TCD 11/10/2023

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 23, 2023 | VOLUME 21, ISSUE 21

City, American Legion Post to Host Veterans Day Ceremony

GETTING OUT / PAGE 14

The Ranch Prepares for Turkey Trot’s Return on Thanksgiving EYE ON SJC / PAGE 5

Suburban Legends JSerra, Capo Valley Christian Win Long-Awaited Girls Volleyball Titles S P O R T S / PAG E 20

JSerra girls volleyball wins its first ever CIF-SS title, while Capistrano Valley Christian wins its first title since 1992 on Saturday, Nov. 4. Photos: Zach Cavanagh

thecapistranodispatch.com

Council Approves Design for Arroyo Birdhouse Park

City Comments on Expansion of Nearby Landfill

San Juan Hills Football Advances in Playoffs

EYE ON SJC/ PAGE 6

EYE ON SJC / PAGE 7

SPORTS / PAGE 22

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Nov 14, 10:00 AM Orange Executive Center 1100 Town & Country Rd Suite 1250, Orange

Nov 16, 1:00 PM Marie Callender’s Library Room 307 E Katella, Orange

Nov 29, 10:00 AM St. Joseph Orange-Chapman 3rd Flr Conf Room 2501 E Chapman Ave, Orange

Nov 15, 10:00 AM Brea Community Center Meeting Room 695 Madison Way, Brea

Nov 28, 10:00 AM Orange Executive Center 1100 Town & Country Rd Suite 1250, Orange

Dec 5, 10:00 AM Brea Community Center Meeting Room 695 Madison Way, Brea

Nov 15, 2:00 PM Coco’s Bakery 23000 Lake Forest Dr Laguna Hills

Nov 28, 2:00 PM Black Bear Diner 1011 N Harbor Fullerton

Dec 5, 10:00 AM Orange Executive Center 1100 Town & Country Rd Suite 1250, Orange

Nov 16, 10:00 AM Mimi’s Bistro and Bakery 17231 E 17th St Tustin

Nov 29, 10:00 AM Polly’s Pies 2025 N Tustin St Orange

Dec 6, 10:00 AM Collective Choice Brea Office 721 E Imperial Hwy Brea

View a full list of meetings and webinars and RSVP at ProvidenceTrueHealth.com/oc or call (866) 713-2186 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time) every day.

For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-800-457-6064 or 503-574-5551 (TTY: 711).

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The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

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EYE ON SJC

Veterans Learn Horsemanship, Healing Through Shea Center Military Program

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, NOV. 11

Challenging Cancer 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system, and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_ crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The J.F. Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding seeks to offer veterans an opportunity to learn horsemanship skills while working on their mental health through its Equine Assisted Military Program.

Through a partnership with a local veterans center, the therapeutic riding center offers a 12-week program for veterans. The program uses equine activities to help participants grow in “emotional awareness, self-regulation, confidence, trust, communication, and finding purpose and identity,” said Kelli Navarro, Equine Assisted Learning Program Administrator.

“Orange County is one of the biggest veteran population counties in California … so the need is really there, and we’ve been able to grow quite a bit with that partnership,” Navarro said.

The Shea Center has a 10-year partnership with the veterans center “that has grown especially over the last couple of years,” Navarro said.

The partnering veterans center “has their own therapists who work with these individuals, and then they bring them together as a group,” Navarro continued. “A lot of the time, they don’t know each other, and that creates a lot of really cool moments when they start to learn to communicate and be a team through this program.”

The 12-week program varies to meet the group’s needs, Navarro explained.

“The first couple of weeks are all ground activities, so they’re not actually riding,” Navarro said. “They’re learning about behavior, body language. They’re learning self-regulation and breathing and the importance of checking in with themselves before checking in with the horse, and then they learn horsemanship skills as well.”

As participants learn horsemanship skills, they learn how to lead a horse out of a stall, safety, tacking and grooming.

“Week four, they actually get on (a horse), so they learn all of these things to lead up to mounting and riding,” Navarro said.

As the participants gain more horseback experience, Navarro explained that the program adds obstacle courses, drill teams, and more opportunities for teamwork. The Shea Center also offers a bareback night during which veterans are

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

TUESDAY, NOV. 14

Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, substance misuse, disrespect), conducts its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference and in person/ Zoom the first Tuesday of each month at the Outlets at San Clemente’s Conference Room. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

Marine Corps veteran Bill Miller works with Shea Center Chief Program OfficerJannell Robertson during a 12-week equine therapy program for veterans that looks to help participants gain emotional awareness, confidence, selfregulation and more. Courtesy of the Shea Center

able to ride their horse without a saddle.

“A lot of them have given feedback that they’d like to do that more than once, because they felt more connected to their horse that way,” Navarro said.“So, we’ve also adjusted certain activities and which order we do them based on feedback.”

Navarro added that she hopes veterans who participate in the program leave with enhanced self-regulation and more awareness.

“The team camaraderie and communication that happens over the 12 weeks is huge,” Navarro said. “Sometimes, our 12week program will just be readjustment skills.”

Navarro explained that the therapeutic riding center works with the veterans center therapists to “develop equine activities that align with current goals and needs of the participants.”

“We’ll also offer, based on what the (vet center) therapists suggest, we do couples,” Navarro said. “So, we’ll have the vet and their significant other participate, which really showcases the importance of communication and learning each other and working together.”

“It’s been really cool to see the couples come away after 12 weeks,” Navarro continued. “All of the skills, the communi-

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

cation, team-building, and it’s nice to see them gain some horsemanship skills.”

Former Marine Corps Officer Sean Forester, who served in the military for 20 years including a combat tour in Afghanistan, came away from the Shea Center’s 12week equine therapy program for veterans with newfound strength and resilience, he said in an email.

“I am no longer afraid to face my emotions, and I am grateful for the opportunity to heal,” Forester said.

Through the program, Forester explained that he was able to process “the trauma of combat and learned to cope with difficult emotions through the equine therapy program at the Shea Center.”

“I am grateful for the support and guidance of the staff, and I would recommend this program to any veteran who is struggling,” Forester said.

“As we grow and develop more things, I’m hoping that we can have programs like we’re already doing, but reach more veterans so that they don’t have to go through a funnel,” Navarro said.

Navarro added that the Shea Center is looking to continue to “grow these programs and meet the growing needs of our veteran communities, but in order to do so, we need the time, talent, and treasure of others.”

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WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15

VA Disabled Claims Clinic 2-4 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 9934 will sponsor a Veterans Affairs Disability Claims Clinic at the Dana Point Community Center the first and third Wednesday of each month. Veterans can walk in and meet with a VFW Service Officer and receive information on how to file a claim for service-related medical issues.

Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

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

MONDAY, NOV. 20

Parks, Equestrian and Community Services Commission 5:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Parks, Equestrian, and Community Services Commission will hold a regularly scheduled meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 24

The next print edition of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes. thecapistranodispatch.com

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The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

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Officials Look to Construct Water Reclamation Project at Poche Beach

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

As Poche Beach was once again included in Heal the Bay’s “Beach Bummer” list, county and local officials are looking to construct a water reclamation project to divert runoff from reaching the beach.

Poche Beach, located on the border of Capistrano Beach and San Clemente, received an F for its wet weather grade from the environmental nonprofit, which evaluates amounts of fecal indicator bacteria that represent a potential health risk to beachgoers.

Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley noted that as soon as she saw Heal the Bay’s latest report released this past June, she thought, “How can we get this fixed?”

The project will “eliminate runoff discharges to Poche Beach during dry weather to protect the beach water quality and provide regulatory compliance from bacteria standards,” said Foley, who added that it also aims to set up Poche with a better grade in future Heal the Bay report cards.

The project will reclaim 350- to 500-acre-feet of water per year, the equivalent of 175 to 250 Olympic-sized swimming pools, Foley explained.

“It’s a cleaning of water and eliminating the bacteria from going into the ocean, but it’s also reclaiming water, 175to 250-Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth, so dry weather runoff for local

The Ranch Prepares for Turkey Trot’s Return on Thanksgiving

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Registration is now open for those looking to participate in Rancho Mission Viejo’s seventh annual Turkey Trot on The Ranch.

On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, participants can run or walk in the event’s 10K

County and local officials are looking to construct a water reclamation plant to divert runoff from the Prima Deshecha watershed before it reaches Poche Beach. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

water supply,” Foley said.

In March, Congressman Mike Levin, who represents California’s 49th Congressional District that covers much of South Orange County and North San Diego County, submitted a $5 million federal funding request for the water reclamation project as a part of the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding package.

However, the House bill has set aside $959,752 for the project, pending approval, according to Levin’s office.

