October 27, 2017

Inside: Crib to College, Ways to Prepare for Education SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

OCTOBER 27–NOVEMBER 9, 2017 • VOLUME 15, ISSUE 20

Cultivating the Future of Los Rios Street

River Street proposal heads to City Council for first step in environmental review process E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 5

A rendering of the River Street development proposed on the Ito Nursery property off of Los Rios Street. Image: Courtesy of Frontier Development

Dignitaries, Grand Marshal Named for Upcoming Swallows Season EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Judge Dismisses City’s Lawsuit over Substation; Council Votes to Appeal EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

The Ecology Center Hosts Upcycling Surfboard Contest SPORTS/PAGE 30

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

welfare,” the lawsuit states.

WHAT’S NEXT: As the city enters the appeal process, SDG&E is continuing to do work at the project site that does not require city permits, such as surveying, soil borings and cleanup inside the old substation building.

SDG&E does not yet have permits from the city to begin demolition, grading and construction. —AJ

Five things San Juan should know this week Dignitaries, Grand Marshal Named for Upcoming Fiesta de las Golondrinas Season THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association kicked off the 2017-2018 Fiesta de las Golondrinas season with its Farewell to the Swallows BBQ on Oct. 21 at Zoomars Petting Zoo. During the event, parade officials announced the 2018 grand marshal and selected this year’s Fiesta dignitaries.

Jim Taylor, president of the Fiesta Association, said Saturday’s crowd was one of the largest turn-outs for the event, which included live music from the Kelly Boyz Band, country dancing and a barbeque meal. About 100 people gathered to see who would be dubbed Ms. Fiesta and Señor San Juan—the two dignitaries who represent the Fiesta Association throughout the entire Fiesta de las Golondrinas season.

Nina Leone and Jimmy Ferguson were named this year’s Ms. Fiesta and Señor San Juan.

Ferguson lives in Coto de Caza, but he said he shops, eats and visits friends every day in San Juan Capistrano.

“I just love the whole culture and generosity of the people in San Juan,” Ferguson said.

Two generations of the Leone family came to San Juan from Massachusetts in the 1980s and have volunteered with the Fiesta Association for over three decades.

Nina Leone lives in San Juan Capistrano and is Zoomars’ animal care manager. She’s also served on the Fiesta Association board and was the chair of the parade in 2015.

After being named Ms. Fiesta, Leone said, “I’m smiling so much right now that my face is going to hurt tomorrow!”

This year’s junior dignitaries are Addison Williams and Declan Talla, both fi fthgraders at Saddleback Valley Christian School in San Juan Capistrano.

Also announced on Saturday was this year’s parade grand marshal—Hollywood director and comedian Steve Oedekerk.

Oedekerk lives in San Juan Capistrano with his family and is known locally for his continued work with developers to bring a boutique Kimpton hotel—the Hotel Capistrano—to downtown San Juan.

The Fiesta Association, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, manages and produces San Juan’s annual Swallows Day

Mediation Fails for School District, Teachers Union; Next Step is FactFinding

Nina Leone, of San Juan Capistrano, and Jimmy Ferguson, of Coto de Caza, were chosen to represent the Fiesta Association as this year’s Ms. Fiesta and Señor San Juan. Photo: Rachael Garcia

Parade, as well as other events such as the Taste of San Juan, Kids’ Pet Parade, El Presidenté Ball, Fiesta Grandé, Hoos’Gow Day and the Frog Jumping Contest.

WHAT’S NEXT: The 60th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire is set for March 24. This year’s theme is “Diamond Trails & Swallows Tales” in honor of the parade’s diamond anniversary.

The Fiesta Association is always looking for more members and volunteers to help with the season’s events. For information on getting involved, contact Leanna Bradshaw at leannabradshaw@gmail. com, or check out the group’s next public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the Nydegger Building, located at 31421 La Matanza Street in San Juan Capistrano.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and refreshments. The meetings generally run from 7-8 p.m. During the off-season (April through December), Fiesta meetings are every second Wednesday of the month.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, call 949.493.1976, visit www.swallowsparade.com. —Rachael Garcia/Allison Jarrell

Federal Judge Dismisses City’s Lawsuit over Substation Approval, Council Votes to Appeal THE LATEST: On Oct. 16, U.S. District Judge Andrew J. Guilford dismissed the city of San Juan Capistrano’s federal lawsuit over the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) approval of San Diego Gas & Electric’s substation expansion in town.

“Yesterday, Judge Guilford dismissed

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27-November 9, 2017

the City’s lawsuit as his final decision,” city officials said in an Oct. 17 email correspondence. “The judge indicated he was not in a position to reverse what he called the “South Lake Tahoe rule” that cities don’t have standing to pursue federal claims against the state and that only the 9th Circuit or the Supreme Court could do that.”

Judge Guilford’s dismissal of the city’s suit comes on the heels of the CPUC’s Oct. 3 denial of the city’s request for a rehearing and for a stay of the construction of the project.

After reviewing Judge Guilford’s decision and the CPUC decision, the City Council voted 4-1 in closed session on Oct. 17 to appeal the U.S. District Court’s dismissal of the lawsuit. City Attorney Jeff Ballinger reported that the motion to appeal was made by Mayor Kerry Ferguson and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sergio Farias. Councilman Derek Reeve was the lone dissenter.

After the CPUC unanimously approved the substation expansion on Dec. 15, the City Council retained the law firm of Aguirre & Severson LLP back in May. Attorney Michael Aguirre filed a lawsuit on behalf of the city against the CPUC in federal court on June 23.

The 37-page suit argues that the CPUC violated the city’s right to “equal protection and due process,” adding that the approved five-year construction project will “have an admitted adverse impact on the city and its residents and will also increase utility rates.” Specifically, the suit states that the “SOCRE project would cause localized temporary increases in ambient air pollutant concentrations.”

“The city has a duty to protect the residents in the Casas Capistrano and Las Brisas communities from land uses that threaten residents’ safety and general

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THE LATEST: After more than a year of negotiations, the Capistrano Unified School District and the Capistrano Unified Education Association have still not reached a contract agreement, according to CUSD and CUEA officials.

After the third mediation session between the parties concluded on Oct. 17, the mediator announced that she would send CUSD and CUEA on to fact-finding.

Contract negotiations between CUSD and CUEA officially stalled back in June.

At that time, CUSD and CUEA agreed to jointly file for impasse certification with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), and a mediator was assigned to help resolve the negotiations.

Since the mediator and parties were not able to reach an agreement, the process now continues to fact-finding, where a three-person panel will review the arguments and proposals and ultimately issue non-binding recommendations.

If the fact-finding process does not result in an agreement, CUSD would be able to impose its last, best and final offer, and CUEA teachers would maintain the right to strike.

In the school district’s Oct. 17 press release, Ryan Burris, CUSD’s chief communications officer, defended the district’s last two offers with statements about the “uncertainties of future state funding,” and the “very broken Local Control Funding Formula that was created in Sacramento.”

“This formula continues to severely underfund districts such as ours and does not do anything to increase funding in the future,” Burris said. “To ensure we are protecting our district and our taxpayers, we insist on building and maintaining a responsible budget that finds a balance between recognizing the wonderful work of our teachers while also acknowledging the challenges of our facilities’ needs, which the state provides no funding for, as well as increased costs pushed down from the state to pay for pension benefits.

“We remain hopeful that we can reach agreement soon and without proceeding (Cont. on page 4) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Prospective buyers walk through the new homes in Esencia’s NorthWalk Neighborhoods during the Oct. 22 grand opening. Photo: Courtesy of Rancho Mission Viejo

(Cont. from page 3) to fact-finding.”

According to countywide school district salary settlement reports listed on CUEA’s website, of the 27 school districts in Orange County, CUSD was the sixth highest-paying school district on average in 2012-13, but declined over the years to the 20th spot in 2016-17. The data also shows that, on average, CUSD’s teachers make roughly $4,700 less than the average teacher in Orange County.

CUEA officials said their bargaining goals have remained the same since negotiations began in August 2016—they want “permanent increases to the salary schedule,” and “a sustainable plan to mitigate the negative impact of increasing employee health and welfare contributions.”

“The district can afford to pay competitive salary and benefits if they reprioritize their resources back to the classroom so we can continue to attract and retain excellent teachers, psychologists, speech pathologists, counselors, nurses and intervention specialists,” CUEA officials said.

WHAT’S NEXT: A date has not yet been released for the upcoming fact-finding session. For updates on the status of the negotiations, visit capousd-ca.schoolloop. com/cuea and www.cuea.org.

FIND OUT MORE: To view the specifics of CUSD’s two last and best final offers, find the online version of this story at www. thecapistranodispatch.com. —AJ

Thousands Attend Grand Opening for New Ranch Homes THE LATEST: On Oct. 22, Rancho Mission Viejo unveiled the final phase of homes in its Esencia community—the NorthWalk Neighborhoods.

Named for their location along the northernmost part of the Esencia village, homes in the NorthWalk are priced from the high $300,000’s to over $1 million.

The first three of the nine new neighborhoods in total opened on Oct. 22—Modena

by Meritage Homes, Vida by Del Webb Homes and Alma by Del Webb Homes.

WHAT’S NEXT: The rest of the new NorthWalk Neighborhoods will be unveiled with a series of grand openings taking place through early 2018, according to Ranch officials.

Nov. 12: Azure and Cobalt by The New Home Company, Vivaz by CalAtlantic Homes. Dec. 2: Avant by CalAtlantic Homes. Early 2018: Reverie by William Lyon Homes, Topaz by The New Home Company.

NorthWalk will ultimately include 752 attached and detached homes.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information and photos from the grand opening, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. To learn more about the homes for sale in Esencia, visit www.ranchomissionviejo.com. —Staff

City Alerts Residents of Water Department Impersonation Scam THE LATEST: The city of San Juan Capistrano alerted residents on Oct. 18 of a scam targeting water customers.

City officials said the suspects are calling residents and identifying themselves as Water Department employees. The suspects then demand that payment be made in order to avoid termination of water service.

“If you receive a call from anyone identifying themselves as the San Juan Capistrano Water Department, we strongly encourage you to discontinue the call and contact the Water Department Customer Service line direct at 949.493.1515 to verify the request,” city officials said.

WHAT’S NEXT: If residents have any questions or think they might have been a victim of the scam, they’re encouraged to contact the city’s Water Department Customer Service at 949.493.1515. —AJ

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27–November 9, 2017

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EYE ON SJC

Cultivating the Future of Los Rios Street River Street proposal heads to City Council for first step in environmental review process

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he proposal of an open-air marketplace off of Los Rios Street—a proposal that is still in its beginning stages and has not yet gone through the city’s review and approval process—has quickly become a hot-button topic in San Juan Capistrano.

Since the City Council first initiated a study of a potential amendment to the Los Rios Specific Plan last October, residents both for and against the River Street Marketplace development have consistently showed up at City Council meetings to debate the proposal’s merits during public comment.

On Nov. 7, city staff will be recommending that the City Council award a contract for a consultant to prepare the environmental analysis of River Street pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, as well as a separate contract with a consultant to prepare a traffic study, which would likely be prepared in November.

How we got here It’s been over a year now since the City Council voted 4-1 on Oct. 4, 2016 (with then-mayor Pam Patterson dissenting) to initiate a study of a potential amendment to the Los Rios Specific Plan that would be needed to eventually consider a commercial development off of Los Rios Street.

