October 23, 2020

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SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 12, 2020 • VOLUME 18, ISSUE 20

Trick or Treat

SJC Community Carefully Celebrates Halloween E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 7

Los Rios area resident Harrison Taylor, standing by ghoulish decorations at the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, encourages families to enjoy socially distanced Halloween events in town. Photo: Collin Breaux

Council Initiates Study of Proposed Fast Food Site EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Irish Pub Hosts Halloween Party GETTING OUT/PAGE 14

thecapistranodispatch.com

Student Honors America, Education with Flag Project EYE ON SJC/PAGE 6

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2020

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week

City Council Approves Traffic Study for Proposed New In-N-Out THE LATEST: Amid community criticism of the potential location for a new In-N-Out Burger franchise, the San Juan Capistrano City Council approved a discretionary use permit (DUP) review process for the proposed restaurant site during a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

In-N-Out wants to demolish the current Marie Callender’s building on Del Obispo Street and build a new restaurant in its place, with a drive-thru lane. The existing building does not currently have a drivethru lane; hence, the study coming before the council for consideration.

Some residents have voiced their opposition to In-N-Out setting up shop on Del Obispo, citing an expected increase in traffic, environmental concerns and the perception that the franchise location could detract from San Juan’s image.

The DUP review would look at potential traffic impacts, entrance and exit points and other potential effects from the new restaurant. The study does not bind the council to any future approval.

Tom Hribar, a past councilmember, said the town doesn’t need the In-N-Out. “You don’t need to go through design review, board, planning commission, traffic studies, environmental impact reports,” Hribar said. “Get it done tonight. It doesn’t work.”

The council voted, 3-2, to approve the study. Mayor Troy Bourne and Councilmembers Sergio Farias and Derek Reeve voted yes. Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor and Councilmember Brian Maryott voted no.

Maryott said he didn’t know why the city would go out of its way to invite another “almost pure drive-thru, regardless of their popularity.”

“I believe now we have a duty to do whatever we can to encourage the kind of development that is most beneficial to the charm of the community, obviously within our legal means,” Maryott said. “We can’t prevent anybody from using their property as they’re allowed to use.”

Bourne said the city has a duty to conduct a study to examine impacts and feasibility, also asking for community input during the review.

“Better is probably, to some degree, in the eye of the beholder,” Bourne said

In-N-Out Burger wants to set up a new franchise location at the Marie Callender’s building on Del Obispo Street, which some residents oppose. Photo: Collin Breaux

San Juan Capistrano

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES as of 10/21/20

cases

deaths

TOTAL

613

13

LAST 30 DAYS

127

2

LAST 30 DAYS

est. population • 36,318 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

in response to comments that the city deserves better. “All of our kids want to eat at In-N-Out Burger, and it does feel a little bit funny to me to say, ‘I’m glad you guys like In-N-Out Burger so much. Drive to the neighboring city to enjoy it; we don’t want your traffic in our town.’ ” City officials said they are generally not able to choose which commercial tenants come into town, and the matter is instead up to property landlords.

WHAT’S NEXT: In-N-Out will submit entitlement applications and studies, and then city staff will conduct an independent analysis of the project that would include an environmental review. Those steps will be reviewed by the design review committee and planning commission, and the city council will make a final decision on the DUP. In other news, the council approved reinstituting paid public parking in the Franciscan Plaza parking structure at $2 an hour for spaces 109-355, with no overnight parking from 2-5 a.m. The owner of the parking structure and some downtown businesses requested that paid parking—which was instituted on a trial basis

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2020

in summer 2019—be reinstituted due to increased business activity and resulting traffic congestion.

The council also approved changing how they select planning commissioners.

The council will return to a previous method in which the mayor appoints a subcommittee comprised of councilmembers, who will interview planning commission candidates and then bring recommendations back to the council.—Collin Breaux

City Council Candidate Waiting on Endorsement Decision THE LATEST: As of press time, San Juan Capistrano City Council candidate Howard Hart was still waiting on a decision from the Libertarian Party of Orange County regarding its endorsement of his political rival, John Alpay, after Alpay alleged Hart had violated the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act is a United States federal law that, in general terms, prohibits civil service employees in the executive branch

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of the federal government from engaging in some forms of political activity. Alpay’s complaint asserts the violation is because Hart is an employee of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and because Alpay was endorsed by the Libertarian Party of California and Orange County, thereby making the City Council race—traditionally nonpartisan—a partisan election.

The Libertarian Party of Orange County (LPOC) had previously hoped to come to a decision early this week regarding its endorsement.

“We continue to wait, and we’ll forward their decision to the Office of Special Counsel,” Hart said.

David Naranjo, chair for LPOC, previously told The Capistrano Dispatch that voting members would likely decide on Alpay’s endorsement privately. Alpay had not responded to requests for comment as of press time.

Alpay’s endorsement from the state party was deemed null and void on Oct. 5 during an Executive Committee meeting of the party. Chair Mimi Robson was under the “misguided impression” that Alpay, initially not registered as a Libertarian, had changed his registration to Libertarian and was qualified for the endorsement. Robson says she later learned Alpay was not registered as a Libertarian and contacted him for proof of his change of registration. He then submitted proof of the change that was made on Sept. 18.

Hart has removed campaign signs and disabled campaign accounts on social media since the allegation, and said a recommendation of action from the Office of Special Counsel—with whom Alpay filed the complaint—likely depends on LPOC’s decision.

Hart and Alpay are the candidates for the seat in District 5 currently held by Brian Maryott, who is running in the 49th Congressional District race against incumbent Rep. Mike Levin. Hart is still on the ballot.—CB

State Monitoring Coronavirus in Counties’ Low-Income, Racially Diverse Neighborhoods THE LATEST: While coronavirus numbers in Orange County have broadly stabilized in recent months, California has made an effort to monitor the impact of the virus in the state’s hardest-hit communities since the beginning of October.

To address the higher rates of COVID-19’s impact on low-income, Black, Latinx and Pacific Islander communities in the state, counties statewide have been tracked on a new health equity metric—a third element added to the state’s color-coded, four-tiered coronavirus tracking system on Oct. 6.

