EYE ON SJC

Two Years Later: Mission San Juan Capistrano Pushes Through Pandemic

BY COLLIN BREAUX

As Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams puts it, the first 12 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic were a “surprise and shock.”

The historic site and popular tourist destination was forced to close to the public, the first time it had done so in 100 years. It reopened in June 2020 and temporarily closed again later after a spike in cases.

Come March 2022—two years after the virus was declared a pandemic—the Mission is now fully open and shows no signs of closing to visitors. During the early days of the pandemic, the Mission pivoted to virtual tours and online educational opportunities for students—aspects that have carried over even as the site and world at large return to some sort of normalcy.

“Our indigenous people’s history interpretation has been so reliant on the live percentage of people being here. The pandemic allowed us to approach representatives of indigenous history in the community and say, ‘Do you mind being recorded? Do you mind allowing us to talk about your history in a permanent sense?’ ” Adams said. “We ended up developing a series of videos just specifically on our indigenous history that celebrated the relationship of the Mission to our present-day indigenous representatives. We were able to talk about our bell-ringing ceremony and who those people are.”

Those recordings are different from the pre-pandemic tradition of such history being mostly told during in-person events. The Mission ended up creating an overarching historical video that was free to any school teacher who signed up for the Mission’s educational programs.

School districts in Northern California began reaching out to the Mission as they developed the videos—which, in turn, led to the Mission creating even more videos.

“Our Earth Day program is now completely virtual. Now, it doesn’t replace on-site experiences at all,” Adams said. “It augments them, and it allowed us to have a geographical reach to learners or displaced populations or underserved communities that never would be here in the first place.”

The permanent virtual aspect of the Mission experience can reach people who are autistic, hearing-impaired, or not planning to visit the Mission.

“Part of the dynamic that has been hard for the Mission—in that we are coming out of—is making good on our public programming and yet evaluating that public programming as to what’s still really relevant and needed, and does it make sense to do so,” Adams said. “We owe the community these summer concerts that we haven’t yet had from 2020. We still owe three of them. We normally have a series of five or six concerts this summer. People bought tickets in early 2020 that we still haven’t had those concerts yet.”

Adams said they are reevaluating the future of those concerts and whether they’ll have six concerts, or instead three or four concerts, which would then allow the Mission to do other things.

Another silver lining that emerged during the pandemic was the Mission’s partnership with fellow nonprofit South Coast Repertory, which yielded outdoor theater performances at the Mission.

“We delivered two productions for nearly 20 nights last October to a super-appreciative crowd that got to go out in a safe manner and see live theater when all the theaters were closed,” Adams said.

Adams acknowledged the Mission’s budget was in the negative for earned revenues “in a huge and significant way” at points throughout the past two years—a time when the site’s Board of Directors offered words of encouragement and mentorship to Adams. They also suggested different ways of doing things at the Mission.

“I’ve been here 18 years, and the first 15-16 were a trajectory of growth and building and expanding and bigger numbers, and it was always more and more and more. Then the pandemic said we’re going to take everything away from you. You have nothing. What’s going to stick?” Adams said. “I do think what came out of it for me and the team is definitely a keen

After enduring forced shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mission San Juan Capistrano is still open and bouncing back. Photo: Collin Breaux

awareness that traditions matter. People need to count on places to stay true to their purpose. That doesn’t necessarily mean that every activity you’ve done has to stay the same way.”

One of those changes is a pared-down St. Joseph’s Day celebration and tapering back the level of private corporate events.

The Mission’s finances are currently still “precarious,” Adams said. The site raised some funds from a recent gala, and also benefited from grants and the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

“Those dollars are keeping us open right now. If I didn’t have those dollars to pay the labor—and we’re not open on Mondays, and we aren’t always open to the complete hours that we used to be—we wouldn’t be open if I didn’t have those dollars,” Adams said. “There is a little bit of concern on what happens when those grant dollars run out. We’re working really hard. The store is back to full numbers. Attendance on weekends is back to its old numbers.”

What’s missing, however, is the school field trips with students. Kids may come back for field trips with the relaxing of the school mask mandate in California, Adams said.

“We used to bring in over half a million to a million dollars in education revenue,” Adams said. “We were bringing in $27,000 last year.”

