The Capistrano Dispatch

CAPISTRANO’S NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

City Council Considers MTBE Surcharge

Restaurant Spotlight: Thai Dara Opens on Ortega

Shakespeare Festival Starts this Weekend

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

GETTING OUT/PAGE 14

GETTING OUT/PAGE 10

J U LY 9 –2 2 , 2 0 1 0 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 13

Congratulations, Class of 2010 Capistrano’s five high schools send graduates into the world.

SPECIAL INSERT

He may be a nationally ranked high jumper, but Harrison Steed needed a little help with his cap before the JSerra High School graduation. Courtesy photo

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SAN CLEMENTE Horse racing fans may want to start thinking about their new hangout in San Clemente. In a 5-0 vote Tuesday, City Council voted that satellite horse wagering, or betting, is similar to entertainment conducted at restaurant/bar establishments thus propelling San Clemente’s OC Tavern, and its owner Michael Merrigan, a bit further towards opening a small satellite wagering facility at the establishment located on 2369 South El Camino Real. After obtaining approval from the California Horse Racing Board recently, Merrigan will get the nod to open his new facility provided he obtain a modified conditional use permit from the City of San Clemente, along with a modification to the business’s rules of operation.

DANA POINT

NEWS

Capistrano Unified School District will be holding a public meeting on July 15 at Dana Hills High School/South Orange County School of the Arts (SOCSA) to discuss plans for the new Performing Arts Facility, provide more information and to gather additional comments/opinions from the local community. The meeting will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Porthole Theater inside the main building at Dana Hills High at 33333 Golden Lantern in Dana Point.

Those who wish to express their views of the proposed facility may do so either verbally or on a written comment card at the meeting. The proposed facility will be built on the Dana Hills campus and include a 470-person capacity performing arts building with spaces for a stage, seating area, lobby, storage, staff offices, classroom/practice rooms, and other ancillary areas totaling 30,560 square feet.

NEXT DOOR W H AT ’ S G O I N G O N I N OUR NEIGHBORING TOW N S

San Juan Capistrano’s Top 5 Hottest Topics

What’s Up With...

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LAST ISSUE: N/A • WEEKS ON THE CHART: 1

…Residents Paying for the MTBE Trouble?

THE LATEST: The city is spending about $1.45 million a year because of issues surrounding the MTBE plume in Capistrano’s groundwater, and the council is considering making residents pay a surcharge to cover those costs.

The city’s water costs have gone up since shutting down a primary water well when trace amounts of MTBE were discovered from previous Chevron leaks.

The shutdown leaves the Groundwater Recovery Plant operating at half capacity, meaning the city is paying more for imported water and loses a subsidy for producing water.

The city is building a treatment facility that would allow the Groundwater Recovery Plant to return to full operation. That would allow the city to get more inexpensive water, but will cost $1.6 million to build and $1.3 million a year to operate.

WHAT’S NEXT: A public hearing is set for September 17. The council will decide whether to implement a .39-cent-perwater-unit surcharge that will cover the ongoing loss, or a .74-cent surcharge that would recoup the entire loss of $5.2 million over the past two years.

Chevron officials said the city has overreacted by shutting down the well.

The city and Chevron are negotiated.

FIND OUT MORE: See the full staff report at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

—Jonathan Volzke

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LAST ISSUE: N/A • WEEKS ON THE CHART: 1

…Voting on a Potential Home Depot?

THE LATEST: It seems unlikely City Council members will call on voters to help them whether Home Depot is right www.thecapistranodispatch.com

for the Lower Rosan Ranch property off Stonehill Drive.

City Councilman Mark Nielsen raised the issue about asking the public’s opinion in a citywide vote because of a 2002 advisory vote in which 69 percent of the voters rejected a Home Depot on the city-owned property.

Fast forward eight years and some of the leaders in that fight against Home Depot, including Nielsen, now sit on the City Council, leading a city that finds itself in challenging economic times.

The council was ready to allow Costco to move to the property, but Costco instead bought the Ford dealership adjacent to its current location, and the council again is seeking suitors for the Lower Rosan.

WHAT’S NEXT: Despite Nielsen’s argument that the city set a precedent in 2002, other council members said Tuesday they felt equipped to make the decision. Councilwoman Laura Freese was absent.

FIND OUT MORE: See Nielsen’s full letter at The Capistrano Insider blog on www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

—JV

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updated estimate using forecasts from Chapman University, California State University, Fullerton and University of California, Los Angeles, which estimated tax-revenue growth in 2010-2011 would be 6.11 percent. The OCTA, however, went with a far more conservative estimate of 1.1 percent, which led to the $13.6 billion estimate.

Voters approved the new tax in 2006; the 2005 estimates were that the tax would generate $24.3 billion.

WHAT’S NEXT: Supervisor Pat Bates, who represents South Orange County and sits on the OCTA board, said she hopes the economy rebounds and the dollars return to earlier estimates.

OCTA spokesman Joel Zlotnik cautioned the plan is long term.

“This is a 30-year plan, so the sales tax revenues will go up and down over those 30 years,” Zlotnik said.

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…Politics Heating Up in CUSD?

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…Measure M Money?

THE LATEST: Officials now anticipate a countywide gasoline tax to fund transportation improvements will generate $13.6 billion over the next 30 years, down 40 percent from 2005 estimates.

Around San Juan Capistrano, the Measure M money is intended to fund work on the Ortega interchange, additional carpool and freeway lanes on the San Diego Freeway, increase Metrolink service and potentially fund local shuttles.

The Orange County Transportation Authority this month received the

THE LATEST: The leaders of a recall attempt targeting two Capistrano Unified School District trustees have issued a “Commitment to the Community,” that says the group will support candidates who pledge to avoid “unnecessary” out-of-court settlements, awarding contracts to campaign contributors, restore trust in the district and various other points.

The points are criticisms leveled at current trustees, including Mike Winsten and Ken Maddox, who are targeted by the recall.

Winsten has said he believes the teacher’s union backs the recall and that trustees have done their best to

WHAT’S NEXT: Children First scheduled two news conferences this month to introduce candidates.

Trustees meet in a regular session that night at 7 p.m. at CUSD headquarters on Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano.

FIND OUT MORE: See the Beyond the Blackboard blog at www.thecapistranodispatch.com for the entire release.

—JV

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FIND OUT MORE: See www.octa.net and click on the “Measure M” button.

—JV

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keep massive budget cuts away from the classrooms.

LAST ISSUE: N/A • WEEKS ON THE CHART: 1

…Taking a Train to the All-Star Game?

THE LATEST: Baseball fans heading to Anaheim for the 81st Major League Baseball All-Star game can leave their cars behind and take the train.

Special southbound and northbound trains from Anaheim Station will depart 30 minutes after the end of the MLB All-Star game. The trains will depart from Anaheim, in the parking lot of Angel Stadium of Anaheim, and make all regular stops on Metrolink’s Orange County line.

Heading to the game, two trains from Oceanside and three trains from LA Union Station will depart at various times and are scheduled to arrive at Angel Stadium before the start of the game at 5 p.m.

OCTA also is offering a 50 percent discount on Friends and Family 4-Pack Metrolink tickets from July 9 to 13.

Normally $29, four round-trip tickets are $14.50 and can be purchased from any Metrolink vending machine.

WHAT’S NEXT: The train stops in San Juan Capistrano at 4:05 p.m. on July 13.

FIND OUT MORE: For complete train schedule information, go to www.octa. net/specialtrain.

—JV

July 9–22, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 3

Eye on SJC

‘Relay for Life’ Draws Committed Volunteers, Cancer Survivors to Sports Park

Annual 24-hour event, which raises money to fight cancer, is July 10-11

By Jonathan Volzke The Capistrano Dispatch

I

t’s usually a silly question to ask someone why they’re involved in the fight to cure cancer. But ask Ted Roberts why he’s co-chairing this year’s “Relay for Life” in San Juan Capistrano and the question sounds almost dumb.

“I became involved when my first wife passed away from cancer in 1992,” Roberts says. “Since then I’ve lost two favorite aunts, a favorite uncle, two brother-inlaws and a father to cancer.

“I’m real motivated.”

Roberts is working with his wife, Ann Ronan, to lead this year’s event, with help from Ken Friess, who has been involved in the event nearly since it began here.

The event peaked at more than $100,000 in fund-raising when the economy was good, then moved to San Juan Hills High School last year, which posed organizational and fund-raising challenges.

This year, it’s back at the Sports Park off Camino del Avion and has already raised $54,000 with 19 teams and 182 participants.

The relay runs continuously from 10 a.m. Saturday, July 10, and will conclude at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 11.

Teams keep at least one walker out on a track throughout the entire 24-hour event.

The opening lap, always emotional because it is the cancer “survivors’ lap,” will be led by a contingent of

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter

Team Team Captain Capo VW Jenni Perry Curves Divas and Co. Katie Nunan Daniel Mitchell Salon Dennis Dean Faros de Esperanza Yamil Cirino Kathy Homan’s 4-H Kathy Holman Laura’s Life Line Laura Martinez Meggitt/Endevco Fights Back Sheri Jones Paniolo Jim Danner Red, White & Blue Team Bob Kohler Ricardo’s Place Restaurant Rosa Beas SJME Walkers Kathy Gable Strutters Justine Shaw Team San Juan Hills Melissa McCormack Terrible TaTas Molly Gula Thacker’s Trackers Aida Steindorf The Knights Who Say…Ni! Candice Morey The Rotary Striders Ray Perez United Studios of Self Defense Ian miller Young Americans Laurie Rodriquez Marines from San Juan’s adopted battalion, the 1/11, along with the Dana Hills High School Drum Corp will accompany flag bearing Boy Scouts from Mission Hills Lutheran Church Troop 772.

Saturday will feature entertainment and activities, CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Ricardo, 25900 Block (12:16 p.m.) A caller stated her sliding glass door was broken. She thought it might have been a bird because she could not find any object that may have broken it but wanted a deputy to help look in case something was thrown.

Tuesday, June 29 BATTERY REPORT Ortega Highway, 27400 Block (9:46 p.m.) A woman contacted deputies when her roommate spit on her.

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Web site (www.ocsd.org) and reflects data available from calls placed from the field by the responding officer(s). An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.

CITIZEN ASSIST San Juan Creek Road / La Novia Ave (12:59 p.m.) A caller said her 12-year-old son was trying to get out of the car while she was driving, and she needed a deputy to talk to him.

Saturday July 3

Monday, June 28

FRAUD REPORT Camino Capistrano, 32200 Block (12:24 p.m.) A banker contacted deputies when a man was trying to deposit fraudulent checks. They were trying to stall the man, who became very nervous.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Paseo Laguna, 27300 Block (11:07 p.m.) Informant heard a hiccup and thought someone was on the side of her home.

C o m p i l e d b y K i r st e n A m a v i sca S ac h e r

Thursday, July 1 DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 32200 Block (6:50 p.m.) An assisted living facility contacted the deputies when an agitated 82-year-old man tried to break out of the facility with a hammer.

Wednesday, June 30 DISTURBANCE Via Flores, 31800 Block (9:27 p.m.) A 17-year-old caller stated he was attacked by two ex-friends because he didn’t want to be their friend anymore. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Sunday, June 27 DISTURBANCE Calle Don Carlo, 26900 Block (10:24 a.m.) Caller says two small children were being left in the backyard of a residence nearby all day for the past nine months.

They scream and are loud.

Saturday, June 26 PATROL CHECK Del Obispo Street / Ortega Highway (2:12 p.m.) Marines were having a car wash in the area. Three to five Marines were standing on the median holding signs.

The caller thought this was unsafe.

such as face painting, children’s activities, hair cuts for charity by Daniel Michael Salon, live music, Karate demonstrations, and much more. Food can be purchased throughout the entire relay from various “teams” with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Mike Johnson arranged the music.

This year’s musical “headliner” for the relay, is the incredible rock ‘n’ roll and R&B band, Yard Sale. This family friendly, show-stopping seven-piece group (including a three-piece horn section) has a powerful sound that all ages will be sure to enjoy. They will provide an experience that will truly knock your socks off!

Yard Sale kicks off the fun at 6:45 p.m. and will play until the Luminaria Ceremony, which begins at 9 p.m.

Another emotional part of the event comes at nightfall Saturday. This year’s Luminaria Ceremony, survivors will light the candles of all present. With lit candles, participants will follow a bagpiper through the path of lit luminaries. Each luminaria bears the name of a person who has battled cancer.

Law enforcement and fire personnel will also be on hand throughout the weekend for displays, and the Rotary serves a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning.

For more information, see http://main.acsevents.org and type “San Juan Capistrano” in the city box.

This year’s Relay for Life has 19 teams signed up for the event, which runs from 10 a.m. Saturday, July 10 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 11 at the Sports Park on Camino Del Avion. CD 911 HANGUP Del Obispo Street, 32200 Block (1:35 a.m.) A female caller was crying and said she was at a church in San Juan and someone would not let her leave.

Friday, June 25 CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Miramar, 33700 Block (7:36 p.m.) A caller informed police a group of kids at the top of a hill were in giant inflatable balls. The caller was afraid kids were going to roll down the hill inside the inflatable balls.

Thursday, June 24 MISSING ADULT El Horno Street, 31300 Block (8:54 p.m.) A woman called authorities because her 18-year-old daughter stole her ATM card and was last seen being picked up by a girl in a white SUV. The daughter took $500 total out of two different ATM machines, and was possibly on her way to Mexico.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Chueca, 30800 Block (6:08 p.m.) A caller informed the police that someone left a box in front of his garage two days ago. The caller said when he came home today the box looked like it has been opened and he could see a gun and bullets inside.

DISTURBANCE Hunt Club Drive, 30600 Block (3:43 p.m.) A gardener sprayed the informant’s elderly grandmother with a hose, then left in a truck.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY San Diego Freeway (10 a.m.) A witness saw a man passenger in a car on the 5 Freeway punching the female driver. The man got out of the car and ran down a freeway off ramp. The girl remained in the car and was involved in a car accident.

July 9–22, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 5

SOAPBOX

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VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 8, Issue 13. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO > Norb Garrett EDITORIAL

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> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

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Letters to the Community TURN DOWN DOWNTOWN PLAN —Jane Lohrbach, San Juan Capistrano Bravo to Dave Swerdlin on his “Soapbox” Commentary in the last issue of The Dispatch regarding the “City & Studio 111.”

