October 28, 2016

Crib to College: An Educational Guide to Your Child’s Success OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

SPECIAL SECTION FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

OCTOBER 28-NOVEMBER 10, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 20

Walking with Ghosts

Paranormal research group leads ghost walks, investigations in San Juan S J C L I V I N G / PAG E 3 5

Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of a ghost look a bit spectral themselves in this long exposure photo taken during a recent Ghost Walk on Los Rios Street. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Council Rejects El Nido Park Owner’s Proposed $403 Rent Hike EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Pearl Harbor Veteran Les Blair Remembered as Devoted, Fun-Loving SJC LIVING/PAGE 39

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SVC Dual Threat QB is Rewriting the Record Books SPORTS/PAGE 40

VOTE FOR THE 2016 BEST OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AT THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

to the city’s rules of order and procedure relating to appeals, abstentions and the placing of items on commission agendas.

Mayor Pam Patterson has also placed an item on the agenda asking the Council to consider the removal of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Robert Parks due to complaints she’s received “regarding inappropriate behavior during commission meetings.” A retired disposal manager, Parks is a 35-year resident of San Juan and has been involved with the city’s Little League for more than two decades.

Five things San Juan should know this week Council Rejects El Nido Park Owner’s Proposed $403 Rent Hike THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council voted unanimously Oct. 17 to approve recommendations from the city’s hearing officer and Housing Advisory Committee to deny a proposed $403 rent increase per month for each unit in El Nido Mobile Estates. The vote was 4-0, with Mayor Pam Patterson absent.

Hearing Officer Michael Roush and the city’s Housing Advisory Committee both recommended the Council instead approve a rent increase of 0.9 percent applied to each unit’s rent or $9.50 per month, whichever is greater; and hold the park owner responsible for a $1,000 administrative deposit.

The Council approved the $9.50 per month, which breaks down to $4.75 per month and an additional $4.75 per month over the next five years to pay back legal and accounting expenses.

This is the second consecutive year that El Nido park owner Richard Worley has sought a rent increase. Last year, Worley sought a $641 increase per unit per month, which was denied by the city’s hearing officer, Housing Advisory Committee and the Council for not being a “fair and reasonable” increase. The amount was lowered to $37 a month.

WHAT’S NEXT: Worley is now required to return any rent paid over the last two months in excess of the recommended 0.9 percent increase to each unit’s rent, or $9.50 per month. —Allison Jarrell

CPUC Scheduled to Make Decision on Proposed SDG&E Substation Expansion THE LATEST: The California Public Utilities Commission was scheduled to make a final decision on the location of San Diego Gas & Electric’s South Orange County Reliability Enhancement (SOCRE) project at its Oct. 27 meeting in San Francisco.

SDG&E is proposing to rebuild and upgrade a portion of its transmission infrastructure in a residential area of

WHAT’S NEXT: Tuesday’s meeting begins at 5 p.m. at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To view the agenda or to watch the meeting online, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org. —AJ South Orange County is playing host to several Halloween events this year, including a tour of Los Rios Street and a haunted tour within the Ocean Institute and its ships. Photo: Ocean Institute/Cliff Wasserman

San Juan Capistrano. The project aims to create a redundant electrical system that would rely on two substations rather than just the current facility in Talega. SDG&E initially filed the proposal for the project about four years ago with the CPUC. In April 2016, a Final Environmental Impact Review for the project was released, which included a new “environmentally superior” project option, called Alternative J. Rather than expanding in San Juan, the alternative involves the expansion of SDG&E’s existing Trabuco substation in Laguna Niguel “to add an additional source of 230-kV power into the South Orange County 138-kV transmission system.”

Historic Maritime Wharf and Brig Pilgrim.

The event runs from 6-9 p.m. each night and is $7 for children ages 10 to 15, $10 for adults or $5 for those not going on the tour. The event is not suitable for children under 10. For more information, visit www.ocean-institute.org/event/spookyseas. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. —AJ

WHAT’S NEXT: The CPUC’s determination was not yet available at press time.

This story will be updated online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com. —AJ

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council will discuss potentially implementing term limits for Council members at its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Also on the docket is discussion of revisiting some of the city’s rules of order, including specifying the purview of city commissions.

On Oct. 4, the Council directed staff to research and bring options back regarding implementing term limits—almost all cities in California with such limits typically set two- or three-term limits. Cities like Dana Point, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel allow Council members to serve two consecutive terms, while Lake Forest and Mission Viejo allow three.

Per state law, implementing term limits would require majority voter approval.

According to staff, placing such a measure on the ballot may be done by either a citizens’ initiative petition signed by at least 10 percent of the city’s registered voters, or by vote of the Council. The deadline for the Council to place a measure on the ballot is 88 days prior to an election—March 9, 2018, for the June election or August 10, 2018, for the November election.

In a separate agenda item, Councilman Derek Reeve is requesting the Council vote to direct city staff and the city attorney to research and return with amendment’s

Tri-Cities Prepare for Halloween THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Dana Point are all playing hosts to several family-friendly Halloween activities this year.

On Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29, a haunted house will be set up on Via Ameno in San Clemente from 6-10 p.m.

The price of admission is a donation of canned goods, which will be donated to Families Assistance Ministries. 1601 Via Ameno, San Clemente.

In San Juan, the Historical Society will lead a spooky walking tour of Los Rios Street. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children. Tours begin at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 31831 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano.

From Saturday, Oct. 29 through Monday, Oct. 31, the Ocean Institute will host a Spooky Seas: Halloween Spooktacular Tour. The tour will begin in a mad scientist lab and continue to the Institute’s

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

City Council to Discuss Possible Term Limits, Potential Commissioner Removal

Page 3

Ashton Sachs Sentenced to Life Without Parole for 2014 SJC Murders THE LATEST: Ashton Colby Sachs, 22, of San Juan Capistrano, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Friday, Oct. 14, for the murder of his parents and attempted murder of two of his siblings, which caused the paralysis of his 8-year-old brother.

“Sachs pleaded guilty on Sept. 20 at his request and without a previously scheduled hearing to two felony counts of special circumstances murder for committing multiple murders, two felony counts of attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation, and sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a firearm causing death, personal use of a firearm causing bodily injury and causing paralysis,” a press release from the Orange County District Attorney stated.

Sachs was living in Seattle before he returned to Orange County with the intent to murder his family, according to the release. On Feb. 9, 2014, he entered his family’s San Juan Capistrano home and shot and murdered his 54-year-old mother, Andra Sachs, and 57-year-old father, Bradford Sachs, as they slept.

Ashton Sachs then entered the bedroom of his 8-year-old brother, shooting and attempting to murder him. The boy survived, but was paralyzed by the shooting. Sachs also shot at and attempted to murder his 17-year-old sister, but she was not struck. After the shooting, Sachs fled to Seattle. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case and arrested him on March 6, 2014.

WHAT’S NEXT: “Sachs was sentenced to consecutively serve two life terms without parole, two life terms, three indeterminate terms of 25 years to life, and 30 determinate years in state prison,” prosecutors said in the release.—Eric Heinz www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

DANA POINT California Coastal Commission to Discuss Dana Point’s Short-Term Rentals California Coastal Commissioners are scheduled to discuss the Executive Director’s determination regarding Dana Point’s recently approved short-term rental ordinance during its Nov. 4 meeting.

In February 2014, the city submitted a Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) for the Commission’s certification, which amended the city’s zoning code ordinance to allow short-term rentals in all zoning districts where residential uses are allowed.

In April, the Commission approved the LCPA with suggested modifications, which were approved by the City Council in September.

The city requested for the Executive Director to determine that the resolution is legally adequate to satisfy the specific requirements set forth in the Commission’s April 14 certification order.

City Manager Doug Chotkevys said this is the normal course of action.

“After an LCPA is passed by the Coastal Commission with modifications, it has to come back to the sponsoring agency for ac-

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO

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.

Tuesday, October 18 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Paseo Terraza, 31900 Block (2:36 a.m.) A rehabilitation house contacted authorities after a 25-year-old man undergoing detox was experiencing panic attacks and displaying manic behavior. The caller told police that the man was beginning to scare staff.

CITIZEN ASSIST Camino De Vista, 26500 Block (2:19 a.m.) A woman called police because her upstairs neighbors were standing outside on their patio and being noisy. The woman told police that this has been an ongoing issue and wanted police to come out and make an arrest. Police found nothing suspicious, and no arrests were made.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Lookout Court, 32400 Block (2:00 a.m.)

A woman reported a paranoid woman

ceptance,” Chotkevys said. “Once the LCPA with suggested modifications is approved, and accepted, by the sponsoring agency, the LCPA is then certified by the Commission.”

The meeting will be held on Friday, Nov. 4 in Half Moon Bay. The meeting can be watched live online at www.coastal.ca.gov.

—Kristina Pritchett

SAN CLEMENTE Fire Heavily Damages Arlie Waterman Field Snack Bar, Announcers Box A fixture of San Clemente youth sports was damaged by a fire early on Sunday, Oct. 23.

The Arlie Waterman Field snack bar, announcers box and portions of the backstop were destroyed in the fire. The total monetary loss is estimated to be $125,000 to the structures and $25,000 to their contents, authorities said. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Bill Lackey said firefighters responded to a call at 1:28 a.m., and the fire was under control in about 10 minutes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Lackey said the cause of the fire “does not look suspicious.”

A few teenagers, young children and parents stopped by Sunday afternoon to see the wreckage. Dave Smith, who grew up playing baseball on the field and coached his children on it, came to see damage.

“It’s just sad. As a kid, I grew up about a half mile away from here, rode my bike five days a week to come over here and play,” Smith said. “The entire league (used to be) based out of here, ages 7 to 12. This is where I developed my passion for baseball.”

Smith said the structure has stayed the same throughout its history, with the exception of some new coats of paint.

Reaching 200 feet from home plate to the outfield fence, the ballpark is nestled in a hidden corner of a neighborhood, located at 402 Calle Bahia at Vista Bahia Park, just across from one of the holes of the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. It’s not far from the coastline, but foliage—including two giant trees beyond center field—and homes block its view of the ocean and nearby surroundings.

Arlie Waterman Field was built in 1954 and hosts various ages of youth baseball teams. Its name was dedicated in 1994 after Arlie Waterman, who was the city’s superintendent of Parks and Recreation for 22 years and one of the founders of San Clemente Little League.

Assistant City Manager Erik Sund said the building was still being analyzed by OCFA on Tuesday and the city’s insurance adjuster is looking at it. Sund said the city wants to conclude those investigations before they decide on anything. —Eric Heinz

Community Meetings TUESDAY, NOV. 1

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 agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Because I Love You (BILY) Meeting

7-9 p.m. every Tuesday. BILY helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. 119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente. www.bilysc.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2

Downtown Farmers Market

3-6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from dozens of vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday.

Visit www.farmersmarketsjc.com or call 949.493.4700 to find out more.

FRIDAY, NOV. 4

Coffee Chat knocking at her door saying that someone was trying to kill her. When the woman opened the door, she discovered it was her 34-year-old daughter, who was eating a marijuana cookie and complaining of pain.

The caller then told the police that her daughter needed medical attention. She was later taken to Mission Hospital.

Monday, October 17 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Ortega Highway/ Interstate 5 (9:40 p.m.)

A Shell gas station employee called police for a second time after a man wearing a bandana and a leather jacket was seen standing at the gas station. Police came and contacted the man, but nothing seemed suspicious and no crimes were committed.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Los Rios Street/Calle Santa Barbara (8:18 p.m.) Police stopped a known gang member who consented to be searched. Police found foil with black tar heroin residue on it.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

VANDALISM REPORT Paseo de Hermosa, 32000 Block (3:59 p.m.) A woman told police that several leaves had been destroyed on her potted plant in her front yard.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (3:33 p.m.)

Police were notified after a blue Honda Civic rolled out of a parking spot and hit several vehicles in the Ralphs parking lot.

WELFARE CHECK Camino De Vista, 26500 Block (8:51 p.m.)

A concerned mother in Texas called police after she got off the phone with her son, who said he was walking around looking for his truck. The woman said that her son was not making sense and she was afraid that he might have relapsed on heroin.

DISTURBANCE Via Flores, 31900 Block (6:11 p.m.) A

woman contacted police after her brother refused to leave her property even though she had a restraining order on him. She told police that her brother has been known to carry guns with him.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Doheny Park Road, 33900 Block (2:34 p.m.) A Staples employee notified police after a known thief left the store in a white Volkswagen convertible with a “do you thrive” sticker on the back.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida de la Vista, 31400 Block (1:17 p.m.) Police were contacted after a woman at the Rancho Sierra Vista Horse Boarding Stables said that she was missing a horse.

PATROL CHECK Avenida Pescador/Camino Las Ramblas (12:31 p.m.) A man notified police after he saw a tent had been set up in the wooded area of the park and “a fairly new snowboard” was being stored underneath the foot bridge.

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8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano.

All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

MONDAY, NOV. 7

Trails and Equestrian Commission Meeting

6 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Trails and Equestrian Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

TUESDAY, NOV. 8

Election Day

7 a.m.- 8 p.m. Polls open early and close late throughout San Juan Capistrano on Election Day. To find your polling place and to see more information, visit www.ocvote.com.

Planning Commission Meeting

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

THURSDAY, NOV. 10

Design Review Committee Meeting

4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www. sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

FRIDAY, NOV. 11

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC EYE ON THE ELECTION 2016

City Council Candidates Discuss Issue of Sober Living Facilities

at the state level, but until that happens, the city needs to express its opposition to the current situation.

“As a city, we should lobby against sober living homes as they’re currently being used,” he said. “I think we also need to separate the sober living homes that are only there for profit.”

A

For our final question, we asked:

The proliferation of mismanaged sober living facilities in San Juan Capistrano has negatively impacted the quality of life of some of the city’s residents.

How would you change the way the city addresses and regulates such facilities?

fully fund code enforcement officers and communication with our residents,” she said.

Ronda Mottl

Jim Schneider

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

s part of The Capistrano Dispatch’s ongoing coverage of the San Juan Capistrano City Council election, we asked each of the seven candidates five questions about local issues. In the editions of The Dispatch leading up to the Nov. 8 election, we’re publishing their answers in the order their names will appear on the ballot.

the Orange County Grand Jury, asking them to take a look at the issue.

“I’m very sympathetic to people,” Kramer said. “It’s just a very difficult one to crack right now, and I’m hoping that our legislatures can help us out.”

Nathan Banda

Businessman/City of San Juan Capistrano Commissioner Banda said regulating sober living homes is a hard subject to address at the city level. He noted that residents’ concerns over mismanaged sober living facilities are valid and preserving their quality of life—and their kids’ quality of life—is important to him.

Banda gave credit to Senator Pat Bates and Assemblyman Bill Brough for the work they’re doing at the state level to address the issue.

“It’s really a state issue—there’s nothing more we can really do on a local level,” Banda said. “I know Huntington Beach has poured $10 million into it because they have the money. We don’t have that money.

“We need to be mindful and not get ourselves into more litigation,” Banda added. “We just can’t keep affording these lawsuits.”

Professional Geologist/Professor Schneider said without a law preventing a homeowner from renting out their property out as a sober living facility, it’s their option to do so. However, he does feel that the number of homes in the city could be capped.

Schneider said he would also like to see limitations implemented on traffic to and from facilities from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. so that vans aren’t “showing up at all hours of the day.”

“If you have a business in San Juan Capistrano, you’re not supposed to have deliveries at your home address from FedEx or anybody else at certain times of day,” Schneider said. “So the limitation would be similar to that.”

Schneider said the city should also be talking with nearby city leaders to work on the problem collaboratively.

Media Executive Mottl said she feels “very strongly” about sober living homes—they’re “helpful,” but “very transient in nature.”

“It’s a way for people to help pay their mortgage and so forth, but it’s not fair to the residents who work so hard to live where they live and pay their property taxes,” Mottl said. “Those residents probably wouldn’t have lived there if they knew they were moving next to a sober home facility.”

Mottl said there needs to be increased regulation, like “a limit on how many people can live in a household.” She added that the city should consider a ban on sober living homes, much like the temporary ban passed in Laguna Niguel.