The state had previously tracked daily new cases per 100,000 people and testing (Cont. on page 4) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) positivity rate as the broad metrics for counties’ reopening measures. The health equity metric tracks testing positivity specifically in the state’s lower-income and more racially and ethnically diverse neighborhoods.

Based on COVID-19 data from the county, Hispanics and the Latinx community have contracted the virus at a higher rate than all other races and ethnicities.

While Hispanics and Latinos make up just over one-third, or 35%, of the overall population in Orange County, they account for about 47.8% of all cases since the pandemic began, and more than 43.5% of all deaths.

Among the Asian and White demographics, which account for 21.1% and 38.6% of the county’s population, respectively, they together only represent 33.93% of all cases and 51.67% of county’s fatalities from the virus.

The neighborhoods selected for the health equity rate have been identified as census tracts in the lower 25% of the California Healthy Places Index (HPI), which monitors factors such as economy, education, transportation, neighborhood and housing conditions, access to health care and racial and ethnic makeup.

In Orange County, the majority of these tracts are found in Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Stanton and Buena Park, with others scattered in Fullerton, Placentia, Westminster, Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa.

In the South Orange County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, the downtown San Juan tract along the Camino Capistrano corridor, from San Juan Creek in the south to just north of Junipero Serra Road, is the only neighborhood that falls in the lower 25% to be monitored.

According to the HPI, the downtown San Juan tract is a majority 73.2% Latino and 23.2% White, with smaller numbers for Asian (1.6%), Native Americans (0.8%) and Blacks (0.4%).

The tract scores well in neighborhood conditions and clean environment metrics, but it is near the bottom in health care access and housing conditions. The neighborhood also scores in the lower one-quarter percentile in education, with a low number of preschool enrollees and 14.6% of people over 25 years old with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Orange County remains in the red tier right at the edge of the orange “moderate” risk tier. The testing positivity is below the 4.9% threshold, but the county is just outside the 5.2% health equity threshold and the mark of 3.9 daily new cases per 100,000.

To move down a tier, a county must maintain numbers at the lower tier’s level for two consecutive weeks.

While the health equity rate can be another barrier to tier movement, it can also speed up tier movement if the number falls. If the county’s testing positivity and health equity rate meet the lower threshold for two consecutive weeks, the county could move down to the next tier, as long as the daily case rate is stable or

declining.—Zach Cavanagh and Shawn Raymundo

Registrar Sees Historic Turnout in Early Voting THE LATEST: With less than two weeks left to go before this year’s Presidential General Election, the county elections office has seen a historic return on early voting, as more than 487,000 vote-by-mail ballots had been cast as of Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Earlier this week, the Orange County Registrar of Voters had collected a total of 351,625 ballots through the mail or at drop boxes—marking a 28% increase from the ballots that had been collected in the same period of the 2016 General Election, according to the Registrar’s office.

The Registrar’s office on Monday told The Capistrano Dispatch that while it’s still tough to issue any forecasts at this point, the current rate of ballots returned could be an indication that the county will see a historic overall turnout of voters come Nov. 3.

According to the Registrar’s office, officials have noticed a lot of interest and energy going into this election.

Just like in the Primary Election this past March, voters have three options when it comes to casting their ballots: mailing it back to the Registrar through the U.S. Postal Service, dropping it off at an official drop box, or taking it to a vote center.

While mail delivery and drop boxes are currently an option for early voting, the vote centers, where people can vote in person or drop off their ballots, are scheduled to open on Oct. 30, five days ahead of election day.

The Registrar’s office on Monday couldn’t state for certain whether there will likely be a surge in voter turnout once the centers open. However, it did note that it has received a lot of interest in voters wanting to vote in person rather than utilize the mail or drop box options.

According to Primary Election data the Registrar had previously reported, voter turnout in the March 3 elections reached 50.1%, “the highest for a presidential primary election since 2000.” Of those who participated in the Primary, 82% utilized the mail-in option, while the rest chose to vote in-person.

The Registrar’s data from Wednesday showed that the county’s registered Democrats lead the charge on early voting. More than 223,597 Democrats had already returned their ballots, while 137,487 Republicans had participated in early voting.

In San Juan Capistrano, 6,286 votes had been returned by Wednesday. Democrats in San Juan made up 2,651 of those votes, while 2,198 Republican voters had turned in their ballots.

Though registered Democrats own the majority in Orange County, Republican voters still make up the most dominant party in the three South County cities. According to the Registrar’s data, of the 93,248

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2020

Students and alumni again advocated for “Black Lives Matter” during a Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21. This photo depicts a “Black Lives Matter” protest in San Juan Capistrano in June. Photo: Collin Breaux

ballots issued in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, nearly 40,000 of them—about 43%—went to Republicans.

Just north of 27,000 ballots were issued to Democrats, or roughly 29%.

But just like the county’s overall numbers show, Democrats in the tri-city area have come out to vote early, making up a larger block of returned ballots. More than 10,760 of the 26,129 votes cast in the three cities so far had come from registered Democrats, and 9,126 from Republicans.—SR Editor’s Note: An extended version of this story can be found at thecapistranodispatch.com.

‘Black Lives Matter’ Discussion Continues During CUSD Meeting THE LATEST: Students and alumni with the group CUSD Against Racism again called on anti-racism action from the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) during a Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Advocates who commented during the meeting took issue with the alleged banning of “Black Lives Matter” merchandise on campuses, which made Black and indigenous people of color feel unwelcome.

Susan Holliday, associate superintendent of educational services, clarified that the district has not said “Black Lives Matter” merchandise is prohibited, but rather was addressing a poster that was inconsistent with a policy on approved political and non-instructional material.

“Merchandise for students, or if students want to wear something, that is something they can wear if it’s not disruptive,” Holliday said. “If it’s disruptive, then that’s tied to our dress code policy.”

CUSD Against Racism members and supporters over the past several months have urged the district to act against explicit and implicit racism and bigotry, and during the Oct. 21 meeting called on the district to go further. The Board of Trust-

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ees passed a resolution denouncing acts of racism in June following protests, but anti-racism advocates took issue with the district not releasing a statement explicitly saying black lives matter.

