January 23, 2015

The Best of San Juan People’s Choice Horseshoe Awards Coming Feb. 13 OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

JANUARY 23-FEBRUARY 12, 2015 • VOLUME 13, ISSUE 2

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

Giving a Hand Up

Local nonprofit works with police department to get San Juan’s homeless off the streets E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

Gina Seriel, founder of nonprofit Our Father’s Table, and Homeless Liaison Officer Dep. Vincent Smith of San Juan Capistrano Police Services, have been teaming up to help the city’s homeless population. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Fire at La Zanja Condos Leaves 2 Dead, 7 Injured EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

City Council Rescinds Downtown Hotel Approval EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

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Rotary Club’s Historic Car Show Returns to San Juan SJC LIVING/PAGE 16

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Gus Gialamis said members of a nonprofit group, Save San Clemente Hospital, were also advocating on behalf of such a change, but were told it might take three years.

Five things San Juan should know this week Two Dead, 7 Injured in Condo Fire Tuesday THE LATEST: A mother and son—two of nine people injured Tuesday morning when a second-floor condo caught fire— have died, officials said.

Jaiden Liborio, 3, died at CHOC Children’s at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo shortly before midnight on Tuesday, according to an Orange County Coroner’s report. As of Wednesday morning, Liborio’s mother, Maricela Sanchez, 20, and his 2-year-old brother both remained in grave condition, according to Captain Steve Concialdi, the Orange County Fire Authority’s public information officer.

Sanchez died Wednesday night at 8:40 p.m. at the UCI Medical Center in Orange, a coroner’s report said.

The OCFA received a call at 9:15 a.m. on Jan. 20 reporting a structure fire in a condominium complex on the 26500 block of La Zanja in San Juan.

A woman in her mid-20s tossed a 3-yearold girl and a 2-year-old girl out of a rear bedroom window and lowered a 5-year old boy to neighbors waiting below to catch the children, before jumping out onto a crib-sized mattress, Concialdi said.

The woman and the two girls were transported to Saddleback Memorial Medical Center-San Clemente, all in moderate condition and suffering from smoke inhalation. The 5-year-old boy and a 7-year-old boy who was able to exit the building on his own were taken to Mission Hospital of Laguna Beach. Both were also in moderate condition and suffering from smoke inhalation, Concialdi said.

A 48-year-old woman, the last of five who exited through the window, suffered serious lower leg injuries upon landing, as well as severe burns and smoke inhalation. She was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo in serious condition.

Firefighters rescued Sanchez, Liborio and his 2-year-old brother from inside the condo. All were in grave condition at the time of their transport to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. Sanchez and the 48-year-old woman were moved to the UCI Medical Center burn unit in Orange for treatment Tuesday afternoon, Concialdi said.

Investigators believe one of the children started the fire while playing with a lighter in the living room, Concialdi said. A total

Two of the nine people injured Tuesday in a San Juan Capistrano condo fire on the 26500 block of La Zanja have died.

The deceased are a 3-year-old boy and his 20-year-old mother. Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Fire Authority

of 17 people lived in the 4-bedroom unit.

“With so many residents living in a 4-bedroom condo, the abundance of beds, bedding, clothing, etc. greatly increased the amount of fuel for the fire,” Concialdi said, adding that investigators found no smoke alarms in the unit.

the latter. “This I beg of you—be kinder than necessary. Be guided by reconciliation, unification and let us celebrate excellence, friendship and respect.”

Byrnes went on to thank the people of San Juan. “Truly, I have tried to do my best for all of you,” he said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The fire resulted in an estimated $180,000 in damages to the structure and $40,000 to the contents of the two condo units involved. A total of 80 people, were displaced.

Donations for the families impacted by the fire are being collected through a Go Fund Me campaign at: www.gofundme. com/SJC-ApartmentFire. Donated items, such as clothes, blankets, shoes, socks, toiletries and board games can be taken to Kinoshita Elementary.—Andrea Swayne (Allison Jarrell contributed to this report)

WHAT’S NEXT: Mayor Derek Reeve said the council will begin discussing how to replace he “who cannot be replaced” on Feb. 3.—AJ

Councilman Roy Byrnes Announces Retirement THE LATEST: Former Mayor Roy Byrnes announced his intent to retire from the dais at the City Council’s Jan. 20 meeting.

A 55-year resident of San Juan, Byrnes served multiple terms as mayor. Byrnes plans to retire in February, and said he looks forward to focusing on the study of Chinese ceramics of the Ming Dynasty.

“I am retiring because the objectives which impelled my return to this council have largely been attained,” Byrnes said.

“We have accomplished what was necessary to achieve, therefore, it’s time to move on.”

Following his announcement, Byrnes left his fellow councilmembers with remarks that garnered an emotional standing ovation.

“The voters of this city have called for a new direction, and we should let it play out. I have confidence in the ability of you councilmembers … I know that you ladies and gentlemen will carry on the people’s business with diligence and with kindness,” Byrnes said, with an emphasis on

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

City Council Rescinds Hotel Approval THE LATEST: On Tuesday night, The San Juan Capistrano City Council voted 4-1 to repeal approval of the Urban Village Hotel & Villas project. The council was able to make that decision because a referendum against the project, which was filed Dec. 23, placed it back before the dais after being validated by the Registrar of Voters.

However, Urban Village’s legal representation maintains that because the hotel’s approvals were administrative and not legislative, the referendum is illegal.

WHAT’S NEXT: A court hearing regarding the validity of the referendum will take place March 4.—AJ

Talk of Hospital Closure Extends Across Tri-Cities THE LATEST: A number of San Clemente residents again turned out at the City Council meeting Tuesday to oppose the potential change of the hospital to an advanced urgent care facility.

A number of residents noted they, or relatives, had chosen the city to live in due to it having its own hospital. Saddleback Memorial San Clemente campus administrator Tony Struthers said that advocates for the current set-up should get behind a proposal to change the state’s rules allowing for free-standing emergency rooms. Dr.

Page 3

WHAT’S NEXT: San Clemente Mayor Chris Hamm confirmed at the meeting that he, along with Councilwoman Lori Donchak, Assistant City Manager Erik Sund and resident Mike Clark, would meet with MemorialCare CEO Steve Geidt and Struthers next week to discuss the issue.

Also on Tuesday, at the San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point city council meetings, public speakers, including physicians from the hospital, asked the council to take a stand against the hospital’s closure. The San Juan City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing the hospital closure.

MemorialCare will host an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2 at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr. in Dana Point, to discuss its current plans for the hospital property.—Jim Shilander

More than 20 Cases of Measles Confirmed in OC THE LATEST: The Orange County Public Health Care Agency has confirmed 22 cases of the measles in the county following an outbreak traced to exposure at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure last month.

The disease is spread very easily through the air, making it able to spread quickly among those not vaccinated. It causes fever, rash, cough and red, watery eyes. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears.

As a public health measure, Orange County Health Officer Dr. Eric G. Handler, has announced that children who have not received at least one dose of the mumps, measles and rubella vaccine and have been exposed to measles can be excluded from attending school or daycare.