Right On !

‘YES’ ON DISTRITO —Tim Markel, San Juan Capistrano After attending the recent community meeting with

the developer that is proposing the San Juan Meadows and Distrito La Novia project, I can say with certainty that this is a good project for all residents of San Juan and for the economy of our city.

The originally proposed plan was much larger and focused on residential housing. Now we’ve got a less dense plan that has a large amount of open space, a great new retail center (which will bring new tax revenues to our city) and an equestrian facility that fits perfectly into San Juan’s history and heritage as an

equestrian community.

I hope to see this project built as I know it will be a great addition to San Juan.

MORE DISTRITO SUPPORT —Wendy and Mike Mulvihill, San Juan Capistrano I’ve reviewed the details of the draft environmental report and feel the San Juan Meadows and Distrito La Novia project will be a major benefit to our (Cont. on page 9)

LON USO: My Turn

A Differing Opinion on the Downtown Plan

W

ith all due respect to Dave Swerdlin, a 12-year veteran of the council who lost his bid for reelection four years ago, my first impression of his column in The Dispatch was that of “sour grapes.” It is important to remember that he is one LON USO of the people that lead the opposition to the last downtown redevelopment proposal years ago and that his actions probably lead him to be subsequently elected to the council, so I am not surprised that his tongue-in-cheek column had such a tone. I was going to talk about Dave’s accomplishments during his long tenure on the council but decided that another facetious column would not be helpful, so let’s get into the meat of the matter.

Studio 1-11 is holding public meetings in an attempt to vet the wants and needs of the residents and stakeholders. They have been gathering data from the folks that have participated and have tried to incorporate this information into the very preliminary plan that they put forth. The final plan is still about a year away.

As Dave does, I also have serious doubts about many of the things that have come forth in this first iteration of the plan, including the treatment of Del Obispo, the parking structure at the old Texaco station and the idea of a City Hall next to our historic park, but instead of making fun of these ideas and attempting to derail a vital down town redevelopment project, I am participating in earnest to try to bring forth the best possible project to move our city forward.

We have been talking about our failing downtown for decades, but continue to shoot ourselves in the foot.

Businesses come and go as if in a revolving door and our reputation with serious and successful businesses Page 6 • The Capistrano Dispatch • July 9–22, 2010

that could turn things around is questionable at best.

We need strong leaders with the courage of their convictions to turn the tide.

I do fear that in the attempt to involve everyone and to try to please everyone that we will end up building a camel. You know what a camel is, don’t you? It is a horse designed by committee.

Although the council asked Studio to look for some very long-term ideas for a large area of the city, the real project area is similar to the one described by Dave, from Ortega to Del Obispo, focusing mostly on the Redevelopment Agency’s (RA) properties on Camino Real that have always been meant for development. We needed to make sure that we find ways to connect all areas of downtown through what planners call a daisy chain. This is vital in engaging and drawing pedestrians from one area to another without a break in the points of interest and is one of Studio’s strong suits.

Let’s talk about the $500,000 of redevelopment funds we are paying for this. This is a project that will take over a year to complete. It will be an “implementable” plan, something that has never been done before in all of the previous plans. What does that mean? That we actually intend on implementing the plan. This plan will include economists that will look at the financial viability of the plan, traffic engineers vetting traffic circulation, a comprehensive list of architectural elements, a set of form-based codes that will allow the implementation of the final plan even if it varies in some ways from our existing code, a comprehensive parking study including a master parking plan, a full Environmental Impact Report that is required by law to actually build some of these buildings etc. These items alone cost well over $300,000. Without these you

would have another nice document that would ultimately become another door stop at City Hall, with these you have property owned by the redevelopment agency worth a lot more money. As for Dave’s free plan, it was worth every penny we didn’t pay for it, especially the River Walk along the dry river bed.

I suppose I should be surprised that Dave didn’t know any of these things but then he has never shown up to any of the council meetings or the Studio meetings to learn the actual facts.

There is always something to be critical of and sometimes well deserved but this project is too important to let ignorance, innuendo and personal vendettas get in the way. Please participate, stay engaged and express your thoughts and feelings through constructive criticism but don’t kill this project, it is too important to our city. Understand that no matter how much time we spend and how much we try to please everyone that some will still be unhappy. I have some very strong feeling but know that ultimately I won’t get the exact project I want either.

The core part of this project which is the development of the redevelopment agency-owned old Texaco station, the parking lots behind the Antique Barn and the Esslinger building and hopefully, the privately owned O’ Plaza ideally should begin with the building of the new I-5 interchange.

We have a difficult and demanding task ahead of us but it can’t happen without your help and our community’s support.

I hope that I am speaking for my council here, but I must disclose that these are merely my thoughts.

Lon Uso is a longtime Capistrano dentist who was elected to the City Council in 2006. His colleagues selected him to serve as Mayor this year. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX KATHERINE HOLMAN: Guest View

Distrito Protects Heritage

M

any of us moved to San Juan Capistrano because it is a horse friendly community. I have boarded my horses in the Capistrano Valley since 1964. My husband and I bought our first house in San Juan in 1973 so that we could be near our horses. I’m worried that we are losing our precious horse property and equestrian centers and are moving towards a modern day range war between longtime residents and a few city slickers.

I have been following ARES plans for “The Meadows,” a world-class equestrian facility since its inception. I believe the plans for the property are beneficial to the open space surface area, as it would reduce geo-technical hazards to the housing below, and improve drainage to control storm run-off into adjacent properties. It preserves our valuable open space and coveted ridgeline vistas while creating a quiet, serene site. It would also improve access to the network of equestrian trials.

The 90-acre “Meadows” equestrian site makes use of the currently entitled open space, bringing decreased infrastructure demands: 1. Minimal traffic flow; 2. No impact on the Capistrano Unified School District; 3. No demand on the City Parks and recreational facilities; 4. Minimal utility demands; 5. Little or no pollution impact from vehicle emissions; 6. Guided trail rides with access to miles of existing trails; An equestrian center of this caliber would be professionally managed. It would produce year-round jobs for the residents of San Juan Capistrano. Tax and tourist revenue would be generated.

In 2003, the need for a large animal veterinary and surgical facility was expressed by our City Council. It could be included on the property with College prep classes and an Honors/AP curriculum, leadership training, classes focusing on careers with horses, and 4-H projects. A career working with horses is something many dream of—but find difficult to achieve, which would be answered with a comprehensive teaching facility that focuses on integrating education into a healthy environment.

San Juan Capistrano is one of the last cities promoting the western lifestyle in Orange County, California. We, as educators, need to find a safe and sound environment for our children to improve academically, behaviorally, and emotionally.

I have heard some residents voice concern with the horses being housed upwind from the surrounding neighborhoods.

I operate a 5-acre facility across the street from both Casa de Amma and Brighton Gardens. I strive to be a good

neighbor. We house 125 horses. I have found that with diligence the stable can be kept clean, dry, and free from noxious odors. Providing suitable bedding and disposing of manure in a proper manner results in little negative impact on the surrounding area and the environment.

I’ve included some basics for your information: 1. Feed: Horses should receive 1 pound of feed per 100 pounds body weight (approx 24 pounds) twice daily.

2. Water: A horse’s daily water intake varies depending on air temperature, humidity, body weight, level of activity, and health. On average, horses need 5 to 20 gallons of water per day.

3. Manure: One horse excretes 44 pounds of manure in which 12.5 pounds is active solid. The rest is water. Horse manure does not spread disease. Horses are dead-end hosts, as are humans, for EEE, WEE and West Nile Virus.

4. Urine: 1 to 10 gallons per day.

I use an odor neutralizer called “Scentrol” at the Ortega Equestrian Center that effectively counteracts and cancels a broad spectrum of disagreeable odors without leaving an overpowering masking perfume. The neutralizing properties are unusual in that even after the initial fragrance is gone it continues to oxidize (kill) odors.

Scentrol kills odors in the vapor phase.

It is effective in eliminatin: Hydrogen Sulfide, smoke, trash and garbage odors, and animal odors. Scentrol is used successfully at the Smoke Tree Stables, which backs up directly to a housing complex in Palm Springs. The Ortega Equestrian Center is equipped with a “Bye Fly” misting system which efficiently controls pests during the fly season.

Having an equestrian center in close proximity to retail establishments is beneficial to their business. We are a city that is primarily residential, with over 36,000 residents. San Juan Capistrano has endeavored to implement a program specific to San Juan Capistrano’s open space and is supportive of joint-venture use of open space areas to reduce the city’s maintenance costs and allocate maintenance revenue to the city’s historic resources, natural open space, and park and recreational facilities.

I feel that “The Meadows” is an answer to the preservation of the western lifestyle in San Juan Capistrano. If you have any questions regarding equestrian centers or need other information, please don’t hesitate to stop by the stables and ask.

Katherine Holman is a San Juan Capistrano resident who owns Ortega Equestrian Center on Calle Arroyo.

Page 8 • The Capistrano Dispatch • July 9–22, 2010

JOHN PERRY: Guest View

Winners and Losers of the Distrito La Novia/ Meadows Project

A

t the June 15 San Juan Capistrano City Council public hearing on the Distrito La Novia/ Meadows project, it occurred JOHN to me that a number PERRY of competing interests were in play. Each group had it’s constituency that might benefit or lose depending on the outcome of the debate raging in the community over whether the Distrito/Meadows project has merit or not.

The project as identified in the draft and final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) envisions building a total of 140 dwelling units including 90 for sale condos and 50 for rent apartments with an affordable housing component on the 18.5-acre Distrito La Novia site. The apartment units would be built over the retail space with the 90 condos built in stand-alone buildings mixed in with the retail and office building structures.

A total of 10 three-story buildings and a 6-story parking structure (with two stories underground) are planned to occupy the property closest to the intersection of San Juan Creek Road and Valle Road.

The Meadows component will have 94 detached homes with stables to accommodate a total of 775 horses on the portion of the hilltop that was at one time, the Forester Canyon Landfill. The Forester Canyon landfill was closed in 1976 and since that time has been open space. The developer ARES is proposing to reopen the land fill, excavate 225,000 cubic yards of old trash and move the trash to a new location and close the landfill in accordance with current regulations.

That being the proposed project, who stands to win from the project being approved and who will loose if the project goes forward as planned.

WINNERS The City of San Juan Capistrano becomes the biggest winner because: • The city gets millions in redevelopment agency revenue because much of the project lies within the redevelopment zone. The revenue comes from the capture by the city of property tax increases attributed to the project for a period of up to 20 years.

• The city gets hundreds of

thousands of dollars in developer fees for a variety of purposes • The city gets a two-acre reservoir site as a condition for approval of the project.

• The city gets $2.1 million traffic mitigation (CCFP) fees.

• The city gets affordable housing units.

The developer, Advanced Real Estate Services (ARES), becomes a big winner: • Inexpensive property gets rezoned to a more desirable entitlement from old restricted zoning. The zoning alone could add millions to the potential worth of the property owned by ARES. • The developer ARES could sell the property with the rezoning and the approved building project entitlements without having to build anything. The entitlement alone is worth millions.

• The engineers, architects, consultants and experts who drafted the Environmental Impact Reports have made millions in fees for the work of preparing documents submitted to the City Council for approval.

• The eventual builder of the project will earn millions by selling or renting the various buildings approved by the City Council.

The equestrian community is a big winner: • The project includes the proposal to build facilities to house 775 horses, together with stables, exercise yards, show stadiums, trails, trailer parking, manure collection and storage facilities.

• The stables will replace current stables forced to move because of development or changes in clean-water requirements.

• The stables will be in addition to the property purchased by the city as open space but is dedicated to be used only by the elite wealthy class of horse owners.

LOSERS The downtown merchants and property owners will become big losers when the Distrito/Meadows development is completed: • The downtown business owners and merchants who will see much of their current business move to the new and trendy shops and restaurants in the Distrito development.

• The residents of the entire city of San Juan Capistrano will experience (Cont. on page 9)

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX Letters (Cont. from page 6) community. We need to embrace responsible planning like this in order to maintain our equestrian heritage and preserve it for generations to come. This project will provide the community with a state-of-the-art equestrian facility that holds 775 horses as well as an interconnected trail system. Many of my friends who own horses have left San Juan Capistrano and Orange County in order to find facilities that accommodate their horses.

We need to work to protect our equestrian history!

I encourage the City Council to approve this project.

Look Before You Leap on the Meadows —Shirley Stewart, San Juan Capistrano Whoa there little horsey…better take off your blinders before you leap with all four hooves onto the proposed Meadow project of homes and a 775-horse commercial equestrian facility!

If you can rein in your exuberance long enough to check out “the dirt” on the Meadow (The former Forster Canyon landslide and landfill) you might understand why digging up the dump for this proposed project may not be safe or sensible.

How about galloping on down to Ye Old City Hall to take a look at the letters received from Orange County Waste & Recycling and Geosyntec Consultants? Why, there are enough Environmental Impact Report inadequacies and concerns listed to fill a hay barn! Even this partial list of Geosyntec’s concerns should make equine manes quiver: • Disturbance to the landfill including; excavation & placement and re-compaction of wastes, removal & reconstruction of the cover, drilling numerous vertical gas wells…are activities that may adversely affect groundwater quality in the future. Addition of cover soil on the landfill will also surcharge wastes, induce settlements & may also act to release landfill liquids. (Pg 9) • It does not appear that the global stability of the Forster canyon landslide has been evaluated…In addition, potential issues were identified regarding the seismic stability evaluation of the landfill & the relocation of waste at the site…It is uncertain if landslide deposits will remain stable when waste is excavated. (Pg 6) • The construction of a new cover over the landfill will alter existing gas migration patterns & could result in migration of landfill gas…to groundwater or...the residential structures proposed around the landfill. (Pg 2) • Several activities are proposed as part of the Project that will disturb and alter the landfill conditions. These activities may affect landfill gas migration patterns or generation rates or may cause a release of liquids. These conditions create a potential for groundwater impacts both during construction and the longer term post redevelopment. (Pg 9) To see the complete letters from OC Waste & Recycling and Geosyntec open the Correspondence link below Agenda Item E2 at this 6/15/10 City Council link: http://sanjuancapistrano.org/index.aspx?recordid=32 92&page=508.

On August 3, City Council is scheduled to consider this project. I intend to saddle up and mosey on down to the 6:30 p.m. meeting to ask our Council Members to vote “no” on Distrito/Meadows. No General Plan Amendment. No Rezone. No digging up the dump. Please join me.

