August 24, 2018

On Stage at The Coach House: Amanda Shires OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

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FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

AUGUST 24-SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 • VOLUME 16, ISSUE 16

Football Preview Get ready for another season of football SPECIAL SECTION

(L to R) Joey Hobert, Cade Albright, Sean Rhyan and Carson Lewis lead San Juan Hills football as the Stallions come into 2018 with a new coach, league title aspirations and a jump to Division 2. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

New School Year Brings New Principals, New Classes and New Tech EYE ON SJC/PAGE 7

Shea Summer Campers Receive Lesson in ‘Steer Roping’ SJC LIVING/PAGE 20

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Then and Now: How Serra’s Chapel Got Its Centerpiece SJC LIVING/PAGE 21

GO TO THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week San Juan Capistrano Man Dies Following Taser Incident THE LATEST: A 23-year-old man died Monday, Aug. 20, following an incident in a San Juan Capistrano shopping center where police used an electronic stun gun to subdue him, according to an Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) news release.

Andru Maldonado of San Juan Capistrano died about 5:45 p.m. at a hospital following the incident.

Authorities were summoned to the shopping center in the 32000 block of Camino Capistrano around 4:40 p.m. after receiving a report that man was “acting erratically” and entering and exiting businesses in the area, according to the release.

Officials said deputies tried to contact and later arrest Maldonado on suspicion of multiple violations, including impeding traffic and refusing to comply with their commands. They say he resisted and that’s when the deputies deployed their stun guns.

“The man became unresponsive and both deputies and Orange County Fire Authority paramedics administered CPR,” the release states. “The subject was transported to a local hospital.”

Video posted on social media of the incident shows Maldonado walking in and out of traffic and making wild movements with his arms before he is approached by a sheriff’s deputy.

When an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy attempts to make contact with Maldonado, Maldonado continues to move away. He’s later seen running into the parking lot of the nearby shopping center with deputies chasing after him. The video does not show the use of the electronic stun gun.

WHAT’S NEXT: Officials say the incustody death will be investigated by the Orange County District Attorney’s office and the OCSD Homicide, per protocol.

Maldonado’s cause of death will not be released until the investigation is completed.

—Alex Groves

The Ecology Center, which operates the Joel Congdon House, will be taking over 27 acres of farm land adjacent to its property following an approval by the city council on Aug. 21. Photo: File

The Ecology Center Set to Expand THE LATEST: The Ecology Center—a non-profit organization that encourages farming, sustainability and farm to table food—will be expanding its operations into a 27-acre farm property following a unanimous approval by the City Council during its Aug. 21 meeting.

The council approved an agreement allowing the nonprofit to take over operations of the adjacent city-owned Kinoshita farm site, previously managed by South Coast Farms, to continue farming there and eventually turn the site into a community-serving facility described as a “Transformative Community Farm.”

The site could have such amenities as an agricultural public park with a diversified farming plan, a city trail, a culinary farm and institute, special event facility, on-site public parking and a café.

According to a city staff report, the rising cost of water not only led South Coast Farms to have difficulty maintaining its continued commercial farming operation but also led to the farm owing roughly $300,000 in unpaid water costs.

The report notes that the owner of South Coast Farms and the neighboring Ecology Center had been in talks over the last year about how they could preserve the agricultural nature of the site.

Under the agreement, the ecology center would pay the city $25,000 to operate the site and an additional $8,000 toward the water debt each year, for a total payment of $99,000 within three fiscal years.

The cost of operating the site would increase to $35,000 and the payment for the water debt would increase to $10,000 in subsequent years.

Ecology Center Executive Director Evan Marks told the City Council that the

The Capistrano Dispatch August 24-September 14, 2018

organization was looking into dry farm agriculture for the site.

He said he envisioned growing crops around an “experiential framework” where people could pick their own crops on site and learn about what’s being grown.

WHAT’S NEXT: Sometime this fall, the Council is expected to look at initiating a specific plan amendment that would allow the Ecology Center to go forward with its plan of creating the “Transformative Community Farm” concept and the buildings and structures that are onsite. —AG

Smoking Prohibited in City Public Parks THE LATEST: The City Council unanimously voted to add city parks to the list of places people are prohibited from smoking.

Before the council’s action, smoking was already prohibited in such locations as restaurants, retail stores, elevators and public restrooms.

The City Council action also revised a section of the municipal code to make it clear that smoking in both confined and unconfined spaces presents a danger to the health, safety and public welfare.

Asked by City Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson whether the prohibition extends to vaping, City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger said it did not.

WHAT’S NEXT: The City Council approved the ordinance as written, but directed city staff to bring the vaping issue back to a future council meeting. —AG

Council Supports Renaming Freeway THE LATEST: The City Council unaniPage 3

mously showed support for a State Senate resolution that would name a portion of Interstate 5 after a slain fire captain who lived in San Juan Capistrano.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 159, introduced by State Senator Pat Bates, would rename a portion of the freeway between Camino Las Ramblas and the Ortega Highway the “Long Beach Fire Captain David Rosa Memorial Highway”.

Rosa, a 17-year veteran of the Long Beach Fire Department, was shot while responding to reports of a fire and explosion in a high rise apartment complex for lowincome seniors in downtown Long Beach.

He was actively involved with San Juan Capistrano Little League, where he served as a president, umpire-in-chief, board member, manager and coach.

WHAT’S NEXT: The resolution passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on Aug. 21 but had not yet been approved by the Assembly Transportation Committee as of press time.

If approved, the California Department of Transportation will need to determine the cost for signage and erect that signage after receiving donations from non-state sources, according to a city staff report. — AG

Orange County D.A. Assembles New Task Force THE LATEST: Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas held a presentation at the San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting about a new task force he assembled that would investigate and prosecute sober living home abuses.

The Sober Living-Home Investigation and Prosecution (SLIP) task force has two prosecutors and four investigators who will look into abuses committed by sober living homes and incidences of fraud such as insurance fraud and food stamp fraud, according to Rackauckas.

Rackauckas said sober living homes have not only been identified in various scams, but have also been a contributing factor in homelessness in the area because some homes make their visitors leave when their insurance coverage runs out.

“Left without resources or a way to get home, these people, who came to Orange County looking for help, often get curbed, thrown out on the street and they become homeless, unintentionally contributing to our homeless problem we are experiencing here in Orange County,” he said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Rackauckas said he’s looking to grow the task force over time while working with other law enforcement agencies. He encouraged anyone with tips or information relevant to the task force to call 714.647.3228. —AG www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

San Juan Capistrano Boy Wins International Eco-Hero Award An 8-year-old San Juan Capistrano boy who started his own recycling company has been named the 2018 International Young Eco-Hero by environmental organization Action for Nature.

Ryan Hickman, who started Ryan’s Recycling Company with the help of his dad, has recycled roughly 370,000 cans and bottles in an effort to keep them out of landfills and “save the planet,” according to a news release.

According to the release, Hickman got his start in recycling when he was just 3 years old and told his dad that he wanted to start a recycling company.

What his dad thought was an interest that would only last a few weeks has since blossomed into a major passion for Hickman, who visits the beach every week to collect and remove trash so it cannot float out into the water.

Hickman has donated more than $8,000 in funds he raised by recycling and selling Ryan’s Recycling T-shirts to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

The youth has been on multiple TV shows to talk about his recycling efforts, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

There, he was presented with a check and a small truck he could drive around to collect bottles and cans.

The International Young Eco-Hero Award was established in 2003 and recognizes young people between the ages of 8 and 16 who take steps to solve tough environmental problems. This year, 19 youth from nine different countries were honored with the distinction.

San Juan Hills High School among Top 100 Public High Schools in California San Juan Hills High School in San Juan Capistrano was ranked as one of the top 100 of 1,700 public schools in California, according to rankings released by website Niche.com.

Out of 18,000 public schools nationally, the school was ranked at 473.

Niche’s website says it does its rankings based on a “rigorous analysis of academic and student life data” from the U.S. Department of Education that includes tests scores and college data.

Niche evaluates schools on academics, teachers, school diversity, college prep, health and safety and in all of those areas gave SJHHS a grade of A.