“First and foremost, our goal is to ensure that all students and families feel welcome in CUSD,” Holliday said. “We want all classrooms and all office spaces— whether they’re virtual or they’re in-person or in our facilities—to be welcoming and professional.”

The district has updated handbooks and training materials to clearly address discrimination, define racism and highlight how to report on and respond to it, Holliday said. A Cultural Proficiency Task Force will share a report addressing these issues during a workshop on Nov. 4.

“It is extremely extensive and thorough and it will take us a few years, but it addresses many of the items you’ve heard this evening, specifically around implicit bias,” Holliday said.

In other news, the board discussed students recently returning to campus for in-person learning. Surveys will be sent out to families asking for feedback on the phased returns.

Student Advisor Anchal Bhaskar brought up student feedback on the returns, saying the overall sentiment is that students appreciate the opportunity to have some normalcy again. Bhaskar said students have raised concerns about internet access at schools and some teachers and peers not properly wearing masks.

Seven students and four staff members in CUSD schools have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, though that doesn’t mean they contracted it at school sites, Superintendent Kirsten Vital said.

The district is following communications protocols outlined by county health guidelines, including contact tracing investigations.

The Oct. 21 meeting marked an inperson return to the board room for most trustees, who had met virtually throughout the year during the pandemic.—CB thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2020

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EYE ON SJC

Community Meetings TUESDAY, OCT. 27 Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission will hold a meeting. Face masks or coverings are required of attendees, and social distancing and other pandemic health guidelines will be in place. The meeting can be viewed on the city website for those who can’t attend in person.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, OCT. 30

Dana Point resident Lauren Lam, 14, put up an American flagpole and displayed college flags at the Victory Athletic Center in San Juan Capistrano for her Eagle Scout project. Photo: Collin Breaux

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Nonprofit Recognizes Local Resident for 20th Anniversary Award San Juan Capistrano resident Ted Aston is among numerous individuals being recognized by the nonprofit Art & Creativity for Healing in their 20th Anniversary Awards.

Aston, a retired dermatologist, said he and his wife put some seed money into the nonprofit and have known founder and executive director Laurie Zagon for a long time. Working with Art & Creativity for Healing has been a pleasure for Aston.

“They have a big heart to help the hurting” Aston said. “They’re smart, and they really care. They’re genuine.”

Art & Creativity for Healing supports using art to help people cope with grief and traumatic life experiences. It was founded in 2000 and is based in Laguna Hills. Zagon was recently selected as the 2020 National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Founder.

Eagle Scout Gives Back with Flag Project Lauren Lam, a St. Margaret’s Episcopal School student and Dana Point resident, installed a 25-foot flagpole and raised an American flag at the Victory Athletic Center (VAC) in San Juan Capistrano as part of her Eagle Scout project.

Lauren, 14, is a member of Scouts BSA Troop 7272 and started her project after the Boy Scouts opened their program to females in 2019. Lauren also put college flags along the fence near the VAC lacrosse field.

“I just love this area, and it’s kind of always been a part of my family,” Lauren said. “When I was thinking about my Eagle Scout project, way even before I started scouting, I wanted to do it here, because I also play lacrosse.”

Lauren received help from fellow Scouts, as well as friends and family, when putting up the flagpole.

“My whole goal for this is to inspire young females and males to continue pursuing their dreams and continue to be inspired and look up and work hard and know that whatever they set their mind to, they can do,” Lauren said.

Military service branch flags have also been put up. Lauren hopes to continue raising donated college flags, since they inspire others to continue their education.

“I made a plaque for my project and wanted to dedicate it to all the men and women who serve the United States, and also to Lt. Col. Glen Miles, who is a big mentor for me,” Lauren said. “He owns this place, and he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a fighter pilot.”

SJC Resident Holds His Own One-Man Ironman Triathlon Matt O’Malley of San Juan Capistrano was training for Ironman Triathlon competitions in Wisconsin and then Texas before each got canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So he decided to organize his own Ironman Triathlon at home, without any other competitors.

O’Malley swam 2.5 miles in Dana Point from Baby Beach doing a 320-yard loop 14 times; then did a 112-mile bike ride through Irvine and Camp Pendleton; and finished the one-man race with a 26.2-mile

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2020

marathon run through San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and back to Baby Beach in Dana Point—all on Oct. 5. His car in the parking lot near Baby Beach served as a transition station of sort for each part.

“I get emotional, because it’s pretty cool that my wife and daughter made a medal and trophy for me,” O’Malley said.

O’Malley raised money for the Karl Harter Head and Neck Cancer Scholarship at the University of Wisconsin and the Orangewood Foundation in Santa Ana. O’Malley originally planned to do the Ironman event in Wisconsin while visiting relatives and was subsequently given the option of switching to Texas, before that option was also canceled.

O’Malley, who turned 60 in July, finished his one-man event in a little over 13 ½ hours. The total distance was 147.56 miles. Supporters cheered him on throughout his route.

“I really wanted to get that thing under my belt for my 60th birthday,” O’Malley said.

City Selects Businesses, Nonprofits Receiving Assistance Grants Out of nearly 100 applications, the City of San Juan Capistrano has selected 18 small businesses and two nonprofits to receive San Juan Capistrano CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) Grant funds.

The grants are $10,000 each, and recipients were chosen by a random selection process administered by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Cal State Fullerton. The SBDC will work with each recipient to verify eligibility and obtain required financial documentation called for in the program guidelines.

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

MONDAY, NOV. 2 City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a meeting. Face masks or coverings are required of attendees, and social distancing and other pandemic health guidelines will be in place. The meeting can be viewed on the city website for those who can’t attend in person.

The meeting has been moved up one day from the usual Tuesday slot to accommodate the general election on Nov. 3. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 13 The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

“The city was pleased to see a variety of industries reflected in the grant recipients, and hopes that the infusion of funds will assist in financial recovery efforts,” a city statement said.

The city’s share of funds from the state is $450,000. The federal government provided states with assistance funding under the CARES legislation. The San Juan Capistrano City Council voted in August to use funds for business and nonprofit assistance, as well as for rental assistance and food distribution in the community.

The Capistrano Dispatch applied for a grant, but was not selected. Visit thecapistranodispatch.com for a full list of grant recipients.