The Planning Commission Got it Right —Yvonne Tschaikowsky, San Juan Capistrano On August 3rd City Council is scheduled to hold another Public Hearing on the proposed Distrito/Meadows project. The developer will again ask for approval of their request for a General Plan Amendment and Rezone.

If approved, the 18.7-acre hillside Distrito will be www.thecapistranodispatch.com

developed as a strip of Retail/Restaurants along La Novia with 50 apartments stacked on top (no garages). There will be 90 Condos (no garages) comprised of four buildings with a 5-story parking structure.

There will also be two free standing retail buildings plus 32,000 gross square feet of commercial and office.

Despite the parking structure and subterranean parking below retail and offices, there will still be a shortage of parking spaces! There will not be a park or significant outdoor areas for the residents other than a “green” rooftop on the parking structure.

The city’s Planning Commission has voted 4-2 to recommended denial of the project based on these concerns: 1. The Distrito mixed-use project would be inconsistent & not compatible with the existing character of the city because of significant building massing & intensity. It would also be incompatible with the low-density residential neighborhoods located to the northeast and the east.

2. Failure to sufficiently address the project’s potentially significant adverse direct project traffic impacts.

(8,000-plus new daily trips.)

3. No assurance is provided that needed arterial road improvements will be constructed and operational at such time that the proposed project has been developed and is generating traffic.

More concerns were submitted to the city by Orange County’s Waste & Recycling stating: “The Final Environmental Impact Report fails…to provide a full & accurate disclosure of the project’s significant environmental impacts, it fails to provide for adequate mitigation of those impacts…Equally important, the FEIR is replete with conclusory and inadequate responses to the significant comments and concerns that were raised during the public review period.”

Geosyntec Consultants has given the city a 17page letter expressing multiple concerns about the Meadows landfill such as the difficulty to control and mitigate migration of landfill gases. The human health risk assessment for the Project which did not appear to consider potential risks from certain exposure pathways. Potential impacts to groundwater that may result from altering the landfill.

Geosyntec states the available evidence establishes the Forester Canyon Landfill was properly closed in 1976 and that In the absence of the Project, there does not appear to be any need for further remediation, such as the need to excavate and relocate wastes or to remove the existing soil cover.

These two letters can be seen at www.SanJuanCapistrano.org in the City Council agenda of 6/15/10, item #E2, Correspondence.

If you have concerns about impacts this intense and massive project will have on the character of our community, mark your calendars for August 3rd. You can also send an email to City Council Members at CityClerk@SanJuanCapistrano.org and be sure to include your city of residence. No General Plan Amendment! No Rezone!

Gas Too Costly Here —Mary Harris, San Juan Capistrano It is Friday night (July 2) the weekend of 4th of July and my husband and I just drove by both Chevron Stations in San Juan. Someone please tell me why these station charge 58 cents more than our neighbor cities is charging for gas?

I must tell you just driving by these stations makes my blood pressure go sky high ever since 9/11 when they changed the rate of their gas before the day was over. I have often told anyone that will listen to me that I would push my car pass these stations before

John Perry (Cont. from page 8) increased traffic as a result of the construction of the Distrito and Meadows projects. Over 8,000 new trips per day will clog our city intersections and streets.

The Planning Commission rejected the project because of the unmitigated increase in traffic, especially in the areas around the projected project.

San Juan Creek Road will bear the brunt of the increase in traffic when the Ortega Interchange construction begins when traffic from the south cuts through on San Juan Creek Road to avoid the Ortega interchange congestion.

The residents of the San Juan Hills West and East retirement communities will be confronted by the grading of an entire hillside of over 1.5 million cubic yards of soil to create pads to build the 10 multi-story buildings on the Distrito La Novia property.

The nearby residents will be exposed to the intensive building by the developer.

Ten 3-story buildings with elements towering nearly 45 feet in the air will dominate the view toward the south from San Juan West and East residential with night lighting from the project obliterating the sunsets and stars. The Planning Commission rejected this project because the building massing was inconsistent with the adjacent neighborhoods.

The nearby residents will experience the essence of 775 horses on wet rainy days when the wind blows across the “state-of-the-art” stables. Horses make good pets but bad neighbors.

The nearby residents will be exposed to unhealthful vapors and odors from long buried and decaying trash when the Forster Canyon landfill is opened to excavate over 225,000 cubic years of old refuse buried since 1976. The developer admits the dump may be open for an 18-month construction period.

The pit could be open for two winters during the wet season. Will we have a new lake on the project site?

The County of Orange Waste and Recycling Department has written a letter to the city citing numerous defects in the EIR especially the plan to open and excavate the closed landfill.

I have covered just some of the elements of who wins and who loses. It seems to me that after the project is built and the developer has sold off all the buildings and homes and has filled the stables with horses, the residents of San Juan Capistrano will have to live with the consequences of extremely poor planning and judgment on the part of our City Council.

John Perry is a retired school administrator who lives off San Juan Creek Road. giving them a penny of my money. I go to Mission Viejo at least once a week and before leaving I gas up my car if needed. I would love to give San Juan my tax dollars as we need our money to stay in San Juan as much as every other cities in these times but I refused to be taken advantage of in my own town.

I see people using these stations every day and wonder do they really have this much money to burn. Who stops there for gas? Is it the tourist, people just getting off the freeway? Come on people if you stop going there maybe their prices will start being a little more competitive. I just want to make a sign and picket these stations; who knows maybe one day I will. Am I the only person in San Juan that feels this way?

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

July 9–22, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 9

GETTING OUT

GO SEE DO

YOUR FOURTEEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

Courtesy photo

THE LIST A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town the next two weeks.

COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

friday09 FERNANDO RAMOS

6 p.m.–9 p.m. The solo mariachi guitarist plays at El Adobe every Friday and Saturday night. 31891 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.1163, www.eladobedecapistrano.com.

MIKE HAMILTON

7 p.m. Variety music by the popular local musician at Savannah Chop House. 32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.493.7107, www.mikehamiltonmusic.com.

BILLY MAC

8:30 p.m. Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

LEON RUSSELL

8 p.m. Rock ‘n’ roll concert at The Coach House also with The Scarlet Furies and Connie Rae. Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

CAPO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Opening day of the annual ongoing acting festival featuring A Midsummer’s Night Dream, The Merchant of Menace, and Much Ado About Nothing. Plays held at Historic Town Center Park and Comino Real Playhouse. Ticket prices vary.

See website for all dates, times, etc. www.capistranocenter.com/ capistranoshakespeare.htm.

saturday10

SHAKESPEAREAN FESTIVAL RETURNS

The Camino Real Playhouse once again brings its annual Capistrano Shakespeare Festival to town, in a three-show event that begins tonight, July 9, and running through August 15. But this year’s festival brings a twist— Capistrano resident Gary McCarver, who pens the popular melodramas during Swallows season—has put quill to parchment to write a Shakespearean melodrama, The Merchant of Menace.

Since 2002, the Shakespeare Festival takes place on the outdoor stage in Historic Town Center Park, under the stars. Attendees bring their own chairs and picnics. Season passes are given out in a contest for the “best picnic”— and the judge is easily bribed with a glass of well-fermented grape juice.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream starts tonight and runs July 10 through July 31. Much Ado About Nothing starts on July 24 and runs through August 15.

Merchant runs on the Camino Real main stage, starting July 1, with performances through August 1.

Tickets are $45 for the festival or can be purchased for each show. Call 949.489.8082 or see www.caposhakes.com. —Jonathan Volzke

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS

CRAFT DAY

VOYAGE TO AVALON

wednesday14

6 p.m. The Mission’s outdoor summer concert series continues with a performance by Hollywood U2 (tribute to U2) and catered dinner. Tickets start at $20. 26801 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

5:30 p.m. The Ocean Insitute hosts an overnight cruise to Catalina aboard a tall ship. Returns Sunday evening. Tickets $125; members $105.

sunday11 KELLY FITZGERALD BRUNCH

11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Sunday patio brunch and live female vocalist at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS: “EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY” 8:30 p.m. Art comes alive at Laguna Beach’s famous attraction re-creating world-famous paintings on stage. Tickets $15-$100.

Nightly shows. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145, www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.

THE WHEELAND BROTHERS

9 p.m. Live music at BeachFire Ladera. 25682 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ladera Ranch, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

monday12 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS

8 a.m.–10 a.m. Volunteer with Goin Native. 31661 Los Rios St., SJC, 949.525.0424, www.goinnative.net.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Make your own jump rope, lasso or another craft at the Mission. Free with admission of $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET

3 p.m.–7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba, SJC; 949.493.4700.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID DAY

2 p.m. Family show at the Library with games, trivia, crafts and fun. Free. 31495 El Camino Real, SJC, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

LADIES SELF DEFENSE CLASS

7 p.m.-8 p.m. Women can learn how to defend themselves in real world situations; also includes exercises for improving health and fitness. Drop-ins $10. First class free. Zax Studios of Martial Arts, 33155 Camino Capistrano Suite B, SJC, 949.388.5802, www.zaxstudios.com

thursday15 “BASIC NEEDS/WASTE” SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES

6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. The Ecology Center hosts guest speaker Dr. Sandra Steingraber to discuss environmental issues and human health. Reservations necessary. Fee $15 members, $25 non-members; and includes wine, refreshments and light fare. 2701 Alipaz St., SJC, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

JOHN FULLWOOD BAND

6:30 p.m.–10 p.m. Live music at The Vintage. 26701 B Verdugo St., SJC, 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

MONDAY MADNESS WINE TASTING

friday16

10 a.m.–4 p.m. The monthly art event showcases 60 artists, craftspeople and musicians in downtown SJC along Camino Capistrano, Yorba, Verdugo and Los Rios. 949.493.4700, www.sjcartfair.org.

MOMMY MOVIE MONDAY

NIGHT AT THE MISSION CAMPING

10 a.m. Screening of Grown Ups for parents of infants at the Krikorian, tickets $7.50. 641 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7469, www.kptmovies.com.

6 p.m.–8 p.m. Kids and their parents can have a sleepover at the Mission with meals, actitivites and more. Cost $50-$65. 26801 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

PET ADOPTION

SUNSHINE READERS

DAMN YANKEES

11 a.m. National Charity League Sunshine Readers offer energetic and entertaining stories for kids of all ages at the SJC library. 31494 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

7:30 p.m. Saddleback Civic Light Opera is back with an endearing musical comedy at Saddleback College. Shows through Aug. 1.

General admission $36. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

tuesday13

ERIC BURDON & THE NEW ANIMALS

BEER PONG WITH MICHELLE

JEFFREY MICHAELS BAND

SECOND SATURDAY ART FAIR

10 a.m.–2 p.m. The Ark of San Juan hosts a pet adoption at The Art Fair in downtown. 949.388.0034, ArkOfSanJuan@cox.net, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org.

LIVING HISTORY DAY

11 a.m.–2 p.m. History comes alive at the Mission.

Admission $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

BLUE WHALE SAFARI

8 a.m.–1 p.m. Search for whales with Capt Dave’s Dolphin Safari on their high-tech catamaran and enjoy famous triple-fudge brownies. Reservations required. Cost $89 each. Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

Page 10 • The Capistrano Dispatch • July 9–22, 2010

5 p.m.–8 p.m. Join SC Wine Company for happy hour featuring three wines for $5 and $8 cheese plates! 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429;.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

7 p.m. Fun at Swallow’s Inn with drinking games, shuffleboard, Taco Tuesday and more. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

8 p.m. Memorable singer from the British Invasion era live at The Coach House. Also with Parker Macy Blues Band. Tickets $39.50.

33157 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

8:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

(Cont. on page 14) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

2010

GRADUATION SPECIAL

JSerra Earns Straight A’s, Too FRANK TALARICO: JSERRA HIGH SCHOOL

O

ur co-valedictorian summed it up best.

“It is true that no other class in this school’s history can match the range and depth of our accomplishments,” said Emily Storms.

Storms was one of two JSerra graduates to complete more than 20 honors and advancedplacement courses with straight A’s.

But she and co-valedictorian Victoria Manesh aren’t the only JSerra scholars worth celebrating. Trevor Cutler earned our highest honor, the JSerra Award. The Eagle Scout finished with a 4.5 GPA and captained the cross country and track teams. But it was principal Tom Wazsak’s announcement that Cutler would attend the Air Force Academy that drew a standing ovation at graduation.

“Your most impressive quality is your selfless desire to make a difference in your community and your country,” Wazsak said.

Nick Stropko became our second graduate to earn a National Merit Scholarship. Berkeley-bound high-jumper Harrison Steed was ranked among the best in the nation. The boys’

soccer team won our first CIF championship.

Our graduates earned more than $10 million in college scholarships, and dedicated hundreds of thousands of hours to service organizations from San Juan Capistrano to Peru.

We created a new partnership for an innovative pre-med magnet program with Mission Hospital, hired two-sport Olympian Julie Swail-Ertel to direct aquatics and celebrated our first league football victory.

Storms noted the victory in her valedictory address.

Salutatorian Ot to Berhle, of Sa “I won’t remember the fame or glory we n Juan.

Courtesy Simons on Photography earned when we beat Santa Margarita but rather the overwhelming feeling of community that flooded my senses as we all rushed the field together,” she said.

Storms’ address reminded us that high school is a special time. And it’s not just students who are graded.

Our scholars and their families grade us, too. And not just on the quality of teachers or college acceptance rates. They judge us on our ability to foster a welcoming environment where lifelong relationships and memories are created.

“It is not how we looked on paper or our specific individual achievements that I will remember most, however impressive they may be,” Storms said. “It’s the memories we share that I could never forget.”

