April 23, 2021

APRIL 23-MAY 13, 2021 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 8

INSIDE: Special Section

State of the City San Juan Community Reflects on Town’s Perseverance amid Pandemic E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 3

thecapistranodispatch.com

Business activity is ramping up in San Juan Capistrano, demonstrated by this vendor market on Los Rios Street. Photo: Collin Breaux.

COVID-19 Cases Stay Low in RMV

CUSD Hockey Team Takes 2nd at Nationals

Blood Drive in Honor of Bill Hart

EYE ON RMV/PAGE 7

SPORTS/PAGE 26

GETTING OUT/PAGE 21

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23–May 13, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

City Officials, Nonprofits Reflect on Challenges and Triumphs During Pandemic

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

In a sign of the times, the State of the City 2021 address for San Juan Capistrano was broadcast on YouTube on Wednesday, April 21.

While some in-person events are gradually returning, this year’s address— usually a face-to-face mass gathering— was streamed in video form due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor John Taylor, along with other city officials and local nonprofit representatives, discussed how the community has helped one another and weathered the storm.

The video featured aerial footage of San Juan and relaxing ambient music, and it was presented by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce.

Taylor noted how federal aid was provided to states through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), with the city in turn distributing some of those resources to small businesses, to nonprofits, and to residents for rental assistance through their own San Juan Capistrano CARES program.

“It was a trying time, but as I prepared for tonight’s event, I reflected on not only what we’ve lost but what we’ve found,” Taylor said. “We found ourselves in a time of isolation, but instead of withdrawing from our community, we reached out to our neighbors in need and took meaningful steps to ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for San Juan Capistrano.”

Representatives from local nonprofits CREER Comunidad y Familia, UNIDOS South OC, and FAM (Family Assistance

San Juan Capistrano COVID-19 UPDATES as of April 21

cases deaths

total

2,766

73

55

1

last 30 days

est. population • 36,821 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

Ministries) discussed how they pivoted their missions during the health crisis.

John Chapman, co-executive director for UNIDOS South OC—which aims to build up and empower the community—said their education programs went “almost down to nothing.”

“We really turned to immediate relief work, in the form of food and financial aid,” Chapman said.

Heidi Ivanoff, community services manager for San Juan Capistrano, said the city provided takeout and delivery meals for local seniors, instead of the usual in-person meals seniors previously had at the senior center. Ivanoff also pointed to modified community events held in the city, including a drive-in Fourth of July celebration and movie nights, as well as a drive-through Christmas celebration.

Looking forward, City Manager Ben Siegel previewed some upcoming developments for the town. Siegel said residents and tourists can expect to see continued investments in the downtown area.

“This summer, we’ll be adding more parking spaces in the Los Rios area, and we’re also going to start a beautification project at the gateway to our community for visitors entering the downtown from the I-5 freeway,” Siegel said. “We’ll be adding landscape and hardscape improvements to the corner of Ortega Highway and Camino Capistrano, which is the gateway to our downtown.”

In terms of private investments, the River Street Marketplace project should begin construction this summer. Grading for the Ganahl Lumber project on Stonehill Drive could also begin construction this spring or summer.

“We also expect the Groves project to be completed this year,” Siegel said. “That will provide 75 affordable housing units to low-income seniors. That’s located on Camino Capistrano, in the northern portion of our community.”

Construction of Putuidem Cultural Village in the city’s Northwest Open Space is expected to finish this spring.

“We’re very eager to get started on the design of the skate park project, with the goal of being under construction later this year,” Siegel said.

Parking in the downtown multi-modal parking lot will be $2 with a four-hour limit beginning on June 4. This parking lot tends to fill up, particularly during weekends. Photo: Collin Breaux.

Council Approves Instituting Paid Parking in Downtown Lot, Starting in June

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Currently, parking in the downtown lot near Trevor’s at the Tracks and Rancho Capistrano Winery—officially known as the multi-modal lot—is free, though visitors and locals might spend time circling the lot trying to find a spot during busy periods, particularly on weekends.

Come June, though, that will be no more. Parking in the multi-modal lot will be on a paid basis—$2 with a four-hour limit from 9 a.m.-2 a.m.—beginning on June 4. The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved the change as recommended by city staff in a 3-1 vote during a meeting on Tuesday, April 20.

Councilmembers Howard Hart, Sergio Farias, and Troy Bourne voted yes. Mayor Pro Tem Derek Reeve voted no. Mayor John Taylor, who lives in the nearby Los Rios Historic District, recused himself from the vote and discussion since his home is within 500 feet of the lot.

Though Hart said the question of why parking will no longer be free could be raised when examining the issue from the outside, the only thing worse than paid parking is no parking.

“That’s too often the case. I think we’ve all done the trips around the parking lot in downtown in recent years,” Hart said.“That was a notable change when the council instituted the pay-for-play version of parking.

This makes an awful lot of sense, honestly, as much as I don’t like paying for things.”

Farias said locals will know where to park for free, and paid parking is a nice option to have.

“The proposed parking rate and time limit are intended to, of course, deter Page 3

employee parking in these highly desirable parking spaces but also to promote turnover in the multi-modal parking lot,” Public Works Director Tom Toman said.

City staff wanted to implement the change based on a similar pilot program instituted in summer 2019, as a result of feedback from downtown businesses. The pilot program consisted of metered hourly parking in the Franciscan Plaza parking structure. In October 2020, the council approved formalizing and adopting permanent parking rates for the plaza.

“The multi-modal parking lot is comprised of multiple parcels—some owned by the city and some by a private owner,” Toman said during a presentation to the council on the matter.“There are 79 total spaces available to the public. They’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

According to information from the summer 2019 program, parking occupancy tended to be 97% or higher from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.

“Additionally, the occupancy study revealed that all parking spaces in the multi-modal parking lot, on average, experienced a parking duration of five to six hours,” Toman said. “This parking duration correlates directly with the downtown employee shift.”

Most downtown business customers park in the Franciscan Plaza and multi-modal lots, while most downtown employees park near Los Rios Park and in the Mission Promenade, Franciscan Plaza, and multi-modal lots, according to a survey done with downtown business owners and (Cont. on page 4) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

City Signs Off on Water Rights Transfer Agreement with Santa Margarita Water District

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

time. Orange County is still in the orange “moderate” risk tier of California’s four-tier, color-coded coronavirus monitoring system. The orange tier—the second-least restrictive level—allows for reduced-capacity indoor dining and other activities, though it prohibits indoor operations at bars.

“There have been so many people out on Saturday afternoons, walking,” Bonne said. “Saturday afternoons and nights, the town’s come alive again. Not that everything’s open, but people are willing to find a place to go.”

That marks a change from how downtown looked during the winter, when people rarely went out as cases surged.

Bonne expects activity to increase even further during the summer months.

“Hopefully, tourists will be back,” Bonne said.

Local real estate broker Tom Hribar also said business has been going relatively well. Sales are brisk, properties have been attracting multiple offers, and realtors have generally done very well during the pandemic, he said.

The coming removal of restrictions in June won’t affect realtors very much, Hribar said. Realtors have been implementing recommended health guidelines, including requiring masks, limiting visits to one person in a house at a time, and scheduling no open houses, he said.

“The realtors have been out in front of this,” Hribar said.

The expected annexation of San Juan Capistrano’s water utility system into the Santa Margarita Water District moved one step closer to completion, in the wake of the city council approving a water rights transfer agreement with SMWD during a council meeting on Tuesday, April 20.

Councilmembers approved the annexation agreement in January 2020, and SMWD submitted its application for annexation in December to the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission. The annexation will become official when the agreement is approved

by LAFCO, which could happen this summer.

The annexation directed the city and SMWD to negotiate a water rights transfer agreement, which transfers the city’s rights to produce water from the San Juan Basin to SMWD so the water district can use those rights to provide water to the city and its customers.

Under the transfer agreement, SMWD will “exercise reasonable best efforts to protect and maintain the city’s water rights, to the benefit of the city and its existing and future customers.”

The city can continue to exercise water rights appurtenant to the Eastern Open Space and Christmas tree farm properties, both owned by the city. Water quality upgrades costing millions of dollars are planned for the Eastern Open Space, as a result of a 2017 lawsuit from Orange County Coastkeeper alleging that Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park had contributed to pollution in San Juan Creek— claims denied by the city and the park’s operator, Blenheim Facility Management.

Mayor Pro Tem Derek Reeve thanked everyone involved, including city staff, for their work involved with the transfer agreement.

“I was sitting here, remembering this all started back in 2015, and it just takes a really long time to get where we’re at,

and we’re so close,” Reeve said.

Mayor John Taylor called the water rights “a very, very complex issue.”

