August 11, 2017

On Stage at the Coach House: Kevin Nealon PAGE 15

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

AUGUST 11-24, 2017 • VOLUME 15, ISSUE 15

Keeping Cowboy Culture Alive Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo returns Aug. 26-27 E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

A cowboy does his best to hang on during last year’s Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo at the riding park in San Juan Capistrano.

Photo: Scott Schmitt/San Juan Photo & Digital

Future Closures of Creek Trail Will Have Residents Taking Detours for Years EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Thousands Turn Out to Two-Step, Support Equestrian Coalition SJC LIVING/PAGE 18

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Horse Betting at OC Tavern a Galloping Good Time SPORTS/PAGE 22

GO TO THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week San Juan Capistrano Man Accused of Raping Two Teenagers in San Juan, Santa Ana THE LATEST: A San Juan Capistrano man has been charged with forcibly raping and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in San Juan and a 19-year-old woman in Santa Ana. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is currently seeking the public’s help with identifying additional potential victims.

Alejandro Hernandez Garcia, 41, is accused of multiple felony charges including forcible rape, sodomy by force, rape by use of drug, two counts of sexual penetration Alejandro Hernandez by foreign object, and Garcia. Photo: OCDA two counts of forcible oral copulation. The charges also include sentencing enhancements for “substantial risk of harm to the victim.”

Garcia is accused of approaching 16-year-old Jane Doe 1 in a residential neighborhood of San Juan Capistrano on or around July, 13, 2016, according to OCDA officials. The girl knew Garcia only as “Tiburon,” a nickname that translates to “shark” in Spanish. Garcia is accused of pulling Jane Doe 1 into a garage, locking the door, and sexually assaulting her.

Garcia then allegedly contacted 19-yearold Jane Doe 2 on Aug. 18, 2016. The young woman was lost in Santa Ana, according to officials. Garcia is accused of giving the victim an alcoholic beverage which, unknown to the woman, contained an illegal drug.

Garcia is accused of sexually assaulting Jane Doe 2 in the backseat of his car.

Police were able to arrest Garcia after he returned to Jane Doe 1’s neighborhood in San Juan on July 30 of this year. The girl saw Garcia and identified him as the man who had sexually assaulted her, and proceeded to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The Santa Ana Police Department and OCSD conducted a joint investigation, which ultimately led to the arrest of Garcia on Aug. 1, by OCSD. WHAT’S NEXT: Garcia’s bail is set at $1 million. He faces a sentence of 98 years The Capistrano Dispatch August 11-24, 2017

to life in state prison and mandatory sex offender registration. Garcia is scheduled to appear in court at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, at the Central Jail in Santa Ana, Department CJ-1.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with additional information or who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact OCDA Supervising Investigator Eric Wiseman at 714.347.8794. —Allison Jarrell

Future Closures, Detours for San Juan Creek Trail Will Last Years during Levee Improvements, Bridge Replacement THE LATEST: Residents and visitors who utilize the San Juan Creek Trail on a daily basis to visit Doheny State Beach or travel inland to Reata Park in San Juan Capistrano will have to use detours for more than two years due to upcoming trail closures from two different construction projects.

The first infrastructure project includes improvements to the levees along a 1-mile stretch of the San Juan Creek flood control channel. Led by the County of Orange, the $33 million project aims to enhance flood protection. The project area spans San Juan and Dana Point, “running along San Juan Creek from Stonehill Drive to approximately 2,100 feet upstream on the west side of the levee and 6,000 feet upstream on the east side of the levee,” according to San Juan city staff.

The project involves “installation of sheet piles with steel anchor columns and tension cables, construction of a reinforced concrete pile cap, construction of reinforced masonry block flood walls, installation of modified guard cable fencing” and “reconstruction of the asphalt bike trail along the west side of the channel.”

Construction for the levee project is slated to begin in September 2017 and conclude in June 2019, with work hours of 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

County officials said in order to “maximize safety and accelerate work,” the San Juan Creek Trail will be closed on both sides beginning mid-September through June 2018—at least eight months.

During that time, pedestrians can use the adjacent Creekside Park walkway. Bicyclists will be directed to follow a detour from Stonehill Drive to Del Obispo Street to Mariner Drive.

A second separate project, led by the Southern California Rail Authority, involves replacing a 100-year-old railroad bridge on the east side of Descanso Park over San Juan Creek. A new bridge will be constructed to the west of the current one, which will then be demolished.

During construction of the new bridge,

The San Juan Creek Trail, as seen near Doheny State Beach. Photo: Courtesy of the City of Dana Point

the bikeway that runs east of the freeway to the San Juan Creek Trail will be closed, and signage will be posted directing cyclists along the following detour route: Avenida Padre to Camino Capistrano, left on Del Obispo Street to the Trabuco Creek trail levee, and then south.

Construction for that project is slated to start in 2019, and the estimated duration is 30 months.

The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved the aforementioned bikeway detour plan at its Aug. 1, meeting with a 2-1 vote. Councilwoman Pam Patterson and Councilman Brian Maryott were absent, and Mayor Kerry Ferguson voted against the detour approval, saying she wanted to “look a little bit more at how (the bridge replacement project) is being conducted.”

During the meeting, San Juan resident Mike Mathewson said he was “flabbergasted” by the proposed detour for a trail that hundreds of people use daily.

“That trail is the only way to Doheny.

It’s the only way to the trails all along the coast,” Mathewson said. “And what hasn’t been brought up tonight is that it’s for two and a half years, which means it’s going to be three to four.

“I hear your two options that you’re weighing tonight—I would say that you should have a third and that is to go back to the lead agency and say, ‘No, come back with a new plan that stages this construction somehow to minimize the impact,’” Mathewson continued. “I’m going to make the assumption that they don’t know what this trail is used for.”

Former Mayor Larry Kramer, an avid cyclist, wrote a letter to the Council stating that he dislikes the options for cycling during the closure, but doubts “the city has many legal choices.”

“I dare anyone from City Council to ride a bike along Camino Capistrano and Del

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Obispo,” Kramer wrote, adding that he may end up riding through parking lots when possible.

Kramer also suggested the Council request that the railroad authority build a pedestrian/bicycle bridge next to the railroad bridge as part of the replacement project.

During the Council meeting, Public Works and Utilities Director Steve May said staff would discuss the suggestion with the railroad authority.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information on the county’s levee improvement project, visit www.ocflood.com. For further information on the bridge replacement project, see the Council’s Aug. 1 agenda report at www.sanjuancapistrano.org. —AJ

City Enters into Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with Ganahl Lumber for Sale, Development of Lower Rosan Ranch THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council voted unanimously on Aug. 1, to take the next step in negotiations with Ganahl Lumber Company for the sale and development of the Lower Rosan Ranch— a 15-acre property off of Stonehill Drive.

Ganahl Lumber’s initial proposal includes the Ganahl facility in the center of the property, a restaurant concept at the southern edge of the site, and self-storage and car storage for neighboring auto dealers on the northern portion of the property. The Ganahl store will sell lumber, building materials and hardware primarily to contractors and other professionals.

(Cont. on page 4) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) The city will receive about 10 percent of the net proceeds of the sale, which will go to the general fund, according to city staff.

In addition, Ganahl representatives project the facility will provide the city with approximately $480,000 in sales tax revenue and 88 new jobs.

The family-owned lumber company currently has 10 facilities in Southern California, including a store in Capistrano Beach at 34162 Doheny Park Road that opened in 1995. Ganahl President Peter Ganahl said the company will eventually close its Capo Beach location and move those operations to the Stonehill Drive property.

The sale of the Lower Rosan property is required by state law due to the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in 2012. The city called for bids on the property last fall and began reviewing 13 bids in January.