JSerra Catholic School Graduates Parker Abdo Marcella Adelson Parker Alvarado Marcella Ames Parker Anderson Marcella Andrade Parker Andrade Marcella Andrews Parker Arafeh Marcella Arbogast Niki Asvadi Vanessa Avila Kristine Baca Sanaz Banishoraka Emily Barron Otto Behrle Shanelle Bennett James Biram Lorraine Bower Patrick Bowman Brandon Brakke Bobby Brown Royce Cabrera Dilan Campbell Jonathan Canales Victor Carno Daniel Cascino Taylor Casey Meghan Celentano Madeline Chandik Michelle Chang Christina Chouinard Nathan Clark Robert Clark Patrick Clayton Benjamin Clinkinbeard Cameron Cook Brandon Cooper Alexandra Cory Elizabeth Crawford

Natalie Cunningham Trevor Cutler Bret Dahlson Tessa Davidson Chardae Davis Christopher Deering Jordan Demario Andrew DeMesa Kathryn DeYoung Richard Donahoo Tracy Donovan Lauren Doyle Allison Draper Mikaela Dueker Richard Dupont Francesca Dupre’ Simone Dyer Daniel Early Sarah Eichenauer Christopher Elliott Bridget Farmer Ian Farrell Paul Ferrier Kathryn Finley Michael Finley Andrew Fisher Michael Fisher Dylan Fisher John Fitzgerald Nicklaus Flamson Gabriella Fornaris Molly Forsum Steven Frankhouse Michael Franscell Scott Frazier Jessica Gale Michael Garberich Christopher Garcia Kierstyn Garcia Taylor Gauthier

Vicente Germann Ryhaan Gill Ariana Gino Katherine Giovannone Garret Glore Alexandra Goerner Max Gold Nicholas Gold Michael Gonzalez Mitchell Gonzalez Sagar Govil Garrett Grewe Elizabeth Griffin Jazmin Grimaldi Nicholas Gula Alison Gyepes Christopher Halbasch Samir Hanna Robert Hernandez Katherine Higman Hilary Himmerich Jeffrey Hudnall Austin Hughes Alana Inlow Nicole Jeschelnik Dylan Johnson Adriana Kalajian Erin Kavanaugh Alexander Kenefick Maheen Kibriya Jeffrey Kimbrough Kelly Klemens Kevin Koby Karine Kofdarali Nikolaas Kontrimas Paige Kozlowski Roxanne Kruger Brianna Kuehn Vincent Kyamko-Yap Christopher Ladwig

Anthony Lemos Gabrielle Lillard Michael Long Caitlin Lopes Lauren Lowell Max Luburic Lauren Lugo Daniel Luschei Andrea Maben Natalie Malcolm Alex Manas Alexandra Mandala Victoria Manesh Everett Manning Nathaniel Marovic Reyes Martinez Peter Martinez Mary McCarthy Alexander McKnight Katherine McQuinn Jordi Medellin Nathan Mendez Amanda Meraz Christa Millard Corey Miller Cole Moody Luis Morales Leah Moyers Taylor Mujica Philip Nelson Alec Newman Alexander Nissenoff Robert Noble Sara Nofeliyan Ryan O’Connor Rachel Ogburn Danielle Ogden Enrico Oriente Katherine Pfost Ashley Pham

Erika Philbrick Danielle Pinedo Samantha Plump Craig Prendiville Chad Prescher Valerie Purcell David Rabosky Johanna Radbone Kenneth Raphael Rachel Reid Katharine Reifsnyder Reed Reilly Miles Reza Christine Richard Matt Ritchie Nicholas Robelotto Lauren Roknich Mia Roman Michelle Rosol Brandon Ross Kassidy Ross Chelsea Rowe Matthew Ruiz Spencer Russell Christopher Russo Robert Ryan Ryan Salinas Kylie Sanders Nicholas Santala Corbin Savopoulos Joseph Scarlata Carson Scheller Patrick Schoenberg Kasey Seeman Jeromy Shald Kelley Sherwood Emily Sissell Alexandra Sobieraj Ashley Soliman Kyle Sonksen

Samantha Spatz Michael Sprague Gavin Steed Harrison Steed Matthew Stidham Emily Storms Nicholas Stropko Jenna Sussman Rachel Taaffe Candice Taggart Elizabeth Tancas Jackson Tears Sydney Teske Haley Thayer Kevin Thompson Ashley Timmerman Jordan Tygh Hannah Unruh Luis Valentin Logan Vescio Dillan Vroom Devon Wagstaff Erin Walter Lindsey Walter Eric Ware Greyson Wayer Sarah Weaver Hilary Wek Jaclyn Wek Stephanie Welzig Kennedy West Grahamm Wiest Rebecca Wiles Shelby Williams Kayla Williams Elizabeth Wilson Margaret Zaharson Vanessa Zavidniak

2010

GRADUATION SPECIAL

St. Margaret’s 30th Anniversary

BY MARCUS D. HURLBUT, HEADMASTER OF ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

R

eflecting on the 2009-2010 highlights of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School inevitably begins with the 95 graduates who received their St. Margaret’s diplomas on June 12, 2010. Members of the Class of 2010 were accepted by 175 colleges and universities.

Among those are Barnard College, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College, Villanova University, and Yale University. The University of California, Berkeley, University of Southern California, New York University, and University of Washington are among those accepting the most St. Margaret’s 2010 graduates.

Tartan Athletics well represented San Juan Capistrano by winning three CIF Championships. The Girls’ Tennis team won a second consecutive CIF Championship by completing its consecutive undefeated season. During a school-wide celebration, American tennis legend Lindsay Davenport visited the school and praised the team.

The Tartans’ Football team became the first in Orange County history to win four straight CIF Football Championships. The team joins only two others that have won four straight championships in the history of California. The Tartans already hold the record for the longest football winning streak in the history of Orange County.

In May, the Boys’ Volleyball team won a second CIF Championship in St. Margaret’s history, reaching the finals without dropping a game during the playoffs.

St. Margaret’s Arts programs thrived this year. The Upper School production of Children of a Lesser God won the 2010 Best Play Cappies Award, and senior Rebecca Miller won Best Actress in a Play. Artwork by junior Adam Holden was juried into the National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition, and eighth-grade students performed in the State Honor Band.

In academic highlights, San Juan resident Kenley Farace, grade 7, won the Orange County Spelling Bee and competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Seventh-graders won second place in the QuikSCience Challenge, and five Tartans won writing awards in the 2010 California Scholastic Writing Awards Contest. Two St. Margaret’s teams, grades 4 – 6, won first and fourth places in the Orange County Battle of the Books. Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth recognized St. Margaret’s as a “Top School” in the State of California, and seven juniors and 14 seniors were inducted into the prestigious Cum Laude Society.

St. Margaret’s led a school-wide community service effort to commemorate our commitment to service, community and 30th anniversary. Over 20,000 hours of service have been donated through this effort so far.

Students created and led a community relief effort in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. Lemon-Aid, raised more than $20,000 for Haiti relief, culminating with a community fair and concert that drew local vendors including zpizza, Billabong and Hot Dog on a Stick, raising more than $11,000 in one day.

Service to our San Juan community is a long-established commitment of St. Margaret’s.

Courtesy photo

Breakthrough SJC began its fifth year serving high-potential, low-income middle school students from San Juan to prepare for college-track academics in high school. Fifty students in grades 7 and 8 are currently attending Breakthrough summer session.

We were thrilled to participate again in the time-honored Celebration of the Swallows.

St. Margaret’s has participated for more than 20 years in the Swallows’ Day Parade and has sponsored the parade for more than 10 years.

The Upper School guitar ensemble performed at the 2010 State of the City Breakfast by special invitation from the Mayor, Dr. Londres Uso. We continued our ongoing support of Father Serra’s Pantry by donating more than 1,850 hand-packaged bags of beans and rice and 962 toiletry packs in September, 75 batches of handmade cookie dough during the holidays, and leading a school-wide food drive in spring.

In March, we received unanimous approval from the San Juan Capistrano City Council to move forward with campus development plans, including a new middle school and performing arts center, which we plan to begin building this fall. These new, state-of-the-art facilities will support our superior academics and flourishing performing arts programs for future generations of students.

The unanimous support and praise from City Council members was a significant highpoint of the year and an important moment in our history. We have worked very hard to be conscientious and contributing citizens and to ensure that our plans and school operations are responsive to the larger community. The positive relations and 30-year roots we have built with our leaders and neighbors in San Juan Capistrano mean a great deal to us, and we thank our beloved San Juan for the years of partnership and support.

Finally, with deep sorrow and fond memories we said goodbye to the founder of St. Margaret’s, The Reverend Canon Ernest D. Sillers, who passed away on October 15, 2009.

In a beautiful celebration at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, we came together as a school and church community to honor Father Sillers’ lifelong commitment to service and education. In honor of Father Sillers’ life’s work and important legacy, we look toward the future of our school, ever mindful of the profound responsibility we hold to carry forward his vision and uphold our mission.

Nick Stropko became the second JSerra graduate to earn a prestigious National Merit Scholarship. Berkeley-bound high-jumper, Harrison Steed, was ranked among the best in the nation. Our boys’ soccer team won our first CIF championship.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Graduates Christopher Adams Natasha Afshar Ivory Agan Fernando Almejo Jeffrey Askin Diana Barriga Sahar Bayat Taylor Bayles Ashley Bean Alexandra Blett Sean Burke John Carpenter Brian Chang Hikmat Chehabi Justin Cheng Spencer Corwin

Erin Desmond Sourabh Dhillon Haley Dotson Jonathan Dreyer William Findiesen Alexander Fragapane Brent Freese Paige Gammell Leonardo Garcia Garrett Giacopelli Jennifer Gonzalez Hunter Graham Jacob Graham Amy Gutierrez Alexander Hanna Christina Hart

Matthew Henderson Melody Hernandez Melanie Hess Wade Holmes Savannah Holte Alexander Hope Jordan Hopper Elizabeth (Claire) Hosinski Hanna Hurr Kyle Jones Kasey Jong Marisa Jue Jeffrey Jung Spencer Keane Robert (Bobby) Keith Patricia Kharazmi

Kory Kiraly Kelly Knutson David Kushner Andrew Lind Kevin Liu Cameron Lukos Tyler (T.J.) Marano Ryan Marean Christina (Chrissie) Massrey Kyle McArthur Keaton McCalla Connor McClure Asako Mikumo Hayley Miller Rebecca Miller Nohemi (Mimi) Moctezuma

Alexis-Jean (Lexi) Moore Kayla Moritzky John Murayama Andrew Pak Cloe Peralez Carina Prynn Daniel (Woody) Quinn Christine Reid Antigone Robinson Rachel Rohrer Sanam Saghafi Kiyana Salkeld Stacy Sanderson Henry (Callan) Saunders Evan Skenderian Beatriz Stambuk

Harrison Stern John Swanson Celine Toubia James Travis Robert (Will) Travis Jeffrey Tung Alfredo (Freddy) Valencia Farida (Fari) Valji Catherine (Catie) Verano Simran (Sim) Virk John (Luke) Wagner Katherine (Kate) Walters Kevin Wang Christopher Wilkins Trevor Yorke

2010

GRADUATION SPECIAL Capistrano Valley High School Graduates *Indicates graduated with Academic Distinction Kareem Omar Abulaban Moises Gerard Acosta Alexandra Aguilar David Joseph Aguilar Sarah Catherine Aguilar Ariana Aguirre Angelica Alatriste* Ruben Alberto Alcala Menna Husein Aldalati Melody Ava Alemansour Dustin Michael Alewine Emily Morgan Alexander Alison Nicole Althof Karina Alvarado James Leonard Ampuero Sarah Marie Amundson* Carly Ann Anderson* Christopher Pineda Anderson Kieryn Shea Anderson* Kristin Elizabeth Anderson Robert James Anderson Shaylee Michelle Anderson* Alaika Angeles Edith Antunez John Abel Aragon Alexandro Timothy Araiza Nima Ardehali Adalid Arteaga Sean Allan Ashley Michael McDonald Assaraf Nika Attar Neal Andrew AuBuchon* Alexis Arturo Avalos Adriana Avilez Andrea Caroline Axtell Jorge Arturo Ayala Jose Antonio Ayala Moritz Aydt* Marycarmen Ayon Alexander Balian Ayres Natasha Nazaneen Babazadeh Brooke Ashlyn Badley* Delaram Bahmani Joshua Warren Bailey Michael Janez Bajc Talon Elijah Baker Joanne Lou Eder Balanquit Nadiah Ballinas Balbuena Guadalupe Belen BalderasHernandez Austin Julian Baldovinos Cameron Addison Ballard Javier Banda Jacob Daniel Barby* Hilly Andrew Barragan James Andrew Barriga Joshua Gregory Barton Adelmo Bautista Omar Jihad Baya’a Haley Shannon Beaumont Karina Betty Becker Payton Randall Beckman* Tyler Ray Bednar Jacqueline Beeman Jacob Michael Belair Guillermo Enrique Belman Edwin Rolando Belteton Griffin Troy Beltran* Alma Christina Benavides Alexander Rees Bench* Daniel John Bendos Betsayde Betsy Benitez Caitlin Makena Bennett* Joseph Elias Benudiz

Cameron Torren Berger* Dominic Anthony Bertagna Jordan Thomas Bertini Michael Milton Best* Lauren Michelle Betancourt Sabina Bhatia* Taylor Jon Biedermann Chelsea Marie Bishop Anthony Eddick Bitmayl Heather Marie Bloom Stefano Anthony Bonanno Michael Albert Bortz* Chantel Shoshanna Boses* George Michael Botello Miguel Angel Botello Stephanie Nicole Bowen Teresa Mariko Boyle* Ian Craig Joshua Bradstock Jonathan William Brady Alana Robyn Brager Nicholas David Branstetter Brandon Sean-Michael Brennan Taylor Ann Brenner Rebecca Lee Bridges Tana Marie Bristow Erin Nicole Britt Zachery James Brown Austin James Bruer* Anthony Gerard Bruno Alexandra Goldenarae Bryant Nicholas Daniel Bryant* Rachel Lynn Budai Jeremy Jon Burciaga* Andrea Nicole Burnett Mollika C. Buth Ryan Michael Butler Justin Keith Cable* Matthew Conrad Caceres Evelyn Ilka Caicedo Camila Danielle Calderon John Charles Calvert Alexander James Campbell Katelyn Ann Campbell Ivan Canongo Ramiro Canseco Thomas Carmen Cantrell David Courtland Carlson Marisol Carranza Cynthia Carrillo Tania Carrillo Leandro Casas Cody Vaughn Casey Madison Leigh Casey Ana Monserrath Castillo Erendira Castillo Jorge Armando Barrios Castorena Nicole Marie Catalano Jesus Caudillo Kelly Lynn Causky Kelsea Elizabeth Cecconi Alexander Weston Centala Helen Elle Chambers Anthony Robert Chancellor Calvin Jye Chang Kevin Kalani Chang Hsuan Chao* Spencer James Charles James Nelson Cheo Joshua Alvin Clawson Bryan Charles Clough Christina Lynn Coblish Caitlin Cherie Code Rebecca Ann Cohen

