March 24, 2017

Inside: 2017 Summer Camp Guide OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

MARCH 24-APRIL 13 2017 • VOLUME 15, ISSUE 6

Wild West Soirée Fiesta season in San Juan leads up to Swallows Day Parade S J C L I V I N G / PAG E 1 0

Swallows Day Parade Grand Marshal Steve Nordeck judges the “Soiled Dove/Saloon Girl” contest during the Fiesta Association’s annual Fiesta Grande at The Swallow’s Inn. Photo: Allison Jarrell

City Officials Project $1.5M General Fund Deficit for 2017-18 EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Green Ribbon Club Hosts Demonstrations across South OC EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

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JSerra Soccer Finishes Dream Season with Regional Title SPORTS/PAGE 14

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING account for potential hotel revenue and sales tax from potential projects on the Lower Rosan Ranch and other properties the Council will consider approving in the coming year.

Siegel said staff has been diligent in looking for ways to close the deficit gap, which led to his recommendation to not replace a senior civil engineer who recently resigned, and instead use the savings to cover the cost of a new in-house city engineer, which would result in net savings for the city.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Council voted 4-1 to approve the budget adjustments, including the creation of a city engineer position.

Councilwoman Pam Patterson opposed, saying she needs to have a meeting with staff where they go through the budget line by line with her. —AJ

Council Approves Del Obispo Widening, Adding Sewer Line to Riding Park

Ballet Folklorico dancers wave to the crowd during last year’s Swallows Day Parade. Photo: Allison Jarrell

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week The 59th Annual Swallows Day Parade Set for Saturday THE LATEST: The annual Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Street Faire is set to take place throughout the downtown this Saturday, March 25, rain or shine. Each year the event is put on by members of the Fiesta Association with the help of community volunteers.

The parade will run from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The route runs alongs Del Obispo St. and Camino Capistrano. The Mercado will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., offering food, drinks, entertainment and a kid-friendly fun zone at the Historic Town Center Park.

Parking for parade participants and spectators is prohibited along the parade route. Some road closures downtown will begin as early as 6 a.m. and most will be in effect by 10 a.m.

Free shuttle service is available from 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. at Fluidmaster, located at 30800 Rancho Viejo Road, and at the Capistrano Business Plaza, located at 30250 Rancho Viejo Road on the east side of Interstate 5 (use the Junipero Serra exit). The shuttle will drop visitors off at the Old Fire Station complex on the corner of El Horno and La Matanza.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information, visit www.swallowsparade.com. To view a the The Capistrano Dispatch March 24-April 13, 2017

official parade guide, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.—Allison Jarrell

Officials Project $1.5 Million General Fund Deficit for 2017-18 THE LATEST: City staff presented the City Council with its mid-year financial report on March 21, and due to some significant unexpected expenditures over the last six months, staff concluded that without additional revenue from incoming projects, the city faces a general fund deficit in the years ahead.

City Manager Ben Siegel and CFO Ken Al-Imam presented a breakdown of the city’s revenue and expenditures since the Council approved its budget in June, which notably included a $450,000 transfer from the general fund reserves to cover two significant expenditures: a $171,000 increase in police services costs as a result of the county’s labor negotiations, and $304,000 for a legal settlement with the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, whose lawsuit was the catalyst for the city’s switch to district elections. In addition, the Council appropriated $295,000 to appeal the California Public Utilities Commission’s approval of SDG&E’s substation expansion in San Juan.

Together, the unforeseen expenses have created an estimated $700,000 decrease in the city’s general fund budget, bringing it to $15.05 million. The city is also facing deficits in some of its other funds, particularly the water fund, due in part to several lawsuit settlements.

Siegel said the $1.5 million deficit forecasted for 2017-2018 is currently projected to grow to $2.5 million by 2020.

However, Siegel clarified the projected deficit is based on the city’s existing revenues and expenditures, so it doesn’t

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council moved several projects forward at its March 21 meeting, including the widening of Del Obispo Street and riding park water and sewage enhancements.

The Council voted 4-1, Councilwoman Pam Patterson opposed, to add a sewer line to the city-owned Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park by appropriating $462,900 from the agricultural preservation tax fund and $92,300 from the eastern open space fund. The project aims to supplement the riding park’s well water—which comes from an adjacent property—with local water for fire protection and recycled water for irrigation.

The Council also voted 4-1, Patterson opposed, to approve the $1.7 million Del Obispo Street widening project. Fifty percent of the project is funded by a Measure M2 grant through the Orange County Transportation Authority, and the other 50 percent by the city’s circulation fee program. Officials estimate that construction would occur between August 2017 and June 2018.

One lane will be added to both directions of Del Obispo Street between Calle Aspero and Paseo De La Paz, as well as a bike lane, a new sidewalk and street lighting.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more on each of these items, visit www.thecapistranodispatch. com. —AJ

Green Ribbon Club Hosts Demonstrations

THE LATEST: If you were driving through one of South Orange County’s busy intersections on Saturday, March 18, you may have noticed the signs.

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“Mental Health is Bipartisan.” “Be the Change.” “#BreaktheSilence.” “Students against Suicide.”

The Green Ribbon Club, a San Juan Capistrano-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on spreading awareness of mental health issues, held five demonstrations across South Orange County in response to a string of recent suicides in the area.

About a dozen students gathered at the corner of Camino Capistrano and Del Obispo Street in San Juan—as well as in neighboring cities—to show support for community mental health.

The Green Ribbon Club is a volunteerled, grassroots advocacy organization that aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in Orange County.

According to club organizers, four youth suicides occurred in South Orange County within the first three months of 2017, and suicide rates are on the rise throughout Orange County.

WHAT’S NEXT: McInerney said student club members are focused on fundraising, recruiting additional staff, launching student clubs at two high schools within CUSD, and finding board members to serve on their board of directors.

To contact the club, follow @thegreenribbonclub on Facebook and Instagram or @GRCtalkaboutit on Twitter. You can also email the club at info@greenribbonclub. org. For more information, visit www. greenribbonclub.org. —AJ

Egan House Added to National Register of Historic Places THE LATEST: In honor of the Judge Egan House—now home to Ellie’s Table—being added to the National Register of Historic Places, city officials and local business leaders gathered for the unveiling of the National Register plaque during a ceremony on Feb. 28.

Bill Griffith, a local developer and owner of the Egan House, honored local historian and preservationist Ilse Byrnes for her work on getting the house, which was built in 1883, added to the Register. Byrnes submitted a nomination for the Egan House in August 2015 to the Office of Historic Preservation for the State of California.

Byrnes said getting a historical building such recognition is not an overnight process.

The Egan House was home to an array of different uses after Judge Egan’s death in 1923, including a boutique, an office and a galleria.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more on this story, including a photo slideshow from the Feb. 28 event, visit www.thecapistranodispatch. com. —AJ www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Docent Brewing to Open March 27 San Juan Capistrano’s first brewery, Docent Brewing, is set to open its doors to the public on Monday, March 27 at 3 p.m. The brewery is located at 33049 Calle Aviador, Suite C, in San Juan.

For updates on the brewery’s opening and upcoming events, follow Docent Brewing on Facebook (@DocentBrewing), Instagram (docentbrewing), or visit their website at www.docentbrewing.com.

Local Student Group Helps Nonprofit Build Wells in Uganda Since 2008, local nonprofit Wells of Life, founded by Nick and Michelle Jordan of San Juan Capistrano, has worked to raise funds to build sustainable water wells for villagers in Uganda.

To help achieve their goal of funding the drilling of 1,000 water wells over a 10 year period that will serve one million villagers in Uganda, the nonprofit will host its second annual Run4Water 5K and 1K on Sunday, April 23 at Laguna Niguel Regional Park.

Organizers aim to recruit 40 teams to fund 40 wells—20 participants per team raising $300 each covers the $6,000 cost of a well. Each well provides clean water for 1,000 people for over 25 years, and all overhead is raised through private donations and fundraisers, so donors fund 100 percent of the well production.

Recently, Wells of Life gained an unlikely ally—a group of young Mission Basilica students and their mothers. Known as the “Precious Flowers,” the faith-based group

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.

Saturday, March 11 CITIZEN ASSIST Camino De La Vista, 26300 Block (10:13 a.m.) A woman reported receiving threats from subjects who accused The Capistrano Dispatch March 24-April 13, 2017

of 15 second- to sixth-grade girls has raised about $11,000 for Wells of Life, and $6,000 of that money has already funded and built a well in Uganda.

Precious Flowers co-leaders and mothers Teresa LeLeux, Etelvina Carlisle and Ayumi Miraz said their daughters learned about Wells of Life through a summer camp two years ago. The girls immediately wanted to get involved with the cause and began fundraising by visiting parishes and speaking about Wells of Life’s mission. LeLeux said the group has also been able to utilize corporate matching, which helped them raise another $5,000 after the first well was built.

Individuals interested in participating in the upcoming Run4Water 5K and 1K on April 23 can register for $35. Virtual participants are $25 each. All registered participants will receive an official time, T-shirt and medal. Race packet pickup is on Saturday, April 22 1-4 p.m. at a location to be determined.

On Sunday, April 23, registration opens at 7 a.m., an opening ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m., the 5K begins at 9 a.m. and the 1K will start at 9:10 a.m. The event concludes at noon.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park is located at 28241 La Paz Road in Laguna Niguel.