“It’s a long time coming, and it’s going to be great for San Juan Capistrano,” Taylor said.

Earlier this year, when speaking to The Capistrano Dispatch about the annexation, Taylor said SMWD has “much better finances and a stronger organization” for dealing with water supply. SMWD has built the Trampas Canyon Dam and Reservoir—which officially opened last year—on land acquired from Rancho Mission Viejo. The reservoir stores recycled water and is expected to benefit SMWD customers and South Orange County residents.

In other news from the city council meeting, Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett’s office formally presented a recognition of San Juan Capistrano’s 60th anniversary. The city officially declared incorporation on April 19, 1961. Sergio Prince, on behalf of Bartlett’s office, announced the recognition.

Fiesta Association President Jim Taylor also gave the council an update on its organization, which organizes the annual Swallows Day Parade and related events.

The Fiesta Association is financially set for 2022, though Taylor is spending this year fundraising for 2023.

The Swallows Day Parade did not occur in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is not expected to happen this year, either. The Fiesta Association did hold a scaled-down Fiesta Grande at Swallow’s Inn after the council meeting, and hosted a similarly smaller version of Hoos’Gow Day downtown on March 19.

Taylor presented Taylor and Bourne— who was mayor last year—ceremonial belt buckles. Taylor also presented the city a collection of pictures of all parade grand marshals past and present, in honor of the 60th anniversary.

cial event venues will also be available for $20 per space in the Franciscan Plaza structure, from 4 p.m.-2 a.m., in spaces 1-108. Additionally, a temporary loading zone near the intersection of Verdugo Street and Camino Capistrano frequently used by ride-hailing companies and on-demand food delivery services was made permanent, based on feedback from nearby businesses. Spaces 1-34 are still available for overnight commuter parking with a 72-hour limit, often used

by Metrolink train passengers.

The city will keep all revenue generat-

ed from the multi-modal lot until costs are recovered from related implementation, and revenue exceeding city costs will be split on a 50/50 basis with the private owner of the lot. Revenue from the reserved use in the Franciscan Plaza structure will be split on a similar basis with the owner of the Franciscan property.

“All of these actions will have a very positive fiscal impact and are expected to provide funding that can be used for additional parking expansion opportunities, and maintenance and operations of our parking lots,” Toman said.

Toman also gave an update on the city’s summer trolley program, which was discontinued early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Service is planned to begin on June 4 and run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Friday service is from 5-9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

There will also be special event and holiday trolley services for July 2, 3, and 4 for Carnival and Fourth of July; Sept. 6 for Labor Day; and for the city’s summer concert series on Aug. 18 and Sept. 15 from 4-9 p.m.

Vicki Bonne, a hairdresser at Hair of the Dog Barbershop in San Juan Capistrano, is happy that state-imposed restrictions are gradually being lifted on businesses and general activities in California. Photo: Collin Breaux.

SJC Workforce Reacts to Gradual Reopening of CA

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Customers are increasingly returning to restaurants, barbershops, and retail shops in San Juan Capistrano—a shift noticed by Vicki Bonne.

Bonne works as a hairdresser at Hair of the Dog Barbershop in the downtown area, next to Swallow’s Inn. She said there couldn’t be any better news. The return in activity comes as state-imposed restrictions on business operations and general activities are gradually being lifted due to rising vaccinations and plunging COVID-19 metrics.

“It should have happened a year ago,” Bonne said. “I don’t want to sound negative, but you’re talking to somebody that’s against this whole thing.”

Restrictions are expected to be fully lifted on June 15, if there are enough vaccine supplies and coronavirus metrics remain low. There has been plenty of business at Hair of the Dog, Bonne said.

“For me, my business doubled during the pandemic,” Bonne said. “I was willing to see people and follow guidelines.”

Hair of the Dog has one chair, and hairdressers generally see one person at a

(Cont. from page 3) property owners and managers.

Downtown employees are encouraged to continue parking outside the immediate downtown area. Parking spaces have been added, and will continue to be expanded, at the Ramos Street parking lot for downtown employees.

Two new automated pay stations will be installed in the multi-modal lot at a cost of $30,000, which will be appropriated from the parking maintenance fund.

Reserved uses for weddings and speThe Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23–May 13, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

COMPILED BY STAFF

SATURDAY, APRIL 24

SAN CLEMENTE-CAPISTRANO BAY BRANCH OF AAUW 10 a.m. The general public is invited to the April meeting of the San Clemente-Capistrano Bay Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women). Jerri Rosen, founder and CEO of Working Wardrobes, will be the presenter. The meeting will be on Zoom. Email aauw. sccb@cox.net for more information.

CD | New Mediterranean

Restaurant Opens in SJC If you’re in San Juan Capistrano and in the mood for hummus and other Mediterranean dishes, drop in at Parmiss Restaurant.

The new eatery opened last week in the Mercado Village strip mall. The address is 31952 Camino Capistrano, near the Chase Bank. It is family-owned. Mehrnaz Eidipour, one of the owners, lives in Mission Viejo and is from Iran.

“The first night that we opened—we didn’t do any advertising or tell anybody we’re open—the neighborhood came and bought the food,” Eidipour said. “It was really amazing, because I understand that this is a neighborhood (where people) help each other.”

Parmiss Restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. Menu items include falafel wraps, chicken and beef dishes, and family platters that include lamb.

They also offer wine and cocktails, and there is a bar area.

Eidipour previously had a restaurant in Tustin years ago, but it was far from her home, and she eventually sold it.

“I started to find other things to do, but I’m thinking, ‘I have to get another restaurant,’” Eidipour said. “I’m really happy. It was my dream.”

Visit parmissrestaurant.com for more information.

CD | Newport Homebuilder

Previews New Homesites A new neighborhood will be available for prospective homebuyers in San Juan Capistrano.

Landsea Homes Corporation, a residential homebuilder based in Newport Beach, recently announced the acquisition of 132 new homesites in San Juan.

The cross streets are at the southwest corner of Calle Arroyo and Paseo Tirador.

The new neighborhood will bring Spanish and farmhouse-style architecture to the area in 43 two-story detached homes and 89 three-story townhomes, according to a news release.

The area is currently fenced-off vacant property, and homes will not be ready for prospective homebuyers until next year.

The new development has previously been called the Tirador Residential Project by city officials.

“Landsea Homes is thrilled to become a part of San Juan Capistrano, a city with a prominent place in California history,” said Tom Baine, Southern California DiviThe Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

TUESDAY, APRIL 27

Parmiss Restaurant, a new eatery in San Juan Capistrano near Chase Bank, offers a variety of dishes, including falafel, hummus, and salad. Photo: Collin Breaux.

The top five winning proposals will be chosen on June 1, and those finalists will then be asked to submit a 3-minute video of their proposal, after which the winner will be chosen.

The equestrian community is raising awareness about their presence and heritage in San Juan amid concerns the equestrian lifestyle could eventually vanish due to a number of factors, including the costs and burdens of CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) regulations, which now apply to equestrian activities.

Equestrians have said CAFO regulations were originally designed for dairy, swine, and feedlots since those categories concentrate animals in one place. The horses fall under the regulations, because they are considered livestock, a designation with which some equestrians disagree.

sion President of Landsea Homes, in the announcement. “Our new community will include distinctive floorplans and high-performance homes, while also offering residents a walkable quality of life so they can enjoy San Juan Capistrano’s lively downtown just a few minutes away.”

Details of the homes will vary by individual residence, though each townhome will come with a two-car garage. The community is near a 24-Hour Fitness and local equestrian stables, as well as within driving distance of the Los Rios Historic District and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Homes will reportedly feature smart home technology and air purifiers. Visit landseahomes.com for more information.

CD | ‘100 Horsemen Strong

Challenge’ Exceeds Fundraising Goal A fundraising campaign intended to promote the equestrian lifestyle in San Juan Capistrano has reached its $10,000 goal—and donations are still welcome.

The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition announced it had met its goal on April 10, subsequently revealing that donations further exceeded that amount.

The funds will be used to sponsor any individual (or group) who comes up with a proposal to help bring awareness to the equestrian lifestyle and heritage of San Juan.

Individuals or groups looking to submit a proposal can do so by sending a one-page idea to sjcec@cox.net by April 30. Grant applications can also be found on the SJCEC website.

The funds were raised after the Equestrian Coalition challenged 100 horsemen—or anyone else—to donate $100 each for the campaign. Donors will get to vote on selecting the winning proposal.

CD | Goin’ Native Helps

Spruce Up Reata Park Goin’ Native Therapeutic Garden’s cleanup event at Reata Park on Saturday, April 17, “went very well,” member Celina Young said.