The 2016 study approval was the first step in considering the River Street development, proposed by Frontier Real Estate Investments, which includes general retail, eating and drinking establishments, and office and wellness uses on the Ito Nursery property, located east of Paseo Adelanto and south of River Street.

The project proposal includes specific elements such as a curated marketplace, boutique shops, a grass common area, an herb garden, native landscaping that includes an olive grove surrounding a parking field, and “a restored River Street that tells the story and pays homage to the path once used by the native Juaneño Mission Indians to carry water from Trabuco Creek to their homes.”

At the time of the initial study approval, public comment from Los Rios business owners and residents was largely in fa-

This aerial diagram of the River Street development shows the scale of project as currently proposed compared to existing residential and commercial buildings.

Image: Courtesy of Frontier Real Estate Investments

vor of letting the project proceed, with the exception of one resident who cited concerns with traffic in the area. The fourperson Council majority praised Frontier and developer Dan Almquist for listening to community members and proposing a project that pays homage to San Juan’s history and culture.

Councilwoman Patterson said at the time that even though she loved the project, she voted against the study because the city needs to analyze the impact new event uses in town are having on parking and traffic.

What’s happened so far Frontier Real Estate Investments submitted revised plans for the River Street Marketplace project to the city on June 20.

But controversy was already bubbling over the initial plans, with a group of vocal Los Rios Historic District residents claiming that the development is too big for the oldest residential neighborhood in California.

Some residents attending Council meetings have shown videos of other residents saying they are against the project, and renderings have been circulated of the development that city staff and Frontier have asserted are inaccurate and misrepresent the current proposed plan.

Despite city staff reporting that the tallest building in the project would rise to only 35 feet, critics maintain that the building would actually be 50 feet tall. Multiple requests for story poles have been made during public comment.

Critics also point to the state of existing commercial plazas near Los Rios Street and claim that River Street would be more of the same.

After such comments have been made

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27-November 9, 2017

at prior Council meetings, Mayor Kerry Ferguson and city staff have been quick to correct inaccuracies about building heights and the project’s status.

When one resident questioned whether a traffic study had been done during the Oct. 17 City Council meeting, City Manager Ben Siegel noted that staff would be bringing an item forward on Nov. 7 to award a consultant contract for an environmental consultant and a traffic consultant, adding that a traffic study would likely be done in November, which would account for any impacts new businesses like Trader Joe’s may have.

Siegel also clarified that the costs of the environmental and traffic analyses will be covered by the applicant—Frontier.

“The city retains control, and the agreement is between the city and the consultant to provide that independent review,” Siegel said. “The cost of all consultant contracts, staff costs and legal costs, associated with processing are borne solely by the applicant.”

Dan Almquist attended the community’s Coffee Chat on Sept. 29 to talk with the public about the details of the project, and reiterated that transparency is important to him.

“It’s very important to me personally to do this right,” Almquist said. “I’ve always tried to do things with integrity. I think San Juan is wonderful, and we’re very grateful to live here.”

Almquist said he’s been working with property owner Sheree Ito over the last two years researching and studying the town’s history, while speaking with and listening to residents and business owners.

“These projects, they’re really personal to me,” Almquist said. “We know this is a

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sensitive area … and we’re proud of the project that we submitted.”

What’s coming next Plans for River Street are still being reviewed by city staff and have not received any approvals from city commissions or the City Council.

If the Council approves the environmental review and traffic analysis contracts on Nov. 7, the project will eventually be reviewed by the Design Review Committee and the Planning Commission before ultimately going before the City Council for final approval. Public input will be received at commission and Council hearings throughout the process. CD

Find Out More For more information on River Street Marketplace, visit www.riverstreetsjc. com to read about the current plans and watch a video that walks viewers through what the development will look like. River Street also recently launched a Facebook page, @riverstreetsjc.

To view the most recent plans submitted to the city on June 20, visit the city’s Planning Department at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto, and ask to view the proposed site plans.

Members of the public wanting to speak about the project can attend the Nov. 7 City Council meeting at 5 p.m. at City Hall. Those who can’t make it can watch the meeting online at www. sanjuancapistrano.org/Government/ Public-Meetings. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Community Business Beat News from San Juan’s Meetings business community SATURDAY, OCT. 28

COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

NOW OPEN

Drug Take Back Event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Police Services is hosting a drug take back event at the City Hall parking lot, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. San Juan Capistrano residents will be able to drive through and safely dispose of any accumulated expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs anonymously—no questions asked.

Sharps will not be accepted at the event.

For more information on drug disposal, visit www.dea.gov.

TUESDAY, OCT. 31

Because I Love You (BILY) Meeting 7-9 p.m. Meets every Tuesday. Because I Love You (BILY) helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. www.bilysc.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1

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

FRIDAY, NOV. 3

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.

OC GOODWILL BOUTIQUE 31892 Plaza Drive, Suite A-1 www.ocgoodwill.org South Orange County’s first Goodwill boutique celebrated its grand opening in San Juan Capistrano on Oct. 20.

The new shop marks Goodwill’s 25th store in Orange County, and its southernmost shop in the county. The closest Goodwill until now was in Lake Forest.

The 7,000-square-foot OC Goodwill Boutique offers men’s and women’s clothing, kids’ clothing and a small furniture section. Eric Smissen, senior manager of branding and media for Goodwill, said the company’s boutique stores offer more curated merchandise compared to the classic Goodwill shop.

“We’ve been really trying to get down into the southern part of the county,” Smissen said. “It’s just tough because people have preconceived notions about Goodwill’s and what they can be. When we originally started opening our boutiques, a big part of that was that we wanted to show that we can do all kinds of stores.”

San Juan’s store is the fifth Goodwill boutique in Orange County, following Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Tustin and Lake Forest.

Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Donations for Goodwill will also be accepted at this location.

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Local Film Producer to Honor Reagans’ Legacy with Updated Documentary

TUESDAY, NOV. 7

City Council Meeting 5 p.m. Meeting at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, NOV. 9

Design Review Committee Meeting 8 a.m. The city’s Design Review Committee meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 10

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

Robert Kline, a San Juan Capistranobased film producer and former 20th Century Fox executive, is premiering his newest tribute to the Reagans at the Regency Theatre in San Juan on Thursday, Nov. 2.

The Reagans: The Legacy Endures, is a 90-minute re-edited film that Kline said incorporates new elements in addition to the footage from his 2014 release. Since Nancy Reagan’s passing last year, Kline said he has wanted to update the documentary to include elements that dealt more with Reagan’s relationship with Nancy.

“The movie focuses upon their personal relationship, their family, and it really touches on that she was more than the First Lady,” Kline said. “She was one of his

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27-November 9, 2017

Patrons peruse the offerings at OC Goodwill Boutique during the grand opening in San Juan on Oct. 20.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

NEW EVENT OCWINEFEST TO DEBUT AT A STONE’S THROW WINERY The producers of Los Angeles’ LAWineFest are heading south for their first Orange County event—OCWineFest—at A Stone’s Throw Winery in San Juan Capistrano.

The inaugural Orange County event will take place Nov. 4 and 5 on the historic grounds of A Stone’s Throw Winery off of Camino Capistrano, and will feature an array of Orange County-based winemakers, as well as wines from Greece, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and Solvang.

Produced by wine expert Joel Fisher and his LAWineFest team, OCWineFest aims to bring lovers of wine—from the novice to the aficionado—together in a fun, accessible way. The event will include wine tastings, food pairings, talks led by sommeliers and winemakers, live music, food trucks and products from a variety of vendors.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

most trusted advisors.”

Kline’s presidential filmography is extensive. He and his wife and producing partner Stephanie Heredia created films such as The Kennedys: America’s Emerald Kings (2008), Ronald Reagan: An American Journey (2011), The Clintons—An American Odyssey (2012), JFK Remembered: 50 Years Later (2013), and JFK Remembered: 100 Years Later (2017).

“When I did the first Reagan film, Nancy signed over the rights without any editorial control, and I said to her, ‘Mrs. Reagan, I’ve got to be honest with you—I didn’t vote for your husband either time.’

And she said, ‘That’s alright Bob, we didn’t need your vote. We won in the two biggest landslides in the history of this country.

But if you could do for Ronny what you did for JFK, that’s all that I would like.’ After she saw Ronald Reagan: An American Journey (which she introduced), she said, ‘You made me proud of my husband, but you also made me proud of America.’”

Kline said another one of his favorite aspects of the updated film is that it also

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is the charity sponsor for the event.

OCWineFest will be raising funds and awareness for the organization at a black tie optional dinner at Sundried Tomato American Bistro & Catering on Friday, Nov. 3. There will be wine pairings and an opportunity drawing in addition to a gourmet dinner. Tickets for the fundraising dinner are $150 each and table sponsorships are available.

Tickets for the OCWineFest are $70 for general admission and $100 for all access, which provides early entry Saturday, as well as pours from boutique wineries.

Designated drivers are appreciated, and their tickets cost only $20. Seminars cost $20. All tickets include a glass provided by Tossware and unlimited tastings.

San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point residents can get a $15 discount on any ticket with codes “SJC” and “DP.” For more information, including a complete list of participating wineries and breweries, visit www.ocwinefest.com or follow the event on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @OCWineFest.

touches on Ronald Reagan’s friendship with Tip O’Neill and the “unique relationship between the two Irishmen.”

“One was a democrat, and one was a republican, but both loved to tell stories and laugh and have a glass of scotch. And then they’d say, ‘Okay, now let’s take care of the American people.’ So we hone in on that, too.”

Kline said he hopes people walk away from the film with a continued respect and appreciation of Ronald Reagan as a president and as a person.

“If people like Reagan, they’ll love the film,” he said.

The documentary premiere will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 with an intro by Kline and will conclude with a question and answer session after the film. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www. regencymovies.com.

For more on this story, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

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

EYE ON SJC

Adam Coffey, 8, left, of San Clemente and Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden stand atop the library in Washington, D.C. Photo: Courtesy of the Library of Congress

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE

8-year-old Adam Coffey Convinces Library of Congress to Initiate Children’s Program For a consummate reader like 8-yearold Adam Coffey, having to wait until he’s 16 to peruse material at the Library of Congress was an injustice.

Adam decided the only way he’d have access to the voluminous treasures of information would be to do it himself, so he wrote a letter to Carla Hayden, Ph.D., the 14th Librarian of Congress.

Hayden, who was impressed with Adam’s curiosity, invited him to be a “Librarian of Congress” for a day, where he was able to tour the library as well as other D.C. landmarks such as the Smithsonian Museum.

He even helped Rep. Darrell Issa vote on the House floor.

“He had checked out a book here, Secrets of Our Nation’s Capital, at our local library and found out that you had to be 16 to get a readers card, and he said, ‘Who made this rule? Why can’t I use the materials?’” said Melissa Coffey, Adam’s mother.

Adam is a Davidson Young Scholar who reads at a 10- to 12-year-old level and attends Monarch Bay Montessori Academy in Dana Point.

“Adam is such an inspiration,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “His passion and love for reading at an early age spotlights the Library of Congress’ role of developing lifelong learners and scholars.”

Melissa said Adam checks out books from public libraries all around South Orange County—which is out of necessity, as he constantly maxes out the limit of books per month at each.

“We have to make the rounds,” Melissa said. “We have two library cards, and

we’re usually checking out between 50 and 100 books.”

