June 9, 2023

JUNE 9-22, 2023 | VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11

INSIDE: Special Section

Celebrating an Accomplishment San Juan Hills Class of 2023 Observes Achievements, Looks Forward SPECIAL SECTION

San Juan Hills High School holds its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 on Thursday afternoon, June 1. Photo: Collin Breaux

thecapistranodispatch.com

City to Study Proposal for Performing Arts Center

Editor’s Pick: Summer Nites Concert

Recognizing SJC Athletes of the Year

EYE ON SJC/ PAGE 3

GETTING OUT/ PAGE 24

SPORTS/ PAGE 30

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

Page 2

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, JUNE 10

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

City to Study Proposal for New Performing Arts Center, Apartment Complex

BY COLLIN BREAUX

area would look.

“At some point in the future when we have the data in front of us, then we can make an informed decision on whether or not we want to move forward with the projects,” Bourne said.

Councilmember John Campbell said there are lots of questions to be answered regarding the configuration of the buildings.

“I don’t think that’s an appropriate conversation at this point, so I’d also be in favor of the study,” Campbell said.

Hart said his vote to initiate the study

and clubhouse building.

A commercial component would also include a single-story, 4,294-square-foot restaurant adjacent to Camino Capistrano and a 3,000-square-foot fitness center.

“It’s in the central part of our downtown,” Rojas said.

In a letter to city staff, Project Manager Brent Little said Almquist’s company is “excited to make this request and believes the project will provide the community with important housing to meet regional needs and recreational facilities to provide entertainment to the

The San Juan Capistrano City Council has signed off on commissioning a study examining a potential project that would bring about a new performing arts center at the eastern part of Historic Town Center Park.

The approval was unanimously given on Tuesday, June 6, and recommended by city staff.

The proposed center would be 49,000 square feet, Development Services Director Joel Rojas said.

Going ahead with the study is not an overall approval of the project itself, which will come before the Planning Commission and City Council later with more details for review. The study will merely examine the potential for future code amendments and is the initial step for required rezoning measures.

The new performing arts center has Developer Dan Almquist wants to build apartments at the former Kimpton Hotel site—seen here in 2021—on El Camino Real. Those plans long been promised and another project intended to build a new performing arts center nearby will be reviewed by city staff and officials. Photo: Collin Breaux by local developer should not be implied to be full “supDan Almquist, who recently purchased community.” port for this project as I see it.” the Camino Real Playhouse property Mayor Howard Hart said traffic “I want to learn more about the and plans to turn that into a parking impacts by the project are likely on implications,” Hart said. “I believe it structure. everyone’s minds. deserves a study at this point, from my The Playhouse is required to eventu“There is going to be a traffic impact perspective. I prefer to make my decially vacate the premises. Playhouse adanalysis prepared that will look at all sions based on data, rather than first ministrators are currently searching for the impacts—not just the residential impressions.” another venue in San Juan and funding component, but the entirety of the speThe next steps will involve processing for a relocation. cific plan,” Rojas said. the entitlement applications for the Almquist’s project would also bring Councilmember Troy Bourne said iniproject and working to amend the speabout a 95-unit apartment complex at tiating the study is important, because cific land-use regulations for the sites, the former Kimpton Hotel site on El the performing arts center and apartRojas said.

Camino Real. The complex would be ment complex have been discussed “for “The study will also include the 110,224 square feet and have three- and a long time in the city,” and he wants to preparation of an environmental imfour-story buildings, a resort-style pool, understand how a residential downtown The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

Page 3

Citizens’ Climate Education 10:45 a.m.-noon. This nonpartisan climate action group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month through Zoom video conferences. Email larrykramerccl@ gmail.com to receive a link to join.

Wednesday, June 14 CUSD Board of Trustees 7 p.m. The governing board for the Capistrano Unified School District will meet to decide on local education matters. CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. capousd.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

Learning English Class 10-11:30 a.m. The La Playa Center is hosting free English classes for adults on Wednesdays. Students will be provided materials and workbooks.

La Sala Auditorium, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. crossculturalcouncil.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

pact report, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act,” Rojas said.

“Once the environmental impact report has been completed, the project will be reviewed by the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission, Design Review Committee, and Planning Commission.”

“Eventually, the applications and General plan amendment, code amendment, and all the land-use changes are going to be back to the City Council for the final decision on the application packet,” Rojas continued. “We estimate the public hearings will occur sometime in late 2024.” thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Otra Mas Celebrates 10th Anniversary with San Juan Community

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Otra Mas, a nonprofit horse therapy center in San Juan Capistrano, has been operating for a decade and celebrated that milestone with supporters and San Juan Capistrano residents on May 25.

The equine area, which operates out of the Ortega Equestrian Center on Calle Arroyo, held an open house in conjunction with the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce to recognize the milestone. Attendees got to tour the center grounds and visit with horses.

A ribbon-cutting was also held to commemorate the 10th anniversary.

“Ten years ago, Kathy Holman and her late husband, John Holman, saw there was this huge need that would take in retired horses that could no longer be ridden and give them a forever home and new purpose in life,” Otra Mas Executive Director Belinda Kiesecker said of the purpose and history behind the therapy center.

“The most common outcome for horses that cannot be ridden anymore is they are euthanized. They could be, otherwise, be happy, healthy horses that just have an injury,” Kiesecker continued.

In its 10-year time span, Otra Mas has gone from working with clients six days a month to six days a week, Kiesecker said.

Equine therapy service clients include military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. One particular client, a combat nurse who served multiple tours in Afghanistan, turned to

Otra Mas Executive Director Belinda Kiesecker visits with one of the horses during an open house celebrating the equestrian therapy center’s 10th anniversary on May 25.

Photo: Collin Breaux

Otra Mas because she wanted to work on trust and confidence, Kiesecker said.

“I pulled the horse out, tied the horse up. We sat down, did this deep meditation where we just got completely relaxed, grounded, and present in the moment,” Kiesecker said.

The client then ran her hands along the horse with her eyes closed, which can allow people to get to a comfortable place.

“She called me after Thanksgiving

San Juan Hills Golf Club to Build ‘Passive’ Park on La Novia Avenue

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Under a 30-year lease agreement with the City of San Juan Capistrano, the San Juan Hills Golf Club will facilitate a new “passive” park at the corner of La Novia Avenue and San Juan Creek Road that would see the planting of a small citrus grove, pollinator garden, boardwalk, planting of three trees, and other features.

The City Council unanimously approved the lease and plans for the park on Tuesday, June 6.

The lease calls for the golf club to pay the city $50,000 a year for the 3.3-acre area, which will fund the cost of park maintenance and supplement mainteThe Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

nance of public improvements the city plans to undertake near the park.

The land is owned by the city, currently undeveloped, and intended for park and recreational purposes, an agenda report said.

“For several years, the golf club and the city have been engaged in discussions regarding the golf club’s interest in purchasing or leasing a portion of the northwest portion of city-owned property,” said Matisse Reischl, assistant to the city manager.

An agenda report said the leased area, which is adjacent to current golf club Page 4

and said she did that exercise while she was at Thanksgiving with her family, because that big crowd and event overwhelmed her,” Kiesecker said.

The horse activities can be used so people can find peace and happiness, she said.

Other Otra Mas programs are available to help teenagers and team-building capabilities. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

“Horses will reveal and react to your

inner emotional state, inner mental state, inner physical state, and then give you that information back in a way that no other activity does,” Kiesecker said.

“Horses have a unique ability to help people see themselves and how they relate to the world around them and how they relate to other people without having to think or talk about it like a traditional therapy session,” Kiesecker continued.

property, would be utilized by the golf club for future golf course improvements to be “reviewed separately pursuant to standard City process.” Approval of the proposed lease would “not bind the City Council to any future approvals related to the golf club’s forthcoming submittals,” according to the report.

A 20-year extension is available on the lease, Reischl said.

“The provision of the lease would be for the golf club at their cost to construct the passive park at the northwest corner,” Reischl said. “There would be a 30-day period following lease execution for the golf club to obtain permits, 90 days following to begin construction, and 180 days to complete construction.”

Councilmember John Taylor thanked the golf course for “all the work they put in over the years.”

“It’s been quite a journey, and we’re finally just about here,” Taylor said. “It’s going to be a great park and great opportunity for the golf club to move on with their plans. The golf club has become a big part of the community, so it’s a great asset to have in our town.”

Mayor Howard Hart also said the park will be a “great attribute to the community and to the neighborhood I live in.”

“I think it’s going to be such an attractive feature of our community, and I think people are really going to appreciate it when it’s done,” Hart said. “I really look forward to it. It took a long time. It took a lot of perseverance, and probably over a dozen years for this to get done with all the effort and heartache and setbacks and delays and questions and restarts and pandemics and everything else—but we’re here.” thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Shea Center Expands Horse Therapy Services

BY COLLIN BREAUX

If people seeking mental health care don’t want to simply talk in a room with a therapist, they can instead try to lead a horse around an outdoor obstacle course while discussing their issues.

The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is expanding the range of equine therapy services that they offer to include sessions for people diagnosed with depression, anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, and other conditions.

Non-therapeutic, horse-assisted learning is also available for people, couples, families, and business groups to build life skills and team dynamics.

The horse-involved sessions take place in a round pen on the Shea Center grounds and can help clients identify problems and behavioral patterns to work on. For instance, learning to guide a horse—particularly if it becomes leery or uncooperative—around a pole can teach clients assertiveness and communication skills.

The program was created by Shea Center therapist Leeanna Rice, who leads the nonprofit’s mental health care services.

“What that’s done is it gives clients the opportunity to learn about themselves and their experience as it relates to another being, which really opens up the door for people to grow and develop and not feel judged while they do it,” Rice said.

Leeanna Rice, who leads the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center’s mental health care services program, uses equine therapy to help clients dealing with mental health issues. Rice is seen here with therapy horse Gina.

Photo: Evan Lancaster

thing else “safely and effectively,” she said.

“In a traditional therapeutic setting, oftentimes people will really struggle with having an issue but also having a lot of shame and embarrassment about the issue,” Rice said. “They don’t want to talk about it and bring it to light because of how it makes them feel about themselves.”

The open-air setting is one people can feel particularly comfortable with on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

“It’s been a pretty wonderful experience to start something new, yet so effective,” Rice said.

Equine therapy differs from traditional therapy, as clients can project things they struggle with onto some-

Ugandan Representative Visits San Juan Capistrano Nonprofit

bound to be inspirational to other teenagers who can help.

“Our goal is to eventually reach all of Uganda, and so we need all the help we can get,” Carlile said.

