OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE
Second Stage Stand-Up to Celebrate Decade of Comedy PAGE 12 FOUNDED IN 2002
SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO
OCTOBER 11-24, 2019 • VOLUME 17, ISSUE 19
‘The Vintage’ Wines and Dines Chamber Bids Farewell to the Swallows with Food & Wine Festival S J C L I V I N G / PAG E 1 8
(From left) Jessica Cameron, Tami Anderson and Dana McDonald from Ladera Ranch enjoy San Juan Capistrano’s Food & Wine Festival. Photo: Fred Swegles
Senior Living Developers to Resolve Traffic Concerns EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3
Football Teams Open League, Dominate in Win SPORTS/PAGE 22
thecapistranodispatch.com
OCTA Outlines Conflicts with TCA in Meeting EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3
EYE ON SJC
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
What’s Up With... Five things San Juan should know this week Council Tells Senior Living Developers to Resolve Traffic Concerns THE LATEST: A plan to build a two-story, assisted-living complex for seniors along busy Ortega Highway has aroused neighboring homeowners’ angst that it may worsen a difficult ingress and egress they face. Griffin Fine Living is asking the city council to change the land-use designation of a 3.3-acre site at 27401 Ortega Highway to allow an 86-unit, 80,585-square-foot residential complex. The site, at the signalized intersection of Ortega Highway and La Novia Avenue, presently is home to Stevens Garden Nursery. Its present zoning would allow low-density single-family homes. The developers stated in a letter of intent that the project design would improve traffic at the intersection. The project proposes 63 assisted-living units and 23 senior memory-care units, the letter said, served by three daily shifts of 25 or fewer staffers per shift. City council voted, 5-0, on Oct. 1 to initiate a study to consider whether the project is right for the site. Analysis could take nine to 12 months, with the Planning Commission and city council holding public hearings before a decision is reached. Several people who live in homes uphill from the nursery contended that the project is too intense, would be too radical a change and would worsen traffic safety. “It’s horrible down there,” resident Mary Gage Gillette said. “I wait sometimes two and three lights to make a left turn out of my neighborhood, and I’ve turned around and just waited and gone back.” Councilmembers told the developers they need to demonstrate their project would fit well. “It feels like we’re trying to shoehorn something in there,” Mayor Brian Maryott said. Councilmember John Taylor assured residents that traffic will be a key consideration. Mayor Pro Tem Troy Bourne said he doesn’t know if the proposal is the right size, but the study will address that. He said that in considering the land-use The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
Ortega Highway traffic passes Stevens Garden Nursery, where developers want to rezone 3.3 acres to allow a two-story, 86-unit, assisted-living facility for seniors in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Fred Swegles
request, he’s looking for a low traffic-generating project that has the wherewithal to improve the intersection, not just for project traffic but for neighbors accessing their homes. Councilmember Derek Reeve said he sees an opportunity to correct traffic concerns. “The applicant needs to hear that loud and clear,” he said. The letter of intent predicted that the project would generate “almost identical peak hour traffic” as the existing nursery, while improving the safety of ingress and egress onto Ortega Highway from the site. Most visitation would be on weekends, the letter said, or on weekdays around midday, and none of the nursery’s current traffic goes in or out using the La Novia signal. “The proposed design combines and realigns the southerly two driveways to the intersection of La Novia Ave., and the northerly driveway is to be connected via our internal driveway circulation,” the letter said. “The design allows all vehicles to safely ingress and egress the facility using the La Novia signal, creating significantly safer driving conditions for all drivers who daily commute along Ortega Highway.” WHAT’S NEXT: The next city council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 15 at 5 p.m.—Fred Swegles
OCTA Outlines Conflicts with TCA in Committee Meeting
THE LATEST: Orange County Transporta-
tion Authority’s Regional Planning and Highway Committee Meeting met on Monday, Oct. 6, for a regularly scheduled meeting. The agenda included an update on efforts to relieve South County traffic. In light of the Transportation Corridor Agencies being in the process of studying toll road expansion options in South Orange County, OCTA staff provided a presentation with background information on efforts from both OCTA and TCA to address traffic in South County. The presentation highlighted the South County Traffic Relief Effort Project Study Report-Project Development Support (PSR-PDS), which is being prepared and developed by the TCA in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)—the lead agency. The agencies will be moving forward in initiating the environmental phase to conduct more detailed studies. “The efforts leading up to the environmental phase have raised concerns with OCTA,” OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson said in the report. “These concerns generally focus on a lack of meaningful stakeholder coordination, questionable technical analyses, and conflicts with Measure M2 and other improvements planned by OCTA.” PSR-PDS explored a set of 23 total ideas. Monday’s presentation screened them down to eight—ideas 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 21. Those narrowed-down proposals include connecting Ortega Highway to Avery Parkway and SR-73; Interstate 5 widening with high-occupancy tolls (HOT) or general purpose lanes south of Interstate 405; extending Los Patrones Parkway to Avenida La Pata with I-5 HOT lanes south of SR-73; Page 3
extending SR-241 to SR-73; or extending SR-241 to I-5 via La Pata Crossing, or via Shorecliffs. A map of the various ideas is available in the online edition of this article. The presentation addressed areas where OCTA staff felt the ideas conflicted with OCTA projects. In an interview with The Capistrano Dispatch, Johnson said that it is important voters get what they voted on. “If you vote yes (on Measure M2), you expect those tax-funded projects to be built,” Johnson said. “It’s extremely concerning to us, and we take it very seriously that we deliver on our promises.” In February 2018, OCTA initiated a project to build six new miles of carpool lanes between San Juan Creek Road and Avenida Pico on I-5. Ideas 11 and 12 would convert Measure M-funded carpool lanes—Avenida Pico to San Juan Creek Road—to HOT lanes, Johnson said. “We find that, at best, confusing,” Johnson said. “And, at worst, offensive—from a good government standpoint.” In a written statement provided by the TCA, the agency said the OCTA staff report issued for Monday’s meeting contained factual errors. “(The report) states that TCA is seeking options to extend its toll road network,” the statement said. “Many of the alternatives proposed also include features that would extend or provide bikeways, complete streets and/or sidewalks, ramps that are ADA-compliant and bikeway connections.” TCA states the agency is keenly aware of the recently completed and ongoing Measure M projects along I-5 in South Orange County and respects OCTA’s Measure M commitments. “Given the planning year horizon of 2050 and the regional nature of the project, we believe it is important to consider alternatives on the I-5, as well as alternatives which provide an extension of the SR-241.” In response to Johnson’s assertion that there has been a lack of “meaningful dialogue” between stakeholders,” the TCA statement said it is aware of OCTA’s concerns with the study in general, but TCA has had, and will continue to have, opportunities for robust input from the public and stakeholders, including OCTA. “TCA’s public outreach and stakeholder involvement started in 2015— well before the state-mandated CEQA outreach was scheduled to start. TCA undertook an unprecedented outreach effort throughout Orange County, especially focusing on the southern part of the County.” WHAT’S NEXT: The concerns outlined (Cont. on page 4) thecapistranodispatch.com
EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) in the report will be brought to the OCTA Board of Directors on Oct. 28. Johnson said that as public scoping begins for the TCA, OCTA will make its comments formally known during a public-comment period. “Speaking on behalf of myself, as an individual and as a stakeholder,” Johnson said, “engagement is really important. It’s important that we are open and honest about these projects for the opportunity of meaningful engagement.” TCA’s statement said both TCA and OCTA are committed to preserving Measure M projects and that many of those projects that OCTA is preparing to construct will likely have not been in operation for at least a decade or more before TCA begins to construct any project. EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of this story can be found at TheCapistranoDispatch.com.—Lillian Boyd
Owner of Tree of Life Wins Horticulturalist of the Year Award THE LATEST: Mike Evans, founder of Tree of Life Nursery, was presented the Horticulturist of the Year award by the Southern California Horticultural Society (SCHS) at a banquet on Saturday, Sept. 28. Evans founded Tree of Life more than 30 years ago, and it is now home to more than 500 native plants to the area, straying from the non-traditional commercial model of nurseries. “I consider this (award) the most significant. The list of recipients is comprised of people that have really made a difference in Southern California horticulture, and I’m privileged to be added to that list of names.” Evans said. As someone who is a member of different organizations and societies, this award is even more special to Evans, because he is not a long-time member of SCHS. “They recognized me even though I wasn’t an insider,” Evans said about the society and award. The SCHS is an organization composed of gardeners, landscape architects, botanists and even just enthusiasts of horticulture who have a passion for nature, plants and a sense of community. The award is an annual award meant to honor an individual and the work the person is doing in the community. For more information about the award or society, visit SoCalHort.org. Tree of Life is located at 33201 CA-74, San Juan Capistrano.—Zara Flores
Edison, Holtec Call on Court to Dismiss Public Watchdogs’ Lawsuit THE LATEST: Attorneys representing The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
Southern California Edison and its contractor believe Public Watchdogs’ lawsuit against the San Onofre power plant operator should be dismissed because the group’s members haven’t suffered any harm or injury as a result of exposure to radioactive material from the power plant. The nonprofit advocacy group, which has vehemently opposed Edison’s handling of nuclear waste at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), filed a lawsuit in August that seeks to temporarily halt SCE’s transfer of spent fuel from wet storage into a dry storage facility. Edison, the majority owner of SONGS, and minority stakeholder San Diego Gas & Electric are named in the lawsuit in federal court, as are Holtec International, which designed the canisters used to transport and contain the waste, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In its complaint, Public Watchdogs lobs several allegations against the group of stakeholders, calling Holtec’s canisters “thin-walled” and “defective” while claiming that Edison is “dropping them into holes dug into the beach.” “Due to the Defendants’ mismanagement and mishandling of the nuclear waste, the design and manufacturing defects of the Holtec canisters, and the dangerous burial site, there is an imminent danger that the canisters will fail, releasing deadly nuclear waste into the surrounding area and causing catastrophic harm to the environment,” Public Watchdogs’ initial complaint stated. Watchdogs recently filed an amended version of the complaint to the court, further charging that the “resulting harm to California residents is not speculative.” Citing the Price-Anderson Act, a federal law governing public liability actions involving nuclear incidents, the group decries that the use of the canisters could have “calamitous consequences.” Edison’s and Holtec’s attorneys have disputed that claim, noting that the Act was meant to “compensate for actual injury sustained in a nuclear accident that causes the release of radiation in excess of federal limits.” Public Watchdogs’ claim, SCE’s attorneys further state, “fails as a matter of law because” the group “does not allege that it (or anybody else) has suffered any ‘bodily injury, sickness, disease, or death, or loss of or damage to property, or loss of use of property, arising out of or resulting from the radioactive, toxic, explosive, or other hazardous properties of source, special nuclear, or byproduct material.’ ’’ SONGS was decommissioned in 2013. Like all nuclear power plant operators in the country, Edison has been forced to store its own radioactive waste on site,
as the nation doesn’t have a permanent repository for such material. WHAT’S NEXT: A hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 7 in a San Diego courtroom to deliberate Edison’s and Holtec’s motion for the case to be dismissed. EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of this story can be found at TheCapistranoDispatch.com—Shawn Raymundo
City Looks to Resolve Parking Woes with Additional Spaces Next Year THE LATEST: As many as 75 new parking spaces could be coming to downtown San Juan Capistrano in 2020 as part of an effort to ease a parking crunch. The spaces, along Ramos Street in the Los Rios District, would come on top of 23 new parking spaces that the city added this summer near the I-5 Freeway as part of a downtown parking management experiment. At the city council’s Oct. 1 meeting, councilmembers received a report that said the experiment generally made it easier for downtown visitors to find a place to park. The city ran the experiment from June 7 through Sept. 2, requiring paid parking throughout the 355-space Franciscan Plaza parking structure that until then had included 245 free parking spaces. The city also hired a valet company to park cars on summer weekends, charging $9, placing most cars in a designated lot that the city provided at Del Obispo and Ortega Highway. The goal of all of this was to ease a chronic parking shortage that city officials and business owners were concerned was discouraging some tourists and locals from visiting downtown. In a 4-0 vote, councilmembers endorsed a continuation of the valet parking and paid parking next summer, with some modifications—plus validated parking to support people patronizing downtown businesses. Details will be refined next spring, with public input, before the council takes action. Councilmember John Taylor did not participate in the Oct. 1 deliberations or the vote because he lives in the affected area. Much of the discussion focused on the parking structure, where spaces 109 to 355 had been available all day, for free, up until the pilot program. The city started charging $2 per hour for those spaces, with a three-hour limit. On Sept. 3, with summer over, those spaces went back to free parking. Recommended changes for those spaces next summer include a flat $2 allday fee for people who park there before Page 4
