April 14, 2023

APRIL 14-27, 2023 | VOLUME 21, ISSUE 7

INSIDE: Special Section

A New Face in Town Newport Beach Dermatology Opens Second Location in San Juan Capistrano E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 3

Newport Beach Dermatology & Plastic Surgery founder Anne Marie McNeill celebrates the grand opening of a second location on April 6. Photo: Collin Breaux

thecapistranodispatch.com

Adventure Van Expo to Return to Riding Park

Donna Friess Traces Local Horse History

Locals of Capo FC Take on Pro OCSC in U.S. Open Cup

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 4

SOAPBOX/PAGE 10

SPORTS/PAGE 30

Charity

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PRESENTING SPONSOR $15,000 LEVEL

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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

New Dermatology, Plastic Surgery Center Opens in Ortega Cottages Business Area

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Anne Marie McNeill was all smiles in San Juan Capistrano on April 6.

McNeill and her staff were celebrating the grand opening of Newport Beach Dermatology & Plastic Surgery’s second location in the Ortega Cottages business center. The first location is, of course, in Newport Beach and still open.

“I founded it 13 years ago. We have six physicians and three physician assistants that do all aspects of dermatology: plastic surgery, medical, and cosmetic,” McNeill said. “I’ve been hoping to expand for some time. We’ve sort of outgrown our space in Newport, and we finally found the space we’ve been looking for in San Juan.”

McNeill and her family moved to San Juan Capistrano from Newport Beach

two years ago, after living in the latter for 20 years.

“We loved it so much that, as soon as we moved here, I started looking seriously in San Juan,” McNeill said. “I love it here. I’ve been really blown away by the support in San Juan. Everybody’s been so welcoming.”

Newport Beach Dermatology & Plastic Surgery’s services include taking care of people medically with skin cancer and other conditions requiring surgery.

“We also, at the same time, attend to the cosmetic aspect of it as well,” McNeill said.“A lot of times, you have a skin cancer, you’re worried about getting it removed and getting it adequately treated—but, then, also, that it’s going to leave a big scar on your nose and across your cheek.”

Specific treatments include laser hair reduction, acne treatment, tattoo removal, forehead lifts, and nose jobs.

The grand opening was hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce and featured a ribbon-cutting, refreshments, tours of the facilities, and visits and recognition awards on behalf of regional dignitaries. McNeill’s staff, family, and supporters—along with San Juan community members—clapped

Anne Marie McNeill (left), Newport Beach Dermatology & Plastic Surgery founder and owner, celebrates a ribbon-cutting for a second location in San Juan Capistrano on April 6 with Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley. Photo: Collin Breaux

for McNeill as she gave remarks during the opening.

Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley was on hand to congratulate McNeill.

“Supporting small business owners is kind of my thing. I love seeing women succeed in business, and the fact that you can open a second location and the work you’ve done to make this such a beautiful space for your clients, it’s really

JSerra Student Makes Semifinals in Los Angeles Performing Arts Competition

BY COLLIN BREAUX

JSerra Catholic High School student Jack Leslie was recording a classical music piece with a pianist when he heard about a performing arts competition in Los Angeles that caught his attention.

The Music Center in L.A. is holding its 35th Annual Spotlight that hosts competitions for a variety of art forms, including singing. Leslie, a 12th-grade student at JSerra in San Juan Capistrano, decided to enter and ended up becoming a semifinalist.

Leslie and more than 100 other kids will now audition again before a panel of judges, with two finalists then selected to compete for a grand prize in June.

“It helps a lot, things like this, with publicity,” Leslie said. “I submitted my application not thinking much of it. I was pleasantly surprised being invited The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Jack Leslie, a senior at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, has a shot at winning The Music Center’s 35th Annual Spotlight contest for classical music singing. Photo: Courtesy of The Music Center

back for an audition.”

Leslie recorded himself singing an Italian classical song on his phone. He already learned the song when practicing it for college auditions and found it fit the criteria for The Music Center contest.

“It works well with my voice,” he said.

In addition to auditions, the Annual Spotlight also gives young artists a

chance to receive feedback from judges with the aim of honing their creative abilities. The Music Center overall aims to provide a “supportive environment” in which students also develop “vital life skills, including self-esteem, preparation and perseverance, that benefit them beyond the stage,” a news release said.

“For many participants, Spotlight is their first step in the journey toward a Page 3

impressive,” Foley said. “I’m so excited for you, Anne Marie. I can’t wait to visit after everybody is hustling and bustling here over the next year. It’s great to not only represent you, but be your friend.”

Newport Beach Dermatology & Plastic Surgery has numerous treatment rooms where patients can privately receive care.

The San Juan location’s address is 27512 Calle Arroyo. Visit newportbeachdps.com for more information.

successful future in the arts,” said Rachel S. Moore, The Music Center President and CEO. “We are proud to have provided thousands of aspiring young people with the opportunity to hone their skills and explore their potential.”

Leslie has been actively studying classical singing since 2021 and been participating in choir going back to middle school. He enjoys the musicianship that comes with singing classical songs.

“You can tell a story with your voice and the music,” he said.

Leslie is maintaining his usual routine of daily singing lessons as he prepares for the next round of competition. He generally practices two to three hours a day, though this can vary depending on his schedule.

He is “really excited” with the prospect of getting into the final round. Though he is sending in a video recording for the semifinals because he will be traveling while those rounds are underway, he plans to clear out his schedule for the finals if he makes the cut.

Leslie is focused on classical music, calling it the “backbone” of all current music.

“I appreciate the opportunity with being a semifinalist,” he said. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Adventure Van Expo to Return in San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Community Discusses Housing Updates, Needs During Rezoning Changes

BY COLLIN BREAUX

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Local van enthusiasts can mark their calendar for April 29-30, when the Adventure Van Expo will be held again at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.

The event is a gathering for van fans and will feature a variety of vendors, along with food, accessories for sale, and talks about different aspects of van culture. The riding park celebration will kick off Adventure Van Expo’s 2023 tour, which will include other stops throughout the U.S., including in Oregon and Tennessee.

Event founder Neil Morse came up with the idea years ago when he was looking for resources to build a van but couldn’t find any—much less a show centered around vans.

“There should be a way to come, figure out how to do this, what parts to buy,” Morse said.

The concept of van life—in which people voluntarily live out of vans, often traveling in such and sometimes documenting their journey on social media—has become more popular in recent years. Regular-sized vans are appealing because they fit in a mobile parking space, Morse said.

Morse has had vans his whole life. The San Juan event will have close to 100 different van-related companies, some being bigger established enterprises and others being smaller outlets that custom-build vans.

“This is the perfect space to check out vendors and accessories for van builds along with discovering new products on the market,” Morse said.“The expo will be full of unique displays and is a space where attendees can talk with experts on their craft.”

There will also be representatives of the do-it-yourself aspect of van life, Morse said.

“Van builders looking to display their

Art Along the Coast Celebrates Fine Arts in Orange County

BY COLLIN BREAUX

With the weather warm and dry again and spring in the air, now is the perfect time to take a drive up and down the Orange County coast.

You can add some stops to check out art along the way, come the last weekend in April.

The sixth annual Art Along the Coast showcase will host art viewings at various exhibits and venues, from San Clemente to Santa Ana. The tour is free and self-guided.

Local artists and stops include Fabrice The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Vans, food, music, and van life advice will be on display at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park when the Adventure Van Expo returns at the end of April.

Photo: Courtesy of Cousin Media

work are encouraged to join the Adventure Van Expo DIY Contest taking place on Saturday, which will be viewed by hundreds of eventgoers and rated by van build experts,” a news release said.

Of course, as with any festival, there will also be music, beer, and food trucks available.

“There’s a real community,” Morse said.

“There’s a lot of repeat people that come from multiple shows. There’s a camping element.”

People looking to camp out on April 28 and 29 can roll in starting on April 28 at 4 p.m., the news release said.

“It is the perfect space to hang out with other van owners and connect with the van life community throughout the two-day event,” the news release said.

While some attendees are well-versed in van culture, other people who attend Adventure Van Expo may be unfamiliar with the lifestyle and going to the event for the first time, Morse said.

Event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 29 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 30.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at adventurevanexpo.com. The cost is $20 for both days for people 18 years of age and older, $120 for camping, $90 for the DIY contest, and $10 for a dog pass. People 17 years of age and younger can get in for free.

Spies and Leslie Bonnani at 26 Calle Verdadero in San Clemente; Lyn Hiner and Sean Hunter Brown at 1004 Avenida de la Estrella in San Clemente; and Anne Moore at 33753 Big Sur in Dana Point.

Other stops will be open in Laguna Beach and Santa Ana. “Orange County continues to be a destination for art and culture,” a news release said. “As such, the tour showcases varied and unique work by painters, photographers, sculptors and those of other art mediums, in their working environments. It is an opportunity for people looking for a meaningful and fun activity who also want to support local professionals.”

For a tour map, list of participating artists, and more information, visit artalongthecoast.com.

Page 4

A series of required zoning changes kicked off a wide-ranging discussion about housing needs in San Juan Capistrano on April 4.

The City Council unanimously approved rezoning changes to incorporate an update to the city’s Housing Element and General Plan—which serves as the municipal blueprint—as legally required by the state every eight years.

The rezoning variously permits the possibility of more housing at Oso Ranch behind Fairmont Schools and The Shea Center, San Juan Plaza south of Trader Joe’s, and in the Costco Plaza.

The land-use amendments do not automatically guarantee new housing will be built at the sites or require cities to develop housing themselves.

No housing developments are currently planned at any of the three sites.

Any proposed developments would have to go through the city’s review process, which would include hearings before city government boards.

