November 11, 2016

CVCS Volleyball Soars into CIF-SS Finals PAGE 18

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

NOVEMBER 11-24, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 21

The Results Are In San Juan Capistrano, Orange County cast ballots in 2016 election E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 5

Brian Maryott, left, and Sergio Farias were elected to represent Districts 5 and 1, respectively, on the San Juan Capistrano City Council.

Photos: Allison Jarrell

City Calls for Bids on Lower Rosan, Playhouse Properties EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Ellie’s Table at Historic Egan House to Open Nov. 18 SJC LIVING/PAGE 14

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJHHS Water Polo Wins First Ever Playoff Game SPORTS/PAGE 18

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING man Sam Allevato said the majority of the residents he has heard from don’t want a signal there, and he worries that drivers won’t see the new signal.

Councilman Derek Reeve countered that it’s the duty of the Council to serve residents, and that “members of that community have a right to cross the street.”

“When you have a physical impairment, it’s a deterrent,” Reeve said. “We have a duty to encourage participation in society and not deter it.”

WHAT’S NEXT: City Manager Ben Siegel said the signal will be operational in December.—AJ

The California Public Utilities Commission continued its final decision on the location of San Diego Gas & Electric’s South Orange County Reliability Enhancement project to its Dec. 15 meeting. Photo: Allison Jarrell

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week City Calls for Bids on Lower Rosan, Playhouse Properties THE LATEST: On Wednesday morning, San Juan Capistrano City Hall was filled with bidders interested in purchasing two of the city’s redevelopment agency properties—what’s known as the Lower Rosan Ranch, located off of Stonehill Drive near San Juan Creek, and the property along El Camino Real that has been home to a local nonprofit, the Camino Real Playhouse, for more than 26 years.

Assistant City Manager Jacob Green said in an email that when the state “dissolved” redevelopment agencies, the city of San Juan, like other agencies, was required to develop a plan to “prepare for disposal of agency-owned property.”

Green said parcels used as public parking and other government uses are not required to be sold, which leaves the Lower Rosan and playhouse parcels for the city to sell. Green said proceeds from the sales will be shared with other taxing agencies under a state-mandated formula.

Tom Scott and Beverly Blake, president and vice president of the Camino Real Playhouse, said they have worked with a local architect and developer on a bid to purchase the property and create a project that includes a playhouse, office space and parking. Scott and Blake are hoping to be able to keep their theater troupe in town The Capistrano Dispatch November 11-24, 2016

and are asking residents to speak in support of their bid during oral communications at the Nov. 15 City Council meeting.

Green said “the City Council is encouraging an open, competitive process that would provide a beneficial use for the community,” adding that “possible purchasers are encouraged to look to the City’s General Plan Land Use Element, Historic Town Center Master Plan and Zoning Code in developing their proposals.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Closed bids on the parcels are due on Nov. 16 at noon. City staff will review the proposals and consult with the Council on the next steps for selecting a bid.

For more on this story, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. —Allison Jarrell

Council Approves Rancho Viejo Traffic Signal Funding Despite Some Concerns THE LATEST: The City Council voted 3-1 on Nov. 1, with Councilman John Perry absent and Councilman Sam Allevato opposed, to allocate a total of $459,650 for a traffic signal and crosswalk at Rancho Viejo Road and Paseo Espada.

The Council previously approved the project in an effort to make it safer for senior citizens living off of Rancho Viejo Road to visit the shops and restaurants across the street.

The Nov. 1 vote increases the previous project budget of $378,970 by $80,680, which will come from the Capistrano Circulation Fee. Staff reported that the additional funds are needed to properly install about “1,200 lineal feet of underground electrical conduit.”

The majority of the Council was on board to increase funding, but Council-

CPUC Delays Decision on SDG&E Substation Expansion THE LATEST: On Oct. 27, the California Public Utilities Commission continued its final decision on the location of San Diego Gas & Electric’s South Orange County Reliability Enhancement (SOCRE) project to its Dec. 15 meeting in San Francisco.

SDG&E is proposing to expand its current substation in San Juan Capistrano’s residential Las Brisas neighborhood by rebuilding and upgrading a portion of its transmission infrastructure. The project aims to create a redundant electrical system that would rely on two substations rather than just the current facility in Talega.

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.

San Juan Capistrano’s city officials oppose the substation expansion in town due to its proximity to residents’ homes, while Laguna Niguel and SDG&E officials argue that the Trabuco expansion would cost $100 million more and would require using eminent domain to remove two businesses from the city.

WHAT’S NEXT: Residents wanting to share their thoughts on the proposed expansion can email the CPUC public advisor at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or mail correspondence to the public advisor’s office at 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.—AJ

Friends of the Library to Consider New Leadership, Bylaws at Nov. 19 Meeting THE LATEST: Members of the public are invited to a meeting of the San Juan Page 3

Capistrano Friends of the Library, set for Saturday, Nov. 19. The local nonprofit sent out a notice stating that a new set of proposed bylaws and board of directors will be voted on by FOL members.

The meeting comes after a contentious couple years within the FOL over bylaws, finances and leadership. Bylaws adopted in 2015 eliminated general membership and voting rights, and changed the nonprofit’s mission statement from supporting and enhancing the library to “raising awareness of the library.” The proposed bylaws would reverse those changes.

The meeting will take place at the La Sala Auditorium at the San Juan Capistrano Library, located at 31495 El Camino Real, adjacent to The Bookstore. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for refreshments and a meet and greet with the candidates for the FOL’s board of directors. Voting on the bylaws and board of directors will begin at 2 p.m., and the meeting will adjourn at 4:30 p.m.

A call for nominations will occur at the meeting. Only current members of FOL who have paid their dues qualify to vote for the candidates and bylaws, though residents interested in joining FOL or those wanting to renew their membership may pay their dues at the meeting during registration or in The Bookstore prior to or on Nov. 19.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information on the Friends of the Library, call 949.493.2688, follow the group on Facebook under “Friends of the Library – San Juan Capistrano” or visit The Bookstore, located at 31495-A El Camino Real.—AJ

Chamber of Commerce Encourages Local Involvement in Small Business Saturday THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to support local businesses and invest in the city by participating in national Small Business Saturday, set for Nov. 26.

As in years past, San Juan Capistrano’s day of shopping local will kick off with a free pancake breakfast hosted by the Chamber. The breakfast begins at 9 a.m. at Mission Grill, located at 31721 Camino Capistrano. Participants who shop locally on Nov. 26 will also have an opportunity to win a variety of prizes, including $25 gift cards from participating businesses.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information about Small Business Saturday, including a list of participating businesses, call 949.493.4700 or visit www.visitsjc.com/ ShopSmall.—AJ www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

The Results Are In

Unofficial 2016 Election Results The following are the current unofficial election results as of 12 p.m. on Nov. 10. These results may change upon subsequent updates from the state of California and the Orange County Registrar. Candidates and measures in position to win if results hold are bolded.