For more information about Run4Water or Wells of Life, visit www.wellsoflife.org or email info@wellsoflife.org.

Rock School Student Joins Adam Levine’s Team on ‘The Voice’ On March 13, Los Rios Rock School student Hanna Eyre garnered national attention as she auditioned for The Voice and became part of Adam Levine’s team after having her pick between three of the show’s judges.

Eyre, a 15-year-old singer from Laguna Niguel, is enrolled at both the Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano and

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

her of stealing a phone. The subjects said they were going to come over with a gun.

PETTY THEFT Camino Capistrano, 32100 Block (11:09 a.m.) Two male subjects were seen running out of RadioShack with a speaker and drove off in a blue Toyota.

Friday, March 10 PEDESTRIAN CHECK Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (11:43 p.m.) A man was found next to an open container of beer, and deputies “smelled alcohol emitting from his breath.” The man was cited.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Miramar, 33400 Block (9:55 p.m.) A woman told police that a female subject in a green SUV followed her home and was standing outside her house refusing

the Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana. “You are miraculously talented,” Levine said following her audition. “I am utterly blown away by what you do.”

During Eyres’ “blind audition,” Levine, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton all turned their chairs, signaling an invitation to be on the show and join their team of vocalists. Eyre ended up picking Levine as her vocal coach.

Rock school founder Tyler Marolf said the school’s instructors and students are “super excited” for Eyre, who began at the school two and a half years ago during the summer camp program. Marolf said that in addition to her natural talent, she exhibited a “willingness to learn” right off the bat when it came to working with ensembles.

“In two years’ time, she’s had more live performance experiences than any kid her age, while also going to school and doing normal kid stuff,” Marolf said. “It makes a lot of sense to me that she hit this goal and succeeded at it. Her family has supported her and steered her in the right direction.”

Last summer, Eyre performed a tribute to Queen with the rock school at The Coach House. She sang “Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together),” which involves singing in both English and Japanese.

“Hanna was such a joy to work with on the Queen project last year,” said instructor Erin Blagdon. “Sometimes with talent of that caliber comes a sense of entitlement, but that’s not the case with Hanna.

I can’t imagine anyone else being more deserving of the opportunity to be where she is on The Voice right now. We are all rooting for her.”

To watch Eyre’s performance on The Voice, visit www.nbc.com. To see her performance in the rock school’s tribute to Queen, visit www.youtube.com/LosRiosRockSchool.

to leave. The caller believed that the woman had a mental disorder because she told her she was “admiring her.” A patrol check and consent search was conducted, and deputies found methamphetamine inside the woman’s vehicle.

She was cited.

TRAFFIC STOP Ortega Highway, 27100 Block (8:51 p.m.) A car was stopped by police for expired registration. A consent search of the driver was conducted and police found heroin in the subject’s left pocket. The vehicle was searched for additional drugs and police found a meth pipe containing a useable amount of methamphetamine in a bag in the rear passenger compartment. Police also found four syringes in a black bag in the trunk of the car. The subject was cited for possession of illegal substances.

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Community Meetings TUESDAY, MARCH 28

Cultural Heritage Commission

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

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 agenda.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29

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

San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club

6:15-8 p.m. The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano meets every Wednesday at the San Juan Hills Golf Club, located at 32120 San Juan Creek Road. For more information, visit www.sjcrotary.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

Coffee Chat

8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

City Council Meeting

5 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

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 agenda.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12

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 agenda, visit www.capousd.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

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SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

AHCA WOULD DEVASTATE PROGRESS MADE IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE —Phuong Nguyen, Dana Point I urge Congressman Darrell Issa to oppose the American Health Care Act. At the last Town Hall, a question was raised about mental health coverage under the AHCA. Mr. Issa replied that it would not affect mental health parity as the AHCA preserves the essential health benefits that include requiring equal mental health coverage. While this is true for the plans sold in the individual marketplaces, the AHCA would still decimate mental health coverage because of its cuts to Medicaid.

Medicaid is the biggest payer of mental health care in the U.S. Rolling back Medicaid would leave people who have a mental illness vulnerable to lapses in treatment that could devastate their lives and chances of recovery.

I feel strongly about this issue because not only do I work in the mental health field, but I myself was once a recipient of Medicaid. While I was unemployed and applying for jobs, Medicaid paid for my prescription antidepressants. I can attest to the extreme disruption to my life if I were to miss one dosage. Without continuous treatment, I most likely could not be a productive member of society today. Although I now receive health care benefits through my employer, I am concerned for the millions of Americans who would be affected by cuts to Medicaid.

IN RESPONSE TO THE MARCH 10-23 SOAPBOX —John Mitchell, San Juan Capistrano Why not eliminate letters and simply announce The Capistrano Dispatch endorses Doug Applegate? Four of five letters you chose to publish make that point.

I am not at all impressed with Darrell Issa and would have voted for the Democratic candidate had he not been first and foremost a trial lawyer. In my view, the last thing needed in our government are trial lawyers who are not disposed to listen and compromise to gain the fairest, best outcome for the most people, but instead use every tool available to win above all else, even if the client is a murderer with numerous eyewitnesses, e.g. Scott Dekraai.

Regarding the lack of town hall meetings, it would appear that many people attending meetings so far are not present to have their opinions heard, listen and gain information, but rather to shout down and humiliate the elected representative and make it impossible to exchange any useful information. This is no secret—instructions encouraging and describing methThe Capistrano Dispatch March 24-April 13, 2017

odology for disrupting town hall meetings are readily available on the internet. While I’m certain that participants likely depart disrupted meetings thinking “we showed him,” they are likely on one side of the political spectrum. What about people on the other side or in the middle? Does disrupting meetings and shouting at elected representatives convince anyone to change their opinion in favor of the disruptors? It may accomplish the reverse.

Regarding the Russian hacking issue, the latest reports from all the three-letter federal agencies state unequivocally that there are no indications the Russians interfered with the elections. While they may have, and I emphasize may have, hacked the DNC email system and that of John Podesta revealing some rather juvenile comments, it appears highly unlikely that anyone changed their mind regarding a presidential candidate because of the emails. How would a hearing discern whether the tens of thousands of votes that constituted the winning electoral margin in several states switched candidates due to DNC emails? It’s just another exercise in shouting from the mountaintops rather than finding reasonable compromise and solutions to the real challenges facing us today. The election is over and in the past, and there will be another opportunity to register approval or opposition in two years. In the meantime, if everyone keeps shouting and fails to come together, we are all in for some very tough times.

U.S.-MEXICO DRUG TRAFFIC: SUPPLY AND DEMAND —Ricardo Nicol, San Clemente The reciprocal problems of narcotics crime and killing in Mexico and drug addiction in the United States would be greatly reduced by changing the strategy of the failed “war on drugs” being waged in Mexico (with costly, U.S.-provided guns, planes and helicopters) that tries to stop the inexhaustible supply of illicit drugs flowing into this country. Go, instead, to a “winning hearts and minds” strategy that targets the insatiable demand for drugs in the United States, and would be far less costly in terms of lives and money.

The model for such a strategy is that of the anti-tobacco smoking media campaigns, health information programs and dissuasive laws which have persuaded Americans to voluntarily reduce the consumption of a very addictive and harmful substance by more than 60 percent in the last 50 years, and the downward trend still continues.

A similar effort to reduce Americans’ demand for addictive drugs would bring enormous short- and long-term benefits to both the U.S. and Mexico. War is not the answer, and the proposed border wall won’t help either, because both address the supply side of the traffic. As it was

for the smoking of tobacco, reducing the demand is the answer.

ISSA’S TOWN HALL LEFT MUCH TO BE DESIRED —Sharon Williams, San Clemente I attended Congressman Darrell Issa’s Town Hall at the Junior Seau Community Center in Oceanside. It was quite a sight as I walked up to the Community Center to find so many passionate individuals wearing T-shirts, holding signs and waving American flags to communicate their message in the hopes that it would somehow make an impact. I felt the energy immediately as the hair rose on my arms.

I’ve been following Issa closely, and since he hasn’t held an in-person town hall in so many years, I was curious to see what the crowd would present and how Issa would respond.

I walked into the center and took a raffle ticket as I definitely had a question, or 10. A few minutes after 8:30 a.m., Issa took the stage. Right from the start he addressed the crowd in a condescending tone, laying his ground rules and quipping that if we didn’t follow the rules, we would be embarrassing ourselves and the community. Those ground rules were never made very clear, however, and we moved on to the questions.

What stood out to me most was not the questions and his actual answers but his tone, which I thought was smug, and his seemingly patronizing comments that filled each one of his responses. Issa never answered a question directly or even clearly but instead used each question as an opportunity to pontificate and control the narrative about what ever issue it touched on. It was clear to me that Issa had no intention of listening but was simply just waiting for his turn to speak.

I sat in my seat in the second row feeling drenched in what seemed like contempt from Issa, and I left feeling frustrated and confused. Issa wanted so desperately to portray us, his opposition, as small and ill-informed so he could be seen as right. As it turns out, he was the one to embarrass himself and his community in my opinion.

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 Debra Holm Tim Trent Alex Paris

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 15, Issue 6. 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 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

EDITOR’S PICK

Photo: File

FRIDAY, MARCH 24: HOOS’GOW DAY AND FROG JUMPING CONTEST 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Join in on a San Juan tradition with Hoos’Gow Day and the fourth annual Frog Jumping Contest. Fiesta Association deputies will rove around town and “arrest” city slickers and other folks not wearing Western attire, and any man who is clean shaven. The Frog Jumping Contest at 4 p.m. is fun for all ages. The frog jumping contest will be held at Mission Grill. The festivities precede the 59th Swallows Day Parade on Saturday, March 25. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. www.swallowsparade.com.

