August 26, 2022

AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 | VOLUME 20, ISSUE 16

INSIDE: Special Section

Back in the Saddle

Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo Celebrates 20th Anniversary After 2-Year Hiatus G E T T I N G O U T/ PAG E 23

Riding competitions and other Western festivities will take over the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park this weekend. Photo: File/Allison Jarrell

thecapistranodispatch.com

District 3 Election Draws Trio of Council Candidates

CUSD Candidates Look to Address Educational Policies

Rienda’s First Homebuyer Has Deep Ties to RMV

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EYE ON RMV/PAGE 21

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

sive and permanent are needed, he said.

Solutions should come forward for homelessness that don’t involve law enforcement, such as treatment, Lopez said.

“Traffic is another issue that comes up all the time,” Lopez said. “For anyone that lives or works in San Juan Capistrano, it can get backed up on Del Obispo.”

Lopez also mentioned the need to deal with parking availability.

Campbell was not available to be interviewed as of press time, but he did discuss his campaign and platform during a recent Coffee Chat discussion.

During a campaign talk at a recent Coffee Chat discussion, Campbell said he has been in San Juan for 16 years and observing city politics for a long time.

Campbell said he likes the stability of the current City Council, respects councilmembers and wouldn’t consider running if Reeve was up for re-election. The City Council is a place to make decisions for the citizens, and he would serve with integrity if elected, Campbell said.

Campbell said he loves San Juan and wants to give back to the community.

The City Council is not a place for agendas or drama, he said.

In his candidate statement, Campbell said he is a semi-retired businessman who worked in construction and as a medical industry consultant.

“My wife and I have called this historic town home since 2006. I am deeply involved in our community,” Campbell said. “I serve as Treasurer and Board Member of the Camino Real Playhouse and have financially supported and hosted events for nonprofits, including The Boys and Girls Club, Homefront America, CREER and Mission Basilica School.”

Fully funding first responders and deputy sheriffs “to promote a safer city,” exploring immediate and long-term solutions to homelessness, and facing

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

District 3 Election Draws Trio of Council Candidates

BY COLLIN BREAUX

With the General Municipal Election for a seat on the San Juan Capistrano City Council getting closer each day, the field of candidates has been finalized.

Three individuals—Cody Martin, Paul Lopez and John Campbell—have been certified to run in the election on Nov. 8, when the seat for District 3 is up for election.

Lopez, Campbell and Martin have been campaigning for the seat, currently held by Mayor Derek Reeve, who has said he will not be running for reelection.

Reeve announced during a City Council meeting on Aug. 2 that he would not be running again, saying he felt he and others had accomplished their goal of making San Juan Capistrano a better place after his 12 years on the dais.

Martin—who currently serves on the city’s Parks, Equestrian and Community Services Commission—previously ran in 2018 and spoke about his intention for a second go in an interview with The Capistrano Dispatch.

“I’d really like to emphasize we take care of our parks. I’d like to see a skateboard park get built … for our youth and for the average Joe,” Martin said. “I think we’ve done a pretty good job on Parks and Rec keeping our open space nice.”

Martin’s other emphasis is on keeping “small-town vibes” with San Juan

Capistrano and ensuring “responsible development that fits with the community that we can get consensus with the general public.”

“It’s very important to protect the city, protect the Mission, keep Los Rios Street, Los Rios Street, get the traffic under control,” Martin said. “We have too many Irvines and Santa Anas. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, and those cities serve their place, but people love this town for a reason.”

Lopez is currently on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission and moved to San Juan five years ago from two blocks away in Dana Point. During an interview about his campaign, Lopez said he has always had a passion for helping other people from a young age.

Lopez works as an attorney for a nonprofit that provides mental health services to low-income and underserved communities in Southern California and is raising his kids in San Juan. Lopez said he is running for the City Council, because he loves San Juan Capistrano.

“I’m deeply invested in this community,” Lopez said.

Lopez’ time on the CHC has taught him how to balance considering the city’s past with serving its future, he said. His wife teaches at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School.

“It’s given me more insight into the workings of a city and what the citizens want,” Lopez said.

Issues that Lopez said are important are public safety, homelessness and traffic. New and creative ways to address homelessness that are also comprehen-

City Adds Further Housing Element Updates in Attempt to Meet State Requirements

accommodate for 324 housing units for extremely low-income households.

“Specifically, they wanted additional goals, actions, metrics and milestones associated with the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing program,” said City Senior Planner Laura Stokes during a presentation to the City Council on Aug. 16. “What that means is we have 21 different programs identified within our Housing Element, and the state wanted us to add more information as far how each of those programs furthers fair housing.”

In response, city staff recommended several tweaks to the Housing Element include sending out newsletters with information about fair housing laws in English and Spanish; adding information about plans to incorporate afford-

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Like every municipality throughout California, the City of San Juan Capistrano is working through satisfying an update to its housing regulations, which is required by state law.

As part of the update, the city recently sent in a new Housing Element—which serves as a municipality’s housing guidelines—to the state for certification.

While the California Department of Housing and Community Development found the update “addresses many statutory requirements,” further revisions were requested before the Housing Element is certified.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26-September 8, 2022

Particularly, Paul McDougall—senior program manager for the Department’s Division of Housing Policy Development—required the city to explicitly make affordable housing goals clearer; target geographic areas or neighborhoods and areas of higher need; further address the needs of what are deemed to be extremely low-income households; and reduce government restraints when it comes to facilitating housing.

Extremely low-income is defined as being less than half of Orange County’s annual median income of $119,100 for a four-person household. The city must Page 3

The only election for the San Juan Capistrano City Council this year is for District 3, which has drawn three candidates: Cody Martin, Paul Lopez and John Campbell. Photo: File

traffic and parking challenges “headon” are listed as some of the focuses of Campbell’s campaign.

Prioritizing fiscal accountability and stability, supporting the business economy, fighting “any attempt” to raise taxes and defending and protecting open spaces and the town’s equestrian heritage are also noted as important issues for Campbell. He said he also wants to develop a program for San Juan residents to receive a free parking pass for the downtown corridor, where paid parking has been instituted.

The elections for Districts 2 and 4 have been canceled by the city, because incumbents Troy Bourne and John Taylor are the only people who filed to run. The two incumbents will be sworn in for a new four-year term beginning in December.

Taylor will serve his second consecutive term after previously sitting on the council from 2010 to 2014 and lives in the Los Rios Historic District. Bourne, currently in his first term, is a developer who helped helm Reata Glen, a retirement community in Rancho Mission Viejo.

Canceling the District 2 and 4 elections will reportedly result in a savings of approximately $12,000.

able housing for at-risk populations at the current City Hall site; and expanding the city’s service contract with Mercy House, which assists people dealing with homelessness.

“The state identified that we needed more information about our reasonable accommodations process. Reasonable accommodations are needed when a city’s code acts as a barrier to individuals with disabilities,” Stokes said. “In that, the city already initiated a code amendment back in June in order to codify a reasonable accommodations process that will give a clear and legible process for any citizen to review and pursue, should they need it.”

The City Council approved the changes on Aug. 16. The revised Housing Element will be sent back to the state for possible approval. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Capo Unified Board Elections Draw Candidates Looking to Address Educational Policy, COVID Measures

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

fter the local school board elections this fall, some new faces are expected to represent parents and make educational decisions in South Orange County.

Elections will be held in November for seats on the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees representing areas 2, 4 and 7. Area 2 covers Ladera Ranch; area 4 represents Laguna Niguel; and area 7 is for Mission Viejo.

The race for Area 2 is a specially called election due to the resignation of former Trustee Pamela Braunstein earlier this year over what she said was harassment for her support of COVID-19 policies. Three candidates have filed to run for the seat and qualified for the ballot: Michael Parham, Kira Davis and Jessica Hubbard.

Parham lives in Rancho Mission Viejo, is a certified public accountant who advises businesses on mergers and previously served on the Irvine Unified School District Board of Education for 12 years, beginning in 2004.

He previously ran for the Orange County Board of Education in 2016, an election he lost. He moved to the Esencia neighborhood in 2018.

A major issue that Parham points to is the need for the district to interact and work with parents, an issue he feels the district isn’t doing as well as it could.

Parham pointed to reported issues with online family informational dashboards provided by the district prior to the recent start of the school year.

Capo Unified also needs to develop more credibility with the public if it wants to get support for bond measures that would fund facility upgrades at Dana Hills High School and other campuses, Parham said.

“Credibility takes a long time to build, and I don’t think we have any credibility with the public,” Parham said. “The idea of passing a bond is not realistic, given the lack of credibility. That’s something I fought hard for and worked for in Irvine, and I know I can do that here. It’s going to take years. It’s a necessary thing. These facilities are somewhat dilapidated.”