The Council held a community workshop on March 29 to receive public input on five of the development proposals, and on April 4, the Council voted unanimously in closed session to begin negotiating the sale of the land to Ganahl Lumber.

tion agreement with Ganahl Lumber for the property. The approval marks the next step in the overall sale and development process, which staff said will take a “quite bit longer” to complete. City staff is actively working with Ganahl on a site plan. —AJ

WHAT’S NEXT: With Councilwoman Pam Patterson and Councilman Brian Maryott absent, the remaining three members of the Council approved an exclusive negotia-

WHAT’S NEXT: CUSD’s bus tours and ribbon cuttings for the new classroom buildings were initially scheduled for Aug. 18, but were later rescheduled for Sept. 21.

School District Invites Community to Tour New Classrooms at San Juan Hills, San Clemente High Schools THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District recently announced that it will be holding tours of two new classroom buildings on the campuses of San Juan Hills High School and San Clemente High School on Thursday, Sept. 21.

“Community Facilities District monies and matching state funds paid for the buildings that feature 24 classrooms with state-of-the-art 21st century technology,” CUSD officials said in a press release.

The ribbon cuttings will take place at 9:45 a.m. at San Clemente High School and 11:30 a.m. at San Juan Hills High School.

Buses will leave the district office at 9 a.m. CUSD headquarters is located at 33122 Valle Road in San Juan.

Anyone requiring special accommodations or needing more information can contact Ryan Burris at 949.234.9427 or email rkburris@capousd.org. —Staff

Public Invited to Participate in OCTA Bus Service Survey THE LATEST: Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has started the public process for changing its bus routes in order to rearrange the routes based on ridership.

“In 2015, the OCTA Board of Directors launched OC Bus 360, a plan that examines bus service from all angles,” Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said in a press release. “During the initial implementation of this comprehensive plan, OC Bus 360 provided better service in high-demand areas by reallocating existing resources, improved passenger experiences through technology, stimu-

San Juan Families Meet the People behind the Badge PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

n Thursday, Aug. 3, the city of San Juan Capistrano joined thousands of communities nationwide in hosting a National Night Out Against Crime event.

San Juan Capistrano Police Services held the event at Descanso Park, showcasing activities, vendors and safety booths.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that aims to build awareness in keeping communities safe by promoting and strengthening police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 11-24, 2017

lated ridership with pricing changes, and created fresh marketing and branding to attract new riders.”

During the last change of bus service routes, San Juan Capistrano saw one of its routes cut, the 191, which ran from Mission Viejo to San Juan Capistrano and on to Capistrano Beach and San Clemente.

The 193 route was also cut, which ran from San Clemente to Talega and back down to Capo Beach.

The new system is slated to be approved by the OCTA board in February 2018, and is expected to enhance evening, weekday and weekend service “on several routes and reduce service on others with low demand.”

“In addition, service on some Stationlink and express routes will be reduced or eliminated due to low ridership,” Bartlett said. “Services and resources can be reallocated to high-demand areas to reduce travel times and serve more people.”

WHAT’S NEXT: To view the proposed changes, visit www.octa.net.

Members of the public can submit their opinions on service routes by filling out a survey online, or submitting them in person at the South County community meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 6-8 p.m. at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway. —Staff

Clockwise from top left:

Celina Corley, Crime Prevention Specialist with San Juan Police Services, said the annual event is about connecting with community members.

“A lot of the community is still unaware of how police services can be of assistance to them,” Corley said. “We want them to feel comfortable with law enforcement and break down some of those stigmas— especially in our town, because we really pride ourselves with community-oriented policing.”

For a full photo gallery from the event, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD Page 4

Aaron Reyes, 8, and Jaden Reyes, 10, of San Juan Capistrano, watch as Robert Martinez of the Orange County Fire Authority demonstrates how to use a fire hose.

An Orange County Sheriff’s Explorer introduces Connor Gale, 4, of San Juan Capistrano, to Archie, a 5-year-old bomb squad dog.

Laura and Jaime Escamilla and their 12-year-old daughter, Celeste, talk with California Highway Patrol officer John Daniels.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Going to the Rodeo SATURDAY, AUG. 26 Gates Open: 1 p.m.

Entertainment & Vendor Area: 1 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies: 3:45 p.m.

Rodeo Begins: 4 p.m.

Concert & Dance: 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, AUG. 27 Gates Open: 11:30 a.m.

Entertainment & Vendor Area: 11:30 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies: 1:15 p.m.

Rodeo Begins: 1:30 p.m.

Address: 30753 La Pata Avenue, San Juan Capistrano Parking: $10 cash only Tickets: $30 for adults, $10 for kids (4 -12 years old), kids 3 years old and under are free. Tickets are on sale at Swallow’s Inn, Hennessey’s Tavern, Boot Barn, Wildfire Mercantile, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Esencia Visitor Center and Paper Annex. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate.

For more info, visit www.rmvrodeo.com.

Photo: Scott Schmitt/San Juan Photo & Digital

Keeping Cowboy Culture Alive Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo returns Aug. 26-27

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t’s that time of year again, when South Orange County residents don their hats and boots and get in touch with the cowboy way of life.

The 17th annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo will run Aug. 26-27 at the RMV Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano. Lauded as the “richest two-day rodeo in the world,” this year’s event will award $175,000 in prize money—$25,000 to the winner of each event, and $50,000 for the winning roping team. Each year, the top 30 cowboys in each event travel to San Juan to compete in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping and team roping.

This year, The Capistrano Dispatch sat down with Tony Moiso, chairman and chief executive officer for Rancho Mission Viejo, LLC, and Gilbert Aguirre, executive vice president of ranch operations for Rancho Mission Viejo, to talk about what has made

Photo: Scott Schmitt/San Juan Photo & Digital

The Capistrano Dispatch August 11-24, 2017

the RMV Rodeo a success over the years.

Moiso and Aguirre are the chairmen of the rodeo committee, which has a total of five members.

Moiso and Aguirre said the rodeo was started 17 years ago in an effort to celebrate their ranching history, as well as introduce the sport of rodeo to the South Orange County community.

A big motivation of Moiso and Aguirre is helping the cowboys by giving them a chance to move up the ranks before the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December (the cowboys’ “super bowl,” as Aguirre puts it). The final rodeo in Las Vegas takes the 15 top-paid cowboys to compete for $10 million—a pay day they wait for all year.

The Ranch takes the top 30 cowboys in each category, and awards eight prizes— this year from a $175,000 purse. With only one major rodeo left after the RMV Rodeo (the Pendleton Round-up in Pendleton, Oregon on Oct. 1) it gives the cowboys who are lower in the ranks a chance to jump into the finals.

“One of the reasons we program this rodeo in late August is to give the cowboys “sitting on the bubble” a chance to make it to the big time, which is Las Vegas—their big pay day for the year,” Aguirre said.

Another goal of the rodeo organizers is providing the cowboys who compete with the best stock possible. And it’s a goal that Moiso and Aguirre take seriously.

Utilizing their friends and connections in the rodeo world, the Ranch uses three stock contractors— Flying U Rodeo in Marysville, California; Cervi Championship Rodeo in Greeley, Colorado; and Flying 5 Rodeo Company in Washington— and pays $1,000 per horse to have them transported to the Ranch.

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For roping, Moiso said Aguirre has already had 50 calves delivered to the Ranch, and they’re grazing out at Cow Camp now.

Ranch hands will work to make sure they’re healthy and about the same weight, so cowboys roping have an even playing field.

“These calves have never been roped, and they’re only roped once here at the rodeo,” Aguirre said. “And then we keep them and we put them into our cow herd, and two years down the road, they become cows. So we take good care of them.”

Another big part of the Ranch’s rodeo tradition is donating money each year to local charities, a nod to the old cowboy tradition of “passing the hat” and helping friends and family when they need it most.

Since the rodeo’s inception, about $1.9 million has been donated to area charities.

This year, organizations like the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, CHOC at Mission Hospital and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley will benefit from rodeo donations.

And when we asked what the rodeo means to Moiso, Aguirre and their families?