Melissa said he probably reads 10 to 20 of those books a week.

Adam will help design the new version of the Library of Congress card for children to obtain when the program begins, of which he will be card holder No. 1.

Adam wants to be an inventor when he grows up, but he’s not sure what he wants to create. —Eric Heinz DANA POINT

Homeless Task Force Votes to Research Full-Time Homeless Care Coordinator On Oct. 25, the Dana Point Homeless Task Force passed a motion to ask city staff to research the feasibility of a full– time city staff homeless care coordinator.

This motion was made after Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 Post Commander Wayne Yost noted the possible financial benefits of having a full-time expert on city staff. Currently, Dana Point contracts Stephanie Ogas of Mercy House only two days a week.

Larry Haynes, executive director of Mercy House, gave a presentation showing a total of 64 homeless individuals in Dana Point, described 46 individuals qualified for permanent supportive housing and 17 individuals eligible for rapid rehousing.

Haynes said that permanent supportive housing is, “expensive but proven to work,” and said that Mercy House has a track record of a 95 percent retention rate.

According to Mercy House’s statistics, the current cost to house these eligible individuals would be approximately $680,000.

Several committee members said that although that seemed like a large financial commitment, continued medical and law enforcement costs for these individuals would quickly supersede that quantity.

The next Homeless Task Force meeting is Monday, Nov. 27, from 3-5 p.m. at City Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern in Dana Point. —Daniel Ritz

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27-November 9, 2017

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SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

EDITORIAL

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Group Managing Editor > Rachael Mattice City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith

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OPERATIONS

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Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 15, Issue 20. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives.

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Nuking it Out In a fight against storing radioactive waste, we are in the dark

O

ut of an inescapable curiosity, I attended a forum about the current state of the waste storage for the radioactive fuel rods that have been untreated since the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) has been shut down.

It was an illuminating experience, even if some of the speakers had conflicting positions on how great the danger is and what the best solution should be.

One of the most critical issues facing San Clemente and the entire Orange County area, this dilemma of how to deal with the spent fuel rods from our nuclear power plant is perhaps the most important decision the region will make for our children and all future history. These highly toxic, potentially lethal rods now lie in open pools of water in what most parties agree is a vulnerable and dangerous state.

The rods are currently planned to be

Letters to the Editor NFL PROTESTS —John Perry, San Juan Capistrano Football is a game governed by rules.

All players are taught the rules by their coaches who expect them to follow the rules of the game.

Referees are on the field to make sure everyone follows the rules. If a player violates a rule, the referees impose a penalty.

If the violation is severe, the player can get ejected from the game. Sometimes a referee misses or blows a call, but they generally “call them as they see them.”

Suppose the football game was played without referees. The game would soon degenerate into chaos.

Civilization is governed by laws (rules) that all people are expected to obey. If someone breaks a law, the police can give the person a citation or may arrest the person suspected of breaking a law. Some police may not actually see the violation but may rely on witnesses who did see the event. Not all police officers are fair, but a vast majority “calls them as they see them.” The police officer is required to present evidence to a judge who makes the final ruling. Suppose there were no police

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27-November 9, 2017

buried on the bluff next to the retired plant, just a short distance from the edge and near the beach at San Onofre itself.

Without defending or attacking the claims or validity, it should be noted that these are also near a vital military base on an earthquake fault line and on a dramatically eroding coastal ridgeline. Whether there is high likelihood or little, the fact is that if a catastrophic event was to occur it could render large potions of this region uninhabitable for the foreseeable future—as in millennia. One would think that this would be a point of concern for those of us living in this WAVELENGTHS shadow.

By Jim Kempton And yet when I bring this subject up to surfers at San Onofre, citizens in San Clemente or political leaders in Orange County I get a shrug or a glazed look.

I am always amazed. We are able to bring thousands of determined citizens to protest the extension of a toll road though our towns. But burying thousands upon thousands of pounds of radioactive waste material 50 yards from the beach in canisters that only guarantee the lifetime of 30 years, which if exposed incorrectly could be catastrophic to the entire region, brings barely a yawn.

It is not that we might be in incalculable peril that worries me. It is that for the most part, the entire populace including most of the decision-makers seem only minimally informed.

I am not going to get into the heavy debate about how critical the various risks are. But we do know at least a few things: Southern California Edison, the majority owner of SONGS, has not been forthcoming in its communication with the public about this issue—they have a long record of repeated dissembling of inaccurate and incomplete information about the risk, the responsibility and the reasoning behind the proposed plans. Neither, it seems, have any of the auxiliary entities involved.

And experts disagree strongly.

I am not advocating any position on this issue. I am suggesting that educating oneself from a variety of sources should be a paramount priority for anyone who owns property here or is planning to live in the area for any length of time.

Jim Kempton is a writer and surfer who has learned the hard way that education has a price, but it is not nearly as costly as the consequences of ignorance. CD

and everyone was allowed to do whatever they wanted. Civilization would soon break down and survival of the strongest would prevail. In other words, civil order would degenerate into chaos.

We need people who follow the rules to play the game.

Council voted to have staff study the implications of eliminating the HTCMP and bring their findings to the Nov. 7 meeting.

The HTCMP has not been implemented, is no longer relevant and is being used as a legal weapon against the city. This is costing taxpayers far too much money in lawyers’ fees and lost revenue from delayed hotel openings estimated at over $1.8 million to date. With this plan in place, the city will continue to be vulnerable to lawsuits and stalled projects.

Eliminate the HTCMP plan, and projects will be clearly guided by the Form-Based Code (FBC) and General Plan. The General Plan is the governing document for overall development, while the FBC is the only element of the HTCMP that is code and provides governance for development in the downtown area. The HTCMP was meant to be a “guiding” document and has only caused problems.

HISTORIC TOWN CENTER MASTER PLAN SHOULD BE REPEALED —Ann Ronan, San Juan Capistrano Wonder why our downtown has two empty lots that were planned to be hotels?

The Historic Town Center Master Plan (HTCMP) has caused confusion and led to two lawsuits against the city. Bill Griffith, represented by Rick Friess, filed a lawsuit against the city and the Hotel Capistrano, and a group called “Save Our Historic Town Center” consisting of Ken Friess, Rob Williams and Mark Nielsen sued the city over the previously planned Urban Village hotel project. Prior to Griffith filing his lawsuit, he pulled the approval for his Inn at the Mission project (bordering Ortega Highway and Interstate 5).

The two lawsuits are wielding the HTCMP as a weapon in completely opposite ways. The Urban Village lawsuit states that the HTCMP is not a valid governing document. In the Hotel Capistrano case, the argument is used that the HTCMP carries equal weight with the General Plan.

At the Oct. 17 City Council meeting, the

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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

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

Monday | 30

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town

PUMPKIN SPLASH AT THE OLE HANSON BEACH CLUB 3-6 p.m. Join the Ole hanson Beach Club for a pool-side pumpkin patch with spooky music, and pumpkin games. Free event for all ages. 101 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.431.2959. www.olehanson.com.

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 27 HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR MOVIE 3-9 p.m. Come in costume and join in on the spooky fun, including free popcorn, treats and hot chocolate. From 3-7 p.m. there will be Halloween-themed cookie decorating, carnival games, crafts, a Halloween haunt marionette show, a magic show, a costume parade and a moonlight movie that will begin at 7 p.m. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. For the complete event schedule, visit www.danapoint.org.

HAUNTED HOUSE IN SAN CLEMENTE 6-10 p.m. The Haunted House will take place Oct. 27 and 28. All proceeds donated to Families Assistance Ministries’ San Clemente Family Run. Admission: canned goods. Goodie bags and glow sticks given to children. The haunted house also has a no-scare policy for those who request it.

1601 Via Ameno, San Clemente.

CASA CREEPY 7-9 p.m. Casa Romantica will host a 1920sthemed haunted house and gardens on Oct. 27, 28 and 31. Werewolves, vampires and ghosts wait behind every corner of the historic home. Casa Creepy Haunted House is suitable for most families with children ages 8 and up and discretion is advised. Admission is $7-$12. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

LIVE THEATRE: ‘THE GAME’S AFOOT’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents a quirky alternative to standard holiday entertainment. Actors from Gillette’s current production of Sherlock Holmes gather at his manor and are treated to a séance, mayhem and murder. $20. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 28 THRIVE FEST 11 a.m. Join the Fountains at Sea Bluffs for Thrive Fest to benefit Watermark for Kids, a nonprofit that is dedicated to helping deserving local kids in need. The festival will offer an education petting zoo, live music, food trucks, and a variety of booths. Historic Town Center Park. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.3000. www.watermarkcommunities.com.

Friday | 03 FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7-9 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents a monthly movie night. A $2 donation supports the library.

La Sala Auditorium, San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495-A El Camino Real, 949.493.2688, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

(From L to R) Kimberly Ayala, 10, Lupita Ayala, 4, and their mother, Miriam Ayala, of San Juan Capistrano, decorate sugar skulls together at the library’s 2015 Dia de los Muertos celebration. Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4: DAY OF THE DEAD: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE & LOVE 12-3 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Library for its annual Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebration. Activities include a Day of the Dead art exhibit, an altars/ ofendas exhibit, face painting, sugar skull making and other crafts, music by Mariachi Los Potrillos, Hueheutotl Aztec dancing, a ballet folklorico performance, and live poetry readings. The event is free to the public. 949.493.1752. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

CANDY CRAWL 1-4 p.m. Join the Outlets at San Clemente for free Halloween fun and safe trickor-treating. There is a costume contest, music and balloon animals. Treats are for costumed guests only, but leave your masks behind. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

SPOOKY SAN CLEMENTE 4-7 p.m. The San Clemente Community Center presents a fun family Halloween celebration. There will be a haunted house, games, a maze, crafts, candy crawl, and Hotel Translyvania will be playing on the lawn. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.sanclemente.org.

INTERNATIONAL OBSERVE THE MOON NIGHT 7-9 p.m. International Observe the Moon Night is an annual worldwide event that encourages observation, appreciation and understanding of our moon. Enjoy an evening outdoors as you gaze above and learn about the moon and the constellations. Reserve astronomers are all volunteers who enthusiastically share their telescopes and expert sky knowledge. Bring warm clothing, a flashlight with red cellophane, binoculars and a beach chair if you prefer. $5–$10. Participants must be registered by 4 p.m. on Oct. 27. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. Call for directions.

949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27-November 9, 2017

YACHT ROCK-OWEEN 7 p.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit Waves for Water to help the relief efforts in Puerto Rico. There will be live music performed by Yachty by Nature and The Cholulas. A raffle drawing will take place at 9 and 9:30 p.m. There will also be a grand prize for the best Halloween costume. Entry fee is $20. OC Tavern, 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.542.8877. www.octavern.com.

SWALLOW’S INN COSTUME CONTEST 9 p.m. Come out to the Swallow’s Inn for the annual Halloween costume contest.

Prizes for first, second and third place.

Music by The Road Kill Kings. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 29 SPOOKY 5K & 10K, SUPER HERO KIDS RUN 8-11 a.m. Renegade Racing will host the Terrifying 10-Miler and Spooky 5K and 10K at Salt Creek Beach Park. The kids can join the Super Hero quarter-mile kids run. All participants are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume. There will be costume contests, kids pumpkin painting contests, a pumpkin patch, expo booths and more. Salt Creek Beach Park.

33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. www.active.com/dana-point-ca.