The List

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

Friday | 24 OCEAN INSTITUTE JAZZ FESTIVAL 6 p.m. An evening of jazz music, food from local chefs, fine wine and craft beer, and an auction comes to The Ocean Institute on Friday. Admission is $125. On Saturday, a five-course gala dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $500. Proceeds benefit the Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org/jazz-festival.

LIVE THEATER: ‘OUR TOWN’ 7 p.m. The premier of the classic play Our Town will be presented by the Laguna Niguel Community Theatre at the Sea County Senior & Community Center. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $18 for seniors and military. Show runs through April 2.

24602 Aliso Creek Road, Laguna Niguel. www.lagunanigueltheatre.org.

Saturday | 25 59TH ANNUAL SWALLOWS DAY PARADE AND MERCADO STREET FAIRE 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Come celebrate the nation’s largest non-motorized parade and partake in a San Juan Capistrano tradition. The festivities are part of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, which commemorates the annual return of the swallows to the San Juan Mission. The events of the day celebrate the Old West. The parade starts at 11 a.m.

The Mercado will be set up in Historic Town Center Park and will include shopping, music, food and beverages. Downtown San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976. www.swallowsparade.com.

REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tree of Life Nurser y’s popular Replace Your Lawn workshops continue with a class entitled, “Plant Selection—Inland Gardens.” Native plant expert Abby Harned will help guests learn how to choose and care for plants that will thrive in a hot, inland garden. 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘THE MIRACLE WORKER’ 8 p.m. Based on a remarkable true story, this inspiring and unforgettable play is an American classic that tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, Helen Keller. Tickets are $20, and the show runs through March 26. Stage II at the Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

BACKYARD COMPOSTING WORKSHOP 10 a.m. The Ecology Center hosts a handson exploration of building healthy soil in their composting workshop. You will learn how to make compost tea, work with soil-building plants, and more. Guests will also take home different compost samples to try in their gardens. Admission for nonmembers is $30; $20 for members.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24-April 13, 2017

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(Cont. on page 8)

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 7) 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A day of live music kicks off with music from Family Style at 2:30 p.m., followed by a performance by the Rye Brothers at 8:30 p.m. Food from Lisa’s Kitchen will be available throughout the afternoon. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

DANA POINT SYMPHONY PRESENTS “THE FATHER OF THE SYMPHONY” 7:30 p.m. The esteemed Dana Point Symphony presents the second concert of their spring season, “The Father of Syphony,” featuring the work of Joseph Haydn. The program includes performances of “Overture in D,” “Trumpet Concerto” and “Symphony No. 94 in G Major.” Tickets are $15-$20. St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.

33926 Calle la Primavera, Dana Point. www.danapointsymphony.com/buy-tickets.

Sunday | 26 PANHE, A NATIVE AMERICAN GATHERING 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The San Onofre Parks Foundation hosts the 11th annual Panhe, a Native American gathering and celebration of protection and preservation.

Panhe is a 9,000-year-old spiritual site for the local Acjachemen people. There will be singers, dancers, speakers, basketweaving demonstrations, vendors, food and much more. Admission is free. San Mateo Campground at San Onofre State Beach. 830 Avenida Cristianitos Road, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. www.sanonofreparksfoundation.com.

Wednesday | 29 KARAOKE AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 7 p.m. Sing karaoke, imbibe and eat free popcorn at The Swallow’s Inn’s karaoke night with Bobby and Joel. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

THE DISH

EL MAGUEY’S POLLO EN MOLE

M

ole is culinary magic. It blends dozens of spices, a variety of liquid bases, animal bits, vegetable parts and who knows what else, and stews them together until all the competing voices harmonize. But what defines most mole is the way all that alchemy embraces the savory side of chocolate, rounding off the bitterness and only hinting at the sweet stuff.

It’s a sauce full of wonder—as in “I wonder if I’m supposed to taste all those ingredients, and if I can’t, will foodies think I’m lame?” The truth is every restaurant that makes mole does so in their own way, and ingredients blend to create other flavors like paint on a palette. El Maguey’s take on it has 40 spices—I could pick out about two of them, even though clearly something truly wonderful is going on.

The consistency of El Maguey’s mole is unique, sort of like an egg over medium— firm but runny; creamy but structurally sound. Atop moist chicken, the mole stars.

It’s chocolate-forward and encompasses all

Thursday | 30 TASTE OF DANA POINT 6-9 p.m. The 21st annual Taste of Dana offers guests the chance to taste food from 20-plus local restaurants. Proceeds raise funds for a fun and safe graduation night for Dana Hills High School seniors. The Taste includes live music, beverages and auctions that include prizes such as tickets to sporting events, concerts and theater productions. Admission is $15. Dana Hills High School. 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.tasteofdana.com.

Friday | 31 LIVE THEATER: ‘ON GOLDEN POND’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse stages the premier of On Golden Pond, the touching, funny and warmly perceptive story of a spirited and lovable elderly couple facing

jurisdictions of the tongue. There’s whiffs of hot cinnamon and ginger, of bright oregano and cilantro; of smoky chili, and of cool roasted garlic. But, then again, who knows?

And who cares?

There are lots of dishes that make El Maguey special—traditional plates from Jalisco and Guanajuato that span from robust Mexican breakfast plates to fried whole tilapia to a variety of fresh juices. But the mole—so expertly done, yet so simply offered—is exceptional.

Thursday | 06 NINTH ANNUAL LEADERS FOR PHILANTHROPY NIGHT 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Shea Center hosts speaker Jim Pearson, the CEO of Microsemi Corp., and a demonstration of how the Center uses horses to improve the lives of those with disabilities. All proceeds benefit the Center. Tickets start at $40 and include beverages and appetizers. 26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.240.8441. www.sheacenter.org.

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their twilight years. Show runs through April 15. Tickets start at $20. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

FILM PREMIER: ‘ISLAND EARTH’ 5 p.m. The Ecology Center hosts the premier of the film Island Earth. The film traces a young indigenous scientist’s struggle for truth between science and tradition as he enters an industry that many feel is threatening his homeland.

His journey takes him through the corn fields of GMO companies to the loi patches of traditional Hawaiian elders.

Bring your own dinner for a picnic at 5 p.m. The showing occurs at 6 p.m., with a Q&A to follow. Admission is free and suitable for all ages. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

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REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tree of Life Nursery invites people to take a tour of Casa “La Paz” and see what’s in bloom around the nursery’s gardens. There will also be insightful discussion on how to get started with native gardening. 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www. californianativeplants.com.

SMART GARDENING 101 WORKSHOP 9:30-11 a.m. Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and the University of California Cooperative Extenstion (UCCE) Master Gardeners host the first of their summer Smart Gardening series workshops, entitled “What You Need to Know.” Reata Park and Event Center. 28632 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.606.6704. www.goinnative.net.

El Maguey Mexican Restaurant 31481 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.8681. www.elmagueysjc.com.

ARTISAN BREAD POP-UP SHOP Noon. The local, family owned and operated Bread Artisan Bakery returns to The Ecology Center for their popular pop-up bread sale. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.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.

At the Movies: Kristen Stewart is a Great ‘Personal Shopper’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

K

risten Stewart is one of the most polarizing actresses of her generation. People either like her or make fun of her. The Twilight franchise will always follow her around, unfortunately, but on the upside, she’s gotten to work with many respected filmmakers and actors outside of that. Stewart’s most impressive work has been Panic Room (2002), The Runaways (2010), Camp Xray (2014), Café Society (2016) and now her second movie with writer-director

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24-April 13, 2017

Olivier Assayas, Personal Shopper, might be her best performance to date.

Maureen Cartwright (Stewart) is spending some time in Paris after her brother’s death and is hired as a “personal shopper” for an A-list fashion designer, who doesn’t have time to run her own errands. For side work, she’s also a supernatural medium locating and communicating with ghosts and spirits lingering in houses and buildings. A certain spirit has been following her everywhere, but she can’t be sure if it’s a stranger or her brother.

Personal Shopper is everything you wouldn’t expect from a ghost story. There is a very effective eerie and creepy vibe throughout the film, but there is no suspenseful music score and no jump scares. Stewart does very well with the large amount of screen time and development she’s given, seeing as Maureen’s actions and reactions are the center of attention in all but two scenes. Those who are fans of Assayas or the female star will benefit the most from this piece as well as those looking for a unique character study with spookiness. CD Page 8

Photo: Courtesy of IFC Films

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

he long days and warm weather of SEASON TO summer are here again. s kids pile out of classrooms across South range County, a season of endless possibilities awaits them. hether they plan to hit the waves or the books this summer, local kids can benefit from the opportunities camps around the area are offering this year.

Summer camp allows kids to be productive and sociali e during the summer, while e ploring their interests and possible career choices. e ve assembled a listing of some of the best

IT’S THE

Explore

camp choices for kids in South range County. here are camps for kids interested in art, music, theater, cooking, athletics, spirituality and much more—all within the greater area of ana Point, San Clemente and San uan Capistrano. e ve also packed this edition with ideas for how to keep kids engaged on the off days, whether at the library or at an outdoor movie screening. ou ll find out about uni ue ocean camps, disconnecting from technology, spending time at a sleepover camp and much more. t the end of summer, when the kids return from a season of learning and fun, they ll be rejuvenated, enriched and ready for another year of school—only to dream about what ne t summer has in store.