“Everything,” Moiso smiled. “They’re some of our earliest memories. Gilbert grew up competing in rodeos, and some of my earliest memories are of my mother taking me to rodeos. It was a big deal in Los Angeles 70 years ago.”

Aguirre was quick to add that for him, the tradition means putting on a bigger and better rodeo each year, to the best of their capabilities.

“It’s got our name on it—the Rancho Mission Viejo name,” Aguirre said. “And if it’s going to have that name on it, it’s going to be the best. That’s what we strive for. That’s all we have, our reputation. You ride for the brand. It’s going to be our best, or else we’re not interested.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Attendees at last year’s tequila tasting held at El Adobe de Capistrano. Photo: File

‘Rodeo Days’ in San Juan Kick Off Aug. 15

BY ALLSION JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

or the sixth year in a row, the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents and visitors to get in the rodeo spirit a few days early with over a week of Western festivities leading up to the 17th annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo.

Rodeo Days kicks off this year with Rusty Richards’ Creek Side Concert at the Camino Real Playhouse on Tuesday, Aug. 15. From 8-10 p.m., guests will be able to relive the cowboy way of life around the campfire with an evening of cowboy songs, stories, poetry and duets with Richards’ son, Jason. Rusty Richards is an inductee of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and former member of the Western singing group Sons of the Pioneers.

Tickets are $30, or $40 for cabaret table seats. The Camino Real Playhouse is located at 31776 El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call 949.489.8082 or visit www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Then on Tuesday, Aug. 22, the annual Tequila Tasting takes place at El Adobe de Capistrano from 5:30-8 p.m. The festive evening includes tastings of a dozen or so

The Capistrano Dispatch August 11-24, 2017

2017 RODEO DAYS SCHEDULE Aug. 15: Cowboy Music & Poetry with Rusty Richards 8 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse

Aug. 22: Tequila Tasting 5:30 p.m. El Adobe de Capistrano

Aug. 24: Western Networking Mixer 5 p.m. San Juan Hills Golf Club

Aug. 26: Official Rodeo Band “Grand Junction” 6:15 p.m. Rodeo Grounds

Aug. 26: Bad to the Bone BBQ Rodeo Party 7 p.m. Bad to the Bone tequilas, chips and salsa, and live music.

Tickets are $20 online in advance, or $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sanjuanchamber.com.

On Thursday, Aug. 24, the chamber is hosting a Western Networking Mixer at the San Juan Hills Golf Club from 5-7 p.m.

Admission is $15 for chamber members, or $20 for potential members. The golf club is located at 32120 San Juan Creek

Road in San Juan.

On Saturday, Aug. 26—the first day of the rodeo—official rodeo band Grand Junction will be performing at the rodeo grounds (30753 La Pata Avenue) around 6:15 p.m. Then at 7 p.m., Bad to the Bone will be hosting their annual rodeo party at the restaurant. (Fun fact: Marty Wells, co-owner of Bad to the Bone, is a former PRCA tie-down roper, so it isn’t rare to find Page 9

Rusty Richards is an inductee of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and former member of the Sons of the Pioneers. Photo: Courtesy of Amy Richards

a professional cowboy or two enjoying the rodeo after-party and some barbecue at Wells’ restaurant.) Bad to the Bone BBQ is located at 31738 Rancho Viejo Road in San Juan.

For more information on the Rodeo Days schedule and events or the RMV Rodeo, visit www.facebook.com/sjcrodeodays, www.rmvrodeo.com or www.sanjuanchamber.com, or call 949.493.4700. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Congressional Candidates to be Featured in Forum on Aug. 12 The League of Women Voters (LWV) will host three democratic candidates running for the California 49th Congressional district seat during a candidate forum on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Republican Darrell Issa has held the seat for 17 years, representing Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente.

The three candidates include Ret. Col. Doug Applegate, Mike Levin and Paul Kerr.

Applegate was the 2016 congressional candidate who ran against Issa. He currently resides in San Clemente and retired from the Marine Corps in 2006.

Levin, a San Juan Capistrano resident, announced his candidacy on the democratic ticket shortly after the 2016 election.

According to his website bio, Levin is a former chairman of the Democratic Party of Orange County and worked as an attorney “focused on environmental and energy regulatory compliance and government affairs.”

Kerr is the latest democrat to join the list of candidates. Kerr is a three-year a veteran of the Navy, having served on a destroyer ship based out of San Diego.

His platform centers on healthcare and environmental issues.

According to the LWV, one of their representatives will be the moderator of the forum. Candidates will be given two minutes to make an opening statement and audience members will be able to submit questions.

“The questions will be screened to avoid duplication, to insure a range of topics and issues, and to avoid questions that are not pertinent to the issues,” according to a statement from the LWV. Candidates will have one minute to respond and if a question is directed to a specific candidate, they will have the chance to respond first.

The forum is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 12, at 1234 N. Santa Fe Avenue in Vista, California.

Low-Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic to be Held at City Hall Aug. 12 On Saturday, Aug. 12, Healthcare & Emergency Animal Rescue Team (HEART) will be holding a low-cost dog and cat vaccine clinic for area residents.

The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. until noon in the front parking lot of City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

For more details and cost information, The Capistrano Dispatch August 11-24, 2017

that “no one is left behind and no one is forgotten.” It will be a place to gather and grieve, but also a place to celebrate special ceremonies and honor all Cannon Cocker Veterans.

All proceeds from the tournament will go toward the construction of the ceremonial garden.

“This endeavor is so important to all of our current serving and past Marines and Sailors and their families,” said Kathy Hooper of the 1/11 Marine Family Support Team.

Sponsorship packages are available. To register online, visit www.11thmcg.com.

For more information, email 11thmcg@ gmail.com or call 760.725.4704.

view the event flier in the online version of this story at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Donations Sought for 1/11 Battalion Marine Corps Ball Homefront America and the city of San Juan Capistrano are collecting donations to support the city’s adopted 1/11 Battalion for this year’s Marine Corps Ball.

Items needed for the ball include gowns, suits or tuxedos, shoes and accessories, and gift certificates for women to have their hair and make-up done. Donations from the community allow guests of active duty service members to enjoy the ball with their Marines and Sailors.

Donations can be dropped off at the Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, during normal business hours until Sept. 1. For more information, visit www.homefrontamerica.org.

City of San Juan Capistrano Launches Streamlined Website

Sixth Annual Heroes Nite Out Set for Aug. 26 Local nonprofit Homefront America will honor America’s heroes on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 5-9 p.m. at Serra Plaza, 31920 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

The annual Heroes Nite Out event honors United States military men and women for their commitment and dedication to protecting residents’ freedoms, while also paying tribute to their supporting spouses. The event includes dining, music, and a drawing/auction.

Admission is $55 per person. All proceeds benefit programs for military families. The event is free for all active duty military. For more information, visit www.homefrontamerica.org.

11th Marines Ceremonial Garden Benefit Golf Tournament Set for Sept. 15 On Friday, Sept. 15, the Friends of the 11th Marines will host a benefit golf tournament at the renovated Marine Memorial Golf Course at Camp Pendleton in an effort to raise funds for an 11th Marines ceremonial garden to be built on base.

The 11th Marine Regiment, also known as “The Cannon Cockers,” is the Artillery Regiment of the 1st Marine Division.

In recognition of the service and sacrifice of the 11th Marines Regiment, the garden is intended to be a special place on Camp Pendleton aboard Camp Las Pulgas, specifically designed to honor the proud history of the Marines and Sailors who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The 11th Marines Ceremonial Garden will fulfill the Marines’ promise

Last week, the city of San Juan Capistrano launched a renovated website (same address: www.sanjuancapistrano.org).

According to city staff, the “spruced up” site features: “streamlined navigation; phone and tablet compatibility; better access to City Council and commission webcasts, recordings and associated documents; modern community engagement and marketing automation technologies using MailChimp integrations; a simplified and updated approach to municipal information navigation; and improved branding.”

“At no additional cost, this new website will enable the city to more effectively communicate with the public,” City Manager Ben Siegel wrote in his weekly update.

