September 8, 2017

Inside: Your Guide to the Annual Shea Center BBQ & Family Faire OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

SPECIAL SECTION FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

SEPTEMBER 8-21, 2017 • VOLUME 15, ISSUE 17

San Juan Fall Sports Preview Area teams ready for 2017 season S P O R T S / PAG E 24

The powerful outside hitting duo of Abbey Dayton, left, and Katie Lukes, right, is poised to lead the San Juan Hills High School girls volleyball team to another successful season in 2017. Photo: Steve Breazeale

City Brings Back Citizens Leadership Academy EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

New Classrooms Debut at San Juan Hills High School EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Few Tickets Remain for Annual Mission Benefit Gala SJC LIVING/PAGE 19

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

piled by 2-1-1 Orange County, a nonprofit organization.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Point in Time Study will likely be used as a hallmark document with regard to city procedures in addressing homelessness in cities of South Orange County. The studies are conducted with various organizations every two years.

Five things San Juan should know this week

FIND OUT MORE: The full report is available on www.211oc.org under the “Reports” tab. —Eric Heinz

New Classrooms Debut at San Juan Hills High School THE LATEST: On Aug. 21, students at San Juan Hills High School were able to utilize 24 new classrooms housed in a brand new building on campus.

San Juan Hills Principal Jennifer Smalley said all English classes are now located in the new building, whereas previously the school’s largest department was split between two buildings.

“This helps with collaboration, and it also makes it really fair,” Smalley said.

“Every student will have at least one class in the new building.”

Smalley said she feels Capistrano Unified School District did a good job with the new buildings (three in total) at San Juan Hills, San Clemente High School and Tesoro High School.

“Money is tight, so they were cost effective by having the same plans for the three high schools,” Smalley said. “And they just tailored the outside of it to make it look like the rest of the school.” San Juan, for example, was designed with terra cotta tiles to match the rest of the campus.

The new building features new lockers—which means each student now gets their own rather than doubling up—a microphone system, water bottle fill stations, two science rooms in addition to the English rooms, and flexible furniture that can be arranged in 22 different ways. Smalley added that the district surprised staff and students with a large San Juan Hills logo embedded in the floor of the entrance.

The new classrooms were paid for by funds from Community Facilities Districts, as well as matching state funds.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Capistrano Unified School District will hold a tour and ribbon cutting for the new classroom building (and the new classrooms at San Clemente High School) on Thursday, Sept. 21.

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.

For more information, contact Ryan Burris at 949.234.9427 or email rkburris@ capousd.org. —Allison Jarrell The Capistrano Dispatch September 8-21, 2017

Annual Creek Cleanup Set for Sept. 16 San Juan Hills High School students enjoy their first English class of the year in one of the new classrooms on campus. Photo: Allison Jarrell

City Brings Back Citizens Leadership Academy THE LATEST: The city of San Juan Capistrano has revived a once popular program and is now accepting applications for the 2017 Citizens Leadership Academy.

“The Citizens Leadership Academy, or CLA, is a seven-week course that provides residents and business owners an opportunity to learn more about city structure, operations, projects and programs,” city officials said in a press release. “Each week, a different city department will provide an interactive and informative presentation to CLA participants. This is an excellent opportunity for San Juan Capistrano community members who wish to become more involved in local government, or those who just strive to become a more informed resident.”

The free seven-week course will be taught by members of the city’s executive team and will include information on municipal finance, planning and development, infrastructure and utilities, community services, and public safety. The program concludes with a “graduation ceremony” hosted by the mayor and City Council.

WHAT’S NEXT: The classes will be held each Wednesday, Oct. 4 through Nov. 15, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to register.

Additional information and participant applications are available at www.sanjuancapistrano.org and are due to the City Clerk’s office by Friday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m.

Applications can be dropped off in person or submitted via e-mail to cityclerk@ sanjuancapistrano.org. City Hall is located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

For more information, contact Assistant City Manager Jacob Green at jgreen@sanjuancapistrano.org or 949.443.6321. —AJ

Point in Time Study Shines Light on Homelessness in Orange County THE LATEST: After months of compiling data from volunteers and homeless assistance organizations, the Point in Time Study, which takes a census of the homeless population in Orange County, has been released.

The study shows that Orange County’s homeless population has risen 7.6 percent from 2015 to 2017, with a total of 4,792 homeless people counted. The census was conducted in January.

“The increase represented the combination of a decrease of 43 in sheltered homelessness (from 2,251 to 2,208) and an increase of 383 in unsheltered homelessness (from 2,201 to 2,584),” a summary from the study stated. “Further, the increase in unsheltered homelessness was attributable to an increase in the number of unsheltered single adults (from 2,193 to 2,518).”

The study mentioned that the increase could also have come from more thorough efforts from volunteers and assisting organizations.

The study also showed an increase of about 300 unsheltered homeless people within the county, a 17 percent increase from 2015. This included homeless adults and children. Unsheltered homeless people were categorized as those who were “known locals” to the area.

“As is the case across the country, the majority of homeless people live in adultonly households,” the summary stated.

“Those that do live with a minor child are almost exclusively living in a sheltered situation—based on the HUD definition, there were 25 unsheltered children in Orange County at the time of this count, all of whom were accompanied by adults.”

The studies across the county are com-

Page 3

THE LATEST: The annual San Juan Creek cleanup is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to noon.

This is the 21st year that the California Coastal Commission has held its coastal cleanup events in an effort to raise awareness about trash and debris in streams and waterways.

In San Juan Capistrano, volunteers will work to remove trash from the San Juan Creek and Arroyo Trabuco Creek. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Descanso Park, located behind City Hall at 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information, contact Hossein Ajideh at 949.449.1190 or hajideh@sanjuancapistrano.org. —AJ

CUSD Superintendent to Speak at Upcoming Human Trafficking Town Hall THE LATEST: Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Kirsten Vital will be a guest speaker at an upcoming Human Trafficking Town Hall in Laguna Niguel on Thursday, Sept. 21.

Attendees will learn about human trafficking, how to recognize the signs, how to protect youth from being targeted, and how to help victims.

Other guest speakers include Jim Carson, Orangewood Foundation program manager; Sgt. Juan Reveles, Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force; Kelly Manley, Orange County District Attorney Human Trafficking & Exploitation Unit; Nicole Strattman, senior social services supervisor/CSEC coordinator; and Oree Freeman, a human trafficking survivor.

WHAT’S NEXT: The event will run from 7-9 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 28291 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Niguel.

Due to the sensitivity of the topic, officials ask that attendees be 16 years old or older.—Staff www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

The San Clemente trolley service has been extended to Oct. 1, officials said. Photo: Eric Heinz

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

Dana Point Police Services Invites Dog Owners to Join Paw Patrol Dana Point Police Services recently announced the creation of Dana Point Paw Patrol and are currently looking for dog owners to join.

Dana Point Paw Patrol is a Neighborhood Watch program that encourages dog walkers to take an active role in helping to prevent crime.

Police Services encourages dog owners to become the “eyes and ears” of the community and watch for suspicious and potentially criminal behavior and report it to police.

“This program is designed to promote police-community partnerships, build relationships with your neighbors and help report suspicious behavior,” the organization’s flyer states.

Those interested are able to sign-up for a free training class with Dana Point Police Services’ Crime Prevention Unit.

The class will focus on providing residents with helpful information on how to effectively observe and report criminal and suspicious activity.

For those interested in the program, Dana Point Police Services will hold two upcoming events.