“Why don’t we do that too? Our taxpayers deserve that,” Mottl said.

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 1

Brian Maryott

Mechelle Lawrence Adams

Sergio Farias

Small Business Owner Farias said while he likes the idea of sober living homes, he doesn’t feel they’ve been executed properly in the area.

“I’ve seen firsthand what they do to communities and neighborhoods—they create a transient population that doesn’t have investment in their community like the homeowners do,” Farias said. “I think we need to do something about our country’s and our city’s addiction problem.”

Farias said the issue of mismanaged sober living facilities needs to be examined

Larry Kramer

Retired Submarine Captain “For people who do want to get sober from drugs and alcohol, I think it’s important to have those kinds of facilities,” Kramer said of sober living homes. “But it seems like a lot of them are getting mismanaged and they’re just moneymakers.”

Kramer said changes in regulation need to be made at the state and federal level.

He added that more deputies and code enforcement officers are needed in order to respond to criminal acts and code violations on a real-time basis.

Kramer said he has written a letter to

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

Director, Historic Mission Lawrence Adams said the city needs “to let the federal government set the lead, because it’s an ADA issue and a human rights issue.”

At the city level, she said work needs to be done to “regulate secondary impacts,” like making sure “residents know who to call when their quality of life is impacted.”

“We need to be mindful that we don’t disrespect people who are suffering from addiction or are recovering, but we also need to make sure we protect the quality of life of the people living in these neighborhoods,” she said.

Lawrence Adams said San Juan shouldn’t go solo on creating new regulations because it could expose the city to more litigation.

“That money would be better served to

Page 6

Financial Services Executive Maryott said the proliferation of sober living facilities in the area is due in part to a “perfect storm” of cheap money, increasing demand for treatment homes and a “well-intentioned state statute structure that never foresaw [the industry] meeting up with big business.”

“This is going to take a concerted effort by city officials, state legislators and our Congressman’s office,” he said.

Maryott said relief could be achieved with two courses of action: the state legislature could allow cities to implement distance requirements between treatment homes, and state statutes could be amended so facilities are treated like foster homes—meaning that for-profit homes would have to be in commercially zoned areas and not-for-profits could exist in residential communities.

“I think that would … leave us with wellintentioned people running those businesses,” Maryott said. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC EYE ON THE ELECTION 2016

Big Decisions

California voters will determine the fate of several major state ballot propositions this year

BY MATT CORTINA AND MAGGIE FETTERLY, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

s part of our ongoing coverage of the 2016 election, The Capistrano Dispatch selected several ballot propositions that all California voters will face in November to dissect. This week, we’re taking a look at Proposition 64, which would legalize recreational marijuana sales, and Propositions 62 and 66, which are competing to determine whether to abolish the death penalty, or, in a way, actually speed it up.

For information on all the ballot propositions, or on any of this year’s local or state races, head online to www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

PROPOSITIONS 62 AND 66

To Mend or End the Death Penalty California’s Prop. 62 would repeal the death penalty in the state. The proposition, if approved, will replace the death penalty with the sentence of life without the possibility of parole as the maximum punishment. The measure would also require the individual found guilty to work while in state prison in order to pay restitution to their victims’ families.

However, another proposition on the ballot, Prop. 66, would keep the death penalty in place but change the procedure to speed up the appeals process in the courts.

The controversial history of the death penalty in California began in 1972, when the California Supreme Court decided to abolish the death penalty, deeming it unconstitutional. However, in 1978, voters approved Prop. 7 to re-institute the death penalty in California. According to proponents’ statements in the state’s official Voter’s Guide, since 1978, 13 inmates have been executed in the state of California, costing a total of about $5 billion to taxpayers throughout the years.

Californians rejected a measure to ban capital punishment in 2012.

The main argument for Prop. 62 is twofold: first, advocates say it would prevent potentially innocent people from being put to death; and second, taxpayers would save money by building a cost effective

system that creates opportunity for work, and closure for the victims’ families.

According to proponents, taxpayers would save $150 million per year if Prop.

62 passes. It is also argued that the risk in executing an innocent person and racial inequality in the criminal justice system would be improved.

Those who oppose the initiative argue it would be too expensive for taxpayers and would protect criminals instead of protecting the victims’ rights.

Proposition 66, meanwhile, proposes a mend to the trial system that would speed up appeals but not abolish the death penalty. Supporters of Prop. 66 argue that taxpayers won’t pay for these criminals while they wait on death row for 30 or more years due to the faster and more efficient court system created.

Prop. 66 would require trial courts to be in charge of petitions challenging death penalty convictions with a time frame for review and an appointed attorney to only work these types of cases. Prop. 66 follows the same compensation requirements to the victims’ families.

Allison Martin, campaign spokesperson for Yes on Prop. 62, said, “California’s death penalty is broken beyond repair.

Prop. 66’s exorbitant price tag and extreme proposed remedy prove just how irreplaceable California’s death penalty system is. Prop. 62 is the only real solution to our failed death penalty.”

Both propositions offer solutions to the death penalty process in California, but both are at far ends of the spectrum on how to do so. If both propositions are approved, whichever initiative has the most yes votes will be enacted and the other will not. —Maggie Fetterly For Prop. 62 Former President Jimmy Carter, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, California Democratic Party, California NAACP, several ACLU groups, select religious and humanist organizations Contributions for Prop. 62 Yes on 62, No on 66 (Taxpayers for Sentencing Reform): $7,220,713.82.

Million Voter Project Action Fund: $1,755,000.

For Prop. 66 California Republican Party, dozens of law enforcement advocacy groups, and dozens of district attorneys and sheriffs throughout California.

Contributions for Prop. 66 Californians to Mend, not End, the Death Penalty (Supported by Prosecutors and Law Enforcement): $4,664,882.70 No on Prop 62 (political action committee): $8,372,260.10

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

PROPOSITION 64

To Legalize Marijuana Medical marijuana has been legal in California since 1996. Prop. 64 would legalize recreational marijuana—that is, you wouldn’t need a doctor’s note—for adults over 21 years of age, with a lot of stipulations.

If passed, smoking marijuana in public and while driving would be illegal, as would possession in school zones. Californians would be able to possess up to 28.5 grams at a time, and could cultivate six plants at home.

In order to sell marijuana, businesses would be required to get a state license.

On top of that, municipalities would be able to ban the sale of recreational marijuana, but they won’t receive a share of the tax revenue. Businesses would also not be able to sell within 600 feet of a school, day care center or youth center.

A newly reformatted Bureau of Marijuana Control would regulate and license marijuana businesses. Though both medical and recreational marijuana sales are technically illegal under federal law, the Department of Justice, under President Obama’s direction, has said it would not prosecute those following local and state marijuana sales laws. Currently, recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska, and in addition to California, voters in Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada and Arizona will also be voting on statewide legalization measures. Half the country currently allows either medical or recreational marijuana sales.

Two new taxes would be created and levied on cultivation and retail sales of marijuana. Revenue from the taxes would be used to fund drug research, youth programs, remedies to environmental concerns regarding marijuana cultivation, and an initiative to help police determine whether or not a driver is high. The taxes would include $9.25 per ounce for flowers (aka buds) and $2.75 per ounce for leaves, with exceptions for certain medical marijuana sales and cultivation. The other tax would be a 15 percent tax on the retail price of marijuana. Local governments, if they allow recreational marijuana sales, could add on additional local taxes.

Penalties for using or possessing marijuana underage include community service and drug counseling. If businesses are caught selling illegally, they would face jail time and fines.

Proponents of Prop. 64 say legalization is a long time coming.

“Marijuana is available nearly everywhere in California—but without any protections for children, without assurances of product safety, and without generating tax revenue for the state,” wrote Steven Downing, deputy chief of the L.A. Police Department, and Donald Lyman, chief of chronic disease at the California Department of Public Health, in the proposition’s

Page 8

Via Prop. 64, California voters will decide whether or not to become the fifth state in the U.S. to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana.

Photo: Public Domain

official support statement.

Proponents expect about $1 billion every year in new tax revenue should Prop.

64 pass, and the nearly 8,800 marijuanarelated felony arrests to cease upon legalization.

Opponents claim that Prop. 64 would double automobile accidents, citing the proposition’s lack of standards for “high driving”—the measure only includes a mechanism to finance research on the subject. They also claim danger, citing that people will be able to grow plants inside their home, inside of school zones.

Opponents also claim ads for smoking will increase, the black market for drugs will increase, and underprivileged neighborhoods will experience a proliferation of marijuana retail shops nearby, hurting the local community. —Matt Cortina For Prop. 64 California Democratic Party, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, ACLU of California, California NAACP, California Nurses Association Contributions for Prop. 64 Yes on 64 (business, physician, environmental and social justice PAC): $15,156,939.70 Drug Policy Action (nonprofit): $4,470,000 Fund for Policy Reform (nonprofit): $4,237,000 Against Prop. 64 California Republican Party, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rep. Bill Brough and dozens of sheriffs, district attorneys and police organizations Contributions against Prop. 64 No on Prop. 64 (California Public Safety Institute): $1,124,001.16 Sam Action Inc. (nonprofit): $1,364,000

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Beth Carney, owner of local designer boutique Conservatory @ Curiosity, hosted her first event in support of VFW Post 5868 on Oct. 21. The next two events are set for Nov. 11 and Dec. 16 from 6-9 p.m.

Photo: Debra Wells

Conservatory @ Curiosity Hosts Events to Support Veterans Beth Carney, owner of local designer boutique Conservatory @ Curiosity, is hosting two upcoming events at her shop on Nov. 11 and Dec. 16 from 6-9 p.m. to benefit the VFW Post 5868 in Laguna Beach. During each event, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served and 20 percent of all sales will be donated to the VFW Post 5868.

Conservatory @ Curiosity is located at 31761 Camino Capistrano, Suite 12, in San Juan Capistrano. For more information on the events, call 949.240.9100.

Deadline is Oct. 28 for Design Review Committee Applications Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 from residents interested in filling a vacancy on the city’s Design Review Committee. The City Council will appoint a citizen-at-large member to the committee.

The appointee must be a registered voter in the city of San Juan Capistrano. The appointee is also required by state law to file Fair Political Practices Commission conflict of interest statements upon appointment, annually, and upon leaving office.

The Design Review Committee consists

of two at-large members, one at-large alternate to serve in the absence of the appointed regular member, one Planning Commission member and one Planning Commission alternate to serve in the absence of the appointed regular member.

Committee members have a design background in planning, architecture, landscape architecture or similar experience related to the design of physical improvements and buildings.

Duties of the Design Review Committee include reviewing and making recommendations to development applicants on the design of projects for compliance with the goals and policies of the city’s General Plan Community Design Element.

Application forms are available through the city’s website at www.sanjuancapistrano.org. Hard copies are also available at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. today at City Hall. All questions concerning the committee or the application process can be directed to the City Clerk at 949.493.1171.

Residents Notified of NonHarmful Bacteria Found in September Water Samples San Juan Capistrano City Manager Ben Siegel notified residents this month via a message in their water bill that on two days in September, non-harmful forms of coliform bacteria were found in water samples taken at different locations throughout San Juan.

“The findings did not pose a hazard to our customers and all subsequent weekly tests have confirmed that the water supply continues to be safe,” Siegel said in a statement.

According to the city’s release, coliform are generally benign and naturally present in the environment. However, coliform can indicate the occurrence of potentially harmful bacteria like E. coli. Siegel said all of the city’s tests were negative for E. coli. Officials were “unable to determine what caused the temporary presence of the coliform.”

Siegel said the city consulted with state water officials and conducted an internal review of the city’s water system. Moving forward, the city will: • Begin annual flushing of water lines • More frequently inspect the system’s connections with other water systems to better identify potential sources of contamination • Increase the random retesting of cross-connection tests done by thirdparty testers • Implement a weekly inspection of major facilities “At no time was the water a risk to public health,” Siegel said in a statement. “If any testing were to indicate even the most remote risk to public health, we would initiate an immediate mass notification.”

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

Residents with additional questions can contact the city’s customer service department at 949.493.1515 or visit the city’s website at drinkingwater.sanjuancapistrano.org.

City to Host Seniors and Safe Driving Presentation An ombudsman with the California Department of Motor Vehicles will host a special presentation at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. Those in attendance will learn about the new DMV touch screen testing process, the top 10 errors made when taking a driving test, testing options available to seniors, aging and its effect on driving, signs of unsafe driving, and defensive driving course options to correct bad driving habits. To RSVP, call 949.443.6358 or register in person at the SJC Community Center.

Volunteers Needed for Letters to Santa Holiday Program The city of San Juan Capistrano is looking for volunteer letter writers for the Letters to Santa holiday program. Volunteers respond to letters and wish lists sent in by children in the community from Nov. 7 to Dec. 16.

Volunteers must have excellent creative writing skills along with good handwriting or printing. Letters can be written from home, and all supplies are provided. Call San Juan Capistrano Community Services at 949.493.5911 for more information.

New Community Center Art Program Begins Nov. 7 Art & Creativity for Healing, Inc. will offer a free program for seniors at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center every Monday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. beginning Nov. 7. Class size is limited to 10 students each session.

Art & Creativity for Healing, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that facilitates fine art classes and workshops for seniors using creative, abstract painting on canvas as a method of expressing loneliness, aging, grief, stress, fear or economic hardship.

All participants create three canvases in each workshop that can be taken home.

To RSVP, call 949.443.6358 or register in person at the SJC Community Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion.

Fashion Show to Raise Funds for Affordable Health Care High fashion models will walk the runway at the 2016 Camino Health Center Auxiliary Fashion Show and Luncheon on Nov. 4 at the Monarch Beach Resort. Pre-

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sented by South Coast Plaza, the luncheon will include a gourmet lunch, premier silent auction items and luxury opportunity raffles. This year’s runway show will feature fashions from Anne Fontaine, Bally, Brunello Cucinelli, DKNY, Diane von Furstenberg, Maje, MaxMara, Ralph Lauren, Sandro and St. John.

Since its inception in 1984, the auxiliary has raised more than $6 million in support of Camino Health Center, which is affiliated with Mission Hospital. A federally qualified health center with locations in San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Lake Forest, Camino Health Center is devoted to meeting the health care needs of uninsured and underinsured residents.

The center depends heavily on financial support from the community.

Proceeds from the fashion show will allow Camino Health Center to provide vital primary medical care, mental health and wellness services, family dental care and nutrition care.

To make a reservation for the fashion show, visit www.mission4health.com/ caminofs or contact Christy Welch at christy.welch@stjoe.org or 949.364.4225.

Orange County Grand Jury Recruitment for 2017-2018 The Orange County Superior Court has started the Grand Jury recruitment process. In the next few months, Superior Court judges and current grand jurors will be speaking to members of local community organizations about serving on the Grand Jury. Some of the responsibilities of grand jurors include having the opportunity to investigate the performance of county, city and other local agencies, look into citizen concerns and local government agencies, and verify tax dollars are spent wisely. The application deadline is Jan. 20. Qualified applicants serve a one-year term that begins June 30, 2017.

For more information about community meetings, responsibilities and qualifications, visit www.ocgrandjury.org or call the Grand Jury hotline at 657.622.6747.

SOCGEMS Annual Holiday Bazaar The South Orange County Gem & Mineral Society’s (SOCGEMS) annual “Holiday Bizarre Bazaar is scheduled from 7:15-9:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 in the multi-purpose room at the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville in San Clemente. Each vendor/ member of SOCGEMS will display and sell various items, such as jewelry, rocks, fossils and assorted items. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. Call 949.498.8358 for more information.

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Another Set of Ideas

so that we’re ready for the changes in the future.”

Donchak said that by 2045, there will be additional lanes added to the I-5 in San Diego County and some of them will be managed with a toll facility. Unless San Clemente adjusts for this future project, Donchak said, it could make for some congested traffic.

TCA unveils proposals for toll roads, traffic alleviation throughout South Orange County

BY ERIC HEINZ, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

ince at least 2008, the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) has been trying to find a way to connect the 241 Toll Road to Interstate 5 by way of San Clemente and its neighboring areas.