MONDAY, AUG. 27 Youth Advisory Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. The city’s Youth Advisory Board will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, AUG. 28

International Young Eco-Hero award winner Ryan Hickman at CarbonLITE’s bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in Riverside. Photo: Courtesy of CarbonLite

Boys & Girls Clubs in Orange County Surpass Fundraising Goal The Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley was among 15 Orange County chapters that collectively raised $225,000 in a single-day of fundraising on Wednesday, Aug. 15.

It was the first time that all 15 Orange County chapters of the organization joined together for a single-day fundraiser, part of the Orange County Community Foundation’s (OCCF) “Greatness Amplified” initiative.

Greatness Amplified was started by OCCF to enhance the capacity of local nonprofits through a series of Collaborative Giving Days. The initiative invites nonprofits with shared missions to come together to boost collective giving for their causes, according to a news release.

The Boys & Girls Club chapters surpassed their initial fundraising goal of $150,000. The $225,000 raised will go toward providing support and resources to children in need.

“The success of the Greatness Amplified campaign is a testament to our community’s generosity and the vision of our local Boys & Girls Clubs, who came together based on a shared mission to unlock the full potential of OC’s children in need,” said Shelley Hoss, president of OCCF. “We are proud to empower and support exemplary local nonprofits tackling the most important issues facing our county.”

The participating Clubs included Boys and Girls Clubs in Anaheim, Brea-Placentia-Yorba Linda, Buena Park, Capistrano Valley, Central Orange Coast, Cypress, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Valley, Laguna Beach, La Habra, South Coast Area, Stanton, Tustin and Westminster.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 24-September 13, 2018

The Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley specifically raised more than $15,000 of the $225,000 total.

Teen Collects Gowns for the Marine Corps Ball A local teen at JSerra Catholic High School is collecting gowns for the Marine Corps Ball in Carlsbad in November.

Milan Alessandra was initially bummed when her mother, Trisha, told her she would need to get rid of some of her many gowns, but she found a way to turn that experience into a positive.

Not only did she square away some of her own gowns, but she has also collected them to give to Christian group Armor of Light. The group will give out the gowns for free to women attending the ball in a special event on Sept. 8, according to their website.

Trisha Alessandra said one of the things that motivated her daughter to collect gowns is that her grandfather served in the Army for many years.

So far the teen has collected 75 gowns with the goal of collecting 100, her mother said.

“This was just her way to give back to my dad and the people who serve and take care of our country,” Milan said.

Those who have gowns who would like to contribute to Milan Alessandra’s cause can send an email to talessandra@cox. net.

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?

••• Send your suggestions to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

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Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. The city’s planning commission will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

KnitLit Book Club 5:30 p.m. KnitLit, a knitting book club, will meet. Guests can bring their knitting, or other project, and join a discussion on the book, Our Souls at Night,

by Kent Haruf. Copies of next month’s book will be available for checkout. San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real. 949.493.1752 THURSDAY, AUG. 30 Los Rios Park Garden Angels Meeting 8:30-10:30 a.m. This group meets weekly on Thursdays to take care of the certified butterfly garden at Los Rios Park. No experience is needed, but those planning to attend should bring gloves. For more information, visit www.goinnative.net or call 949.606.6386.

FRIDAY, AUG. 31 Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 4 City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The city’s governing body will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 14 Next issue of The Dispatch publishes.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Residents of Mobile Home Park Deal with Growing Homeless Problem Capistrano Valley Mobile Estates residents say growing homeless population presents noise, trash and safety problems

BY ALEX GROVES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

R

esidents of the Capistrano Valley Mobile Estates have not had such a great view as they peer out from the backyards of their homes recently.

The area surrounding the development has become inundated with tents and trash from a population of homeless people they say is growing.

They say the homeless have contributed to a wide variety of problems; they’ve been seen trespassing, using drugs and the noises they make at night have led to some of the park’s residents being kept up.

“I’ve been here six or seven years and the reason that I moved in here was because this park was what it was then,” Gary Hilde, 75, said. “But since I’ve come here it’s deteriorated around the exterior, particularly.”

Hilde, a driver for Uber and Lyft, said he will drive his car in the early morning hours and see people laying outside the block wall at the park entrance and others walking along the nearby railroad tracks to get to their camps.

Tents have been set up in various locations visible from the Mobile Estates.

There are tents located on the embankments behind the car dealerships on Camino Capistrano; tents on city owned lots off Stonehill Drive; and trailers that often stay overnight along Avenida Aeropuerto.

Residents said they have seen the homeless at times find their way into the mobile home park itself.

Patricia Nigg, 62, said she has called the Sheriff’s Department three times on separate occasions after finding non-residents using the spa and the showers inside the park’s clubhouse.

“I’m very quiet and I say, ‘Oh, I’m Patricia,’ where do you live? I’ve never met you?’,” Nigg said of finding strangers at the spa. “You can tell they have no answer; they say, ‘Oh, I’m visiting somebody.’ And I say ‘well visitors are supposed to be with residents.’”

Deidre Hill, 73, said she has seen people jump the fence just outside her home on two occasions. She said she was concerned that a woman she saw scale the fence might end up hurting herself.

She’s not just concerned about the trespassing threat, but she’s also concerned that the presence of people, paired with steep and brushy terrain on the embankments and lots, could present a fire hazard.

Hill has led the charge in trying to bring attention to the homeless situation to the City Council and others. She has sent emails and also spoke during a recent council meeting regarding the issue.

Hills said things weren’t always like this.

She said the banks were clean when she moved into her neighborhood three years ago, but things have gotten progressively worse and the lack of maintenance on the embankments by the car dealerships has allowed for more campers.

City officials in an email wrote that they’re aware of the situation surrounding the Capistrano Valley Mobile Estates.

They said an interdepartmental team comprised of Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies, Public Works and employees from the City Attorney’s Office and City Manager’s office have not only met to discuss the “challenges identified adjacent to the Capistrano Valley Mobile home estates” but have also made numerous site visits there over the last several months. “(The) City remains actively engaged in seeking and supporting innovative solutions to the challenges associated with a rising homeless population,” part of a statement provided by the city says.

“For example, the Council has funded a full-time Homeless Liaison Officer (HLO) provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and our HLO is now part of a regional team that has been able to leverage resources from across the County to best address areas of concern.

“Our specially trained HLO and this team are able to contact homeless individuals congregating in certain areas to offer assistance and, if warranted, take the necessary enforcement action to protect public safety,” the statement continues. “Additionally, we have established successful Affordable Rental Housing Programs that create support networks and services for those that need short-term housing assistance.”

The statement notes that one challenge is a lawsuit that has been filed against all Orange County Cities, including San Juan

The Capistrano Dispatch August 24-September 13, 2018

A person has set up camp in a lot adjacent to the Capistrano Valley Mobile Estates. Photo: Alex Groves

Capistrano, regarding homelessness.

The lawsuit is being overseen by U.S. District Court Judge David Carter. Carter on Friday, Aug. 3, provided an ultimatum that Orange County and its cities either needed to come up with a plan for an emergency shelter for the homeless or he would make a ruling preventing the cities from being able to enforce their anti-camping ordinances.

Another complication, the city official noted, is that the land where some of the homeless are staying is private property, placing the impetus on the property owner to either press charges against those individuals who are camping or make adjustments to their property to prevent it.

Many of the area car dealerships — whose properties expand out to the embankment—did not respond to requests for comment.

Lisa Howell, who handles customer relations for Nissan of San Juan Capistrano, said the dealership, when it was under different ownership, worked with the city about a year ago to deal with incidences of trespassing.

She said that over the last year, she has not received any complaints about people camping there but said if that were the case she would bring it to the attention of her manager and then the city.

Officials say the city has since been in

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contact with the Nissan dealer over some of the overgrown vegetation on their embankment.

“The Nissan dealership has acknowledged the City’s concerns regarding the overgrown vegetation and an on-site meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss the required corrective action,” a city statement reads. “The City is confident that the property maintenance issues will be addressed in the very near future.”

Hill, Nigg, and others say they’ve been in contact with members of the city council.

Hill said that City Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson came to the Mobile Estates to learn more and that Councilman Derek Reeve asked city employees to look into the situation. She said a sheriff’s sergeant who is part of the homeless team has also been there.

While the residents have received assurances that the city is looking into the situation, they feel things aren’t be fixed quickly enough.

Hilde says he hopes to see the City Council actively discussing the issue soon.