Parham is also calling to let “teachers teach” instead of focusing on testing and said it’s important to prepare kids for the future job market that will revolve around technological data, coding and analysis. He is opposed to COVID-19 mandates, though he and his family are vaccinated.

Davis has made her mark as a staunchly anti-COVID restriction candidate and recently brought forth a citizen’s request at a Board of Trustees meeting for masks to be optional for students, which the board did not extensively deliberate or vote on. Masks are currently optional for students in California.

“After two years of uncertainty and chaos surrounding mandates and our children, we are exhausted,” Davis, a Ladera Ranch resident, said to the Board of Trustees when her request came up. “We feel it (is) necessary to the mental health of our students and the comfort of our parents for the Board of Trustees to officially adopt a resolution supporting mask choice in CUSD.” The Capistrano Dispatch August 26-September 8, 2022

Three candidates are running in the specially called Area 2 election for the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees: Michael Parham, Kira Davis and Jessica Hubbard. Photo: File

Davis is a mother to two children, according to her campaign website. She works as a podcaster and writer for RedState, a conservative media outlet.

“As a trustee for CUSD, Kira will work to safeguard parental rights, enrich educational experiences for students and seek to enhance opportunities for all students,” her online bio said.

Davis also maintains an active Instagram account in which she documents her opposition to school pandemic restrictions and live updates from Board of Trustees meetings.

Jessica Hubbard is an education nonprofit executive and former public school teacher, according to her candidate statement.

“I have over 20 years of experience teaching children and leading schools, advocating for youth, serving career technical colleges, and motivating students,” Hubbard said on her campaign website. “But I’m also the parent of a Capo student, and like all parents, I want to ensure my children are receiving the best opportunities and experiences possible.”

Hubbard’s platform includes wanting to strengthen learning opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics; promoting fiscal responsibility and mitigating wasteful spending; and reaching out to parents, students and teachers through public forums and task forces.

“I am running for the vacant seat on the Capistrano Unified school board, because extremist politics have no place in a nonpartisan elected position,” Hubbard said. “I am running, because I have seen firsthand how students benefit from nurturing leadership that puts children first and empowers teachers to lead their classrooms with the support of informed parents.”

The Area 4 race also has three ballot-qualified candidates: Jim Glantz, Gary Pritchard and Darin Patel.

Current Area 4 Trustee and Board President Martha McNicholas is not running for re-election.

Glantz describes himself as an education consultant and businessman and has experience as an English and government teacher. He is opposed to mask and vaccination mandates for students, and he will “push back against Page 4

overreaching Sacramento bureaucrats trying to control our curriculum,” according to his candidate statement.

“School closures did not work for many of our children, and many students need additional attention after virtual learning to get back to where they need to be,” Glantz said. “The district needs to provide additional resources to students who fell behind by distance learning. In addition, the district must increase its attention on our school system’s finances, strengthen its curriculum, and focus on the mission of delivering a worldclass education.”

Pritchard is an instructional dean at Cerritos College—a community college—as well as a Laguna Niguel homeowner, former school board president and father with children in local schools.

“I understand the concerns of parents frustrated with the direction of our school board. As a homeowner who chose to raise my family right here in Laguna Niguel, I understand the strong link between good schools and property values and will protect taxpayers,” Pritchard said.

Darin Patel is a software developer who said he will advocate for parents and students, while also being cognizant of fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers. Patel’s platform includes expanding learning opportunities and access to counselors for students in their college and technical studies.

“I have only attended and graduated from schools within Capistrano Unified and have family that still attends school in our district,” Patel said. “Therefore, I have a vested interest in providing a safe learning environment and quality education for all students.”

McNicholas has served as a trustee for eight years— three of them as board president—and for decades as a volunteer leader in local schools and the community.

She said she provided leadership during “some very difficult times and some very inspiring times.”

“I turn 70 in December, and my nearly retired husband and I are looking forward to spending more time with our children and our Colorado grandchildren and planning some international travel,” McNicholas said. “I still plan to be involved in my local schools, especially Dana Hills High School, and to take a larger leadership role in the plans to rebuild it into the modern and safe 21st century school that our students and community deserve.”

Two candidates have qualified to run in Area 7: incumbent Judy Bullockus and challenger Jeanette Contreras. Bullockus began serving on the board in 2017, was board president in 2021 and has frequently denounced state-imposed COVID mandates. Contreras is a library director, wants to represent people who are “underserved and underrepresented” and came to America from Vietnam when she was 8 years old, according to her candidate statement.

Current Trustee Gila Jones ran unopposed in Area 6, which represents portions of San Juan Capistrano. Jones was first elected to the board in 2014, and again in 2018.

Jones has also spoken against state-imposed COVID restrictions. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

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thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

COMPILED BY STAFF

FRIDAY, SEPT. 2

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

CD | SJC Resident Starts

Bridal Space Business Couples who are looking to get married and want a space to get together with each other and their wedding party group before the big day can book a block of time at Floraison Bridal Loft, a new business in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

The venue opened in March and was started by local resident Rebecca Stafford. The gathering space is at 31831 Camino Capistrano, Suite 301, near Diamond Salon and Sundried Tomato.

Stafford has been the wedding coordinator at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano for approximately five years and saw most weddings there came from outside San Juan.

“The couples have always expressed a need for a place locally to get ready, do some final preparations, get the bridal party dressed and ready,” Stafford said.

“Even pre-pandemic, I had thought about opening up this space, but, obviously, everything shut down. Right after everything started opening up again and I was able to do weddings, I found this great spot here.”

The venue has soft color decorations, flowers, cozy furniture on which to sit and is able to play relaxing music for guests. Stafford said brides and grooms can even have a “first look” at each other in Floraison before a wedding.

“Even if you live locally, you may not have a big space in your house to have a wedding party,” Stafford said. “This creates that area for the bride and the bridal party.”

Weddings have been booming after pandemic restrictions have been lifted, Stafford said.

“San Juan itself is becoming just a destination on its own,” she said.

Floraison is also a “petite venue” that can be rented out for small events such as wine tastings or even an end-of-life celebration, Stafford said.

“Either the restaurants are packed, or they want something private, or they don’t need such a big event space,” she said.

Seeing couples get started on their lives together is a blessing, and facilitating that is a dream come true, Stafford said.

“It’s such a positive event in everybody’s life. Everybody’s excited,” Stafford said of being a part of wedding preparations. “It’s a little stressful. I’m hoping to add a little less stress to their lives by providing this kind of space for them.”

Visit floraisonbridalloft.com for more information.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26-September 8, 2022

TUESDAY, SEPT. 6

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

Floraison Bridal Loft is a new space that couples getting married can rent to spend time together with each other and their wedding parties before the actual big day. Photo: Courtesy of Heather Paris-Ybarra

Aug. 16 was the first day of school for the 2022-23 academic year at Marco Forster Middle School in San Juan Capistrano. By all appearances, the start of the school year was a lively time for the school community.

Rubi Nunez served as a campus “ambassador” to welcome her fellow students back to campus after the summer break. She stood at the school entrance early on Aug. 16 as other children filed in and added to the amiable aura on the school grounds.

“I’m nervous, but I’m also really excited because of my friends,” Nunez said.

Nunez and some of the other student ambassadors have gotten to know their classmates and figure out where their classrooms are, because this is their second year at Marco Forster.

The 2022-23 school year marks a change from the previous year, because it is beginning without a mask requirement, a change welcomed by some students.

“It’s really nice, because it was harder to breathe with the mask on, and then now—since we’re ambassadors—we can smile and greet people, and they get to see our actual reactions,” said student Ashlee Robson.

COVID-19 regulations for schools are set by the California Department of Public Health and not up to the school district, a point repeatedly emphasized

by CUSD officials.

The indoor school mask mandate for California was lifted in April—marking a shift from the previous school year, when students and educators were required to wear masks indoors while on campus.

However, masks are still recommended under CUSD’s COVID-19 safety plan for the current school year. Other CUSD safety guidelines include encouraging

CD | Mission Gala Drawing

Gives Opportunities for Jewelry, Luxury Hotel Stay The annual fundraising gala for Mission San Juan Capistrano is scheduled for Sept. 16—and with it comes the chance to win high-end prizes in a gift drawing.

Featured items include Lugano Diamonds heirloom earrings with over 5.5 carats of pear-shaped rubies surrounded by round VS diamonds set in 18k yellow gold valued at $15,600; a $4,500 value package at the Inn at Mission San Juan Capistrano, which includes a two-night stay in a one-bedroom villa, dinner for two at the hotel restaurant Ysidora, and other amenities; and a “stay and play” package at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, which includes a two-night stay in a resort view room and other luxuries.

An electric bike package valued at $2,000 from Buy My Bikes is also a featured drawing opportunity.

Drawing tickets are $100 each and can be purchased in advance by contacting Brenda Mumma at 949.234.1311. The winner does not need to be present to win.

Tickets for the gala are sold out.