The California state government regularly requires every municipality to demonstrate they have the capacity to accommodate enough housing as needed and time goes on. San Juan’s updated Housing Element, approved by the state in 2022, provides theoretical capacity for 1,266 housing units spread throughout town.

The Regional Housing Needs Assessment, or RHNA for short, also specifies that housing units must accommodate various income levels, including for very-low-income, low-income, and moderate-income. Very-low-income is considered less than 50% of Orange County’s annual median income of $119,000, while low-income is within 51% to 80% of that figure.

“I’m a big fan of the RHNA process for one reason, and that is, it gives us numbers and leaves the cities the authority to tell us how to do it,” Mayor Howard Hart said. “There are a lot of things coming from the state that aren’t allowing us cities that ability.

They’re telling us not only what to do, but how to do it.”

“RHNA is not one of those,” Hart continued. “Because we have very competent city staff, and we were able to get our RHNA numbers approved by the state, we’re not now forced to do this builder’s remedy, which not only tells us what we have to do but takes away our ability to (do so).”

Laura Stokes, the senior planner for the city, said the local Costco is “not intended to be touched at all” when explaining the rezoning measures during

Tuesday’s meeting.

“The proposal is for the southern three parcels within the Costco Plaza to be modified to specific plan/precise plan,” Stokes said.

Oso Ranch is a vacant 44-acre, privately owned site that has trails going through it. The property owner of the San Juan Plaza has expressed interest over the past few years in redevelopment, incorporating mixed use, Stokes said.

City Manager Ben Siegel said there can be “significant penalties” if cities do not abide by the state’s mandated updates.

“The state can sue cities,” Siegel said.

“The state can withhold housing dollars.

There are multiple and severe penalties.”

Huntington Beach is battling with the state and facing penalties for not currently having a state-certified housing plan in place. Huntington Beach City Councilmembers voted, 4-3, against approving a plan.

Residents spoke about their reactions to the rezoning and general perspectives on housing needs during the meeting.

Elaine Gomez said she was concerned about the Costco Plaza rezoning.

“My first concern is that the proposal indicates up to 60 units per acre or, as listed on page three of said proposal, 142 units were to be built,” Gomez said.

“This is an average of three people per unit, which averages approximately 100 children or more for the 142-(unit) complex. These children will be subjected to the traffic in the already crowded Costco parking lot. Will there be a safe place for these children to play?”

Miriam Zuñiga, a lead facilitator for the Community Leader Coalition—a local group that advocates for the Capistrano Villas and Hispanic community—said she supported the rezoning and more affordable housing in the city.

“These accommodations will benefit many of San Juan’s hard-working families,” Zuñiga said.

San Juan city staff and officials have been working on the Housing Element and General Plan updates for the past two years Mayor Pro Tem Sergio Farias said a future City Council will be “back at this in a couple more years” and could consider other sites for the next update.

“You’re seeing our state take action, because, in fact, there’s an article recently regarding Orange County cities.

I think about half of them don’t have an approved Housing Element. We do,” Farias said. “I thank our staff for getting us there and this council. We looked at different areas in the city.” thecapistranodispatch.com

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FUNDRAISER FOR THE ARTS

An Evening with

Alicia Olatuja UNDERWRITTEN BY DAVID AND CAROLYN WESTENDORF

SUPPORT CASA ROMANTICA Thursday, May 11, 2023 @ 6 PM • $250

This benefit dinner features a cocktail reception, 3-course gourmet meal catered by 24 Carrots Catering and Events, a luxurious live auction, and jazz performance by Alicia Olatuja.

All ticket sales directly support Casa Romantica’s programs.

Alicia Olatuja, praised in The New York BUY TICKETS Times as “a singer with a strong and luscious tone,” has performed as a featured soloist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at the White House and worked with esteemed artists such as Chaka Khan, BeBe Winans, and Christian McBride.

PURCHASE TICKETS Go.CasaRomantica.org/Alicia-Olatuja 415 Avenida Granada • San Clemente, CA 92672 • (949) 498-2139

The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Page 6

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

COMPILED BY STAFF

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

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.

CD | Riding Park to Host

Horse Jumping Show in May Come Mother’s Day, San Juan Capistrano will play host to a big regional equestrian show that will have implications for a subsequent international competition.

The Longines Fédération Équestre Internationale Nations Jumping Cup USA will be held at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, off Ortega Highway, on May 14. The event is a horse jumping event for the FEI and serves as a qualifier for an international competition to be held in Barcelona, Spain, this September.

The event is the only Nations Cup series qualifier that will be held in the U.S., according to a news release. The event was scheduled to happen at the riding park in May 2022, but it was canceled due to a horse viral outbreak.

“The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park is proud to host the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup USA,” the news release said.

“This international event combines a weeklong equestrian competition May 10-14 with a 3-day VIP social event May 12-14.”

Competing under the U.S. Equestrian team banner are Karl Cook from Rancho Santa Fe, California; Nick Dello Joio from Wellington, Florida; Lillie Keenan from New York, New York; Laura Kraut from Royal Palm Beach, Florida; and McLain Ward from Brewster, New York.

The top four riders will go on to represent the U.S. during the global showdown in Barcelona.

The team will be led by coach Robert Ridland, who also manages the riding park along with his wife, Hillary Ridland, through Blenheim Facility Management.

Other regional qualifiers will be held in Europe and the Middle East.

CD | River Street Marketplace

Announces Slate of Food, Retail Tenants An ice cream shop, Mexican restaurant, and other food options are coming to San Juan Capistrano’s Los Rios Historic District later this year.

River Street Marketplace, a new shopping and community center helmed by local developer Dan Almquist, recently announced a slew of more than 20 business tenants that have signed on and will eventually open in the area.

The center will have several buildings, each with a theme and intended to replicate what visiting a working ranch feels like.

“Much has been said about San Juan The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

CUSD Board of Trustees 7 p.m. The governing board for the Capistrano Unified School District will meet to decide on local education matters. CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. capousd.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26 Cora Bro Dollar, 12, placed in the Green Rider division during a recent equestrian competition in Temecula.

Photo: Courtesy of Ortega Equestrian Center

in every class of the Green Rider division during a West Coast Ranch Horse show held recently in Temecula. Dollar rode a horse named Miss Piggy and competed in the youth division.

“She was also the reserve champion in the Green Rider Rail Stakes class and is currently leading the Green Rider division for the series buckle and end-ofyear division saddle,” Ortega Equestrian Center owner Kathy Holman said.

Dollar will also compete in other horse shows at the end of April and on May 7, the latter being the final buckle series show.

Capistrano becoming a hotspot destination, and we’re so incredibly proud to help usher in a new chapter for the city and community,” said Almquist, managing partner of ALMQUIST, a development firm formerly known as Frontier Real Estate Investment.

Mexican restaurant La Vaquera will be among the restaurants opening. The eatery is helmed by Acme Hospitality Group out of Santa Barbara.

McConnell’s Ice Cream will provide the sweeter offerings with its first Orange County location.

Other tenants include fried chicken spot Bred’s Hot Chicken, local brewery Capistrano Brewing, female clothing boutique Common Thread, Western clothing shop Wildfire Mercantile, boba tea spot Kozan Teahouse & Boba, and butcher shop The Meat Cellar Market and Steakhouse.

River Street Marketplace is expected to open toward the end of this year and will have open space for pedestrians to walk around and relax.

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.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

CD | Dog Pawrk Brewing

Wins State Brewing Award One of the craft brews you can order at The Dog Pawrk Brewing Company is El Hefe-Dognito—an American Hefeweizen that won a bronze medal in the 2023 Brewers Cup of California.

Dog Pawrk won the award in the Light American Wheat Ale or Lager category.

The contest is organized by the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild with support from the Central Coast, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego guilds.

“Winning meant a lot for us. It justifies the hard work we’ve put into what we are passionate about,” co-owner Nathan Beckham said. “While it’s always awesome to hear from your customers that they

CD | Young San Juan

Equestrian Continues to Shine in Riding Competitions The Ortega Equestrian Center’s own Cora Bro Dollar continues to ride high in regional horse show competitions.

Dollar, 12, was the only rider to place Page 7

like your beer, there’s something to be said when someone that doesn’t owe you anything or even knows you validates it.”

The competition had a total of 1,309 entries from 191 independent craft breweries and more than 50 expert judges, according to a news release.

“The California Craft Brewers Cup recognizes the best beers in the state,” competition director Mike Witherow said. “The awarded beers are truly of the highest caliber and showcase the talent and dedication of the breweries that made them.”

The Dog Pawrk Brewing Company is located in the Capistrano Business Center at 27122 Paseo Espada, #904. The brewery is dog-friendly. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

Nature Reserve to Host Inaugural Earth Day Festival

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

G

iven The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo is an outdoor preserve that prohibits development and encourages ecology, celebrating Earth Day is a fitting occasion for the area.

The Nature Reserve will hold an inaugural Earth Day festival on Sunday, April 16, from 2-6 p.m. The event will have environmentally themed activities and exhibits, family-friendly games, and other fun and educational features.

Amaya Genaro, vice president of community services for Rancho Mission Viejo, said the festival is intended to “celebrate Mother Earth, reflect on its beauty and importance and share ways to enjoy, invest in and protect Earth, as well as the native ecosystem here at The Ranch.”

“We’re very excited to engage our Ranch residents and the surrounding community to soar to new heights with fun outdoor activities including a rock wall, zipline and obstacle course, as well as Earth Day-themed interactive experiences such as a hands-on tide pool, live butterfly exhibit, birds of prey demonstrations, the Wyland Foundation Mobile Learning Center, and a storytelling stage,” Genaro said.

While RMV has always held an outdoor event around Earth Day, this is the first time it has coordinated with The Nature Reserve for a specific festival— one anticipated to be an annual celebration going forward.