“Why can’t something be done with legislation to address the problem besides getting all this extended talk that isn’t happening?” asked Hilde. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

New Year, New Possibilities New school year brings plethora of change for San Juan Capistrano schools

BY ALEX GROVES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

P

arents, students and teachers once again got ready for a time of year that brings out a mixture of emotions: the start of a new school year.

Parents rushed to get their children ready to go—dressed, with backpacks on and school supplies in hand; teachers finished up their lesson plans; commuters adjusted their schedule for an assured increase in morning traffic.

The start of a new school year can definitely be stressful, but it can also be exciting.

This year brought with it the arrival of new principals, new programs, new tech and various upgrades at different school sites.

Solar Power San Juan Hills High School will be one of the first Capistrano Unified School District schools to use solar power after pan-

els were installed in a student parking lot.

The district offices, also located in San Juan Capistrano, are expected to also get solar panels over winter break for the 2018-2019 school year, said district spokesman Ryan K. Burris.

The installation of solar panels is part of an $18 million contract between the district and REC Solar Commercial Corporation. In addition to San Juan Hills High School and the district offices, five other schools will also be receiving the panels.

The solar project is expected to save roughly $849,000 a year, for a total of $21 million in savings, according to a district news release.

New principals There are two new principals at San Juan Capistrano schools; Pam Sawyer will be the new principal at Marco Forster Middle School and Carrie Bertini will be the new principal at San Juan Elementary School.

Upgrades Several schools got spruced up ahead of the new school year. Members of a group called “Shea it Forward” went to Marco Forster Middle School and neighboring Del Obispo Elementary and made a wide variety of changes that included mulching flower beds, making a butterfly garden and painting inspirational quotes on walls.

“They really went above and beyond to make our students’ environment really more beautiful,” Suzanne Heck, principal

Kodi Sterzenbach, 9, sits with her dad, Gene, outside of Harold J. Ambuehl Elementary before the start of a new school year. Photo: Alex Groves

of Del Obispo Elementary, said.

Kinoshita Elementary also got some upgrades.

Company Appreciation Financial not only donated more than $2,000 to the school but also sent volunteers who helped to paint two of the mobile classrooms and turn one of the worse-for-wear areas of the school into a rock garden, according to principal Jose Pedraza.

Pedraza said students will be able to add rocks to the garden over time.

“The same company will donate some plain rocks with paint and students will have the opportunity to look at that rock and look at the shape of it and paint it according to what that rock looks like,” he said.

New programs Pedraza said Kinoshita Elementary

School did a soft roll out of college preparedness program AVID but plans to do a more full roll out this school year for students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

The program, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, seeks to help students with organizational skills and creates a culture that encourages them to pursue education beyond high school, Pedraza said.

Heck said that students at Del Obispo Elementary are learning how to write code in their computer science classes as part of a partnership with a program called codeCampus.

“Students are learning not how to play video games, but how to design video games,” Heck said.

She said the students will be writing code in a MIT-designed program called Scratch.

Meg Ervais, principal of Serra High School, said the school has a new class called Careers in Technology.

“This course allows students to investigate careers and innovative technology used in high-demand employment sectors,” Ervais wrote in an email. “Students will spend time utilizing these exciting modules to complete project and work based learning activities that incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) concepts.”

As part of the class, students will work with equipment such as 3D printers, robotic arms, laser engravers and more. CD

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Straight Talk by Al Jacobs

Be Careful of What You Receive

A

distinctive red, white and blue envelope arrived in the mail today.

What more appropriate colors might you expect from Bank of America (BOA)? But even more welcome is the message boldly displayed in prominent font: “An exciting opportunity …0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 billing cycles.”

The enclosed brochure is headed with “Get the credit card that works as hard as you,” and then describes the benefits.

It has plenty of flattery and promises customers a great offer in wording that seems to go on ad infinitum.

A little farther down it assures you of “Savings that work for you. Start with a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles … after that a Variable APR that’s currently 21.74% will apply.”

When you get to the back page you’ll discover the rate for bank cash advances are 26.74% and should you be a touch late with a payment you’ll be paying interest

of 29.99%. However, the final lines of the promotional mail out assure you “Hard work deserves to be rewarded. Don’t miss out on this special offer. Take advantage today.”

The reason the 0 percent intro APR is displayed on the envelope is because it’s specifically aimed at those persons who habitually don’t pay full credit card balances each month and are thereby assessed interest. BOA expects most STRAIGHT TALK of the new customers

By Al Jacobs they attract will be paying double-digit interest to them after the 15 introductory billing cycles.

You might note that if you have a BOA savings account, you will receive interest from them at an annual rate of 0.04 percent (four one-hundredths of one percent).

This is essentially a cash advance to the

bank … analogous to the bank’s cash advance to you at the 26.74 percent rate mentioned above. Thus, if you loan the bank $50,000 for a full year, they will pay you $20; if they loan $50,000 to you, you will pay them $13,370. Do you suppose this may in some small way explain how BOA managed to generate $18.23 billion net income in 2017?

A final thought: In the Aeneid, in the year 19 BC, the Roman poet Virgil, tells the story of the wooden horse of Troy, used by the Greeks to trick their way into the city. His line “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts” is revered to this day. Perhaps if Virgil were once again alive, he might pen a similar warning: “Beware of banks bearing gifts.”

Al Jacobs, a professional investor for nearly a half-century, issues a monthly newsletter in which heshares his financial knowledge and experience. You may view it on www. roadwaytoprosperity.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Alex Groves, 949.388.7700, x108 agroves@thecapistranodispatch.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL

Letters to the Editor IT’S TIME TO CURB GREENHOUSE GASES WITH BETTER SUPERMARKET DECISIONS —LOBART IKLE, Laguna Beach With scorching heat and raging wildfires in the west and torrential downpours and massive flooding in the east, global warming is not just about a gentle sea rise any more. These tragic consequences of dumping greenhouse gases into our atmosphere call for drastic remedies.

For starters, we should re-join the Paris Climate Accords and actually become a world leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most effective ways is by changing our diet. Yes, that. Last fall, Oxford University’s prestigious Food Climate Research Network concluded that solving the global warming catastrophe requires a massive shift to a plantbased diet. A 2010 United Nations report blamed animal agriculture for 19 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, 70 percent of freshwater use, and 38 percent of land use. Carbon dioxide is emitted by burning forests to create animal pastures and by transporting animals.

The more damaging methane and

nitrous oxide are released from digestive tracts of cattle and from animal waste cesspools, respectively. In an environmentally sustainable world, we must replace meat and dairy products in our diet by vegetables, fruits, and grains, just as we replace fossil fuels by wind, solar, and other pollution-free energy sources. Let’s start with our next supermarket visit.

WHISTLEBLOWER SHOULD MANAGE SAFETY AT SONGS —GARY HEADRICK, San Clemente On Aug. 9 at Southern California Edison’s quarterly Community Engagement Panel meeting, a worker at the now-defunct San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) spoke out. He claimed that workers are underqualified and not adequately trained to load nuclear waste from spent fuel pools and insert it into silos where canisters are stored on the beach. He said safety is not put first, workers are understaffed and that on Aug. 3, one loaded canister was hanging on by a quarter inch, nearly dropping 18 feet to the concrete below. He promised his daughter he would speak out if Southern California Edison did not inform the public about what happened.

It was great to participate in the rally to support this whistleblower and demand a stop-work order until needed changes to the safety culture have been put in place.

Not enough can be said about the bold,

The Capistrano Dispatch August 24-September 13, 2018

heroic figure, David Fritch, who put himself at risk in a number of ways, to do the right thing. Gratefully, Tom Palmisano, Edison’s chief nuclear officer and vice president of decommissioning, was quick to commend the act and ensured the contractor’s job was safe.

Now, we must take it a step further.

We are fortunate to know a man of such integrity, who will undoubtedly take a stand for safety, even under the most difficult circumstances. I think one of the best things Edison could do from a practical perspective is to give David Fritch a much larger role in the oversight of all safety matters at SONGS. He’s earned the trust of the community. He has proven to be a reliable advocate for public safety, which I believe is the most important qualification. It is expertise and character that counts most, and that is the kind of leadership we need.