LEND A HAND THIS SUMMER

BY VICTOR CARNO

ith the school year coming to a close, students are beginning to dedicate their time and effort toward local non-profits in the tri-city area. hey won t have to look far to find a local organi ation that could would welcome an e tra hand this summer. ere are a few options.

THE ECOLOGY CENTER

Photo: Courtesy of The Ecology Center

www.theecologycenter.org wealth of knowledge, he Ecology Center in San uan Capistrano is a one-stop shop for all information regarding the preservation of our planet. he ater Effect is a program ran by local student ambassadors to further educate schools and communities on simple tips to help conserve water, while challenging locals to use reusable water bottles. he Ecology Center runs eco-friendly workshops throughout the summer to give local kids tools to help the environment.

FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES

www.family-assistance.org Headquartered in San Clemente, Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) is a faith-based non-profit organi ation with one mission assisting those in need in range County. hether it be with food, shelter or counseling, casts such a wide net of help that there is an assortment of volunteer opportunities; anything from helping organi e a food drive, to clerical duties, to tutoring a child. Reach out to the organi ation for upcoming fundraisers and event opportunities.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH ALLIANCE

www.communityoutreachalliance.com Community utreach lliance C focuses on e uipping students with the necessary tools to make smart decisions and act as community role models, staying free from drugs and alcohol. ive back while also having fun, as C empowers kids to lead outh lliance clubs and activities that include videogame events, fishing trips, comedy nights and more. C is more than simply volunteering, it is a lifestyle open to all ages.

Photo: Courtesy of The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo

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Exploring nature and leaving the cell phone behind

BY ERIC HEINZ

Our natural surroundings are often overlooked in today’s technologically immersed way of life. And that’s to the detriment of our next generation of kids—getting out in nature is good for the mind, body and soul. Luckily for kids in South Orange County, getting away from the hustle and bustle is easier than it may seem. A quick drive in any direction and you’re outside the urban jungle.

The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Throughout the summer, the Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy offers programs for all ages to enjoy. Currently, the conservancy is hosting stargazing events and seeks volunteers for various activities.

Located past the western border of San Juan Capistrano, the Reserve is home to a bounty of wildlife and open space.

On June 3, The Reserve will host “Ready, Set, Summer Family Walk” from 9-11:30 a.m. and will include summertime games and activities.

The walk is intended for ages 6 and up and is $5 per attendee.

For more information on Reserve events, visit www.rmvreserve.org.

San Clemente Beach Conservation Junior Environmentalists The San Clemente Beach Conservation Program is planning to offer a “Junior Environmentalist” certification program this spring and summer to involve local youth looking to have fun at the beach. Anyone participating in three of the program’s beach cleaning events from April to August will receive a “Junior Environmentalist” certificate.

“With 12 beach cleanup events scheduled from April through August, this is a perfect opportunity to have some fun in the sun and get educated on the effects litter has on our beaches and ocean,” said executive director of the program, Shon Miller. “The Friday evening cleanups are at the San Clemente Pier, and free s’mores and pizza will be offered. At the Saturday events at San Onofre State Park campgrounds, there is free parking, breakfast and coffee. It’s a great way to meet new friends, connect with the local community and have fun at the beach all at the same time.”

Go for a Bike Ride Riding a bike is one of the simplest joys of summer. Various trails for biking are available throughout Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Search for route maps on the respective city websites, www.san-clemente. org, www.danapoint.org and www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Brenda Miller, a co-founder of the PEDal bicyclist advocacy group, said the areas where the city and county are currently making improvements will benefit cyclists throughout the southernmost point of Orange County.

Some bike trails in San Clemente are specifically secluded from traffic, giving riders—and parents of young riders—peace of mind.

Miller said the construction project along N. El Camino Real leading to the Pacific Coast Highway will give people almost nine contiguous miles of uninterrupted trail.

Search for local bicycle rental shops within the three towns.

Hike Tenaja Falls Located just outside Lake Elsinore, Tenaja Falls Trail offers a serene experience outdoors far from urbanity. It’s best to go with the kids on this trip.

“A pleasant half-hour hike will take you to Tenaja Falls, with a dramatic sight when water is flowing,” according to the Cleveland National Forest website. “Spring is the best season to view the falls as active wildlife flock to the water and an abundance of wildflowers and birds are present. The trail winds another 2.1 miles up the canyon ending the Morgan Trail.”

Visit www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland/ recarea for more information.

r e m m u S t s i L g n i d a Re Libraries in the tri-cities have options for book worms

BY MATT CORTINA

The library has long been a place for curious minds to explore and be inspired. Luckily the libraries in the tri-cities are well-stocked with media and expertly staffed by librarians who can put the right book, magazine or movie into the right hands at the right time.

Our libraries also host regular events throughout the summer, which engage kids and teaches them important lessons in a fun, social setting.

Whether it’s reading to a dog, participating in a dress-up story time or watching a kid-friendly movie, the libraries have numerous ways to help young minds grow.

DANA POINT LIBRARY

READ TO A DOG

Multiple dates throughout the summer The Dana Point Library hosts Read to a Dog sessions throughout the summer, which is shown to help children improve reading skills and boost their self-esteem. Check back with the library for event dates.

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY

Multiple dates throughout the summer Reading groups and story time sessions will be held throughout the summer for kids from preschool up. Check the library’s website for specific dates and times.

SAN CLEMENTE LIBRARY

THROWBACK THURSDAY MOVIES

First Thursday of every month at 5 p.m. atch a throwback classic on the first hursday of the month at the San Clemente Library.

Titles rotate throughout the summer.

BILINGUAL STORY TIME

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO LIBRARY

FIRST FRIDAY FILM

First Friday of every month at 7 p.m.

La Sala auditorium at the San Juan Capistrano ibrary hosts a movie night on the first riday of each month. A $2 donation supports the library.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m.

Children ages 3-6 and their caregivers are invited to join the library staff for stories, songs, crafts and fun.

BILINGUAL STORYTIME

Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.

Join the library for historias y canciones (stories and songs) in English and Spanish. All ages are welcome. No registration required.

FAMILY STORYTIME

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

All ages are invited to enjoy historias y canciones (stories and songs) in English and Spanish with a craft following the stories.

Third Monday of every month at 5 p.m.

The National Charity League Sunshine Readers offer energetic and entertaining stories for kids of all ages at this family storytime. Wear your pjs and join the fun.

STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY

READ TO A DOG

Multiple dates throughout the summer Kids of all ages have a group they can go to for story time and fun at the San Clemente Library.

Check the library s website for specific dates and times.

Every other Thursday at 3 p.m. starting June 8 Studies have shown that children can improve their reading skills and boost their self-confidence by reading to a licensed therapy dog.

Reserve your spot by calling the library.

Breaking the mold of the traditional sleepaway camp

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT

The traditional overnight camp, where kids sleep in a cabin with the noises of the woods surrounding them, is not the only option for today’s overnight camps. Now, Orange County kids and families, are able to board ships, create science and technology projects and catch a wave or two. Check out these three overnight camps in the nearby area.

The Ocean Institute www.ocean-institute.org. 949.496.2274.

The Ocean Institute offers three types of overnight camps in the Dana Point Harbor for area kids. he first is the amily Sea” ver for guests 8 and older. Those who attend will join the crew on The Pilgrim, help raise the sail, hoist cargo and more. Dinner will be served by the camp fire with sea chants, legends and stories. amilies will be able to camp out in the Institute before whale watching aboard the R/V Sea Explorer.

The second overnight option is an EcoExpeditions camp for children 10-12 years old.

In this camp, kids will get a unique learning experience about organisms and how they adapt to their habitats, which range from the Dana Point Harbor to the deep sea. They will also be able to drive a remotely operated vehicle, ride in a kayak in the Harbor and have dinner by the campfire.

The third camp is for the adventurous 11- to 13-year-olds. Campers will take a voyage to Catalina Island aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and learn about the tall ship sailing life. The days will be split between the Ocean Institute and two to four days at sea.

Photo: Courtesy of The Ocean Institute

Endless Summer Surf Camp www.endlessummersurfcamp.com.

949.498.7862. f the thought of spending five days in the sea catching waves is more your child’s speed, the Endless Summer Surf Camp may be the camp for him or her this year. The camp isn’t just for beginners, and it’s not just for the pros—it’s for everyone.

The camp has been open for 25 years and the staff prides themselves on using their knowledge and expertise to help kids surf. The camp location is ideal for kids learning to surf with a beginner-friendly, sand-bottomed beach break at San nofre.

Instructors work in small groups, including a 3:1 student to instructor ratio for beginners, to provide each camper with individual attention. uring the five-day overnight stay, kids will learn the basics of surfing, surf eti uette, ocean awareness and more. At the end of the week, campers can participate in a ust for fun” surf contest.

Not only is there surfing, but kids will be able to skateboard, play ping pong and basketball, get surfboard ding repair demonstrations, tour local surf shops and more.

Campers will be able to use top-of-the-line surfboards and wetsuits, and the camp provides a variety of longboards and short boards to meet every camper’s needs. nd if five days isn t enough, the camp allows kids to stay multiple weeks.