“Here in Orange County, and especially at The Ranch, we live with jaw-dropping landscapes inhabited by unique plants

Families will get to enjoy the outdoors of The Nature Reserve in Rancho Mission Viejo on April 16 during an Earth Day festival. Photo: Courtesy of Akil Mazumder/Pexels

and wildlife,” Genaro said. “Earth Day is a great reminder that if you take care of the land, the land will take of you, which was wisely stated by one of the original Rancho Mission Viejo descendants, Marguerite Daisy O’Neill.”

RMV’s land is what makes the community such a special place to be, Genaro said.

“We hope all those who attend will take away a greater appreciation for the land, as well as glean insight on

conservation efforts and practical ways to make a difference in their daily lives to take steps toward a healthier planet,” she said. “Ultimately, we anticipate special offerings like this will remind residents about the importance of being good stewards of this precious place and that some of the aspects of the event will spark joy, curiosity, excitement, and instill a sense of wonder.”

Visit thenaturereserve.org for more information. CD

Newport Developer Announces Plans to Build Shopping Center in RMV R

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

ancho Mission Viejo will soon get a new shopping and community center, courtesy of Westar Associates.

The real estate development company, based in Newport Beach, recently announced leasing efforts have officially begun for Esencia Commons in RMV’s Village of Esencia.

The center will cover 175,000 square feet and include a supermarket, fitness center, gas station, retail services, and restaurants. An open area called The Commons will sit in the center for the public to gather and enjoy concerts, movie nights, and other events, a news release said.

“We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Rancho Mission Viejo and helping to deliver more retail amenities to the community for the residents to enjoy,” said Kam The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Walton, Westar Associates’ executive vice president of Acquisitions & Leasing.

“We have already received an impressive amount of interest from a wide variety of businesses ranging from large format retailers to smaller shops and restaurants, and we are confident in our efforts thus far,” Walton continued.

A groundbreaking for Esencia Commons is expected to occur later this year. The project will be integrated with Los Patrones Business Park, another existing retail center in RMV, along with other developments in the community.

Westar Associates will oversee the development, management, and leasing of Esencia Commons. The company already handles leasing and management for all retail centers in RMV and Ladera Ranch. CD

Esencia residents will eventually get to shop and walk around at Esencia Commons, a coming new retail and community center in Rancho Mission Viejo. Graphic: Courtesy of Westar Associates

Page 8

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

RMV Homebuilding Executive Retires

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

After decades spent on the senior leadership team for Rancho Mission Viejo, Paul Johnson is retiring from his role as executive vice president for the company’s community development.

“I have been in the building industry and community development for 40-plus years, and I have been blessed and honored with a 30-year career at Rancho Mission Viejo,” Johnson said. “At the age of 70, now is the time for me to seek out the next journey, one which will be filled with more time with my family and grandchildren, traveling, and new hobbies and adventures.”

Tony Moiso, chairman and chief executive officer for RMV, said Johnson’s imprint on the area was “significant and meaningful.”

“He took to heart and implemented the wisdom of my grandmother, Daisy O’Neill, who noted, ‘Take care of the land and the land will take care of you,’ ” Moiso said. “We have all benefited from his dedication, creativity and vision and multi-faceted expertise. We are enormously grateful to Paul for his many contributions.”

Johnson, in turn, said it was his “great honor and

privilege” to work with Moiso and other members of the RMV network.

“The collaborative esprit de corps I’ve enjoyed with my colleagues while also appreciating the privilege of working on one of the great land areas in the country is something I will always treasure,” Johnson said. “I am very proud of the communities we have created—in both the built and unbuilt environment—and it will be exciting to watch The Ranch continue to grow and prosper in the years to come.”

Johnson said his best creation was facilitating Ladera Ranch, a “best in class” community brought to life with the help of “a very talented team.”

“I must also mention the creation of the newest best-in-class intergenerational community of Rancho Mission Viejo and Ranch Camp in the Village of Rienda,” Johnson said. “Ranch Camp has established a new benchmark with an amenity to showcase the lifestyle at Rancho Mission Viejo and guide new home shoppers to their home purchase.”

Johnson said he “hopefully” can be remembered “as a caring and giving leader who has inspired those that I have touched to reach higher and become all that they can be.” CD

Homebuilding executive Paul Johnson, 70, is retiring from Rancho Mission Viejo to spend more time with his family and pursue other facets of his life. Photo: Courtesy of Rancho Mission Viejo

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO ANNUAL WEED ABATEMENT 2023 Each year in April, the City of San Juan Capistrano notifies property owners of the requirement to perform weed abatement on their property in compliance with City Ordinance No. 348, no later than May 15th.

The native and naturalized landscape of San Juan Capistrano is highly susceptible to fire. Due to dry weather conditions, it is especially important to reduce this fire potential through the removal of weeds, garbage, refuse and dirt throughout the city.

This maintenance is required to help reduce those risks; taking away the fuel that feeds a fire is an important step in prevention.

All property owners are required to perform the weed/refuse abatement no later than May 15, 2023.

If the required abatement is not performed by the compliance deadline, the City will perform the work and assess charges to the property owner for the abatement plus administrative costs. The City encourages property owners to avoid administrative costs by performing their own weed abatement or by contacting an outside company to do the required work. Weed abatement and rubbish disposal specifications for the City of San Juan Capistrano are: Residences (including front, side, back, and parkways): • Lawns: remove all weeds exceeding six (6) inches in height. Mow lawns to uniform height, not to exceed three (3) inches and trim all edges.

• Unplanted or completely overgrown areas: reThe Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

move all rubbish, refuse, etc. Mow or clear by hand equipment until property is clean of all weeds.

Undeveloped Parcels: • Mow or clear weeds by hand equipment to a height of no taller than (2) inches above the soil surface.

• In the event tumbleweeds exist on the property, they must be removed.

• Edge or hand cut around all walls, walks, curbs, telephone poles, street parkways, and other obstructions until property is clear of weeds.

Note: Burning is prohibited by the County Air Pollution Department; therefore, all tumbleweeds and rubbish must be removed from the site.

The City’s Ordinance also requires properties to be maintained year-round. We need your help to make sure our community stays safe from wildfires. For specific questions regarding weed abatement in San Juan Capistrano, please contact the City’s Weed Abatement Administrator. Telephone: (949) 4983359, e-mail: ed@estewartinc.com Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in The Capistrano Dispatch.

EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

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SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | by Donna Friess

San Juan Capistrano’s Equestrian Story Goes Back 190,000 Years

O

nce again, San Juan Capistrano has turned its attention to some of our favorite traditions—the celebration of St. Joseph’s Day and the return of the swallows, culminating in our colorful Swallows Day Parade, the largest non-motorized parade in the western United States, showcasing our town’s equestrian heritage.

As I rode in the parade on the Mission San Juan Capistrano float, pulled by a team of beautiful horses, I could not stop from thinking about North America’s equestrian history.

For years, the belief that the Spaniards brought horses to the Western Hemisphere has dominated. However, that is only part of the story.

Science shows that a fossil of Equus Occidentalis, thought to be 190,000 years old, was found in San Juan Capistrano, according to paleontologist Eric Scott of the Cogstone Resource Center. Scott teaches that Equus was native to North America and flourished in past ages, evolving over some 50 million years from a small, dog-sized animal to the

stunningly large animal we enjoy seeing in town today.

Scientists believe that relatives of today’s horses evolved during the Pliocene Epoch in North America and emigrated north GUEST OPINION across the Bering

BY DONNA FRIESS Land Bridge during the Ice Age to Eurasia. Later, those horses disappeared from North America.

The Bering Land Bridge is thought to have been about 600 miles wide, existing for some 15,000 years. Humans lived upon it until the last Ice Age ended, and then it disappeared.

It is possible to visit the 13,000-yearold Western horse fossils on display at the Page Museum in Los Angeles’ La Brea Tar Pits. Long ago, those horses had become trapped in the sticky tar pits; their fossil remains excavated in the last century. The horses we know today are relatives of the horses brought over from Europe since the 15th century.

Humans have relied upon horses across history. We have depended upon them for so much: transporting us, cultivating the soil, harvesting the crops, carrying crops to market and even helping carrying ammunition.

We have used horses for sport, pleasure, work, competition, and even for sustenance. In recent years, psychologists and therapists are discovering the important therapeutic benefits of horses for persons with autism, PTSD, addiction issues, physical disabilities, and other issues. It is important to appreciate, and perhaps even cherish, our four-legged friends. CD Historian and author, Dr. Donna L. Friess, is Professor Emeritus, Cypress College. Donna is a 50-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. Her book Capistrano Trails: Ride for the Brand (2018) brings San Juan’s vibrant horse story to life.

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.

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HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Collin Breaux • 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

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EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo

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City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Digital Producer Evan Lancaster

GUEST OPINION | by Dr. Michelle Hure

THE DIRTY TRUTH ABOUT CLEAN BEAUTY

W

ith all the buzzwords out in the media that aim to lure consumers to the “green” side of cosmeceuticals and personal care products, it’s no wonder people are confused.

The majority of these claims are either marketing ploys with no real basis or fearmongering tactics meant to emotionally sway consumers’ pockets.

I find myself addressing this misinformation on a daily basis with my patients and on social media. Let’s break down some of these marketing gimmicks, so you’re informed.

The main descriptors to watch out for include “clean,”“natural,”“organic,” and “green.” While these terms would seem wonderful to have in a skin or personal care product, there is no regulatory definition or standard for what constitutes them in the skin care world.

As a result, some companies use the term loosely or misleadingly to sell The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

their products at a premium.