Plans to build a toll road through Trestles was defeated in 2008 and again in early 2015, but TCA is now holding consensus meetings to gather data from the public to address a broader issue that seems inevitable: alleviating traffic through the South Orange County corridor.

TCA recently hosted two meetings to hear public input about finding transportation alternatives to the I-5 and other existing transportation infrastructure.

One such meeting took place Oct. 5 at St. Andrews by-the-Sea in San Clemente, where more than 200 people attended, according to TCA officials. The information from the meeting was then presented to a community task force on Oct. 19. Some of the ideas discussed included roads that would go through Cristianitos; a long road from Ortega Highway that would eventually connect to Avenida Pico; more lanes to the I-5 corridor in San Clemente; traffic light synchronization; more bike lanes; and increasing train frequency.

The planning, environmental studies and conception of any plan will take at least seven to 10 years, TCA officials said.

Meanwhile, another obstacle any plan must consider is the increasing number of families coming into Rancho Mission Viejo, which is still being filled and is planned to be built out in 10 to 20 years—the development area has about 14,000 homes. Positioned just north of San Juan Capistrano, many Rancho Mission Viejo homes are located at the junction of Ortega Highway and the end of La Pata, and people at the Oct. 5 meeting said development there will affect traffic coming down through San Clemente.

SOLICITING IDEAS FROM THE PUBLIC Mike Chesney, chief strategy officer of the TCA, said the TCA started conducting community input and gathering consensus data in early 2015 to see what transportation options would be preferable for residents. A task force was formed to provide regional transportation representation.

Jeff Corless, managing director of Venture Strategic, a consulting firm working with the TCA, said the latest proposals use information from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and

Juliet Su, a staff member with Get Moving Orange County, explains some of the proposals put together by the Transportation Corridor Agecnies during a community meeting Oct. 5 at St. Andrews by-the-Sea in San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

Southern California Association of Governments as well as other stakeholders.

These proposals take into consideration any infrastructure that could be in place by 2035.

“This is solving a problem defined by the public and verified by a significant amount of data and planning documents,” Chesney said. “The working group decided it would be important to launch a public input forum series … and incorporate the needs and priorities.”

One of the challenges of improving transportation routes, especially in south San Clemente, is the potential of impacting natural resources.

“The San Mateo Watershed is an environmentally sensitive area,” Chesney said.

“Any major large transportation project has to go through the CEQA and NEPA process, and it’s a very deliberate process in knowing what you have to do for mitigation. If you affect an acre, you have to normally give back more than an acre.”

There’s also the potential, in these early stages, that any given proposal will not contribute to the flow of traffic in a significant way.

The plans and data are compiled by Get Moving Orange County, a general brand used by TCA for people to peruse information and ask questions regarding the toll roads.

Using the information from past proposals has been critical in understanding the priorities of residents in the area, Chesney said.

“Soliciting input from leaders in the community and people who have opposed the project in the past has been a key component of this,” Chesney said. “This is a much better process to address the transportation issues.”

The Toll Roads are funded largely by toll revenue bonds to finance the roads.

The tolls collected on the roads pay back the debt. Some funding sources for the proposed extensions include OCTA Measure M funding, future TCA surplus toll revenue and competitive grants for bicycle lane additions.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

There are also ideas to get more train frequency through South Orange County, but some of the costs could be prohibitively expensive ($8 billion for a tunnel, for instance, was just an estimate).

“Clearly, as an agency we’re tasked with planning for the future, and 2035 numbers are what we’re basing this on,” Chesney said. “Some say we’re already at a critical threshold (of traffic).”

In order to implement the proposals, a wide array of permitting and getting access to certain areas will be critical.

“The process of evaluating impacts is done through technical studies, right-ofway impacts, social justice impacts, air and water impacts,” Chesney said. “Those have to be approved by everyone involved, and input from the public has to be addressed. There’s definitely interest to see open spaces protected.”

During the Oct. 5 meeting, Orange County Board of Supervisors Chair Lisa Bartlett said she wants to see what the data reveals from the consensus forums.

“I’m all about process, and I think right now we want to get all the stakeholders to give input to the process,” Bartlett said.

“We need to think collaboratively (about projects) that work for South Orange County.”

San Clemente City Councilwoman Lori Donchak, who is the current chair of the OCTA board of directors, said current projects need to be evaluated before moving forward with future proposals.

“I’m looking at it from a regional point of view, and the first order of business is we need to make sure that Avenida La Pata is doing what it’s supposed to do,” Donchak said, adding that gathering data on how people are using the road, signage and other safety measures need to be put in place to adequately understand its function. The La Pata Connection was completed in August.

“The second order of business is to get the Ortega Highway widened,” she said.

“The third option, which I’m a big fan of, is extending the carpool lane from Pico on the I-5 to the San Diego County border

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ENVIRONMENTAL AND CIVIC CONCERNS San Clemente resident Kevin Nelson, the founder of the Nature Commission, an organization that has been outspoken against any toll roads coming through San Clemente, said these plans are basically a repeat of what was proposed in 2008 and again in early 2015.

“All that land south of Ortega is wild and is in a very important network of watersheds and animal habitat and for people because it’s one large mass,” Nelson said.

Nelson drew particular attention to one of the options that runs around the east side of the Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy.

Disturbing the land within the areas proposed, he said, could have irreversible consequences.

“If you don’t save the species and the watersheds, then you’re sure as hell not going to have things for the people,” he said. “I’m essentially sure that people in the future will ask, ‘What happened in Southern California, where everything was taken in a rush of greed?’”

Areas such as the land in the Cristianitos Campground, an area deemed of historical significance with the Acjachemen and Juaneño native tribes, is another environmental concern, considering a few of the proposals.

“From my standpoint, I think of nature as a whole system,” Nelson said. “The laws give environmentalists and specific species that are disappearing … the tools to (oppose development), and I think that’s good, but it doesn’t necessarily subscribe to (the fact that with conservation) it’s the whole enchilada.”

San Clemente resident Don Kunze said he has been opposing toll road proposals for decades, but he said he wants to present a solution. Kunze was at the meeting with his own poster board.

“Most of the alternatives that they’re showing would come through the city of San Clemente, somehow, and connect to the 5,” Kunze said. “Where are people going and where are they coming from? I’d like to think about taking care of Ortega and … give people a different alternative.

Prove to me where people are going and where they’re coming from. We want people to come to our town, but we also want alternatives.” CD To see the different proposals, visit www. thecapistranodispatch.com and find the article with this same headline. Files will be provided there. To see raw data from the TCA and Get Moving Orange County, visit www.getmovingoc.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME, LET’S WORK TOGETHER AFTER ELECTION DAY —Tina Auclair, San Juan Capistrano San Juan Capistrano—we have choices to make, Election Day and beyond.

In a little over a week, it will be time to select the people that align most with our political views, the people we believe will provide us with what we feel is a favorable result on important items facing our cities, school district, water district and our very nation. As we enter this season of deciding on who will lead us in these areas, we must understand that our part does not end on Election Day. In fact, what we choose to do the day after the election may prove the most important decision of all.

It may be hard to celebrate a victory for any candidate you did not support, but think beyond the candidate—think about the city. The day after the election, all of those political signs telling you which candidate to vote for will be rendered useless—but what would happen if that’s when we begin to act? We can do our part by simply deciding that we want to help the city move in a positive direction.

We will have to choose to move forward or backward, forgive or hold grudges, listen or ignore, build bridges or tear down relationships, divide or unite. Make it your choice to seek truthful information and not rely on everything you read. Make it your choice to put the past stories to rest and look for positive new ones. Make it your choice to be part of the solution. Lay down the old armor and move toward each other.

It’s not hard to recognize that at the end of the day, we’re all just neighbors sharing one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Make it your choice to be grateful, kind and understanding. Look for the common ground and make a stand alongside your neighbor. Let’s work together to assure our town will thrive with goodwill and prosperity—isn’t that the vision we all have for our community anyway? “…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” –Philippians 4 NKJV

CONFLICT OF INTEREST FOR CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE? —Gary Gossard, San Juan Capistrano Mechelle Lawrence Adams, executive director of Mission San Juan Capistrano, is a current City Council candidate for

District 5. My concern is that if elected, she will have a conflict of interest and not be able to vote on many important City Council matters that impact the downtown and/or the Mission.

Word on the street is that if something benefits a council member’s employer but not the council member personally, then there is no conflict. Looking at the text of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, I reach a different conclusion for someone in an executive position at a business. Here is text from that website: “Under the Act, a public official has a disqualifying conflict of interest in a governmental decision if it is foreseeable that the decision will have a financial impact on his or her personal finances or other financial interests. In such cases, there is a risk of biased decision-making that could sacrifice the public’s interest in favor of the official’s private financial interests.

To avoid actual bias or the appearance of possible improprieties, the public official is prohibited from participating in the decision.”

There are five types of interests that may result in disqualification, including: “Income. An individual or an entity from whom the official has received income or promised income aggregating to $500 or more in the previous 12 months…”

The Mission is an entity that presumably has paid Lawrence Adams more than $500 in 2016, and is presumably offering her a 2017 salary of more than $500. I think there would be a conflict if she were to vote on policy, zoning, downtown San Juan improvements, parking or anything else from which the Mission might either gain or lose revenue.

Lawrence Adams’ potential conflict of interest would be further aggravated if she receives incentive compensation from the Mission, such as any bonus, goal-meetingincentive, merit increase or annual raise in pay influenced by the Mission’s financial success or lack thereof. City-funded infrastructure projects, number of visitors per year, gate revenue, membership numbers, gift shop income and dollars received in any way, all contribute to the Mission’s success and could create conflicting scenarios.

Even if there is not a formal performance bonus or incentive-pay contract in place, it stands to reason that, as the executive director, Lawrence Adams’ future income will be influenced by the success of the Mission.

VOTE ‘NO’ ON MEASURE M —Jim Kirkwood, San Clemente Do you ever get tired of Capistrano Unified School District saying, “If we only had more money, we would be able to serve our students and community better?” Have you ever noticed that the only answer to education is the need for more money?

The truth is, no matter how much money

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

taxpayers give CUSD, they manage to squander my taxes on everything except making our children and the facilities a priority.

I have lived in San Clemente for 28 years and have had great experiences with teachers, arts programs, school staff, sports and many of the parent-led volunteer programs. However, my experiences with the district administration officials and the trustees have been disingenuous.

It is disturbing that CUSD passed a 25-year bond 15 years ago and many of the very same facility commitments that were proposed back then are being promoted again in Measure M. That means they want us to continue paying for the old bond for another 10 years and approve a new $900 million, 35-year bond, which is the largest bond in Orange County history.

I encourage my fellow citizens to vote “no” on Measure M.

ALTHOUGH EXPENSIVE, MEASURE M CAN HELP FUNDING NEEDS —Mike Conlon, San Clemente I’m not one of those citizens who reject all taxes because of government mismanagement of funds. I don’t think the public services we enjoy appear via patriotic slogans and low bidders. However, even though Measure M would raise my taxes hundreds of dollars a year over decades, I can immediately see the application of this “investment” at the San Clemente High School site.

Some suggest waiting for a smaller local bond measure. However, Measure M has a greater possibility of passing in the district as a whole. Initial and significant funds would first be directed to San Clemente and its feeder schools, because they need repairs and upgrades the most.

Additionally, this year only, California’s Proposition 51, currently polling well, will match local funds raised up to $229 million. If we don’t pass any measure this year, this matching funding is gone.

So, I will monitor reports from the mandated citizen oversight committee, and I will vote for the board member who promises to focus on keeping our tax dollars on track. After all, it’s my investment in the future education of our children.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 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.

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett

Finance Director > Mike Reed

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Victor Carno Debra Holm Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 20. 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.

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CRIB TO COLLEGE

AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

In this edition of Crib to College, we chose to include stories that help inform and appeal to students, parents, teachers and community members of all ages. We share stories about outstanding students, help parents think about financing college, showcase innovative schools and more. You’ll hear the opinions of South Orange County schools from foreign exchange students, and find ways that kids, and kids at heart, can use community offerings to enrich their education.

Places

TO GO

Things

TO SEE South Orange County is home to dozens of regular and year-round activities for kids

By Andrea Papagianis

There are a bevy of opportunities for kids of all ages to experience culture in South Orange County. Whether it’s attending a theatrical production, checking out museum exhibits, getting outside or more, kids in the tri-cities can explore what the world has to offer, all within a 20-minute drive.

Here are some upcoming events and exhibitions, along with year-round destinations and ongoing offerings.

TAKING CENTER STAGE Enter the enchanting wizarding world as a live symphony orchestra performs each note from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone while the magical film plays on a titan screen. Shows run Nov. 11-13. $49-$99.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556-2787, www.scfta.org. ’Tis the season to share a holiday classic with the entire family. The heartwarming Miracle on 34th Street sees Macy’s jolly Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, confirmed as the true merriment-spreading, toy-giving man in red. Runs Nov. 25-Dec. 18.

Tickets are $27-$37. El Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Caspers Wilderness Park is an ideal place to get lost and learn from nature. Photo: Courtesy of OC Parks

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

Discover the region’s natural backdrop on a one-mile, ranger-led hike through Bell Canyon. Hikes are held each Sunday from 8-9 a.m. Suitable for all ages. $5 a vehicle parking fee. Caspers Wilderness Park, 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com.

It’s kids’ turn to take the stage. Cast members from ages 4 to 16 will answer the call of the Acting Academy for Kids to bring the Oscar-winning twisted fairytale Shrek to life. The beloved green ogre Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona, Lord Farquaad and misfit band of creatures take the stage March 19, 25 and 26. Rehearsals begin in January.

Casts will have three rehearsals over the course of the spring. Participation fee $395-$495 plus materials and costume costs. El Camino Real Playhouse, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

A DAY AT THE MUSEUM Through the new year, join the “heroes in a half shell,” the pizza-fanatic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and put your problemsolving and collaboration skills to the test cracking puzzles, navigating mazes and overcoming obstacles in the sewer. Tickets start at $12.95. Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823, www.discoverycube.org.

Explore special exhibits featuring interactive art, nature and science activities during the annual Art & Nature Festival exploring art’s

Each second Sunday, track whale seasons on this 1.5-mile hike. Greys from fall to spring, blues in summer, watch from the Dana Point Headlands as the ocean’s largest creatures migrate through local waters.

Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, 949.248.3527, www.danapoint.org.

Explore one of California’s most visited beaches. San Onofre State Beach offers kayaking, surfing, swimming, fishing and more. Overnight camping in three campgrounds is available. The natural playground is located just three miles south of San Clemente on I-5. 949.492.4872, www.parks.ca.gov/sanonofre.

entwinement with the natural world. Festival runs Nov. 3-6. From 2-5 p.m. on the events last day admission is free for the Family Festival Sunday. Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8971, www. lagunaartmuseum.org.

Sixth- through eighth-graders are invited to hang out, play games, watch movies and do crafts every Wednesday. Tween Scene is held from 3:30- 5:30 p.m. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org/ libloc/sc.

Prominent female scientists across the study spectrum lead hands-on workshops for middle and high school aged girls aimed at giving participants an inside look at careers in oceanography, ecology, marine biology, biochemistry and more. Registration opens Nov. 14. Conferences held on Feb. 18 and March 18. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

GRAB A TALL TALE Tuesday is kids’ day at the Dana Point Library. Toddler story-time kicks off the festivities at 10 a.m., followed by the all-ages Stay and Play at 10:30 a.m. and preschool story-time at 11 a.m. Then, mans’ best friend becomes a beginning reader’s perfect story companion at 2:30 p.m. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

Join the fun each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. for stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish. All ages are welcome. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

GROW WITH OTHERS The Community Outreach Alliance (COA) is the answer to many teens’ gripe of “I have nothing to do.” Instead of developing bad habits, COA connects kids with each other in a variety of programs.

