May 28, 2021

MAY 28-JUNE 10, 2021 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 10

INSIDE: Special Section

Preparing for the Future San Juan Capistrano Takes Steps to Update Housing Element E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 8

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The City of San Juan Capistrano is undertaking a required update to its housing guidelines. Photo: Collin Breaux

Memories Still Vivid for Korean War Veteran

Graduation Ceremonies Return

Downtown Movie Theater Reopens

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 6

GETTING OUT/PAGE 19

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28–June 10, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Military Memories Still Hit Home for Korean War Veteran

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Robert “Bob” Neitzel is physically in the living room of his San Juan Capistrano home—but, mentally, he’s still in the Korean War. Bob Neitzel, 90, cries when recounting the close encounters he had facing artillery fire during his two years of service in the war. He will receive a dedicated flag during the ongoing Field of Honor ceremony at Mission San Juan Capistrano during Memorial Day weekend.

Bob Neitzel is no stranger to military recognition, having accepted a posthumous Medal of Honor for his cousin and World War II veteran Alfred Neitzel in 2014 from President Barack Obama.

“It’s such an honor,” Neitzel said of getting the Medal of Honor on Alfred’s behalf. “To think what you do to earn the Medal of Honor … most people that are in the military get service ribbons for different campaigns they were in. That’s the highest award you can ever get.”

The Neitzel family was initially not

even aware of Alfred’s relation to them until they got calls from the government about his service and the Medal of Honor. Bob Neitzel said Alfred was leading a company that was being overrun by German troops and running out of ammunition.

“He sent them all to the back lines,” Bob Neitzel said. “He stayed and held off the overrunning German troops until he was either killed by a grenade or hand fire … but, boy, that takes guts.”

Bob Neitzel associates those experiences with his own in the Korean War since he was also overrun by enemy troops, a time he calls “no picnic, either.”

“I was able to dodge more bullets than him,” Bob Neitzel said.

Regarding the trip to Washington, D.C., to receive Alfred’s medal from Obama, Bob Neitzel said the military guides and escorts showed their group highlights of the nation’s capital. He went to the Korean War Veterans Memorial while in Washington.

“All I can do to sum up Korea is that was a cold goddamn place,” Bob Neitzel said. “The only memorable thing you got was, every 30 days, you got a chance to come back in the front lines and get a shower in a dirty truck.”

Bob Neitzel served as a high-speed

Robert “Bob” Neitzel is shown here with a posthumous Medal of Honor he accepted on behalf of his late cousin, Alfred Neitzel, a World War II veteran. Photo: Collin Breaux

Student Mask Requirements Dominate Discussions at Tense CUSD Meeting

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

During a school board meeting filled with various agenda items, one topic stood out and led to contentious exchanges—masks.

Parents and students spoke out against mask mandates for students during a Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting that began on Wednesday night, May 19, and finished after 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 20.

CUSD students have been required to wear masks while on campus and indoors.

The start of the meeting was delayed when trustees went back into closed session after some audience members had refused to wear a mask or wore it below their noses.

A citizen request to eliminate the mask mandate at CUSD schools was pulled from the agenda as the night went on after that citizen left the meeting, reportedThe Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

ly due to an emergency—a decision that infuriated some parents in attendance.

Audience members were initially prohibited from speaking against masks during the oral communications portion of the meeting by district staff and trustees, who said oral communications are only for items not on the agenda.

However, audience members were allowed to talk about masks when oral communications were reinstated during the meeting after the citizen request was pulled, and also during the discussion of the district’s reopening 2.0 plan that will permit students to be on campus a full five days a week for the upcoming 202122 school year starting in August.

Parents accused district staff and officials of delaying the meeting, while trustees countered that they were trying Page 3

radio Morse code operator in the 24th Infantry Division. His entry into Korea was in a tank landing ship that was sinking and had two feet of water by the time they got to the beaches in Busan.

“I thought I was going to drown before I was being shot, but we made it,” Bob Neitzel said.

The Neitzel family supports several local nonprofits including Mission San Juan Capistrano and Homefront America, which are hosting this year’s Field of Honor. Homefront America is a San Juan

Capistrano-based volunteer nonprofit that helps out and raises awareness for military service members and their families.

“It’s about people like Bob telling his story,” co-founder Mamie Yong Maywhort said. “It’s about the faces behind each flag. That’s really what Field of Honor means to me.”

Field of Honor is intended to educate younger generations so they know about the meaning behind the sacrifices made by service members and veterans, Maywhort said.

to follow procedure and conduct the business of the board. Trustee Amy Hanacek called for order at one point.

In-person capacity in the board room was limited due to social distancing, and a crowd of parents and children outside the building chanted, “Let the kids speak!” They also said they would vote out or recall the trustees, often loudly during other board discussions.

The crowd outside eventually left, though a handful of parents remained inside for the majority of the meeting.

Some audience members clapped and cheered during anti-mask remarks.

Parent Dana Collins said the board made the kids wait all night and were rude to people.

“You can walk into a restaurant and sit without any problem, but we’re enforcing a rule for kids to wear masks all day long,” Collins said. “My daughters have rashes.

(They) can’t breathe. This is ridiculous.”

Parent Criz Booth said her kids did not like wearing masks, since it led to issues with anxiety and caused one of

her son’s eyeglasses to fog up.

“The kids are suffering. They’re unhappy,” Booth said. “They should be happy to go to school.”

District officials have previously said they have to follow guidelines issued by the California Department of Public Health. Whether students will have to wear a mask while indoors on campus during the next school year depends on current CDPH guidelines.

Students are allowed to take off their masks if they are outdoors and have enough distance from others, such as during physical education classes or recess. Public health officials have said wearing masks while indoors and in proximity to others is an effective deterrent against spreading COVID-19.

A change in mask mandates for California could come during the anticipated full state reopening on June 15, when Gov. Gavin Newsom has signaled that California will adopt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations (Cont. on page 5) thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28–June 10, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

State Health Department Clarifies Details for June 15 Reopening

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Come June 15, conditions in California may resemble what they used to be before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold.

Restrictions will be lifted on indoor and outdoor settings and for physical distancing for business customers and event attendees, according to new guidelines released May 21 by the California Department of Public Health. Restaurants, bars, and other gathering spots will be able to be open without capacity limits.

However, vaccine verification or negative COVID-19 tests will be required for large indoor events and recommended for large outdoor events.

The full state reopening comes as COVID-19 cases plunge nationally and more and more people become fully

A stretch of Ortega Highway is expected to be widened in the coming years. Traffic in the area tends to get congested. Photo: Collin Breaux.

City Council Approves Funding Agreements for Ortega Highway Widening

vaccinated. The June reopening will also do away with the state’s four-tiered, color-coded pandemic monitoring system that has, at times, limited business operations and activities when cases were high.

Masking requirements for fully vaccinated people are expected to go away on June 15 as well, per Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Vaccinations continue to occur in California, though demand is slowing. There have been more than 3 million vaccine doses administered so far in Orange County. As of May 19, close to 1.4 million people in Orange County are fully vaccinated, or around 46.6% of the county population.

Statewide, more than 36 million doses have been administered, the California Department of Public Health reported.

There had been 221,221 average doses per day as of press time. There are more than 6 million doses on hand—representing 30 days of inventory. Close to half of the state’s population (49.4%) is fully vaccinated.

Orange County has specifically administered 3,038,516 doses so far. San Diego County has administered more than 3.3 million doses and Los Angeles County more than 9.2 million doses.

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The San Juan Capistrano City Council signed off on funding agreements with the Orange County Transportation Authority and County of Orange that ensure the city doesn’t have to pay for the much-anticipated widening of Ortega Highway.

The council approved the agreements during a meeting on Tuesday, May 18.

The project would add a lane in each direction on Ortega Highway on an approximately 1-mile stretch, from Calle Entradero to Reata Road, to ease traffic congestion. The widening has been discussed for at least a decade, and it is currently in the design phase.

OCTA will contribute $5.25 million and the county will provide $1.75 million, with the city acting as a passthrough agent. Those funds are expected to cover the $7 million in Caltrans design costs.