WHAT’S NEXT: Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age and their second dose at 4-6 years of age. If your child has not received the recommended doses, contact your health care provider as soon as possible to arrange for immunization. Those without a health care provider are asked to call the Orange County Health Care Agency Health Referral Line at 800.564.8448. If someone believes their child has measles, they are asked to call their health care provider and notify Orange County Public Health Epidemiology at 714.834.8180.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information visit www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/ dcepi/epi/disease/measles..—JS www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Giving a Hand Up Local nonprofit works with police to get homeless off the streets

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

G

ina Seriel starts most of her mornings like a lot of people in San Juan—at Starbucks. Before the break of dawn, coffee patrons and busy baristas make small talk while Seriel is making important connections with familiar, smiling faces. They’re the faces of her friends—people who spent the night sleeping in parks or at the train depot, cocooned in sweaters and blankets to keep out the cold. Seriel’s friends represent the face of homelessness in San Juan Capistrano, and these days, she spends most of her time trying to fix that.

On a recent Friday morning, Seriel sat at the Starbucks across from the Mission going through her planner—a color-coded maze of appointments split between her work as a self-employed commercial artist and running her own 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Our Father’s Table (OFT). Ask Seriel what OFT is, and she’ll tell you it’s all about “giving a hand up, not a hand out” to the area’s homeless population. Seriel, who lives in San Clemente, began OFT last fall after she began an effort to nourish San Juan’s homeless population with care bags.

Seriel wanted to make sure that she wasn’t violating any codes or laws by feeding San Juan’s homeless, and ultimately, she was directed to Deputy Vincent Smith, the city’s Homeless Liaison Officer. Smith and Seriel became quick allies, working together to build relationships with the town’s homeless and transient population.

Smith, whose focus is solely on the homeless, said he gets about four to five calls per day regarding an issue or concern with an apparent homeless person or transient in the area. Smith arrives to each scene as a pillar of the law, but after he assesses the situation, and if there hasn’t been criminal activity, he often calls Seriel in right away to see what services or help she can offer.

“They see us working as a team,” Seriel said of the newly-formed partnership.

“I can get way more information out of people than he ever will. He wears the uniform.”

So far, this team approach Smith and Seriel are practicing and advocating seems to be working—really well. Over the last three months, Seriel and Smith have helped get eight people off the streets of San Juan. With about 10 homeless currently living on the streets of San Juan, that’s a staggering number.

Seriel works with Smith and resources

Gina Seriel, founder of nonprofit Our Father’s Table, speaks with Danny and Machelle, who are currently homeless in San Juan, about housing options. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Our Father’s Table Volunteer Opportunities

Care Bags of Love: Distributing care bags is a good way to get involved for people who don’t have a lot of time.

The bags—filled with non-perishable foods, toiletries, clothing, a bible, a list of resources in the area and an OFT outreach contact card—are given to volunteers to keep in their cars so that when they see a homeless person asking for help, they can offer a care bag filled with useful resources and OFT outreach contact number.

Street Outreach: Street outreach is a good fit for volunteers who are empathetic

and good listeners. Outreach involves going out into the community a few times each week at different hours of the day to meet with the homeless. Seriel asks that street outreach volunteers give at least a couple hours each week, as it’s important to take the time to build relationships and gain trust.

Those interested in volunteering with Our Father’s Table street outreach, or in some other capacity, can email OFT at writeus@ ourfatherstableus.org.

Donations: To make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.ourfatherstableus.org and click the “donations” link, or send by

mail to: OFT, P.O. Box 634, San Clemente, CA 92674.

To view a list of items needed in the homeless community, visit the Our Father’s Table website and click “products.”

Seriel said items are always needed and can be picked up by or dropped off to OFT donations coordinator Lydia Yang, who can be reached at 714.343.8760. Items on the list include toiletries, clothing, nonperishable food and liquids and basics like napkins, Ziplock bags and bibles.

For more information, follow Our Father’s Table at www.ourfatherstableus.org.

and other outreaches in the area to try and get her homeless into transitional housing, or at the very least the cold-weather shelter in Santa Ana. Seriel asks each person what they want, and if the answer is help, she moves ahead full steam, making efforts to help them find employment, check into rehab or budget their funds more effectively.

“We don’t have an office, and we don’t need one at this point,” Seriel said. “Right now, we’re going to them and finding out how we can help them on the street.”

While assisting Smith in connecting the homeless with these local resources, Seriel has been getting up by 4 a.m. most days to pack lunches or make hot breakfast sandwiches for her homeless friends in San Juan. She gently lays some packages down, careful not to wake anyone, while other friends she greets with a cheerful, “Good morning!” and, usually, a much-anticipated update. She tells one man about a government-issued cell phone he’s been waiting for, and later, she assures another

one of her friends that he’ll be getting a ride to the DMV next week.

Back at Starbucks, she hands a woman a manila folder filled with dozens of freshly-printed resumes and business cards, just in time for her job fair in Santa Ana. Again, a hand up, rather than a hand out.

Recently, Seriel helped two men who had been living on the street, one of them for 14 years, finally find housing in Santa Ana. And she recently helped another homeless woman relocate to Arizona.

“They’re getting social security, and they’re getting benefits, but it’s still not enough to actually get a place of their own because Orange County is so expensive,” Seriel said.

She gave the Arizona-bound woman bus fare, gift cards, a suitcase full of personal effects and the resources necessary for finding housing in a foreign place. Seriel, a wide grin across her face, said she signed a lease and is moving into housing in March.

Currently, a lot of what Seriel provides

to her homeless friends—food, gas cards, bus far, etc.—comes out of her own pocket, but she’s quick to mention the numerous donations coming in from organizations such as HomeAid Orance County and the Lutheran Church of the Cross. OFT threw a Christmas party over the holidays, and the food, gifts, space, tables and chairs were mostly donated.

That meant a lot to Danny and Machelle, a couple currently living in their car in San Juan. Seriel has been working with both of them to accept a short-term arrangement in which they must live separately. In doing so, she’s told them that eventually they’ll be able to save the money to get a place of their own, together.

During a recent conversation between the three friends, Machelle reflected on her experience working with Gina. Eyes glistening, she recalled how special OFT’s Christmas party had been.

“It was so great,” Machelle said, smiling at Seriel. “She’s an angel.” CD

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

Page 4

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Monday, January 19 DISTURBANCE Calle el Sauzal, 26600 Block (8:58 a.m.)

A caller’s son was allegedly “throwing things.”

Sunday, January 18

a traffic collision at the San Juan Mobil Estates.

of minutes.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Avenida Pescador/Camino Las Ramblas (8:02 a.m.) A caller reported water gushing from under the sidewalk on Avenida Pescador, across from Acu Canyon Park.

The caller suspected it was a broken water main.

TRAFFIC STOP Ortega Highway/Del Obispo Street (5:54 a.m.) A black Nissan was driving on Ortega Highway with paper license plates.

PATROL CHECK Calle San Francisco, 26400 Block (2:20 a.m.) A caller reported a drunken man banging on a door for 10 minutes.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (10:13 a.m.)

A caller reported hearing someone at the back door of her house. She was unsure whether the person was trying to get in.

Later she found out that it was her handyman.

Friday, January 16 DISTURBANCE Millpond Court, 29800 Block (10:39 p.m.)

A caller reported someone repeatedly ringing her doorbell.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Cordova/Calle Arroyo (10:07 p.m.)

Two people wearing dark clothing and hoodies were checking car door handles.

Saturday, January 17

PETTY THEFT Plaza Drive, 31800 Block (6:57 p.m.) A 30pack of Budweiser was reported stolen.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE San Juan Creek Road/Valle Road (10:11 p.m.) A woman was crying and sitting on the hood of a stalled sedan.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONS Via De Agua/Avenida Calita (12:03 p.m.)