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

EYE ON SJC

Los Rios, Downtown Area Safely Commemorating Halloween “We didn’t know of anything that was safe trick-or-treating, and we didn’t feel comfortable going somewhere else, so we were like, what if we just did it here and made it safe?” Harrison Taylor said. “It’s definitely hard to have kids during this time, especially little ones. My son is 4½ now, and he’s old enough that you can tell he’s kind of bored.

We’re both working from home, so we’re trying to keep the lights on and keep our finances alive during all this, but at the same time, we don’t want our kids to suffer or have lack of experiences.”

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

E

xpect ghouls, treats and fun times in San Juan Capistrano come Oct. 31.

The community is organizing a trickor-treat event on Halloween from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Los Rios and downtown area. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and masks are encouraged—the latter fitting for Halloween.

Los Rios area resident Harrison Taylor said the street hasn’t really come together before to hold a trick-or-treat event. Taylor, who grew up in San Juan, said neighborhood kids would go to other parts of town for Halloween.

“This year, my wife and I were like, what if we tried to get all the neighbors together and rally the troops and have a socially distanced safe Halloween?” Taylor said. “Basically, the concept was, have a folding table out in front of the house or in the driveway—anywhere so people don’t have to come to the front door—and then you would place the candy in small little stacks on the table. The child would come to the table and just grab it. You would stand six feet back.”

Los Rios is an ideal spot for Halloween since the street has a historic and spooky feel, though the trick-or-treat event aims to be family-friendly and not overly scary, Harrison said.

“We’re all uniform in our approach with keeping everybody safe,” Harrison said. “No one’s specifically spearheading or endorsing this—no organization.”

Businesses and organizations are participating. Damian Orozco, owner of The Tea House, said they will have decorations and candy outside of the restaurant until 6:30 p.m.

“We hope it will be a fun, safe and socially

Virtual Ghost Tour

A haunting specter watches over at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Photo: Collin Breaux

distanced time for those attending,” Orozco said. “I'd recommend for those coming, to park at the train depot, as the lighting in our area is rather dark.”

Marianne Taylor, founder of Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens and Harrison Taylor’s mother, said they will have a table set up at their office headquarters.

“We’re giving away boxed stickers on the table per child as we keep our distance and say hello to all our friends in the community,” Marianne Taylor said. “It will be a safe and fun outside neighborhood walk.”

Haideh Mehr, manager at Las Catrinas, said they shared information about the event on social media.

“We are taking all precautions to make it

safe for the families and the kids, so they can enjoy this Halloween,” Mehr said.

Around the corner, Trevor’s at the Tracks is also participating in the trick-or-treat festivities. Trevor’s will also have live music throughout the day and night, as well as featured drink specials and a costume contest.

“We are excited to be a part of Halloween this year, as we have been closed at night for the past years since we’ve been open,” owner Trevor Baird said. “The Haunted Depot will be THE place to enjoy Halloween this year!”

Taylor said parents want to be safe and not spread the virus, but at the same time give their kids an experience to remember and get them away from the television and electronic devices.

A virtual version of the Ghosts & Legends Tour from the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society is also available through Oct. 31. The tour is usually held face-to-face in groups, but the health crisis forced a revision.

This year, people can watch ghost reenactment videos on their phones by scanning QR codes at various stops in the area.

Tickets for the virtual tour can be purchased at sjcghosttour.com.

“We took total precautions on COVID,” Harrison, a board member for the Historical Society, said about filming the videos. “We all wore masks. Plus, we only shot one ghost at a time, and we had time slots for each ghost to come down to the district. Everyone was spaced out by, like, 35 to 40 minutes.”

All proceeds will go to the Historical Society, the front lawn of which has been decorated with skeletons and an inflatable pumpkin.

“This year, we don’t know what to expect,” Taylor said. “We’re hoping people will come out, but we just don’t know. The cool thing is, though, this will live on forever, this video.” CD

Halloween decorations are up at the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. Photo: Collin Breaux The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2020

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EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

The Trampas Canyon Dam and Reservoir benefits South Orange County residents by storing recycled water, according to regional officials. Photo: Collin Breaux

Santa Margarita Water District Holds Virtual Dedication for Trampas Canyon Dam and Reservoir

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

anta Margarita Water District (SMWD) President Betty Olson welcomed people to the official grand opening of the Trampas Canyon Dam and Reservoir on Friday, Oct. 9.

SMWD held a virtual ceremony celebrating the dam, which has been constructed in South Orange County and will store recycled water. The Trampas Canyon Dam and Reservoir is on land acquired from Rancho Mission Viejo, south of Ortega Highway.

“Two and a half years ago when we broke ground on this facility, we knew we were making an investment in water reliability for the future of South Orange County,” Olson said. “As a board, we accepted the challenge of our time to ensure our water supplies are resilient and guarantee we are excellent stewards of our imported water supply.”

The reservoir will allow SMWD to maximize recycled water use and brings them closer to their goal of zero discharges into the ocean, Olson said. The project has been under construction this year and was reportedly not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Water will be saved during the winter months for use during the summer, when “the demand for recycled water is at its highest,” Olson said.

The video dedication covered the history of the reservoir site, which was previously used for sand mining and is said to be the largest recycled water reservoir “of its type” in Southern California. It can hold 1.6 billion gallons of recycled water and spans more than 3,000 feet in length, the video said.

SMWD General Manager Daniel Ferons said they support the state’s goals of water sustainability and thanked SMWD staff and the Board of Directors.

“Today, we’re at the precipice of filling a reservoir that will supply irrigation, groundwater recharge and locally sourced drinking water to meet the current and future needs of the community,” Ferons said.

The reservoir will serve San Juan Capistrano and be interconnected with San Clemente, in addition to providing irrigation for SMWD. The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved a water and utility annexation agreement with SMWD in January, meaning those systems will be transferred to SMWD. The annexation agreement still needs to be approved by the Local Agency

Formation Commission (LAFCO) and could become official this fall or winter.

Ferons also thanked Rancho Mission Viejo Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Tony Moiso for his support of the project.

Moiso said it was an honor to be at the dedication, and Rancho Mission Viejo has looked to SMWD to solve water challenges.