Jacob Alexander Collins Kerry Rose Collins Celina Bernal Colon Brian Christopher Conti* Armando Contreras Joshua Douglas Cooper Kylie Danielle Corbett Danica Dianne Coronel April Cortez Nathan Daniel Corr Joel Hernandez Correa Blake Buckley Craig Alex Anthony Cristian Erika Cruz Alexander Byrne Cryan* Michael Andrew Cucinella Matthew Alan Culbertson Brianna Sue Cundelan Andrew Poole Cuppels Brandon McLean Currie Lexus Taylor Curtis Matthew Benjamin Curtis* Casey Alan Curtiss Jason John Dahlen Paris Michelle Dalirifar Cody Rafael Davis John Benston Davis Kailey Michelle DeBoi Markus Alan De Jesus Samantha Christine DeCair* Amanda Nicole Del Prato Danielle April DeLoache Lisa Rose DelPadre* Cassandra Nicole Denn* Brianne Kristen DePalma* Michael David Di Bonaventura Ana Susena Diaz Brenda Diaz Sarah Nicole Diggins* Cynthia Dimnik* Dalton Perry Dion* Kasey Elise Dishon Elise Claire D’Leon* Brian Matthew Dolan Kevin Thomas Dowe Michael James Drader Weston Thomas Drosky Kyle James Drum Ricardo Duarte Ryan Kendall Duncombe* Edward Chase DuPont Trint Jacob Duringer* Meredith Scarlett Eakin Daniel Phillip Eggen Angelica Nicole Elias Meleah La Von Ellsworth Payaam Emami Blake Jon Ernst* Kelly Fumiko Ervin Jessica Escamilla Josue Escamilla Leone1 Fernando Escamilla Rebecca Espinosa Sasha Ivonne Evaristo Chris Fabian-Maceda Brian Douglas Fagan* Janine Bayader Farah Jordan Farias Chad Austin Farnan Neeka Farnoudi* Joshua Ian Faskowitz Blake Henry Fecher John Thomas Feeney Shaun Michael Felix-Tuuu Naila Ferdousi

Jose Miguel Fernandez Drew Alexander Ferraro Trevor William Fifer Gregory James Fitzpatrick Joshua Robert Flanigan* Dylan Reid Fleissner Jared Russell Fleitman Adan Florentino Osvaldo Florentino Samuel Florentino Jonathan Molina Flores Katherine Marie Foley Nicholas Christian Fonseca Andrew James Foote Chase Alexander Ford Robert Mathew Foster Matthew Evans Frantz* Austin Phillip Fraser Daniel Omar Fresh Alexandra Elise Fromm Garrett Taylor Fronkoviak Kyle Nobud Fujihara Sofia Victoria Furlong Dylan Brad Gala Ryan David Gala Allen Jesus Galang Michael Austin Galante Jessenia Galicia James Thomas Gallardo Nathan Jeffrey Galovan Antonio Mariano Garcia Eusebia Magaly Garcia Luis Mateo Garcia Sarah Jean Gawne Jason Michael Gee Hunter Blake Gehring Sarah Magdy Ghobrial Patrick James Gilbertson Katherine Elizabeth Gillings* Sophia Marie Gioiello* Marissa Anne Girolamo Aaron Michael Gomez Adilene Gomez Breeana Elizabeth Gomez Cathy Johanna Mora Gomez Oscar Heriberto Gomez Michael Gilbert Gonzalez Cynthia Marie Gonzalez Julian Gonzalez Vanessa Cristal Gonzalez Victor Fidel Gonzalez James Robert Goode Spenser Read Goodman Stephanie Anne Gorman* Kimberly Anne Gossard Jessica Lee Graham Lauren Nicole Graham Nasya Dominique Graham* Sheena Dominique Graham* Trevor Scott Grandstaff Marcus Brandon Grant Erin Christine Gray Richard Harris Gray Amanda Kathleen Gregory Blake Lawrence Grills Amanda Christine Groscup* James Robert Grovom Clay D. Guess Manuel Guevara Jason Geriar Gulvartian Jennifer Gurrola* Jessica Lynn Gustafson Austin Ryan Gutierrez Allyson Laura Guzman Nicholas James Haber Thomas Raymond

Hackleman* Stephanie Ruth Haffner Ali Haider Shane Thomas Hall Benjamin Wesley Hammond Chad Lexington Handel Christina Margaret Hansen Emily Nicole Hanson Mark Andrew Hardtke, Jr. Lisa Marie Harlow Michael Perry Harris* Gavin Michael Hartman Justin Aaron Harwell Ryan Scott Harwell Farooque Hassan Sinead Isis Hawker Levi Radford Hayes Mikayla Elizabeth Hayes* Nakieta Cailey Hein Cody Adrian Henderson Devin James Henderson Jake Anthony Henry Alana Noel Hernandez Jorge Roberto Hernandez Bridget Hernandez Sanchez Dylan Scott Herrington Brandon Jacob Hibbard Connor John Hill Erik Felten Hinds Gregory Robert Hine Andrew Mai-Tuan Hoang Ashley Irene Hodgson* Ryan Douglas Holdridge Kevin Sebastian Homma* Rene Andre Hontiveros Brie Anne Hooper Allyson Mae Horner Brittany Nicole Horowitz Eric John Houlihan Max Thomas Houston Kelli Jo Howard* Kyle Michael Hoyt Travis Stephen Hoyt Eric Yeong-Jye Hsu Hamilton Sherwin Hudson Anabel Huerta Natalie Rae Hughes* Brandon Siu Sing Hui Trevor Colin Humphreys Alyssa Nicole Hunter* Joshua Peter Huntzinger David Tyler Husband Alfred Kim Huynh* Alexander Khin Hy Kyle Christopher Ibsen Spencer Scoff Igram* Haley Ingersoll Brianna Nicole Isaacs Jennifer Yuriko Iwamoto* Casey Foley James Casey Jay Janes * Nicole Patricia Jarrard Alejandra Parral Jimenez Dylan Scott Johnson Lucia Juarez Anabel Lam Juco Laura Yewon Jun Ashley Juliama Jung Hunter George Jung Lauren Elizabeth Jung Kyle Wayne Kaeser Kekoa Kealii Kamai Heliya Karbasion Daniel Vincent Keady Sarah Jordan Kelley* Carlin Burke Kennedy

Courtney Jean Ketchum Andrew Kevin Hoang Kim Katie Patricia Kimmel Julian Phillip Kingsmill* Michael Kirakossian Kelsea Rachelle Knecht* Ellura Lynn Knell Kellen David Kramer Jennifer Michele Kries Patrick Thomas Kries Filip Krunic Alexandrea Noelle Kruthers Andre Daniel Kushnir Amber Rose La Briola Michael Jonathon Labdon Erin Lee Labistre Gavin Moore Lamming* April Marie Langdon* Noel Jovanne Lara Sean Eric Latham Matthew Andrew LaTourette Ryan Jacob Laureano Matthew Jordan Lebs* Grace Lee* Jessica Mitsuko Lee* Juan Carlos Lemus Matthew Joseph Lenz Scott Anthony Leonard Brandon Michael Leong Shelby Alexandra Lepre Dante Nicola Liddi Zackary Dana Liimatainen Monica Celeste Lilly Jesse Nathaniel Linson Elizabeth Leigh Livingston* Sean Adam Livingston Jazmin Jamile Lizarraga Cara Mairead Loftus* Anthony Lollis Jenna Leigh London Ryan Christian Looney* Danielle Nicole Lopez Fabian Becerra Lopez Jazmin Lopez Marlon Eduardo Lopez Emilia Modesta Luedtke Vera Frances Lugo Anne Marie Lyon Andrew James Maass Kevin James MacDona ld Jillian Karissa Madrid Sawyeh Maghsoodloo* Sarah Bautista Magluyan Tyler Joseph Magnet Michael Vincent Maierhofer Natasha Mandegari Jacob Stephen Mannaert Rachel Lynn Manning Jordan Ashley Marada Saeed Hussein Marandi Bianca Artillia Marcellous Alexander Daniel Martin Julianna Martin Elizabeth Martinez Evan Vincent Martinez Jose Alfredo Martinez Kristine Nicole Martinez Sabrina Marium Mateen Jake Tyler Mathers Alexis Lynn Mathes Nicholas Ryan Matson Leah Nicole Matsuoka Maxx Mitsuho Matsushima Michelle Dora Mayfield* Camellia Mazhar

Douglas Keith McAbee Taylor Shane McAlister Kevin John McCarthy Erin Genevieve McKay* Scott Michael McKernan* Michael David McLaughlin Byanka Ahtziri Medina Esteffany G. Medina * Chase Alan Meech Marlyn Angelica Mejia Alejandro Mendez Carol Jasmin Mendez Jesus Ignacio Mendoza Mario Mendoza Warren Esquejo Mendoza Neelam Justine Michalow Tatiana Rose Miles Jacob Richard Mindes Alexa Brooke Ming Edwin Miranda Breesa Noelle Mitchell Kelly Mako Mitchell* Jennifer Marie Moffitt William Thomas Molidor Rachelle Kathryn Moniak Adrian Monroy Jose Luis Monroy Nicholas Ryan Montgomery Marlee Brianne Moock* Breanna Kay Moreland* Kellie Elizabeth Mortimer* Jordyn Elizabeth Moscoso Michael Kenneth Muir Jonathon David Mullins Daniel Joseph Murphy Stacy Maysan Naglestad Amir Alexander Nahangi Ryan Gregory Nash Kyle Phillip Nations Dustin Robert Natividad Jessica Jannette Navarro Patino Brianna Nicole Neal Ryan Joseph Neil Brooke Elizabeth Nelson Thomas Goodrich Nethery Thomalina Roxanne Nevarez Brian Huy Nguyen Jonathan Dinh-Danh Nguyen* Nicholas Dinh-Du Nguyen* Tram Bich Nguyen Victoria Huyen-Tran Nguyen Shelby Danielle Nickel Ian Niels Nielsen Jon Lucas Norman Michelle Christine North Tiam Novin* Iraing Nunez Glenn Joseph Nutting* Bryan Christopher Oberle Amanda Elizabeth O’Hearn Laura Sophia Oikawa* Eric Marcus Olaveson Kelsey Taylor Olhoeft* Melanie Suzanne Olivieri* Salvador Gavarain Ordorica* Kayana Jessica Oro-Duag Enrique Tomas Orozco Edgar Able Ortega Nathaniel Alexis Ortiz Erien Belle Osburn Ryan Wesley Osinga Dylan A. Ostrick Daryl Jeffrey Osuna (Continued)

2010

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Capistrano Valley High School Graduates (Cont.)

Cassandra Marie Pacheco Fa tima Padron Kevin Scott Panzer Alexandra Gloria Paretta Jose Luis Pastrana Vidhi Bhavesh Pate1 Daley Marie Pecaitis* Matthew Aaron Peel Gabriel Joseph Penate Haley Ann Pennington Stephen Charles Penrose* Mario Alberto Peregrina Amanda Maria Perez Brenda Perez Evelyn Perez Adam Joseph Perri* Conley Anthony Lee Perry Jacob Ryan Perry Nanci Ann Persson Emily Quyen Pham James Vaughn Pham* Chelsea Yuriko Pinedo* Victoria Page Piper Taryn Paige Plejdrup Tania Policarpo Brianna Lynn Polonia Chad Alexander Ponce de Leon Jacqueline Melissa Porter Nicole Noel Porter Cristian Portillo Mendoza Dylan Edward Powers Megan Marie Prouty Emily Michele Prowse Mandy Laveme Queja Ali Rajabian* Evonna Victoria Ramirez* Jose Alexander Ramirez Sarabia Raul Ramirez Lyndsey Alexandria Rathburn Angel Razo Richard Allen Rebers Victoria Janelle Rebers Brock Alan Redondo Nicholas Frederick Reimers Ivan Aparicio Renteria Noemy Resendiz Diana Vianey Reyes Marcos Juan Reyes Pedro Arturo Reyes Victoria Jenna-Lynn Reyes Irvine Rolando Reza Manzanares Larissa Maria Rhoades Brian Vernon Rhodes Travis Austin Ribaudo Edward Chandler Richards Crystal Nicole Richter Victor Manuel Rios Tyler Ronald Rivas Jasmine Genesis Rivera Luis Eduardo Rivera Andrew Douglas Robinett Patrick Hale Robinson Anayeli Robledo Jared Dean Rodgers Brenda Rodriguez Christiane Laovinia Rodriguez Krista Grace Rodriguez Misael Rodriguez Stephanie Rodriguez Sophia Beatrice Romagnano* Ariana Romero Gloria Luisa Romero Luis Alberto Romero Victor Aaron Romero Alec Andrzei Rosa Alannah Lynn Roseman

Shannon Soto, her dad Pete Thompson and CVHS graduate Steven Soto and sister Brooke. Courtesy photo

Christopher Rowan Jamie Marie Ruddocks* Cynthia Nicole Ruiz Jaime Ruiz Haley Garnet Running Nicholas Donald Rupey Aja Rake1 Ryan Rebecca Kylie Ryan Amin Saghafi Alexis Salazar Alejandra Saldana Jesus Salgado Chase Thomas Salina Jake Edward Salus* Evan Jonathon Sanchez Gustavo Sanchez Johan Sanchez Joshua Ivan Sandoval Michael Andrew Sandoval Rigoberto Santana Treysi De Jesus Santana Dana Santiago Denisse Santiago Jorge Hernesto Santos Phillip Christopher Sargent* Rachel Nichole Schade Chandler Paige Schermerhorn Bradley Kromer Schultz Grego ry Kramer Schultz* Dylan Jason Scott Megan Elizabeth Semanie Gaston Semproni Alma Erendira Serna Pedro Serrano Valerie Janet Serrano Steven Alexander Settlemire Drake Conner Sheehan Kelsie Midori Shimizu* Roberto Akira Shimozana Pierce Hunter Shipp William Zachary Shollenberger Omeed Shorooghi Nico Dimitri Sidorakis* Austen Joseph Sieracki Alexandrea Michelle Silke Samantha Emily Silvestri Chase McLennan Simmonds Erik Thomas Simpson Kelly Marie Skvarna Dalton Garrett Slye Rhett Wayne Snell Kyle Michael Snyder Yesenia Sotelo Steven Robert Soto Matthew Tyler Spector* Corey Alexander Speros* James Michael Spradley