While Adams is positive the Mission will get through this, she is also cautious. The historic site is further struggling with finding employees, as are many other businesses due to changes in the labor market.

“People want to get paid more. It makes sense,” Adams said. “It’s expensive. Housing is very, very expensive.”

Mask requirements and tension over such were an “ugly part” at the Mission during the pandemic, Adams said. Face masks were required at the site when instituted by state regulations, which led to some grumbling from visitors, who then lashed out at staff at times. Masks, though, are no longer required at the site since mandates for such have been largely lifted throughout California.

Adams did point to positive aspects— regular Mission supporters who have sent in donations, good Yelp reviews, and great customer service provided by staff. The Mission also set up an online store—a necessity during the early days of the pandemic. Everyone within the organization is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“What’s the future look like? The future looks like we can have less conversations about masks and vaccines, and we can focus more on our service and stewardship,” Adams said. “We’re really excited about bringing back our traditions and what’s new. What’s new is three new exhibits this year. New audio tour. The mariachi festival gets to come back. We already had all our bands sign up.”

One new exhibit is Journey to Renewal, which celebrates the artwork contributions of local historians Jan and Warren Siegel.

“There’s a lot going on. We’re excited,” Adams said. “Our gala is all set for Sept. 16. We’ve got most of our people on board to participate.”

Visit missionsjc.com for more information.

CUSD Board Votes Down Resolution on Student Mask Choice

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Days ahead of the student mask mandate being officially lifted in California, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees chose to not allow making masks optional for students in the interim during a meeting on March 2.

In a 4-3 vote, trustees rejected Trustee Lisa Davis’ proposed resolution that called for non-enforcement of mask requirements while on-campus students are indoors. Board President Martha McNicholas and Trustees Amy Hanacek, Pamela Braunstein, and Krista Castellanos voted against the resolution. Trustees Gila Jones, Judy Bullockus, and Davis voted yes.

A mandate requiring students wear masks indoors on school grounds— which has been in place throughout the COVID-19 pandemic—is scheduled to be lifted by the California Department of Public Health after March 11. CUSD will follow suit and no longer require masks on students after that date.

The mask mandate and other pandemic precautions are set by the CDPH, and CUSD officials have said they must abide by them.

Davis—who represents San Clemente—has frequently spoken about student mask requirements, and previously urged the state and other officials to do away with the mandate.

“(The CDPH) provided no data to support the arbitrary start of this policy 10 days from now,” Davis said. “Our community numbers put us in the mask-optional status, according to the CDC, and there is no reason to delay this policy.”

Rises in mental health issues among students during the pandemic have been ignored, since there is more focus on masks and vaccines, Davis said.

Jones said there will soon be a mixture of masked and unmasked students.

“Everyone’s reasons are a private matter,” Jones said. “I will be profoundly disappointed if I hear of anyone being taunted, teased, bullied, or harassed for their mask choices.”

Bullockus said her constituents in Mission Viejo have urged her to stand strong on the mask issue.

“I cannot condone a continuous hurting of children,” Bullockus said. “My heart bleeds. I have felt ill for weeks over this issue.”

Capistrano Unified School District Area 2 Trustee Pamela Braunstein resigned after a proposed resolution calling for non-enforcement of the statewide student mask mandate. Photo: Courtesy of Pamela Braunstein

Student Advisor Kanei Padhya gave a symbolic no vote and spoke in favor of continuing to wear masks. Padhya said Davis’ resolution was “unnerving” and harmed the safety of students, school staff, and teachers.

“If mask mandates go away, there will be a rise in cases—not only for students but teachers,” Padhya said. “If the mask mandate were to be lifted, I think it should only be lifted if the COVID-19 vaccine gets added to the list of mandatory vaccines for public schools.”

Padhya said she will wear a mask “without a second thought” if doing so saves lives, particularly for immunocompromised people.

A separate but similar resolution directing the CUSD superintendent to have local responsibility when it comes to enforcing mask-wearing in classrooms that Jones and Bullockus co-authored was pulled by Jones after the district’s legal advisers said there could be potential “legal exposure” from it.

Some CUSD students have attempted to enter classrooms without masks as a demonstration against the mandate, which sometimes results in their being sent home and logged as an unexcused absence.

The board report for the pulled resolution said such action by the district “is in direct conflict with our mission to educate and prepare our students and our commitment to their success.”