The county’s funds will reportedly come from Rancho Mission Viejo, which will provide $500,000 by July and the remaining $1.25 million by January 2022.

The stretch of Ortega Highway passes by RMV. The Orange County Board of Supervisors will consider the agreement with the city during a June 22 meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Derek Reeve said there was a time when the city was rather split on the widening, but perspectives have shifted as the area has grown.

“Now that we have all that development and we have more people, residents in San Juan really regularly using this location, I would say the residents overwhelmingly want to get this widening (done) as soon as possible,” Reeve said.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

(Cont. from page 3) that fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks in most settings.

“We are anticipating that mask guidance, distancing guidance, all of these things may change dramatically June 15,” said Gregory Merwin, chief academic officer of education and support services for CUSD. “If that happens, we will absolutely plan accordingly and follow that guidance, so if the mask mandate is removed, we will immediately follow that guidance.”

Trustee Lisa Davis said she supported unmasking CUSD students.

“The reality is, kids 12 years old and older can now be vaccinated, and students younger than 12 haven’t been shown to be spreaders of COVID, nor does COVID have the dire consequences in that age group that we’ve seen amongst our elderly population,” Davis said.

A resolution proposed by Davis to lift the mask mandate, effective once the mandate is lifted in the state, did not get a second. Board President Judy Bullockus said the matter could be brought up again at the June meeting.

In other meeting news, the board approved cultural proficiency lessons for students in grades kindergarten-12th.

The lessons are intended to introduce students to age-appropriate material surrounding empathy, belonging, compassion, being an upstander, conflict resolution, identity, effective communication, and problem-solving skills, according to district staff.

The meetings will be one lesson per grade level per year and are not expected to take up a huge chunk of instructional

Design and right-of-way acquisition could be completed in 2025. The ballpark estimate for the total project costs is about $70 million. State construction funding is reportedly about $50 million short. Councilmember Howard Hart said total costs will likely increase and that the widening will cost more than $1,300 per foot, a number he called “mind-boggling.”

“That $50 million has not been identified,” said Steve May, project manager for the city. “However, with the environmental (work) being completed and design being underway now and to be completed in a couple of years, that project will be and may be now eligible or a good candidate for future infrastructure grants and programs.”

When actual construction begins will depend on funding, and the construction will likely take two to three years.

Provisions of the agreement include there being no project-related liabilities, such as cost overruns or greater-than-expected right-of-way costs, for the city.

A traffic signal will be also added at Hunt Club Drive.

“As a side note, since we’re talking about funding, there is a settlement agreement from 2011 that does commit the city to 50% of the operation and maintenance costs for the Hunt Club traffic signal,” May said. “That will amount to about $5,000 per year.”

About 500 feet on each end of the project area will be mostly striping, with the rest being the actual widening, according to May. Page 5

San Juan Capistrano COVID-19 UPDATES as of May 26

cases deaths

total

2,789

73

19

1

last 30 days

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

time, Merwin said.

The proposed lessons have drawn mixed reactions from parents over the past several months. Parents against the lessons, including some at the May 19 meeting, said it pushed a far-left agenda and increased division among students instead of encouraging unity and commonality.

Some compared the lessons to critical race theory, a claim denied by Merwin.

Other parents support the lessons since they are intended to encourage empathy and raise cultural awareness.

The board voted, 4-3, to approve the lessons. Trustees Hanacek, Pamela Braunstein, Gila Jones, and Krista Castellanos voted yes. Trustees Bullockus, Davis, and Martha McNicholas voted no. A handful of parents who had stayed for the majority of the meeting left in anger after the lessons were approved. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS TUESDAY, JUNE 1

COMPILED BY STAFF

CITY COUNCIL 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a meeting. The meeting will be open to the public, with pandemic health guidelines in place. The meeting can also be viewed online at the city website, sanjuancapistrano.org.

CD | Country Artist

Midland Headlines Upcoming MissionFest MissionFest returns this year on July 10 at The OutPost in Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.

Midland will headline the event. Tickets are on sale at missionfest.com and eventbrite.com.

“Midland’s rich style and sound is rooted in tradition,” a news release stated.

“Their platinum certified chart-topping debut ‘Drinkin’ Problem’ earned the band their first GRAMMY Awards nomination for best Country Song and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.”

Devin Dawson, The White Buffalo, Daring Greatly, and local act The James Kelly Band will also perform.

“The return of MissionFest also signals the grand opening of The OutPost, located at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano,” a news release said. “The OutPost now adds a live entertainment venue to one of America’s premier equestrian parks.”

Fine wines, local cuisine, vendors, and outdoor activities will also be available at MissionFest.

CD | High Schools Return

to Mostly Traditional Graduation Ceremonies While the Class of 2020 did not get to enjoy the usual group graduation ceremony, the story will be markedly different for the Class of 2021.

Traditional graduation ceremonies will happen at high schools in South Orange County this year, but still with some pandemic-era twists. San Clemente High School, Dana Hills High School, and San Juan Hills High School will host in-person ceremonies on June 3, with two sessions at each school to accommodate social distancing. Attendance will be limited to four guests per graduate.

The three schools hosted drive-through ceremonies last year in which students individually arrived in a vehicle to receive their diplomas. This year, they will return to walking across the stage.

San Clemente High Principal Chris Carter said the school wanted to offer an event that’s as normal as possible for graduating seniors.

“This class had to sacrifice so much,” Carter said.

Dana Hills High Principal Brad Baker said his school has come a long way in beThe Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

FRIDAY, JUNE 4

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.

LUNCH WITH THE MAYOR Noon. Mayor John Taylor will eat at a different restaurant in San Juan Capistrano almost every Friday, and the public is welcome to attend. Feel free to chat with Taylor and others, though you’ll have to pay for your own meal. Check the John Taylor: San Juan Capistrano Mayor page on Facebook to see where he’ll be.

In-person graduation ceremonies will return to local high schools on June 3. Photo: File.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

spend Memorial Day weekend in Chattanooga, Tenn., to help Freedom Sings USA, a nonprofit that incorporates music into helping military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues.

James and Marie Kelly will play with their act, The James Kelly Band, during a musical event on Saturday with Freedom Sings USA. The James Kelly Band previously played during a similar Freedom Sings USA event in 2019.

James and Marie Kelly, a married couple, were named Ms. Fiesta and Señor San Juan for the 2020 Fiesta de Las Golondrinas season by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association in 2019. The annual Swallow’s Day Parade hosted by the Fiesta Association did not happen in 2020 or this year, though dignitaries are keeping their titles for the next parade.

ing able to offer a face-to-face ceremony.

“We’re extremely thrilled to have this opportunity to honor our seniors,” Baker said.

The event will be a special chance to celebrate student accomplishments and resilience, Baker added.

Students in school during the COVID-19 pandemic have gone from online-only learning to a hybrid curriculum incorporating some on-campus classes to returning to a nearly full-week schedule.

Throughout these changes, students have dealt with mental-health issues, Baker said.

“As a community, we’re appreciative and thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2021,” Baker said.

The Dana Hills High graduation will be livestreamed.

San Juan Hills Principal Manoj Mahindrakar said it feels good to go back to an in-person ceremony, and there is a palpable sense of appreciation as the school has held other end-of-the-year events.

“It’s all of us celebrating the K-12 journey,” Mahindrakar said.

The two ceremonies will be at 1:45 and 4:15 p.m. for San Clemente High, and 1 and 4 p.m. for Dana Hills High and San Juan Hills High. State health guidelines with regard to wearing masks will be in place.

CD | Summer Food Program

to Provide Free Meals to At-Risk Children Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County will host a Summer Food Service Program this year at numerous sites throughout the county, including in San Juan Capistrano. The distribution site at the Boys & Girls Club in San Juan Capistrano starts June 7 and runs through August 11. Times are Monday through Friday, noon-12:30 for lunch and 3-3:30 p.m. for snack times.