10 a.m., or $2 per hour with a four-hour limit if parked thereafter. The city will: • Research validation options for next summer. • Consider turning the 79-space “multimodal” parking lot outside San Juan’s train depot into paid parking. • Develop an enforcement program to ticket downtown parking violators during weekday evenings and weekends, when enforcement volunteers are off duty. • Identify ways to fund expansion of a 26-space gravel parking lot at the corner of Paseo Adelanto and Ramos Street to provide downtown business employees with parking just outside the core area. • Consider modifying a low-cost permit program that presently exempts downtown workers from time limits in the core area. • Consider going year-round with the valet parking program, with some tweaks. Tom Toman, assistant public works director, said it became clear that the city needs a place for downtown employees to park outside the core area, to help free up core parking for visitors. Expanding the Ramos Street lot could accommodate more than 100 vehicles, the report said. It may also require security lighting and an evening security guard. Mayor Pro Tem Troy Bourne said for strategies to work, it will be important to enforce parking violations in the core area. Summer parking surveys revealed that cars often parked illegally after 4 p.m., when senior-citizen volunteers were no longer on duty to ticket violators. “Relying on volunteers that really work during the daytime when most of our parking challenges occur in the late afternoons and evenings is a challenge,” City Manager Ben Siegel told the council. “We have limited community services officers. Those are the non-sworn civilian police staff that would enforce these types of parking violations. We might want to look at adjusting some of their hours or potentially bringing on an additional officer that could be funded by parking revenue.” Kerry Ferguson, a former mayor, pointed out that the Ramos Street property is designated as a future park site. She asked the council to scale back the parking proposal. “That is taking up every inch of space,” she said. “You might put in some grass for the kids from the Villas and from other parts of Los Rios to have a place to just play with a ball.” Siegel said it wouldn’t be a permanent parking lot, just an expansion of what’s there now, with striping. WHAT’S NEXT: Local residents and business owners told the city council they support the city’s efforts. They said they look forward to parking validations, a safe exterior lot for employees and greater use of San Juan’s summer trolley.—FS thecapistranodispatch.com
EYE ON SJC
NEWS BITES
Community Meetings
COMPILED BY STAFF
Skatepark Coalition to Host Skate Jam in November The San Juan Capistrano Skatepark Coalition recently announced that it will host its next Skate Jam event at the city’s community center late next month. The nonprofit group’s Skate Jams are meant to spread awareness for the need to have a skate park built in San Juan while also providing the local skateboarding community with a safe and legal environment to practice tricks in a makeshift skate park. The group has also been continuously working to raise funds toward the construction of a park, which the city estimates will cost just shy of $2 million. In March 2017, the city approved a conceptual design of the skate park that’s tentatively planned to be built on the northwest end of the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park. Near the start of the year, Peter Carey, the Coalition’s president, declared that the group has a fundraising goal of reaching $1 million to help pay for the potential park. Part of that goal included reaching out to corporate sponsors for donations. The Coalition’s Spring Skate Jam this past May attracted dozens of skateboarders from throughout South County. In an email from Carey to the Coalition’s members last month, he exclaimed that the next event “should be our biggest turnout so far!” The upcoming Skate Jam will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Judge Rules ‘Save Our Mission’ Has Legal Right to Sue City, Plaza Developer Judge Glenda Sanders of the Superior Court of Orange County earlier this month officially ruled in favor of Save Our Mission’s right to sue the city and Mission Commercial Properties, the developer of the Plaza Banderas hotel project adjacent to Mission San Juan Capistrano. In her Oct. 1 ruling, Sanders stated that Save Our Mission “has standing to bring this petition,” which challenges the series of design modifications to the hotel that the city approved in early 2018. The group alleges that the city violated the California Environmental Quality Act when it approved the modifications that Mission Commercial had proposed, creating “new or additional substantial impacts, including impacts to the view to and from the historic Mission.” After Save Our Mission filed its lawsuit The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
MONDAY, OCT. 14 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 SanJuanCapistrano.org. TUESDAY, OCT. 15 Utilities Commission Meeting 8 a.m. The City of San Juan Capistrano’s Utilities Commission will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit SanJuanCapistrano.org. City Council and Successor Agency Meeting 5 p.m. The city’s governing body will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit SanJuanCapistrano.org WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16 Dozens of skateboarders throughout South County participated in the Spring 2019 Skate Jam at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center on Saturday, May 18. Photo: Shawn Raymundo
in April 2018, the court bifurcated the case into two phases, the first of which regarded the issue of whether the advocacy group had a legal standing to sue. The second phase of the case, which is now expected to proceed following the latest ruling, will be based on the merits of Save Our Mission’s arguments. The group claims that the city-approved revisions to the hotel’s three buildings in the final construction plans don’t fit with the conceptual design plans the city approved in 2011. Citing the group’s complaint, Sanders explains that the group claims the changes “eliminate or substantially reduce the commercial/retail components of the Initial Plan, and replace that space with additional hotel space and hotel-related use,’ and make changes to elevations of the buildings ‘which block views and from the Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historical site.’ ” A status conference for the case has been scheduled in Sanders’ courtroom in Santa Ana on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Burn Survivor Airman Visits San Juan Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr. brought his inspirational wisdom and courage to San Juan Capistrano on Friday, Oct. 4, when he met with the co-founder of Homefront America, Mamie Maywhort, for a luncheon. Del Toro of the U.S. Air Force was severely injured in Afghanistan in 2005 and became the first 100% disabled airman to reenlist five years later. He spent three months in a coma, and when he awoke, he
was told he had a 15% chance of survival and would not be able to breathe or walk on his own if he survived. With the odds stacked against him, he vowed he wouldn’t let his son grow up without a father, as he had, and pushed through the tribulations of his injuries. A year later, he was walking and breathing on his own. Sports were a key aspect of his recovery and rehabilitation, and he now participates in Endeavor Games, Invictus Games and other competitions for wounded or disabled individuals. Most recently, Del Toro was a keynote speaker at the 31st annual Phoenix World Burn Congress in Anaheim, part of the Phoenix Society for burn survivors. The Phoenix Society offers resources and programs for burn victims and their families to help heal emotionally, physically and socially. After speaking in Anaheim, Del Toro met with Maywhort and friends of Homefront America, a nonprofit organization committed to helping meet the needs of military families, at Ellie’s Table at Egan House. Homefront America also offers programs such as “Pack for School,” in which they donate backpacks filled with school supplies and back-to-school essentials, as well as many other programs that help boost military family morale and support. For more information, visit @iDelToro21 on Twitter, HomefrontAmerica.org and Phoenix-Society.org.—Zara Flores Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.
Page 6
San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club 6:15 p.m. The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano meets every Wednesday at the Rotary Scout Hut, 31372 La Mantanza. For more information, visit SJCRotary.org. FRIDAY, OCT. 18 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, OCT. 22 Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting 4:30 p.m. The city’s Cultural Heritage Commission will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit SanJuanCapistrano.org. 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 SanJuanCapistrano.org. THURSDAY, OCT. 24 Design Review Committee Meeting 4:30 p.m. The City’s Design Review Committee will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit SanJuanCapistrano.org. FRIDAY, OCT. 25 The next edition of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.
thecapistranodispatch.com
EYE ON RMV
NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH
Events at The Ranch OCT. 11
Hilltop Bar Night & Swirl. Sniff. Sip.
