October 22, 2021

INSIDE: Special Section

OCTOBER 22-NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 20

Spooky Season

Halloween Events Return in San Juan Capistrano G E T T I N G O U T/ PAG E 16

Halloween decorations are up at the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society on Los Rios Street, where annual Halloween events will be held at the end of October. Photo: Collin Breaux

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Community Continues to Discuss Affordable Housing

CUSD Board Urges Newsom to Rethink Student Vaccine Mandate

Guest Opinion: Riding Park Needs Your Voice

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 4

SJC LIVING/PAGE 21

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22–November 11, 2021

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EYE ON SJC

What’s Up With...

“Many are teachers, first responders, restaurant workers, retail workers, hotel workers, landscapers, sanitation workers—all of whom play an important role in making our city as great as it is,” Chapman said. “When these San Juan workers pay more than half of their household income on rent—which, by the way, is what half of low-income renters in my part of town are already doing—it causes a lot of other problems.”

Asking local workers to move elsewhere would worsen traffic issues, and jobs don’t pay enough to make transportation costs feasible, Chapman said.

Affordable housing developers can help meet housing needs with creativity and support “as long as we, as a city, can facilitate that in ways that make sense,” she said.

Chapman said affordable housing regulations in San Juan Capistrano should have a live-work preference, and prioritize applicants who live or work in San Juan.

Other residents, particularly from the Mission Hills neighborhood, spoke against the proposed affordable housing development on Don Juan Avenue due to safety concerns when it comes to potential traffic issues. In early September, AMG & Associates—a land development company based in Encino—submitted an application to the city for development of an affordable housing project on a vacant parcel at the end of Don Juan Avenue, adjacent to the I-5 freeway.

The proposed project consists of two

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Community Continues to Discuss Affordable Housing

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The citywide conversation about affordable housing—and where exactly it could go—resumed in San Juan Capistrano during a city council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 19.

Though the matter was not on the agenda, it remains on the minds of many residents—particularly in light of a proposed affordable housing development on Don Juan Avenue, a residential cul-de-sac.

Some residents affiliated with the Community Leader Coalition and UNIDOS South OC, organizations that work with the city and assist underprivileged communities, generally spoke about the need for affordable housing in the area.

District 4 resident Miriam Zuñiga said individuals and families struggle to find and afford “a decent place to live.”

“The current market rate of housing is not close to meeting our community’s

housing needs, and therefore many individuals are forced to live in overcrowded conditions,” Zuñiga said. “This leads to many other social issues, and the struggle is really bad. For this reason, I’m here to request that you address and prioritize the housing needs of this community.”

Providing a positive living environment can help improve economic status, health, and community engagement for residents, she said.

The City of San Juan Capistrano is working through certifying its Housing Element update with the state, as required by state law—which includes proving to the state it can provide enough housing as needed, including for low-income residents. The city merely has to show it has enough available land, and is not responsible for providing housing.

Zoning tweaks enacted to meet availability requirements have caused some consternation with residents.

Heather Chapman—the co-executive director of UNIDOS South OC—noted that while market-rate housing meets the needs of high- and moderate-income households, those levels represent only 60% of the city’s residents. The other 40% of residents, meanwhile, are lower-income.

Council Approves Keeping Downtown Security Patrols

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Ever since the San Juan Capistrano City Council signed off on having security guards in the downtown area in December 2020, the patrol guards have often been spotted on duty in the Los Rios Historic District and nearby area—with a particular focus on guiding nighttime workers in the area to their cars so workers feel safe.

Those patrols will stay intact after the council approved an agreement on Tuesday, Oct. 19, that keeps the guards in place. The visible presence of security guards has reportedly been well-received by visitors and business and property owners, a city staff report said.

“Staff has observed that there has been a decrease in the number of service calls and repair needs at various downtown City-maintained facilities since the pri-

Armed security patrols will continue in the Los Rios Historic District and nearby area for downtown workers.

Photo: Collin Breaux

vate security guards were implemented,” the report said.

Staff recommended the current staffing model—two nighttime guards

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

and a daytime guard during the busier summer months, and a single nighttime guard on most days and the weekend during non-summer months—continue Page 3

six-story buildings (five stories of housing over a one-story podium) that would provide 148 apartment units designated for lower-income households. The developer believes the project is eligible for a streamlined ministerial review and approval process pursuant to state law.

Effective January 2018, state law allows eligible affordable housing applications to bypass typical environmental review and significantly limits a city’s discretion in imposing development standards.

“Affordable housing of this magnitude should not be built in areas that permanently and adversely impact the current community,” resident Carmen Escamilla said. “This is a small community of only four streets, of approximately 50 dwellings. Three of these streets are dead-end streets, and one is a one-way-only. Adding 148 units and only 32 parking spaces on this dead-end street is going to create a parking and traffic nightmare.”

Parking issues already are present in the area, since tenant cars sometimes protrude into the street and the community has no sidewalks, Escamilla said.

Geoff Sumich, who lives at the intersection of Don Juan Avenue and El Camino Real, said the proposed development area is the wrong location for affordable housing. The community is old, has narrow streets, and some houses in which people are immediately out in the road when they open their doors, he said.

(Cont. on page 4)

through the current fiscal year.

“The cost for the additional private security services for the remainder of the fiscal year is approximately $50,000, and sufficient funds are available in the Parking Maintenance Fund,” the report said. “The cost of these services is shared with the owner of the Franciscan Plaza center, with the City’s portion funded by parking revenue generated from paid parking in the structure and surface lots.”

Councilmember Howard Hart added an amendment for staff to conduct a cost benefit analysis for patrols hours to extend until 2:30 a.m. on weekdays for bar employees, who might work past midnight. Current non-summer patrol hours are said to go from 3:30 p.m. to midnight.

“We would also do some outreach with the businesses that potentially are open beyond that hour to get a sense whether their employees would benefit from those additional services,” City Manager Ben Siegel said.

Mayor John Taylor recused himself from the discussion and vote since he lives in the Los Rios area. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Capo School Board Asks Gov. Newsom to Rethink Student Vaccine Mandate

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

In a largely symbolic gesture underscoring opposition from some in South Orange County toward state educational health policy, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved a resolution urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to reconsider and potentially do away with an eventual COVID-19 vaccine requirement for student in-person instruction.