A man was reportedly working on his truck and getting oil in the street. All of his tires and rims were also off.

DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (1:39 p.m.) A caller reported a verbal argument over

SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Pas Christina, 31500 Block (1:41 p.m.)

Three gun shots were heard within a span

BURGLARY REPORT Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (6:37 a.m.) A caller said he heard his vehicle alarm go

NEWS BITES

safest route may be to remove the fuel to a more inland and less densely populated environment within California, specifically the desert.

The meeting is currently scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion.

For information on the decommissioning process and the meeting, visit www. songscommunity.com.—Jim Shilander

COMPILED BY STAFF

SONGS Panel to Host Discussion on Removing Nuclear Fuel Southern California Edison’s Community Engagement Panel on the decommissioning of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station will meet with experts from the Bipartisan Policy Center on the subject of encouraging the federal Department of Energy to move on finding ways of safely storing spent nuclear fuel.

San Clemente City Councilman Tim Brown, who serves as vice-chair of the CEP, announced the meeting at the council’s Jan. 6 meeting. Tim Frazier, the former head of the President’s Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, is also scheduled to attend the meeting. Frazier heads the center’s own nuclear waste initiative.

The speedy removal of spent nuclear fuel from the site south of San Clemente has been a major topic of discussion of both the CEP and City Council in recent months. With no current central repository for spent nuclear fuel, fuel is currently slated to remain at the plant until a repository, permanent or temporary, can be found.

The City Council passed a resolution in December asking that the fuel be removed as swiftly as possible from the site. Antinuclear activists have suggested that the

Star Motors Hosts Annual Artist Reception and Fundraiser r

Local auto repair shop Star Motors is celebrating the role the arts play in our community by presenting Star Gallery’s Annual Art Closing on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments and appetizers while meeting featured artist Donna Butnik, whose still lifes, landscapes and portraits grace the walls of Star Motors. A portion of the proceeds from the artwork sold during the event will be donated to the Bright Future Foundation of America, a non-profit organization promoting non-violence and supporting victims of domestic violence by encouraging survivors to rebuild and empower their lives with workshops and education. Star Motors is located at 32955 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano. For more information or to RSVP, call 949.443.1970 or email emma@star-motors.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

off around 3:30 a.m. About three hours later, he found that one of the car windows was broken.

Thursday, January 15 DISTURBANCE Ortega Highway, 27700 Block (11:04 p.m.)

A woman reported that an “old friend of hers” was banging on her slider door and refusing to leave.

FORGERY IN PROGRESS Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (4:11 p.m.) A woman was detained for credit card fraud at Staples.

Wednesday, January 14 DISTURBANCE Via Belardes, 31900 Block (6:03 p.m.)

Several men were drinking while standing around a red truck parked in a red curb area.

GRAND THEFT Camino Capistrano, 32100 Block (3:03 p.m.) A person reportedly ran into Capistrano Sewing & Vacuum Co. and stole a sewing machine.

A Southern California Edison Community Engagement Panel meeting is set for Jan. 27 in San Juan to discuss the storage of spent nuclear fuel from the now shuttered San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

City Seeking Applicants for Commissions The city of San Juan Capistrano is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the City Council’s Advisory Commissions, including the Cultural Heritage Commission; Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Commission; Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Commission; Planning Commission and the Utilities Commission.

Appointments are tentatively scheduled for the March 17 City Council meeting.

Appointees will serve a term from April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2017.

All appointees must be resident elec-

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tors of San Juan Capistrano, except for two designated positions on the Cultural Heritage Commission. State law requires appointees to file Fair Political Practices Commission Conflict of Interest Statements upon appointment, annually and when leaving office.

Application forms are available on the city’s website: www.sanjuancapistrano.org, and at the office of the city clerk, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Applications will be accepted at the city clerk’s office until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 30. For more information, call 949.493.1171.

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Community Meetings

News Next Door WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

DANA POINT The plan for revitalization of the commercial core at Dana Point Harbor was given a green light Wednesday when the California Coastal Commission voted to deny two appeals against the project.

The approved final Coastal Development Permit includes a series of amendments made to address Coastal Commission concerns. Changes cover the minimization of view impacts via scenic corridors and architectural design, the preparation of a shoreline hazards analysis, requirements that the launch ramp parking area provide ample parking now and into the future and that dry-stack boat storage be constructed in a timely manner with a minimum 493boat capacity.

The Dana Point Planning Commission approved the CDP in May 2014. Soon after, Boaters 4 Dana Point Harbor president Bruce Heyman filed an appeal, concerned that the plan would have negative impacts on boater amenities such as storage and parking. Following the City Council’s June 2014 denial of his appeal, Heyman took it to the Coastal Commission and two members of the commission also filed appeals.

The city approved the CDP in November

TUESDAY, JAN. 27

Planning Commission Meeting

6:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission discusses area development at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

Revitalization plans for the commercial core of the Dana Point Harbor call for the addition of 30,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space, the demolition of 13 buildings, reconstruction of seven, a 35,000-square-foot park and other infrastructure and landscape improvements. Rendering: Courtesy of Orange County

2014 despite the pending appeals.

Although the plan had the approval of the city, it needed to be sent back to the Coastal Commission for a hearing to determine if the appeals contained substantial issues that would thwart construction and require another review of the CDP by the commission.

Part of the $140 million Harbor Revitalization Plan in the works for more than 15 years, the plan calls for the razing of more than a dozen buildings, just over 30,000 square feet of new retail/restaurant/office

Flashback Friday

This photograph was taken on a stage line route from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Ana in 1917. The photo was taken from the Mission and shows the front of the Old San Juan Café. The three passengers are Mrs. Clara Mendelson, her brother-in-law, Clarence Mendelson, and Will McPherson. Standing is Fred Stoffel.

Photo: Courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

space, a 35,000-square-foot festival park, dry-stack boat storage, a two-level parking structure and other infrastructure and landscape improvements.

The approval allows the county to move forward with building permits and construction.

For more information, go to www.coastal. ca.gov/mtgcurr.html. —Andrea Swayne

SAN CLEMENTE After decades of promises and stalls, a new residential community is finally coming to the Marblehead property.

Officials from developer Taylor Morrison and the city of San Clemente celebrated a ceremonial groundbreaking of the more than 300-home development, now called Sea Summit at Marblehead Tuesday.

Mayor Chris Hamm noted that when his grandparents bought their first home in Shorecliffs in 1961, they were told that “within two years, there’d be a new shopping center, an off-ramp and a whole slew of parks and homes being built,” on the property. “(Nearly) 55 years later we’re finally at the groundbreaking,” Hamm joked. “This is going to be a tremendous asset to everybody.”

In addition to the homes, the project includes more than 100 acres of open space, four city parks (as well as one that will be managed by the development’s homeowner’s association but be open to the public) and four miles of trails.

The development will have four neighborhoods. Work on three of the neighborhoods will begin in April, with the fourth scheduled to begin in June. The first residents are expected to be in homes in November.

The current timeline calls for the completion of West Avenida Vista Hermosa to Avenida Pico within the next 45 days, opening the road up to traffic in both directions.