Another site at YMCA-San Juan Capist-

CD | Ms. Fiesta and Señor

San Juan Show Support for Veterans Ms. Fiesta and Señor San Juan will Page 6

HIKE WITH THE MAYOR 8 a.m. Mayor John Taylor will host a hike, open to the public, on the first Saturday morning of every month. The hike meets at the Las Ramblas trailhead and goes up to Patriot Hill. Enjoy the outdoors while discussing community issues.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

rano in Ambuehl Elementary also starts on June 7 and will continue through August 12. It is open every weekday except Wednesdays, with the same hours as the Boys & Girls Club site.

“Free meals will be provided to all children, without eligibility documentation, who are 18 years of age and younger,” a news release said. “The program will allow children at risk of hunger to have access to nutritious lunches and snacks during summer break. To find the nearest open site, call 211 or text 898211 for hours of distribution.”

Chicken wraps, fruit, milk, and turkey sandwiches, and other foods will be served. The program is intended for children from families that struggle financially, especially in the midst of an ongoing health and economic crisis, with distributions at sites that are near schools with at least 50 percent or more of students who qualify to receive a free or reduced meal. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28–June 10, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

SJC, Neighboring Cities Gear Up for Housing Element Updates

BY COLLIN BREAUX AND SHAWN RAYMUNDO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

s with every other municipality in California, the City of San Juan Capistrano is preparing to update its Housing Element— regulations that provide a framework for providing housing, an ever-present topic of discussion in a state where housing costs are high.

The Housing Element update is part of updates to the General Plan, which serves as a local government’s principal guideline. San Juan’s Safety Element and a new Environmental Justice Element will be included in the General Plan Update.

The updates are required every eight years for Orange County and its cities.

As part of community outreach for its plans, the city hosted virtual workshops about the proposed updates on May 12 and 26.

San Juan Capistrano specifically is expected to have to provide more than 1,000 housing units that will be for a mix of income levels, from lower to moderate to above-moderate. San Juan Capistrano currently has 13,059 housing units. Of those, 74% are owner-occupied and 26% are renters, according to the workshop.

The median household income is $91,600, and the median home price is $870,452.

Very-low income is defined at the $67,250 range, low at the $67,250$107,550 range, moderate at the $107,550-$128,050 range, and above-moderate topping $128,050. Income levels are for a four-person household.

Two hundred and seventy housing units are planned for very-low income; 173 for low income; 183 units for moderate income; and 428 units for above-moderate income.

The workshop stressed the city’s obligation is to provide sufficient land to accommodate housing requirements, but not to construct housing themselves. “(Construction is) still up to private developers and public developers,” said Dan Wery, a project manager with Michael Baker International, a firm hired by the city for the plan update.

Wery said part of the update includes a needs assessment, which looks at socioeconomic data, general conditions, costs, housing burdens, and how much people can afford.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

San Juan Capistrano, like other Southern California cities, is looking at required updates to its guidelines regarding housing. Photo: Collin Breaux

the Planning Commission this summer, and a public hearing before the city council this fall.

Neighboring cities are also considering Housing Element updates. San Clemente’s population of nearly 64,500 is expected to grow by 5.3% over a 20-year period. That estimate, from an association of local governments and counties in Southern California, would mark a gain of more than 3,400 residents between 2020 and 2040.

Countywide, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) estimates, the population is likely to grow by 8.3% over the same period, from about 3.2 million people to more than 3.46 million.

The update, which has been in place since 1969, is meant to ensure that jurisdictions are adequately planning to meet housing needs for current (and future residents) of the community, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

“In order for the private market to adequately address the housing needs and demand of Californians, local governments must adopt plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for (and do not unduly constrain) housing development,” HCD explained of the Housing-Element law.

The state’s housing department is tasked with reviewing each jurisdiction’s

“We use that to help determine our needs. And then we look at our resources,” Wery said. “What do we have that’s available to help us build housing? Part of that is—in control of the city—zoning appropriately.”

Constraints—which might include permit processing, fees, natural and regulatory issues, and the market—will also be examined. Some of those are within the control of the city and others are not, Wery said.

Participants in the May 12 workshop were asked various poll questions, including about housing challenges. Answers included lack of affordable housing, difficulty paying rent, access for disabled people, and housing segregation and discrimination.

“Most people are paying more than 30% of their household income (for housing costs),” Wery said. “That’s because the costs of rent and mortgage and purchase are far in excess of what most households earn and can afford in terms of their income.”

Incentives for developers mentioned

by Wery include density bonuses, streamlining the development process, and fee waivers. Wery discussed programs that can help meet housing needs, such as affordable housing requirements.

As for further steps with the general plan update, there will be a community meeting in June, a public hearing before Page 8

updated Housing Element, currently in its sixth cycle, covering another eightyear period. For municipalities within SCAG, comprising 197 jurisdictions—six counties and 191 cities—all Housing Element updates are due to HCD by Oct. 15.

In the updates, cities “look at what the needs are of the community and look at what are the best ways to address your needs—not only of your current residents but also future residents,” said Veronica Tam, the city of San Clemente’s consultant on housing.

An assessment of each county’s and city’s housing needs for the future—the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)—comes from HCD and is based on the expected population of households, overcrowding and vacancy percentages over the next eight years.

Though cities, in their Housing Elements, must show that they can accommodate the projected housing demands and demonstrate adequate residential capacity, they’re not on the hook to ever build any of those units—a point city officials and housing experts have been stressing. “(Development of the homes is) not going to happen tomorrow; it’s not going to happen next year,” San Clemente Councilmember Chris Duncan emphasized during the council’s May 18 meeting.

“This is just down the road.”

Duncan added that part of the goal in updating the Housing Element is to do so before the mid-October deadline—a task the city was unable to accomplish with the previous update back in 2013, resulting in HCD requiring a midterm update from the city in 2017.

Based on the RHNA, SCAG was assigned with planning for 1.34 million new homes between its 197 jurisdictions for the latest Housing Element cycle.

Orange County was to take on more than 183,861 of those homes.

Dana Point was allocated 530 units. In Laguna Niguel, it’s responsible for showing that it can accommodate 1,207 new homes, with Newport Beach is responsible for 2,845 homes.

RHNA allocations cover units across four income categories—low and verylow, moderate and above-moderate.

The state assigns the total number of units for the region, and SCAG adopts a methodology to determine the number for each city.

Lillian Boyd contributed to this story. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

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A NEW YOU

WELCOME TO ‘A NEW YOU’

We are better than we were. We will be better than we are.

We encounter situations over our lifetime in which we’re forced to modify our everyday habits and outlook, giving us a chance to reinvent ourselves. While self-care looks different for each person, it is key to maintaining our well-being and developing our growth. It may look like challenging ourselves to try new things, such as CBD products, or new workouts and alternative health solutions. Self-care can also take the form of traditions, such as walks or jogs, a day at the spa or treating yourself to a manicure. No matter the circumstances, becoming A New You provides endless possibilities that can be both terrifying and wonderful. When you become A New You, you can let go of things that bogged you down. You can charge into the great unknown. In this year’s issue of A New You, we explore ways to help you stay in shape, maintain a healthy lifestyle, relieve stress and continue seeking wellness.

4

Four Ways to Get Fit Outside of Traditional Gym

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

A

fter a year dominated by indoor and isolated activities, many might be looking for a way to jump-start their fitness heading into the summer. Restrictions have been eased, and people are ready to show themselves off outdoors. Even if people had been keeping up their fitness with indoor routines, maybe that routine has become stale. Luckily for those in South Orange County, there are a myriad of alternative ways to get into fitness outside of the traditional gym structure.

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BOXING GYMS

Boxing gyms are a fantastic way to transform any of the frustrations of your past year, month, week or even just the day into positive fitness goals.

Boxing is a great workout for strength and endurance that hits anaerobic and aerobic workout paths to reach those fitness goals. It’s also not a bad way to learn self-defense in a fun manner that’s accessible to almost anyone.