The board voted, 4-2, on the request co-authored by Trustees Gila Jones and Martha McNicholas during a meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 20. Jones, McNicholas, Trustee Lisa Davis, and Board President Judy Bullockus voted yes. Trustees Amy Hanacek and Krista Castellanos voted no. Trustee Pamela Braunstein was not at the meeting.

The request came about due to concerns about how the mandate could affect educational experiences for students—particularly, due to parents potentially pulling their kids from school rather than allowing them to get the jab to stay on campus. Jones attempted to tailor language in the resolution toward state officials, saying a switch away from in-person instruction could impact social and emotional benefits for students.

“We feel that whether that you’re in favor of vaccines or not, the fact that children would be harmed by being removed from the district is something that needs to be brought to the state’s attention,” Jones said.

Board members debated the exact words and technical details of the resolution during the hours-long discussion, including whether to add data about COVID-19 case and death rates—particularly as they apply to children.

District trustees and staff have repeatedly said they must adhere to state guidelines, a point reiterated by Bullockus.

“We have said to you in many emails and on many platforms (that) we are following the (California Department of Public Health) and we are following the governor—not that we necessarily like it,” Bullockus said.“But, please understand these people are working around the clock.

You all know what we did to get kids back into the classroom. These changes that are coming down legislatively from the governor are constantly changing.”

Hanacek said that while she understood the intention of the resolution, it won’t effect change.

“I feel like we are not addressing and representing a huge swab of the school district. This is really sad to me and, again, it’s not going to fulfill anything that you want,” Hanacek said.“At the end of the day, a lawsuit—but, of course, with the walkout, that cost us about 500 grand. There went any money that we would have for legal.”

Numerous parents and local community members spoke against the vaccine mandate on the grounds of individual freedom, skepticism over its safety and effectiveness, and dislike of government control. Health experts have generally said vaccines are safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“I realize that no one on this board wants to force these vaccines on students, and you don’t want to force them on teachers. I also know that you face

serious consequences if you decide to go against the governor,” Vista Del Mar Middle School math teacher Craig Adnams said. “But I say, fight for us. If you fight for us, we will fight for you.”

Some audience members felt the resolution did not go far enough, calling for the district to defy the mandate and sue the state—the latter desire again echoed

by Davis.

The meeting was, at times, tense as audience members variously cheered and jeered trustees—including Student Advisor Kanei Padhya. Trustees scolded the audience for their behavior and encouraged attendees to instead show approval by silently waving their hands.

Some who spoke at the meeting, including Vanessa Santos, support the mandate.

“I believe that vaccines are a really invaluable tool to fight disease, especially during global health pandemics like the one we’re going through. It’s how we are no longer living with polio,” Santos said.

“It’s how we are no longer living with smallpox. It’s how we manage measles.

It’s how we manage so much disease.”

A rally to protest the mandate was held outside the CUSD offices before the meeting, and participants remained outside and loudly chanted anti-mandate slogans during the meeting. Parents and others held anti-mandate signs.

John, a parent in Laguna Niguel who declined to give his last name, said he is opposed to mandates for everyone, but especially for kids.

“I don’t think COVID is really an issue for the children especially, and for myself, I wouldn’t get it, either,” said John, whose daughter attends a private school outside the district.“I had it. It wasn’t that big of a deal. I took some hydroxychloroquine, and I’m fine. I think now that I have the immunity in my system, I don’t think it’s really an issue for me to get vaccinated. There’s no way I’m going to put that in my kid.”

Orange County resident Jennifer Sterling addressed rallygoers with a megaphone and said battles against mandatory masks were the beginning.

“It is communism,” Sterling said. “It’s not far-fetched that this country could turn, and it’s right now.”

(Cont. from page 3) “It’s dangerous,” said Sumich, who sits on the city’s Design Review Committee.

“There’s a stop sign outside my house. I would say, on average, one in every two cars does not stop at that stop sign. The chances are, one in two times when they come down that very steep gradient,

there’s going to be an accident.”

Residents who spoke against the Don Juan development acknowledged the need for and supported affordable housing, saying there were other locations in town more ideal for such developments.

City Manager Ben Siegel addressed the development and said city staff deter-

mined the project was not eligible for a streamlined ministerial approval.

“Specifically, staff determined that additional information is required to provide a complete determination of consistency with all the objective standards and that there are elements of the application that are not consistent with

those standards—so just height, lot coverage, and setback requirements,” Siegel said. “The city’s response—really, staff’s response—was just provided earlier this afternoon to the developer. It’s now public record. We can make that available to anyone who wants it or post it on our website.”

A rally was held in San Juan Capistrano on Monday, Oct. 18, to protest a coming vaccine mandate for California students. Photo: Collin Breaux.

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EYE ON SJC

NEW BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

CD | City Plans to Sell

Calle Arroyo Parcel Due to the landlocked nature of the approximately one-acre property, the City of San Juan Capistrano intends to sell a parcel of land it owns at Calle Arroyo and Rancho Viejo Road to R&H Land Partners.

The city council approved a resolution of intent for sale during a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 19. The city-owned parcel is near property owned by St. Margaret’s Episcopal School and the Ortega Cottages Business Park. Stand-alone public use on the parcel is considered “generally infeasible” due to a lack of available access.

“The proposed sale of the property to the adjacent landowner at or above fair market value is envisioned to facilitate improved options for long-term use of the site, while mitigating future risk and maintenance obligations associated with City ownership,” a city staff report said.

“The Calle Arroyo parcel is currently operated under a License Agreement by Ortega Equestrian Center and used for office space, support facilities and a riding ring, all in conjunction with a larger commercial equestrian and stable operation located on an adjacent property owned by St. Margaret’s.”

R&H Land Partners has reportedly agreed to engage in discussions with Ortega Equestrian Center to allow continued use of the Calle Arroyo parcel for a

limited time. R&H Land Partners is represented by Robert Socci, the owner of the Ortega Cottages business park.

City staff will return to the council at a November 2 meeting with a recommendation to complete the transaction via approval of a purchase and sale agreement, according to the report.

