July 24, 2020

INSIDE: Fun & Exciting Activities in the Biannual Go.See.Do

SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

JULY 24-AUGUST 13, 2020 • VOLUME 18, ISSUE 14

New Businesses

Figuring Out How to Open Safely in San Juan During Pandemic E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 7 thecapistranodispatch.com

Capistrano Brewing Co. is at the former Mission Grill property. It will operate in conjunction with Heritage Barbecue. Photo: Collin Breaux

City Moving Forward on Putuidem Village, Skate Park EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Sergio Farias Announces Reelection Campaign for City Council EYE ON SJC/PAGE 6

CIF Pushes High School Sports to December, January Starts SPORTS/PAGE 22

GO TO THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24–August 13, 2020

Page 2

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week

City Council Approves Moving Forward on Skate Park, Putuidem Village, Gateway Beautification THE LATEST: After shelving the projects earlier this year due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic effects, the San Juan Capistrano City Council approved steps to move ahead on the skateboard park, Putuidem Cultural Village, and gateway beautification projects during a meeting on Tuesday, July 21.

City staff had recommended the projects be tabled back in May. During the Tuesday meeting, Councilmemer Derek Reeve brought up the skate park and made a motion to reinstate the design phase of the skate park project. Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor and Mayor Troy Bourne subsequently brought up resuming intentions to construct the Putuidem Village project at the Northwest Open Space. A motion was unanimously passed for the skate park and Putuidem Village measures.

In a separate motion, the council voted, 3-2, to move forward on landscaping work at the Ortega Highway/Del Obispo Street intersection off the I-5, considered a key entry point into town. Councilmembers Bourne, Taylor and Sergio Farias voted yes. Councilmembers Reeve and Brian Maryott voted no.

Residents had previously voiced their support for a skate park to be built in town.

The Putuidem Cultural Village will pay tribute to the Native American Acjachemen

Skaters participated in a Skate Jam in San Juan Capistrano in November 2019. The City Council recently approved moving forward with plans for a skate park in town. Photo: Collin Breaux

tribe on a portion of the Northwest Open Space. Features of the Putuidem Village will include entry wood gates, picnic tables, interpretive and directional signage, portable restrooms, and native plants.

“The council’s capital budget for the next fiscal year actually includes funding for the skate park, so the council would need to take action to accelerate that by advancing some money for design,” City Manager Ben Siegel said. “There is sufficient funding in the park’s budget to do that in the existing fund balance.”

Siegel said skate park construction funding should be available in 2021 and 2022, though some of that is predicated on development revenue, which is subject to ongoing health crisis conditions.

“There is an existing pot of money that we believe is sufficient to construct that park,” Siegel said of the Putuidem Village

San Juan Capistrano COVID-19 TRACKER

Confirmed cases Deaths

project. “Maintenance funds have been identified. By the time it is constructed, we think certainly there will be incoming revenue associated with that fund. I do not have concerns with that project moving forward.”

As for the gateway landscaping project, Siegel said there wasn’t a previously identified funding source available, differentiating it from the other two projects. General fund reserves would have to be used, which Siegel said was “the only source available for a project like this” and an appropriation previously supported by the council. Minor maintenance costs would be absorbed into the existing public works operating budget.

Maryott said the gateway project was “spending for nice, not necessary, in a time of some question marks” and wasn’t ready to vote yes on Tuesday. Though saying the timing wasn’t great, he said he supports beautifying the area and preferred to

WHAT’S NEXT: The skate park design could be completed in spring 2021, and (Cont. on page 5)

Rancho Mission Viejo

224 3

COVID-19 TRACKER

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. *Information as of 7/22/20. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

wait until economic conditions improved.

Bourne said the gateway project fits with recent downtown improvements.

“Beautifying that entrance to our city might go a long way towards helping some of these people who are investing in our town see that return on their investment and make people come back,” Bourne said.

Chief Financial Officer Ken Al-Imam said general revenue trends are what were initially projected and that there was approximately a 5% decrease in sales-tax revenue in the first quarter of 2020, which included about two to three weeks of COVID-19 impacts. Propertytax revenues have been $40,000 more than was budgeted, due to property values being higher than previous projections.

Confirmed cases

45

Deaths

<5

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. *Information as of 7/22/20. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

Page 3

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24â&#x20AC;&#x201C;August 13, 2020

Page 4

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) construction finished by mid-2022. Design work for the gateway landscaping project is expected to be finalized soon. —Collin Breaux

Newsom Announces School Reopening Plan THE LATEST: California schools can physically reopen when their county is off the state’s COVID-19 monitoring list for 14 straight days, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Friday, July 17, as part of California’s “Pandemic Plan for Schools.”

As part of this plan, students in the third grade and above, as well as all staff, must wear masks, with students in second grade or below being encouraged to wear masks or face shields. The plan is a state mandate for the California education system and includes both public and private schools.

As Orange County remains one in a majority of California counties on the state monitoring list, local schools will likely open this school year as they closed the previous one—with continued distance learning. Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) issued a statement after Newsom’s announcement saying it will begin 2020-21 with distance learning, per Newsom’s mandate. Representatives for JSerra Catholic High School and Fairmont Schools, private schools in San Juan Capistrano, also separately said they would offer virtual learning this fall.

In a week opened by a controversial Orange County Board of Education recommendation to open schools without masks and distancing and marked by CUSD approving a flexible reopening plan, Newsom ended the week by announcing the state’s school reopening plan in his daily address last Friday from Sacramento.

“Learning in the state of California is non-negotiable,” Newsom said. “Schools must—and I underscore, must—provide meaningful instruction during this pandemic whether they are physically opened, the schools, or not.”

In addition to the mask requirements, school staff must maintain six feet between each other and their students.

Other protocols for schools include temperature checks at the beginning of each day, hand-washing stations, deep sanitation and disinfection and quarantine guidelines. Staff will be regularly tested, and the state’s contact tracing workforce will prioritize schools.

“Our students, our teachers, staff and certainly parents, we all prefer inclassroom instructions for all the obvious reasons, social and emotional foundationally, but only if it can be done safely,” Newsom said. “Safety will ultimately make the recommendation on how we go about educating our kids as we go into the fall.”

Newsom also laid out guidelines for closing again if, after schools have reopened, the spread of coronavirus continues or enters the classroom.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

Schools should first consult public health officers, but the guidelines stipulate that a classroom cohort—student or staff—goes home when there is a confirmed case. The school will go home when the campus has multiple cohorts with cases or if more than 5% of their population is positive. The entire district will go home if 25% of its schools are closed within a 14-day period.

Newsom emphasized his and the state’s commitment to reopening schools and his hope to not “virtualize” education long-term.

Newsom reaffirmed that following the longstated health guidelines was the quickest way to reopen schools in California.

JSerra President Rich Meyer said the school had been preparing all summer to welcome students back on campus for inperson classes the week of August 10.

“We were very disappointed that the governor’s mandate removed local control of counties, districts, and, in our case, independent schools, from making decisions in the best interests of their communities,” Meyer said. “In a recent survey conducted among our families, over 80% have indicated they prefer their children return full-time to our school campus.”

—Zach Cavanagh and CB

Barbers, Salons Permitted to Reopen with Outdoor Services THE LATEST: Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Monday, July 20, new guidelines on personal care services that will allow for barbershops and hair salons to reopen, if they move their services outside.

The news comes after Newsom had ordered salons to close in all counties on the state’s watch list of increasing coronavirus cases on Monday, July 13. Salons and barbershops had been closed since March and reopened in May. “The good news is, we now have new guidelines out on the COVID-19.ca.gov website clarifying what we can and can’t do as it relates to haircuts and activities that we want to move from indoors to outdoors for the personal care services industry,” said Newsom. “It turned out, without getting into too many details, that issues of chemicals and shampoos and perms were more complicated than some had considered, particularly as relates to local ordinances and rules and regulations. So, we worked through that over the last couple of days.”

Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach) wrote a letter to Newsom last week about the state’s rules on outdoor hair salons and barbershop services “I write with deep concern regarding the closing of all operations of barbershops and hair salons in counties on the County Monitoring List,” said Petrie-Nor-

ris. “These struggling small businesses have been good partners in meeting the requirements of recent health orders, and the State needs to provide an opportunity for modified outdoor operations for these businesses.”

Petrie-Norris said the California Department of Public Health’s July 13 guidance allowed salons to operate outdoors. But the Board of Barbering & Cosmetology said all barbering and cosmetology services “within the specified counties must close immediately and not offer any services,” including outdoor services.