For a job like this, you can’t have better credentials than that.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ thecapistranodispatch.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Alex Groves

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith

City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz

Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 16, Issue 16. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www. 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 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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2018 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AREA TEAMS MOVING UP FOR NEW SEASON

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

It’s still hot, and the boys of fall now start in the dog days of August as CIF bumps up the high school calendar. The Friday night lights are already shining as the high school football programs of San Juan Capistrano are in full swing after a week’s worth of action.

San Juan Hills and new head coach Rob Frith get the bump up to Division 2 and look to be favorites in the reorganized Sea View League.

JSerra got its second season of oncampus home games going with a win, thanks to plenty of returning stars and a couple of impact transfers.

St. Margaret’s continues to throw punches with the public school big boys after a Division 7 semifinal run and elevation to Division 6 for 2018.

Saddleback Valley Christian looks to rebound while welcoming St. Margaret’s into the San Joaquin League, and Capistrano Valley Christian pulled out a scrappy overtime win in its opener and looks to find its footing.

The fun is just beginning, and you can follow it all on Twitter @SouthOCSports for news, updates, in-game scores, photos and videos all season long.

SAN JUAN HILLS LOOKS TO CONTINUE PROGRAM SUCCESS UNDER NEW COACH

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

For the first time since 2010, the San Juan Hills football team had a new head coach roaming the sidelines at the Badlands for the Stallions season opener on Friday, Aug. 17.

Coach Rob Frith was hired on Feb. 4 to replace Aaron Flowers, who stepped down after coaching the previous seven of San Juan Hills’ 10 seasons as a varsity program.

Frith transitioned the program through spring, summer and fall camp to finally arrive at the season.

“This team has exceeded my expectations,” Frith said. “All three phases of the game, we’re at a really good place. We’re comfortable with our progression up to this point. Coming out here working with the boys and our coaching staff is a pleasure.”

The Stallions dropped their home opener to county power Orange Lutheran, 27-7, but leading up the game, Frith said he wanted his team to be competitive against their highly touted Trinity League foe. San Juan Hills was that and showed the promise that Frith will continue the carry on the strong 2018 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FOOTBALL PREVIEW

young tradition the Stallions have established.

“We were so used to running one offense, and getting a new coach was a little bit of a shock,” senior tackle Sean Rhyan said.

“Coach Frith came in and kind of blended the offenses really well, and now it feels like he’s been here the four years.”

San Juan Hills moves up to Division 2 after three straight playoff appearances and a second-round run in Division 4 last season.

The Stallions have size all around and have the athletes to handle the move up.

“I think our team is almost an underdog team,” junior Joey Hobert said. “People won’t expect us to be coming. We have fast players. We’re strong. Our line is bigger than what I would say is normal.”

On offense, all eyes will be drawn up front to Rhyan. The four-star, 6-foot-5, 315 lbs. tackle has picked up 13 college offers and will be the rock and bulldozer for the Stallions’ sizeable o-line.

At Frith’s last stop as a head coach, he

Senior tackle Sean Rhyan (center) is the focal point of the offensive line at 6-foot-5, 315 lbs. with 13 college offers. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

was known for an up-tempo spread offense, including a county record-breaker. Through the offseason, two junior quarterbacks were battling for the helm of the offense with Bryce Crider taking the reins in the opener after Jake Carreon, a transfer from Mira Costa, took first team reps in camp.

“Everybody’s different,” Frith said. “Every year is different. My job is to figure out what is best for the personnel. The kids that we have. We have some athletic players that can stretch the field and do some things, sideline to sideline put pressure on the defense” Defensively, San Juan Hills is solid with returners all over and a finely tuned scheme.

“Our defensive coordinator (Pete Silvey) is very good and extremely creative,” Frith said. “His schemes are sound. It’s the players’ second full year in this system. They have an attitude, know what they’re doing, fly around.”

Players like Hobert and seniors Shane Roberson and Cade Albright highlight the experienced defense.

The Stallions may have new management, but the wheel of success continues to turn.

San Juan Hills Schedule AUGUST 17

Orange Lutheran @ SJHHS, 7 p.m.

(L, 27-7) AUGUST 24

Canyon @ SJHHS, 7 p.m.

AUGUST 30

South Hills @ Covina District Field, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 7

Edison @ SJHHS, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 14

Tesoro @ SJHHS, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 21

Great Oak @ GOHS, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 28*

Trabuco Hills @ SJHHS, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 5*

Aliso Niguel @ SJHHS, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 19*

Dana Hills @ DHHS, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 26*

Laguna Hills @ LHHS, 7 p.m. *League game

Coach Rob Frith enters his first season at the helm of San Juan Hills. Frith was known for the spread offense as head coach of El Toro. Photo: Zach Cavanagh THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

IMPACT TRANSFERS COULD PUSH JSERRA OVER THE TOP JSERRA Schedule AUGUST 17

Corona del Mar @ JSerra, 7 p.m.

(W, 49-7) AUGUST 24

Calabasas @ Calabasas HS, 7 p.m.

AUGUST 31

Bishop Amat @ Bishop Amat, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 8

Pinnacle (AZ) @ Moorpark HS, 4:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 14

Faith Lutheran (NV) @ JSerra, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 28*

St. John Bosco @ St. John Bosco, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 5*

Servite @ JSerra, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 12*

Orange Lutheran @ JSerra, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 19*

Mater Dei @ JSerra, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 26*

Santa Margarita @ Trabuco Hills, 7 p.m. *League game

Senior quarterback Caden Bell (left) and junior running back Chris Street (right) made big news as transfers from Trinity League rivals Servite and Mater Dei, respectively. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

JSerra finds itself in the same tough spot as many in CIF-SS’ Division 1.

Unless things really go off the rails in their nonleague schedule, the Lions are going to make the playoffs in one of the toughest high school football playoff divisions in the country and take on some of the great heavyweights and traditional powers of the sport.

JSerra, currently ranked No. 9 in Division 1, has advanced to the second round just once in their history, 2014, and fell to Long Beach Poly in a first-round shootout last season, 60-44.

The Lions get that benefit of the doubt because they also play in what might be the toughest high school football league in the country, the Trinity League, with reigning national, state, CIF-SS and league champion Mater Dei, as well as nationally ranked, Division 1 and league runner-up St. John Bosco at the top.

So JSerra has no choice. It has to upset the status quo.

“Success level for us is to win the Trinity League,” JSerra coach Pat Harlow said.

“That’s our goal. Of course, that’s every 2018 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Coach Pat Harlow begins his second season as head coach of the Lions. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

team’s goal. What I tell our kids is no matter who you’re playing, they’re still high school kids, just like you.”

The Lions may be on their way to it as they secured two of the biggest offseason moves in the Trinity League in former Servite quarterback Caden Bell and former Mater

Dei running back Chris Street.

JSerra’s offense was already flush with talent on the edges with their top three receivers from 2017, juniors Tarik Luckett, Tyler Shimomura and Munir McClain, returning. The additions of the dual-threat Bell and the dynamic Street make the Lions

a scoring threat at any time and any position.

“I think we can possibly have one of the most explosive offenses in the country,” Bell said before the season. “As we showed in the Norco scrimmage, we had multiple one-play touchdowns, 60-70 yard touchdowns. That’s definitely going to be big for us, making big plays and keeping defenses on their heels.”

In their season-opening 49-7 win over Corona del Mar, Street rushed for 110 yards on 10 carries with a 39-yard touchdown and Luckett caught three passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns.

“We’re close,” Street said. “We’re not quite there yet, but I think as soon as we gel together more and really trust each other, I think that’s when we’re going to be great.”

On defense, the Lions are adaptable and deep, especially on the defensive line with seniors Etuate Moala, Shawn Nielsen and Grant Ristoff. In the opener against Corona del Mar, senior Calvin Mouisset made plays in the secondary with eight tackles and blocked a punt to push JSerra.

JSerra has established itself and has the talent to take on its gauntlet of a schedule.

“We’ve got to play our best every week,” Harlow said. “We’re not sneaking up on anybody anymore. In the past, people used to look past us. People know we’re going to come ready to play. I think we’ve got enough to compete with those guys and we’ll find out if we win on that Friday night.”

THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

Clockwise from left: Senior quarterback James Mott (front) returns to lead the St. Margaret offense; St. Margaret’s line play will be crucial as the Tartans compete against bigger schools in Division 6; Former NFL linebacker Kory Minor takes over for his first season as head coach of St. Margaret’s. Photos: Zach Cavanagh

ST. MARGARET’S PUSHES UPWARD WITH CHAMPIONSHIP GOALS

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

There’s no question that St. Margaret’s has continued to punch its way up.