The first is on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at Pines Park at 6 p.m. followed by the second event on Sunday, Sept. 24 at Sea Terrace Park at 10 a.m.

The events are free and dog-friendly Page 4

and no RSVP is necessary. There will be treats and goodies for the four-legged attendees.

For further information or questions, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Jill Jackson at 949.248.3581 or email jnjackson@ocsd.org. —Kristina Pritchett San Clemente City Council Approves Extension of Trolley Program to Oct. 1 After what city of San Clemente staff called a successful summer, the Trolley Program will be extended for another month.

The city was required to maintain at least six to 10 riders per hour on every trolley, but staff members at the Sept. 5 City Council meeting said the trolleys had exceeded 50 riders per hour, which amounted to about 90,000 total riders, when they run Thursdays through Sundays. The cost to extend the program is $35,000 from the air quality fund.

Council member Lori Donchak said during the meeting that San Clemente has had the most successful system, in terms of ridership, within the county. The city paid for about 10 percent of the costs of the $1 million to fund the service through the Orange County Transportation Authority’s program. Another portion was donated by the Friends of San Clemente Foundation.

All trolley rides are free.

The Trolley Program will continue to run during its normally scheduled times from Thursday through Sunday until Oct. 1. City Council will discuss possible opportunities for advertising on the trolleys and could consider expanding the trolley routes for next year. —Eric Heinz www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Community NEWS BITES Tickets Still Available for Meetings The Vintage Food & Wine COMPILED BY STAFF

TUESDAY, SEPT. 12

Planning Commission Meeting

6:30 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 13

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. Occurs every Wednesday.

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.

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.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14

Design Review Committee Meeting

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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15

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.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19

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.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 20

San Juan Summer Nites

6-8 p.m. The city’s annual summer concert series concludes with a country performance by SMITH. Free to attend. Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes The Capistrano Dispatch September 8-21, 2017

Festival

The Vintage—the San Juan Chamber of Commerce’s annual food and wine festival—is slated to take place 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Mission San Juan Capistrano. The event, now in its 21st year, commemorates the migration of the swallows while raising funds for the Chamber and showcasing local restaurants, bakeries, wineries and breweries.

In addition to food and wine tasting, the evening includes dancing and live music performed by Family Style. Dozens of local dining establishments will offer guests a taste of their cuisine, while local wineries, breweries and spirit makers will offer samples of their drinks.

Admission is $95, or $1,150 for a table of 10. Tickets are good for all you can eat and taste all night, and should be reserved early as the event sells out each year.

All table reservations must be made over the phone by calling 949.493.4700 or in person at the chamber, located at 31421 La Matanza Street. Individual tickets can be purchased in person, by phone or online at www.vintagesjc.com.

‘Reality Party’ for Parents Scheduled for Sept. 9 Reality Party for Parents, a free event, will allow community members to engage in an activity similar to a typical house party in South Orange County. Those who attend will be able to view various scenes that feature topics such as underage drinking, cyber safety and more.

In collaboration with local law enforcement and mental health professionals, the National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence will host a debrief session to provide a forum where parents and community members can discuss questions, thoughts and concerns related to the topics.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9. Tours begin at 3 p.m. The event will be held at the Community Health Enrichment Collaborative Family Resource Center, located at 27412 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano.

For additional information, contact Alejandra Vaca at 949.595.2288 x 319 or email avaca@ncaddoc.org. Online registration is available at www.ncaddoc.ticketleap.com/ rp2/details.

Debbie and Rick Warkentien, owners of the Farm School on Los Rios Street, whipped up a medley of fresh roasted vegetables for The Vintage last year. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Marie Callender’s featuring guest speaker Norberto Santana Jr., an award-winning investigative reporter with nearly two decades of reporting experience directly engaging with Orange County government institutions and decision makers.

As publisher of the Voice of OC, Santana oversees all newsroom, engagement and fundraising operations and also writes a regular opinion column about Orange County government.

Santana will be speaking about the Orange County jailhouse snitch scandal.

The luncheon begins at noon. Marie Callender’s is located at 31791 Del Obispo Street in San Juan Capistrano.

Contact Barbara Wood to RSVP or for more info at 208.284.9167 or barbjsocal@ gmail.com.

Constitution Week to Be Celebrated at the Mission In 1955, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 annually for the observance of Constitution Week, a time of education, remembrance and celebration.

It was on Sept. 17, 1787, that the United States Constitution was signed by 40 of our forefathers. San Clemente Island DAR chapter members will meet at Mission San Juan Capistrano on Sunday, Sept. 17, where the mission bells will ring out at exactly 1 p.m. in celebration of the signing of the Constitution. This is a nationwide event called “Bells Across America.”

Everyone is welcome to attend. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon at the Mission and celebrate this historic day in history.

County to Host Veterans Resource Fair

League of Women Voters to Hold Luncheon Sept. 15 On Friday, Sept. 15, the League of Women Voters will host a luncheon at

Veterans, active duty personnel and military families are invited to attend the Page 7

South County Veterans Resource Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 19, to connect with veteran resources.

More than 60 informational booths will be provided by local organizations, employers will provide a variety of services and resources to veterans and their families.

Complimentary refreshments will be served to those who attend.

The fair will feature free admission to the event and public parking in Lot 9.

The Resource Fair will be held at Saddleback College from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Student Services Quad, adjacent to the Veterans Memorial.

Saddleback is located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. For more information or to volunteer, contact vetsoutreach@saddleback.edu or call 949.582.4252.

Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic for Dogs The San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter invites dog owners to attend its low cost vaccine clinic at the shelter on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 5-7 p.m. The shelter is located at 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente.

Participants must be residents of the cities of Dana Point or San Clemente in order to receive the free rabies vaccine for their dog(s). You must also license your dog at the time the vaccine is administered. For those who do not qualify for a free rabies vaccination, there will be a $5 charge.

The services and pricing offered at the clinic include free rabies shots (with purchase of a dog license), Da2PP for $10, Bordetella for $10 and microchips are $15.

For more information, call the shelter at 949.492.1617.

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

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin

by OC Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

Orange County Opposes AB 1250

I

am proud of the sound financial footing the county is on today. On July 1, the county made the final bankruptcy payment that retires all bond debt related to the 1994 bankruptcy filing.

I would like to commend previous leaders on the Board of Supervisors, including State Senators Patricia Bates and John Moorlach with the foresight to conservatively manage the county’s budget. The county’s fiscal discipline has allowed for increased investment in our communities.

THE BARTLETT However, the county’s BULLETIN fi nancial progress can

By Lisa Bartlett be placed in jeopardy with the enrollment of Assembly Bill 1250 (Jones-Sawyer). On June 6, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to

unanimously oppose AB 1250, which will impede the county’s ability to contract with the most cost-effective partner to deliver services. Requirements in AB 1250 drive up costs to the taxpayer and reduce opportunities for counties to enter into contracts for essential services. That is why 48 California counties have also opposed this burdensome legislation.

I am a strong proponent of public private partnerships (P3) for many reasons.

The expertise of the private sector adds value to public sector programs and projects. The private sector further enhances government’s ability to deliver services effectively and efficiently through years of experience in their area of specialty, the use of technology, and the implementation of best practices utilized in the free market. Additionally, P3 relationships strike the right balance in the hiring of employees and contractors, a normal standard of practice in business. The cost savings generated from reducing benefits costs and pension liabilities are astronomical.