“This accomplishment is huge,” Moiso said. “It was a dream. What we celebrated today is truly a tribute to the courage of the leadership of the district, the courage to put it down as a goal that we’re actually going to do this.”

Further opportunities and continued partnership will benefit Rancho Mission Viejo and SMWD residents, and The Ranch is committed to working “in the

Rancho Mission Viejo

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2020

decades ahead” to accomplish more of SMWD’s dreams, Moiso said.

State Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) presented a certificate commemorating the occasion. Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said the reservoir is a milestone for SMWD’s commitment to developing a reliable water supply.

“I have long been an avid supporter of the district’s efforts to recycle and reuse wastewater,” Bartlett said. “This project is so important to the Fifth District, because unlike other parts of the county, we still import approximately 90% of our water supply. Having the ability to capture and store water means we are one step closer to being self-sufficient and meeting our long-term water needs.” CD

Events at The Ranch OCTOBER 28

Yoga Near Nature

as of 10/21/20

cases

deaths

TOTAL

73

<5

LAST 30 DAYS

13

N/A

LAST 30 DAYS

est. population • 10,000 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

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10-11 a.m. Stretch while surrounded by the scenic beauty of The Reserve. The area will have plenty of room to accommodate social distancing. Increase your flexibility, get guidance on centering yourself and take the opportunity to meet new people. A signed release waiver must be submitted to participate. Additional events will be held Nov. 4 and Nov. 11. The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters, 28811 Ortega Highway. 949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;November 12, 2020

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

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

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

property tax that will further exacerbate the mass exodus and send a clear message to those industries who may be looking to move here: You’re not welcome.

In addition, Prop 15 poses a direct threat to homeowners and severely undermines Prop 13 protections. Since Prop 13 was overwhelmingly approved by the voters in 1978, opponents have been trying to chip away the protections afforded homeowners under the measure in an effort to increase property taxes. Now they are doing it again under the guise of Prop 15.

Make no mistake, should Prop 15 pass, it will open the floodgates for further attacks on Prop 13, and your home could be next.

Simply put, Prop 15 is nothing more than a massive property-tax hike that will hurt California families and businesses.

Lisa Bartlett sits on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, representing the 5th District. She was reelected in 2018. CD

tions for nonpartisan representatives. Mr. Alpay has crossed a line by this attempt to eliminate his rival. He has not earned my vote.

CONTRIBUTORS

Letters to the Editor

Megan Bianco Jake Howard Tim Trent

HATCH ACT AND COUNCIL RACE

RE: CITY COUNCIL ELECTION THROWN INTO DISARRAY, PUBLISHED OCT. 9

—DAVE SOLT, San Juan Capistrano

—DARCIE HARRIS, San Juan Capistrano

Candidate John Alpay has declared his District 5 opponent, Howard Hart, as ineligible to run for council due to the Hatch Act. That act has many elements, but part of it is to keep government employees and government resources from supporting partisan politics.

My readings suggest Mr. Alpay does not have his ducks-in-a-row. He claims his joining a political party and receiving their endorsement, since withdrawn, makes the race partisan and prevents Mr. Hart from participating. San Juan Capistrano is a General Law city. (Larger cities may choose to be Statutory Cities, and thus may be partisan.) California law declares we are nonpartisan with nonpartisan elec-

I was shocked and dismayed to learn about John Alpay’s deliberate sabotage of Howard Hart’s city council campaign.

The Hatch Act prohibits civil service employees from participating in “partisan” elections, not all elections. Mr. Hart did nothing to turn this into partisan politics.

The only factor that turned this into a partisan race was Mr. Alpay’s decision to run as a Libertarian, specifically to prevent Mr. Hart from running. He only registered as a Libertarian on September 18, long after Mr. Hart had begun his campaign.

Our city council races have traditionally been nonpartisan endeavors. This nonpartisan approach allows neighbors to work together for the good of the community, without being swept up in entrenched

political party views and positions. We come together to do what is best for our city.

Now, when partisan politics are tearing our country apart, leading to armed militias, kidnapping attempts and violent protests, our city council race could have been an opportunity to demonstrate what it looks like when people care simply about doing the best for their city, their community and one another.

Instead, at the very time when bitter national partisan politics has caused friction and division between friends and families and even husbands and wives, Mr. Alpay’s scheming, underhanded approach serves only to cause good people to throw up their hands in disgust and turn away from politics.

I am not a member of either Mr. Hart’s or Mr. Alpay’s avowed political party. I’m simply a resident of San Juan Capistrano who hopes people will see through this sad attempt to tear apart good working relationships among devoted city councilmembers and not let this discourage them from doing what’s best for our city.

Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

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

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

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

A

well-being of our economy and its people.

Families are struggling to make ends meet, and California businesses, both large and small, are desperately trying to stay afloat. If enacted, Prop 15 may prove too much to bear for some businesses and destroy any chance they may have to recover. Our already high unemployment rate will skyrocket as more people lose their jobs and their livelihood.

There was a time when people flocked to California in search of the American dream—a time when the Golden State’s booming economy thrived and flourished unGUEST OPINION der the warmth of a very

By Lisa Bartlett business-friendly climate.

Today, that’s not the case. California’s cost of living is among the highest in the nation. Businesses and families are leaving at an alarming rate due to increasingly higher taxes and overregulation. Sadly, the Golden State is now ranked as one of the least business-friendly states in the nation. The last thing we need is another

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Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Prop 15 Would Be Catastrophic for an Already Devastated Economy mid an unprecedented global pandemic that has had a devastating effect on our economy, and caused great financial hardship to millions of Californians, proponents of Prop 15 now want to impose even greater hardship on families and local businesses. How? By enacting the largest annual property tax increase in our state’s history—up to $12.5 billion per year.

Supporters of the measure claim Prop 15 will only raise taxes on large, wealthy corporations with commercial land and buildings worth more than $3 million.

What they fail to mention is the catastrophic domino effect it will have on all Californians, from local businesses and consumers to farmers and homeowners.

Prop 15 will inevitably raise the cost of living for all Californians, especially those with less means, as grocery stores, retailers and other businesses face higher costs that, in turn, will be passed on to consumers. It will destroy jobs and local businesses and raises taxes for family farmers.