Capistrano Boxing Gym (31896 Plaza Drive, Suite E4, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; capistranoboxinggym.com) is the premier name in boxing gyms in South Orange County. Capistrano Boxing Gym offers a variety of programs from classic boxing and fitness boxing to classes for youth boxers and for older adults, age 55 and over, dubbed the “Silver Sluggers.” In San Clemente, 9Round (979 Avenida Pico, Suite K, San Clemente, CA 92673; 9round. com) is an international chain of kickboxing fitness gyms that offer programs in just 30 minutes. The 9Round program incorporates functional, cardiovascular and circuit training programs on a system of nine workout stations.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

2/

CROSSFIT

iHeartYoga offers in-studio classes and outdoor classes. Photo: Courtesy

3/

The biggest brand name in non-traditional gym experiences right now has to be CrossFit, and there are numerous groups in South Orange County offering the workout regimen. At its core, CrossFit is a revved-up version of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that combines weightlifting, powerlifting, plyometrics, gymnastics, calisthenics and other disciplines. CrossFit aims to have people performing constantly varying movements at those high-intensity intervals to help develop endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility and coordination, among other attributes.

Locally, there are several places to book a CrossFit class or session. CrossFit San Clemente (101 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, CA 92672; crossfitsanclemente. com) offers group workouts and private training with hourly CrossFit sessions.

CrossFit Dana Point (34198 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite B, Dana Point, CA 92629; crossfitdanapoint.com) offers a free intro, as well as specialized programs, nutrition counseling and other services. There are several gyms in San Juan Capistrano, including Eternity CrossFit (27130A Paseo Espada, Suite 1407, SJC, CA 92675; eternitycrossfit.com), CrossFit to the Core (31896 Plaza Dr., E5, SJC, CA 92675; crossfittothecore.com) and CrossFit No Boundaries (27136 Paseo Espada, Suite 1101, SJC, CA 92675; crossfitnoboundaries.com). In Rancho Mission Viejo, F45 (30595 Gateway Place, SJC, CA 92675; f45training.com) offers a similarly functional, high-intensity interval workout.

YOGA

Forever incredibly popular in South Orange County, yoga provides a way to stay in tune with your body, as well as focus on fitness and flexibility. Yoga can help relax, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve strength, flexibility and balance and help with some lower-back pain.

In the annual “Best of” awards from the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch, gold and silver awards are given to the best yoga studios in each town. In San Clemente, the gold-winning YNG Studios (102 S. Ola Vista, San Clemente, CA 92672; yngstudios.com) offers heated and non-heated yoga with a focus on sequencing for students to find their full potential.

The silver winner in San Clemente was EPIC Yoga (1709 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672; epicyogasc.com). iHeartYoga (34485 Golden Lantern, Dana Pont, CA 92629; iheartyoga.com) was the gold winner in Dana Point, and it offers indoor and outdoor classes to take in the beauty of the Lantern District and Dana Point Harbor. Studio A Pilates & Yoga (24849 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, CA 92629; studioapilates.yoga) was the silver winner in Dana Point. In San Juan Capistrano, Yoga Bungalow (32382 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; yoga-bungalow.com) won the gold for being the antithesis of the “one size fits all” yoga studio, offering a variety of classes.

Align Pilates & Yoga Center (31896 Plaza Drive, Suite E6, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; alignpilatescenter.com) won the silver in San Juan Capistrano.

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JIU-JITSU

Jiu-jitsu is a type of close-combat martial art that originated in Japan, but most jiu-jitsu schools or gyms locally will have a focus on Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

The Japanese jiu-jitsu was originally developed as a close-combat system for samurai dealing with weapon-wielding or armor-wearing opponents, whereas the Brazilian form has developed into sport with a focus on grappling. Brazilian jiu-jitsu mostly takes place on the ground, as the two opponents grapple and try to establish a dominant position and force their opponent into submission with chokeholds and joint locks.

Locally, there are several jiu-jitsu gyms, again with the focus on the Brazilian variety. In San Clemente, Guillobel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (621 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672; guillobelbjj. com) has won the “Best of San Clemente” gold medal for best martial arts school several years running. Guillobel offers classes for kids, adults and special women’s self-defense courses. The silver medal in San Clemente went to Gracie Barra San Clemente (225 Calle Pintoresco, San Clemente, CA 92672; graciebarra.com/ san-clemente-ca). Gracie Barra is also a chain of Brazilian jiu-jitsu trainers, with another school in Dana Point (34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 106, Dana Point, CA 92677; graciebarra.com/dana-pointca). In San Juan Capistrano, Team Capo BJJ (31921 Camino Capistrano #20, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; teamcapobjj. com) offers classes for adults and kids, and check their website for special deals. thecapistranodispatch.com

A NEW YOU

Tattoos Heal All Wounds

Getting Your Steps In:

WALKING VERSUS RUNNING

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

W

hen it comes to cardio and general fitness, walking and running are both great forms of exercise and solid ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“Anything is better than nothing,” explains Ryan Steinhoff, operations manager for SoCal Boot Camp, which has locations in Dana Point and San Clemente.

While running is often associated with weight loss, walking has its merits as a cardiovascular exercise. Fitness experts note that an appropriate intensity while walking can help strengthen a person’s heart, as well as improve their respiratory functions.

Walking can also help burn off calories—generally speaking, about 100 calories per mile, Women’s Health recently reported. The body can burn off additional calories depending on the pace of the walk and also whether you’re on an incline, like a hiking trail or stairs.

In the discussion of walking vs. running, there’s also the safety aspect to consider, Steinhoff explains.

“The biggest difference is the impact they’re going to put on your body—the pounding that comes with the running and the injuries that may occur that come along with it,” he says. “Walking is less impact while still getting the cardio in.”

One study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2000 found that walkers had a significantly lower chance of sustaining an inju-

ry compared to both young and old men who ran.

“Running is a young man’s game,” Steinhoff says. He adds that men who regularly run as a young adult generally develop weaker legs and limp more later in life “because they spent so much time pounding the pavement.”

For those who are looking to get into running to lose weight faster, Steinhoff warns that the body will eventually adapt to a daily running routine. To avoid that, he suggests switching up the types of runs you employ so you’re always “tricking the body.”

“You just always want to switch it up, because your body starts to adapt and your body starts to lag,” he says.

“So, if you do the same 5-mile run, slowly (your body) will start to adapt … the body is used to doing that, so you’re no longer getting the exact same results.”

Luckily for those of us in South Orange County, there’s no shortage of scenic trails and routes on which to run and/or walk.

For Steinhoff, the choice is clear: “The (San Clemente) Beach Trail is going to be the best option,” because of the soft ground.

Those looking to get some quality cardio time in can also check out San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente’s extensive trail systems, which are sure to get the heart thumping on those inclines.

There’s also the San Juan Creek trail, connecting San Juan to Dana Point. And there, you can also get your steps in at the walkway at Strands or even on the Headlands Conservation Trail system.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

things, especially if they (the tattoos) are old.”

Livingston’s goal for his clients, he says, is for them to leave his shop feeling like they can comfortably show off their ink without feeling embarrassed—and maybe even get harassed a bit by strangers inquiring where they got the work done.

“It’s a beautiful thing and just incredible to see somebody transform from that spikey caterpillar to that beautiful butterfly, in a sense,” he says. “It’s beautiful. And like I said, don’t ever stop working on your artwork. If you don’t like it, continue making it grow.”

Livingston explains that a lot of planning and

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO preparation goes into cover-ups, as he and the client have to be selective with the new artwork that’s replacing, or essentially disguising, the old piece. ime heals all wounds—or so the “You have to have something that kind of saying goes. camouflages in a way, so where you don’t see that But for many of us with tattoos, tattoo anymore, and that’s where the trickery and some pieces from our younger days the illusion of camouflaging a tattoo comes in,” he only serve as constant reminders of says. our past selves—a person we may no longer relate Part of his process includes photographing the to or wouldn’t even recognize in a mirror. Whether old tattoo and using photo-editing software on the that’s a good or bad thing is certainly a matter of computer. He says he layers images on top of the perspective. photo of the existing work, to see what will properAs time goes on, we (ideally) get a little wiser. ly mesh with and mask the older piece.