CD | First Day of School Brings

Excitement to Marco Forster Middle School Campus Cars came to gradual stops in the parking lot as kids got out and walked up the campus steps. Parents hugged their children. Teachers helped direct students to the right classroom. Friends greeted each other and smiled.

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THURSDAY, SEPT. 8

Design Review Committee 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 9

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

families to screen children, requiring staff to self-screen, posting signage reminding students to wash their hands, and the school frequently cleaning surfaces.

Social distancing and vaccinations are not currently mandated, either.

Kailey Nygaard, who is into her second year of teaching the Associated Student Body (ASB) program and seventh-grade history, said she and other teachers are excited to have students on campus. The ASB program gets students involved in campus life through leadership roles and activities.

“We’re excited to see all the growth that’s going to happen on campus, and it just seems like it’s a really good atmosphere right now,” Nygaard said.

“Last year, being my first year, was a lot of learning on my part. Now, I’m really excited to continue learning and helping these students learn as well.”

Nygaard was looking forward to ASB activities, including the lunchtime gatherings that allow students to come together and get to know one another.

As for her reaction to the lack of a mask mandate, she called it “almost like a new start.”

“We’re getting to see their faces from Day 1,” Nygaard said. “Personally, I’ve only really taught during masks—minus when we took them off.” thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

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thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

11th Marines Award SJC Rotary Members Plaque of Appreciation

BY KEATON LARSON

Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano member John Taylor and other fellow Rotarians received an award of appreciation from the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, for the club’s support of the 11th Marines’ Ceremonial Garden project.

The award was presented at the Rotary Scout Hut by Lt. Colonel Michael Perrottet of the United States Marine Corps.

Perrottet highlighted the steadfast leadership, hard work and generosity of the Rotary Club for its service to this project.

John Taylor—then-president of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano and also a current member of the City Council— and other Rotarians, including Yvonne Murai and Steve Rose, began the process of building the ceremonial gardens in 2016. Retired Marine Corps Colonel Mike Frazier, the commanding officer of the 11th Marines at the time, also helped out.

While several other regiments had ceremonial or memorial gardens at Camp Pendleton, the 11th Marine Regiment

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano was recently recognized for its help in building the 11th Marines’ Ceremonial Garden project. Photo: Courtesy of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano

was previously without one, and they wanted to change that. The Ceremonial Garden is located at Camp Las Pulgas aboard Camp Pendleton. The garden is “a quiet venue for veterans, families, and friends to gather and remember their Marines and Sailors, especially those

who have given the ultimate sacrifice in past combat,” a description on the Ceremonial Garden’s website said.

Murai, also a member of the 11th Marines family support group, pushed for the project. With the help of Rose, a landscape architect, they came up with a

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design for the garden.

The funding to build the proposed garden was largely raised through small, private donations and an annual golf tournament held at the Marine Memorial Golf Course at Camp Pendleton, Taylor said.

Once the project was approved by the Secretary of the Navy, Taylor—who was serving as the general contractor for the project— and a number of Marines stationed at the base tackled the hard work of building the garden, part of which included help with the trenching and grating to pour concrete.

“I had these guys show up from the engineering division of the Marine Corps,” Taylor said.

Some Marines reportedly were trained on how to operate the equipment necessary for construction. When Marines had spare time, some would come over and help, Taylor said.

Ultimately, the project was completed in 2020 after about six years of planning and construction with the help of Rotarians, retired and active-duty Marines.

The 11th Marine Regiment, also known as“The Cannon Cockers,” is the artillery regiment of the 1st Marine Division. The regiment has served the nation for nearly 100 years and has participated in conflicts including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operations Desert Storm, Restore Hope, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and others.

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

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thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

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thecapistranodispatch.com

Welcome TO THE

Home Improvement Guide After spending so much time indoors these past few years, there’s no better time than now to consider sprucing up your humble abode with new décor or just making certain upgrades to protect your investment.

Allow us to assist with our Home Improvement Guide, in which we help you explore ways of giving your household, both inside and out, a fresh look, as well as offer some insight on home foundation matters. For our latest guide, we dove deep into our bag of gardening tools as we explore the benefits of converting lawns into more drought-tolerant landscaping. Doing so can help homeowners save money and water amid the state’s ongoing drought. We also chat with the good folks at Plant Depot to gather some tips on how to prepare your garden for the fall, as well as get their recommendations for beginner gardeners who have begun their journey into indoor gardening. Though summer is nearing its end, pool maintenance is a year-round responsibility for many homeowners. Fortunately for you, we talked to some local professionals to give their expert advice on properly caring for your pool and keeping the water healthy. Dive into these helpful stories and more as you deservedly work on improving your home.

Renters & Renovations Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities Regarding Upgrades and Alterations

By Shawn Raymundo

H

ome is certainly where you make it.

But what if your home is also a rental? As a tenant, you certainly have considerable latitude when it comes to decorating your space and laying out your furniture.

As for making renovations and alterations, well, that’s where things get a bit more complicated.

Those who practice and write about real estate emphasize the importance of conferring with the rental agreement before getting started on any major project.

While most lease agreements are fairly standard and include boilerplate language, there may be certain conditions regarding renovations.

As Rick McIntire, an Orange County-based real estate agent, previously explained to Picket Fence Media, even a good-intentioned installment can end up being costly for the renter when they are looking to move out.

Likewise, the home and property owners of rentals should also first review their agreement with their tenant before starting any sort of construction, Rose Morrison, a real estate writer, explained.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

Communication is also key—and that goes both ways. Whether it’s the renter or the property owner who’s looking to make upgrades to the home or apartment, both should communicate their wants and needs.

For renters, gain the approval of the landlord before nailing that first hammer (figurately speaking); and for owners, let the tenant know that construction crews are about to go to work outside of their window.

Though communication is important for all parties involved to maintain a positive relationship, tenants should know that in California, landlords can enter the premises for several reasons, including emergency situations, or “to make necessary or agreed-upon repairs, decorations, alterations, or other improvements,” according to the state’s guide for tenants.

As for the topic of repairs, well, that’s a whole other laundry list of details that we can’t fit into this one article. But for information on the subject, you can check out the tenants’ guide at courts. ca.gov/documents/California-Tenants-Guide.pdf.

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thecapistranodispatch.com

Outdoor Tunes San Clemente-Based Sonance Creates Intimate Soundscapes

By C. Jayden Smith

S

ince 1984, Sonance has been an industry leader in providing high-quality audio equipment to residences, businesses, and everything in between.

The company has progressed significantly since the days of cofounder Scott Struthers and his partner working in a garage with a hot glue gun and crude tools, to an entity comprising teams of acoustic and engineering experts all working in tandem to create the best possible products.

High-end, audio-video equipment was Struthers’ initial focus in 1983, before finding that there was a desire in the home design market to put speakers in the walls.

“It had to be a blend of the high-fidelity speakers, but it also had to be unobtrusive, so the interior decorators or whoever was running the design of the house (could have) something that more or less (went) away,” Struthers says.

After a couple of years passed, in which Sonance fielded requests from around the San Clemente area to install audio systems in unique areas such as light fixtures, the company began to take a commercial approach.

It made appearances at trade shows and hired independent representatives for marketing purposes, and “it took off like a rocket ship” as a result, according to Struthers.

“For years, we’d been doing a few hundreds of thousands of dollars (yearly) in contracting work, and then the first year we ever really got serious about Sonance, which was a speaker company, it went up to $850,000 the first year,” he says. “It was just on fire.”

As analog speakers grew in popularity, so did Sonance’s business and production. The team built speaker switchers and learned how to apply numerous pairs of speakers to amplifiers, earning a significant role in the industry as founding members of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA).

The growth of the industry of designing luxury audio systems, home theater, and other in-home entertainment options occurred around the time in which Sonance was well-positioned to take advantage, Struthers recalls.

An increasing number of competitors joined the company as makers of in-wall speakers, but through an established brand and a relationship with electronics company Bang & Olufsen, Sonance pressed on.

The team signed B&O representatives from across the country to carry their products and expand Sonance’s reach further.

“At that point, we were 25 years old, and we were able to basically cover the whole The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

Photos: Courtesy of Sonance

United States within one year,” says Struthers.

“I think for a bunch of guys without a lot of experience, we were able to get a lot of speakers sold really quickly, especially when it was a new category.”

The move toward creating outdoor equipment began around the 1990s, when Sonance-produced speaker systems were designed to fit under eaves, or the parts of a roof that extend beyond the side of the building.

In the 2000s, the company created speakers that could be hidden near bushes and other places around a yard.

Struthers remembers that one specific factor within the production process held more

significance than others.

“Outside, you’re now getting hit by ultraviolet light, so getting the plastic that stood up to the outdoor environment was a big deal,” he says of the speakers. “The grill material was a big deal, because some of the original materials were like aluminum or something, and until you found the right metal, they corroded terribly.”