“The fundraising has come along very well. In the past couple of months, I have now reached my 12th well because of some very generous Charles Mayiga (left)—the prime minister of Buganda, a kingdom within donors.”

Uganda—was given a tour of the Wells of Life office in San Juan Capistrano on More dollars Wednesday, June 7, by the nonprofit’s founder, Nick Jordan (right). Wells of Life helps build water wells for Ugandan citizens. Photo: Collin Breaux contributed to Wells of Life means more Ugandan people who get access to clean has staff on the ground in Uganda who water, Carlile said. make sure water wells are providing Wells of Life moved into office space adequate water. The nonprofit drilled its in San Juan in July 2022 but regularly 1,000th well this year.

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Charles Mayiga—the prime minister of Buganda, a kingdom within Uganda— visited the office of Wells of Life in San Juan Capistrano on Wednesday, June 7.

Wells of Life is a nonprofit that builds water wells in Uganda.

Mayiga and other Ugandan representatives met with Wells of Life staff and trustees, got a tour of the office from Wells of Life founder Nick Jordan, and were treated to lunch at the office during their visit.

“It’s such an honor to have him here,” Jordan said. “He’s had quite a journey, but I think he’s kept the best to last.”

Wells of Life helps provide water for Ugandan residents by either drilling new wells or restoring existing ones. The Christian organization drilled its first The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

“With equine therapy, what I can do is set things up for clients to be able to almost project that onto a horse or obstacles in the arena that we set up, and that gives them the opportunity to have a degree of separation from that guilt and shame and really uncomfortable feeling,” she added.

The expanded mental care offerings add to the Shea Center’s current mission of helping disabled people through horse riding and care sessions.

Equine sessions at the Shea Center help clients dealing with cerebral palsy, autism, and other conditions.

With Rice’s program, she walks with the client and horse during arena sessions. During the initial session, Rice talks with the client about what’s happening in their life and struggles and issues going on.

“At the end of that, we talk about what mental health goals they want,” she said. “Based on those goals, I pick a horse the next week with them, because the horse partner is really important. After that, the sessions are all going to be unmounted, at liberty.

At liberty means the horse is not really connected to anything.”

Rice will also notice and point to tendencies during sessions, asking clients if such habits translate to and affect their daily lives.

“It becomes really helpful for them to learn how to work on whatever they’re struggling with, because they’re seeing that issue play out in real life with a thousand-pound animal,” Rice said. “You have to figure out how to identify the issue and then actually put in some practical application to make it work.”

well in 2010.

The nonprofit was formed by Jordan, an Irish immigrant who worked in the Orange County real estate industry and also raised money for African schools.

Jordan, who lives in San Juan Capistrano, became aware of the clean-water access issues for Ugandan residents after taking an overseas trip.

“Thank you very much,” Mayiga said while meeting with Gianna Carlile, a student at JSerra Catholic High School who has helped raise money for Wells of Life by organizing fundraising drives and raising awareness of the nonprofit within the local community.

Carlile said the event, which was attended by other JSerra students, was a wonderful opportunity, in that Mayiga is Page 5

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EYE ON RMV

Reata Glen Resident Wins Medals in Swim Meet

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Jeanne Little has enjoyed swimming for much of her life.

Little, who is 86 years old and lives in the Reata Glen retirement community in South Orange County, got started in masters swimming around 40 years ago.

“I knew how to swim. I didn’t know I’d be a good swimmer,” Little said.

“That came fairly quickly, and I was hooked.”

Little’s passion paid off when she received two gold medals in the U.S. Masters Swimming Spring Nationals in Irvine, held this past April. She won first-place recognitions for the 50and 100-meter freestyle in the 85- to

89-year-old age group.

“I’ve done quite a bit of local swim meets and national swim meets,” she said.

The Irvine competition was a large meet, from Little’s perspective. Her age group doesn’t tend to have as many participants as other age brackets, because swimmers may gradually drop out as they get older, she said.

“Even when I was younger and competing with many, many more people, I did quite well,” Little said. “I had some national championships and local championships. This swim meet, I had about five other competitors. One of

them beat me, and the rest of the swims I won.”

Little also won two silver medals and a bronze.

Little got to do relay races, which she called a “lot of fun.”

“You build camaraderie, and it’s kind of exciting to get up there on the block and go off,” she said.

Getting to participate in the Irvine meet was thrilling for Little, as she doesn’t work out as strenuously as she used to.

“I was quite thrilled to win,” she said. “At a big meet like that, even though I’m only competing in my small age group, it’s an exciting thing to be part of a national swim championship.

There’s so many interesting people and fast races to watch.”

Swimming has always felt good for Little and not an activity she’s had to grind through.

“It’s easy. It’s comfortable to me,” she said. “I enjoy the competition, but I think, most of all, I’ve enjoyed the other swimmers—being at a meet with them or working out with them. It’s quite an unusual connection. It’s been a really good part of my social life for many years.”

Little is looking forward to other upcoming local swim meets.

She initially got into swimming when she was 10 years old.

“I had polio when I was 6 or 7, and have a curvature in my spine from that,” Little said. “It was suggested that swimming would be a good sport for me.

I did start swimming locally in Iowa, where I lived.”

She was part of a small swimming team that initially consisted of her sisters.

“Unfortunately, in those days, women were not allowed to swim in high school or college,” Little said. “I really kind of quit swimming through high school and college. I did get back into it in my 40s.”

Little said she remains active.

“I play bridge,” she said. “I do some charity work and so forth, but swimming is still No. 1.” CD

Reata Glen resident Jeanne Little’s enthusiasm for swimming has nabbed her numerous medals at a recent swim meet in Irvine. Photo: Courtesy of Gary Findlay

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

Page 6

Jeanne Little, who lives in the Reata Glen retirement community, has turned her passion for swimming into frequent wins and medals at competitive meets. Photo: Courtesy of Jeanne Little

EVENTS AT THE RANCH JUNE 14

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING 7-8:30 p.m. Take the first step in becoming an official volunteer at The Nature Reserve. Participants will get to learn about the outdoor area’s history, purpose, and other relevant information, as well as how to communicate that to the public. The event will be held at The Ranch House.

Sign up at thenaturereserve.org.

JUNE 19

SUMMER DAY CAMP 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids will get to learn how to survive in the wild with this hands-on camp at The Nature Reserve, from putting together shelter to figuring out how to stay safe on outdoor trails. There will also be games, art projects, and other activities. The camp is for children ages 6 to 11 years old. Drop-off is at 8:30 a.m. Campers must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on June 16. Cost is $200. Sign up at thenaturereserve.org.

thecapistranodispatch.com

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Page 7

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SOAPBOX

PUBLISHER’S LETTER: By Norb Garrett, Picket Fence Media Founder/CEO

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

A Perfect 10

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Collin Breaux • 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com

Let the celebrations begin!

Picket Fence Media has won 10 coveted California Journalism Awards from the California News Publishers Association (CNPA) for our editorial efforts in 2022, including our first-ever “General Excellence” award in print for Dana Point Times.

To be recognized as the best newspaper in California at its circulation level is an amazing accomplishment, and NORB GARRETT CEO & FOUNDER fitting that this is our 15th anniversary publishing the DP Times.

I’m also super proud of the diversity of awards we won for writing, photography, design and digital. Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh led the charge with three individual awards, Shawn Raymundo won two, and Breeana Greenberg, Collin Breaux and Jayden Smith each won one.

Huge congrats also go to freelance photographer Alan Gibby, who earned a well-deserved award for sports photography.

Congrats, too, to the rest of our editorial team who were equally instrumental in helping us earn these awards: Copy Editor Randy Youngman, Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex and Special Projects Art Director Jasmine Smith.

Here’s a complete list of our winning entries:

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

2022 CNPA CALIFORNIA JOURNALISM AWARDS PRINT GENERAL EXCELLENCE First Place, Dana Point Times (Weeklies 4.3K-11K) ENTERPRISE NEWS STORY OR SERIES First Place, Zach Cavanagh—”Summer of Golf,” San Clemente Times (Weeklies 11K-25K) SPORTS FEATURE STORY Third Place, Zach Cavanagh—”Last Triton Standing,” SC Times (Weeklies 11k-25K) SPORTS ACTION PHOTO Second Place, Zach Cavanagh—SCHS Baseball, SC Times (Weeklies 11K-25K) Third Place, Alan Gibby—DHHS Football, DP Times (Weeklies 4.3K-11K)

Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD)

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo

ART + DESIGN Group Art Director Marc Hostetter

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

Special Projects Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

DIGITAL HOME PAGE LAYOUT First Place, San Clemente Times (Monthly Unique Visitors < 100K) NEWS PHOTO First Place, Shawn Raymundo—Kurt Reinhold Protest, SC Times (Monthly Unique Visitors < 100K) ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE Second Place, Breeana Greenberg—“Music Preserves Wraps Up Music History Program,” DP Times (Monthly Unique Visitors < 100K)

PHOTO STORY/ ESSAY Third Place, Shawn Raymundo—Office Chair Races, SC Times (Weeklies 11K+)

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

OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares Local Distribution Tim Trent FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 21, Issue 11. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA.

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COVERAGE OF THE ENVIRONMENT Third Place, C. Jayden Smith & Collin Breaux—”Contending with Coastal Erosion,” SC Times (Weeklies 11k-25K) The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett

FACEBOOK.COM/CAPODISPATCH • INSTAGRAM @CAPODISPATCH TWITTER.COM/CAPODISPATCH • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA

Page 8

thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION: Laurie’s Letter by Assemblymember Laurie Davies

Listening to the Most Important Voices: Yours

CORRECTION: A feature story profiling the executive chef of Five Vines Wine Bar on page 20 of The Capistrano Dispatch’s May 26 edition incorrectly reported the spelling and title of the chef’s name, as well as incorrectly referenced the nature of the establishment. Omar Ramirez is the executive chef of Five Vines, which is a wine bar in Downtown San Juan Capistrano.

W

e have been very busy in Sacramento these past few months drafting and reviewing new bills for the 2023-24 session. With more than 2,500 bills authored by members of the state legislature, it takes a great deal of time to review.

Last week, the State Assembly voted on over 600 individual pieces of legislation. When it comes to deciding how I vote, I listen to the most important voices: yours. When constituents reach out to my office and urge me to vote one way or another, that is the most critical piece of information I use when deciding how to cast my vote.