Prop 15 couldn’t come at a worse time for all Californians. COVID-19 has already taken a tremendous toll on the financial

PRINT & ONLINE

PUBLISHER

GUEST OPINION: By OC Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

Finance Director Mike Reed Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines

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

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

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The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2020

Page 10

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. The Capistrano Dispatch and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

(Cont. on page 12) thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;November 12, 2020

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SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 10)

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL RESIDENTS OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO —GARY & DEB DORRIS, San Juan Capistrano In the September 25 issue of The Dispatch, John Alpay took some unusual steps in his bid to become a city councilman. Deviating from the issues that residents care about, he chose to portray himself as a victim and shared cherry-picked allegations from a lawsuit he is currently engaged in with one of his neighbors. That neighbor is me. It was gut-wrenching to learn that his salacious and untrue allegations were shared in a full-page ad with the public.

Earlier that week, he sent out a three-page letter to the homeowners in our neighborhood expanding on those allegations and including other issues he has with the previous HOA Board. Perhaps John Alpay thought a woman would be too intimidated to respond. He was wrong. He underestimated the response and support I would receive from the people in the community.

I have lived in my home in Meredith Canyon for over 20 years and raised my two daughters here.

While “politics may be a dirty sport” to John Alpay, in our opinion, he has clearly shown himself to be the dirtiest player.

Facts come first. In his letter, John Alpay claims that we have cameras on our property. That is true. But John Alpay completely misrepresented the issue behind the security cameras and tried to infer that we are dangerous people. Regardless, let us be clear—at no time have any cameras been pointed at anything other than our fence and our property line. To suggest that they are pointed at their home or even a bedroom window is simply not true. Worse than that, we believe that the intent of his letter was a dog whistle to defame us and incite the community. This has now raised our concern to the well-being and safety of our family, and any threat to us that may develop is directly related to John Alpay’s reckless and outrageous false claims.

Unfortunately, while we would like to tell the full story here, we are limited by The Dispatch policy on length. Please go to GaryandDebDorris.com to read our full letter.

HOMELESS ON LOS RIOS ST. —JERRY NIEBLAS, San Juan Capistrano The Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee is appalled at the homeless situation on Los Rios St.!

The street consists of all the elements that make San Juan Capistrano historically rich and so very important. It is home to several pre-Mission and early California families, the oldest being the Rios Adobe and the Stephen Rios Familia—they have been the most seriously impacted.

Have any of you bothered to take time to walk around the park, the Montanez Adobe, or along the creek on Los Rios St.?

San Juan Capistrano resident Jerry Nieblas has emailed city officials and staff about homelessness on Los Rios Street. This photo depicts a homeless encampment at Historic Town Center Park. Photo: Collin Breaux

There’s not only extreme safety concerns, but overwhelming health hazards and liability issues: trash, human feces, needles . . . yet, this council says it prides itself on the City’s motto, “Preserving the past to enhance the future.”

Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano’s pride and joy and the oldest street in California, is being overrun with homeless.

And, it appears this council has turned a blind eye and gone deaf to the community’s concerns. How is that “preserving the past”? Businesses are suffering, residents on the street are suffering. All of you were elected to represent the citizens of San Juan Capistrano. You are obligated to address and act regarding this horrific situation.

San Juan Capistrano needs the financial support of tourism. They come here (some return many times) to experience the uniqueness, history, peace and beauty of the street. Yet, the most sought-after area in town is now dangerous for its residents, businesses & tourists, and that is unacceptable!

Would you, the city council & staff allow this to be happening in your neighborhoods and backyards? In fact, Harrison Taylor, a resident of Los Rios St., once said, “Like you, I love Los Rios and preserving our history and historic homes.”

Time is of the essence. The residents, some who have lived there for decades, deserve a good quality of life. The businesses and the tourists deserve to see this council respond and act on their concerns.

Los Rios Street belongs to San Juan Capistrano, and it’s time for this city to take affirmative action and restore Los Rios

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2020

Street to the safe, peaceful environment it needs to be.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was originally emailed to city officials and staff.

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE ON GLOBAL WARMING —SAMUEL DENNIS, Rancho Mission Viejo Currently, there is great worldwide distress concerning global warming. With glaciers melting and sea levels rising, it does seem to be happening. However, it is a long-term problem that will take many years before it becomes a real threat to coastlines and low-lying islands. There should be time to move to higher ground.

Is our worry appropriate? In the 1950s, and again in the 1970s, scientists were worrying about global cooling; maybe global warming could be a good thing.

According to geological sources, there have been five major ice ages, all lasting millions of years and one (the Cryogenian) turned the Earth into an ice ball.

Amazingly, we are currently living in the fifth ice age— the Quaternary. During this ice age, there have been cold glacial periods, lasting around 100,000 years, and warm interglacial periods, lasting 10,000 to 15,000 years.

We are now in a warm interglacial period; however, the last glacial period ended about 10,000 years ago, and therefore, it is possible our warm interglacial period could end at any time. Perhaps this was happening around 1300 AD, when the Little Ice Age hit Europe. Later, coal and

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human ingenuity produced the Industrial Revolution, along with huge amounts of carbon dioxide. At the same time, increased animal husbandry produced more livestock flatulence. The Little Ice Age was over by 1850. It appears there could be a connection, and it would seem to be a good thing.

Some believe that dinosaur flatulence produced global warming, which allowed their warm period to last until the unfortunate meteorite strike. Thus, global warming was likely a good thing for the dinosaurs. Considering that we live in a temporary warm period between long periods of glaciation, global warming could be our salvation. Global warming could push back the onset of the next glacial period. What a cosmic irony it would be if, in our zeal to eliminate carbon dioxide and livestock flatulence, we helped bring the glaciers back. Iceberg Earth would appear to be a greater existential threat than rising sea levels.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;November 12, 2020

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Friday | 23 LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 6-9 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind with live music on the outdoor patio at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Sawyer Auger will perform. Kai Kalama will also perform that night, from 7-10 p.m. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 8 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth by the train tracks. Face masks are required on all tours until further notice. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

Saturday | 24 PUMPKIN PATCH AT ZOOMARS 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Pick out a Halloween pumpkin at ZOOMARS Petting Zoo. The patch event runs through Oct. 31, and weekday hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ZOOMARS Petting Zoo, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.831.6550. zoomars.com.

