again.”

On the other hand, I hear from other single seniors who say they are too busy to have a full-time partner in their lives.

Bruce, age 60, emailed, “I just got out of a short-term relationship which had me ‘running a rat race,’ where we both had our own homes and my lady friend wanted to be together almost every night.

“Juggling time between family, friends, the girlfriend, and work was a challenge. It’s not that I didn’t want to spend time with her, but restricting my family time because she had significantly more free time was not doable for me. However, seeing a mate two or three times a week might work.”

It’s not just men who want their relationships part-time. A surprising number of women do also.

Jonie wrote, “Most of the senior women I know are available for a part-time relationship but don’t want to take on a man full-time. The women have hobbies and friends and want quality alone time. They don’t want to give those things up, so a part-time relationship is perfect for them. Most are widows or divorcees who have learned that living alone has a lot of perks.”

I know a widow (11 years), age late 60s, who had three brief outings with a man she’d known for years. He seemed interested in her. Sparks were flying.

After the third outing, she emailed him, “I’m not willing to give up my free time for a relationship at this point in my life. The little bit of free time I have, I like spending by myself or with my family.”

He shrugged his shoulders. She wasn’t available. Or perhaps he isn’t the right guy for her.

Another widow of two years man-

ages the business that she and her husband owned. Plus, she is a caregiver in her own home for her elderly mother. She barely has time to come up for air or walk around the block. She’s a lovely person who’s not available for a relationship. Not currently, at least.

Gloria emailed, “I’m divorced 30+ years. I’m healthy and fun. People wonder why I haven’t found a guy friend all these years. I would love a casual relationship. Never clicked with anyone.

“I’m not up for an all-consuming relationship. I enjoy my single life. I’m a writer, singer and a political activist. Last year, I met a seemingly nice guy online. He treated me to lunch.

“Based on our discussion, I felt he’d need more time than I was willing or able to give. I told him, ‘Even though I’m not working, I have a busy life, but it would be nice to get together on weekends.’ He cried. I hope he finds a nice woman offering what he needs.”

This single senior availability issue is new to me. I think I’m a two-to-threetimes-a-week guy for getting together with a woman. I told my buddy Mike that. He asked if the two to three times per week included time for intimacy. I choked on my wine.

Egad, I thought, and replied, “Let me get back to you on that.”

Wow, so much to think about under this availability umbrella. However, senior singles shouldn’t make themselves available if they aren’t available themselves. CD

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com.

FROM THE ARCHIVES This 1982 photo depicts San Juan Capistrano Library staff and a convertible.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

SOLUTION:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

This handsome boy is Rico, a sizable 2-year-old St. Bernard and Husky mix. Always up for fun, Rico has lots of energy and enjoys outdoor activities. He plays well with most other dogs and likely wouldn’t mind a canine roommate. Rico requires a home with lots of space to exercise, but will make a great hiking buddy for someone who likes to stay active.

If you are interested in adopting Rico, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. CD

Photo: Courtesy of San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library

ON LIFE AND LOVE BY TOM BLAKE

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH Rico

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

SAN JUAN PREPS ROUNDUP

BY C. ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

For in-game updates, news and more for all the San Juan Capistrano high school sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports and on Instagram @South_OC_Sports

San Juan Hills Girls Soccer Eyes Third Straight League Title

There’s only been one hiccup for the San Juan Hills girls soccer team this season, at the expense of just one goal, as the Stallions maintain a hold on first place in the South Coast League with three games remaining.

San Juan Hills (12-1-3, 4-1-0) has been dominant since the calendar turned to 2023 with 19 goals scored and just one allowed. The Stallions have posted 4-0 and 3-0 wins over Tesoro, with the most recent coming on Tuesday, Jan. 24, on two goals from Megan Swift and a penalty kick goal from Peyton Leonard. San Juan Hills has also posted 3-0 wins over Capistrano Valley and Aliso Niguel.

San Juan Hills hosted Capistrano Valley again on Thursday, Jan. 26, but results were not available at press time.

The Stallions lone goal against this month came in its only loss of the season, a 1-0 defeat at San Clemente. The Tritons (12-1-5, 2-0-2) still sit within striking distance of the Stallions.

San Juan Hills, ranked No. 8 in CIF-SS Division 1 & 2, hosts San Clemente, ranked No. 10, on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. If San Juan Hills beat Capistrano Valley on Thursday, the Stallions can clinch their third straight South Coast League championship with a win on Saturday. If San Clemente loses or ties against Aliso Niguel on Thursday, San Juan Hills can also clinch the title with a tie on Saturday.

JSerra Boys Soccer Surges Ahead in League, Takes No. 1 Spot in CIF-SS

Since suffering a tight 1-0 defeat against Mater Dei to open Trinity League on Jan. 4, its only defeat this season, the JSerra boys soccer team has been back on the fast track.

The Lions are now 5-1-1 in the Trinity League, including a 4-1 win at Mater Dei on Jan. 20, and JSerra jumped up to the top spot in the CIF-SS Division 1

rankings. The Lions have outscored their league opponents by a 19-goal margin, 22-3. JSerra is 10-1-1 on the season with 38 goals scored and just five allowed.

Despite the surge and the payback win at Mater Dei, JSerra maintains just a small lead on top of the Trinity League standings. Mater Dei is just a half-game behind at 5-2-0, as is Servite. JSerra beat Servite, 4-0, in their first league matchup.

JSerra hosts St. John Bosco on Friday, Jan. 27, and plays at Servite on Monday, Jan. 30. The Lions close the regular season by hosting Orange Lutheran on Wednesday, Feb. 1. JSerra played to a 1-1 draw at Orange Lutheran on Jan. 18.