Many companies that promote this type of marketing use fearmongering tactics to convince consumers that GUEST OPINION

BY DR. MICHELLE HURE other products are unsafe, even though there is little to no evidence to support these claims. This creates confusion and anxiety among consumers who may feel pressure to purchase “clean” products without understanding the science behind them.

In fact, their ingredients can be harmful or irritating to many. For example, essential oils, which are commonly used in these products, commonly cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.

After all, poison oak is natural, but I’d rather not slather it all over my face. So often, the harvesting of these natural ingredients and essential oils can also

wreak havoc on the environment.

Staying on the environmental angle, these companies need to be examined closely. Aside from the claims that the product is somehow better, many also falsely claim that their manufacturing process or packaging is superior.

This “greenwashing” deceives consumers into thinking that products or companies are environmentally friendly or sustainable, when they are far from it.

Greenwashing has a negative impact on companies that are genuinely committed to sustainability, creating a false sense of competition and difficulty in differentiating themselves in the marketplace.

This erodes public trust in actual green companies, leading to skepticism about the legitimacy of environmental claims in general and ultimately hindering progress toward a more sustainable future.

(Cont. on page 23)

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Columnists Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (SC + DP)

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex Advertising Design Marc Hostetter OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares Local Distribution Tim Trent FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 21, Issue 7. 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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THE GREEN ISSUE

WELCOME TO THE GREEN ISSUE AS THE COST OF LIVING continues to be driven up at all angles, there is an increased focus on efficiency, sustainability and protecting our resources for longer-lasting use.

That is also our focus for our annual “Green Issue,” our yearly special section to help our readers learn about the variety of ways they can help themselves and the surrounding South Orange County community while taking care of this beautiful place we call home.

In this year’s issue, we put a spotlight on energy efficiency. California continues its push into electrical energy with an eye on switching over the high-traffic state into one populated by mostly electric vehicles. Is the state ready for that switch? And what steps are being taken ahead of

2035 to prepare the state’s infrastructure?

With the push toward electric vehicles, there will be an effort to beef up home charging capabilities. One way that will be done is with solar panels, especially with new laws coming into effect in California. We chat with local solar panel companies about these changes and what buyers can expect.

As that emphasis on home electricity continues, it will be paramount to be more efficient with our energy at home. We look into ways to cut down on your energy costs with simple home improvements that may even send a couple bucks back your way.

Outside the home, it’s been a wet winter, and while the hills are certainly greener, have Califor-

nia and South Orange County had enough water to fully wipe out the drought? We look at what the wet winter means.

In the light of that drought and the wet winter, local towns are being challenged with water conservation. The Wyland Foundation put out the call to local officials to take a conservation pledge.

Additionally, we talk with the Surfrider Foundation about its Ocean-Friendly Restaurants program to see what restaurants in town are working toward sustainability.

We hope this year’s “Green Issue” will inspire our readers to be conservation-minded for the prosperity and longevity of their own home, as well as the community.

Wyland Challenge South Orange County Cities Participate in Conservation Competition

By Breeana Greenberg

THE LAGUNA BEACH-BASED NONPROFIT Wyland Foundation launched a friendly competition among cities across the United States to see which town can be the most “water-wise” throughout the month of April.

On April 1, the Wyland Foundation challenged residents and city officials to take the “action pledge,” committing to conserving water, energy and other natural resources through its annual National Mayor’s Challenge.

When taking the conservation pledge, participants enter their city of residence and may see an encouraging message from their city’s mayor.

San Clemente residents making the pledge are greeted with Mayor Chris Duncan’s message urging residents to conserve: “We must act now to save our water resources for future generations.”

In Dana Point, Mayor Mike Frost emphasizes that the city “places a high importance on water quality, pollution reduction and sustaining our natural environment.

I encourage our residents to use water efficiently and sustainably year-round.”

The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

The City of San Juan Capistrano is not officially participating in the Mayor Challenge this year, though Wyland Foundation President Steve Creech encourages residents to participate even if their city’s mayor isn’t.

“Having a mayor who’s really gung-ho about it is not a precondition for the city to win; any city can win. It just depends on the resident participation, but we do find that if a mayor is behind it, the city’s behind it, that they do better,” Creech says.

"WE MUST ACT NOW TO SAVE OUR WATER RESOURCES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS." —Chris Duncan

Creech encourages cities to spark friendly rivalries with neighboring towns to see which can be the most water-wise.

“It’s just a rallying point,” Creech says.

“We kind of set the table, but it’s really up to the cities to bring their A-game.

But we’ve had mayors from all across the country get involved.”

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By taking the pledge, residents agree to make more eco-friendly choices by checking off recommended changes, such as repairing leaks and shortening shower times, reducing plastic use and wasting less food.

At the end of the month, the Wyland Foundation will pick five winners from

different population categories with the highest percentage of residents who took the challenge.

Residents in winning cities who pledged are entered to win thousands of dollars in eco-friendly prizes. The grand prize includes $3,000 toward their home utility bills, gift cards to home improvement stores and home irrigation products.

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THE GREEN ISSUE

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

Ocean-Friendly Restaurants Program Promotes the Reduction of Plastics Use

By C. Jayden Smith

REDUCING THE USE OF PLASTICS is one way to contribute to easing our burden on the Earth, and the nationally recognized Surfrider Foundation has found a way to highlight restaurants across the country for their collaboration.

Since 2013, the organization’s Ocean-Friendly Restaurants program has partnered with 350 businesses nationwide to serve as an eco-friendly community.

What started with the Huntington Beach chapter of Surfrider has since swelled to participation in 23 states.

Program manager CJ O’Brien says that most restaurants are connected through the work of chapter representatives.

“We have chapters and clubs all across the country, and so they’re really the ones spearheading the outreach to the restaurants in their community,” O’Brien says. “But we do have restaurants that reach out, because (the program) is nationally recognized, and so it has gained a lot of traction and publicity.”

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a dip in participation, but some businesses remained resilient, and Surfrider has seen a significant rise in recent months.

There’s excitement from restaurants, activists, and volunteers, according to O’Brien.

California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington boast many of the partnering businesses, with notable membership on the East Coast as well.

Ocean-friendly restaurants in South Orange County include Dana Point’s Young’s Beach Shack, The Real Empanada and West Toast Café in San Clemente, and Trevor’s at the Tracks in San Juan Capistrano.

Marcelo Nonaca, co-owner of The Real Empanada, says the ownership group wanted to be a part of the program even before they opened in March 2022. He pointed to their relationship with the local surf community as one reason why, given that local surf artist Josh Paskowitz completed a surf mural for them.

“I wanted to have that connection, especially because we package our own unique boxes, which are recyclable and beach-friendly,” Nonaca says. “We don’t really use plastics at our shop, so I thought it was a really good fit. Plus, I wanted to really cater to the (surf) lifestyle as well.”

The Real Empanada became connected to Surfrider through the patronage of multiple South Orange County chapter board members, and the partnership grew from there.

Being a part of the program consists of a one-year membership that is free to join. The local activists come in to conduct compliance checks throughout the year by coming in to eat, talk with the owners and eventually build a strong relationship between Surfrider and each restaurant.

The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

The Surfrider Foundation has partnered with restaurants across the nation since 2013 to reduce single-use plastics that often wash up on the beach. Photo: Courtesy of Surfrider Foundation

“Because it’s a yearly membership, the restaurants renew, which provides a really great opportunity for us to make sure the restaurants are following the criteria and (to check in) with them and get all the updated information,” says O’Brien.

Restaurants must meet seven criteria to be recognized as ocean-friendly.

They must only use reusable dinnerware and drinkware, silverware, and containers for on-site dining; they must only provide paper straws upon request; and they must follow proper recycling practices. The program also restricts the use of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam), plastic bags for takeout orders, single-use utensils, straws and other accessory items unless upon request, as well as restricting sale of drinks in plastic bottles.

Surfrider also lists optional criteria that businesses can meet, which serve as a more holistic approach by recommending the provision of “Best Choice” seafood and vegetarian options, actions toward water conservation and energy efficiency, and more.

O’Brien says the chapter activists give participating restaurants more leeway in letting them determine what is doable for their business.

“But, if a restaurant reaches all of the criteria—meaning all the mandatory and optional criteria—then they can become a platinum restaurant,” she says. “So, our chapters really try to get our restaurants to be platinum, and really provide support on how they can make those more sustainable choices.”

The organization also provides resources to educate the owners, such as a foodware guide.

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At first, the decision to become ocean-friendly can be “daunting,” O’Brien says, but restaurant personnel show more enthusiasm as they begin to learn that the other collaborating businesses are saving money.

The chapter representatives are helpful with guiding owners to take their approach one step at a time, by simply eliminating the use of Styrofoam, for example. “(That) will really help to act like a domino effect on how restaurants can reach more of the criteria and do more to reduce single-use plastics,” says O’Brien.

She adds that part of the businesses’ feedback from being involved is that their customers enjoy knowing that they will always have a plastic-free experience when they stop by.

Given that Surfrider hosts beach cleanups that result in picking up a lot of food-related plastic items, being a part of the OFR program is a stamp that member restaurants can proudly boast.

“Our ocean-friendly restaurants can reduce their plastic footprint, (and) they can show society and policymakers that a plastic-free future is possible,” O’Brien says.

Nonaca of The Real Empanada recommends that other restaurants participate.

“Whatever we can do to minimize our footprint on this Earth is obviously encouraged, especially (with me) being a 20-year San Clemente local,” says Nonaca.

Surfrider estimates that its partner businesses serve more than 60,000 meals without plastic each day, a number that will continue to grow as the program expands.

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THE GREEN ISSUE

Steering Cleaner Conditions

Energy Experts Discuss California’s Plan for More Zero-Emission Vehicle Use

A charging station for electric vehicles is seen here in San Clemente. California energy officials are encouraging more use of EVs by 2035 to reduce carbon emissions. Photo: Collin Breaux

By Collin Breaux

IF YOU ASK JACK BROUWER, he supports California’s goal for all new cars and light trucks sold in 2035 to be zero-emission vehicles.