The new site was completed in-house by staff and the city’s IT department.

To receive notifications posted on the website about community events and projects, or to receive the Siegel’s weekly community update, residents can subscribe on the city’s website. Anyone having difficulty accessing the new website may need to reset their cache or contact their internet provider’s technical support.

For more information about the new website or to recommend additional modifications, contact Senior Executive Assistant Lindsey Stigall at 949.443.6315 or LStigall@sanjuancapistrano.org.

Local Artist to Host Open House San Juan Capistrano artist Barbara Brient will be hosting a free open house to showcase her recent artwork on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m. The open house will take place at 33561 Via De Agua in San Juan. For more information, call 949.661.1159.

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

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Community Meetings TUESDAY, AUG. 15

City Council Meeting

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

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16

Downtown Farmers’ Market

3-7 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 Summer Nites

6-8 p.m. The city’s summer concert series continues with classic rock band The Trip. Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, AUG. 18

Coffee Chat

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

MONDAY, AUG. 21

Parks, Recreation, Youth and Senior Services, Trails and Equestrian Commission Meeting 5:30 p.m. The city’s Parks, Recreation, Youth and Senior Services, Trails and Equestrian Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, AUG. 22

Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting

4:30 p.m. The city’s Planning Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 23

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.

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

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

FRIDAY, AUG. 25

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

The Reserve, City of San Clemente Sue TCA on Environmental Settlement Both the homeowner’s association The Reserve Maintenance Corporation and the city of San Clemente filed lawsuits on July 28, against the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) for what they both claim were violations of California’s open meetings act laws.

The TCA is currently examining 18 different proposals for toll roads to connect the 241 road to Interstate 5, which are based off public comment it took two years ago. Litigants in the most recent suits claim the only feasible option, based on the TCA’s objectives, would be the one that evidently goes straight through San Clemente.

TCA officials said at a forum on June 5 that not building a toll road is also an option.

The roads are intended to alleviate traffic jams in South Orange County, but opponents of the roads have said once the I-5 expansion in San Clemente is complete, traffic should stabilize.

The lawsuits are based on a settlement of various lawsuits from the Save San Onofre Coalition and multiple environmental agencies, which was forged in November 2016.

The agreement established an “avoidance area” that ensures no toll road could be built through the San Mateo Watershed and Trestles south of San Clemente. “…The Settlement Agreement was plainly used as subterfuge by the TCA for various non-litigation oriented policy decisions, such as the designation of a several square-mile ‘avoidance area’ concerning any and all conceivable toll road alignments,” stated a letter from Dan Bane, the lead attorney for The Reserve’s lawsuit. “Such ploys are illegal as a matter of law under the Brown Act.” The lawsuits also mention a protective agreement between CalTrans and the TCA, which litigants are asking the court to declare illegal. The Orange County Board of Supervisors, the California Department of Transportation and the TCA’s Board of Directors are also being sued by the city.

In the city’s lawsuit, it states that Mayor

Kathy Ward, the city’s elected liaison to the TCA who at the time of the vote was the Mayor Pro Tem, was not briefed on the current litigation of the TCA and the environmental groups and that she felt uncomfortable voting on closed session items without sufficient background information.

When it came time to vote on the agreement, Ward and San Juan Capistrano Mayor Kerry Ferguson voted against it, while the rest of the joint board voted to approve.

City attorneys are asking the Superior Court to prohibit actions regarding the protective agreement until they can be vetted by requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and to halt any proposals related to the protective agreement.

“If the TCA truly desires to engage the residents of Orange County in its purported ‘process,’ concerning mobility solutions as it has repeatedly asserted, then the TCA Board can start by ensuring compliance with California law regarding the provision of noticed, open and fair public hearings with a full opportunity afforded for meaningful public comment regarding important policy decisions,” the letter from Bane stated.—Eric Heinz

County to Reveal Harbor Time Capsule Commemorative Plaque The Dana Point Harbor 50-year time capsule commemorative plaque will be revealed on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

In August 2016, the county unveiled items from the 50-year-old time capsule in Baby Beach. The items were inside an 8-ton rock for 50 years.

More than 60 items including photographs, brochures, letters and more were “buried” during a rock placing ceremony at Doheny State Beach on Aug. 29, 1966, which coincided with the opening of the Dana Point Harbor. On May 5, 2016, OC Parks removed the rock in preparation of the ceremony.

Guests will be able to see the new commemorative plaque on the rock at Baby Beach to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the time capsule celebration.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.

For more information, contact Sergio Prince at 714.834.35550 or email sergio. prince@ocgove.com. —Kristina Pritchett

“No Toll Road Through San Clemente” signs, including one on Costero Risco, are seen throughout the city’s residential and commercial properties. Photo: Eric Heinz

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www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: By Jan Siegel

Historical Photographs are Key to Developer Dispute Images raise questions regarding view from Egan House’s dormer window

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

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

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com The Egan House was initially built without dormer windows, as seen in this photo circa 1885. Photo: Courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

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PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

he Judge Egan House—a historic landmark that sits along Camino Capistrano and is currently home to Ellie’s Table—has landed in the middle of a historical disagreement between two hotel developers in town, the crux of which is whether or not Judge Richard Egan built himself a dormer window in order to enjoy a view of the Mission.

A boutique hotel—the Hotel Capistrano

by Kimpton—is set to be built on land owned by Steve Oedekerk, which sits adjacent to the Egan House. That project received city approval back in September 2016. Local developer Bill Griffith owns the Egan House and also plans on building a hotel across from the Mission. Griffith claims that the Kimpton hotel approval was illegal—he argues that the project doesn’t adhere to the city’s Historic Town Center Master Plan and would block the dormer window view of the Egan House, which Griffith has stated was built to have a “commanding view of the Mission.”

Griffith is currently suing the city over the approval of the project adjacent to his property.

The Egan House was recently placed on the National Registry of Historic Places, so any changes affecting the Egan House are historically important.

Following a ceremony in February celebrating the Egan House’s historic designation, Griffith was quoted in the Orange County Register saying: “In building and designing this house, Judge Egan gave himself a commanding view of the mission from the upper floor through the dormer window.” It’s a message he has

The Capistrano Dispatch August 11-24, 2017

continually propagated at City Council and Planning Commission meetings.

However, photographs of the period do not support this statement. The Egan House was built in 1883 and had no dormer windows. It also was street level, so even the upstairs would not have had a view looking as far away as the Mission.

Besides numerous bushes and trees, there was also a brick wall that went along the side of the house. It was topped with ornamental pineapples, which was the Victorian sign for hospitality. In Victorian times, sailing captains would put a pineapple on their porch to indicate that they were back from their voyage and that one could visit.

Judge Egan called his house Harmony Hall, and he was known for hosting grand parties and concerts.

Unfortunately, the Egan House caught fire in 1897, and the entire upstairs burned down. All of Egan’s artifacts and papers were lost. Egan rebuilt the upstairs of the house a year later. This was during a period that dormer windows were becoming very popular in attics and upper stories for ventilation. The dormer window added a pleasing architectural look as well as the practicality of letting in cooling breezes and fresh air.

Egan added dormer windows in the front and side of the upper story of the house when he rebuilt after the fire. But the window would not have offered any views of the Mission—photographs show there were bushes, trees and signs from neighboring businesses in the way.

The construction of a hotel adjacent to the Egan House would not destroy a his-

toric view of the Mission, because it seems there never was one. And there are many historic photos to prove that.

Fortunately, the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society has over 15,000 pictures from the earliest days of photography to present day. In these pictures, you can see what San Juan Capistrano has looked like since early statehood in 1850. Residents can look up pictures from our community’s past on the society’s website or during a visit to the O’Neill Museum.

The Historical Society’s motto of “remembering our past insures our future” is even more important in the modern era.

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

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

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

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.

