November 9, 2018

Guest Opinion: Tom Blake Discusses His Trip to Shanghai PAGE 12

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

NOVEMBER 9-22, 2018 • VOLUME 16, ISSUE 21

New Faces in Power as Mid-term Election Concludes Political newcomers make their way into city council, Congress E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 5

Robert Anthony Ruiz talks to a volunteer at Capistrano Mazda, which functioned as one of the polling locations for San Juan Capistrano’s District 3. Photo: Alex Groves

City Council Nixes Appeal on Plaza Banderas Modifications SPORTS/PAGE 34

SJC Resident Uses Retirement to Give Back to Veteran Community SJC LIVING/PAGE 11

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Football Teams Look for Historic Second-Round Wins SPORTS/PAGE 14

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 City Council Initiates Design Services for Verdugo Street Beautification THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council on Monday, Nov. 5, voted 4-1, with Councilmember Pam Patterson dissenting, to approve a professional services agreement with a design firm to start designing, preparing environmental documents and preparing cost estimates for a project to beautify Verdugo Street.

According to a city staff report from City Engineer Joe Parco, the city solicited design proposals and received proposals from seven applicants, but recommended awarding the contract to Adams Streeter Civil Engineers for a total estimated cost of $321,698.

During the meeting, Parco said some of the desired amenities as part of a beautification project included pedestrian street lighting, bistro lighting, shade structures and brick pavers for the overarching goal of making that portion downtown more inviting and pedestrian-friendly.

WHAT’S NEXT: Now that the design contract has been awarded, the next step will be to develop final design plans, specifications and cost estimates. Those will be shown at stakeholder workshops and reviewed by city commissions.

The design and environmental review processes are expected to take about a year to complete with construction likely to begin in fall 2019. —Alex Groves

City Council Nixes Appeal on Plaza Banderas Modifications THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council on Monday, Nov. 5, voted unanimously to reject an appeal of approved modifications to the Plaza Banderas Hotel project, also known as the Inn at The Mission.

The changes, approved by the city’s planning commission earlier this year, included splitting an entry driveway to allow traffic into and out of the hotel; moving the location of a swimming pool; and moving the location of a parking area.

An appeal filed by Charles Krolikowski of the Save our Mission Foundation asThe Capistrano Dispatch November 9-22, 2018

A group of actors dressed as pirates walks from Descanso Park to the Los Rios District in San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 3. Photo: Alex Groves

serted that small changes over time had accumulated to make the Plaza Banderas into a different project than what was initially approved in 2010.

As such, Krolikowski argued, the project needed to go through further California Environmental Quality Act reviews.

Dan Friess, project applicant, argued that the changes being appealed were very small in nature and noted that Krolikowski had been a detractor since the project’s inception.

“No project in San Juan Capistrano history has received more scrutiny or had more public meetings than ours,” Dan Friess said.

Rick Friess, legal counsel for developer Mission Commercial, argued that an extensive environmental impact report had already been conducted and that the changes being appealed are the kind that development projects frequently anticipate.

“As you finish your drawings, there will be tweaks here and there,” Rick Friess said. “That doesn’t change the environmental impacts.”

Acting on staff’s recommendation, the city council denied the appeal and upheld the planning commission’s decision.

WHAT’S NEXT: Krolikowski indicated an intent to file suit against the approved changes and combine that with an existing lawsuit. —AG

Pirates ‘Invade’ San Juan Capistrano THE LATEST: Arrr, mateys! Pirates invaded San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 3 and 4 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of ship captain Hippolyte Bouchard’s invasion of Mission San Juan Capistrano.

From a pirate-filled fiesta to a mock trial that kept audiences at the edge of their seats, there was plenty of pirate-themed fun for San Juan’s residents to have.

The weekend’s events were coordinated by the San Juan Capistrano Historical

Society, Dana Point Historical Society and California’s Living History Group.

The weekend began with a group of residents and historical reenactors dressed as pirates gathering at San Juan Capistrano’s Descanso Park.

With a gaggle of little pirates in tow, the rowdy bunch of sailors walked alongside the San Juan Creek until they got to the Los Rios District.

There, Captain Bouchard, played by Duane Matthews, made demands of San Juan Capistrano’s residents that included 20 sacks of potatoes, 10 sacks of corn and four head of cattle.

When their demands were refused, Bouchard and his crew went forth to “sack and pillage” the town. The group of pirates then proceeded to a fiesta at The Blas Aguilar Adobe that included food, dancing, face painting and other fun activities.

On Nov. 4, Bouchard was put on trial and members of a 12-person “jury,” as well as members of the audience, were asked to determine whether he was “guilty” or “not guilty” of being a pirate.

Bob Minty of the Dana Point Historical Society played Bouchard’s defense attorney while resident Jan Siegel acted as the prosecution. Siegel’s husband, Warren, played a judge.

Both the jury and the majority of the audience found Bouchard not guilty of being a pirate.

WHAT’S NEXT: Though the pirate events have concluded for the weekend, a piratethemed exhibit featuring items from Minty’s private collection will remain at the Arley Leck House at the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society grounds until Nov. 18. —AG

Woman Struck, Killed in Dana Point THE LATEST: A pedestrian died after she was struck by a vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway, near Amber Lantern in Dana Point.