However, he does say the plan is “quite aggressive” and difficult to implement by then, because of several factors—including people rebelling against the state mandate, and electric and hybrid vehicles not being within a price range consumers can afford.

There are also more systemic reasons.

“I am concerned that we are not making sufficient investments in our utility grid network and related infrastructure to meet the demands of a large increase in electric vehicle use,” says Brouwer, an assistant professor at the University of California, Irvine, whose research focus is on energy systems—including alternative power.

“I agree that the power outages that we have recently experienced and the more frequent wildfires, some caused by the electric utility grid network and most resulting in grid outages, together with the increased use of public safety power shutoff events caused by grid stress, all point to the fact that investments and policies thus far are insufficient,” Brouwer says.

California energy officials are encouraging more use of zero-emission vehicles to reduce carbon emissions. The 2035

The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

mandate comes from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which issued the rule because of a wish for “cleaner air and massive reductions in climate-warming pollution,” according to a news release.

When asked if the decree is too ambitious, John Swanton—an air pollution specialist with CARB’s vehicles and incentives team—says there may be some people who think it’s not ambitious enough.

“As long as we keep on the pace of installing infrastructure, we’re good,” Swanton says. “It’s going to require careful management for the next 10 years.”

Ambitious goals are being set, because conditions will continue to remain status quo if there isn’t a push to move the market forward, Swanton says.

“California is looking at addressing a need with the climate crisis and what’s good for our economy,” he says. “It’s also looking at benefits to the consumer. (Electric vehicles) are more economical to operate.”

As for examples of what’s being done to facilitate the transition, Swanton points to a fact sheet released by the California Energy Commission (CEC), one of the agencies CARB coordinates with for the state’s energy landscape readiness.

The CEC says a multibillion-dollar Strategic Electricity Reliability Reserve was created in 2022 to “act as an insurance for all utilities and balancing areas in the state” and “deliv-

ered on its promise (by) providing more than 1,600 MW of backup electricity during the September 6th grid emergency helping the state narrowly avoid rotating outages.”

Legislation has also been implemented to allow “certainty and timely permits for non-fossil fuel, clean energy projects within 270 days,” the CEC says.

“Over the next decade, electric vehicles are expected to add only a small amount of electricity demand to California’s grid,” CEC spokesperson Toan Lam says. “In 2030, 5.4 million light-duty electric vehicles and 193,000 mediumand heavy-duty electric vehicles will only account for less than 5% of total system electric load during peak hours.”

“Today’s smaller electric vehicle population only accounts for less than 1% during the same peak period in 2022,” Lam says. “In 2035, 12.5 million light-duty electric vehicles and about 400,000 medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles will account for about 10% of total system electric load during traditional peak hours.”

However, Brouwer says California is not sufficiently investing in or building electric transmission and distribution infrastructure.

“We are also not sufficiently investing to enable the gas system to support renewable power generation and transmission and distribution,” Brouwer says. “We must decarbonize both our electric and gas infrastructure if we are to achieve a resilient renewable energy future that can indeed support 100% electric vehicles.”

Despite those remarks, Brouwer says the state’s plans are “laudable and consistent,” and he praised CARB as an agency.

“CARB is one of the most objective science-based policymakers in the state,” Brouwer says.

Brouwer says he cares about addressing climate change and improving air quality— the latter of which can affect people’s health.

Fossil fuels won’t be around forever, he says.

“It’s not sustainable, from my perspective,” Brouwer says. “It’s a good idea to transition from fossil fuels to electric vehicles.”

Brouwer supports the ambition to increase the use of zero-emission vehicles.

“Even if we get to only 80%, that’s good for the environment,” he says.

Swanton says the push to decrease vehicle carbon emissions has been in the works since the 1990s, maybe even before then.

“It’s an evolution, over the years, of getting more stringent,” Swanton says.

The 2035 goal and steps toward getting there are not “too revolutionary” except for the increased percentages, he says.

Incentives for more zero-emission vehicle use have been in California since the early 2000s, though those are “slowly getting smaller and smaller,” Swanton says.

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Some parts of the electric vehicle market have gotten to the point where there is no longer a need for financial incentives, he says.

There are efforts to make sure building codes and real estate trends ensure electric vehicle users can charge their cars, Swanton says.

“Having a place to charge your car is critical,” he says.

Making sure businesses have places where people can charge their cars in multi-dwelling units is important, for instance.

“There’s a lot of moving parts to it,” Swanton says.

The year 2035 can be either a short amount of time to hit the state’s goal or a long time to work toward ensuring the mandate happens, depending on one’s perspective, he says. Infrastructure is in place for the transition to successfully occur, Swanton says.

“It’s very rapid how much infrastructure is being put in place,” he says.

Under the 2022-2023 Investment Plan Update, CEC staff estimates 90,000 new EV chargers will be available across the state, Lam says.

That number is more than double the 80,000 chargers in operation today.

“Combined with funding from utilities and other programs, these investments are expected to ensure the state achieves its goal to deploy 250,000 chargers by 2025,” Lam says.

Additionally, the state is working to advance vehicle-to-grid integration technology that will be able to send power back to the grid during peak demand periods, Lam says. That is expected to offset the need for new power plants and provide backup power to homes and buildings during outages.

“By 2030, the state’s EV fleet could be sending more power back to the grid than needed for charging,” Lam says.

Rep. Mike Levin—who represents California’s 49th Congressional District of South Orange County and portions of San Diego County—says “America can lead the way in automotive innovation” by embracing zero-emission vehicles, which will, in turn, create “good-paying jobs while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”

“I am proud of Congress’ accomplishments over the last two years to facilitate the transition to clean vehicles, including by providing new and used electric vehicle incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, making historic investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and supercharging our domestic chip manufacturing capabilities through the CHIPS and Science Act,” says Levin, who has experience as an environmental attorney.

There will always be people who look back on fading technologies like gas-powered vehicles with nostalgia, Swanton says.

“Ultimately, in the long term, this is the way transportation is going,” Swanton says.

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THE GREEN ISSUE

GO GREEN, EARN GREEN

The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Taking energy-efficient actions at home can earn you savings on your bills, as well as rebates

By Zach Cavanagh

AS COSTS INCREASE everywhere and the temperatures rise heading into the summer, people are looking for ways to keep cool at home while not breaking the bank to do so. There are plenty of tips on how to keep your home more energy-efficient, and even a few ways to make a few bucks by doing so.

First, how can you make your home more efficient? ENERGY STAR, a ubiquitous label on home appliances and a partner with the Environmental Protection Agency, has created a list of six high-impact, energy-efficient home improvements to make for a cost-effective, cleaner home energy footprint.

As we come out of a wet and cold winter and move toward our sun-soaked summers, residents of South Orange County are dealing with the after-effects of keeping warm and looking forward to staying cool.

So, the first place to look is clean heating and cooling. Look to replace oil and

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gas heaters with an electric heat pump, which can also cool air, despite its name.

Behind your air systems, the water heater uses the second-highest amount of energy in the home. Again, the ENERGY STAR suggestion is to go electric. A move to efficient heat pump technology could save more than $300 per year.

In a world that’s embracing technology, one of the most helpful gadgets is a smart thermostat. Easily purchased and easily installed, smart thermostats can learn your habits to efficiently deploy your heating and cooling for when you’re home and when you’re not.

There are a lot of suggestions about heating and cooling your home, but with all that work being done to do so, you shouldn’t make those systems work harder to keep up that balance.

ENERGY STAR’s next two suggestions are a well-insulated and sealed attic and high-performing windows. Save up to 10% on annual energy bills by not letting that air escape through the attic, and you

could save another 12% by changing out your windows for those with low emissivity to reduce heating and reduce UV damage to floors and furniture.

ENERGY STAR’s last suggestion is getting ready for the oncoming electric revolution. As states such as California turn toward electric cars and stoves and away from fossil fuels, it’s prudent to invest in your home’s wiring and electrical panel to make sure it can handle any changes you make on those fronts.

In California, making some of these changes could make you eligible for Golden State Rebates.

For example, if you install an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat, you could earn a rebate up to $75, and if you switch to a heat pump water heater, you could earn a rebate of $500.

For a list of qualified products, go to goldenstaterebates.clearesult.com, or search through your energy provider.

Earn green by going green and making your home more energy-efficient.

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THE GREEN ISSUE

SOLAR LAWS UPDATE

Boden Energy Solutions Explains Changes to Net Metering Program

By Breeana Greenberg

CALCULATING ROI

BECAUSE CALIFORNIA’S NEW Net Metering Program takes effect on April 14, homeowners producing solar energy may see a dramatic decrease in the value of the credits they receive for exporting energy to the electric grid.

The new program, Net Energy Metering 2, changes the credit value for solar energy sent back to electric grids to incentivize storing excess energy with home batteries, according to Tyler Boden, founder of Boden Energy Solutions and a solar energy consultant.

Net Energy Metering 1, created in 1996, gave homeowners full retail value credits per kilowatt hour of solar energy produced and sent back to the utility grid. Under Net Energy Metering 2, which was created in 2016, customers receive full retail credit minus fees for solar energy sent back to the grid.

“Net Metering 3 is changing the dynamic, so that the export credit value is far less than retail value in most cases,” Boden says.

Using an “avoided cost calculator,” each utility company will set the credit value of exported energy, fluctuating throughout the year.

With San Diego Gas & Electric, for example, solar energy compensation can drop as low as $0.001 per kilowatt hour sent to the utility grid in April or as high as $2.795 in September.