Webb said on CAF’s online donation page. “One of my best friends is a CAF member and a great mountain climber.

That’s how I got involved.”

With the winter months approaching, Webb is opting to bike along a predominantly southern route, where it will stay relatively warm. He said that during the trip, which is expected to take about four months, he intends to travel through major cities including Phoenix and Dallas.

“I also have family in Venice, Florida, south of Sarasota, so I’ll be staying with my sister,” he said, adding that during his visit, he’ll decide whether he’ll ride back to San Clemente or up the East Coast.

Individuals looking to support CAF and Webb on his bike ride are asked to donate a “Penny-a-Mile,” amounting to $25.34, at thewebbway.com.

CD | Cyclist Embarks on 2nd

Ride for Challenged Athletes Over the past few months, local cyclist Paul Webb has reinvented himself— again.

The former professional athlete turned businessperson and then author is now sporting a new title: Full-Time Volunteer Charity Cyclist.

After raising about $30,000 for the Challenged Athletes Foundation this past August, when he completed a nearly 3,000-mile bike ride from San Clemente to New Jersey, the 68-year-old Webb decided his retirement would best be spent supporting the organization and other charities.

Itching to go on another cross-country adventure, Webb on Sunday, Oct. 24, will first participate in the biking portion of the 28th annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge before embarking on a 2,534mile solo cycling journey to Tampa, Florida.

For the upcoming charity ride, Webb is looking to raise $220,000 for CAF, a nonprofit that supports individuals with limitations who are pursuing athletic activities.

“I am so excited to be raising money again for this organization, because I want to make someone’s dreams of racing, swimming, or running come true,”

CD | San Clemente, County,

OCTA Finalize Agreement on Traffic Relief A multi-agency cooperative agreement to support three traffic relief projects in South Orange County and prevent the construction of a toll road in San Clemente is officially in place after the county’s transportation office gave the final go-ahead approval last week.

Elected officials on the San Clemente City Council and County Board of Supervisors voted late last month to join the cooperative agreement that’s intended to protect San Clemente’s open space and conservation easements from an extension of the 241 Toll Road.

The Orange County Transportation Authority’s executive board voted at its Oct. 11 meeting to also join, formalizing the South County Traffic Relief Cooperative Agreement among the three parties.

Under the agreement, the county and OCTA “will not build, support or authorize a new major thoroughfare in the City (of San Clemente) in an area that is subject to a conservation easement or is protected as open space under a local initiative.”

The agreement solidifies three ongoing traffic relief projects in South OC: extending Los Patrones Parkway as a free, non-tolled arterial road; adding carpool lanes on Interstate 5, between Avenida Pico and the San Diego County line; and widening Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano.

The talks leading up to the agreement on South County mobility issues began this past spring, when the ongoing argument over potential toll road extensions between San Clemente and the Transportation Corridor Agencies intensified.

Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, who, as the Fifth District seat, represents several South County cities such as Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano,

San Clemente resident Paul Webb, a 68-year-old cyclist, is set to go on another cross-country bike ride on Oct. 24 to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

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COMMUNITY MEETINGS WEDNESDAY, OCT. 27

Planning Commission 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a meeting open to the public. People can attend in-person or watch online through the city website.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, NOV. 2

City Council 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a meeting open to the public. People can attend in-person or watch online through the city website.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 5

Coffee Chat 8:30 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. The first Friday of the month will be held on Zoom and in-person gatherings on all other Fridays at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

Lunch with the Mayor Noon. Mayor John Taylor will eat at a different restaurant in San Juan Capistrano almost every Friday, and the public is welcome to attend. Feel free to chat with Taylor and others, though you’ll have to pay for your own meal. Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano.

SATURDAY, NOV. 6

Hike with the Mayor 8 a.m. Mayor John Taylor is hosting a hike, open to the public, on the first Saturday morning of the month.

The hike meets at the Las Ramblas trailhead and goes up to the Patriot Hill flag. Enjoy the outdoors while discussing community issues.

FRIDAY, NOV. 12

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

called for the agencies and other stakeholders to meet and resolve the dispute.

“Being able to bring key players to the table and create a blueprint for addressing community concerns and developing focal solutions to improve mobility in South County, is a win-win for everyone involved,” she said in a news release. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

Photo: File

Check Out the Hilltop Club and Bar in Rancho Mission Viejo

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The Hilltop Club and Bar is open to Rancho Mission Viejo residents, who can stay fit and enjoy drinks with friends at the area’s amenities. Life has gradually been springing back in the community after statewide pandemic restrictions were largely lifted in California earlier this year, paving the way for recreational gatherings to return.

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SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | Is Everyone an Equestrian in San Juan? by Jessica DiCostanzo 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

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP)

EDITORIAL Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) Laura Gaffney (SC)

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

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

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. 19, Issue 20. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Christina Carson Helps Others Through Horses T

his week, the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition (SJCEC) is excited to highlight a local unsung hero of the equestrian community: Western trainer Christina Carson. Not only does Christina run a top-flight Western riding program, she is also a creative genius. Every year, she donates her time and craft skills to help the SJCEC come up with over-the-top creations for the annual silent auction.

Christina started at Ortega Equestrian Center in 1988 working for SJCEC’s Distinguished Equestrian Award winner, Kathy Holman. Chris quickly fell in love with the horses and noticed how they positively transformed people in all walks of life. This started her lifelong dream of riding and teaching people the magic of horses and finding ways to incorporate her training into works with underprivileged children, both on and off the horses.

The two horsewomen quickly bonded over the magic of horses, as they witnessed how they could help people from all walks of life. Watching this transformation process inspired Kathy to found Otra Mas (otramas.net), a local nonprofit that specializes in equine-assisted therapy and horse rescue.

Carson and Holman were able to team up with another local nonprofit, Unique Diamond, to develop an outreach program for local kids in San Juan Capistrano.

They started with a mini horse camp, using the practices of Otra Mas (and Kathy Holman’s horses) to teach these underprivileged children how to be around horses. The campers got the ultimate reward; they then took an hourlong trail ride.

“The look on their faces is priceless,” Carson said.