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The vehicle was headed northbound when it struck the 35-year-old San Juan Capistrano woman, identified as Whitney Daniels, and reports of the incident were called in at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Nov. 3.

“First responders found the woman with obvious trauma to the body and head,” said Orange County Sheriffs Department Public Information Officer Carrie Braun.

Daniels was hospitalized and later pronounced dead.

The driver was described as a 70-yearold male, who was not under the influence, and remained at the scene of the incident. He was not arrested. The roadway between Ruby Lantern and Violet Lantern on Pacific Coast Highway was closed off for more than two hours.

WHAT’S NEXT: The investigation is ongoing and is being handled by the OCSD Major Accident Reconstruction Team. — Lillian Boyd

Firm to Study Possibility of Ganahl Lumber Store in San Juan Capistrano THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council as part of its consent calendar approved a professional services agreement for a firm to study the possibility of putting a Ganahl Lumber Hardware Store in San Juan Capistrano.

According to a city staff report, the City Council had approved an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with Ganahl Lumber to develop the city’s Lower Rosan Ranch Property, located on the north side of Stonehill Drive between San Juan Creek and the railroad right-of-way.

According to the report, Ganahl Lumber submitted development plans that split the near 17-acre site into five lots. Lots 1 and 2 would be used for fast-food restaurants with drive-through lanes totaling 5,000 square feet. Lot 3 would be developed with the hardware store totaling 130,785 square feet and lots 4 and 5 would be used for vehicle storage for nearby car dealerships.

The ENA establishes a time frame in which the developer and the city can determine whether a lumber store can be placed at the location and, if so, negotiate the terms of a development agreement.

The city is not bound to any specific project, nor is it required to sell the property to Ganahl, according to the report.

WHAT’S NEXT: It’s estimated that it will take the firm, LSA Associates, about 14 weeks to determine which environmental documents are required. Once environmental documents are done, the proposed plan will be presented to the planning commission and ultimately to the city council. —AG www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

San Juan Capistrano Skate Park Coalition Holds Halloween-Themed Event The San Juan Capistrano Skate Park Coalition held its first-ever Halloween Skate Jam on Oct. 27 as part of its broader mission to raise funds for a city-approved skate park.

Dozens of youngsters, many of them clad in costumes, spent the day at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center skating on a variety of ramps that were set up just for the day.

Raffles were held throughout the day, and kids could win such prizes as a pair of Stance brand socks.

As their young kids and teens enjoyed a day of skateboarding, parents were able to peruse a small-scale classic car show that had been set up nearby.

The Halloween-themed event is one of several ways the Skate Park Coalition has been seeking to raise funds for a skate park, which would be located within the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park.

The city council approved the conceptual design for the skate park in March 2017, but the project’s $2 million price tag has made it difficult for the city to find funding sources for it.

Skate Park Coalition President Peter Carey, in an earlier interview with The Dispatch, said he hopes that if the coalition raises $1 million, the city will be able to meet them halfway.

San Juan Hills High School Receives Award for Being ‘Safe Sports School’ San Juan Hills High School recently received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School Award for its Stallion Athletic Program, according to a school news release.

The award recognizes secondary schools that provide safe environments for student athletes. It also emphasizes the importance of giving the best level of care, injury prevention and treatment, according to the release.

“SJHHS is honored to receive this 1st Team recognition from NATA, and we remain committed to keeping our student athletes safe during physical education classes, team practices and games so they can accomplish their own goals of great competition, winning records, fair sportsmanship and good health. Our goal is to lead our athletics program to the highest safety standards for our players,” SJHHS Athletic Trainer Micah Ohlen stated in the news release.

The release said some of the things The Capistrano Dispatch November 9-22, 2018

FRIDAY, NOV. 9 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, NOV. 13

A mother and daughter play on a skateboard at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center on Oct. 27 for the first annual Halloween Skate Jam event. Photo: Alex Groves

SJHHS had to do in order to receive the Safe Sport School designation included developing injury and illness prevention strategies; creating and rehearsing an Emergency Action Plan; and making sure athletes and parents are educated on both the benefits and risks of sports as well as their responsibilities.

Marine Support Group Requests Donations for Thanksgiving A support group for Marines is asking for the public to sponsor or donate to Marines at Camp Pendleton so they can have a nice Thanksgiving meal.

In a news release, the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group (DP5MRSG) notes that many Marines won’t be able to join their families at the table for Thanksgiving this year, either because they are deployed to the Middle East or they must remain at Camp Pendleton to maintain readiness as the nation’s first responders.

The support group is asking members of the public to sponsor a Marine or a Marine’s family members so they can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner among other Marines, Sailors, Wounded Warriors from Battalion West at Camp Pendleton and their families.

The dinner will be hosted at Waterman’s Harbor in Dana Point by Damian Collins and the Collins Family.

A single Marine, the family of a deployed Marine or a Marine and his family, will receive a full meal, open bar, dessert, entertainment and participation in a raffle for donated items.