In the request, Levin noted that the

project would provide “diversion and advanced treatment to upcycle runoff from the 4,500-acre Prima Deshecha watershed and provide high-quality recycled water and protect beach water quality.”

In a statement, Levin explained that the funds would protect local beaches by improving water quality and diverting sewage runoff.

“I have worked hard to keep our beaches clean, and this project is another step towards that goal,” Levin said. The funding is currently being considered in the

House of Representatives, and I will continue to advocate for its approval.”

As the project awaits funding from Congress, no estimated timeline was available.

When reached for comment on the matter, staff with the county, the project’s partner agency, referred The Capistrano Dispatch to the City of San Clemente, the agency overseeing the construction and operation. A representative from the city’s utilities department had not responded to a request for comment as of press time.

or 5K races through the expanding RMV community. There will also be a Little Gobbler’s 1K race for adults with children aged between 5 and 10.

Registration for the 10K, suggested for those 13 years and older, is $35 (plus a $3.10 sign-up fee). For those looking to race in the 5K, registration is $25 (plus a $2.50 sign-up fee), while the cost to participate in the Gobbler’s 1K is $10 (plus a $1.60 signup fee).

According to The Ranch, all proceeds from the Turkey Trot will go toward the community’s Nature Reserve, which offers education programs and leads conservation efforts of the land.

Both the 10K and 5K races will start at

The Pavillion, located at 2 Tierno Road, Rancho Mission Viejo, and end at Sendero Field, 29201 Ortega Highway. The Gobbler’s 1K will start from Sendero Field, and take participants in the loop pathway around the park.

The 10K is scheduled to start at 8 a.m., while the 5K is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The 1K race is set to begin at 10 a.m.

The Turkey Trot, The Ranch also noted, is a rain-or-shine event.

Additionally, The Ranch is also looking for volunteers to take on certain tasks and roles during the event. Opportunities include being a course monitor, course flagger, medal distributor, or photographer, as well as manning the hydration and snack

stations, recording racers at the finish line or even becoming the event’s Turkey Mascot.

Parking and RanchRide shuttle service for the event are free, with shuttles starting pick-ups from all locations at 6:45 a.m.

Participants and spectators can view a list of shuttle stop locations and timetables at ranchride.net or by searching the Turkey Trot menu on the RanchLife app.

The deadline to register is 9 a.m. the day of the event.

Those wanting to learn more about this year’s Turkey Trot can contact The Ranch ahead of the race day by calling 949.625.6500 or by sending an email to ranchlife@rmvranchlife.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

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EYE ON SJC

Council Approves Design for Arroyo Birdhouse Park

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

After years of the Arroyo Bird Park being maintained by residents as a community-led attraction, it will officially become a city park, aptly named Arroyo Birdhouse Park, after the City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 7, unanimously approved plans to upgrade the popular amenity.

As part of the council’s vote, the city will appropriate $160,000 toward the project that looks to first remove all the existing decorative birdhouses and other ornaments that adorn the park off Calle Arroyo, adjacent to San Juan Creek, before installing new landscaping and native plants, as well as standard birdhouse poles and other amenities for visitors.

“I do think this is a great example of government working, city government working well on behalf of the people, from city staff up to the council, listening to the constituents and turning what could have been a very negative experience for all involved into what I think is going to be a very positive experience,” Mayor Howard Hart said.

The city anticipates the project to get underway this winter with some pre-construction work such as posting signage and notifying the community regarding the removal of items. By the spring, the city is looking to start removing the existing elements, install the planned improvements and then implement the landscaping.

For the project, the city will work with its landscape contractor, Brightview, and its facilities contractor, United Building.

Roughly $25,000 of the total price tag will be spent on the removal of the items, while $42,000 is earmarked for the landscaping and irrigation. About $50,000 is budgeted to install a decomposed granite pathway that will lead from the sidewalk along Calle Arroyo to the park.

Additional elements that will be in the upgraded park include split-rail fencing to define the park’s parameters, benches, picnic tables and signage for the park’s official name: Arroyo Birdhouse Park.

The park was reportedly first established by residents decades ago, and since then, people have stopped by to decorate it with their own birdhouses that they designed.

This past May, city officials, including Hart and Councilmember Troy Bourne, met with residents at the makeshift bird park, where they outlined the city’s intention to modify the park to address

safety concerns and meet safety standards.

Kristen Hauptli, the city’s senior management analyst, said the city will take inventory of the birdhouses currently on the site before they’re removed.

“Staff would inspect the current inventory of the birdhouses and identify those in good condition, which would be returned to the park once the improvements are completed,” Hauptli said.

Asked by Councilmember John Taylor whether there will be extra space for residents to still add their own birdhouses to the park following the project, Community Services Manager Heidi Ivanoff affirmed that the community can work with the city on adding new birdhouses.

“We won’t be monitoring the park itself for any new addition of birdhouses, but if they do arrive, we’ll inspect them,” said Ivanoff. “And if anybody wants to add a birdhouse, I’m sure that they will probably come to community services, and we’ll make arrangements to add new birdhouses, as necessary.”

Responding to Mayor Pro Tem Sergio Farias’ inquiry on whether the birdhouses will be cleaned out to accommodate the birds, or “residents” that might use them, Ivanoff said staff will remove ones that are in poor condition, and further confirmed that they won’t clean the homes.

Chip DeSon and Lisa Jaenicke, San Juan residents who became the unofficial leaders in the movement to preserve the park, spoke on Tuesday night about the park’s impact and importance to the community.

“I’m really glad this has gone the way that this has, so that we can have a safe place and a place with really beautiful landscape, the walkways and everything,” Jaenicke said, adding that she and the rest of the community “would like to have it as a really nice place. The people coming along the trails really like to stop.”

“San Juan is unique to begin with, but every now and again, there’s pockets of San Juan where you see things that are very unique to that part of San Juan,” said DeSon, who added that “the Birdhouse Park has just always been one of those things where … no one knows much about it, how it got there, but everybody knows where it is and likes it.”

Following the council’s discussion, Bourne motioned to approve staff recommendation to appropriate the $160,000 toward the project and requested the formal name of the park be Arroyo Birdhouse Park, instead of Arroyo Bird Park, which is what it’s more commonly known as.

In a unanimous decision, the Birdhouse Park will be renovated and become an official city park.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

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Following a unanimous City Council vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7, the city will move forward with plans to improve the Arroyo Birdhouse Park that residents have contributed to expanding over the years. Photo: File/Collin Breaux

Otra Mas Honors Founder at 10th Anniversary Celebration

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Horse rescue and equine-assisted therapy nonprofit Otra Mas celebrated its 10year anniversary and recognized its founder’s longtime commitment to the San Juan Capistrano equestrian community during its Healing Hearts & Hooves Celebration on Oct. 6.

At the celebration, San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart presented Kathy Holman, the nonprofit’s founder, with the first Icon of Capistrano Award. The inaugural award will be presented from Otra Mas annually to those who go above and beyond in the community.

Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley presented Holman with a certificate of recognition for her dedication to the San Juan Capistrano equestrian community and awarded Otra Mas a $10,000 grant.

Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort representatives Phillip Schwartze and Matt Gaffney presented the nonprofit with a separate $10,000 check, continuing its longtime

Otra Mas celebrates its founder, Kathy Holman, at its Healing Hearts & Hooves fundraiser on Oct. 6, with San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart and Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, who recognized Holman for her service to the local equestrian community. Photo: Courtesy of Otra Mas

support of Otra Mas. Proceeds from the event support Otra Mas’ expanded programs for kids and veterans. Over the summer, the nonprofit partnered with the Wild and Whimsy Foundation for kids in foster care and provided summer programs for the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley.

After deeming the summer programs a success, Otra Mas has expanded to offer after-school programs for the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley and Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area.

The nonprofit is also collaborating with Equine Empowered Therapy to provide new programs for veterans. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Santa Margarita, “While it was offline, we had to import the people of San Juan Capistrano, what the the plant’s reverse osmosis membranes, 450 million gallons of water that cost us a people of Santa Margarita Water District can which are what clean the water before it ends City Celebrate lot more,” Freese added. “But the scarier part, do.” up in the clearwell tank, O’Neal said. really, is that we rely on our local water. Our “The water goes into there, goes through the Addressing the plant’s future was Santa Restoration of local water right here—if there was a horrible Margarita Board President Frank Ury, who ex- reverse osmosis membranes, comes out of it crisis of some sort, and we couldn’t get plained that the plant, located near Descanso and the permeated water, that’s what we call Groundwater Plant’s natural imported water for a while, our local water Park—where the Arroyo Trabuco and the San the water leaving it—that is the water that’s here would let us survive for about a month.” Juan creeks meet—was built in 2003 and is been cleaned to sub-micron clean—and then Clearwell Tank Speaking to The Capistrano Dispatch, Chief hitting a 20-year life cycle. from there, it exits this plant and then goes

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

It was this past January when the roof support of the clearwell water tank at San Juan Capistrano’s Groundwater Recovery Plant gave way, requiring local officials to take it offline.