COA helps create relationships through healthy lifestyles, and does so via art and music lessons, an open mic jam night, a bike club, a gaming network, sports groups and more. 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, 949.388.0114, www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

CRIB TO COLLEGE

AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

OutStANdiNg Kids Local students highlight what South Orange County youth has to offer

By Matt Cortina

Three local students are doing South Orange County proud at home and across the country. Whether they’re running aeronautical missions, presenting scientific lectures at museums or, you know, saving the planet, these three young people are using their talents to make the world a better place.

WilLIam REdMonD

Aeronautical Engineer Student Shorecliffs Middle School’s William Redmond recently graduated from the renowned Space and Aviation Challenge at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

William says the experience was gratifying, as he was able to use his knowledge and experience in engineering to help the group execute militarylike operations.

“It was really, really cool,” William said. “Tons of great activities. Sometimes you’d go patrolling in the nighttime.

You’d fly around in jet simulators. It was overall a great thing to go through.”

The operations included nighttime excursions with missions, like, for instance, saving a downed pilot and securing intelligence while camp officials simulate gun fire.

Lectures were given throughout the program, and William says he hopes to parlay what he learned into an upcoming aeronautical program at Duke University.

WhiTnEY waChTEl

Ecology Club Founder, Environmental Pioneer Whitney knew she wanted to make a mark on Dana Hills High School even before she was enrolled there. As a member of the Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, Whitney reached out to the Advanced Placement Environmental Sciences teacher at the school, Dolores Dang-Wright, and asked if she would oversee an environmental club.

Now, four years later, Whitney is a senior and the Ecology Club holds monthly educational sessions at Dana Point elementary schools to inspire youth toward a life of environmental stewardship.

“It’s a really good experience,” Whitney said. “Younger kids are going to have to inherit the planet’s situation so the ability to engage children, it’s been really cool to see their development on how excited they are when we come every month, and it’s cool to hear when they take a plant home how they are tending to them.”

Whitney says sustainability and ecology will be a part of her upcoming college experience and eventual career. For now, she’s running the club and also writing an environmental column for the Dana Hills school newspaper.

KatE PoInTer

Future Cyber Archaeologist Kate Pointer, 10, is a San Juan Capistrano fifth grader, who recently gave a presentation on new techniques in archaeological technology to a full room at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. Pointer says she’s been interested in the subject since watching a children’s movie several years ago. From there, her appetite for all things archaeology has been insatiable.

“When I’m older, I want to get my doctorate as a cyber archaeologist and go between the computer and office, to out around the world digging for stuff,” Kate said.

For the presentation, Kate researched excavating techniques, particularly those used in Egypt and the Middle East, where Pointer says her interest lies in the artifacts archeologists uncover of the various ancient languages and religions.

She worked with several key researchers in the field to prepare.

Children learn to play through the St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Early Child Development Center’s play-based education. Photo: St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

PLAYING TO LEARN

By Eric Heinz

In traditional education, playtime has typically been regarded as a reward for hard work.

At St. Margaret’s Episcopal School’s Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) in San Juan Capistrano, it’s part of the curriculum.

Chris Lozon, director of St. Margaret’s ECDC, said integrating students with a variety of activities helps cultivate their minds.

The center focuses on students ages 3 to 5.

“We have teachers working with small and large groups, and there are parts of the play-based education where skills are being taught,” Lozon said.

The play-based curriculum focuses on particular subjects. For literacy, students play with blocks with letters on them or play some kind of game incorporating letters; the same goes with math-and-science-based learning using numbers and logic-based activities.

“Because our ratio is 1:6 (teachers to students), the teachers can work individually with children and identify patterns,” Lozon said. “Some children choose only to do blocks, and some choose only to do dramatic play, and the teachers know that they’ll need to incorporate something with patterns. They will incorporate figurines and do little drama pieces to diversify (students’) education.”

The day starts with parents dropping off their children or spending a little time with them before the children go off to make their choices of playing for the period. They then gather in a circle for story time or some other group activity before going to the “big outdoor classroom,” Lozon said.

“After about an hour out there, they go out and make more choices, and then have lunch and then cleanup and rest and then back to the outdoor classroom,” she said.

Lozon said the outdoor classroom has a garden and small animals the students are able to interact with as well as typical playground equipment.

“Young children learn from experiences, and what we provide are tons of experi-

ences,” Lozon said.

According to a 2009 study by the Center for Early Childhood Education, studies showed play-based curriculums, even without the assistance of “props” or educational toys, can be beneficial to students’ growth.

“Phonemic awareness in preschool is one of the best indicators we have about how well a child will learn to read,” the study stated. “It is not surprising, then, that early play abilities are related to reading scores many years later.”

Lozon said the school’s own research has shown progress from the time they enter ECDC to the time they graduate from high school. St. Margaret’s is a private preschool to high school institution.

“Play-based education does improve physical knowledge and sensory integration and social knowledge … and the logical mathematical knowledge is the understanding in the brain about numbers,” she said.

“The true understanding is they know that one object is one and two is two. Let’s say you put up your hands and count that last finger and say five. Because of the experiences the children are building, they’re using that knowledge to build that mathematical knowledge.”

Inevitably, advertising education as “playbased” comes with raised eyebrows.

“There are very common misconceptions, and (some people) think that it’s the teachers saying, ‘Go and play’; that is not play-based learning,” Lozon said. “It’s an active, hands-on learning. The teachers have to scaffold the learning, and they work side-by-side (with the students), and they’ll sit next to them and compare and contrast their learning.”

Lozon said play-based learning also helps students with social interactions, which start to show as they enter elementary, middle and high school. She said it’s been proven that students who build proper physical attributes, such as being able to sit upright and focus during instruction, and social interaction sets a foundation to keep students engaged in their studies. •

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Going Abroad Students from all over the world are currently living, studying in South Orange County

AFS Students (from L to R): Ella Tervonen, Bárbara Wolfenson Marchant, Jón Thordarson and Eduardo Thomas Noronha. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

By Kristina Pritchett

This school year, a handful of foreign exchange students are living with host families in South Orange County, including Dana Point and San Clemente.

These teens are part of the Orange County AFS Hosted Student program, which allows students from other countries to travel abroad and attend school, live with a host family and experience a different culture.

In Dana Point, Ella Tervonen traveled from Finland and attends Dana Hills High School.

In San Clemente Bárbara Wolfenson Marchant traveled from Chile; Eduardo Thomas Noronha is from Brazil; and Jón Thordarson is from Iceland. All three attend San Clemente High School. Over the summer, Monica Aguirre traveled to Japan for six weeks. But all were able to immerse themselves in a different culture.

We sat down with the four foreign exchange students and asked them what they’ve experienced so far, what differences they saw between their home countries and their Southern California lives and more.

The biggest difference, all four said, was the size of their high schools.

“The school, at least for me, is way bigger,” Eduardo said. “It’s about 10 times bigger; my school has around 300 students, and this school has around 3,000.”

Ella agreed and said there were about 600 students at her school in Finland, including middle school and high school students.

The students also said it was different how their classrooms were spread out and not under one roof. Eduardo added he was not used to the desks being in different arrangements.

“At my school, they were in straight lines; here, some are in clusters,” Eduardo said.

Jón said another big change is just speaking English every day.

“I never expected talking would be so tiring,” Jón joked.

Bárbara agreed and said if she could, she would sleep all day.

“The first week was so difficult because you had to think of what word it is, and our brains are doing a lot of work, not to translate but to understand,” she said.

When asked about the classes the stu-

“

The school, at least for me, is way bigger. It’s about 10 times bigger; my school has around 300 students, and this school has around 3,000.

EDUARDO THOMAS NORONHA

”

Bárbara Wolfenson Marchant, from Chile, and host sister Sydney Lantz before attending San Clemente High School’s Homecoming Dance on Saturday, Oct. 22. Photo: Susie Lantz

dents are taking here, compared to the ones back home, they said there’s a difference in variety.

“Here, you have way more choices on how hard your education is,” Jón said. “You can take easy classes, you can take hard classes.”

Bárbara said there’s more choices, such as electives like ceramics, and people have the ability to choose classes.

“In my country, you cannot pick your classes,” Bárbara said.

Ella said at her school in Finland, stu-

dents will take a course for two-and-a-half months, but must complete 75 classes in three years.

Jón said U.S. History has been different, but he’s enjoying it.

“The perspective here is way different,” Jón said about the class. “I feel like there’s less differences than I thought, but we’re taught very neutrally (in Iceland).”

One thing the students also noticed are the amount of clubs in which they can choose to participate.

The boys are currently in the Blood Drive club, the Sign Language Club and the Robotics Club. Ella is in Best Buddies, Traveling Club and a couple others. Bárbara took full advantage of the variety of organizations and has joined many.

“I’m in Pennies for Puppies, because I love puppies. I’m in Cinema Club, we watch movies and eat pizza, it’s so great. I’m in Fashion Club, Cool to be Kind and more,” Bárbara said.

Ella said at her school in Finland they don’t have sports, clubs or activities like homecoming or prom.

Bárbara said going to the football games is something Americans take for granted, but since her school doesn’t have sports like that, it’s a new experience.

“Everyone is so happy, and they’re cheering,” Bárbara said.

Eduardo and Jón said they’ve noticed that the sports at the high school bring everyone together.

“Sports here mean a lot, they’re a way to

college,” Eduardo said.

Ella said she really enjoyed attending homecoming, but loved participating in the half-time show out on the field.

The boys attended a Blink 182 concert, something Jón said he’d never thought he’d get to do.

“It’s been a dream,” Jón said. “They’re my favorite band.”

The three San Clemente High students also recently attended homecoming. Before the dance, Jón said he was looking forward to it.

“It’s very different, but I think it will be a lot of fun,” Eduardo said.

Each of the students said they tried to incorporate something from their home country into their American lives. For Ella, she teaches her host parents Finnish. Bárbara has cooked for her family, and the boys are always sharing music from their home countries.

Besides school, Jón said the weather is definitely a change—and so is driving.

“There’s way more cars here. We have one road that has three lanes, and we have slippery roads,” Jón said. “It’s not really harder, but it’s harder in a different way.”

One thing the four teens could agree on was learning to rely on others for rides.

“And there’s no public transportation,” Eduardo interjected. “It makes things kind of difficult to hang out with friends because you don’t really want to bother your family, they have things to do, but you want to hang out with your friends.”

Sydney, whose Bárbara ’s host sister, said she was looking forward to having a host sibling, especially one who spoke another language she was interested in.

“We can help each other,” Sydney said.

On the opposite side, students from South Orange County are also able to study abroad in other countries.

Monica, 16, a junior at San Juan Hills High School, went to Japan for six weeks over the summer. “[I chose Japan] because I’ve always been fascinated with the Japanese culture,” Monica said.

One difference Monica experienced was going from a family with three other siblings, to a host family with older siblings who didn’t live at home any longer.

“It was definitely strange,” she said.

Another thing she noticed was the culture.

“The way they would speak to each other, their manners,” Monica said. “Things they would say or do here would be OK, but there it’s not.”

She said she enjoyed learning Japanese, and it “wasn’t as difficult” as she thought it would be.

She said her favorite part of the trip was being able to go to the mountain spring, but she also enjoyed going to karaoke with friends and meeting new people.

“I met people from Hong Kong, France, Mongolia and other countries,” Monica said.

Monica said she would have loved to stay longer but didn’t want it to interfere with her school back in the states, and would definitely plan another trip back.

To find out more about hosting or traveling with AFS, contact www.afsusa.org/ team/orange-county-ca. •

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Emotional Readiness

vs.

Academic Readiness

When are high school seniors ready to fly from the nest?

By Shelley Murphy

In the coming months, anxious high school seniors will check their mailboxes and inboxes for college admissions decisions. Their collegiate fates will be determined by three words: accepted, rejected or waitlisted.

As spring arrives, seniors make painstaking decisions and announce their college destination by sporting their school’s spirit wear. In August, they attend emotional farewell celebrations and delight in detailed dorm shopping.

After years of hard work, high school graduates are ready to fly from the nest. Or are they?

Last October, the Harris Poll, in partnership with the JED Foundation, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and the Jordan Porco Foundation, released the results of a nationwide online survey of 1,502 college students

environments, control negative emotions or behavior and build positive relationships.”

For many college freshmen, the emotional hurdles faced their first year of college can be greater to overcome than academic obstacles.

When my boys left for college, I equated their college acceptances with college readiness. I reasoned since they’d completed the required coursework, passed the mandated tests and received college offers that they were prepared. I didn’t stop to consider how stressful the transition from high school senior to college freshman can be for students.

“

For many college freshmen, the emotional hurdles faced their first year of college can be greater to overcome than academic obstacles.

”

evaluating the freshman year experience.

The poll revealed 87 percent of students felt more emphasis was focused on being academically ready for college rather than emotionally prepared.

An overwhelming 60 percent of the firstyear college students wished they’d had more help emotionally preparing for college.

Emotional readiness is a significant indicator of first-year college success. The survey defined emotional readiness as: “the ability to take care of oneself, adapt to new

The poll shines a light on the emotional toll teens face their first year of college: 50 percent of surveyed students reported feeling stressed most or all of the time. One in four freshmen admitted to feelings of loneliness and one in five reported feeling depressed all or most of the time. The majority of these students (65 percent) chose not to seek help but to keep their troubles to themselves.

Popular culture and social media exacerbate teen stress and contribute to 45 percent of surveyed students saying, “It seems like

everyone has college figured out but me.”

According to U.S. News & World Report, feelings of stress and loneliness are among the top reasons that as many as one in three first-year students don’t return for their sophomore year.

Parent support can play a key role in helping freshman cope with first-year stresses.

Susan Parmelee, executive director of the Wellness & Prevention Center at San Clemente High School says, “Agree on a weekly facetime check-in, shoot for every Sunday so that kids have a chance to decompress and regroup for the week ahead.”

With 49 percent of college freshman reporting the college experience did not live up to their expectations, she advises parents to be encouraging. “Remind them that college is a time to explore new things and meet new people.”

Parmelee suggests parents begin the college conversation early and listen to their kid’s concerns. “The more we do to educate teens before they leave home, the better they will fare.”

While the results of the Harris Poll are startling, it starts a discussion among parents, educators and students about the importance of emotionally preparing teens for their first year of college.

It takes students years of hard work to make it to college and it takes time to adjust once they arrive. Emotionally supporting high school seniors as they fly from the nest to the college dorm can help them not only survive, but thrive. •

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The new science building at Saddleback College features modern design and state-of-theart labs for students.

Photos: Victor Carno

Learning LAB

New science building at Saddleback College offers students new learning tools

By Victor Carno

It has been nearly two long years since construction began on the new science building at Saddleback College, but it is finally here and has exceeded most professors’ and students’ expectations. Even though the $67 million project was slated to open in late 2015, it’s certain that most academics did not mind the wait.

“There had been well over five years of planning that went into this project, even before demolition started,” Senior Laboratory Technician Tom Burrows said. “Our last science building didn’t have enough power to support all the computers and machinery we had, so having this state-of-the-art building definitely makes all of our jobs easier.”

The 51,244-square-foot building is equipped with eight lab rooms, 26 laboratory spaces, is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) approved and

has three floors separating chemistry, biology and physics courses. Some of the added benefits of adding all these classrooms is that professors can now offer more sections of their class so that classes won’t get filled as quickly.

“We have almost double the number of labs as we did in our last building. Not only do we have more classrooms, but we have more instruments for our students to conduct their projects and experiments. We actually just installed a cadaver refrigerator recently,” Burrows said.

Chairman and Biology Instructor Steve Teh explained that the building was all about usability.

“We have research facilities on each floor, lab benches and fume hoods that allows for more experiments,” said Teh. “This whole building is a conducive learning environment, and I’m excited to see what the students will do here.”

We will soon find out what will be done in the building, as this is the first semester where classes are offered in the new science building. The building’s grand opening was Sept. 29, and even the teachers are giddy about the drastic change in buildings.

“There are so many windows. So much natural sun light is allowed in this building, which is a huge change from the last building, where my office didn’t even have one window,” Burrows said. •

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It Takes a Village

South Orange County schools and businesses on their community offerings

Bella Collina San Clemente Bella Collina San Clemente is a private, family-friendly golf club where there are no strangers, just friends you haven’t met yet.