San Juan Hills Girls Basketball Gets Record Performance in Bounce Back

Amanda Edwards has emblazoned her name all over the legacy of the San Juan Hills girls basketball program, but the senior star added two more accolades on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

Edwards set school records in points (36) and 3-pointers (9), along with a school-record 11 assists from Aryanna Hudson, as the Stallions won handily at Tesoro, 84-52. Lily Sisson added 20 points with six 3-pointers. Hudson and Anna Shreeve each had double-doubles, with Hudson scoring 12 points to go with her assists record and Shreeve scoring 10 points with 12 rebounds.

It was a huge and necessary per-

formance from San Juan Hills, as the Stallions dropped a pivotal league game at San Clemente on Saturday, Jan. 21. San Juan Hills (20-5, 4-1) was already without one of its top scorers, as Sydney Petersen has been out with a leg injury, and after Edwards fouled out in the third quarter, San Clemente surged ahead to take the win and first place in the league.

However, fate broke back for San Juan Hills (20-5, 4-1), as San Clemente (19-6, 4-1) dropped a stunner at Aliso Niguel on Tuesday, Jan. 24. San Clemente beat Aliso Niguel (7-16, 2-3) at home by 31 points on Jan. 10, but the Tritons lost by five points on the road.

While that result shows San Juan Hills can’t take previous league results for granted, if both the Stallions, ranked No. 4 in CIF-SS Division 2AA, and Tritons, ranked No. 3, take care of business, the teams will face off in a South Coast League championship game in the season finale at San Clemente on Thursday, Feb. 2.

St. Margaret’s Girls

Basketball Ranked No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 5AA

While the St. Margaret’s girls basketball team dropped its last best shot at affecting the Orange Coast League title game on Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Tartans have been labelled the class of their CIFSS division the last few weeks.

St. Margaret’s (18-6, 7-2) fell at home to Calvary Chapel (18-6, 10-0), and with just

three league games left for the Tartans and two to go for the Eagles, St. Margaret’s will need some unlikely outside help. Calvary Chapel is ranked No. 5 in CIF-SS Division 3A.

However, the Tartans have shown themselves to be no slouch at No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 5AA. St. Margaret’s has already clinched a CIF-SS playoff spot. St. Margaret’s hosted Estancia on Thursday, Jan. 26, but results were not available at press time. The Tartans will finish out league at Orange on Monday, Jan. 30, and at Estancia on Thursday, Feb. 2, before ending the regular season at home against Capistrano Valley on Friday, Feb. 3.

Roundup

JSerra girls soccer is ranked No. 6 in CIF-SS Division 1. The Lions (9-3-4, 2-3-1) play at Rosary on Saturday, Jan. 28, and host Orange Lutheran on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

St. Margaret’s boys basketball is ranked No. 5 in CIF-SS Division 4AA. The Tartans (18-6, 8-2) are one game behind Calvary Chapel (16-8, 9-1) after a tight loss with two league games to play.

JSerra girls water polo is ranked No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 3. The Lions (18-3, 0-2) had a dominant showing at the Ocean View Tournament last weekend.

San Juan Hills boys basketball (14-10, 3-2) is in a tight race for a playoff spot in the South Coast League. The Stallions last three league games are all on the road. CD

San Juan Hills girls soccer has only allowed one goal in the month of January, and the Stallions are in line to play for a third straight South Coast League championship on Saturday, Jan. 28. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Saddleback Medical Center Continues Unveiling Groundbreaking Cancer Treatment

For patients diagnosed with cancer, it’s critical to seek leading-edge, compassionate care with the latest technological advances, broad range of treatment options and dedicated cancer teams— in calming, comfortable, convenient settings for patients, families and friends.

Here are a few reasons why MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Saddleback Medical Center is a top choice for advanced, personalized cancer care.

One of the most recent advancements at Saddleback is a more accurate form of bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment — Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview®.Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview® helps physicians find tumors in the bladder more precisely and remove them safely when the cancer is still in its non-invasive stage.

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in South Orange County to o er this technology. Typically, these advanced treatment methods are only found in academic hospital settings, not at community hospitals. At Saddleback Medical Center, patients get the benefit of leading technology, in a nurturing and compassionate environment of a community hospital.

“Making this technology available to our patients keeps with our commitment to advancing patient care,” says Dr. Erik Pasin, urologist, Saddleback Medical Center. “Bladder cancer is di cult

to detect and has a high rate of recurrence. With Blue Light Cystoscopy, we have more accurate diagnoses of bladder cancer and often in earlier stages, allowing us to better treat and manage the cancer and leading to better outcomes.”

The MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Saddleback also features:

Most Innovative Linear Accelerators

Meiklejohn Radiation Oncology Center is the only center in South Orange County o ering a multitude of radiation treatments including TrueBeam®, ExacTrac® and VitalBeam® technology. AlignRT® tracks patient movements with extreme accuracy, ensuring exact placement and delivery of radiation. A PET-CT scanner helps identify tumors and measures biological activity to more accurately target cancer and monitor treatment responses.

Advanced MemorialCare Breast Centers

Among the most comprehensive Breast Centers with nearby locations and advanced technologies for the highest quality breast imaging, these designated “Breast Centers of Excellence” are the region’s only Breast Centers with breast radiologists, surgeons and oncologists exclusively specialized in breast care and treatment.

State-of-the-Art Jean Howard Infusion Center

Soothing, healing, spa-like place where patients with many types of cancer receive chemotherapy and other infusion therapy treatments.

To learn more, please visit memorialcare.org/bluelight.