“There were 50 people in attendance, and they worked so hard, with a culmination of 200 hours for everyone,” Young said. “There were a few different groups that joined us, including 1-11 Marines, the high schoolers from the Interact program, San Juan Garden Club, San Juan Rotary Club, and our Goin’ Native Garden Angels.”

Larry and Chris Kramer, the former San Juan Capistrano Mayor and First Lady, also came out to the garden to help register people. The Santa Margarita Water District reportedly provided water for the day.

“Joe Soto of Soto Landscaping was generous enough to donate woodchip Page 6

PLANNING COMMISSION 6:30 The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a meeting. The meeting can be viewed online at the city website, sanjuancapistrano.org.

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 30

COFFEE CHAT 9 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs virtually on Fridays through Zoom. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

TUESDAY, MAY 4

CITY COUNCIL 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting. The public will be able to attend, though pandemic protocols will be in place. They can also watch the meeting online at the city website, sanjuancapistrano.org.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

FRIDAY, MAY 14

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

services that allowed us to transform the excess into mulch, which we put back into the garden beds,” Young said. “Everyone was fed a boxed lunch. It was truly a remarkable way to commemorate our new contract at Reata Park and kick off Earth Day!” thecapistranodispatch.com

eye on rmv

COVID-19 CASES REMAIN LOW AT RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

Orchards Health Center Opens New Skilled Nursing Facility THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

A sign at South Paw Dog Park in Rancho Mission Viejo advises visitors to follow safety protocols so the amenity stays open. Photo: Collin Breaux.

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

o far, the master-planned community of Rancho Mission Viejo has had fewer than 340 overall COVID-19 cases, including fewer than five deaths from the outbreak.

The unincorporated area in South Orange County has seen far fewer case numbers compared to the nearby areas of San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point.

Even when factoring in RMV’s lower population count—an estimated 10,000 people compared to the 36,821 population in San Juan and 34,249 in Dana Point—the low metrics stand out.

There have been day-to-day periods in which there weren’t any new COVID-19 cases in RMV. The exact total number of COVID-19 cases for RMV is 334, as of press time. As unincorporated land with under 25,000 residents, the exact death total will not be reported for Rancho Mission Viejo until it reaches five.

Amaya Genaro, vice president of community services for Rancho Mission Viejo, The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

gatherings such as the Trunk or Treat drive-through experience, have given the community a chance to safely have fun.

RMV has plenty of outdoor space, an ideal feature in the age of social distancing.

“One of the key things we have learned throughout the tumult of 2020 is the importance of enjoying the great outdoors,” Genaro said. “In a recent resident survey, 83% of respondents feel Rancho Mission Viejo supports their well-being.”

One resident said the amenities and proximity to nature “are unmatched,” and the opportunities to explore and experience the parks, sports courts, trails and farms have provided them a great respite from the challenges the year presented, according to Genaro.

“This has been a trying and tough time for all, but we’ve heard constantly from residents over the last year that Rancho Mission Viejo couldn’t be a better place to live with all that we have experienced in the last year,” Genaro said. CD

called the small number of COVID-19 cases “great news.”

“We have worked very hard to implement the proper precautions at The Ranch, and thanks to the great cooperation and understanding from our residents, the data apparently shows that,” Genaro said.

Some of the usual amenities in RMV have been closed during the pandemic, and safety precautions are being taken even as events gradually return to The Ranch. For instance, face masks are required when visitors tour areas along Cow Camp Road, and crowd capacity is limited for events.

Genaro noted that The Reserve modified activities throughout the year by going to smaller group hikes, outdoor activities such as yoga, and hosting live, virtual field trips in which students in grades 2–5 could experience nature from wherever they are.

Community events for residents, including the reservation-based Harvest Pumpkin Patch and resident-led family Page 7

new care facility in Rancho Mission Viejo has opened a 24-hour, resident-centered program with private and semi-private suites.

The Orchards Health Center recently announced the grand opening of its skilled nursing facility in a news release.

The assisted living community and memory care center opened last fall.

The care suites are for people who need ongoing support beyond assisted care.

“The professional team at The Orchards develops a specialized treatment plan for each resident based on the recommendations of their doctor and input from family members,” the news release said. “The plan is implemented under the supervision of The Orchards’ on-site director of nursing and medical director.”

Short-term stays are available for people recovering from orthopedic surgeries or injuries, cardiac procedures and diseases, strokes, pulmonary diseases, and other illnesses. Long-term residency is also available. Short-term residents who recover can transition to the assisted living community or go home.

“We welcome in-person visits from family members as part of our approach to wellness,” said Kelly Conk, administrator for The Orchards. “That being said, we’ve established a number of precautions with regard to COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all residents, their family members and our own team members.”

Indoor in-person visits are allowed, as well as outdoor visits. Advance appointments, masks, and social distancing are required for on-site visits.

For more information, please call 949.545.2260 or go to visitorchards.com.

CD thecapistranodispatch.com

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex O P E R AT I O N S General Manager Alyssa Garrett

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Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

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Finance Director Mike Reed Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent, Chloe Anady

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 19, Issue 8. 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 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

GUEST OPINION | Health and Nutrition 101 by Gina Cousineau

Using Food as Medicine

F

our months into the new year, and 13 months into the pandemic, I am seeing a bit of desperation as people start to acknowledge the repercussions of their behavior over the past year, or perhaps their lifetime.

I could have titled this column “Every Pill Is a Poison,” but decided to go after the approach I live and breathe, to move toward a healthy lifestyle: using food as medicine in tandem with supplements, medications, exercise and attitude.

My clients learn early on that I am going to teach them not only what a healthy lifestyle approach can look like and how to make it come to fruition, but that I also help them advocate for their health. Once this happens, we look to living that long, healthy, independent, joyful life that we have long desired.

Unfortunately, when a physician gives the prescription for a lifestyle shift, most patients take the pill. As an integrative and functional nutritionist, I teach my clients that while every pill is a poison, that very pill could save their life.

But it is here that you have to understand your options and that a lifestyle change cannot only prevent and halt disease processes, it can completely reverse the ramifications of years of poor choices.

What I see on a regular basis, regrettably, is a serious disconnect between how to make that happen. I have heard of medical practitioners with little to no nutrition or exercise physiology education prescribing diets and fitness programs to their patients that can be harmful, and certainly not helpful, to their plight.

It is crucial to educate patients in the concept of eating wholesome real food, while understanding that everyone has a calorie budget, especially when weight loss is desired, and that healthy/clean food choices don’t necessarily translate to proper nutrition, nor sustainable weight loss and improved health.

Whether you are a young adult laying down peak bone mass and trying to perform in school and sport, an 80-year-old senior desiring to maintain independence, or someone in between, appropriate calories, macronutrients Page 8

(carbohydrates, fat, and protein), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and other substances including fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals and others, are hard to plate up in a nutritious and delicious way.

And, disappointingly, your nutrition influencer is likely restricting food groups and calories, limiting your nutrition, as well as bullying you into believing that you must eat organic, take a basket full of supplements, and that dairy and gluten are the enemies.

Take a deep breath, and let’s have a chat. Our food supply is safe, and the farmers that provide a large portion of your food stuff, HEALTH AND feed their families NUTRITION 101 the very foods you

BY GINA COUSINEAU are eating. Sadly, with the influx of social media and the internet at your fingertips, your Google searches can prove dangerous to both you and your family.

or more a week to be a healthy human.

3. Have a physical once a year with bloodwork, age/symptom-appropriate preventive screenings/testing, and follow up with a face-to-face visit with your medical practitioner to discuss your situation, considering your personal and family health history.

4. If necessary, seek experts to help you advocate for your health, including specialty physicians, physical therapists, certified fitness professionals, and qualified nutrition experts. You don’t see a dentist for your heart condition, so why would you listen to an actor for their nutrition advice?

Gina Cousineau sees clients virtually and in person out of her San Clemente office.

Her extensive education—a BS in dietetics and MS in integrative and functional nutrition—chef training, and 30-plus years as a fitness professional allow her to help clients lose weight and improve their health. You can reach her at mamag@mamagslifestyle. com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram and Facebook @mamagslifestyle. Register for her complimentary weekly newsletter at mamagslifestyle.com. CD

My suggestions are multifaceted and comes in a handful of ideas: 1. Eat food in its most natural state.

2. You cannot outtrain a bad diet. Simply begin a walking program of 150 minutes

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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The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

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The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

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Welcome

As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to roll out and restrictions ease, our seniors have the most to celebrate after more than a year of being most vulnerable to the viral disease.

In our biannual Aging Well guide, we’re providing the usual tips for readers to continue enjoying life and prospering in South Orange County, as well as paying mind to the changes brought about by the waning crisis.