As a result, all barbershops and hair salons would need to shut down and not offer any outdoor services. The new guidance issued on Monday says outdoor services are permitted if patrons and stylists wear masks and meet other safety requirements. Permitted services include skin care, cosmetology, nail services and massage therapy.—Lillian Boyd

Bill to Block Toll Road Won’t Be Heard by Assembly Transportation Committee in 2020 THE LATEST: Legislation authored by Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) addressing concerns to extend the 241 Toll Road through San Clemente has been placed on the backburner for the remainder of the 2020 Legislative circuit, set to end on August 31.

Senate Bill 1373, which state senators had passed in a 24-6 vote last month, would have banned the southern extension of the 241 and its cutting through the city. The state Senate’s vote had sent the measure to the Assembly to take up discussion, but hopes of its passage this year are now moot.

“Although I am disappointed that there is not enough time this session to hear SB 1373, which was passed by a bipartisan majority in the Senate, South Orange County residents can rest assured that I will continue to fight for transportation solutions that benefit our entire region,” Bates said in a press release issued by the city of San Clemente on July 16.

The California State Assembly’s Transportation Committee will be refocusing its attention toward “COVID-19, economy recovery, and wildfire-related issues,” according to a press release issued from Bates’ office last week.

This new trajectory postpones SB 1373, as well as other non-related legislation, until after the end of the legislative cycle.

This comes after the Assembly was forced to reduce the number of in-person bill hearings and floor sessions to abide by the governor’s orders.

“Although I am disappointed that there is not enough time in the 2020 legislative session to hear SB 1373 and other bills pending

Page 5

in the Assembly, it is understandable that the Legislature must focus on immediate public health, public safety, and economic needs,” Bates said in her press release.

The current iteration of SB 1373 was introduced following the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ vote in March to abandon proposed plans of extending the 241 Toll Road through San Clemente.

With the bill essentially dead in the water for 2020, Bates plans on reintroducing a newly tailored version of SB 1373 following this year’s legislative session.

Details of the bill’s new alterations have yet to be released.

Along with SB 1373, Bates’ other measures, including Senate Bill 283 and Senate Joint Resolution 11, will also be postponed to the following legislative session. The senator also plans on reintroducing new versions of both measures once the new session resumes.—Haley Chi-Sing

Vigil Held in San Juan Capistrano for Vanessa Guillén THE LATEST: Approximately 25 people attended a vigil at Stonefield Park on Sunday, July 12, for Vanessa Guillén.

Guillén was an Army soldier who went missing from Fort Hood in Texas in April.

Her remains were found in June.

National news outlets have reported investigators believed she was killed, and she reportedly told family members that she was being harassed before her death.

Aaron Robinson, a soldier who was a suspect in her death, shot himself in July.

Guillén’s death has led to a national movement against sexual harassment, including as it pertains to the military.

Participants at the San Juan vigil spoke against sexual harassment and misconduct, mistreatment of service members, and general negative behavior. They also tied balloons on the park fence with messages of support and remembrance, lit sparklers in Guillén’s honor and displayed a photo of her.

Kelly Loya, who lives in Mission Viejo and grew up in South Orange County, said they wanted to come together as a Brown community and in solidarity with Guillén’s family.

“Enough is enough,” Loya said. “There’s all these stories popping up. We’ve known that this has existed, but now there’s proof. As a nation, we’ve felt empowered.

You see everybody fighting for justice, and we can’t just stand back and not honor her life and what she fought for.”

Loya said harassment has happened for a long time and said people are finally waking up to it.

Cynthia Delamare, who lives in San Juan, said she was speaking up as a mom.

“What gives me hope is all you young people showing up and educating yourself,” Delamare said. “Keep your voice up and educate yourself. Keep fighting.”—CB thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

ZOOMARS Petting Zoo Reopens After Closure ZOOMARS reopened to the public on Sunday, July 5.

The small petting zoo in San Juan Capistrano closed in March as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. New safety measures are in place, including the requirement of face masks and social distancing, but operations at the zoo remain largely the same as before the shutdown.

Children and families can still interact with some of the animals.

Earlier this year, owner Carolyn Franks sold ZOOMARS to local developer Dan Almquist and his partners, Mike Burnett and Matt Higgins. The petting zoo will be integrated into plans for the upcoming River Street Marketplace, which is being planned and developed by Almquist and his partners.

“This is a perfect place for families,” Almquist said. “It’s been here for 30-plus years. It just fit perfectly with what we’re doing across the street.”

New attractions will be brought in over time, Almquist said.

“It’s the perfect place to bring your family during this whole ordeal,” Almquist said. “It’s all outside.”

ZOOMARS is located at 31791 Los Rios Street, around the corner from Hidden House Coffee. Visit zoomars.com for tickets and for information.

San Juan Hills Athlete Receives Lacrosse Award Lucy Hodge, a recent San Juan Hills High School graduate, has been named the California-Orange County recipient of the US Lacrosse 2020 Jackie Pitts Award for high school girls.

US Lacrosse, the national governing body of men’s, women’s and youth lacrosse, recognizes a graduating senior in each of 68 chapters across the nation who personifies the spirit of the game, is academically outstanding, and is considered a valued role model in her school.

Hodge’s senior season ended in March when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all spring sports locally. She will study biology and Spanish at Tufts University in the fall.

Sergio Farias Announces Reelection Campaign for City Council San Juan Capistrano City Councilmember Sergio Farias recently announced his campaign to run again for his District 1 seat.

Farias made the announcement on Monday, July 20, on social media and confirmed the announcement with The The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

Editor’s note: This information is subject to change as pandemic conditions evolve.

TUESDAY, JULY 28 Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting 4:30 p.m. The city’s Cultural Heritage Commission will hold a meeting. Face masks or coverings are required of attendees, and social distancing and other pandemic health guidelines will be in place. The meeting can be viewed on the city website for those who can’t attend in person. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 Lucy Hodge, a recent San Juan Hills High School graduate, has been named the California-Orange County recipient of the US Lacrosse 2020 Jackie Pitts Award for high school girls. Photo: Melissa Hodge

Capistrano Dispatch after a council meeting the next day.

“It’s been an honor to serve as your Councilmember for District 1 the last four years and serving the city as your Mayor,” Farias said. “We’ve accomplished a lot together, but there’s still so much more to do!”

The General Municipal Election takes place on November 3. The filing period to run for SJC City Council (Districts 1 and 5) ends on Friday, August 7. The deadline extends to Wednesday, August 12, if an incumbent is not running for reelection and does not file papers by the August 7 deadline.

Brian L. Maryott occupies the District 5 seat. Maryott is currently running for Congressman Mike Levin’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

John Alpay and Howard Hart have announced their campaigns for the District 5 seat.

Candidates must be registered voters and reside in either District 1 or District 5 in San Juan Capistrano, a press release from the city said. Nomination papers must be signed by no fewer than 20 or more than 30 registered voters residing in the district in which the candidate resides.

Each candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interest, disclosing investments and interests in real property when the nomination papers are returned for filing, the city’s press release said.

San Juan Nonprofit Helps Orangewood Foundation Unique Diamond, a nonprofit in San Juan Capistrano, recently delivered $600 worth of produce to the Orangewood Foundation in Santa Ana, which helps foster youth in Orange County. The produce

was purchased from The Ecology Center.

Fairmont Schools Holding Scholarship Contest at SJC Campus A merit scholarship program is coming to Fairmont Schools’ new San Juan Capistrano campus, in partnership with Orange County Education Foundation.

Fairmont Schools is taking over the former Saddleback Valley Christian campus.

The scholarship competition is offered to newly enrolling Fairmont students entering grades 6-9 and will be held remotely on August 4, a press release said.

For the 2020-21 school year, a total of $17,500 will be awarded to the top fiveplacing students, including $5,000 to each of two first-place winners and $2,500 to each of three second-place winners. The first 25 new enrollees among sixth- to ninthgraders will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

“Since Fairmont’s inception in 1953, we have been committed to making our outstanding educational experience as accessible as possible,” said David Jackson, Chairman of Fairmont Schools.

“The addition of our SJC Excellence Merit Scholarship program builds on that longstanding commitment. We are delighted to bring this opportunity to the community surrounding our newest campus.”

Applicants will write a timed essay and complete an interview with a panel of judges during the virtual event.

Visit fairmontschools.com to learn more.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Page 6

Special Education Community Advisory Committee Meeting 11 a.m.-noon. The Special Education Community Advisory Committee welcomes you to join their virtual meeting as they discuss reopening schools and Special Education. They are parents, educators and community members in the Capistrano Unified School District supporting and improving outcomes in Special Education. Please email capocac@ gmail.com for link information.

FRIDAY, JULY 31 Coffee Chat 9 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs virtually on Fridays through Zoom. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

TUESDAY, AUG. 4 City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a meeting. Face masks or coverings are required of attendees, and social distancing and other pandemic health guidelines will be in place. The meeting can be viewed on the city website for those who can’t attend in person. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano.