He added that the advantages of being able to move speakers all around a yard included not subjecting them to being placed over a hot surface, such as a barbecue grill, and equally spreading the sounds across the landscape instead of having multiple quiet

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areas during an event.

Hiding the equipment from view is another aspect Sonance regards highly.

“Like what we were inside, outside (the speakers were) now designed to disappear,” says Struthers. “That’s one of the biggest premises of our company.”

Homeowners can benefit from having the pleasures of creating an intimate soundscape for various occasions and elevating the activity.

“You can put it around your basketball court, you can play music, put it around your picnic table in your backyard, whatever you want to do,” Struthers said. “Now you can really have an acoustic soundscape that matches the design of whatever your activity (is) outside.”

In an email, Sonance representatives add that the speaker placement faces toward the listening area instead of toward neighboring yards, delivering an “even blanket of sound throughout the space.”

In terms of the design and installation process, Sonance uses independent companies such as Audiovisions, which specializes in smart home technology solutions. Like Sonance, some have been around for decades, allowing for company leaders to build experience and evolve to having luxury showrooms.

The companies that Sonance works with, Struthers says, have a lot of experience working with interior designers and architects.

As the home design industry has evolved, so too have the “wonderful products” that those companies have created over the years, he adds.

The Sonance brand has continued to grow toward the present day, expanding its manufacturing capabilities by acquiring the James Loudspeaker speaker company in 2020.

“Sonance is offered through direct dealers who specify custom integration systems, and the brand also has a strong presence in retail through spaces like Best Buy,” the company said. “Sonance partners with both the Custom Integrator and the retail channel to support a successful implementation of the audio experience for both aesthetics and installation.”

With the company’s global stature, its established tenets serve as a solid ground as the future approaches, according to the email.

“Looking forward, Sonance leans on its 4 foundational pillars for guidance: Develop technology that is Designed to Disappear, cultivate relationships that demonstrate an Authentic Partnership, continue to build upon a Heritage of Innovation, and leverage our position in the community to take steps toward Making the World a Better Place.” thecapistranodispatch.com

ECO-FRIENDLY APPLIANCES

How to Upgrade with Efficiency in Mind

By Keaton Larson

Home renovations are top of mind for many Americans this year. About 55% of homeowners renovated their homes in 2021, according to Houzz and Home survey—the highest number over the past four years—and the trend looks similar for 2022.

When renovating a home, upgrading appliances can be a large part of the conversation.

But how can the appliances we upgrade save us money in our pockets and resources like energy and water for our region?

One of the best ways to understand the energy efficiency of a product is by checking their Energy Star, a government-backed certification that helps consumers and businesses understand how environmentally friendly a product is.

For example, dishwashers that are certified with an Energy Star can save more than 8,000 gallons of water a year, according to SoCalGas, and about $130 annually on your utility bills.

Energy Star-certified appliances like clothes washers, too, can see similar benefits.

These certified models can use 25% less energy and 33% less water and can keep about $370 in your pocket each year compared to a regular clothes washer.

The Municipal Water District of Orange The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

County offers a rebate starting at $85 for high efficiency clothes washers, and SoCalGas also offers rebates for energy efficient appliances across the board.

Energy Star-certified natural gas ovens, dryers, water heaters, fireplace inserts, and pool heaters are all products that SoCalGas offers rebates for.

For those of us who like to relax by a fireplace during the winter—there are some of us in California—SoCalGas offers a $300 and a $500 rebate for natural gas powered fireplaces.

Wood burning fireplaces might have a sense of nostalgia to them, but the health benefits of an alternative like natural gas are worth the switch. Burning wood can spread unwanted particles, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds into the environment and throughout your home that can be negative to your health and lungs.

Even something as simple as replacing old light bulbs inside your home with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), which use about 60-70% less energy than incandescent bulbs, can help reduce your energy costs overall.

Both Energy Star and SoCalGas have marketplaces, as well as tips and advice on upgrading, that allow you to search and compare appliances to find a product than suits your budget and energy efficiency preferences.

Also, stores like Dewey’s in San Clemente are local options to compare the benefits of appliances in-person.

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thecapistranodispatch.com

Weathering the Storm Alpha Structural Gives Insight, Advice on Home Foundation Matters

By Collin Breaux

H

omeowners in California face unique challenges when it comes to making sure their house is in order—quite literally.

Whether it be making sure it sits on a stable foundation, ensuring its drainage systems are not clogged and seeing that walls stay standing and uncracked, people living in the Golden State—particularly the coastal area with its bluff-side homes— have a lot to monitor.

Fortunately, Alpha Structural is ready to help.

The foundation repair company serves Orange County and the wider Southern California area. CEO Dave Tourjé says most foundation repairs can be tracked back to water problems, which, in turn, come from a lack of control when rain

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

occurs.

“The first thing is control of water and water flow,” Tourjé says.

When rainfall is left uncontrolled and unhandled, the soil then moves. One way that homeowners can start to handle drainage is by having roof gutters, Tourjé says. Which roof gutter is best for a home depends on the individual home’s design, says Tourjé, adding that expensive homes primarily have copper gutters, which he considers the best material for them.

Alpha Structural can fix issues with roof gutters, or even if a home has sunken.

An issue that can pop up with homes built in the 1980s, or before then, is that they may have more of a tendency to sink because their building standards were less stringent in comparison to today’s.

“The soil engineering standards are

different,” Tourjé says.

Most homes Alpha Structural fixes are from the 1980s and older. Tourjé advises those homeowners to be mindful of their surroundings.

“The earlier you get, the more you should be paying attention,” he says.

Warning signs of a bad foundation include floors sloping, cracks forming on walls, and doors that “stick.”

“These things only happen when a home is sinking,” Tourjé says.

Alpha Structural is celebrating its 30th year of business, and Tourjé has been licensed since 1998. The process for homeowners to potentially have Alpha Structural work on their homes is by first calling the company, which will then book an appointment to come out to the home for an inspection.

Page 14

Alpha Structural’s assessors look over the home, propose next steps, then give a cost estimate that factors in engineering work and construction costs.

In addition to construction, Alpha Structural also does engineering. It designs and builds foundation improvements.

“Sometimes, it’s just a very simple repair,” Tourjé says. “If we install straps to a foundation that isn’t moving that much, it’s a few thousand (dollars).”

Major foundation work can top two, three or four thousand dollars. Alpha Structural is already looking at six-figure jobs in Orange County.

Tourjé stresses that his company does not paint, handle drywall work or do other miscellaneous home improvements.

More information can be found at alphastructural.com.

thecapistranodispatch.com

FLOORING

Wood v. Tile v. Carpet: What to Know

By Keaton Larson

H

omeowners looking to make home improvements have numerous questions, and one of the more expensive decisions to make can relate to flooring.

How does one choose between wood, tile, or carpet flooring? How do you know which choice is best for your needs and budget?

First, wood and tile flooring are more durable than carpet and likely healthier.

Yes, you will pay a higher cost for wood and tile options, but these floors will have longer lifespans than carpet.

Solid hardwood floors are one of the most durable options on the market, yet they are generally the most expensive. The installed cost could range from $5 to $10 per square foot, according to Consumer Reports, but the floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times.

If hardwood floors are too expensive, there are several options that maintain the style and have similar durability such as engineered wood, laminated flooring, vinyl, or tile.

Tile flooring can be just as durable, if not more, than hardwood, and ranges from $8 to $15 per square foot. Ceramic tile tends to resist the wear of daily life, moisture, dents, and stains better than most other flooring options. The humidity and moisture of an area, and the type of wood used, can affect wood floors unlike ceramic tile.

Carpet will likely require the most maintenance from a homeowner. More accidents and spills are trapped in carpet, requiring more cleaning. Carpet floors are more comfortable to walk on, though, and they can be some of the most cost-effective options.

However, the American Lung Association (ALA) advocates homeowners choose hard-surface flooring when they can because of pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroach allergens, particle pollution, lead, mold spores, pesticides, dirt and dust that can get trapped inside carpet.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

These pollutants and small particles disperse into the air when vacuuming or doing something as simple as walking through your home.

If you decided to purchase carpet flooring, the ALA recommends looking for a product with fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—gases found in flooring products and installation processes.

These chemicals can be harmful to a homeowner, and when purchasing products with VOCs, always ask to air the new carpet outside before installation.

Hardwood and carpet are still the most popular options for homeowners, though, with about half of consumers updating their look to one of those two options in 2021, according to Floor Trends Magazine.

Carpet is quiet and soft, and comfort is still a big factor in the decision-making process, especially after spending so much time at home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whatever decision you end up making, it is always best to understand the look you want, the cost you are willing to spend, and the durability for which you are hoping. Nailing down those three factors will make it easier to narrow down your choices.