Check www.thecapistranodispatch.com for a full list of updated results.

Districts 1, 5 elect two new City Council members

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1: Sergio Farias: 608 or 58.3 percent Nathan Banda: 435 or 41.7 percent

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

an Juan Capistrano’s first by-district election has come to a close.

Residents in Districts 1 and 5 made history Tuesday night as they elected two new City Council members to serve fouryear terms on the dais.

The city’s switch to district elections was prompted by a voting rights lawsuit filed against the city in January. The suit claimed that San Juan’s at-large elections violated the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 and resulted in vote dilution of Latino residents. Rather than fight the lawsuit, the Council chose to switch to district elections and the city hired a demographer.

Following a series of public workshops and Council hearings, the demographer used Census data and community input to draw a map of five voting districts, which the Council approved in June.

District 1 was selected as one of the two districts voting this year due to a stipulated agreement with the plaintiffs of the Voting Rights Act lawsuit, which dictated the first district chosen be the area with the highest percentage of Latino voters. The Council voted 3-2 to select the southeastern District 5 as the second district to elect a City Council member this year.

In the city’s northwestern District 1, small business owner Sergio Farias won the Council race with 608 votes, or about 58 percent of the vote. His challenger, Nathan Banda, received 435 votes, about 42 percent of the vote. In District 1, 2,319 residents were registered to vote.

Farias, a lifelong resident of San Juan, said he ran a grassroots campaign and knocked on every door of the district.

“I ran into several people who had never had a candidate knock on their door before,” Farias said. “We got people involved who had never been involved before, and that’s one of the things I had set out to do.”

He said his current priorities are to resolve parking issues in the district and stop the SDG&E substation expansion in town. Farias is a 27-year resident of Las Brisas, the neighborhood which surrounds the substation site.

In District 5, financial services executive Brian Maryott won the race with 1,502 votes, or about 58 percent. Mission San Juan Capistrano executive director Mechelle Lawrence Adams came in second with 870 votes (25.6 percent) and Larry Kramer, retired submarine captain and former mayor, came in third with 549 votes The Capistrano Dispatch November 11-24, 2016

(2 of 2 precincts have complete reporting)

District 5 Councilman-Elect Brian Maryott.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

(16.2 percent). Media executive Ronda Mottl earned 324 votes (9.6 percent), professional geologist and professor Jim Schneider received 118 votes (3.5 percent) and Robert Parks, who dropped out of the race, took 29 votes (0.9 percent).

Maryott said he’s ready to get to work with city staff and the other Council members on balancing the city’s budget, resolving issues with water and continuing to address an issue that he said “became more paramount as a growing concern throughout the campaign”—sober living and drug treatment homes.

“This is an issue that doesn’t have a quick, easy fix,” Maryott said. “I think the best long-term solution is going to be a particularly hard battle, because I don’t think that they belong in our neighborhoods. I don’t think it’s appropriate to run businesses in our neighborhoods.”

Farias and Maryott will fill the seats of outgoing City Councilmen Sam Allevato and John Perry. Allevato was unable to run for his seat, as he lives in District 2.

Perry lives in District 5 but chose not to run. Farias and Maryott will be sworn in on Dec. 12.

Residents in Districts 2, 3 and 4 will vote for candidates in the 2018 City Council race. CD

DISTRICT 5: Brian Maryott: 1,502 or 44.3 percent Mechelle Lawrence Adams: 870 or 25.6 percent Larry Kramer: 549 or 16.2 percent Ronda Mottl: 324 or 9.6 percent Jim Schneider: 118 or 3.5 percent Robert Parks: 29 or 0.9 percent (7 of 7 precincts have completed reporting)

CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (CUSD) CUSD, TRUSTEE AREA 1 (ONE SEAT AVAILABLE)

Amy Hanacek (Incumbent): 7,970 or 59.1 percent Wendy Shrove: 5,505 or 40.9 percent (35 of 35 precincts reporting)

CUSD, TRUSTEE AREA 2 (ONE SEAT AVAILABLE)

Jim Reardon (Incumbent): 11,403 or 80.5 percent Gould Workman: 2,758 or 19.5 percent

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT (SOCCCD) SOCCCD TRUSTEE AREA 3 (ONE SEAT AVAILABLE)

Barbara “Bobbie” Jay (Incumbent): 77,613 or 35.1 percent Peter J. Espinosa: 60,825 or 27.5 percent Kimberly Clark: 45,100 or 20.4 percent Gary V. Miller: 37,707 or 17 percent (534 of 534 precincts reporting)

SOCCCD TRUSTEE AREA 6 (ONE SEAT AVAILABLE)

James “Jim” R. Wright (Incumbent): 133,237 or 62.4 percent Mike Dalati: 80,159 or 37.6 percent (534 of 534 precincts reporting)

SOCCCD TRUSTEE AREA 4, SHORT-TERM (ONE SEAT AVAILABLE)

Terri Whitt (Incumbent): 74,763 or 35 percent John Alpay: 72,058 or 33.7 percent Jim Leach: 66,698 or 31.2 percent (534 of 534 precincts reporting)

STATE ASSEMBLY, DISTRICT 73 (ONE SEAT AVAILABLE)

William (Bill) Brough (Incumbent): 103,050 or 68.6 percent Mesbah Islam: 47,124 or 31.4 percent

(35 of 35 precincts reporting)

(296 of 296 precincts reporting)

CUSD, TRUSTEE AREA 3

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 49 (ONE SEAT AVAILABLE)

(ONE SEAT AVAILABLE)

Patricia Holloway: 8,393 or 57.1 percent Laura Ferguson: 6,314 or 42.9 percent (24 of 24 precincts reporting)

CUSD, TRUSTEE AREA 5 (ONE SEAT AVAILABLE)

Gary Pritchard (Incumbent): 6,308 or 52.4 percent Jake M. Vollebregt: 5,741 or 47.6 percent (34 of 34 precincts reporting)

MEASURE M Capistrano Unified School District, Classroom Repair and School Safety Measure, aka the $889 million school improvements bond.

Yes: 51,161 or 44.6 percent No: 63,597 or 55.4 percent (210 of 210 precincts reporting)

MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT OF ORANGE COUNTY (MWDOC), DIVISION 7 (ONE SEAT AVAILABLE)

Megan Yoo Schneider: 33,711 or 42.2 percent Raymond C. Miller: 16,733 or 21 percent Evan Chaffee: 16,213 or 20.3 percent Richard Gardner: 13,176 or 16.5 percent (200 of 200 precincts reporting)

Darrell Issa (Incumbent): 93,696 or 51 percent Doug Applegate: 89,717 or 49 percent (100 percent of precincts reporting)

MAJOR BALLOT PROPOSITIONS 57: To allow “non-violent” felons more opportunities for parole per Supreme Court mandate.

