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CD |Council Approves New Additions for SJC Wall of Recognition

Former longtime Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ronald Denman, equestrian Kathy Holman, and past Mayor Joe Soto will be added to the San Juan Capistrano Wall of Recognition as 2021 honorees.

The council approved the nominees during a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 2. The three community members were chosen from a pool of four honorees, with developer Dan Almquist also nominated but not chosen. City officials wanted to stick with a limit of three honorees. The Wall of Recognition is intended to honor community members who have made a substantial positive impact on the area, and it is on display at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center.

Councilmember Howard Hart nominated Denman, citing his 46 years of residency in San Juan and his key role in establishing and naming Reata Park. Holman was nominated by the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort Foundation due to her role in maintaining and promoting San Juan’s equestrian heritage. Soto was nominated by numerous community members, including Tom Hribar and John Caldwell, because of his support of local institutions that include CREER and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Almquist was nominated by the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society due to his downtown properties and development projects playing a role in revitalizing the area through business income. A subcommittee comprised of Mayor John Taylor and Councilmember Troy Bourne reviewed the nominations.

CD |Goin’ Native Announces New Executive Director

Marianne Taylor, founder and longtime executive director for Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens—a nonprofit in San Juan Capistrano that teaches special-needs people and military veterans, among others, about gardening in Los Rios Park and other local outdoor locations—is handing off the executive director reins to Kelly Kneubuhl.

“I’m excited to join the Goin’ Native family,” Kneubuhl said in a prepared statement. “These very special environments have been cared for by incredibly dedicated volunteers and enjoyed by so many who need them the most.”

Kneubuhl comes from a family farming

Local equestrian Kathy Holman is among the new names going up on San Juan Capistrano’s Wall of Recognition. Photo: Collin Breaux

background in Los Angeles County and the South Pacific Islands. She lives in Laguna Niguel with her partner, Dan, as well as her daughter and his two sons. Kneubuhl plans to continue Goin’ Native’s gardening work with developmentally disabled adults, military families, and others.

“Kelly has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 11 years, serving underprivileged families, at-risk youth, and seniors,” a biography said. “She is a proud caregiver for two young adults with autism, one who has been visiting the garden for the past two years.”

The leadership transition was effective on Nov. 1. Taylor was the executive director for eight years.

CD |Capistrano Valley Toyota Partners with 2-1-1 Orange County to Assist Local Veterans

Capistrano Valley Toyota is pairing up with 2-1-1 Orange County—a nonprofit that maintains an information and referral system for community health and human services and support—to collect useful items for gift bags that will be distributed to Orange County veterans in need.

“To encourage donations of the items during the month of November, the dealership will give customers a 10% discount on all vehicle services and parts purchases, except tires,” a news release said. “Acceptable donations include military coins, American flag keychains, small notebooks, movie tickets, along with non-politically labeled items such as new and unused Thermos-style drink containers, coffee mugs, tumblers, plastic, or stainless-steel water bottles and hats, plus hats with American flags. Restaurant or retail gift cards with available amounts of $5 or more are also encouraged.”

Collection bins will be located in the dealership’s service section. Customers can also make cash donations to 211OC in support of veterans.

“Our goal is to make a positive impact on the community around us that we love. In a land of plenty that was supported by these veterans, there is still a lot of need, and 211OC is helping solve that need,” said Brendan Harrington, general manager of Capistrano Valley Toyota. 211OC President and CEO Karen Williams said they are delighted to partner with Capistrano Valley Toyota, thanking them for helping assist local veterans in need. The dealership is located at 33395 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call 949.429.0405.

CD |Capistrano Lights Holiday Program Returns to Mission San Juan Capistrano

An annual holiday tradition is returning to a famous South Orange County historical site at the end of the year.

Capistrano Lights, which features seasonal decorations and other fun activities, will be showcased at Mission San Juan Capistrano on select dates in December starting on Dec. 4. The events will start at 4 p.m. on the select dates, which run through Dec. 30.

“As Orange County’s very first Christmas was most likely celebrated here, we take great pride in delivering a meaningful tradition for those looking to experience the religious, spiritual and emotional value of the season with loved ones,” Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive COMMUNITY MEETINGS

SATURDAY, NOV. 13 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.

MONDAY, NOV. 15 Parks, Equestrian & Community Services Commission 5:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Parks, Equestrian and Community Services Commission will hold a regular meeting. The public can attend in person or watch online at the city website. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 19 Coffee Chat 8:30 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. The first Friday of the month will be held on Zoom, with in-person gatherings on all other Fridays at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

TUESDAY, NOV. 23 Cultural Heritage Commission 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission will hold a regular meeting. The public can attend in person or watch online at the city website. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24 Planning Commission 6:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting. The public can attend in person or watch online at the city website. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 26 The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams said in a prepared statement.

Tickets became available on Nov. 2 for Mission Preservation Society members and on Nov. 9 for the general public, and they can be purchased at capistranolights.com. Planned festivities will include holiday carolers, a nightly tree lighting, photo opportunities with Santa, and children’s craft activities.

The Serra Chapel will also be open during evening hours, and prayer candles will be available to remember loved ones.

OBITUARY

Pat Marshall Murphy

June 2, 1925-October 12, 2021

Pat Marshall Murphy, aged 96, passed away at his beloved San Clemente home on Tuesday, October 12.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Eileen, and son Pat Jr. He loved his family, sports, history, medicine, music and dancing.

Pat was born in the heart of Los Angeles on June 2, 1925. He graduated from Glendale High and immediately joined the Navy, where he served as a corpsman in the Pacific theater of WWII. He attended Pepperdine College, where he played football and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Soon after, he met his future wife Eileen McCready, an RN. Pat joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1953, and after a few years on the job, he and Eileen moved to the San Fernando Valley to start their family. In 1969, the parents of seven moved to their treasured San Clemente beach house. “Mr. Murf” spent the rest of his years playing cards at Second Spot, loving his community and watching his family grow. He is greatly missed.

He is survived by his children; Sherry, Dennis (Kelly), Tim (Rhonda), Shauna (Jerry), Mike, and Jamie (Laura), along with 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. -Private Memorial