Three of the parks—Vista del Sol, Canyon View and Pico—are in the bid process, and he estimated construction would begin in the next 60 days. Construction is set to take approximately five months. The Jim Johnson Memorial Sports Park is in the planning process. —Jim Shilander

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WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28

Downtown Farmers Market

3 p.m.–6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from around 40 vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday. Visit www.farmersmarketsjc.com to find out more.

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

7 p.m. The Capistrano Unified School District governing body meets at district offices, located at 33122 Valle Road. To see the board’s agenda, visit www.capousd.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 30

Coffee Chat

8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Mission Grill, 31721 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome. Go to www. facebook.com/sjccoffeechat for more.

TUESDAY, FEB. 3

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting

5 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

To see the night’s agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4

Downtown Farmers Market

3 p.m.–6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from around 40 vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday. Visit www.farmersmarketsjc.com to find out more.

TUESDAY, FEB. 10

Planning Commission Meeting

6:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission discusses area development at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

FRIDAY, FEB. 13

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

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

COUNCIL VOTE PREVENTS SJC STUDENTS FROM PARKING ON LACOUAGUE —Shelly Welcome, San Juan Capistrano The current San Juan Capistrano City Council voted against the students of San Juan Capistrano when they voted to bar students and parents from parking on Lacouague during school hours. Lacouague is the only place for off campus public parking near San Juan Hills High School, San Juan Capistrano’s public high school. Lacouague is a public street, and we all pay taxes for the upkeep and safety of it. The residents of the gated communities that are on either side should not have jurisdiction over this street.

No student is parking in front of any home on Lacouague. It does not impact parking for the residents of any of the gated communities. The houses are behind walls on either side of this street.

When San Juan Hills High School first opened, some residents of these gated communities attempted to keep the trail from Lacouague up to SJHHS closed and prevent the children of San Juan Capistrano from walking to school. Some sought to prevent San Juan Capistrano residents from dropping off their children on Lacouague, a public street.

But many residents of these communities worked to get permission from the school district and a former SJC City Council to open this pathway to all students. A former SJC City Council and the school district agreed on this because it benefitted the children of San Juan Capistrano.

The double parking, safety issues and other traffic issues are not caused by student parking but parents picking up their children. If parents adhered to the parking laws there would be no traffic issues. If the city is so concerned about safety then they should have enforced the former traffic laws. Instead they add new laws that cater to a few. The current City Council did this at the expense of the children of San Juan Capistrano.

The majority of students who park there are from San Juan Capistrano.

They do not park there so they can skip class. Students park there so they can go to school. Students park there to save money, for grades, or for convenience.

Public streets should be kept public, especially when parking on them does not impact or prevent parking for residents of the gated communities.

This current City Council has now prevented not only students, but hikers and bicyclists and parents and all San

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@thecapistranodispatch.com Resident Shelly Welcome says the City Council is diminishing public access to trails by preventing students, hikers, bicyclists other residents from parking their cars on Camino Lacouague. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@thecapistranodispatch.com

Juan Capistrano residents from parking their cars to walk and bike the local trails.

It is taking away public access to these trails. The city council catered to special interests.

We are a community, and instead of making it harder for the children of San Juan Capistrano, we should all be working together to make it better. It takes a village. Keep public spaces open for all, not just the few.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

RENAME THE PORTION OF ORTEGA HIGHWAY WEST OF I-5 —Jacob Palmer and Michael Palmer, San Juan Capistrano First off, I’ll introduce myself. I am Jacob Palmer, and I write this letter with my father Michael Palmer.

We operate Palmer Construction and are long-time residents of San Juan Capistrano. We love this town and plan on living here for many more years. The current events in our town are a constant source of conversation between my dad and I and the freeway interchange construction has been of great interest to us.

We have only just realized that the landscape of our downtown has changed in a way that we had not considered previously. As I am sure other residents of San Juan have noticed, Ortega Highway has become noticeably split into two sections.

There is now a portion of the road on the west side of I-5 and a portion of the road on the east side of I-5.

This is a great opportunity to add more culture to the downtown area by renaming the portion of Ortega Highway that is west of the I-5. Our suggestion for a new name is Old Mission Road. I think that that name perfectly represents what that stretch of Ortega Highway is. It is

BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

Residents Jacob and Michael Palmer suggest renaming the portion of Ortega Highway west of Interstate 5 to Old Mission Road. Photo: Allison Jarrell

the gateway to our town from I-5 and would really give what is essentially a new autonomous street the name that fits with the style of our downtown.

Many people may ask if it is possible to rename this portion of Ortega Highway because of the state control over SR-74.

It is my understanding that SR-74 begins its state-controlled run at the intersection with I-5, and the Ortega Highway west of I-5 is under the control of the city of San Juan Capistrano.

It is our opinion that the name Ortega Highway should be changed to better fit the culture of our small town, and we suggest that a forum be opened for the residents of San Juan to express their opinions on the matter.

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.

Page 10

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

ART/DESIGN SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 13, Issue 2. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch ) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives.

Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘American Sniper’ a Hit and a Miss

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 23 URINETOWN THE MUSICAL 7 p.m. San Juan Hills High School presents Urinetown The Musical. Urinetown is the winner of three Tony awards and is a comical musical satire. Show also runs Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. San Juan Hills High School, 29211 Vista Montana, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.5900, www.sjhhs.org.

Saturday | 24 WEST COAST STRAYZ 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A Elliott Yamin is set to perform at the Ocean Institute’s annual Jazz Festival, Jan. 23-25. Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Institute

OCEAN INSTITUTE JAZZ FESTIVAL • FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 6 p.m. Enjoy jazz music by Rick Braun & Friends, Norman Brown, Elliott Yamin and more while enjoying an evening of epicurean dining, cocktails, live and silent auctions to benefit the Ocean Institute. The festival also runs on Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m. and Jan. 25, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $95. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.227, www.ocean-institute.org.

WINTER WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor.

Tickets are $49. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Jan. 30. See more events at www.danawharf.com. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603.

Tuesday | 27

Sunday | 25

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY TOASTMASTERS MEETING 7 p.m.-8:40 p.m. Practice becoming a more confident communicator. Occurs every Tuesday. Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point. 949.280.9777, 3944816.toastmastersclubs.org/.

SERRA CHAPEL TOUR 11:15 a.m. Tour the Serra Chapel, the oldest operating church in California, in honor of Father Junipero Serra’s 300th birthday celebration. Offered Sundays.

Admission $2-$3. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

riosity, enjoy people and like sharing with others, this may be a volunteer position for you! The Mission SJC Docent Society will conduct training classes for new docents on Jan. 21 and 28 and Feb. 4 and 11.

Training fees are $25 per person. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1322, www.missionsjc.com.

TAPPED OUT TUESDAY 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Draft beer is half price on Tuesdays at Salt Creek Grille. Monarch Bay Plaza, 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Thursday | 29 GARDEN ANGELS 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Help clean and maintain Los Rios Park with fellow green thumbs. Volunteers meet every Thursday, except rainy days and holidays, in front of the Montanez Adobe. Bring gloves and wear close-toed shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

Wednesday | 28 DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from around 40 vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday. www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

CHRIS DANIELS PROJECT 7:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

MOMMY MOVIE MONDAYS 10 a.m. Moms and dads are welcome to bring their baby along to the theater every Monday at Krikorian Theaters. 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7610, www.kptmovies.com.