Yes: 5,508,234 or 64 percent No: 3,154,615 or 36 percent (100 percent of precincts reporting)

62: To repeal the death penalty.

Yes: 3,976,418 or 46 percent No: 4,656,082 or 54 percent (100 percent of precincts reporting)

63: To require background checks for ammunition sales and other regulations.

Yes: 5,457,640 or 63 percent No: 3,257,693 or 37 percent (100 percent of precincts reporting)

64: To legalize recreational marijuana Yes: 4,963,501 or 56 percent No: 3,928,291 or 44 percent (100 percent of precincts reporting)

District 1 Councilman-Elect Sergio Farias.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

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EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

County Math Club Holds Annual Tournament at St. Margaret’s Orange County Math Circle’s annual Thanksgiving Math Tournament took place Saturday, Nov. 5 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano.

The math tournament is free for students in third through sixth grade to participate in, and consists of three rounds—an individual round, a team round and an activity round.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the tournament encourages each participant to bring a toy for a toy drive, which benefits underserved students tutored by the Santa Ana Math Club.

For more information on the group or future events, visit www.ocmathcircle.org.

CREER Director Honored

by Farmers & Merchants Bank, Nonprofit’s Winter Gala Set for Nov. 19 Farmers & Merchants Bank honored 10 members of the Southern California community at its sixth annual “California’s Strongest People You Can Bank On” awards, which took place Oct. 27 in Long Beach. Winners were nominated by bank employees and represent many communities throughout the region.

In San Juan, F&M employee Marcos Reyes nominated Angeles Ceballos, executive director of CREER Comunidad y Familia, a “community outreach program with a mission to develop children, youth and families through educational, cultural, arts, sports and civic leadership programs.” Ceballos was given the “Loyalty

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

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

The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Award” for developing “positive programs to guide at-risk youth in productive, selfsufficient life paths.”

CREER is now gearing up for its sixth annual Viva CREER Winter Gala, set for Saturday, Nov. 19 from 6-11 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. The fundraiser includes dinner and live entertainment featuring jazz legend Louie Cruz Beltran and Carlos Velazco.

General admission is $50, and V.I.P. tickets are $100. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at the following link: goo.gl/ nkvVEy, or by searching for “CREER Gala 2016” at www.eventbrite.com.

Inaugural Gala to Benefit SJHHS Performing Arts Set for Nov. 11

SJHHS Athletic Booster Club Selling Christmas Trees

In support of San Juan Hills High School’s arts programs, the San Juan Hills Performing Arts Boosters are hosting an inaugural gala, “A Taste of the Arts” on Friday, Nov. 11, at the Plaza de Magdalena in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The event, which will benefit all four disciplines of the performing arts department, will highlight student performers and include a live and silent auction and dinner.

To purchase tickets for the “A Taste of the Arts” gala, visit www.sjhhsarts.com.

Local Animal Rescue to Host Clinic Nov. 20 The Ark of San Juan Companion Animal Rescue is sponsoring a free pet spay and neuter clinic on Sunday, Nov. 20, in the back parking lot of San Juan Capistrano City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

The clinic is open to residents of San Juan Capistrano. Veterinary services will be provided by the Society for California Veterinary & Vaccine Care.

Spaying and neutering is by appoint-

Mazda hatchback driven by a man with “crazy messy spiked hair” wearing a polo shirt. The man had previously asked the caller to get into his car to help him because he was lost, and when the caller refused, the man told him he needed help “putting something in his trunk.” The caller ran away.

The Athletic Booster Club at San Juan Hills High School is selling Christmas trees now through Nov. 18 to raise funds for the school’s sports programs.

The trees come directly from a grower in Oregon, and each sport receives 100 percent of the profit from their sales. The pricing includes: $55-85 for douglas firs, $75$130 for noble firs and $80 for nordmann firs. Local delivery (San Clemente to Lake Forest) is $35. Trees may also be donated to a Camp Pendleton 1st Battalion/11th Marine family. Delivery is included.

Order forms and payment are due by Friday, Nov. 18. All trees are to be claimed at the SJHHS parking lot on a first come, first served basis on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trees being delivered must be picked out no later than 10 a.m.

Order online at www.sjhstallions.com/ christmastree. For more information, contact Soo Wise at sywise@cox.net or 949.412.2886 or Ally Steines at allysteines@cox.net or 949.463.2186.

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

lanes.” Subjects were also seen throwing cigarettes out of the windows. The car was last seen going westbound on Ortega Highway and possibly taking a left onto Via Errecarte.

Tuesday, November 1

Wednesday, November 2

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Calle la Purisima, 31600 Block (11:25 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for three male “gang types” playing loud music and possibly doing drugs. Deputies contacted the subjects, and they agreed to leave the area.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo Carolina, 32100 Block (12:05 a.m.) A caller reported being followed by a grey

DRUNK DRIVING Camino Capistrano, 31700 Block (10:18 p.m.) A black four-door sedan was seen swerving “all over the

The Capistrano Dispatch November 11-24, 2016

ment only—call SCVVC at 714.993.9193 to schedule an appointment. A limited number of appointments are available, and free microchipping is available for the first 25 sign-ups. Pets must arrive at 7-7:30 a.m. and must be current on vaccinations.

Do not allow pets to have food or water the night before. There is no limit on the number of pets per household. A low-cost vaccine clinic for all pets from any city will also be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information, email scvvc. pets@gmail.com or info@arkofsanjuan. org, or visit www.scvvc.org or www.arkofsanjuan.org. For assistance in Spanish, call 949.388.0034.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo Belardes, 26500 Block (7:07 p.m.) A male subject was seen attempting to tag walls in the area. When the subject saw the caller, he ran along Alipaz toward La Zanja. The caller contacted deputies again later on when he heard someone spray painting near his residence. No one was seen in the area, but “kronic” had been painted on the side of an RV. VANDALISM REPORT Calle Arroyo/Rancho Viejo Road (2:58 p.m.) It was reported that a fire hydrant, curb and street were painted pink.

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Community Meetings FRIDAY, NOV. 11

Veterans Day Celebration

11 a.m.-noon. Hosted by San Juan Capistrano VFW Serra Post 3801 at Veterans Park, located at the corner of El Camino Real and Yorba Street in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

TUESDAY, NOV. 15

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. 16

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.