The meeting could be moved to the Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, if additional space is needed. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, AUG. 14 The next issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

New Businesses Figuring Out How to Safely Open in San Juan Capistrano During Pandemic

Capistrano Brewing Co. (left) and Heritage Barbecue (right) at the former Mission Grill property offer spots for outdoor dining and drinking. Capistrano Brewing recently held a soft opening, and Matt Higgins—one of the owners—hopes they can remain open under the new health guidelines. An opening for Heritage Barbecue is reportedly imminent. Photos: Collin Breaux

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

D

espite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, new businesses are looking to open in San Juan Capistrano within the health guidelines and figuring out how to safely do so during rapidly shifting and uncertain circumstances.

Capistrano Brewing Co. had a soft opening at the former Mission Grill property from Wednesday, July 15, to Friday, July 17. The drinking establishment has outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere. Staff wore masks.

People grabbed a bite to eat from the food trucks there during the soft opening—the food truck a necessity given ongoing pandemic regulations. Outdoor dining is allowed in California under current guidelines.

“We’re going to lose money, but any money we bring in is going to pay the staff,” Matt Higgins, one of the owners, said.

As of press time, Higgins planned for Capistrano Brewing to be open again from Thursday, July 23, to Sunday, July 26, from 5-9 p.m., though he acknowledged ongoing conditions are fluid due to Heritage Barbecue’s upcoming opening at the same spot in conjunction with Capistrano Brewing.

Heritage Barbecue’s opening was imminent as of press time. No exact opening date for Heritage Barbecue had been set, and the business was clearing some final regulatory steps. A planned July 4 opening date was postponed.

Signage for Heritage Barbecue is visible on the property. Hours for Heritage Barbecue will vary depending on availability of the food. Heritage Barbecue will also have outside seating.

Heritage Barbecue owners Brenda and Daniel Castillo, a married couple, have The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

been doing pop-ups in the Orange County area for a while and decided to bring their talents to San Juan Capistrano.

“It’s a totally new offering,” Higgins said. “It’s a different experience. It’s outside barbecue. It’s beer that’s made here.”

Elsewhere in the downtown area, Mayfield—a new market and restaurant—is also making plans to open. Mayfield is next door to Five Vines Wine Bar and opposite the downtown movie theater. Mayfield focuses on sourcing local California produce while drawing on the flavors from the regions of the Levant and southern Europe.

Owner and operator George Barker had hoped to open the market by next week, as of press time.

“We have had to push back the opening of the restaurant for now, but we are pushing ahead with launching our market that sits inside the restaurant,” Barker said. “We plan on being open from 11 a.m.

Wednesdays to Sunday. We will be selling a ton of beautiful natural wines, homeware, kitchenware and pantry items, as well as our farmers market salads and organic roasted chickens.”

The delay of the planned restaurant opening was related to the pandemic and a combination of factors such as shipments being delayed, officials inspecting only once a week rather than the usual daily inspections, and having fewer contractors on site due to social distancing rules. Current state restrictions in California prohibit indoor dining.

“In the evening, we will be serving a pickup menu, which is designed to be shared; it will give customers a first taste of what Mayfield will hopefully be once we can officially open our restaurant,” Barker

said. “We cannot wait to open the restaurant, but we want to do so in a safe and responsible manner.”

Barker is originally from London and moved to Orange County three years ago to open a restaurant.

“I grew up in a family that owned and ran restaurants, so from the age of 5, I have been in the restaurant environment,” Barker said.

“I moved to California and opened up a food truck called The Hungry Royal, as it was a great way to get to know Orange County.

But the goal was always to open a restaurant once I had found the perfect location.”

As for the upcoming River Street Marketplace—an agrarian-themed and pedestrian-oriented commercial village that will border the Los Rios District with the main entry off River Street—developer Dan Almquist said they had submitted construction drawings to the city. Those drawings could take several months to go through, Almquist said.

“Our goal is still to start construction before the end of the year,” said Almquist, who is partners with Higgins. “We’re going to have a full brewery, a couple of sit-down restaurants. The Hay Loft will be a brewery. One of the things we’re big on are these public markets in terms of smaller merchants and retailers.”

River Street Marketplace plans to have a Farmstead Building, central green area with outdoor seating and other amenities.

The entire development is expected to be finished and open by 2022.

The developers are continuing to consult with the closest neighbors. The pandemic is affecting the restaurant and retail tenants Almquist and the developers

Page 6

have worked with, since those tenants are focused on daily operations and closures.

However, the ongoing shutdown could also make people even more eager to visit once they’re able to do so.

“Post-pandemic, everything we’ve heard is this is what everybody wants,” Almquist said. “The whole thing is geared towards pushing people outside, so all these unique outdoor spaces we’ve created would be perfect in this type of environment. It will be fantastic once this all passes.”

OTHER SAN JUAN BUSINESS NEWS: • Inn at the Mission—the new boutique hotel near Mission San Juan Capistrano—is currently planning to open on Sept. 1. The hotel is following state and local laws, so the slated opening could change if the laws do.

Signage for the hotel is visible when driving by.

• The Taco Bell on Del Obispo St. near the Camino Real Playhouse was closed for remodeling in late June. It is set to reopen in mid-August.

• The Starbucks near Mission San Juan Capistrano appears to be closed. Starbucks signage is no longer at the location, and the door is locked. Further details are unknown.

A Starbucks media representative did not respond to a request for comment.

• Various restaurants and wine bars including Trevor’s at the Tracks, Five Vines Wine Bar, and Ricardo’s Place are offering outdoor dining and service. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

Greeting Card Business Aims to Inspire Others

SC Resident Named Administrator at Upcoming Assisted Living Community

Kelly Conk, a San Clemente resident, will serve as the administrator at Orchards Health Center in Rancho Mission Viejo.

Photo: Courtesy of The Orchards

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The Butterfly Effect Card Kit from Pétale Atelier aims to keep spirits high during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Courtesy of Pétale Atelier

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

When Rancho Mission Viejo resident Gerri Ann Vagadori started the greeting card company Pétale Atelier in 2018 with her friend and business partner Renee Gibbons at a pop-up market at the Ranch, they never imagined they would try to cheer up others during a pandemic.

Come 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Pétale Atelier is doing just that with its Butterfly Effect Card Kit, named after the theory that one small change can lead to bigger changes down the road.

The kits come with two greeting cards you can use to create a chain reaction. The butterfly effect idea came about because Vagadori was already making some cards with butterfly designs.

Pétale Atelier has featured pressed flower artwork and designs from Vagadori, and the Butterfly Effect Card Kits feature petal butterfly design artwork.

The two were dealing with their own circumstances when the pandemic first began: Vagadori was handling health issues with family members, and Gibbons is pregnant and has another small child she’s caring for. The kits were conceived when Gibbons was trying to encourage her friend, whom she originally met while working at another business.

“We also wanted to give back,” said Gibbons, who lives in Marina del Rey. “A dollar of every kit we sell goes back to Feeding America.”

Pétale Atelier’s new online store at petale-atelier.com has kits and other products available. Each kit includes postage.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

The kits give people a chance to sit and write during a period when they might have more time on their hands, as well as when they’re craving connection and community. The hope is the kits can encourage people during the ongoing shutdown.

As the kits continue to attract publicity, some people are posting pictures of the cards on Instagram.

The cards can be a way to bring people together and express positivity during a challenging time, Gibbons said.

“It reminds us in this time, relationships are what’s really important,” Gibbons said.

The Ranch’s community program RanchLife recently mailed cards to every senior Gavilan household as encouragement. CD Page 8

San Clemente resident Kelly Conk has been named administrator for the new Orchards Health Center in Rancho Mission Viejo. The Orchards is an assisted living and memory care community expected to open in October, adjacent to retirement community Reata Glen.

Conk will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Orchards, including resident and family satisfaction, regulatory compliance, financial management and employee engagement, a press release stated.

Conk is a licensed nursing home administrator and a certified Residential Care for the Elderly administrator in California. She was vice president of operations for a health care management company and the administrator of a five-star skilled nursing facility in Long Beach prior to joining The Orchards.

“Conk was also the owner and president of PostAcute Care Management Inc., where she developed and implemented transitional care programs between skilled nursing facilities and acute care hospitals,” the press release said. “Conk graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor of science. She later graduated from the California Association of Health Facilities’ Long-term Care Leadership Academy and the California Department of Public Health Nursing Home Administrator preceptor program.”

Suzanne Nasraty, executive director for Reata Glen, said Conk’s expertise and experience with health care communities will be critical to the long-term success of The Orchards.

“Her solid background in staff relations and talent management will also serve her well while overseeing the daily needs and demands of the health center,” Nasarty said.