“It is a way for our local folks to show that our country appreciates the sacrifices

they are making. Most importantly, it is a way to say ‘Thank you’,” stated Terry Rifkin, President of the DP5MRSG. The release says that several corporate and civic sponsors have already provided donations, including the City of Dana Point, the Strand at Headlands and the Transportation Corridor Agencies.

People who would like to donate can do so by visiting www.DanaPoint5thMarines. com or can also send a check to The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group to the attention of “Thanksgiving for Marines.” Those checks can be sent to P.O. Box 471, Dana Point.

Students Ace Standardized Tests at JSerra High Four students at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano received perfect scores on their standardized tests.

Student Richard Fu achieved a 1600 on the SAT while students Sean Griswold, Abbey Guinane and Grant Ristoff scored a perfect 36 on their ACTs. According to a news release from the school, 1.7 million students take the SAT every year, but only about 300 or 0.018 percent of them earn a perfect score.

Two million students take the ACT and only 0.136 percent of them earn a perfect score.

Fu is an international student from Suzhou, China, who came to the U.S. three years ago to attend JSerra. Fu aspires to attend Stanford next fall.

Griswold is a student in the Engineering Magnet Program and is also a leader for his Boy Scout troop, a hockey player and accomplished pianist.

Guinane is in JSerra’s Medical Magnet Program and has succeeded in managing

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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.

SJC Writer’s Group Meeting 5:30 p.m. The SJC Writer’s Group, a support group for writers, will be having its monthly meeting at the San Juan Capistrano Library. For more information, visit www.ocpl.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 14 Youth Advisory Board Special Meeting 5:30 p.m. The city’s Youth Advisory Board will hold a special meeting at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

MONDAY, NOV. 19 Parks, Recreation, Youth and Senior Services, Trails and Equestrian Commission Meeting 5:30 p.m. The city’s Parks, Recreation, Youth and Senior Services, Trails and Equestrian Commission will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 23 THE NEXT EDITION OF THE DISPATCH PUBLISHES.

an AP course load while maintaining a high GPA. She plans to work in the medical field.

Ristoff plays defensive end and tight end for JSerra’s varsity football team and has committed to continue his football career at the University of Pennsylvania. He plans to study in the university’s College of Arts and Sciences.

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

EYE ON SJC

New Faces in Power as Midterm Election Concludes Newcomers make their way into city council, Congress

BY ALEX GROVES & ERIC HEINZ, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

an Juan Capistrano’s City Council will likely look a little different, with two incumbent city councilmembers slated to give up their seats to a former mayor and a political newcomer.

Incumbent Councilmember Derek Reeve is poised for reelection in District 3 while businessman Troy Bourne and former Mayor John Taylor were the apparent winners in Districts 2 and 4, respectively. It appears incumbent City Councilmembers Pam Patterson and Kerry Ferguson will not be returning to the council.

Because of the creation of districts, Ferguson and Patterson ran against Reeve in a crowded field that also included college student Cody Martin, businesswoman Joyce Anderson and write-in candidate and U.S. Air Force Veteran Robert Hagstrom.

Reeve, who during his campaign championed fiscal responsibility and an end to lawsuits against the city among his top priorities, came out the clear favorite, carrying 39 percent of votes.

Ferguson and Patterson came in behind Reeve with nearly 20 percent of votes each; Martin received 11 percent and Anderson 10 percent.

In District 2, businessman Bourne – who emphasized improving traffic, preventing a toll road from entering San Juan and improving water rates – received nearly double the number of votes his opponent, newspaper publisher Kim McCarthy, to take the win.

He received 68 percent of votes, whereas McCarthy received nearly 32 percent.

Taylor’s District 4 victory was won against photography studio owner and former councilmember Jeff Vasquez. Taylor received 58 percent of votes while Vasquez received 42 percent.

The race between Taylor and Vasquez was one of the most competitive, with Vasquez taking a strong anti-development stance and painting Taylor as a pro-development candidate who would do little to stem the tide of growth and increasing traffic.

During Taylor’s campaign, he freThe Capistrano Dispatch November 9-22, 2018

2018 CITY COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS

*Indicates incumbent DISTRICT 2: Troy Bourne: 1,508 (68.2%) Kim McCarthy: 703 (31.8%)

Robert Ruiz gets ready to vote at Capistrano Mazda in District 3. Harry and Erika Klatt are behind him in line also getting ready to exercise their civic duty. Photo: Alex Groves

quently called himself a “neighbor and a leader,” and not a politician. He hit hard on Vasquez’s frequent absences from community debates and forums, and Vasquez’s lack of community engagement.

During election season, Bourne, Reeve and Taylor were frequently suggested as a slate.

They were supported by a committee, “Protect San Juan’s Future, A Committee Supporting Council Candidates Reeve, Bourne & Taylor.”

That committee paid for the website SJCElections.org and actively opposed other candidates, including Kim McCarthy, Jeff Vasquez and Pam Patterson.

LEVIN FLIPS THE 49TH Tuesday night was a significant victory for House Democrats across the nation and California, but one of the large milestones in this state that was secured for the “blue wave” in the state’s 49th district.