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

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

800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

Sunday | 25 PIPER SUNDAY 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Southern California Uilleann Pipers Club is hosting a Zoom seminar featuring online discussion with guest

Photo: Courtesy of Nico Tavernise / Netflix

BY MEGAN BIANCO

A EDITOR’S PICK Put on your best costume for the Halloween party at Paddy’s Station. Photo: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

SATURDAY, OCT. 31: PADDY’S STATION HALLOWEEN PARTY 7-10:30 p.m. Celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year at this downtown Irish pub. The DeLoreans will provide live music, and there will be a costume contest. Grab a pint and order some fish and chips. Paddy’s Station Irish Pub, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

speakers about Irish piping and music.

Piping historian Barry O’Neill will join this session from Encino. A PayPal donation of $20 is suggested. socalpipers.com.

Friday | 30 FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday afternoon. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

‘SWANNER’ SUNDAYS 1-4 p.m. A Stone’s Throw Winery hosts a free admission event on the last Sunday of the month. There will be live entertainment and food available for purchase. A Stone’s Throw Winery, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.364.2063. astonesthrowwinery.com.

Saturday | 31

Tuesday | 27 WALK-IN FLU VACCINATION CLINIC 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The City of San Juan Capistrano is hosting this one-day clinic, in partnership with the Orange County Health Department and Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett’s office. Adults 18 and older are welcome to get a flu vaccination at the no-cost clinic. Social distancing will be in place, including an outdoor check-in area and spaced-out waiting spot.

Curbside service will also be available to accommodate mobility challenges.

San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.6380. sanjuancapistrano.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2020

MYSTERY GAME NIGHT & COSTUME CONTEST 3-5 p.m. Connect-OC Coalition is hosting a mystery game and costume contest over Zoom on Halloween. Costumes are asked to be tactful, and a discussion about mental health will also be held. A Zoom link will be sent upon registration. The event is free. eventbrite.com.

DRACULA RADIO THEATRE 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula on Halloween night. The radio adaptation incorporates actors and sound effects. The event is free, and link information is to be announced. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

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aron Sorkin’s new feature, The Trial of the Chicago 7, takes us back to Illinois in 1968 following the Democratic National Convention. The film is Sorkin’s second film in the directing chair after the slightly underwhelming Molly’s Game (2017), and a return to the courthouse 28 years after penning Rob Reiner’s A Few Good Men (1992).

Based on real events in Chicago at the tail end of the 1968 summer season, seven White men and one Black man are arrested and charged by the federal government with conspiracy to incite riots at the Democratic Convention. The men include Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen), Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong), Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne) and Bobby Seale (Yahya Abdul-Mahteen II). All of them are grouped together for the infamous trial that would span over a year, with the seemingly incompetent District Judge Julius Hoffman (Frank Langella) presiding.

On the surface, The Trial of the Chicago 7 was, for me, a huge step forward from Molly’s Game. While the latter felt clearly like a screenwriter’s first time directing, this go-around, Sorkin seems more comfortable in the position. I’ve always enjoyed Cohen in more dramatic roles outside of his comedy vehicles, and he doesn’t disappoint here. The biggest pleasant surprise might be from English actor Redmayne, whom I don’t think I’ve seen cast as an American before and would have completely fooled me if I were new to him as an actor.

A setback I’ve seen claimed from recent feedback on Chicago 7 is that the mood and setting are too polished and idyllic. I enjoyed the tone and atmosphere Sorkin set up here for a mainstream docudrama, but for appropriate relevancy in both history and current events, I can see why it might come off a little too whimsical as well (especially the ending).

I think The Trial of the Chicago 7 is still worth a viewing for anyone interested in seeing a rare new movie in 2020 that is both historically and currently relevant— with one seriously talented all-star cast, and coined by a screenwriter and director who is no stranger to quality biopics. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: By Ben Marcus

Wouldn’t It Be Nice?

Los Rios ‘Pet Sounds’ Contending for Two Grammys

S

ince Pet Sounds was released in 1966, this sophisticated album by the Beach Boys has evolved into what many consider to be one of the most influential albums in rock and roll history.

In 1967, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences was struggling to figure out what to do with this rock and roll deal, so the nominees for Album of the Year included Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Maurice Jarre for Dr. Zhivago and The Beatles for Revolver.

Pet Sounds was not included in the Grammys, but in the fullness of time the National Academy of RecordGUEST ing Arts and Sciences OPINION inducted Pet Sounds

by Ben Marcus into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. And many music historians place Pet Sounds at or near the top of the most influential rock and roll albums of all time.

There’s a long Wikipedia listing for Pet Sounds detailing the influence of the album over the decades, genres and

eras, but this is one of the best bits: “Paul McCartney later credited Pet Sounds as an influence on his increasingly melodic bass-playing style and cited ‘God Only Knows’ as ‘the greatest song ever written.’ ” OK, then.

Pet Sounds has resonated from 1966 across the decades and into the 21st century—all the way to Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano, where a team of talented teens—and their mature mentors—challenged their talents to recreate Pet Sounds.

In May of 2019, student-musicians from Los Rios went into the studio to recreate Pet Sounds in a single day of recording—an ambitious project to recreate a famously complicated project that took months of recording and engineering by Brian Wilson and his Merry Men. When the contenders for Grammy Award nominations for 2020 were announced, they included: BEST TRADITIONAL POP VOCAL ALBUM Los Rios Rock School—Pet Sounds Producers: Clint Haycraft, Phil Allen, Erin Blagdon, Spencer Askin, Tyler Marolf, and Chris Bates And . . .

BEST MUSIC FILM Los Rios Rock School—Pet Sounds Director: Alejandro Herrera Producers: Clint Haycraft, Phil Allen, Erin Blagdon, Spencer Askin, Tyler Marolf, Chris Bates, and Justin Norman And there was much rejoicing.

The final nominees for The Grammy

Awards will be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20 by 15-time Grammywinning Alicia Keys and Chair on the Board of Trustees Harvey Mason Jr. in a nominations press conference.