Assisted living at the community will offer 58 apartments, amenities such as rooms for family visitation, and an outdoor courtyard. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

Page 9

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

Page 10

thecapistranodispatch.com

GO. SEE. DO. // SUMMER 2020

WELCOME TO GO. SEE. DO The ongoing COVID-19 health crisis has disrupted many aspects of daily life, but the California summer continues.

Precautions are important as we collectively minimize gatherings and adjust our usual routines. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself in South Orange County, though.

Dana Point Harbor offers plenty of activities and recreational opportunities. We take a look at fun stuff to do on or near the water, whether it’s a SUP afternoon on the water or visiting one of the shops.

We also chatted with some of the best bartenders in the area, to hear about some of their favorite drinks and funny stories. Bars have gone through closings, reopenings, and back again during the pandemic, but when they fully reopen, drop in and hear from them yourselves while grabbing a drink.

We also examine some camping spots and the best sites for antique/ thrift shopping and book shopping.

Wherever you go, we hope you have fun and explore the area safely.

The

BAR

Report

Life as bartenders in and out of the shutdowns

T

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

he past few months of the coronavirus pandemic have been tough on many job sectors, but maybe none more so than those in the service and food industries. The nexus of those industries is the occupation of a bartender.

Bars have closed, opened and closed again. Restaurants have closed, shifted to to-go orders, opened and closed indoor dining. Bartenders are caught in the mix of that back and forth by either staying at home, coming back to work or shifting back into the dual role of a server.

Bartenders form close relationships with their regulars, know what they’re looking for and even provide a bit of nightly entertainment along with their drinks. Almost all of that has changed in these few months.

We checked in with a couple of the top bartenders from our annual “Best of” issues – Mary Treadwell of Brio Tuscany Grille in Dana Point and Cole Fairchild of Fine Vines in San Juan Capistrano – to see how they’ve

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

adjusted during this time, what they’re still doing to serve their customers or how their customers have served them: Picket Fence Media: First, how has life been different for you over these last few months of the pandemic?

Mary Treadwell: Well, as a bartender, we’re all basically servers now, because we can’t just serve cocktails. Our customers have been awesome. It’s been fun. We’re all friends, like a family. It’s tough because we can’t have them (the regulars) at the bar with us, because some are older. Now, they come in and ask, “Where are you serving us?”

Cole Fairchild: It’s been both hellish and kind of fun, interesting. On one side of the coin, I don’t think I’ve had people treat me as poorly or had people be as grateful.

We’re trying to follow all the rules and regulations we can to have people be comfortable and have safety. You have people that are worried, and see how far they sit, and our masks, and that we’re scrubbing, and they thank us for going the extra mile. But it’s also such a divisive issue, so people ask what the hell we’re doing, like you’re doing something wrong.

What has been the toughest part about these changes?

Treadwell: The serving hasn’t been tough; it’s been fun. It’s a lot more exercise—I’m inside, outside. I like the challenge, because I like being really busy. I don’t get to see my regulars like I used to, but most of them come in here anyways. I like the interaction.

You get to see them at the table, but being a bartender for as long as I have, it’s differ-

Mary Treadwell Brio Tuscany Grille

Cole Fairchild Fine Vines

ent. We’re getting used to the mask. You’re repeating yourself a lot, but you adapt to anything. If this is the new way of doing things, then this is what we’ll do.

Fairchild: All the regulations. You need to go the extra mile to make sure you’re cleaning between every step. It’s going against 10 years of muscle memory. You’re thinking a lot longer. Everybody’s getting used to the masks. I’ve always been a loud talker, so that works out there. We’re all servers and bussers (at Five Vines), so there hasn’t been too much of a change there. I can’t hug people; always been a huge hugger. The masks, I think it’ll be nice when those are gone. I just don’t want to have that divisive subject between me and the people.

What is a favorite story of yours from your time bartending?

Treadwell: I have this stupid little dance I do. That little plant from the Guardians of the Galaxy, Groot, he stole my dance move.

When I was working here with the band, I do that dance behind the bar, and people laugh with me, and I get everyone to do the dance with me. I miss that. That’s my favorite thing. We even got a 90-year-old man to

Page 11

do the dance.

Fairchild: As bad as it sounds, you mostly think of drunk stories. You had someone (get sick . . .) in our janitorial closet and punch our standing mirror. As a wine bar, we only do wine and beer, and people can usually regulate themselves, but it’s so uncommon that those stories stand out.

What do you like about the crowd you get at your establishments?

Treadwell: Everybody here is so normal and just nice people. There are no snooty people. They’re nice, normal, happy people.

We have the greatest customers.

Fairchild: When the nice people come in.

The way we do our thing, our regulars know our names, and you know theirs. You catch up with them, you see them, and you’re happy and you don’t know why. We’re definitely having some folks come back, and they know we’re struggling. The majority of our regulars are the ones going out of their way to support us. They’re making sure we’re going to get through this, and I couldn’t appreciate that more.

Finally, what’s your favorite drink to make?

Treadwell: I make a blood orange margarita with fresh-squeezed orange, lime, vodka and tequila. That’s one I made myself, and people love it.

Fairchild: My favorite thing to pour are the blind flights. Folks come in and tell me what they like, and I can peg them just right.

Their eyes get wide and they say, “What is this?” Sneaking up on people and giving them more than they expected. thecapistranodispatch.com

GO. SEE. DO. // SUMMER 2020

DAY Tripping 5 Fun Day Trips in Southern California

N

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

eed to get away for a day?

As much as we all love our little corner of South Orange County, it’s always nice to wander outside of our usual surroundings and explore other areas nearby that have much to offer by way of culture, cuisine, fun and adventure.

Luckily for us all in sunny Southern California, excitement can be found just about everywhere.

So, let’s explore a few of the many popular hot spots close by that make for perfect day-trip getaways.

> Old Town San Diego

> Redondo Beach

You may be wondering, “Why spend a day in one beach town when we already live in a beach town?” Well, the answer is simple: it’s all about the seafood.

For local seafood lovers who still enjoy spending a day near the ocean, Redondo Beach is an ideal location for a quick day trip in the summertime.

There, you’ll find a handful of seafood markets from which to select your catch for the day.

With the whole family, you can plan a seafood picnic while soaking up some sun and surf.

After you’ve chowed down on some fresh crab, there’s plenty more to explore, including the parks and the Redondo Beach Pier, which features more dining, shops and entertainment. And before going home, the pier is exactly where you’ll want to be to check out a magnificent sunset—the perfect ending to a fun day trip.

If you’re looking to explore some more of Southern California’s rich history of Mexican heritage, culture and sites, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is just a short drive south along the interstate.

Recognized as the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego offers a snapshot in time as visitors can check out historic buildings and museums that “commemorate the early days of the town of San Diego … allowing you to visit California’s history firsthand,” the city gushes.

While walking around, you’ll be able to see a collection of the 19th century homes and businesses that have been preserved, including old adobe ranch homes, the schoolhouse and graveyard.

For those who enjoy a spooky time, there have been rumors of ghost sightings, particularly around the old Whaley House Museum on San Diego Avenue.

And if you’re craving some delicious Mexican food, Old Town SD certainly won’t disappoint, as it has a handful of restaurant and cantina options that are sure to satisfy your taste buds with flavorful traditional Mexican dishes. Don’t forget to wash down that meal with a traditional margarita—a specialty at many of the eateries.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

> Orange

For a day trip to the nearby town of Orange, a good place to start—especially for history aficionados—is the Old Towne historic district. The one-square-mile historic district contains many of the buildings and homes that date back to the city’s earliest days.

“With its central Plaza Park, it has been the gathering place for Orange residents and visitors for more than a century,” according to the city, which proclaims that “Old Towne Orange contains the largest Nationally Registered Historic District in California.”

While walking around the plaza, visitors can explore dozens of antique and specialty shops, as well as art galleries, restaurants and cafes.

Though the annual Orange International Street Fair was canceled this year because of the pandemic—for the first time since the popular event’s inception in 1973—there is still plenty to explore.

After a nice long stroll throughout the plaza, you can make your way over to the Outlets at Orange, only a sevenminute drive away, where there are a plethora of opportunities for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Page 12

> Pasadena

If you’re really looking to get away from the South Orange County area, then look no further than the quaint city of Pasadena.

Located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County, the city of Pasadena offers that chic-L.A. vibe without all the hustle and bustle.

No trip to Pasadena is ever complete without visiting Old Pasadena, specifically a stroll along Colorado Boulevard, where you’ll find a plethora of restaurants, bars, shops, art galleries and more.

During your walk about Old Pasadena, you can explore all the various streets branching from Colorado Boulevard to visit shops “off the beaten path,” so to speak.