Page 12

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

EDITORIAL Group Managing Editor > Rachael Mattice City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent, Rachel Wilford, Heidi Mefferd

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 15, Issue 15. 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.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

EDITOR’S PICK

Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12: BUMPIN BALLROOM FUNDRAISER 6:30 p.m. Bumpin Ballroom dance studio will host a fundraiser to help support its expansion and youth programs in San Juan Capistrano. The fundraiser will feature professional dance performances as well as a silent auction and raffle with food, drinks and dancing. Tickets are $25 at the door. 32301 Camino Capistrano. 949.481.7838. www.bumpinballroom.com.

The List What’s going on in and around town

WHALE WALK AND TALK 9 a.m. The walk focuses on the offshore visitors that can be seen from the Dana Point Headlands. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. 949.248.3527 to RSVP. www.danapoint.org.

COMPILED BY STAFF

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

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

TALK STORY: LISA ANDERSEN 7-9 p.m. Hobie Surf Shop will host four time world champion Lisa Andersen with special guest Bob McKnight for an evening full of stories, laughs and legendary moments in surf history. There will be food, drinks and music. Hobie Surf Shop.

34174 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. www.hobiesurfshop.com.

Saturday | 12 SUP YOGA 8-9:30 a.m. Join Westwind Sailing and iHeartYoga for stand-up paddleboard yoga.

Classes are $35 with board rental, $25 without. Sign up at iheartyoga.com. The class occurs the second Saturday of every month. Westwind Sailing, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. 949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.com.

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SMART GARDENING 101: CANNING SUMMER PRODUCE 9:30-11 a.m. Learn about canning summer produce during a free class with Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens and the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. Reata Park and Event Center. 28632 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.606.6704. www.goinnative.net.

FESTIVAL OF ARTS FASHION SHOW Noon-3 p.m. The Festival of Arts will be holding a fashion show, where artists will compete to create the most inspired couture using reclaimed, reused or recycled material. Kate Flannery will host the event. The event is free with Festival admission. Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. www.foapom.com.

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse hosts a lineup of four comedians on the second Saturday of each month. This month’s show features headliner JeROME. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $17.50; reservations are recommended.

To purchase tickets, call 949.489.8082 or visit www.comedyintheoc.com. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

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

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 13)

Sunday | 13 THE COAST VINTAGE MARKET 8 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 180 vendors will be available with vintage items. The event also includes live music, food trucks, a mini farmers' market, classic cars, artisans and more. Free admission and free parking. The market is held the second Sunday of every month. Saddleback College.

949.381.9947. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. www.thecoastvintagemarket.com.

SAN CLEMENTE FIESTA MUSIC FESTIVAL 9 a.m.-7 p.m. A full day of a variety of bands perform on three separate stages. The event is free to attend. Food and fun for the whole family, as well as a motorcycle show and Easter Egg hunt. The day will also include the annual Salsa Challenge.

Tickets available at the event. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.492.1131. www.scchamber.com.

DANA POINT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2:30-6 p.m. This week’s bands are Neon Nation: the Ultimate Live 80s Experience, and Queen Nation: A tribute to the music of Queen. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. A shuttle service runs from Dana Hills High School to the park from 1-7 p.m. Sea Terrace Park. 33501 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.248.3536. www.danapoint.org.

Tuesday | 15 RODEO DAYS: CREEK SIDE CONCERT WITH RUSTY RICHARDS 8-10 p.m. Relive the cowboy life around the campfire with an evening of cowboy songs,

ON THE MENU

stories, poetry and duets with the legendary Rusty Richards and his son, Jason. Tickets are $30, or $40 for cabaret table seats.

Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Wednesday | 16 BEACH PARTY 3-9 p.m. Join Community Outreach Alliance during their end of summer beach party. There will be games, food and a bonfire. The event is free. RSVP to coa. jacobgreenberg@gmail.com. Dohney State Beach, site 11. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES 6-8 p.m. The city’s annual summer concert series continues with a classic rock performance by The Trip. The event also includes dancing, food, beer and wine, a local business expo and free activities for kids. Free to attend. Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

SUMMER JAZZ WEDNESDAYS 6-8 p.m. Summer Jazz Wednesdays run through Aug. 30. This week’s show will be a Tribute to the Poll Winners: Barney Kessel, Shelly Manne and Ray Brown, featuring Graham Dechter on the guitar, Ryan Shaw on drums and Alex Frank on bass.

Tickets can be purchased online for $25 for table seating or $20 for side seating.

Tickets at the door are $25-$30. Season tickets can also be purchased online. Reservations are accepted until noon on the day of the concert or until sold out. Hotel Laguna, Rose Garden. 425 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949.715.9713. www.lagunabeachlive.org.

MOLOKHIA FROM THE OLIVES BRANCH

STORY AND PHOTO BY RACHEL WILFORD

T

his Mediterranean gem in San Juan Capistrano offers a unique dining experience for family outings or date nights. The Olives Branch is nestled in the Marbella Plaza and has been serving delicious, homemade Lebanese cuisine for almost five years.

According to manager Tony Awad, all the ingredients and dishes at The Olives Branch are made fresh on-site daily, and owner Omar Chmait imports an assortment of spices straight from Lebanon to use when cooking the restaurant’s various menu items.

The Molokhia dish is one of the chef’s specials—a roasted Cornish game hen served over a bed of Basmati rice and a side of broth-like Molokhia (whole jute leaves, popular in Egypt) that has been simmering slowly over an open flame. The dish is topped with a light smear of red onion vinaigrette for an extra burst of flavor. Combine

The Capistrano Dispatch August 11–24, 2017

scoops of rice and hunks of tender chicken for a zesty, satiating bite.

The Olives Branch caters and also hosts parties and wedding receptions. In addition to the restaurant’s happy hour, which runs Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., a D.J. and an exotic belly dancer are also featured every Saturday night beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Olives Branch 31105 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano 949.373.5633, www.theolivesbranch.com

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GETTING OUT

Thursday | 17 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

OC PARKS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: ANDREW MCMAHON 6-8 p.m. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness will perform a free show as part of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series.

The event is free to attend and parking will be free. Food trucks and Ruby’s Diner will offer food for purchase. The Lagunitas beer and wine garden will be available to those 21 and older. Bring a blanket or beach chair and enjoy the music. Bluff Park, Salt Creek Beach. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.923.2280. southcoastops@ocparks.com.

OCEAN INSTITUTE FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT 6-8 p.m. This month’s topic is all about slime. Bring the family and have a fun evening with interactive learning. Tickets are $10 per person or $25 for a family four-pack. Members receive a 10 percent discount. The Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

Saturday | 19 8TH ANNUAL DANA POINT LOBSTER FEST 4 p.m. The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club will be holding the 8th annual Dana Point Lobster Fest at Doheny State Beach. There will be food and live music.

Proceeds go to charities supported by the Rotary Club. Doheny State Beach. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.danapointlobsterfest.org.

Sunday | 20 BRITISH INVASION CONCERT 2:30-6 p.m. Bands such as My Generation, the Ultimate Stones and Sgt. Pepper will perform during the British Invasion Concert. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. A shuttle will run from Dana Hills High School from 1-7 p.m.

The concert is presented by the city of Dana Point’s Art & Cultural Commission and the city of Dana Point’s Community Services & Parks Department. Sea Terrace Park. 33501 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.248.3536. www.danapoint.org.

Monday | 21 SOLAR ECLIPSE WHALE WATCHING TRIP 10 a.m.-noon Join Dana Wharf for a whale The Capistrano Dispatch August 11–24, 2017

On Stage at the Coach House: Kevin Nealon

watching trip with a chance to see a partial solar eclipse. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

Tuesday | 22 RODEO DAYS: TEQUILA TASTING 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sample a variety of tequilas at El Adobe de Capistrano and celebrate Rodeo Days San Juan-style. Tickets are $20 online in advance, or $25 at the door.

Admission includes all tastings. Visit www.sanjuanchamber.com to purchase tickets online. 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700. www.facebook.com/SJCRodeoDays.