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

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

FRIDAY, NOV. 18

Coffee Chat

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

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

SATURDAY, NOV. 19

E-Waste and Shredding Event

8-11 a.m. The city of San Juan Capistrano invites residents to bring materials for shredding and electronic goods to be disposed of. Limit of four regular-sized boxes per car is requested. City Hall Parking Lot. 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, NOV. 22

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.

FRIDAY, NOV. 25

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor CITY SHOULD CONSIDER ENDOWING PROPERTIES TO PLAYHOUSE —Jim May, Ladera Ranch I understand that the city of San Juan Capistrano is obligated to sell the two-parcel parking lot and Camino Real Playhouse property in order to resolve the dissolution of the remaining redevelopment authority properties.

However, it seems very counterproductive to the well-being of the important community heritage built by this organization over a quarter century. By displacing the existing playhouse, the city risks the probable discontinuation of any sort of performing arts forever. This volunteer group would be tasked with an immense problem to find any replacement facilities, with certainly none locally convenient for its resident patrons.

Instead, the city plan should consider endowing the properties to the nonprofit playhouse, thereby preserving the irreplaceable heritage accumulated thus far.

The playhouse is:

• an irreplaceable community asset.

• fully community-oriented, contributing performing arts for all, education and training for local youths, and an example of unselfish volunteerism.

• available to all performing artists, choirs, orchestras, chamber musicians, dance, jazz, fine arts, and other community needs such as business meetings, training sessions, continuing education, weddings, family gatherings and similar events.

Displacing the playhouse would disrupt the troupe’s plans to further diversify to additional genres and increase utilization, which will greatly affect the economic activity and financial well-being of surrounding businesses and the historic city center.

We only need to look at the exemplary city support and commitments of Laguna Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach and Temecula to their playhouses to appreciate what can be accomplished with the proper sensitivity to fostering this unique part of a community.

THE END OF AN ERA IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO —Jennifer James, San Juan Capistrano The area of Alipaz, at the corner of Del Avion, houses a beautiful community of homes and families. The outside of the

homes and the landscape is maintained beautifully. People have clamored in the past to purchase these homes. Kids were safe to play on the cul-de-sac, neighborhood get-togethers were common, and the neighborhood was reminiscent of the old days.

Within the last two years, the street that is adjacent to the community—separated by a wall and gates, which dead ends about a quarter mile down, near the beach trail—has been a haven for homeless, drug users, gang-bangers fighting with knives, people having sex, people using the greenbelt for a toilet, and the list goes on and on. Weekend car races are also common on the street.

Each weekend, deputies are called out to quell all the disturbances and are met with smart-mouthed teens driving recklessly, or gang-bangers refusing to talk.

Both sides of this dead end street have become a parking lot for people living a half mile away. Transients abound, and people engage in lewd activities while druggies ingest or shoot up. Condoms are everywhere, needles are everywhere, and even the occasional (used) toilet paper shows up.

I am angry because my grandchildren live in a home adjacent to this pandemonium, and I fear for their safety. They have all been raised in this family home, and now they must move because no one will do anything about this situation.

This scourge on our community must be stopped. There is no reason why a simple chain cannot be installed across this street, giving fire, etc., a key to the chain in emergencies. No one else needs access to this dead end road.

Our beautiful San Juan Capistrano is losing the battle against gang-bangers, druggies, itinerant homeless and out-of-control teens. Soon we could be another East L.A., unless action is taken now, to take back our community.

I have lived in San Juan Capistrano for over 25 years and have seen the change. I am glad my grandchildren will no longer be subjected to these intolerable activities but am saddened that we have essentially given this area to the bad people, while my family is forced to move.

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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Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

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

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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 21. 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.

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

Friday | 11

Photo: Jay Maidment ©2016 Marvel

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.

VETERANS DAY EXHIBIT 2-7 p.m. The San Clemente Presbyterian Church presents a Veterans Day celebration in commemoration of all the men and women who have served in the military.

Photographs, medals, documents and drawings from local veterans will be on display.

Event also runs Nov. 12 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente.

949.492.6158. www.scpres.org.

OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 5-8 p.m. Celebrate Outlets at San Clemente’s first birthday with live entertainment, wine, cocktails, craft beer and food trucks. Family-friendly activities will include a photo booth, face painting, balloon animals and complimentary birthday cake.

Proceeds from drink purchases benefit the Marine Corps League, South Coast Detachment. Outlets at San Clemente, Oak Tree Court. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

A TASTE OF THE ARTS GALA 6:30-11 p.m. An unforgettable evening in a classic courtyard setting featuring exclusive student performances from San Juan Hills High School Performing Arts students in dance, choral/vocal music, instrumental music and theatre arts; plus a cocktail hour, dinner, opportunity drawings, a live auction, dancing and a special tribute to veterans.

Tickets are $100 and only available online at www.sjhhsarts.com. All proceeds benefit the Performing Arts department. Plaza de Magdalena. 31781 Camino Capistrano, Suite 101, San Juan Capistrano.

BALLROOM BASH 7:15-10:30 p.m. Dance the foxtrot, tango, waltz and more at the November Ballroom Bash, which pays homage to the Thanksgiving season and veterans. Event is for singles and couples aged 18 and over. A waltz lesson will be held at 7:35 p.m. Free parking at the Community Presbyterian Church.

32202 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.498.0233. www.ballroombash.com The Capistrano Dispatch November 11-24, 2016

At the Movies: ‘Doctor Strange’ is Fittingly Titled Photo: Michelle Montgomery

SATURDAY, NOV. 19: HANDMADE: A MAKER’S MARKET 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. The Ecology Center plays host to a unique outdoor market, where functional and well-designed goods made by local artisans and craftspeople will be on display and for sale. There will also be kids activities, live music, craft food and artisan demonstrations. Event is free, but RSVP online so the organizers can plan accordingly. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

VETERANS DAY CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Former TV news anchor and Vietnam veteran Mike Chamberlin tells stories and sings 1940s love songs in a tribute concert honoring those who fought and served in World War II. Concert is free, and childcare is available.

Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley. 1201 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente.

949.240.6463. www.cslcv.org.

Saturday | 12 HOLIDAY BAZAAR 8 a.m.-1 p.m. San Juan Mobile Estates hosts the seventh annual Holiday Bazaar, offering unique and handcrafted items alongside homemade baked goods and candy. The United Women Craft Initiative Association, a fair-trade organization comprised of women from Uganda, will be on hand with homemade goods. 32302 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4594.

GARDEN CLASS: SUCCESSFUL COOL SEASON GARDENING 9:30-11 a.m. Join Goin Native and the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners for this class on preparing your garden for the winter months. Reata Park. 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.606.6386. www.goinnative.net.