Along the way, you can stop in some of the many art galleries and museums, including the Armory Center for the Arts.

For lunch, there are several places to choose from, whether you’re craving a burger from Slater’s 50/50, a hot dog from Dog Haus Biergarten or some traditional street tacos from King Taco—an L.A.-based staple.

If it’s something sweet, or chocolatey, you’re desiring, there are bakeries and cafes to satisfy that sweet tooth, such as Mignon Chocolate and Vanilla Bake Shop.

> Anaheim Garden Walk

With 430,000 square feet of open-air entertainment, anyone can easily spend a day at the Anaheim Garden Walk, located a few minutes away from the city’s other popular destinations, including Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Garden Walk wraps in entertainment, dining and shopping all in one location. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy hours of play time by bouncing between the various arcades and gaming centers.

Groups of friends can try their hand at an escape room with Mission Escape Games, engage in virtual reality at Go VR Gaming.

And when businesses can safely reopen, you, along with family or friends can also hit up the Bowlmor Anaheim for some traditional bowling.

After all those games and friendly competition among friends, you’ll likely want to grab a bite to eat. At the Garden Walk, there’s no shortage of food options, which include Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Johnny Rockets and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.

And with the House of Blues Restaurant & Bar right there, you might want to cap off your day trip with a night of live music and libations. thecapistranodispatch.com

GO. SEE. DO. // SUMMER 2020

Nifty and Thrifty Local Secondhand Stores Offer Unique Finds on a Budget

A

BY LILLIAN BOYD

fter two months of closure, Lisa Lavoie is ecstatic to open her doors again for The Pac-Rat, a thrift store in San Clemente.

A history of San Clemente, as well as other vintage items, can be found throughout the business—from Hawaiian shirts to fat-tire bicycles to decorative mirrors. Lavoie has been collecting items and selling assortments for more than two decades.

“I have lived in San Clemente 20 years; I’ve had my store 18 years,” Lavoie has previously said. “We specialize in vintage clothing and jewelry, furniture, accessories and more.”

Due to the state of California’s closure directives in response to the coronavirus pandemic, The Pac-Rat closed on March 13 for about two months. As those restrictions have slightly eased, Lavoie reopened her shop as of May 9 and has implemented a mask requirement for customers, allowing fewer than 10 to shop in the store at a time.

“Most of my customers come to The

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

Pac-Rat looking for unique vintage fashion staples . . . items like high-waisted shorts or a fringe jacket,” Lavoie said. “But now I think people are just happy to be out shopping.”

People can also bring in their items to sell, trade or exchange. Lavoie said her vintage surfboards and clothing are probably the best sellers.

“We always look forward to seeing customers, and we have had regulars for many years,” Lavoie said. “My husband (Kirk) and I love to have garage sales and visit thrift stores. When we walked into our first location, the lady was selling the store, and a few days later we purchased her location and inventory.”

The Pac-Rat moved to its current location at 217 N. El Camino Real in San Clemente in 2016. Now, during a global pandemic, Lavoie says she thinks people are really appreciating the small things in life.

“People are eager to support our local stores,” Lavoie said. “They want to get a great deal, they want a simpler, minimalist lifestyle that thrifting supports. I’m always wheeling and dealing, too. I love to haggle.”

Page 13

LOCAL SECONDHAND SHOPS LA TIENDA THRIFT STORE 510 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.3510

2ND HAND TREASURES 34272 Doheny Park Road, Dana Point, 949.218.7962

THE SALVATION ARMY FAMILY STORE & DONATION CENTER 2727 Via Cascadita, San Clemente, 949.492.0140

DOHENY CLOTHING EXCHANGE 34276 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach, 949.240.4800

CORAL THRIFT SHOP 534 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.2385

LAURA’S HOUSE RESALE STORE 31878 Del Obispo Street, #104, San Juan Capistrano, 949.218.6400

OC GOODWILL BOUTIQUE 31892 Plaza Drive, Unit A-1, San Juan Capistrano, 949.272.0505 LIGHTHOUSE THRIFT STORE 34200 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.481.3620

CASA DE KATHY THRIFT STORE 31901 Camino Capistrano, #A, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.8830 KRISSY’S KUBBY 27016 Azul Drive, Capistrano Beach, 949.496.9804

thecapistranodispatch.com

GO. SEE. DO. // SUMMER 2020

Next

THE

CHAPTER Beach Town Books Adapts to Changes, Offers Haven for Readers

W

BY LILLIAN BOYD

ith libraries providing limited access, Beach Town Books in San Clemente is both a resource for your favorite reads and a bookworm sanctuary.

Debbie and Scott Langston took over the business four years ago, and they have since transformed the space into what Debbie calls a “book spa.”

“My greatest joy is creating a space for people to enjoy and to be inspired,” Debbie said. “I own a salon as well, and I’ve tried to emulate that environment inside the bookstore with calm music, good lighting, spacing, wall colors.”

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

When Debbie and Scott took over the business, Scott amended the shelf height, patched up the walls and ceiling, and painted the space with shades of blue along with their daughter.

Since directives from state officials ordered the closure of salons and spas, Debbie has temporarily closed shop at her spa, Sweet Escape, in San Clemente. She’s dedicated more of her hours to the bookstore, which, she says, has transformed her life.

“Because our bookstore offers educational books and texts required for school, we’ve been deemed an essential business, and we’ve been able to keep our business open,” Debbie said. “It was certainly an adjustment in the beginning. We offered private shopping, curbside and delivery. Now we are

open noon to 4 p.m. every day.”

Beach Town Books allows for customers to bring used books in for store credit. Once store credit is issued, you may use your store credit toward 50% of your purchase (except new and vintage items). For example, if you have $20 of store credit, and you bring books up to the counter that cost a total of $10, the store will deduct $5 from your bill, and you will pay $5.40 with tax and have a remaining store credit of $15. Beach Town Books also uses the Fivestars program for customers to check in during their purchase and earn rewards and monthly deals.

“We issue store credit for items we can sell, either at the store or online,” Debbie said. “This decision is based on the quality

Page 14

and quantity of the items you bring in, the inventory that we have, and the frequency of requests for those items.”

Debbie says she has been able to find the silver linings in the circumstances of current events.

“My approach to running a spa and running a bookstore is similar: If my clients or customers are happy and talking and connecting, then I know I’ve done my job,” Debbie said. “When I see people enjoying a space I’ve created for them, nothing brings me more joy.”

Beach Town Books is located at 99 Avenida Serra, San Clemente. For more information, call 949.492.1114 or visit beachtownbooks.com.

thecapistranodispatch.com

GO. SEE. DO. // SUMMER 2020

OC’S PERFECT CAMPING SPOTS TO EXPLORE NATURE

I

BY COSTA BEAVIN-PAPPAS

n the midst of COVID-19, groups are flocking to local state parks. The parks bring an affordable option for families to enjoy a miniature vacation while staying close to nature and away from crowds. The following are some of the most popular campsites in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

SAN CLEMENTE’S HOLIDAYS VINTAGE TRAILERS 225 Avenida Califia, San Clemente

San Clemente State Beach has another option for camping: renting a trailer. The trailer is on a coastal bluff not far away from the sand, which makes it perfect for photographers and explorers of all ages. Each of the trailers has their own unique vintage design and amenities, which enables campers to choose the perfect trailer for them. For more information, visit theholidaysca.com.

DANA POINT’S DOHENY STATE BEACH

25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point

Doheny State Beach is a popular attraction that attracts a million visitors annually. The northern part of the beach brings surfers, and the southern part has a campsite available. The beach has tide pools and a fiveacre lawn perfect for picnics with friends and family. The beach currently has limited parking options available, so visitors are urged to bike or walk to the park. For more information on booking a campground, visit reservecalifornia.com.

SAN CLEMENTE STATE BEACH 225 Avenida Califia, San Clemente

Camp out at San Clemente State Beach and find yourself under the stars. The spot is popular among surfers for its incredible bluffs and surf spots. For those who are interested, check out reservecalifornia.com.

SAN ONOFRE’S SAN MATEO CAMPGROUND 830 Cristianitos Rd, San Clemente

A little outside San Clemente is a campground with a series of options perfect for any family that wants to camp. There are sleeping tents available for rental, along with RVs. The campground has food options nearby, ranging from The Sugar Shack to Pedro’s Tacos, which makes for a fun combination. The price for a night starts at around $40, which can be a little expensive for some, but the bonfire pits at each campground are great for making campfire memories. For more information, call 949.361.2531 or visit reservecalifornia.com.