Comedian Kevin Nealon. Photo: Courtesy of the Coach House

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Thursday | 24

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RODEO DAYS: EVENING NETWORKING MIXER 5-7 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce for a Westernthemed networking mixer at San Juan Hills Golf Club. $15 for chamber members, $20 for potential members. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700. www.facebook.com/ SJCRodeoDays.

YAPPY HOUR 5-8 p.m. Head to Yappy Hour with your four-legged friend to enjoy treats for the dogs and wine for the adults. Proceeds from the event benefit the Veterans Initiative of Canine Compassions for Independence. Yappy Hour is held the fourth Thursday of the month from May through October. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

YOGA AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 5:30 p.m. Head to the Mission for some yoga with iHeartYoga. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., yoga will take place from 6-7 p.m.

Admission is $15. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. www.iheartyoga.com.

At the Movies: ‘Detroit’ Offers Mixed Emotional Experience

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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OC PARKS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: FAMILY STYLE AND TIJUANA DOGS 6-8 p.m. Family Style and Tijuana Dogs will perform a free show as part of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series. The event is free to attend and parking will be free. Food trucks and Ruby’s Diner will offer food for purchase. The Lagunitas beer and wine garden will be available to those 21 and older. Bring a blanket or beach chair and enjoy the music. Bluff Park, Salt Creek Beach. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.923.2280. southcoastops@ocparks.com.

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.

r. Subliminal. Pumping Up with Hans & Franz. Weeds.

Kevin Nealon has been making people laugh for decades, whether it was on shows like Saturday Night Live or with his various film appearances and stand-up comedy.

Nealon actually began his career as a stand-up comedian, which he said he enjoys because of the creative freedom and immediate gratification live performances entail.

“I like being in a room with a lot of people—the laughter and energy is a lot of fun,” he said.

Audience members at the Coach House will have a chance to enjoy Nealon’s standup—complete with plenty of dry wit—on Saturday, Aug. 26, his first show in San Juan Capistrano.

For those who may not be familiar with Nealon’s extensive work, he’s well-known for his nine-year stint as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (1986-1995). In addition to creating memorable characters like Mr. Subliminal and Hans and Franz, Nealon’s reoccurring role as an anchor on “Weekend Update” cemented the sketch as a staple of the show.

Later on in his career, Nealon received critical acclaim for his role as Doug Wilson in the Showtime series, Weeds. Beyond his numerous TV and film appearances, Nealon has also created two stand-up specials for Showtime, and in 2008, he released his first book, Yes, You’re Pregnant, But What About Me?—a comical look at the male perspective of pregnancy. Currently, the Los Angeles-based comedian can be seen on the new CBS sitcom, Man with a Plan.

When asked about the comics who have most influenced his career, Nealon said Steve Martin, Andy Kauffman, Albert Brooks and Garry Shandling have all inspired him with their unique sense of humor and the risks they have taken with their comedy.

Nealon added that, for him, finding his voice as a stand-up comedian has come with time and life experience.

“I think it’s about evolving as a person,” he said. “Like a blues musician, you have to live a little bit. When you’re first starting out, you emulate somebody. But then you develop your own style.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $38.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano. For tickets or more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. CD

uly 25 marked the 50th anniversary of the three murders at the Algiers Motel in Detroit. So it was purposely chosen as the premiere date of the new biopic made on the incident. The film, simply titled Detroit, had everything going for it. An Oscar-winning director in Kathryn Bigelow, a Star Wars lead in John Boyega, critical darling Will Poulter, etc. But surprisingly, the feature is a huge mixed bag of emotions.

The movie begins with a history recap on the riots that were building up between oppressed black locals of Detroit and the white citizens, particularly the white policemen. One cop in particular, Phil Krauss (Poulter), is just looking to pick a fight. He gets his moment when a gunshot is heard by a local motel and his squad takes advantage of the situation and harasses seven black men—played by Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore and Anthony Mackie as a few— and two young white women—portrayed

by Kaitlyn Dever and Hannah Murray.

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Photo: Annapurna Pictures/Francois Duhamel

Boyega appears as the only black policeman at the scene. Detroit’s biggest weakness is ultimately the script. This is a shock, as it’s the same writing-directing team who brought us successes The Hurt Locker (2008) and Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Mark Boal and Bigelow. Some of the dialogue is unpredictably corny and the pacing feels off during the first and third acts. The themes are filmed too on-thenose, especially in our current political climate. Still, the performances, especially from Poulter and Smith, make it worth a viewing. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

graphic novels have become very popular with kids of all ages.

At San Juan’s library, there are graphic novels for children, teens and adults in two recently expanded sections. Included in the children’s section are Marvel and DC superhero favorites, as well as new selections such as “Pokémon Adventures,” “Smile” by Raina Telgemeier, and “Narwhal and Jelly” by Ben Clanton. In the teen and adult graphic novel sections, there are popular superhero, manga and Star Wars titles. If you can’t find a series you like, you can request it from another branch, or read it online with your OC Public Libraries hoopla account, which is free—all you need is a library card to sign up.

With a library card, you can borrow materials, use library computers, download new academic year is starting this e-books and music, read digital magazines, month at many of our local schools. use research databases and online learnAnd, as students and parents preing tools, and much more. And through pare, lists are being made of supplies that the OC Public Library website (www.ocpl. will be needed: pens, paper, backpacks, org), you can access online resources notebooks, lunch bags, pencils, binders, from home without getting out of your and so on. But perhaps the most important pajamas. back-to-school supply is a At this time of year, library card. public libraries nationwide Libraries provide free focus on the value of liprograms, services and rebrary cards and remind us sources for students of all that having a card can help ages to help them succeed all students in their pursuit in school and beyond. And of academic achievement a library card gives access (and recreational diversion to everything libraries have when their homework is to offer. done).

A library card is the The “Branching Out” key that opens the door to column is a collaboration invaluable treasures—vast between San Juan Capistcollections of knowledge Photo: Courtesy of the American rano Library staff and the and information. With a Library Association Friends of the Library, a library card in hand, you nonprofit that supports the library and its can explore all of our local library has programs by raising funds through its on-site available, and then some. The card also bookstore and special events. For more ingives you access to the entire OC Libraries formation on the library, visit www.ocpl.org catalog, as well as other library systems or follow @SJCFriends on Facebook. CD through the interlibrary loan service.

And when study time is over, students PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide can check out the wonderful collection variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columof graphic novels at the San Juan Capistnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these rano Library. Graphic novels are basically columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. longer comic books, and if this year’s If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at superhero movies are any indication, editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

GUEST OPINION: Branching Out by San Juan Capistrano Library Staff and the Friends of the Library

Knowledge is Power

The most important item on your school supplies list? A library card.

A

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:

The Capistrano Dispatch August 11–24, 2017

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

Seniors Should Reveal Their True Age on Dating Profiles

I

n my previous column, I wrote about Dave, 81, a widower, who said he had a quandary. He looks 15 years younger than his age. Dave commented, “Several online dating sites advised me to adjust my age downward on my profile, then communicate my true age upfront when there is a connection.”

I wrote that I thought it was okay that he lower his age by a few years on his profile.

Dave felt justified to do so. Later, he wrote, “In the last year, on a top dating site, I have encountered women who have posted their age that was three to 10 years ON LIFE AND younger than their actual LOVE AFTER 50 age. These same women

By Tom Blake posted pictures taken from three to 15 years ago.

“One woman confided, ‘If I had posted my current picture, you would not have wanted to meet for lunch.’”

Five women responded to my quasiapproval of him lying about his age. Four were adamant about revealing one’s true age on dating profiles.

Sarah said: “I would suggest that somewhere in his script on the dating site, Dave indicate that he is a young 81-year-old and full of vitality in lieu of telling an untruth.

He needs to be as he expects, and I doubt he expects or wants a woman to lie about her age, or anything else for that matter.”

Joan emailed, “The thought of someone lying about their age or anything on the dating site is always a red flag for me, and as soon as I find out the truth, which may be in the first email back and forth, I drop the person.