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FULL MOON HIKE 7-9 p.m. Enjoy the November full moon at The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. Listen for owls, bats, and other spooky creatures of the night while hiking beneath the moonlit oaks. $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Participants must be registered by 4 p.m. on Nov. 2. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. Call for directions.

949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

Saturday | 04 PAINTING IN THE OUTDOORS 9:30 a.m. Join Sama Wareh, artist, author and instructor, in painting a canvas landscape or macro painting inspired by the surroundings of Tree of Life Nursery.

Learn fundamental observation and painting techniques. Cost is $40 (materials are included or bring your own). 33201 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

SEVENTH ANNUAL VIVA CREER WINTER GALA 6-10 p.m. San Juan Capistrano-based nonprofit CREER Comunidad y Familia hosts its seventh annual winter gala fundraiser at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center. The evening will include dinner, dancing and music by The Slim Man Band. VIP tickets are $120, general admission is $75. All proceeds go toward funding CREER’s academic and recreational programs for local underserved youth. To purchase tickets, visit www. creer_gala_2017.eventbrite.com, or call Angeles Ceballos at 714.788.8339. 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. www.facebook.com/anightwithslimman.

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

CRIB to COLLEGE

Welcome

This year’s Crib to College includes a plethora of stories tailored to inform and appeal to students of all ages, parents, academic instructors and community members. Teens and parents with teenagers will be able to soak in the teachings of South Orange County experts on the topics of mental health, what new drivers need to know about insurance coverage, learning how to be a financially sound student in preparation for college and more.

Taking Your Foot Off the Brake Rules, insurance coverage information parents and new drivers should know about

BY ELAINE LAVINE

Learning to drive is a classic rite of passage for any young person, but along with the excitement and the freedom of driving come new responsibilities. Adding a teen driver will likely lead to changes in your household, as well as changes to your auto insurance policy.

Because teens are high-risk drivers, adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy will lead to an increase in your overall premium.

Why? The facts are telling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds in the United States.

Below are a few tips to keep your teen safe and to keep the costs down: • Safe driving discounts. Enroll in the Steer Clear® Driver Discount Program. Your teen will need to log their supervised practice drives, sign a parent/teen agreement, do a pre-and-post program assessment, and meet with your State Farm® agent.

• Good student discounts. In some states, some insurance companies actually offer discounts for students who maintain a

high grade point average. Consistently earning high grades is one of the most effective ways your teen can save you money on your auto insurance.

• Driver safety training. It’s important to make sure your teen is aware of the new risks and new costs associated with driving, as well as the importance of maintaining a clean driving record. Traffic violations will often lead to even higher premiums. Know and enforce your state’s Graduated Driver Licensing laws.

If additional driver safety courses are available in your area, encourage your teen to enroll in them. In some states, attending classes beyond what’s required to earn a driver’s license can lead to additional savings.

See the State Farm Teen Driving resources for more information about teen driver safety and tools for new drivers and their parents at www.statefarm.com.

Elaine LaVine is an insurance agent for State Farm of Dana Point. She is an expert on driver safety, auto insurance and program assessment.

She can be reached at elaine. lavine.a493@statefarm.com.

CRIB to COLLEGE

FUNDING YOUR FUTURE Pair your ingenuity and hard work to get through school without racking up the debt

BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS-CAMACHO

This is a cautionary tale. Not one meant to scare, but one aimed to prompt action—careful planning coupled with dedicated execution. Stay your course, stay engaged and you can get through this. College that is. Hopefully without a heap of debt under your feet as you start into the world.

Let’s start off with a couple of facts: (these are all about undergraduate education) • Community colleges across California have the same state-mandated enrollment fee: $46. That’s $46 per unit. So if you take a full course load—or 12 units—that comes to $552 in course fees.

• Students enrolled in the California State University system pay the same base tuition fee: $5,742. This figure is for in-state students attending school full time (six or more units a semester).

• California residents attending a University of California campus full time

pay the same in system-wide tuition and fees: $12,630. You can add about $1,000 in campus-specific fees to this number.

This is just tuition costs. And these, as you may soon learn, are subject to increasing without much notice. There are other things that come along too. You’ve also got to take into account housing, books, supplies, transportation and the ever important necessity, food—coffees, snacks and late-night cravings included.

It’s overwhelming. But you aren’t alone.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, some 20.4 million students are attending American colleges and universities this fall—that’s about 5.1 million more college students than in 2000. It’s safe to say there are a few people in the same boat, navigating the college-funding waters.

One more fact before we get to the goods. The nation’s outstanding studentdebt is on the rise. As of Dec. 31, 2016,

the Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimates that American students carry a massive $1.31 trillion in outstanding student loan balances. Upon graduation, nearly half of student loan borrowers owe at least $20,000. That’s double the share from a decade ago, according to a recent report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

While loans may be inevitable, you can try to keep the amount you borrow on the low end.

Because here’s the thing: Everyone should be able to affordably access a quality education.

Here are a couple ideas to help you win funds and keep your costs down: (be sure to share your newfound knowledge) • FAFSA. Learn the acronym. Apply, apply every year.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education gives out more than $120 billion in the form of federal grants, loans and work-study funds to some 13 million college students. It’s the largest provider of student financial aid, and, the money received doesn’t have to be repaid. This year, NerdWallet found that some $2.3 billion in financial aid went unclaimed due to some 36 percent of high school graduates not applying for FAFSA. Use NerdWallet’s FAFSA Guide to ease the application process. Once you have everything in order, it takes about 30 minutes to complete. The 2018-2019 application opened on Oct. 1.

What are you waiting for?

• Apply for scholarships. Lots of them.

Never underestimate yourself. There is a scholarship, or 10, for everyone.

And scholarship applications are being

accepted year round. You just have to look for them. Lucky for you the internet makes this fairly simple. We’ve even found a couple sites to help you out. Sign up for Scholly (www.myscholly.com). Web or mobile app, Scholly has you fill out eight parameters then delivers a verified, personalized list of scholarships. It also has management tools to help you track deadlines and progress. Also check out U Can Go 2 (www.ucango2.org). Here you’ll find a running list of scholarships, sorted by deadline dates and into categories.

• Look at alternative-housing options.

While campus housing is fun and a great place to meet new people, it’s often expensive and not for everyone. If you are attending school close to home, maybe stay a little longer. You can save on housing and food while focusing on school and getting involved on campus. Take the time to join organizations, volunteer and apply for a campus job. Or, look for off-campus housing. It’s often less expensive when you are splitting costs with roommates.

A couple of other things to consider.

Textbooks are expensive. If you can, avoid purchasing new books. You may be able to cut costs by sharing a book with a friend or roommate and by looking for a former class taker to purchase a book from. Book stores often buy books back for little to no money, so it could be a win-win for you and the seller. Also, think about skipping campus food. It’s pricey and not all that good. Sure, there may be a salad bar, but the French fry smell from around the corner is enticing. In the dorm or off campus, think about splitting groceries with roommates and eat your meals at home.

To Homeschool or to Not? Weighing the pros and cons of home education for your child or teen

BY JEANNINE WILLS-KOFFORD, M.D.

Homeschooling is an increasingly popular educational opportunity for our children. In California, 2.8 percent of students are now homeschooled, and that number is increasing every year. Interestingly, it was the choice of many of our forefathers before the 1850s, when homeschooling and apprenticeships were more the norm. Many founding fathers and great Americans were home-educated, including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln and the Wright brothers. George Washington preferred to spend his time dancing and horseback riding than in a schoolhouse. Famously, Thomas Edison’s public school expelled him at age 7 for being “feeble-minded.”

In our day, parents are recognizing the academic and social freedom afforded to our children with home education.

There are many reasons to homeschool: academic excellence, academic challenges, religious freedom, vaccination laws, health issues and bullying. Whatever the reason, there has never been more options.

There are three main ways to homeschool: with California

state curriculum under the supervision of your local school district, private hybrid homeschooling through a private or charter school where the student attends class a few days a week and the curriculum is supervised, or independently with a curriculum of the parent’s choosing. The third option offers the most freedom for your child, but involves more work for the parent. In California, you must file a private school affidavit annually between Oct. 1-15 should you choose the independent option. A fourth option is private tutoring by a credentialed California teacher.

A great resource to visit is Homeschool Legal Defense Association at www.hslda.org to get started with the legalities and local resources. Also, visit the Christian Home Educators Association of California website for an extensive list of private school satellite programs at www.cheaofca.org.

The most often asked question is, “What about socialization?” Think of what parents do before their child enters school: play dates, moms’ groups, sports and church groups.

Those things all may continue, offering a rich social experience for your child. Home education offers many more opportunities for “socialization outside the box.” There are more, not fewer, opportunities for community involvement

and participation such as volunteering and interacting with positive role model adults and older or younger children.

Another often asked question is, “What about college?”

Today, homeschooling is a well-recognized and legitimate educational option. Even Ivy League universities accept home-educated students, provided their college entrance exam scores are strong. Many colleges recognize homeschool students are unique and creative thinkers. Over twothirds of homeschoolers eventually graduate from college.

Homeschoolers also consistently outperform traditionalschooled students on standardized testing.

Still not sure? To summarize, below is a list of pros and cons associated with homeschooling: Pros: Family bonding time; academic advancement; time to address academic challenges; unique and custom coursework not offered in public or private schools; cost effectiveness; travel; field trips; free days; exploring the outdoors; low stress levels; no bullying; no drugs; opportunities for specialization in art, theater, music and sports; community participation.

Homeschooled students learn to manage their time, and by their junior or senior year of high school, they assume more responsibility for their own education.

Cons: Requires a high level of parental participation and organization; time management; potential educational gaps (which also could occur in traditional school settings).

For whatever your reasons, dive in and enjoy the rich diversity of educational experiences available to your child as a home educator. Education in our modern tech savvy world can be as diverse and unique as your own children.

Jeannine Wills-Kofford, M.D., is a single mom as well as an aesthetic physician and physician trainer at Riviera Laser Studios in Dana Point.

She has homeschooled her two sons Marcus,13, and Joshua,10, for years. Their many homeschool adventures include medical missions to India, Kenya and Nicaragua, and field trips to the Smithsonian Museum and New Orleans World War II Memorial.

CRIB to COLLEGE

Get Active Within the Community!

Fall and Winter 2017 Events Calendar for Children and Teens October Big Kat Youth Wrestling Club Become a life champion in a sport where life lessons happen on the mat. Any youth in kindergarten through eighth grade can join.

Winter season starts Oct. 30. Recreation is $70 per month; elite competition is $80 (two months due at registration). Register at www.bigkatwrestling.com. Meet at Capistrano Valley High School Wrestling room.

26301 Escolar, Mission Viejo. 949.307.4390.

Youth Painting Classes Von Lortz Sidestreet Gallery, San Clemente’s original painting gallery, offers painting classes for youth and adults. Youth classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:305:30 p.m., and every first and third Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m. 205 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.7244. www.sanclementeartclasses.com.

The Arts Project of Orange County The Arts Project is a one-stop shop for all things art. The studio offers classes in theatre, music, dance, vocals and art for all ages and levels. Spots are still open for this season’s production, Annie. Email the director for acting or crew opportunities at emily@theartsprojectoc.com or call the front desk. The ensemble performs Dec. 14-16. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente.