We outgrow who we were. That tattoo you got as a When first meeting clients, he explains, many young college kid has likely begun to fade a bit, and will either give him carte blanche, letting him be perhaps that quote on your arm doesn’t even carry as creative as possible, even wanting him to pick the same meaning you thought it did back then. the subject, or they’re stringent and have a very If we’re never done truly growing, or evolving, narrowed idea of what then the artwork we’ve they want. tattooed on our bodies Livingston says havshouldn’t, either. ing creative freedom Much like a painting can be nice, but having on a canvas, Monte a subject in mind, at Livingston, the owner the very least, goes a of Living Art Gallery long way.

Tattoo Lounge in San “It varies. I do like a Clemente, explains, bit of creative freedom your tattoos are never with people; it’s always quite finished until nice,” he says, “And on you’re absolutely happy the other end of that, and satisfied with the it’s really nice when end result. someone knows specif“You’ve got to think ically what they want, of your body as a so it makes the process canvas, and if your artMonte Livingston of Living Art Gallery Tattoo Lounge covers up one of Shawn go really easy, because I work is incomplete or Raymundo’s older tattoos. Photo: Lillian Boyd know what I need to do.” unfinished, you’ve got to Quite a few of Livingston’s clients, he notes, are keep working on it,” says Livingston, who specializalso those who have scars that they’re looking to es in tattooing over existing pieces, as well as over cover up—a tattooing process that poses a differphysical scars. ent set of challenges because there are additional Tattooing since he was a teenager, Livingston, considerations, such as placement and the skin now in his mid-30s, has worked with a myriad of itself. clients, encountering a variety of tattoos that were Livingston said he’s currently seeing a client either old and fading, incomplete or just downevery few weeks to cover up a large scar on her right poorly done. back, as such pieces require multiple sessions to “I get bombarded from every angle, but, yeah, complete. He notes that a lot of pre-planning goes I see old tattoos, or a tattoo that just was abaninto tattooing over scars, but there will be times in doned—you see a lot of abandoned tattoos,” he says, which he’s able to add details as the work goes on. adding: “There’s a lot of different reasons, but I’m Though it’s a major undertaking, he said his very happy to fix people’s artwork that they curclients get a boost in their confidence when the rently have and give them some fresh stuff as well.” work is complete, as there’s some new, fresh ink Livingston says he enjoys performing cover-ups there that’s much more pleasant to look at, rather simply because of the excitement and joy he saw than a scar. from clients who felt more confident, or revital“They’re able to show it off a little bit more,” ized, after getting that restored tattoo. he says. “Tattooing is a process, especially when “It’s amazing to cover a really bad tattoo that you’re’ dealing with scars (and) cover-ups, because someone has been holding onto for 20 years, and sometimes they need to be layered more than won’t take their shirt off because their arm has once to make sure that tattoo truly sticks … if it just a faded, old ugly tattoo,” he says, later adding: doesn’t look good, continue working on it until it “I’m heavily rewarded with praise from these looks great.” people, and I really enjoy it. I enjoy covering these

T

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thecapistranodispatch.com

A NEW YOU

Health and o2 Wellness Local Mother and Daughter Team Up to Bring Alternative Health to South OC

BY LILLIAN BOYD

B

renda Carbone had been living with severe arthritis and neck pain for several years, so she was faced with a decision: to have fusion surgery on her 3, 4 and 5 neck vertebrae to relieve her arthritis symptoms and pain, or to continue living with the aid of pharmaceutical drugs—as she had been doing for several years.

“I ended up trying therapeutic wholebody vibration,” Brenda said. “I stepped off the machine and for the first time in eight years, I felt relief.”

Brenda began consistently using the whole-body vibration machine and, within weeks, was off her medications and feeling better than she had in years.

Not only was she pain-free, but after consistent use for a longer period of time, Brenda says she lost 30 pounds, toned her muscles, had more energy, slept better, reduced her stress level, and had an overall sense of well-being.

Her daughter Kristy started using the machine. Almost immediately, she lost inches and weight, increased lean muscle mass, and felt better than ever.

While it isn’t recommended as a replacement for regular exercise, whole-body vibration can offer some fitness and health benefits, according to the Mayo Clinic.

With whole-body vibration, you stand, sit or lie on a machine with a vibrating platform. As the machine vibrates, it transmits energy to your body, forcing your muscles to contract and relax dozens of times each second.

Advocates say that as little as 15 minutes a day of whole-body vibration three times a week may aid weight loss, burn fat, improve flexibility, enhance blood flow, reduce muscle soreness after exercise, build strength and decrease the stress hormone, cortisol.

Together, Brenda and Kristy researched, studied and participated in learning more about taking charge of their own bodies and how to offer this to the public; thus, began the creation of o2 Wellness—a one-stop shop for health and wellness in San Clemente. This year, the Carbones are celebrating 11 years of business.

“We would hear that customers were having trouble losing weight, dealing with pain, couldn’t sleep or struggled

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

Page 13

Brenda and Kristy Carbone. Photo: Lillian Boyd

with having energy,” Brenda said. “We offer services and products that address all those ailments—and they work. Otherwise, we won’t sell them here.”

In addition to whole-body vibration, o2 Wellness’s weight loss services include Bioslimming body wraps, cavitation machines, infrared sauna, ionic foot detox and more.

Ultrasonic cavitation relies on ultrasound technology to break apart fat cells.

Ultrasound waves are sent deep into the layers of your skin, causing a disruptive vibration. Fat cells then break apart from each other and are dislodged from your dermal layers, according to Healthline. com. After a few days, the fat cells are absorbed by your lymphatic system and drained as waste from your body. Several studies have shown participants saw a reduction in body fat mass after treatments.

“The most rewarding aspect of opening o2 Wellness has been the relationships I’ve built with people in the community,” Brenda said. “I get to see people transform into more happy, energized, pain-free versions of themselves. I love seeing those kinds of results.”

O2 Wellness also offers products for beauty and skin care—which she attributes to helping keep the business afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

“People were unable to use our services inside the shop, so we offered product pickups to customers,” Brenda said. “COVID is an awful thing to have happened, but I believe one good outcome is that people are starting to take their health more seriously.”

Brenda and Kristy added that they try to make o2 Wellness an affordable option for customers; they even accept Health Savings Accounts.

“There will be more pandemics in time,” Brenda said. “But staying healthy is so important. I think we all have a better appreciation for health now.” thecapistranodispatch.com

A NEW YOU

Well-Polished

Nail Salon Aims to Pamper in Post-Pandemic Days

BY LILLIAN BOYD

T

he No. 1 one reason we got through this past year is because of the loyalty of our customers,” said Jenny Nguyen, co-owner of Posh Nails in Dana Point. “Now that we are open again, and seeing a brighter future ahead, we want to welcome the community back in the salon chair for pampering.”

The nail salon industry was hit particularly hard throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Under state health guidelines announced in September, nail salons were able to reopen indoors across California.

Previously, nail salons had been allowed to reopen only in counties in Tier 2 or higher on the state’s fourtiered reopening blueprint. Counties in Tier 1 went forward with having the option to let nail salons operate, although counties still had the authority to keep shops closed. That change came after months of outcry from business owners and salon workers who felt they had been unfairly targeted after Gov. Gavin Newsom claimed the first COVID-19 case in the state had originated at a nail salon.

Speaking to reporters on May 7, 2020, Newsom said the first person in California to contract the coronavirus through community spread caught it in a nail salon, when asked why personal services, such as nail salons, must remain closed.

“It began with Gov. Newsom sharing inaccurate information on May 7, with devastating impacts on the beauty industry in California and

with far-reaching repercussions across America,” said a statement by Nailing it for America, which was cited by the Los Angeles Times.

Now, and as salons continue to welcome back customers, Nguyen remains optimistic for the business.

“I opened this salon with Ha (Alice) Doan, my cousin, in December 2007,” said Nguyen, who says she’s worked in the industry since the ’90s, all over the country. “It was my mom’s idea for me to do nails when I was younger. Since then, I’ve been able to grow along with the industry and build a business.”

Nguyen says much has changed in the industry since opening Posh Nails’ doors.

“Back then, women wanted basic manicures or pink and white tips,” Nguyen said. “As a salon, we’ve evolved with the trends. Now we do gel and dip nails. We stay on top of what the demand is.”