“Why is that important?” asked Laura Freese, a member of Santa Margarita Water District’s governing board. “Well, this is the way we get our water from the aquifer, our local water, our groundwater, and so we needed to get it back up really fast.”

Santa Margarita, which operates the plant as the town’s water utility agency, spent the next six months and roughly $1.8 million conducting repairs to the reservoir tank that holds about 320,000 gallons of drinking water.

“Within six months, this was back up and online again, which is just incredible. It’s a miracle,” Freese said in front of the restored

San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano Comment on Expansion of Nearby Landfill

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

The cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano—both of which neighbor the Prima Deshecha Landfill—recently voiced their perspectives on the landfill’s upcoming expansion by submitting letters to Orange County Waste & Recycling (OCWR), the facility’s owner and operator.

The comments come during the Notice of Preparation (NOP) period for the composition of a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the proposed project, known as the Increase in Maximum Daily Operations at Prima Deshecha Landfill.

The proposal would double the daily maximum tonnage Prima Deshecha receives, from 4,000 tons per day (TPD) to 8,000 TPD, and establish 36 days per year for allowing the landfill to receive more than its daily limit for various possible reasons.

San Clemente expressed concerns related to impacts on air quality, hazardous materials, noise and more; San Juan Capistrano mentioned fire protection services, impacts to cultural resources significant to local Native American tribes, and traffic.

clearwell on Friday, Oct. 27.

ting this done so quickly, but also show you,

Included in the CIP is a project to replace

Plant Operator Tim O’Neal echoed Freese’s comments on the “budgetary hit” the district took while the plant was offline because of the clearwell’s restoration.

“The clearwell was down, and the whole plant had to be off,” he said. “We had to buy more water from Metropolitan Water (District) … the Metropolitan water is more expensive than the water that we produce here.”

Officials with the water district and City of San Juan Capistrano, including Mayor Howard Hart and Councilmember John Campbell, joined Freese and members of the public at the plant for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the tank’s completed refurbishment.

“It’s up and running now. We’ve got drinking water galore,” said Freese, a former San Juan councilmember. “It’s beautifully cleaned up, and I wanted to have this ribbon-cutting not only to thank everybody involved in get-

“What we’re going to do, we’re going to take it from 2½ million gallons a day to 5 million gallons a day.” Ury said. “But what does that mean to you? It’s a really cool number. At the end of the day, think about it this way: in a year, what you’re going to do is you’re going to see a football field, a mile high of the water, produced by this plant.”

According to O’Neal, who led guests of the ribbon-cutting on a tour of the facility, the plant officially came online in 2006, was rebuilt in 2011 and has operated continuously since 2015.

O’Neal said the effort to restore the clearwell was just one phase of a multistep process to refurbish other parts of the plant, including the sand separators and the wash water tanks.

Those projects, he said, have all been budgeted for within the district’s capital improvement plans (CIP).

into the clearwell,” O’Neal said of the process.

“This is the heart of the plant right here; this is pretty much where all the magic happens,” O’Neal added about the plant’s reverse osmosis room.

O’Neal said the two trains, or units, that comprise the reverse osmosis system are in the process of being replaced.

Don Bunts, the deputy general manager for Santa Margarita, said the price tag for each train’s replacement is $1 million. ‘ Train A, O’Neal said, is currently offline, while Train B is working to push about 2 million gallons a day of potable water. Replacing each train, he added, will take months.

“We are working within the next year to have it replaced with a whole brand-new system, all brand-new membranes, all brandnew pumps and everything,” O’Neal said.“And then that’s going to double our capacity.”

Both cities broached overlapping topics and requested to be included in the phases of the expansion to come.

“Given the project’s proximity to (Forster Ranch and Talega), there is increased interest concerning the potential for these impacts to affect residents in these areas,” wrote Dave Rebensdorf, San Clemente utilities director.

San Juan Capistrano Principal Planner Paul Garcia detailed four specific comments on behalf of the city, after a review of the NOP and the proposal’s Initial Study.

The City of San Juan asked to be designated as a “Responsible Agency” for the project due to its proximity and potential need to issue permits. The city also requested the SEIR to further evaluate four topics, for specifications within the traffic study, and for analyses to assume that Los Patrones Parkway will be extended.

Garcia wrote that the Initial Study didn’t contain substantial evidence that supported the conclusions that the project wouldn’t result in potentially significant impacts related to wildfire, and that the project wouldn’t add to the number or severity of impacts to public services and tribal cultural resources.

Regarding the traffic study, Garcia included six requests: the calculation of the existing daily number of trips for the 4,000-TPD facility and the projected number for 8,000 TPD; calculating LOS (length of service) to determine the how well vehicle traffic flows near various intersections in San Juan Capistrano; conducting a VMT (vehicle miles traveled) analysis; and identifying mitigation measures.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano weighed in during another step of the public review process regarding the Prima Deshecha Landfill’s expansion. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

For San Clemente, Rebensdorf wrote that the city requested additional discussion in the SEIR about findings classified as having “No Impact” or “Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated.”

Over roughly the past month, several developments related to the project have occurred, an increase in activity for the expansion of the landfill that the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved in January 2022.

The board amended the Prima Deshecha Landfill General Development plan to include Zone 4 of the area’s five zones as operational, pushing the estimated closure date from 2050 to 2102.

In late September, the board awarded an approximately $88 million contract to Sukut

Page 7

Construction for the Prima Zone 4 Phase A Mass Excavation and Liner Project. The project would consist of excavating close to 7 million cubic yards of dirt and rock and constructing a protective liner, in addition to other tasks.

OCWR also hosted local residents for a public scoping meeting on the SEIR on Oct. 4, and the County of Orange Solid Waste Local Emergency Agency (LEA) published a notice on Oct. 17 regarding its acceptance of an application from OCWR. The document included proposed design and operational changes, such as adding a second on-off ramp to the facility, and was submitted to a corresponding Report of Facility Information. thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Dana Hills Robotics Team Promotes Learning, Engineering and Collaboration

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Dana Hills High School’s robotics team gave elected officials in San Juan Capistrano a show this week by demonstrating the mechanics of their award-winning robot Trident.

The team of students gathered at San Juan Capistrano’s temporary City Council Chambers on Tuesday night, Nov. 7, to show off some of the robot’s capabilities, in addition to boasting about the program’s benefits for teens and how it encourages youth to learn more about STEAM. “We love to encourage students to get interested and excited about robotics, as it’s one of our core ideals of competitiveness and building a great family environment for students to learn more about robotics,” said DHHS senior Alan Tsai.

As part of the competitive aspect, the team participates in the robotics program known as FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.

The DHHS team is just one of more than 3,000 that competes through FIRST’s robotics challenges.

“The core values of (FIRST) are discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork and, of course, fun,” said DHHS junior Aidan Lindsay. “This organization really hopes to inspire students to learn about STEAM and engineering, but also to create empathetic adults who will be able to solve the major issues of the world.”

Every year, FIRST will announce a new challenge for the teams, explained Tyler Allen, a DHHS junior. For DHHS, the team will take the first six weeks of the season to understand all the rules of the competition and begin to collaborate on possible

designs and potential solutions to FIRST’s challenge.

“We then test and prototype ideas to vet them for their validity,” Allen said, adding: “After that, we can finalize ideas, and then use computer-assisted design to sketch these ideas digitally, and have a platform to build off of. We then begin fabrication, where we use various tools to actually assemble the robot, and from that point, we continue to iterate and improve as the season goes on.”

The challenges, Allen noted, change from year to year. Last year, for instance, the teams had to design a robot that can shoot balls into a hoop in the center of an arena to score points. This year, their robot must be able to earn points by placing cubes on shelves and cones on posts.

A recent achievement for the team, Allen pointed out, came in San Jose, where they won a particularly challenging competition.

During the presentation at Tuesday night’s council meeting in San Juan, the team showed how the robot can hold and place objects, as well as throw inflatable balls—a part of the demonstration in which Mayor Howard Hart got to participate.

“Our main goal every year is to be reliable and be consistent, as that’s what makes us competitive,” DHHS senior Moises Martinez said, describing the robot. “A robot that works on the field is more valuable than a robot that might be complex but is not.”

According to the team, they’ve won five events with their robot, gaining six awards in multiple categories, including manufacturing, programming and team operations.

Councilmember John Campbell, who got to see the team compete previously at an event at Capistrano Valley High School, expressed joy in watching their presentation and offered words of encouragement for the students’ bright futures.