In addition to the scenic 27-hole golf course, designed by legendary tournament champion Gary Player, Bella Collina also offers an active social calendar, where members enjoy wine dinners, concerts, festive holiday celebrations and much more, all year round. In addition to single and family golf memberships, Bella Collina San Clemente offers junior golf memberships for children and social memberships for non-golfers. Whether you’re looking to create lasting memories with your family or a place to escape your busy schedule, Bella Collina San Clemente is the perfect family getaway in your own backyard.

200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. 949.333.4830. www.bellacollinasanclemente.com.

Capo Valley Christian Schools The dreams we have for our children are based on hopes for a lifetime of success, happiness and purpose. At Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, we believe the foundations of those dreams are built on a rich academic program coupled with an emphasis on spiritual and moral development. Our students learn through a program that values and develops critical thinking, innovation, creativity and foundational skills to prepare them for life after graduation. As you explore our website, we hope you sense the dynamic learning environment we have created in order to prepare our students for success in all their future endeavors.

CVCS has been serving students from junior kindergarten through high school for more than 40 years.

32032 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.5683. www.cvcs.org.

learning environment that is centered on the value of family. Fully accredited, OLF is blessed with exceptional and dedicated teachers. OLF’s academic rigor is complemented with enriched offerings that include Spanish, Music/Piano, Art, Academic Decathlon, Technology, Choir, Physical Education and Drama. Our students cultivate a zest for life-long learning, develop effective communication skills, and advance as globally responsible citizens.

OLF’s exceptional Transitional Kindergarten, the first year of a two-year academic Kindergarten program, is specifically designed to provide 4 and 5 year olds the “developmental gift of time.” With a cross-curricular approach to instruction, all students experience differentiated opportunities in which to explore, investigate, and integrate their academic abilities. Participation in the PAL Sports League, Extended Day Care, After School Programs, and Homework Clubs round out the OLF school day.

105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente. 949.492.7320. www.olfschool.net.

Our Savior’s Lutheran School There’s something special going on at Our Savior’s Lutheran School. Dedicated teachers educate and inspire, creating a learning environment in which students excel academically. With small class sizes, a fully accredited school and a highly educated, credentialed teaching staff, students are able to develop their individual gifts and learn who they are—beloved children of God. Parents express their appreciation for the strong academics, and they appreciate even more the emphasis on the Christian value of love for one another. Our Savior’s Lutheran offers preschool through fifth grade with a full-day kindergarten and many enrichment opportunities for children both during and after the school day. Newborn to 3-year-old Parent and Me sessions are offered. We celebrate and honor the diversity of gifts, abilities and backgrounds each child contributes to the school community. All faiths are welcome.

Open enrollment begins Feb. 17.

200 Avenida San Pablo, San Clemente.

949.492.6165. www.oursaviorsschool.net

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School Nurture ~ Encourage ~ Empower OLF School cultivates faith-filled learners who demonstrate attainment of academic excellence, 1:1 technology acquisition, and dedicated service to their community. Visitors to our campus witness the engaging

Santa Margarita Catholic High School With academic tracks tailored to meet the needs of varied learners; more than 85 clubs (Continued)

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Not Your Parents’

TraDE pRogRAm

By Shelley Murphy

Last August, Capistrano Unified School District’s Regional Occupational Program (ROP) shed its decades-old title and adopted the new name, College and Career Advantage (CCA).

The objective of CCA is to provide Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways to all students from kindergarten through high school, leading to college and career success.

“We felt that this name better reflects the highly technical and high value of the program courses today,” said Pati Romo, CUSD executive director of CTE. Established in 1970, ROP classes included wood shop and horticulture. CCA still offers some traditional courses but with a technological twist. Today, the popular Automotive Technology and Repair course includes a new computerized focus that includes industry certifications.

“We have biotechnology and forensics courses that meet the highest growth industries in Orange County. Students have a variety of choices with over 300 sections of CTE offered at the high schools,” said Romo.

To teach students cutting-edge technical skills, Romo said, “we are installing CTE

Patient care and biotechnology are some of the more popular CCS classes amongst students. Photo: Courtesy

Investigation labs at all middle schools over the next two years. We have our first one at Las Flores Middle School.”

Currently, CCA provides a well-rounded education to 7,800 students and boasts a program completion rate of 97 percent.

“Students graduate from high school as college-ready with career skills. Many of them have completed an internship with local businesses and industries such as Kaiser Permanente, Monarch Beach Hotel, CHOC and auto dealers,” said Romo.

The most popular student career pathways are the health sciences, specifically patient care and biotechnology. CCA provides students the exciting experience of handson learning in a job setting. Romo said, “Our dental lab looks and smells like a dentist’s office. The surgical tech lab is an operating room. Do you remember how much you learned at your first job? It’s like that—there’s nothing like it.”

See the CCA website for more information: www.ccadvantage.org. •

AVID:

The San Clemente High School Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) senior class are part of a larger program that prepares students for college. Photo: Courtesy SCHS

RaIsiNg EXpeCtATiOnS anD InCreASinG StuDEnT suCcESs

By Shelley Murphy

Established in 1980, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a global nonprofit organization providing students academic and social support through its college readiness program, designed to increase the number of students enrolling in four-year colleges.

At San Clemente High School, Erin Dollar serves as AVID coordinator and program teacher; she’s also a staff developer for the national AVID Center.

“AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students, especially those least served in the middle

of the academic spectrum, for college readiness and success in a global society,” said Dollar.

AVID’s four-year program encourages students to enroll in challenging and rigor-

ous courses. The program holds students to high academic, behavioral and character standards; and, they learn to advocate for themselves and take ownership of their education.

“AVID is so great about teaching life skills that truly translate to college, career and life readiness,” said Dollar.

In the past two years, Dollar’s program has grown to over 250 students, becoming the largest AVID program in the school district and boasting a retention rate well above 90 percent. Dollar said student relationships built during the four years are key.

“Students really become a tight-knit family that supports and pushes each other,” she said.

For the past three years, 100 percent of AVID seniors earned acceptance at a fouryear college—although some seniors opt to attend community college instead or lack the necessary financial aid to attend.

“Our seniors have about a 74-80 percent rate of going straight to a four-year college, well above the national average,” said Dollar. “We have students at almost every UC campus, Fordham, Penn State and the list goes on.”

Just like her students, Dollar sets the bar high and said, “This year our goal is for every senior to have two or more college acceptances and a program total over $2.5 million in scholarship and financial aid offers.” •

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The

KEEP CALM AND

CARRY ON

of College Admissions With college acceptance competition and PSAT, ACT and SAT test-taking stress levels high, we reached out to local admissions experts on ways high school students can tackle the college preparation, research and admissions processes with the least amount of resistance. Here’s what they had to say.

StRikE a bALanCE.

Find a balance between school work and extracurricular involvement: A student should add rigor appropriately to their curriculum throughout high school to continue to challenge themselves and display their preparation for college-level courses.

Outside of the classroom, a student should find a few activities that they are passionate about and deepen their involvement by taking on leadership positions within the groups they feel most connected to. In college, there will be a lot to balance, between classes and involvement opportunities, so it is smart for a student to start figuring out how they can best manage their time and energy throughout high school.

—Colleen Tuohy, Admission Counselor, Chapman University

NarROw YoUr LisT.

It’s easy for students to feel building a college list is a daunting task. The fact is, students who invest time into considering their academic talents—along with personal skills and interests—are able to approach select-

ing colleges as a match to be made rather than as a prize to be won. The “match” concept provides a framework for students to be thoughtful about selecting appropriate colleges for their college lists.

—Roland Allen, Director of College Counseling, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Do yOuR rESeArCh.

It is most impressive when a student is able to display that they have taken the time to learn about Chapman University in more ways than just having browsed our website.

If it is offered at the schools a student is applying to, I recommend taking advantage of opportunities to interview. This can be a great time to ask meaningful questions about what the student experience at a particular university is really like, as well as demonstrate interest in the university. The very best way to get an understanding of a university is by touring campus. Family vacations are a great time to tour a school, even if it might not be the one a student is considering most seriously. By touring campuses of different sizes, locations and institution types (public vs. private, for example) a student can better identify what it is that they are truly hoping to get out of their college experience.

—Colleen Tuohy, Admission Counselor, Chapman University

Be AutHEnTic.

In terms of completing the application, I encourage my students to see applying to college as a natural evolution of their secondary school experience. Specifically, they have learned to do complex research, express themselves through writing, selfadvocate and speak to adults. These are the same skills students needed when they write effective college applications and interview. I’ve found students who understand these fundamentals present the most authentic voice when they apply to college.

From almost three decades as a college counselor and college admissions officer at highly selective universities, I know that authenticity goes a long way in supporting a positive outcome in the college application process.

—Roland Allen, Director of College Counseling, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Colleen Tuohy Admission Counselor, Chapman University

Roland Allen Director of College Counseling, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Writing the

PerFEcT coLlEGe EsSay

By Matt Cortina

The college essay or personal statement is an important part of any prospective collegian’s application. But often, essay prompts leave too uch oo

o sel in icted w iting

istakes o, we s oke with at ick

a is, a an le ente igh chool guidance counselo and a o essay eade at

, to find out what students can do to i

e

o e thei

essays he ollowing fi e ti s a e bo n out o what a is has seen in student essays o e the yea s Be Straightforward Harris advises students that one of the key things is to be straightforward with whatever experience they are writing about. He says writers should cross out adjectives and adverbs on shorter essays, and be careful not to waste the words that do make it into the essay. Lastly, Harris says it’s important not to tell the reader anything that’s already in your application.

Don’t List Accomplishments; Pick One and Expand It’s common for students writing essays to want to list all their accomplishments, Harris said. But the best essays use one experience that shows the writer’s values and interests. There are websites and counselors available at CUSD schools to help students identify what experiences are worth sharing, Harris said, as many students have trouble identifying which parts of their stories matter and are most impactful.

Show Your Essay to Someone New Harris says he always tells students to run their essays by people whom the student does not know particularly well, like a college counselor or tutor. Someone not familiar with the writer will be able to help the student identify areas to emphasize or elaborate on. A teacher or academic advisor can also help writers pick out the important parts of their essay.

Reflection and Growth Should Be Evident “There has to be reflection,” Harris said. “Almost every prompt wants the student to reflect on the meaning of what they did. That’s key.”

Harris said although the UC schools’ essay require straightforward—and even non-UC schools, which have room for anecdotes, should be concise—to-the-point responses, there is still the opportunity to show what the writer has learned from their experience.

Use a Positive Tone The tone of the essay should “always be positive and constructive, and never negative,” Harris said. A writer can minimize negativity by showing how he or she overcame an obstacle and learned from it. Pity-gathering should have no role in a college essay, which Harris says does show up sometimes in students’ drafts.

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It Takes a Village (Continued) and activities; competitive, character-building athletics; and an award-winning arts program—all in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment—Santa Margarita students are empowered to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and morally. Santa Margarita has the distinction of being the county’s only Catholic International Baccalaureate high school and is ranked as the top Catholic high school in the county by www.niche.com and The Washington Post. The school’s beautiful 42-acre campus includes a Digital Media Studio, Eagle Athletic Center, Academic Services Center, modernized Library Media Center, Olympic-sized pool and Sacred Heart Chapel. Recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School, Santa Margarita’s Oneto-One Tablet PC Program provides an immersive educational experience preparing students for college and beyond. The Class of 2016 received $47.3 million in scholarship offers with 99 percent of the class continuing their education at the college level.

22062 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita.

949.766.6000. www.smhs.org.

Shoreline Dental Studio Kristen Ritzau D.D.S. Early and regular dental care is vital to children for both their health care and social confidence. At Shoreline Dental, we help kids keep their bright and healthy smiles by working hard to prevent tooth decay and support overall oral health. We encourage regular cleanings, promote healthy habits at home and offer helpful conservative solutions for patients that may need a bit of work. Whether it is taking a look at that first baby tooth or helping teenagers whiten their teeth for the Senior Prom, Dr. Kristen Ritzau and staff provide nothing but the best care for the entire family. We offer a number of sedation options for kids and adults alike. As someone who grew up in San Clemente and is a mom of a 2-year-old, Dr. Ritzau loves to give back to the community that helped raise her.

122 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.245.6046. info@shorelinedentalstudio.com.

St. Anne School Nurture with care. Teach with creativity. Embrace life. Treasure faith. These are the guiding principles that shape St. Anne School, a private, independent Catholic school that welcomes preschool through eighth grade students of all faiths. St. Anne’s mission is to develop future generations of creative thinkers, innovative problem solvers, effective communicators and emerging leaders, guided by the Catholic faith, to

influence our local and global communities for the greater good.

The St. Anne experience promotes a love of learning through rigorous academic, artistic and athletic programs. With the guidance and dedication of faculty, students gain a solid foundation rooted in problemsolving, collaboration, creative expression, leadership, faith, technology and global citizenship.

We invite you to see for yourself all that St. Anne has to offer. Join us for our Admission Open House on Thursday, Jan. 12 ,from 9-11 a.m. RSVP to admissions@st-anne.org, or call 949.276.6753.

32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel.

949.276.6700. www.st-anne.org.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Founded in 1979, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is the premier, independent, collegepreparatory day school in Orange County serving 1,234 students in preschool through grade 12. A vibrant learning community where natural curiosity and academic pursuit flourish, St. Margaret’s educates the hearts and the minds of students to nurture the whole child. Students have unlimited opportunities to discover and explore interests and passions in humanities, STEM, arts, athletics, leadership and service.

The school’s Episcopal identity and mission drive a deep commitment to nurturing the growth and development of every student; who they are today and who they will become tomorrow. This enduring focus on shaping the lives of young people fosters a spirit of compassion, excellence and innovation in every aspect of the St. Margaret’s experience.

The school’s reputation for the depth and quality of its academic program brings more than 150 colleges and universities to campus annually to recruit its graduates.

Boston College, Brown University, Cornell University, Duke University, Emory University, Georgetown University, New York University, University of Notre Dame, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University and Villanova University are some of the fine institutions that welcomed St. Margaret’s graduates from the Class of 2016 this fall.

St. Margaret’s is situated on a picturesque 22-acre campus nestled in historic San Juan Capistrano, California, with dedicated campuses for each school division, worldclass learning environments and technologies, including a performing arts center, library, science and technology labs, library, athletics fields, gymnasiums and campus commons.

With 2,000 alumni who have matriculated to colleges and universities across the country, St. Margaret’s is a vital member of the San Juan Capistrano community and educational landscape of Southern California.

31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.0108 www.smes.org

CRIB TO COLLEGE

AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Ways to Save

FOR COLLEGE

How to save early and often for your children’s education By Matt Cortina

With college tuition expected to continue its steady climb—pending presidential and legislative changes, of course—and educational expenses skyrocketing, many parents are trying to figu e out the best way to ay o thei child en s educations wo o ula o tions o sa ing unds a e the o e dell ducation a ings ccount and the a ings lan oth o e ta ee o ta de e ed in est ent o tions, with ta ee dist ibution o whate e s in the account o educational e enses he e a e di e ences between the accounts ene ally s eaking, s o e o e in est ent o tions and can be used o o e educational e enditu es than s, while lans allow o uch o e oney to be in ested into the lan o o e in o ation, e iew the cha t outlining basic in o ation about both lans

COVERDELL EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT

What Is It?

A Coverdell ESA is a savings account that you can set up at many banks or financial institutions and can be used to pay the qualified education expenses of a designated beneficiary, as in one of your children. The ESA generally allows a lot of investment options, and contributions are made with after-tax money, and there are strict contribution limits for each individual ESA. Withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free, and for the most part, any income or gains made on investments in the ESA is tax-free.

529 SAVINGS ACCOUNT A 529 Savings Plan is a state-run investment accont where earnings grow income tax-deferred and withdrawls are tax-free when spent on qualified educational expenses. Each state has their own 529 plan, which is usually operated by a third-party financial organization. For the most part, residents of any given state can open a plan in any other state, and there are few contribution limits to these plans. Some states allow for 529 contributions to go toward a prepaid tuition plan at participating universities, but California is not one of those states.