“I am 68 and look not more than 50, I am told. I am proud of that and feel lucky and, also work at maintaining that. I would rather have a man tell me how good I look for my age than have him deal with how easily a lie can roll off my tongue and wonder what else I will lie about later.

“I am probably getting off the sites forever after my free six months with Match. com is over. Even though I know people who met on Match.com and got married, I think it’s such a needle in a haystack that it’s not worth the trouble. If I ever meet someone, it will be very random, like when looking at vegetables at Trader Joe’s.”

Karen, 63, wrote, “Please advise Dave to be truthful about his age on dating sites.

When my girlfriends and I find out a man

Page 16

has lied on his profile, we eliminate him from possibility. If he’s lied about one thing, everything else he’s said is suspect, too.

Truth is always the best. He will attract a great, honest woman if he keeps his faith!”

Christine Baumgartner, an Orange County dating and relationship coach, said, “When I coach my clients, I tell them to always tell the truth about themselves including their age. It’s very important not to lie.

“When you write in your profile and include all the facets of yourself, who you are will show through. If you are 70 and look, feel and act 60, then your photographs and what you write should reflect this.

“If you don’t include your activities, hobbies, and interests, how will anyone reading your profile know the age you feel? Don’t just say you feel young or your friends say you look young, prove it with your words that describe your life.”

Don’t just say you feel “young or your friends say you look young, prove it with your words that describe your life.

”

—Christine Baumgartner

One woman, Dana, however, thought lying about age is no big deal. She commented, “If you look young, I see nothing wrong with saying maybe you are five to eight-years younger. Catch the fish, then in person, you can disclose your real age if you like the person. There are worse things to lie about like health issues.”

My position has changed. I was wrong and I think the four women were right. Senior daters, when writing your dating profile or stating your age, make it your true age. That’s what honest senior daters want to know.

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 online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

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SJC LIVING

Thousands Turn Out to Two-Step, Support Equestrian Coalition PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he 15th annual Two Stepping Under the Stars, presented by the San Juan Equestrian Coalition and Blenheim Facility Management, drew thousands of people to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park on July 29, according to event organizers.

Julie Ryan Johnson, of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition, estimates almost 5,000 people were in attendance at the annual event, which began with free line dancing lessons from The Kelly Boyz Band and continued with live music, dancing and a kids fun zone.

Ryan Johnson said sponsorships for the event brought in over $30,000, and the silent auction raised about $15,000. All proceeds benefit the San Juan Capistrano equestrian community through various charitable projects.

Money raised at previous two stepping events has gone to helping animals during

natural disasters, mapping the San Juan’s trail system, digitizing the city’s trail maps, and holding a summer lecture series for the past 13 years.

Ryan Johnson said this year, funds raised could go to a variety of projects that the city’s Parks, Recreation, Youth and Senior Services, Trails and Equestrian commission may need help funding, or to support water quality remediation for stables around town.

“We appreciate everyone coming out and supporting us,” Ryan Johnson said. “It’s such an affordable night for a family, and I love that.”

This year’s Distinguished Equestrian Award was given to Joan Irvine Smith, who leased 80 acres from the Rancho Mission Viejo Company to build the state-of-the-art riding park in San Juan Capistrano, and then worked to bring the Olympic Equestrian Trials to the riding park.

For more information on the equestrian coalition, visit www.sjcec.org. CD

Dancers enjoy the annual Two Stepping Under the Stars at the RMV Riding Park.

Amos Kelly, left, James Kelly and Christi Kelly perform at the riding park. The Kelly Boyz Band performs each year at Two Stepping Under the Stars.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 11–24, 2017

Page 18

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SJC LIVING

Capistrano Skate celebrated its grand opening with a chamber of commerce ribbon cutting on July 29.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Business Beat News from San Juan Capistrano’s business community THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Now Open CAPISTRANO SKATE 32158 Camino Capistrano, Suite 103 800.918.2346 www.capistranoskate.com Capistrano Skate—San Juan’s very first skate shop—opened its doors last month.

The highly anticipated family-owned shop celebrated its official grand opening on July 29, with a San Juan Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting.

Owners Peter Carey, Steven Carey (twin brothers) and their mother, Cindie Carey, are no strangers to the San Juan community. Cindie has owned Ortega Ranch Insurance Agency off of Ortega Highway for over 30 years, and Peter and Steven spent their youth in San Clemente and attended Capistrano Valley High School.

Like many South County kids, Peter said he and his brother grew up surfing and skateboarding. The duo was even part of a movement in the late 1980s to get the city of San Clemente to build a skate park for its youth.

“I really became aware of skating when Steve and Peter and their friends pushed San Clemente to build a skate park, which they did, and when my grandson Anthony started skating,” Cindie said. “When he was 10 or so, I would drive him to the local skate parks in Laguna Hills, Ladera Ranch and San Clemente, and I saw firsthand how many kids were there and how popular skating was becoming.”

Today, Peter runs a local soccer club— Capistrano FC—and he’s the head soccer coach at San Juan Hills High School.

“All these kids love to skate,” Peter said The Capistrano Dispatch August 11-24, 2017

of the youth in San Juan. “When they’re not playing soccer, they’re always skating.”

Peter said he and his family saw a need for a skate shop in town, especially with the potential incoming skate park (which has an approved location, but is still in need of funding). Capistrano Skate aims to be a one-stop shop for local skaters, offering a varied selection of name brand gear.

Peter said the shop was also a good fit for his family because of their shared passion for skateboarding. His sons, Carlos and Anthony, and Steven’s son, Abel, currently run the store, making it a true family business.

“It’s cool to have a family-owned business, because everybody gets to put their stamp on it,” Peter said.

The Carey’s are also hoping to make their mark by creating and sponsoring a new youth skate team through Capistrano Skate.

Peter said the goal is to create a travel team and take the kids to competitions.

“When we were growing up, that’s how it was done,” Peter said. “The local shop would sponsor the local skaters.”

Capistrano Skate will be holding tryouts for the new skate team on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 9 a.m. at the Laguna Hills Skate Park.

Store hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. MondayFriday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information on upcoming events, follow Capistrano Skate on Facebook or Instagram @ capistranoskate.

AYR SKIN CARE www.ayrskincare.com Ayr Skin Care—led by a local motherdaughter team—celebrated the launch of its new e-commerce site on July 18.

The non-toxic skin care line was founded

by Kirsten Thomas, of San Juan Capistrano, and her daughter, Fiona Briggs, who lives with her family in Burbank. Briggs grew up in San Juan and graduated from San Clemente High School, class of 2006.

The online business offers high-end, anti-

aging skin care products for sensitive skin.

All products are free from toxic ingredients, synthetic colors and fragrances, and most major allergens. Ayr’s original line includes both facial and body skin care products, which are produced using fair trade and organic ingredients whenever possible.

The Ayr Skin Care website lists the benefits of each product, as well as a complete list of formula ingredients.

The launch of the site is a culmination of years of work for Thomas, the founder and president of the company. Thomas said the skin care line began as a personal mission.

“I found that certain things I was using on my skin weren’t working,” she said.

“There are a lot of cheap oils, petroleum products, grains, dairy and soy (to name a few) in skin care lines. It became something I studied, took courses in, and eventually turned into a business, Ayr Skin Care, named after Ayr, the town my mother came from in Scotland.”

Briggs said she feels their products are unique because they fall in the middle of two worlds—natural skin care and effective anti-aging skin care.

“A lot of natural lines are free from harsh or toxic ingredients, and may moisturize, but they don’t do much to help rebuild damaged skin and deliver results,” Briggs said. “On the other hand, a lot of expensive, effective lines do get those results but are filled with a lot of fillers and ingredients that can cause reactions for people, like my mother, with sensitive skin or allergies.

She has done years of research into taking the best of both worlds to develop this line, getting the benefits she was looking for in high-end beauty lines, while ensuring that the active ingredients are safe and gentle.”

bistros as well as the company’s catering division.