“I want to congratulate you on your passion. I really look forward to seeing what you guys have coming up in the future and how you’re going to help us,” Campbell said. “I mean, you truly are the leaders of tomorrow, and I’m very excited about the process.”

[ABOVE] Joined by the rest of the Dana Hills High robotics team, senior Alan Tsai talks about the benefits of the program and how it promotes STEAM education among teens.

[LEFT] (From left) Councilmember John Taylor and Mayor Howard Hart listen to the robotics team’s presentation, where the group got to show off the mechanics of their robot, Trident.

[RIGHT] Dana Hills High junior Stryker Maltin prepares to demonstrate how Trident works.

[BELOW] The robotics team uses Trident to throw a ball to Hart.

[LEFT] (From left) Maltin talks about Trident’s capabilities.

[FAR LEFT ] (From left) As Maltin gets ready to demonstrate Trident’s capabilities, teammate and senior Moises Martinez describes how robotics competitions work.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

Page 8

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Join the Segerstrom Family at our Traditional Tree-Lighting Ceremony

Town Center Park Adjacent to The Westin South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza’s tree lighting features a magical performance by Orange County School of the Arts.

Enjoy a celebration of the holidays and a special visit from Santa. Admission is complimentary.

SouthCoastPlaza.com/Holiday

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

Page 9

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SOAPBOX

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

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The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 21, Issue 14. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

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

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Bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform Is Long Overdue.

We Have Begun a New Conversation

Y

ou wouldn’t know it from my last name, but I’m the grandson of Mexican immigrants on my mom’s side and a proud member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

A century ago, my mom’s parents came to the United States from Mexico as children. They didn’t have much money, a formal education or English fluency. What they did have was an incredible work ethic and the desire to make a better life in America for themselves and their children.

While neither graduated from high school, they started a successful business and sent all five of their daughters, including my mom, to college. And now their youngest grandson is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. I only wish they had been alive to see me sworn in.

I’ve seen firsthand the enduring promise of America, where young immigrants, despite limited means, can forge a path to prosperity, and I like to believe this promise is still alive today. However, in my conversations with constituents, local leaders, and colleagues in Congress, it’s clear that our immigration system is badly broken, threatening America’s welcoming spirit.

This issue transcends partisan lines, and it would be simplistic to attribute it to any single administration or policy. In fact, the last time comprehensive, bipartisan immigration legislation was signed

Letter to The Editor RESPONSE TO ‘SCHOOL DISTRICT DECLINES APPROVAL OF PARENTAL NOTIFICATION POLICY’ JOSEPH DOYLE, San Clemente I am amazed that there was no response to your Oct. 25 article that

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

into law was in 1986 under poll, 82% of registered President Reagan. voters, including 80% of Today, Congress is stuck.

Republicans, said they Our outdated immigration agree on this: “As the U.S. laws are no match for 21st works to restore order at century challenges. It’s the border, it is important time for Congress to work that Republicans and together to fix our broken Democrats work together system. to pass immigration Thankfully, there’s a new, reforms that address labor THE LEVIN LETTER BY REP. MIKE LEVIN bipartisan solution gaining shortages and inflation, steam in Congress. and protect people already I am proud to support here and contributing.” the Dignity for Immigrants If we’re going to respond while Guarding our Nation to Ignite to the will of the American people, and Deliver the American Dream it’s essential that elected officials stop (DIGNIDAD) Act of 2023 (H.R. blame-shifting and name-calling.

3599)—commonly referred to as We need to work together to find a the Dignity Act—the first bipartisan bipartisan solution that honors our comprehensive immigration commitment to human dignity and legislation introduced in the House keeps the American dream alive. in several years.

With my Republican colleagues This legislation, introduced by electing a new Speaker of the House, Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) now is the time to put partisanship and Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), is a aside and work together to pass this serious effort to forge a bipartisan bill. path forward on immigration.

I continue to believe that when it It comprises four core principles: comes to immigration reform or any providing a legal solution for other issue, we can still do big things undocumented immigrants living when we work together. That’s the in America; comprehensively way to keep the American dream addressing border security and welcoming spirit alive. challenges; strengthening our U.S. Representative Mike Levin workforce and economy; and represents the 49th Congressional ensuring the United States remains District, which includes the South competitive in the future.

Orange County cities of Dana I’m glad to see this bipartisan bill Point, San Clemente and San Juan gaining steam in Congress.

Capistrano. He was reelected for a When you read the polling, third term in 2022 and resides in San it’s clear the American people Juan Capistrano with his wife and two want such solutions. In a recent children. CD

the CUSD governing board voted, 5-2, to deny parental notification of “a student who is, among other things, ‘exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety, a dramatic shift in academic performance, social withdrawal or other significant changes affecting a student’s well-being.’ ” How dare the district governing board usurp the responsibilities and duties of parents to be the primary caregiver of their children? Parents are responsible for the health and well-be-

Page 10

ing of their children.

Since when is a teacher, school administrator, or governing board able to make these decisions better than the man and woman who gave birth to this child and love them more than any outsider could?

In my day, if I went to the school nurse because I had a headache, they had to get permission from my parents to give me an aspirin.

(Cont. on page 12)

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The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

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thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | Laurie’s Latest by Assemblymember Laurie Davies

Your Voice in Sacramento S

This year, my office sent out a poll to our district to help determine what issues matter the most to you and your family. We received over 500 responses in our first attempt, and we will continue to send out this poll over the next couple weeks.

Here are the current results, ranked from top to bottom:

Bill 882. The measure erving in the will expedite funding legislature is for grants by the State something I don’t Coastal Conservancy to take lightly. And I use the help with our climate word “serving,” because challenges such as seathat’s truly what it is. I level rise and coastal am serving as your voice erosion. in Sacramento.

We also placed our When I walk through focus on enhancing the doors at the Capitol, public safety, specifically I leave politics behind with gun violence and LAURIE’S LATEST BY and focus on policy ASSEMBLYMEMBER keeping guns out of that best serves our LAURIE DAVIES the hands of those who community in the 74th should not, by law, own District. Throughout the firearms. year, I meet with residents, business Assembly Bill 303, which was owners and community leaders, and also signed by the governor, gives discuss the important issues that are law enforcement more information affecting our unique district. about individuals in our cities who This past year, we dove into are illegally possessing firearms—an legislation that aimed to address the important step in tackling this key pressing issue of coastal erosion, and issue. we were able to advance Assembly

8. Health Care Affordability 9. Military and Veterans Affairs 10. Reproductive Health Care 11. College Affordability

Tackling the Homelessness Problem and Easing Housing Costs Improving the Cost of Living in California Taxation Reducing Gun Violence and Strengthening Public Safety Campaign Finance and Election Integrity Reform Protecting Our Coastline and Environment Other Issues

If you’re interested in taking the poll, head to the online version of this column at thecapistranodispatch. com to find the link.

As always, it is an honor to represent the 74th Assembly District in Sacramento.

Laurie Davies is a small business owner and former mayor who was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 and reelected in 2022. She represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County— down through Camp Pendleton, and Oceanside, Vista and part of Fallbrook in North San Diego County. CD

Military that contributed to defending our country and our democracy.

Celebrating and recognizing those that served! Hearing their stories and being open to sharing mine.

Veterans Day, for me, is about friendships, leadership and memories. A day to be in the moment and reflect on the seven years I was active duty in our U.S. Air Force.

The professionalism, the sacrifice of

family and personal time, the camaraderie within the military family, our democracy first and not being divided by political party.

At the end of the holiday, for me, it’s about supporting our military and those that are currently serving.

Advocating for programs and benefits for our military personnel and their families. Inspiring our youth to serve in our military.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

(Cont. from page 10) With regard to the student input saying this policy will be “outing” students, I say this is an immature response to what is an important parent responsibility. With Halloween just past, it is like them saying, “Don’t tell my parents I ate more candy than they told me I could, because I’m diabetic.”

More ominously, I worry that vetoing this policy is an extension of the socialist agenda taking over our edu-

cation system. Do people not realize that a major tenant of Marxist philosophy is the dissolution of the nuclear family?

WHAT VETERANS DAY MEANS TO ME DONNA VIDRINE, San Clemente Veterans Day, to me, means patriotism! Celebrating our Democracy and respecting those in our United States

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@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 November 10 - November 23, 2023

Page 12

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AEP- It’s About Saving you Money Calling all existing Medicare Beneficiaries, are you looking to save some money on either your monthly premiums, your co-pays, or your prescription drug co-pays? Then the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time for you to make a change to your current plan. All changes made during this time (10/15 – 12/7) go into effect 1/1/24.