5-9 p.m. The spacious event bar at The Hilltop Club is open every Friday evening, so come grab a drink, then stay to hang out with good friends and close neighbors. This is a Ranchresident-only event. 65 Esencia Drive, Rancho Mission Viejo. 949.768.1882. RanchoMissionviejo.com/Events. OCT. 12
Trail Clearing and Weeding
The county-approved Ranch Plan highlights the next phases of Rancho Mission Viejo’s expansion with Planning Areas 3 and 4. Photo: Shawn Raymundo
The Ranch Plan RMV continues its expansion with Planning Areas 3 and 4 BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
O
fficials from The Ranch have remained tight-lipped regarding the next phase of planning for the evergrowing planned community that’s set to encompass nearly 6,000 acres of development, leaving close to 17,000 acres (or 75% of the land) as open space. But a planning document, referred to as “The Ranch Plan,” that the County of Orange approved in 2015 notes that Rancho Mission Viejo’s Planning Areas 3 and 4 will sit on 3,313 acres of the unincorporated land located north and southeast of Ortega Highway—west of Caspers Regional Park. “The planning for that area continues, and we look forward to sharing the details when they are completed.” Mike Balsamo, senior vice president of Rancho Mission Viejo, recently told The Capistrano Dispatch in an email. The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
According to the county, more than 2,400 acres of PA 3 and PA 4 are tagged for residential uses that can accommodate 7,500 total dwelling units. Another 270 acres of that space are planned for non-residential uses such as an Urban Activity Center, Neighborhood Center and Business Park. The remaining 627 acres will remain permanent open space reserve, the county notes. Cow Camp Road, when completed, will provide east and west access through Planning Area 3. Currently, Cow Camp runs from Antonio Parkway to Esencia Drive and is expected to connect to Los Patrones Parkway, which is nearing completion after months of delays. “Portions of Planning Area 3 have been used for agricultural, nursery and other lease uses for the past 120 years,” the planning document states. “Existing nonresidential agricultural land uses within Planning Area 3 include avocado and citrus production areas and barley fields.” Ortega Highway will traverse through the “westerly portion of Planning Area 4 in a generally north-south direction,” The Ranch Plan notes. The county-approved document also shows that Urban Activity Center use in the planning areas will take up 201 acres and Business Park use is expected to incorporate 50 acres. A map included in The Ranch Plan depicts one Urban Activity Center planned for PA 3, just south of Cow Camp, and an-
other in PA 4 in an area east of Ortega. PA 3 is also expected to include a Business Park and an Urban Activity Commercial property, both north of Cow Camp, the map shows. The commercial property is being planned to sit on the eastern border of the area. The 7,500 anticipated dwelling units will be made up of 1,817 Conventional SingleFamily housing units, 1,809 Planned Concept dwellings and 3,874 Multiple-Family Dwellings, according to The Ranch Plan. In addition to the 7,500 dwelling units expected for the two areas, another 2,919 units are estimated to be devoted for senior housing, which the planning document refers to as Age Qualified. The 2015 planning document notes that the planned dwellings are estimates and subject to changes and revisions. “Planning refinements and revisions may be made as these Residential Categories estimates shift and more detailed planning and engineering studies are finalized,” the document explains. “These totals will be monitored and modified over time to reflect as-built details.” Currently, The Ranch consists of two primary sections, or villages—Sendero and Esencia—the first of which was developed in 2013 and the latter opening in 2016. The Village of Sendero covers nearly 450 gross acres and the Village of Esencia encompasses about 800 gross acres of space, according to the planning document.
Page 9
8-11:30 a.m. Volunteer to spend a few hours in beautiful surroundings to help make The Reserve trails accessible to visitors. Join the crew dedicated to protecting The Ranch’s native ecosystems by maintaining trails and eliminating weeds. Volunteer efforts make an impact. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Participants should bring work gloves and must be registered for the event by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. RVMReserve.org. OCT. 13
Full Hunter’s Moon Hike
6-8 p.m. October’s full moon provided the light needed for Native Americans to hunt during the night. Come learn about local Native American hunting techniques and enjoy a moonlit hike under the Full Hunter’s Moon. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. RVMReserve.org. OCT. 19
Volunteer Orientation and Training
8-10:30 a.m. This fun and informational orientation is the first step in joining The Reserve as an official Reserve Volunteer. Learn about The Reserve’s history, philosophy and mission, as well as skills for working with the public. Meet other volunteers and learn how you can help preserve Reserve lands through conservation and education. RMV Presentation Center, 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. RVMReserve.org.
thecapistranodispatch.com
SOAPBOX
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 thecapistranodispatch.com
HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Shawn Raymundo, 949.388.7700, x108 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE
Debra Wells, 949.322.4765 debra@wellsadsolutions.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 PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Shawn Raymundo Senior City Editor, DP Times > Lillian Boyd City Editor, SC Times > Shawn Raymundo Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho
Real Estate Sales > Debra Wells (SJC) Multi-Media Assistant > Kendra Burns ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett
Copy Editor > Randall Youngman
Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines
ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING
SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller
Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes
CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent
> Traci Kelly (SC) > Debra Wells (SJC)
EDITOR EMERITUS Jonathan Volzke
The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 17, Issue 19. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
FACEBOOK.COM/CAPODISPATCH • INSTAGRAM @CAPODISPATCH TWITTER.COM/CAPODISPATCH • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA
The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
GUEST OPINION: Get Fit San Juan, by Gina Cousineau and Samantha Blankenburg
Managing Your Health through the Holidays
I
can’t tell you how many times Samantha B and I have heard “I just want to lose weight for the holidays” or, better yet, “I can’t believe how much weight I gained over the holidays!” I don’t know about you, but summer was barely over when I stepped into Costco and found that Halloween and Christmas had exploded amongst the aisles. Taking a deep breath, I steered myself away from the interior of the store and kept to the perimeter to pick up my weekly haul of nutritious and delicious food staples. No matter where you shop, in person or online, it’s hard to get away from the surplus of pumpkin lattes, muffins, cookies and pies that are around every corner for your sampling pleasure. With fall comes the start of the holiday season from Rosh Hashanah through New Year’s Day. That is more than three months of constant temptation that is sure to put a damper on your efforts to improve your health. As a culinary nutritionist, I want my clients to enjoy every morsel GET FIT SAN they put in their mouths, CLEMENTE but I also want those By Gina Cousineau morsels packed full of & Samantha Blankenburg nutrition. The bottom line is that you can have your cake and eat it, too, if you can find balance—especially when temptation is at its greatest. Keeping that holiday spirit, Samantha B and I propose that this year, for perhaps the first time ever, you not start that new diet or rigorous exercise program, but instead consider reducing your stress in this most wonderful time of the year by maintaining status quo. Your Nutrition Rather than trying to eliminate healthy food groups to save calories for unhealthy ones, consider indulging more mindfully this holiday season, using the healthy food plate visual as your guide. Picture half your plate chocked with non-starchy vegetables, ¼ filled with wholesome grains, beans, and legumes
Use this Seven-Week Training Program to get you ready for the annual Turkey Trot in Dana Point, as well as the rest of the holiday season. Graphic: Samantha Blankenburg
(including the starchy veggies: potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, peas and hardshelled squashes), and ¼ plate encompassing lean proteins, animal and/or vegetable options. Sticking to wholesome foods and healthy fats while building your meals, at home and away, allows you to enjoy a few special splurges—homemade desserts and family favorites versus store-bought cookies and Halloween candy—throughout the season.