“The credit value is much less than retail; on average, it’s about a 75% reduction in the value of exported energy statewide,” Boden says.

“The bottom line is the utilities want to incentivize people not to send them energy, and so this new net metering, or what’s considered net billing structure, will do that by giving people a much lower credit value for exporting energy to the grid,” Boden adds.

As California adopts a new Net Metering Program, homeowners with solar panels may see a dramatic decrease in the value of the credits they receive for exporting energy to the electric grid.

Photo: Courtesy of Enlightened Solar

Instead, Boden explains, homeowners will be incentivized to store their solar energy with a home battery in order to offset their energy consumption during the peak time of use billing, generally between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

“In general, that will help to save people more money than if they were sending energy back to the grid,” Boden says. “So, that’s really where batteries will be valuable, and that’s exactly what the (California Public Utilities Commission) and the utilities are trying to incentivize people to do, is to add storage along with solar so that they’re sending less energy back to the grid.”

Energy companies want to incentivize homeowners to send less energy to the grid, because the companies incur costs while selling excess energy and supplying energy after sundown.

“During the day, when so much solar is being generated and sent onto the grid, they sometimes have to sell that to neighboring states at a discount, and I think even sometimes negative value,” Boden says. “In the evening, when the sun comes down, they have to generate all the energy to supply the demand during the ramp up when the sun is coming down and people are using more energy.”

Homeowners who submitted a complete application by 11:59 p.m. on April 14 were considered grandfathered into NEM 2 for 20 years from the date that they received permission to operate their solar systems. Those grandfathered in will continue to receive full retail credit minus fees for energy sent to the grid.

The program will not impact municipal utilities, only large electric investor-owned utilities such as Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric.

Since the return on investment for energy credits will be much lower for those who are not grandfathered into the previous net metering, Boden says that some homeowners may decide to add solar storage, such as a home battery or add a solar system that does not fully offset their electric usage.

What to Keep in Mind When Determining if a Home Battery Is Right for You ••• When homeowners are evaluating whether or not adding solar energy storage or a home battery is right for them, Tyler Boden—founder of Boden Energy Solutions and a solar energy consultant— explains that there are many factors that help curb the cost of installation.

“When someone is adding a battery, whether it’s along with a solar installation or without, because of the Inflation Reduction Act passed into law last year, they would get a 30% tax credit on the cost of that battery, before incentives,” Boden says.

There are also state rebates from the self-generation incentive program giving homeowners $250 per kilowatt hour of energy capacity for batteries that they add.

“So, in general, that’s somewhere in the ballpark of $2,500 for somebody who adds a single battery,” Boden says. “So, that’s another incentive that will help.”

From a savings standpoint, Boden explains that it’s easy for homeowners to determine their return on investment based on the capacity of the battery, energy use and cost of energy during that time.

Boden adds that the return on investment will vary by utility company and rate schedules, so it would take a deeper analysis of energy use to come up with an exact return on investment on the cost of the battery.

However, homeowners can get a general idea of their return on investment by using the following calculation: “So, based on the energy capacity of the battery for a single cycle, you can factor that against the cost of energy during that time and, generally, the battery would discharge between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.,” Boden says.

“Multiply the depth of discharge of the battery by the cost per kilowatt hour from the utility per day, assuming that the battery would cycle once per day charging from solar and then exporting,” he adds.

(COST OF THE BATTERY) - (COST PER KILOWATT HOUR FOR UTILITY USE PER DAY) X (DEPTH OF DISCHARGE OF THE BATTERY) = RETURN ON INVESTMENT

The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Page 18

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Complete the the CYCLE CYCLE Complete this Earth Earth Month!

Month! this

Keep organic waste out of our landfills by tossing food scraps, along with yard waste in your green organic cart!

For more information, visit www.san-clemente.org/recycling

The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Page 19

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THE GREEN ISSUE

The San Mateo Creek, which empties into Trestles in San Clemente, flows more heavily in comparison to previous years following an early winter rainstorm this past January. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Winter Rainstorms Largely Lift California out of Drought

By Shawn Raymundo

CALIFORNIA GOT DUNKED ON this winter. That’s, of course, thanks to the dozens of atmospheric rivers that brought a deluge of rains up and down the Golden State.

While this year’s winter storms wreaked havoc for Californians, creating hazardous road conditions with flooded streets and damaging property from landslides, there is a silver lining for the state, which had been battling harsh drought conditions.

Putting the downpour into numbers, more than 78 trillion gallons of water fell on the state between Oct. 1 and the week of March 20, according to a USA Today analysis using data from the National Weather Service.

Assuming all things being equal across California, that amounts to about 30 inches of water covering the state. For further perspective, the national news outlet noted that the 78 trillion gallons of water is enough to fill the Rose Bowl more than 900,000 times.

So, what does all this water mean for California as we pivot to the spring and summer?

The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

For starters, it’s great for the health of California’s ecosystem, as evidenced by the lush greenery and vegetation, explains Angela Jean Rigden, assistant professor of Earth System Science at UC Irvine.

“We see lots of plant growth. Just generally, it’s likely to delay the onset of the fire season,” she says.

She warned, though, that while the fire season may be delayed, all the vegetation and plant material that’s growing is what’s likely to fuel fires in the future.

It’s “kind of counterintuitive,” Rigden says. “We see all this wet vegetation, but when that dries out, we’ll see all this fuel for fires; so, it could lead to more severe fires in the future once it all dries out.”

As for drought conditions, California has seen a stark improvement following the storms.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of March 28, 44.7% of California was under abnormally dry conditions—down from the 83.3% just a month prior. Moderate drought conditions found in 49.1% of California as of Feb. 28 dropped to just 28.1% a month later.

“Orange County is out of it. … In Southern California, the

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coastal regions are out of the drought,” Rigden notes, citing the Drought Monitor. She adds that “it’s great the rains have definitely alleviated the drought conditions and most of Southern California isn’t in a drought anymore.”

Asked for her prediction on how long this non-drought period would last, Rigden forecasts that California could face another period of drought next year.

“While it’s really wet now, that doesn’t mean it’s going to stay wet for a long time,” she says. “I think it’s important to understand that when thinking about drought, too, we think about what’s on the surface, near surface, soil moisture … but the definition of drought is drier than normal conditions.”

“So, if we consider ground water conditions, we still— ground water systems are still in ‘drought,’ ” she continues.

“It’s because it takes a lot of time for the ground water system to replenish.”

The spate of rainstorms has also alleviated water shortage conditions, prompting the governing board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—the area’s water wholesaler—to lift emergency restrictions on water use for nearly seven million Californians.

Last June, the Metropolitan Water District, which sources water from the Colorado River, via the Colorado River Aqueduct, and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers in Northern California, imposed emergency drought restrictions on select communities in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, setting limits on outdoor watering use to one or two days a week and imposing water budgets on residents.

While the rainstorms allowed the Metropolitan Water District to roll back those restrictions last month, the agency stressed that “storage reserves have been drawn down and significant challenges remain to the region’s other sources of imported water—the Colorado River.”

Dave Rebensdorf, the utilities director for the City of San Clemente, echoed that sentiment.

“That’s the biggest challenge. … The Colorado River is at historic low levels, so we need to see a major rebound on those areas before the Metropolitan Water District is comfortable,” Rebensdorf says, adding: “We’re in a good position for the year or two, but we still have to keep watch of what’s happening at the Colorado River basin.”

In accordance with regional and statewide efforts to curb outdoor water use, the San Clemente City Council last June approved water conservation measures, voting to declare a Water Shortage Level 2 Water Alert.

Under the alert, San Clemente’s water customers saw rate surcharges on both their fixed and variable water rates, and they were instructed to shorten irrigation periods, limiting the times they could water their yards.

Rebensdorf said late last month that the city’s utilities department had been working with the Municipal Water District of Orange County and Metropolitan Water District about rolling back the local restrictions.

“But we want to see what the plan is for San Clemente, and likely we’ll make a recommendation (to the City Council) to go back to either a standard or a Level 1; and (Level) 1 does not have demand management rates.”

Asked what San Clemente residents and everyone else in South Orange County should know about the area’s water resources following the string of heavy rainstorms, Rebensdorf forecasted that the new drought is potentially a few years away.

“So, whatever our customers can conserve today, we can use tomorrow,” he says. “I want to thank our customers for reducing their water use, not only in this drought but previous droughts.”

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The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Page 21

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Page 22

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SOAPBOX

(Cont. from page 10) Perhaps the most dangerous trend I see on the market is the ever-growing “free from” lists on “clean” products that claim to save consumers from the dangers of chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, etc.

While some of these ingredients are dangerous, others have been substituted for subpar or even more damaging ingredients. Fearmongering regarding well-known ingredients results in inadequate preservation, leading to health concerns—the latest case of bacterial growth in eye drops that led to blindness and even death in consumers being an example.

Ultimately, beware of these misleading marketing ploys, as they lack regulation, advance the misconception that clean/natural/organic/green products are always safe, and usually charge a higher price tag. CD Dr. Hure is a double board-certified physician practicing medical, surgical, cosmetic dermatology and dermatopathology at Orange County SkinLab, her award-winning solo private practice clinic near the Los Rios District. She is a native Californian and proud to call San Juan Capistrano home, along with her two young daughters and husband.

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.

Letter to The Editor ART, CULTURE, AND CREATIVITY MONTH RICH HEIMANN, Founder and President of The Alliance for San Juan Art, San Juan Capistrano At their meeting on April 4, the San Juan Capistrano City Council declared April 2023—and every April thereafter—as Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month (ACCM). This proclamation was written to be in synch with a statewide celebration of ACCM, organized to uplift the intrinsic value of arts, culture, and creativity as a public good, and also as a driver of prosperity for the state and local economies. It was first declared by the California Senate in 2019 as a result of advocacy by Californians for the Arts and other art advocates across the state.