After a run to the Division 7 semifinals, where the Tartans lost by three points to eventual champion El Modena, St. Margaret’s has been bumped up to Division 6.

That’s impressive enough. What’s more impressive is that the Tartans are currently ranked No. 2 in the latest CIF-SS poll. What makes that all the more astounding is, of the schools in the Division 6 top 10 rankings, St. Margaret’s is the only school with less than 2,000 enrolled students with 470 in its upper school.

St. Margaret’s has changed divisions. The Tartans have changed leagues, from the Academy League to the San Joaquin League.

They’ve changed coaches too as former NFL linebacker Kory Minor enters his first season at the helm.

Despite the changes, the goal of the St. Margaret’s program remains the same: cap2018 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ture its first CIF-SS title since 2014.

“I think that’s definitely what the goal is,” Minor said. “That’s definitely what we’re shooting for. I think for us to get there, we have to take care of what we need to take care of. Are we blocking, are we tackling? If we’re blocking and tackling, that’s a start.

From there, are we on top of our assignments? If we do those things consistently, play hard, have good luck with the injury bug, we’ll be in the mix.”

St. Margaret’s does have challenges in its nonleague schedule with CIF-SS Division 9 champion Aquinas of San Bernardino in the opener, a 7-2 St. Margaret’s win on Aug. 17, and Division 8 champion Grace Brethren on Aug. 31.

However, St. Margaret’s should be better than every team they face of the reorganized San Joaquin League with Saddleback Valley Christian of Division 12 and The Webb Schools and Southlands Christian of Division 13. The goal for the Tartans is the playoffs, and each week is a chance to get better for them.

Senior quarterback James Mott returns to helm the offense, but the Tartans lost to graduation their leading rusher Marcus Knight and leading receiver, kick returner and interception returner Ryan Cragun.

Mott doesn’t have his go-to guys but has developed his game in the offseason.

“Last year, people say that all he saw was Cragun,” Minor said. “I think now (Mott) has learned to scan the field because I really believe we have five, six, seven receivers that can play and can make things happen.”

Senior kicker Chris Vartanian also returns as one of the best in the county.

Minor’s forte is defense and the Tartans’ group of defenders shine in their slugfest of an opener. The defense was not scored on—Aquinas’ two points came on a safety for offensive holding in the endzone—and forced two turnovers, including a gamesaving play in the fourth quarter on fourth down at the goal line.

“Seeing my linebackers fly around on Friday,” Minor said, “seeing them tackle

St. Margaret’s Schedule AUGUST 17

Aquinas (W, 7-2) @ SMES, 7 p.m.

AUGUST 25

Excelsior Charter @ Excelsior Charter, 7 p.m.

AUGUST 31

Grace Brethren @ Moorpark College, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 7

Salesian (Los Angeles) @ SMES, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 14

Bishop’s (La Jolla) @ Bishop’s, 6:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 21

Bishop Diego @ SMES, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 28

Santa Fe Christian @ Santa Fe Christian, 3 p.m.

OCTOBER 12*

Southlands Christian @ SMES, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 19*

The Webb Schools @ SMES, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 25*

Saddleback Valley Christian @ Laguna Hills HS, 7 p.m. *League game

and hit, especially in critical moments like the goal line stand was absolutely amazing.

We have to build on that. When people watch film on St. Margaret’s, they’ll know those dudes are going to hit you.”

St. Margaret’s is coming together and ready to shock the Southern Section.

THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

SVC FOCUSES ON DEFENSE TO TAKE ON TOUGH SCHEDULE

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

Saddleback valley christian Schedule AUGUST 17

Northwood (L, 21-8) @ Irvine HS, 7 p.m.

AUGUST 23

Crean Lutheran @ Portola HS, 7 p.m.

AUGUST 31

Trabuco Hills @ Laguna Hills HS, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 7

Laguna Hills @ Laguna Hills HS, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 14

El Toro @ Laguna Hills HS, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 21

Duarte @ Duarte HS, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 27*

Webb @ Damien HS, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 12

California Military Institute @ Laguna Hills HS, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 20*

Southlands Christian @ Laguna Hills HS, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 25*

St. Margaret’s @ Laguna Hills HS, 7 p.m. *League game

Senior Cade Carter (right) is one of a talented trio of wide receivers that will be crucial to quarterback Mason Allen and the SVC offense. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Saddleback Valley Christian finds itself in unfamiliar territory.

For the first time in 12 seasons, the Warriors are not the defending league champions. Their streak of 11 straight was snapped with a third-place finish last year in the San Joaquin League.

The San Joaquin League will have a new champion again this season as the league pairs down from six teams to four, defending league champion Santa Clarita Christian exits and the Warriors exchange city-rival Capistrano Valley Christian for a new San Juan foe in St. Margaret’s.

“It’s going to be more difficult,” SVC coach Brendan Chambers said. “St. Margaret’s is a small-school powerhouse in the area, always reloading year after year. It’s going to make it fun. It’s going to be a challenge.”

While the schedule wasn’t built with this league or these roster numbers in mind, SVC is in position to build towards that challenge. The Warriors non-league schedule resembles that of any of the local public schools with Northwood, Crean Lutheran, Trabuco Hills, Laguna Hills and El Toro lining up for the first half of games.

“I scheduled that before I knew what we’d have,” Chambers said, “but at the same time, if you look at St. Margaret’s MaxPreps 2018 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Coach Brendan Chambers (center) said this season’s SVC schedule is “hands down” the hardest in school history. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

state ranking, it’s better than Trabuco, better than Laguna, right behind El Toro. We’ve got to prepare ourselves for playing them.”

Chambers told the group it’s “hands down” the hardest schedule SVC has ever tackled. However, if the Warriors can fight through and capture a playoff spot in Division 12, they will be battle-tested.

In the past, SVC has been known for its offensive prowess, but for the first time in

a while, the Warriors will be led by their defense. SVC returns most of its defensive starters from a year ago, including most of its linebackers.

“Our defense will have to carry us, especially early on,” Chambers said. “Having Donte Seltzer here, who’s been here for four years and been the leader of that defense for three years now will be huge for us.

They’ll keep us in the ball game.”

Seltzer pulled in 49 tackles as a junior last season and 5.5 tackles for loss. Seltzer suffered an injury in SVC’s opening loss to Northwood on Aug. 17, 21-8, but he will return to the line-up quickly.

Senior leading tackler Isaac Moreno returns (99 tackles, 4.5 sacks) as do seniors John McCain (57 tackles) and Tanner Malone (50 tackles, 3.5 sacks).

On offense, Mason Allen returns for his senior season at quarterback. As a junior, Allen completed nearly 53 percent of his passes for 1,661 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Chambers said the offense will employ more two tight-end sets to help establish balance and a running attack.

“For the last two years, we haven’t been able to do that,” Chambers said of the running game. “Two years ago, we had Cade Henjum who could scramble and create those plays on his own. Last year with Mason, he’s not that type of quarterback. He’s more of a pocket passer. So (we’re) finding ways, like putting in a tight end where we get an extra blocker down in there to take a little bit of pressure off Mason so he doesn’t have to throw 50-60 times a game.”

Chambers also spoke highly of his trio of receivers, seniors Cade Carter, Jack Sweeney and Nolan Purdy.

THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

Capistrano Valley Christian comes into 2018 with a smaller roster but renewed optimism with a chance to compete in the reorganized Academy League. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

SENIORS LEAD CVC INTO NEW, COMPETITIVE LEAGUE

Capistrano valley christian Schedule AUGUST 16

St. Monica @ Capistrano Valley HS, 7 p.m. (W, 19-13 OT) AUGUST 23

Riverside Prep @ Capistrano Valley HS, 7 p.m.

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

Capistrano Valley Christian made incremental improvements in Coach Rick Curtis’ second season at the helm in 2017 with a one-win improvement in the Eagles overall (3-7) and league records (1-4).

And while roster numbers continued to trend downward, prospects for the 2018 CVC season are looking upward.

CVC essentially switches places with St. Margaret’s going from the San Joaquin League to the reorganized Academy League, but it’s a huge change for the Eagles and gets them on equal footing.