949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

Ballet/Tap Combo Class A beginning combination class of ballet and tap, using popular children’s music for ages 3-4. Classes begin Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 and run through Dec. 11 and 12. Monday’s class is from 10-11 a.m. or on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. It’s $60 for residents and $63 for non-residents. The class meets at SCAC Friends Meeting room, San Clemente Aquatics Center. 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. Registration is available through www.san-clemente.org.

November Youth Basketball League Join youth basketball for boys and girls 6-9 years of age. This is a low-key instructional basketball league, emphasizing teamwork, respect and fun. Practices begin early November 2017. $50 for residents of Dana Point and Capistrano Beach; $65 for non-residents. For information, contact Kolleen Wallace at kwallace@danapoint.org.

949.248.3530. www.danapoint.org.

Club Literacy Book Bunch Book Bunch at Club Literacy is available for first through third-graders. Children are en-

couraged to become great readers and writers through powerful literature. There will be a lot of journal writing, providing learners with techniques that will propel them to achieve the highest standards in school. The class meets on Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m. starting Nov. 6. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 105, Dana Point. 949.717.6624. www.clubliteracy.com.

December Danman’s Music School Danman’s has eight private teaching studios and a recording studio. Parents can purchase single lessons, a package of four or more, academy program lessons and semi-private lessons. There are 20 or more qualified music teachers that give lessons on the guitar, piano, bass, drums, voice, violin, flute, banjo, ukulele, clarinet, viola, cello and more. 24699 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.496.6556. www.danmans.com.

South Coast Conservatory South Coast Conservatory offers recreational pre-academy dance classes for children ages 2-7, and academy classes for those ages 8-17 in ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, tumbling and musical theatre. 400 Camino De Estrella, Suite C, San Clemente.

949.682.7977. www.scconservatory.com.

Beach Cities Rock Club For those who want to learn to rock, Beach Cities offer affordable instrument and singing lessons. They are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. 73 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente.

949.463.1968. www.beachcitiesrockclub.com.

January Teen Winter Ceramic Classes Hand-build and work on the wheel to make cool projects and have fun. It’s an 8-week session starting Jan. 18 and runs through March 15 for teens ages 12-17. Class meets Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. Fee is $199 and a $35 materials fee. 31878 Del Obispo Street Suite 106, San Juan Capistrano.

949.412.9241. www.theceramicstudio.com.

Musical Theatre at Acting Academy for Kids The Musical Theatre series is an educational experience for children ages 5-16. The students are taken through the musical theatre process from start to finish. No previous experience is required, and everyone gets a role. The next season begins Jan. 2018. Z Playhouse. 35 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente. 949.427.0072. www.actingacademyforkids.com.

CRIB to COLLEGE

An In-Depth Look…

at some local schools and exclusive programs

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools The dreams we have for our children are based on hopes for a lifetime of success, happiness and purpose. At Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, we believe the foundations of those dreams are built on a rich academic program coupled with an emphasis on spiritual and moral development.

Our students learn through a program that values and develops critical thinking, innovation, creativity and foundational skills to prepare them for life after graduation. Visit our website and get a sense of the dynamic learning environment we have created in order to prepare our students for success in all their future endeavors.

CVCS has been serving students from junior kindergarten through high school for more than 40 years. 32032 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5683. www.cvcs.org.

Goodwill of Orange County Our Mission: Goodwill is in the business of helping people who are facing barriers to get and keep jobs, which provides purpose, pride and dignity. We believe the power of work changes lives.

Through our retail stores, our e-commerce platform, shopgoodwill.com, and our business services, we create jobs and provide job training and education, helping people and our local community to thrive.

Thank you for making our mission your mission.

410 N. Fairview, Santa Ana, CA 92703, 714.547.6308, ocgoodwill.org.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish Academy Nurture ~ Encourage ~ Empower OLF Academy cultivates faith-filled learners whom daily demonstrate spiritual and academic excellence, 1:1 technology acquisition, and dedication of service to their

community. Visitors to our campus witness an engaged learning environment that is centered on family values. Fully accredited, OLF is blessed with exceptionally dedicated teachers and is proud to be Home to San Clemente’s Teacher of the Year. OLF’s academic rigor is complemented with enriched course offerings such as Spanish, Music/ Piano, Art, Academic Decathlon, Choir, P. E. and Drama and a distinctive offering of Junior High electives. Our students cultivate a zest for life-long learning, develop effective communication skills, and advance as globally responsible citizens. OLF’s exceptional Transitional Kindergarten is specifically designed to provide 4 and 5 year old children the “developmental gift of time.” Utilizing a cross-curricular approach to instruction, all students experience daily differentiated opportunities in which to explore, investigate, and integrate their academic abilities.

Participation in the PAL Sports League, and providing After School Day Care, Programs and Homework Help round out OLF Academy.

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

Santa Margarita Catholic High School With academic tracks tailored to meet the needs of varied learners; more than 85 clubs and activities; competitive, characterbuilding athletics; and an award-winning arts program—all in a nurturing, Christcentered environment—Santa Margarita students are empowered to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and morally. Santa Margarita has the distinction of being the county’s only Catholic International Baccalaureate high school and is ranked as the top Catholic high school in Southern California

by The Washington Post. The school’s beautiful 42-acre campus includes a Digital Media Studio, Eagle Athletic Center, Academic Services Center, modernized Library Media Center, Olympic-sized pool and Sacred Heart Chapel. Recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School, Santa Margarita’s Oneto-One Tablet PC Program provides an immersive educational experience preparing students for college and beyond. The Class of 2017 received $42.1 million in scholarship offers with 99 percent of the class attending college. Visit SMCHS at 22062 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita. Info: www.smhs.org.

St. Anne School Nurture with care. Teach with creativity. Embrace life. Treasure faith. These are the guiding principles that shape St. Anne School, a private, independent Catholic school that welcomes preschool through grade 8 students of all faiths. St. Anne’s mission is to develop future generations of creative thinkers, innovative problem solvers, effective communicators and emerging leaders, guided by the Catholic faith, to influence our local and global communities for the greater good.

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

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

32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel, 949.276.6700, www.st-anne.org.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Members of the St. Margaret’s Episcopal School community will tell you what an extraordinary and special place it is, unlike any other. Some will tout the leading preschool through grade 12 academic program that nurtures and challenges every student to his

or her full potential. Others will avail you of stories of dedicated and expert faculty who know and love every student, going above and beyond every day. Some are awestruck with the world of opportunities available to every student from vibrant performing and visual arts, to a thoughtful physical education program focused on sportsmanship, teamwork and the scholar-athlete that culminates with 24 varsity sports.

St. Margaret’s says the true answer resides in the school’s Episcopal identity, shared mission and deep commitment to nurturing the intellectual and spiritual growth of every student, who they are today and who they are becoming for tomorrow.

This focus on a “transformational Tartan experience,” is vitally important work, and it fosters a spirit of excellence and innovation in every aspect of the St. Margaret’s experience.

St. Margaret’s is a premier, independent college-preparatory school educating 1,234 students in preschool through grade 12. The school’s reputation for the depth and quality of its education brings more than 150 colleges and universities to campus annually to recruit its graduates. California Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Chicago, Dartmouth College, Emory University, Harvard University, New York University, Northwestern University, University of Notre Dame, Princeton University and Stanford University are some of the fine institutions that welcomed St. Margaret’s graduates from the Class of 2017 this fall.

St. Margaret’s is situated on a picturesque 22-acre campus with world-class technology-rich learning environments, including dedicated performing and visual arts centers, library, 18 maker spaces and studios for science, computer science, engineering, robotics and media art, technology labs, athletics fields, gymnasiums and campus commons.

St. Margaret’s students and 2,200 alumni are recognized for their integrity, character, compassion, responsibility and the courage to lead and serve others.

31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, 949.661.0108, www.smes.org

CRIB to COLLEGE

STARTING THE

Mental Health DISCUSSION EARLY

BY JIM TAYLOR

An average of one per day. That is the estimated number of people who die by suicide in Orange County. It is probable that number is higher, maybe even much higher given the overall stigma casting a shadow on not just suicide but mental health issues in general. Religious and societal pressures can cause suicides to go unreported as a cause of death. This stigma is very present in death and it can be worse in life.

But what about our children?

According to the latest statistics regarding suicide and self-harm from the Orange County Health Care Agency, San Clemente is included in the cities with the highest teen suicide rate. At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) annual conference held in Irvine this year, it was revealed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now tracking suicides in 8-10-year-olds.

In an informal survey conducted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention with eighth-graders in Pennsylvania, a rhetorical question was asked.

“Give me an example of an adult you would talk to if you were struggling.”

The students were silent. When asked why they wouldn’t even tell their parents if they might have thoughts of suicide, the response was, “because your parents want you to do well, so I’d be ashamed to tell them.”

Even in children there is shame in admitting a mental issue.

How to encourage teens to reach out when they need help Why? Stigma.

There is no shame in telling someone you have the flu. People don’t get embarrassed if they have cancer. Somehow, we need to alleviate and ultimately remove the barriers society has put in place to discourage people—and our children—from discussing something that can be harmful or even fatal.

So how do we do it?

• Talk about what happens in the news.

When a story surfaces on the news about a suicide, talk about it. At times, people who cannot conceive the thought of taking their own lives will denigrate the victim. Yes, victim. Saying things like the individual was a “fool,” “how could they do this to their family” or sweeping it under the carpet with the “they were sick” comment doesn’t help.

To a person without suicidal thoughts this bounces off of them. However, to a person currently struggling, it reinforces the idea that their thoughts are sick, hurtful to others and selfish. Talking about suicide casually in conversation without labeling can work wonders in letting someone know that per-

haps they can be helped.

• Words are powerful and so are the way they are phrased. Most people in the suicide prevention arena do not use the phrase that someone “committed suicide” as though the person committed a crime.

We say, “died by suicide.” Even the Associated Press has included this in their style guidelines, and the California Department of Education utilizes this phrase on their Youth Suicide Prevention page. The Suicide Hotline has been renamed to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline too. Simple changes like these can start to promote positive change.

• Attend a workshop or orchestrate one.

Many suicide prevention organizations, including AFSP, have presentations and seminars on the subject, including training on how to speak to someone who appears to be struggling. They also discuss how to provide resources to those who need them most, and ultimately, get them to a healthcare professional who can help.

• Get involved with a mental health or suicide prevention organization. Even just showing up at an event and being present

makes a huge difference. There is comfort in knowing you are not alone. Almost 2,000 people attended the Out of the Darkness Walk in Fountain Valley last September.

This was an event to shine a light on suicide, to get people talking about suicide and to lessen the stigma associated with it.

• Give them a safe environment to talk.

If you have the slightest suspicion that your child may be depressed or if they are becoming more withdrawn, talk to them about it in a positive way. People get sad and some people get more than sad. The thought that a person has something wrong with them mentally, and that possible illness is a societal taboo, only compounds the problem. If they feel safe talking about it they will. You need to make them feel safe before they will open up.

The mental health world is changing for the better, but it is a slow change. This year, Governor Brown signed AB 2246 which requires California schools to adopt suicide prevention policies for students in grades seven through twelve. We can keep the momentum going by changing the way we think about mental health issues, reduce and eliminate the stigma, shine a light on the problem and save lives.

Jim Taylor is the Chairman for the Orange County Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He can be reached at 949.510.6531.