County contracts are not in the shadows—quite the contrary. As Chair of the Board of Supervisors, I championed an effort to ensure our Board agendas are finalized, printed and distributed two weeks in advance. This extended time encour-

ages community input and fosters greater transparency with the public on the issues facing our communities, which include county contracts for many services. I am pleased to report our new system for county Board agenda items and meetings has successfully improved efficiency and public access to county government.

If signed by the governor, AB 1250 will require Orange County to hire more than 3,000 employees, which equates to a $340 million cost increase for the same level of service. This is an additional cost that taxpayers cannot afford.

I encourage you to learn more about the impacts of this devastating legislation at www.stopab1250.com or @StopAB1250.

Please reach out to your legislators to oppose AB 1250, which could result in decreased access to services for Orange County residents.

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett represents the 5th District on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, which includes the city of Dana Point. 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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

EDITORIAL

Letters to the Editor KUDOS TO REPRESENTATIVE ROHRABACHER —Michele Monda, Laguna Beach I would like to thank Rep. Dana Rohrabacher for his help with the FAA, the airplane noise over South Orange County and putting the SoCal Metroplex on the radar screen, so to speak, of Congress. Rep. Rohrabacher wrote to the FAA requesting that the planes fly farther out in the ocean and cross land at higher altitudes to minimize the noise and pollution. He received what amounts to a pat on the head, a stock answer from the regional director of the FAA—pabulum—saying that any adjustment to the flight path (that they just instituted in March) would have to be studied and reviewed. Funny that they didn’t do that when switching from the old flight paths—which is precisely what the Newport Beach/Laguna Beach/Orange County lawsuits are all about.

Rep. Rohrabacher then went one step further since he received no real response from the FAA. He added two amendments to HB 2997—the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization Bill.

They basically say that planes shall fly no lower than necessary for safety over the The Capistrano Dispatch September 8-21, 2017

SoCal Metroplex and that safety should be considered first and community concerns second in analyzing changes to the flight path. This is extremely important because this was not done before they created the new flight paths in March.

I would think that Newport Beach/ Laguna Beach and the Board of Supervisors would be very happy to use this information in the mediation proceedings for their lawsuit. Thank you Rep. Rohrabacher.

TOO MUCH LITTER ON SOCCER FIELD —Erik Gibbs, San Juan Capistrano I live across the street from Marco Forster Middle School and the adjoining sports park complex. Within the past few years, I have noticed an increase in litter that is being left all over the soccer field and street due to the increasing amount of soccer events that are being held there.

I have contacted the city about this issue many times and not only do they not return my call, they don’t seem to care, as nothing is being done about it. I think it is time that the city starts doing its job and enforcing strict rules regarding the use of the soccer fields for these events. If the soccer teams leave trash, then it will be shut down or they will be fined so much per day until it is cleaned up.

So I will continue to call the city and write letters to them voicing my concerns until I reach someone willing to do something about the trash.

RACISM IS WRONG, BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION —Dickie “Dave” Davidson, MSgt. USMC (Ret), San Juan Capistrano Let me start with an introduction: I was a 17-year-old U.S. Marine—a white, redheaded Michigan boy. My story starts at my first duty station in Hawaii and meeting my new fire team leader, Cpl. Lester W. Hawkins.

Cpl. Hawkins was in charge of me and two other young Marines. Little did we know how much he would influence our lives. He had high standards and he expected us to meet those standards. He trained us, tested us, and corrected us on how to do our jobs.

On one occasion, we were in the field doing an evaluation of our training, and he was declared a “casualty,” so I had to take over the fire team. The first task I was given was to draw a fire plan for night defensive fire. As he lay beside me, he instructed me in the fine art of drawing a fire plan. That was very important because in a few short months, we were in Vietnam. I worked beside Cpl. Hawkins laying Concertina wire; followed him on patrol and set an ambush. I would have, as they say in the movies, followed him to hell.

Cpl. Hawkins was eventually wounded, medically evacuated, and I never saw him again.

That was 52 years ago. But the leadership he taught me has stayed with me to this day.

Page 8

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, Heidi Mefferd, Danny Ritz

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 15, Issue 17. 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

FACEBOOK.COM/CAPODISPATCH • INSTAGRAM @CAPODISPATCH TWITTER.COM/CAPODISPATCH • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX Fast forward a few years. I am now a sergeant, a seasoned combat veteran (trained by Cpl. Hawkins) on my second tour in Vietnam. In a short period of time, I go from squad leader to platoon sergeant with about 35 to 45 Marines in my platoon.

There were 13 to 15 black Marines, 20 to 25 white Marines, and two or three Hispanic Marines. In an even shorter period, I became the platoon commander due to an accident with a fragmentation grenade.

I lost 14 black men, one Hawaiian (the platoon commander before me) and one Navy corpsman in 3 to 5 seconds.

In come the brand new guys (BNGs)— the replacements. It’s rumored that I’m set to get the one conscientious objector (lucky me). The objector turned out to be a strong, smart black Marine. During our first meeting, he tells me that, yes, he is a conscientious objector, but he will do everything that the other Marines do except carry a weapon. It seemed like a good idea to put him with the Doc (corpsman) so he could carry extra IV solution, medical supplies, etc. And he did.

Whenever the call went out, “corpsman up,” he was there with the Doc. I saw him expose himself to enemy fire several times during our assault of Ky Lam. I was looking at him when he got wounded. He was one of the bravest men I have ever known.

And as he told me, he did everything the other Marines did, and more.

There was an ad campaign in the 70s or 80s that said, “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.”

I plan to be part of the solution. Racism is wrong. I don’t know what to do about the problem, but I cannot stay silent any longer. I will challenge it when I see it, hear it, or feel it. Maybe if we all just say it is wrong, we can be heard—“we” in this case, being the Marines.

Marines—remember the people of color you worked for or alongside of, or who worked for you, like Cpl. Hawkins or the conscientious objector. Too many men and women of color have served our country honorably and should have a place free of racism, period.

TERRI ROBISON, WHERE ARE YOU? —Patti Geiger Beamer, Seattle, Washington I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and when I was in grade school (1959) I wrote a letter to enter an Arizona Republic contest titled, “What would be your dream vacation?”

I wrote, “I am 11 years old. My dream vacation would be to take my Mom to the beautiful Grand Canyon, she has never been there and always wanted to go. Since my father died, she has worked hard for our family and I think she deserves something nice.”

I did not win the contest, but my letter was spotted by Fred Whittiborg, manager of the El Tovar Hotel, and he saw to it that my dream came true. I received a letter from him saying that he was extending to my family and I an all-expenses paid trip to the Grand Canyon with accommodations at the El Tovar.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 8-21, 2017

Photos: Courtesy of Patti Geiger Beamer

My letter was also spotted by a man in San Juan Capistrano; he was in the hospitality business and saw it in a company newsletter. I ended up getting a letter from his young daughter asking me to be her pen pal. Her name was Terri Robison, and I met her in real life about five years later (1964) when she invited me to spend two weeks with her in San Juan Capistrano.

This was a teenage girl’s dream come true in the 60s. The car in the picture belonged to Terri’s boyfriend. He also had a jeep he drove on the beach (with us in it). Terri and her boyfriend set me up with the most cool and incredibly handsome guy (see photo). How lucky can a girl get! And we had a real fun barbecue at her house.

We lost touch in the late 60s, but these memories have stayed with me all my life.

Terri Robison, where are you now? I have looked on Facebook with no luck. It would mean so much to me to see you again and see how our lives have turned out. Thanks for the memories.