As a culinary “nutritionist, I want my clients to enjoy every morsel they put in their mouths, but I also want those morsels packed full of nutrition. The bottom line is that you can have your cake and eat it, too, if you can find balance—especially when temptation is at its greatest.
”
—Gina Cousineau
This mindful eating approach, coupled with fitness as a part of your daily life, will not only contribute to your overall health by reducing stress, it could also be
Page 10
an opportunity to create memories and new holiday traditions with your family and friends. Your Fitness Signing up for the local Turkey Trot is the perfect way to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your life for the next seven weeks. If you have not been participating in a regular fitness regimen up until this point, stick to the 5K; otherwise, go ahead and sign up for the 10K. Here is the best advice anyone ever gave me when it came to road racing: “You are not going to win!” Knowing this right then and there, the stress is off, and all you have to do is show up on race day and complete it with the people you love (walk/jog/run or a combination of all three). Now, Samantha B would hate for you to feel unprepared come turkey day, so by following this simple outline, you will be race-ready to complete what is hopefully your first annual family and friends PreThanksgiving Feast tradition. For more information on the Dana Point event, head to TurkeyTrot.com. Culinary nutritionist Gina Cousineau and fitness professional Samantha Blankenburg, co-own Mama G’s Lifestyle, offering in-person and virtual nutrition, fitness and lifestyle consulting. They welcome your questions and comments at MamaGsLifestyle.com. You can learn more about them through their podcast “Calling Their Bull” and on Instagram @MamaGsLifestyle. 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
thecapistranodispatch.com
GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER
The List
backpack with items to donate to Laura’s House. The domestic violence shelter’s wish list includes items such as baby bottles, sippy cups, toothbrushes, baby powder, wash cloths, diapers, snacks, children’s underwear, children’s tops and bottoms, OC Bus passes, gift cards to Target and Ralphs and household items. At the end of the walk, participants will drop off the donations to the Laura’s House Retail Store to help women transition to a safe life. Reata Park & Event Center, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.701.6331.
What’s going on in and around town COMPILED BY STAFF
HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to The Dispatch by going to thecapistranodispatch.com, and clicking “Submit an Event”under the “Getting Out” tab.
SUMMER PICKLEBALL 2:30-5:30 p.m. Come to play indoor pickleball this summer at the San Juan Capistrano gymnasium. The group will meet every Sunday through Oct. 27. New to the game? No problem. Instruction and all equipment will be provided. For additional details and to register, please call the Community Services Department at 949.493.5911. 1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano.
Friday | 11 FULL MOON CEREMONY WITH LADY LUNA 6-8 p.m. Join Wellness Lady Luna for an evening of ritual and healing. You will place offerings for ancestors, connect with them, work on clearing ancestral karma and send healing to the ancestors. Each participant will receive an energetic limpia and a crystal kit to connect with this moon’s energy. Please bring a food offering (to share). This is a safe and judgment-free space. Please come with an open heart. Wellness by Lady Luna, 31921 Camino Capistrano, #19, San Juan Capistrano. 949.420.9970. EventBrite.com
Saturday | 12 WOOD BLOCK CRAFT CLASS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. This DIY class is Halloween-themed and nature-inspired. It’s also fun for all ages. To join, meet in front of the Montanez Adobe. Los Rios Park, 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. 949.606.6386. GoinNative.net. SAN CLEMENTE HISTORIC HOME TOUR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tour nine beautiful Spanish Revival-style homes, gardens and commercial buildings in the “Spanish Village by the Sea.” Enjoy complimentary food tastings and music. Advance tickets can be purchased for $30 or four for $100. Tour-day tickets are $40. There will be two locations to pick up tickets: The Abode, 128 Avenida Del Mar, and La Casa Verde, 130 Avenida Granada, both of which are on the tour. 949.374.4944. Tickets can be purchased online at SanClementeHistoricalSociety.org. FALL PLANT SALE 8 a.m-1 p.m. Fall is the time to plant vegetables and herbs, seeds and bulbs, The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
Monday | 14 BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. GoodysTavern.com.
Tuesday | 15
EDITOR’S PICK (Left to right) Tom Riehl and Ron Ruhman pose for a silly photo at the Camino Real Playhouse. Photo: Courtesy of Second Stage Stand-Up
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12: SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30-9:30 p.m. Second Stage Stand-Up will celebrate 10 consecutive years of comedy! The monthly stand-up comedy show is produced by local comedians Tom Riehl and Ron Ruhman at the Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano on the second Saturday of the month. Believed to be the longest-running comedy show in Orange County, the show has featured national headliners such as Taylor Tomlinson, Don Friesen and James P. Connolly, who will be performing in this anniversary show. For more info, email Riehl at comedy@comedyintheoc.com or call 949.951.1664. Tickets for the anniversary show are available at ComedyInTheOC.com.
flowers and perennials, succulents, cacti and shrubs, as well as to purchase indoor plants. The San Clemente Garden Club’s annual fall plant sale offers homeowners and renters alike a once-a-year opportunity to spruce up their gardens and planter pots with bargains galore at the San Clemente Community Center. Plus, there will be horticultural advice available. This year, the club will also have “flea market” items for sale. SC Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. For
more information, visit SanClementeGardenClub.com.
Sunday | 13 MILES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE 8:30-11 a.m. Hosted by Kindness Project OC, Miles to Make a Difference is a 3.2-mile walk to Laura’s House and an opportunity to help the victims of domestic violence. Participants should fill up a
Page 12
INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE 9:30-11:30 a.m. The South Orange County Bridge Center hosts this weekly bridge series that runs every Tuesday through Nov. 12. South Orange County Bridge Center, 31251 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.1268. MartiMoss@gmail.com. SOCB.Center. STORYTIME 10:30-11 a.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Library at Storytime for songs, stories, and fun for children between the ages of 3 and 5. Storytime also includes movement and activities to help children prepare for and succeed in school. SJC Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. OCPL.org.