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thecapistranodispatch.com

PLANT DEPOT RECOMMENDS

Five Easy Starter Plants for Any Beginner Gardener

By Breeana Greenberg

S

tarting one’s journey into indoor gardening can be daunting, but building confidence by choosing forgiving, resilient and easyto-care-for plants can help ease worries of not having a “green thumb.”

Plant Depot owner Jennifer Kittle recommends beginners use well-draining soil so that plants are not sitting in water between waterings.

“Pick a day of the week that’s like your day to care for your plant babies, and make that your day,” Kittle says. “It helps to avoid the overwatering, because there aren’t very many house plants that need water more than once a week.”

Plant Depot also recommends using seaweed extract every time you water to give your plants an extra “health and vitality” boost.

Keeping your plants’ leaves clean also helps to keep them healthy, Kittle adds.

Wiping down your plant’s leaves will decrease their likelihood of getting pests and diseases.

1 / SNAKE PLANT These are one of the most resilient plants for a beginner gardener. Snake plants are hardy and can handle both overwatering and underwatering, lowand bright-light conditions.

However, they prefer bright indirect light and infrequent waterings.

Plant your snake plant in a well-draining potting mix or cacti mix and allow the soil to dry out between waterings—generally, about once a month.

2 / DRACAENA This slow-growing plant prefers bright indirect or filtered light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Plant your Dracaena in a well-draining soil mixture and allow the soil to dry out between waterings, generally once a month.

3 / ZZ PLANT Zamioculcas zamiifolia, also known as ZZ plants, are a great “neglect and

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

forget” plant, as they are very low-maintenance.

This slow-growing plant prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light.

Plant your ZZ plant in a well-draining soil mixture and allow the soil to dry out between waterings, generally, once a month.

4 / POTHOS With so many varieties of Pothos, these easy-to-care-for vining plants make a great addition to a beginner’s collection, from the variegated “N’Joy,” the freckled “satin Pothos,” to the vibrant “neon Pothos.”

Pothos prefer a humid environment but can tolerate a drier environment well and are forgiving of neglect or overwatering. Plant your Pothos in a well-draining soil mixture and allow the top of the soil to dry out between waterings.

Pothos like to be displayed in bright, indirect light; however, they will also tolerate lower light. Direct light may burn its leaves.

5 / MONSTERA DELICIOSA Large, leafy Monstera Deliciosa make a great focal piece for any home. These tropical, fast-growing, vining plants prefer warm, humid environments; however, they can tolerate a drier environment.

If your Monstera develops browntipped leaves, it may be a sign of too little humidity. Plant your Monstera in well-draining soil and water roughly once a week when the top of the soil is dried out.

Monstera like to be displayed in bright, indirect light.

Snake Plant

Page 16

thecapistranodispatch.com

D rought-Tolerant Landscaping Saves Water and Money

By Breeana Greenberg

R

eplacing lawns with California Native and drought-tolerant landscaping can be a great way for homeowners to save both water and money as the state endures years of drought.

Dana Point resident Kathryn McClelland, who converted her front garden into California Native landscaping, recommends planting plants such as milkweed and butterfly bush to attract pollinators.

McClelland planted a patch of milkweed in her front garden to attract Monarch butterflies and has had to extend the patch into her backyard to be able to feed all of the caterpillars that have visited her garden.

California Native landscaping can be overwhelming to people who are unfamiliar with it, McClelland says, so she recommends starting small and hiring a professional.

“If you’re not well-versed in it, there are landscape architects that can help you,” McClelland says. “There’s lots of resources, and if you feel like you can start small, just start in a small area.”

Matt Johnson, owner of Western Garden Designs, Inc., explains that there are lots of great native and pollinator plants available for homeowners to plant.

“We do like to use natives; we can also mix in some other plants that do well in our climate,” Johnson says. “The good thing about our climate is there’s a lot of areas around the world that have similar climates.”

“There’s a decent variety to choose from,” Johnson continues. “A lot of people have this

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

PLANT DEPOT OFFERS TIPS ON P R E P P I N G YO U R G A R D E N FO R FA L L Now is a good time to mulch. Early fall tends to be the hottest time of the year, so Plant Depot recommends that homeowners mulch to help control the temperature of the soil and help retain some moisture.

In helping soil retain its moisture, mulching can be helpful to decrease watering needs.

Though it’s a little too early to start pruning, Plant Depot owner Jennifer Kittle says that fall is a great time to weed and feed your garden.

Now, Kittle adds, is a great time to plant a second round of summer vegetables during this seasonal transitionary period.

Kittle also noted that early fall is a great time to get your garden ready for your winter crop.

impression of native landscapes as kind of like a desert state or something like that, but there are a lot of plants that will flower, attract

birds and hummingbirds and stuff that you want in the yard.”

Homeowners have a wide variety of flowering, California Native and drought-tolerant plants to choose from to attract pollinators.

Hummingbirds and butterflies tend to be attracted to red, yellow, orange, and pink flowers.

“I think that’s really important to have the flowers that bring in the birds and the bees and the different things that pollinate, because it’s good for the plants and nice to have those creatures in your yard,” Johnson says.

“So, definitely, butterfly gardens are popular.”

The No. 1 reason to plant native landscaping, Johnson explains, is that native plants thrive in local soil and watering conditions.

Homeowners looking to replace their lawns with waterwise landscaping can also apply for turf replacement rebate programs.

“We basically live in a desert, and so watering is on everybody’s mind,” Johnson says.

For homeowners choosing to replace their lawns with drought-tolerant and California Native landscaping, the first step is to remove the existing lawn and its roots. With more invasive varieties of grass such as Bermuda and Page 17

St. Augustine, not watering and removing the dead grass will not get rid of it, Johnson says.

In these cases, homeowners may need to use a product to kill the roots.

“Once you’ve gotten rid of the grass and you’ve cut it all out, then you can introduce different plants in that space or you can design it in a way where there’s alternatives for grass,” Johnson says.

Buffalo Grass is a California Native grass that requires less water and less maintenance than a traditional lawn, Johnson explains.

There are also low-growing, ground-cover plants that can give the look of a grassy area without the same watering and maintenance needs of traditional lawns.

“It’s a matter of what space you have, how you’re going to utilize the space,” Johnson says, adding: “I always recommend hiring a designer and getting a consultation with the landscape designer who can come out, give you their opinion of the space, talk you through the process, understand what is involved and what our goals are, so they can design the space accordingly, whether it’s to your budget or to your use.” thecapistranodispatch.com

A Deep Dive into Pool Maintenance Expert Tips on How to Care for Your Pool Year-Round

By Hayze Law

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

Page 18

thecapistranodispatch.com

T

he laundry list of pool care chores is enough to make anyone’s head swim. If you dive in without becoming properly informed, you may just find yourself in over your head.

To avoid that sinking feeling, there are several resources to pool, like the help of local professionals and quality equipment, to maintain proper care and ensure the overall health of your water.

Serge Simard, owner of Plumeria Pools, is a local pool expert who has been in the business for more than 20 years. Speaking with Picket Fence Media, Simard outlined his top tips for maintaining a pool—from balancing chemistry of the water, to caring for and utilizing proper equipment.

First and foremost, a healthy pool is dependent on the balance of the chemicals in the water, he says.

“When the chemistry is off-balance, it becomes corrosive to the equipment and to the surface of the pool,” Simard says.

For those who opt to test the water on their own, he recommends using a professional-grade toolkit for inspection, though cautioning to check that the bottles are not expired to avoid an inaccurate reading.

Beyond just checking the chlorine and the pH, toolkits also check the total alkalinity, which acts as a buffer to control the pH in the pool, and the conditioner that stabilizes the chlorine, so it lasts longer.

Another method for checking the chemical levels in a pool is by using strips; however, once those are opened and exposed to oxygen, they are no longer accurate after about a week.

For those just starting out, Simard recommends calling a professional, to assist in the process and set you on the right foot. From there, it is best to test pool water at least once a week, if not more, to ensure the levels are balanced, and to keep the sanitizer at optimal levels.

In reference to the balance of the pool, it is also important to keep in mind the hardness of the water, which is particularly hard in Southern California because of warm weather, mineral content of the groundwater, and lack of regular rainfall.

This creates a “shell” of sorts, making it difficult for the chemicals to permeate the water, according to Simard. To combat this, he recommends pool owners empty their The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

pool every seven to 10 years for an acid wash, which cleans the surface of the pool.

In the meantime, he cautions against buying products for the pool, beyond the necessary balancing chemicals.

“The more stuff you put in your pool, the harder your water is going to get over the years, so only add what you need,” Simard says.

Aside from pool chemistry, pool owners should know how to care for and utilize their equipment—specifically, the pump, heater, and filter.

At the heart of the pool system is the pump, which circulates the chemicals evenly throughout the pool, and can be a costly use of energy.