In this spring edition of Aging Well, we’ve curated a collection of stories on what the tri-city area of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano has to offer, in addition to important information needed on staying healthy and active.

Read about how local senior living homes are transitioning out of lockdown while still maintaining health and safety protocols. After senior homes were prioritized for vaccinations, their residents are finally able to return to some sense of normalcy. But management and staff continue to balance precautions while providing residents with a high quality of life.

This special section also reports on travel trends based on conversations with representatives from AAA and other local travel agencies. If you haven’t yet considered how to protect your estate, Aging Well provides some expertise from local financial planners about new laws that retirees need to be aware of as they contemplate estate management.

For the elderly creative souls, this edition also profiles a local art and ceramics teacher and offers a recipe for a healthy heart from a local nutrition expert.

We hope this edition of Aging Well can help readers learn something new and also help them make the most of living in beautiful, sunny South Orange County.

TO AGING WELL

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

ESTATE PLANNING

HAVING TRUST IN YOUR TRUST W

By Shawn Raymundo hether we realize it or not, we all have an estate plan when we die.

Where we differ, explains Ryan Krause, a financial planner with Edward Jones, is whether our estate falls to a probate plan by default or we’ve been proactive by creating an official plan—or trust—with professionals.

“When you go through a probate plan, the courts and the government decide who gets what and how it’s split up,” according to Krause “That probate plan takes longer … and is also more costly.”

Those costs, he adds, include court fees and attorney fees that will come out of one’s own estate. And in California, it can be a very sizable amount.

A trust, on the other hand—while costly in its own right and can also take time to develop—is still the least expensive and most time-efficient route. But more importantly, Krause says, it’ll maintain one’s control of their estate, helping to ensure that their belongings go exactly where they are intended.

“No one is forever, so this is going to have to be addressed at some point,” Krause says. “It’s a matter of whether you want your estate passed on the way you want it to be or let the government decide.”

So, if you don’t currently have a proactive plan in place, what’s the first step in preserving control of your estate when you’re laid to rest? Krause recommends consulting with an estate attorney to help create a comprehensive plan.

Locally, he says, there are a lot of great professionals, many of whom will offer a complimentary consultation.

“All it takes is just a phone call,” he notes. “That’s the first step, get a phone call, learn more about it and get something in place.”

Now, equally important as having a comprehensive plan in place is also managing it.

This means reviewing and updating the plan period-

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ically as laws get amended, situations change and relationships with beneficiaries evolve.

“Review your plan and update it, as not only does the regulatory environment change, but also your situation changes,” Krause says.

“Whether that’s acquiring new properties, those that you want to leave it to, that may change; births, (deaths). It’s really important to review and update that on a regular basis … that’s crucial.”

When reviewing your estate, Krause says work with your attorney to make sure everything is done by the book so your estate goes right where you want it to.

Since 2000, he explains, there have been 11 law changes impacting the estate tax and thresholds—the levy on one’s assets. The most recent update occurred in 2017, when the federal threshold for the estate tax was placed at $11.58 million for an individual.

“If your estate is valued below that, your estate will transfer to whoever you want it to without an estate tax,” Krause says, further explaining that an estate valued higher than $11.58 million may be subject to a flat 40% federal tax.

Though $11.58 million is the current threshold, it’s likely to continue to evolve, Krause says.

“It could go higher, lower, so keeping up to date on these law changes are crucial, because that’ll dictate how you transfer your assets,” he adds.

So, what could happen if you don’t have a comprehensive trust in place? As previously mentioned, your estate will go through the probate process, leaving it up to the government how to divvy up your belongings.

“The government and the courts are going to use a by-the-book basis to decide who gets what,” Krause explains. As an example, “If you don’t have a trust in place, but you have three kids, each kid may be entitled to get a third of the share. But the reality is you may have one kid you don’t want to give anything to.”

However, with a trust, you can help maintain control of who gets what and when— even after death.

“You can be very creative with the estate process,” Krause says. “Say there’s minors, and they could be a spending risk, you can put a provision that says they get a certain amount at various times or certain ages. It does give a ton of control.”

The probate process is also a very public endeavor, as the government identifies the person’s assets and liabilities, listing belongings in publications.

“They make it very public,” Krause says.

“Whereas with a proactive plan, you help avoid the public reconciliation of your estate.”

thecapistranodispatch.com

Matt Duncan, a San Clemente resident, is now able to visit his wife, Arleeta, more regularly at Aegis Living Dana Point. Photo: Lillian Boyd

A NEW DAY

Senior Living Homes Celebrate a PostVaccine Chapter

By Lillian Boyd aring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s comes with its challenges.

With the threat of COVID-19, seniors with memory care issues face high risk, and even under standard circumstances, a lack of communication interferes with human connection.

“On a good day, a hug is what you know you can get. But with COVID restrictions, it’s this whole other layer of complexity,” Suzy Welbaum, a San Clemente resident, said in February. “I just want a hug. A real hug. It’s that personal touch that is missed.”

Welbaum’s mother has been a resident at Aegis Living Dana Point for four years, after living with Suzy for 25 years.

But caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s amid a global pandemic adds to the distress. Matt Duncan had been caring for his wife, Arleeta, throughout 2020 as her struggles with memory began to

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The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

worsen.

“The thing with Alzheimer’s is that it seems to roll in like a fog. It begins with a loved one asking the same question they already asked just moments later,” Duncan said. “More and more issues start happening, and you go from a mild cognitive impairment to the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.”

Duncan says his wife did not seem to understand the magnitude of the coronavirus pandemic. When she’d tend to her garden, neighborhood kids would walk by to greet her, and she’d want to give them hugs at a time when social distancing was being heavily stressed, Duncan said.

It was when Arleeta took off alone, triggering a manhunt from the fire department, that Duncan realized the help and care she needed was beyond his capabilities.

“I had it in my head that bringing

her here for the first time would be this traumatic moment for me. It felt like betrayal. I was going to be leaving my soul mate here,” Duncan said. “But Aegis staff was very accommodating and equipped.

The goodbye seemed to be anticlimactic.

I realized this was the best decision for her, and I took comfort in that. There was some relief.”

Arleeta came into Aegis’s care in January, amid a rise in cases. As is customary with memory care residents, friends and family were discouraged from visiting for the first two weeks of her transition in order to ensure a smoother adjustment.

Extra precautions were in place due to COVID—a factor in Duncan’s decision to choose Aegis. Additionally, Aegis had already begun preparations for vaccinating its staff and residents.

In November, Aegis Living registered its communities with CVS Health, its primary pharmacy provider and one of the organizations that has been formally approved by the Department of Health & Human Services, to administer the vaccine. On Feb. 2, Aegis Living Dana Point celebrated the administration of the first round of vaccines for its residents. Now, nearly 100% of residents and staff are vaccinated.

“It was hard at first, because you didn’t know what was going on or what to look forward to,” 98-year-old Aegis resident Marian Whitney said.

Whitney says she’s constantly asking when she can get a haircut and when she

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gets to take off her mask. But she says she continues to go on her daily walks—a routine she’s maintained since arriving at Aegis about 13 months ago. “(The walks) are my therapy,” Whitney said. “The pandemic happened within several months of me coming to Aegis.

There is really nice care here. Everyone is so polite, everyone knew my name right away. But it will be nice for things to feel normal again … for me to see my family again.”

Management at Aegis made the first day of vaccinations a day of celebration.

While the protocols and safety measures will continue, residents are getting a taste of the old life again. Whitney is enjoying in-person visits and outings with relatives again. Duncan is able to see his wife’s living accommodations for the first time, engage with staff and her new friends, take her out for local appointments and joyful events—such as walking the San Clemente Pier.

“The community is full of life with group activities in full swing—from daily exercise groups to gardening and art classes, book club, courtyard games, happy hours, wine tasting and scenic drives,” said Nandi Butcher, a public relations specialist for Aegis. “We currently have 6-10 activities per day.”

Butcher adds that everyone is thrilled to be dining together again. The biggest highlight has been in-person visits with residents and their loved ones—but staff is still on guard with safety practices and infection control.

Atria San Juan Capistrano, a senior living home under Atria Senior Living, Inc., is one of six locations in Orange County.

The six local locations all have more than 90% of residents and staff vaccinated.

The first vaccine clinic at an Atria Orange County community took place on January 13 at Atria Newport Plaza. Since then, the vaccine rollout has included more than 54,000 doses administered so far.

The high vaccination levels, along with continuing de-escalation of state restrictions, are enabling the expansion of resident groups from 15 to 20, and expanding visitor capacity (including families, external guests, or potential residents) from 3 to 5.