There are many bills that have been supported by the entire Assembly. I am proud that four of my top priority bills had 100% support from my Assembly colleagues. My pieces of legislation are critical for our region, as they range from increasing public safety in our neighborhoods to combating the ever-growing threat of coastal erosion we Assemblymember Laurie Davies recently introduced Assembly Bill 966, which would require the Division of Boating and Waterways to study shoreline erosion control and the effectiveness of have in our communities. programs aimed at protecting public beaches. Photo: Shawn Raymundo On the public safety front, I was able to pass Please feel free to contact my office if portant, so our cities and communities both Assembly Bill (AB) 76 and AB 303. combat coastal erowe can be of any assistance. Thank you receive the money they need to support AB 76 tackles the underground crypsion. I’m pleased to for the opportunity to serve you, and I’m their local efforts. Unfortunately, with tocurrency market by ensuring digital share that both AB honored to represent you in the State the record spending from last year, our assets can be an eligible form of curren882 and AB 966 will Assembly. state is facing a record deficit. cy under our state’s money-laundering require the state Laurie Davies is a small business ownI will continue to work with my Aslaws. to start identifying er and former mayor who was elected to sembly colleagues to help prioritize the Unfortunately, we’ve seen a growing which state grant the State Assembly in 2020 and reelected most pressing needs of the state and our trend in the drug and human-trafficking programs are the LAURIE’S LETTER

BY LAURIE DAVIES in 2022. She represents the 74th Assemlocal communities. rings using this currency, and I am hopemost effective for bly District, which includes Dana Point, I would welcome the opportunity to ful that my bill will begin to address this localities to apply Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and San meet and discuss any issues at one of underground illegal activity. for mitigation projects.

Juan Capistrano in South Orange Counmy community meetings, Before Work Additionally, I passed AB 303, which Furthermore, they will also task the ty—down through Camp Pendleton, and Coffees, this summer. In San Clemente, will give law enforcement more inforState Coastal Conservancy with studying Oceanside, Vista and part of Fallbrook in I will host two next month; the first is mation about individuals in our cities which beaches along our coastline are North San Diego County. scheduled for Zebra House Coffee at 8 who are illegally possessing firearms. the most in danger of eroding so we a.m. on July 14.

We must do all we can to tackle gun may begin directing funds to those areas PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety I will be scheduling more dates in violence and keep guns out of the hands most in need. We must be proactive and of opinions from our community, the The Capistrano Dispatch provides Dana Point, Laguna Niguel and San Juan of those who should not, by law, own innovative when it comes to using our Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely Capistrano soon. This is a casual way firearms. tax dollars on environmental projects. those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano to meet and talk about what is on your When it comes to our environment, I On June 15, state lawmakers will vote Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. mind. was able to also pass two bills to help us on the budget. This is extremely imThe Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

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1953-2023

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Letting Our Voices Sing Out

BY S C H O L A R O F S C H O L A R S K E N T L AU GOOD EVENING, CLASS OF 2023, as well as administration, parents, teachers, and Trustee Parham.

This is it. Gathered here today is the last class of San Juan Hills High School who knew what this school was like before the pandemic.

And what an adventure the last four years have been. From winning CIF football to taking the AP Euro test online at home to getting roasted by the underclassmen at the Clash of the Classes, it has been a wild ride.

For the last four years, I have had the pleasure to sing with this talented group next to me in the choral program.

What I find so fascinating about vocal performance is that you are your instrument—each person’s voice has its own style and timbre. This extends into who we are as people: each of us from different backgrounds with our own strengths and shortcomings.

Yet, all of us come together, each with our own quirks, our own beliefs, our own unique voices, and form this rich tapestry of harmony—all of us together stronger than if we were one voice.

We bring to life the stories trapped in the sheet music through the union of our different experiences.

Class of 2023, we are the same. Throughout our four years here, we have grown: intel-

Kent Lau. Photo: Collin Breaux

lectually, physically, emotionally, mentally. But just as important are the relationships that you all have built with each other here.

Whether it’s the (and I might be somewhat biased here but the) emotional release of our music programs, the storytelling of our

fantastic theater department, the overcoming of limits and failures of our athletic teams, or the educational instruction and immersive projects from countless other classes, each of you has contributed to this beautiful harmony here at San Juan Hills.

As a choral performer, I have learned, “You perform, not to impress, but to inspire.”

We go on stage not just for applause, but to emotionally resonate with people.

However, I think this applies to more than just art. Think back on your high school experience. Did you spend countless hours volunteering and studying for tests to show off that perfect, flawless, beautiful transcript covered in A’s to colleges?

If you did, well, that makes two of us.

Hmm … Maybe I didn’t learn my lesson after all …

Where was I going with this…?

Oh, right. In all seriousness, fellow students, it has been an honor to learn and grow with you, but now is the time for our voices to sing out into new territories.

Students, right now, look around. You are very likely surrounded by those who have molded you during your time here: friends, families, teachers, fellow classmates.

As the curtains close on this stage of life, I urge you to remember those who have touched your life and to take their impact with you.

Class of 2023, go venture into your passions, your academic pursuits, your career pursuits, your life pursuits, not just for personal fulfillment but also to inspire change in others, making the world a better place.

We Are the Class of Resilience

W

hew—we made it, Class of 2023! It was a rough one, but we are the class of resilience.

Just starting our high school journey, we were sent home, and stripped away of two years that we will never get back. But we took those years as a beneficial opportunity.

I know many may have reservations about this because well … COVID was, of course, truly tragic. But for our Class of 2023, we rose from the—well, let’s face it— ashes of the pandemic with phoenix-like brilliance.

We all immediately said, “Well, this is awesome, we have a two-week break!” and fled to the beach and hung out with all of our friends—probably not the greatest things to say or do—but this was quickly prevented, and we were all pushed deep

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

BY JACK SANSEVERINO

into our rooms.

Yet still, our class succeeded.

Once COVID hit hard, Enzo Sarayba became deeply intrigued by the public health issue, and now interns at a local urgent care, planning to study and shadow pulmonary care.

Cruz Magee—yes, the inflatable gorilla you see running around—seized this time to create a successful company, End Result Cleaning Services. (Yes, Cruz, there’s your business promo.)

Taylor Zielenbach was inspired to serve through the crisis and modified her organization at CHOC hospital to accommodate scoliosis patients online through the pandemic.

I reiterate that these are only a few of the many resilient stories of our class.

Fellow members of the Class of Resilience, we were not born into a world where the only issue was a pandemic. Today and tomorrow,

we face and will continue to face the innumerable challenges of our dysmorphic world. But, if there was anyone to rise to the occasion, it is us.

And … as a class, we already have through organizations like No Place for Hate and Stallion Start-Up. Here, students like Brandon Sotelo and Rosa Hernandez have worked to reduce divisiveness, and to increase inclusiveness, leveling the walls that separate us all.

I believe there is an abstract metaphor for our class—stay with me here—we were the saplings within the cracks of a boulder. We were hindered from the start, yet, we grew anyways. We grew despite the isolation and the malnourishment brought by the shadow-casting rock wall that surrounded us.

We grew further than that little crack should have allowed us, splitting that damning rock, and growing to be 300 feet tall.

Class, truly wherever we go, we will carry

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Jack Sanseverino. Photo: Collin Breaux

with us the experience of breaking barriers and escaping restriction, for we are the ones who were dealt a rotten hand and came out with the jackpot.

Class of 2023, in the walk of life, we have many hills that loom ahead, but nothing can compare to the Everest we have already conquered.

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Congratulations to the Class of 2023 B Y P R I N C I PA L D R . M A N OJ M A H I N D R A K A R GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE, Class of 2023, families, faculty, and staff. I’m honored to stand before you today as your principal and celebrate together this momentous occasion.

First and foremost, congratulations. Let that sink in. Congratulations. You have worked incredibly hard and overcome countless obstacles to reach this point. Whether you excelled academically, athletically, or artistically, you’ve all made us proud.

To those where the last four years maybe were a struggle, I’m proud of you, too. Every chapter in life may not be a fairy tale or go as planned, but what matters is that you made it.

I hope the next chapter will be the opportunity for you to blossom and shine.

Also, congratulations to everyone here in attendance. I know an achievement like this is not earned alone. It’s been a family and community achievement.

Graduates, again, I’m so proud of all of you.

You’ve made being the principal of San Juan Hills High School an absolute dream job. It’s been an honor to watch you all grow, learn, and ultimately succeed.

As you move on to the next chapter of your lives, I want to remind you that success is not just about what you achieve but also about the impact you have on those around you. I hope you’re not defined just by your grades and your wins and your awards. I know I’ll remember you for your character, your compassion, and the contributions you’ve made to those around you.

I do have some advice, and it’s simple.

Be kind, be curious, be courageous, and be genuine. We’re living in a world with social The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

Dr. Manoj Mahindrakar. Photo: Collin Breaux

media—and now, teachers, AI—and that’s going to promote something that may not be genuine. Who knows if it’s real? It can be tempting to present a false image to the world, but I think true success will come from being authentic and genuine to who you are, and a lot of hard work.

The world is going to try to tell you who to be. We see it all the time. You turn on your phone, and there’s some version that you feel like you’re supposed to be, but only you can decide that—and those you trust and your family.

Embed yourself and anchor yourself in the values that you know guide you. We think technology might make some things easier, but I don’t think there will ever be a replacement or shortcut for true support or friendship and care that we must show each other. Those are the things that ultimately got you here.

Of course, I wouldn’t be a proper principal if I didn’t leave you with some homework, so here it is: In your mind, write down three things that you want to accomplish in the next three years, next five years. They can be big Page 14

or small, personal or professional, but they should be meaningful to you.

Here’s the thing: share it with someone you trust—a friend, a family member, a mentor, someone who’s just supported you along the way, to hold you accountable. There’s the key piece. You can’t do it alone. That’s one thing I’ve seen being a principal and working in education.

None of us can achieve goals on our own.

We need each other, and we need support.

We need encouragement, and we need to inspire each other. That’s what this is all about.

It’s community.

As you go off into the world, remember that you’re not alone. You’re a part of something much bigger than yourself. You’re a part of a legacy of excellence, compassion, and resilience. We’re all here cheering you on, every step of the way.

Students, what you do next is up to you. I want you to see that success is a community experience, so look around. Really, look around. This is a lot of people, and they’re all here because they believe in you. They’ve been a part of this somewhere along the way.

We want you to succeed, because when you succeed, that means this whole community has succeeded.

Class of 2023, I know in my heart you’ll continue to make us proud, and I sincerely hope you make yourself proud as well. Take that next step knowing you are deserving, you’re capable, and ready to do extraordinary things.