Michelle Ann Spray Anthony Edward Squirek Nicole Brooke St. John* Benjamin David Starr Brian James Stayberg Shane Michael Stead* Jonathan Patrick Strengholt Cameron Tyler Strombotne Ashley Dianne Swanberg Matthew Loc Ta* Jacquelyn Louise Tackaberry Amanda Joy Tafoya Ida Taghavi Jobert Aguilar Tarrosa Victor Timothy Tate Kyle Patrick Taylor Samantha Lynn Taylor Kristin Sheri Teves Joseph Michael Thiercof Blake Matthew Thomas Travis William Thomas* Connor Shannon Thompson Nolan Bryan Thompson Perri Helene Thompson Patricia Tiempos Kyla Elizabeth Timmons Kyle Ichiro Tomita Alicia Nicole Torres Alton Torres Kelvin Vu Tran* Gabriela Lisete Trenton Alexandria Megan Trotter Dung Truong Candice Marie Uhl Lindsay Shizuko Ujihara Steven Krehl Underwood Felipe Uribe Jeanette Caro Uribe Chelsea Michelle Uthus* Shunsuke Uzawa Edwin Valentin Alexander Christian Van den Boogaard Lauren Rae Vance Jimmy James Vangalis Olivia Marie Vansell Eva Sierra Vasquez German Vazquez Jose Luis Velazquez Austin Kane Velez Cole Kerragh Veneman Manuel Alfredo Ventura Luisa Angelica Verde Chase Dylan Vickery Genaro Villalba Elias Villalobos Brett Joseph Voght*

Graduates From Other SJC Schools CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Angela Ivette Acosta Terryn Ashley Aney Bryan Alexander Argáez Jesica Blaire Balmer Ashley Nicole Campos Matthew Ganaden Champagne Jingyi Chen Won Woo Choi Daniel Seungyul Chong Sean Steven Connolly Alyssa Mae Cuccia Nicholas Roger Cutsforth Enya Michelle Ariel Czerwin David Aaron Deming Michael Drzymkowski Ryan Neal Dungan Rowland Paul Erwin Jesse Ryan Harris Jacob Everett Hayes Robert Brent Hoffman Jay Whitney Hutchings Soo Shin Ju Caitlyn Elysse Kelly Binh Cong Kieu Chad Timothy Kihm Soo Yeon Kim Soo Kim Nikolaus Masao Knechtel Taylor May LaFrance Seon Mok Lee Tingting Li Woo Suk Lim Ashley Katherine Louise Link Norelle Christa Victoria Lohmann Suzanne Nicole MacLachlan Sarah Ashley Maness Ashley Kristin Mazurki Shane Alexander McCann Chelsea Lois McLarney Audrey Louise Montes Gabriel Edward Voris Jennessa Joy Voss Tyler Jennings Voss Loan Kim Vu* Jason Lee Walker Rylee Erikson Walker Kyle Alexander Waller Morgan Dale Waters Callum Boyd Watts-Taylor Robert Philip Wayner Katherine. Rose Weirath Nathaniel Scott Weissmann Dylan Martin Welc Cody Ryan Wellema Forrest Kingsbury Werner,

Nicole Beth Nims Sang Jun Park Molly Donna Judith Robertson Lauren Kristine Schneider Bronwyn Dale Seward Matthew Phillip Shaffner Michael Allen Stadt Mary Charlotte Stoecker Douglas Anthony Urbino Taylor Lauren Verret Jung Yeon Won Chuhe Yan Tian Qing Zhu SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Christopher Adam Daniel Adam Gerardo Arenado Jason Bennett Holly Boldt Sarah Breen Kyle Brogdon Ericson Campbell Alexandra Carpentier Lauren Carroll Avalon Chew Matthew Crichton Madison Davis Trevor Dishong Devon Duarte Alexandra Duhs Jacqueline Dunk Edward Edmondson Carley Eissman Connor Eubanks Macy Fitch Victoria Fleming David Garcia Josef Glover Evan Griffith Genessa Groos William Hammons Taylor Hanson Taylor Hinkelman William Hinn William David Wesson Haley Nicole Whelchel Brennan Scott White Lauren Ashley Whiteman Kandyse Sharice Whitmer Drew Edward Willett James Stephen Williamson Stephen Trent Wilson John Scott Winovitch Jasmine Crystal Wong Kevin Austin Wood Monique Danielle Wood* Eric Tsutomu Wright* Mason Thomas Wright Ryan Gerald Yancey

Stephen House Natalie Jaramillo Melissa Jensen Katelynn Johnson Michael Johnson Carolina Joya Alexandra Kehoe Alexandria Keith Maranatha Kellinger Sung Kim Makena Knapp Misaki Koyanagi Soonho Kwon Alex Mackler Rebecca Mangan Jericho Martin Shane McCuistion Brittany Miller Jeffrey Modugno Stefanie Mraule Evan Myers Sara Nadeau Tram Nguyen Christopher Noel Andrew Nordquist Sarah Norton Wenshan Ou Madison Owen Jeffrey Payne Dane Pernot Tyler Philip Breanna Relstab-Siciliani Emily Rinaldi Clark Roberts Tyler Rodman Jordan Salviati Lauren Sears Tanner Shaffer Alec Snowball Samantha Staph Brittany Stoll Jonathan Verstegen Christine Wahlmeier Sterling Wahlrab Jamie Whealen Tyler Windham

Harry J. Yanes Denis Omar Yanez* Emily Yao Elise Rui-Sin Yiap William Spencer York Alissa Michelle Young* Mindy Ashraf Zahedi Jeanette Marie Zaleski Aaron Christopher Zamboni Laura Anne Zellinger* Berenice Zepeda Erika Ying Zheng Jordan Michael Zill Jeffrey Allen Zimmerman Zachary Dean Zimmerman

GETTING OUT

Dispatch Restaurant Spotlight

RATE IT!

By Sarah Guidas

Have you eaten at this restaurant?

Go to www.thecapistranodispatch. com and rate your overall experience. We’ll post the results in next week’s issue of The Dispatch.

Thai Dara

27221 Ortega Highway #G, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1006, www.thai-dara.com BEST KNOWN FOR: Thai cuisine MOST POPULAR ITEM: Pad Thai noodles

Web Extra: Online voters gave

Thai Dara, the popular Thai restaurant in Dana Point, recently opened a new location in San Juan Capistrano. The first restaurant opened over five years ago and has been serving authentic Thai cuisine to the locals and tourists that flock to the tiny venue. Mimi Yard, the owner of Thai Dara, decided to open a new restaurant in San Juan Capistrano to expand her business and provide more people with amazing food. “My family is from Bangkok, Thailand, and what I remember about living there is my mother’s cooking,” Yard said. “We wanted to bring that here for people to enjoy.” The new location is much larger than the original but provides the same array of savory dishes and décor. Although the Pad Thai is considered their most popular dish, the restaurant also sells large amounts of yellow curry and beef salad. And all dishes are carefully prepared with the freshest and most authentic ingredients.

The restaurant also makes its own sauces, even if it means driving to Los Angeles to buy coconut milk.

Detail is key within every plate as each bite allows you to pretend, if only for a minute, that you really are in Thailand.

Photo by Sarah Guidas

PRICE RANGE: $6-$13 RESERVATIONS: Not available

PAYMENT: Cash, credit cards HOURS: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. everyday

Gen Kai 34143 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.240.2004 (Rated on a scale of 1–5 stars)

Last issue online voters gave

The Riders Club Cafe

½ 1701 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.388.3758 (Rated on a scale of 1–5 stars)

ABOUT OUR REVIEWS: In each issue we’ll highlight universally critical points including “Most Popular Dish,” “Best Known For” and “Price Range.” But most importantly, we’re inviting you to participate each week and rate the restaurant based on your experiences. Go to www.thecapistranodispatch.com and under “Restaurant Guide,” rate it from 1 to 5, then share your thoughts on the Dispatch forums.

(Cont. from page 10)

saturday17

tuesday20 PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

PET ADOPTION

12 p.m.–4 p.m. Capo Animal Rescue Effort hosts a pet adoption every Saturday at PetSmart. Each animal is current with shots, has a microchip ID and is spayed/neutered. A gallery of available pets is online. 33963 Doheny Park Road, SJC, 949.240.1735, www.capoanimalrescue.com.

IBIZA ULTRA LOUNGE

7 p.m.–close. European-style night club at Tannins. 27211 Ortega Hwy., Suite C, SJC, 949.661.8466, www.tanninsrestaurant.com.

MARS AND STARS

7 p.m. NASA experts and OC astronomers present an educational program at Caspers Wilderness Park. Free. 33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com.

11 a.m. Children ages 3-6 and their caregivers are invited for stories, songs, crafts and fun. 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

sunday18 TIJUANA DOGS

2:30 p.m. Popular band at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

WILFAX

9 p.m. Live music at BeachFire Ladera. 25682 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ladera Ranch, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

NATURE HIKE

8 a.m.–9 a.m. Join park rangers for an educational easy 1-mile hike at Caspers Wilderness Park. $5 per vehicle. 33401 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com.

monday19

9 p.m. Live music at BeachFire Ladera. 25682 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ladera Ranch, 949.542.7700, www.beachfire.com.

CHERYL SILVERSTEIN

7 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Live female vocalist at Renaissance.

24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

wednesday21 KIDS GARDEN DAY

10 a.m.–12 p.m. Kids explore produce gardens, taste fresh vegetables, and decorate and take home a pot with seeds at the Mission. Admission $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., SJC, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

PIRATES AT THE LIBRARY

2 p.m. The SJC Library presents activity day with games and more in the courtyard. 31494 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

KARAOKE WITH JOEL & LES

7 p.m. Get onstage and sing or enjoy cheap tacos at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

thursday22 LIP LASH

8 p.m. Girls band from San Clemente plays at The Coach House.

Also featuring The Shrike and Motor Gun Hotel. Tickets $10 advance, $13 door. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

DIAMOND TOM CERAMICS CLAY CAMP

9 a.m.–1 p.m. Ongoing camp at Mission SJC where students learn to make pots, tiles, statues and more. Cost $300. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

MOMMY MOVIE MONDAY

10 a.m. Screening of “The Sorcercer’s Apprentice” for parents of infants at the Krikorian, tickets $7.50. 641 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7469, www.kptmovies.com.

Page 14 • The Capistrano Dispatch • July 9–22, 2010

The A-Team Could Have Used That Plan B

JOHN TROY

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR

10 a.m. Discover 200 years of San Juan Capistrano architecture on a 90-minute guided walk that includes adobes, Spanish-era dwellings and modern buildings. Meet at Verdugo Street. Occurs every Saturday. $5 donation. 949.489.0736.

AT THE MOVIES

6:30 p.m.–10 p.m. Neil Diamond tribute at The Vintage. 26701 B Verdugo St., 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

*For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com Have an event?

Send your listing to editor@thecapistranodispatch.com

© 2010 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved.

In the grand tradition of summer blockbuster releases, 20th Century Fox’s package for 2010 is a movie adaptation of the ‘80s hit series The A-Team. The trend of taking old, famous TV shows with a handful of contemporary popular faces seemed to be out the door until JJ Abrams decided to surprise the world with his reinterpretation of Star Trek last year. Maybe this is why director Joe Carnahan chose to put a lot of time and effort into yet another action-packed movie—the only problem is there’s plenty of action, but not a lot of adventure.

In this updated rendition, the new group includes Hannibal (a beefed up Liam Neeson trying to have us forget he’s Irish for about 20 minutes at a time), smart-aleck bachelor Face (Bradley Cooper), Baracus (an almost convincing Mr. T. wannabe in Rampage Jackson), and a sometimes Southern, oftentimes British pilot named Murdock (Sharlto Copley). The four rangers have been discharged from the military for a murder they didn’t commit. Proving their innocence includes busting out of jail and stealing planes, cars and other equipment for their own use.

While this is all happening, there is another plan to frame the group by a seedy CIA agent named Lynch (Patrick Wilson). Oh, and there’s a very minor (and forgettable) love subplot between Face and the beautiful Lieutenant Sosa (Jessica Biel).

From a technical standpoint, there are entertaining action sequences and some funny one-liners by Face and Murdock, but the build-up of the movie and final analysis seem to miss the point. I realize most people do not expect a lot of deep thinking in an action movie, but when you go into making a film without a clear goal and background for your characters, you end up with an obvious mess. Which is exactly what The A-Team ends up having with its impressive, yet meaningless actions scenes—a sadly common thread that’s been apparent and parodied over the decades.

Once upon a time, there were blockbusters with a concrete story, memorable leads and witty dialogue: Jaws, Indiana Jones, The Terminator, etc. Unfortunately, The A-Team may not fall into this category of classics. CD —Megan Bianco www.thecapistranodispatch.com

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE GET SOUND ADVICE FROM LOCAL PROFESSIONALS IN THEIR AREA OF EXPERTISE

P A I D A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

We Bring You the World You might be globe-trotting less these days, but no passport is needed to dream.

Aegis of Dana Point an assisted living and memory care community offering exceptional care for seniors is hosting a year-long cultural celebration, “We Bring You the World.” Staff, residents and families at Aegis of Dana Point are reflecting on the beauty and enchantment of far off places and interesting cultures. You’re invited to join them. Every month this year they will travel to different countries by experiencing exotic cultures through food, music, clothing and traditions. All Aboard!

Beginning in February they celebrated Chinese New Year. Residents and guests were entertained by the thunderous rhythms of the Drum Dance and graceful motion of the Flower Crown and Fan dances. Chef Imee created a display of delicious Chinese cuisine. In March guests were treated to an authentic River Dance and Irish dishes. The following month took travelers to Italy for the Taste of Tuscany. Family and friends enjoyed an Italian feast for a good cause – The OC Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk. Last month it was off to Seville for the sights and sounds of Spain with Flamenco dancers, Spanish tapas and sangria.

Summer brings a series of international concerts and events to Aegis of Dana Point. Thursday, June 24th you will learn about wedding traditions from around the world and how they differ from those in the United States. Employees will model international wedding gown styles while visitors enjoy Champagne and wedding cake. Stick around for the first concert of the summer that evening. Be entertained by the sounds of Hotel Wolverine Jazz band with wine and hors ’oeuvres served by The Cove at Dana Point. Thursday July 11th enjoy the tunes of The Working Cowboys and don’t miss the culmination of the summer concert season Thursday, August 19th with Aegis of Dana Point’s 10th anniversary.