RONALD W. CASPERS WILDERNESS PARK

33401 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano

Located in San Juan Capistrano, this 8,000acre wildlife preserve has beautiful sites for campers to explore. There are river streams and amazing opportunities to spot wildlife. Whether you are there for a walk along the nature trails or for a night under the stars, it is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. For more information, visit ocparks.com

Even though state parks are open, social distancing guidelines and regulations are still in effect. For further information, please visit parks.ca.gov/covid19camping.

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

Page 15

thecapistranodispatch.com

10 GO. SEE. DO. // SUMMER 2020

‘Gotta-Dos’

in Dana Point Harbor

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Dana Point Harbor is the ideal place to enjoy the amazing summer weather, whether you’re paddleboarding on the water, grabbing some ice cream or just walking around. There are plenty of activities to do while you’re down in the harbor. Here are 10 of them: 1 / STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular activity when you’re on the water.

It is a fun way to explore the water, observe sea lions up close, as well as relax during the summer months. It’s also a deceptively thorough core workout. Take off from Baby Beach and head over to the jetties. SUP offers a different view of the harbor and gives you a chance to meet other water enthusiasts. SUP rentals are available at Pure Watersports in Dana Point. Check out their website at purewatersports.com, or their Facebook page, for more information.

In addition, iHeartYoga offers SUP yoga on the second Saturday of every month; check their website at iheartyoga.com for more information.

Photo: Carla Mitroff, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

2 / TAKE THE KIDS TO BABY BEACH If you don’t want to paddleboard out on the water, you can instead relax on the sand at Baby Beach. Baby Beach offers a nice spot to relax during the weekend and is a kid-friendly spot popular with local families. It might be best to grab a spot early on the weekends, since Baby Beach can get quickly crowded.

Grill Restaurant or Beach Harbor Pizza.

Restaurants are offering outdoor and waterside dining opportunities. If you’re more in the mood for something like ice cream, duck into Scoop Deck at Coffee Importers. You can order a few scoops and enjoy it on the outdoor patio, watching passing pedestrians and boats.

3 / GO WHALE WATCHING OR SPORTFISHING Dana Point is famous for its opportunities to see whales. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari and Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching are offering reduced capacity whale watching trips to experience blue whales, humpback whales, and more, as noted in a press release from Dana Point Harbor.

Dana Wharf also offers fishing opportunities in varying lengths, whether you want to devote a part of the day, all day, or overnight. Masks are required.

Visit their websites at dolphinsafari.com or danawharf.com for more information.

6 / TAKE A BOAT CRUISE It’s a harbor, after all, and boating is the area’s calling card. Boaters can reserve a guest slip at The Marina at Dana Point and use code “SEA2020” to receive 20% off their reservation. Visit their website at themarinaatdanapoint.com for more information. OC Ocean Adventures also offers an Orange County Wine Cruise, billed as a “90-minute evening cruise aboard our luxury catamaran.” Read more about it at ococeanadventures.com.

4 / ENJOY LIVE MUSIC Live performances are scheduled every Thursday through July at The Wharf Courtyard near Frisby Cellars Winery and Jon’s Fish Market from 4-6 p.m.

Country pop artist Olivia Ooms will take the stage on July 30.

5 / EAT OUT AND ENJOY RESTAURANTS Dana Point Harbor has plenty of spots to chow down, whether it’s Harbor The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

7 / GO SHOPPING A variety of shops in Dana Point Harbor will cater to your creative side. Stop in at Bella Bazaar and check out their coastalthemed clothing and décor. If you’re in the mood for jewelry, check out Harbor Jeweler, which features sparkling accessories and offers watch repair services. They also can do appraisals—as their website notes, they have a “keen, trained eye for details.”

8 / TAKE SAILING LESSONS Want a bit of a different water experience? Try your hand at sailing. Aventura Sailing offers sailing lessons if you’re new to the activity or want to brush up on some details. “Over the years, more than 7,000 students have taken courses with Aventura Sailing and learned to cruise and race safely and proficiently,” their website said. Learn more at aventurasailing.com.

Page 16

9 / GO PARASAILING Parasailing is a fun way to get a bird’s-eye view of Dana Point Harbor. Best of all, it’s a safe and easy way to cruise through the air.

Check out the sea creatures and people from up high with Dana Point Parasail, at the Dana Wharf Sport Sportfishing and Whale Watching building. Visit danapointparasail.com to learn more.

10 / SPEND A DAY WITH THE OCEAN INSTITUTE The Ocean Institute is well-known as an educational and community-based place for kids, educators, families and visitors.

While they’ve had to modify operations due to the pandemic, the learning and fun are continuing. Whale and marine life tours are still available. Bioluminescence night cruises will be available on select weekends through September if you want to learn about and see how marine animals can glow in the dark.

Birthday parties can be scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on most Saturdays and Sundays, so if you want to book an Institute Birthday Party Package, call 949.496.2274, ext. 369.

Virtual learning and tour opportunities are also available.

As for people mourning the iconic Pilgrim tallship that recently sank, the Ocean Institute will continue the legacy that the Pilgrim established aboard the Spirit of Dana Point, and also plan to honor the memory of the Pilgrim by displaying artifacts and images at the Institute.

Visit ocean-institute.org for more information on activities and hours.

Editor’s note: This information could change as pandemic conditions evolve. thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

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

Submit your info online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today!

Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

Page 17

thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

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

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING PRINT & ONLINE

Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com

DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com

GUEST OPINION: From the Inside by Dale Rosenfeldt

Terminology in the Time of COVID-19: The World According to Gavin Newsom

I

admit to watching a lot of television. I don’t mean Outlander, Shameless, and Tiger King. I mean press conferences such as the almost daily ones hosted by Gavin Newsom. I’ve learned some new terms and new meanings for familiar terms.

Here are the ABCs according to the governor.

GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

Advertising Sales (SJC) Debra Wells

EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Art Director Jasmine Smith

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

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

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 18, Issue 14. 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 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

F O L L O W T H E C A P O D I S PATC H

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

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

Attestation

Counties must “attest” (prove, provide written evidence) of their plans FROM to meet the governor’s THE INSIDE criteria to reopen safely.

By Dale Rosenfeldt Orange County has been on the watch list for more than three consecutive days, so we have had to dial back (think dimmer switch analogy), which includes no bars, wineries, pubs, and indoor dining.

we are told. It was the explanation for the lockdown.

Localism is determinant

After innumerable one-size mandates, the governor came up with this phrase to address the differences throughout the state. No two communities, cities, counties, or regions are alike. The Dispatch understands localism.

Meet this moment

The governor loves to speak in terms of the pandemic being “a moment.”

I personally wish the moment would pass, because the lockdown alone felt like a year.

Potency of individual decision making Pretty much says it all.

BLM

No not that, the “Bureau of Land Management” is being discussed as fire season is upon us. The ubiquitous illegal fireworks not only made dogs and their owners miserable, they helped kick off our fire season with little fires everywhere. Is it possible to layer calamity on calamity?

PSA

Cohort

Quarantine

One of Gavin’s favorite terms for a group, army, or unit such as the contact trackers/tracers still in training.

Data

Yes, data is a four-letter word. Numbers don’t always tell you what you want to know, but if you torture them enough, they will tell you what you want to hear.

Epidemic vs. pandemic Epidemics are regional, or community-based. With epidemic spread, an epidemic becomes a pandemic and can lead to pandemonium.

Flatten the curve

We did it once and can do it again, so

Despite a $54 billion budget deficit, the governor is spending millions on “Public Service Announcements” to remind us to . . . wait for it . . . wear cloth face coverings, physically distance, and wash our hands.

Strict isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease associated with known exposure. Self-isolation does not include known exposure but represents actions associated with an “abundance of caution,” another term that is tired! Many states including Hawaii require a 14-day quarantine after flying there, and a friend of mine who recently flew domestically to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral was quarantined from his job for seven days. In Georgia, symptoms present faster?

Respirator vs. Ventilator OK, OK, I will wash my hands, distance, and wear a cloth face covering because although there does not appear to be a shortage, I don’t want to Page 18

be on either.

Sober

While consumable alcohol sales are up in the time of COVID-19, nothing is more sobering than knowing someone struggling to survive COVID-19.

While at one time none of us knew anyone who tested positive, that has changed, as have other data points.

Social distancing

Seems somewhat antisocial, so why not call it physical distancing? At least in our community, there are no chalk circles in parks to aid us with this mandate. Of course, there is caution tape that keeps reappearing in our tot lots.

Teachers Unions/CTA

Recently, the governor signed a state spending bill that guarantees pay and benefits for teachers and other union education employees regardless of whether schools reopen this fall or not. Why? Follow the money. The California Teachers Association and its local unions are the largest donors to the California Democratic Party.

Mastering the ABCs in our schools will have to wait.

Um

I believe the governor genuinely wants to save lives and restart the economy.