RESIDENT APPRECIATION DAYS AT THE MISSION 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Every Wednesday, San Juan Capistrano residents receive free admission to the Mission with a $10 Mission store purchase. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

CALIFORNIA RANGERS 8:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH DJ PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at The Swallow’s Inn with steak night and happy hour prices. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

MISSION SJC DOCENT TRAINING CLASSES 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Docents make California history come alive for over 500,000 school children and adults each year. If you love history, have a natural cu-

ANNUAL HISTORIC SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CAR SHOW The annual San Juan Capistrano Car Show is set to take place at the San Juan Capistrano Community (Cont. on page 15)

LEE ROY & THE BAD BAD BROWNS 1:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

Monday | 26

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

lot is being said about Clint Eastwood’s latest war piece, American Sniper. Based on true events of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle’s (Bradley Cooper) life and his experiences in Iraq as the military’s most lethal sniper, the film shows not only how well he can hit, but also his emotional detachment from humanity. Some are calling it conservative propaganda, others the best movie of 2014. And many film fans are annoyed the character study snatched six Academy Award nominations last week out of the blue over their desired choices.

Eastwood has shown a lot of pessimism and caution on the subject of war on screen before. With Sniper, it’s less black and white and not in a completely realized way. It is clear Eastwood and Cooper were racing to get Kyle’s story released in time for award season, with poor CGI and practical effects as the most obvious result of the speedy production. It is also apparent that Eastwood might have been battling conflicting input from both Kyle’s family and the studio.

Some scenes feel as if the filmmaker’s building up a stark, anti-war piece, while others quickly switch over to a somber, patriotic mood by the end, distorting Kyle’s character development.

Cooper does give a fine performance despite the movie’s lost tone and message, and clearly had a passionate dedication to the role. In the end, Eastwood would’ve benefitted from more time in production and the film’s length. CD

Friday | 30

Saturday | 31

Page 12

Photo: Courtesy Warner Bros. Entertainment

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event? Send your listing to events@thecapistranodispatch.com www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12) Center/Sports Park, featuring more than 400 hot rods, muscle cars, classics, cruisers and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort, or CARE, as well as SJC Rotary charities. The show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children (11-17) and free for kids under 11. To register a car, visit www.sjcrotary.org/carshow.

HONORING TRADITIONS GALA AND SILENT AUCTION Local nonprofit organization Four Directions Education is hosting an Honoring Traditions Gala and Silent Auction at 5:30 p.m. at El Adobe de Capistrano. The gala is a major fundraising event for Four Directions and Capistrano Unified School District Native Education Program, making after-school programs, cultural exchanges, summer camps and much needed scholarships possible. Tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite. com/event/14590485535/. For questions, email events@fourdirectionseducation. org.

Sunday | 01 SERRA CHAPEL TOUR 11:15 a.m. In honor of Father Serra’s 300th birthday celebration, tour the Serra Chapel, the oldest operating church in California. Tours are every Sunday, $2 for members, $3 for adults and $2 for child for non-members, in addition to museum admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, 949.234.1320, www.missionsjc.com/activities/holiday-crafts.php.

Monday | 02 TRAIL CLEARING AND WEEDING 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Spend some time in the great outdoors and help other volunteers clear the trails at The Richard & Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Register by 4 p.m. Feb. 1. Ages 10 and up. Free. To RSVP or for directions, call 949.489.9778 or visit www.rmvreserve.org.

Tuesday | 03

El Camino Real. 949.493.1752. www.ocpl.org.

Restaurant Spotlight: Mahé Dana Point

LECTURE: THE ABC’S OF FALCONRY 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Visit The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo to hear licensed falconer, Adam Chavez, give a presentation on the sport of falconry, including the history of falconry, regulations, equipment and training methods. Ages 8 and up. Free to attend. Participants must be registered by 2 p.m. on Feb. 4. RMV Presentation Center, call for directions, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

BY SAMANTHA HAMMER, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

M

ahé’s name derives from a love for travel to the Seychelles, where the largest island bears the name. Owners Toby Reece and Anthony Andrews found in Mahé a very fitting appellation and their inspiration for creating the restaurant’s warm, friendly and electrifying dining atmosphere.

Now in its sixth year, Mahé sits just a few steps outside the Dana Point Harbor offering patio dining, a sushi bar, teppan tables, a lively bar, live music and pages of mouth-watering menu choices. Manager Obie Scott loves the restaurant and offers special care to all his guests, which has played a lead role in building Mahé’s customer loyalty. “We love the feeling of family,” Scott said, adding that PRICE RANGE: the long-time $2 - $39.00 staff extends PAYMENT ACCEPTED: that warmth to Cash and credit cards HOURS: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. customers.

Friday through Sunday, The chefs are 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday brilliant in their through Thursday, 3 food design with p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and exquisite flavors Saturday and pictureperfect presentations. Daily fresh selections including soups, salads, sushi rolls, teppan entrees, succulent seafood, chop house-style steaks, burgers and sandwiches are among

Thursday | 05 GARDEN ANGELS 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden and more.

Bring gloves and wear close-toed shoes.

949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

MOMS IN CHARGE MONTHLY MEETING 9 a.m-11:30 a.m. The topic for the February meeting is: A Health Coach’s Guide to Efficiency: Make Healthy “Fast, Cheap and Easy!” The meeting will take place at the Montage in Laguna Beach, 30801 S. Coast Highway. www.momsincharge.org.

PROGRESSIVE WINE TASTING NETWORKING MIXER 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Chamber for networking and wine tasting at different wine bars in historic downtown San Juan.

Chamber members $20, potential members $30. RSVP to info@sanjuanchamber. com. Raffle Prizes welcome (value $25+).

949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

Friday | 06 DJ AND DANCING 9:30 p.m. Dance the night away as the DJ spins the tunes every Friday and Saturday night. The Point Restaurant, 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Saturday | 07

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m.-noon. Stories, songs and crafts for kids 3-6 at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Occurs every Tuesday. No registration required. 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET & CRAFT FAIR 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday. On the first Saturday of the month, hours are extended to include a craft fair. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

Wednesday | 04

Sunday | 08

BILINGUAL STORYTIME 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Stories and rhymes in English and Spanish. All ages are welcome. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495

SERRA CHAPEL TOUR 11:15 a.m. In honor of Father Serra’s 300th birthday celebration, tour the Serra Chapel, the oldest operating church in Califor-

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

Mahé’s Starfish roll. Photo: Samantha Hammer

the many choices. “Kids love our children’s menu too,” Scott said, “especially our hand-dipped fresh chicken tenders.”

Sushi chef Mark offers interpretive sushi rolls. One favorite is Starfish, a roll filled with minced tuna and asparagus topped with fresh halibut slices and a side of salmon sashimi. Your inner foodie will delight in this creation. Dinner favorites are the bone-in ribeye steak and the filet mignon.

Beer, wine, martinis and happy hour specials are available daily. Be sure to indulge in Taco Tuesdays offering inspired Pacific Asian fusion cuisine.

24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.6243, www.eatatmahe.com. CD

nia. Tours are every Sunday. Admission $2-$3, in addition to museum admission.

26801 Ortega Highway, 949.234.1320, www.missionsjc.com/activities/holidaycrafts.php.

specialty foods from around 40 vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs ever y Wednesday. www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

Monday | 09

MISSION GARDEN TOURS 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Take a half-hour tour of the Mission’s grounds with the Mission Gardening Angels ever y Wednesday. Meet at the front gate. Free with paid admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

HELP WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, STRESS, ANGER 10:45 a.m. Recovery International provides help with gaining control over distressing emotions and tools to improve coping skills. Meetings held every Monday. Donation requested El Toro Library, 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, 949.380.0809, www.lowselfhelpsystems.org.