According to Nguyen and Doan, social media has amplified the popularity for creative nail designs as well.

“Customers will bring in a photo of nail designs they saw on Instagram or Pinterest,” Nguyen said. “If you have a photo of a design, we can do it for you.”

But a few key components have remained constant and consistent for Posh Nails.

“We always have gone above and beyond to maintain a clean, sanitary and relaxing environment for our customers. Safety and health are a priority,” Nguyen said. “And we continue to deliver the best customer service.”

Posh Nails is located at 24040 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point. For more information, call 949.496.7674.

Courtesy of Posh Nails

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The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

Paradise Nails 32880 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 35 949.443.2772

Jenny Nguyen and Ha (Alice) Doan opened Posh Nails in Dana Point in 2007. Photo: Lillian Boyd

paradise-nails-salon.com Page 14

thecapistranodispatch.com

CBD Is It Good for You?

A NEW YOU

BY COLLIN BREAUX

I

f you ask Bill St. Clair, the benefits from CBD are endless.

St. Clair is the president of CBD company San Clemente Naturals. St. Clair, who calls South Orange County home, raves about the potential benefits of CBD but has a clear, measured tone in doing so.

The exact science of CBD is still being investigated, but some of its uses include relief from pain, anxiety, and depression.

“In the last decade, you’ve had lots of research done on CBD,” St. Clair said.

Different Routes of Ingestion CBD can be used by people with arthritis or acute pain and taken and applied in various ways, including through tincture droplets, creams, or soft gels.

CBD can also be smoked—an option St. Clair noted is becoming popular.

San Clemente Naturals sells CBD tinctures, salves, and body creams online, with distribution based in San Clemente. The company also grows hemp in the Paso Robles region that it sells to other companies for their own CBD products, and it maintains a research facility in Colorado.

CBD’s main health benefit is pain management, particularly for people with arthritis or acute pain, St. Clair said.

St. Clair cautioned against people going off their regular medications if using CBD for mental health issues, but he did note studies are showing positive results when it comes to CBD’s effects on people with depression and anxiety.

Questions Arise as New Product Emerges In September 2020, Harvard Health Publishing of Harvard Medical School sounded a cautionary note about CBD when discussing the rosy marketing of the product.

“Given its promising results in animal models, along with its relative safety, non-psychoactive properties, and low potential for abuse, CBD is an attractive candidate to relieve pain,” Harvard Health Publishing said in a blog post.

“Unfortunately, there is a lack of human studies about the effectiveness of CBD.” HealthDay, in an April story on a scientific study, said that CBD and one’s The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

Page 15

assumptions about its effects can mitigate the effects of pain, but CBD doesn’t reduce pain intensity itself. HealthDay also urged consumers to be discerning when choosing products.

The FDA states on its website that it has only approved one CBD product, a prescription drug to treat seizures associated with Lennox Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex. FDA regulations make it currently illegal to market CBD by adding it to a food or labeling it as a dietary supplement, and the agency said it has seen only “limited data about CBD safety and these data point to real risks that need to be considered before taking CBD for any reason.”

Claimed Benefits Back to St. Clair’s perspective, cancer is another illness he mentioned when discussing CBD’s possible benefits. CBD can help with chemotherapy-induced nausea, St. Clair said.

The American Cancer Society said there have been some early clinical trials of cannabinoids in treating cancer in humans and that more studies are planned.

“While the studies so far have shown that cannabinoids can be safe in treating cancer, they do not show that they help control or cure the disease,” the American Cancer Society said.

Though CBD and marijuana come from the same cannabis plant, CBD will not get you high (the psychoactive component in marijuana is THC, which is different from CBD).

St. Clair said more benign uses for CBD include treating acne.

“The whole beauty industry is the new frontier,” St. Clair said.

Research is also being done on how CBD can treat people with epileptic seizures and Alzheimer’s, with the company Charlotte’s Web pioneering the latter, St. Clair said.

“There’s so many benefits,” St. Clair said. “There’s hundreds of compounds in this plant.”

People are starting to use CBD for substance abuse and anti-psychotic treatment, including for schizophrenia, St. Clair said. Studies are also being done on potential anti-tumor properties.

“CBD was pretty new, but now it’s working its way into the mainstream,” St. Clair said. “You’ll definitely see this product evolve over time.” thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

Cancer Survivor Hopes to Encourage Others

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

here was a time when Erin Soto wasn’t sure if she would live to see another day.

Soto was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent several rounds of chemotherapy—and then caught COVID-19 on top of that. She went into remission in December and now wants to share her story to encourage awareness of cancer, particularly with getting checked when symptoms pop up.

Soto’s symptoms included diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, fatigue, and anemia—signs she ignored for five months because she was busy. Those symptoms can be common and taken for granted, but Soto realizes they were dire warning signs, in retrospect.

“By the time you have these symptoms, it’s probably already at stage 3 or 4,” she said. “You’re advancing. Cancer and time are not something that go well together, so you need to go in right away.”

She has written a book about her experiences called Mother Fighter and is raising funds for publishing costs through Kickstarter. Profits and other funds associated with the book will be used to give care packages to local hospitals that treat cancer patients.

Soto personally gives socks with inspirational slogans to cancer patients.

Erin Soto is using her experience of surviving cancer to raise awareness about the disease. She is shown here with socks that have inspirational messages, which she gives to cancer patients. Photo: Collin Breaux.

“When I discovered I was not a case of bad luck—the doctors said this is happening to so many people—I really wanted to use it to raise awareness of what the signs and symptoms are, how to prevent and how to screen and what others should be looking out for,” Soto said. “The good news is, colon cancer is

treatable when caught early.”

Increasing numbers of young adults are having to handle parenting and work duties while dealing with cancer, Soto said.

“There’s help and there’s ways you can navigate that,” she said. “There’s steps you can take that I had to learn—out of an effort of survival—that really can contrib-

HOBBY SHOP KEEPS REATA GLEN RESIDENTS BUSY

ute to recovery or even prevention.”

Soto, who lives in Rancho Mission Viejo and was previously a longtime resident of San Juan Capistrano, vowed to herself that she would write a book if she survived her experiences. She initially shared her story on social media, and now she is publicizing her experiences on a wider level.

“I’m sharing what I learned, because I feel like I have a responsibility to do so,” Soto said. “Immediately after getting my remission status—when I basically freed myself from living in the hospital like I have for the last year, and I had the time to write—I just sat down in 90 days and wrote therapeutically, I think, to bring purpose to the pain.”

Soto, who will soon turn 39 and is a mother of four, feels great now. She runs half marathons and regained her energy.

“I haven’t felt this good in years, and that’s surprising,” Soto said. “I’ve made a lot of lifestyle changes because of treatment—the way that we eat. We’re plant-based 80% of the time. I ate a lot of meat before. I was paleo.”

Soto emphasizes anyone going through cancer doesn’t have to do it alone, particularly parents.

“Our family went through this together, and we grew stronger through it, but it wasn’t easy,” Soto said. CD

EVENTS AT THE RANCH

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

JUNE 5

f residents at the retirement community Reata Glen want to build a shelf or are simply looking for a new hobby, the community’s hobby shop is open.

The hobby shop is primarily for woodworking and is run by a committee of volunteers. It is open to any resident, though there is a screening process that prospective users have to go through that includes signing waivers and watching safety videos. A committee member will also hold an orientation with any resident who wants to use the shop.

The shop’s construction started in 2019, and it was declared complete and available for residential use in September 2020.

“It was an empty room. The only thing in it was a bench,” committee chairman Chuck Ryerson said of the shop’s beginnings. “Everything else, we built. We built all the cabinets.”

Other equipment was donated. The committee works with staff at Reata Glen

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY HIKE 9-11 a.m. Take a walk at The Reserve to celebrate National Trails Day. Get a look at seasonal blooms and the area’s wildlife while checking out Sycamore Trails. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 28811 Ortega Highway. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

I

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

From left: Reata Glen hobby shop committee members Dalt Bordner, Skip Fletcher, Chuck Ryerson and Curt Swanson enjoy guiding residents through woodworking and other projects. Photo: Collin Breaux.

to plan, purchase tools, and handle other shop operations.