Democratic candidate Mike Levin of San Juan Capistrano appears to be the victor after the final results from San Diego County were tallied late Wednesday morning.

Heading into the wee hours of Election Night on Tuesday, Nov. 6, with a lead of about 5 percent and a number of precincts reported, Levin celebrated a little early.

But the final numbers to come in were from San Diego Couty, which voted for the Democratic candidate of the 49th district heavily in the 2016 election.

Levin braced his campaign on the back of his environmental lobbying and legal experience in the field. He has vowed to stop President Donald Trump’s administration from executing its offshore oil drilling proposals and favored an affordable health care system.

Republican Diane Harkey of Dana Point had hoped to keep the district in her party’s control, as the predecessor of the district seat was held by Republican Rep. Darrell Issa for nearly 20 years. Harkey used her experience as a “tax-fighter” to drum up support and stood behind the “Yes on Prop 6” campaign to repeal Gov. Jerry Brown’s gas tax.

“I feel great, and it’s a victory for all of those who have worked so hard for a long

time to finally flip this district, and I’m very grateful,” Levin said in a phone interview with the San Clemente Times on Wednesday.

Trump wasted no time in venting his frustration about the Republican House losses from Tuesday, blaming outgoing Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and then later declaring the evening a success based on its four Senate seat gains. When asked what kind of political atmosphere he expects to inherit, Levin said he’s optimistic.

“I think it’s going to be positive and I base that on a conversation with Darrell Issa. Mr. Issa and I have differed on political issues. We nonetheless had a great discussion, and he offered his help in the transition,” Levin said. “I believe in the institution of the House of Representatives, and it is very important that all members treat each other with respect, and hopefully in a short time, we can get beyond the toxic rhetoric.”

If the numbers hold true following canvassing of the ballots, that would mean turnout for this particular election garnered just half of the 310,000 votes that were cast in the 2016 election.

On Twitter, Levin thanked many supporters and retweeted a few supporters declaring victory for him. He said he’s to report to Washington, D.C. by Monday for orientation. — Eric Heinz OLD GUARD REMAINS STRONG It wasn’t the snoozer, inevitable outcome for Assemblymember Bill Brough, R-73, or for State Sen. Patricia Bates, R-36, this time around, but both representatives won their elections by or near double-digit percentage margins.

Marggie Castellano, who was behind about the same margin in the primary election in June, was still a candidate with whom Bates had to contend.

Brough faced a challenger in 2016 who stopped campaigning midway through, enabling Brough to win by more than 90 percent of the vote. This year, he faced a stronger opponent in Scott Rhinehart, but Brough still held on for a decisive victory Tuesday night. CD

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DISTRICT 3: *Derek Reeve: 805 (39%) *Kerry Ferguson: 419 (20.3%) *Pam Patterson: 408 (19.7%) Cody Martin: 230 (11.1%) Joyce Anderson: 204 (9.9%) DISTRICT 4: John Taylor: 495 (57.5%) Jeff Vasquez: 366 (42.5%) 49TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT (359 of 542 precincts partially reporting) Mike Levin, Democrat: 95,138 (53.5%) Diane Harkey, Republican: 82,648 (46.5%) ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF (1,546 of 1,546 precincts reporting) Don Barnes: 327,552 (57%) Duke Nguyen: 246,732 (43%) DISTRICT ATTORNEY (1,546 of 1,546 precincts reporting) Todd Spitzer: 296,685 (52.9%) *Tony Rackauckas: 264,732 (47.1%) STATE ASSEMBLY, 73RD DISTRICT (259 of 259 precincts partially reporting) *William “Bill” Brough, Republican: 76,123 (58.3%) Scott Rhinehart, Democrat: 54,393 (41.7%) STATE SENATE, 36TH DISTRICT (623 of 623 precincts partially reporting) *Patricia “Pat” Bates, Republican: 133,028 (54%) Marggie Castellano, Democrat: 113,149 (46%) Results provided were gathered from the Orange County Registrar of Voters and California Secretary of State’s Office as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Results could change between now and Dec. 7.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Some Thoughts on Civility, Respect as Election Season Closes

T

his article was written before Election Day. I do not know at this time who won or who lost the election.

But what I do know is that we base winning on those who win the most votes in the Electoral College, or the most votes in the state, the county or in the city.

The vote for our city elections was different this year. I, along with more than a third of the local voting public, was disenfranchised in our City elections.

Arguments over district voting in a town of our population is passé. That was decided by a City Council vote four years ago.

We have a new City Council and regardless of how those of you who were able to vote voted, the rest of us must accept the new Council. Our city, not unlike the country, is divided. The Council must come together for the good of our community.

I guarantee that I will not agree with the vote of whomever was elected 100 percent of the time, but that does not mean they are right or wrong. It does mean they have

Letters to the Editor CURRENT ADMINISTRATION WILL HURT ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT —ED SCHLEGEL, Capistrano Beach Growing up in the ‘50s and ‘60s, time spent outdoors was highly valued and wildlife was cherished. I never thought I would see the day when the current administration would go to such great lengths to weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with nine proposed regulatory changes. In a nutshell, these regulatory changes make it more difficult to protect species, to add new species to the list, easier to remove species currently on the list, to reduce protections for imperiled species, to make it more difficult to protect critical habitat, and to base listing decisions on unreliable economic analyses rather than on scientific data.