Catalina Sea Camp www.catalinaseacamp.org. 909.625.6194 If adventure is what your kids are after, send them to Catalina for a one- or three-week camp with Catalina Sea Camp.

The one-week camps for kids ages 8-13 includes a three square meals, social nights, elective courses, and a lot of sea exploration. Ocean activities include snorkeling, introduction to SC e ploration, sailing, stand-up paddling, kayaking and underwater photography. Kids will get to safely explore the ocean at night, as well. There’s also a crafting component for the campers, which includes tie-dying, murals, painting, jewelry making and more. nd the one-week version of Sea Camp also includes all the overnight camp favorites like campfires, ice cream socials, a beach party, swimming and sports, dancing and more.

The three-week program is open to kids ages 12-17. It’s a combination of diving, sailing, marine science and adventure courses that is sure to be irresistible to outdoorsy kids. he camp offers SC certification and excursion, boat and shore diving, small boat and catamaran sailing and ocean kayaking.

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How to craft a one-week, athome art camp

BY MATT CORTINA

Art has a unique way of opening a child’s imagination. When you put a pencil, camera or pastry brush in their hands, you empower them to create something in their own vision.

You needn’t be a Handl or Hemingway to give your kids exposure to various art forms this summer. In fact, the less rules the better. But by rotating artistic endeavors over the course of a week, you’ll keep your child engaged and end up on Friday with a catalogue of art. Feel free to put your own spin on the one-week art camp—play a different instrument every day or bake five cakes from five continents throw in dance, jewelry or clothing design, or kid-friendly woodwork. The possibilities are endless. Here’s a sample of one week of camp.

DAY ONE

PAINTING It’s well known that kids love to paint, if for no other reason than it creates a big, fun mess.

Though water colors and paint to numbers are fun, throw the activity on its head and get outside for a painting excursion. Follow the lead of plein air painters in the tri-cities and set up an easel for you and your kids at one of the area’s picturesque locations. Plein air painters have previously set up in front of tall ships in the Dana Point Harbor, overlooking the San Clemente Pier and on historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano.

DAY TWO

WRITING Anyone who has read a short story or journal their kid has brought home from school knows that writing is truly a space where kids can explore the depths of their imagination. ocus your camp writing activity on a finished product—something of which he or she will feel proud and that you’ll cherish for years to come. Come up with wacky writing prompts to spur your child’s imagination like “What would happen if people lived in the ocean?” or “What if your dog was president?” And the form the writing takes can be up to you or your kid—free writing, haiku, poetry, short story, a novella, a screenplay, a comic book. Let your minds go wild.

DAY THREE

PHOTOGRAPHY Technology has made the art of photography accessible to more people than ever before.

With phones, tablets and computers, kids are almost inherently equipped to snap a photo. In fact, photography may not even seem like an art to kids as much as a critical piece of communication. That’s why creating an art project that uses photography to tell a story can be so fruitful. Take a road trip and have your child snap photos from beginning to end. Or have them snap photos from the minute they wake up to the time they go to sleep. Whatever your excursion, have your child package the photos in a slide show or photo essay to share with friends and family.

DAY FOUR

SCULPTURE If you think about it, kids are making sculptures almost before they encounter any other art form. From building blocks to playdough to clay, children are drawn to create out of a variety of materials. For sculpture camp day, get out of the house and head to the beach.

There, you can help your child create a sand building (they won’t even know they’re doing art), or partake in the art of rock stacking—the process of balancing rocks of different shapes and sizes on each other.

DAY FIVE

FOOD he culinary arts have officially taken off across the nation. You needn’t look any further than TV shows like Chopped Junior or Masterchef Junior to see that kids as young as 7 are fully capable of and interested in preparing world-class meals. On the last day of camp, research a recipe and then go to a store or farmers’ market to pick out ingredients. Let your kid sample and smell flavors and take risks with the recipe. Then, with careful supervision, watch your young chef prepare dinner for the family—that’s not a bad way to end a week of at-home camp.

Now g n i w o h S

Movies screened outdoor and in theaters can enrich a child’s summer

‘The Secret Life of Pets’ will show at Tierra Grande Park on June 9. Photo: Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures

We often look at the big screen as an indulgence. But for kids, movies can inspire creativity, boost self-esteem and help them unwind from a busy day, just like adults. Luckily, South Orange County is home to several opportunities to view kids’ movies in theaters as well as in community parks.

If you can’t get enough screen time at these places, check out the library schedules in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano—they often host movie nights for kids and adults. There’s also several concerts in city parks throughout the area, which will complement your movie-going experiences this season.

Here are some screening options in the area that are favorite spots for local movie buffs.

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The city of San Clemente hosts open-air screenings of child appropriate movies in Tierra Grande Park every summer. The fun kicks off on June 9 with a showing of The Secret Life of Pets. The showings are always free and run throughout the summer. For a full list of dates and movies, visit www.san-clemente.org. Also, you can stop by the Krikorian Theater throughout the summer for air conditioned enjoyment of new releases. Children’s tickets are only $9. Check out their schedule at www.kptmovies.com.

or The Regency Theatres in San Juan Capistrano

are a great place to catch a movie, host a kids’ party or just get out of the heat. The Regency has an always rotating selection of new movies, and a full restaurant and bar. Best yet, they offer $6 admission on Tuesdays, so the whole family can get in for a quick movie on the cheap. For more information, visit www.regencymovies.com.

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Locals have flocked to Lantern Bay Park in Dana Pointon weekend nights the past several summers for a movie screening in the park. he films are kid-friendly, and refreshments including popcorn are available. All you need to bring is blankets, lawn chairs and your family to have a good time. The movies generally screen Fridays at 8 p.m. throughout June. Check www.danapoint.org for a list of showings.

l e e Several cities through Orange County host similar open-air movie nights. Irvine hosts a free outdoor movie from June through July at the Orange County Great Park. It’s a cozy scene, with families sprawled out across the expansive lawn, and food from a snack bar and food trucks available. In Lake Forest, there is a Friday night outdoor movie throughout the summer. Showings are held at the Nature Park, located at 26215 Dimension Drive. And if you’re in the mood for an old school theatrical show, Newport Beach hosts outdoor Shakespeare performances throughout the summer.

For more information on these events and others throughout Orange County, visit www.orangecounty.net.

Sounds of the Season

Learning to play a musical instrument this summer will be a lasting gift

BY MATT CORTINA

Live music and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly. There’s something about listening to a concert under the stars or noodling around on a guitar on a hot afternoon that just feels right. But music isn’t just a way to pass time in the hot months—getting your child involved with music this summer can pay serious dividends down the road.

By giving your child exposure to live music and teaching them how to play instruments or sing, you give them a gift that lasts a lifetime.

They’ll look back on the friends they made at music camp or the guidance of a music teacher often throughout their life. Also, learning to play music improves kids’ ability to focus, instills discipline and opens creative avenues in their minds—all in a relaxed, fun setting.

South Orange County is home to several camps, lessons and open mic nights that are appropriate for kids of all ages to check out this summer.

BANDING TOGETHER Summer camp is a great way to teach kids music in a group setting.

Students at the Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano are doing amazing things, including putting on concerts that rival the quality and precision of musicians twice their age.

And their weeklong summer camps run from the start of une to the first week of ugust and are catered separately to beginner/intermediate groups and advanced groups. Camps end with a live performance on the last day of camp. Check out www.losriosrockschool.com/ summer-camps to find out more information.

In Dana Point, Danman’s Music School offers summer camps and lessons. Students

who play or want to learn to play guitar, piano, bass, drums, ukulele or vocals are invited to refine their crafts at anmans. Students learn teamwork, musicianship, music theory and discipline. Check out www.danmans.com/ summer-camps for more information.

SOLO LEARNING Private lessons offer individual attention and the guidance of a serious musician.

The Copenhaver School of Music in San Clemente offers a variety of ways for young musicians to learn. From private lessons to band sessions grouped into styles like jazz, rock and vocal harmony, Copenhaver caters to individual musicians. Visit www.copenhavermusic.com for

more information.

At the Beach Cities Rock Club, students can pick up myriad instruments—violins, pianos, guitars, drums, banjos and more—and learn to play. Beach Cities also has their own radio station, so kids can see another side of the music industry and even get their tunes on the air.

Visit www.beachcitiesrockclub.com for more information.

Chances are Kenny’s Music Store in Dana Point has just the right lesson for your child.

Guitar lessons are broken down into classical, electric, campfire and more. ids who play band instruments in the strings and woodwind families also have a home at Kenny’s. Visit www.kennysmusicstore.com/music-lessons for more information.

And at the Arts Project OC, where creative pursuits are the name of the game, kids can learn a variety of vocal techniques, musical instrument skills and musical theater repertoire. There are parent and me programs for kids ages 2-5, and other small groups for young musicians of any age. Visit www.theartsprojectoc.com for more information.

GETTING ON STAGE One of the best ways for a child to learn the art of musicianship is to play live. Luckily, the Community Outreach Alliance (COA) hosts monthly live music nights for youth in the community.

Kids are invited to bring their instruments, or their voice, and play with a band or by themselves.

They’re also welcome to simply check out other performers of a similar age in a safe, drug- and alcohol-free environment. Visit www.communityoutreachalliance.com for more information.

On New Footing

Photo: Courtesy of eBodyboarding

Paddleboard and bodyboarding camps get kids on the waves

BY VICTOR CARNO

The beach is synonymous with summer.