The biggest way to save money is to see if a Medicare Advantage plan would work for you. If it does meet your needs, then you cancel your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Drug plan for 2024 because the Medicare Advantage plan gives you that type of coverage and financial protection from medical bills. You’re no longer paying a premium for Medicare Supplement or a Medicare RX plan if you decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans in Orange County typically have no or low premiums and are both HMO’s and PPO’s.

prescriptions changed since you enrolled in your current Medicare RX plan? If they’re expensive medications (in the $40-$100 range or higher when you refill them) then it’s time for a review.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (also known as AEP) ends December 7th, if you’d like to schedule a no cost Medicare options review contact me soon, my calendar is already filling up!

I do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently I represent 5 organizations which offer 36 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1 800 MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.

Regarding a “standalone” Medicare RX plan, some plans used to not have a name brand drug deductible and now they do. Have your The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

Page 13

thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

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

FRIDAY | NOV. 10 MERMADE MARKET 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Mermade Market handmade bazaar is operating at the Ocean Institute with artisans, food trucks, and live music through Saturday, Nov. 11. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

SATURDAY | NOV. 11 SUP YOGA AND PADDLE WORKSHOP 8-9:30 a.m. iHeartYoga and Westwind Sailing have partnered with the Dana Point Harbor to offer a unique 90-minute paddle and yoga workshop. The first 30 minutes of the class is spent paddling, and the rest of the class is a yoga practice on the board.

The workshop is for all skill levels. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. iheartyoga.org.

HIKE AT SAN MATEO CAMPGROUND 9-11 a.m. Join California State Parks Naturalist Heather Rice to experience a local state park. Meet at the San Mateo Campground amphitheater for a 3-mile walk from Panhe Canyon to the ocean. Day-use fees apply. San Onofre State Beach, 830 Cristianitos Road, San Clemente. heather.rice@parks.ca.gov.

RE-WILD 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tree of Life Nursery is inviting the community to attend all or part of this event, which is meant to celebrate the best planting time for native species. Enjoy a day full of community and sharing Tree of Life’s passion for plants. Bring your own food, lunch, snacks and water. There will be speakers, a documentary screening of A Green Fire and a lunchtime reading circle.

Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. californianativeplants.com. ’80S CELEBRATION AT DELAHUNT Noon-9 p.m. Join Delahunt Brewing in celebrating its first batch of beer made with

Photo: File/Collin Breaux

SATURDAY | NOV. 11 : SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO VETERANS DAY CEREMONY 10-11 a.m. The City of San Juan Capistrano and American Legion Post 721 are hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Park. The program will include refreshments, as well as remarks from the local American Legion Post and Mayor Howard Hart. Veterans Park, 31872 Camino Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

80 BBL fermenters by offering guests a brewery tour and live music. The night will feature Delahunt’s Novemberfest Helles Lager, Orange Dream, Salvatore Italian Pilsner and Sunbather brews. Delahunt Brewing, 1011 Calle Recodo, San Clemente. delahuntbrewing.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 6 p.m. Join Haunted Orange County for a dark, history-filled ghost tour of San Juan Capistrano. Hear the stories of spirits that inhabit the old Los Rios District, and make your way through Camino Capistrano to the outskirts of the Mission itself. The tour ends outside the Mission, near the church where a great earthquake struck in 1812 and parishioners were crushed under falling stones.

The meeting location is just outside the brick visitor’s information booth near the train tracks located behind the Franciscan Plaza Parking Structure. 26732 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

MONDAY | NOV. 13 BRIDGE GAME 12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships.

They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

TUESDAY| NOV. 14

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

SURFSIDE QUILTERS GUILD FUNDRAISER 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the Surfside Quilters Guild for its November Fest fundraiser at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. There will be snacks and music, as well as opportunity baskets, a quilt auction, silent auction and a boutique.

This free event will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the sale of raffle tickets and auction paddles.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 33501 Stonehill Drive, Dana Point. surfsidequiltersguild.org.

WEDNESDAY | NOV. 15 TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team.

The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Rodney Crowell will perform as part of his The Chicago Sessions tour. Tickets are $45. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

SATURDAY | NOV. 17 FREE E-WASTE & SHREDDING EVENT 8-11 a.m. The event is on a first-come, first-

Page 14

served basis. Once the trucks are full, the event will close. This is a completely drive-thru event, so participants should enter through Alipaz Street and Via Positiva.

Place all items in your car trunk, remain in your car, and release your trunk for staff to unload items. Goodwill will collect old TV sets, computers, printers, phones, and other electronic items (known as e-waste). Southern California Shredding will provide document shredding services. There is a limit of four standard-size file boxes per car. No binders, wet documents, hanging file folders, cardboard, plastic bags or plastic media and no magazines or newspapers. For more information, reach out to our Environmental Programs Analyst Noreen Swiontek at 949.487.4307. San Juan Sports Park, 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano.

AFFORDABLE PET VACCINE CLINIC 4-5:30 p.m. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano offers low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. The low-cost clinic offers vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagnostic testing on-site. Pets Plus, 32022 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

1.800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

SUNDAY | NOV. 19 STAND UP TO TRASH BEACH CLEANUP: AMERICA RECYCLES DAY 9-11 a.m. Join Stand Up to Trash at Baby Beach and the Ocean Institute for a beach cleanup followed by a Lunch and Learn at the Ocean Institute. This month’s theme is America Recycles Day. Lunch will be provided. Dana Point Harbor, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. standuptotrash.com.

THURSDAY | NOV. 23 TURKEY TROT ON THE RANCH 8-10:30 a.m. Rancho Mission Viejo’s 7th annual Turkey Trot on The Ranch features a 10K, 5K, and a Little Gobbler’s 1K that takes participants through the beautiful pathways and walkways of the community of Rancho Mission Viejo. All proceeds from the run will benefit The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, the entity responsible for education and conservation of the historic land of Rancho Mission Viejo. This run will happen, rain or shine. Spectators are welcome to position themselves in different areas along the course, but they must stay off the course route to avoid interfering with the race participants. The Pavilion, 2 Tierno Road, Rancho Mission Viejo.

949.625.6500. ranchlife@rmvranchlife.com. turkeytrotontheranch.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

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AT THE MOVIES:

‘Priscilla’

BY MEGAN BIANCO

S

ofia Coppola’s Priscilla is not a movie for Elvis Presley fans. It’s barely a movie for fans who like Priscilla Presley.

It is essentially a movie for Sofia Coppola followers.

There are historical inaccuracies and creative liberties up the wazoo, and not even a single Elvis song to be found on the soundtrack.

It’s the antithesis of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis (2022) from just 15 months ago, in both good and bad ways.

Rather than portray the “First Lady of Rock & Roll” as sassy and free-spirited like how Olivia DeJonge was in Luhrmann’s feature, 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu (Cailee Spaeny) is introduced in Coppola’s picture as a bored wallflower who is stuck in West Germany while her stepfather Paul (Ari Cohen) is stationed there as a U.S. Air Force officer in 1959.

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE:

Foghat to Fete New Album, ‘Sonic Mojo’

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

A

s Foghat’s lead guitarist, engineer and producer, Bryan Bassett knows what he wants in the band’s music.

For the act’s forthcoming record, Sonic Mojo, Bassett wanted to continue Foghat’s penchant for authenticity.

“It’s very honest, not overproduced or anything,” said Bassett of the band that scored hits with “Slow Ride” and “Ride, Ride, Ride.”

“I wanted it to translate to the stage. We needed to ensure every part of it could be played live. That was important to me as a producer, to make sure the songs were just us, rocking out and playing.”

Foghat will do just that when it celebrates the release of Sonic Mojo on Nov. 17 at The Coach House. The album hits streaming services on Friday, Nov. 10.

“We’re pretty excited to get out and have the fans hear the new music,” he said.“We have a couple of songs already out there.

But Sonic Mojo has six new originals and six covers. We recorded it over the course of the last year.”

Among the tracks on Sonic Mojo are “Let Me Love You Baby” by Willie Dixon; Rodney Crowell’s “Song for the Life”; and “Promised Land” by Chuck Berry.

“It’s Foghat tradition to take an old blues

Almost instantly, things appear to fall into place for Priscilla—from being invited to a house party where 24-yearold superstar Elvis Presley (Jacob Elrodi) is attending while drafted into military service, to being asked out by the rock star, to eventually being invited to live at his estate Graceland back in the States by the time she’s 17.

In between homework, parties, photoshoots and dates, we see that not all is perfect while dating and being married to the biggest star in the world.

Much of the attention before Priscilla was released was on the ridiculous height difference between Spaeny and Elrodi, as well as 24-year-old Spaeny’s believable baby face. It’s impossible to ignore the age difference physically, and it successfully doesn’t let us forget how inappropriate the couple are during their courtship.