Like many public speakers and bureaucrats, he peppers his stream-of-consciousness messages with non-words.

Um is his go-to and many of us, me included, are also saying um! What next?

Dale Rosenfeldt is a consultant and trainer who travels often but is happiest at home in her art studio and with her husband, their dog and tabby cat. Her husband operates a business in town and is a commissioner and influencer. 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@thecapistranodispatch.com. The Capistrano Dispatch and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Editor IN RESPONSE TO SIEGEL’S EDITORIAL COLUMN —BRONWYN SEWARD, San Juan Capistrano I am deeply confused and concerned that the editorial column entitled "Malice Toward None" by Jan Siegel was printed in The Capistrano Dispatch.

Ms. Siegel is rallying against the removal of a statue of Fr. Junipero Serra within Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano itself moved the statue "out of precaution.”

This piece is based on false presumptions—namely protesters removed Serra's statue. She is sharing misinformation, not opinion. Clarification needs to be made in print regarding this falsehood printed by The Capistrano Dispatch.

Ms. Siegel goes a step further and compares the “Black Lives Matter” movement and its protesters to Nazis and the Taliban.

Even though the BLM movement itself is never named, the comparisons are stated explicitly. This piece contains numerous defamatory statements. Again, this goes a step beyond opinion. A retraction and public apology is needed.

"Malice toward none" is an admirable phrase and goal; one that we should all be striving towards during this difficult time.

Instead of encouraging such an aim, Ms. Siegel incites hate and malice towards those with whom she disagrees. By printing such a piece, The Capistrano Dispatch is doing a disservice to our community, to our nation, and to democracy itself.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

‘MALICE TOWARD NONE’ (JAN SIEGEL’S COLUMN) —LAURIE ALLEN, San Juan Capistrano Jan Siegel’s thoughts about understanding and learning from history struck a chord with me. While impossible not to see the injustices that have generated our recent protests, “erasing” our history without understanding the dialogue will not solve the underlying issues and concerns, and only serves to harden positions. We should understand our history and the progression of our thinking over time, without expecting those who lived in prior times to have the same perspectives.

If we were to hold our world ancestors to today’s values, we would have to take down nearly every statue of every king and queen in Europe, as they deployed much more brutal tactics than would be acceptable today. What bothers me most about what is happening today is that there seems to be only a very specific set of perspectives and even words that are The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

allowed to be used, and anyone who feels differently and would like to engage in a reasonable dialogue or debate (as Ms. Siegel does), may be vilified. There seems to be no tolerance from people who say they respect diversity. Rational, respectful perspectives that are different are neither sought nor valued. As a result, there is no mutual learning or connection. I think the Drew Brees punishment is an excellent example of what can happen if one has a well-reasoned but different value set (respect for the flag and his grandfathers who fought for it). There is a narrow channel in which one can swim. Under these conditions, many of us are silenced. I hope this silent group votes.

RESPONSE TO A LETTER IN THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH —JEANNE SILVER, Rancho Mission Viejo I was distressed and confounded to read the letter from R.A. Clark regarding gated communities, which Clark calls "divisive, undemocratic and, in many instances, racist." This last word being the "word of our times," unfortunately.

I have lived in one of these gated communities for the past five years and find it to be anything but the slurs attached to it by Clark! It is a warm, welcoming place where people of all backgrounds, color and ethnicity live harmoniously with their neighbors. Our emergency vehicles enter with no problem and, in fact, not so long ago, my husband was happy to receive one of these vehicles in extra fast time when he needed it! We happily welcome friends, visitors and trades people and in no way cut ourselves off from the outside world. We are in no way "elitist" and, in fact, many of us are involved in volunteering and helping those in need outside our community, and in helping each other when the need arises.

No, we don't feel any safer, as you put it.

Unfortunately, we are only too well aware that, in today's uncertain environment, we are just as much a target of the "unwashed minions" as anyone else.

So, Clark, your assessment of a gated community is entirely wrong, and I hope you will revise your ideas to be able to give these communities, and their residents, the respect they deserve!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. The Capistrano Dispatch and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Page 19

thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER earlier in the day, from 2 to 5 p.m. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

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

PIPER SUNDAY 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Southern California Uilleann Pipers Club is hosting a Zoom seminar featuring online discussion with guest speakers about Irish piping and music. Tommy Keane will join this session from Ireland. A PayPal donation of $20 is suggested. socalpipers.com.

COMPILED BY STAFF

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to The Capistrano Dispatch by going to capistranodispatch.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Friday | 31

Friday | 24 ‘CHRISTMAS IN JULY’ 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a special “Christmas in July” workshop at AR Workshop. Make a plank wood sign or other item with a special Christmas design. Customize your project with designer paints and non-toxic colors. There will be cookies and Christmas music. Register online. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano.

949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

Saturday | 25 COMIC-CON@HOME 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The 2020 San Diego ComicCon isn’t happening in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so enjoy the virtual Comic-Con@Home. There will be ongoing events at various times, including lectures from authors, entertainment personalities, and gaming industry veterans. No registration is necessary, though you can download and print a badge if you still want some of the traditional convention experience. Event continues Sunday, July 26. comic-con.org.

FREE LIVESTREAMED CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 6 p.m. Enjoy a Led Zeppelin tribute show from The Coach House in the comfort of your own home. Tribute band Lady Zep will perform. The event is free and on livestream only. View the show at alerttheglobe.com.

Sunday | 26 LADERA RANCH FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Check out the farmers market and enjoy the food trucks on site.

Hosted by the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce. Ladera Ranch Middle School, 29551 Sienna Pkwy, Ladera Ranch.

949.354.2055. laderaranchochamber.org.

‘SWANNER’ SUNDAYS 1-4 p.m. A Stone’s Throw Winery hosts a free admission event on the last Sunday The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

EDITOR’S PICK The 2020 Festival of the Butterflies will be held virtually at alerttheglobe.com on Saturday, Aug. 1, in collaboration with three San Juan Capistrano organizations. Photo: File

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1: VIRTUAL FESTIVAL OF THE BUTTERFLIES 10 a.m.-noon. Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens, the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, and Tree of Life Nursery will hold the 2020 Festival of the Butterflies live online at alerttheglobe.com. The educational event will celebrate butterflies and their native habitats.

Goin’ Native’s garden programs support adults with developmental disabilities, senior citizens, military service members, veterans and members of the community. goinnative.net.

At the Movies: Celebrity Gossip Fatigue in Times of Lockdown

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

E

ven before the days of the coronavirus, social distancing and curbside service, people had been predicting and lamenting how the concept of the traditional “movie star” was on the verge of being obsolete. Since the creation of the Internet and social media, the superstardom of past icons such as Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe and Paul Newman—where it was all about mystique and having a relative barrier from the fans off camera to live up to their screen image—has been slowly waning.

With social media forums including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we can now see stars such as Chris Pratt, Florence Pugh, Ansel Elgort and Ana de Armas

of the month. There will be live entertainment and food available for purchase. A Stone’s Throw Winery, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.2063. astonesthrowwinery.com.

personally post and respond to fans about their everyday lives from close proximity in real time. There then becomes a disconnect in which the general public gradually stops viewing the celebrity as a star and more like themselves. Even so, there have been instances in which this works to the actor’s or music artist’s or model’s advantages. “Instagram models” are now a phenomenon, and there allegedly are even instances in which actors’ social media followers influence their appeal for casting.

Now, with concerts, music tours, film/ TV productions, press tours, premieres and award ceremonies on hold indefinitely, time has proven celebrities really are just like us and are going stir-crazy in lockdown and post-lockdown. Not only are celebrities continuing to pose for paparazzi on the streets and posting on their social media more than ever before, they’re even going on expensive, tone-deaf vacations in the middle of a pandemic, while ordinary people are either ill with the virus or recently unemployed or both. It’s just not a good look and comes off obtuse, even if it is a desperate attempt to remain relevant while out of work. DP

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 6-9 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind with some live music on the outdoor patio at Trevor’s. Karly Moreno will perform. Matt Akiona will also perform

Page 20

FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the new farmers market in town. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. The farmers market happens every Friday afternoon. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

Saturday | 01 LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 3:30-5 p.m. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano is offering this clinic. There will be discounted vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagnostic testing available on-site.

No appointment needed, and walk-ins are welcome. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano, 32022 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

Monday | 03 DANA WEST YOUTH SAILING CAMP 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Spend your summer learning how to sail and making new friends through this youth sailing camp. Enjoy the view and experience on the water in Dana Point Harbor. The camp is held Monday through Friday, and this session runs through Aug. 7. Lunch is provided on Fridays. Cost is $400 per session. Register online. 24601 Dana Drive, Dana Point. 949.661.1185, ext. 5. dwyscamp.com

Friday | 07 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 8 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth by the train tracks. Face masks are required on all tours until further notice.