Thanks to our beautiful resource just minutes away, the ocean provides plenty of fun in the sun while simultaneously teaching up-and-coming beachgoers safety, respect for the environment and how to have fun in a social setting.

BODYBOARDING CAMP

Making a resurgence in Southern California, bodyboarding comes with all the technique and fun of surfing, but with smaller and less e pensive gear. A perfect combination, especially for kids who just want to test the waters. Thanks to founders Emily and Steve Barnes, this will be the first bodyboarding camp offered in San Clemente.

“I was interested in the sport and wanted to improve my skills, but I soon realized there weren’t a lot of camps, especially locally,” Steve Barnes said.

This curiosity and research led Steve to find professional bodyboarders and owners of eBodyboarding in San Clemente, Jay and Vicki Reale.

“There’s a rich history of the sport here in San Clemente, with T-Street being the epicenter in the late ’70s, so it made sense to open the summer program in this hot bed,” Vicki Reale said.

With full support from the city of San Clemente, Bodyboarding Adventures was finally approved for its first program this year.

Impressed with the community support, the four began piecing together a curriculum that was palatable for all levels of bodyboarders.

Ages range from 6-16 years old, and the camp is open to both seasoned boarders and newcomers.

“We are trying to teach a healthy respect for the ocean. Along with being out on the water, we want to teach the kids about the surrounding ecosystem so that they are able to leave with a well-rounded education,” Barnes said.

Certified first-aid members and e perienced lifeguards make up the instructors of the camp, which meets from June 5 to August 18. Two sessions are offered each day; 9 a.m.-noon and 12:30-3:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.bodyboardingadventures.com.

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD CAMP

Diane Wenzel heads Westwind Sailing in Dana Point and has put on a stand-up paddleboarding camp for the last five years. e started a S P camp specifically dedicated for kids in 2012, and our goal was to teach kids safety techniques while out on the water,” Wenzel said. We want (to teach) them to be strong and safe paddlers through having fun.”

Wenzel recalled the warm reception she received after adding paddle-boarding to her list of programs. “After 30 years of sailing programs, I knew that sailing just wasn’t some people’s thing. After adding the paddling program, I was met with positivity and it was an overall positive e perience.”

From June 6 to August 22, the camp will meet at the OC Sailing and Events Center every Tuesday through Thursday, from 8:30-11 a.m.

New activities are offered each day, including relay races and trips to the Dana Wharf for snacks. For more information, visit www.westwindsailing.com.

s p m a C l a Loc

This year, indulge your child’s interests by enrolling them in camps that ensure they have a memorable summer

949 Volleyball

Aloha Beach Camp

949 Volleyball Club, celebrating 8 years in San Juan Capistrano, provides summer camps for both boys and girls ages 9 to 18 at any ability level. The club has won 10 Junior Olympic medals, as well as 4 National Championships at the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Junior National Championships.

The summer camp’s goal is to teach beginners the fundamentals of the game and to prepare juniors and seniors looking to compete in the NCAA. 949 Volleyball Club promotes sportsmanlike behavior inside and outside of the gym, instills the values of integrity, dedication and hard work, and focuses on having fun! Space is limited; please register early. For more information contact Justin directly at 949.374.2890 or visit 949vb.com.

Aloha Beach Camp, located at T-street Beach, offers the ultimate beach surf camp for kids ages - of all surfing abilities. We provide private lessons and surfing groups with a 2:1 camper to instructor ratio. or body boarding, body surfing and beach activities, the camper to instructor ratio is 5:1. Aloha focuses on surf etiquette, water safety, rip currents, lateral currents, in-shore holes, beach hazards and more. The camp’s lead instructor, Matt Colapinto, is a surfer, beach lifeguard and elementary teacher with more than 25 years of experience.

Private and group surf lessons are offered year-round. More information is available at www.alohabeachcamp.net.

Acting Academy for Kids

Summer performing arts camps with Acting Academy for Kids guide campers ages 4-13 through a full theater immersion experience via four daily classes—music, acting, dance and fusion. The culminating event will be a Friday performance on one of our three main stage theaters. Children can participate for any duration of time ranging from one week to the entire summer. It’s time to watch your star shine!

Z Playhouse (Inside Holiday Inn Express), 35 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente; Community Roots Academy PAC, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel; OC Music & Dance, 17620 Fitch Avenue, Irvine. 949.427.0072. www.actingacademyforkids.com.

Basics of Skateboarding

Basics of Skateboarding is a hands-on camp designed to bring kids together with their community. At this camp, children develop and enhance their skateboarding skills while creating new friendships with other camp participants. Our camps are here to guide participants with little to no skateboarding experience through the basics by providing structured lessons. We also offer intermediate and advanced camps. Camps are open to young skateboarders ages 3-12. 949.922.9922. ww.basicsofskateboarding.com.

Bodyboarding Adventures Summer Camp

Bella Collina

Evidence suggests regular physical activity may help improve a student’s academic performance. his summer, challenge your child by introducing them to the e citing world of golf. Each weeklong session includes instruction by e perienced, nurturing golf professionals. Campers en oy confidence-building activities, on-course play and fun games. olf achievement medals are awarded at the end of each week. Clubs, lunch and snacks are provided. Runs from une to ugust .

Cost is per week. venida la Pata, San Clemente. . . . www.bellacollinasanclemente.com.

Bodyboarding Adventures Summer Camp

he brand-new odyboarding dventures Summer Camp at North Beach offers a fun-filled week focused on the basics of bodyboarding. n addition to learning about ocean safety, participants will learn how to spot and catch waves, and e ecute spin moves, rolls and more. pen to boys and girls ages and up of all skill levels. ll e uipment, including bodyboards, rash guards and fins, will be provided. or more information, visit www.bodyboardingadventures.com.

City of San Clemente dventures are now open with early bird savings lasting until pril 23. The city of San Clemente is offering more than courses and camps this summer.

E plore a variety of programs from sports to performing arts, cooking and more. isit Camp Paloo a at the ista ermosa Sports Park on Saturday, pril , to meet instructors, earn free giveaways, discover camp discounts and en oy recreational swimming. or information and registration visit www.san-clemente.org recreation or call . . .

Danman’s Music

The Ecology Center

Kids’ music camps start the week of June 19 this summer at Danman’s Music. There will be four different camps this summer: one vocal camp and three rock camps. Camps run onday to riday a.m.- p.m. ctivities include forming a band, selecting songs to play, rehearsing, picking a band name, creating a band poster and T-shirts, a photo-shoot and a concert on riday for family and friends, which will be held at Stillwater Spirits Sounds. un, energetic and professional teachers lead the camp. Cost is per week. ring in this write-up and receive off. el Prado, ana Point. . . .

or si years, he Ecology Center has been capturing the imagination and curiosity of local kids each summer. Campers are immersed in an acre of interactive eco-labs nestled around an historic farmhouse and ad acent to a -acre organic farm. n award-winning S E -based curriculum is at the core of each camper’s e perience. ctivities include chicken care, planting seeds, harvesting fruits and vegetables, building mini worm bins, eco crafts, gardenbased cooking, and plenty of outdoor games.

Three summer camps will be offered, each four days long. ne camp for ages - , and the other two for ages - . Camps run uesday through riday from a.m.- p.m. at lipa St., San uan Capistrano. ind out more at www. theecologycenter.org or call . . .

Club Literacy

Club Literacy classes are a fun, powerful, and effective way to prevent summer reading loss. nvest in your child by keeping them reading and writing this summer—the benefits are endless! Our dynamic line-up of classes and camps will include our foundational Pre- to rd grade Smart Start Classes as well as our Summer only specialty classes. Join us for a Smart Start Class, ooks Cooks, ugs ooks, Creative Cursive, ath ournals, ll bout e Scrapbooking riting , and he Sleuthing S uad Nancy rew ardy oys .

Pacific Coast ighway, ana Point, . . , www.clubliteracy.com.

Endless Summer Surf Camp

Club Literacy

Learn to surf at San Clemente’s premier surf camp, where dreams have come true since 1992. Whether you have never surfed or if you want to take your surfing to the ne t level, we have surf instruction and coaching for you. e have day and overnight surf camps as well as private and group lessons for beginning, intermediate and advanced surfers. We also offer surf and turf camps at alega olf Course with P eacher of the ear Randy Chang. . . . www.endlesssummersurfcamp.com.

Ocean Institute Summer Camps

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Be inspired, explore interests and have fun at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School this summer. Summer camps are designed and taught by St. Margaret’s renowned faculty on the beautiful 22-acre campus, in dynamic, technology-rich learning environments. STEM, Performing and Visual Arts, Athletics and Exploration camps available weekly for students Preschool through Grade 12. Registration open now. For more information, visit www.smes.org/summer. 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.0108.

Westwind Sailing

s p m a C l a Loc Continued

Grass Stains Outdoor Volleyball We are excited to add USC Trojan Outside Hitter and former San Clemente Triton Lucas Yoder as our camp clinician this summer.

Camp instruction runs daily Monday through Thursday and concludes with a Friday tournament. Registration is open to youth ages 8-18.

Participants with all experience levels are welcome. Locations include San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Ladera Ranch. Camp costs start as low as $99. Please text your name and email address to 949.584.5446 for additional information.