Tuesday | 10 PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m.-noon. Stories, songs and crafts for kids 3-6 at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Occurs every Tuesday. 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

Wednesday | 11 DOWNTOWN SJC FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and

Page 15

Thursday | 12 GARDEN ANGELS 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet ever y Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden and more. Bring gloves and wear close-toed shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event? Send your listing to events@thecapistranodispatch.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Historic Car Show Returns to San Juan Capistrano

HISTORIC SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CAR SHOW SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Saturday, January 31 (Schedule is tentative. In case of rain, event reschedules Feb. 7) 5:30 a.m. Volunteers Arrive at Assigned Locations Vendor parking begins at Del Avion Gate 6:30 a.m. Vendor Parking Ends at Del Avion Gate for Vendors /Sponsors /Displays

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

6:45 a.m. Entrants Line Up on Via Positiva Starting at the San Juan Community Center Coffee and donuts will be for sale at lineup.

Restrooms are nearby.

T

he annual San Juan Capistrano Car Show is set to take place on Jan. 31 at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center/Sports Park, featuring more than 400 hot rods, muscle cars, classics, cruisers and more. Pre-event reservations for this year are 50 percent above registrations last year at this time, according to show organizers.

“There is always a big surge in the last week before the show,” said organizer John Caldwell. “We expect over 400 cars.”

After 11 years of being known as the CARE Car Show, and later as the Rotary/ CARE Car Show, the name of the iconic gathering of classic cars has been permanently changed to the Historic San Juan Capistrano Car Show. Organizers said the new name is representative of the historic link the show has to San Juan, and also represents a new partnership with the historic Mission. Within that new partnership, the Mission is providing two free future Mission admission tickets to each participating car owner.

This year’s show is unique in that it will also feature the unveiling of a watercolor painting created for the event by San Juan Capistrano resident and commercial artist, Jack Schmitt. Schmitt, a successful and respected commercial artist, specializes in historic cars in selected settings. His work can be seen all over the country and is frequently commissioned by automotive

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse roadster on display has awesome statistics, with 1200 hp, a W16 engine, a top speed of 253 mph and valued at $3 million. It is owned by a South County car enthusiast and will be on display up front at the show. Photo: Courtesy John Caldwell

We are trying to make this event as familyfriendly as we can, while also playing to the serious car buff. –John Caldwell

“

”

professionals. This new work has Mission San Juan Capistrano in the background with show class cars in the foreground.

Prints of the watercolor will be available for sale in various formats during the show.

Another exceptional feature of this year’s show is the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse roadster, which will be on display in the front of the show. With 1200 horsepower, a W16 engine, top speed of 253 mph and valued at $3 million, the car, owned by a South County car enthusiast, is likely to be a highlight for many auto

A scene from last year’s car show. Photo: Brian Park

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

7:30 a.m. Open Del Avion Gate for Car Show Entrants • Free Mission tickets passed out to car entrants as they drive through the Del Avion gate • Las Golondrinas Food Court open for breakfast • Judges meeting for cars 8 a.m. Car Show Judging Begins

Jaeleen and Spark perform in Southern California’s Disc Dogs, which is returning to the car show this year as a side line feature.

aficionados.

The event will also feature the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort, or CARE, and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Proceeds from the event go toward supporting CARE as well as SJC Rotary charities.

All of the event’s catering will be done

by Las Golondrinas Mexican Restaurant.

They’ll be serving hot coffee and their popular breakfast egg burritos. The menu throughout the day will be soft tacos, quesadillas, burritos and nachos, with a wide array of ingredients.

The show is hosting San Juan Capistrano Cub Scout Pack 12 with their Pinewood Derby competition, which will take place on a side field of the car show grounds.

The winners will be recognized and receive awards on the car show stage. The show is also the terminus of the Dr. Joe Cortese Drive in Bike Show and Poker Run. “We are trying to make this event as family-friendly as we can, while also playing to the serious car buff,” Caldwell said.

To register a car, visit www.sjcrotary. org/carshow. The show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children (11-17) and free for kids under 11. CD

Page 16

9 a.m. Show Opens to Public • Guest admission gates open on Del Avion and Via Positiva • Raffle drawing tickets on sale (Tickets will be available for from 9 a.m. to noon.)

• Announcements from show event team • T-Shirt sales open at the Rotary booth 9:10 a.m. Welcome to the San Juan Capistrano Car Show 9:15 a.m. The National Anthem / DJ Starts his play list (Thumper MacDowell) 10 a.m. Disc Dog Performance No. 1 11 a.m. First Round Raffle Drawing Winners and Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Winners Announced 12:30 p.m. Disc Dog Performance No. 2 • Motorcycle judging begins • Poker Run officially ends 1 p.m. Trophy Presentations for Best in Show Cars Including winner of Car Club with most participants and Mayor’s Trophy Presented by Mayor Derek Reeve 1:30 p.m. Award of Joe Cortese Memorial Poker Run Prizes to best and worst hands • Motorcycle “Best in Show” awards presented • Club chapter winners announced / final round of raffle drawing / last call at bar 2 p.m. Car Show Ends www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

Senior Dating: When Internet Dating Doesn’t Work, Try Other Options

E

Wrigley and Charles. Photo: Andrea Swayne

PETS OF THE WEEK: Wrigley and Charles

H

ello friends! My name is Wrigley, and I’m a 10-month-old poodle.

And this is my pal Charles—he’s a 2-year-old Pekingese.

We were both rescued as strays, and we’re currently being fostered by Zuri Pet Spa & Resort while we wait for our new

forever homes. We can’t wait to meet you!

If you would like to know more about Wrigley and Charles, please contact the Zuri Pet Spa & Resort at 949.429.7222 or thezuripetspa@yahoo.com. Or stop by for a visit at 32423 Calle Perfecto in San Juan Capistrano. CD

ach New Year, most older singles evaluate their single status. Many contact me in January for advice.

This week, Susan, emailed: “What is the best dating site for over 60? I’m having a lot of trouble finding one for women like me who are young at heart, look much younger than their age and are very active.

I have kept myself in good shape, but all of the men that could be my counterpart want younger women. What is a woman to do?”

I responded, “Often, I hear from women who have the same complaint. Internet dating does not work for everyone. Perhaps try things other than the Internet.”

Susan said, “I’m 72 and I think I’m maybe just too old now to play the game. I was a real head turner in my day and now get a glance now and then. My friends do not know of anyone. There is one man I fell pretty hard for about 15 years ago, maybe I should look him up.

I responded, “Yes, look him up. If that doesn’t work, simply say, ‘Next!’ Keep your eyes and ears open. Don’t give up, you are never too old. Reach out, help people, even volunteer. The main thing is to be out among new people.”

Susan said, “I do volunteer and work out at a gym four or five times a week. I did meet someone there, but after a couple of dates, which I enjoyed, he told me he was married. My luck, as they say. I don’t click with a lot of men and I could be dating a lot, but I want to feel magic again and that is why I am still holding out. I have not felt magic in the last 15 years.”

I responded, “Working out is great. It’s so important to keep the body moving.