The ESA’s track record has been so successful, it is difficult to understand why the current administration would try to weaken its authority by turning the ESA into more of an extinction plan for species already threatened, rather than making concerted efforts to save them. It is a shame to watch our country’s priorities The Capistrano Dispatch November 9-22, 2018

been put in the position of making that vote. And I have to respect that. I don’t have to like it. One can disagree without being disagreeable. That is civility.

What has been missing in politics at all levels in recent memory is respect for the office. One does not have to respect the person holding the office, but having been duly elected by our system of government we owe it to the elected MOMENTS member of whatever govIN TIME

By Jan Siegel ernmental body to respect the office they are sworn to uphold.

The other part of governing which has been missing in our government at all levels is compromise. Once a person is elected to a position they should understand that they will not get everything that they want in terms of legislation or positions. That has always been the beauty of our form of government. The act of compromise is what

shift to devalue wildlife on every level.

It is up to our generation, those of us who grew up appreciating and respecting wildlife, to take a stand for conservation, and oppose all nine of these regulatory changes to the ESA that will make it next to impossible to prevent species from disappearing forever. Join me in opposing all new changes that will weaken the Endangered Species Act.

CAN WE SAVE OUR FUTURE? SHOULD WE? —JOANNA CLARK, San Juan Capistrano The link between carbon dioxide (CO2) and the Earth’s temperature was made in the 1820s by Joseph Fourier who first realized that the atmosphere is heated from above and below: first, by sunlight as it shines through and second by the infrared the Earth emits as it cools overnight. John Tyndall demonstrated in 1859 that some gases block infrared radiation, and noted that changes in the concentration of the gases could bring climate change.

It was Svante Arrhenius, however, who in 1886 —132 years ago — was first to calculate the extent to which increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) will increase Earth’s surface temperature through the greenhouse effect. Arguably, Arrhenius is the father of climate change science.

On August 14, 1912, a newspaper called the Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette printed a pre-

separates us from dictatorship. Working with people across the aisle has become an oxymoron. How about working with the person sitting next to you on the Council dais?

Rhetoric is easy, taking action is hard work.

San Juan Capistrano is a unique community, particularly in California. We have a rich history, incredible cultures and amazing people. We have a well-defined downtown that emphasizes all those elements. As we get ready for the holiday season, spend a “Moment in Time” celebrating all that makes us such a special place to live and work. As we get ready to enjoy time with family, take time to realize how blessed we are to be able to call San Juan Capistrano home.

Jan Siegel is a 30-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 18 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 25 years.

She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD 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

scient paragraph in its “science notes and news” section, warning that the Earth’s atmosphere was changing because of the way the world’s economies were ramping up production of fossil fuels.

An now the United Nations’ “Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change” has published a new report which outlines the need for “rapid, far-reaching, and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society” in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C, stating we only have 12 years to effect this change.

Twelve years to effect major changes; impossible you say. No it’s not; all we need is the political will. We’ve done it before, we can do it again.

We can save the world again if we put our minds together and work together.

It’s up to each of us to decide. Is OUR future worth saving for future generations?

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> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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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 21. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’ is One for McCarthy Fans

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.

Saturday | 10 LARIAT WREATH MAKING CLASS 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens and Otra Mas Horse Therapy at the GNTG headquarters for a creative afternoon of Lariat wreath making. Participants should bring a glue gun, but all other materials are provided. Cost of the class is $50. To reserve a seat, email info@goinnative.net. 31661 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT AT THE RESERVE 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Visitors to the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo will discover how stars are much more visible there than in more urbanized areas of Orange County.

They will be able to learn about constellations and peer through the telescopes of volunteer astronomers. Those planning to attend should bring warm clothing, a red cellophaned flashlight, binoculars and a beach chair. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. www.rmvreserve.org.

Sunday | 11 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS VETERAN’S DAY BBQ 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Veterans of all ages are encouraged to join Veterans of Foreign Wars SJC Post 3801 as they hold a free barbecue at Veteran’s Park on Camino Capistrano.

The post is always looking for new members and will be handing out information to those in attendance on how they can join. 31852 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.444.6174.

Monday | 12 PARENT & ME: NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Children ages 2 ½ to 5 can look, smell, touch and discover nature through a gentle scavenger walk around the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park.

Activity is free. Email info@goinnative.net to RSVP. 31747 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 9-22, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK The Ecology Center will be having its annual Maker’s Market on Saturday, Nov. 10, and visitors will be able to peruse and shop for a number of handmade items. Photo: Courtesy of The Ecology Center

SATURDAY, NOV. 10: HANDMADE: A MAKER’S MARKET 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Head to The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano to shop local, handmade goods; participate in DIY activities; and enjoy local food and music. This will be the fifth year Handmade: A Maker’s Market is taking place. The event is intended to focus on the value of a handmade culture, with each of the vendors present being small businesses that source from local ingredients and produce small quantities of their goods. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org

Park. Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com.

