November 11, 2017

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

Veterans to be Honored Saturday at Ceremony PAGE 12 FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

NOVEMBER 10–23, 2017 • VOLUME 15, ISSUE 21

Turning the Page Boys & Girls Clubs welcome new reading program, senior mentors E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

Marilynn Boyle, of San Juan Capistrano, reads to Lizette Vergara (center) Diego Prado and Miranda Rosas during the second week of a new tutoring program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley. Photo: Allison Jarrell

City Council Moves Forward with Studying River Street Proposal EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Fourplex Fire Displaces 18 Residents; Fundraiser Set for Sunday EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Signing Day in San Juan: Student-Athletes Participate in NLI Ceremonies SPORTS/PAGE 22

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week City Moves Forward with Studying River Street Proposal THE LATEST: On Nov. 7, the San Juan Capistrano City Council voted 4-1 to move forward and initiate work on an environmental study and traffic impact analysis for the proposed River Street open-air marketplace off of Los Rios Street.

Councilwoman Pam Patterson was the sole dissenter, saying she’s opposed to the location, not the project itself.

City Manager Ben Siegel will now execute a professional services agreement with Placeworks to prepare the initial environmental study of River Street (pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act), as well as a separate professional services agreement with Linscott, Law & Greenspan to conduct a traffic impact analysis, which will likely be prepared later this month.

Frontier Real Estate Investments—the developer proposing the marketplace— will cover the costs of both independent studies. City staff reported that those costs are not to exceed $168,239 for the initial CEQA study and $67,045 for the traffic impact analysis.

Since the City Council first initiated a study of a potential amendment to the Los Rios Specific Plan last October, the River Street project has become a hot-button topic in town, with residents both for and against the development showing up at Council meetings to debate the proposal’s merits during public comment. An amendment to the Los Rios Specific Plan would be needed to accommodate the project, as it’s too dense for the current commercial zoning.

The River Street marketplace proposal includes general retail, eating and drinking establishments, and office and wellness uses on the 5.6-acre Ito Nursery property, located east of Paseo Adelanto and south of River Street.

A handful of vocal critics of the project say the development is too large and intrusive for the oldest residential neighborhood in California. Proponents argue that the marketplace will boost the local economy, add much-needed parking, and will incorporate open space while paying tribute to the community’s history.

WHAT’S NEXT: Now that the Council has approved the environmental study and The Capistrano Dispatch November 10-23, 2017

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

traffic analysis agreements, the project is on its way to eventually be reviewed by the city’s Design Review Committee, Cultural Heritage Commission 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.

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.

To view the most recent River Street 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.

City officials said the proposed plans will be posted online once the project makes it way to the Planning Commission.

—Allison Jarrell

Fourplex Fire Displaces 18 Residents; Cause Under Investigation THE LATEST: On Nov. 5, a fire erupted in a multi-family residence on the 32200 block of Paseo Carolina in San Juan Capistrano.

The Orange County Fire Authority was called to the scene at 1:47 p.m. OCFA Capt. Daryll Milliot said that all residents had escaped the fourplex unharmed by the time firefighters arrived.

About a half an hour later, the bulk of the fire in the two-story residence had been extinguished. Milliot said the fire began in one of the downstairs units, and spread upward. Two fire engines, two trucks and two battalion chiefs responded to the fire. No injuries occurred.

Milliot said 17 adults and one child were displaced by the fire. OCFA is still investigating the cause of the fire.

On Nov. 6, a GoFundMe page was cre-

ated by Juana Janeth Villa, a member of the Nava family, who were victims of the fire. Villa wrote that her parents lost their home and were left with nothing.

“Just asking for donations. Every cent helps,” Villa wrote. “All their hard work is gone. Thank you in advance and bless you all.”

As of Thursday, $1,000 had been raised on the GoFundMe page. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/fired-tragedy.

WHAT’S NEXT: A fundraiser has been organized for the Nava family and is set for Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 23386 Paseo Carolina in San Juan.

Event organizers said there will be food, drinks and a raffle to raise funds for the family. All donations are welcome.

For more information, search for the “Apoyando A La Familia Nava” event on Facebook. —AJ

Teachers Pack CUSD Meeting, Drawing Attention to Stalled Negotiations THE LATEST: More than 200 impassioned teachers packed the Capistrano Unified School District’s Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 8 wearing neon green “Value Educators!” stickers and holding signs that read, “Working Without a Contract” and “Keep Quality Teachers in CUSD.” The majority of the teachers were not in attendance to speak on an agenda item, but rather to draw attention to the failed contract negotiations between CUSD and the Capistrano Unified Education Association that have been taking place in closed session for over a year. Negotiations officially stalled back in June, and last month, it was announced that mediation had failed. The process now moves on to fact-finding.

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CUEA officials say 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.”

CUSD argues that the district must maintain a “responsible budget” that balances recognizing the work of teachers with addressing facilities’ needs and paying for pension benefits.

A handful of CUSD teachers addressed the board during public comment, including Ken Soto, a teacher of five years at Marco Forster Middle School.

“I’m the teacher that we keep hearing about—I’m a highly qualified teacher who might not be able to keep teaching at this district because I cannot afford to,” Soto said. “I’m being paid less than most of my OC counterparts to commute to one of the most expensive regions in the county.”

Soto said he surveyed 20- to 30-year-old teachers who have been with the district five or more years and asked them what effect the current pay schedule has had on their desire or ability to keep teaching at Capo Unified. Soto quoted about seven teachers before his three minutes were up, many of whom said they won’t be able to stay with the district much longer due to the high cost of living and increase in insurance costs.

“When it comes down to it, these teachers are going to be fine…the people that will not be so fine are the students,” Soto said.

Kelsey Torres, a third-year English teacher at Aliso Niguel High School, told the board that the district’s salary schedule is infamous among young teachers who know that if they want to be paid well, they should avoid working in Capo Unified.

Torres said she loves her job at Aliso Niguel High School, and if she could be paid fairly and afford to live in the area, she wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.

(Cont. on page 5) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

More than 200 teachers packed the Capistrano Unified School District’s Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 8 to draw attention to failed contract negotiations between CUSD and the Capistrano Unified Education Association. Photo: Allison Jarrell

(Cont. from page 3) “I’m the only third-year teacher that I know of who can’t afford to move out of her parent’s house,” Torres said. “I’m not the only young person in CUSD who feels this way.”