CRIB to COLLEGE

Innovative Minds Nurturing the entrepreneurship drive in children and teens

BY RYAN DAHLEM

Freshman Advantage Saddleback College smooths the transition to higher education

BY JAMIE CARGO

Leaving high school for college can feel as scary as entering the haunted house down the street. But don’t worry, Saddleback College is here to illuminate the path to your success.

Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) and Saddleback Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) high school students can start by taking Counseling 100 for free in the spring. Saddleback College brings professional counseling expertise to the high schools, where students can learn about concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities. The college plans to expand its concurrent enrollment soon by offering a variety of college courses at each area high school.

The class of 2018 can also get in on the Freshman Advantage program, designed for new incoming freshman of any age who will be attending Saddleback College in Fall 2018. Eligible students can enroll in classes before the majority of continuing students.

Counseling 100 and Freshman Advantage help students receive priority registration and get the classes they need to hit the ground running during their first semester in college.

Maybe you haven’t found a career you love yet. At Saddleback, you can choose from over 300 associate degrees, certificates and occupational skills awards in 190 program areas taught by a faculty renowned for its expertise, experience and commitment to student success.

Give back as you learn Over the summer, students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) began creating upper limb assistive devices for those in need through the e-NABLE hand project, a group of volunteers

from across the globe that use 3D printers to create free prosthetics.

The Saddleback College team recently advanced to creating its own design by integrating Arduino Uno technology with a sensor that detects electrical activity of muscles to control robotic hand movements of the device. Using a 3D CAD design software, students engage in group projects led by engineers from San Clemente’s Swift Engineering Inc., and faculty and staff from Saddleback College. Students get real world experience involving physics, engineering, manufacturing, mathematics and computer science, which will help them explore potential majors and careers.

“The students are learning as much from each other as they are from us,” said Katlin Choi, the grant project manager. “They learn project management aspects such as how to brainstorm and make decisions as a team and how to take a lead role for a particular project component as well as the content of the project.”

Mechanical engineering major Chris McDonald found the project challenging and fulfilling.

“I’m surprised by the complexity of this project and that it’s almost impossible to replicate the natural hand,” he said. “Being able to apply the knowledge I’ve learned in a way that helps out someone else is very rewarding. I want to make an impact in this world and doing a small project like this is one step closer to doing that.”

Bryce Martin, a second-year mechanical engineering major, discovered a career path, saying, “I found through helping in the project that I want to pursue an internship next summer with a company that designs and manufactures prosthetics.”

The students in turn inspire the faculty.

Larry Perez, chair of the Computer Science Department, said, “I’m very excited to be part of this project working alongside our students promoting (STEM) awareness in the spirit of the maker movement.”

Jamie Cargo serves as the public information officer at Saddleback College, which provides dynamic, innovative and student-centered postsecondary education and training to the greater South Orange County community. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu.

The concept of entrepreneurship has certainly evolved as it applies to young people in recent years. For many parents, entrepreneurship evokes memories of running a neighborhood lemonade stand with the thrill of tending a cash box while learning the basics of a balance sheet.

Today, however, the barriers of entry to starting a business are so low that a young person with access to the internet and a desire to change the world can set out to do just that.

Children and teens should be encouraged to develop an entrepreneurial mindset that can be applied not only in the alluring world of start-ups, but more importantly, in how they approach bringing ideas into reality, whether it be a new app or considering where they may attend college. Here are five areas of focus for developing an entrepreneurial mindset: 1. Be a “need finder,” not a “problem solver.” While it is tempting to begin by developing a solution to an assumed problem, the best entrepreneurs are experts at finding true needs. To identify needs, talk to people. Conduct ethnographic interviews with them about their daily experiences and listen for true needs that would make their lives better if solved. That is the beginning of a compelling product or solution.

2. Learn the design thinking process (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test). Innovators have been implementing this process for years and it has yielded a variety of game-changing inventions, from the computer mouse to the stand-up toothpaste tube. Empathizing with your potential “end-user,” defining needs from their point of view, “ideating” solutions through brainstorming, prototyping rough versions of your solutions to test with your end-users for feedback, and then iterating your prototype based on feedback accelerates the design process and moves you toward innovative solutions more quickly. This method is best described by the Stanford d.school where you can take a free design thinking workshop.

3. Don’t go it alone. Entrepreneurs know the value of networking within an ecosystem and the creative power of “radical collaboration,” as described

by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, Stanford University d.school professors and authors of “Designing Your Life.”

Creativity is contagious and idea sharing

breeds better ideas. Young people should connect with one another about their creative ideas and seek mentors who can share valuable lessons from paths already traveled and provide inspiration to take new risks.

4. Failure is part of the process. Thinking like an entrepreneur means acting on an idea that often involves taking risks.

Things rarely succeed on the first try.

That’s okay! Think back to the design process—it’s time to iterate and test again. “Failure is not the opposite of success,” said Jason Goldberg, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School alumnus ‘13 and entrepreneur. Jason is the founder and president of VYRL, an exchange-based ecosystem for influencers and brands, and has partnered with St. Margaret’s on a high school entrepreneurship course.

“Failure is a means of learning important lessons to be applied later.” This can be difficult for young people who have been insulated from failure in other aspects of their lives. A helpful mantra used by many entrepreneurs is to “fail forward.”

5. Start with your passion! Young people sometimes have a difficult time identifying a passion. Instead, ask them, “If you had an extra hour each day, what would you do with it?” Entrepreneurs invest an incredible amount of time in their projects, and your passion is a good place to start need-finding through research and talking to people. “I had a passion for video games growing up,” Goldberg said. “So, my first companies were in that space. That’s when I realized I could own the servers the players were playing on.”

Encouraging young people to develop an entrepreneurial mindset has benefits that extend far beyond founding the next big invention or start-up. Believing one can bring an idea into reality, and possessing the skills to do so, will not only affect the way they see the world, but also their outlook on themselves and what is possible in their futures.

Ryan Dahlem is the Assistant Head of School for Strategic Initiatives with St. Margaret’s Episcopal School and is leading the development of an entrepreneurship program based in innovation and design thinking methodology. Mr. Dahlem has participated in design thinking workshops including the Educator’s Workshop for Entrepreneurial Studies and Innovative Learning Conference, and teaches an entrepreneurial studies course at St. Margaret’s.

CRIB to COLLEGE

Nourishment for the Soul

Creative programs offer teens a self-expression outlet; prepares them for future beyond school

BY RACHAEL GARCIA

Many parents assume that creativity is an inherent talent that their kids are either born with or not. But creativity can be more of a skill than inborn talent, and it is a skill parents can help their kids foster.

This is something Heather Linberg of Rancho Santa Margarita, did for her daughter Ava Domini. Domini, a 14-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist whom has performed solo at the House of Blues Anaheim, Los Angeles and New Orleans, among other venues, was exposed to different instruments at a young age.

Ava Domini. Photo: Courtesy

“I would leave instruments out for her to experiment with when she was a toddler, just as I would leave vegetables out so that Ava would learn to grab for them rather than unhealthy snacks when she was hungry,” Linberg said.

Constant exposure lead to skill, passion and a healthy outlet for Ava to express herself.

At eight years old, Domini learned how to play a whole song in her first 45-minute guitar lesson which lead Linberg to find in-house instructors and after school programs where her daughter could strengthen her skills.

Linberg believes it’s important that Ava interacts with other kids who share the same interests and dedication. She did a lot of research and one of the places she found was Community Outreach Alliance (COA).

COA is a nonprofit organization based in San Clemente that offers fun and healthy activities to the community to help curb the use of drug and alcohol abuse among teens.

They also offer acoustic guitar lessons, piano lessons and an improv comedy night.

Domini attends COA’s open mic nights for teens, where she connects and networks with other teens who also use creative outlets to express themselves.

“Whenever I’m emotional, happy or sad, being able to express myself through playing or writing a song helps cleanse my feelings,” Domini said.

Orange County High School of the Arts Some teens crave a different high school experience, rather than just after school programs, where other teens and instructors

who are dedicated to creative outlets surround them. In such cases, these teens can apply for admission to the Orange County High School of the Arts (OCSA).

Olivia Ross of Ladera Ranch was a gymnast and a violist getting ready to start high school at San Juan Hills. Her mom Valerie Ross had always encouraged her to participate in enrichment programs.

“I always wanted something more fulfilling for Olivia, something that she can take with her throughout her life,” Valerie said.

Olivia was passionate about both of her extra-curricular activities, but gymnastics was taking up all of her time. She decided that she wanted to focus all of her attention on the viola. The very day she quit gymnastics, she decided to apply to OCSA. “OCSA is a positive environment where the passion for arts is contagious and everyone can be themselves,” Olivia said.

Students at OCSA score 20 percent higher than the state average on the SATs and ACTs. Forty-six percent of OCSA alumni go on to have math and science careers, and 54 percent continue with careers in music.

Olivia’s mom Valerie noticed that whenever she goes to productions, the student body that participates in the music program is passionate about life, education and music.

“The level of dedication spills over into all areas of their lives. It definitely helps them prepare for the future beyond high school.”

OTHER CREATIVE PROGRAMS IN THE TRI-CITY AREA The Ceramic Studio in San Juan Capistrano: Offers ceramics classes for children ages 2 to 17. They are located at 31878 Del Obispo, Suite 106, and can be reach at 949.412-9241 or at www.theceramicsstudio.com.

Tspoons Cooking Classes in San Juan Capistrano: Offers child and teen cooking classes and camps. They are located at 31770 Camino Capistrano, Suite D and can be reached at 949.218.5218 or at www.tspoons.com.

Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano: Provides instrumental instruction in guitar, drums, piano and all rock instruments, as well as vocals, songwriting, theory, sight-reading, engineering and recording. They are located at 32124 Paseo Adelanto, Suite 5 and can be reached at 949.456.1081 or at www.losriosrockschool.com.

GETTING OUT

On Stage at the Coach House: Tal Wilkenfeld

At the Movies: Oh, Pooh: ‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

al Wilkenfeld, a renowned Australian singer, songwriter, bassist and guitarist, is stopping by The Coach House on Wednesday, Nov. 8, for a show that is sure to be filled with enough rock ‘n’ roll to satisfy fans of the genre.

The 30-year-old musician got a remarkably early start on her career. After coming to New York City in 2006 as a teen, she found herself playing with the Allman Brothers onstage before releasing her instrumental debut, Transformation, touring with Chick Corea, and eventually joining Jeff Beck’s world tour. Wilkenfeld also played at Eric Claption’s 2007 Crossroads Festival in Chicago—a performance that became one of her defining breakout moments.

Wilkenfeld relocated to Los Angeles and recorded with artists such as Prince, Macy Gray, Jackson Browne, Joe Walsh, Ringo Starr and Brian Wilson. Encouragement from Jeff Beck and her collaboration with Jackson Browne motivated Wilkenfeld to transition to singing and songwrit-

Tal Wilkenfeld. Photo: Courtesy

ing as well.

Most recently, Wilkenfeld released her first single, “Corner Painter,” and opened for The Who during their The Who Hits 50! Tour. She’s now headlining her own tour and will be performing in cities across California this fall.

Doors open at 6 p.m. on Nov. 8, and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.

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

he term “Oscar bait” has lost nearly all of its meaning the past few years, with most just using the phrase for films they don’t like. Oscar bait is usually attributed to dramatic costume dramas with sweeping music scores, or weepy dramas, or romantic “dramadies,” and so on. Of course, not all of these types of films are complete schlock, but the stereotype still exists and is proven all the same. The latest victim of this trope might be Goodbye Christopher Robin.