Wednesday | 14 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.

Thursday | 15 LOS RIOS PARK GARDEN ANGELS MEETING 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano.

949.606.6386. www.goinnative.net.

Saturday | 17 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

ECO TOTS: SUCCULENT JAR TERRARIUMS 10-11:30 a.m. Help your youngsters bring the outdoors indoors with this activity at The Ecology Center that will have them making glass terrariums. Activity is intended for families with children under 4.

Children will learn about plants and what they need to do well. They will then put together their own terrarium in a jar to take home. The event is free for The Ecology Center’s family level members and $25 for nonmembers. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org

Wednesday | 21 YOGA BUNGALOW AT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO REGIONAL LIBRARY 5:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy a free yoga session at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library.

No experience needed; no reservations required. Everyone is welcome. Reduce tension in the body and calm the mind. All poses and movements are accessible and chair adaptable. This is part of the Eat. Move. Grow. Healthy Living Series. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

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Mary Cybulski / Fox Searchlight Pictures

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

M

elissa McCarthy has proven to be the female equivalent to Adam Sandler’s film career.

Her small, indie dramedies are great, like Go (1999), White Oleander (2002) and St. Vincent (2014). Her first few years as a viable A-lister were good with Bridesmaids (2011) and Spy (2015). But ever since blowing up into stardom, McCarthy’s big-budget comedies have been truly abysmal, such as Identity Thief (2013), Tammy (2014) and Happytime Murders (2018). Fortunately, her latest is along the lines of her indie work: Marielle Heller’s Can You Ever Forgive Me? In 1991 New York City, Lee Israel (McCarthy) is an out-of-work biographer with a bad attitude and borderline alcoholism. She lives with her cat, doesn’t have any friends and no one wants her latest profile on legendary comedian Fanny Brice. At one time she was selling books on the lives on Katharine Hepburn and Tallulah Bankhead; now the only type of writing she can make money from forging fake letters of other famous writers. And the only person who knows her new scheme is drinking buddy John Hock (Richard E. Grant).

Can You Ever Forgive Me? is based on the 2008 memoir of the same name by the real Israel, who passed in 2014.

McCarthy gives possibly her best dramatic performance to date, and director Heller’s own indie origins are perfect for the intimate tale. The biopic is almost like a quaint, female variant of Catch Me If You Can (2002) and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).

Forgive Me? doesn’t have the happiest ending—especially if you’re a cat-lover—but it makes you appreciate friendship and talent. CD

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SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

San Juan Capistrano Resident Uses Retirement to Give Back to Veteran Community

BY ALEX GROVES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

recent retiree and San Juan Capistrano transplant could use his newfound time to simply sit back and relax, but instead he’s staying active and doing so to support others.

Andy Wirth, the former CEO of Squaw Valley Ski Resort, has participated in sporting events to raise funds for military groups in the past, but this year he’s taking that to a new level.

Wirth, along with a group dubbed “Team Special Warfare Warrior,” will be participating in one sporting event per month over the next year to raise funds for nonprofit organizations that benefit veterans and their families.

The team recently participated in the Joshua Tree Half Marathon on Nov. 3 to benefit the Special Ops Survivors Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting injured veterans as well as the families of veterans who were killed.

They’ll be back at it again on Dec. 15, running in the San Diego Half Marathon to benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation.

Wirth said he founded the group

Andy Wirth, who formed Team Special Warfare Warrior, trains for an upcoming race. Wirth is participating in one sporting event each month to raise funds for veterans’ groups. Photo: Courtesy of Andy Wirth

because of a personal struggle. During a skydiving accident, his arm was torn off and had to be reattached. What followed were dozens of surgeries and what Wirth described as a dark and difficult time in his life.

Two of Wirth’s friends, both Navy SEALs, were there to help.

Wirth said that after the surgeries, his

friends encouraged him to get off medication and start exercising and taking care of himself again.

“They kicked me in the behind, they helped get me off the meds, they encouraged me to get fit again, and it was really meaningful and quite impactful for me personally,” he said.

So Wirth started the team, participated

in events and raised funds. The team has raised $110,000 for the Navy SEAL Foundation already.

“In this case, it was very specifically my way to give back to the same community that really gave me a tremendous boost out of some pretty dark places,” Wirth said. “These guys played a very key role in helping me beat back the demons and outrun them and put those dark places behind me.”

Wirth said that his team will pick a different organization benefitting veterans for each of the months this year. There are a lot to choose from, he said.

He said the overabundance of organizations benefitting veterans and their families shows there’s a high demand for such services.

Since starting this endeavor, Wirth said he has gotten to know many of veterans who have lost limbs, as well as family members of veterans who were killed.

Wirth said he believes there’s been a failure on the part of the government to care for those individuals.

“Both Democrats and Republicans are horrifically responsible for not taking care of our veterans, whether they be injured or not,” he said. “Our country is not doing nearly enough.”

Wirth said that when he goes out running, he’s got something to train to, and that’s a race. He also has something to train for.