“What I fear most is that CUSD doesn’t even know what young teachers are thinking right now,” Torres continued.

“You’re piling up reserve money for some rainy day in the future, but I’m here to tell you that that rainy day is here. You’re about to have all of your youngest, most promising teachers walk out the door, and as for up-andcoming teachers leaving their credential programs, you’ll be lucky if they even knock.”

WHAT’S NEXT: A date has not yet been finalized for upcoming fact-finding sessions, where a threeperson panel will review the arguments and proposals and ultimately issue nonbinding recommendations. According to a tentative timeline provided by the school district, the fact-finding panel is set to meet later this month.

If the fact-finding process does not result in an agreement, CUSD would be able to impose its last, best and final offer. If the teachers’ union is not satisfied with that offer, district teachers would maintain the right to strike.

For more information on the negotiations, visit www.capousd-ca.schoolloop. com/cuea and www.cuea.org. —AJ

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10-23, 2017

JSerra Approved for Home Playoff Game if Victorious on Friday THE LATEST: The City Council voted on Tuesday to allow a potential football playoff game on Nov. 17 at JSerra Catholic High School’s campus if the Lions defeat Long Beach Poly at an away game on Friday, Nov. 10.

For the first time in the school’s history, JSerra students were treated to home games this fall after the Council voted back in June to allow the games. The competitive program, which plays in the high-profile Trinity League, has spent the past several years playing its home games at nearby Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. But renovations to Saddleback’s campus stadium made the site unavailable this fall.

City staff reported Tuesday that there haven’t been any issues with parking due to the games, and there weren’t any complaints from residents specifically about the new football games.

During the public hearing, several residents of the Casitas Capistrano neighborhood, which borders the school’s sports fields, pointed out that while the football games haven’t been too much of an issue, they’re still concerned with the amount of noise generated by the school’s events and stray soccer balls hitting their homes.

One resident said his home rattled during the school’s homecoming dance, while another resident said her home has been hit several hundred times by soccer balls

and she can’t live peacefully.

The Council ultimately agreed to allow the potential playoff game, but several Council members noted that the Casitas Capistrano residents’ ongoing concerns with noise and soccer balls still need to be addressed with JSerra.

Councilman Brian Maryott said he doesn’t understand the lack of a net and a more soundproof wall, and he commended the residents for coming to the Council meeting and continuing to express their concerns.

“I think the message to the school is, before there’s a discussion about next year … maybe we could take some of these concerns a little more seriously,” Maryott said.

Mayor Kerry Ferguson and Councilman Sergio Farias asked that the residents, school and city staff all meet at once to discuss the ongoing issues.

“These folks have invested their lives in a place to live and … the school came after their homes,” Ferguson said. “They deserve quiet and some enjoyment of that space.”

WHAT’S NEXT: JSerra’s away game against Long Beach Poly starts at 7:30 p.m. this Friday. If they come out on top, they’ll face the winner of Mater Dei-Vista Murrieta on Nov. 17. —AJ

Final Phase of Avenida La Pata Widening Begins

some changes this week along Avenida La Pata between San Juan Hills High School and Ortega Highway.

On Nov. 8, northbound travelers on Avenida La Pata were transitioned to newly completed sections of the road between Stallion Ridge and Gateway Place as part of the county’s ongoing road widening improvements. The widening of Avenida La Pata is slated to be completed roughly six months from now.

Orange County Public Works officials said two southbound lanes have been shifted slightly to allow project work to continue in the center median of the road. There is currently just one northbound lane until future widening work is completed.

The speed limit in the project area is 35 miles per hour during construction activities and 55 miles per hour during non-construction hours.

“When workers are present, please be mindful of the reduced speed limit through the construction zone,” county officials said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Avenida La Pata widening is expected to be completed in April 2018. Officials said that schedule is subject to change depending on weather and other factors.

For more information on the La Pata widening, visit www.ocpublicworks.com, call 844.452.7282, email lapata@ocpw. ocgov.com, or follow OC Public Works on Facebook www.facebook.com/ocpublicworks or Twitter @OCpublicworks. —AJ

THE LATEST: Commuters likely noticed

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www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

AARP Experience Corps tutors pose for a photo after completing their training over the summer.

Photo: Courtesy of Karen Banse

Turning the Page Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley welcome new reading program, senior mentors

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

ver 100 young students will benefit from the knowledge, mentoring and friendship of senior reading tutors thanks to a new pilot program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley that launched Oct. 16.

Parentis Health Foundation, based in Laguna Hills, is the newest host agency of Experience Corps, AARP Foundation’s intergenerational volunteer-based tutoring program. In Orange County, Parentis Health Foundation is working in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley to bring three Experience Corps sites to San Juan Capistrano, Aliso Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita.

“From birth to third grade, you’re learning to read,” Frechette-Artinger said.

“From fourth grade on, you have to read to learn. So those children who haven’t figured out the fundamentals of reading by the time they hit fourth grade, they’re still trying to catch up with the basics.”

In order to get young students on the same page, and in an effort to develop the next generation of avid readers, 37 trained tutors are now meeting with over 100 kindergarten through third-grade students twice a week at the Boys & Girls Clubs for 30-minute sessions of reading, literacy games and bonding over books. Working with just one or two students at a time, tutors focus on developing reading fluency skills through repetition and practice.

Watson, who oversees all three club branches, said she’s already seen a lot of excitement about the program from the clubs’ families, with kids and parents ea-

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gerly awaiting their session in the halls of the club.

“You see that a lot of times in sports leagues—the parents come out and watch their kids from the sidelines,” Watson said. “You don’t see that a whole lot when it comes to academics—the parent waiting for their kid to go in and do a reading session.”

Karen Banse, a board member who also works as the program’s volunteer recruitment director, noted that the students aren’t the only ones excited about the program.

“We have 16 people on the waiting list to be a tutor,” Banse smiled. “Some have been with us since early May waiting for this program to start.”

“We know that the kids needed it, but we have a population of volunteers that were calling daily, starving for this,” Frechette-Artinger added.