Ortega Equestrian Center is the only facility that offers trail rides in San Juan Capistrano, and it was so rewarding to see the kids’ reactions to their first time on a horse.

Collaborations have been key to the outreach program. Carson explained how they team up with individuals, local businesses and nonprofits to keep the outreach program going. For example, Starbucks donates snacks and drinks for the kids. Carson’s clients partake and even dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus around the holidays to make the camps more memorable. The Unidos South

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

Equestrian Christina Carson enjoys seeing how happy kids become when learning to ride horses. Photo: File

program (winner of the SJCEC’s 2021 100 Horsemen Challenge: unidossouthoc. com) helps coordinate campers by working with the school districts.

When asked what the biggest impact horses have on the kids, Carson replied, “I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s huge, and almost overwhelming. I have witnessed countless children completely changed by it. Kids completely open up.”

Besides teaching and training being her way of earning a living, Christina strives to provide the outreach programs pro bono, through donations of unPage 9

wrapped toys and funds from the public.

For more information on lessons or trail rides or to get involved with the outreach program, contact Carson at 559.920.0015.

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.

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SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate Education by Christine Kramer

Combat Climate Change with Regenerative Agriculture H

aven’t heard of regenerative agriculture? Let me walk you through my awareness of this important effort to combat climate change and ways you can support it.

I recently opened our fridge for milk and noticed a label: “We are going carbon positive by 2025.

We’re on a mission to become the first national brand to be carbon positive.

Here’s how we are taking action . . .

Supporting our family farmer partners through our farmer investment fund.

Caring for our cows with rotational grazing & lots of TLC. Building healthy soil to capture & store carbon. Find out more at horizon.com/carbonpositive.”

As members of Citizens’ Climate Education, my family supports putting a price on carbon to reduce our diet of fossil fuels, but this is not a “silver bullet”— we need to do more. That led me to look at the practice of RA. This movement looks at reducing tilling to save the microbes in our soil to prevent it from becoming just dirt or worse still—dust. But desertification, the process of land turning to desert, is now claiming about two-thirds of the Earth.

Drawdown.org looks at biosequestra-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR SAN JUAN TO RECEIVE MAJOR UPGRADE TO ROADWAYS TROY BOURNE, San Juan Capistrano When Mayor John Taylor and I ran for office several years ago, we committed to use our private sector business experience to improve the city’s contentious operations and turbulent finances. As we near the final year of our term, I’m writing to report on some improvements and describe how our city’s renewed financial and operational discipline is leading to real improvements “where the rubber hits the road.”

This year’s annual budget detailed, for the first time in recent history, that San

tion, in which plants capture carbon and store it safely in the soil. The RA movement aims to repair the damage we have done to our soil.

Kiss the Ground, a documentary on Netflix, looks at farmers who are thriving. No mention is made of giving up meat. Livestock can be used to reverse desertification if we reduce our use of feedlots. Check out markegardfamily.com for a look at a ranch in the Bay Area that provides grass-fed beef and lamb and pasture-raised chicken and pork. They describe their cows as “mobile microbe tanks.”

scraps in a container in our sink. When we empty it, we either feed the worms in our worm bin or put it in our green waste container.

2. Choose regenerative foods so more farmers will grow them. Eat meat from pasture-raised animals.

3. Explore community garden options and certainly support our amazing Ecology Center, which is a leader in RA.

Here are four practices of regenerative agriculture: • Use of cover crops • Use of perennials and trees • No tilling (John Deere makes a ‘no till’ drill) • Composting and mob grazing (having many animals in a small area for short periods of time) Where do you fit in the picture? You can further regenerative agriculture with some actions: 1. Collect food waste. We collect table

Juan is no longer operating in a structural deficit position. This simply means that we expect to spend less money than we bring in this year—rather than, as in years past, relying on one-time cash inflows to pay our recurring bills. Partnering with a competent and proactive city staff, the city council has been able to both reduce expenses (e.g., right-sizing staffing levels, transferring our aging water utility, radically reducing legal expenses) while simultaneously increasing our revenues (e.g., opening the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, start of the new Ganahl Lumber center, and among the healthiest percentage increase in local business revenue in the county). These improvements have allowed us to increase our reserves and make long-needed improvements such as the revitalized Verdugo Street in front of our theater, gateway landscape improvements matching the new hotel’s beautiful frontage, soon-to-be-completed Putuidem Village at the Northwest Open Space, and our kids’

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

As your awareness grows, increased evidence of RA influence will be everywhere. For example, I just got a text from Patagonia that links to farmtocrag.org.

Here’s its mission statement: “Whether traveling to your local crag or a far-flung climbing area, seeking out locally grown food provides better fuel for your adventure and helps sustain the passionate growers and communities that support our favorite pastime. It’s a joyful way to make positive environmental change. You are what you eat. But did you also know that our soils are only as good as the foods they support—our earth only as healthy as the soil it cultivates?”

Aren’t we all the stewards of this beautiful planet? Let’s not limit our love to just Earth Day, but be conscious of all we

new skatepark opening this summer.

While proud of the progress we have made, one area we know we can improve is the quality of our streets. Decades of underinvestment have led to some of the worst streets in the region. This represents not just a bumpy ride—but one of the best opportunities to improve our finances long-term. When roads are permitted to degrade, they can cost as much as $16/ ft. to rebuild—rather that $1/ft. to re-seal streets that are properly maintained. Our improved financial position, combined with a timely infusion of federal funds, will now allow us to invest in bringing the city’s overall roadway system to proper maintenance levels within the next 24 months—an investment roughly 10x our historical annual maintenance spend.

We apologize in advance for the cones, but please know that they are leading to meaningful progress in the near term.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Troy Bourne is a San Juan Capistrano councilmember.

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can do to make a difference every day!

On a bright note, in one of the climate-action bills just signed by Gov. Newsom, California is committing $1.1 billion over two years to support sustainable agriculture and create a resilient and equitable food system. These efforts include investments to promote healthy soil management, support for livestock methane reduction efforts, funding for the replacement of agricultural equipment to reduce emissions and technical assistance, and incentives for the development of farm conservation management plans.

Chris Kramer is a longtime resident of San Juan Capistrano and a member of the South Orange County chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby/Education.