This expansion comes as a result of Atria’s successful “Sleeve Up, Atria” vaccination campaign. Vaccination rates are expected to increase as the company’s May 1 deadline for mandatory staff vaccination approaches.

“Atria was the first large senior living provider in America to mandate the vaccine for our staff in early January. The results make us glad we made up our minds early. So far, the breakdown is that more than 92% of our U.S. residents and 85% of our staff have taken the vaccine,” said John Moore, Chairman and CEO of Atria Senior Living.

“We know the health benefits of a social living environment, full of expression and engagement. So many of our residents and staff have expressed their excitement to put many of the restrictions thecapistranodispatch.com

of the pandemic behind us and take on a beautiful life ahead,” Moore said. “We’ve entered a ‘COVID Watch’ period where we are still observing our safety protocols but are also able to expand group dining, the use of community amenities and increased family visits as regulators allow. But this phase also equips us to escalate back to higher protocol levels, if necessary.”

cols, and the things we have learned in managing through the last year, give us confidence in our plans to turn the page and spring into life at its fullest.”

Francis Cruz is the Engage Life Director at Crestavilla, Atria’s location in Laguna Niguel.

“My main purpose is to keep our residents engaged and continue living happily. When the pandemic hit, that became really difficult, but technology made a big

“The community is full of life with group activities in full swing—from daily exercise groups to gardening and art classes, book club, courtyard games, happy hours, wine tasting and scenic drives. We currently have 6-10 activities per day.” —Nandi Butcher, Aegis Moore says the goal is a ‘Post COVID-19’ protocol in which there are no restrictions on community amenity usage, all visitors are allowed pending screening questions, and PPE requirements are relaxed or in some situations eliminated.

“We are ready for a world where we’re poised to react, but where we also have greater freedoms as disease activity wanes and immunity takes hold through the vaccines,” Moore said. “The decline in disease activity in our communities gives us hope, and the protection afforded by the vaccine, continuing safety proto-

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

difference,” Cruz said. “At first, it was hard to get Zoom and FaceTime going, but now we’re offering programs as either virtual or in-person, socially distanced.”

Cruz says senior residents are now coming to him daily for more ways to use technology.

“Now that our staff and residents are nearly all vaccinated, I am most excited for older adults to enjoy that sense of security in freedom again. It feels like Crestavilla here. We’re known for our events, and finally, we can enjoy a meal together again.”

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thecapistranodispatch.com

Local Knowledge

Special Advertising Section

With the Market Near All-Time Highs, Should You Be Excited or Concerned?

When markets are near record highs, you wonder, “Is this a bubble?” When markets dive, you ask, “Is this THE Crash?”

Your biggest question: How do you keep your head on straight when Wall Street is sending your retirement savings on a rollercoaster ride?

After one of the most spectacular recoveries in recent years (from the bottom in March 2020 to March 2021), both the Dow and S&P 500 continue to notch record highs – enough whipsawing to make your neck and retirement accounts ache.

There’s an effective medium, though, between doing nothing and panicky trading. Here is an often-overlooked tool that we have successfully used over the past 2-plus decades working with some of the most successful and savvy retirement savers and investors during the biggest bull and bear markets in history that can keep you level-headed.

Do You Have an IPS? If you are not familiar with what an IPS is, it isn’t something you need to visit a doctor for. An IPS or Investment Policy Statement is something you create (either on your own or with the help of an experienced advisor) that describes your investment philosophy and style, and guidelines as well as constraints for you and your advisor to manage your investments.

An IPS serves as your guardrail so you don’t veer all over, chasing investments or changing your strategy as markets ebb and flow.

Your IPS should be centered on your key investing goals and life priorities. In addition, your IPS should also set targets for your asset allocation within your investment portfolios. These targets should be ranges and treated strategically for market cycles, as opposed to static figures for each class. This increases your options for making strategic investment decisions as markets rise and fall. This is very important, especially if you happen to be within 5 years before or after retirement or what we like to call the Retirement Red Zone—a key time in life to avoid negative market volatility.

Creating a perpetual portfolio, one that stands the test of time, begins with a thoughtful IPS that you can revisit through the years, as your goals and priorities may change with age.

Would you like your own personalized Investment Policy Statement? Visit quiverfinancial.com/protect-your-retirement-live-event to learn how to create your own IPS in 4 simple steps.

Aging Successfully with Holistic Health Care

By Drs. Burton & Emma Wagner, DC It’s been said that “the trick is growing up without growing old.” If you’re over the age of 55, you’ve likely pondered this notion at least once in your life. Do you think aging has to be painful, is about dealing with diseases and taking a lot of medications? That the body will become more fragile, making it harder to recuperate from trauma and losing your independence? There are natural holistic solutions that everyone can use easily.

Well, let’s look at 4 benefits of holistic health care that play an essential role in successful aging: • Pain relief: Fixing the underlying causes of pain without medications for better mobility, flexibility and vitality. The causes of inflammation need to be addressed. Holistic Chiropractic care, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy and microcurrent stimulation are examples of holistic modalities to reduce pain and increase vitality.

• Reducing our toxic load: Holistic care focuses on detoxifying the body. As your health improves, you can reduce your medications with unpleasant side effects and that may have high levels of toxicity. A food cleanse, the use of nutritional supplements, lymphatic massage, saunas and ionic foot detox baths are good tools to remove toxins already present in the body.

• Preventing trauma and repairing from trauma faster: As we age, we can feel more fragile, stiff, and less capable of doing things. It may seem like our body’s ability to heal is reduced and it takes longer to heal. Holistic modalities such as Red Light Therapy, PEMF and microcurrent stimulation are good supports for assisting your body to heal.

• Increase life enjoyment: Life enjoyment comes from feeling more secure and stable in your body/mind. Holistic care focuses on creating balance both physically and psychologically to help you maintain your sense of independence and confidence, which allows you to fully enjoy life with your loved ones.

Many people now seek holistic care, whether as a treatment solution, complementary treatment, or for prevention of problems. Holistic care like gentle chiropractic, lifestyle coaching, and the modalities listed above help maintain vitality through proper range of motion, a balanced nervous system, and improved organ function.

One last tip: Staying active is the best way to feel good.

Focus on the mobility of your feet and visualize the connection between your feet and your brain by challenging your balance and coordination. Since the brain controls every part of your body, improving your brain-body connection can dramatically improve your sense of vitality.

San Clemente Vitality Center offers gentle innovative holistic care. Bring in this article to ask for a special gift when you come in for your Free Discover Session.

San Clemente Vitality 647 Camino De Los Mares Suite 218 San Clemente, CA 92673 949.441.7755 sanclementevitality.com

Quiver Financial Holdings, LLC 501 N. El Camino Real, Ste. 200, San Clemente, CA 92672 949.492.6900 | quiverfinancial.com Advisory Services Offered through Quiver Financial Services, LLC A registered advisory License OB75303 The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

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What to Look for in a Memory Care Community Dementia doesn’t just affect the person who has it. It affects the entire family. It’s often challenging to provide the care your loved one needs while juggling other responsibilities. It’s also hard to know when it’s time for memory care or where to start your research process.

Serra Sol Memory Care helps family members who are walking this journey and can be counted on to provide helpful advice for caregivers. Ultimately, if you feel it’s time to consider a memory care community, our team can help you navigate that process, answering any questions you have.

Not all memory care communities are created equal. When considering a community, you should prioritize a few key concepts, including: • Safety and security • 24/7 caregiver support • Comfortable accommodations and amenities • Transparent pricing structures • Life-enriching activities to encourage socialization and interaction • Support for family members What may be most important, though, is finding a place where your loved one will feel at home — something we take seriously at Serra Sol. We strive to create an environment that speaks to the warm embrace of home.

Unlike other health problems, which can come on all at once, dementia is a progressive decline, and there may not be an immediate need to seek memory care. As the decline continues, however, you may come to believe that your loved one needs a stable memory care environment.

You may wonder, is a move to a community really needed, or will in-home care work? There’s no easy answer, as it depends on your loved one’s specific needs and the availability of family members to be full-time caregivers.

In-home care can be a reasonable solution for some, especially in the early stages of dementia. In many cases, though, memory care becomes the better option. Caregivers at a community like Serra Sol are expertly trained to care for those with dementia. Our professional caregivers can provide the assurance of around-the-clock safety as well as access to medical care. Programs specific to Serra Sol, like LifeCycles, can provide a peerless level of engagement for those with dementia while also giving family members both relief and full peace of mind.

Serra Sol Memory Care is coming soon to San Juan Capistrano, and we know that in order to provide a truly inspired life for residents in our care, it’s about much more than making sure a resident’s health-related needs are met. It’s about the little things that mean a lot—warmhearted staff who know your loved one’s favorite activities; comfortable routines that spark positive memories; and opportunities for fun, laughter and joy each day. It’s a community that truly feels like home. To learn more about the Serra Sol way of life or to schedule a tour, visit our website at SerraSol.com or call 949.485.2022.