OK, so you found out he was married. At least you gave it a go until you found that out. More importantly, you ended the relationship. Married guys are off limits. They need to get things taken care of at home before they start messing around.

“As far as looking for the magic you felt

15 years ago, nearly all singles would like to find that, but is that realistic?

It probably won’t happen.

But, being with a kind, considerate person, to whom you might be somewhat attracted, is the modern-day magic ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 for singles 60-plus.

By Tom Blake “Keep your spirit up, and be thankful for what you have. You are on the right path. Perhaps find a couple of women friends to pal around with. You will meet some men along the way.”

One suggestion for Susan and other south Orange County singles would be to attend the singles age 50+ Meet and Greet at Tutor and Spunky’s, the Dana Point deli on the last Thursday of each month. After a two-month hiatus during the holidays, the next event is Thursday, Jan. 29, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost.

Over the past two and a half years, approximately 15 couples have formed, having met at those events.

Upcoming Events • Thursday, Jan. 29, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Age 50+ singles Meet and Greet, Tutor and Spunky’s Deli, Dana Point, 949.248.9008 for questions. No cost.

• Sunday, Feb. 15. 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday at the Bookstore, San Juan Capistrano Library, local author lecture series, featuring romance writers. Tom Blake will be discussing senior dating, his newspaper column and his dating and relationship books. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 17

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

It’s Time to Get Your Spring Garden Started

J

anuary is traditionally the time for making our personal New Year’s resolutions. It’s also a good time for gardeners to set a spring garden goal for the type of gardens that work in your lifestyle and time availability. As new gardeners, we often see a beautiful picture of a mature garden and want that full abundant look right away in our garden.

As with everything in life, maturity begins with wisdom and experience.

Gardening is an activity based in daily lessons—of patience and perseverance, trial and error—that, if followed correctly, will produce bountiful abundance in one’s life, season after season.

The challenge with any new goal is taking the first step. You’ve made a conscious effort to commit daily or weekly to a routine that promises success, you followup, you adjust, you make mistakes, adjust again, and you move forward, proceeding through the weeks or months visualizing the end results. You’ve kept your eye on your goal and the outcome you originally strived for in the beginning. Success!

Setting a garden goal is similar; you need a plan. Take an inventory of what is in the garden—what to keep, what to

“

Gardening is an activity based in daily lessons—of patience and perseverance, trial and error—that, if followed correctly, will produce bountiful abundance in one’s life, season after season.

”

give away, what to throw away. This applies to garden tools, too. After you’ve done these steps, decide what you want to add or replace in your garden. Do you want more flowers, vegetables, native plants, herbs, DIRT THERAPY

By Marrianne an area to ponder or less Taylor maintenance?

After you’ve made some decisions, it’s time to create a master plan. Think of your yard as many rooms; break down each area you envision you’d like to see renewed using some of the elements—an herb garden by the kitchen door, a hammock for resting underneath the tree in the corner, a flower and vegetable garden in the sunniest part of your yard or a private sitting area to observe bird and butterfly activity. You might not be able to build everything at once, but if you add one element to your yard each year, you’ll have your dream yard in next to no time.

You’ve created your plan, you know where you want to beautify the garden with plants, and you have your garden and tool inventory list. Next up, soil: it all begins here for a successful garden to flourish.

• Before you plant, know your soil.

You’ll need to add plenty of organic matter to existing soil, working it in 6 to 8 inches and turning often for easy plantings. Much of the soil in Southern California is clay, which gets compacted over time. Soil becomes deficient of nutrients, so you need to amend often during the growing season. This is where garden patience comes in. It’s good practice to let your amended soil sit a few weeks, allowing

Reata Park flora. Photo: Claire Taylor

healthy organisms to make their home in this rich organic matter. This process will benefit the root system of the plant in the long run. That’s why starting your garden prep in January is a great idea for spring and summer plantings.

• Know your water source and drainage in each planting area. Many plants perish from poor soil, drainage and under- or over-watering. Know your plants’ needs— make sure before planting you know the plants’ lighting, soil and water maintenance requirements.

• Check with your city for water rebates. You’d be surprised how much money you can get back by removing your lawn and replacing it with gardens. Believe it or not, gardens use less water than lawns and continually give back beauty, abundance and thriving wildlife habitats.

• Are you new to gardening or want the latest on garden information? Join us at San Juan Capistrano’s newest park, Reata Park & Event Center, for a free 5-part garden class series hosted by Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens and presented by the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Orange County.

Smart Gardening 101: Learn how to create a successful garden that best fits the new climate dynamics.

Feb. 7 • 10 a.m.

“Smart Gardening Overview” Feb. 21 • 10 a.m.

“What’s in Your Soil?” march 7 • 10 a.m.

“Water Better, Not Wetter” march 28 • 10 a.m.

“What’s Bugging Your Plants” april 4 • 10 a.m.

“Create a Wildlife Habitat In Your Yard” Come to one class or attend all. Classes are free to the public and take place at Reata Park & Event Center, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. Please RSVP early to Goinnative@gmail.com or 949.606.6386. For more information, visit www.goinnative.net. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Guests take their first walk through the Reata Park and Event Center in June 2014. Photo: Brian Park

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

Page 18

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT WWW.THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

FOR LEASE OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE SJC Premiere office space in downtown San Juan Capistrano available ASAP. Newly refurbished with new paint, carpet and upgraded bathroom.

Located on second floor, 550 sf, plenty of natural light, private entrance, and private restroom.

Ideal for small company or sole professional.

Conveniently located close to freeway, downtown shops and restaurants. One year lease of $1250/mo. Please contact Susan Whalen at (805) 543-1794 with your interest.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, JAN. 24, 7 AM 26341 Calle Roberto, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Items for Sale: Baby and Childrens Items- Strollers, Bike, Car Seats, Swings, bather, papsan chair, and many designer clothes at great prices!

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

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY

HELP WANTED LOOKING FOR ELECTRICIAN WITH RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL EXP. Must be able to work San Diego, LA, OC, and IE. Health/401K/Profit shr/Pd vac./Holidays Pre employ Drug screen 714-678-0088 App by appoint.

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 27126 Paseo Espada, Suite 1604, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com

BANKING

Independence Bank

32291 Camino Capistrano, Suite A, 949.373.8963, www.independence-bank.net

ELECTRICIANS

After-Hours Electric

Ca Lic #697355 714.396.2188, 949.573.8386, www.bbb.org

Excel Electric

32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, 949.493.7769, www.excelelectric.com

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Excel Electric - CA #793860

32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, 949.493.7769, www.excelelectric.com

JEWELER

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

32382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, 949.493.3632, www.abbysdesigns.com

MOLD REMOVAL

Jarvis Restoration

31942 Paseo Sagrado, 949.362.5388, www.jarvisrestoration.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Call Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or e-mail dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

San Juan Photo & Digital 32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668, www.sjcphotodigital.com

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

PLUMBING

Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com Page 19

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. 33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B, 949.212.0499

SCHOOLS

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

WATER DAMAGE

Jarvis Restoration

31942 Paseo Sagrado, 949.362.5388, www.jarvisrestoration.com

LIST LOCALS ONLY

USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Winning Rides at O’Side San Juan Capistrano Surgers made trophy rounds at Oceanside WSA event

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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Cameron Duby of San Juan Capistrano took fifth-place in Girls U18 longboard at the Western Surfing Association’s sixth event of the season, Jan. 17 in Oceanside. Photo: Jack McDaniel

ith two dawn-to-dusk days of competition in 26 divisions, for surfers, making it through to a final can involve anything from a stacked straight-to-final heat to a long, hard road beginning with 60 surfers and advancing through many challenging rounds. On Jan. 17 and 18 in Oceanside at the Western Surfing Association’s sixth event of the season, morning temperatures in the 30s—courtesy of a frigid off-shore wind— gave way to warm and sunny afternoons.