She and her husband, Larry, have moved 26 times in their married life, including to India (Andhra Pradesh) and Africa (Ghana). She has a MLIS from University of Hawaii and a BA from University of Michigan (Go Blue). 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.

CORRECTION A story about a planned housing development on Don Juan Avenue in the Oct. 8 issue of The Capistrano Dispatch incorrectly identified AMG & Associates. They are a land development company based in Encino.

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.

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The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

Page 11

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Welcome to

MONEY MATTERS

MANAGE YOUR MONEY SAFELY AND WISELY

I

n the new world we live in during the COVID-19 pandemic, looking after your finances is more important than ever. That’s why we bring you this “Money Matters” section. Fiscal experts will help give you pointers so you can navigate these precarious economic times with some peace of mind and security. Cutting back on unnecessary spending and investing in safe stocks is always sound advice.

While the economy shows some signs of improvement and reasons for optimism, concerns still linger. People have resigned from their jobs in record numbers, and the service industry is struggling in the midst of the health crisis. Now is the time to pay close attention to your bank account and start planning for your monetary future. We hope the advice on the following pages enables you to have a rainy-day fund to handle emergency expenses, take care of yourself and your family, and live the life you’ve envisioned.

MONEY MATTERS ADVERTORIAL | BY WILLIAM LEBER, AMERICAN ADVISORS GROUP

USE YOUR HOME TO RETIRE BETTER Reverse mortgage loans offer many ways to accommodate your lifestyle depending on your circumstances.

Increasingly, they are playing an essential role in comprehensive retirement and financial planning.

To learn more about how a reverse mortgage loan may be able to help you retire better, I offer a free, no-obligation consultation, either in person or over the phone. I will go over comparable sales in the area to get an approximate value of your home, look at different reverse mortgage products to see if any fit your needs, explain how a reverse mortgage works for your unique situation, and illustrate how the overall process works. Again, all at no cost to you. I welcome any close financial advisors and/or family members who would like to be involved in helping you make an informed decision.

If you have all the information and knowledge about reverse mortgage loans, it is much easier to see if one is the right fit for you.

portant part of my job is for me to get you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Community Involvement: Laguna Niguel Senior Citizens Committee, past co-chair; Laguna Nigel Rotary, past president; Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors; Laguna Niguel Historical Society, member; Laguna Niguel Traffic and Transportation Commissioner, past co-chair; Laguna Niguel American Legion Post 281, past and founding commander; Laguna Niguel American Legion Riders, Chapter 281, past president; Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee, past member; and El Niguel Terrace HOA, past president.

Contact me and I will send you a booklet free of charge: “Use Your Home to Stay at Home,” the official reverse mortgage consumer booklet approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, National Council on Aging (NCOA).

“Nobody benefits from an unhappy client.”

Local Knowledge: It reminds me of the lesson of sailing into an unknown port. Having someone with “local knowledge” to give you information as you come ashore and learn the lay of the land is extremely important. I’m local to the area for over 60 years and very involved in the community. I have lived in Orange County all 67 years of my life (except three years away in the Army) and over the last 35 years in Laguna Niguel. I love my community and serve where I can. I’m married to Jessie, we have three grown children, and a new granddaughter.

Product Knowledge: I have more than 40 years of retail finance, including over 15 years of experience doing only reverse mortgages. I feel the most im-

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

Page 12

William (Bill) Leber, NMLS ID: 319724 Reverse Mortgage Professional (949) 370-3638 Email: WLeber@aag.com Website: aag.expert/BillLeber

American Advisors Group, NMLS ID: 9392, is headquartered at 18200 Von Karman, Suite 300, Irvine CA 92612.

thecapistranodispatch.com

MONEY MATTERS ADVERTORIAL | BY TRITON AIR

HEATING AND AIR: HOW TO LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILL WHILE HELPING THE PLANET Brian and Janet moved to San Clemente 19 years ago, ready to enjoy their retirement by the beach. In the past few years they noticed a significant increase in their energy bills, and whenever their AC unit would run, the lights in their home would flicker and shake.

They decided to replace their heating and air conditioning system this summer, and have already noticed a remarkable improvement.

“It doesn’t use as much energy, it is so quiet we can’t even tell it is on, we love that we can control it with our Amazon Alexa or smartphone, and as an added bonus, our lights no longer flicker and shake anymore!” said Brian.

“It saves us money, and is friendlier to our planet!”

Brian and Janet are not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing your heating and air conditioning system can save up to 40% on your energy bill. New proven motor technology reduces the amount of electricity used up to 70%, and today’s heat pumps are solar-friendly and emission- and The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

fossil fuel-free. This is especially relevant as not only is the cost of gas increasing, but penalties and taxes are being added to fossil fuels - and it is likely only to get more expensive. New systems are designed for lower operating sound levels, and Triton Air technicians use special installation techniques and accessories that further reduce operating sound both inside and outside the home and at your air vents. Additional current rebates offered through your local utility company or dealer, tax credits on qualified systems, and worry-free standard 10-year warranties are beneficial as well.

Another way to reduce costs is with regular proactive maintenance performed by a licensed technician. Just like your car, heating and air conditioning systems need regular attention and maintenance. Cost savings include lengthening the life of your current system, reducing the amount of energy it uses and looking over critical components such as your ductwork. Your ductwork is one-third of Page 13

the equation in energy savings. We often find an average of 30% of the cold/warm air generated is leaking into areas like your attic instead of going into your home. This greatly wastes money and energy until the leaks are addressed, not to mention concerns of unhealthy air getting into your home.

What to look for? When you are looking for a new HVAC system, it is recommended to have your current home setup evaluated by a background-checked, licensed HVAC technician who is aligned with a local, highly rated, reputable company. They will assess the best solutions for your home, its configuration and your family’s needs, and then provide you options available.