Serra Sol Memory Care 31451 Avenida Los Cerritos, San Juan Capistrano, CA 949.485.2022 | SerraSol.com | RCFE: 306005946 thecapistranodispatch.com

San Clemente Village: A Wonderful Local Resource When you hear of San Clemente Village, you might think it’s a senior living facility.

On the contrary, it is a vibrant organization of vetted volunteers who provide planned events, activities, programs and services for those aged 55 and over in our beautiful town. Their vision is to help people thrive and live well in their homes.

San Clemente Village is part of the nation-wide Village to Village network, which, the website says, “...pioneered the way for a positive, forward-thinking model for aging.”

Village Movement California is our state-run branch, and in 2016, San Clemente was lucky enough to get its own Village organization.

Our local Village’s Executive Director is Jan Montague.

She has a gerontology background and is also on the state Village Board. Volunteers and board members consist of local residents.

Pre-Covid, the Village calendar listed nearly a dozen activities a month. Typical outings include Bridge and Lunch Bunch, Dine Around, Movie Matinee, and Exploring Technology, educational programs on a variety of topics and other social activities. San Clemente Village makes it easy to connect with those members who have similar interests. During Covid, a Zoom coffee hour, bingo and happy hour are the main events, along with birthday gift bag and fun bag deliveries.

Services like these are offered to members during the Covid restrictions: • Computer/phone assistance • Paperwork organizing • Transportation (medical appointments within a 20-mile radius & errands 10-mile radius) • Minor indoor and outdoor home maintenance services (replacing a furnace filter) • Pet Assistance • Zoom educational programs • Village health companion for medical appointments • Puzzle exchange • Phone check-ins Physically-distanced front porch and patio visits Even during this time of physical distancing, San Clemente Village Volunteers are reachable by phone from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm daily to provide assistance for services. They are the matchmakers who make sure that the appropriate person is called to provide help for each request.

San Clemente Village To inquire about membership or volunteer opportunities, visit our website at scvillage.org or call 949.441.1348.

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

Getting

HANDS-ON with Ceramics

Artist Kathryn Dennis Teaches Craftsmanship

By Collin Breaux

I

n the age of smartphones, social media, and premade items, we might not always be literally hands-on when it comes to crafting our own items.

San Clemente-based ceramic artist Kathryn Stovall Dennis, who has been teaching in South Orange County for nearly 20 years, provides people an alternative to that with her classes.

“It’s active,” Dennis said of ceramics. “It’s not a passive thing. … This is an opportunity to bring yourself into a project.”

Dennis has taught at Saddleback College and The Hive Ceramics, the latter in the Talega Business Park.

Like many other people, Dennis transitioned to digital Zoom sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s small classes,” Dennis said. “It’s tailored for COVID protocols.”

Dennis also taught classes at a studio in her house, but those were canceled due to the outbreak. She generally taught those classes once a week and is considering bringing them back when California is expected to fully reopen in mid-June.

Dennis didn’t start teaching until her late 40s, and she is now in her 60s. One advantage she has as a ceramics instructor, she said, is that she doesn’t have the burnout others may have.

“I still have a lot of enthusiasm,” Dennis said.

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Kathryn Dennis

Her classes generally fill up within 24 hours, and a lot of participants are past students from her college courses. The age range for students is predominantly 35-75, and the classes are generally publicized through word-of-mouth.

People are drawn to ceramics, because it’s an opportunity to create their own object, she said. Class participants make functional items such as bowls or platters in the beginning courses, as ceramics often ties into food, Dennis notes.

Dennis’ work can be purchased at Mission Fine Art Gallery in San Juan Capistrano, and her work is also publicly visible throughout San Clemente. Learn more about her artwork through her website, stovalldesign.me.

“It’s never too late to explore your creative side,” Dennis said. “It’s good for people, as they get older, to push themselves and learn new things.” thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

By Zach Cavanagh fter a year of folks being inside the four walls of their home and enduring various levels of quarantines, shutdowns and restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, the siren call of summer and vacation plans is calling louder than ever.

With those shutdowns in the rearview mirror, the restrictions easing with each passing month and the distribution of vaccines making quarantines nearly a thing of the past, the idea to travel is becoming more and more appealing to potential vacationers across the country.

“Being that they’ve been cooped up for so long, that’s the motivation that people are looking to get out and travel,” said Christine Fredlov, San Clemente’s branch manager at the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA). “Some people are vaccinated and feeling more comfortable, and others are just anxious to get out and travel with things starting to open up.”

According to a global travel trends report released by American Express Travel in March, 78% of travelers surveyed said they’re looking for ways to get out and go somewhere in 2021 to relieve the stresses of 2020.

“While individual sentiments differ, one thing is clear: there’s a pent-up demand for travel and a clear appreciation for the benefits that it can bring,” Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, said in a statement. “In fact, people miss traveling so much that 76% of respondents surveyed are creating their destinations wish list for future travel even though they might not be able to travel yet.”

Additionally, to further describe people’s desire to get out and see the world, 64% of the survey’s respondents said they

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The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

Return to Travel

As the world begins to reopen, the travel industry is ready for those comfortable and willing to get back out there and explore would be willing to give up social media for a month just to go on vacation, and another 56% of respondents said they’d be willing to book trips right now even if they had to cancel them.

This thirst for travel will be much appreciated by an industry that saw travel spending in the United States suffer a 42% decline in 2020 from 2019 numbers, according to analysis from Tourism Economics. That decline represents about a $500 billion difference.

However, with the vaccines beginning to be distributed in December 2020 and ramping up through the early parts of 2021 along with fewer and fewer cases of COVID-19 infections, the world has begun to reopen—and that includes the world of travel.

Fredlov said February was when phone inquiries started picking up, and the walk-ins began showing up again at the San Clemente AAA office.

Fredlov said the most popular destinations have been river cruises around the United States, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida, particularly Orlando and Walt Disney World. San Diego has been the most popular Southern

California destination for South Orange County residents.

“We’re definitely getting the older generation that are booking U.S. river cruises,” Fredlov said. “Mississippi and Ohio Rivers are popular. We’re also getting a lot of families booking trips, especially the Florida trips.”

For the river cruises, Fredlov said many of those trips are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, as the ships can be small and compact. Ocean cruises from the United States will likely require those as well, but those could still be a ways off.

“No idea,” Fredlov said of when U.S.based ocean cruises could return. “We’ve been hearing this fall, but there’s a lot of requirements they have to get done. We keep hearing that it keeps being pushed further out.”

Bookings for ocean cruises have begun in some places internationally, such as from the Bahamas, but all trips on the big ocean liners are still battling against the tides of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, there are those trips that are opening up, and when looking to travel in the post-COVID world of 2021, there are

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plenty of things of which to take note.

First, if international travel is in the cards, including trips to Mexico, a big recommendation is to check on passport expiration dates. It’s recommended that if the passport is expiring within six months of the date trip that it should be renewed.

In San Clemente, passports can be renewed at the post office at 520 E. Avenida Pico or at the Rancho San Clemente Station post office at 905 Calle Negocio.

In Dana Point, the renewal site is at the post office at 24551 Del Prado. Fredlov also said passports can also be handled at the AAA San Clemente Branch at 638 Camino de los Mares.

The next big recommendation for 2021 travel?

“Travel insurance, travel insurance, travel insurance,” Fredlov said. “Not only for cancellations, but medically, if they’re travelling outside of the country, to have some sort of primary care. Always inquire with their travel agent.”

After 2020, many will be familiar with the pain of canceling an anticipated travel plan. Fredlov said they were able to maintain a lot of business by professional agents, keeping lines of communication open and vendors providing incentives to travelers to rebook.

Fredlov said that vendors and agencies usually have multiple promotions underway. AAA has a recovery plan in which travelers would get a rebate at the time of travel, depending on the size of the package. Many vendors and agencies are providing incentives to travel in 2021.

After a year of staying indoors and limiting travel to the immediate area—or just to and from the couch—opportunities are available as the world slowly heads toward normalcy. Whenever ready, there are destinations waiting. thecapistranodispatch.com

By Gina Cousineau

HEART-HEALTHY AT HOME

FOOD AS MEDICINE

A

s I turn 58 this week, I remind my senior clients, me being one, that we are sitting in the midst of what are potentially the best years of our lives.

As a culinary nutritionist, I strive to merge the two worlds of “nutritious and delicious” when helping my clients use a “food as medicine” philosophy. While we can all agree upon what a wholesome diet looks like, putting it onto your plate multiple times a day, week after week, in a sustainable way, is always a task.