The California budget has changed from unprecedented opportunities for funding to a projected $25 billion-and-growing shortfall. Gov. Newsom has proposed that several arts-funded programs be cut a total of $49.5 million from the state budget.

This year, I will represent The Alliance for San Juan Art (TASJA) and join Californians for the Arts and other arts champions who will gather in Sacramento on Arts Advocacy Day in April to celebrate the significant impact that the arts and culture have in California and San Juan Capistrano, but also to advocate for the protection of arts and cultural infrastructure funding and to build for a creative future.

While the state budget for the arts has not reached San Juan in a significant way, TASJA will continue to seek grants for art in the public square in San Juan Capistrano.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY 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.

The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Aastels/Adobe Stock

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate Education by

Patricia Holloway

TREE CITY USA L

ast fall, the City of San Clemente applied to the National Arbor Day Foundation to become a Tree City USA. Communities seek this special designation for guidance in expanding their urban forest.

To qualify, a city complies with four standards: 1. Establish a Tree Board 2. Enact a Tree Ordinance 3. Budget for Tree Care 4. Celebrate Arbor Day Based on a recent inventory, San Clemente maintains 15,000 public trees. Currently, the city removes more trees than it plants. We must help reverse this trend.

Trees have it rough. Between prolonged periods of drought, disease, vandalism, storm damage and old age, it’s not easy being green!

Together with trees on private land, the city’s canopy coverage is 21%.

This is less than the national average of 27% and that of neighboring CITIZENS’ CLIMATE cities.

EDUCATION This Arbor Day gives us an

BY PATRICIA HOLLOWAY opportunity to turn things around by fostering a culture of care for trees. The Garden Club, Citizens’ Climate Education, and both Rotary Clubs are donating time and treasure toward helping San Clemente plant large trees at Forster Ranch Community Park.

Come by at 9 a.m. on April 28 to join the action.

People ask what they can do to support trees in their yards and neighborhoods. Here are some answers: PROTECT MATURE TREES Mature trees are at their peak environmental powers.

Their leaves absorb CO2 and release oxygen; their shade cools the air and ground; well-developed root systems draw water to the surface in dry times and retain water in wet times; they provide wildlife habitat, improve Page 23

human health, and increase property values. They’re beautiful.

DON’T TOP OR SEVERELY PRUNE TREES Topping causes permanent damage and weakens limbs.

Also, no more than 25% of a tree’s foliage should be removed at once. Without leaves, a tree cannot feed itself.

This shortens its lifespan.

WATER TREES, EVEN DURING DROUGHT Trees are exempt from water conservation restrictions, so please water trees even when constrained in watering your lawn or shrubs.

WATER NEW TREES WEEKLY Apply 15 to 20 gallons of water, especially in hot weather. Create a moat around the tree 2-4 feet away from the trunk. Turn the hose on low and measure how many minutes it takes to fill a five-gallon bucket. Multiply that by three or four and leave the hose trickling in the moat for that length of time.

WATER MATURE TREES MONTHLY Place the hose by the drip line (where the tree’s canopy ends). Water slowly to a depth of 18 inches.

REPLACE TREES If you must remove a tree, buy a new one to take its place. If a tree is removed on your street or HOA common area, ask the city or HOA to replant one in an appropriate location.

SUPPORT FUNDING Ask City Councils to allocate additional dollars toward planting trees in their annual budget. Trees are the only “infrastructure” to increase in value over time.

By planting trees on Arbor Day and throughout the year, San Clemente will enlarge its village forest and truly become a Tree City USA. DP Patricia Holloway has lived and worked in San Clemente for 40 years. She has a B.S. in environmental planning from UC Davis and a master’s degree in city and regional planning from UC Berkeley. She’s a member of the local chapter of Citizens’ Climate Education and can be reached at pat13holloway@gmail.com.

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.

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GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES

Editor’s Pick

‘Air’ Impressively Takes Flight

The List What’s going on in and around town this week

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Studios

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

FRIDAY | 14 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.

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. Cecil Allen Moore Band will perform. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

SATURDAY | 15 E-WASTE AND SHREDDING EVENT 8-11 a.m. The City of San Juan Capistrano is hosting a free event for people to get rid of their e-waste and shred documents. Participants are asked to place items in their car trunks, drive up to the event, remain in their cars, and pop their trunk so event staff can unload items. Check online for what specific items are allowed. San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, Alipaz Street and Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

STRAWBERRY U-PICK 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Ecology Center is providing a chance to pick fresh berries.

While baskets will be provided, participants are also welcome to bring their The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up at Los Rios Park with local nonprofit Great Opportunities. Photo: Courtesy of Thirdman/Pexels

SATURDAY | 22 EARTH DAY BEAUTIFICATION 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join Great Opportunities and the San Juan Capistrano Youth Advisory Board for a cleanup day. Gloves, bags, and trash wands will be provided. Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. greatopps.org. own. After you finish collecting a harvest, head over to the Farm Stand to pay for what you picked. Cost to attend is $9.

The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

Hermits, known for “I’m Into Something Good” and other hit songs, will perform.

Tickets are $55. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 3 p.m. Bruddah Adrian 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.

MONDAY | 17 BRIDGE GAME 12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

SUNDAY | 16 LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 2 p.m. Watch a live performance of the hospital-set comedy It Runs in the Family at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater.

Renditions will be held through April 16.

Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S 6-9 p.m. Come listen to some live music and dance, perhaps after enjoying fish and chips and a pint. The band 24K Country will perform. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 7 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Herman’s

THURSDAY | 20 HORSEMAN’S HAPPY HOUR 6-8 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition is hosting its first Horseman’s Happy Hour of 2023. Come meet and spend time with fellow horse enthusiasts. The SJCEC will unveil their new logo and name of their new mascot.

El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. sjcec.org.

SATURDAY | 22 LIVE MUSIC AT THE BREWHOUSE 6-8 p.m. Local Steely Dan cover band Kids of Charlemagne will perform. Come listen to some classic tunes, dance, and enjoy fresh brews. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.315.1960. kidsofcharlemagne.com.

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W

hat Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire (1996) does for football and Bennett Miller’s Moneyball (2011) does for baseball, Ben Affleck’s latest directorial effort, Air, does for basketball.

Like Jerry Maguire, it’s about a guy once successful in the athletics industry trying to convince an athlete with a lot of potential to sign with him before the former is out of a gig. And like Moneyball, Affleck’s new movie is about the ins and outs of how the sports community works beyond the games.

As someone who has never cared about sports, it takes a lot for me to enjoy and recommend a movie in this genre. But if the storytelling and execution are done well, like Jerry Maguire and Moneyball were, then a movie about athletes can occasionally grab my attention. Fortunately for Affleck and team, Air is now one of those pictures.

Set in 1984 Oregon, Air begins by showing us that the sneaker world is on its last thread.

Adidas, Converse and Nike are all below 50% in revenue, with Nike dead-last at 17%. The shoe corporations are desperately trying to grab the attention of up-and-coming basketball stars, and none of them are sticking.

Nike guru Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) is losing his mojo and can’t seem to come up with a strategy to recruit Nike’s next spokesperson. Until, suddenly, he has an epiphany.

Michael Jordan is predicted to be the future of basketball, and Sonny thinks if this is true, and Nike puts all its priorities on Jordan, then the future of their sneakers is saved.

Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker and Affleck himself co-star as Sonny’s Nike co-workers; Chris Messina plays Jordan’s agent; and Viola Davis is Jordan’s mother.

Right away, Air presents us with a stellar montage of 1980s pop culture set to Dire Straits’ classic “Money for Nothing.”

It perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the dialogue-heavy historical dramedy.

The stakes are low, and the plot is simple.

We know Nike and MJ are going to take over basketball. Even so, the cast and Affleck’s direction are entertaining enough for a Friday or Saturday night at the theater.

Air is the most recent, best example of an adult-oriented film being fun and enjoyable with just good chemistry from everyone involved. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES

YARD SALE - APRIL 15 & 16 April 15 & 16 only! 9am-4pm only!

34875 Calle del sol, Dana Point, CA, 92624. Furniture, art, rugs, misc…..

High quality items! Cash only, no checks!

DOG SUPPLIES DRIVE AND CHARITY YARD SALE - 100% OF PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT SHADOW HUSKY RESCUE April 22nd from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm @ 131 Avenida Princesa, San Clemente, CA 92672. The founder of the Dog Rescue will be onsite to share info on becoming a foster or adopting a new best friend!

There will be a lemonade stand, and Husky decorated cupcakes. Needed items for donations includes: Dog Beds, Blankets, Sheets, Leashes, Collars, Harnesses, dog toys and pee pads. Yard Sale will include: Clothes, Shoes, Accessories, Toys, Home Goods, Car Supplies, Tools & more. So many of these beautiful snow dogs are overwhelming local shelters, because owners realize they are high energy and need daily exercise. Shadow Husky Rescue pays for all supplies and vet bills while these wonderful dogs are in a foster home, awaiting a new forever home! They could really use our support!! shadowhuskyrescue.com.

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

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

WANTED

ROOM WANTED Professional female looking for unfurnished room to rent w/private bath in San Clemente or surrounding area. I bring no drama. Very reliable. Reference upon request. Work at home.

Employed by same company for 20 yrs.

949-533-5398. Janetmorris5635@gmail.com.

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

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano + RMV area? Call us today!

Contact Debra at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

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

Page 25

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SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Renovated San Juan Capistrano Library Leaves Little Reason to Celebrate

A

fter being closed to the public for 15 months, the San Juan Capistrano Library reopened on March 7, 2023. This is the 40th anniversary of the renowned Michael Graves Library.