The projects residents work on vary.

“We had one guy who wanted to make

a little cage to go over his garden to keep the rabbits out,” Ryerson said. “We called it a rabbit excluder. It’s a wire cage that looked like a pyramid.”

Page 17

Other projects include furniture repair and lawn decorations.

“We don’t have regularly open hours,” Ryerson said. “We are open, kind of, by appointment-only.”

Working in the shop keeps residents active, Ryerson said.

“It gives them something to do,” Ryerson said. “It’s sort of a challenge, I guess you could say, for them to come down and build something they can take back home and enjoy.” CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

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

HOW TO REACH US C I T Y E D I TO R Collin Breaux • 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

Advertising Sales (SJC) Debra Wells

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

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 19, Issue 10. 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 May 28-June 10, 2021

PUBLISHER’S LETTER | By Norb Garrett, Owner & Publisher of Picket Fence Media

The Worst of Times Brings Out the Best in Us I

n life, relationships, business and sports, we’re often reminded that you find out the most about yourself and others during the darkest times rather than the brightest.

That sentiment couldn’t be more appropriate when describing our entire team here at Picket Fence Media and our staffs at the Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times and The Capistrano Dispatch and how they stepped up in 2020 in the face of significant challenges.

At the outset of the pandemic and

BY NORB GARRETT the first lockdown OWNER & PUBLISHER in March 2020, I made a commitment to our entire staff that we’d do everything we could to ensure no one lost their job as a result of the pandemic.

As a team, we understood the challenge ahead, as well as our responsibilities to our communities who depend on us for original, local news reporting.

Things would be different, as we’d each be working from home, isolated, but never alone.

Everyone on the team took on added responsibilities, as reporters were deemed essential workers, vital to keeping the flow of information out to the public. Our reporters risked the unknown, venturing out to report the news wearing whatever protection the latest CDC and state guidelines mandated.

The summer of racial and social unrest, coupled with a contentious Presidential election in the fall, added to the COVID-19 challenges, meaning 2020 would indeed be unprecedented in its complexity.

Unsurprising, our team responded in a big way, coordinating with our communities while launching daily COVID updates, new daily e-newsletters and expanding our social media and digital efforts. We didn’t cancel a single print edition despite having to find a new printer after ours of 14 years succumbed to the economic pressures caused by the pandemic.

Fittingly, our team has been rewarded for their efforts with a record 10 California Journalism Awards from the California News Publishers Association (CNPA):

1ST PLACE

Front Page Layout & Design DANA POINT TIMES • PRINT

By Lillian Boyd, Chelsie Rex

2ND PLACE

Sports Feature Story THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH • PRINT

By Zach Cavanagh, “Fighting the Fire: Battling Rare Neuropathy, San Juan Hills' Efstathiou Coaches with New Perspective” Coverage of Protests and Racial Justice Photo DANA POINT TIMES • PRINT

By Lillian Boyd, “Wheels of Justice” Coverage of Youth and Education DANA POINT TIMES • PRINT

By Lillian Boyd, Shawn Raymundo, “Funding Education Facilities: Voters in San Clemente, Dana Point to Decide on Bond Measures for Schools” Coverage of Protests and Racial Justice News or Feature SAN CLEMENTE TIMES • DIGITAL

By Shawn Raymundo, “Surfers Paddle Out for Floyd; Calls to Defund Police Met with Opposing Voices from Local Officials”

3RD PLACE

General Excellence SAN CLEMENTE TIMES • DIGITAL

By Shawn Raymundo, San Clemente Times Staff

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4TH PLACE

Local Coverage of Election 2020 DANA POINT TIMES • PRINT

By Lillian Boyd, “PAC Spends Thousands to Oppose Local Candidate, Both Newkirk and Frost Denounce Tactics”

5TH PLACE

Inside Page Layout & Design SAN CLEMENTE TIMES • PRINT

By Fred Swegles, Chelsie Rex, “Let’s Visit the Nixon Library that Got Away from San Clemente” Informational Graphic THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH • PRINT

By Chelsie Rex, Zach Cavanagh, San Juan Capistrano COVID Cases Breaking News DANA POINT TIMES • DIGITAL

By Lillian Boyd, Zach Cavanagh, “Crews Use Crane Barge to Lift Iconic Tall Ship ‘Pilgrim’” I’m incredibly proud of how this team came together at a time of crisis and excelled. Please join me in congratulating our terrific journalists, while all of us here at Picket Fence Media offer our thanks again to you, our readers, Insiders, advertising partners and communities of San Clemente, Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, San Juan Capistrano and Rancho Mission Viejo for your continued support through this challenging year.

For a link to the full list of winners, head to the online version of this column. CD

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GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

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

WEDNESDAY | 02 TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse will host a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends, or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28–June 10, 2021

The movie theater near the train plaza in San Juan Capistrano is reopening. Photo: Collin Breaux

Page 19

FRIDAY | 28 DOWNTOWN MOVIE THEATER REOPENS Movie times vary. After being closed for more than a year, the Regency Theatres movie theater in downtown San Juan Capistrano will be selling movie tickets and popcorn again. “We’ve seen downtown transform in our closure. It will be exciting to reopen and have the new amenities outside,” said Regency Theatres President Lyndon Golin. Masks and social distancing will be in place, though moviegoers can remove their masks if they’re enjoying refreshments at their seat. Reserving a seat beforehand is recommended. A Quiet Place Part II and Cruella are playing.

Regency Theatres, 26762 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3456. regencymovies.com.

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!

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

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

DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. GARAGE SALE, 8 AM – 12 PM, SATURDAY, MAY 29TH 34061 Formosa Dr., Dana Point Moving Sale, Home Décor, Ceiling fans, lights, clothing, housewares (714)746-0862 GARAGE SALE - JUNE 5TH & 6TH Saturday, June 5th & Sunday, June 6th 7AM-12PM. Router, Planer/joiner, compressor clamps, and much more. 34101 Formosa Dr, Dana Point NIGUEL SHORES GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, JUNE 12 33654 Niguel Shores Drive. 9a.m. - Noon

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

HELP WANTED 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.

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online View online at thecapistranodispatch.com Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

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

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SJC LIVING

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

Characteristics of Potential Mates

W

hen I started writing columns about dating 26 years ago, I promised myself I would not write about politics or religion.

A friend, 72, sent an email this week stating, “I realize you have to be careful with your column topics, but the information in the enclosed attachment is a good guideline for me in finding a serious relationship.”

I assumed he said that because the attachment had someON LIFE AND LOVE thing to do with

BY TOM BLAKE politics or religion.

It did, sort of. The attachment was a newsletter called Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope, written by Rick Warren, the founder and senior pastor of California’s largest church, Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. Warren’s headline read: “Let God Guide Your Choices.”

My first reaction was to ignore the attachment, because I don’t write about religion. However, because my friend felt the content could help him meet a compatible mate, I opened it, thinking the information might help other single seniors as well.

Warren listed five characteristics to avoid when choosing a potential marriage partner and two characteristics that a mate should have. Warren cited a biblical reference to each characteristic.

I assumed those references were what my friend had alluded to that I don’t nor-

mally write about. I read what Warren wrote and feel his seven items make a lot of sense for senior singles. (Warren’s Bible references are not included).

Five of the items that Warren listed started with the words “Whoever you marry must not be …”: • “Nursing uncontrolled anger.” Uncontrolled anger reveals deep insecurity and low self-worth.

• “Stuck in an addiction.” There are hundreds of ways to get addicted.

• “Harboring bitterness.” Bitterness is like a poison. It eats you alive.

• “Selfish.” When it comes down to it, the number one cause of conflict in marriage is selfishness.

• “Greedy.” If you marry a greedy spouse, you will be in debt your entire life.”

And, two items that Warren listed started with the words, “Whoever you marry must …”: • “Be generous and kind.”

• “Tell the truth. Love is based on trust, and trust is based on truth. If you don’t tell me the truth, I can’t trust you. And if I can’t trust you, how can I love you?”