But while the tone works for the first hour of the film, the second half should have us seeing some growth in both Priscilla’s maturity and the dynamic between the pair. Instead, we meander for various scenes of the ingénue going along with the rock-wife life and accepting that her husband cheats on her and neglects her

song and rock it up a little bit,” Bassett said.

The London-born Foghat was founded in 1971 when Dave Peverett and Roger Earl left Kim Simmonds-fronted Savoy Brown.

Since then, Foghat has earned eight gold records, one platinum record and one double-platinum record.

Founding songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Peverett died in 2000, followed by slide guitarist Rod Price five years later. In 2018, longtime bassist Craig MacGregor passed away.

Despite the losses, founding drummer Roger Earl kept the legacy alive. Besides Bassett and Earl, Foghat includes singer/ bassist Rodney O’Quinn and lead vocalist/ guitarist Scott Holt, whose credits include performing with Buddy Guy. For the original tracks on Sonic Mojo, Foghat asked Simmonds if he had any songs he wanted to hear.

“He sent four,” Bassett said of Simmonds.

“We recorded three of them. We’re blessed to have three of his last compositions on the record. We dedicated the album to him. That’s an interesting thing about the record.”

Bassett said Sonic Mojo fits in well with the catalog, as each effort features Earl’s drumming.

“What gives Foghat its flavor are the drum tracks,” he said.

“We’re blues rock, and we haven’t gone too far from that, except for a couple songs—‘Promised Land’ and one written by Colin Earl of Mungo Jerry,‘Wish I’d a Been There’—that leans a little country,” he continued.“Our fans might be a little surprised

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of A24 Films

regularly.

By the time she’s 27 and realizes being married to a famous musician might not be worth it, we’ve already reached the end credits.

Along with the fact that huge periods of time are glossed over throughout the film, we’re left wondering if Priscilla might have been stronger if the characters were fictional and loosely based on real celebrities.

What does work in the film is all from

Coppola. The indie filmmaker’s movies are known for their distinctly feminine “vibes,” and there are plenty of them here, especially during the scenes where Priscilla is by herself.

In an era when we’re getting swarmed with quick, straight-to-streaming movies with barely an artistic touch, it’s nice to be reminded of an auteur’s signature directing style. Depending on whom you are a fan of, Priscilla may or may not be for you.

(From left) Foghat’s guitarist and lead vocalist Scott Holt, bass player Rodney O’Quinn, drummer Roger Earl and lead guitarist Bryan Bassett will feature their album Sonic Mojo at The Coach House on Nov. 17.

Photo: Courtesy of Foghat

by that.‘Wish I’d a Been There’ is his lament about never seeing Hank Williams Sr. in concert.”

Bassett’s career reads like a rock ‘n’ roll encyclopedia. He served as a session guitarist for King Snake Studio and a member of The Midnight Creepers and Blue House.

He wielded the ax for Molly Hatchet, and released a slew of records on his own, including Devil’s Canyon.

In January 1998, he recorded the CD Silent Reign of Heroes, followed by Kingdom of XII in 2000. A founding member of Wild Cherry, Bassett also performed with Airborne, T-Dice and The Silencers.

In terms of Foghat, Bassett spends 60 to 70 days on the road. This winter, it will reconfigure its concerts to keep it fresh for the band—and its fans.

“We try to change songs every year, add to the set, pull deep album tracks,” he said.

“That way, fans who come see us every Page 17

year get a different show. We get on socials to find out which songs fans would like to hear from the old album tracks.”

Bassett said it’s been easy to stay passionate about his craft, nearly 50 years in.

“There’s nothing more fun to me than plugging my guitar into a loud Marshall amp and making a racket,” he said with a laugh.

“I still feel like a 20-year-old playing in my garage. We’re getting together this afternoon. Playing music with friends—it doesn’t get any better than that.”

SHOW DETAILS:

What: Foghat Sonic Mojo Release Party When: Nov. 17 at 8 p.m.

Where: The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano For tickets or more info: thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $59

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

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

A New Senior Concern: The Cost of Living Alone

I

n the past 10 days, two South County A Laguna Woods woman a women in their 60s emailed me year older has moved in with to say they have a room to rent him. Were there financial benein their homes. They need to infits? Yes, and other pluses as well. crease their income. Both asked Is moving in as easy as just if I knew of any senior singles handing over a key to the front seeking a place to live. door? Of course not. There are One has a two-bedroom home many considerations. For examin Rancho Mission Viejo and the ON LIFE AND LOVE ple, what if the person who owns other a two-bedroom apartment AFTER 50 the home passes away first?

BY TOM BLAKE in the Dana Point Town Center.

What happens to the roommate?

And it’s not only women who Will he or she have to find another place are finding the increasing cost of living to live? challenging. Larry, age 74, a friend of mine Moving in isn’t solely a decision bein Florida, informed me that his girlfriend tween two seniors who love each other. of three years had moved in with him. He Many roommate situations are non-rosaid financial considerations were part of mantic. Regardless, a living-together writthe reason. ten arrangement needs to be drafted by a Wayne, 70, an Orange County friend, relawyer to protect both the property owncently wrote, “I’m starting to think about er and the roommate. my declining cash account, as unexpected If the person who owns the home has expenses have occurred. Special condochildren, you can bet the family is going minium assessments and inflation in the to be very curious about the arrangement last few years are the reasons. with the roommate. The kids will be un“I’m weighing my options … maybe a derstandably concerned that their inherimajor change in my lifestyle in SoCal or tance won’t vanish. moving out of state. But I’m not excited How is that dealt with? Hopefully, it about either option.” will be agreed upon between the two peoI asked Wayne about getting a roomple before the move-in. mate.

A few months after Greta, my life part“That’s a thought,” he said, “but I’ve ner of 25 years, passed away, I decided to lived alone for 12 years, and my place try online dating. Shortly after posting isn’t that big. I’m sorting this out, but I’ll my profile on a dating site, an attractive have to address this soon.” woman from Oceanside said she wanted Another buddy of mine, Ray, 83, moved to meet me. She was 23 years younger. to Laguna Woods a year ago. He was hapWe had two one-hour dates walking py living alone. I figured that his living in Dana Point Harbor. Then, she emailed arrangement wouldn’t last long, considerand said she’d like to move into my Dana ing the number of delightful senior single Point home with me. She added that with women living there. I was right. such a large age difference between us, I’d

likely pass before she passed.

And when that happened, she wouldn’t want to be tossed to the curb. Hence, she would want my estate plan altered to leave the house to her, before she moved in.

I was appalled. So were my beneficiaries.

When I said no, she said “goodbye.”

If any readers are looking for a room to rent, email me at tompblake@gmail.com, and I will forward your information to those two lovely women mentioned above.

Oh, my, the challenges of senior dating.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times 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 SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ sanclementetimes.com.

Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES This 1972 photo by Alice Chandler shows cattle in Rancho Mission Viejo.

Every week, the San Clemente Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Mike

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

Meet Mike, a 6-month-old cutie looking to find his forever family. Though he can sometimes be a little shy at first meeting, Mike is a very affectionate boy who loves to cuddle with you. He also gets along well with other cats and has been a wonderful big brother to his foster siblings. If you’re looking for a fun and loving kitty companion, you can’t go wrong with a sweetie like Mike.

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

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S 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

Page 18

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Eat My Words by Cheryl Pruett

Give Thanks for the Little Things—Including Tiny Bites, Small Plates & Sweet Treats

T

hanksgiving month is usuGive thanks for pork belly ally filled with big meals bites: slow-roasted pork belly and plates piled high with honey-serrano, green tomaeven when you dine out for the tillo salsa, which is served with holiday. mini corn tortillas.

However, think about the small flavors and treats you can Nick’s EAT MY WORDS appreciate. It doesn’t need to be 213 Avenida del Mar, San ClemBY CHERYL PRUETT traditional Thanksgiving fare to ente, 949.481.2200. be on the grateful list. nicksrestaurants.com.

Because November seems the Warm Butter Cake is Nick’s appropriate month to give thanks for all signature dessert. A warm cake with the small things packed with big flavors, crystallized sugar crust, served with here are foods you may not know you’re vanilla ice cream and berry compote missing, but perhaps should try. garnish.

Find new things to appreciate in a time of traditional nibbles.

DANA POINT TASTY BITES Kawamata Seafood SAN CLEMENTE SMALL BITES 26881 Camino de Estrella, Dana Point/ Rapport Coffee by Café Smith Capistrano Beach, 949.248.1914.

A rather rare find: spam musubi. A bite 647 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, for lunch or simply a snack, it is grilled rapportcoffeecs.com.

Be grateful for a perfect combo: spam on rice and wrapped with nori.

Croffle. The hybrid pastry is a cross Eden Vegan Restaurant between a croissant and a waffle.

32860 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point (Monarch Bay Plaza), 949.503.2163.