In other news from the meeting, the Board of Trustees approved sending out informational messages to CUSD families regarding legislation that could require students get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to continue attending school in person.

Senate Bills 871 and 866 variously require the COVID-19 vaccine be added to the list of mandatory vaccinations for students and allows children ages 12 to 17 to get the vaccine regardless of parental consent.

The proposed bills are expected to be considered by state government committees soon.

CUSD officials want to send out informational messages about the legislation because of its expected impact on students, particularly over concerns some students may be pulled out of classes because they or their parents may not want them to be vaccinated.

Braunstein resigned as the trustee for Area 2—which encompasses Ladera Ranch and much of San Juan Capistrano—after the meeting due to her disagreement with the anti-mask sentiments of some of her peers, as well as what she said was “never-ending, organized harassment by a certain vocal minority,” which impacted her safety and her family’s.

“Some of my fellow CUSD Trustees have been proposing policies that aren’t compliant with the law, which, if they were to succeed, (would) not only hurt the district but put me in an untenable position ethically and professionally as an attorney,” Braunstein announced in a statement.

Braunstein served as the Area 2 trustee after winning the November 2020 election against then-incumbent Jim Reardon.

“At the March 16 Board meeting, the trustees will consider holding a special election to fill the vacancy, or conducting an appointment process to identify an individual who would fill the vacancy until the November 2022 elections,” the district announced in a statement.

The meeting will be held at the Capistrano Unified School District office at 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano and also livestreamed on YouTube.

(Cont. from page 3)

Councilmember Sergio Farias said keeping the Northwest Open Space exactly as it is now means it would continue to be rarely visited.

“I drive by there every day. I live close to it. It does sit in my district,” Farias said. “It’s seldom used. I want our community to use it. That’s my interest in moving forward with exploring options for this property, and that’s for the use of our community and our public’s interest.”

Patricia Martz, president for the California Cultural Resource Preservation Alliance’s Board of Directors, was one of the open space advocates who signed the letter sent to the council. Martz spoke with The Capistrano Dispatch the day after the meeting about her desire for the Northwest Open Space to stay preserved, as well as her reaction to remarks from the meeting.

Martz took issue with open space advocates being seen as outsiders, saying conservationists are concerned allowing major development in the area could set a precedent and lead to similar situations elsewhere.

“I don’t think (the city is) going to change their minds about leasing out the property,” said Martz, who lives in Irvine and was on the advisory committee that worked with the city in creating Putuidem Village. “The statement that it’s not being used is disingenuous. Open space is used by plants and animals, and not large crowds of people.”

The main concern is that Putuidem Village would be impacted and cultural deposits “disturbed” if soccer fields or an RV park were allowed, Martz said.

In response to city officials requiring future uses be in line with what’s out there now, Martz said she was glad to hear that, but not that developers are included on the list of potential proposers.

“I take that with a grain of salt,” Martz said. “I hope, in the long run, most of the open space will be preserved in its natural state.”

Martz said she would like to see a plan for restoring the Northwest Open Space and making it even more natural, and for the least environmentally damaging group to be selected if the city does move forward on future outside use.

Councilmember Troy Bourne said a number of cultural historical elements regarding the Northwest Open Space can be looked at—both Native American and not—when considering the future use.

“No one is suggesting changing this site from open space to some other use. I think we’re just looking at creative ways to be able—I’m going to use this important word—to activate this open space,” Bourne said. “Even if all that means is better access to and better walking trails through mustard grass, that would be a better activation than we see out there right now, where the bulk of the community simply does not have sufficient access to be able to use and enjoy this space.”

The City Council voted, 4-0, to approve putting out the request for proposals. Farias, Bourne, Councilmember John Taylor, and Mayor Pro Tem Howard Hart voted yes. Mayor Derek Reeve was not at the meeting.

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY STAFF

CD |Blenheim EquiSports Cancels Nations Cup

The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup—which was scheduled to be contested at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in May—has been canceled by Blenheim EquiSports, the park’s manager, due to an equine virus outbreak. The event would have been a regional qualifier for an event held in Spain later this year.

The outbreak of EHV-1, also known as horse herpes, has impacted events and operations in San Juan Capistrano, including the removal of horses from this year’s Swallows Day Parade and forcing the quarantining of horses at local stables.