Again, Class of 2023, congratulations and—as always—RFTB. thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASS OF 2023

SAN JUAN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES Amir Abedi Sebastian Acero Geody Aguero Guerrero Verenisse Aguilar Kaden Aimer Andy Alarcon Gavin Albert Elias Albo Octavio Albuquerque Yaseen Aldawood Laurence AlizadehFakori Alyssa Allado Kyla Altheide Christopher Alvarez Mario Anaya Cade Anderson Miriam Angeles Alissia Ardiley Juan Arevalo Derick Argujo Anais Arntsen Jacqueline Arvizu Angelina Ashford Mason Ashmore Ava Asil Ava Avalos Brody Averell Marie Aviles Jadyn Babb Itzel Bacilio Martinez

Jack Baer Alyssa Bailey Hannah Baird Ryan Baird Thomas Baker Aleksander Bakovic Jordan Bales Derek Bao Parker Barney Sophia Barney Kadon Barns Gianna Barough Mason Beaver Christabella Becerril Mariella Beck Ashlyn Beebe Brenden Bellavia Graciela Beltran-Hall Logan Benvenuto Enzo Benzan Chloe Besler Taylor Besler Shangze Bi Justin Bibelheimer Elle Billington Gavin Blackwell Tyler Blaser Brayden Bockler Tara Boenker Cain Bojorquez Elysia Bojorquez

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Tessa Bologna Olivia Boucly Sophia Boucly Rebecca Bourne Sadie Bradley James Branning Jessie Bravo-Delgado Connor Bruton Joel Bryan Kira Burke Bryana Burnes Trey Bushman Jed Butler Dayana Cabral Alexander Calabro Avery Calahan Dylan Calkins Camila Calvo Everett Campbell Diana Carandia Garcia Lizeth Cardoso Jessica Castro Emma Chapin Eliana Chapman Grace Chapman Briseyda Chavez Ismael Chavez Pimentel Ryan Cheng Jeremy Chiani Nathaniel Chin Karly Clarson

Logan Connot Adam Cook Leah Cook Matthew Cook Declan Cooper Kathleen Coppola Kelya Cortes-Reyes Eileen Cortez Fernando Cortez Leslie Cortez Levi Crider Avery Crocker Andrew Cruz Angel Cruz Domenic Cruz Tobey Cummings Jordan Dade Taylor Daggett Blake Davenport Lily Davenport Tara De Bellis Julissy De La Puente Angel De Leon Matthew De Neve Isabella De Oliveira Jordan De Ramos Ron Degtyar Anthony Delgado Shaili Desai Mia DeSantis Lindsey DeStefani

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Alyssa Dickinson Timur Dogan Ava Dohman Julia Donahue McKenna Douglas Chloe Downing Mya Drinkwater Braden Duff Marissa Duffield Jaret Dunaway Shelby Duncan Jaci Dunham Tyler Dunn Mark Duplissey Andrew Easton Amanda Edwards Carter Ellis David Engle Lily Esparza Trent Etter Daniel Fajardo Beckum Femino Adan Figueroa Chloe Fisher Catherine Flaherty Eric Fletes Jaden Florentino Saul Flores Ryan Flowers Noah Fortes Austen Freda

Campbell Freeman Kate Friess Calvin Fu Gustavo Fuentes Elouise Fuhs Samantha Gaines Yeremy Galeana Aidan Gallade Madison Galovan Austin Gandy Evelyn Garcia Kimberly Garcia Maia Garcia Nathan Garcia Samantha Garcia Stephanie Garcia Ocampo Justin Garcia Zambrano Benjamin Gardner Wesley Gardner Lindsey Gattis Elsa Gilmore Jillian Glossbrenner Mariah Gomez Rafaela Goncalves Barbosa De Araujo Joshua Gonzalez Julieta Gonzalez Paola Gonzalez Austin Goodpaster Emma Gottlieb

Alexis Gould Mia Graham Mikayla Graham Maximiliano Granados Mia Granados Jacob Grande Nyah Grande Maxwell Green Kate Grim Kayla Grofsky Peyton Guarino Ella Gustavino Colin Guthrie Gustavo Gutierrez Kayla Hallbeck Lauren Hambrick Darrin Hanlon Erik Hansen Noah Hardin Logan Harrington Wyatt Harris Zachary Haugsland Zoe Heck Vaughn Heiting Lauren Hellwege Zoe Hendon Jacob Henretta Bryana Hernandez Jimmy Hernandez Zachary Hernandez Rosa Hernandez Diaz

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Emily Hernandez-Torres Daisy Herrera Madelynne Hing Reagan Hirchag Ellie Ho Lennon Hodges Evan Holley Brady Howsmon Tyler Howsmon Ziyi Huang Abraham Huizar Simon Huntington Ethan Hutchinson Kaylene Huynh Henri Ibarra Angon Adia Ishibashi Aaron Iverson Jasmine Ixtacuy Monica Iyer Bryanna Jacinto-Vazquez Shawn Jahangiri Melissa Jaime Ivan Jaimes Maxwell Javaheri Jackson Jeralds Audrey Johnson Kaleb Johnson Sydney Jorgensen Haley Juarez Hector Juarez Dylan Kaminski Kyle Kato Aren Kazanciyan Austin Keetch Jayden Kelsch Sathvik Keshireddy Hunter Kessler Rylan Kies Reed Killion Syrus King Peyton Kirkner

Jacob Kittler Kaitlyn Kittredge Jackson Klein Kaitlin Klein Wade Kolasinski Jack Kovacs Alexa Kreider Katie Krzywicki Zachary Kulinski James Landrigan William LaPalme Carly Lapes Kaylee Larson Kyla Larson Owen Larson Nicholas Lau Nathan Lawson Madison Lax Roman Lee Regan Legg Peyton Leonard Carter Levy Mylan Leykauf Yaratza Lievanos Danika Lindgren Rowan Lindsey Ella Linn Hayley Little Cailyn Liwski Carina Locke Luke Loftus Genesis Lopez Leilanie Suyette Lopez Payton Love Alondra Lua Betsy Luengas Gavin Lynde Ryan MacDougall Dahlia Macedo Maresa Mackenziedel Toro Joseph Madariaga-

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Benavides Alexander Madero Seamus Magee Kim Mai Matthew Majdanics Caleb Manea Elaine Mansfield Noel Mardikian Samantha Markow Axel Marmolejo Gerry Marmolejo Briggs Marquis Kaitlin Marschall Christian Martinez Brooklyn Mazzo Calum McBean Briana McCartney Jack McCook Lola McDonough Jessica McEachenCramer Graydon McGowan Jonathon McGraw Jackson McKay Emma McMillan Alan Medel Katterina Mehring Fritz Melchert Citlalli Mendez Antonio Mendez-Melo Ethan Mendoza Jr Mendoza Mina Metelmann Bridget Miller Heath Miller Brayden Mims Adan Montalban Jennifer Moody Lukas Morawiec Angelica Moreno Garrett Moreno Maria Moz Ramirez

Amanda Mui Maxwell Mullick Giovanni Muniz Nabor Muniz Reyli Munoz Sophia Nahirny Damian Najera-Serrano Mariam Namuq Oscar Nango Jesse Nava Joselyn Nava-Granados Hudson Neafcy Nima Nei Mia Isabella Nelson Raden Nelson Kendall Newlon Timothy Ngoy Claire Nguyen Sage Nichols Obinna Njaka Riley Norgaard Luke Novinger Amadeus Nunez Leilani Obana Crystal Ochoa Connor O’Farrill Makenna Okumura Jasper O’Loughlin Daisy Olson Stephanie Olvera Lily O’Malley Alexis Ordaz Bridgette Pacheco Jaden Padayao Karson Padilla Hannah Palmer Baker Pascual Allessandra Peak Xitlali Pedraza-Payta Anthony Pedroza Flores Daniel Pelaez Faith Peponis Page 16

Anthony Perez Estrella Perez Jack Perez Karina Perez Brooke Petrucci William Pezold Samantha Phillips Grace Phippen Vendela Phoenix Evelyn Picon Estrada Alexander Piil Christian Pioche Samuel Pittman Alondra Policarpo Anali Policarpo Ethan Ponce Thomas Porchas Gabrielle Porter Travis Porter Caitlin Pratt Alexis Presser Ella Proctor Owen Profancik Ethan Purkis Brock Purnell Sarah Quan Jesus Ramirez Juan Ramirez Jonathon Rangel Lillianne Ransom A-Lan Rashaad Finnigan Raubach Steven Raubolt Kalani Ray Olivia Reasoner Amanda Reeves Harrison Regalado Gabriela Resendiz Joanna Reyes Gonzalez

David Riberos Maximus Ricaurte Luke Ridder Joven Rimorin Nathaniel Robert Kieryn Roberts Joel Robinson Angela Rodriguez Mia Rodriguez Samantha Rodriguez Sophia Rodriguez Alexa Roemer Riley Rojo Travis Rosenbaum Evan Rovge LaFave Ronny Ruiz Jorge Ruiz Cisneros Evan Rylance Kristina Sabad Natalie Sackett Daniel Salinas David Sanchez Desiree Sanchez Lisette Sanchez Gavin Sanchez-Brown Madeline Sanchez-Jijon Brandon Sandoval Nava John Sanseverino Lucas Sanseverino Natalie Santana Aaliyah Santos Lorenzo Sarayba Carter Saunders Samantha Scalia Sophia Schaller Lilyan Schindler David Schmitt Thomas Schmitt Emma Scholz

Lucy Sedgwick Cassidy Segrell Marllera Sei-Ichi Emmanuel Serrano Oscar Servin Siyona Shah Justin Sheehan Isaac Sierra Nicole Silverman Ethan Simmons Adler Simons Lillian Sisson-Burack Rowan Smark Vendela Smedeby Jack Snyder Tyler Solomon Alejandro Sotelo Kamila Soto Samantha Spiegler Jude Spradlin Mae Stafford Ruby Stanton Aaron Stark Elle Sterner Matteo Steves Ella Stock Charlie Stoelzing Chloe Stone Savanna Straw David Strope Delaney Sullivan Kylie Sullivan Sherissa Sutjipto Ethan Sutter Matthew Swaim Alexa Swift Megan Swift Barnabas Szekely Ella Szkotnicki

SENIOR SENDOFF

BEN DAILEY We are so proud of you! Good luck at Cal State Fullerton.