In WWI, playwright Alan A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) serves in the war and ultimately suffers long-term posttraumatic stress disorder back home. His wife Daphne (Margot Robbie) doesn’t understand his suffering and frustration, but soon they welcome a son into the family named Christopher “Billy” Robin (Will Tilston and Alex Lawther). While stuck without Daphne or nanny Nou (Kelly Macdonald) for a weekend, Alan is inspired to write a children’s book while playing with Billy.

Director Simon Curtis tries another

Photo: David Appleby/Fox Searchlight Pictures

hand at biopics after My Week with Marilyn (2011) with Goodbye Christopher Robin.

It isn’t terrible or insufferably schmaltzy, but it is still flawed, unfortunately. The first act has some surprisingly rushed editing, and the tone of the film is rather bleak for a piece on the author of Winnie the Pooh. Granted, the real family’s life did have serious moments, but this is a film that probably would’ve benefitted from some sugar coating along the lines of Saving Mr. Banks (2013). Christopher Robin is informative, but not entirely enjoyable. CD

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Searching for Famed Penguin Glen Miller

I

n the 1940s, the song “Tuxedo Junction” was the name of a No. 1 hit by bandleader Glen Miller. In a four-year period, Miller had 23 number-one hits, more than Elvis or The Beatles. On Dec. 15, 1944, during World War II, while Miller was in Europe entertaining our troops, his plane disappeared over the English Channel.

In 1984, the San Francisco Zoo opened a temperature-controlled enclave to house 69 magellanic penguins that had come from the Patagonia area of Chile. The zoo named the aquarium, “Tuxedo Junction,” as the penguins looked to be wearing natural formal wear.

To help the zoo pay for “Tuxedo Junction,” the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper sponsored a contest to name each penguin. For $50, readers could send in a penguin name, and if the name sent in was chosen to be one of the top 50 names, a plaque with the penguin’s name and the person’s name would be put up at the aquarium.

I entered the Chronicle’s contest. My penON LIFE AND guin’s name: Glen Miller.

LOVE AFTER 50 It was one of the 50

By Tom Blake winners.

Now, 33 years later, my partner Greta and I are on a cruise through Patagonia, the most southern part of the world above Antarctica. We have traveled through Chilean fiords, seeing multiple glaciers and snow-capped mountains.

On Saturday, our ship docked in Punta Arenas, Chile, which is two hours away by boat from Magdalena Island, where the Chilean Natural Monument, “Los Pingüinos,” (the Penguins), is located.

Greta and I decided to take a tour there to search for penguin Glen Miller, or at least one of his relatives or descendants.

Only 30,000 people visit there each year.

We boarded the ferry boat Melinka, for the two-hour ride to Magdalena Island, where 120,000 mating magellanic penguins reside from October to February. We were bundled up—winter coats, gloves and Greta even wore earmuffs (with little penguins on them). The temperature was 40 degrees Farenheit. But on the Straights of Magellan, where the island is located, the wind chill was near 25.

As the Melinka approached the island, there was a buzz among the passengers.

We could see penguins walking around on the land. People were excited. We had been briefed by the boat’s personnel to stay on the designated paths and to not touch or

Tom Blake takes a selfie with a penguin in Ushuaia, Argentina. Photo: Courtesy

feed the penguins.

“Just let them do their thing,” we were told. “Do not use the flash on your camera under any circumstances, as it affects their vision.”

Greta and I stepped ashore. I said, “How are we going to find Glen Miller among 120,000 penguins?”

She said, “A better question is, ‘How are we going to get close enough to one so we can get a photo of you standing near it?’”

That photo-op happened within minutes. I was convinced that Glen Miller’s cousin was staring at me. Greta snapped the photo. Our mission in traveling to the southernmost part of the world had been accomplished.

Our stay on the island was one hour.

With numb fingers from the cold, we snapped lots of penguin pictures, as we walked a half-mile up a hill to the monument lighthouse.

Before we knew it, we were back on the boat returning to Punta Arenas. The fivehour journey was well worth our time.

And what became of Tuxedo Junction at the San Francisco Zoo? It’s now the largest captive magellanic penguin colony in the world and is called Penguin Island.

Many penguins have been born there and shipped to other zoos.

Greta and I felt very blessed to visit their native land.

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.

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

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27–November 9, 2017

Photo: Orange County Archives

CAMINO CAPISTRANO A boy stands in the middle of Camino Capistrano in this photo, 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.

Pet of the Week: Piper THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

lways ready to greet you at the door with a friendly meow, Piper is a particularly attentive kitty looking to find her forever human. She is 3 years old and has a mellow, happy personality.

With her pretty green eyes and sweet disposition, Piper would be a good match for almost any household.

If you would like to know more about Piper, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente. CD

Piper. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Solution:

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

Page 24

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

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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!

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

HELP WANTED SECURITY OFFICER San Juan Capistrano Day Shift 11am -7pm Entry level Training and Uniforms Provided Courteous person to work in a Hospital environment. Greeting people and making rounds.

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949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch October 27–November 10, 2017

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SJC LIVING

Saving the Legacy Cats of Los Rios

pregnant cats with collars on. Those cats don’t know the etiquette of the colony.”

The Ark of San Juan is looking for volunteers to help with cat rescue operation

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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f you frequent Los Rios Historic District, perhaps you’ve noticed a clowder of orange cats roaming the street.

They like to hang out on the Historical Society grounds and lounge around the Ito Nursery and other open lots, and they’re often accompanied by a large scruffy cat with big jowls.

“His name is George; we haven’t caught him yet,” Robin Morris said as she strolled along Los Rios on a recent Sunday morning. Morris, a resident of San Juan, is a board member and the cat coordinator for The Ark of San Juan, a local nonprofit that works to rescue companion animals and find them homes.

Morris said George (who she estimates could be about 9 years old) is the tomcat of a colony of generations of semi-feral cats that’s been growing in the area for years. The Ark has fielded more and more calls from concerned residents over the last few years about the proliferation of the cats, which she said has really revved up over the last six months with new litters being born.

Suelyn Ritsema, treasurer and secretary of The Ark, said the lineage of these cats dates back about 50 years.

“Appropriate to the rural character of San Juan Capistrano in the late 1960s, these cats were for many years recognized as ‘working animals’ or ‘barn cats,’ and have kept the rodent population under control,” Ritsema said. “Planned development is set to begin on the adjacent open lots, forcing the cats out into the surrounding communities and creating a feral problem that is not sustainable or healthy for the cats or the San Juan Capistrano community.”

Rescue operation With residents’ concerns and the welfare of the cats in mind, The Ark decided to embark on a large-scale rescue operation.

Morris noted that some residents living along Los Rios Street were upset that more hasn’t already been done by The Ark to help, but she said it wasn’t until about a month ago that the rescue was granted permission to operate on the Historical Society’s property. Once they were able

On Oct. 8, one of the oldest cats in the Los Rios colony (thought to be George the tomcat’s mother) was trapped. (She looks a bit wet because she had knocked over a bowl of water). The cat was set to be picked up by the county, spayed and treated, and ultimately returned to Los Rios Street. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Finding a solution Once the cats are rescued, Morris said The Ark does an assessment to see if the cat can be domesticated or if they’re feral.

“Initial capture and vetting of some of the cats has determined that, as a whole, the colony is extremely healthy and fairly well socialized,” Ritsema said.

If the cat appears to be a healthy cat capable of full socialization, they can go to a foster home, and after being spayed or neutered or they can be put up for adoption.

If a cat appears feral, The Ark calls the Orange County Animal Shelter, and the cat is spayed or neutered, provided with basic care, microchipped and brought back to Los Rios—part of the Orange County Shelter’s “Trap-Neuter/Spay-Release” program.

“These cats will continue as ‘working animals,’ in the Los Rios area,” Ritsema said.

“No cats are getting euthanized in this process,” Morris said. “The goal is to get a handle of this situation before more kittens are born. Our solution to the problem is to try to stop the long-term effects of the cats reproducing. But some will be coming back here and will be living out their lives.

This is home to them; this is what they’ve always known.”

Morris said some residents may be disappointed that they aren’t removing the cats, but she said there are other residents and business owners who consistently rely on the cats’ work.

“We’ve gotten a handful of people who were upset that we were even doing this much, because there’s a huge vermin problem and the cats have kept it under control,” Morris said. “They want to know that those hunters will be back. And they will be.” CD

HOW TO HELP THE ARK

Los Rios colony cats can be seen lounging on the Historical Society’s property.

Photo: Courtesy of Suelyn Ritsema

to connect, Morris said Historical Society President Tom Ostensen was happy to let them onto the property.

“The volunteers working on the Silvas Adobe called us about an unhealthy situation there—they were finding fecal matter at the site, so we knew the cats had been there,” Morris said.

And with neighbors like the Ito Nursery allowing them access to private property as well, it’s been much easier to catch and rescue the cats. Morris said traps are left out with food and water and checked every hour by volunteers. If there isn’t a volunteer available on a certain day, then that trap isn’t laid.

Morris said she’s seen signs instructing people not to feed the cats, but she clari-

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27-November 9, 2017

fied that The Ark’s goal is not to starve the felines out of the area.

“Our goal is to catch and release the cats, or get them into good homes,” she said.

At the peak of the colony, Morris estimates there were about 45 or 50 cats. The Ark began taking in cats in September, and thus far they’ve rescued about 15 kittens and cats.

The cats they’ve seen roaming range from feral cats that were born around Los Rios Street and are part of the colony, to cats with collars that have apparently been dumped by their owners.

“Sometimes the colony will accept those cats, and sometimes they won’t, and you’ll find the emaciated ones with a collar alone in a corner,” Morris said. “We’ve found

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With only a handful of volunteers working on the rescue operation, Morris said The Ark is in need of people willing to donate their time. The Ark is looking for people to help check traps every hour, or residents willing to foster and socialize cats and kittens, including bottle feeding and weening younger kittens. Transport volunteers and pet adoption volunteers are also needed.

The Ark is also in need of financial support, as they have not been able to secure funding from the city or other organizations. The Ark is relying on donations and fundraising to cover the medical costs of the cats.

Anyone interested in adopting a “Legacy Cat of Los Rios,” can view the cats online, at The Ark’s adoption events, or inquire directly about the available cats currently in foster care.

For more information on the cats or contributing to the rescue operation, visit www. arkofsanjuan.org.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Seasonal Comfort: Homemade Apple Cider

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Clockwise from top: Sweetwater Creek performs bluegrass music during Fall Fest at Reata Park on Oct. 15. Anaheim resident Melissa Adylia Calasanz, the California native plants education outreach coordinator for Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan, shows off a variety of native plants. Goin Native founder Marianne Taylor greets the crowd during the nonprofit’s inaugural event. Tatum Cuessy, 11, of Newport Beach, was one of many young performers doing aerial acrobatics from AVANTI Dance Company in Costa Mesa.

Reviving Reata Park Inaugural Fall Fest draws 1,200 to San Juan for bluegrass music, autumnal activities

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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ore than 1,200 people gathered at Reata Park and Event Center on Oct. 15 for Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens’ inaugural Fall Fest.

The event featured a lineup of speakers, exhibitors, workshops, activities for kids, live bluegrass music, food trucks, and craft beer and wine.

Goin Native founder Marianne Taylor said her inspiration for the fall festival was to connect the community to nature, especially to Reata Park, which she noted is often underutilized.