Call Triton Air today for a free estimate on replacing your system or schedule your proactive maintenance today! Ask for LuAnn at 949.339.2896 Brian & Janet Shannon love their quiet, emissionfree, energy-efficient system. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. LAND TRADE/EXCHANGE

LAND TRADE/EXCHANGE 80 acres of land, Kern County, California Trade or Exchange, Call (909) 985-2677

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Contact Debra for pricing at 949.388.7700, ext. 104

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

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

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GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

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

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

FRIDAY | 22 LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse is fully open again for a regular performance season, after being shut down throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Friday night is a performance of The Long Weekend, a comedy that promises to have a lot of mischievous turns and laughs. The show runs through Oct. 31. Current health guidelines will be in place. All staff members and actors are fully vaccinated.

Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S INN 8 p.m. Come enjoy a drink and enjoy some live music at this famous downtown bar. DJ James will perform at the outside parking lot at 8 p.m., and Brad Johnson will perform inside at 9 p.m. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

SATURDAY | 23 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts.

The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society headquarters is decorated with skeletons and other Halloween symbols. Halloween events are returning to Los Rios Street in October. Photo: Collin Breaux.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY | 29-30 GHOST & LEGENDS TOUR 6:30-8:30 p.m. A local Halloween tradition fully returns this year, as the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society presents eerie historical tales at various stops in the Los Rios Historic District. Pick a convenient time to experience some scares leading into Halloween.

General admission is $15. Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.8444. sjcghosttour.com.

all October. Zoomars at River Street Ranch, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.831.6550. riverstreetranch.com.

The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 7 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Helena Holleran & the Boys will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

WEDNESDAY | 27

SUNDAY | 24 KOI FISH FEEDING AT THE MISSION 12:45 p.m. Enjoy an outdoor afternoon at the Mission San Juan Capistrano fountain while feeding koi fish. The event is fun for kids and families. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234-1300. missionsjc.com.

MONDAY | 25 PUMPKIN PATCH AT ZOOMARS 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Get into the Halloween spirit by picking up a pumpkin at Zoomars at River Street Ranch. Sizes and prices vary. Pumpkins will be available

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

EQUESTRIAN SHOW JUMPING 8 a.m. Spectators are invited to watch equestrian show jumping at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. The event runs through Oct. 31 at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.299.7219. theridingpark.com.

SATURDAY | 30 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum Foundation will host its first annual Dia de Los Muertos event to celebrate the area’s ancestors. Crafts, demonstrations, entertainment, and more are scheduled. Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum, 31806 El Camino Real. 949.493.1239.

MISSION BELL RINGER II 1 p.m. Capistrano Boxing Gym presents another local fight card. Come watch

Page 16

some boxing competition during this USA Boxing-sanctioned event. Presale tickets are $20 and end at 8 p.m. on Oct. 29. Tickets at the door are $25. Parking is $10. Reata Park and Event Center, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.276.7776. capistranoboxinggym.com.

SAN JUAN HAUNTED COUNTRY MUSIC FEST 5-11 p.m. This fun event is raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Halloween costumes and cowboy boots are welcome. There will be dancing, a costume contest, wine, food and more. General admission is $35. A Stone’s Throw Winery, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. eventbrite.com.

SUNDAY | 31 TRICK-OR-TREATING ON LOS RIOS STREET 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Los Rios Historic District and downtown San Juan Capistrano communities will celebrate Halloween with a second annual trick-or-treat event.

Businesses and residents will be handing out candy, so bring the kids and to show off their costumes. Los Rios Street.

949.493.8444. sjchistoricalsociety.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

TUESDAY | 02

THURSDAY | 04

DAY OF THE DEAD DINNER CELEBRATION 7 p.m. The Ysidora restaurant at Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano will host a special dinner in celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.

The courtyard will have seating available at large communal tables, which will be adorned with skulls, candles and colorful decorations. There will also be live music and a specially curated meal prepared by chef Aaron Obregon. Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, 31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.503.5700. marriott.com.

CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY 5:30-9:30 p.m. Surf & Turf Therapy—a South Orange County-based therapy nonprofit—is hosting its second annual Chukkers for Charity fundraiser.

The evening will feature a polo match, dinner and drinks, patient stories, rider features, a silent auction, music, and more. Tickets are limited. Orange County Polo Club, 27271 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado. 949.312.7227. surfandturftherapy.org.

WEDNESDAY | 03

LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S STATION 7 p.m.-midnight. Alternative rock band Trapt will perform at the Irish pub in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Ticket costs are $15 for limited presale, $20 the week of the show, and $25 the day of the performance. Seating will be limited, and dinner reservations are recommended. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. trapt.com.

SATURDAY | 06

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Rock band The Immediate Family will perform. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

AT THE MOVIES

Plenty for Bond Fans in ‘No Time to Die’

BY MEGAN BIANCO

J

ames Bond has one of the most heavily inconsistent histories of any movie franchise since its origin.

Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale (2006) debuted with much acclaim and was a favored hit before the franchise slumped a little in Marc Forster’s Quantum of Solace (2008). It regained praise with Sam Mendes’ Skyfall (2012), but again underperformed, quality-wise, in Mendes’ Spectre (2015).

Now, with a new director, new screenwriters and new cast members for Cary Fukunaga’s No Time to Die, does Daniel Craig’s reportedly final stint as Bond end on a high note?

While on vacation with a new lady love, Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), in southern Italy, Bond (Craig) experiences an assassination attempt and discovers Madeleine has secret ties to a wanted criminal mastermind.

Feeling betrayed and disillusioned, Bond quits everything and chooses to live off the grid in Jamaica for five years.

Photo: Courtesy of Nicola Dove/MGM Studios

But then a visit from an old friend and colleague, Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright), convinces Bond to get back in the game one more time to track down an old nemesis: Dr. Blofeld (Christoph Waltz).

If you can accept the usual impractical action sequences, cheesy puns and one-liners, and cliché villain tropes— which I’m sure avid 007 fans have at this point—No Time to Die is decent viewing.

Probably the biggest improvement is Seydoux’s Madeleine, whose backstory and development are much more fleshed out than previously in Spectre. This might be partly due to the recruitment of Phoebe Waller-Bridge of BBC’s Fleabag (2016-19) to help with the movie’s script along with Fukunaga, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade.