ECO DESIGN FARM TOUR 10-11 a.m. Learn about the Ecology Center on a guided tour of their historic home turned living landscape. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223.

www.theecologycenter.org.

DRIFTWOOD COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Country stars like Jerrod Niemann, Rodney Atkins, Thompson Square and more descend on Doheny State Beach for an all-day music festival. There will be more than 100 craft beers and wines, along with barbecue— tastings are included with VIP tickets.

General admission tickets start at $59, VIP tickets start at $99. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.driftwoodfest.com.

SC HANDMADE POP-UP BOUTIQUE PARTY 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. An afternoon with local San Clemente women artists and makers and their one-of-a-kind, handmade products. There will be unique, smallbatch clothing, jewelry, home and body care products, baked goods and candy, hand-knit items, bags, succulent planters and much more. Event is free to attend.

245 Avenida Del Poniente, San Clemente.

949.874.5700.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Dalton Gang performs live music in the afternoon, followed by the Rob Staley Band in the evening. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

ANTE UP FOR AUTISM 6 p.m. The 10th annual autism benefit event includes silent auctions, dinner, entertainment and friendly poker games.

(Cont. on page 12)

Page 10

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he newest addition to the Marvel cinematic universe, Doctor Strange, is as peculiar as the main character’s name. It’s fresh and different from the usual superhero movie, but at the same time it’s not entirely good. The tone and atmosphere is reminiscent of The Matrix (1999) or Inception (2010), which works to the film’s advantage, but the filmmakers have to work with the fact that the lead is still a superhero in a lighthearted franchise.

Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is the most talented and successful neurosurgeon in New York City, much to the chagrin of his former flame, nurse Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) and fellow surgeon Nicodemus West (Michael Stuhlbarg).

But suddenly he becomes victim to a near-fatal car crash that leaves him with permanent nerve damage in his hands. Out of work and desperate, Strange travels to Kathmandu, Nepal, to seek help from a mystical sorcerer called the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who shows him how to become magical himself.

Mads Mikkelsen plays their arch nemesis.

Doctor Strange is as much of a visual spectacle as many critics are saying, especially the supernatural sequences, and it is interesting to see an action lead become a magical hero rather than just super strong. But unfortunately, the film is inconsistent with its tone and has much more comic relief than is needed. Some scenes are very dramatic, while others are purely comedic. There is an amusing magic cape similar to Aladdin’s carpet, but the creators should have focused more on the characters’ chemistry and less on laughs. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10) All proceeds benefit families affected by autism through the group Talk About Curing Autism (TACA). Monarch Beach Resort.

One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point.

949.640.4401. www.anteupforautism.org.

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. The monthly Second Stage StandUp brings comedians to the Camino Real Playhouse. Mark Christopher Lawrence, Bobby Tessel, Paula Faust and Yamo perform. Tickets are $17.50, and reservations are highly recommended. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.comedyintheoc.com.

Tuesday | 15 MARINE CORPS’ 241ST BIRTHDAY DINNER CELEBRATION 6:20 p.m. The Marine Corps League-South Coast Detachment holds their second annual dinner celebration at Cannons Seafood Grill. Reservations are requested for the buffet-style dinner. Marine regiment leaders will be speaking at the event. 34344 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.marinecorpsleaguesouthcoast.org.

LECTURE: NATIVE PLANTS AND THEIR USES 7-8:30 p.m. Find out what native plants have been used by indigenous cultures in the area as medicines, tools and more from naturalist Janine Peterson. Event is free, but space is limited and RSVP is required.

Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy.

28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

Wednesday | 16 ‘THE CURIOUS SAVAGE’ 7 p.m. San Clemente High School drama presents a production of John Patrick’s The Curious Savage. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $18 for premium seating and $10 for seniors, military, students and children. Show runs through Nov. 19. Tickets available at www.schsdrama.

com. San Clemente High School. 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.291.2761.

Friday | 18 FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT 5-9 p.m. The Ocean Institute hosts Family Movie Night with a screening of Muppet Treasure Island. Doors open at 5 p.m., with food trucks, touch tanks and other activities. General admission is $10; a family four-pack is $30, and members get a 10 percent discount. Buy tickets online at www.ocean-institute.org/event/family-movie-night. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274.

Saturday | 19 SURFING SANTA COMPETITION 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dress up as Santa or one of his elves and hit the waves at Salt Creek Beach. Or just put on a floppy red hat and watch the fun. Money raised from the event supports Surfers Healing, which benefits children with autism. 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.240.5088. www.surfingsantacontest.org.

FALL INTO NATURE FAMILY WALK 9-11 a.m. Enjoy a family-oriented walk on The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.

Event is free by space is limited and RSVP is required. Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AT THE OUTLETS 4-6 p.m. Families are invited to create holiday memories during the Tree Lighting Celebration at the Outlets at San Clemente. Hosted

by Santa and his reindeer, the event features a live reindeer meet-and-greet, roaming Christmas carolers, a photo booth, crafts, face-painting, balloon animals and the Grand Finale: the lighting of a fresh-cut, 40-foot-tall white fir tree from Mt. Shasta covered in more than 6,000 twinkling, multi-colored lights as “snow” falls over San Clemente.

THE DISH

HOUSE COMBO PHO

P

ho is therapeutic. There may not be science yet to verify that, but anyone who’s eaten the classic Vietnamese noodle soup, especially after a long night or while battling a cold, knows that its combination of warmth, umami, salt and spice has magical healing powers.

There’s a pho for everyone at San Clemente’s Pho Thanh Binh. I went with the house special of rare beef, brisket, tendon and tripe—a traditional take on the noodle soup.

The best part about pho is the way the flavor integrates as you eat it. Throw in your basil, jalapeno, hoisin and chili—getting it spicy is another good cold remedy—and by the time you’re halfway through the gigantic serving bowl, the add-ins marry the peppery beef and unctuous tendon and tripe to create a singular indulgent bite. And though not everyone is an offal fan, Pho Thanh Binh’s tripe is tender and savory, and the tendon is rich and melts on the tongue.

Center Court at the Outlets. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

VIVA CREER WINTER GALA 6-11 p.m. Join in on the sixth annual VIVA CREER Winter Gala. There will be appetizers, dinner, champagne and live music featuring jazz legend Louie Cruz Beltran and Carlos Velasco. VIP tickets are $100, general admission tickets are $50. San Juan Capistrano Community Center. 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. www.creersjc.org.

Monday | 21 ALL THINGS ARTS CAMP 9 a.m.-noon. Kids ages 4-11 are invited to act, sing, dance and create over Thanksgiving week with The Arts Project of Orange County. Tickets are $45 per day, and kids can sign up for sessions on Monday, Tues-

By the end of the bowl, the broth has assimilated and condensed all elements into a robustly flavorful bite. And whether you need it or not, the pho at Pho Thanh Binh warms the soul.