And as the days heated up, so did the surfing.

For 39 local tri-city area surfers, claiming a spot on the podium was the exciting culmination to a day of competition in beautiful, glassy conditions at Oceanside Harbor’s South Jetty. Overhead for the groms, the weekend waves offered ample opportunity for competitors from the U9

Micro Grom Push-in division through Legends Over 50 to showcase their prowess on shortboards, longboards, and in the case of the Adaptive division, prone boards and wave skis.

The weekend’s winningest surfer Cameron Duby, hailing from San Juan Capistrano, took home a trio of trophies, winning the Girls U16, taking third in Girls U18 and logging a fi fth-place finish in Girls Longboard U18. Kevin Skvarna, also from San Juan, came in third in both Open Men Longboard and Jr. Longboard U18. Other San Juan finalists included siblings Teresa and Patrick O’Connor—Patrick was sixth in Boys U12 and Teresa second in Girls Longboard U18—and Allie Frost with a third-place in Open Women.

The next WSA of the season is scheduled for Feb. 14 and 15 at the Huntington Beach Pier. CD

The California Football Academy’s boys U14 team won the Awareness Cup in San Juan Capistrano on Jan. 11. Photo: Courtesy

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

Page 20

Scoreboard THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

All four of the academy’s teams will compete in the Cal South State Cup, which takes place in the coming months.

YOUTH SOCCER The California Football Academy had four youth soccer teams advance to their respective championship games at the 4th Annual Awareness Cup in San Juan Capistrano on Jan. 11.

The club’s boys U9, boys U11, boys U13 and boys U14 teams all vied for their respective first-place trophies, with the boys U13 and boys U14 teams coming away victorious.

The U13 team went 2-1 on the weekend, defeating Legacy FC Inter of Diamond Bar 2-0 in the championship game. The U14 team went undefeated at the event, scoring seven goals while conceding zero. It was the fourth time in the U14 team’s last five tournaments in which they’ve reached the finals.

GOLF The Dana Hills High School golf program will be hosting a fundraiser at San Juan Hills Golf Club on Feb. 16. The money raised will be used to help the team with green fees, transportation and equipment for the upcoming season.

Roger Dunn Golf Shop and No Bogeys Golf will be providing prizes and equipment donations at the event.

Green fees for the tournament are $120 per player, which includes a cart, practice range balls, a boxed lunch and prizes. Payment is due Feb. 13. Those who enter the tournament prior to the cut-off date will be entered in a raffle for a $50 gift card.

For more information on the tournament, email frymatt@me.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Capistrano Coyotes Remain Perfect on the Season COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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ith three games remaining on their schedule, the Capistrano Coyotes ice hockey team has a firm grasp on first place in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League Division 2 standings.

The Coyotes, made up of high school ice hockey players throughout the Capistrano Unified School District, are a perfect 12-0 on the season and are nine points clear of second-place Conejo Valley.

The Coyotes have followed up on their impressive 2013 debut throughout their sophomore season, scoring 78 goals while conceding only 32. Their 78 goals scored is second-best in the league and their 32 goals allowed ranks second behind Villa Park, who has only played nine games compared to the Coyotes’ 12.

The Coyotes most recent win came in the form of an 8-5 victory over ninth-place La Jolla on Jan. 4. The Coyotes erased a 4-1 second-period deficit with a flurry of goals from Cameron McCartin, Greg Lee and Mike Boutoussov. McCartin capped off a whirlwind offensive performance in the second period with his second goal of the game, which was the third Coyotes goal in one minute and 21 seconds.

On offense, the Coyotes have four players that have scored eight or more goals, led by Max Kamper’s nine. Austin Erickson, the team’s leader in points, has 11 assists and eight goals on the season.

Boutoussov is second on the team in points with 14.

In goal, the Coyotes have been using the goalie tandem of Curran Allison (.896 save percentage) and Braydon Doppert (.831).

Allison is fifth in the league in saves (129) and goals against average (2.57), and third in save percentage.

JSerra Baseball Hosts MLK Tournament COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he JSerra Catholic baseball program hosted their annual Martin Luther King Jr. preseason baseball tournament this past weekend, drawing some high-profile prep teams to the area.

JSerra, along with Capistrano Valley Christian and several other area high schools, ser ved as host venues for the tournament, which featured 39 teams, up

Dana Hills Rugby Club’s Jaxon Breckenridge runs the ball against Palos Verdes on Dec. 19.

Photo: Courtesy

Dana Rugby Club Prepares for a Trip to the Playoffs COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t looked like the Dana Rugby Club might cap off a perfect regular season in the Southern California Youth Rugby league on Jan. 16. Staring down second-place St. John Bosco in the final regular season match of the year, Dana Rugby Club held a slim one-point lead in the second half. But that 22-21 lead would not hold up, as the Braves rallied late to pull away with a 26-25 victory.

It was the only time the Dana Rugby Club lost a match this year.

The Braves got out to an early 14-0 lead and Dana Rugby was able to bring it to 14-10 at halftime. In the second half, Dana Rugby earned their first lead of the game at 22-21, but St. John Bosco

Capistrano Coyotes forward Max Kamper leads the team with nine goals this season. Photo: Leslie Bird

The Coyotes defense has held opponents to two goals or less in five contests, including one shutout, which came against Newport-Mesa on Dec. 20.

Allison and Erickson will represent the Coyotes at the league’s All-Star game at Honda Center in Anaheim on Jan. 29. Jett Hunter will represent the junior varsity team.

The Coyotes next game will be a road match against San Diego Union on Jan. 31.

The Coyotes defeated San Diego Union 6-2 in their previous matchup on Oct. 11. CD from the 20 or so teams that participated last year, according to Lions head coach Brett Kay. The Lions went 5-2 over their sevengame stretch, thanks in large part to their efforts on the mound. Kay utilized 32 different pitchers over the course of the three-day event.

At the plate, the Lions were led by sophomore Royce Lewis, junior Brady Shockey and senior Jake Pries.

The Lions will not compete in any more preseason tournaments. Instead, they’ll take road trips to compete against unfamiliar opponents like Vista Murrieta and South Hills, in preparation for the upcoming spring season.

The Lions are the reigning Trinity League champions and reached the semifinals of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships in 2014. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch January 23-February 12, 2015

was able to come back and seal the win.

The Dana Rugby club finished the season with a 5-1 overall record and, despite the loss, earned the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Southern California Youth Rugby white division playoffs.

In just their second year as a club, the team outscored their opponents by a combined 216-91 margin over six games.

The local team, which draws players from Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and neighboring cities, will host their first playoff game on Jan. 31 at Vista Hermosa Sports Park in San Clemente. Their opponent is TBA. If Dana Rugby advances, they will play in the Los Angeles division semifinals on Feb. 7. CD

Junior pitcher/first baseman Collin Quinn threw 5 2/3 innings in the MLK Tournament, allowing one hit while striking out five with no walks. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

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