Love, Dad, Mom, Nahla & Wes

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Evelyn Tadeo Ryan Taghizadeh Kimberly Tamayo Taylen Tamburrino D Angelo Tapia Jordan Tapia Roxy Thornton Kai Tinney Lyla Tjepkema Megan Toal Lucas Tofoli

Julia Tonai Jake Topartzer Ayden Topping Alexander Torres Brandon Torres Lorissa Torres Garrett Trice Sheila Trinidad Marissa Trudeau Rachel Turney Jesus Ulloa

Adam Underdahl Spencer Ure Lance Urgell Daniel Uribe Valeria Uribe Ethan Valencia Drew Valladares Jaika Van Vlasselaer Carter Van Zanten Charlotte VanZweeden Oswaldo Vargas

Evelyn Vargas Jimenez Marcus Varner Allison Velazco Jacob Verde Evelyn Victoria Arevalo Presley Villalba Jayson Villamil Sandy Villamil Anna Villar Ella Voris Adam Vuoso

Holly Walker Jake Wally Kylie Ward Zachary Ward Asher Warther Scott Weitzel Dylan Wersching John West Natalie White Sophia White Riley Whiteside

Austin Williams Brett Williams Carah Williams Grant Winer Ella Winger Eden Woffinden Sydney Wolfe Tyler Wolter Emma Wood Kimiko Yanaura Richard Yartz

Samuel Zabrocki Julie Zamarripa Jashley Zaragoza Ebony Zavala Taylor Zielenbach Marcos Zlatich Mason Zoller Adam Zucker Gabriella Zuniga

RFTB Is More than Just Four Letters

D

B Y L I N D S E Y G AT T I S

r. Mahindrakar, parents, faculty, and Class of 2023 seniors: As we sit here today, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and excitement. Nostalgia, because we are leaving behind four years of memories and experiences that we will cherish forever. Excitement, because we are about to embark on a new journey, one that will shape our future and define who we are as individuals.

The future graduating classes are going to have huge shoes to fill. I mean, the Class of 2023 had not one, not two, but three senior ditch days.

In all seriousness, I am proud to have been a part of a class that really made the most of their high school experience—a class that greatly contributed to the community that is held together by the phrase, “Ride for the Brand.”

Ever since we stepped foot on campus in 2019, Riding for the Brand has slowly gathered more and more meaning. At first, R-F-T-B was just the four letters that we would shout from the back of the student section as freshmen at our first Friday Night football games.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

But four years later, we feel a deeper sense of belonging and Stallion pride every time we hear “Ride for the Brand.”

RFTB is what we felt in the theater, amazed at the talent in outstanding performances like Chicago. RFTB is what we felt while sitting in the freezing cold bleachers, cheering on our classmates in their winter sports seasons.

RFTB is what we felt at club rush as we gathered around each other’s passions. RFTB is what we felt at 11 p.m. on a Thursday night setting up our gym for a pep rally. And it’s also what we felt when the Class of 2023 took home this year’s Clash of the Classes trophy.

I never thought I would feel this connected with a school community as I have these past years. We formed a community through all of our different interests and talents, and we always rooted for each other.

The Stallion staff has gone above and beyond in getting us to where we are sitting today. Teachers like Mrs. Gonzalez made an effort to form a personal connection with each and every one of their students.

Supervisors like Ms. Kim, who whipped around in her golf cart with the biggest smile, spread a bit of joy on campus every day.

You might have been sitting at lunch one Friday, minding your own business, and out

Lindsey Gattis. Photo: Collin Breaux

of nowhere, Dr. Mahindrakar told you a bad principal joke, and in just a matter of seconds, you were famous on his Instagram account.

It was little moments like these that really made our high school experience unique— something that you could only understand if you RFTB. During my time here at San Juan Hills, I have learned a vital life lesson. Whatever you put into something is what you get out of it.

The more you invest, the more you get back.

As students on this campus, we have been blessed with a multitude of opportunities to grow—not only academically, but as individ-

Page 17

uals. The Class of 2023 has not only taken advantage of these opportunities, but has turned each experience into an unforgettable memory.

As much as I am going to miss this school and the community that comes with it, I am so excited to see what the future holds for each and every one of us.

I encourage us all to make the most of the rest of our lives, just like we have made the most of this memorable journey at San Juan Hills High School.

Congratulations, Class of 2023! We did it!

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JSERRA CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATES Ava Abeyta Aiden Aguayo Emily Allegaert Jake Alves Mason Appelbaum Nathan Aquino Anthony Arriola Thomas Ashby Athian Athian Ryan Attenborough Shane Auci Carson Bader Jessica Bakhsh Sophia Balkhi Johanna Barmettler Kennedy Barnes Aisley Barrette Gabrielle Basa Delaney Belanger Robert Belli Kai Benumof Luke Blower Vance Blyth Nolan Boesch Ava Noelle Bohn Joseph Bond

Sophia Boultinghouse Jake Bourne Emma Brandon Keenai Braun Nixon Broders Everett Bryson Cameron Burroughs Hudson Byrne John Cameron Trent Caraway Ethan Carpenter Jenna Carter Shea Carter Kealani Caster Victoria Champine Zachary Champine Brandon Chang Ariel Che Alex Chen Cici Cheng Maximus Chiotis Michael Cho Elliot Chung Anna Ciraci Adrian Clark Alexander Clark

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

Casey Coady Sophia Coffin Austin Cole Lleyden Collins Gavin Conniff Mia Contreras Samantha Cotter Madeline Crawford Sophie Criger Brendan Cruz Joie Cuevas Annaliese Cuzick Sophia D’Auria Tyler Dallape Alexander Davidson II Gary Davidson II Kylie Davidson Ava De Santos Jack DeSplinter Dominic DiCarlo Sidney Dina Haley Dodd Julia Domanskis Tom Dong Dylan Duplanty Katherine Dygean

Elise Early Jackson Ecker Reese Eckstein Hailey Ellingson Ryann Englhard Natalie Enriquez Antonio Esseily Vanessa Esteban Amanda Everett Audrey Everett Eric Fickinger Katherine Fonseca Rachel Fonseca Sarah Freeman Grace Friedl Jose Frutos III Lou Fujiwara Jake Gabrielian Andy Garcia Trevor Garrison Liam Geoghegan Aiden German Simran Ghai Aubrey Gibson Matthew Gilbert Delara Gitibin Page 18

Fia Good Grace Graham Alexander Granata Jayden Graves Emma Grevemberg Nicole Griffith Mia Grund Angelica Guia Gabriel Guinane Lindsey Haines Ashley Han Shaughnessy Hannegan Donovan Harris Faith Hauke Hutton Heil Logan Heil Morgan Heinig Jack Helfer Ethan Heric Chelsea Hernandez Jose Herrera Reagan Heslin Owen Holder James Hollis Andrew Houfley

Kate Hovland Emma Huang Perry Huang Austin Hughes Lindsey Hughes Alexander Huynh Jack Ingwersen Adesh Jessel Cloe Jewgieniew Linda Jiang Ellie Johnson Justin Joiner-Greer Joshua Jornadal Thomas Kane Claire Kaushek Julien Kechejian Matthew Kechejian Brennan Keena Audrey Kemp Julia King Haley Kirchhoff Brynn Kitcher Caden Klein Margaret Knauft Ava Lauren Knebl Jaden Kopp

Michael Kotchian Kathleen Kraiss Matthew Krugh Andrew Lamb Siena Lambert Samuel Langley Colin Leigh John Lentz III John Leslie Evan Leukanech Zachary Lewis Cindy Li Fiona Liu Julian Liu Matthew LoDuca Valentina Lozano Lucy Lu Dariusz Lukowski Cameron Maloney David Manning Dillon Martin Alex Martinez Marina Martinez Micaela Martz Yasmin Mashour Makenna Mason thecapistranodispatch.com

Faith McAdam Fionnuala McClain Christina McClennen Ronan McKeagney Ryan McLaughlin Catelyn McMackin Grace Medina August Melschau Jonathan Mendez Megan Michel Delaney Mills Arman Mobayen Sophia Moncur Luke Monson Maverick Montez Sophia Montoya John Morreale Cameron Murphy Kal Myers Thomas Nail Maxwell Nelson Seamus Neppl Brielle Normandin Madalyn O’Campo Faith O’Neill Ysabella Padua Clara Pancake Rebekah Patin Sydney Paulson Ashton Peasley Noah Pechuls Mateo Peguero Ayva Poggi Payton Polana Mason Presley Brodie Purcell Christopher Qozi Reid Rabara Michael Ray Caylin Rector Sofia Recupero Thomas Reeves Benjamin Reimers Lizbeth Reyes Cameron Ricciardi Eric Riegelsberger Jackson Riley Grayson Rosal Ava Rosandic Sofia Roy Cole Rudkin Sienna Sacchetto Landon Sachs Andrew Sandford Joseph Santy Alana Savage Alexa Scampini Callie Schreiber Nathan Schrodt Brendon See

Cade Sego Sebastian Serna Betty Shen Michael Simonian Luigi Smaldino Anastasia Snodgrass Grace Sojian Jake Stafford Duncan Starkenburg Maxamillion Starr Jacob Steinberg Ryan Strickland Jonathan Sum Jackson Summers Jayden Summers Jenny Sun Pierce Tanghal Carrie Teichrow Langdon Thomas Johann Thrall Lauren Tonsich Taylor Trujillo David Tuliau Breanna Ursetta Andrew Vangrin Stefanos Veziris Gretchen Voyer Andrew Walker Colin Wallace Kendall Wallin Natalie Walters Claire Wang Nick Wang Julia Watson Nolan Webb Hailee Weinmeister Dallas White Dylan White Emma White Logan Wilhelm Ryan Woodards Gary Xu Rising Yang Isabella Yanis Tyler Yasukochi John Yeager Macallister Zawistoski Ava Zell Jason Zeng Ao Zhang Carl Zhang George Zhao Lux Ziebarth Angelica Zizzo

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

St. Margaret’s Episcopal SCHOOL GRADUATES

Shane Christopher Aitken Andrew John Ashman Patricia Baena Maia Niaz Baird Avery Rose Balint John Alexander Basombrio Madeline Elizabeth Bendzick Talia Cate Besikof Owen Riley Binder Liesel Gabrielle Blau Alexandra Nicole Botuchis Alexis Rose Bullock Julius Vincent Caggiano Keegan Lucas Carnell Itzel Yanira Castellanos Emely Jasmin Ceballos Yuanxi Cheng Kevin Chou Bailey Wilford Clark Nicholas John Clute Alden Baines Copps Czarina Cecilia Couig Marcelo Cruz-Sanchez Michael Gabriel Cuda Geneva Grace Dandel Jordan Grant Denes Sam Dunnell Mari Grace Edler Ella Kathleen Eggert