Banse—who networked with area cities, libraries and community centers to recruit tutors—said their volunteers range in age from 50 to 83, with the average being 68 years old. Banse said a large part of the appeal for seniors is the structure and organization of the tutor program—they received over 20 hours of training—and the added bonus of being able to take time off.

Littlejohn said he expects the new program will help exponentially with the clubs’ goal of getting students to the eighth grade level, through high school, and achieving success after graduation.

“It’s about planting the seed,” Littlejohn said.

“When a kid doesn’t read well or do math well, their self-confidence is going to be low throughout their entire life,” Watson added. “But when you empower a kid with education, that’s something you can never take away from them.” CD GET INVOLVED To learn more about becoming a tutor/ mentor volunteer, contact Karen Banse at 949.244.1560 or karen.banse@parentishealth.com. Those interested in becoming part of the Parentis Health Foundation Board of Directors can contact Janice Frechette-Artinger at 949.767.7503 or email janice.frechette@parentishealth.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Historical Society to Feature Camp Pendleton at Semi-Annual Meeting The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society’s semi-annual meeting will be held on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. at the Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The president of the Camp Pendleton Historical Society, retired colonel Richard Rothwell, will present a comprehensive history of Camp Pendleton during the meeting.

The meeting coincides with the final days of the society’s exhibit on display at the Leck House, which showcases artifacts and mementos from Camp Pendleton and local veterans. That exhibit, which opened on Memorial Day, will conclude on Friday, Nov. 17. For more information, call the Historical Society at 949.493.8444.

National Charity League Chapter to Hold Membership Drive The Laguna Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. has opened its annual membership drive and invites interested mothers and daughters from South Orange County to apply for the graduating classes of 2021 to 2024.

The Laguna Chapter will host a meetand-greet from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Aliso Viejo Conference Center, 31 Santa Barbara Drive, Aliso Viejo.

The chapter works with more than 20 local philanthropies including the Ocean Institute, Shea Center and Family Assistance Ministries.

NCL Laguna is accepting applications through Jan. 15. RSVP to Autumn Connot at autumnconnot0615@gmail.com or visit www.laguna.nationalcharityleague.org to find out more about membership.

Stallion Booster Club’s Christmas Tree Fundraiser Ends Nov. 17 The Stallion Booster Club at San Juan Hills High School is selling Christmas trees now through Nov. 17 to raise funds for the school’s athletic programs.

The trees come from a grower in Oregon, and pricing ranges from $5575 for douglas firs, or $35 for a 24-inch wreath. Local delivery is $35. Trees may also be donated to a Camp Pendleton 1st Battalion/11th Marine family.

Order forms and payment are due by Friday, Nov. 17. All trees are to be claimed at the SJHHS parking lot on a first come, first served basis on Saturday, Dec. 2 from The Capistrano Dispatch November 10–23, 2017

SATURDAY, NOV. 11

Veterans Day Celebration 11 a.m.

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

TUESDAY, NOV. 14

Planning Commission Meeting Marine Corps representatives collect meals packed by SJC Rotary Club members for families of the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines during last year’s Thanksgiving food drive. Photo: John Caldwell

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Order online at www.sjhstallions.com/ christmastree. For more information, contact Lynn Blaylock at lynnblaylock@gmail. com or Rhonda Ruiz at ruiz97@cox.net.

Breakthrough San Juan Fundraiser Set for Nov. 17 Local nonprofit Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano is hosting a fundraiser at Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 3-8 p.m.

Breakthrough San Juan supports local motivated students whose backgrounds are underrepresented in higher education by providing tuition-free academic programming and guidance from middle school through college graduation.

Anyone who presents a fundraiser flyer during checkout will be able to donate 20 percent of their bill to Breakthrough. (See the online version of this story to download the flyer).

Participants can also enter a raffle by posting a picture of themselves with their yogurt and using the hashtag #BTSJCisGolden and tagging Breakthrough on Facebook @BreakthroughSanJuanCapistrano or on Instagram #breakthroughsanjuan. A winner will be announced on Nov. 17.

Golden Spoon is located at 31654 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite J, in San Juan Capistrano.

For more information on the fundraiser, contact Jessica Dinh at 949.661.0108 ext.

1348 or email Jessica.dinh@smes.org.

SJC Rotary to Host Thanksgiving Food Drive Nov. 18 The San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club’s annual Thanksgiving food drive is set for Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Rotary Club will be asking grocery shoppers to purchase a few extra food items that will collectively go into full Thanksgiving dinners for local families in need.

Participating San Juan Capistrano grocery stores include:

• Vons, 32401 Camino Capistrano • Ralphs, 31874 Del Obispo • Marbella Farmers Market, 31109 Rancho Viejo Road In addition, the San Juan Hills High School Interact Club, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club, will be accepting food items at Pavilions, 26022 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

The SJC Rotary Club will be compiling and distributing the dinners at San Juan Elementary School on Nov. 18. The club will also be boxing up Thanksgiving dinners for select Marine families from Camp Pendleton.

Homefront America’s ‘Giving Thanks to Heroes’ Program Underway Each year, local nonprofit Homefront America’s “Giving Thanks to Heroes” program provides military families with all the necessary groceries and a certificate for a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinners. Through the program, military families will receive cranberry sauce, gravy mix, peas, corn, green beans, yams, pumpkin pie filling and crust, evaporated milk, mashed potato mix, turkey stuffing, corn muffin mix and a $10 turkey certificate that can be redeemed at any grocery store or commissary.

The program serves more than 250 families from Camp Pendleton and surrounding military communities.

Members of the public can help the program by sponsoring one or more turkey certificates for the military families, or by donating online at www.homefrontamerica.org. Checks can be mailed to Homefront America at 27375 Paseo La Serna, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675.

For more information, call 949.248.9468 or email info@homefrontamerica.org.

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

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

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15

Downtown Farmers Market 3-6 p.m.

Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from dozens of vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street.

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

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

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

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

MONDAY, NOV. 20

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

TUESDAY, NOV. 21

Utilities Commission Meeting 8 a.m.

The city’s Utilities Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano. org.

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

FRIDAY, NOV. 24

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Lew’s Views by Lew Avera

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

EDITORIAL

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

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

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith

City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz

Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 15, Issue 21. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

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

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The Capistrano Dispatch November 10–23, 2017

Defining What Our Country Stands For

NFL players have shown ‘disrespect’ for the ‘great pyramid’

T

he recent kneeling for the national anthem and flag salute by National Football League (NFL) players has attracted much attention and created one of our nation’s current leading controversies.