What Money Can Be Spent On

Tax-free distributions from the ESA can be spent on “qualified education expenses,” as long as the designation beneficiary of the account was under 18 when the ESA was created. Qualified education expenses include a number of school-related expenditures for both K-12 and college students. These include, generally, tuition and fees, books, supplies, equipment (including technology like computers), expenses for special needs services, and room and board under certain circumstances. It also includes uniforms and tutoring for K-12 students.

Money from 529 plans can be distributed tax-free when used on “qualified education expenses” such as tuition, some room and board fees, books, supplies and equipment including computers, internet access fees, software and more. Special needs students can use 529 funds on additional costs required for enrollment. Crucially, 529 plans cannot be used on K-12 students as they are only reserved for higher education costs.

Annual Contribution Limits

You can only contribute up to $2,000 per year to any given ESA. A person under 18 may only have one ESA in his or her name, but a person may contribute to multiple ESAs. Also anyone, not just the account opener or parent, may contribute to any ESA, but the total contributions from all parties to one ESA may still not exceed $2,000.

Contribution limits vary from state to state, but are generally much higher than ESAs. In California, for instance, a 529 plan has a total contribution limit of $371,000. Although some states allow tax deductions for contributions to a 529 plan, California does not.

ESA holders enjoy a wide variety of investment options. ESAs can be opened by any nymber of banks or IRS-approved entities in the U.S. Generally speaking, ESAs can be invested in anything except collectibles, with the exception of U.S. Treasury coins. This includes mutual funds, stocks, bonds, money market funds and more. Earnings in an ESA grow tax-free.

A variety of investment options are afforded any given state’s 529 plan, but usually plan administrators will offer a selection of options, including index funds, mutual funds and combinations therein. There are basic categories of investment portfolios specific to 529 plans, including age-based investment portfolios, which switches from an aggressive to a conservative investment strategy as the beneficiary gets closer to college age. There’s also a guaranteed option, where the objective is to preserve the money invested in it with little risk. And under tax law, an account holder may only change their investment strategy one time per year.

You may not be able to contribute to an ESA if your income is larger than $110,000 for single filers and $220,000 for joint filers. Also, a beneficiary’s receipt of ESA funds for educational expenses may limit his or her ability to receive financial aid.

There are no income limits for most 529 plans. However, the beneficiary of a 529 plan may be less eligible for financial aid.

Fees vary greatly in ESAs, depending on the financial institution that manages the account. Fees can include start-up costs, per-investment move and more.

Fees are variable and based on the type of 529 plan selected. Some of the fees are collected by the state, and some are collected by the financial institution administering the plan. Some college savings plans will reduce or waive fees if the account balance is large, or the plan owner participates in the state’s plan in which they live—California generally offers lower fees than other states.

Investment Options

Income Limits

Fees

The AveRAge COsT of TUitIoN AnD feES foR tHe 2015–2016 sChoOL yeAR waS:

$32,405 FOR STUDENTS AT PRIVATE COLLEGES

$9,410

FOR STATE RESIDENTS AT PUBLIC COLLEGES

$23,893

FOR OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS AT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Expected cost per year for public college in 2030 is $45,000, or $180,000 for a 4-year degree.

Expected cost per year for private college in 2030 is $90,000, or $360,000 for a 4-year degree.

Above: According to the College Board. Left: According to the U.S. Department of Education.

On aVEraGE, paREnTs FunD AboUT

50%

of TheIR cHilDrEN’s TuItiON According to Sallie Mae

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

SPOOKY SEAS: HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR TOUR 6-9 p.m. This Ocean Institute Halloween tour begins in the lab of a mad scientist and continues onto the wharf and the Pilgrim. Hot cider, hot cocoa and activities will be offered. Suitable for children ages 10 and up. Cost is $7 for children, $10 for adults. Runs through Monday. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

Friday | 28 MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

‘RAINBOO CLASSIC’ GOLF TOURNAMENT Noon. The eighth annual scramble golf tournament takes over San Clemente Municipal Golf Course with a shotgun start at noon. Registration begins at 10 a.m., and the $150 per player fee includes golf cart, lunch, a pair of Rainbow sandals and other goodies. Prizes to be given out at OC Tavern following the event. Marine color guard and San Clemente High School drum team will kick off the event.

Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Contact raybertt@cox.net or 949.361.6696 for more information.

BOO CRUISE 5-7 p.m. Hop aboard one of several 20-minute Harbor cruises. There will be a costume contest on every cruise. Rides are $5 per person, and proceeds benefit the local nonprofit, Community Autism Now. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

HAUNTED HOUSE 6-10 p.m. Walk though several rooms of this all-ages haunted house. Features include animatronics, lightning and fog.

There will also be candy and glow sticks for the kids. Runs through Saturday, Oct. 29. Admission price is canned goods, which will be donated to Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente. 1601 Via Ameno, San Clemente.

LIVE MUSIC: POUL PEDERSON 8 p.m. Listen to live music from Poul Pederson at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, No. 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

LIVE MUSIC: JAM TAXI 8 p.m. Listen to live music from Jam Taxi at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

‘DIAL M FOR MURDER’ 8 p.m. Deception, murder and passion complicate Frederick Knott’s darkly bril-

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Flock of 80s performs live music in the afternoon, followed by Big Fat Steve Band in the evening. There will also be a costume contest at 9 p.m. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

FRIDAY OCT. 28 AND SATURDAY, OCT. 29: GHOSTS AND LEGENDS TOUR 6:30 p.m. Get in the Halloween spirit as Historical Society guides lead a “spooky” walking tour of Los Rios Street. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $4 for children. Tours start at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and also run on Saturday, Oct. 29. Starts at the O’Neill Museum Historical Society. 31831 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.8444. www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

THE DISH

THE NOW INFAMOUS GOAT TOAST

T

his is what pub grub should be— simple ingredients made well into thoughtful dishes. PUBlic 74 complements their robust selection of craft cocktails and beer with fresh takes on traditional dishes, and none is apparently as renowned as the “Now Infamous” Goat Toast.

Two pieces of fresh sourdough bread were packed with a fluffy-bodied, yet punchytasting herbed goat cheese. The sandwich is grilled and topped with roasted tomato and a slightly sweet balsamic reduction. The bite is a great combo of texture—crispy bread, soft cheese and relenting tomatoes—and it’s a good balance of flavor—salty and funky cheese, with sweet and savory tomato and vinegar.

liant tale of jealousy and greed, Dial M for Murder. This is the second production of the season at the Camino Real Playhouse. Show runs through Oct. 30.

Tickets start at $20. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 29 REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30 a.m. The Tree of Life Nursey celebrates planting season with a series of workshops on growing native species in your yard. The

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

Who knows what made the sandwich infamous, but it’s certainly a grilled cheese sandwich worth talking about.

PUBlic 74 27211 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.481.2723. www.publicrestaurants.com

Oct. 29 class involves a tour of nursery gardens. The workshop is free. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

DANA POINT LIBRARY BOOKSTORE ANNUAL BOOK SALE 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Like-new books, gifts and games will available for sale in the community room of the Dana Point Library Bookstore. Sale also occurs on Sunday, Oct. 30. Dana Point Library Bookstore. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.489.3956. www.friendsdanapoint.org/ the-bookstore.

Page 31

HALLO-WINE PARTY 7 p.m. Listen to live music from the Show Killers, and participate in a costume contest—winner gets a free bottle of wine.

It’s happy hour all night, and there will be spooky games and activities. Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, No. 106, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

CASA CREEPY: HAUNTED HOUSE 7-9 p.m. Encounter ghosts, mummies, and creepy-crawly surprises around every corner during spooky tours of our historic 1927 home. Period films such as Nosferatu and vintage-themed special effects will ‘reel’ in the whole family. $12 for adults, $10 for members, $5 for kids under 12. Runs through Monday, Oct. 31. Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

LIVE MUSIC CRUISE 8-9:30 p.m. Derick and the Daytime Drinkers perform onboard the 95-foot Dana Pride. Full bar includes wine, beer and mixed drinks. Tickets are $22. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com

Sunday | 30 OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING CRUISE 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Hop aboard the R/V Sea Explorer to see whales, dolphins, sea lions and more. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active-duty military and $25 for children. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

SOUTH OC BRIDAL EXTRAVAGANZA 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Prospective brides will be able to shop and compare a variety of wedding services. A fashion show, live entertainment and food samples will be offered. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point (Cont. on page 32) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 31) Harbor Drive. www.southocbridalshow.com.

Monday | 31 PUMPKIN SPLASH 2- 5 p.m. Head to the Ole Hanson Beach Club for a floating pumpkin patch, pumpkin games, pumpkin decorating, spooktacular music and more. Each participant will take home one pumpkin. This event is suitable for all ages. Proper swim attire is required. 105 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.361.8264.

CALVARY HARVEST FESTIVAL 5-9 p.m. Join Calvary Chapel for a free night of family fun at Buchheim Field, including bounce houses, face painting, games, rides, music, food trucks, popcorn, candy and more. The field is near Calvary Chapel, which is located at 31612 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.2572. www.calvarysjc.com.

WAR OF THE WORLDS 8 p.m. For one night only, the Camino Real Playhouse presents War of the Worlds, a staged dramatization of the original Orson Welles and Mercury Theater on the Air broadcast that aired startling news of reports of a “huge, flaming object” that had fallen to Earth on a New Jersey farm. An anxious radio audience came to the frightening conclusion that Earth was the target of a full-scale alien invasion. The Playhouse will also perform Graveyard Mansion from The Witch’s Tale anthology radio series.

Tickets are $20. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Tuesday | 01 ANNUAL HALLOWEEN CANDY BUY-BACK 3-5 p.m. Trade in excess or unwanted Halloween candy and get $1 per pound.

Children under 14 are eligible, and must be accompanied by a parent. Buy-back presented by Nguyen Orthodontics. 24661 Del Prado, Suite 1, Dana Point. 949.661.5882. www.lagunadanabraces.com.

Thursday | 03 AUTUMN NIGHTS JAZZ SERIES 7-9:30 p.m. The Casino San Clemente hosts the third installment of their seasonal jazz series. Tickets are $7 online, $10 at the door. 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.369.6600. www.casinoautumnnights.brownpapertickets.com.

HISTORICAL LECTURE ON GASPAR DE PORTOLA 7:30 p.m. The Ocean Institute offers a presentation on Gaspar de Portola, the first governor of California, by Dr. Milt

McMenamin, a professional lecturer, historian and actor. Cost is $6 and includes light refreshments. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

Friday | 04 SAN CLEMENTE MILITARY FAMILY OUTREACH’S FALL FUNDRAISER 6-9 p.m. Honor service members and their families at a fundraising dinner with music, silent auction items and more. Cost is $60 per person, and all proceeds support the Outreach’s annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway to military members and their families. Talega Golf Club. 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente. 949.388.2812. www.militaryfamilyoutreach.com.

Photo: Courtesy

On Stage at the Coach House: Three Dog Night

LIVE MUSIC: SONGS OF STEPHEN SONDHEIM 7:30 p.m. Saddleback College’s musical theater students perform a selection of songs by Stephen Sondheim. $15 general admission, $10 for students. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4413. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

BY MATT CORTINA, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

J

Saturday | 05 LA CRISTIANITA PRESCHOOL CARNIVAL AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 10 a.m.-3 p.m. La Cristianita Preschool celebrates 50 years with carnival games, inflatable slides, obstacle courses, silent auction items and food. Entry is free, and activities/food tickets are available for a la carte purchase. 35522 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente. 949.496.1405. www.clcsanclemente.org.

Thursday | 10 LIVE MUSIC: MIKE BAGGETTA NEW YORK TRIO 2-3 p.m. The Saddleback College Music Department presents the jazz stylings of the Mike Baggetta New York Trio.

Performance takes place in Fine Arts Room 101. Admission is free and open to the public. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4413. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

LIVE MUSIC: THE KALEIDOSCOPE TRIO 7-8 p.m. Listen to the live, eclectic music of The Kaleidoscope Trio at the Laguna Beach Art Museum. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. 949.494.8971. www.lagunabeachlive.org.

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

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

eremiah was a bull frog and Three Dog Night is coming to San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, Nov. 5.

Now, “Joy to the World,” and “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” are not only iconic songs of the early 1970s, but only two of the band’s numerous top-10 hits. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that Three Dog Night recorded more top-10s than any band in history.

Danny Hutton, founder and vocalist of the band, said the songs are still as relevant today as they were more than 40 years ago.

“The songs, I think, have lasted and are still relevant to me anyway, to most of the audience,” Hutton said. “They’re all about

emotions, which don’t have a shelf-life, which don’t get old. Our songs are about … having fun, having a good time.”

Hutton said the band’s catalog remains relevant not only because of their universal message, but because they’re well crafted.

“They have great choruses,” he said.

“The hardest thing to write is to write a hook. That’s why music is called music, and is not called poetry. The feeling when you hear a song, there’s this one moment in a song when this magical thing comes together.”

Grab ahold of that feeling at The Coach House on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $79 and are available at www.thecoachhouse.com. CD

At the Movies: ‘Ouija’ Sequel from an ‘Origin of Evil’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

V

ery rarely does a schlocky cashgrab not only get a sequel, but a sequel that’s twice as good as the original. Earlier this year, it happened with 10 Cloverfield Lane, and now it’s happening again with Ouija: Origin of Evil. The original Ouija (2014) was a forgettable, paint-by-numbers spooky flick that somehow ended up getting a quality horror director, Mike Flanagan of Oculus (2013) and Hush (2016), for Ouija 2.

In 1967, Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser) is a fortune teller who uses impressive, secret gimmicks with her daughters, Lina (Annalise Basso) and Doris (Lulu Wilson), to help customers deal with their grief. Alice soon buys a new board game called Ouija that also supposedly speaks to spirits for a new trick. The game not only works, but seems to be spiritually connecting through Doris, who can now hear, see

Page 32

Photo: Justin M. Lubin/2016 Universal Studios

and talk to the dead.

Wisely, Origin of Evil has relatively nothing to do with the first movie, save for the very last scene. Instead Flanagan takes appropriate cues from The Exorcist (1973) and Poltergeist (1982) to give the film an eerie tone and setting. The film cleverly feels like it was actually filmed in the mid20th century with vintage title cards and cinematography shot on film. With no big names in the cast, familiar faces Reaser and Henry Thomas effortlessly hold it together in between well-placed jump scares. Flanagan shows once again that he knows how to direct horror with mediocre material that would have otherwise been Hasbro product placement. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Business Beat News from San Juan’s business community

BY ALLISON JARRELL

Now Open ORANGE COUNTY SKINLAB 31899 Del Obispo Street, Suite 130 949.359.6400, www.ocskinlab.com Dr. Michelle Hure officially opened the doors of her first business—Orange County SkinLab Dermatology & Dermatopathology—with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on Sept. 23. Hure describes SkinLab as a full-service skin care provider, specializing in expert dermatology and dermatopathology care.

Hure, who grew up in California’s Central Valley, said she’s not only excited to have her own practice, but is happy to be a part of the San Juan Capistrano community. She said the city’s equestrian culture and down-to-earth vibe remind her of her own hometown of Visalia.

“I love going to Coffee Chat and walking down the street to Los Rios,” Hure said.

“There was no other place I wanted to live in Orange County.”

Hure said thus far she’s enjoyed attending the annual rodeo at the riding park, as well as the summer nights concerts, where you may have spotted her spraying people with sunscreen.

“I do everything for the skin,” Hure said. “I tend to focus more on skin health—skin cancer, medical dermatology problems, rashes, acne … my biggest focus is skin cancer prevention and skin cancer treatment.”

Hure, who’s board certified in dermatopathology, said she’s proud of the continuity of care she offers—she examines patients, biopsies patients, does her own pathology and then does surgery as well.

As a small business owner, Hure said she enjoys getting to know her patients and spending time with them.

“I love talking to them,” she said. “I don’t have 15 minute appointment times— it’s at least a half an hour to 45 minutes, even longer depending on the situation.”