The community was looking forward to celebratory events for this anniversary. However, in my opinion and the opinion of many in the community, there is little to celebrate after seeing the “new” renovations.

All of the Michael Graves furniture and furnishings are gone! Yes, they are really gone. The Orange County head librarian has reiterated that statement to many people. And to make matters worse, no one in the City of San Juan Capistrano or San Juan Capistrano Historical Society had the option to acquire the items before they disappeared from San Juan Capistrano.

According to one library volunteer, he saw the furniture being moved out of the library last spring, but he was told not to worry, because “they were just taken out for the renovation work.”

Of the 33 branches of OC Public Libraries, the only library designed by a well-known architect is the one in San Juan Capistrano. In 1983, after much deliberation, the County of Orange and the city came together and mutually agreed on a new library for the city.

The city donated the land upon which the library would be built and the county would staff and maintain the inside of the library. The city would have control over the outside of the building. And now, that is all that is left of the Michael Graves design.

The inside now looks like every other public building with plastic chairs and tables. Michael Graves had designed not only the outside but all of the furniture, shelving, and lighting on the inside. Architects used to come from all over the world to see this library.

It was the first public building that Michael Graves ever built, and when he came to speak at the 25th anniversary of the library, he was still very proud of his building. By the way, at that time, Graves was in a wheelchair and had no trouble moving around the inside of the library.

When Graves built the library, having been selected from scores of applicants by the City Council, he was a struggling East Coast architect. Total cost for the building was $800,000. The renovations cost $2 million.

The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

Photo: File

It cost as much for the renovation as the entire cost of the building and furnishings in today’s dollars.

When Teri Garza was head librarian MOMENTS IN TIME

BY JAN SIEGEL in San Juan Capistrano and she needed more shelving, she knew we could no longer afford Michael Graves’ items, but he was making items for home furnishings for Target stores.

Garza went to Target and bought Michael Graves’ shelving. They were not original, like the old furniture in the library, but they were his design. In those days, San Juan Capistrano librarians embraced how unique our library was.

Several years ago, when the Friends of the Library wanted to see what an expansion of the library would cost, Friends hired a local architect to draw up plans. They were sent to Michael Graves for his approval, and he tore them up, but he sent the library new plans at no cost. The library could not afford those plans, either, but it did result in the bookstore.

There had been cooperation between Michael Graves, the county, and the city for 40 years. Unfortunately, that cooperation does not exist anymore.

New Orange County Fifth District

Supervisor Katrina Foley and her staff have been very helpful in tracking down how the furniture was removed without the knowledge of so many people in San Juan Capistrano. What the Foley staff found was that the county says the Michael Graves Group examined the furniture and determined it was not of historic or monetary value.

As a result, the furniture went through the county surplus process, where OCPL posted the furniture to govdeals.com in August 2020. However, due to the poor condition of the furniture, there were no bidders, and so the furniture was recycled. Staff also found out that the cost for all the new furniture was $170,660.80 and was purchased from the county master contract with G/M Business Interiors.

According to City Manager Ben Siegel, “Under the lease agreement with the County, the City is not in a position to prevent the interior items from being replaced or removed from the building.”

The press release put out by the city in December 2021 stated that “the library will temporarily be closed for the construction of interior improvements.”

Improvements are better lighting and more computer stations.

They are not the removal of original, iconic furniture and furnishings, especially when no one was told or advised

Page 26

of such a move. What happened to cooperation? Although you can still spend a “Moment in Time” enjoying the design of the library building, you can no longer appreciate the inside of the library, which was a Michael Graves creation.

As we approach Preservation Month, save the dates April 22 for a look back in time at the Historical Society and May 6 for an appreciation of our old adobes by the San Juan Capistrano Docent Society.

The importance of preservation has been magnified for San Juan Capistrano because of what has happened to the Michael Graves Library. CD Jan Siegel was a 33-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and now resides in the neighboring town of Rancho Mission Viejo.

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

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.

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Capistrano FC (in white), a youth soccer program in just its third year of fielding a senior men’s team, took on the professionals of Orange County SC, but OCSC prevailed in the U.S. Open Cup second round, 5-0. Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Soccer Club and USL Championship

OPEN OPPORTUNITY

Capo FC builds off local youth roots, takes swing at pro Orange County SC in U.S. Open Cup

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

pen Cup soccer competitions across the world, such as the FA Cup in England and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, showcase some of the best the sport has to offer, as local amateur Davids take on professional Goliaths as nominal equals.

Capistrano FC, founded as a youth program in 2006 and entering only its third year of fielding a senior men’s team, made history simply by qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup and again by advancing to the second round.

And while the amateur David hurled stones at the professional Orange County SC side, the Goliath came out unscathed in the cup competition last Wednesday, April 5.

After a couple early Capo FC swings, OCSC showed off its speed and talent for a 2-0 halftime lead and an eventual 5-0 victory in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup at the Championship Soccer Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine.

“It’s building on experience,” Capo FC midfielder Sergio Montes said. “We didn’t know what we were going The Capistrano Dispatch April 14-27, 2023

to face. We know the realm of OCSC, but actually facing them and playing here, next year we definitely know what we’re going to be battling against. … To play a team like this and actually get touches in and start getting in behind their defenders, that’s a huge testament to what we can achieve as a team, as a club.”

Montes was one of three San Juan Capistrano natives on the April 5 roster for Capo FC, and he is one of a handful of players who grew up in the club, including team captain and defender Marcos Cervantes.

“This is my childhood club,” Cervantes said. “I grew up playing in this club back in 2006, when it first started.

Two years later, Pete Carey came on board in 2008 and took over the club as director, and since then, he’s always had a vision. What can you do for the community? How can you bring the community up? Just progress with the youth to the moment we’re at now. From then until now, I know it’s been a long journey, but it’s paying off.”

Capo FC debuted its senior men’s team in 2021, and it has steadily risen through the ranks of amateur and semi-pro leagues just outside of the three divisions of the U.S. Soccer Federation pyramid. Capo FC finished first in each of the leagues it has played in, with the United Premier Soccer League SoCal South Division 1 spring season in 2021, the UPSL SoCal North Premier Division fall season in 2021, and the NISA Nation Southwest Region in 2022. Capo FC will join USL League 2 in May. As a team outside of that USSF pyramid, Capo FC needed to battle through local qualifiers to reach the U.S. Open Cup. With those first-place finishes, Capo FC entered the qualifying rounds for the 2022 Cup, but fell in the final qualifying round.

To qualify for the 2023 Cup, Capo FC once again made it to the final qualifying round in December 2022, and against the Lake Forest-based Orange County FC, Capo FC prevailed in a penalty shootout to earn its first-ever U.S. Open Cup spot.

“The last three years have been nonstop grinding,” Montes said. “No days off, no weekends off. It’s been a Page 30

tough road, but we’re excited.”

In the first round, Capo FC traveled north to take on Ventura County Fusion, the reigning champion of the USL League 2, which the San Juan Capistrano club will join this summer. Capo FC stunned Ventura County, 4-1, as Hevany Ramos-Mota scored two goals and added an assist. Parker Scalzo and Joshue Gallardo also scored for Capo FC. “To go out there with that hunger that we had, not just for the Open Cup,” Cervantes said, “but knowing they were the defending champs and to perform how we did, I think that says a lot about the boys and the group. We’re excited to go into the season knowing that.”

That win set up last Wednesday’s date with Orange County SC, which competes in the USL Championship—a Division II league in the USSF soccer pyramid.

OCSC pushed the pace in the first five minutes to earn a couple free kicks that Capo FC coolly cleared away, and that gave Capo the opportunity for a possible early shock.

Ramos-Mota broke down the left flank for a 2-on-1 against the lone OCSC defender. Ramos-Mota slid the ball across to Scalzo with the chance at goal, but his shot deflected off the OCSC’s Daniel Pedersen right at the goalkeeper for the stop.

Three minutes later, Capo FC possessed the ball deep into the Orange County box, and Scalzo once again had a chance to strike that went low left and just wide. “(Ramos-Mota) was basically the star of the show in the last game for them,” OCSC manager Richard Chaplow said. “I told him, ‘Well done’ after the game for the game before, because I thought he was exceptional.

We knew he was a danger man. I’m glad that came but they didn’t get the goal, because it showed our guys what I was talking about them in the build-up. I think we showed our class after that.”

With yellow card after yellow card for Capo FC and set piece after set piece for OCSC, Orange County built momentum, and in the 33rd minute, Emil Nielsen burned his defender down the left side for the easy strike and the 1-0 lead.

OCSC struck on a header by Bryce Jamison just before halftime for a two-goal advantage at the break.

Capo FC ended up with seven yellow cards in the match, including two for Montes. Montes earned that red card in the 62nd minute, which forced Capo FC to finish the game with 10 players. OCSC scored its final three goals after that for the 5-0 victory.

While OCSC ultimately showed its professional polish, Capo FC earned the respect of the Division II side in a game that is a net-positive for the Orange County soccer community.

“We were a team that wasn’t much different from Capo at one point,” Chaplow said, “and obviously, we’ve grown into what we are today and hope to continue to move in a forward direction. It’s really nice to see the Capo fans behind (the bench). They had a bunch of kids behind the bench there. It was nice, because it had a little bit more of a local feel about it.”

Orange County SC moves on to the third round, where 18 MLS teams join the U.S. Open Cup fray. OCSC will travel to take on the Portland Timbers of MLS on April 26. Orange County SC is back at home for USL Championship action against Indy Eleven on Saturday, April 15.

Capo FC looks forward to its USL League 2 season, which opens on May 17 against the SoCal Seahorses at Whittier College. Capo FC’s home opener is set for May 27 against Redlands FC at JSerra Catholic High School.

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