Wednesday | 16 LADIES WINE AND SELF-DEFENSE NIGHT 6:30-7:30 p.m. Attention, all ladies, Pride Martial Arts is hosting a free self-defense (Cont. on page 12) thecapistranodispatch.com
GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12) series the third Thursday of every month and is inviting the whole community to join in a fun night of practical self-defense. The event is open to all ladies 21 and older. After the class, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while networking with the other ladies in the community. Pride Martial Arts, 31103 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.218.8333. sjc@prideata.com. Prideata.com. WOMEN’S WELLNESS WEDNESDAY 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join KOR Physical Therapy and Wellness for its new weekly series. Come learn, chat and join the community for wellness. This Women’s Wellness Wednesday series will present a different topic on wellness every month. KOR’s hope is to create a community of women to inspire and support each other. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and so breast health is KOR’s first topic. Come learn how to perform a self-breast exam, what you can do to prevent breast cancer, help friends who are going through the fight and listen to women who are survivors. KOR will have light refreshments. To register for this event, go to EventBrite. com. KOR Physical Therapy and Wellness, 33161 Camino Capistrano, Suite C, San Juan Capistrano. 949.276.8020. KORPTandWellness.com. WEDNESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 7:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy friendly competition and craft beers among friends during the BrewHouse’s weekly trivia night. Food trucks are on site during the trivia contest. The BrewHouse. 31896 Plaza Dr., Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. TheBrewHouseSJC.com. LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7 p.m. Join Iva Lee’s for live music every Wednesday through Sunday. For the ultimate live music experience, be sure to reserve a lounge table on Fridays and Saturdays. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. Check their website for the latest scheduled performances. IvaLees.com.
Thursday | 17 READ TO A DOG WITH BARK 3-4 p.m. BARK is a volunteer organization that offers children the opportunity to practice their reading skills with a supportive canine companion every other Thursday at the San Juan Capistrano Library. For additional information, please contact the Library at 949.493.1752. SJC Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. OCPL.org.
The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
At the Movies: ‘Joker’ Causes a Big Question Mark
neighbor and friend, Otra Mas, a horse rescue and equine-assisted therapy organization. There will be live entertainment by Eric Gorsuch, food and drinks, as well as a silent auction—all to raise funds and awareness for the nonprofit. Bad to the Bone BBQ, 31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano. Events.r20. ConstantContact.com. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 8-9:30 p.m. As the sun sets on the walls of the ruins of the great stone church, the dead walk the streets of old San Juan Capistrano. Join the newest venture into the dark and the macabre through the historic streets of one of California’s oldest cities. Tours meet just outside the brick visitors’ information booth near the train tracks located behind the Franciscan Plaza Parking Structure at the end of Verdugo Street. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. HauntedOC.com.
Sunday | 20 Photo: DC Films / Warner Bros. Pictures BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
O
ne question that has been on some people’s minds for the past year or so is, why are we getting a stand-alone film on the DC supervillain, the Joker? Todd Phillips’ Joker was a peculiar case with Phillips, a documentarian-turned-comedy director branching out with drama, and the always stellar Joaquin Phoenix as the title character. There was a fair amount of potential with the combo, but did it reach its potential? In a grim Gotham City, Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) dresses as a clown professionally and lives with his elderly mother, Penny (Frances Conroy). Fleck has this idea of venturing into stand-up comedy that stems from his being a fan of talk-show host Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro), even though Arthur’s not particularly witty or even naturally funny. He’s also had enough of the lower class being treated as irrelevant to the wealthy and thinks the best way to deal with it is violently. If any of this sounds familiar, that’s because Joker is not only in a very familiar DC Comic universe, it’s also
ACOUSTIC THURSDAYS AT BARNOA 7-9 p.m. Live music every Thursday. A rotating cast of Orange County’s most talented musicians play acoustic covers and original music. Enjoy a great wine selection, craft beers, tasty appetizers and Barnoa’s full dinner menu. Must be 21 or older. Barnoa Wine and Craft Beer Bistro. 831 Via Suerte, San Clemente.
taking cues from dozens of other famous movies with cult followings—including A Clockwork Orange (1971), Taxi Driver (1976) and The King of Comedy (1983). So the next question now is . . . why? It’s hard to tell if Phillips is a legitimate fan of Batman or the Joker, as the tone and atmosphere of the film feels like its own thing; but then we get reminders of Gotham and the Wayne family that almost kill the mood. On top of this, Phillips is really not as interesting and creative of a filmmaker as the directors he’s paying homage to, which is probably why his forte used to be raunchy comedies. The overbearing music score on top of the on-the-nose dialogue and editing feels amateurish, plus most of the subversive attempts feel juvenile. Phoenix is still great, as usual, yet you could already see a more nuanced version of this same type of role in the overlooked independent drama You Were Never Really Here (2017). If I wanted to see a modern take on The King of Comedy’s theme, I could stick with Nightcrawler (2014) and Ingrid Goes West (2017). CD
949.388.4378. BarnoaWineBar.com.
Friday | 18 PARTY AT BAD TO THE BONE BBQ FUNDRAISER 6-9 p.m. Join Bad to the Bone BBQ for a free fundraising event to introduce its Page 15
BRUNCH AT RAYA 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A tempting brunch with flowing champagne awaits guests every Sunday morning in RAYA at The RitzCarlton, Laguna Niguel. Start with a fresh fruit martini and a selection of pastries, then enjoy a three-course a la carte menu. Cost is $72. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. RitzCarlton.com/LagunaDining.