Ella Margaret Etchandy Emma Katherine Evanson Wyatt Fischer Fales Caden Michael Gazzaniga Dmitrios George Georgiades Kayla Gerayli Andrew James Golubow Mark Walter Gonzalez Emma Catherine Griffin Caroline Ruby Gunderson Audrey Lea Harrington Samuel Paul Harvey Lucinda Katherine Hill Mary Kendall Hogan Alexander Holland Tristan Christopher Horgan Sarah Drew Jenkins David Jiang Dylan McCaffrey Johnson Ava Sophia Karahalios Isabella Vivianna Karmis Megan Avery Kenner Alexander Kenny Amelia Lynley Kerr Sabrina Junyoung Kim Nideline Lagunas Lauren Hong Lam Jonathan Jesse Lee Kate Yujin Lee Page 19

Xintong Li Makena Kalia Lim Alexis Noelle Lindenfelser Oliver Liu Vanessa Linchan Liu Yichen Ma Tina Braelynne Mai Hayden Randolph Mann Minka Mei Martinez Carson Alexander Mather Malcolm William Matthew Michaela Sarah McCusker Andrew Curran Miehe Brandon Nicholas Miller Nadia Momtaz Sophia Susan Moran Katherine Brady Moseley Keyon Namdar Ryan Namdar Noelle Myra Nash Charlotte Campbell Newman Eric Trang Nghiem Elle Dalsey O’Donnell Caroline Catherine Otterbein TJ Pavia William Francis Peffer III Charlotte Anne Quintanar Jordan Beth Reder Jake Ryan Reeves

Luke Andrew Reinkensmeyer Natalie Gayle Roby Leila Marie Rooney Eileen Azimi Sadati Katelyn Su-Chang Saiki Madeleine May Sapra Ashley Grace Shanahan Kevin Bo Shen Derek Ryan Smith John Stahl Kaitlin Ashley Tam Annabel Sophia Grace Thiel Devin Scott Thomas Chloe Amanda Thompson Kian Mody Vargo Luciana Varkevisser Gabriela Velazquez Winston Sterling Verdult Leslie Villamil Andrew Richard Welling Matthew Thane Welling Celeste Marie Windes Henry Bertram Wohlgemuth Lucy Caroline Young Renee Yu Qixin Zhang

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CApistrano Valley Christian School GRADUATES Kennedy Abang Christopher Arai Jack Armstrong India Barbosa Leao Jacob Beauchaine Garrett Beeson Adrian Blanchet Davin Bosu Hayden Carlson Caleb Chan

Kylie Cox Bora Eralp Harper Finley Sydney Futscher Madison Gomez Tomas Gomez Jonathan Goodman Nathaniel Griffin Joshua Gustafson Kaitlyn Hackney

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

Maryn Harris Emelia Helsel Isabelle Hemsley Audrey Hilgert Elijah Howard Rylan Hunziker Sadie Johnson Sonomi Katoh Michiru Kawashita Logan Kelly

Yuna Kim Serhii Kriachko Avery Kurz Sarah Le Drew Jack Leetzow Megan Lemery Emily Lohrman Hunter Long Evan Loucks Jack Maguire

Page 20

Gaia Mammano Kaimana Martinez Ariik Mawien Anna Mayou Joshua Mitchell Scott Moore Anders Nilsson Shunsuke Nishio Mark Oberon Emily Polanco

Luke Powell Mia Powell Joshua Richie Aidan Romero Cole Sampson Logan Sanders Joshua Savalle Hailey Snyder Yina Song Daniel Spencer

Connor Susag Brooke Thornton Cydney Thornton Kate Walter Thomas Woods Linfeng Xie Ryan Zaengle Jinge Zhu Yinuo Zou

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FAIRMONT SCHOOLS GRADUATES Hailey Bernal • Aiden Memary • Alex Hairapetian • Kamyar Najafinia • Itai Roe Kozorovitsky • Charles Harnish • Tristan Posner • Mia Taliaferro

YEARS

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

CLASS OF 2023 G R A D U A T E S

For 50 years, Capistrano Valley Christian Schools has been dedicated to providing educational excellence in a Christ-centered environment. We equip students with world-class teachers and coaches who genuinely care, ensuring they are fully prepared for life and leadership.

32032 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Since 1973

(949) 493-5683

facebook.com/capovalleychristian

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

Page 21

www.cvcs.org @cvcseagles

thecapistranodispatch.com

PRESENTING the CLASS of 2023 Congratulations graduates! You have grown and excelled in the classroom, in the arts, on the athletic field, in leadership roles and in service to your community. You have demonstrated incredible perseverance and grace in these unprecedented times. You are an extraordinary group of young adults headed to colleges and universities across the nation and the world, incredibly well prepared for the remarkable journey ahead. We are very proud of you, and have great faith in you. Remain true to yourselves and your Tartan values. We look forward to seeing your lives unfold with meaning and purpose.

Godspeed Tartans! Tartans Forever!

31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, California 92675 | 949.661.0108 | www.smes.org | Founded in 1979

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

Page 22

thecapistranodispatch.com

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Water Works - What is filtered out of our water and what is added?

FDI-1867L-A © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AECSPAD

OUR FIRST ARTICLE DESCRIBED WHERE YOUR WATER COMES FROM and the stages and processes that go into providing this

ONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

precious resource. We also detailed the $20 million investment SMWD will make over the next 5 years to improve the “antiquated and dated” SJC groundwater processing plant it inherited in 2021. Our second article described the rigorous process of filtering out what we don’t want in our water, testing to ensure its purity and additives like fluoride, all of which keep us healthier. In this article we focus on one of many human roles involved in exploring where your water comes from.

Michael Blazevic of SMWD is a professional who specializes in the study of groundwater and its interaction with geology and hydrologic cycle. Michael is a Hydrogeologist, PG (Professional Geologist) and CHG (California Hydrogeologist) who obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree at Cal State Fullerton. Unlike some water districts who rely on geology and hydrogeology consultants, Michael is fulltime staff at SMWD, working directly with SJC’s plant manager Tim O’Neal and SMWD’s water resource managers to maximize the production of local groundwater and reduce the need to purchase imported water. He takes his work seriously.

Michael’s role is multifaceted and requires a broad range of skills and expertise. A few of his key responsibilities include: Groundwater Management: One of the primary responsibilities of a hydrogeologist like Michael is to manage the groundwater resources in the district. This includes monitoring and analyzing groundwater levels and quality, evaluating the effectiveness of water recharge programs, and developing strategies for sustainable groundwater use.

Well Rehabilitation: Another key responsibility is to design plans and oversee the rehabilitation of wells to maximize the extraction of local groundwater. Currently SMWD is investing millions in the SJC ground-

Page 23

water well to maximize output in the future.

Water Resource Planning: Michael is also responsible for developing water resource plans that outline SMWD’s long-term strategies for meeting water demand. This includes evaluating the potential impacts of both rain and drought on the local water resources, identifying opportunities for increased local groundwater extraction or artificial groundwater recharge, and collaborating with other stakeholders to develop regional water supply solutions.

Environmental Compliance: Hydrogeologists like Michael are also responsible for ensuring that the district’s groundwater extractions comply with all environmental regulations and permits. This includes monitoring groundwater extraction volumes, analyzing groundwater levels and quality, and ensuring the groundwater extraction doesn’t negatively impact the natural environment.

Public Outreach and Education: This article and others like it are part of outreach and education providing the public information about water resources and conservation. This too is part of the work of a hydrogeologist like Michael which is one more reason he became the subject of this article.

We are fortunate to have our very own Hydrogeologist in SJC with his strong background in geology, hydrogeology, and environmental science along with his commitment to increase production of safe reliable drinking water.

“Water” we up to next?

Tap into the conversation and be on the lookout for upcoming articles with more fascinating facts about your water—including how, given the complicated processes and investments made by SMWD, water rates are determined.

thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday!

Sign up for The Weekender at

The List

thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender

What’s going on in and around town this week

Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday!

Sign up for The Weekender at thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender

FRIDAY | 09 FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

SATURDAY |10 STRAWBERRY U-PICK 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Ecology Center is providing a chance to pick fresh berries. While baskets will be provided, participants are also welcome to bring their own. After you finish collecting a harvest, head over to the Farm Stand to pay for what you picked.

Cost to attend is $9. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin will perform. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 9 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Cover band Your Mom will perform.

StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

People dance to Motown act Blue Breeze Band in 2022 during the San Juan Summer Nites Concert series.

Photo: Collin Breaux

WEDNESDAY | 21: SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES CONCERT 6-8 p.m. The free outdoor concert series presented by the City of San Juan Capistrano is back on this year, in full form. Classic rock act The Trip kicks off the fun on June 21. Bring a lawn chair and blanket to relax while you soak up music in downtown San Juan. There will also be food trucks, adult beverages for sale, and booths featuring local businesses and groups. A free trolley service will run on concert days from 4-9 p.m. Historic Town Center Park, 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org.

SUNDAY | 11 GHETTO RESCUE FFOUNDATION FUNDRAISER 3-7 p.m. The Ghetto Rescue FFoundation is hosting a fundraiser, with proceeds going toward the spaying, neutering, adoption, and care of dogs in need. Live music will be performed by the Missiles of October and other bands. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance at The Coach House or by contacting Barbara Gentosi or Tami Baumann.

Raffle prize tickets are available for purchase the night of the event. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.361.1038 or 949.295.8913. ghettorescue.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 4-7 p.m. Dream Brother will perform.

Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

MONDAY | 12 BRIDGE GAME 12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit

owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels.

31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

OPEN JAM 7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

TUESDAY | 13 STORYTIME AT THE SJC LIBRARY 10:30-11 a.m. Bring the kids to storytime, held every Tuesday morning. Children will get to read books and sing songs. The event is geared for the 2- to 6-year-old age range. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

WEDNESDAY | 14 TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896

Page 24

H.H. COTTON’S LIVE MUSIC SHOWCASE 7-10 p.m. Every Wednesday, H.H. Cotton’s will host this live music showcase to feature talented local musicians from around the area and will occur in the restaurant’s Hamilton Room (the back room). H.H. Cotton’s, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. hhcottons.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

THURSDAY | 15 WILD ABOUT ANIMALS LARGE GROUP SHOW 10:30 a.m. Participants of this educational live animal program will meet and explore a variety of animals from all over the world. Dana Point Public Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517. ocpl.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. U2 tribute band The U2Xperience will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE 8:30-10:30 p.m. Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness the curiously beautiful phenomenon. A meter net is deployed 600 feet deep to capture thousands of these drifting organisms, which can make their own light. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org. thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES

‘You Hurt My Feelings’ Not Too Much

BY MEGAN BIANCO

B

eginning her career as an apprentice for fellow New Yorkers Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese, Nicole Holofcener broke through her own filmmaking career in the 2000s with slice-of-life romantic dramedies including Lovely and Amazing (2001) and Friends with Money (2006).