This recipe is the perfect collaboration of plants combined to give you appropriate calories, a huge boost of plant-based protein, a plethora of vegetables that are both low in calories and high in nutrition, topped with a little flavor boost of Parmesan Reggiano providing additional protein and a ton of joy.

While I personally follow an omnivore diet, including animal foods most days, a meatless meal is always a welcome change. Using bean pastas allows those who prefer a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle, or who might have gluten intolerance, get adequate protein along with wonderful texture and flavor, sans the “meat.” Nutritional Yeast or vegan “cheese” can replace the Parmesan if desired.

Macaroni Minestrone Soup • 2 tbsp Olive Oil • 2 cups Zucchini, small diced • 2 cups Carrots, small diced • 2 cups Onions, small diced • 2 cloves Garlic, minced • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp dried) • 4 cups Vegetable Broth (or chicken broth) • 15 oz Tomato Sauce, canned

• 1 15-oz can Cannellini Beans, drained/rinsed • 1 8-oz box Chickpea Pasta Shells (or any other small pasta) • 10 oz Baby Spinach (can be omitted) • Fresh Basil, cut into strips, optional • Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

Heat olive oil in large pot w/ lid, and sauté zucchini, carrots, onions, garlic, and thyme, until veggies are soft, seasoning with salt and pepper (about 10 minutes). Stir in vegetable broth, tomato sauce, and cannellini beans, bringing to a boil. Cover, lower heat to simmer, and allow to cook for 30-plus minutes. When ready to serve, add pasta and cook until pasta tender. Remove from heat and stir in baby spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, as desired. Top each serving with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings 400 calories / 41.3 g carbs / 11.6 g fat / 29.1 g protein

Gina Cousineau is a trained chef, fitness professional, and integrative/functional nutritionist. She educates her clients how to advocate for their health using “food as medicine,” helping them make a complete lifestyle shift, beginning with nutrition education and culinary skills, partnered with her food template and recipes, and adding in a little calculated exercise, which allows them to lose weight and thrive.

You can reach her at 949.842.9975, mamagslifestyle.com, or follow her on social media @mamagslifestyle.

Gina Cousineau

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

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GETTING OUT

FRIDAY | 30

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

FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday afternoon. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

SATURDAY | 01 BOXING SPARRING NIGHT 8 p.m. Members of Capistrano Boxing Gym will slug it out in the ring during sparring sessions, similar to actual fights.

Capistrano Boxing Gym, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite E4, San Juan Capistrano. capoboxinggym.com.

SATURDAY | 24

SATURDAY | 08

WESTERN MONARCH BUTTERFLY AWARENESS 9-9:50 a.m. Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens will host a Zoom talk with guest speaker and conservation specialist Susie Vanderlip to explain the decline in population of monarch butterflies and ways to reverse it. Goin’ Native will be selling milkweed plants from 10 a.m.-noon in front of their training center at Reata Park. Reata Park, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.674.6307. goinnative.net.

DINNER AND DRINKS AT THE COACH HOUSE 7:30 p.m. Live music is finally back at The Coach House. GBK will perform during what are being billed as Dinner and Drink Service Nights at the popular South Orange County venue. The Coach House will be following health guidelines. Dinner reservations are required, so call the box office beforehand to secure your spot. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE BREWHOUSE 6-8 p.m. Jim Plays Dan will perform at this craft beer spot. Order a round, sit back and enjoy musical renditions of Steely Dan tunes. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. thebrewhousesjc.com.

SUNDAY | 25 LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S INN 1-5 p.m. Come and enjoy live music again at one of San Juan Capistrano’s most popular spots, but keep in mind this is outdoors only. Rob Staley Band will perform. Cover charge is $5 and requires a food purchase. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

THURSDAY | 29 LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 6 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Michael Lucas will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

Editor’s Pick San Clemente community member Bill Hart is battling lymphoma. His friends are holding a blood drive this Saturday. Photo: Collin Breaux.

SATURDAY | 24 BLOOD DRIVE IN HONOR OF BILL HART 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Friends of former San Clemente council candidate and active community member Bill Hart are organizing a blood drive in his honor. Bill Hart, who is the brother of San Juan Capistrano Councilmember Howard Hart, was diagnosed with lymphoma in March 2020 and needs blood as part of his treatment. The blood drive will be held in conjunction with the South OC Cars and Coffee show. Appointments and a photo ID are required, and there will be antibody testing of each blood donation. Type 92672 into the zip code spot to pull up an appointment. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 844.380.5220. scbloodbank.org/donate.

AT THE MOVIES

Hypocrisy in the New ‘Space Jam’ Movie?

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

N

ostalgia and outdated pop culture are a heck of a combination, and usually one that doesn’t end too well. Warner Bros.’ reboot of Joe Pytka’s cult comedy Space Jam (1996) looks to be testing this formula as far as it can go, based on the new trailer for Malcolm D. Lee’s Space Jam: A New Legacy.

But before we could joke about the sequel being an obvious, easy cash grab, some highly distracting and possibly obtuse hypocrisy in the trailer was quickly acknowledged on social media.

Unlike the first film, which featured all the classic Looney Tunes characters, plus some new cartoon faces alongside basketball superstar Michael Jordan, this new flick is tossing everything at the wall and including nearly

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Studios

all of the properties the studio currently owns next to LeBron James.

This would be only amusingly obvious if it weren’t for some more controversial character cameos also spotted in the new trailer. The Droogs from Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971), the War Boys of George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) and the White Walkers of HBO’s Game of Thrones (2011-19).

The first two are from R-rated movies and the third from a TV-MA cable series, and all feature graphic violent content. Why are these characters making appearances in a family-friendly fantasy-comedy?

These additions are not only peculiar, but

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almost hilariously bewildering after Warner and Lee went out of their way to claim the new movie would be more progressive by portraying Lola Bunny as less sexy and more girl power-heavy, plus snubbing Pepe Le Pew’s presence.

Pepe’s absence is not surprising, since the character’s schtick is very dated. Watching some of the old Pepe cartoon shorts contemporarily on YouTube, it is a little awkward to see the skunk so physically up in the cat’s personal space while she’s not interested in him at all, even if the gag is toward his delusion.

For generally politically incorrect content in their classic cartoons, Warner Bros. usually begins the shorts with a special disclaimer as a warning and reminder that the studio’s current views aren’t relevant to a half-century ago.

This is generally a tactic I prefer over a studio such as Disney that has a habit of hiding its controversial material as if it doesn’t exist.

But if that’s the route Warner Bros. is choosing to go with Pepe Le Pew this time around, at least be genuine with it and don’t make it completely obvious that it’s only performative when you feature R-rated famous movie/ TV characters inappropriately in a PG-rated comedy. CD

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SJC LIVING

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

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Some Women Didn’t Like Tom’s Relationship Advice

S

ome women didn’t like the advice I included in my most recent column: “Woman worries that her boyfriend might leave her” (April 9-15 issue). Two women in particular, “M” and Theresa, took me to task.

M wrote: “I enjoy reading your column in the Dana Point Times even though I’m not over 50 :) I just finished reading the column about the 65-year-old woman Corrine who is afraid her boyfriend might leave her.

“I had such a visceral reaction to your advice to her ON LIFE AND LOVE that I am compelled

BY TOM BLAKE to write you.

“I’m saddened that you are encouraging this woman to not voice her own needs in the relationship for the sake of her boyfriend’s comfort. And for encouraging her to settle for something sub-optimal because, as you said to her, ‘there’s no guarantee you would find someone as compatible.’

“She’s been with this guy for eight months, and she’s in love with him. I think it’s appropriate for her to express her desire to move the relationship to the next level.

“She is looking for a ‘life partner.’ Her boyfriend responded that he may not

This photo depicts Don Camilo Martinez of San Juan Capistrano.

Martinez was a native of Mexico who came to the United States during The Great Depression.

The year for this photo is unknown, though it is believed to be from the 1990s.

be that life partner for her and now he feels pressure, which should tell her a lot. She should take him at his word and get out now.

“Corrine says she feels insecure in the relationship. That is not a good feeling and that is NOT how one should feel if she is in a loving, respectful relationship.

“She shouldn’t be afraid to talk about the future and ask for what she wants out of fear he might leave. That is not loving, and no one should settle for that.”

And Theresa wrote, “I have been enjoying your column for years. Usually, I find myself nodding in agreement, but not this time. I am miffed.

“Why would you suggest Corrine just tiptoe around her true feelings? After eight months of an intimate relationship, it is natural for a woman to begin to think longer term. It’s how we are wired. You seemed to advise her to hide her feelings to keep the guy sticking around.