HOW MANY MORE CLIMATE-RELATED DISASTERS CAN WE ENDURE? —Mark Reynolds, Executive Director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Hurricane Harvey just drowned Southeast Texas. The storm gained strength as it crossed the abnormally warm Gulf waters and grew to a Category 4 hurricane.

To make matters worse, Harvey also came on the heels of an incredibly wet August in the region, and soil moisture was already above average.

At least five deaths and dozens of injuries were reported in the first few days of the storm. People took refuge on their rooftops and needed dramatic water rescues. In addition to the human costs, the economic costs are staggering: J.P. Morgan estimated that the eventual insured losses could be anywhere from $10 billion to $20 billion. Bloomberg reported that the total costs could mount to $30 billion when the impacts on the area’s labor, transportation and energy sectors are taken into account. The National Flood Insurance Program, which is already $24 billion in debt due to the devastation from Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Katrina, is not at all ready to respond to the damage.

In times like these, we have to ask ourselves: How many more storms will force us to measure rain in feet, rather than inches? How many more people are we willing to displace from their homes, or lose completely in extreme weather events like these?

How many more years will we dump greenhouse gases into the atmosphere with impunity? Because as long as we’re doing that, we’re signing up for more of the same, and worse.

Page 9

Of course, climate change cannot account for any specific storm. But it’s undeniable that a warmer, wetter world plays a role in intensifying storms like Hurricane Harvey. Kevin Trenberth, a senior scientist at the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research, said “the main fuel for the storm” was warm water in the Gulf—as much as 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit above average.

We need comprehensive legislation to shift the market away from the greenhouse gases causing climate change. A national carbon-pricing bill could require fossil fuel companies to pay a fee for every ton of carbon dioxide or equivalent emissions. As the price rises each year, and as businesses look after their bottom lines, the market will quickly turn to low- or no-carbon options. If all that revenue were returned equally to American households in the form of a dividend, studies show it would boost the economy and bring millions of jobs. And of course, it would set us on a course to stabilizing our climate.

This type of plan already has major conservative support. The Climate Leadership Council, which is led by Republican statesmen James Baker, Henry Paulson, George Shultz and others, released “The Conservative Case for Carbon Dividends” earlier this year. They explain that pricing carbon and returning the revenue to Americans will “strengthen our economy, reduce regulation, help working-class Americans, shrink government and promote national security.”

Florida Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo saw Miami flooding and heard his constituents’ outcries, so he responded by forming the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus with Florida Democrat Rep. Ted Deutch.

Now the group has a total of 52 Republicans and Democrats working together, many of whom have seen climate impacts in their own districts and are ready to get serious about climate action.

After Hurricane Harvey, perhaps members of the Texas delegation will be ready to take their own seats at the table. Let’s see how many more representatives in Congress will step up.

The South Orange County Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby will meet on Sept.

9 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at St. Andrews by the Sea United Methodist Church, 2001 Frontera, San Clemente. The group is one of over 400 chapters worldwide and meets the second Saturday of every month. Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in the meetings.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY 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. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

At the Movies: Revisiting ‘Close Encounters’ 40 Years Later

What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 08 TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL The Ocean Institute’s 33rd annual Tall Ships Festival will take place in the Harbor from Sept. 8-10 with a variety of activities to celebrate maritime history. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org/ tall-ships-festival.

MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. The walk occurs every Thursday. Mission San Juan Capistrano.

26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

OHANA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2:30 p.m. The first day of the weekendlong festival features Social Distortion, Pixies, TV on the Radio, The Orwells, Simon Townshend, Jade Jackson and Corey Harper. Tickets vary in price. Doheny State Beach. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.theohanafest.com.

Saturday | 09 GARDEN BASICS 9 a.m. Dig right in and get a jumpstart on fall planting. Armstrong’s team of experts will share how to determine soil type and sunlight to provide attendees helpful tips for success. Guests will learn the importance of mulching, planting, watering and more. Armstrong Garden Centers. 32382 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.661.6666. www.armstronggarden.com.

SAGE ADVICE SERIES: WATERING NATIVE PLANTS 9:30-10:30 a.m. Learn about the details of the new “Watering Native Plants” guide with Tree of Life Nursery. The event is free. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

ADOPT-A-PET EVENT 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, the Ark of San Juan and Leashes for Love will host an adopt-a-pet event. There will be refreshments and a bake sale, raffle items and more. 27111 Camino de Estrella, Capistrano Beach.

949.661.9355. www.propertiesinorangecounty.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 8-21, 2017

Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16: SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GREEK FESTIVAL 11 a.m.-11 p.m. The weekend-long Greek Festival kicks off with dancing, Greek food and wine, church tours, art and more. Runs Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church. 27129 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano. 949.542.3445. www.sjcgreekfest.org.

STAND-UP COMEDY: BIL DWYER 7:30 p.m. Headliner will be Bil Dwyer is an accomplished stand-up comic, who has appeared on many late-night television talk shows, hosted his own half hour stand-up special on Comedy Central and was a finalist on Season 4 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Dwyer has also appeared in various sitcoms.

Tickets are $17.50. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.comedyintheoc.com.

Sunday | 10 DANA POINT TO SAN CLEMENTE BEACH WALK 8 a.m.-noon. Join Orange County Sierrans Section for a cool walk on the beach.

The walk is eight miles and includes a stop for lunch at the San Clemente Pier.

The return trip will be made by bus. The group will meet at 8 a.m. at Doheny Park Road and Dana Point Harbor Drive. www.facebook.com/ocsierrasingles.

THE COAST VINTAGE MARKET 8 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 180 vendors will be available with vintage items. There will be live music, food trucks, a mini farmers’ market, classic cars and more.

There is free admission and free parking.

The market is held the second Sunday of every month. For more information, call 949.381.9947. Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. www.thecoastvintagemarket.com.

Monday | 11 PATRIOT HILL FLAG RAISING 8:30 a.m. An annual flag-raising event on Patriot Hill to honor the lost lives of Sept. 11. Join a group of hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians who have kept the American flag flying on this open space ridgeline since 2001. Those interested in participating can request a trail map by emailing FlagOnTheHill92675@gmail.com or visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org. The map is under Departments-Public WorksOperations & Maintenance-Equestrian and Bike Trail/Open Space.

HISTORIC BELLS TOLL FOR 9/11 MEMORIAL 10 a.m. The bells at Mission San Juan Capistrano will ring at 10 a.m. in memory of 9/11. Free event with paid admission.

26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

9/11 HEROES RUN TRAVIS MANION FOUNDATION 4:30-9 p.m. The run unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the First Responders, military, veterans and survivors. A portion of the race proceeds benefit the marines, sailors and families of the 5th Marine Regiment and Wounded Warrior Battalion West at Camp Pendleton. Opening ceremonies begin at 5:45 p.m., there will be a sunset honor ceremony with bag pipe/ luminary tribute at 7:15 p.m. Salt Creek Beach. www.danapoint5thmarines.com.

(Cont. on page 12) Page 10

Photo: Sony Pictures

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

teven Spielberg’s first sciencefiction feature Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) is both a product of its time and has aged incredibly well. The film was the hitmaker’s follow-up to Jaws (1975) and reunited him with Richard Dreyfuss to equal success. Even though it came out the same year as the mega-blockbuster Star Wars: A New Hope, Close Encounters still was a big winner with audiences and critics.