Dance to the Caribbean Beat and celebrate with local dignitaries, residents, families and staff for an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

The adventures don’t end when summer is over. Aegis of Dana Point continues to bring you the world through fall and winter with traditional Russian culture, German experiences, a journey to Paris, France and Copenhagen, Denmark. All these international events offer local foods, music, art shows and much more. Year end celebrations include holiday tree decorating and lighting, gift exchange and a presentation of more holiday traditions. Don’t miss the World Santa Clause Congress from Denmark when they visit Aegis of Dana Point.

You can travel the world all year from the comfort of an easy chair at Aegis of Dana Point.

For more information about these adventures or the thoughtful care and services Aegis of Dana Point provides contact: Nenette Limcumpao or Laura West at (949) 488-2650 Aegis of Dana Point 26922 Camino de Estrella, Dana Point 949.488.2650, www.AegisOfDanaPoint.com

Ask The Periodontal Expert This is a first in a series of articles geared to help dental patients before, during, and after treatment Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular method to replace missing teeth. When done correctly, they feel and look just like natural teeth. When teeth are extracted, the surrounding bone is eventually lost. This may lead to a change in facial esthetics. Implants fool the body and help prevent bone resorption. They preserve your facial appearance and restore a natural smile.

You can eat the foods you want and not worry about partials moving or dentures slipping.

The dental implant is actually a three piece restoration.

The implant is a small titanium screw that replaces the root of the tooth. The abutment fits into the implant and then a crown is placed over the abutment as the final restoration Dental implants may be used to replace individual teeth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth. If all of your teeth are missing, you can have implant supported dentures. Multiple missing teeth can be replaced by implant supported bridges.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DENTAL IMPLANT SURGEON 1) What type of dental implant are you using?

The top five brands on the market are: Straumann; Nobel Biocare; 3I; Astra; and Zimmer. If it is not one of these brands, is it FDA approved? What is the failure rate? The top brands all have a 97% and better success rate.

2) How many implants have you placed? What is your training in dental implant placement? What is your success rate? Dental implants may be placed by any licensed dentist. However, as with other complex dental procedures such as root canals and orthodontics, most dental implants are placed by periodontists and oral surgeons.

3) If I have a complication, how will this be handled?

What are the types of potential complications?

4) Are there any guarantees? If the implant fails, do you replace it free of charge?

5) How do I know if I’m an implant candidate? Will I need bone or gum grafting? Will I need a sinus lift? Do you do the bone and tissue grafting yourself or will I be referred to someone else? Will I need a cat scan?

6) How long will the whole process take? When will I have my tooth or teeth?

7) Is sedation available? If so, is there an additional charge? Is the sedation oral or intravenous?

If you needed a knee replacement, you would not be looking for the bargain basement orthopedic surgeon.

Don’t make that mistake with your dental implants. Remember, implants are for life.

If you have additional questions, visit www.mornperio. com and use the “Ask the Expert” feature.

Dr. Alice P. Moran 1001 Avenida Pico, Suite K San Clemente 949.361.4867

Surfrider Foundation’s Campaigns for Your Community Rise Above Plastics Plastics pose a significant threat to our planet, especially our oceans. Our chapter aims to minimize the use of singleuse plastics through our Rise Above Plastics campaign.

We educate the public about the dangers of plastics in the marine environment, while encouraging easy-toimplement alternatives such as reusable water bottles and reusable grocery bags.

Currently your South Orange County chapter has been involved in an active campaign to pass a plastic bag ban in the State of California. These bags are costly to the retailers, costly to the environment, and will provide a huge monetary remedy ($350m+) to local municipalities in California in clean up alone!

Hold Onto Your BUTTS Cigarette butts are toxic and we can’t understand why people would put their cigarettes out on beaches, state parks or any public area. They leach toxic chemicals while being carried to the ocean via our watersheds.

Would you put your cigarette out on your living room carpet and let them collect in your home? Thought not, so please dispose of them properly and not on the streets or beaches. If this upsets you, Surfrider hosts a 24-hour hotline for anyone to report butt flickers by recording the license plate, place and time, citing the driver or passenger throwing a butt out of their window to 1-877-NOBUTTS (877-211-2888). By working with the California Highway Patrol and California Fire Authority, these reports generate a letter to the owner of the vehicle citing potential hefty fines if (or when...) you’re caught by the authorities!

Youth Services During the 2009-2010 school year, the South Orange County chapter has mentored and cultivated new Surfrider youth service school programs at Dana Hills, San Clemente, J Serra, Saddleback Christian, Capistrano Valley High Schools and Niguel Hills Middle Schools. Student leaders have formed clubs at their schools providing peer-to-peer education, programs and events that mirror Surfrider South OC’s campaigns such as Rise Above Plastics, regular beach cleans and service opportunities, Hold Onto Your Butts and other innovative on-campus Surfrider programs developed by our youth groups.

Become a Member Today!

The challenges facing our beaches are complex and overwhelming. However Surfrider has the ability to address them and affect positive change on our coastlines. If you aren’t a member of Surfrider South Orange County but would like to become actively involved in working to help us protect the beach you love, join or renew today!

To become a 2010-2011 member or find out about participation opportunities, please log on to www.Surfrider.Org/SouthOrangeCounty.

Monthly columns are provided by the companies featured. For more information call Sergio Sanchez at 949.388.7700, ext. 104

SJC LIVING

4

LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR friday 7.09 Coffee Chat 8 a.m. The Capistrano Dispatch hosts a spirited town hall forum on community issues. All are welcome. Camino Real Playhouse, on El Camino Real, just south of Ortega Highway. Occurs every Friday.

as well as other issues. CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. www.capousd.org

Wednesday 7.14 Transportation Commission Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

tuesday 7.13

monday 7.19

CUSD Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. Trustees hold the final public hearing on the 2010-2011 budget,

Parks, Recreation and Equestrian Commission Meeting 6 p.m.

City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

tuesday 7.20 City Council Meeting 6:30 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Friday 7.23 Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes. *Meeting agendas at www.sanjuancapistrano.org

JAN SIEGEL: Moments In Time

O’Sullivan’s Impact on Mission was Great

O

n July 5, 1910, 100 years ago, He was a photographer. One of the first things that a young man struggled off the he told Saunders, his co-author of Capistrano Nights, was that if he was going to take pictures, he should train in San Juan Capistrano. be careful of the lighting. A lot of what we know today He was quite ill. He had come to the about how the Mission looked in the past is because Mission in San Juan Capistrano to of photos taken by Father O’Sullivan. spend his remaining He was an amazing public relations days.

“All of this was started director. He saw opportunity in everyJAN SIEGEL His name was St. thing. He wrote Little Chapters about John O’Sullivan. He by the vision of one San Juan Capistrano and Capistrano was a young priest. He developed a man. And don’t forget, Nights. He sold photographs. He healthy curiosity about the Mission, 25 cents to tour the Mission about Father Serra, and the people of that with all that he did, charged and built the first gift shop in front of San Juan Capistrano. As his curiosity became greater his body started to he was still the parish the Mission.

And in 1925 he put on a pageant mend and for the next 23 years he priest, saying Mass, to attract nationwide interest in the spent his time preserving our historic Mission. Instead of coming to San baptizing infants, per- Mission. According to Pam Gibson, in Two Hundred Years in San Juan Juan Capistrano to die in peace and forming marriages and Capistrano, the pageant called The solitude, he saved a Mission, and 100 years after his arrival he is rememconducting funerals.” Epic Drama of California History was “performed during the summer on bered as the Great Restorer of the the Mission grounds and was, for a Mission. time, very popular. When the play was abandoned, St. John O’Sullivan was a remarkable human being. the Mission pageant continued as a spectacle of He was at the very least a Renaissance man. music and the performance of traditional Mexican He was an incredible storyteller, but more than that, and Indian dances. In the 1940s it was switched to he was a great listener.

St. Joseph’s Day with children from the Mission school who sang and danced and featured a coronation of a king and queen.”

All of this was started by the vision of one man. And don’t forget, that with all that he did, he was still the parish priest, saying Mass, baptizing infants, performing marriages and conducting funerals.

Over the old zaguan, the archway to the fountain area of the Mission, Father O’Sullivan had carved the one word, “Resurgum” which means “I shall rise.” It was placed there as a talisman signifying his rise from death to 23 years of life and health, kept going simply because of his undying love of the mission.

To honor Father O’Sullivan, the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, at 31831 Los Rios Street, is exhibiting photographs and artifacts from his life and time at the Mission. The O’Sullivan Exhibit is on display at the Leck House, which is part of the Historical Society property on Los Rios, and runs until September 30, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Spend a Moment in Time at the Exhibit honoring Father St. John O’Sullivan and marvel at how much one man was able to accomplish in just 23 years.

Jan Siegel is a longtime downtown tour guide and member of the Cultural Heritage Commission. Her name is on the city’s “Wall of Distinction.”

DON TRYON: Old San Juan

Little Chapters about Father St. John O’Sullivan

T

his July is the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Great Mission Restorer, Father St. John O’Sullivan. He arrived here on July 5, 1910 and immediately took up residence on the grounds of our wonderful old Mission San Juan Capistrano.

DON TRYON Jan Siegel, a board member of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society recognized as the most avid volunteer in town, gives practically all of her time and energy to a vast array of good works. When she found out that no plans were made to celebrate Father O’Sullivan 50th anniversary, she took it upon herself, with approval of the Historical Society, to recognize this event at the historic Arley Leck House on Los Rios Street In San Juan Capistrano.

She also published a booklet detailing a great deal of data on Father O’Sullivan.

Page 16 • The Capistrano Dispatch • July 9–22, 2010

The booklet is on sale at O’Neill and Leck Museums for only $5. It can be mailed for an additional $2.50 shipping and handling charge. Call 949.493.8444 to order.

It’s a delightful source of information about this great man who probably saved the old Mission from being completely destroyed. He was sick with TB and was told he had only a few years to live but by his work and determination he lived on for another 23 years.

Jan found a number of details that previous historians were not aware of and reveals them in this booklet.

It’s filled with photos about him and the Mission and tells of his early beginnings prior to his arrival including his time at Notre Dame and the seminary. You will delight in his tales when he tried to sleep in the corridors of the Mission and put up with dogs, a cat, a large spider and an abundance of fleas. Also when clearing weeds he came near burning the Mission down.

He found many challenges like the leaning arches, graffiti on the doors of the Serra Chapel, details under numerous coats of paint and plaster and forgotten graves of former padres.

O’Sullivan begged, borrowed all he could to aid his restoration works. Money was hard to come by and he published a little booklet called Little Chapters of San Juan Capistrano which sold for 10 cents, to raise funds.

This booklet has gone through several printings and is still available In the Mission Gift Shop.

I encourage you to purchase and read this revealing book of one of our most historical personages to live in this wonderful old historic city. Jan Siegel also writes historical articles for The Capistrano Dispatch and has now joined the ranks of the town historians.

Don Tryon is a Director and Archivist for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society and member of the City Cultural Heritage Commission. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING KATE ROBERTS: Sustainable Living

Interview with Dr. Sandra Steingraber

F

or this month’s column I had the opportunity to partner with Evan Marks, Executive Director of The Ecology Center here in San Juan.

The Ecology Center is honored to host Dr. Sandra Steingraber as part of its Summer Speaker Series, and Evan KATE conducted this interview with her in ROBERTS preparation for her appearance later this month.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m an ecologist, author, and cancer survivor. I have keynoted conferences on human health and the environment throughout the United States and Canada and have been invited to lecture at many major universities, medical schools and hospitals. I’ve been recognized for my ability to serve as a two-way translator between scientists and activists, testified in the European Parliament, before the President’s Cancer Panel, and participated in briefings to Congress and before United Nations delegates. I also contribute as a columnist for Orion magazine, and am currently a scholar in residence at Ithaca College. I’m married to the artist Jeff de Castro, and live in a 1,000-square-foot house with a push mower, a clothesline, a vegetable garden, and two beloved children.

How did you come to write Living Downstream: An Ecologist’s Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment?

My book presents cancer as a human rights issue.

Originally published in 1997, it was the first to bring together data on toxic releases with data from U.S. cancer registries and won praise from international media. Released as a second edition in 2010, Living Downstream has been adapted as a documentary about one pivotal year as I traveled across North America, working to break the silence about cancer and its environmental links.

Continuing the investigation begun in Living Downstream, I wrote Having Faith: An Ecologist’s Journey to Motherhood, exploring the intimate ecology of motherhood. Both a memoir of my own pregnancy and an investigation of fetal toxicology, Having Faith reveals the extent to which environmental hazards now threaten each stage of infant development. In the eyes of an ecologist, the mother’s body is the first environ-

ment for life. The Library Journal selected Having Faith as a best book of 2001, and it was featured in a PBS documentary by Bill Moyers.

How are you “Part of the Solution?”

As an environmental author, I see writing and art as part of the intermediary between recognition of a social problem and the execution of a meaningful solution. Just as abolitionists’ writings played a role in ending slavery, I believe environmental writing can play a role in ending unsustainable economic practices.

What does sustainability mean to you?

Ending our century-long dependency on fossil fuels for both energy and as a feedstock for making things (plastics, pesticides, anhydrous ammonia, and so on).

What’s worth fighting for?

The above. I follow California environmental attorney Joe Guth who said, in an article in The Vermont Law Review, that “nothing is more important to human beings than an ecologically functioning, life sustaining biosphere on the Earth…We cannot live long or well without a functioning biosphere, and so it is worth everything we have.” The environmental crisis is a human rights crisis. It is the struggle of our age, in the same way, for previous generations, abolishing slavery, women’s suffrage, and defeating global fascism were defining struggles. Borrowing a line from Audrey Schulman, I often tell my readers and my audiences, “If you want to be a hero, here’s your chance. This is our moment.” I believe that our grandchildren will look back on us and marvel that our economy was once dependent on chemicals that were killing the planet and killing ourselves. If we win. (If we don’t, they won’t be marveling at much of anything.)

If you could ask President Obama one favor, what would it be?