Like with Nancy Meyers’ work, Holofcener’s characters are usually older, upper middle-class women going through some kind of dilemma, usually involving her relationship or family.

With Holofcener’s movies, we get a bit more casual, laid-back tone that we now associate with indie and mid-budget flicks.

Her latest effort, You Hurt My Feelings, is familiar territory for fans, but delivers what the writer-director does best.

In modern day Manhattan, Beth (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is a writer who is struggling to get her second book

published. While her first book was a memoir about her early life, this time she’s giving fiction a shot.

Her husband, Don (Tobias Menzies), is a psychiatrist who is second-guessing his strength and interest in advising his clients, while their son, Elliott (Owen Teague), is a college graduate running a marijuana dispensary.

When Beth overhears Don secretly reveal he doesn’t think her current book is that good, her ego is shattered, and she starts having doubts about both her talent and their marriage. Meanwhile, Elliott is having his own quarter-life crisis and confesses he doesn’t think Beth and Don were good enough parents.

You Hurt My Feelings reunites Holofcener with Louis-Dreyfus for the first time since Enough Said (2013), and it reminds us the two naturally mesh just as well as Holofcener with her favorite female lead, Catherine Keener, during the first decade of her directing career.

Photo: Courtesy of A24 Films

Louis-Dreyfus, who somehow seems to not bat quite as well in film as she does on TV, exudes nicely here, and has finally found the best creator for her cinematic material. Though it’s a bit jarring to hear the English actor with an American accent at first, Menzies does well, as Don and the supporting cast of You Hurt My Feelings are a treat, too.

The plot isn’t too complicated or mind-blowing, but it’s nice to have a swift, 93-minute movie focus on everyday occurrences and end on a heartwarming note.

While I would have preferred the script to be a tiny bit more fleshed out, You Hurt My Feelings is just fine for an easy night viewing. CD

GO.SEE.DO PUBLISHING JUNE 22 & 23

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

Page 25

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Recognizing the Chamber of Commerce’s 100-Year Anniversary The citizens of San Juan Capistrano have always come together for the common good of the community.

That is how the Chamber of Commerce first appeared in our town. It began in 1923 for the purpose of supporting worthwhile projects. The first work undertaken by the Chamber was the building of the Ortega Highway.

To help keep business in town during the construction, the Chamber staged weekend events to keep the downtown viable.

Town beautification was another project. The Chamber purchased 200 palm trees. These were sold to any resident wanting them at the cost of $1 each. The Chamber made no profit on the sale of these trees.

Many of those palm trees still exist today in the older neighborhoods of San Juan Capistrano. La Matanza and Los Cerritos are two of the streets that benefited from this project.

The first president of the Chamber was R.W. Whitaker, who was a banker in town. The original Board of Directors read like a who’s who of San Juan Capistrano history. Directors in 1923 included J. S. Malcolm, C. L. Congdon, Walt Congdon, Dr. Paul Esslinger, C.A. Hankey, O.J. Guilbert, F.A. Stoffel, and Father St. John O’Sullivan.

Unfortunately, at the height of the Depression, the bank failed, and many local businesses followed. As a result, after the completion of the Ortega Highway, the Chamber of Commerce disappeared in town.

In 1948, a few San Juan Capistrano businessmen formed a luncheon group, and it became the San Juan Business Association. Paul Phelps,

Bart Conners, and Harold Smith were among the leaders of the group, and Phelps was the first president.

Art Morria, Fred MOMENTS IN TIME Newhart, Eugene

BY JAN SIEGEL Streit, William Steele, and Charles Ruerup followed as presidents of this group. One of the first accomplishments of this group was to bring street lights to town, which they did in 1950.

It was from this membership that the Chamber of Commerce was reestablished in San Juan Capistrano. Stan Geach was the first president, followed

by Larry Hernandez, who was instrumental in getting the downtown area rezoned with the help of the county planning commission.

For the past 100 years, the Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in every important aspect of our community’s growth. For the past 75 years, that role has been continuous.

The Chamber is involved in the redevelopment of the downtown, much as it was in 1948, with its support of the completion of the La Pata extension, the development of the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, and the move of the Ganahl Lumber Company.

After seven years, Mark Bodenhamer stepped down as CEO of the Chamber in 2017.

He summed up his time in San Juan Capistrano, stating, “When I got here, there were a lot of empty storefronts. There was a general consensus that the downtown was struggling, but now there are a lot of new storefronts

and restaurants.”

“The downtown is buzzing with new exciting additions like Trevor’s at the Tracks and the Mission store and gateway,” he said.

In 2018, George Peppas replaced Bodenhamer as Chamber CEO, just in time for the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge for the Chamber.

Again, as they have always done throughout their history, the Chamber worked together with support from the City Council to help small restaurants stay afloat by allowing outdoor eating in open-air parking areas. The Chamber also worked with the Small Business Administration to assist local businesses in applying for loans.

With the pandemic behind us, the Chamber continued to support their ongoing activities including the Farmers Market, annual awards dinner, recognizing excellence in our commu-

nity, insuring public safety during the Swallows Day Parade, and the return of the Annual Vintage Wine and Food Festival later this year.

You can spend a “Moment in Time” and visit the Chamber of Commerce office at 31421 La Matanza Street and see how they see our community now and in the future. To celebrate the 100th anniversary, you can attend the Annual Awards dinner on July 20 at the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. For further information, call the Chamber at 949.493.4700.

Jan Siegel was a 33-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and now resides in the neighboring town of Rancho Mission Viejo. She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years, has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 26 years and is currently the museum curator for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. 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 The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts Marco Forster and the Las Rosas home in 1900.

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.

Courtesy of OC Public Libraries

Sudoku- medium- by Myles Mellor

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid 2 5 8 1 6 9 3 4 7 3 4 9 5 8 7 6 2 1 that has been subdi6 7 1 3 4 2 8 5 9 vided into nine smaller 5 2 4 8 9 1 7 6 3 grids of 3x3 squares.

1 3 7 6 2 5 4 9 8 To solve the puzzle, 9 8 6 4 7 3 2 1 5 8 9 3 2 5 4 1 7 6 each row, column and 7 1 2 9 3 6 5 8 4 box must contain each 4 6 5 7 1 8 9 3 2 of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

6 5 7 9 9 1 8 5 3 4

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

4 1 2 7 2 7 3 6 5 3 2 5

Jax

1 4 9

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Page 26

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

This smiling guy is Jax, an affectionate and outgoing Siberian-husky-mix looking for his forever home. A world-class snuggler, Jax is an active dog who also knows the joys of just hanging out on the couch. He is potty-trained and would make a wonderful furry friend for the right family.

If you are interested in adopting Jax, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ 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. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

San Juan Community Honors Fallen Servicemembers for Memorial Day TEXT AND PHOTOS BY COLLIN BREAUX

Mild rainfall did not stop the San Juan Capistrano community from recognizing servicemembers who gave their lives for their country.

American Legion Post 721 and the City of San Juan Capistrano hosted a Memorial Day ceremony on May 29 at Veterans Park. The event included a rendition of the National Anthem, bell ringing for fallen veterans, and remarks

by Mayor Howard Hard, a retired Navy captain.

Hart recalled a friend of his, Brian Ouellette, who was a Navy Seal and died in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2004.

“I had met Brian about four years earlier, and he and I hit The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

it off immediately,” Hart said. “It was impossible not to like Brian. He had enough charisma to light up both San Juan Capistrano and Virginia Beach, Virginia, where we were both stationed and resided. He knew what it meant to be a friend.”

Ouellette checked on Hart’s family after the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, because Hart was in the namesake building during the attack and survived.

Hart also spoke generally about the meaning of Memorial Day. “Time has passed, but tradition born of gratitude demands that, every year, we pause to remember,” Hart said.

Page 27

“It’s also a good reminder that we don’t always end up where we start. Memorial Day is unique among American holidays. It is not one of celebration, as much as it is one of reflection.”

Servicemembers honored on Memorial Day come from all backgrounds and parts of the country, Hart said.

“The men and women who sacrifice to defend our country are as diverse as our country itself, but their service instilled upon all of them common traits,” he said. “They all learned, and all possess courage, honor, and fidelity to a cause greater than themselves.” CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Eat my Words by Cheryl Pruett

Make Breakfast a Mini Vacation E very restaurant meal is a mini vacation. Kick off summer with a neighborhood breakfast road trip.

Since Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the season, it’s time to begin an eatery vacay.

Early birds rise and shine. Those less inclined to get up and go at the crack of dawn can still shake their night owl feathers to order the most important meal of the day.

Breakfast doesn’t always mean eggs.

There are so many breakfast opportunities in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, a hungry person can fill their summer with many morning meals.

A breakfast can stand alone as a mini-vacay moment or be paired with a walk, a beach outing or even a pre-meal before a cruise to Catalina from Dana Point Harbor.

SAN CLEMENTE Alohana Acai Bowls & Coffee

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

provides refreshing, healthy and quick options to eat your breakfast in or grab to-go on the way to the beach or other summer activities.

Made fresh to EAT MY WORDS CHERYL PRUETT order, the most popular bowl is T-Street with acai, granola, banana, strawberries, blueberries, coconut shavings and honey. A Sunrise smoothie is another simple option with pitaya (dragon fruit), mango and orange juice. Add-ons and gluten-free options are available.

360 Camino de Estrella. 949.388.4015; 111 W. Avenida Palizada. 949.573.1129. alohanaacaioc.com.

Café Mimosa is one of the multiple breakfast options on a walk downtown.

The name is a hint of what’s to come, given there are about 12 flavors of mimosas available.

On a visit, the crème brulee French toast provides a taste adventure using ciabatta bread, custard, and crème anglaise. Or try an egg white frittata with veggies and Swiss cheese, topped with Romesco sauce.

243 Avenida Del Mar. 949.481.6780. cafemimosasc.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO Mollies is like a visit home. Known for oversized pancakes, why not try the bacon pancakes? Two treats in one with bacon mixed into the batter for a different pancake treat.

The menu is jam-packed with homestyle breakfasts for this nearby morning wake-up meal.

32033 Camino Capistrano.

949.881.6015. molliessanjuan.com.