Forty years later, we still follow Roy Neary (Dreyfuss) and Jillian Guiler (Melinda Dillon) on their obsessive dedication to discover why they feel a psychological connection to an extraterrestrial sighting. Roy becomes so obsessed that he begins to neglect his family, while Jillian wants to find a way to get her son Barry (Cary Guffey) back who has been abducted. Meanwhile, scientist Claude Lacombe (François Truffaut) is ahead of the curve on knowing what’s to behold with the UFOs. Teri Garr, Bob Balaban and Lance Henriksen make famous early appearances, and John Williams’ iconic five-note motif throughout the score is still an earworm. Close Encounters’ new re-release to theaters is a reminder of just how breathtaking a film shot on traditional film projected onto the big screen is. The special effects, cinematography and location landmarks all look great, and Dreyfuss, Garr and Dillon give some of their most impressive performances. Close Encounters doesn’t just make us wonder if alien life is near us, but also looks back at how dysfunctional family life could be in the mid-20th century. CD

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10)

Wednesday | 13 SECOND ANNUAL CANNONS WINE & BEER TASTING GALA 6-9 p.m. The Marine Corps League-South Coast Detachment will be holding its second annual Cannons Wine & Beer Tasting Gala. Proceeds from the event benefit the first Marine Regiment-Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force and their families while they are deployed. There will be a selection of wines, beer, gourmet cheeses, fruits and crackers and a chocolate fountain. Tickets are $45 per person.

Cannons Seafood Grill. 34344 Street of the Green Lantern, Dana Point. www.MarineCorpsLeagueSouthCoast.org.

LECTURE SERIES: LIVING WITH WILDLIFE 7-8:30 p.m. Join the Reserve for an informative workshop about Orange County’s wildlife. Reserve Executive Director Laura Coley Eisenberg will discuss how to identify the local flora and fauna, and what to do when encountered on the trail or at home. The event is free and participants must be registered or on the wait list by 6 p.m., Sept. 13. The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

Thursday | 14 EVENING NETWORKING MIXER 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce for its monthly evening networking mixer. This month’s local venue is Mission Grill. $15 for chamber members, $25 for non-members. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.4700. www.missiongrillsjc.com.

Friday | 15 ROMANCE OF THE MISSION BENEFIT GALA 6-10 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts its annual Romance of the Mission Benefit Gala, concert and dinner presented by the Mission Preservation Foundation.

Proceeds benefit the much-needed preservation of Orange County’s only mission.

The event features a pre-show reception, a concert in the Great Stone Church, and dinner in the central courtyard. $350 per ticket. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

Saturday | 16 SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Family Style performs followed by the Jimi Nelson Band at 8:30 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Page 12

Sunday | 17 HISTORIC BELLS RINGING FOR CONSTITUTION DAY 1-2 p.m. The bells at Mission San Juan Capistrano will ring at 1 p.m. in celebration of the signing of the United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. Free event with paid admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

Tuesday | 19 LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the San Juan Chamber of Commerce for a networking lunch at Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria & Tap Room.

RSVP to claire@sanjuanchamber.com or call 949.493.4700. 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. www.selmaschicagopizzeria.com.

Wednesday | 20 SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES 6-8 p.m. The city’s annual summer concert series concludes with a country performance by SMITH. The event also includes dancing, food, beer and wine, a 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.

Thursday | 21 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. Every Thursday. No experience needed. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

UPCOMING: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 SHEA CENTER BBQ & FAMILY FAIRE 4-10 p.m. The 39th annual Shea Center BBQ & Family Faire BBQ & Family Faire features over 300 silent auction items, old fashioned country faire games, a petting zoo, Shea Center rider demonstrations and a BBQ dinner from the Montage Laguna Beach. Western wear is encouraged. Live music by Swingshift. Tickets must be ordered online at www.sheacenter.org/ events.php. J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, 26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.240.8441.

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.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT ON THE MENU

BANDEJA COLOMBIANA AT LA COLOMBIANA

T

he portions of the Bandeja Colombiana are only part of what will leave guests feeling full after a visit to La Colombiana in North Beach, San Clemente.

Tender marinated carne asada and grillbranded chorizo are accompanied by the South American standby of white rice and beans. A fried egg is topped with heaping portions of avocado framed by fried plantains (patacones). An arepa, a cornbased pancake popular in Venezuela and Colombia and similar to the Mexican gordita or Salvadorian pupusa, is paired with several salsas to add the right amount of spice to this hearty mixedplate.

La Colombiana owner and manager Eddie Bashoor, who came to California from Colombia when she was 21 years old, described the Bandeja Colombiana as “a great introduction to the best Columbian food, my pride and joy.” She also explained that Colombian food is inherently gluten-free, almost all corn-based as opposed to flour.

La Colombiana opened in 2014, with Bashoor managing operations alongside her son Harold Alzate. Guests can regularly find

Bandeja Colombiana. Photo: Danny Ritz

three generations working in La Colombiana, the warm family vibe reinforced by the hearty portions and unique combinations.

LA COLOMBIANA WEEKLY SPECIALS Happy hour: Tuesday-Friday 3-6 p.m. featuring $2 off all appetizers, beer, wine and Soju Cocktails. Bottomless mimosas: $12 on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9 a.m.-noon. “Arepa Tuesday” featuring Eddie’s own arepa tacos.—Danny Ritz La Colombiana 1640 N. El Camino Real Suite-A, San Clemente, 949.441.7656

On Stage at the Coach House: Pat Boone

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DIDPATCH

M

any recording artists have created their own rendition of “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano,” but how often do you get to hear the legendary Pat Boone sing his 1957 hit?

As it turns out, Boone’s show at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, Sept. 23 may be fans’ last chance to hear him sing the iconic tune in the song’s namesake town.

“This is my last go around,” Boone said. “I’m not saying goodbye, but I won’t be here to do this show again. It’s been such an incredible, unbelievable career, and I get to live it over again at The Coach House.”

It’s true that Boone isn’t necessarily saying goodbye to San Juan Capistrano—he and his wife, Shirley, drive over from Beverly Hills every Sunday to go to church at The Effect in San Juan.

Boone, now 83, was barely 22 years old when his career took off in the 1950s.

Throughout the years, he became known as a singer, songwriter, actor, TV host, producer, author, motivational speaker, radio personality, record company head, TV station owner, sports team owner, family man, humanitarian, and as a man

The Capistrano Dispatch September 8-21, 2017

Photo: Courtesy of Pat Boone

unafraid to air his views.

Over the course of his storied career, Boone sold more than 45 million records.

He recorded 38 Top-40 hits and holds the record for having a single on the Billboard charts for 220 consecutive weeks. Boone is ranked No. 9 on Billboard’s list of the Top 100 Top-40 artists from 1955-1995.

With five decades of recording history behind him, Boone said he’s looking forward to sharing a slice of his life at his upcoming Coach House show. The evening will include video clips of past performances in addition to Boone singing some of his biggest hits, ranging from patriotic tunes to spiritual songs.

And of course, there’ll be one about the swallows of San Juan Capistrano.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49.50. Boone said he’ll be out front after the show to talk with attendees and sign records or books.

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

Page 17

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Shea Center’s Annual BBQ & Family Faire Highlights Power of Therapeutic Riding

Grammy and Tony award-winner Heather Headley will perform in the ruins of the Great Stone Church at this year’s Romance of the Mission gala. Photo: Courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano

Few Tickets Remain for Annual Mission Benefit Gala

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A Shea Center rider gives an assistant a high five during a rider demonstration at last year’s BBQ & Family Faire.