“I think we’re in the right place because of the numbers at our school,” Curtis said. “We have 195 students, and we have 25 percent out for football, but that only accounts for 22 kids. A lot of people are struggling numbers-wise, but we’re in the right place league-wise. I think we’ve got a good shot at it, if we can stay healthy.”

The entire Academy League line-up— CVC, Fairmont Prep, Firebaugh, Trinity Classical Academy and Ribet Academy—are all Division 13 schools with no more than 26 players listed on their rosters.

“We expect to win a league championship,” Curtis said. “That’s our goal. I think we have a good shot at it based on the realignment of the league and the teams we’re 2018 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Junior quarterback Tyler Henry steps up in place of the ailing starter and earned a win in CVC’s opener.

Photo: Zach Cavanagh

playing.”

Twelve of the 22 players on the Eagles roster are seniors, including key players like Jack Roberts, Trey Henry and Seth Yu. “We have a good senior group,” Curtis said. “For a lot of them, this is their third year playing with us. We’re excited about our senior class.”

One key senior missing is last year’s starting quarterback, Zach Alessi, who will be out until midseason with a health issue.

Alessi threw for 1,093 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior.

Stepping in at quarterback is junior Tyler Henry. Henry passed his first test in CVC’s season-opening overtime win over St. Monica, 19-13. Henry completed 11 of 20 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns.

The majority of the yards came from Tyler’s brother, Trey, who only had two receptions but both went for touchdowns of 82 and 32 yards. In 2017, Trey caught 36 passes for 354 yards and three touchdowns.

Junior receiver Simeon Marton caught seven passes for 73 yards and the gamewinning touchdown in overtime. Curtis called Marton one of the best athletes CVC has.

The focal point for any team playing the Eagles will be Roberts, who will pull double duty at middle linebacker and running back.

Roberts was far and away CVC’s leading rusher and tackler in 2017 with 1,037 yards rushing and 89 tackles.

Roberts pulled in 13 total tackles with 11 solo tackles in the Eagles’ season opener.

Roberts is a team captain along with Yu and senior Christian Harris, who recovered two fumbles in the opener. The captains are emblematic of a group that has come along under Curtis’ tenure.

“I think we’re at the point with these guys,” Curtis said, ”where it’s their third

AUGUST 31

Carpinteria @ Carpinteria HS, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 6

Calvary Murrieta @ Murieta Mesa HS, 7:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 14

Sherman Indian @ Capistrano Valley HS, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 21

Mark Keppel @ Mark Keppel HS, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 28*

Firebaugh @ San Clemente HS, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 5*

Ribet Academy @ TBA, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 18*

Fairmont Prep @ Yorba Linda HS, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 26*

Trinity Classical Academy @ Capistrano Valley HS, 7 p.m. *League game

year, they really understand the game now.

They understand what type of commitment it takes. This is the most committed group I’ve had in the three years. We think as far as the culture change, it’s taken a while, it takes a while to do that. They understand the game, they love the game, and I think they’re excited to come play.”

THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

PLAYERS TO WATCH

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

FIVE TO WATCH

OFFENSE

Sean Rhyan

Caden Bell

James Mott

Mason Allen

Trey Henry

SAN JUAN HILLS OL • SR. • No. 64

JSERRA QB • SR. • No. 2

ST. MARGARET’S QB • SR. • No. 7

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN QB • SR. • No. 6

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN HB • SR. • No. 13

At 6-foot-5 and 315 lbs., you can’t miss Rhyan holding down the Stallions offensive line. The senior four-star tackle currently has 13 college offers including 10 Pac-12 schools along with Alabama, Nebraska and Notre Dame. Rhyan bench-pressed 185 lbs. 24 times in one minute at the Huntington Beach lineman competition.

Bell’s transfer from Servite to JSerra was one of the biggest moves of the summer. Bell is a dual threat that can lead the Lions passing attack and run when given the space. Bell threw for 103 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another 20 yards and another TD in JSerra’s opener on Aug. 17.

Mott had an explosive 2017 campaign in his first season as the Tartans’ full-time starter.

Mott completed over 61 percent of his passes for 2,800 yards and 33 touchdowns as St. Margaret’s advanced to the Division 7 semifinals. The Tartans’ opener was a defensive slugfest, but the offense will find its gear with Mott.

Allen is another in the string of solid but under-the-radar quarterbacks for SVC. Allen completed nearly 53 percent of his passes last season for 1,661 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Another year with the reins of the offense pulled by coach Brendan Chambers, a former SVC quarterback himself, has Allen ready for success.

Henry has the speed to produce points whenever he touches the football. He was one of the Eagles’ top passing targets last season, and, in CVC’s opener, Henry caught only two passes but each went for touchdowns of 82 yards and 32 yards. Like most of the Eagles, Henry also pulls his weight on defense.

FIVE TO WATCH

DEFENSE

Cade Albright

Calvin Mouisset

Koa Todd

Donte Seltzer Jr.

Jack Roberts

SAN JUAN HILLS DE • SR. • No. 8

JSERRA LB/SS • SR. • No. 13

ST. MARGARET’S LB • SR. • No. 4

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN LB • SR. • No. 5

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN LB • SR. • No. 44

Albright will be an athletic key on the Stallions defensive line.

He’s got size at 6-foot-5, 215 lbs., but Albright also has the speed to get into the backfield.

Albright was third on the Stallions in 2017 with 13 tackles for loss, and he recorded two sacks in San Juan Hills’ opener.

Mouisset is used in a lot of different ways for the Lions, including as part of the secondary where Coach Pat Harlow called Mouisset “the glue” that keeps the defense together.

Mouisset made 24 tackles for JSerra last season, and his punt block in JSerra’s opener sparked a scoring run.

Todd was injured in the opening game of the 2017 season and missed the entire campaign.

Todd recovered to have another monster lacrosse season and is primed for a big year in 2018.

He’s strong at 5-foot-11, 185 lbs. and will also spend time at running back for the Tartans’ offense.

Seltzer is a truck at 6-feet, 225 lbs. and uses his physicality and speed to patrol the Warriors defense. Seltzer recorded 49 tackles last season for SVC in seven games, including 5.5 tackles for a loss and a sack.

Seltzer suffered an injury in the SVC opener but will return quickly.

Roberts is a go-to guy for the Eagles on both sides of the football. Roberts leads the defense from his middle linebacker spot and recorded a team-high 89 tackles in 2017. He led the team with 13 tackles in their seasonopening win. Roberts also does double duty as a running back.

2018 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FOOTBALL PREVIEW

THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Friday | 24 LIVE AT SWALLOW’S INN: GRAND JUNCTION 9 p.m. Grab an ice cold beer and enjoy a preview of the planned musical entertainment for the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo at Swallows Inn. Grand Junction, which is playing the concert at the Rodeo on Saturday, will be performing at Swallow’s first. The Orange County natives are known for performing country music with a “honky tonk edge” as well as some classic rock tunes. The concert is free. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Saturday | 25 CAMINOVATION AWARDS 6:30 p.m. Visit the Camino Real Playhouse as they honor their actors, directors and tech crew for their annual awards show. Guests are invited to dress up and enjoy a fabulous show. Appetizers will be provided both before and after the show.

Tickets are $25 for the general public and $15 for actors. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082.

Sunday | 26 GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. An Orange County Parks Ranger will be your guide for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park. Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.923.2210. www.ocparks. com/caspers.

SUMMER LECTURE SERIES 3 p.m. Join anthropologist Stephen O’Neill for the final of three lectures tracing the history of the Acjachemen/Juaneño culture. O’Neill has been a cultural anthropologist in California since 1978 and wrote his thesis on the Acjachemen using Mission San Juan Capistrano’s sacramental registers. The lecture will be outside on the grass, so guests should bring lawn

EDITOR’S PICK Visitors to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano will be able to celebrate Orange County’s Western heritage during the 18th Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo. Photo: Scott Schmitt

SATURDAY, AUG. 25 AND SUNDAY, AUG. 26: 18TH ANNUAL RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RODEO Head over to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano to see cowboys compete in such events as bull riding, saddle bronc riding and team roping for their chance to win some money and move up in rankings before the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The rodeo also offers visitors the chance to both snack and shop. Nearly 50 vendors will be set up, selling everything from Western-themed clothing items to snow cones. Gates open at 1 p.m. on Aug. 25 and 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 26. Admission is $30 for adults and $10 for kids 4 to 12. Kids 3 and under get in free. 27174 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

chairs. The lecture will be taking place at the O’Neill Museum, 31831 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.8444. www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Monday | 27

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO RESIDENT APPRECIATION DAYS AT THE MISSION 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Every Wednesday, San Juan Capistrano residents receive free admission to Mission San Juan Capistrano with a $10 purchase made in the Mission store. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano.