“When you get an hour into it, you think, ‘You know it would be a lot more fun to be sitting at the bar drinking beer and watching college football.’ It’d be easier,” Wirth said. “But when I think about these people and their families, the people that I know, as individuals not as faces on a television campaign, it gives me something to train for and there’s something ultimately redemptive about that.”

To see a longer version of this article online, visit www.thecapistranodispatch. com. CD

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

Shanghai — A Dynamic, Booming City

M

y partner Greta and I are on an 82-day cruise in Asia.

After spending two days in the Tianjin/Beijing area, highlighted by a trip to the Great Wall of China, our ship docked in Shanghai, a bustling city of 25 million people.

From our ship stateroom, we had a million-dollar view across the Huangpu River to the Pudong New Area, which features the imposing Oriental Pearl TV and Radio Tower that rises 1,535 feet, the fifth-tallest structure in the world.

The 88-story Jin Mao building is close to the tower, as well as at least 100 other impressive modernistic buildings, most within walking distance of each other.

Prior to 1990, the Pudong Area was rice fields and farmlands. Now, the buildings and nearby homes and condos are the showpieces of the booming economy of mainland China.

The ship was docked near the Bund, a historical area that was the financial district in years past. At the Tourist Information Office there, we secured a map of Shanghai and boarded a hop-on, hop-off bus, which we often do on the first day in cities we haven’t been before. This gives us a quick overview of the important sites to visit.

A couple of hours later, we exited the bus and took a 10-minute, under-the-river, gondola-like ride through flashing neon lights via the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel to the Pudong New Area. We emerged amid those massive buildings and a bunch of Disney attractions.

But Greta and I had a bigger adventure in mind on the Pudong side: we hired a taxi to take us to the Long Yang Train

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

The Capistrano Dispatch November 9-22, 2018

Station, a 25-minute ride. There, we purchased round-trip tickets to the Shanghai International Airport train station, not because we were flying anywhere, but because we wanted to experience riding on a train of the future.

The Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) Train connects Shanghai to the airport. It has no wheels and floats on an electromagnetic cushion, along a guideway for 20 miles, reaching up to 267 miles per hour—the highest speed ever by any operational transport on the ON LIFE AND ground.

LOVE AFTER 50 While waiting for the

By Tom Blake return trip in the train departure lounge at the airport, we met a delightful, young Chinese woman named Polly, who was traveling to Shanghai for her first-ever business meeting. She ensured we got on the train properly and rode with us back to Long Yang station.

And then, she guided us to the proper subway line for the return trip back to Shanghai and the Bund side of the river.

We had made a wonderful friend and exchanged email addresses. Since then, we have emailed several times.

The weather in Shanghai that day was perfect: blue skies, 70 degrees, with no air pollution. Hence, we walked back to the ship. We popped into the Peace Hotel, now a Fairmont Hotel, a historic, five-star attraction. We saw Sunday brunch advertised for $140 per person. We decided we weren’t that hungry.

Then we crossed the Garden Bridge.

It’s a tradition for couples to pose there on

their wedding day. Many people marry on Sundays in Shanghai. We saw six newlywed couples posing for photos on the bridge and many more along the Bund Riverwalk.

That night, as dusk descended on the Shanghai skylight, the lights of the buildings came alive as we viewed them from our stateroom. It was a blaze of lights and color, as entire buildings lighted.

And then a parade of dinner boats, all lighted, started on the river. At times, there were five or six boats passing below our stateroom, mixed in with barges moving through the water. The boats, together with the building lights, provided the most spectacular light show we had ever seen.

Pet of the Week: Ritz

Sudoku

Photo: Courtesy of the Orange County Archives

FROM THE ARCHIVES Visitors interacting with birds at Mission San Juan Capistrano, circa 1935.

The Capistrano Dispatch regularly publishes historical photos as part of our From the Archives feature in print and online. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to agroves@picketfencemedia.com.

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

BY MYLES MELLOR

F

Last week’s solution:

ive-month-old Ritz is a sweet kitten that just loves to be petted.

She has a mellow personality and often spends her afternoons birdwatching or soaking up the afternoon sun.

Ritz gets along well with the other kitties and would do well in a quiet home with another friendly cat for company.

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

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 12

For our first day in Shanghai, China’s most impressive city, we had seen everything we hoped for, and more.

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.

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2018 8am-12pm. Cross streets Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares

GARAGE SALE-DANA POINT Nov. 10, 2018. 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mixture of items from furniture, sheets, table cloths, glass hurricanes for candles, red candle holders from Pier 1, books, plus bigger items.

Two households. 24711 Cordova Dr., Dana Point.

GARAGE/MOVING SALE Saturday 10th November starting at 8:00am.

28431 Via Anzar, San Juan Capistrano.

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

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED-PICTURE FRAMER Mat cutting, picture fitting. Must be good at addition and measuring, clean in your work.

Cortador de mats. Ensamblador de cuadros para posters. Que conosca medidas del metro, que sea limpo en trajabo. Nosotros entrenamos a la persona. Medio tiempo complete.

Part Time or Full Time available.

Available hours M-F between 7:00am-5:00pm $12.50-$14.00 depending on experience. Will train right person. 949-388-8403 ask for Scott.