Pinedo enjoyed cooking when he was growing up and decided to pursue the profession when he came to the United States.

By the age of 19, Pinedo was singlehandedly running a busy kitchen at a restaurant in Laguna Beach. It was at that time that he was discovered by partner Rob Quest.

Pinedo joined Sundried Tomato in 1994, a year after the company opened its first restaurant in Whittier.

Quest works closely with Pinedo on menu development and appreciates his talent for creating new dishes. He noted that Pinedo’s experimental specials often become popular new menu items.

“Rey is a very genuine person who would rather be in the trenches than be the one in charge,” Quest said. “But he has learned over the years how to be a great leader. He is the one you want to have on your side when the restaurant fills up unexpectedly or when you have 20 catering orders going out in one day.”

Specializing in New American cuisine, Sundried Tomato has locations in San Juan Capistrano (31781 Camino Capistrano) and San Clemente. For more information, visit www.sundriedtomatobistro.com.

Anniversary SUNDRIED TOMATO CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF EXECUTIVE CHEF Sundried Tomato American Bistros and Catering is celebrating the 20th anniversary of executive chef and partner Reymundo Pinedo. Pinedo oversees the menus for the

Sundried Tomato executive chef and partner Reymundo Pinedo has been with the restaurant for 20 years. Photo: Courtesy of Sundried Tomato American Bistros and Catering

Fiona Briggs, left, and her mother, Kirsten Thomas, have launched an online non-toxic skin care company.

Photo: Courtesy of Fiona Briggs

Page 20

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

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Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too! Mike 949-240-1545.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the 30011 Imperial Drive, San Juan Capistrano, Ca. Start time 7 AM - No Sales prior to 7 AM. Shut Down Time is 12:00 Noon Sharp. We have furniture, clothing, fishing equip., vintage records, household items, tools, elect. equipment and More.

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

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

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949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch August 11–24, 2017

Page 21

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Picking a Winner OC Tavern Grill and Sports Bar offers unique off-track betting experience

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t’s 3:29 p.m. on a hot Thursday afternoon and the off-track horse betting room inside OC Tavern Grill and Sports Bar is buzzing with excitement.

Race 5 at the Del Mar Racetrack is about to start, and there is a large amount of money riding on the outcome in this room that is covered wall-to-wall in high definition TVs. “This race is wide open. Any one of these horses can win,” a lady at a nearby table says out loud to no one in particular behind a stack of betting forms.

“Any one of these dogs could win,” a man sitting at the bar blurts out.

I’m starting to like my chances.

I came to OC Tavern wanting to get a feel for what the popular San Clemente restaurant’s off-track betting site was like.

I was a product of the poker craze of the mid-2000s, so I’m no stranger to lowstakes gambling. When it comes to horse betting, however, I’m a pure novice.

But I like winning, and the lure of betting on two different horses with longshot odds (Mac McLovin and Lucky Pegasus) on this particular Thursday was too strong to ignore. I wasn’t going to waste my hardearned $2 bet on the overwhelming favorite.

I was rooting for an upset and a nice payout.

As the horses in Race 5 thundered their way down the track and the tension, and volume, in the room grew louder, I started to think about what OC Tavern owner Michael Merrigan told me just 30 minutes earlier. Sure, you can earn $20 any day and be satisfied. But winning $20 is a different feeling entirely.

Merrigan, 52, knows what it feels like to have a longshot bet pay off big.

Back in 2010, OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar in San Clemente needed to find more customers during the day. The local restaurant was doing well on nights and weekends, but was in trouble financially due to a lack of foot traffic at lunchtime.

California was in the process of passing legislation that would allow restaurants and bars to open off-track betting sites, which in turn would boost the horseracing industry. Merrigan thought it could be a benefit both to his business and to the community of horse-racing fans in Southern California.

The Capistrano Dispatch August 11–24, 2017

Paul Valente, left, and Michael Valente examine the odds of an upcoming horse race at OC Tavern Grill and Sports Bar in San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

Merrigan wanted to bring off-track betting to OC Tavern, but he had his doubts. The cost to get the operation off the ground was considerable. He knew in order for it to work, he would have to change the way his clientele viewed gambling establishments by offering a fun, clean environment.

Plus, no other sports bar in the state had offered this before. With no proof of concept to rely on, he would be entering uncharted waters.

“Am I doing the right thing?” Merrigan remembers asking himself.

While he was weighing the pros and cons of his decision, Merrigan serendipitously went to the movies to see the newly released film Secretariat. The film’s true-story plot revolves around a historic, record-breaking horse and an owner who refused to quit on him.

Merrigan drew inspiration from the character of Penny Chenery (played by Diane Lane), who owned the Triple Crownwinning horse. Chenery’s detractors in the

movie were saying her horse had no shot.

But the confidence she had in the horse, and in herself, eventually won out.

“Everyone was telling (Cherney) to give up on the horse. But she believed in it. She never gave up and that’s the same thing that happened here,” Merrigan said. “I went with a gut feeling and said, ‘This is going to be good’. I knew I had to go for it.”

After a 16-month accreditation process, OC Tavern became the first sports bar in California to offer off-track betting in 2010.

Seven years later, Merrigan is sitting in his restaurant smiling and reminiscing about his decision.

“It saved the business,” Merrigan said of the facility’s instant success. “It makes us stand out and it really completed our sports bar theme.”

The off-track betting facility at OC Tavern is open every Wednesday through Sunday, broadcasting live feeds from tracks across the country. There are clerks on-site, employed by the state, to assist and take bets. Several automated betting ma-

OC Tavern Grill and Sports Bar owner Michael Merrigan brought off-track betting to his restaurant in 2010.

Photo: Eric Heinz

Page 22

chines that look like ATMs line the walls.

It may seem intimidating at first, but Merrigan and his staff ensured me that betting was simple once you learn the lingo.

After I fumbled my way through placing my first bet I grabbed a seat near the bar, where I met San Clemente residents and father-son duo Fred and Gabriel Richardson.

Whenever his wife goes out of town to visit relatives, Fred takes Gabriel to the OC Tavern to enjoy a beer and make a few wagers.

“It’s kind of our little tradition,” Fred Richardson said.

A man who called himself Bill noticed me struggling with the betting lingo at the counter and saddled up next to me to offer an unsolicited crash-course in Horse Betting 101.

Bill told me about pick-four and pick-six betting strategies, which is a way to maximize profit with little risk by picking winners in multiple races. He pulled dozens of busted betting slips out of his pocket to show me how he nearly turned $2 into $45 earlier in the day. I know what betting on a horse to win, place (second or better) or show (finish in the top-3) means, but Bill was operating on a higher plane of gambling existence.

Listening to Bill’s advice, I began to understand how horse betting is an art form.

It takes skill to come out with more money than you came in with. By hedging multiple bets throughout the day, you can theoretically improve your odds, which gives the gambler a fighting chance. This strategy takes a deep understanding of the different kinds of bets, coupled with the skill of identifying choice horses across the board.

I thanked Bill for his words of wisdom right as the ponies jolted out Del Mar’s starting gate in Race 5.

The opening minute of the race was glorious. My horses were running in the second and third spot the whole way. But as they made the final turn, both of them faded fast. The odds-on favorite did what was expected and won by a length.

There was a photo finish for third place between my longshot pick and a horse named Fake News. After a lengthy review, my horse finished out of the money behind that bit of irony.

I lost, but it was hard to shake the feeling of excitement that just washed over the place.

Those of us in that room were taking part in what makes watching live sports great. Some wanted one outcome, others wanted another. All of us had our own unique reasons why: money, the adrenaline rush, the satisfaction of picking a winner.

The beauty of it all was the fact another race was starting at Santa Anita Park in just five minutes. I immediately started thinking about my next bet and reliving the excitement all over again.

Merrigan was right, I thought to myself.

The prospect of winning my money was a different feeling entirely. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com