Photo: Allison Jarrell THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center opens the gates for its 39th annual BBQ and Family Faire on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m. The family gathering brings together over 1,500 attendees, including Shea Center riders and their families, donors, sponsors, community and business leaders, volunteers, equestrian professionals and the general public.

Based in San Juan Capistrano, The Shea Center provides therapeutic riding programs, also known as hippotherapy, that can change the lives of those with disabilities. Last year, the center served over 1,000 clients, addressing physical and cognitive disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and developmental delay.

As in years past, the Montage Laguna Beach will prepare and serve a “barbecuewestern” meal. In the early evening, guests can win family faire prizes in games of skill, including ball tosses, horseshoes, corn hole and archery. Children in attendance can also enjoy face painting and a petting zoo. In addition, over 300 items and experiences will be offered in live and silent auctions.

The evening also features rider demonstrations and the “Parade of Stars” of over 60 therapy clients and their families who will make a grand entrance to standing applause. The evening’s featured rider will be Jaxlee Barton, 3, who has been riding at the Shea Center for a year.

“Her mom and dad, Emily and Jonny, will tell their daughter’s story that begins soon

The Capistrano Dispatch September 8-21, 2017

Attendees listen as Kevin Whitney talks about how therapeutic horseback riding changed his life. Photo: Allison Jarrell

after Jaxlee’s birth, when she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy,” event organizers said. “Another Shea Center family led the Bartons to The Shea Center, and in less than a year, Jaxlee improved from being too weak to sit up and eat, to now, where she sits without help and freely verbalizes to her mom, dad, and Diva, her horse.”

Western attire is encouraged, and country band Swingshift will provide live music throughout the evening.

General admission is $55 for adults; and $30 for seniors 55 and older, children 13 and under, and persons with disabilities.

A family pack, for two adults and two children, is discounted to $155. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, call 949.240.8441 ext. 135, or visit www.sheacenter.org/events.php.

The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is located at 26284 Oso Road in San Juan Capistrano. CD

A

limited number of tickets are still available for Mission San Juan Capistrano’s 14th annual Romance of the Mission benefit gala, set for Friday, Sept. 15, at the historic Mission grounds.

San Juan Capistrano residents and philanthropists Jim and Sheila Peterson are the 2017 honorees, and this year’s concert features Grammy and Tony award-winner Heather Headley. Headley will perform in the ruins of the Great Stone Church.

The gala begins at 6 p.m. with an opening reception in the Mission’s front gardens, followed by the concert, historic bell ringing and candlelight four-course plated dinner hosted by The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in the main courtyard.

Tickets are $350 each. All proceeds from the benefit gala are used to protect and preserve the Mission site and its ongoing projects. Last year’s event drew over 450 guests and raised $236,000 for preservation efforts.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets or more information about the benefit gala, contact Barb Beier at 949.234.1323 or visit www.missionsjc. com. CD

San Juan Capistrano residents and philanthropists Jim and Sheila Peterson will be honored for their ongoing support of Mission preservation efforts at the gala on Sept. 15. Photo: Courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano

Guests meander through the Mission grounds during the 2015 Romance of the Mission gala. Photo: Carla Rhea

Page 19

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

World’s Top Cowboys Compete in 17th Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo PHOTOS AND TEXT BY BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he 17th annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo took place 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 awarded $175,000 in prize money to the top eight cowboys in each event. Each year, the top 30 cowboys travel to San Juan to compete in six Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) events: saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping and team roping.

With only one major rodeo left before the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December (the Pendleton Round-up in Pendleton, Oregon on Oct. 1), the RMV Rodeo gives the cowboys who are lower in the ranks a chance to jump into the finals.

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 17 years ago, about $1.9 million in rodeo proceeds have been donated to area charities. This year, $185,000 was donated to the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center in San Juan Capistrano, CHOC at Mission Hospital,

2017 RMV RODEO WINNERS BAREBACK RIDING Jake Vold: $8,826.60

BULL RIDING Tim Bingham: $7,924.20

SADDLE BRONC Clay Elliott: $7,811.40

TIE-DOWN ROPING

Bareback rider Orin Larsen, of Inglis, Manitoba, rides Justified and earns a score of 80 during the RMV Rodeo on Aug. 26.

Tyson Durfey: $6,608.20

TEAM ROPING Clay Smith & Paul Eaves: $6,608.20 each

STEER WRESTLING Justin Shaffer: $5,536.60

the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Mission Basilica School and Justin Sports Medicine.

For more photos from the rodeo, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

Saddle bronc rider Jake Watson, of Hudsons Hope, British Columbia, rides On Fire and earns no score during the RMV Rodeo on Aug. 26.

Bareback rider JR Vezain, of Cowley, Wyoming, rides Cat Caller and earns a score of 76.5 during the RMV Rodeo on Aug. 26

The Capistrano Dispatch September 8-21, 2017

Saddle bronc rider Jake Finlay, of Goondiwindi, Australia, rides Hit Man and earns a score of 76 during the RMV Rodeo on Aug. 26.

Saddle bronc rider Audy Reed, of Spearman, Texas, rides Payback and earns a high score of 84.5 during the RMV Rodeo on Aug. 26.

Page 20

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

Get the Word on Story Time A variety of library story time events are available for youth in San Juan

F

project, restoring the Silvas Adobe, is almost completed. Guests at the BBQ will have the opportunity to walk through the restored adobe for the first time. While the major work has been completed, there is still much to do to finish this project.

Monies raised from these two functions will ensure that the society’s preservation efforts will be able to continue.

You can spend a “Moment in Time” by supporting the Mission and the Historical Society. You will enrich your understanding of San Juan Capistrano while helping to ensure the preservation of our history, our culture and our traditions for future generations.

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

amilies who haven’t been to story time are missing out on a great opportunity. Libraries around the world offer story times for young patrons, and San Juan Capistrano’s library is proud to have three different story times for children of all ages.

Preschool Storytime: Older children may be back in school, but preschoolers can also learn as they acquire skills that prepare them for their school days. At story time, they can learn how to sit still for an extended period of time, how to be part of a group, and how to take turns. Children ages 3 to 6 years, and their caregivers, are invited to enjoy Preschool Storytime with stories, rhymes and songs at San Juan Capistrano Public Library every Tuesday at 11:15 a.m. No registration is required.

Bilingual Storytime: San Juan’s library also offers stories and rhymes that are bilingual in English and Spanish, to reflect and support the diversity of the community. These family story times take place on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. All ages are welcome. No registration required.

Sunset Stories with the Sunshine Readers: Once a month, the National Charity League Sunshine Readers offer energetic and entertaining stories for kids of all ages at this family story time. Join them on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

Children, and their parents, are invited to wear their pajamas and join in!

There is nothing quite like experiencing books with others. Although mom and dad may regularly read bedtime stories, children can benefit from hearing other adults. And watching other kids listen to stories adds new perspective and fun.

Story time can turn a trip to the library into a family-fun activity. It is a great way to work on early literacy skills, socialize, and expand young imaginations.

The “Branching Out” column is a collaboration between San Juan Capistrano Library staff and the Friends of the Library, a nonprofit that supports the library and its programs by raising funds through its on-site bookstore and special events. For more information on the library, visit www.ocpl.org or follow @SJCFriends on Facebook. 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

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

Photo: File

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Support Preservation this September Events at the Mission, Historical Society help keep local history alive

T

he month of September brings several chances for everyone in town to celebrate our community history, culture and traditions.