Taylor said she felt the event went perfectly, with lots of “happy, content people everywhere.” She added that thanks to a partnership with Metrolink, 400 riders attended via bus from the train station to Reata Park.

“The only negative was that we ended too soon; the crowd was pumped up for more,” Taylor said.

The festival featured three bluegrass bands playing throughout the day—Gary Leek, Sweetwater Creek Band,

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27-November 9, 2017

and Whitewater. Attendees were able to learn about a multitude of topics, from blending their own essential oils and using natural dyes, to creating their own vertical gardens. Speakers also presented on a range of topics, from monarch butterflies to making kombucha.

There were plenty of arts and crafts for kids, a petting zoo and a booth for kissing ponies.

Guests were also able to learn a bit about the park’s history and how it pays homage to the region’s past.

Domingo Belardes, curator of the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum in San Juan, had a tent stationed at the entrance of the festival that showcased artifacts made by the Acjachemen and Juaneño people. One of the items on display shared an interesting connection to the park—a hand-braided cowhide rope, known as a “reata.”

“It’s what the vaqueros would use when they were roping the cows,” Belardes said. “They made their own ropes back then, as well as reins for their horses.”

Reata Park and Event Center got its name from resident Gunnar Ohlund, who won a naming contest in 2012 for what was then known as the East Open Space Lemon Grove. At the time, Ohlund said he chose the name because “reata” is Spanish for lariat, or lasso, and he wanted to pay tribute to San Juan’s Western heritage.

All proceeds from Fall Fest go toward funding Goin Native’s community programs, including wellness classes, Los Rios Garden Angels, Goin Healthy cooking classes at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, and more.

For more information on future Goin Native events, visit www.goinnative.net. CD Page 28

h, the joy of fall—the crisp morning air, the golden lighting, the leaves changing, kids back in school.

It’s a time to nest and reconnect to the kitchen, home recipes and seasonal comfort foods.

One of my favorite fall recipes and a crowd-pleaser is homemade apple cider from fresh apples and cinnamon— a non-alcoholic refreshing spiced cider welcoming the change of season. It takes me back to my agrarian childhood in Ventura County, where local family farms outnumbered housing tracks. Each fall, my mom managed to come home with a large box of apples filled to the brim with several varieties inside. Nothing went to waste. Apples that weren’t eaten for lunch and snacks were used for cider making just in time for Halloween.

Your house will smell delightful in no time once you start your apple brew on the stovetop.

DIRT THERAPY Okay, let’s get started.

By Marrianne I recommend using a variety of apples Taylor from local farms or organic sections in the grocery stores. Choose a variety of apples—Gala, Granny Smith, Red and Yellow Delicious and Jonathon.

For a sweeter cider, use a ratio of three sweet to one tart; for less sweet, two sweet to one tart. Granny Smith and Jonathon apples are tart and semi-tart. It takes about onethird of a bushel to make one gallon of cider.

This recipe makes a quart of cider—adjust measurements as needed for larger servings.

Homemade Apple Cider Ingredients: • 10 apples, cut into 4-6 slices • Half cup sugar or Splenda • Four cinnamon sticks, or one tablespoon ground cinnamon • Half tablespoon ground cloves • One quart of water, or enough to cover apples Instructions: 1. Wash your apples, cut away bruises and stems, and cut apples into quarter pieces leaving skin for color, flavor and nutrients.

2. Place sliced apples in a large stockpot. Add enough water to cover the fruit by at

least 1 inch.

3. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves and sugar.

4. Add enough water to cover the fruit by at least 1 inch.

5. Cook over medium high heat and bring to a simmer.

Lower to a medium low heat.

6. Cover and cook for two hours, stirring occasionally.

7. Mash the fruit to release the liquids.

8. Allow the cider to cook for one more hour.

9. Strain the cider slowly through a fine mesh sieve in a large pot or pitcher. Discard the solids.

10. Strain the cider one more time to remove any more solids.

11. Serve the cider warm.

Homemade apple cider from scratch is like drinking a big cup of comfort. Enjoy!

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Then & Now by Rhonda deHaan

The Glory Days of Walnut Grove

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owntown San Juan Capistrano has been evolving over the last 240 years, with structures constructed, some demolished, and more planned and built.

On the list of places that have disappeared from the town’s core is the Walnut Grove Restaurant. And from what I’ve read, it seems I missed something quite special.

The original restaurant opened in 1946 along Highway 101 (now Camino Capistrano) about a quarter-mile south of THEN AND NOW the Mission. It was an

By Rhonda 18-seat diner with a gas deHann station that provided a convenient and popular stop for travelers passing through on their trip between San Diego and Los Angeles.

The Walnut Grove Restaurant opened in 1946 along Highway 101. In 1960, the popular diner moved to a larger location (pictured) next to the Mission.

Photo: Courtesy of the Orange County Archives

The menu included traditional American comfort foods, featuring favorites such as meatloaf, grilled cheese, roast turkey, and fresh bakery items. The restaurant flourished and, in 1960, moved to a larger location next to the Mission (shown in the accompanying photo).

As the years went by, the Walnut Grove became less of a roadside rest stop and more frequented by locals. The restaurant grew into a beloved family eatery where regulars enjoyed good food, a welcoming

atmosphere, and familiar faces.

Today only a fond memory, the restaurant closed in 2005 and the building has since been demolished. A new development has been proposed, and the site has been graded for the Plaza Banderas Hotel.

Until this new project is complete, we will wait for a “now” photo to publish!

Rhonda deHaan is a resident of San Juan Capistrano who enjoys sharing fun photographic finds as she continues to learn more about this unique town. She is a proud

mother of two, a freelance writer, and a member of the SJC Friends of the Library and San Juan Capistrano Historical Society Board of Directors. She is serving her fourth term as a member of the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission.CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

The Art of Upcycling Unique surfboard building contest puts a premium on creativity and sustainability

BY JAKE HOWARD, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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hen it comes to making the ocean a little bit bluer, for three years now the Upcycle Contest, sponsored by surf company Vissla, has put sustainable, recyclable surfboard construction in the spotlight where it belongs.

Partnering with the Surfrider Foundation, the objective of the contest was “to take something that might be considered waste and create something that can be used in the ocean.”

This year, the festivities fittingly took place at the beautiful The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano on Oct. 20. On hand was a collection of ingenious surfboard builders from around the world who have made a concerted effort to make boards using discarded and recycled materials. Judging the contest was former shaper and Vissla founder Paul Naude, as well as Dana Point-based designer Donald Brink and Ecology Center owner Evan Marks. What started as a grassroots move-

San Juan Preps Roundup Local teams headed to postseason

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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he high school sports regular season is coming to an end, which means the playoffs are on the horizon for most teams. Here is a quick look around town at some of the standout programs that will be playing in the postseason in the weeks to come, along with a look at the football schedule.

The San Juan Hills girls volleyball team captured its third straight South Coast League title following a three-set sweep over San Clemente on Oct. 17.

The Stallions (21-12, 8-0 league) owned a 7-8 overall record through their first 15

Shaper Shane Swindler stands next to his repurposed SUP board that he recycled and converted into a shortboard with its own trailer. He took third place at the Upcycle Contest on Oct. 20 for the effort.

Photo: Courtesy of Vissla

ment of eclectic creatives has blossomed into something special, as the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail continues to reach new levels. Organic hors d’oeuvres were prepared by a host of local chefs and refreshments were supplied courtesy of ONEHOPE Winery and Docent Brewing. Meanwhile, Naude, Brink and Lane had the unenviable task of picking a winner.

In 2016, France’s François Jaubert won the Upcycle Contest with a board made out of recycled cardboard. Jaubert, who’s based part-time out of San Clemente, returned this year with a board built from games, but caught fire and went 14-4 down the stretch. The Stallions have a strong, experienced roster, which includes standout outside hitters Katie Lukes and Abbey Dayton. San Juan Hills, ranked 10th in the latest CIF-SS Division 1 polls, will compete in the playoffs next week. Dates and opponents were not available at press time.

The San Juan Hills boys water polo team powered its way to a second consecutive Sea View League title by defeating Mission Viejo 8-5 on Oct. 25. San Juan Hills, which reached the CIF-SS Division 5 Championship title game one year ago, will wait for the Division 4 playoff bracket to be released on Saturday, Oct. 28. San Juan Hills (20-9, 7-1) finished the year ranked seventh in Division 4.

Both the Saddleback Valley Christian and Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball teams finished the regular season as league champs. The Warriors (24-5, 8-0) went undefeated to capture the San Joaquin League title. The Eagles (23-3, 9-1) beat Orangewood Academy on Oct. 24 to win the Express Gold League hardware by one game. Both teams will be competing in next week’s playoffs.

Football: JSerra (7-1, 2-1) will host Santa

The Capistrano Dispatch October 27–November 9, 2017

old wood pallets and recycled styrofoam.

He shaped the fins out of cardboard and fiberglass scraps he scrounged from a surf shop in Biarritz.

Meanwhile, Shane Swindler took a stand-up board he acquired when he purchased a boat and converted it into a stylish little shortboard, complete with a trailer to cart the board down to the beach.

The board was made using the core of the SUP, while Swindler was able to construct the trailer with the perimeter of the blank, as well as wood from a “1913 building and old aluminum golf cart wheels.”

The real showstopper of the evening

came in the form of a surfboard made using 10,000 cigarette butts. Industrial designer Taylor Lane spent over a year gathering every discarded cigarette butt he could from the beaches up and down California. He then applied his experiences engineering posture-perfect backpacks and self-sustaining wall gardens to build one very unique surfboard.

Billing his project, the “Roach Tail,” Lane figured out a way to use over 10,000 cigarette butts to make the core and fins of a surfboard. He then utilized EPS foam and fiberglass cut-offs from a nearby surfboard factory, as well as styrofoam he picked up at a local fish market, to shape and build a fully functional keel-fin, swallow-tail fish. Lane then laminated the board using soy-based Entropy Resin.

In the end, Lane’s Roach Tail topped them all. Jaubert and Swindler finished second and third, respectively. For their efforts, all three designers were awarded a Vissla shopping spree.

“Everyone should be extremely proud of their work, this contest continues to demonstrate what happens when creativity and sustainability come together,” Naude said.

Ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness of this nature deserves to be celebrated.

When Vissla’s Upcycle Contest first started it was just something different. Today, it’s turning into a full-blown movement.

Thanks to a bounty of extremely creative entries, the contest continues to push sustainable surfboard construction in a very positive direction, and that’s something we should all be able to get behind. CD

The San Juan Hills girls volleyball team won the South Coast League title and will head to the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs next week. Photo: Courtesy

Margarita (5-3, 1-2) in a pivotal Trinity League game on Friday, Oct. 27. With Mater Dei and St. John Bosco ruling the top of the league standings, this game could decide the league’s all-important thirdplace seed come playoff time.

San Juan Hills (5-4, 1-2) will likely be playing for its postseason fate on the road against Tesoro (3-5, 0-2) on Friday, Oct. 27.

A win all but locks up a third-place finish in

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the South Coast League for the Stallions.

St. Margaret’s (6-2, 1-0) will travel to play its biggest Academy League rival, Crean Lutheran (5-3, 2-0), on Friday, Oct. 27. The winner of the game will likely be crowned league champion.

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the San Juan Capistranobased high school athletic programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com