Prior to opening OC SkinLab, Hure was commuting via airplane to San Jose and working as the director of dermatopathology for a large company. She said she was reading roughly 300 slides and biopsies a day, and seeing only the occasional

Dr. Michelle Hure officially opened the doors of Orange County SkinLab with a Chamber of Commerce ribboncutting on Sept. 23. Photo: Courtesy of OC SkinLab

patient.

She’s happy now to be focusing on patient care.

“That’s the most important thing to me, and I think people see that, and that’s why they’re happy to come here,” Hure

Developing a Love of Photography San Juan Photo & Digital owners see influx in film processing

BY ALLISON JARRELL

F

or almost 30 years, Diana and Scott Schmitt have been documenting the events and lives of the residents of San Juan Capistrano.

Not only have you likely seen them behind their cameras at many a community gathering, but if you’re a photographer— pro or amateur—you may also be familiar with their business, San Juan Photo & Digital. It’s essentially a one-stop shop for photographers—they offer printing, camera repair, scanning, photo restoration, even classes for those looking to take their skills to the next level.

But it wasn’t until recently that the couple realized they offered perhaps one of the most in-demand services in South Orange County—film processing.

“We get phone calls all day from people from all over South Orange County say-

San Juan Photo & Digital owners Scott and Diana Schmitt and longtime employee Cheryl Wayland have noticed a significant increase in demand for film processing over the last year. Photo: Allison Jarrell

ing, ‘Thank goodness, finally! This is the 12th place I’ve called!’” Scott said.

He attributes the recent influx of interest in film, in part, to the fact that a lot of big box stores like Costco, Target, Walmart, CVS and Rite Aid have stopped processing film within the last year or so. He and Diane have seen a wide range of new clients come in—from first-time film users in their teens and 20s, to people bringing in their parents’ rolls of film, or older pho-

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

tographers who never migrated to digital shooting.

“It’s bringing the joy of photography back,” Scott said. “They’re coming in, and it’s like Christmas morning. They can’t wait to see their prints—they have something real to hold on to.

“Everyone remembers the joy of picking up your vacation photos,” Scott added, “that’s part of the fun of photography.”

Scott said “years ago in the salad days,”

Page 34

said. “I’m here to make sure people have healthy skin, that’s all.”

OC SkinLab is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also find Hure’s business on Facebook under OC SkinLab. CD

he and Diana could count on 150 rolls of film coming in every Monday. But after film fell out of fashion, there were times when they considered getting out of the processing business.

“But we hung in there,” Diana said with a smile. “That’s a good message in life— just stick with it. We’re glad we’re still doing it. We’re the last man standing.”

Scott said their patrons enjoy the personable interactions, which most big box stores didn’t offer, and knowledgeable staff. He added that it’s also important to provide services such as transferring film to digital.

Diana said the renewed interest in film has “breathed life” into the processing part of their business. And she’s happy, because film is “much better” than digital anyway.

“Film has silver in it, that’s why it lasts,” she said while listing the benefits of film photography. “You can do a lot to film and it hangs in there.”

San Juan Photo & Digital employee Cheryl Wayland, who has been printing with the Schmitt’s for 28 years now, summed it up nicely.

“Film is alive and well in the heart of San Juan,” she said.

San Juan Photo & Digital is located at 32281 Camino Capistrano, Suite C-104, in the Plaza Del Rio Shopping Center.

For more information on services offered, call 949.661.5668 or visit www.sjcphotodigital.com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Walking with Ghosts Paranormal research group leads ghost walks, investigations in San Juan Capistrano

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?

—Edgar Allan Poe

I

f you’ve walked Los Rios Street past the midnight hour, perhaps you’ve felt it.

(No, I’m not talking about the distant calls of a boisterous crowd at Swallows Inn.) I’m talking about the feeling you get as you step away from the light and the noise of downtown San Juan toward the train tracks. You feel the air cool, just enough to chill the skin. And as you approach the stilled, darkened streets of the oldest neighborhood in California, you see a shadowy figure out of the corner of your eye.

You turn your head—perhaps with more of a jerk than you anticipated—to find a fellow traveler; just ships passing in the night.

Noemi Maldonado, of Santa Ana, takes a selfie while waiting for a train to pass before a Ghost Walk hosted by Orange County Ghosts and Legends.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of a ghost look a bit spectral themselves in this long exposure photo taken during a recent Ghost Walk on Los Rios Street. Photo: Allison Jarrell

But you also know that this isn’t always how such interactions go. Sometimes you look to find only moonlight beside you.

Perhaps it was your imagination, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Maybe it was the wind catching a leaf, guiding it gently to the ground.

Or perhaps, for just the briefest moment, you were in the presence of something you can’t quite explain.

As I walked to my car on Verdugo Street well past midnight last Saturday, I found myself in a similar situation.

I took the sidewalk along the former Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot (now known as Trevor’s at the Tracks), and as I glanced through the windows, I saw a shadow— maybe two, or three—move through the halls of the once bustling historic depot.

The forms were silent, their steps deliberate.

Perhaps I would have questioned my sanity—or my life choices—had I just come from a local watering hole. The restaurant has been closed for months to undergo renovations. And it was nearly 1 a.m.

But I was in a unique situation—I knew that what I was seeing had a logical explanation.

Visitors head to the back of O’Neill Museum property, which currently houses the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. Photo: Allison Jarrell

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

(From left) Roger Woodcock, Larry Zamora, Cris August, Andrew Edoff and Kelly Lynne Harris pose for a photo before beginning a paranormal investigation of Trevor’s at the Tracks. Photo: Allison Jarrell

The shadows weren’t apparitions—they were members of Orange County Ghosts and Legends, a group of skeptics, and some believers, who seek to encounter and document the spirits of old San Juan.

I had just sat in on my very first paranormal investigation, and walking to my car was all of a sudden a bit… spookier.

Paranormal Investigations I asked OC Ghosts and Legends if I could sit in on one of their investigations, and lucky for me, restauranteur Trevor Baird had just agreed to let the group check out the historic depot building that houses Trevor’s, originally completed on Oct. 8, 1894.

OK, I know what you’re thinking. So before you ask—no, the five-member crew didn’t bring any Ouija boards, hold séances or peddle wild conspiracy theories.

Cris August, lead investigator at OC Ghosts and Legends, is an open-minded skeptic—and he’ll tell you that almost every oddity or abnormality has a natural explanation.

He seeks proof that the paranormal exists, not proof that it doesn’t.

“It’s those moments when you just can’t explain it, those are the moments that keep me coming back,” August said.

Orange County Ghosts and Legends specializes in anomalous and paranormal research. Their team of professionals has

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investigated privately owned businesses, residences and landmarks not only in San Juan Capistrano, but throughout Orange County.

August explained that the train depot, which was built by the Santa Fe Railroad Company in the 1880s, had become notorious, with many of Sarducci’s staff telling stories of glasses and plates flying off the shelves, hearing conversations with no one around, and seeing shadow apparitions.

Needless to say, they were thrilled to investigate the structure.

August and his team said they offer something rare to the public—an authentic experience, with high standards of conduct and evidence collection. No made-for-TV ghosts. And no Ouija boards allowed.

I’ll admit, hunting for ghosts takes a lot of patience. We sat in the dark shell of both a past and future restaurant. Every time we moved, coughed or sniffled, it was accounted for. Cameras and recorders were meticulously set up ahead of time in corridors where the most paranormal activity was anticipated.

And while I didn’t hear much other than my own breathing and rustling, I had to jump when August called out the name of Polonia Montañez—the first deed holder of the Montañez Adobe—into a dark room, and a loud thud followed as he uttered the last syllable.

He had asked her if she was present. And his recorder had fallen off of a nearby table.

Ghost Walks on Los Rios I was told that much of the evidence gathered would be painstakingly processed. Recordings would be slowed, amplified and sorted, looking for sounds or visuals that weren’t noticeable at the time. Past investigations at the Camino Real Playhouse and The Vintage proved fruitful in that respect.

But for those who don’t want to put in the hours of investigating, OC Ghosts and Legends also offers “ghost walks” conducted by the team’s field investigators along Los Rios Street in San Juan, as well as locations like nearby Black Star Canyon and as far away as the Grand Canyon Caverns (which is where they’re off to for Halloween weekend).

August said like the investigations, these walks aren’t filled with fake jump scares or the like. It’s about “suspending belief” for an evening and exploring one of Orange County’s most haunted places.

It’s about keeping an open mind while remaining skeptical, and, of course, appreciating a good ghost story. CD For an extended interview with the members of OC Ghosts and Legends, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

To learn more about the organization, or to reserve spaces for future walks or investigations, visit www. ocghostsandlegends.com or follow the group on Facebook under OC Ghosts and Legends. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Shane Kelly dances with his 8-month-old daughter, Hope Grace Kelly, during Saturday’s barbecue.

Barbecue event chair Deborah Spellum is thanked by treasurer KC Shepard for organizing the annual event, which drew well over 100 people.

Fiesta Association Bids Adieu to Another Swallows Season

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ALLISON JARRELL

M

ore than 100 community members joined the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association in saying farewell to the swallows on Saturday during the nonprofit’s annual barbecue fundraiser at Reata Park.

The association—which is tasked each year with organizing the Swallows Day Parade—also announced the dignitaries chosen for the 59th Fiesta de las Golondrinas season. This year’s theme is “Destination San Juan a Fiesta for Everyone!”

Erin Kutnik Beyer and her husband, Edward Beyer, will serve as the 2017 Miss Fiesta and Señor San Juan. This year’s junior dignitaries are San Juan Elementary

The next generation of Kelly boys watches their parents play at the Fiesta barbecue.

School students Samuel Salado, 10, and Kate Pointer, 10, of San Juan Capistrano.

All four dignitaries will represent the Fiesta association at upcoming events, like the Taste of San Juan on Feb. 9, the Kids Pet Parade on Feb. 18, the El Presidenté Ball on March 17, Fiesta Grandé on March 22, Hoos’Gow Day on March 24 and, of course, the 59th Swallows Day Parade on March 25, 2017.

The next meeting of the Fiesta Association is set for Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 7-8 p.m. in the Nydegger Building, located at 31421 La Matanza Street in San Juan Capistrano. For more information on future Fiesta Association events, visit www.swallowsparade.com. CD

This year’s junior dignitaries are Samuel Salado, 10, and Kate Pointer, 10, of San Juan Capistran.o

Miss Fiesta Erin Kutnik Beyer and Señor San Juan Edward Beyer. Photo: Courtesy of Chloe Atnip

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy By Marianne Taylor

Calling All Gardeners: It’s Cool Season Planting Time

W

ith autumn comes shorter days, longer nights and amber light afternoons whispering for you to come out and play in the garden. This is the perfect time to plant your bulbs, flowers, seeds, vegetables and native plants. Although we had a little rain come our way this month, we can be hopeful that more rain will be on the horizon in the coming months. In Southern California, we’re lucky to live in a temperDIRT THERAPY ate climate that supports

By Marianne Taylor year-round flower and vegetable gardens. Whether you’re an avid gardener or new to gardening, here are some tips to help you establish your fall and winter gardens.

Vegetables If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to pull out the summer flowers and vegetables that have stopped producing and start preparing the beds with amended soil for

cool season crops like salad greens, spinach, beets, carrots and peas.

With the current drought situation, it is important to hand-water in the early morning to get the young vegetables established.

November and December rains usually help continue the vegetable growing cycle. Until the winter rains come, it’s best to continue hand-watering daily in the morning.

When planting vegetables in raised beds or containers, you want to make sure that you have good drainage, otherwise the roots will start to rot and your vegetables will not be happy. If you live in a small space, consider a vertical garden, which uses less space, soil and water to get established and produce an abundance.

thyme, rosemary and Italian parsley.

Listed below are 35 cool season vegetables, herbs and edible flowers that actually prefer cooler nights and warm shorter days.

All have been found to do well in Orange County.

Herbs With the holidays just around the corner, this is a great time to start your windowsill box herb garden. Herbs are not only used for cooking, but are known to have soothing and healing properties. A thriving herb garden will allow you to experiment and create your own delicious tea recipes—try basil,

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

Page 36

• Arugula • Beans • Bok Choy • Borage • Broccoli • Brussels sprouts • Cabbage • Calendula • Cauliflower • Celery • Chives • Collards • Cilantro • Dill • Endive • Kale • Kohlrabi • Lavender • Leeks • Lettuce • Marigold • Marjoram • Mint • Mizuna • Mustard greens • Nasturtium • Pansies • Parsley • Peas • Rosemary • Sage • Spinach • Swiss chard • Thyme • Violas Time spent now in the garden will yield

beautiful, bountiful, beneficial flowers and vegetables this winter and spring. To learn more, join Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and the UCCE Master Gardeners of OC on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Reata Park and Event Center in San Juan Capistrano for a free class on growing cool climate vegetables. To RSVP, email marianne@goinnative.net or call 949.606.6386.

For more information on future classes, visit www.goinnative.net.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people.

Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. 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.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

Assessing How Much to Talk about an Ex or Deceased Loved One

A

widow, who is beginning to date again, asked, “How much should a person talk about an ex or deceased spouse?”

I asked eight seniors, some widowed and some divorced, for their opinions.

Gale, a widow, said, “Not enough to bore your current partner. I suggest a mutual exchange where each of you gets to talk about your exes, but briefly. No one wants to hear a running dialogue about an ex, especially if the date involves getting to know your current partner.”

Art stated, “This is how I handle the subject ON LIFE AND of my late wife. My feelLOVE AFTER 50 ing is that an occasional

By Tom Blake mention is OK when talking about a place you visited or something that relates to a current situation.”

Marian, divorced, said, “Too much or too little divulged by either person isn’t good for obvious reasons—still grieving/angry or unwilling to take ownership. Being able to talk about previous relationships opens a window to where the other person is in his or her healing and state of mind.”

Gail, also a widow, wrote, “I feel it is appropriate to tell your date that you are a widow or widower and for how long. Offer nothing else unless asked. It is very easy to ‘elevate’ a departed spouse to sainthood and that should be avoided at all times.”

Brenda, divorced, shared, “It’s OK to mention an ex. But don’t point out similarities or differences in your date. Don’t reference your previous life in every event.

Be careful not to bring up ‘we did that’ or ‘she would have liked that’ as that is very annoying. I dated a widower briefly, and he did that. He even told me several times I was just like her. That made me angry.

I think he was trying to justify dating me by making me seem just like her. She had been deceased for ten years.”

Linda, divorced, after corresponding with a widower online, said, “I met him in person five months ago. A relationship began.

“He was married one time. He doesn’t have photos of his wife out (deceased three years), but he speaks frequently about the life they had. I wonder if he has gotten past the grief and can move forward into a new relationship?”

Dr. John, divorced after a 21-year marriage, said, “Death or divorce, if you were with a partner for a significant length of time, that’s part of who you are, and where you’re coming from. To expect a person to never talk about his or her ex, I think, is to refuse to deal with part of who that person is.

“Be very leery of a person who talks negatively about their ex. Chances are, down the line, that person will be talking negatively to someone else about—you!”

Maria, a widow, agreed with Dr. John: “Since we are older folks, we all have a

history. We are bound to talk about people we have loved in the past, especially if someone has been widowed. It shouldn’t dominate the conversation, but I would like to hear where a person has been with their past experiences—all part of getting to know and assessing the potential partner.

“We all need to be tolerant, but if someone is talking too much about an ex or past love, tell them how you feel.

Communication is the key to a successful relationship.”

If a person talks about an ex frequently, it likely means he or she is not over the situation. That isn’t wrong; it’s a sign that the healing process is ongoing. It could be

the person is still angry, hurt, or the heart has not mended. Have empathy and be aware of that.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Level: Medium

Solution:

Barbara Starbuck, of Tucson, Arizona, was visiting her daughter and grandson in San Juan Capistrano when she decided to participate in Goin Native’s pumpkin centerpiece workshop.

SCENE { IN SA N JUA N }

Family Fall Fest at Reata Park

Local nonprofit Goin Native Therapeutic

Gardens held a free Family Fall Fest on Oct. 22 at Reata

Park, where guests enjoyed an array of gardening workshops, a fall plant sale and crafts for kids.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28 -November 10, 2016

Photos: Allison Jarrell

Goin Native volunteer Ginny Kerr, of San Juan Capistrano, taught the pumpkin centerpiece workshop on Saturday.