The first big event of the month is the Romance of the Mission benefit gala on Friday, Sept. 15. A few tickets for this always-sold-out affair are still available at the Mission. The cost is $350 per person.

A concert featuring Grammy and Tony award winner Heather Headley will take place in the ruins of the Great Stone Church, followed by dinner in the Mission courtyard catered by the Ritz-Carlton.

Funds raised from this event support historic preservation of the Mission.

Then on Sunday, Sept. 17, the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society will hold its 31st Annual Heritage BBQ on the grounds at the O’Neill Museum on Los Rios Street.

This annual event recognizes local people who have contributed to our society. We celebrate the Native Americans and the Hispanic communities who have enriched this area with their culture and traditions.

Cost for the BBQ is $40 per person or $75 per couple. Reservations are needed.

This year we are also celebrating the 75th anniversary of Camp Pendleton by honoring WWII heroes who still reside in our town. Jim Behmerwohld served in the Navy; Bill Hardy is a Naval Air ace pilot,

The Capistrano Dispatch September 8-21, 2017

and Don Tryon was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. Memorabilia from these heroes and other servicemen and women is on display at the Leck House as part of our current Camp Pendleton exhibit.

Bob Kline, local awardwinning director and producer, has produced a film on the history of Camp Pendleton. While there have been over 20 motion pictures made MOMENTS on the base since 1942, IN TIME there has never been a

By Jan Siegel film made on the history surrounding the Camp. Pendleton at 75 will explore how special this base is in the history of our community.

On Monday, Sept. 25, the Historical Society will host a fundraiser at El Adobe de Capistrano, which will include the premier of Bob Kline’s film. The dinner and movie will be $75 per person or $150 per couple.

Tables of 10 are available for $650.

Tickets for both of these events are available at the O’Neil Museum at 3183 Los Rios Street. For further information, call the Historical Society at 949.493.8444.

Proceeds from both of these events support historic preservation at the Historical Society. The society’s current

Page 21

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

The Importance of Estate Planning for Seniors

T

to be on life support for two more months.

“I meet people worse off than me and I am very grateful for all I have.”

Couple number one: Randy and Jackie Jackie wrote, “I went to my 50th class reunion in September 2015 and met a classmate. It became a wonderful love story. Randy lived in Illinois and I lived in San Clemente. We married in September 2016. We had a lot of love and laughter.

However, Randy passed away in April, seven months after we were married.

Randy updated his estate to pay off the house, and I was made (an) equal trustee with his son. He gave me his IRA, which I will be taxed on. I have the house to sell, if I need to, and I have his car.

I can’t imagine another love story happening like what just happened to me. To add to the pain, I got a denial letter from the Social Security Administration that you must be married nine months to get your husband’s Social Security, which was over $2,000 a month, compared to my $152.

Note from Tom: I checked with the Social Security Administration and found this: “For a Social Security survivor’s benefit, a widow or widower must have been married to the deceased worker at the time of his or her death and for at least nine months immediately prior to the day in which the worker died, unless one of the exceptions is met.”

Jackie added, “I know Randy left in peace saying I would be okay having his Social Security. I joke and say if he knew about the S.S. law, I could see him wanting

Couple number two: Phil and Sue Jackie mentioned she couldn’t imagine another love story like what happened to her. I know of one. In fact, I wrote about it.

The couple, Phil and Sue, were high school classmates of mine from the graduating class of 1957 in Jackson, Michigan.

At our 50th high school reunion, they talked face-to-face for 20 minutes, the only time they had talked to each other in 50 years.

On Feb. 1, Sue, who lived in Michigan, telephoned Phil, who lived in California.

They had never dated in high school. Both had been married and their spouses had died.

After several lengthy February phone conversations, they decided to get married. On Feb. 24, when Sue got off the airplane in Ontario, they headed directly to the County ON LIFE AND Clerk’s office in Fullerton LOVE AFTER 50 and got married.

By Tom Blake They were happy together, time flew by. They visited classmates across the country, including me. They went to Michigan to prepare for Sue’s move to California. They were planning on attending our 60th high school reunion a week from Saturday in Michigan.

After that, they would return to California and move into a place in Orange County. According to Sue, one of their first chores would be to update Phil’s estate plan. Phil had no children, everything was being left to charity. He was going to change his estate plan to include Sue in his distribution of assets.

However, Phil passed away from heart-

his year, I received stories from two senior couples who reunited at their respective high school 50th class reunions. Their stories are quite similar. Both couples married and both husbands died within months of marrying.

But the stories differ in one significant way: estate planning. The purpose of today’s column is to remind seniors to ensure their estate plans are up-to-date.

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 September 8-21, 2017

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Archives

FROM THE ARCHIVES Mission San Juan Capistrano can be seen from above in this photo from the Tom Pulley Postcard Collection, circa 1920.

Do you have a historical image you’d like to see featured?

Email submissions to ajarrell@picketfencemedia.com, along with a brief caption and photo credit.

related issues just four months after he and Sue were married. They didn’t even get to attend the reunion together.

So there Sue was—back in Michigan, having to deal with a California trust that did not include her and did not designate her as a trustee or executor. To make matters worse, both trustees opted out of the task.

Here we had two couples: one couple whose estate plan was updated, which provided nicely for the wife. And the second couple where the estate plan was not updated and provided nothing for the wife.

These stories inspired me to update my estate plan. I was signing my updated documents in the office of Jeffrey Hartmann, an estate planning attorney in San Clemente, on August 31, and happened to mention Phil and Sue’s situation to him.

Jeffrey said that in California, Sue would be entitled to be provided for in Phil’s estate as a pretermitted spouse.

Even though she lives in Michigan, she may consider pursuing this avenue in California.

Seniors, including those who marry quickly, should have their estate plans and wills updated. Having an air-tight estate plan is very important, and that includes having at least two successor trustees/

Page 22

executors who can be counted on.

In California, if you own property and pass away without a living trust, your property will go into probate—a prolonged and expensive process.

My stand up paddle boarding buddy, Russell Kerr, a retired financial planner and previous chairman of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, said there are two words to stress to seniors regarding updating estate plans: “What if?”

Even people who do not own property should have a simple will, so that their assets will be distributed according to their wishes. Dying intestate, without a will, leaves those decisions up to the state.

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Fall Sports Preview Area teams ready for the 2017 season

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he 2017 high school fall sports season is underway. In our annual preview, we get you caught up with several San Juan Capistrano-based teams primed for big seasons.

For in-game updates, scores, news and more all season long, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

SAN JUAN HILLS

Calum Moy, left, Brett DeLorenzo, middle, and Max Miller will lead the San Juan Hills boys water polo team into the 2017 season. Photo: Steve Breazeale

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Through 11 matches, the San Juan Hills girls volleyball team has already lost twice as many matches as they did all of last season. But this is not a total negative in the eyes of coach Jessica Papell.

In fact, Papell believes the Stallions’ 5-6 start to 2017 is a good thing, considering San Juan Hills did not lose a match until the 10th game of the season last year and only lost twice before entering the CIF-SS playoffs.

The Stallions’ schedule made sure they were tested early this season. San Juan Hills has played against some of the top teams in the country, including a match against top Orange County contender Mater Dei “It’s kind of nice that we’ve been tested and had some adversity playing some really good teams early. We’re going to be that much better because of it,” Papell said. “Last year we kind of cruised for the first half of our season. I think it’s great we played a lot more competitive teams to start the season and show us what we need to be better at to beat good teams.”