I don’t usually write about political controversy and such things, but I have some real thoughts and perspectives on this, and I’m aware there are many competing points of view. The underlying theme by the NFL players has been to attempt to highlight racial discrimination, police brutality and to bring equality and justice to minorities.

According to the annual racial and gender report card published by TIDES, approximately 70 percent of NFL players are minorities, and there is no doubt many

Letters to the Editor LOCAL TEAM CONTINUES TO SUPPORT 1/11 MARINES, FAMILIES —Kathy Hooper, San Juan Capistrano, 1/11 Marine Family Support Team member On Sept. 13, 26 1st Battalion, 11th Marines were treated to an Angels vs.

Houston Astros baseball game. The trip included a pizza meal and a limo-bus ride to the stadium from San Juan. The Marines had a great time, and the Astros were in the playoffs.

On Sept. 29, Phil Schwalbe, president of the San Juan Hills High School Booster Club, hosted 25 of our Marines at a tailgate party at Bad to the Bone BBQ before attending our hometown high school football game. Phil had contacted one of our directors to get this done, and we did. You might have seen our Marines during half time, standing there in full uniform. It was heartwarming to hear and see our community show our Marines the love and support.

What a great way for these young Marines

come from various types of social and economic backgrounds that face challenges.

But the contradiction in this case is that although 70 percent of the NFL players are racial minorities, they have moved above the middle class in their economic wellbeing in their own way with athletic football talent.

Most players received college-level educational opportunities, but many chose to cut them short and did not graduate, merely using college as a “stepping stone” to the millions of dollars in NFL salary.

The first major issue in this is whether they have the “Constitutional right” to protest as they have, provided by the Bill of Rights, or whether the Constitution prohibits such behavior and requires them to “stand for the national anthem and flag salute.”

LEW’S VIEWS My own opinion is that

By Lew Avera they are not required by the Constitution to stand and salute.

However, I think these demonstrations miss the real issue, which is respect for our country and those who have brought the country from its beginning to the great country it is today, which gave these NFL players the opportunity to become wealthy and move to the upper class economically.

I view our country as a “great pyramid”—the wide base at the bottom is the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War, both of which set us free.

Building the pyramid upward are many

factors such as the Constitution, states’ rights, elected governance, freedom of information, religious freedom, citizens’ rights to vote, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, educational opportunities, right to work laws, gender respect, health standards, charitable organizations, public education, labor standards, Selma/Little Rock and the right to protest.

At the very top and peak point, the “pinnacle” of the pyramid, is the American flag and national anthem of the United States.

Those two symbols represent all that our country is and stands for and, to no small degree, those who have given their lives for our country since its beginning in 1776.

I think respect for all that the pinnacle stands for is the issue here. In this case, the NFL players have shown significant disrespect for it. I would hope that they could look at their own personal success in our country and become examples of how one can succeed in the U.S., regardless of ethnic, social or economic background, and support others to become successful too.

Lew Avera is a retired career officer, Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps. He was a director of the Talega HOA and served on the San Clemente Planning Commission from 20052013. CD

to know our community better, and know they are a part of this community.

Our nonprofit group, the 1/11 Marine Family Support team, has been busy since 2008 doing these kinds of events. We have supported families and held fun events in times when they need help most. Our support is a quiet but constant for our Marines and their families. Our board is made up of retired Marines, service members and community members who understand the importance of what we do. Our board feels honored to help and serve those who serve us.

The 1/11 Marine Family Support Team will continue to be involved whenever and wherever we are needed. When you meet our Marines, thank you for showing them the respect, love and the support they so richly deserve.

loading plutonium and uranium nuclear waste into thin canisters and then place them at ground level one hundred feet from the San Onofre beachfront. There will be a total of almost 2,000 tons of nuclear material stored indefinitely in 123 canisters.

At the meeting, people referred to them as “Chernobyl Canisters” because each one can release more radioactive fallout than the entire Chernobyl catastrophe that spread radioactive contamination over much of Europe. What will it mean to all of us and our children who will be condemned to live next to a nuclear waste dump?

As a licensed real estate broker here for over two decades, I am also horrified by what the perception of possible radioactive fallout might do to all property values in this area. People don’t seem to realize how serious this is for the future of South Orange County. And if there is a catastrophic event either soon or decades from now, all property could become worthless because no insurance covers radioactive fallout.

Evacuation would not work because you can’t run away from radiation. San Clemente could become a forbidden zone of exclusion where no one is allowed to live (just like Fukushima).

WHY AREN’T MORE PEOPLE CONCERNED ABOUT NUCLEAR WASTE? —Jenifer Massey, San Clemente As a long-time resident of San Clemente (four decades), I was horrified at what I learned at the recent Southern California Edison Community Engagement Panel meeting. Edison is getting ready to start

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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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

“California Edison Community Engagement Panel meeting.

I was horrified at what I learned at the recent Southern

Edison is getting ready to start loading plutonium and

uranium nuclear waste into thin canisters and then place

them at ground level one hundred feet from the San Onofre

”

beachfront.

—Jenifer Massey

Why aren’t there massive public protests about this? Why is there no progress in getting the waste moved to a safer area out of earthquake fault zones, population concentrations and away from easy attacks by terrorists? Why do we allow authorities in government and the nuclear industry get away with building a nuclear waste dump in zip code 92672? Everyone should study www.sanonofresafety.org and get involved in protesting this monstrosity that threatens the future of Southern California.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS NEEDS TO INCLUDE NUCLEAR ENERGY —Roger Johnson, San Clemente Congratulations to Jim Kempton for pointing out, in the Oct. 27-Nov. 9 edition of The Capistrano Dispatch, the most critical issue facing Orange County: the current plan to store large quantities of uranium and plutonium a few miles from here for the indefinite future. He is right that both the public and the decision-makers are minimally informed. He is also correct that Southern California Edison has been distributing inaccurate and incomplete information and appears to be engaged in an effort to trivialize the dangers of possible radioactive fallout over large areas.