During the summer months, for the average home, Simard recommends that pumps run a minimum of eight hours a day for proper filtration. As a general rule, the higher the usage, the longer the pump should run.

As the seasons float by, for folks who would like to save money on electricity, he suggests his clients invest in a variable speed pump, which is more energy-efficient than the traditional ones.

For those with saltwater pools, saltwater-compatible heaters are crucial, because the high levels of calcium in the saltwater carry gritty sediments that corrode regular heaters over time.

As for filters, Simard says, “There are many different filters out there, but the best ones nowadays are cartridge filters; they are easy to clean and do a good job.”

For all equipment, he suggests covering it with burlap because most are made of fiberglass, which begins to shed over time, under the exposure of the sun.

To maintain a pool overall, Simard suggests that an insured and licensed contractor visit the home once a week, to check the balance, clean, and make sure everything is working properly.

Page 19

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE - SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Alpha Structural – Setting the Standard for the Last 30 Years Alpha Structural, Inc., a leading structural engineering and construction firm based in Los Angeles, celebrates its 30th year in business serving homeowners and commercial property owners in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Founded in 1992 by Owner and Chief Executive Officer Dave Tourjé, Alpha Structural Inc. got its start in the hills of Northeast Los Angeles.

Tourjé started with foundation repair on hillside homes, failing retaining walls, and seismic retrofitting. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the trade of structural repair and foundation work was not what it is today. Tourjé reflects on the difference in the trade between the early days and now: “It was an unformed trade ...There was no consciousness of it, it wasn’t in the Real Estate community like it is now; it just wasn’t a known problem.”

This was prior to the major earthquakes that were about to erupt through Southern California and change this field of construction forever. In 1987, Los Angeles residents experienced the Whittier earthquake at a magnitude of 5.9. Then in 1994, the Northridge earthquake destroyed infrastructure and apartment buildings with a magnitude of 6.7.

Tourjé recalls the change in the structural industry that came after these natural disasters: “It kept evolving where there were more earthquakes, more floods, more problems … and the need [for structural repair] just became more and more evident.”

Pretty soon, new building codes went into effect requiring property owners to address the structural issues that plagued Southern California buildings. Since then, thousands of properties have been reinforced, brought up to code, and deemed safe per today’s standard. Alpha Structural is proud to have had a large hand in accomplishing this for Southern California property owners as the trusted structural specialists of 30 years.

Alpha Structural is one of the few, if not the only, company in Los Angeles & Orange County that is licensed to both engineer and build every job. Each project is taken care of under one roof by in-house engineers, draftsmen, permit expeditors and then project supervisors and crews. This is a much-preferred method according to property owners, where the alternative is separate engineering firms and contractors, which can add time and money when there are questions once construction starts.

In addition to what their clients say about them, Alpha Structural, Inc. is also a proud awardee of the famed Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company award multiple years in a row, among many other recognitions. Additionally, they have received countless commendations and recognitions from city mayors such as those from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Irvine, Yorba Linda, Los Angeles, and more. They were recently honored by the California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino for their dedication to safeguarding city residents through their work.

The key to Alpha Structural’s continued success is their motto of quality first. They strive to deliver more to their clients than they expect and will continue to do so for years to come.

323.258.5482 alphastructural.com | @alphastructural

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

Page 20

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

Rienda’s First Homebuyer Has Deep Ties to Rancho Mission Viejo

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

s Chris Laullon puts it, he has a very long history with Rancho Mission Viejo.

He has lived in every single one of the local communities associated with RMV, including Mission Viejo and Las Flores. In fact, he’s never lived outside of such areas.

“I mainly grew up in Ladera Ranch, and I went to San Juan Hills High School, right here off Ortega Highway— so I’ve known the Rancho Mission Viejo that we know today from when it’s been dirt and had zero development on it,” he said. “I’ve been a part of the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo since I was a kid.”

Given his connection to the land, when the chance came up for the 25-year-old and his soon-to-be fiancée, Ariana Eckman, to buy a house in the new Rienda neighborhood, they jumped at the chance.

They are now the first homebuyers in Rienda. Laullon raved about the heritage of The Ranch and its connection with surrounding communities, including San Juan Capistrano, while hanging out at Ranch Camp—RMV’s new community spot in Rienda that includes open-air seating for hanging out, a fitness complex and an equestrian center.

“It’s a very special place that you don’t see in suburbia or even urban environments like Irvine,” said Laullon, who works as an intake manager for a law firm. “When the opportunity came up to start looking at a new community and being in a position to buy, by the grace of God, I was so happy to even get the opportunity to buy here. Getting the honor of being the first official buyer of Rienda, me and my other half are just super elated to hear that.”

The homebuying process was a waiting game for the couple, who are firsttime homebuyers. Laullon was talking to companies building the homes at the start of 2022.

“We basically would have to contact the different builders and try to get our name on interest lists and priority lists. You would need to have different loan application documents ready and pre-qualified,” Laullon said. “If you’re on the priority list and you’ve been in good communication, they release a phase, and you hopefully get a phone call. We were in Phase One, and I probably had everything in before anybody did.”

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26-September 8, 2022

Ranch Camp—a gathering spot in the new Rienda neighborhood that features a pool and other amenities for residents—has gone over well with Chris Laullon, Rienda’s first homebuyer. Photo: Collin Breaux

Eckman said given the community’s calming feel, Rienda feels as if it’s not even in California.

“As you get in Rancho Mission Viejo, you have this sense of tranquility and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city,” Eckman said. “It’s a totally different vibe from where I’m from originally.”

Laullon and Eckman have joined a neighborhood farming group, where they look forward to doing wine and grape harvests. Laullon also volunteers with the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, an equestrian therapy center in San Juan Capistrano.

“Rienda is the closest to the Cow Camp, which is the ranch operations where the cowboys live,” Laullon said.

“That’s really special to me, just through my relationship with the (RMV) Rodeo, through my relationship with the Shea Center. The equestrian element of it is very personal to me.”

When asked about his impression of the amenities at Ranch Camp, Laullon said features such as the 20,000-squarefoot lagoon built there is something “you don’t see in every community.”

“You’ll have your regular community pools in other places, but to have something that’s that elaborate is really

awe-inspiring,” Laullon said.

Eckman, who is 24, said she never imagined they would ever be able to put in money to buy a home at such young ages.

“It just all seems like a dream,” Eckman said. “It’s super surreal. It’s just crazy how everything was so easy, in a way, and just fell into place so perfectly.

I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

The Rancho Mission Viejo community is one where people tend to be in a welcoming mood, Laullon said.

“When we came here for Memorial Day weekend, the pool had just opened, and there were just a lot of people.

Everybody was in such great spirits,” Laullon said. “I’d go to the pool at the gym over here, and every time walking in saying hi, it doesn’t matter if they’re young or old, they’re all very amicable.

All the people are really nice. They want to meet you, want to know who you are, get to know you.”

Given Rancho Mission Viejo will be building new homes into 2030, Laullon looks forward to seeing how the community continues to develop.

“What Ranch Camp is right now is the epitome of what you can get at a master-planned community, but we know there’s a lot more that’s going in.

Page 21

EVENTS AT THE RANCH

SEPTEMBER 8

Presentation on Tarantulas and Other Nocturnal Critters 7-8:30 p.m. Come learn about eightlegged critters and other creatures of the night when guest speaker Bob Allen dispenses knowledge at the guest house in Rancho Mission Viejo. The event will also feature photographs, stories, and even tarantula specimens. The event is free, and open to attendees who are 8 years of age or older. Participants must be registered or on the wait list by the day of the event at 4 p.m. thenaturereserve.org.

We already see a clubhouse being built up for the next sets of communities, and it’s really exciting,” he said. “To be able to be in the community and see the new ones starting to grow—and hopefully move into those next new communities and jump around in Rancho Mission Viejo down the road—I think is our dream that we both want.” CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | A Little Bit About San Juan by Jessica DiCostanzo

DAISY SELLAS COMES FULL CIRCLE WITH RMV RODEO MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

S

an Juan Capistrano’s very own Rodeo Queen, Daisy Sellas, will be singing at the 20th Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo! Daisy, who was raised in Orange County, is now a musician in Nashville, where she performs at the world-famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and teaches at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Sellas has been involved in the rodeo for as long as she can remember, carrying the Rancho Mission Viejo flag on horseback since she was 12 years old. She combined her love of singing and horses by performing the national anthem at equestrian events.

Due to the pandemic, the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo has been on hiatus the past few years. Sellas is proud to be part of the return of the rodeo to San Juan.

“I am so pleased to say that this year, I’m not only singing the national anthem on both days, but I am performing for the post-rodeo show with the Rancho Mission Viejo All Stars on Saturday the 27th,” Sellas said.

Horses became part of Sellas’ life at a

young age, along with her mother and sister when they moved from Newport Beach to San Juan Capistrano.