San Juan Hills opened its season in Hawaii competing in the Ann Kang Invitational, where they went 3-5.

Behind the play of returning standout senior outside hitters Katie Lukes, a University of San Diego commit, and Abbey Dayton, a BYU commit, the Stallions are poised for another successful season.

Also returning to the fold is sophomore setter Casi Newman, who saw playing time as a freshman.

Freshman middle blocker Brianne Albright has made an immediate impact, including a 13-kill performance in the Stallions’ five-set loss to JSerra on Aug. 31.

San Juan Hills went undefeated and ran

away with the South Coast League title last season. This season Trabuco Hills (133), Aliso Niguel (8-3) and Tesoro (3-0) will present tough assignments.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 8–21, 2017

BOYS WATER POLO Last year was the season the San Juan Hills boys water polo program had been waiting for.

Not only did the team win it’s first-ever Sea View League game, it won a share of the league title. Then the team went on a tear.

San Juan Hills won four playoff games to reach the CIF-SS Division 5 Championship game, where their Cinderella run ended with a 12-7 loss to Burroughs in the finals.

Playing the role as the team to beat in the area is a new one San Juan Hills (1-1) has been embracing this offseason, coach Ivan Buich said.

Several impact players return, including standout sophomore Max Miller. Miller switched from two-meter to utility for the Stallions this year. He leads the team with five goals through two games.

Seniors Ciaran Patrick, Jack Parker, Brett DeLorenzo (two goals in two games) and goalie Calum Moy return.

There is also a youth movement taking place at San Juan Hills, as more underclassmen have broken onto the roster than in year’s past.

Freshman Brad Engelke (two goals) and sophomore Jack Baughman have both made early contributions.

“We have a couple more youngsters than we’ve had in previous years. They embrace the culture a little more and understand they have to start working harder, earlier, to get to that (championship) level,” Buich said.

ST. MARGARET’S BOY AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Expectations are high and so are the preseason rankings for the St. Margaret’s boys and girls cross country teams this season.

Both Tartan squads are ranked fourth in their respective CIF-SS Division 5 preseason polls.

The girls squad will be especially deep this season with the return of Charlotte Jones and Julia Martin. Jones placed 16th at the CIF-SS Finals and was the secondfastest freshman at the event. Martin broke her tibia running Track and Field in the spring, but expects to make a full recovery

by the time cross country league finals roll around, coach Patrick Bendzick said.

Junior Andi Carell, a recent transfer from France, has had a great offseason and will earn points at the top of the rotation.

The boys squad graduated its top runner, Nick Gitter, but so far Matt Soto and Robbie Graham have filled in nicely at the top of the rotation. First-year runners Calvin Capelle and Luke Linaweaver add to the team’s depth.

Both the boys and girls teams will travel to Pasadena on Sept. 8 to race in the Cool Breeze Invitational on Brookside Golf Course.

(Cont. on page 26)

Audrey Larson, Charlotte Jones and the St. Margaret’s girls cross country team begin the season ranked fourth in CIF-SS Division 5. Photo: Courtesy

Page 24

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

FOR SALE DRONE FOR SALE DJI Phantom 3 Advanced For Sale By Owner Asking Price $1,000. Items included: DJI Phantom Advanced 3 Drone, DJI Controller, Polar Pro Controller Anti-Sun Shade, DJI Charger, 5 DJI Batteries!!! LoweProDrone Bag/Backpack, Multiple Sets of DJI Propellers. Please call (949)350-1312 CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point.

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

GARAGE SALES

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

HELP WANTED COOK TRAINEES NEEDED No exp. needed – will train. All shifts available. Apply within: Hennessey’s – 31761 Camino Capistrano, SJC. Hennessey’s Tavern – 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point

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

DANA POINT MARINA INN NOW HIRING - Breakfast room attendant Maintenance worker – full time. Housekeeping positions. Laundry, Runner. Apply in person. 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, Ca 92629.

WANTED STAMPS! Buying Large U.S and Worldwide Postage Stamp Collections. Call Nick at 619-672-0434

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!

949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch September 8-21, 2017

Page 25

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 24) GIRLS VOLLEYBALL The St. Margaret’s girls volleyball team is building its identity around a solid, tough defense. If the Tartans are able to play within that system and force other teams to make mistakes it should translate into another successful season, coach Joaquin Acosta said.

The Tartans lost a large amount of players to graduation, transfer and injury this offseason, but return four starters.

Seniors Annie Eales (setter/opposite), Kaitlin Kao (libero/outside hitter), junior Gracyn Benck (outside hitter) and sophomore Emerson Flornes (middle blocker) were all pegged by Acosta as players to watch this season.

Through three matches the Tartans own a 1-2 record. St. Margaret’s lost to Saddleback Valley Christian and Capistrano Valley before picking up its first win against Whitney in Academy League play on Sept. 6.

Aside from a busy run through the Academy league this month, St. Margaret’s will play in two high-profile tournaments, the Dave Mohs Tournament and the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona, to ensure they will be battletested come playoff time.

JSERRA

The Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball team returns all-league players at multiple positions. Photo: Courtesy

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL It’s been a picture-perfect start for the JSerra girls volleyball team so far in 2017.

The Lions (15-0) have yet to lose, and won the high-profile Queen’s of the Court Tournament’s varsity division on Aug. 19.

The Lions took down host-team Foothill in the tournament finals.

Led by a core group of three seniors, the Lions have defeated several quality opponents in recent weeks, including a five-set victory over San Juan Hills on the road on Aug. 31.

Seniors Caroline Kennedy (outside hitter), Kate Gonzalez (setter) and Lizzy Schryer (libero) return. Kennedy is leading the team in kills, and recorded a season-high 24 kills against the Stallions.

Sophomore middle blocker Kylie Pries is second on the team in kills and adds to the Lions’ consistent offensive attack.

The Lions placed fourth in the Trinity League last season, and will need to get past Mater Dei and Santa Margarita if they want to jump into the league’s upper echelon.

The JSerra girls volleyball team celebrates its Queen’s of the Court Tournament victory. Photo: Courtesy

The Capistrano Dispatch September 8–21, 2017

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN GIRLS VOLLEYBALL The Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball team is coming off arguably its best season to-date. The Eagles won the Express Gold League title and reached the finals of the CIF-SS Division 9 Championships. They appeared in the CIF State Division 5 Regional Finals, but came up just short.

It was a special season and, thanks to the Eagles’ youth, the team is primed for another run in 2017.

The Eagles return All-League selections at the right-side, setter, outside hitter and libero.

All-CIF-SS right-side hitter Keara Rutz, who had 537 kills as a sophomore, returns, as does first-team All-Express League setter Riley Barclay, who had 862 assists in 2016.

All-CIF-SS outside hitter Sofia Pluhar, Dafne Pluhar and All-League libero Maddy Maulden return to round out the Eagles’ impressive depth.

The Eagles have played in five matches so far this season and have yet to lose a game. They own a perfect 5-0 record and have defeated every opponent in straight sets.

Sofia Pluhar is leading the team in kills, averaging 3.8 per set. Jaeke is second on the team in kills and is hitting at an impressive 65 percent clip.

CVCS will play a busy nonleague schedule before opening league play on the road against Avalon on Sept. 30. CD

Page 26

Juliet Duran passes a ball during a St. Margaret’s volleyball game last season. Photo: Courtesy

Junior libero/outside hitter Gracyn Beck readies for a serve during a St. Margaret’s volleyball match.

Photo: Courtesy

www.thecapistranodispatch.com