Monday | 21 HOMELESSNESS 101 6:30-8:30 p.m. United to End Homelessness is offering an opportunity to help local cities learn more about and process the growing concerns surrounding the homeless. This free event is provided by United Way of Orange County, as part of its initiative to understand and prevent homelessness. Online registrations are required— the event may be canceled if there aren’t at least 30 registrations. Please sign up as soon as possible at EventBrite.com and invite as many people as you can. San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente. If you have any questions, please call the church office at 949.492.6158. OPEN MIC AT BARNOA 7-10 p.m. Orange County singers and songwriters join host Gary Wright on the first three Mondays of every month to share their musical talent. Bring your musical instruments and love of live music. The stage is set with everything you need. Must be 21 or older. Barnoa Wine and Craft Beer Bistro. 831 Via Suerte, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. BarnoaWineBar.com. thecapistranodispatch.com
SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
GUEST OPINION: Moments In Time by Jan Siegel
Historical Society to Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos
O
n Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Historical Society is hosting a cultural, educational crafting and eating event celebrating the Day of the Dead and the making of Sugar Skulls. Genevieve Southgate, director of Community Projects for Bowers Museum, will talk on the history and traditions of Dia de Los Muertos. Following her presentation, there will be a demonstration and making of sugar skulls for everyone. The cost is $26 per person. For reservations, call the Society at 949.493.8444. Space is limited, so reserve early. In addition to this event, the Society will have a Day of the Dead exhibit from Oct. 11 until Nov. 2 at the Silvas Adobe. This year will focus on the history and tradition of the sugar skulls. While the Day of the Dead has been combined with Halloween in this country, the two holidays are quite different. Traditionally, the Day of the Dead was an Aztec holiday, which goes back more than 3,500 years. It was a month-long celebration that honored those who had died but “welcomed their spirits back to earth for a visit.” Collecting skulls of the deceased was
common and would be displayed during the month-long ritual. When the Spanish arrived, they put an end to any “pagan” practices in an effort to convert everyone to the Catholic Church. But the natives maintained their belief in their ancestors. Over time, the church meshed the Day of Dead rituals with All Souls Day and All Saints Day, which occurred the same time of the year. Of course, the collecting of human skulls was not acceptable. But people are always resourceful when they want to maintain traditions. With the coming of the Spanish came the start of sugar plantations. Sugar was abundant and was very cheap. So it was not long before local people discovered that they could make sugar skulls and decorate them to honor their loved ones. Although the Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout the Catholic world, it is only in Central and Southern Mexico where colorful decorations, altars in the home and at cemeteries are seen. Sugar skulls are made from only sugar, meringue powder and water, pressed into a mold and dried. The colors MOMENTS in the decorations also IN TIME By Jan Siegel have meaning. Yellow represents death, purple means grief, and white demonstrates purity and hope. Large skulls are not generally eaten, but smaller ones may be consumed as a way of acknowledging that “death is nothing but the passing from this life into the next.” Spend a Moment in Time by visiting the Historical Society to see its tribute to the Day of the Dead and join in the celebration on Oct. 19 and make your own sugar skulls. Jan Siegel was a 33-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and now resides in the neighboring town of Rancho Mission
Viejo. She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years, has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 26 years and is currently the museum curator for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of
Adoptable Pet of the Week: Toby
Sudoku
THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
T Toby. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
oby is a 1-year-old neutered male and German Shepherd mix. He is a happy puppy that will need an owner dedicated to training and getting him daily exercise and/or walks. He is good with other dogs and loves to run around and play in the yard. If you would like to know more about Toby, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. CD
Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries
FROM THE ARCHIVES A dedication ceremony is held for the San Juan Capistrano Library in December 1983. Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. Online, The Capistrano Dispatch will create a gallery of the month’s photos. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.
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 Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com
BY MYLES MELLOR Solution:
Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 16
thecapistranodispatch.com
SJC LIVING
‘The Vintage’ Wines and Dines Chamber Bids Farewell to the Swallows with San Juan Capistrano Food & Wine Festival BY FRED SWEGLES, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
I
f Father Serra could have suddenly materialized out of thin air to appear at the 2019 San Juan Capistrano Food & Wine Festival, he’d have found himself surrounded by multicolored lights, decorated vendor booths, a 12-piece swing band on a sound stage and close to 1,000 smiling faces, sampling and serving savory foods and spirits, dancing and having a good time on the grounds of the Spanish mission that Serra founded 243 years ago. The sainted priest no doubt would have been feted as guest of honor, toasted by all as father of the California wine industry. He also might have been surprised to see that attendees didn’t vote any of the dozens of wines to be the most popular beverage at the Oct. 5 festival. It was Dog Pawrk Brewing Co. of San Juan Capistrano whose beer was toasted by voters as “best sip” at the lavish party. Then again, it wasn’t just a food and wine fest. Among the offerings from some 60 food and beverage vendors were craft beers, rums, tequilas, vodkas and specialty drinks. H.H. Cotton’s American Bar & Grill of San Clemente was voted No. 1 among the food vendors, declared to be the “best taste” at the festival. The grounds of the mission were looking as resplendent as ever at the 23rd annual Food & Wine Festival hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce. “This is such an intimate setting,” said George Peppas III, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. “Very classy.” The festival is the Chamber of Commerce’s annual fundraiser, helping the organization promote the local economy and local businesses. “We have great support from the community,” Peppas said. The festival also marks the end of the season during which migratory swallows nest in San Juan. Typically, the birds—famous in song and in lore for their yearly return to San Juan—are said to depart in October, flying to Argentina to spend the South American summer there. “This is our goodbye to the swallows,” Peppas said. El Adobe de Capistrano and the Swallow’s Inn headed a list of Food & Wine Festival sponsors. There were prize drawings. Silent auctions. Big-band music by The Fresh Rhythm. And community exposure for the vendors showcasing cuisines and libations. Nathan Beckham, co-founder and director of innovation at Dog Pawrk Brewing Co., said the timing was nice to be recognized as No. 1 “sip” at the festival. He is planning in the coming months to open a tap room with a food component and a small R&D brewing system at a San Juan Capistrano location under negotiation now. The award presented to Dog Pawrk at the Food & Wine Festival was actually a double score for the brewery. “The day before,” Beckham said, “we were Brewery of the Event at the San Juan Hills Golf Club’s Oktobeerfest. It was a crazy couple of days!” CD
The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
Nearly 1,000 guests who attended the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd annual Food & Wine Festival, formerly known as “The Vintage,” ate, drank and danced the night away on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the grounds of the historic Mission. Photos: Fred Swegles
Page 18
thecapistranodispatch.com
SJC LIVING
The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
Page 19
thecapistranodispatch.com
BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES MISSION PARK COMMUNITY San Juan Capistrano Annual Fall Garage Sale. Saturday Oct. 19th 8:00AM to 12:00PM. Cross streets: Ortega Hwy & Via Cordova. Calle Arroyo & Via Sonora GARAGE SALE MUST DOWNSIZE…! Saturday, October 12, 2019 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 600 Calle Hidalgo, San Clemente. Furniture, household items, linens, lamps, bric-abrac, holiday décor, bikes, toys, party supplies, baskets, centerpieces. DANA KNOLLS COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE October 19th, 2019 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cross streets of Blue Fin and Del Obispo
GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!
Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email debra@wellsadsolutions.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email debra@wellsadsolutions.com
E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
LEGAL NOTICE
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Notice is hereby given that on October 25, 2019, at 9:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in Department C16 of the Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701, Petitioner Alyssa Garrett intends to apply for an order, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 6000, et. seq., declaring The Capistrano Dispatch to be a newspaper of general circulation for the County of Orange, State of California circulated in the City of San Juan Capistrano.
Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email debra@wellsadsolutions.com
FOR SALE RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE (TYPE 47) Type 47 Restaurant Liquor License for sale. Text or call for details 949.510.9724
DESPERATELY SEEKING TENORS! San Clemente Choral Society is a fun, low pressure group of singers dedicated to bringing first rate choral music to South Orange County. Come join us for rewarding rehearsals and a joyous Holiday Concert. No auditions required, solo opportunities available. Please contact Laura Bard, bardlaura@gmail.com or visit the sign up sheet at SCCS-ARTS/SIGN-UP
The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
Page 21
thecapistranodispatch.com
SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
San Juan Prep Roundup BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
For in-game updates, news and more for all of the SJC high school sports programs, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SouthOCSports
S
an Juan Hills and JSerra each opened their league campaigns with strong wins, while St. Margaret’s, Capistrano Valley Christian and Saddleback Valley Christian each have one more week before San Joaquin play begins. Let’s take a ride around town, and check in on each of the five teams:
San Juan Hills
The Stallions (4-3, 1-0) have put up backto-back dominant efforts and look ready to defend their Sea View League championship or even repeat for the title. San Juan Hills continues to put up a balanced offensive attack, as quarterback Hudson Jones has thrown for seven touchdowns in the past two games and running back Austin Hogan has rushed for close to 300 yards over the two wins. Two-way star Joey Hobert put on a show in the league opener against Trabuco Hills with three touchdown receptions and two interceptions, including a pick-six. Hobert had 114 yards receiving on eight catches and 145 return yards on two interceptions. Next up for San Juan Hills, No. 5 in Division 4, is what should amount to the Sea View League title game at Aliso Niguel on Friday, Oct. 11. The Wolverines (5-1, 0-0) have put up points this season with an average of nearly 37 per game. Quarterback Kyle Kyckelhahn has paced Aliso Niguel with nearly 300 yards passing per game, with 18 touchdowns with only one interception. Aliso Niguel, No. 1 in Division 8, finished second in the Sea View League last season with its lone loss a shutout at San Juan Hills, 38-0.
JSerra
Opening Trinity League play off the Lions’ bye week, it took a while for JSerra (5-1, 1-0) to get rolling, with only a 7-3 lead over Santa Margarita at halftime. JSerra came out with 28 points in the third quarter to secure the 35-3 win on homecoming night. Sammy Green ran for 109 yards on 13 carries with three touchdowns, Chris Street scored on a seven-yard run on his only carry, and Malaki Te’o scored on a fumble recovery off a Jaden Genova sack. The Capistrano Dispatch October 11-24, 2019
San Juan Hills dominated in its league opener against Trabuco Hills and travels to Aliso Niguel in what should amount to a Sea View League championship game on Friday, Oct. 11. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57
JSerra struggled with consistency during its nonleague schedule, and its leagueopening win won’t dispel that concern. However, the Lions needs to get sorted out in quick order. JSerra hosts St. John Bosco, ranked No. 2 in the nation by MaxPreps and No. 3 by USA Today, on Friday, Oct. 11, and the Braves won’t be looking past JSerra. The Lions gave Bosco a scare last season in a one-score game in Bellflower, and the Braves should have their focus turned up after surviving by just a point over Servite last week, 27-26. On the other hand, JSerra has confidence after playing Bosco tight on the road last season, and Servite’s performance shows that the Braves could be had on the right night. Friday’s game against St. John Bosco will be JSerra’s last home game of the regular season. JSerra plays Servite at Orange Coast College next Thursday and back-to-back games at Santa Ana Stadium against Orange Lutheran on Oct. 25 and national No. 1 Mater Dei on Nov. 1.
St. Margaret’s
The Tartans (6-0, 0-0) are keeping sharp and maintaining their undefeated mark. St. Margaret’s survived against Santa Fe Christian, 20-14, on Sept. 27 and handled Bellflower, 48-7, on Oct. 4. For St. Margaret’s, it’s all about maintaining that focus as the Tartans shouldn’t face a real test in their final nonleague
game on Friday, Oct. 11, against St. Joseph of Santa Maria or in their three San Joaquin League games beginning on Oct. 18 at home against Saddleback Valley Christian. The Tartans are getting it done through the air with a main connection between quarterback Jake Carreon and receiver Will Kenner. Carreon, a transfer from San Juan Hills, completed all 10 passes he attempted against Bellflower for 254 yards, and Kenner caught seven passes for 197 yards and four touchdowns. According to the Orange County Register, Kenner is leading the county in touchdown receptions with 14 and is second in the county in receiving yards with 866. After playing SVC, St. Margaret’s finishes on the road at the Webb Schools in Claremont on Oct. 25 and against Capistrano Valley Christian on Nov. 1 at San Clemente High School.
Capistrano Valley Christian
The Eagles (4-2, 0-0) have won three in a row in a dominant fashion and look ready to compete for a playoff spot in the San Joaquin League. CVC enjoyed a bye week last week after a 62-13 win over Mark Keppel of Alhambra. Quarterback Tyler Henry threw for five touchdowns on 157 yards passing, and running back Rome Demongin ran for 202 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries. Simeon Marton caught eight passes for 105 yards and three touchdowns, and Dylen
Page 22
Roberts had two touchdown receptions. Demongin has been the workhorse for the Eagles with 796 yards on 105 carries and 11 touchdowns this season, averaging more than 130 yards per game on the ground. CVC plays at Southlands Christian at Walnut High School on Friday, Oct. 11 before opening league play. CVC plays at Webb on Oct. 19, hosts Saddleback Valley Christian at Capistrano Valley High School on Oct. 25 and finishes against St. Margaret’s at San Clemente High School on Nov. 1.
Saddleback Valley Christian
The Warriors (2-4, 0-0) captured their second win of the season in dramatic fashion on Saturday, Oct. 5. At Trabuco Hills High School against Bishop Montgomery of Torrance, SVC trailed by eight points late in the fourth quarter. Evan Spry ran for a touchdown with under a minute to play, and on a two-point conversion, Spry completed a pass to Zeke Greene to tie the game and send it to overtime. The Warriors got the ball first in overtime and scored, but a two-point conversion attempt failed. With only a six-point lead, SVC needed a defensive stop and got it, as Matthew House forced a fumble and D’artagnan Robison recovered it for the win. The Warriors play at Pasadena Poly on Friday, Oct. 11 and open league at St. Margaret’s on Oct. 18. CD thecapistranodispatch.com