Warren added a significant eighth point, stating that if a person has any of the five negative qualities, he or she should be avoided as a life partner “… no matter how good-looking, rich or nice they are.” That, in my opinion, addresses a major mistake some singles make.

My friend concluded his email thusly: “I wonder what qualities other single seniors think are important? I’d better

Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

This photo depicts Capistrano Union High School on October 14, 1935. The school opened in 1920 and became Serra High School in 1981. It has recently reverted to its original name, under the direction and approval of the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees.

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.

get busy making my list.”

I can think of two modern-day issues that senior singles will likely consider when evaluating whether a person would be a suitable mate for them. They could be considered “hot-potato” issues.

The first: political-party affiliation. With the country so divided politically, people belonging to different political parties might be too opinionated for each other.

The second characteristic has emerged because of the pandemic: Are both parties vaccinated for COVID-19?

So, considering Pastor Warren’s eight items, and the two “hot potato” modern-day issues, my friend should be able to create an effective written list of the qualities he seeks in a partner. Plus, he’ll

Sudoku

Elektra

SOLUTION:

The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

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

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

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

likely add other characteristics that are important to him.

Whoops! I wrote about both politics and religion in this week’s column. But, I don’t think I seriously infringed upon my 26-year-old promise to avoid those topics.

After all, I need to stay current with what’s happening in the senior dating world.

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

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Page 21

M

eet Elektra, one of the most lovable kitties you are likely to meet. This petite young lady raised four kittens while practically being a kitten herself. Now that her job is done, she is finally ready for her own forever family. Elektra is incredibly outgoing and affectionate and is sure to brighten your day with her sunny personality.

If you are interested in adopting Elektra, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/adoptacat 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

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SAN JUAN HILLS GIRLS TENNIS WINS FIRST CIF-SS CHAMPIONSHIP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

hether it’s “iron sharpens iron” or “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” there are a couple of old sayings that describe the journey of the San Juan Hills girls tennis team.

San Juan Hills took a 4-4 record and a third-place finish in the South Coast League and turned it into a CIF-SS Division 2 championship with an impressive playoff run capped by an upset of undefeated No. 1 seed Palm Desert, 12-6, on Friday, May 21.

It was a run that couldn’t have happened without the crucible of the South Coast League, according to Stallions coach Tim DiLeo. “We spent the last two years in the Sea View League, which wasn’t patty-cake tennis or anything,” DiLeo said, “but it was a little weaker, basic, easy matches.

The only way a third-place team out of league wins a title like this is because we have to go up against the likes of Dana Hills, Aliso Niguel, San Clemente, Tesoro.

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.

JSerra Baseball Wins Trinity League Title Fight Ahead of the series opener for the Trinity League championship on Monday, May 24, the JSerra baseball team was riding an 18-game winning streak, and The Capistrano Dispatch May 28-June 10, 2021

They’re all so tough. You take your losses.”

It was evident from the start of the Division 2 championship match that the team that took its losses in San Juan Hills (8-4) would hand Palm Desert (15-1) its first of the season.

San Juan Hills came out of the gates with a 5-1 lead after the first round of matches, spurred on by No. 1 singles player Kaia Wolfe and a sweep of the doubles.

The Stallions then went up, 9-3, after the second round of matches, which meant San Juan Hills needed just one more victory to earn the program’s first CIF-SS title and the fourth in school athletics history.

Wolfe, who won the South Coast League singles title, didn’t make San Juan Hills wait long, rolling to a 6-1 win over Palm Desert’s No. 2 singles player to clinch the CIF-SS Division 2 team championship. Wolfe won all three of her matches on the day (6-3, 6-3, 6-1).

“I can’t even put it into words. It’s just so great,” Wolfe said. “We put in so much work throughout the year, and it’s just

Orange Lutheran was on a 16-game winning streak. Both were undefeated in league play.

On the back of a stellar pitching performance, Orange Lutheran ended JSerra’s streak in the first game on Monday at JSerra. Behind another stellar pitching performance by senior and UCLA signee Gage Jump – 13 strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings – JSerra ended Orange Lutheran’s streak in the second game on Tuesday at Hart Park in Orange.

It all came down to Wednesday’s finale at JSerra, where, once again, it was a stellar pitching performance that decided this juggernaut Trinity League championship series.

JSerra senior and UCLA signee Eric Silva threw a complete game and allowed just one run on three hits with nine strikeouts as the Lions defeated Orange Lutheran, 3-1, to take the league title.

JSerra will be among the top seeds in a loaded CIF-SS Division 1 when the brackets are released on Sunday, May 30.

The CIF-SS playoffs begin with wild cards

San Juan Hills girls tennis upset top-seeded Palm Desert to win the CIF-SS Division 2 Girls Tennis Team Championship on Friday, May 21, at San Juan Hills High School. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

great to come out on top. We lost league, and we were all just kind of bummed.

But we came into this fresh and ready to win it, and we did.”

On Wednesday, May 26, CIF-SS announced that Wolfe, a junior, was selected as a qualifier for the CIF-SS Girls Tennis Individual Tournament and was slotted into the Round of 16. The individual tournament begins on June 9 at the Seal Beach Tennis Center.

With Wolfe as the Stallions’ top player, DiLeo knew he could count on her for points. Where the title match swung completely in San Juan Hills’ favor was on the doubles side.

“In my mind, going over it the past two days, I thought it was going to be 7-5 after the second round and we’d really have to dig in the third round,” DiLeo said.“I

did not expect our No. 1 doubles v. No. 1 doubles to be that convincing, and I did not expect our No. 2 v. No. 1 to be that convincing. Those were the two that were variables for me. You just win matches that way.”

San Juan Hills’ No. 1 doubles team of sophomore Morgan Arnott and junior Brooke Buser and No. 2 doubles team of junior Bailey Smolinski and senior Samantha Freeman both posted 6-2 wins over Palm Desert’s No. 1 doubles team.

San Juan Hills swept in the doubles in the first and second rounds of the title match, with the No. 3 doubles team of junior Jenna Huff and senior Nadine Tong winning their first two matches.

Sophomore Sydney Wolfe, San Juan Hills’ No. 2 singles player, won her first and third matches. CD

on Monday and Tuesday, June 1 and 2, and the first round on Wednesday and Thursday, June 3 and 4.

Marcos on Friday, May 28.

• In Division 3AA boys basketball, San Juan Hills dropped its first-round game at home to King of Riverside in overtime, 70-63. San Juan Hills won its final eight regular season games to capture its first Sea View League championship.

• In Division 6 boys volleyball, No. 1 Capistrano Valley Christian swept Rio Hondo Prep, 26-24, 25-11, 27-25, in the second round on Wednesday. The Eagles will play the winner of Xavier Prep-Murrieta Mesa in the semifinals on Saturday, May 29.

• In Division 1 girls lacrosse, JSerra defeated San Juan Hills, 7-6, in an allcity wild card match-up on Wednesday.

JSerra’s reward is a trip to undefeated No. 1 Foothill of Santa Ana on Friday, May 28.

These are the first-ever CIF-SS lacrosse playoffs.

• In Division 1 boys lacrosse, No. 4 St. Margaret’s obliterated Great Oak of Temecula, 21-1, in the first round. St. Margaret’s hosts Sierra Canyon in the second round on Friday, May 28. CD

CIF-SS Playoff Roundup • The JSerra boys tennis team is off to the CIF-SS championship. The Lions survived a nail-biter semifinal against Marina of Huntington Beach. JSerra and Marina were tied on matches, 9-9, but the Lions took the win on the games tiebreaker, 82-76. JSerra plays at No. 1 seed and Trinity League rival Servite for the Division 3 title on Friday, May 28.

• In Division 1 boys basketball, JSerra won its opener on the road at Mayfair, 70-36. Issac Peralta posted a triple-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. JSerra will host Santa Clarita Christian in the second round on Friday, May 28.

• In Division 2A boys basketball, No. 2 seed Capistrano Valley Christian beat Valley View, 76-39. The Eagles will stay at home in the second round against San

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The Capistrano Dispatch May 28–June 10, 2021

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The Capistrano Dispatch May 28–June 10, 2021

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