I attended what was advertised as a “Fun Emergency Preparedness Fair” in San Clemente on Oct 21. I also attended a much larger event on the same day on “Disaster Preparedness” sponsored by Orange County and the city of Mission Viejo. Both events focused only on conventional emergencies such as fires and earthquakes. All the tents and exhibits and all the literature distributed contained not one word about a radiological emergency. The emergency preparedness people I spoke to appeared to be uninformed and unprepared for radioactive fallout. The “Ready OC” brochure carefully lists every possible emergency except what is now the most dangerous and most likely disaster. The “Alert OC: Stay Informed” document is uninformative, misleading and appears to rely on Edison public relations. It suggests that we should not worry because “even our bodies give off small amounts of radiation.”

There is only one way that zip code 92672 will not become a nuclear waste dump, and that is massive public opposition. So far, that is not happening. Kempton is correct in stating that everyone is in the dark. Perhaps that is the master plan for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Page 11

and the nuclear industry: cultivate a public that is compliant, complacent and uninformed. The plan seems to be working.

DEVELOPMENT FEES AND THE TOLL ROADS —Eva O’Keefe, San Clemente Most people know that the toll roads exist. What most people don’t know is how they get their money. The toll roads get their money in three ways. The first way is they sell bonds to investors. The second way is through tolls. The third way is through development fees. Development fees are essentially a tax (fee) on new homes, businesses or substantial remodels. For example, many of the homes in Forster Ranch and Talega had to pay $5,500 to the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) because we were in the TCA zone. The new homes in Rancho Mission Viejo pay about the same fee of $5,000. When John Wayne Airport was remodeled in 2012 a dispute arose between Subway, Caterina’s, Paradies, Vino Volo and Hudson Group for $157,000 in fees to the TCA. The restaurants/shops say the fees were calculated in an absurd way, and they wanted their money back. A court case decided this and they lost. They had to pay the TCA. Imagine if all these fees would be used for not just the TCA and their bloated salaries, almost twice as much as the Caltrans director with 38 times greater budget, lobbyists, public relations and sponsoring every event in the community, from golf events to plays and even offering honey baked hams to entice drivers to use the toll roads to the overall regional mobility.

Let’s not forget, the TCA builds toll roads only. Enough! Pay down the bonds, make the toll roads free as promised and truly improve mobility in the region. P.S. You can get the coupon online for the honey baked ham.

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

Friday | 10 LIVE THEATER: ‘HAIRSPRAY JR.’ 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Capistrano Acting Academy presents the musical all about hair, dancing and social change. Their cast of children (and a few adults) has been hard at work for weeks and can’t wait to share this great performance with an audience. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the show. A third show will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 11. Tickets are $12. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.capistranoactingacademy.org.

LIVE MUSIC: WAYWARD SONS 8 p.m. Listen to live music at The Coach House. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘CHARLY’ 8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse presents the amazing story of a man with the mentality of a 5-year-old that becomes a genius in just a few weeks through an experimental surgery, previously only tried on a mouse. The play runs through Nov. 12. $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased at www.PamelaPeakProductions.com/ charly-2017. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 11 TREE OF LIFE’S DESIGN CAMP 8:30 a.m. Join the Tree of Life Nursery for an interactive workshop where each student will have a start to their own working landscape plan at the end of the day. Instructors will help identify and prioritize your needs for your outdoor space and provide ideas on how to design with these priorities in mind.

Cost is $250 per landscape plan, up to two participants. You will need to bring special materials. Check the website for more information. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet local jewelry artists and shop their inventory at The Cottage Gallery on Los Rios. Be sure to get some holiday shopping done while meeting The Capistrano Dispatch November 10–23, 2017

artists and listening to live music.

Admission is free. 31701 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.340.6693. www.cottagegalleryonlosrios.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Dalton Gang performs, followed by Rob Staley Band at 8:30 p.m.

Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE’S SECOND ANNIVERSARY 12-3 p.m. Celebrate the Outlets at San Clemente’s second anniversary with discounts all weekend long, just in time for the holiday season. On top of the sales, there will be wild animal shows, prize wheels and free entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday. 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

DRIFTWOOD AT DOHENY 12-9:30 p.m. Walk the shores of Doheny State Beach all while listening to country music with barbeque and beer. Attendees 21 and over may show up at 1 p.m. for a complimentary tasting glass and access to a wide variety of craft beers and artisan food. The music kicks off at 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, and artists include; Frankie Ballard, Kip Moore, Chase Rice, plus many more. General admission tickets start at $49. Children under seven are free after 4 p.m. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.driftwoodfest. com/doheny.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11: VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION 11 a.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano VFW Serra Post 3801 and the American Legion Post 721 for their annual Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park, located at the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

ON THE MENU

SHAKAZOO SLIDERS AT THE SHWACK

MISSION BASILICA SERENADE GALA 5:30-11:30 p.m. Join Mission Basilica School for a night of dancing, dinner and auctions as it puts on its annual fundraising gala. All proceeds go to help fund school programs and curriculums.

Tickets are $200. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Laguna Niguel. 949.234.1385. www.missionbasilicaschool.org.

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. This month’s headliner is Ron Ruhman. Jim Taylor, Art Valenzuela, and Morey Sherman will also showcase their comedic skills. $17.50. Reservations are recommended. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Sunday | 12 GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park.

Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

(Cont. on page 15)

Shakazoo Sliders from The Shwack Beach Grill. Photo: Erin McFaul

BY ERIN MCFAUL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

ith a name inspired from owner Max Fisher’s love of surfer lingo, The Shwack Beach Grill was opened by the Dana Point local in 2011 with the mission to provide flavorful food at low prices.

“The whole point in opening Shwack was to have a beach-friendly, ocean-friendly, surf-themed spot for locals to come get inexpensive, high-quality food,” Fisher said.

Fisher said the most popular items among customers tend to be the burgers, tacos and rack of ribs.

If customers are looking to share a round

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of appetizers, known as “shwackatizers” on the menu, the Shakazoo Sliders pack blasts of flavor within each of the three savory sandwiches. The sliders are filled with a heap of tender pulled pork and are covered in a tangy garlic-chipotle barbeque sauce.

Bursting out of the bun and spilling onto the plate, the crispy fried onions add a salty crunch to the dish.