KG Beach Camps

Come down to the Dana Point Harbor for a week of fun! There are activities from stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking and tide pool walks to games, crafts and much more.

Join us for an adventure on a 60-foot catamaran while we look for whales and explore the open ocean. The little ones will join us for a different adventure every day; crab hunting, treasure hunts, water games and sand castles will fill their days at camp.

Ensenada Place, Dana Point. 949.842.5211. www.kgbeachcamps.com.

Ocean Institute Summer Camps

Sign up your child for an adventure they will never forget! Campers will explore the local tidepools, kayak around Dana Point Harbor, search for whales off the coast, or set sail for adventure on our tall ship, Spirit of Dana Point.

Become a Sea Star Member of the Ocean Institute to receive special pricing. Visit www. oceaninstitute.org or call 949.496.2274 today for more information. Adventures begin June 19. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point.

Accredited by the American Camping Association.

St. Anne School The Summer Knights Day Camp is the ideal combination of fun and education for kids 2 years old through middle school. Camp days are filled with a balance of light academics, arts and crafts, water play, weekly themes, special guests, cooking and field trips with a flexible schedule for working parents.

The eight week-long camps begin June 12 with full-day, half-day and extended hour options. Visit www.st-anne.org/summercamp for pricing and more detailed information. 32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.

949.276.6711.

Welcome aboard! Westwind Sailing opened in 1987 to provide public access boating education in our community. Summer fun at Westwind includes sailing and SUP camps and classes for all ages and skill levels. We are a sanctioned US Sailing Community Sailing Center and our instructors hold US Sailing, SC , S , C , CPR and first aid certifications. Our programs meet at the OC Sailing & Events Center, located in the Harbor at 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. 949.492.3035. www.westwindsailing.com.

YMCA of Orange County Summer Day Camp at the Y is a great way for kids to learn new skills, develop character and make new friends during the summer break. Y campers will embark on a S.T.E.A.M.-themed summer—filled with sports, outdoor activities, field trips and specialty clubs relating to science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

With more than 40 locations across Orange County, YMCA Summer Day Camp is a safe local venue for your child this summer. www.ymcaoc.org/summer-day-camp.

KG Beach Camps

TIPS FOR A FUN AND SAFE BEACH SUMMER

Whether kids are in camp this summer or not, chances are they’ll be complementing their warm weather activities with trips to the beach.

Though a great place to exercise, socialize and unwind, it’s important kids learn basic safety tips before hitting the sand. Here are five quick tips courtesy of the Orange County Lifeguards on how to ensure a fun, safe summer in the waves.

BE AWARE OF RIP CURRENTS.

Rip currents are the No. 1 cause of lifeguard rescues at local beaches. They tend to be foamy, brown and mushroom-shaped, and they pull water (and those in the water) away from the beach. The best way to avoid getting caught in a rip current, which can pull you far from shore, is to practice swimming, locate lifeguards before entering the water, and learning the parts of the rip current—information which is available at www.oclg.org.

MIND THE FLAGS.

Lifeguards use flags, flying from beach posts and lifeguard towers, to help beachgoers recognize surf conditions. A red flag indicates extremely hazardous ocean conditions, and only expert swimmers and surfers should enter the water. A yellow flag

indicates moderate ocean hazards and rip currents. A green flag indicates mild ocean hazards, however it’s important to note the ocean can be hazardous on any given day.

CHECK FOR ROCKS AND REEF.

Rocky cliffs and outcroppings are fun to explore, but caution needs to be taken while doing so. Areas with water are prone to breaking surf, which can put people in harm’s way. Powerful waves are common at reef breaks, so swimmers should be careful and scuba divers should be mindful of their depth while exploring the area.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN.

Proper skin care can prevent painful burns and limit cancer risk. All it takes is covering your skin with a sunscreen of 15 SPF or higher. Wearing a hat and shirt, using an umbrella for shade, wearing U.V.-protection sunglasses and limiting time in the sun can all be beneficial.

LEARN TO SWIM.

It seems obvious, but learning proper swim techniques can save lives. The OC ifeguards recommend wearing fins to aid swimming, supervising young swimmers, and reeling in those that can’t swim overhead for more than 15 minutes to only waist-deep water.

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Reunited High School Classmates Defy Conventional Wisdom

A

s a columnist writing about love and relationships for 23 years, I’ve strongly advocated that single seniors know each other well before moving in together or getting remarried. That belief got seriously challenged this month.

On Sunday, March 12, my partner, Greta, and I had surprise visitors to Dana Point. Phil Williams and Sue Hamlin were classmates of mine going all the way back to the fourth grade in Jackson, Michigan, where Phil, Sue and I grew up. He and I were on the swimming and track teams together. She was a popular cheerleader.

They wanted to share some news that nearly put me on the floor: Sue and Phil were married on Feb. 24.

That announcement was the most surprising news I have received in years, maybe in a lifetime. Why? They had seen each other only once in the last 50 years, for 20 minutes or so at our class’s 50th reunion, and they’d had no contact with each other since then. They never dated each other. Phil lived in Palm Springs; Sue lived ON LIFE AND in Grand Rapids, MichiLOVE AFTER 50 gan, to where she had

By Tom Blake moved five years prior to be near her children after being widowed.

Seven weeks ago, on Feb. 1, Sue telephoned Phil to tell him that a classmate of ours she had been caregiving had passed away in January. Phil told Sue that his wife, whom he’d been caregiving for several years, had also recently passed away.

On Feb. 2, Sue called Phil again. This thrilled him as he had always had a keen eye for her, and her voice filled an emptiness he had felt for years. They spoke daily for the next four days. Phil said, “The conversations were getting serious. We both were lonely and both wanted to share our remaining lives with someone special.”

Phil continued, “On Feb. 7, I said to Sue, ‘You need to get on an airplane and fly to California so we can have a serious face-toface discussion.’”

On Feb. 8, Sue emailed her plane’s arrival time: Feb. 24, 10 a.m., Ontario Airport.

Between, Feb. 9-15, marriage discussions emerged. Finally, Sue said to Phil, “If we are going to get married, why don’t you ask me?” Phil said, “OK, I just asked you.”

On Feb. 24, one hour after Sue disembarked from an airplane from Grand Rapids—together for the second time in 50 years—they were married at the County

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24-April 13, 2017

Former classmates Phil Williams, Sue Hamlin and Tom Blake. Hamlin and Williams were married last month. Photo: Courtesy of Tom Blake

Clerk Office in Fullerton.

Their news stopped me in my tracks.

I was dumbfounded. How could that be?

What about my advice to get to know each first before getting married?

However, after seeing them together, hearing their stories and pondering their situation, I started to think this is wonderful. Finally, Phil nabs one of the prettiest and nicest girls in our high school class.

Both are widowed and both have been caregivers. Now, it’s their time together. At our age, who’s got time to waste?

Phil said with a twinkle in his eye, “Sue and I passed Tom’s get-to-know-eachother-first advice. Heck, she and I have known each other for 70-plus years.”

I still advocate that seniors get to know each other well before making a commitment. However, I’m making one exception in Phil and Sue’s case. In May, after moving Sue’s belongings from Grand Rapids, they will make their home in Southern California. In the meantime, they are on an extended honeymoon right here in South Orange County.

I’ve often said, in searching for a mate, don’t forget to attend reunions and keep in touch with old classmates. What happens may surprise you, and everybody else who loves you.

Greta and I sure wish them well.

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. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com or email at 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.

Page 9

SJC LIVING

A group of attendees enjoy some time outside during the El Presidenté Ball. Photo: Allison Jarrell

A Wild West Soirée

Fiesta Association holds events leading up to parade day THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he Fiesta de las Golondrinas season is reaching its peak this week with a variety of festive events leading up to the 59th annual Swallows Day Parade on

Jr. Señor San Juan Sami Salado and Jr. Miss Fiesta Kate Pointer enjoy the ball. Photo: Scott Schmitt

Saturday, March 25.

On March 17, the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association held its annual El Presidenté Ball at El Adobe de Capistrano.

Guests dressed in their Western best and danced the night away to live country western music.

This year’s Fiesta Grande took place March 22, with Wild West shenanigans and colorful characters out in full force at the Swallow’s Inn. Contestants showed off their costumes, oversized belt buckles and well-groomed facial hair to compete for the judges’ favor.

For a list of this year’s winners and photo galleries from each event, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

Michael Maniello competes in the “Outlaw Man” category. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Doug Davis won once again for his “Best Existing Mustache.” Photo: Allison Jarrell

Bruce Nielsen, of Tombstone, Arizona, won the award for best “Outlaw Man.” Nielsen lived in San Juan for 20 years. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Boots Leone shows off the buckle he received when he served as the Fiesta Association’s Señor San Juan in 2006. Photo: Allison Jarrell

“Prairie Woman” contestants line up for judging during the Fiesta Grande. Photo: Allison Jarrell

SJC LIVING

Celebrating the Swallows PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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Performances are held throughout the day at Panhe, an annual event that takes place this year on Sunday, March 26, at the San Mateo Campground. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Return to Panhe

Annual event celebrates culture of native tribes

BY ERIC HEINZ, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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ach performance and honorary dedication at Panhe, an event named for the land on which it is held, is steeped in the area’s history. Generations of families return each year along with hundreds of other visitors to experience the day-long gathering that commemorates the land and the people for whom Panhe is a spiritual home.