Sol Agave edendanapoint.com.

111 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.312-2210, solagave.com.

Vegan Bomber french fries are crispy

fries with chopped marinated vegan steak, mushrooms, jalapenos, and house ranch dressing with coconut oil. A healthy thank you, indeed.

Bonjour Café 24633 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.496.6368. bonjourcafe.com.

Merci to the Quiche du Jardin with spinach, mushrooms, Swiss cheese and sweet onions.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO MORSELS Ramos House Café 31752 Los Rios, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1342. ramoshouse.com.

Cinnamon apple beignets are a perfect reason to give thanks for a breakfast or brunch treat.

The delicate, deep-fried pastry is worth a try.

Parmiss Mediterranean Restaurant 31952 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.503.1249. parmissrestaurant.com.

Be grateful for the flavors the world offers, including Tahdig Fesenjan, a traditional Persian stew with pomegranate

paste and walnuts over crispy rice.

Fesenjan stew also comes with chicken.

Five Vines Wine Bar 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.800.9145. fivevineswinebar.com.

Thanks go out to co-owner Suzy Fairchild-Fisher’s mom, Marianne.

Her Mormor’s Famous Cheese Ball has some secret ingredients, but the family recipe consists of bleu cheese, black olives, chives and other hush-hush ingredients— all rolled on crushed walnuts and served with crackers and sliced apple.

FYI: Mormor is Swedish for mother’s-mother. Thanks, Mom! Cheryl Pruett is an award-winning journalist and editor, having covered Orange County city and county topics to the food scene for Orange County Register, Patch.com and local magazines. She has called Dana Point/Capistrano Beach home for more than 30 years. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times 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 SC Times or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Life and Times of Native Juaneños—Part 2

I

n Part 2 of the article on the history of the Juaneños based on John Harrington’s research and the writings of Father Boscana, it is of interest to read about the culture of people who lived in our area 10,000 years before the missionaries arrived.

Their history and culture were based on an oral tradition, which survived thousands of years.

From Boscana’s book: “The instructions which the parents gave their children had their moral virtues, for the parents and grandparents took care very earnestly that their children be well brought up and good, because if one of them turned out perverse, although they quickly removed him from their midst, they were disgraced.”

Boscana added, “If they did not follow carefully what was being taught them … that they should not be thieves, or liars, that they should not injure people, should not fight with one another, and

should not use bad words, and, above all, that they should not make fun of the old people, but should respect and fear them; and that if they did not give heed to these instructions which their parents gave them, the God Chingchinix would punish them.”

Boscana continued: “The place from which those who populated this Mission and its environs came from a place called Sejavit, at which place or rancheria the inhabitants were called Putuidem.”

The city or rancheria had many inhabitants. When Sejavit got too big to sustain itself, the Chief and his eldest daughter went to establish another community that they called Putuidem. The Chief left his daughter Coronne in charge.

The name Putuidem came from the fact that Coronne had a lump on her navel, and Putuidem means navel sticking out.

According to notes by Harrington, the

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

lump must have come after her birth, or her name would have been Putuidem and not Coronne.

Following a great feast to welcome all new settlers to the rancheria, Putuidem lay down and became part of the earth.

As of this time, the settlers renamed themselves Acagchemem. Prior to the founding of Putuidem, the language that was spoken was Sejat, but after the new community was founded, they started speaking a different dialect to distinguish themselves from Seget relatives.

However, when Father Serra named the Mission, he added the village name and called the place the Mission of San Juan Capistrano of Sejavit. All in all, there were 15 rancherias (villages, towns or tribes) founded by these first settlers in this area.

Today, you can spend a “Moment in Time” and visit Putuidem and the Blas Aguilar Adobe and learn more about the culture and lifestyle of the Native Ameri-

Page 19

cans who first settled in our area.

They hunted in the hills, they gathered wild berries, and they fished down at the ocean for thousands of years before the missionaries came.

When we sit for Thanksgiving and remember the first, we should not forget our local Native Americans, who have a long and rich history and who are still an integral part of our community today.

Jan Siegel was a 33-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and now resides in the neighboring town of Rancho Mission Viejo.

She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years, has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 26 years and is currently the museum curator for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC SPORTS

TAKING FLIGHT CVCS girls volleyball wins first CIF-SS title since 1992

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

C

apistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball has been on the precipice of greatness for so long, but the Eagles couldn’t get over the championship hump each time they climbed the ladder..

CVCS lost in the CIF-SS Division 9 Final in 2016, dropped the Division 8 Final in 2017 and were runner-up in Division 7 in 2021. The Eagles lost in the semifinals of Division 5 last season, and even the girls’ first foray into the CIF-SS beach volleyball championships ended in a title-game defeat.

However, all of that was put behind CVCS with the cap of a dominant run on Saturday morning, Nov. 4.

Capistrano Valley Christian fought off push after push from El Dorado to sweep a tightly contested CIF-SS Division 4 Final, 26-24, 25-23, 25-21, at Cerritos College for

the program’s first CIF-SS championship since 1992.

“We’ve been so close and fell so short so many times,” Eagles senior Kenna Henjum said. “To get here and get it done, all the hard work is paying off. It made all those hours in the weight room and the gym all worth it. We’re such a close team, so it’s like winning with your sisters.”

CVCS (33-5) also qualified for the CIF State Division II playoffs, but the Eagles were swept in the first round on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

The Eagles capped a dominant run through the San Joaquin League in which CVCS did not drop a set in its 12 league matches, and Capistrano Valley Christian lost just one set in its run to the CIF-SS championship.

“It feels amazing,” CVCS senior Camille Solovjev said. “The amount of work we put in since the beginning of July, it was

Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball did not drop a set in league play and lost just one set in the Division 4 playoffs, as the Eagles won their first CIF-SS championship since 1992. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

for this moment. All the hard work, dedication, all the practices, everything. We pulled it off.”

Capistrano Valley Christian won its first CIF-SS championship in 1992 in Division V, the fifth of six CIF-SS divisions back then.

The Eagles are champions for the second time, with a win in Division 4 after building back up from Division 9 to now.

“We were laughing, because we said, ‘We didn’t do it in D9. We didn’t do it in

D7. We missed it in D5. Lost in the beach finals in D2,’ ” CVCS head coach Kelle Bond said. “Just the hard word and sacrifice the girls put in. We had to be that much more intentional and more disciplined, because it was D4.”

Henjum was everywhere for CVCS on Saturday with team-highs in kills (14), digs (24) and aces (4). Solovjev registered 19 digs, and Shauna McDowell led with 16 assists. CD

TITLE PRIDE JSerra girls volleyball wins first-ever CIF-SS championship

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

I

n a prolific season for the JSerra girls volleyball team, the Lions finally reached the top of the mountain.

JSerra fought off several late pushes from Trinity League rival Orange Lutheran to sweep the Lancers, 25-22, 25-23, 25-17, to capture the Lions’ first-ever CIF-SS championship in the Division 2 Final at Cerritos College on Saturday, Nov. 4.

“It’s crazy. I still can’t believe it,” JSerra senior Tatum Johnson said. “Like, I’m shaking from the game. Just to get to play with all my best friends and have this huge honor of winning CIF. It’s amazing.

It’s a great feeling.”

JSerra (32-10) advanced to the CIF State Division I Playoffs, where the Lions won their opener in a sweep over Edison on Tuesday, Nov. 7. JSerra hosted Palos Verdes in the second round on Thursday, Nov. 9,

but results were not available at press time.

If JSerra advanced, they would play at Alemany or host Redondo Union in the regional semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 11.

Last Saturday was JSerra’s first official trip to the CIF-SS Final. The Lions had advanced to the Division 3 Final in 2021, but following their semifinal victory, JSerra self-reported that it had used an ineligible player in the CIF-SS playoffs and was removed ahead of the title match.

“All of my seniors were sophomores then,” JSerra head coach Mike Murphy said. “So, really, this is for them. They had to walk through all the emotions back in the day. We had to do the right thing at the hardest time. I feel full circle. It’s not an accident. Things happen. You just make the best out of everything, and you put your head down and go to work.

That’s what they did all season.”

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

JSerra volleyball won its first-ever CIF-SS championship in its first-ever CIF-SS Final with a sweep victory over league rival Orange Lutheran on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Cerritos College. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

JSerra has set a program record for wins this season that will only continue to climb if the Lions advance through the CIF State playoffs.

“We have so much depth on the team,” JSerra senior Reese Brown said. “Everybody can do their job, and we trust each other. That’s what I think makes us really special.”

Johnson led the Lions with 10 kills against Orange Lutheran. Brown was

Page 20

second with nine. Sophomore Presley Johnson nailed a team-high three aces.