I don’t ask for favors. I make human rights arguments. I lay out the scientific evidence for harm, and I propose alternative visions for the future. I met with White House staff in May to discuss the results of the President’s Cancer Panel’s new report that finds that the environmental contribution to human cancers is more significant than previously appreciated. The Panel called on the President to use the power of his office to remove carcinogens from air, food, and

water. That’s an approach already underway in the EU. I came away from that meeting very discouraged and convinced that speaking “truth to power” —as noble as it sounds—is sometimes a waste of time and an exercise in vanity. Sometimes the more crucial activity is speaking “truth to powerlessness:” To take the scientific evidence for harm into communities located at the tailpipe end of the production, use and disposal of toxic chemicals. When scientists partner with communities, we can create cultures of resistance.

What’s the most exciting happening in your community?

Here in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, the most exciting human rights struggle is taking shape in the form of organized, local resistance to the most powerful corporate powers in the world: Namely, the oil and gas industries that are poised to shatter the shale bedrock of upstate New York with chemical-laced water in order to extract natural gas. Shale gas extraction has already devastated the ecology of northern Pennsylvania, added carcinogens to the air in the form of soot, released radioactivity from geological strata, and destroyed drinking water. It’s totally unregulated by the federal government. We are trying to draw the line here in New York. The most powerful forces are arrayed against us, and much of the land is already leased to these companies. But my feeling from traveling through rural communities and meeting with people in various forums is that there are folks willing to lay down on the roads, if necessary, to stop this obscenity.

Who/what are you inspired by?

Rachel Carson, who, like me, was a wildlife biologist turned writer and who also struggled with cancer. She had no patience with scientists who knew the evidence for harm (about pesticides) and refused to speak out.

She liked to say, “To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards out of men.”

Dr. Sandra Steingraber with be speaking and signing books at The Ecology Center at 6:30 p.m. on July 15. For tickets and more information please call 949.443.4223.

Kate Roberts was a successful corporate executive for more than 20 years who now is CEO and founder of thewiredwoman, a consultancy that helps organizations be more sustainable. She is a native of Orange County and has lived in Capistrano for eight years. See her blog on Sustainable Living at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Pearson Again Honored as Top Dentist

Skopeck Receives Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Dr. Kenneth Pearson, who has served three generations of Capistrano residents over 25 years, has been named a “Top Dentist” by his peers for the second year in a row. “Because Top Dentists is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which thousands of dentists and specialists throughout the Orange Coast area cast thousands of “votes” on the abilities of other dentists and specialists, and because listings cannot be purchased (and no payment is required to be listed), inclusion in Top Dentists is considered a singular honor,” Mark Barkley, managing partner of Top Dentists, Courtesy photo said in a letter to Pearson. Also on the Top Dentist list from Capistrano is Dr. Darin B. Iverson (since 2008), Dr. Taylor Olsen and Dr. Bradford Staph (since 2009). See www.topdentistusa.com for details. CD

U.S. Air Force Capt. Robert J. Skopeck, who has longtime ties to Capistrano, has been honored with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Skopeck is the son of Bob and Barbara Skopeck, who were married by Monsignor Martin in the Mission. Monsignor Martin also baptized Captain Skopeck in the Mission, and his daughter, Madison, was also baptized there. The award is the third-highest honor given by the Defense Department.

According to his citation, Captain Skopeck distinguished himself for the honor through his service as Chief, Wing Tactics and Employment, as well as E-3A Instruction Electronic Combat Officer at Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany. His work included rewriting and revamping many tactical guides used to train personnel. The citation includes many honors and awards for Skopeck over the past several years.

“Captain Skopeck was handpicked to establish a new Wing Tactics office, synchronizing International Security Assistance Force planning, employment, and preparation for 700 personnel,” the citation reads.“Through his distinctive accomplishments, Captain Skopeck reflected great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force and the Department of Defense,” the citation concludes.

Skopeck’s wife is Stacey, and his daughter is Madison, known as Madi. CD

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

July 9–22, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 17

Locals Only

B u s i n e s s D i r e c t o r y The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusively ALSO

ONLINE

AT

W W W.T H E C A P I S T R A N O D I S PATC H .C O M

Embroidery

Air Conditioning DC Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning www.dcplumbing.net 949.365.9044

Air Conditioning & HEATING

EmbroidMe – SJC 949.276.7910 32241 Camino Capistrano , A102 www.embroidme-sanjuancapo.com

Experience The Mission

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. A, www.oasisair.com Exciting New Audio Tour 949.234.1300 26801 Ortega Highway, www.missionsjc.com Antique Restoration Sarah Whitcomb Antique Restoration 949.234.9740 FLORIST 32432 Alipaz, Ste. B, Mother Earth Flowers 949.493.4400 www.sarahwhitcombantiques.com 32158 Camino Capistrano, Ste. 105 www.motherearthflorist.com

Assisted Living

Del Obispo Terrace 949.496.8802 32200 Del Obispo Street, www.delobispoterrace.com

Attorney Law Office of Skinner & Skinner 31461 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. 103

949.248.0260

Auto Repair Star Motors 32959 Calle Perfecto

949.443.1970

Bands / Entertainment Evergrove www.evergrovemusic.com

949.661.2054

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Business Spotlight of the Month!

Want to say more? Want more space to highlight your business? Then sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100.

Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online. Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Banking Comerica Bank 949.234.9683 32022 Camino Capistrano, Suite F3, www.comerica.com Independence Bank 949.373.1570 Marbella Plaza 31107 Rancho Viejo Rd., www.independence-bank.net Pacific Mercantile Bank 949.487.4200 31601 Avenida Los Cerritos, Ste 100, www.pmbank.com

Beauty Salon Charisma Salon & Supply 32301-F Camino Capistrano Curtis Michaels Hair Salon 31882 Del Obispo, Ste. 150, www.curtismichaels.com

949.240.1200

BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICES

Community Services CHEC Family Resource Center 31411 La Matanza Street, Suite B

HOME THEATER Reeltime Sight and Sound 949.240.0555 26381 Via De Anza, www.reeltimesightandsound.com

HYPNOTHERAPY

Insurance Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

949.697.9454

Jeweler

Kitchen Design

Orange Coast Database Association 949-489-1472 32422 Allipaz St., Ste. B, http://ocdatabases.itgo.com

Construction Services 949.661.2054

Kitchen & Bath Designs 27231 Ortega Hwy., Unit B

949.661.4080

LAUNDRIES Sparklean Laundry 31952 Del Obispo

949.248.4686

MOLD REMOVAL Jarvis Restoration 949.362.5388 31942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

ELECTRICIANS FM Electric 31658 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. B, www.fmelectricinc.com

GHA Inspection Services & Mold Testing/ Remediation 949.331.8899 San Juan Capistrano, www.ghainspections.com

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 949.493.3632 949.489.7742 32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, www.abbysdesigns.com

COMPUTER TRAINING

Tony Brown Design & Build e-mail hunkpapa@cox.net

HOME INSPECTION RESIDENTIAL/COMMERICIAL

Jennifer Wong, Cht - Certified Hypnotherapist & 949.240.9240 Meditation Instructor 949.878.6870 30320 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. #103, www.positiveenergyhypnosis.com

Lightning Technology, Inc. 949.488.0029 32963 Calle Perfecto, http://www.lightningtechnology.com

949.248.4222

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

MORTGAGE Capistrano Health & Life www.capistranohealthlife.com

Schools

Photo & Digital Lab

949.697.9454

PHARMACY

Four-A Electric

949.240.8844 The Medicine Shoppe 949.661.9141 32432 Alipaz, Ste. C, fouraelectric@sbcglobal.net 31952 Del Obispo #270, www.medicineshoppe.com

San Juan Photo & Digital 32301 Camino Capistrano, www.sjcphotodigital.com

949.661.5668

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 949.493.5683 32032 Del Obispo Street, www.cvcs.org

SENIOR HOME CARE

PLUMBING

Alerra Home Health Services 949.545.6646 32332 Camino Capistrano #205, www.alerra.net

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 www.atozleakdetection.com Pronto Plumbing (El Plomero) 949.246.3589 Slab leak repair 31878 Del Obispo Ste. 118-227, SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 www.prontodrain.com SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.2426 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com 27126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com TELEVISION DC Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning www.dcplumbing.net 949.365.9044 Reeltime Sight and Sound 949-240-0555 26381 Via De Anza, PRESCHOOLS www.reeltimesightandsound.com Mission Parish School 949.234.1385 31641 El Camino Real, www.missionparishschool.org WATER DAMAGE

PRINTING Printing OC

949.388.4888 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

RestaurantS Las Golandrinas Mexican Food 949.240.3440 27124 Paseo Espada #803, www.lasgolondrinas.biz Skimmer’s Panini Café 949.276.6300 31451 Rancho Viejo Rd. #103, www.skimmerspaninigrill.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. 33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B

Jarvis Restoration 949.362.5388 31942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

Women’s Clothing Blu:Echo 949.496.4810 31878 Del Obispo (Marshalls Center)

YOGA Adelanto Studio Yoga & Life Arts 32118 Paseo Adelanto, Ste.9, www.adelantostudio.net

949.705.7344

949.212.0499

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This handy, cost-friendly, go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

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Submit your ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GARAGE SALE SAN CLEMENTE Community Garage Sale Pacific Shores Sat 7/10, 8:00 to 1:00. Exit Pico, inland to Calle Del Cerro, Right, follow signs.

Huge Garage Sale Saturday July 10th Household items, plants, collectibles, dishware, furniture, toys, sporting goods, appliances, sinks, tools, TV’s, Cd Player, clothing, lots of items!

Cordova St in Dana Point.

Multiple Home Garage Sale July 17th 7:30 AM till noon. 3360, 3373, 3365 & 3360 Calle la Veta, San Clemente Featured articles: Kitchen wares, New 42” TV cabinet, Luggage, exercise equipment, plastic storage bins, Garage shelves, plant pots and baskets, framed art, home decor. No early birds.

HELP WANTED Major Appliances & Electronics Sales Position: Part Time / possible Full Time for 60 y.o South Orange County company.

Experience preferred, no nights or Sundays. Call 949-492-3457, 9-5 M-F.

Misc. EDUCATION Services IN-HOME TEACHER I am credentialed and have a Masters Degree in Education. I will develop lessons for students based on their current needs. I have 10 years experience in all grade levels and a high success rate with student grade improvement even with the most reluctant learner. Excellent references upon request.

Call 949-363-8414.

Misc. Health Services FREE PREGNANCY TESTS Confidential services & help when you need it most. Call 218-5777; walk-ins welcome.

1450-B N. El Camino Real, SC. Pregnancy Resource Center

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Then you need to be in the Capistrano Dispatch.

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July 9–22, 2010 • The Capistrano Dispatch • Page 19

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

5 BEST BETS YOUTH LACROSSE

OUTDOORS

California Lax Classic, Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, San Juan Capistrano July 9-11, 8 a.m.

All-Star Game Charity 5k & Fun Run, Angel Stadium July 11, 7:30 a.m.

Some of Southern California’s top middle school lacrosse club teams are competing in the firstever California Lax Classic to benefit the Headstrong Foundation. Info: www. callaxclassic.gtsindydev.com

BASEBALL

BASEBALL

State Farm Home Run Derby, Angel Stadium July 12, 5 p.m.

America’s Wellness Coach and Stand Up To Cancer Ambassador, Jillian Michaels will encourage, hand out medals and congratulate participants as they cross the finish line.

MLB brings Taco Bell All-Star Sunday to Southern California as the doubleheader includes the XM All-Star Futures Game and the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game.

The 2010 Gatorade All-Star Workout Day and State Farm Home Run Derby will be held Monday, July 12 at Angel Stadium.

Info: www.allstargame.com

Info: www.mlb.com

Capo Baseball Player Makes All-American Classic The Capistrano Dispatch

A

ustin Hedges of JSerra Catholic High School has been selected to play in the 8th annual Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic, the country’s premier high school baseball showcase.

The showcase features an East versus West matchup of the nation’s top high school players following their junior year. Since its inception in 2003, 71 Aflac alumni have been selected in the first round of the MLB draft, including four No. 1 overall selections.

Hedges, a San Juan Capistrano resident, will be out in San Diego beginning August 12 participating in a children’s hospital visit, player scrimmages, home run derby and, of course, the game itself on August 15, which will be broadcast live from PETCO Park on FSN at 5 p.m.

PDT. CD

BASEBALL

Taco Bell All-Star Sunday, Angel Stadium July 11, TBA

All-Star Game 2010, Angel Stadium July 13, 5 p.m.

The 81st Major League Baseball All-Star Game will will be the third ever played in Anaheim and the first since July 11, 1989.

Info: www.mlb.com

Info: www.mlb.com

Birdsall Wins Club Championship The Capistrano Dispatch

A

fter three challenging weeks of competitive play, Corky Birdsall defeated a field of 16 women, including the 2009 club champ, to reign as the 2010 San Juan Hills Women’s Golf Association’s Club Champion. In the senior division, Dianne Burdick repeated her last year’s victory to secure the trophy for another year. CD

Austin Hedges. Courtesy photo

Capistrano Hosts Division Tournament

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

S

ix teams squared off against one another with the hopes of becoming the district champions and earn local bragging rights in the process this week as the San Juan Capistrano Little League hosted the District 68 Junior Division All Star tournament at The Sports Park.

The field of teams has been whittled down to three remaining squads and among those left standing are the San Juan Capistrano All Stars, who are playing the role of host.

San Juan had their first game on June 29 against North Mission Viejo and Mayor Lon Uso was in attendance to show his support for the local team and welcome visitors.

“The kids were awesome, they looked relaxed and ready to play…to be honest,

they looked like a bunch of pros; very calm and collected,” Uso said.

Playing on their home turf, San Juan defeated North Mission Viejo and earned a convincing 3-0 win. “Playing in [San Juan] means a lot to the kids and it means a lot to the city as well,” Uso said.

With a shutout victory under their belts the kids from San Juan headed into the semi-final match against Rancho Santa Margarita on Monday teeming with confidence. But it was not meant to be, as they lost a heartbreaker, 4-3.

Although they lost, San Juan is not eliminated from the tournament and still has a fighting chance to make it into the final game. They earned a spot in the consolation bracket and were scheduled to play South Mission Viejo Thursday night (results were not available at press time) to determine who will move on and face Rancho Santa Margarita in the championship game on Saturday. CD

Page 22 • The Capistrano Dispatch • July 9–22, 2010

Left to right: Corky Birdsall (Club Champ); Judy Radigan (second place). Courtesy photo

Left to right: Mary Church (second place senior division); Dianne Burdick (Club Champ senior division).

Courtesy photo

www.thecapistranodispatch.com