Even with The Shwack Beach Grill’s reasonable prices, the restaurant offers a happy hour as well as Taco Tuesday specials.

The Shwack Beach Grill 24502 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.218.2731 www.theshwack.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12) SADDLEBACK COLLEGE MASTER CLASS 2:30 p.m. Reflections of the Ocean Classical Keyboard Series is presenting a Master Class with concert pianist and renowned chamber musician, Andrew Park. Tickets are $10 for general admissions, $7 for seniors and $5 for students during their presale. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4500. www.saddleback.edu/art.

Monday | 13 YOGA IN THE PARK 5:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga for yoga in the park every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Bring a mat, water bottle and suggested donation of $8. Classes also occur every morning at 10 a.m. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

Wednesday | 15 FREE COMEDY 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Bloom’s Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

Thursday | 16 GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join volunteers, students and teachers at Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens to care for and maintain native plants and butterflies. No experience is necessary (they’ll teach you), but you should bring gloves and clippers. No class if it rains. Admission is free. Los Rios Park.

31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

CERAMICS AND HORTICULTURE FUNDRAISING SALE 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The ceramics and horticulture and the landscape design departments at Saddleback College are putting on a fundraising sale to help support student scholarships and guest lectures.

The fundraiser will take place both Thursday and Friday. It’s first come, first served on a wide variety of plants. Entry is free.

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

949.582.4500. www.saddleback.edu/atas/ horticulture-and-landscape-design-plantsale.

Friday | 17 MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10-23, 2017

Saturday | 18 SURFING SANTA COMPETITION 7:30 a.m. The Ritz-Carlton is putting on its annual Surfing Santa Competition.

With over 10 separate divisions, there is a competition for all ages. This event will help support Surfers Healing, a charity that helps children with autism and their families have relaxing day at the beach.

There will be cash prizes for all divisions and a prize for best costume. See website for entry fees. 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.240.5088. www.surfingsantacontest.org.

THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE MAKE & TAKE 9 a.m. Armstrong Garden Centers invites gardeners of all skill levels to their community classes. This week’s class is called Thanksgiving Centerpiece Make and Take. Create and keep beautiful centerpieces that are sure to impress your holiday guests. Classes are $44.99. 32383 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.661.6666. www.armstronggarden.com.

On set with Director Taika Waititi and Chris Hemsworth. Photo: Jasin Boland, Marvel Studios

At the Movies: ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ May Keep Superhero Movies Afloat a Bit Longer

ORANGE COUNTY’S ANCIENT WONDERS 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Explore over 180 million years of Orange County’s history with a fossil display, ancient Native American artifacts and informative talks with archeology experts. Admission is free. O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon. 714.923.2260. www.ocparks.com/oneill.

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

guess if 2017 has taught us one lesson in filmmaking it’s that if you want to make your superhero movie memorable and interesting, set it in space. Between Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and now Thor: Ragnarok, it seems to be the most intriguing setting. Nearly a decade into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, people are finally starting to become fatigued and the storytelling is almost becoming stale. But the third installation of the Thor features may keep it afloat a bit longer.

After the death of their father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are at it again with their sibling rivalry of Thor’s good versus Loki’s evil. But then Thor is reunited with old friend and fellow Avenger Bruce Banner, a.k.a. the

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Family Style performs, followed by Greg and the Gallows at 8:30 p.m. Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

THIRD ANNUAL OUTLETS TREE LIGHTING 4-6:30 p.m. Join Santa and his reindeer outside the Outlets at San Clemente for the lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree.

Begin the Christmas season with carolers, face painting, and fake snow all while getting some Christmas shopping done.

Admission is free. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com/reindeer.

Sunday | 19 GINGERBREAD EXTRAVAGANZA 4 p.m. Every year Ritz-Carlton puts on a Gingerbread Extravaganze, but this year Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Haage showcases a “today’s attention on climate” themed extravaganza. Clean and sustainable energy will be represented through Californian landscapes created entirely out of gingerbread and sweets.

The extravaganza will be on display until January 2. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com/ lagunaniguel.

Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), when they’re both imprisoned on the planet of Sakaar, led by a partier who calls himself the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). On top of that, Odin’s secret, eldest child Hela (Cate Blanchett) has come to take over the land of Asgard from her brothers.

Ragnarok is directed by Taika Waititi of the indie hits What We Do in the Shadows (2014) and Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016), and he knows how to direct comedy and has created possibly the funniest Marvel film thus far. There’s plenty of comic relief that is good and executed well from the cast, for audiences who are fans or just casual viewers. The tone and pacing, however, are a bit of a mess and hold the film back from being great. Ragnarok is a fun and enjoyable— although flawed— blockbuster for the holiday season. CD

Wednesday | 22

Thursday | 23

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE 9-11:30 a.m. Learn to play bridge at the South Orange County Bridge Center.

There will be a knowledgeable teacher in attendance. Classes are held every Wednesday. RSVP to Sharon at fleurpdlur@cox.net. South Orange County Bridge Center. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano.

DANA POINT TURKEY TROT 6 a.m. Celebrate 40 years of the Dana Point Turkey Trot by entering into one of the three races. The 10k race begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 5k and the Kids Gobble Wobble. All runners receive a medal and a free shirt. See site for registration fees.

24650 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.1555. www.turkeytrot.com.

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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

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Business Beat

NEW OWNERSHIP

News from San Juan’s business community COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

UPCOMING EVENT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO PARTICIPATE IN SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to support local businesses and invest in the city’s economy by participating in national Small Business Saturday, set for Nov. 25.

Participating businesses include Las Catrinas SJC, Lavish Home Décor, London Hair Studio, Butterscotch the Clown, Mission Fine Arts Gallery, Nest, San Juan Capistrano Travel, The Cottage Gallery on Los Rios & Artful Garden, Trio Rewards and Wildfire Mercantile.

Information on discounts and specials offers at each participating business can be found at www.sanjuanchamber.com.

For more information, call 949.493.4700 or email info@sanjuanchamber.com.

LOCAL RECOGNITION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SOCIAL WORKER HONORED BY FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK Farmers & Merchants Bank honored 10 members of the Southern California community at its seventh annual “California’s Strongest People You Can Bank On”

Cynthia Roe, (front row, far left) of San Juan Capistrano, was one of 10 people honored by Farmers & Merchants Bank on Nov. 3 at the seventh annual “California’s Strongest People You Can Bank On” awards.