26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

‘I Won’t Settle,’ She Says. But She Already Has——for 4 Years

W

hen women contact me about senior dating, I am surprised at the number of times the word “settle” is included in their comments.

The latest example came from a woman, age 60, who wrote, “I won’t settle! But I admit the relationship I’ve been in for four years puzzles me. I would appreciate your opinion.”

Fearing that her boyfriend would read today’s column, she requested her true name not be used. I will call her Stacy.

Stacy said, “After 26 years of marriage, I divorced. In 2015, I met Bob, a wonderful man, on Plenty of Fish (POF). We live an hour away by car. We instantly hit it off. We share many similar characteristics, likes and dislikes, temperaments, and values. I knew early on that he was a man of integrity and quality.

“When we met, Bob said he had been divorced for 13 years, after a verbally and emotionally abusive marriage. He admitted he hadn’t healed from the scars. While I was happy and feeling hopeful about our future, Bob has always held back.

“During the first two years of dating, he broke up with me twice, but we got back together. We have been dating for two years since.

“Bob told me he doesn’t want to remarry and that I should date others, because he knows I want a lifetime partner.

“Once, I saw that he had checked women’s profiles on POF. I confronted him. He said it was just a hobby. He removed his profile.

“We spend most weekends together. Plus, we call and email during the week. We both are busy in our work.

“Now, into our fourth summer, we continue to have our ups and downs. The COVID-19 pandemic makes seeing each other more difficult.

“Although I see love in his eyes and his smile, he has never told me in four years that

he loves me.

“Recently, I saw an ad on the OurTime senior dating website and found a profile that matched Bob’s 100%! No picture or words; I’m guessing he doesn’t want to pay. I cannot tell you how hurt I am. I didn’t mention it this past weekend to him, because I don’t want him to know I know.

“After visiting him this evening, I went online, and he had been active within one hour of me leaving him—looking at dating profiles. I think he is just enjoying his hobby.

“I stay with him, because I cannot imagine any other person making me as happy as Bob makes me.

ON LIFE AND “I want him to stop LOVE AFTER 50 looking at dating profiles!

By Tom Blake I’d settle for some kind reassurances and travel plans. Bob needs to find a more appropriate hobby.”

My answer to Stacy: “Stacy, since you asked, here is my opinion.

“You are part of the problem with Bob. In the second-to-last paragraph, you said, ‘I’d settle for . . .’ You have already settled for four years of not being told he loves you. You have settled, because you are afraid that the truth will be painful. You are afraid if you rock Bob’s boat, you will be alone, possibly forever.

“You have settled by believing his perusing women’s profiles online is just a hobby. A man of ‘integrity and quality,’ as you referred to him, would not do that.

“You have settled for him telling you to date others.

“You see love in his eyes and his smile. But, his actions don’t connect with love. This is a man who hasn’t healed 18 years after his divorce. Bob is not going to change. You need to:

3. Find self-esteem and courage.

4. Stop settling.

If you don’t take action, you will be stuck in the same “settle” rut you’ve been in for

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The 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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. The Capistrano Dispatch and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Photo: Courtesy of OC Archives and OC Public Libraries.

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts the outskirts of San Juan Capistrano. The year is believed to be 1921.

Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. Online, The Capistrano Dispatch will create a gallery of the month’s photos. 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.

BY MYLES MELLOR Solution:

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

G

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

2. Be prepared to be on your own, because that may happen. Meeting someone new is harder during the pandemic.

the past four years.

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

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: George eorge is one of the sweetest bunnies you are likely to meet. With his calm and gentle demeanor, George likes to be petted and is very easy to handle.

He is 1 year old and would fit right in to a rabbit-friendly home.

If you are interested in adopting George, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form.

Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an

1. Put the cards on the table—not just about his “online hobby,” but about all things important.

George. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

interaction appointment. CD

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

Page 21

thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Friday Night Lights at San Juan Hills High School and all other city high schools has been pushed from the fall to January as part of the CIF’s revised 2020-21 calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

Delay of Games CIF pushes high school sports to December, January starts

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

or the first time since its mid-March shutdown due to the coronavirus, high school sports received official direction on its return to competitive play.

The CIF State and CIF-Southern Section offices announced their revised 2020-21 calendars on Monday, July 20, which set the new beginning of the high school sports year in late December 2020, football games starting in January 2021, the combination of the winter and spring seasons and a spring timeline that stretches until the end of June 2021.

The CIF-SS calendar will be officially voted on as an Emergency Action Item at the section’s next scheduled CIF-Southern Section Executive Committee meeting on Aug. 13.

CIF-SS was clear in its press conference on Monday afternoon that all of the dates announced are tentative and contingent on schools reopening on-campus learning by the winter. Should schools remain in distance learning according to the state’s guidance announced on July 17, these

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24-August 13, 2020

plans and dates will be reevaluated.

“We maintain that the health and safety of our student-athletes is imperative to not only our school, but to the families that entrust us with their sons and daughters,” JSerra athletic director Chris Ledyard said.

“We also strive for the moment we are integrated back into a full-time, on-campus (environment) when school resumes. We feel we are extremely prepared to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all.”

The section’s summertime rules will be in effect for the fall semester, but all schools will still be subject to state and county health guidelines in regard to any summer camp-type environment in the fall.

CUSD schools were set to open summer conditioning camps on July 6, but those plans were canceled just days ahead of that date. JSerra shut down after two days of workouts, as the state then released new guidance through the counties on July 8 that shut down all youth sports activities until further notice. St. Margaret’s had targeted Monday as its start date, but it canceled camps after the new guidance.

“We were prepared to start today,” St. Margaret’s athletic director and boys basketball coach Chris Nordstrom said. “We’ve done a number of things to make things as safe as possible on campus. We’ve expanded the weight room, changed the equipment, made a number of protocols, but obviously right now, no one’s going. Once we’re given that clearance, we’re certainly in position to start.”

CIF-SS condensed its normal three seasons into two and shuffled some sports

around to avoid as much overlap as possible in fitting a 10-month schedule into six months.

Football, the section’s big-money sport, will return to practices on Dec. 14, with the season opening in Week 1 on Jan. 8, 2021. The football season will not be shortened and will run its full regular season to Week 10 on March 12.

CIF-SS football playoffs open on March 19, with the CIF-SS championships scheduled on April 9-10. CIF State has eliminated the regional rounds for this season and will play the state championships on April 16-17.

CIF-SS commissioner Rob Wigod said the calendar includes “full section championship experiences” with no changes to the number of playoff divisions or guaranteed playoff entries.

“The CIF, through creative scheduling, we get full seasons,” San Juan Hills athletic director and football coach Rob Frith said. “The kids get full schedules. The only thing that would compromise that is if the coronavirus numbers don’t allow us to get our season on time. I think the plan rolled out is very fair; it makes sense. It’s as good as you could hope for.”

Boys volleyball shifts from the spring to the fall season and will be the first sport to return to games on Dec. 12. Boys volleyball and girls volleyball will operate as their basketball counterparts have and share the gym, with girls games beginning on Dec. 19.

Girls water polo has also shifted from the winter season to the fall season to play alongside boys water polo. Boys water

Page 22

polo opens games on Dec. 21, with the girls following on Dec. 28. The water polo teams will share time in the pool and, like a few other sports, share coaching staffs.

Cross country will open on Dec. 26, with the CIF-SS championships scheduled on March 20, 2021 and CIF state on March 27. These dates incur the roughest overlap of seasons for athletes and coaches, as the track and field seasons open on March 20.

The section’s best distance runners could be in full competition mode from Dec. 26 through the CIF-SS championships on June 12 and CIF State championships on June 26.

Field space will be at a premium in the spring, with track running alongside boys and girls soccer opening on Feb. 27 and boys and girls lacrosse opening on March 12.

Girls tennis shifts from the fall and will be the first sport to open the spring season on Feb. 22, with boys tennis following on March 1. Tennis raises another potential issue of sharing court space. As does boys and girls golf, which with girls golf shifting from fall to spring, will run concurrently starting on March 20.

Wrestling will begin on March 5, and boys and girls basketball will begin on March 12—more than a full calendar year after most teams’ final games of last season.

Baseball and softball open their seasons on March 19, with the first-ever CIF State regionals in those sports being played on June 26, the last day of 2020-21 competition.

Swimming opens on March 13, and competitive sport cheer is the last CIF-SS sports to open on March 27. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24â&#x20AC;&#x201C;August 13, 2020

Page 23

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch July 24â&#x20AC;&#x201C;August 13, 2020

Page 24

thecapistranodispatch.com