And then the envelopes. According to Grammy.com: “On Jan. 31, 2021, the 63rd GRAMMY Awards will be happening, rain or shine, COVID-19 vaccine or not. Because the show is still months away, whether or not there will be a live audience or red carpet will be determined and revealed closer to the big day, as the health and safety of artists, guests, crew and staff is always front of mind during every GRAMMYs.” A bunch of kids could win a Grammy or two for recreating music made when their parents were teenagers. It’s a quick train ride and an Uber—or maybe a limo?—from San Juan Capistrano to Staples Center in Los Angeles, and maybe some of the talented teens and

mature mentors from Los Rios Rock School will take that ride, and maybe come away with some metal.

Wouldn’t that be nice?

You can read the whole story and hear some of the songs at losriosrockschool.com.

Ben Marcus was an editor at Surfer magazine for 10 years, living in Dana Point and San Clemente while working on 130 issues of that magazine from the office in Capo Beach. Since leaving the magazine in 1999, Ben has worked on a couple dozen books and one stolen screenplay and writes for a variety of publications. He misses Pedro’s Tacos. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. The Capistrano Dispatch and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Tobi

BY MYLES MELLOR Solution:

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

our-year-old Tobi is a sweet cat who wears his tuxedo well. He can sometimes be a bit timid when meeting new people, but he shows his endearing personality once he gets to know you. Tobi gets along with other cats and would settle in best in a quiet home with a feline friend or two.

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

Completed forms can be emailed to

Los Rios Rock School students recorded a rendition of the classic Beach Boys album Pet Sounds. Photo: Courtesy of Alejandro Herrera

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

animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2020

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 15

thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;November 12, 2020

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

The Jump Hi program allows children ages 4-17 to follow video instruction to work out and keep up their fitness at home, while schools continue to have distance education and gyms operate at reduced capacity. Photos: Jump Hi

Fitness Online

Local coach creates video workout youth program, offers free to schools

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

hen the pandemic began, the ensuing shutdowns threw plenty of wrenches at coaches, studentathletes, physical education instructors and all young athletes.

All competitions, practices and youth leagues were canceled. Classes were sent home. Gyms were closed. Coaches and their athletes of all ages had plenty of barriers put up to organized and instructive health and fitness.

Eventually, coaches for high school and club programs found their bearings, mostly in online instruction or video call sessions. That’s when San Juan Hills High School boys basketball coach Jason Efstathiou and his coaching partners at the JSK Basketball club were struck with an idea.

“What if we just had our own workout program for these guys to get training in?”

Efstathiou said. “It’ll be safe. We won’t be able to meet up, but we’ll be able to follow along. COVID might keep us locked up for a long time, and we thought we could do this for our athletes.”

The idea became Jump Hi, an online fitness and sports program geared toward children from ages 4-17. Efstathiou described it as Peloton or the Mirror with online workout videos for young athletes.

Workouts are livestreamed around the time in the afternoon when school athletic periods would be scheduled during the week to integrate the program with schools.

Workouts are all offered on demand after streaming and included speed, agility, core, plyometric and strength workouts. There are six to 10 livestreams a week and around 65 on-demand videos, with more than 100 expected by December.

Videos and the entire program are available online at jumphi.co, and the program

can be used on any device. An app for the program is in development and should be ready in January.

“We’re doing this for the purpose of, not offering a replacement necessarily, but just as something you can also do in addition,” Efstathiou said. “Trying to hit people who are still nervous about in-person.”

For Efstathiou and his basketball coach partners, Mater Dei boys basketball assistant coach Shu Isagawa and Director of Fitness Jordan DeMario, they’ve helped cultivate the first sport-specific elements of the service, with basketball drills and workouts available. More sport-specific workouts are coming in the pipeline, with soccer being the next up.

Currently, the Jump Hi program is being offered free to all schools, as Efstathiou wants to encourage health and fitness in a time when that could be lost in a sedentary lifestyle working and schooling from home.

“We want to offer it free to schools and give everyone an opportunity to get work in,” Efstathiou said. “We want everyone to have access to work out and do fitness. I think it’s important to promote education and health.

For those kids at home, they can do a 10-15 minute workout instead of that time on video games or TV, and that appeals to the parents.”

Efstathiou knows the importance of keeping up with health and fitness when being sidelined. Efstathiou battles a rare form of neuropathy, which attacks the nerves with a hypersensitivity and burning sensation. The disease kept him off the San Juan Hills basketball court last year from May to late December.

“There’s always the whole until you lose something, you don’t recognize it as much,” Efstathiou said. “I hadn’t been able to work out for a long time. Things like walking or working out had become difficult for me. With my body and my health, I want to have something else we can go to. And having a program like this made me think of kids like that, too.”

For more information on the Jump Hi program or to get it to your or your student’s school for free, check out jumphi.co, follow @jumphi_ on Instagram or email info@jumphi.co. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch October 23–November 12, 2020

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com FOR SALE FOR SALE Mahogany Sleigh Bedroom Set (incl end tables), 2 glass-door armoire cabinets, tv’s, coffee table/end tables. Call 949.312.2921

GARAGE SALES ESTATE/GARAGE SALE OCT. 24-25, 8am-1pm. 34081 Callita Dr, Dana Point. Crystal/glassware, jewelry, cookware/appliances, Rock Band PS2 drum set, DVDs, vintage LP turntable/speakers, homemade afghans. Credit cards OK with photo ID. Please wear masks!

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED • WAREHOUSE POSITION I: Must have experience in shipping and receiving. Fork-lift experience, requires lifting and must have valid Drivers License with a clean driving record. Full-Time, benefits, 401K. Please call 949.492.4399 or email your resume to: dromero@ndaonline.net • WAREHOUSE POSITION II: Must have experience in shipping and receiving, requires lifting and must have valid Drivers License with a clean driving record.

Full-Time, benefits, 401K. Please call 949.492.4399 or email your resume to: dromero@ndaonline.net

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

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today!

Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com The Capistrano Dispatch October 23-November 12, 2020

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The Capistrano Dispatch October 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;November 12, 2020

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The Capistrano Dispatch October 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;November 12, 2020

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