Pho Thanh Binh 107 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente. 949.369.3876

day, Wednesday or all three.

Reservations requested. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente. 949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

UPCOMING: SATURDAY, NOV. 26 HOLIDAY CHARITY GIFT DRIVE Noon-3 p.m. Donate gifts at San Juan Capistrano charity Coral 65’s annual holiday gift drive. Drop off new, unwrapped donations of gifts for military kids and pets, sweaters for seniors and vests for veterans.

There will also a raffle and silent auction.

Courtyard Irvine Spectrum. 7955 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine. 949.606.2300. www.coral65.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.

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

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

Declaring a Time of Thanksgiving

Pondering the Safety and Rewards of Overseas Travel

A look into the history of the holiday we celebrate on the last Thursday of November

T

hanksgiving, like most holidays, has evolved over time to become the popular family celebration that we enjoy today. As we get ready to sit down to our Thanksgiving table with family and friends, we can reflect on how this traditional holiday emerged.

In California, the “holiday” was virtually unknown until the Gold Rush of 1849. At that time, many New Englanders came to California to seek their fortune. It was not long before the Sons of New England and the New England Society were formed as a way to come together and remember their home and families left behind.

The date for a Thanksgiving celebration could be anytime between October and December. There was a Thanksgiving Day event on Dec. 6, 1846, celebrated by the American forces in Monterey and Yerba Buena (San Francisco). On Nov. 29, 1849, General Bennett Riley, California’s last military governor, issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation on what had become a War Department holiday.

According to an article in the Mayflower Quarterly in March 2015: “The first recorded celebration (in California) of the landing of the Pilgrims took place on Tuesday, 29 October 1850, the day California celebrated its admission into the United States becoming the thirtyfirst state of the Union. There was a parade through San Francisco that began with a thunderous artillery salute by the United States Army. In the square a crowd had assembled to watch the American flag run up the staff which was copied in all parts of the City. Ships from around the world stood offshore dressed up for the occasion. The streets were filled with a joyous multitude as the Military, Fire Department, civic companies and societies prepared to march.”

Peter Burnett, California’s first elected governor under the 1849 constitution, declared Nov. 10, 1850 a legal holiday for Thanksgiving. All official business was stopped. The governor was in Sacramento for a funeral. (The state capital was still Monterey). Since many of the local merchants were men from New England, they banded together to form The Sons of New England.

They planned a banquet in the dining room of the Colombia Hotel. The governor was the guest of honor. The menu for dinner was published, so we know how they feasted—they started with mock turtle soup, which was followed by boiled salmon,

The Capistrano Dispatch November 11–24, 2016

dressed mutton, caper sauce, ham, tongue, corned beef and cabbage, roast veal, lamb, beef and pork. Next came saddle venison and currant jelly, turkey, geese, and duck, followed by lobster and chicken salad.

Vegetables included potatoes, turnips, parsnips, beets, onions, carrots and baked beans. Sweets included plum pudding, cranberry, apple, pumpkin, peach and prune pies, pound cake, fruit cake and plum cake. Wines served were champagne, port, Madeira, sherry, claret, brandy and hot punches. If you were a miner out in the camps, jackrabbits would have been typical Thanksgiving dinner fare.

Presidents have also issued proclamations of Thanksgiving following military battles, but these were regional in the form of celebrations. Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, was the first president to call for a national day of Thanksgiving.

He stated, “I invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday MOMENTS IN of November next as a TIME day of thanksgiving and

By Jan Siegel praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”

Every year, presidents issue a Thanksgiving proclamation. Thanksgiving did not become a legal holiday until 1941.

The story of the Pilgrims and their place in the Thanksgiving celebration saga did not emerge until after the 1890s. It was during this period that the story of the “First Thanksgiving” developed and made way for the holiday that we know today.

Jan Siegel is a 28-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 18 years.

She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

W

hen my partner, Greta, and I had our first date on June 27, 1998, at the Claim Jumper on La Paz, one of the first things we discovered we had in common was a love of traveling.

We agreed that if we became a couple, we would try to travel as much as we could while we were physically and financially able to do so.

While we were working, we were able to take one trip a year. Now that we are retired, we are trying to squeeze in as many trips as we reasonably can. We have been blessed; our trips have happened without any serious or dangerous incidents.

However, that does not mean we have not had safety concerns before leaving on trips.

In March 2004, we were going to Spain.

Our itinerary back then was to fly to Madrid and hop a train from Madrid’s Atocha train station to go to the Costa del Sol for a week. While there, we planned to take day train trips to Barcelona and Valencia and back. We would return to Madrid by train to the Atocha station.

But on March 4, 2004, a week before we were to leave, our excitement turned to trepidation. Ten terrorists’ bombs ripped through three Spanish train stations, including Atocha, killing 192 and injuring more than 2,000 people. The tracks we would have been on were among the ones bombed.

Our first reaction: “This could have happened to us; it’s too dangerous to go to Spain.” However, we ended up going, but we rented a car instead, which we later realized was likely more dangerous than the train.

A year ago in October, we made travel plans to fly to Germany in April of this year, and then take the train through Brussels to Paris. During our stay in Paris, we had several day trips by train planned and other train trips scheduled in Italy in early May. On Nov. 13, six coordinated terrorist attacks occurred in Paris, killing 130 people and wounding hundreds more. Those attacks put Greta and I into “Should we go?” mode.

After pondering that question for a couple of months, terrorism in Europe seemed to have settled down. We decided, “Yup, we are going.” We would leave California in early April.

Then, on March 22, two suicide bombers attacked the Brussels Airport, and one attacked a Metro station—35 people died.

Again, we wondered, should we just stay in Dana Point and not travel to Europe this year? We decided to go. Our trip turned out to be rewarding and wonderful.

Page 13

On July 13, 2016, Bastille Day in France, Greta and I were saddened by the ISISinspired attack when a truck plowed through a crowded street in Nice, France, killing 85. Greta and I had walked on that same street a few years before.

We weigh events like that versus knowing that time is slipping away, and someday we won’t be able to travel as much as we have over the last 18 years. Then we think of our San Clemente friend, Chris Anastasio, who is 81, and his English girlfriend, Tina, who still travel more than 200 days each year. They are an inspiration to Greta and me.

So this week, it’s travel time again; Greta and I leave for India and Nepal this Saturday, Nov. 12.

Suitcases are packed. Check-off lists are complete. We are raring to go. So, what happens? On Nov. 1, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi sent out this email: “Recent Indian media reports indicate ISIL’s desire to attack targets in India,” the email stated. “The U.S. Embassy warns of an increased threat to places in India frequented by Westerners, such as religious sites, markets and festival venues.