No Time to Die appropriately ends with a bang as Craig’s farewell, and makes us wonder what’s in store for the next generation of 007 films. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. § 2714(c)), the P00547 Pipeline, owned and/or operated by the San Pedro Bay Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beta Operating Company, LLC, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amplify Energy Corporation (collectively “Amplify”) has been identified as the source of a discharge of oil into the Pacific Ocean off the California Coast on or about October 2, 2021. As noted by the Unified Command, as of October 8, 2021, preliminary findings estimate the discharge involved a minimum of 24,696 gallons, or 588 barrels of oil and a maximum of 131,000 gallons, or 3,134 barrels of oil. As noted by the United States Coast Guard, this discharge impacted the California Coastline from Long Beach down to about San Clemente. As the owner/operator of the facility and/or the lessee or permittee of the area in which the facility was located, Amplify may be liable for removal costs and damages and is therefore required to advertise the procedures by which persons who have claims for removal costs and damages may submit their claims.

Removal costs and damages which may be compensated include removal costs performed in accordance with the National Contingency Plan; damage to natural resources; damage to or loss of real or personal property; loss of subsistence use of natural resources; loss of government revenues; loss of profits and earnings capacity; and increased cost of public services. Claims should be in writing, signed by the claimant, for a specified amount; and should include all evidence to support the claim.

Claims presented may include claims for interim short-term damages representing less than the full amount to which the claimant ultimately may be entitled. It should be noted that payment of such a claim shall not preclude recovery for damages not reflected in the paid or settled partial claims. Claims should be mailed to the following address: Name: Chris Moore Company: McClaren’s Inc. Address: 500 W. Colorado St., Unit C PMB 144 Glendale, CA 91204 Office hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT, Monday through Friday, except holidays. Claimants may call 1-866-985-8366 for information.

Any claims which are denied or which are not settled within 90 days after the date of submission to our claims representative may be submitted to: Director National Pollution Funds Center (Ca) US COAST GUARD STOP 7605 2703 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SE WASHINGTON, DC 20593-7605

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22–November 11, 2021

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OBITUARY

Joe Harold Wood Joe went home to his heavenly father Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

Joe was born in Borger, TX on October 17, 1945.

Joe grew up in Farmington, NM and relocated to California where he raised his family. He is survived by his wife Dale, sons Brent and Trevor Wood, daughter Amie and son-in-law Glenn Graff. Grandchildren Austin, Tyler, Jennifer, Max, Amanda, Rob, Jameson and Harper. Farmington family includes his sister Ida Mae and brother-in-law Jerry Damron. Nieces and Nephews: Natalie and Gary Riley, Steve Damron and Laurel Dillard, Chris, Shelby, Braelynn and Baylor Riley. Florida family includes Mother-in-law Helen Kavafes, sister-in-law Leslie Mirro, brother-in-law Scott Santmyers and wife Judy. Nieces and Nephews

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22–November 11, 2021

Page 19

Emily, Chris, Gage, Javan and Aryanna Velllianitis, Adam and Hailey Mirro. His son Eric predeceased him in 2004.

Joe made his living as a General Contractor and spent a few years as a Fitness Instruction at 24 Hour Fitness. After retiring he enjoyed working part-time at San Juan Hills Golf Course as a marshal. He loved playing golf, spending time with family/friends as well as living in San Juan Capistrano for 30 years.

A memorial fund has been established in Joe’s memory to benefit his son Trevor’s Group home.

Donations can be mailed to: Independent Choices, 391 Corporate Terrace circle, Ste 102, Corona , CA 92879 Notation: FBO Christopher House, In Memory of Joe Wood, Trevor’s dad Service is Saturday October 30, 2021 2:00 PM O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22–November 11, 2021

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thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | The Cowgirl Designer by Marlene Holmquist

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

RMV Community Riding Park Needs Your Voice

I

ntertwining my passions of interior design and horses is a unique and satisfying opportunity, and I appreciate every minute I get to do so.

Design in general is fascinating, because no matter where you look, or what you look at, it was designed by someone. I last wrote about the topic of biophilia (the tendency to interact or be strongly associated with other forms of life in nature) and how it benefits our health and welfare through interior and exterior design.

Horses are a unique portal to enhanced biophilia by exposing us to nature in an incredibly unique way. Whether we use them to work, ride them for pleasure, or watch them perform, horses have been a gift to humanity.

Our own Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park is a scenic place where we can enjoy nature with or without our horses. This 40-acre park in San Juan Capistrano was caringly designed for future generations, and it will continue to evolve according to community needs. It is our responsi-

bility to pay attention and participate in honoring the intentions of those before us.

“For sure, the blessings of landownership come with important responsibilities, THE COWGIRL including a comDESIGNER mitment to manage

BY MARLENE HOLMQUIST thoughtfully the land, a pledge to honor family, friends and community, as well as help meet the demands of a growing population, and a promise to always ‘make your handshake, your bond.’”—Anthony R. Moiso, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Rancho Mission Viejo Located at the corner of Ortega Highway and Avenida La Pata, RMV Riding Park is a public park, and visitors are welcome. Known mostly for world-class horse jumping events, the community may be unaware that these horse shows

Photo: Harley Wick Lobo and OC Public Libraries.

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo shows Filomena Rios in San Juan Capistrano in 1909.

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.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

at the park are always free to spectators.

Thanks to the current managers, Robert and Hillary Ridland of The Ridland Group, the park has recently opened on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and occasionally on Saturdays) for ride-in or trailer-in horseback riding at no cost (weather permitting), with two arenas at your disposal. Check theridingpark.com for current details.

I recently rode my horse Zeke to the park with several of my mounted friends.

We enjoyed the spacious arenas and the addition of various obstacles, including barrels, vertical poles, and ground poles commonly enjoyed by Western riders like myself. Robert and Hillary also intend to accommodate Western riders with various Western events, shows and opportunities throughout the year. If there is something you would like to experience at the park, they welcome requests. As the United States Olympic Equestrian Team coach, Robert Ridland brings a unique asset to the future of the park and will continue to host world-class horse jumping shows. Community events, soccer, our yearly RMV Rodeo, music concerts, festivals, art shows, private parties and weddings are also planned.