HELP WANTED-RDA/RDAEF We have a beautiful, modern office, a wonderful patient population, an enthusiastic team and a sincere periodontist dedication to quality care. Three to four days a week, possible leading to full-time.

Previous dental experience, a great attitude and strong work ethic are our first priority. Bilingual is a plus!Please send resume and a paragraph about yourself to: southcountyperio@aol.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

OTHER STUFF MICROSOFT PROJECT TRAINING

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

Onsite or our classroom in San Juan Capistrano.

Orange Coast Database Associates 949-489-1472

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano area? *2.1 readership per 11,500 copies distributed

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

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

949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch November 9-22, 2018

Page 13

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Football Roundup JSerra, San Juan Hills, St. Margaret’s all advance to second round of CIF-SS playoffs

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

ll five San Juan Capistrano high school football teams entered the CIF-SS playoffs, but only three remain entering the second weekend, all with tough roads ahead.

Let’s check in on all five programs across town:

JSerra In Division 1, the Lions have a chance to make program history on Friday, Nov. 9.

JSerra (9-2) has never advanced past the second round in the program’s three playoff appearances. In fact, this is only the Lions’ second trip to the second round with the first coming in JSerra’s first trip to the playoffs in 2014.

If the Lions win, it will also be the second time in program history that JSerra has won 10 games in a season; the first also was 2014.

With many calling this the best team in JSerra history, the Lions have the opportunity to go farther than any team in JSerra history when they host No. 4 seed Oaks Christian on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised as the Fox Sports West Game of the Week.

JSerra advanced out of the first round with a 42-9 win on the road over Long Beach Poly, avenging a loss to Long Beach Poly in the first round last season.

The Lions forced five fumbles, and Chris Street ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns at Veteran’s Stadium in Long Beach on Nov. 2.

Oaks Christian beat Chaminade, 22-7, in the first round and is ranked No. 14 in the country by USA Today. The JSerraOaks Christian winner will take on the St. John Bosco-San Clemente winner in the semifinals.

San Juan Hills In Division 2, the Stallions find themselves in a similar situation to their private

The Capistrano Dispatch November 9-22, 2018

Joey Hobert did it all for San Juan Hills in its first-round win over Edison. Hobert pulled in two interceptions, converted a fake punt for a 58-yard run, caught a 69yard touchdown pass and ran for 146 yards in a 22-15 win. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

school counterparts, JSerra.

San Juan Hills (8-3) has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs in the program’s seven playoff appearances.

This is the third trip to the second round for the Stallions, with previous appearances in 2013 and 2017.

San Juan Hills also welcomes in a tough opponent in No. 2 seed Calabasas on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Coyotes (9-2) defeated St. Francis of La Canada, 49-7, in the first round.

The Stallions exacted a little revenge of their own in the first round against visiting Edison. After losing to the Chargers during the season, San Juan Hills defeated Edison, 22-15, in the first round.

San Juan Hills was again powered by the skills of Joey Hobert in all three phases of the game. Hobert pulled in two interceptions, converted a fake punt for a 58-yard run, caught a 69-yard touchdown pass and ran for 146 yards.

St. Margaret’s In Division 6, the No. 2 seed Tartans passed their “test.”

Despite its longtime status as a smallschool power and its run to the Division

7 semifinals last season, many around Orange County football were curious how St. Margaret’s (10-1) would handle a big public school like Huntington Beach.

The Tartans’ answer? Just fine, thank you.

St. Margaret’s got two touchdown throws from James Mott to Will Kenner and Koa Todd and a punt block for a touchdown by Alex Smith to put up a 21-7 halftime lead. In the second half, Todd ran for a touchdown and contributed three sacks as St. Margaret’s closed down the Oilers, 28-17.

St. Margaret’s reward is a second-round trip to the high desert to take on Serrano of Phelan. Serrano came to Orange County and beat Cypress, 19-8, in the first round.

Saddleback Valley Christian In Division 12, the Warriors salvaged their season with strong wins in San Joaquin League play to earn a playoff spot, but SVC had to travel up the road to No. 2 seed Laguna Beach.

SVC was up to the task and showed plenty of fight to take a lead in the third quarter, 21-17. Jack Sweeney found John McCain on a screen pass for a 35-yard

Page 14

touchdown.

But Laguna Beach responded to take the lead and, despite a blocked extra point by SVC, went on to post a 30-21 victory to end the Warriors’ season.

Capistrano Valley Christian In Division 13, the Eagles were another of the great turnaround stories in Orange County football this season.

From three wins over two seasons to a nine-win campaign and their first 11-man football league title since 2000 this season, CVC more than earned its way into the playoffs.

However, CVC faced another strong turnaround story with a county public school in Loara.

Loara was ahead from the start, and CVC found itself just short on a couple of occasions. Loara led 21-7 at halftime, but the Eagles were stopped one yard short of a score as the half expired.

Loara led 42-21 going into the fourth quarter, but CVC rallied to pull within a touchdown before falling, 42-35.

CVC showed its offensive talent and pedal-to-the-floor style all season, but the Eagles came up just short. CD

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