Photo: Courtesy of Farmers & Merchants Bank

awards on Nov. 3 in Long Beach.

Winners were nominated by bank employees and represent many communities, including San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. The awards are given based upon achievements that demonstrate values and strength of character.

In San Juan, Cynthia Roe, who works with the National Center on Adoption and Permanency, was given the “Loyalty Award” for her work as a dedicated social worker and clinician over the last 25 years.

Roe’s work is focused on children and families impacted by abuse, neglect, foster care and adoption. Roe has also done extensive work that encompasses speaking, training and consulting with the National Center on Adoption and Permanency.

F&M officials said that one of Roe’s passions is working to keep siblings together.

“Cynthia and her sister are graduates of the foster care system in Colorado and

were reunited with their biological brother as adults,” F&M officials said. “She is also a proud adoptive parent herself. Cynthia and her partner adopted two brothers who were in foster care and had experienced a traumatic separation.

“It is these real-life challenges and triumphs that Cynthia carries in her heart each day as she advocates for these children who would otherwise have no voice. Loyal and forthright, Cynthia will use whatever means necessary to let them be heard.”

F&M Bank President W. Henry Walker said it’s one of his “greatest joys” to honor the “amazing members of our community every year.”

“Each and every one of them represent the very best of our shared values, and they embody the ‘can do’ spirit and service-above-self bedrock that F&M has been based on for the last 110 years,” Walker said.

NISSAN OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 33633 Camino Capistrano, 949.248.9200 www.nissanofcapistrano.com Nissan of San Juan Capistrano is now under new ownership. General Manager John Cunningham said his focus at the dealership is on “complete customer satisfaction.”

“That philosophy is dealership-wide, including sales, service and parts,” Cunningham said. “We are all about the customer experience, whether you are here to buy a new or pre-owned car, truck, van or SUV, or if you came into parts to get a new battery for your car’s remote, you will always be treated as royalty.”

Cunningham said that same mantra is especially true for members of the military, including active duty personnel, retired veterans, first responders, and anyone in the education profession.

“Our staff are all extremely appreciative of the sacrifices those heroic individuals make on our behalf, and we are dedicated to recognizing their efforts with over-thetop customer care,” he said.

In addition to being a new Nissan Dealer, Nissan of San Juan Capistrano is also a certified NV commercial vehicle, so they can sell and service the NV passenger van and the high and standard roof cargo vans. The pre-owned department carries an average of 50 vehicles, all inspected and, in the case of the pre-owned Nissan inventory, certified, which requires passing a 162-point inspection and comes with a limited seven year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

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

Our Library Provides Much to be Thankful For The library’s educational series continues this month with two upcoming lectures

T

he San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, with the support of the Friends of the Library, offers a wonderful schedule of programs and story times throughout the year, serving visitors of all ages. Included on this month’s list of events are a couple of special lectures that are highlighted below.

As part of an ongoing educational series, the Alzheimer’s Association presents “Effective Communication Strategies” on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. This class will focus on how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s disease and will share strategies on how to connect and com-

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10–23, 2017

municate effectively with them. The event is free to the public and registration is recommended. To register by phone, call 800.272.3900 or send an email to smorales@alz.org.

The following weekend, all are invited to attend “Researching Your Hispanic Ancestors,” a genealogy program presented by Letty Rodella. A retired educator, Rodella is president of the Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research (SHHAR) and has a passion for genealogy. She will share from her extensive knowledge on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. Rodella will explain basic steps in searching Hispanic archives, which go back as far as the 1500s, and will offer tips, resources and

suggestions to attendees for researching their own family histories. This program is also free to the public.

The San Juan library staff not only work diligently to put these programs together, they answer questions and assist patrons in any way they can. Their compassion and generous service help to make our community that much better. And in the spirit of the season, readers are encouraged to stop by the library, say hello and thank the staff for all they do.

For the Thanksgiving holiday, please note that the library will be closing early at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. For more information about hours, location

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and library events, please visit www. ocpl.org.

The “Branching Out” column is a collaboration between San Juan Capistrano Library staff and the Friends of the Library, a nonprofit that supports the library and its programs by raising funds through its on-site bookstore and special events. For more information on the library, visit www.ocpl.org or follow @ SJCFriends on Facebook. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

A Salute to our Veterans Historical Society offers opportunity to reflect with exhibit on Camp Pendleton, local veterans

T

he San Juan Capistrano Historical Society has extended its exhibit on the 75th anniversary of Camp Pendleton through Nov. 17. The exhibit was originally set to close on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. But the Society is holding its semi-annual meeting on Sunday, Nov. 12, and it will feature Col. Richard Rothwell (Ret.), president of the Camp Pendleton Historical Society. His talk will be on the history of Camp Pendleton. It seemed only fitting that the exhibit be extended to allow those who have not had an opportunity to see the memorabilia from Camp Pendleton and our local veterans.

Veterans Day is a time of reflection. It was originally called Armistice Day following World War I. That war was often referred to as “The Great MOMENTS War” or the “War to End IN TIME All Wars.” While hosBy Jan Siegel tilities stopped between Germany and the Allies on Nov. 11, 1918, the actual Armistice was not signed until June 28, 1919 in the Palace of Versailles.

However, the fighting stopped at 11 a.m. on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

It was easy to see why celebrating victory was commemorated on Nov. 11. In his proclamation on Armistice Day, President Wilson said, “to us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

On June 4, 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and passed a concurrent resolution which “resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places with appropriate ceremonies of The Capistrano Dispatch November 10–23, 2017

An array of memorabilia from Camp Pendleton and local veterans is currently on display at the Historical Society’s exhibit on the 75th anniversary of Camp Pendleton.

Photos: Allison Jarrell

friendly relation with all other peoples.” An Act of Congress passed on May 13, 1938 made the “11th of November in each year a legal holiday, a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.” In 1954, following World War II and Korea, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by taking away the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” With the passing of Public Law 389 on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor all American veterans. On Oct. 8, 1954, President Dwight David Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” in order to ensure proper and widespread observances of this anniversary of all veterans.