For more information, go to www.missionsjc.com or call 949.234.1300.

COUNTRY DANCING AND ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR 6-10:30 p.m. Stop in at the Swallow’s Inn for country dancing with DJ Patrick and a happy hour that lasts all day. Enjoy a steak dinner for $13 when you’re finished with the dance floor. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Tuesday | 28 TACO TUESDAY AT SWALLOWS INN 5 p.m.–12 a.m. The Swallows Inn will be offering food and drink specials in honor of Taco Tuesday. Enjoy $2 Macho Tacos, $2 Bud Light on draft and $2 drink specials. DJ Bait will be proving musical entertainment throughout the night. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 24-September 13, 2018

Wednesday | 29

Saturday | 01 LIVE AT THE COACH HOUSE: WILD CHILD 8 p.m. Visitors to the Coach House will be able to experience what it was like to attend one of The Doors’ concerts in the late ‘60s when Wild Child gets on stage. Lead singer Dave Brock has been faithfully emulating the look and sound of Jim Morrison at shows across Southern California and all over the world. Tickets Page 17

are $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.

Sunday | 02 1ST SUNDAYS NATIVE AMERICAN STORYTELLING 1-2 p.m. Join Jacque Tahuka Nunez, an Acjachemen descendant and cultural storyteller on 1st Sundays of the month at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Nunez will lead a dynamic cultural presentation describing the lifestyle of the Acjachemen Nation, Orange County’s first people.

Corral Quad Central Courtyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. For more information, go to www.missionsjc.com or call 949.234.1300.

LIVE AT THE COACH HOUSE: THE ENGLISH BEAT 8 p.m. Catch Alternative band The English Beat at The Coach House. Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1979, the band became one of the most influential of (Cont. on page 18) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 17) the British Two Tone Ska movement and penned many hit songs in both the United Kingdom and Australia. The band was known for touring with other big names of the day such as The Clash and The Police. Tickets are $26. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.

Monday | 03 LABOR DAY PIG ROAST 1-6 p.m. Join the Capistrano Eagles Motorcycle Club as they have their annual Labor Day Pig Roast at The Swallows Inn. The carving and buffet begin at 1 p.m. The band Family Style will be performing music from 2-6 p.m. The event will also have raffles and dancing. Event requires a $15 donation, which includes food. Swallows Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 09 LIVE AT THE COACH HOUSE: GIN BLOSSOMS 7 p.m. Listen to Alternative Rock crooners the Gin Blossoms play the Coach House. A staple of ‘90s rock the Gin Blossoms are known for such hits as Until I Fall Away, Found Out About You and Hey Jealousy. Tickets are $45. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.

On Stage at The Coach House: Amanda Shires

Monday | 10 KOI FISH FEEDING 12:45 p.m. Everyday visitors are welcome to help Mission San Juan Capistrano feed their koi fish in both courtyards. Fish food is free for Mission Preservation Society members and $1 for non-members.

26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

Country music artist Amanda Shires will be playing The Coach House on Monday, Aug. 24. Photo: Courtesy

At the Movies: ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is Crazy Fresh Fun

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

fter the mega success of Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel Crazy Rich Asians in 2013, there was natural curiosity on when the movie adaptation would happen. And now, five years later, we finally receive Warner Bros.’ take with the first all-Asian cast in a major Hollywood movie since The Joy Luck Club (1993). Even more interesting is that the lead, Constance Wu, is one of the few Asian-Americans alongside actors who are primarily British.

In modern day NYC, Rachel Chu (Wu), lives happily as a university professor with her hot boyfriend and possible future fiancé, Nick Young (Henry Golding). When Nick has to travel back home

to Singapore to be in his best friend’s wedding, naturally Rachel tags along as his date. But during the journey she discovers that Nick actually comes from the wealthiest family in the country and all his friends back home are just as high-class. Rachel quickly needs to not only make a good impression as a middle-class outsider but also to Nick’s strict, posh mother, Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh).

The plot is a typical Cinderella theme with some Bridesmaids (2011)type humor, but the foreign setting brings something fresh. The whole cast has lovely chemistry and the soundtrack of American pop songs translated into Mandarin is a nice touch. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch August 24-September 13, 2018

Page 18

BY ALEX GROVES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C

ountry Music Artist Amanda Shires is no stranger to writing songs and recording albums, but the way she put together her recently released album To The Sunset was a little different.

Shires, a new mom, got some early creative input from her young daughter that involved the tot drawing pictures on her mom’s song lyrics and providing some harmonica solos in the wrong key.

Shires admits that while it was fun, she wasn’t getting much work done.

“So I packed up my ukulele and my autoharp and my violin and my words and my shredder and I moved into our clothes closet,” she said. “I sat amongst the laundry and the shoes and started writing 10 or 12 hours a day for a little over a month.”

Shires said the isolation gave her the laser focus necessary to get the 10-song album done. She’ll be performing those songs in front of a live audience at The Coach House on Monday, Aug. 27.

Guests will be able to hear Shires’ visual song lyrics and soprano voice laid out over electric guitars, synths and effect pedals.

Shires received the Emerging Artist Award during the 2017 Americana Music Honors & Awards, but anyone who thinks she’s new to the music game would be wrong.

She began playing violin as a 10-year-old and by the time she was 15 was playing gigs for money. Shires began writing songs in her 20s, encouraged to keep it up by her then-boss, country music artist Billy Joe Shaver.

Shires joked that she would later move to Nashville to pursue her “dreams of becoming a waitress.” She started saving up tips and recording albums for a while before making music her full-time gig.

Shires said that when she’s writing songs, she frequently draws from what’s going on in her own life or her friends’ lives. She said she finds the writing process to be personally helpful.

“I feel I try to be as empathetic as I can be and sometimes I’m an empath to a fault, but when it comes down to it, it’s about sorting out your feelings in any way that you can,” she said.

Shires said she also likes the idea of being able to connect with others through her music.

“If somebody likes my song then I’m like, ‘OK, cool, this person has felt like this before so I’m not alone in all my stupid feelings,’” she said.

This is going to be Shires second time playing at The Coach House and she said she’s looking forward to exploring Southern California and seeing some of the sites.

That’s not something she was able to do the last time she was on tour because she was driving her own van and was on a tight schedule. This time she’s riding a tour bus, and someone else is driving.

“This new riding in a bus thing is awesome because you … ride in the night and you wake up and you’re in a new town and you get to go see stuff,” she said. “It’s like what you always thought touring should be.”

Shires’ new album, To The Sunset, was released earlier this month.

Tickets to go see her at The Coach House are $22.50. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 27.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

For tickets or more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse. com. CD

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com FOR SALE MOVING - FURNITURE/APPLIANCES FOR SALE Wood dresser $100, shabby chic wood dining table with 6 chairs $225, wood industrial World Market table $125, two tan linen high back chairs with studs from World Market $60 each, simple wood desk with hairpin legs $80, IKEA wooden shelving unit $125, side by side white fridge with ice maker $50, washer/dryer set $100. Can send pictures.

Call or text Jasmine 949.533.9761.

CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point.

Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring.

We sell tile too! Mike, Lantern Bay Carpets, 949-240-1545.

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

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

HELP WANTED PART-TIME COPY EDITOR WANTED Picket Fence Media is hiring a part-time copy editor to copy edit the group’s three community newspapers, special sections, magazines and websites. Candidates must have 5+ years professional newspaper/magazine copy editing experience, be fluent in AP Style, be fast, courteous and professional. Qualified candidates must be able to work onsite at the Capistrano Beach office location. Qualified candidates only should email agarrett@ picketfencemedia.com.

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

HELP WANTED Dana Point Marina Inn is looking for front office people for the AM shift (7am to 3pm) and PM shift (3pm to 11pm) $12 to 14 per hour DOE. Apply in person: Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, Ca, 949-496-1203.