Page 38

Brielle Arias, 6, of San Juan Capistrano, pets some backyard chickens during Saturday’s fall fest at Reata Park.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Then & Now by Rhonda deHaan

Adobes Survive the Test of Time in Los Rios Historic District

W

elcome to a new column where we celebrate San Juan Capistrano and its history through images past and present.

Our first peek at the past is of our beloved Los Rios Historic District—the oldest residential neighborhood in the state of California. Buildings here date as far back as 1794, as construction of the original homes was closely tied to the establishment of the Mission.

The Los Rios Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places due to the tenacious efforts of local historian and preservationist Ilse Byrnes. After the loss of numerous San Juan Capistrano landmarks, it became apparent that steps had to be taken to help save those remaining, and it’s Ilse who has led the way.

Only three of the district’s original adobe homes have survived the passage of time: the Montanez, the Silvas, and the Rios. The Rios Adobe is the oldest continuously occupied residence in California.

It was first occupied by Feliciano Rios, a Mission soldier who arrived with Junípero Serra in 1776. After marrying, he was given permission to build the adobe in

1794. Ten generations of Feliciano’s descendants have lived here, and it is currently home to Stephen Rios and his family.

The past and present photos here show the Rios Adobe, which has been lovingly cared for THEN & NOW

By Rhonda by the Rios family for deHaan more than 200 years.

Preservation efforts have protected this structure and its Los Rios neighbors, and allow us to experience these places today.

Rhonda deHaan has lived in San Juan Capistrano only 10 years but has quickly embraced the town. She is a proud mother of two, a freelance writer, an SJC Friends of the Library board director, and is currently serving her sixth year on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

Remembering an American Hero

Leslie ‘Les’ Blair remembered by family as funloving man, devoted dad and grandfather

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

ith the passing of Les Blair on Oct. 8, San Juan Capistrano said goodbye to a beloved World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor—a devoted family man and community member who was passionate about helping his town and neighbors thrive.

Blair, who was 94, is survived by his two sons, Jeff and Leslie, daughter-in-law Vickie, and three grandchildren—Skyler, Spencer and Jackie. His wife of 73 years, Marie, passed away two and a half years ago.

Blair was born in Kinta, Oklahoma, on Jan. 25, 1922. He grew up in Okemah, Oklahoma on a farm with six brothers—all of whom went on to serve in the military.

Blair decided to enlist in the Navy with a high school buddy at the age of 17, as he

Les Blair enjoyed participating each year in the city’s Swallows Day Parade. Photo: Courtesy of Jeff Blair

had never seen the ocean before.

According to Blair’s son, Jeff, his father served in the Navy as a fire control man for about six years beginning in 1939— prior to Pearl Harbor. He was on the USS Pennsylvania when the ship was bombed by the Japanese.

“I was on top deck at 7:55 a.m. December 7, 1941 when I saw Japanese bombers roar out of the overcast sky,” Blair wrote in an article. “Being a First Class gun pointer, I raced to my battle station gun Number 9 even before general quarters sounded. We

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Photo courtesy of Ilse Byrnes/San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

were one of the first ships to return fire. A short time later into battle our gun ran out of ammunition. I left my crew at the gun to get more shells and as I was returning a bomb struck my gun wiping out the entire crew. The planes severely strafed the ship and surrounding docks.”

Blair survived the attack and was able to return to Marie. The two were married on Jan. 10, 1942.

Blair was a resident of Downey and worked in Los Angeles prior to moving to San Juan in 1990. It was once he came to town that his grandson Skyler was able to get Blair to open up about his experiences at Pearl Harbor. Jeff said his father had never spoken to his sons about his experiences at war.

After going to Skyler’s classroom and telling his grandson’s classmates about Pearl Harbor, he began speaking to other area students and boy scouts who were interested in hearing his story. He gave dozens of presentations and eventually had kids visiting him at Atria San Juan to hear his stories and see his room decorated with memorabilia.

Blair was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch in 1996 along Pacific Coast Highway in Capistrano Beach, and in 2004, he was named one of the city’s Wall of Recognition Honorees for his involvement in and dedication to the city. At the time, Blair was involved in ASAPs, delivered meals on

Page 39

wheels, had served as the San Juan Senior Club President for two years and acted as a liaison for seniors in the community.

He served as Commander at the local Veteran’s post and was instrumental in having the Veteran’s Memorial placed in the Veteran’s Park off of Camino Capistrano. A year later, Blair was honored as the Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year.

Blair and Marie were regulars at the Mission Basilica, where he was also a Eucharistic minister. He enjoyed staying active with his wife and family, whether it was by walking, running, camping, swimming or body surfing. He and Marie even took up tap dancing.

“They both were elegant dancers,” Jeff said with a smile. “They could also waltz and do the two-step. He was a fun-loving guy who lived a full life.”

Toward the end of his father’s life, Jeff said he was still offering to help those around him every day. Blair asked what he could do for the owner of the care facility he was staying at, and told stories to his fellow seniors.

“He always wanted to know what he could do to make somebody else happy,” Jeff said. “Even up until his last day. And that’s the true story.”

Blair’s life was celebrated with a service at the Mission Basilica on Oct. 21. For more on his life and legacy, read the full feature at www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

A RecordBreaking Effort SVC dual threat quarterback Cade Henjum makes history

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

C

ade Henjum’s roots in the Saddleback Valley Christian football program run deep.

His father, Mike Henjum, used to be the head coach of the program in the early 2000s. As a youngster enrolled in the K-12 school, Cade would always tag along with his dad and watch the Warriors practice.

Cade eventually earned the starting quarterback job as a sophomore, and has been re-writing the school record books ever since.

Now a senior, Cade calls the school his second home.

Which made the Warriors’ most recent offseason situation such an interesting challenge for the record-setting quarterback.

The Warriors won the CIF-SS East Valley Division Championship in 2015 and appeared in their first state bowl game. It was the program’s best season ever. They were poised to return several key pieces in 2016, but many of those players transferred out, leaving Henjum as the lone impact player on the roster.

To make matters worse, there were only seven players coming out for the team’s spring practices. Head coach Brendan Chambers said there were doubts the school would even field a football team in 2016.

An influx of underclassmen eventually solved the numbers dilemma the team faced, but that still left them with a young and inexperienced roster. Henjum, who takes great pride in SVC’s football tradition, refused to believe the Warriors would fall by the wayside during his final year on campus.

Fueled by the desire to return SVC to the top, Henjum is having a season for the ages.

He has thrown for 2,441 yards, completing nearly 57 percent of his passes. He has tossed 29 touchdown passes to 10 interceptions, and is averaging just over 305 yards per game. He ranks fi fth in Orange County in passing touchdowns, and he is third in the county in yards per game.

He has also been a dynamo on the ground.

As a junior surrounded by playmaking receivers and running backs, Henjum was always known as a prototypical pocketpasser. He would rarely stray out of the

Cade Henjum has developed into a dual threat quarterback during his senior season at SVC. Photo: Avery Chambers

CADE HENJUM 2016 STATS Passing:

2,441 yards

305.1 YPG

56 completion %

29 TDs

Rushing:

129 carries

957 yards

7.4 YPC

18 TDs

pocket unless the situation called for it.

Now, the 6-foot, 200-pounder runs at will, using a potent mix of strength and agility to move the chains.

Henjum has rushed for 957 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry, and 18 touchdowns.

Over his last five games, Henjum has averaged 491 yards of total offense and produced 34 touchdowns (22 passing, 12 rushing).

The numbers are spectacular, but Henjum is most proud of the fact that the Warriors have a 5-3 overall record and are off to a perfect 3-0 start in San Joaquin League play. SVC is now eyeing its 13th league title, a feat only the Warriors thought was possible two months ago.

“At the beginning of the year, we had a lot of people saying we won’t be good. …

It made me angry because people had no respect, especially after we won CIF,” Henjum said. “That just became my driving force, to show everyone that’s not going to be us. We’re going to come out and fight just like we did last year.”

Henjum’s performance on the field is only half of the Warriors’ winning equation, however. In the offseason, Henjum set the tone for the young group in the weight room and in film sessions, Chambers said.

Henjum worked tirelessly with the Warriors receiving corps, building strong bonds with juniors Jack Deavila (778

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

10 INTs

SVC senior quarterback Cade Henjum has been one of Orange County’s most prolific passers in 2016. Photo: Avery Chambers

Page 40

yards, seven touchdowns) and Jackson Greene (436 yards, five touchdowns). The receivers have stepped up in kind, as six different players have caught 10 or more passes, and eight different players have touchdown receptions.

The Warriors young offensive line has given Henjum enough time to read the field and make a play.

Henjum’s transition to a dual-threat quarterback has an ironic twist attached.

Last season, he fractured his fibula late in the season trying to gain extra yards on a run play, and had to re-learn to trust the strength of his leg while recovering. In the Warriors season-opener against Northwood on Aug. 25, he rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns, erasing any secondthoughts he might have had.

“He’s got the build of a linebacker, and he’s bigger than most of our offensive line, but with that he’s also very agile,” Chambers said. “When people see him, they think he’s going to run them over and they stop their feet waiting for it, and the next thing you know he’s by them.”

Chambers has played an integral part in Henjum’s transformation into record-setting quarterback. It started when Henjum was in grade school, and Chambers out on the field as the Warriors signal caller. Chambers set multiple school passing records while attending SVCS, and came back as an assistant coach while he was in college.

Henjum grew up idolizing Chambers, and wears his coach’s old uniform number to honor him.

Henjum has also broken nearly every passing record his coach set.

Henjum is the school record-holder in passing yards, completions and touchdowns in a game. He holds single-season records in passing touchdowns and completions, and he is the career recordholder in passing yards, completions and touchdowns. Just about all of those records used to belong to Chambers.

Henjum is also just 316 passing yards shy of setting the single-season record, another mark that belongs to Chambers.

“He’s just shattering all of my records,” Chambers said with a laugh. “I wouldn’t want anybody else to do it except for him.

To see him grow these last four years, especially from last year to now, has been an awesome experience for me as a coach.”

The Warriors need just one more win in order to become playoff eligible, and two more victories would mean they will win the league title for an 11th consecutive year. With Henjum under center, willing the team to victory after victory, another deep postseason push is not out of the question.

“He’s the leader of this team and we’re going to go as far as he’s going to take us,” Chambers said. “All eyes are on him every single practice, every single game and he’s risen to the occasion every single time.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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HELP WANTED CASSANO’S PIZZA IS NOW HIRING COOKS, DRIVERS, SERVERS. Must be a team player, fun friendly environment. Please apply in person 818 South El Camino Real, San Clemente.

RANCH MANAGER NEEDED! We are looking for an innovative “hands on” full-time, long term ranch manager to maintain and improve a large family-owned ranch in San Juan Capistrano. Ideal candidate will be a seasoned business-minded manager with “hands-on” management and communication skills, good business skills, experience in sustainable land stewardship and natural resource management, and a working knowledge of ranch systems and animals.

Duties of the Manager include administrative and legal oversight of the land, staff management and liaison of the ranch with the ownership.

The Manager would manage onsite activities and is directly responsible for the plantation and livestock.

The person should be a self-starter that can work unsupervised and be

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able to do repairs and maintain the equipment and facilities as part of their daily routing. Currently, we are exploring various agricultural and livestock projects and need a manager who has the experience, drive and ability to oversee a variety of activities at once. The ranch owners are committed to conservation and improving the health of the ranch ecosystem for native wildlife species and their personal enjoyment. The Ranch Manager is supported by a corporate office in Orange County.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and ability. Please contact Cassandra at 949.988.7303 for more information.

SERVICES HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris – 949 510 6645 WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARD Wood Rot Repair Certified Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed. Phone Chris -949 510 6645

SCHOOLS

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

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Cooking in The Kitchen St. Margaret’s football student cheering section prides itself on unique energy

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

ome in the cast of characters one can find in the student section at St. Margaret’s home football games include the following: A kid dressed like a giant pizza, an uncooked turkey, a huge bag of coffee grinds, a donut and a tin of Spam.

During games, the costumed students belt out coordinated cheers praising their team and playfully jeer the opposition.

They serenade the crowd with versions of Neil Diamond’s classic “Sweet Caroline,” which is a favorite in their repertoire.

Sometimes, St. Margaret’s faculty will dress up in costumes and race students around the field while the whole stadium cheers them on. It’s like the Milwaukee Brewer’s famous Sausage Race, only with your local American history teacher wearing a giant Mountain Dew can.

The spectacle on display every Friday night is just another day in the office for a devoted group of St. Margaret’s students known as “The Kitchen,” who show up to every game ready to cheer on the Tartans in a variety of unique and fun ways.

Student cheering sections have become a phenomenon in southern Orange County high school football in recent years, and St. Margaret’s prides itself on being one of the most crazy and vocal collections around, despite the small size of its student body.

The group’s name does not have any significant meaning, according to student organizers. St. Margaret’s doesn’t have the luxury of a recognizable mascot like other schools. What is a Tartan? Turns out it is a wool cloth woven into a plaid pattern. Not exactly an intimidating sight to behold on a football field.

The St. Margaret’s student section, dubbed The Kitchen, is among the most vocal and passionate cheering sections in the area. Photo: Courtesy

St. Margaret’s teachers and students dress up in costumes and race during the halftime of football games. Photo: Courtesy

The Kitchen members wear different costumes to every St. Margaret’s football game. Photo: Courtesy

The name is basically meant to spur questions and conversation amongst opposing student sections and fans. The Kitchen crew loves the fact that anyone who has to ask where they got their name will never truly understand. Ask any one of the five St. Margaret’s students in charge of the operation why they’re called The Kitchen, and the answer is always the same.

“Because (The Kitchen) is random,” junior Peter Gottlieb explained. “That’s

just our main thing, to be random and have fun.”

Gottlieb, along with seniors Tyler Horgan, Nick Hanna, Brennan Campbell and Mitchell Hart have taken on leadership roles in The Kitchen. Call them the chefs de cuisine, if you will.

The group is in charge of creating new themes for each game and making sure there are ample amounts of costumes, signs and cut-out posters of Tartans’ players to go around. On Wednesdays, the group heads to local party shops and returns to campus armed to the teeth with supplies for game day.

The group is known for dressing up as

food items, but they have conducted a redout night, where students are encouraged to wear the Tartans’ home colors, military night, and are planning on wearing pink to support breast cancer awareness at the team’s Oct. 28 game against Brethren Christian.

The Kitchen, in conjunction with other clubs and groups on campus, are raising money to donate to breast cancer awareness programs this week.

Aside from providing hijinks and laughs in between plays, The Kitchen is meant to serve a purpose, and that is to give the Tartans a home field advantage. At St. Margaret’s field, there is only one side of the stadium with bleachers, and the opposing team lines up on that side. That gives The Kitchen a great vantage point directly behind the opponent’s bench.

“They can definitely hear what we’re chanting and saying,” Campbell said with a laugh. “The opposing teams’ players and coaches always get mad at us.”

It’s all in good fun, of course. The Kitchen uses social media, like Twitter and Instagram, to reach out to other schools and create friendly rivalries. They’ll exchange barbs back and forth with other student sections, hoping their fellow students will get excited about going to the game. The Kitchen has 525 combined followers between its Instagram and Twitter accounts.

St. Margaret’s may have a small high school student body, but they show up to games in droves, even when the team is on the road. On Sept. 17, the Tartans travelled to play Bishop’s of La Jolla, located roughly 60 miles away. The Kitchen helped organize student rooter buses to the game, and had over 100 students sign up and make the trip.

“We’re all very passionate and excited during games,” Horgan said. “I think everyone at our school, they just love being loud and have a good time doing it.

They’re constantly screaming until their lungs make them stop.”

The Kitchen plans on pulling out all the stops at next week’s homecoming game against Crean Lutheran. The theme will be superhero night. Expect to see a few Superman and Batman costumes in the stands, and, of course, a kid dressed like a pickle, ramen noodles, and a big strip of bacon. CD