“Since that time, I’ve been riding as much as I can, whenever I can,” she said.

“I don’t get to do it as much in Nashville, so every opportunity to get back in the saddle is such an immense pleasure.”

Sellas further explained how horses have shaped her life.

“When I was young, on those chilly fall mornings when my dad would drive us to the stables, it was a lesson in sharing your life with these big, fuzzy creatures, learning to treat them as equals while still being disciplined,” she said. “As I got older, when I couldn’t ride as much because of high school sports or musicals, Ortega Equestrian Center (OEC) was always there to welcome me back to ride whenever I could—it was a home for me no matter how long I was gone.”

“The people at OEC—Kathy, Brenda, Chris, and others who have since moved on—were also such wonderful humans in my life that taught me not only horse skills, but things that applied to other

aspects of life as well,” Sellas continued.

“Being with horses is almost spiritual for me—they are such capable, beautiful creatures that can’t truly be controlled, but if the mutual respect is there, that bond and relationship is life-changing.”

Sellas said that if you’re interested in getting more involved with horses, just do it.

“I can’t recommend Ortega Equestrian Center enough for their love and care and excellent environment. Reach out to any local stable and inquire about lessons—it’s never too late to start that incredible journey into the world of horses,” she said. “And living in San Juan, we’re so lucky, because it’s such a big part of the local community. Just go for it! And I’ll see you at the rodeo.”

Jessica DiCostanzo is a San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition Board Member, lifelong equestrian, and co-founder of equivont.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Collin Breaux • 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

Letter to The Editor PARKING METER COMPLAINT CLAUDETTE POOLE, Lake Elsinore I am a longtime patron of the city of San Juan Capistrano. I lived in Dana Point for 14 years and on Ortega Mountain for 18 years. Previously, I worked in San Juan since the late ’80s.

All this time, I have patronized many businesses in what used to be a quaint little town with its own individual personality. Recently, my friend and I made our regular plan to have lunch in San Juan. I had surgery, so this was my first visit since late February/early March.

We tried to go to Ramos House for lunch. No parking. We ended up at Cedar Creek. To my surprise, there was a charge for parking in the adjacent lot.

The free lot was full, so we parked there.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26-September 8, 2022

Had a great lunch and service at Cedar Creek and in the process of catching up with my friend, we forgot that we hadn’t paid for parking. I had a $50 ticket on my windshield after lunch. My friend also received a ticket for $50.

I stopped to ask the parking patrol officer about the ticket. He answered my questions, and when I commented that I may have to reconsider where I go for lunch in the future, his response was, “Well, good luck in Laguna Beach! The good times are over.”

I guess his attitude reflects your city’s attitude.

I am really shocked at your total lack of awareness. This is how you help your small businesses? You forget that the people who frequent your town visit more than one place and visit often. You reward them by charging for parking?

Who is going to pay for parking to stop at Starbucks across from the Mission?

What about Chico’s? Shopping for an outfit is not easily done on a time restraint. Storefront shops are having enough of a hard time without their

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY 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. Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. 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.

city working against them. Don’t worry about the patrons. We can go somewhere else.

The parking meter officer, Mr. Edwards, Badge 29, had it right. The good times are over.

Laguna Beach, you are not.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was originally sent to San Juan Capistrano City Manager Ben Siegel. The Starbucks mentioned is now closed.

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Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (SC + DP) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 20, Issue 16. 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 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPO DISPATCH

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GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

The List

FRIDAY | 02 FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

What’s going on in and around town this week

SATURDAY | 03

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender

SATURDAY | 27 OUTDOOR THEATER AT LOS RIOS PARK 2 and 3 p.m. Take a trip back in time when the Round About Players present A Fast Train to Capistrano in the Los Rios Historic District. The short performance will depict aspects of San Juan Capistrano’s history. The event is free, so check it out while you’re strolling about. Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

RODEO BLOCK PARTY 6 p.m. Celebrate the end of summer with barbecue and live music. Family Style will perform. The event continues Sunday with James Kelly Band and line

AT THE MOVIES

‘Prey’ Is Worthy of Predecessor

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

D

an Trachtenberg’s soft reboot of Fox’s famous Predator franchise, fittingly called Prey, is the first time I’ve seen critics unanimously agree that this straight-to-streaming film “should have been released in theaters.”

After Shane Black’s ridiculous The Predator (2018) four years ago, Prey not only delivers what most were not expecting, it also reestab-

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26-September 8, 2022

will feature an exhibition polo match, patient stories, a rider demonstration, dinner, drinks, and live music. Tickets are $114 and can be purchased online.

Orange County Polo Club, 27271 Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado. 949.312.7227. surfandturftherapy.org.

Brady Portenier begins to go sideways as a bull tries to buck him off at the 19th annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo in 2019. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

SATURDAY | 27 RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RODEO 1 p.m. The annual rodeo returns this weekend after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Contestants will compete in a variety of events, including bull riding and roping. There will also be food, vendors and live music. The event continues Sunday; gates open at 11:30 a.m. that day. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. rmvrodeo.com. dancing with Marie Kelly; festivities start at 3 p.m. that day. Bad to the Bone BBQ, 31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.218.0227. eventbrite.com.

SEED CONNECTION 9-10 a.m. The Ecology Center is providing this hands-on lab about soil and seeds, so people can learn about gardening, saving seeds, and which food is appropriate to grow in a given season.

The event is free and open to all ages, so you can learn something whether you have a kid just developing a green thumb or you are an adult looking to grow more plants in the backyard. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.248.9468. homefrontamerica.org.

SUNDAY | 04

THURSDAY | 01

HEROES NIGHT OUT 5-9 p.m. Join Homefront America in honoring military veterans with a courtyard dinner. Guests can reserve seats beforehand. There will be live entertainment in a courtyard setting. Serra Plaza, 31910

CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY 5:30-9:30 p.m. Surf & Turf Therapy is hosting a fundraiser to help support their programs and provide scholarships for qualifying participants. The night

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Tribute act Fan Halen will perform.

Tickets are $20. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

lishes the old 1980s action-horror classic four decades later.

In the greater wilderness of 1700s pre-America, Naru (Amber Midthunder) is a female member of the Comanche tribe who wants to hunt and fight with the men instead of work domestically. Her older brother, Taabe (Dakota Beavers), already has the strength and skill she longs for, and thinks she’s in over her head.

When the bigger animals in the forest start getting brutally killed, Naru senses something unusual is lurking in the tribe’s territory.

Prey has been getting lots of praise for cleverly reinventing the Predator franchise, as well as putting the spotlight on Native American characters as film leads.

It makes sense the first prequel in the

series would be set in historic Native years, as John McTiernan’s original Predator (1987), and most of the sequels, take place in the jungle, among natural surroundings.

The few complaints I’ve seen of Prey didn’t actually bother me. One is that everyone in the movie speaks English, when obviously they would be speaking Comanche. Because the characters are speaking English anyway, I don’t mind the dialogue and characters sounding somewhat modern, because this is ultimately a fictional fantasy with contemporary actors.

(And for those who did enjoy Prey enough to watch it again already, there actually is a Comanche-dubbed version also featured on Hulu.)

Another criticism I’ve seen is about the

heavy CG effects during the action scenes.

Naru’s canine companion, Sarii, is played by a real dog for its screentime, but all the big, wild animals are CG-animated.

I’m fine with mixing both practical effects and computer graphics, and I have to agree with the filmmakers that it’s probably easier for both humans and animals to just artificially create huge grizzly bears and wolves, rather than train them.

All in all, Prey does the simple, basic task of giving audiences quality popcorn entertainment without any fluff. Midthunder, Beavers and Trachtenberg, who also directed the refreshingly subversive 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016), are impressive, and I’m excited to see what all three of them do next. CD

Page 23

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | The Cowgirl Designer by Marlene Holmquist

The Superpower of a Focal Point Strategic Planning Can Save the Day

W

e had no idea what lurked below the surface of our humble patio. Turns out, no shovel could infiltrate the wall-to-wall underground bunker of palm tree roots, and the vine-covered patio wall directly outside our French doors hid a multitude of sins.

The battle had just begun.

Forty-foot palm trees look great against a skyline, but the only way to view them in our 14-foot-deep patio was lying down.

They took up way too much real estate, so a couple of grenades took care of those two bad boys! Next, we attacked the THE COWGIRL 7-foot by 35-foot DESIGNER wall with blistered

BY MARLENE HOLMQUIST stucco as rough as an old tree trunk. It is now a surface as smooth as the finest sand. The addition of black bamboo above the wall now camouflages the revealing black iron fence. The darker value of the bamboo places more emphasis on the lighter wall below. The once ugly backdrop to our patio was now a blank canvas, screaming for a focal point.

TACTICS TO PLAN YOUR PATIO FOCAL POINT • A focal point can be the hero of your exterior. Let it lead the charge and dictate the first move. Easy to create using size, color, and/or contrast, it is a target where your eye first lands. Build your design around it.