The annual event, which returns Sunday, March 26, celebrates the culture of Native Americans and specifically the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, who have called the land home for millennia. Descendants of the original tribe still live in South Orange County.

Officials with the event said Panhe will feature its recurring performances with Native American singers, dancers, flute circles, food, basketry demonstrations, speakers, artisans, plant demonstrations, vendors, museum exhibits and more. The day will be filled with various activities and native traditions and dances. There will also be a few newcomers to the event, including The Ecology Center from San Juan Capistrano and the Sierra Sage Group of South Orange County.

Martin Espino will host a booth for people to make musical instruments, and more attractions are slated to be on hand.

San Onofre Parks Foundation president Susan Goggins said Panhe has been an integral gathering of what the foundation aims to accomplish.

“It goes along with our mission state-

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24-April 13, 2017

ment of education and interpretation to let people know how important Panhe is,” Goggins said. “We want people to know about Panhe and the history of the area.

The location of Panhe in the San Mateo Watershed was once home to perhaps the largest settlement of Acjachemen tribe, which inhabited the area 8,000 years ago, according to archaeological research.”

Panhe is also a current area of contention. The land where Panhe is located abuts Camp Pendleton and is located on U.S. Navy land, which is leased to California State Parks. Members of the United Coalition to Protect Panhe contend the area has been slated for military training operations, which is to be used at the discretion of the military.

Artefacts from the original human settlers of the area are still found there, and researchers want to protect it from further erosion. Military officials said in past statements that the area provides a unique training opportunity for forces to practice tactics in efforts domestic and foreign. CD

ach year, Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts its St. Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows Celebration on March 19—a tradition that commemorates the annual return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano. The event features the ringing of the Mission bells, dance and musical performances, and a blessing by the Tushmalum singers of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation.

For the second year, the celebration also included a flyover by World War II AT-6 airplanes in tribute to the nation’s veterans, which was done by the Condor Squadron, an organization dedicated to preserving WWII aviation history. CD

The Mission is having its own “super bloom” of poppies this spring.

Mission Basilica School students perform a dance while dressed as swallows.

The Tushmalum singers of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation provide a blessing before a bell ringing ceremony at the Mission.

EVENT INFORMATION Panhe will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 26 at San Mateo Campground off Cristianitos Road at San Onofre State Beach, San Clemente. Admission is free.

Free parking and a round-trip shuttle will be available throughout the day departing from Concordia Elementary School, located at 3120 Avenida del Presidente in San Clemente.

The event is sponsored by the United Coalition to Protect Panhe and the San Onofre Parks Foundation, in partnership with California State Parks.

For more information, call the San Onofre Parks Foundation at 949.366.8599.

For a complete event schedule, additional information, membership and volunteer opportunities, visit www.SanOFoundation.org.

(From left) Mission bell ringers Nathan Banda, Michael Gastelum and Rafael Gutierrez.

The celebration also featured a flyover by WWII AT-6 airplanes in tribute to the nation’s veterans.

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:

Page 12

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

HELP WANTED MAINTENANCE DAY SHIFT IMMEDIATE OPENING Guest calls relating to immediate maintenance needs. Guest room preventative maintenance program. Ongoing Painting and repairs. Apply in Person (Starts at $12 per hour – full time) Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Marina Inn. Tony

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

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

WANTED VINYL RECORDS & MUSIC MEMORABILIA Wanted Vinyl Records! I Am A Collector & Guarantee To Pay Top Dollar In Cash!

Rock, Jazz, Blues, Punk, Colored LP’s. I Will Come To You. Large/Small Collections. Also Collect Music Memorabilia Posters, Books, Concert T-shirts..anything Music Related.

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano area? *2.1 readership per 11,500 copies distributed

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

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949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch March 24-April 13, 2017

Page 13

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Baseball Roundup: Eagles’ Power on Display Early

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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apistrano Valley Christian senior Zack Mendez is coming through in the clutch for the Capistrano Valley Christian baseball team. The senior St. Mary’s commit leads the team with three home runs, and they’ve been coming at crucial times.

He hit a go-ahead home run in the fi fth inning against Palm Desert on March 6.

Four days later, Mendez connected for a grand slam against Capistrano Valley to bring the Eagles within one run. And on March 18, Mendez hit a game-tying home run in the fi fth inning against Tustin that powered the team to a 4-3 win.

Mendez is leading the way for a red-hot CVCS lineup that is batting a cumulative .315 on the young season, and the team headed into its March 24 game against Torrance with a 4-5 record. The Eagles were ranked fourth in the latest CIF-SS Division 4 polls.

Mendez, who is batting a robust .333 through nine games, leads the team with five extra-base hits and 11 RBI, but he’s not the only one swinging a hot bat. Mendez is one of six Eagles hitters batting over .330 with at least 25 plate appearances. Junior

BYU commit Carson Matthews (.367) has two home runs, senior Tyler Piston is hitting a blistering .409 and UCI commit Andre Antone is batting .387 with a team-high 12 hits, including three doubles.

The Eagles’ impressive stats have to be taken with a grain of salt, however. The team has scored 52 runs through nine games, but 20 of those came in a massive 20-2 nonleague victory over Avalon on March 7.

No matter how one looks at it, the scoring outburst is a welcome sign for coach Clemente Bonilla’s squad. The Eagles dropped four of their first five games playing against tough, higher-division opponents like Foothill, St. John Bosco and Capo Valley. Since then, the Eagles’ bats and solid starting pitching have helped the team win three of their last four contests.

“We’re playing some good ball, we have been in some tight games but I think our offensive approach is starting to get locked in, which took a little time,” Bonilla said.

In other baseball news: JSerra has had a rough start to the season, but that should not slow down this talented Lions team.

JSerra (0-3) lost a season-opening dou-

Zack Mendez leads the Capistrano Valley Christian baseball team with three home runs this season.

Photo: Courtesy

ble-header to top-ranked Huntington Beach on March 11 by scores of 6-4 and 4-3. Then they fell to a perennially strong De La Salle team 5-2 on March 16.

The Lions were scheduled to play Gahr in a nonleague game on March 23, and play a double-header against Valencia on March 25 before opening Trinity League play against Servite on March 28.

San Juan Hills is off and running in the Sea View League and is ready to make an appearance in the competitive Anaheim Lions Tournament this weekend.

The Stallions (4-3) went 2-2 at the Newport Elks Tournament earlier this month, and opened league play with a 6-1 victory against Tesoro on March 15. Senior Jake Lachemann had two hits and two RBI and senior Bryan Pope pitched five innings and allowed zero runs in the win. Dana Hills shutout the Stallions 6-0 on March 17. CD

San Juan Hills Wins South County Cup Local golfers win perpetual trophy on home soil COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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ntering the final day of the South County Cup golf tournament at San Juan Hills Golf Club on March 19, the 16-man team that represented the host course had a little bit of a lead to play with.

The San Juan golfers held a slim 3.5-point lead over the Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club team heading into Sunday’s 18-hole individual match play schedule, and teams from Shorecliffs Golf Club and San Clemente Municipal were lurking not far behind.

Not only did San Juan Hills have a lead, but they had home course knowledge to

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24-April 13, 2017

JSerra Soccer Finishes Dream Season with Regional Title

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t was a remarkable season from start to finish for the JSerra girls soccer team.

The top-ranked Lions won the program’s first-ever Trinity League title, CIF-SS Division 1 Championship and ended the season with a CIF SoCal Regional title, which they claimed after defeating Huntington Beach 2-1 on March 11.

When the season began, head coach Greg Baker said he thought his roster was strong enough to make a deep run in the postseason. After defeating the likes of Mater Dei and Santa Margarita in Trinity League play, that hunch began to look like a real possibility.

After four wins to start the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs, JSerra faced rival Mater Dei in the championship game and won on penalty kicks.

In postseason play, there was simply no stopping the Lions’ formidable back line defense and talented playmakers. The Lions defense, anchored by Mahea Heimuli, Trinity League defensive player of the year Jordyn Gather, Kendyll Fritts, Bella Beltran and goalies Ryan Campbell and Kiana Soloman, never allowed more than one goal per game.

JSerra’s offense, which was led by Julie Doyle, Trinity League offensive player of the year Isabella D’Aquila and Trinity League MVP Samantha Hobert, scored 23 goals in eight playoff matches.

D’Aquila was named the CIF-SS Division 1 player of the year, and Baker was named coach of the year. CD

San Juan Hills Golf Club won the 2017 South County Cup tournament on March 20. Photo: Courtesy

rely on. The local golfers used that experience and solid play to increase their lead in the singles format and emerge with a winning score of 20.5 points.

San Juan Hills edged Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club by four points. Shorecliffs Golf Club placed third and San Clemente Municipal placed fourth.

When the final singles match ended, San Juan Hills captains Chris Higgins and Michael Ohmer hoisted the perpetual trophy in celebration with their team near the 18th green.

San Juan Hills got an all-around effort

from its players, but its top point-getters were John Carter (three points) and Todd Knight (2.5 points).

The trophy is now on display in the San Juan Hills pro shop, where it will remain until next year’s tournament.

The South County Cup started several years ago as an idea to promote sportsmanship, the caliber of local golfers and quality of golf courses in the tri-city area.

The event rotates between all four courses every year. Next year’s installment of the tournament will be held at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club. CD

Page 14

The JSerra girls soccer team won Trinity League, CIF-SS Division 1 and CIF SoCal Regional titles this season. Photo: Courtesy

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