EYE ON SJC

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CD |City Council Thanks Fiesta Association for Return of Swallows Day Parade

The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, a volunteer group that organizes the annual Swallows Day Parade and related events, was recognized by city officials during a council meeting on Tuesday, April 19, for bringing back the town’s signature event after a long hiatus imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fiesta members crowded the council chambers during the recognition, clad in their signature black-and-white Western clothing. The 62nd annual Swallows Day Parade was held on March 12, the first time the event happened since 2019.

“I had a meeting with (Fiesta Association President) Jim (Taylor) when I first became mayor—the first person I spoke to, really, as mayor—and said, ‘You guys have the most important job,’ ” Mayor Derek Reeve said. “You are the most important volunteer organization generally in the city from year to year, but particularly this year in 2022, after all the years of the pandemic and all the fun we didn’t get to have.”

Mayor Pro Tem Howard Hart presented the official recognition, calling what the Fiesta Association did “awesome.”

“It was definitely a challenge, but there was no way that we were going to cancel—not after two years of being shut down,” said Taylor, underscoring how this year’s event did not have horses for the first time ever in the event’s history due to an equine virus outbreak.

The Fiesta Association, in turn, presented Reeve with a ceremonial belt buckle as a thanks to the city for its support as well.

CD |Council Looks to Fill Vacancy on Planning Commission

Former San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission Chairman Harrison Taylor has stepped down from that role, opening a spot at the dais that the City Council wants to fill.

Taylor resigned from the commission on April 1. City staff recommended the city clerk solicit applications for the role, according to an agenda report from an April 19 council meeting.

“The appointed member will serve the remaining of the term, ending March 31, 2023,” the report said.

The Planning Commission is a local government advisory board that makes recommendations to the City Council.

In a statement to The Capistrano Dis-

The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association was recently spotlighted by the City of San Juan Capistrano for bringing back the Swallows Day Parade. From left: Fiesta Association President Jim Taylor, parade organizer Karen Stine, and San Juan Capistrano Mayor Pro Tem Howard Hart. Photo: Collin Breaux

patch, Taylor said he stepped down from the commission to focus on his “growing family and new career opportunities.”

Taylor has been involved in a number of community initiatives recently, including an unsuccessful bid for a wave pool and other extended uses at the Northwest Open Space in consultation with Pacifico Development, as well as organizing trick-or-treating events on Los Rios Street for Halloween.

“The three years I served on the commission has been an enjoyable experience and educational for me, giving me a perspective into city government that I never had before,” Taylor said. “I highly recommend residents in SJC to apply for the open position and also urge them to apply for other commissions when openings become available. It’s a great way to serve the community.”

CD |Council Fills Vacancy on Equestrian Commission

Carolyn Kahler has been appointed to the San Juan Capistrano Parks, Equestrian and Community Services Commission, filling a vacancy on the board.

The vacancy was declared on March 1. A mayor’s subcommittee that interviewed applicants recommended Kahler be appointed, which was approved by the City Council on April 19. A total of six people applied.

The term of the appointment ends on March 31, 2023, according to an agenda report.

CD |Jury Finds SJC Woman Guilty of Charges Related to Murder Case

Sheila Marie Ritze, 42, of San Juan Capistrano, was found guilty by a federal jury on Tuesday, April 19, of felony criminal charges in connection with the October 2019 murder of a man whose body was found floating in the Pacific Ocean with bullet and blunt force trauma wounds, a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Ritze was found guilty of second-degree murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States and making false statements to federal investigators.

“At her sentencing hearing, which is expected in the coming months, Ritze will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison,” the news release said.

Ritze and Hoang Xuan Le, 40, of Fountain Valley, were convicted of murdering the victim—who reportedly owed money to Le—while out on Ritze’s boat, docked at Dana Point Harbor.

“Around midnight (on October 15, 2019), Ritze drove her boat out into the Pacific Ocean with Le and the victim on board,” the news release said. “Le shot the victim on the boat, the victim went overboard, and Ritze and Le left the victim to die in the ocean, where he drowned. Le and Ritze then returned to Dana Point Harbor. The victim’s body was recovered from the Pacific Ocean several miles northwest of Oceanside on October 16, 2019.”

Le was found guilty by a jury in December 2021 of first-degree murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, conspiracy to commit murder, and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Le faces a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison at his June 27 sentencing hearing, the news release said.

CD |MissionFest Returns to San Juan Capistrano in June

Tickets are now on sale for the fourth annual country musical festival MissionFest, which will take place again at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park on June 4. Tickets are available at missionfest.com and eventbrite.com.

Chase Rice, known for “Lonely If You Are” and other hit songs, will headline. The full lineup is expected to be announced soon.

“The event also features fine wines, craft breweries, great local cuisine, unique vendors and an array of outdoor activities in the plush equestrian grounds,” a news release said.

MissionFest was last held at the park on July 10, 2021.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

TUESDAY, APRIL 26 Cultural Heritage Commission 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 Planning Commission 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Design Review Committee 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29 Coffee Chat 8:30 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. The first Friday session of the month will be held virtually via Zoom video conference; all other Friday forums will take place in person at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for information.

TUESDAY, MAY 3 City Council 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 10 Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY) will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 13 The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.