JD Flannel Donuts and Coffee provides a reason to make donuts a breakfast meal. After all, donuts set a vacation mood. So, if donuts are your

Page 28

breakfast go-to, be prepared for more than the traditional donut fare.

The menu includes a taste bud vacation with such flavors as blueberry-lemon, brown butter sea salt, and maple bacon. Map out your donut journey: apple fritters, cake donuts, and a variety of glazes. Donut flavors and creations change monthly, so check what’s in store.

31878 Del Obispo St. 949.218.4483. jdflannel.com.

Cheryl Pruett is an award-winning journalist and editor, having covered Orange County city and county topics to the food scene for Orange County Register, Patch.com and local magazines. She has called Dana Point/Capistrano Beach home for more than 30 years. 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.

thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com HELP WANTED

REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST. Scott G. Lamming, DDS, (San Juan Capistrano) is looking for full-time (40 h) RDH, Assoc. degree in Dental Hygiene; CA RDH Lic, NOMAD operator lic, Diode Laser cert, at least 3 mo exp. Duties: Review pts med histories/vitals; collab with DDS on ident perio disease/decay; remove calcif deposits; take X-rays; make impressions for guards/trays; admin local anesthesia/nitrous; apply sealants/fluorides, perform teeth whitening/laser therapy. Use DENTRIX. E-Mail your resume to HR hrsanjuandds@gmail.com EOE.

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano + the Rancho Mission Viejo area?

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

San Juan PHOTO & DIGITAL

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today!

Scott Schmitt Owner

Call Debra at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

Lab: 949.661.5668 Studio: 949.661.6465 32281 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano 92675 Scott@sjcPhoto-Digital.com

Prints from Your Phone • Prints from your Digital Camera Presentations • Movie Film, Slides, Video Transferred to DVD Photo DVD Montage • Photo Scanning to CD • Digital Camera Classes Old Photo Restoration • Passport ID Photos • Custom Enlargements Posters Camera Repair • In Studio or on Location Event Photography

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

Page 29

thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C O - B OYS AT H L E T E O F T H E Y E A R

C O - G I R L S AT H L E T E O F T H E Y E A R

Luke Powell

Amanda Edwards

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN | GOLF

SAN JUAN HILLS | BASKETBALL

Capistrano Valley Christian senior Luke Powell capped his high school golf career with a transcendent postseason run, and for his achievements, Powell has been se-

lected as one of The Capistrano Dispatch’s Athletes of the Year.

Powell shot a combined 25-under-par over four CIF postseason events, including a 7-under-par 64 to win the CIF State Championship by two strokes at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach.

Powell’s 7-under state round was one shot off the event record set by current PGA Tour professional Rickie Fowler, who shot an 8-under 64 in 2006 at the Santa Maria Country Club.

Powell also won the CIF-SS Southern Regional with a 7-under-par 67 and recorded two third-place finishes at the CIF-SS Championships and CIF/SCGA SoCal Regional.

Powell will continue his CVC senior Luke Powell won the CIF State Boys Golf Championship. career at UCLA. Photo Courtesy of CVC Athletics.

San Juan Hills senior Amanda Edwards left an indelible mark on the Stallions basketball program and helped lead San Juan Hills to its first CIF-SS

semifinal, and for her career records and leadership, Edwards has been selected as one of The Capistrano Dispatch’s Athletes of the Year.

Name a record for the San Juan Hills girls basketball team, and Edwards will either have the mark or be on the list. Edwards set the program records for points in a game (36) and career points (1,449).

She was a sharpshooter with program records beyond the arc in 3-pointers made in a game (9), in a season (111), and in a career (250).

Edwards was named the South Coast League MVP for the second consecutive season and earned All-CIF San Juan Hills senior Amanda Edwards set program records for points in a honors. game and career. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

C O - G I R L S AT H L E T E O F T H E Y E A R

C O - B OYS AT H L E T E O F T H E Y E A R

Trent Caraway

Peyton Leonard

JSERRA | BASEBALL

SAN JUAN HILLS | SOCCER, SOFTBALL

San Juan Hills senior Peyton Leonard was a stalwart on the backline for the Stallions girls soccer program, and for her leadership, Leonard has been selected as one of The Capistrano Dispatch’s Athletes

of the Year.

The San Juan Hills girls soccer team was anchored by its defense all season, allowing just 17 goals in 20 games. The Stallions led the South Coast League in victories and finished second in the standings.

The unquestioned leader of that defensive core was Leonard, who commanded the middle of the field as the Stallions’ central defender. She also pushed up the field to collect seven goals. Leonard was named All-CIF and first-team AllLeague.

Leonard was also a fouryear contributor to the San Juan Hills softball team.

Leonard will continue her soccer career at PepSan Juan Hills senior Peyton Leonard was named All-CIF as perdine. a central defender. Photo: Zach Cavanagh The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

JSerra senior Trent Caraway set a program record as he and 16 seniors led the Lions baseball team to its second consecutive CIF-SS Division 1 title, and

for his record play, Caraway has been selected as one of The Capistrano Dispatch’s Athletes of the Year.

Caraway set the record for hits in a single season with 49 to pass Royce Lewis, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft.

Caraway hit .462 with seven home runs, 11 doubles and 20 RBIs this season.

Caraway is ranked as the No. 22 high school prospect in the upcoming MLB Draft by Prep Baseball Report and the No. 67 draft prospect overall by mlb.com.

If drafted, Caraway will have the option to go pro or go to college, as he has JSerra senior Trent Caraway was named the Gatorade State Baseball Playsigned with Oregon State. er of the Year. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Page 30

thecapistranodispatch.com

THE COACH HOUSE www.thecoachhouse.com

TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930 6/10 6/11

SHAWN COLVIN The Snacks / Richard Stekol Band Missiles of October / The Code 6/15 JULIAN MARLEY / Tomorrow’s Bad seeds 6/16 AL JARDINE and His endless summer Band 6/17 AMBROSIA 6/10 6/18 PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE SHAWN 6/23 TINA TURNER TRIBUTE COLVIN feaTuring deBBy Holiday 6/24 PRINCE AGAIN (Prince TriBuTe) 6/25 THE WAILERS 6/28 JOHN CRUZ “we do iT island sTyle” 6/29 YYNOT (rusH TriBuTe) 6/30 THE SWEET 7/1 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES 6/15 7/5 LYLE LOVETT and His Large Band JULIAN 7/6 GILBY CLARKE & The Keef Richards MARLEY 7/7 THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS 7/8 HENRY KAPONO 7/12 JIMMY WEBB 7/14 ROBERT JON & The Wreck 7/15 SHINE ON – Pink floyd exPerience 7/16 TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK (TriBuTe feaT. mark VeraBian) 7/19 THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND 6/16 AL JARDINE 7/20 DAVID NAIL 7/21 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: Fleetwood Mac Rumours 7/22 Y & T 7/28 SPACE ODDITY (daVid Bowie TriBuTe) 7/29 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE (sTeely dan TriBuTe) 6/18 8/2 ERIC GALES PURE PRAIRIE 8/4 PABLO CRUISE LEAGUE 8/5 HONK / Jack Tempchin 8/6 MICHIGAN RATTLERS 8/11 THE HIGHWAYMAN SHOW 8/12 JOURNEY USA (Journey TriBuTe) 8/13 THE RAT PACK 8/18 SPYRO GYRA 8/19 MADELEINE PEYROUX 8/23 JEFF “SKUNK” BAXTER 6/25 8/25 SUPER DIAMOND THE WAILERS 8/26 SUPER DIAMOND 9/1 BANG TANGO / ENUFF Z’NUFF 9/2 THE PETTY BREAKERS 9/8 ULI JON ROTH 9/14 THE MAN IN BLACK (JoHnny casH TriBuTe) 9/15 DON McLEAN 50TH anniVersary Tour 9/16 THE FENIANS 9/17 BENISE: Fiesta!

6/28 9/21 KEIKO MATSUI JOHN CRUZ 9/22 AL STEWART COMING SOON 9/23 BEATLES VS STONES 10/19 PAT TRAVERS BAND 9/24 MOLLY HATCHET 10/27 PIANO MEN: generaTions 9/28 KOFI BAKER’S 10/31 OINGO BOINGO Cream Faith FORMER MEMBERS 9/29 JOHN WAITE 11/1 RIDERS IN THE SKY 9/30 GARRISON KEILLOR 11/9 THE YOUNG TONIGHT DUBLINERS 10/5 GEOFF TATE 11/15 LEONID & FRIENDS 10/7 RONDSTADT REVIVAL 11/16 LEONID & FRIENDS 10/8 LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN 11/18 ABBAFAB (aBBa TriBuTe) 10/12 CRYSTAL BOWERSOX 11/22 QRST (Queen/rusH/sTyx TriBuTe) 10/13 DESPERADO 11/26 ARETHA Starring 10/14 DESPERADO Charity Lockhart 10/15 JOURNEYMAN 11/30 THE MUSICAL BOX 10/18 FUNNIEST 12/1 THE MUSICAL BOX HOUSEWIVES 12/2 LEE ROCKER

FRIDAYS AT 8PM IN JUNE

Bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy a movie under the stars!

Refreshments for sale.

June 2nd - The Neverending Story Lantern Bay Park June 9th - Minions: Rise of Gru Sea Canyon Park June 16th - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Sea Terrace Park June 23rd - Lyle, Lyle Crocodile Dana Crest Park June 30th - Luca Sunset Park For more info call: (949) 248-3536

866.468.3399 3 3 1 5 7 C a m i n o C a p i s t r a n o | S a n J u a n C a p i s t r a n o Like Us on facebook.com/coachhouseconcerthall | follow us on Twitter @coach_house

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SWEAT IT OUT MODE JOIN FOR $1 & 1 ST MONTH FREE! VALID ON PEAK & HIGHER MEMBERSHIPS. USE PROMO CODE: CRUNCH1

STOP BY THE CLUB TO JOIN AT CRUNCHSANCLEMENTE.COM NO LONG-TERM CONTRACTS • MONTH-TO-MONTH MEMBERSHIPS STARTING AT $19.99/MO 638 CAMINO DE LOS MARES • SAN CLEMENTE, CA • 949.661.6060 • CRUNCHSANCLEMENTE.COM Processing fee applies. Offer valid on Peak and Peak Results memberships at the specified location. Pricing and amenities may vary by membership and location. Additional fees and restrictions may apply. See club for details. © 2023 Crunch IP Holdings, LLC

The Capistrano Dispatch June 9-22, 2023

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