ON LIFE AND “All U.S. citizens are LOVE AFTER 50 reminded to maintain a

By Tom Blake high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as detailed in the State Department’s Worldwide Caution of September 9, 2016.”

Of course, the Taj Mahal is on our bucket list. It’s probably the most frequented site visited by Westerners in all of India. Holy smokes!

We realize how blessed and fortunate we are to be able to travel at our age. We intend to continue to do so for as long as we can, while we are healthy enough to go. We will keep you posted.

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. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

An Invitation to Ellie’s Table at Egan’s House Historic Egan House will become home to new café on Nov. 18

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

his time next week, one of San Juan Capistrano’s beloved historic properties—the Egan House—will take on a new life as the home of Ellie’s Table and Jay’s Catering.

The Neo-Victorian home was built in 1883 by Judge Richard Egan—a surveyor, school trustee and justice of the peace.

Known as “Harmony Hall,” it was rebuilt following a fire in 1898 and served as Judge Egan’s home, office and courtroom until his death in 1923.

Egan, who was referred to as the “King of Capistrano” by Madame Helena Modjeska, is considered one of San Juan’s founding fathers. He was also known for throwing extravagant social events that were often attended by the who’s who of old San Juan.

Purchased in 2015 by San Juan Capistrano resident and developer Bill Griffith, the inside of the Egan House was gutted, while the historic outside was preserved. Local historian and preservationist Ilse Byrnes submitted the site to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015, and recently, on Oct. 28, the California State Historical Resources Commission held a meeting where it was recommended the Egan House be added to its list of historic places worthy of preservation.

Ellie’s Table and parent company Jay’s Catering are owned by the Mastroianni family and are headquartered in Garden Grove, where they have a kitchen.

Founded by Jay Mastroianni and his wife, Eleanor, in the 1960s, the company has always been Southern California-based.

Jay and Eleanor got their start in the food truck supply business before opening their own food truck and selling Eleanor’s famous lasagna and carrot cake, the latter of which is still a signature item of the café.

Before long, their business evolved into a catering company, and they eventually decided to open a café in San Clemente’s North Beach. The Egan House in San Juan is their second restaurant.

Alisha Vu, director of business development for Jay’s Catering Co. and Ellie’s Table, said as an Italian family, the Mastroianni’s always gathered to celebrate around the dinner table.

“Even if you were a stranger off the street, they would invite you to Ellie’s table

The Capistrano Dispatch November 11-24, 2016

A view from the wrap-around patio at Ellie’s Table. The patio is dog-friendly and will be able to seat about 60 people. Photo: Allison Jarrell

The grand opening of Ellie’s Table is set for Friday, Nov. 18. The café’s hours will be from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, email eganhouse@jayscatering.com, visit www.elliestable.com, or follow @elliestable on Facebook or Instagram. For more on the history of the Egan House, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

to gather,” Vu said. Jay passed away two years ago, but Vu said Eleanor, now in her 80s, still comes by their café to have lunch and share conversation.

Vu said the company has had dozens of opportunities to open a second restaurant elsewhere, but they felt the Egan House was a perfect fit for them, and also for the community. She noted that the San Juan location will be much more spacious than the café in North Beach, which only seats about 50 people total. At the Egan House, a wrap-around, dog-friendly patio will be able to seat about 60 people, and 30 people can sit inside the restaurant.

Vu said the café will offer the same homemade menu as the San Clemente location—coffee, fresh pastries, salads, palm sandwiches, soups—but with the opportunity to expand its hot entrees due to increased prep room in the kitchen. CD

The Egan House circa early 1900s. Photo: Courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

Page 14

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS AUTOMOBILE REPAIR

Star Motors

32959 Calle Perfecto, 949.443.1970, www.star-motors.com

ELECTRICIANS

Excel Electric

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Excel Electric - CA #793860

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PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

San Juan Photo & Digital

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

32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668, www.sjcphotodigital.com

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

OBITUARY

DOROTHY R HOPPER

Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc.

July 30, 1923 - November 1, 2016 Dorothy Ruth Hopper, “Dottie” to all her friends, passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 1st, at the age of 93, in her San Clemente home.

Dottie will be remembered most for driving her red PT Cruiser through the streets of San Clemente with her perfectly styled, beautiful head of white hair. She is survived

by one son, Jim Hopper of Poway, CA, 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and her beloved 14-year-old poodle, Sully. Dottie was predeceased by her husband, Tom, and her oldest son, Tom. Dottie was born in Huntington Park, CA, July 30th, 1923, was married to Tom Hopper at 18, and as a career Air Force wife, she lived across the nation before finally settling down in San Clemente in 1970. She had an active

retired life, including water aerobics, tennis, world travels that included safaris in Africa, and above all, sharing her love for animals at the San Clemente Dana Point Animal Shelter as a volunteer for over 20 years.

Dottie has made it her wish that donations be made to the Pet Project Foundation, San Clemente, in lieu of flowers. Her ashes will be united with her husband’s ashes during a family celebration and burial at sea.

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring.

We sell tile too! Mike 949-240-1545.

GARAGE SALES COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE November 12th by the community of Loma Vista Off La Novia at Cerro Rebal. 7:30 to 1:00 Sponsored by Valerie Drey, BHHS California Properties

7TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR San Juan Mobile Estates. 32302 Alipaz Street San Juan Capistrano November 12th. 8 am to 1 pm.

Unique & handcrafted items. Great holiday gifts. Homemade baked goods and candy. United Women Craft Initiative Association (UWCIA) a fair trade organization comprised

The Capistrano Dispatch November 11-24, 2016

of women from Jinja Uganda, will be here with handmade goods.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED IN STORE SALES AND SERVICE TECHNICIAN Need a personable greeter, full or part time, to wait on customers, answer the phone, use a cash register and have good mechanical skills.

Send resume to tonyslock@cox.net.

Page 15

SCHOOLS

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com LARGE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE! SAN JUAN HILLS EAST San Juan Creek Road / Avenida Larga (next to San Juan Hills Golf Club) 35+ HOMES PARTICIPATING SAT, NOV 12th | 8AM – 3PM. Antiques, Collectibles, Furnishings, Kitchenware, Garden/Power Tools, Mens/Womens Clothing AND MANY OTHER TREASURES

33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B, 949.212.0499

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

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Students from San Clemente and Dana Hills High School play a soccer game during the Capistrano Unified School District’s fall Special Olympics event. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Dana Hills Hosts CUSD Special Olympics Event THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

ver 200 students from across the Capistrano Unified School District were given Olympic-style treatment at Dana Hills High School on Nov. 7 as part of the district’s fall Special Olympics event.