Sophomore Emma Champagne had four block assists, just ahead of Johnson and sophomore Charlotte Nowak with three.

Senior Jessica Bates led JSerra with 19 assists, and sophomore Sara Moynihan posted 14 assists. Senior Payton Mossbarger defended a team-high 19 digs, with freshman Katherine Nowak contributing 15 digs. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

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Kathleen (Kathy) Hartung Kathleen (Kathy) Hartung, age 75, of San Juan Capistrano, passed away peacefully with her family lovingly by her side on September 22, 2023 after health complications related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Kathy was born on May 21, 1948 to Louella and John Roddy in Santa Monica, California. Kathy is survived by her husband Jack, her son Jason and his wife Paddy, brother John and his wife Sabrina.

Kathy grew up in the Santa Monica. She graduated from Venice High School. In 1970 became a flight attendant for TWA. In 1971, Kathy met and married her husband Jack.

In April of 1975 Kathy gave birth to their son Jason. While taking care of her family, Jack and Jason, she went back to college and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree from San Diego State University and later on after moving to San Jose, earned her Master of Arts in Sociology degree from San Jose State University.

When free time availed itself, Kathy was planning family trips throughout the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Africa, and Australia.

Want to reach 24,150+ people in the SJC & RMV area?

CLASSIFIEDS

Then you need to be in The Capo Dispatch! Call Debra at 949.388.7700 ext.

104

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano + the Rancho Mission Viejo area? Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

Contact Debra at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

Kathy always had a wonderful time traveling but was at her best with family and friends or just hanging out with the dogs at home.

Kathy and family lived in San Juan Capistrano area for the last 40 years. She taught part time for the Capistrano Unified School District.

Kathy loved playing competitive tennis for local clubs in San Juan Capistrano.

Kathy, we thank you for being Jack’s wife and best friend. We also thank you for being the best mother you knew how to be for your son Jason.

For Kathy, being of Irish descendents, we offer to all an Irish Blessing: May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face the rain fall soft upon your fields until we meet again may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Kathy’s family and friends ask that donations be made in memory of Kathy to ESRA, English Springer Rescue America or Alzheimer’s Association

Want to reach 24,150+ people in the SJC & RMV area?

Then you need to be in The Capo Dispatch! Call Debra at 949.388.7700 ext. 104

Page 21

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SJC SPORTS

TOPSY TURVY San Juan Hills football capitalizes on turnovers, shows top-seed mettle in Division 3 first-round win

BY ZACH CAVANAGH he CIF-SS “competitive equity” playoff model has shrunk the differences from the top and bottom of each division’s playoff brackets, but San Juan Hills looked every bit of a No. 1 seed last Friday night, Nov. 3.

The Stallions forced three first-half turnovers and scored on each of them in a string of four consecutive scoring drives, as San Juan Hills took down visiting St. Francis of La Canada, 37-18, in a CIF-SS Division 3 first-round playoff game.

San Juan Hills (10-1) will go on the road in the Division 3 quarterfinals this Friday, Nov. 10, at Citrus Valley High in Redlands.

Citrus Valley (8-3) defeated Leuzinger, 1714, in the first round.

If San Juan Hills advances, the Stallions will either host St. Bonaventure of Ventura or travel to Cajon of San Bernardino for the CIF-SS semifinals on Nov. 17.

“I believe in these guys,” Stallions coach Rob Frith said. “I think tonight is the best

T

team game we’ve played. We had a lot of guys contribute on both sides of the football. It’s a team win. We are a team. We are a unit.”

Despite being slotted into the No. 1 seed in Division 3 after the decision for an eight-team Division 1 brought up the Division 2 cutoff, San Juan Hills wasn’t given a traditional cupcake No. 16 seed.

St. Francis (8-3) was co-champion of the Angelus League and back-to-back CIF-SS runner-up in Divisions 4 and 5.

“Whether you’re the No. 1 seed or not, everyone in this division is good,” Frith said.“We just look at it as us versus our opponent. There’s no No. 1 seed. There’s no No. 2 seed. Now it’s just teams playing ball.

Every team is a formidable opponent. Every single game we play in these playoffs, we’re probably going to play the best team we’ve seen all year.”

Based on the CalPreps ratings that are used to create the CIF-SS playoff divisions, St. Francis (35.7) was the highest-rated

CVCS FOOTBALL FALLS SHORT TO BECKMAN IN DIVISION 10 FIRST ROUND

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH eeking to exorcise the playoff demons that befell Capistrano Valley Christian last season, the Eagles couldn’t break through and fell, 14-9, to Beckman last Friday, Nov. 3, to end their 2023 campaign.

CVCS (8-2) entered the contest with essentially the same optics as in 2022– an 8-1 team that had the challenge of hosting a larger public school as its firstround opponent. Both results turned out to be the same, forcing the Eagles to bow out of the CIF Southern Section Division 10 playoffs in the first round after capturing another Mesquite League title.

S

The Eagles pushed inside the Beckman 20-yard line twice in the second half, down by the same five points as the final score each time. CVCS opted to attempt a fourth-down conversion on both occasions, with quarterback Nate Richie throwing an interception the first time and a pass that was completed short of the first-down sticks on the second.

Head coach Eric Preszler credited the Beckman defense, saying his team needed to take its chances when available.

“When you get a chance to get down there versus these guys, you’ve got to capitalize,” Preszler said. “We just had a couple of miscues in key moments down

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10 - November 23, 2023

San Juan Hills football forced three turnovers and scored off each one in a win over St. Francis of La Canada in the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs last Friday, Nov. 3. The Stallions now travel to Citrus Valley in Redlands this Friday, Nov. 10.

Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

team San Juan Hills has faced this season, just a smidge above Tesoro (35.5). Frith’s logic tracks, as the Stallions move on to face Citrus Valley (37.8).

On Friday, San Juan Hills ended three of St. Francis’ first four drives by forcing a turnover to set up scores shortly thereafter.

St. Francis’ third play from scrimmage was an incomplete pass that was ruled a lateral fumble, which was recovered by Isaiah Bennett to put San Juan Hills at the Golden Knights’ 7-yard line. Despite the protest of the St. Francis coach, the Stallions took over, and on the ensuing 4th-and-goal play, quarterback Timmy Herr snuck in the 1-yard touchdown for the early lead.

Four plays into the Golden Knights’ next

drive, Chris Williams snagged his first of two interceptions, and San Juan Hills scored minutes later on a 14-yard catchand-run by Sullivan Land. The extra point was no good for a 13-0 lead.

St. Francis responded with a touchdown drive to open the second quarter, and San Juan Hills came right back to score on a drive when its air attack clicked in. Jason Robinson Jr. shook his defender to stand alone in the end zone for a 12-yard strike from Herr and a 20-7 lead.

Two plays into the ensuing St. Francis drive, Williams struck again with a pick, jumping on the route and setting up the Stallions deep in Golden Knights territory.

Manuel Maganda capitalized with a 38yard field goal for a 16-point lead. CD

there that made it so we couldn’t do that.”

Richie operated the offense well overall, going 18-28 passing for 176 yards, but streaks of incompletions—of which a few could be attributed to drops— proved costly.

Junior receivers Max Krosky and Heath Carlson helped move the ball forward. Krosky caught six passes for 63 yards, and Carlson notched 49 yards on five catches.

The Eagles’ only touchdown came midway through the second quarter. Down, 7-3, after an offensive holding penalty had appeared to stall the drive, CVCS converted a fourth-and-6 for a fake-punt score. The long snapper got the ball to running back JP Synnott, who caught the Patriots by surprise and escaped a couple of tackle attempts for a 52-yard touchdown.

Preszler said Beckman gave the Eagles the look they wanted to run the play.

“Field position-wise, it was a good spot to do it,” he said. “It was still long enough of a fourth down that they had to think it’s not really a good time to fake it based on the distance, but the position was good.”

Beckman (9-2) went 3-and-out twice in the first quarter but found its groove in the second. Makhi Czaykowski broke a 20-yard run to start the quarter, setting up the Patriots for a methodical drive that ended with a 6-yard touchdown run from quarterback Austin Shepard.

After the fake punt put CVCS back in the lead, 9-7, it was time for Shepard to flex his passing capabilities. Shepard led a 68-yard drive in which he accounted for all but four yards, finding Dominic Thompson in between two defenders for a 12-yard score seconds before the half ended.

Czaykowski finished with 76 yards on 18 carries.

Preszler spoke of the program’s journey after the pandemic and the work it took to vault CVCS to Division 10. He added that his team came to play Friday and played a “physical brand of football” that gave them a chance to win.

“I’m proud of the growth that we made,” said Preszler. “We’re not going backwards; we’re going forward, (and we’re going to keep) climbing the ladder.

I think we’ve proven that we belong in Orange County football.” CD

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