FLOOR PLAN • Consider the multiple functions of the yard and allot the amount of space needed for each. (i.e., entertaining, children, pets, vegetable garden). Create a functional floor plan just as you would in any room of your house.

REPURPOSE & REUSE • Out-of-the-box thinking can lead to a victory for your pocketbook.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26-September 8, 2022

VIBE • Pick a concept and stick to it. If chaotic, simplify by repeating elements, or reduce the number of different elements. If boring and uninviting, ramp it up with scale or intensity of hue.

HOW I DID IT

Photo: Courtesy of Thomas Hunn.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Artistic, colorful, airy, and little bit of sophisticated tropical was my goal. I knew the center of the wall would be my focal point from the very beginning, but I had no idea how. I scoured Amazon for ideas, choosing three vertical, galvanized steel wall planters (in three colors with 18 square pockets in each one), and filled them with floral foam and dozens and dozens of faux succulents. A single row of flagstone now frames the top edge of the wall.

Four types of flowering vines drape downward, keeping the vibe more intimate.

With its curved inside corners and ends, the new raised flagstone planter at the base of the wall creates interest and depth. Budget-wise and eco-friendly, the large planter was repurposed entirely from the ground tiles. A new umbrella from Costco was our only furniture purchase.

After months of searching, I finally found four (perfect!) large terra cotta planters at the Jalan Jalan showroom, new to the Laguna Design Center.

Uniquely adorned with a Maichore silver metal detail, they are handmade by the Touareg Tribe in Morocco. I had found the perfect finishing touch!

Marlene Holmquist, ASID, owns Luxury Ranch Interior Design, a full-service interior design company specializing in remodels for residences and small businesses. An avid equestrian known as “The Cowgirl Designer,” she is a member of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and Las Vaqueras Women’s Riding Club. luxury-ranch.com or thecowgirldesigner.com. CD

This photo depicts Chula Martine in front of Hotel San Juan Capistrano on El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano.

The time period is believed to be from the late 1800s or early 1900s.

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

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Lloyd

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

This handsome guy is Lloyd, a laid-back cool cat who is ready to find his forever home. About 5 years old, he is a great mix between playful and mellow personalities.

Lloyd gets along well with other cats and would make a great addition to just about any home.

If you are interested in adopting Lloyd, 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 interaction appointment. CD

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR SOLUTION:

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

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 24

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CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com

HELP WANTED

Warehouse Job No experience required.

Responsible for picking and packing daily orders. Assemble and prepare carded items.

Assemble bagged items. Perform other related duties as assigned or as necessary. May assist with shipping and receiving.

BONUS sign up after 3 months of full-time employment.

Please contact Diana at 949-492-4399 x125 or email to set up an interview at dromero@ndaonline.net

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

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

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 12pm Monday.

FOR SALE SURFBOARD FOR SALE Hand-shaped Channel Islands 7’4” surfboard (20 x 2 3/4). Great condition. $300 OBO. Text 949.702.3142.

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

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

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today!

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

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26-September 8, 2022

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

Page 25

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

SAN JUAN

PREP SPORTS

ROUNDUP THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

San Juan Hills Football Battles, Falls in Opener San Juan Hills’ defense stood up to a Trinity League test on Friday, Aug. 19, but Santa Margarita took advantage of mistakes to win both teams’ season opener, 18-8, at San Juan Hills High School.

San Juan Hills junior linebacker Jake Javorsky led the San Juan Hills defensive effort with nine tackles. Javorsky, senior Levi Crider and sophomore Weston Port each had two tackles for loss.

Sophomore quarterback Michael “Butter” Tollefson completed 6 of 12 passes for 83 yards, a touchdown to senior Brayden Bockler, and an interception.

Tollefson also ran 15 times for 53 yards.

San Juan Hills (0-1) got back to action quickly on a short week, as the Stallions traveled to take on Cypress on Thursday, Aug. 25, at Western High School in Anaheim. Full coverage of this game can be found on the South OC Sports social media channels and at thecapistranodispatch.com.

San Juan Hills next plays at Roosevelt of Eastvale on Sept. 2.

Santa Margarita (1-0) led, 5-0, going into the fourth quarter, with a San Juan Hills punt snap bobbled in the end zone for a safety in the first quarter and a second-quarter field goal off an interception.

Early in the final quarter, Santa Margarita benefited from another poorly executed punt play, as the snap went over the punter to the 10-yard line. The Eagles ran in for a 1-yard touchdown two plays later for an 11-0 lead.

San Juan Hills didn’t go away quietly, with a 40-yard screen pass to junior Colton Chase and a 6-yard touchdown pass to Bockler. Junior Sullivan Land ran in the two-point conversion to cut the lead to three points, 11-8, with just under seven minutes remaining.

Santa Margarita iced the game on the ensuing drive, as the Eagles eventually completed a 19-yard touchdown pass for the 18-8 final score.

Santa Margarita quarterback Jaxon The Capistrano Dispatch August 26-September 8, 2022

San Juan Hills football’s defense held Santa Margarita to just five points through three quarters, but the Eagles pounced on Stallion mistakes to solidify their advantage in the fourth quarter. Photo: Alan Gibby / Zone 57

Potter completed 13 of 21 passes for 176 yards with a touchdown pass and a touchdown run. Servite transfer Emmet Mosley caught nine passes for 95 yards and a touchdown.

The Eagles were also charged with 14 penalties for 125 yards. —Zach Cavanagh

JSerra Football Rallies in Third Quarter to Win Opener JSerra used a 21-0 third-quarter surge to push past Sierra Canyon on Friday night, Aug. 19, at JSerra Catholic High School, en route to a season-opening 31-17 victory.

It was a snippet of revenge for the Lions, as the Trailblazers beat JSerra twice last season, including the previous season opener and in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs.

Although down 17-7 at halftime, Lions head coach Scott McKnight said the mood in the locker room wasn’t sour, as JSerra knew it had found some success during the first two quarters.

“We cleaned some things up defensively, and stuck with our plan offensively,” McKnight said. “(When we blocked) that punt, it was huge. It was a huge turning point.”

After the defense achieved its goal and got the Sierra Canyon offense off the field after only three plays, junior Jared Referente sprinted in off the edge to block a punt and swing the momentum

in the Lions’ direction.

On the ensuing play, junior quarterback Zander Singh lofted the ball to Referente as he snuck out of the backfield and walked into the end zone, cutting the deficit to three points, 17-14.

JSerra (1-0) forced another 3-and-out and started its next possession in opposing territory. Singh escaped the pocket to find receiver Pierce Tanghal for a 38-yard bomb to keep the drive going, then worked the same magic to hit running back George Perez for a touchdown in tight coverage and give the Lions a 21-17 lead.

“He’s cool under pressure, he doesn’t get rattled, he’s got good awareness,” McKnight said of his quarterback. “He showed some things tonight that we really haven’t seen a lot (of) from him, as far as getting out of the pocket and making plays.”

Following another stop, Perez took a handoff, zipped around the corner and broke a tackle on the way to a blazing 60-yard touchdown run that essentially ended the contest and took all the wind out of the Trailblazers’ sails.

JSerra, which was “wound up” in the first half, according to McKnight, settled down emotionally and played swarming defense to close out the game. The Lions also took the liberty of running out the clock early in the fourth quarter and added a Shayne Daly field goal from 25 yards out to seal the deal at 31-17.

Sierra Canyon (0-1) took a 7-0 lead into the second quarter after a sustained

Page 26

drive featuring pass plays of 17, 22, and 23 yards, the latter of which was a beautiful ball that hit Jaylen’Dai Sumlin in stride in the end zone from quarterback Alonzo Esparza.

Early in the second frame, however, the turnover bug struck, as Esparza threw a pass deep into JSerra territory that was intercepted by junior defensive back Grant Wood. Perez fumbled the ball back to Sierra Canyon on the next play after taking a handoff from his own 3-yard-line.

The Trailblazers converted the fumble into a field goal.

Toward halftime, Perez ripped off a 29-yard run that put Singh in position to sneak into the end zone from one yard out to trim JSerra’s deficit to 10-7.

Sierra Canyon executed well on the last possession before the break and capitalized, as Esparza threw a jump ball to Lavon Brown, who pulled it in with one hand to score and extend the Trailblazers’ lead to 10 points.

Esparza completed 15 of 24 passes for 162 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions and fumbled once. Singh went 10-for-19, throwing for 131 yards and two touchdowns.

Brown, who has committed to Colorado State University, caught a game-high six passes for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Perez led all rushers with 142 yards and a score on 16 carries.

JSerra will travel to play Chaminade of West Hills (1-0) for its next contest on Friday, Aug. 26. —C. Jayden Smith thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

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The Capistrano Dispatch August 26–September 8, 2022

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