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

*2.1 readership per 11,500 copies distributed

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

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

949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch August 24–September 13, 2018

Page 19

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

A Lesson in Steer Roping Shea Center summer campers learn new skill from the cowboys of Rancho Mission Viejo ALEX GROVES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

group of children enthusiastically gathered around Rancho Mission Viejo ranch cowboys Gilbert Aguirre, Brent Freese and John Frank as they skillfully spun their lassos in the air at The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center on Thursday, Aug. 16.

The cowboys were showing the kids, part of the Shea Center’s summer camp, how to rope “steers.”

The steers weren’t actually real; they were dummies, but that didn’t dampen the excitement for the children. They watched the roping activity with wide eyes, waiting for their chance to also spin the lasso.

The summer camp is one of numerous programs put on by the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, which aims to improve the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs.

The center serves people with physical and cognitive disabilities, including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome and Seizure Disorder. Roughly 70 percent of clients are children.

The center has children riding, sitting sideways, sitting backwards and even sometimes standing on horses because riding a horse moves a person’s body in the same way walking does. That can be

Gilbert Aguirre and Dan Butler-Moburg interact with the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center’s summer camp kids on Thursday, Aug. 16. Photo: Alex Groves

very beneficial for a person dealing with a condition such as cerebral palsy or recovering from a stroke.

The summer camp is integrated between children with disabilities and children without them.

Shea Center Executive Director Dana Butler-Moburg said that with the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo right around the corner, center officials thought the roping activity would be a fun way to not only teach the summer camp kids about the area’s Western heritage, but it also had practical applications.

“There’s a lot of eye-to-hand coordination,” Butler-Moburg said. “You have to have a lot of strength to stand there and swing the rope, you have to be able to look at what you’re doing, so there are a lot of things we do at Shea that are tied back

into this skill.”

Children watched closely as Aguirre, Freese and Frank spun the lassos in the air and then slipped them over the horns of the fake steers. Sometimes they accomplished that with skill; other times it took a couple tries.

The event was not just a treat for the summer camp’s kids but was also a fun experience for Shea Center employees and volunteers who delighted in taking pictures and watching the cowboys at work.

According to the Shea Center’s website the camp gives the children a five-day introduction to horseback riding and also gives them the chance to learn how to appreciate and care for horses among other activities.

There were three camps held this year: One from June 25-29; another from Aug. 6-10; and a third from Aug. 13-17. The rop-

ing event was one of the last events or the year’s final summer camp.

Butler-Moburg said there was a key reason that the summer camp is integrated and includes children who don’t have disabilities: Children who do want to be able to attend camp with their friends and siblings.

“What all of our kids with special needs want to do is be part of our community and here there really is no difference,” she said. “In summer camp you’re just kids.

You’re kids here having a great time.”

Gilbert Aguirre, the Rancho Mission Viejo cowboy, said that while he doubted the kids would remember how to rope a steer, they were definitely having the great time Butler-Molburg said was the objective.

“It’s a milestone event,” he said. “They enjoy it, they have fun.” CD

Pet of the Week: Brea Sudoku THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

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

BY MYLES MELLOR

ne-and-a-half-year-old Brea initially came into the shelter as a pregnant mother kitty. After raising six healthy kittens, she is ready for some pampering of her own. Very friendly and outgoing, she is usually there to greet you at the door. Brea gets along with other cats and would fit easily into just about any home.

If you would like to know more about Brea, call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch August 24-September 13, 2018

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

Solution:

Page 20

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Then & Now

by Rhonda DeHaan

Restoring the centerpiece of Serra’s Chapel

F

ather St. John O’Sullivan arrived at Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1910 and was immediately drawn by its haunting beauty. Saddened by its neglected state, Father O’Sullivan set to work restoring the mission.

Restoration of Serra’s Chapel, so named because it is said that it is the only chapel blessed by Saint Junipero Serra himself, ranked high on Fr. O’Sullivan’s priority list.

The structure had been used to store grain, wool and lumber for many years, and was severely deteriorated. Part of the chapel had collapsed, and the remainder of the building had crumbling walls and a roof which needed extensive repair.

THEN & NOW

By Rhonda Fr. O’Sullivan engaged De Haan the services of Los Angeles architect Arthur B. Benton to supervise the restoration of the building, and together they began the arduous task.

In the early 1920s, after the work was completed, Fr. O’Sullivan visited with Bishop Rt. Rev. John Joseph Cantwell, Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles and San Diego. He wanted permission to go to Mexico in an attempt to find an appropriate altar for the restored church.

The bishop told Fr. O’Sullivan about some boxes that had been shipped to him from Spain in 1906 and had remained in storage since. Upon opening the crates, Fr. O’Sullivan discovered a rare old retablo, carved from solid wood overlaid with gold leaf, and to his great joy, he received per-

This photo shows a rare old retablo that was restored and became the centerpiece of Serra’s Chapel in Mission San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Courtesy of San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

mission to move it to San Juan Capistrano.

The retablo was in approximately 395 individual pieces, damaged and tarnished, with several parts missing. Sebastian Maas, a Los Angeles decorator, labored for twelve months, assembling the pieces and replacing the lost parts. He was assisted by John O’Sullivan, nephew of the priest.

Fully assembled, the height of the altar was higher than the chapel’s ceiling, so ad-

ditional work was required to raise the roof.

Today, this breathtaking retablo remains the centerpiece of the chapel, the beautiful Baroque artwork admired by the mission’s many visitors.

Rhonda De Haan enjoys learning about San Juan Capistrano and its history, sharing fun photographic finds along the way. She is a proud mother of two, a freelance writer and a member of the San Juan Capistrano

Historical Society Board of Directors. She is also serving her eighth year as member of the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom Blake

Is Senior Online Dating: Productive?

Quirky? Dangerous? Risky?

T

he answer: all the above.

Online dating has become a huge business. There are hundreds of sites. But does it work for seniors? Yes… and no.

Productive? Many senior couples have found online dating success.

Jeanne emailed, “I met my man on Our Time. He contacted me in September 2015.

I didn’t meet him until March 2016. We met at Starbucks. He was a wonderful man and we got along famously. We waited six months before taking the friendship to a LAT (Living Apart Together) relationship.

Recently, we decided to live together and chose my place! I not only gained a man in my life but his dog and lizard, too.

He’s even better than what I had described as my perfect mate!”

My partner Greta has a friend named Dominque.

She met her Tom on Match.com. They turned a long-distance relationship into a marriage, when Tom moved from Sacramento to live with ON LIFE AND Dominque in her San LOVE AFTER 50 Clemente home.

By Tom Blake Quirky? It can be. Gina, (Greta’s niece), 53, sent a text last week showing a personal ad she saw on Tinder, an online dating site.

Gina wrote, “Tinder has a reputation for ‘casual’ relationships. What you see in the ads is all you get, one or a few pictures, a paragraph or nothing at all. You choose to meet based mostly on attraction to each other’s photo.

I thought you might find this guy’s ad interesting. It is an example of what not to say if you want to meet a nice woman.

‘Eugene, age 83, looking for sweet, smart, built, warm and tender, love to travel the world, if you want to have more fun than you’ve ever had, call Geno. Have to be pristine clean, love the warmth and the ten-

derness of a man, and if not, you’re not in my ballpark, only qualified people call me.

P.S. hookers and prostitutes do not call.’’

Tinder calls itself the world’s most popular dating site with 20 billion matches. People as young as 18 use it. The user reviews are filled with complaints about people being banned from the site without explanation. I do not recommend Tinder for seniors.

Dangerous? I read horror stories, including murders, of people who met on Tinder and other sites, some as recent as July and August of this year. Doing background checks is a must when meeting strangers.

Risky? You bet. The Oct. 21, 2017, issue of the Palm Beach Post (Florida) featured an article written by Debby Montgomery, a 52-year-old widow. She lost $1,080,762.43 to a Nigerian romance scammer without ever meeting the man in person.

He claimed to be an international broker of hardwood trees. When she called his company, they had never heard of him. Regardless, she kept sending money, even borrowing $100,000 from her parents to give him.

Debby fell in love with an image, which is insane; you can’t judge chemistry until you meet in person. Never send money to someone you’ve never met.

Is internet dating for seniors? Iffy. It’s a mixed bag. Proceed with caution.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating.

See his websites www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www.travelafter55.com.

To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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