“This is messed up. It’s like play acting a false reality out of desperation. If it were me, I would be honest about how I felt and what I was hoping for, and if the guy freaks out and runs, then he wasn’t the right person for me.”

Tom’s written response to M and Theresa: “I appreciate what you say. But a woman younger than 50 hasn’t walked

Photo: Courtesy of Carmen Northen and OC Public Libraries.

in the shoes of a woman, 65. There were two reasons I advised Corrine to stay in the relationship, even without a ‘life partner’ commitment from him.

“First, if she left him, she’d be sad and might look back with regret, thinking, maybe he wouldn’t have left her.

“And second, age might be a factor.

Corrine feels it would be difficult to find someone as suitable now that she is 65.

The ratio of single women to single men at that age is close to four-to-one. She figures she’d rather be happy now than have to start over again at such challenging odds.

“The approximate ratio of single women to single men below age 50 is close to one-to-one. Women younger than 50 have far more men from whom to choose than their older counterparts. If a guy

Sudoku

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Ash

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com.

they like won’t commit, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.”

In a follow-up email, M wrote: “That age 65 ratio is certainly depressing!”

When I submitted that column to my newspaper editor, a woman far younger than 50, she said: “If I were Corrine, I’d have been on the next!” (I think she meant the “next” train out of town.)

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

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

his blue-eyed charmer is Ash, a 2-year-old Husky mix with a great personality. While he may not want to play fetch, Ash is an affectionate boy who absolutely loves to be by your side.

With a sweet disposition, he would likely be a good companion for family members of any age.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com FOR SALE

5 ACRE UNDEVELOPED HORSE PROPERTY La Cresta. Electricity on property. Dedicated horse trail on north end of property leading to National Forest. $199,000. 38454 Via Sereno, Murrieta. www.zillow.com

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com

DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

HELP WANTED GET A FLIPPIN JOB! Flippin’ Pizza in Dana Point is opening! We need cooks, cashiers/counter help, delivery drivers, etc. Full time and part time positions available.

Apply Now - flippinpizza.com/get-flippin-job PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT Local perio office looking for part-time dental assistant amenable to help out at the front desk.

Please email resume to ginnyperio@att.net.

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

P&C LICENSED TEAM MEMBER Get 2021 off to a great start! Local Insurance Agent seeks a P&C Licensed Team member for a Customer Sales/ Service Position. Income based on your efforts, Flexibility available, Experience Preferred, apply at www.elainelavine.net

HELP WANTED

Sales & Marketing Representative Picket Fence Media, publisher of the award-winning San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch, seeks a Sales and Marketing Representative who will be responsible for selling advertising space across PFM’s network of hyper-local newspapers, websites, magazines, social platforms and custom products. This position is commission-only and offers a highly competitive commission plan. The ideal candidate will have experience selling media across multiple channels ideally at a newspaper or digital media company. Candidates will work as an Independent Contractor, own a business license and maintain their own business home office, independent email and phone contact information.

Interested candidates should send cover letter and resume to jobs@picketfencemedia.com.

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

The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

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SJC LIVING

Events Gradually Returning in San Juan Capistrano

TEXT & PHOTOS BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

n-person gatherings are gradually coming back in San Juan Capistrano and elsewhere, as COVID-19 vaccinations increase and case numbers remain relatively low.

The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society hosted a vintage pop-up market on Los Rios Street at the O’Neill Museum on Saturday, April 17. There were vintage crafts and other goods on hand. Visitors enjoyed the fresh air on one of San Juan Capistrano’s most historic streets.

View more photos at thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SAN JUAN PREP SPORTS ROUNDUP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

San Juan Hills Football Edged in ‘Battle for the Bell’ After winning its second consecutive Sea View League title and its first CIF-SS championship in Division 4 last season, the San Juan Hills football team didn’t get a warm reception in its return to the South Coast League.

The Stallions’ best shot at a league victory came against rival Tesoro in the second edition of the “Battle for the Bell,” but victory slipped out of San Juan Hills’ fingers.

San Juan Hills led by 12 points in the first half and had to retake the lead in the fourth quarter, but Tesoro completed its comeback and got just enough to defeat the Stallions, 26-25. Tesoro took the bell for the second consecutive season with the win at the Badlands.

Senior quarterback Hudson Jones closed out his San Juan Hills career with another strong passing game, completing 29 of 40 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Braden Pegan caught 11 of those passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Dashiel Ross caught six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown, and junior Cole Monach caught nine passes for 70 yards. Senior Brayden Burnes ran the ball 23 times for 103 yards and a touchdown.

San Juan Hills pushed out to a 19-7 lead late in the second quarter, but that’s when Tesoro started its push. The Titans scored just before halftime to cut the deficit to six, 19-13, and Tesoro took the lead late in the third quarter, 20-19.

San Juan Hills regained the lead midway through the fourth quarter, 25-20, but the Stallions couldn’t convert the two-point conversion. Tesoro answered on the ensuing drive to go ahead by one point, 26-25, but the Titans missed their own two-point conversion.

San Juan Hills was then stopped on fourth down, and despite getting the ball back one last time, the Stallions were denied again, as Tesoro claimed the bell.

The Stallions opened the season in prolific fashion with high-scoring wins over Sea View League foes El Toro, 48-14, The Capistrano Dispatch April 23-May 13, 2021

San Juan Hills battled back and forth and to the end with rival Tesoro, but the Stallions were edged out by one point, 26-25, in the second edition of the “Battle for the Bell.”

Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone 57

and Capistrano Valley, 52-41. San Juan Hills then got hit with injuries and hit with the South Coast League’s best, as eventual league champion San Clemente beat the Stallions, 35-7, and league runner-up Mission Viejo did the same, 49-14.

San Juan Hills will lose some senior championship experience from key positions on the defense and at quarterback, but the Stallions have plenty of young skill that showed its ability this season.

San Juan Hills will be ready to compete with a full season in the South Coast League this fall.

JSerra Football Drops Season Finale With the 2020-21 season complete, it will be one the young JSerra football team only uses as motivation to improve, with the results in a winless season kept in the rearview mirror.

The Lions put up a season-high in points in their season finale, but Orange Lutheran’s passing attack proved to be too much, as the Lancers closed out the season with a 52-20 win at JSerra Catholic High School on Friday, April 16.

Junior Zach Pua carried the ball 24 times for 137 yards for JSerra (0-5).

The Lions recorded two highlight plays in the third quarter. Freshman quarterback Dylan Mills, who scored in the first half on a 1-yard sneak, hit sophomore

receiver Edward Schultz up the seam on a 73-yard touchdown pass, and senior Dominic Corado found a lane with good blocking on a 95-yard kickoff return.

Despite JSerra’s big plays, Orange Lutheran (1-4) kept coming up with more of its own. The Lancers threw for six touchdown passes, including two 36-yard TD passes, a 38-yard scoring pass and an 86-yard touchdown pass. Orange Lutheran also blocked a JSerra field goal and returned it for a touchdown in the second quarter.

It was always going to be tough sledding for JSerra in this delayed and shortened pandemic season. The Lions experienced massive roster turnover in the offseason with graduations and transfers, which left a young roster to take on an all-Trinity League slate. Mater Dei (5-0) once again won the Trinity League, with rivals St. John Bosco (4-1) and Servite (3-2) right behind.

District Hockey Team Finishes as National Runner-Up The Capistrano Unified School District’s combined high school hockey team—the Capistrano Coyotes—made program history on Monday, April 19, as the team competed in its first national championship game.

In the USA Hockey High School Division II National Championship in

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Omaha, Nebraska, the Coyotes went out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, but the hometown Omaha Junior Lancers pushed back to force overtime, 4-4. Ten minutes into the extra session, Omaha scored off a faceoff to win the title, 5-4.

Capistrano went 4-1-1 overall in the tournament, with wins over teams from Kentucky, Utah, Colorado and Florida. The Coyotes qualified for the tournament by winning the CAHA High School Division 2A state championship in March.

Representing San Juan Hills on the Coyotes is senior forward Caden Bradford. Bradford posted one goal and three assists in the national tournament, including one in the title game. San Juan Hills senior forward Adam Benzan and sophomore forwards Jack Kovacs and Brenden Fields are also on the roster.

Capistrano’s leading point-scorer in the tournament was Dana Hills junior defenseman Quinton McElligott, and the Coyotes’ leading goal scorer was senior Nathan Brunelle, who attends the Capistrano Connections school.

The Capistrano Coyotes have four games remaining in their Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League season and returned to the ice on Thursday, April 22, against Orange Lutheran at Great Park Ice in Irvine. Results were not available at press time. The Coyotes play next against St. John Bosco on Saturday, April 24, at Great Park Ice. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

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