“As we find ourselves in the middle of this uncertain and fluid situation, there is no realistic way for international teams invited to the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup USA to commit to the logistical preparations necessary to compete in early May,” Blenheim said in a statement. “It is also only fair to ensure the athletes can plan their competition schedules, at the highest level of the sport, early and effectively.”

Members of the equestrian community were looking forward to the event, which was expected to have a positive financial impact on San Juan Capistrano.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture recently sent a letter to equestrian event coordinators and participants warning about a potential spread of the virus if proper measures weren’t taken, as noted by Blenheim. Other equestrian events scheduled at the park have been canceled by Blenheim, including the Spring I Classic show and open riding that was held every Monday.

“We will continue to be positive stewards of the sport and do whatever is necessary to help bring the spread of this outbreak to an end, all the while continuing our own facility upgrades, which will be in place upon the return of horse shows at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park,” Blenheim’s announcement said.

CD |Plaza Drive Gets New Asphalt

The owners of Plaza Del Obispo—a retail center in San Juan Capistrano— are getting around to a long-planned project.

New asphalt will be put in on Plaza Drive, as the private owners want to “present a quality property to the com-

The owners of Plaza Del Obispo have been busy with new asphalt installation for the shopping center. Photo: Courtesy of Ben Thomson

munity, neighbors and our tenants,” said Ben Thomson, one of the property owners.

Work will be done on Plaza Drive from March 23-24. Improvements have also recently been made on other areas of Plaza Del Obispo.

“In 1989, we didn’t have the funds to excavate and put down a rock base. The asphalt has not held up well in the ensuing 33 years,” Thomson said in an email. “We did overlays and patching since, though the asphalt lots have extensive cracking and ‘speed bumps’ throughout. All of the asphalt is being replaced with 4+ inches of new asphalt.”

The soil will be mixed with cement, Thomson said. The process is expensive, but the owners “felt it is appropriate since we are planning to own the property in perpetuity,” he said.

The property owners—the Stroscher-Thomson family since 1887— spaced out work on the project to minimize the effect on businesses and neighbors.

“Plaza Drive will be done in halves so that Capistrano Center has access throughout the two days,” Thomson said. “Drivers can park in adjacent lots, including (at) Rite Aid/Starbucks and behind Dollar Tree.”

The San Juan Capistrano community is welcome to visit the property and see the upgrades.

“Let us know what you think,” Thomson said.

CD |OCSD Announces New City Police Chief

Capt. Justin Montano will take over as the new police chief for San Juan Capistrano, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department recently announced. He will begin serving the city on March 11 following the retirement of former police chief Lt. Carl Bulanek.

“Captain Montano joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1998 and has worked in Custody Operations, Patrol, Criminal Investigations and Professional Services,” OCSD said in a news release. “He also served as an investigator with the Family Protection Detail and the Homicide Detail.”

Montano recently managed daily patrol operations for OCSD’s 13 contract cities and unincorporated areas.

“Captain Montano has a bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine and a master’s degree in Emergency Management Administration from California State University, Long Beach,” OCSD said in its announcement.

CD |The Ecology Center Enters into Philanthropic Partnership

The Ecology Center—a community farm and educational center in San Juan Capistrano—and Irvine-based adult beverage company Avana Sparking Cocktails now have a philanthropic agreement.

Avana will donate 50 cents for each case purchased of their products to The Ecology Center’s Nourishing Neighbors program, which provides food-insecure families with weekly meals, the beverage company announced on Instagram.

Check out Avana’s Instagram page for more information.

CD |Recycling Advocate Ryan Hickman Hosts Beach Cleanup Day

advocate in San Juan Capistrano who’s gained recognition for his environmental efforts, is hosting a cleanup day on March 26 from 8-10 a.m. at the T-Street beach area in San Clemente, south of the pier.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 City Council 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 CUSD Board of Trustees 7 p.m. The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees—the governing board for the district—will meet to discuss and decide on local education issues. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the CUSD board meeting YouTube page. CUSD headquarters, 33122 Valle Road. capousd.ca.schoolloop.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17 Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee 5:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee will review expenditures of Measure Y bond proceeds. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 Coffee Chat 8:30 a.m. A spirited 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, MARCH 22 Cultural Heritage Commission 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission will hold a public meeting. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 Planning Commission 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a public meeting. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25 The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.