Up until now, the RMV Riding Park has been managed through short-term contracts. Before the end of this year, either the Ridland Group (current managers) or Frontier Real Estate Investments (a local developer) will be awarded a 20-year contract to manage the park. Both proposals have an equestrian component and are posted on the SJC city website. You are encouraged to voice your opinion about the future of the park by attending city council meetings, contacting the city council members directly, writing letters, or attending Meet the Mayor lunches planned every Friday at rotating restaurants. Visit sanjuancapistrano.org for more information.

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

Bella

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Bella is a 7-year-old sweetheart with lots of love to give. Don’t let her age fool you. Like most Huskies, Bella can be quite energetic. She is affectionate and would make a great family dog for someone with an active lifestyle.

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

SOLUTION:

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

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.

Page 21

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Shining Moment JSerra plays host to major college basketball event next month

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

N

CAA Division 1 college basketball is coming to South Orange County.

No, Saddleback College isn’t moving up from the junior college ranks, and, no, it’s not just some camp or skills combine or a recruiting trip. A legitimate big-time, televised, early-season men’s college basketball event will take place right here in one month’s time.

The SoCal Challenge, which will feature TCU of the Big 12, Fresno State of the Mountain West Conference and Pepperdine and Santa Clara of the West Coast Conference, among others, will tip off on Nov. 22 and Nov. 24 at the Pavilion at JSerra Catholic High School.

The evening session games between TCU, Fresno State, Pepperdine and Santa Clara will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network. The daytime session games between Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Nicholls State, Utah Valley and Idaho will be broadcast online.

All-Session ticket packs for all eight of the event’s games start at $81, with each day’s session passes starting at $13.50 for the morning and $27 for the evening.

Ticket information and much more can be found at socalchallenge.co.

But where did this start? How is a major college basketball event going to be contested at a high school in San Juan Capistrano?

The stages leading up to this event begin with brains of Steve Barnes and partner Joe Lewis.

Barnes coached college basketball for 35 years with stints at Saddleback, Cal Poly SLO, Idaho, Utah State and Colorado State. Barnes actually began his coaching career at Capistrano Valley Christian, and after leaving Colorado State three years ago, he returned to the area where he purchased his parent’s home.

Barnes had been prompted by connections with the Bahamas Basketball Federation about putting on one of these early-season college basketball events himself. The Federation already hosted the Battle of Atlantis tournament, and Barnes was encouraged to try his hand at that sort of event in the country.

However, the road was rough. The tournament landscape had become quite

The Pavilion at JSerra will play host to major college basketball when the SoCal Challenge tips off on Nov. 22 and 24. TCU, Fresno State, Pepperdine and Santa Clara, among others, will take the floor in this CBS Sports-broadcasted event. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

crowded, and there was a lack of other facilities in the Bahamas. Barnes had searched through Puerto Rico as well, but he was a one-man show. It would’ve been difficult to jump through all the hoops from back home in California.

While on the bike path here, the kernel of the idea for the SoCal Challenge hit Barnes.

“I think,‘Wait a minute, why don’t I do it at JSerra?’” Barnes said.“It’s the perfect size.

I know it’s a college court. It’s awesome.

And you’ve got five-star hotels, and the weather is good. Why don’t we do it here?”

For anyone that questions the idea of holding the tournament in a high school gym, that’s a disservice to the facilities at JSerra, and a lack of understanding how these early-season destination college basketball events work.

The event most referenced by the SoCal Challenge crew and those at the event’s walk-around tour at JSerra on Wednesday, Oct. 20, was the Maui Invitational. The Maui event has grown into a premier destination for college basketball’s top teams and one of the prime early-season events for ESPN. “We can get bleachers in here (behind the baskets) for 2,300-2,500 (people), and that’s what the Maui Invitational is,” Barnes said, “and their gym is a rec center that doesn’t use the air conditioning but one time a year. They’ve got gravel parking lots. Everything they have, we have, but better.”

JSerra has the seating capacity and the ability to add more, as well as locker

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22-November 11, 2021

room facilities, high-quality videoboards and the technical capacity to host a televised and broadcasted event.

“It is perfectly outfitted for a big-time college basketball tournament,” Lewis said. “It is somewhere between the fieldhouse at Duke and any other iconic small venue in NCAA basketball. I think of Gonzaga, I think of the Maui Invitational. This is a venue when you get a few thousand people in here, it’s going to be rockin’.”

While Barnes brings the basketball experience, Lewis has brought the logistics and big-event experience. Lewis’ company has produced everything from NBA AllStar Games to Academy Awards pre- and post-shows, as well as the Pac-12 football championships and the production and branding at the NCAA Final Four.

“We really like what we do and understand the gray area between live on-air broadcast, and on-premises consumer-facing events we feel like as good as anyone,” Lewis said.

Barnes credits linking up with Lewis as what took this event from small picture to big picture.

“We’re able to do things that the bigger places that have been doing this for a long time and have the ESPN money and have this and that, they are able to do it,” Barnes said. “We went from way down here to boom, being able to compete.”

Barnes also stuck through the troubles of the pandemic to keep this idea afloat. Barnes had four teams set for a 2020 version of the event that was

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unable to happen, but the event grew to eight teams for 2021. Without a single ball being bounced, Barnes and Lewis have also generated interest from other high-profile Division 1 programs for future versions of the event.

Barnes and Lewis have plans to grow the event beyond basketball. There is a SoCal Challenge beach volleyball tournament featuring top college teams in Manhattan Beach on Nov. 13-14. The long-term goal is to bring that tournament down to South Orange County as well, and grow the SoCal Challenge into a true sports festival.

Barnes also has the bigger goal of serving this South Orange County community with this event. Barnes teamed up with Rachel O’Neil from Visit Dana Point, which is a sponsor of the event and helped with the hotel accommodations for the teams and event staff at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott & Spa and the DoubleTree at Doheny State Beach.

Barnes also has earned support from the Chambers of Commerce in San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente, Irvine and Mission Viejo.

Ultimately, beyond basketball fans and fans of the teams involved, Barnes and all those involved at JSerra see this as a great family event to see games in a great atmosphere and catch major college basketball up close in your own neighborhood.

It’s that atmosphere and intimate environment at the JSerra Pavilion that many involved believe gives the SoCal Challenge the chance to be a big success. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 22–November 11, 2021

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The Capistrano Dispatch October 22–November 11, 2021

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