The special needs students, who came from San Clemente High School, Dana Hills, Tesoro and several local middle schools, had a fun-filled day learning basketball and soccer skills.

An estimated 268 Dana Hills student volunteers were on hand to assist the student-athletes and help organize games and activities. The event was organized by the Dana Hills Associated Student Union and the Best Buddies Program. There were also dozens of teachers, staff and parent volunteers on hand.

The day kicked off in the gymnasium, where students were given a reception worthy of the Opening Ceremonies. Music blared, and there were plenty of high-fives to go around.

Among the highlights of the day were free-flowing basketball games inside the gym. Students and parents sat in the stands and cheered every made basket and thoughtful pass. The student-athletes also got to play pick-up soccer games on the field at Dolphins Stadium. Dana Hills cheerleaders were there to guide some students and teach them popular cheers heard at football games.

The event has become a staple on campus at Dana Hills, and organizers are already in the process of planning the upcoming 2017 spring Special Olympic track and field games. CD

More than 200 Capistrano Unified School District students took part in a Special Olympics event at Dana Hills High School on Nov. 7. Photo: Steve Breazeale

The Capistrano Dispatch October 28-November 10, 2016

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Eagles Soar Into CIF-SS Volleyball Finals

Prep Football Playoff Picture COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he high school football regular season has come to an end, which means the CIF-SS Championships start this week. Here’s a quick look at local programs’ first-round matchups.

All games will be played on Nov. 11, unless otherwise noted.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball team has prided itself on team chemistry since the first day of the season. Now, three months later, that cohesion is paying off big time.

The Eagles have soared their way through the 2016 season, relying on a mix of veterans and underclassmen, and have nearly reached the top of the heap. CVCS was set to play San Gabriel Academy for the CIF-SS Division 9 Championship at Cerritos College on Nov. 11.

It will be the first time the Eagles have reached a CIF-SS Championship match since 1992.

The Eagles have lost just two matches all season, and have not felt the sting of defeat since Oct. 18. CVCS split the Express Gold League title with Orangewood Academy, and entered the playoffs as the No. 3 overall seed.

The Eagles (27-2) dropped just one set in their first three playoff games, defeating Rancho Christian, Vasquez and Santa Clarita in the first, second, and quarterfinal rounds, respectively.

The Eagles’ semifinal match against second-seeded Upland Christian Academy on Nov. 8 proved to be a much tougher test. CVCS won the first set, then dropped the next two, making every set a must-win if their season was to continue. Upland Christian Academy jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the fourth set, but CVCS battled

San Juan Hills The Stallions placed third in the South Coast League and earned an at-large berth into the Division 3 Championships after going 7-3 on the season.

San Juan Hills, ranked No. 10 in Division 3, will travel to play No. 8 Buena Park (9-1) in one of the more high-profile firstround games in the county.

Sophomore Keara Rutz (5) led the Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball team with 38 kills in a CIF-SS Division 9 semifinal win over Upland Christian Academy on Nov. 8. Photo: Courtesy

back to take it 25-19. In the fifth, the Eagles kept the pressure on and won 15-9.

Sophomore outside hitter Keara Rutz led the Eagles with 38 kills, and she also had six aces. Junior outside hitter Sofia Pluhar had 19 digs, junior middle blocker Riley Dungan had three blocks and junior setter Riley Barclay had 40 assists in the win.

The Eagles’ matchup with No. 4 San Gabriel Academy (25-4) will start at 9 a.m.

Results were not available at press time. CD

first round.

Following their placement in Division 7 over the offseason, the Tartans have made it known they want to compete with the bigger public programs in the playoffs.

Now they get that chance.

Saddleback Valley Christian The Warriors, who captured their 11th consecutive San Joaquin League title this season, were set to host Temescal Canyon in the Division 8 first round on Nov. 10.

Results were not available at press time.

The winner will play the winner of Don Lugo-Moreno Valley in the quarterfinals on Nov. 18.

JSerra Catholic The Lions earned an at-large berth into the Division 1 playoffs based on their strong nonleague performance and their effort in the brutally competitive Trinity League. All six Trinity League teams are in the Division 1 bracket.

JSerra (5-5) will have its hands full in the first round when they travel to play twotime defending Pac-5 Division champion Corona-Centennial, the No. 2 overall seed.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Playing as a freelance team this year, the Tartans had yet another spectacular season, going 8-2.

St. Margaret’s will travel to play North Torrance (6-4) in the CIF-SS Division 7

Ryan Smith, left, Jacob Huff, middle, JJ Glass and the San Juan Hills High School football team will travel to play Buena Park in the CIF-SS Division 3 Championships on Nov. 11. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Stallions Water Polo Makes Waves in First Playoff Appearance

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

B

y any definition, the 2016 season has been a historic one for the San Juan Hills High School boys water polo team.

Before the start of the season, there were several goals the team wanted to achieve. The first goal was to win a Sea View League game, which was something they’d never done before. The second, and loftier objective, was to reach the playoffs.

San Juan Hills accomplished both of those goals over the course of the season, and then some.

The Stallions won five league games as part of a 14-win season and captured the Sea View League title. Their first-place finish guaranteed a home playoff game in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 5 Championships, another first for the program.

In front of a capacity home crowd on Nov. 8, San Juan Hills (15-11) relied on its stingy defense to pick up an 18-5 victory over Western in the first round. The team was scheduled to host Don Lugo in the

The Capistrano Dispatch November 11-24, 2016

second round on Nov. 10. Results were not available at press time.

In an unfortunate twist of fate, the Stallions had to play their first-ever playoff game without their head coach Ivan Buich, the man responsible for turning the historically fledgling program around in recent years. Buich was given a red card by officials in the Stallions last game of the regular season against Mission Viejo, which made him ineligible to coach in the first round of the playoffs.

Despite the situation, the Stallions made things easy on coach Garrett Kaltenbach, Buich’s junior varsity assistant who held the clipboard on Nov. 8.

San Juan Hills never trailed in the contest against Western, and flexed its defensive muscle throughout. Western was able to score just two goals in the first three quarters of play, while the San Juan Hills offense made short work of its opponent.

Brent McClain scored a game-high five goals and Max Miller chipped in four to lead the offense, and goalie Andrew Mansoor recorded 15 saves. The Stallions

San Juan Hills senior Eric Jones surveys the pool during a CIF-SS Championship first-round water polo game on Nov. 8. Photo: Steve Breazeale

had 14 steals, which led to easy fast-break points. “(The win) is huge. I can’t even put into words how big it is,” Kaltenbach

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said. “(The team) has progressed so well because of their work ethic. It’s just been a phenomenal year for us.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com