From 1971 to 1977, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October as part of the Uniform Monday

Holiday Act. But in 1978, the holiday returned to the correct date of Nov. 11. If Veterans Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, like it does this year, businesses and government organizations may be closed on the Friday or Monday before or after the holiday.

And just in case you need a refresher— the difference between Memorial Day, celebrated in May, and Veterans Day, is that Memorial Day is meant to remember the fallen heroes in all wars fought by the United States, while Veterans Day reflects on all those who served in the conflicts.

This Veterans Day, take a ‘Moment in Time’ to reflect upon our military and all that they have sacrificed for us by joining the Historical Society at their semi-annual meeting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Community Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. And don’t forget to

Page 18

stop by the Historical Society on Los Rios Street to view the Camp Pendleton exhibit.

For further information, please call the Historical Society at 949.493.8444.

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

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

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

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OTHER STUFF THE SCHENKENBERGER’S NEED SOME HELP Steve Shenkenberger, husband and father of five young boys, was riding his mountain bike on Super Bowl Sunday when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Laguna Niguel. The family is need of donations for ongoing medical expenses and childcare. Please consider donating at www.gofundme.com/ the-schenkenbergers-medical-bills.

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949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch November 10–23, 2017

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SJC LIVING FROM THE ARCHIVES

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

Cruising around Cape Horn and North to Rio

I

n my previous column, I wrote about seeing penguin Glenn Miller near Punta Arenas, Chile, while on a 34-day cruise from San Diego around Cape Horn, the southern tip of South America, and north to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the final week of the cruise, our Holland America ship, the MS Zaandam, stopped in five ports, before arriving in Rio. The main takeaway from the cruise: how fortunate the passengers, including my partner Greta and I, were with the weather and sea conditions in this part of South America. We were prepared for rough seas and ice-chilling weather; neither materialized.

Our first port after Punta Arenas was Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. To get there from Punta Arenas, we cruised for two days on the Strait of Magellan, through Glacier Alley, viewing snowcapped mountains, waterfalls and beautiful glaciers with a blue hue.

We had been briefed on board that Ushuaia might be almost a ghost town since we were arriving there on a Sunday, when many businesses close, plus it was ON LIFE AND Election Day in LOVE AFTER 50 Argentina. Bundled up in

By Tom Blake winter coats, gloves and scarves, Zaandam passengers were prepared for the worst in going ashore, aware that weather there can change in minutes.

But what a surprise. The sun was out and the temperature was in the high 50s. I saw a few passengers go ashore in shorts, which was more for bravado than fashion.

The first place in Ushuaia tourists go is the “End of the World” sign, located in a park near the shoreline. It’s the busiest place in town for photos.

After stopping there, Greta and I walked the downtown streets for nearly three hours. The place was teeming with folks.

Bars, restaurants and shops were open, happy to see the first cruise ship of the season in port.

Most of the time, we carried our winter coats. When the sun ducked behind a cloud, we put them back on. Ushuaia is a hip city with delightful, friendly people.

The next stop was Stanley, Falkland Islands. A steward in the ship’s dining room told me that in 2015, in the five Holland America cruises that scheduled a stop in this port, passengers could only go ashore once due to treacherous winds.

Stanley is a tender port, where passengers can only reach the city from the ship by taking smaller boats; the ship dropped

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10–23, 2017

anchor two miles away.

When Greta and I stepped off the tender boat at the dock in Stanley, we couldn’t believe our luck. The sun was out; we had to unzip our winter coats.

Stanley is British through and through.

We stopped for coffee and to use WiFi at a café called Bittersweet.

While walking around this attractive, quaint city, we checked out the Globe Tavern, a true British pub. It was packed with Brits; you couldn’t move in the place.

England retained control of the Falkland Islands in the war with Argentina in 1982. Christ Church, the most southern Anglican Church in the world, is filled with memorial plaques of Brits who fought in WWI and WWII, and in the war with Argentina. It was interesting to read the messages on the plaques.

The next port was nearly 1,000 miles north of the Falklands, Montevideo, Uruguay. Greta and I visited there 10 years prior. We decided to walk into the city from the port. Within 10 minutes, the rain started. We entered a restaurant that advertised coffee on a chalk board. Turns out, the restaurant, Urbani, served the best hot chocolate we’ve ever had.

The rain was coming down in buckets with wind gusts of 60-70 mph. We stayed for lunch. We had been there for three hours hoping the rain would let up. We asked our server to call us a taxi, to take us back to the ship. The cab company wouldn’t answer their phone—too busy.

The ship was scheduled to depart in two hours. We had no choice: put the rain ponchos on and walk back to the ship.

Once on board, we made a beeline to the hot tub. We didn’t see much of Montevideo.

The next day was a sharp contrast to the previous day. In Buenos Aires, the sun was out, temperature near 70—a welcome change to Cape Horn.

Buenos Aires is known as “The Paris of the South.” It’s big, diverse, beautiful and fascinating. We only had a few hours so we decided to take a Hop On, Hop Off bus around the city. We sat in the upper, open deck. This is a great way to see as much of a city as possible in a limited time.

Commentary about each building, neighborhood, park, statute and monument is described via earphones.

For three and a half hours, we never left the bus. When the tour ended, we both felt exhilarated. We saw the “pink building,” where Eva Peron lived and addressed thousands from an upstairs balcony. We saw the oldest restaurant in Buenos Aires, Café Tortoni (founded 1858), where we had seen a tango show on our previous visit.

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Archives

CAMINO CAP IN THE 20s The Egan House, now home to Ellie’s Table, sits along a quiet Camino Capistrano, 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.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Solution:

As the ship sailed away, we raised a glass of wine, while standing on the stern deck, saying, “To Buenos Aires, one of the greatest cities in the world.”

Our final port, before arriving in Rio, was Punte del Este, Uruguay. This is a resort city, with hundreds of high-rise apartments on sandy beaches.

We visited its most famous landmark, a statue in the sand called, “The Hand,” named because four huge fingers and a thumb stick out of the sand.

We had a wonderful trip with amazing weather. After disembarking in Rio, we rented a car and drove 180 miles south to Itamambuca Beach, where we are staying at a beach house for two weeks.

You get spoiled on a cruise ship: three meals a day, all you can eat, ship’s personnel waiting on you hand and foot.

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At the beach house, reality hit me. Who is going to prepare our meals? Oops, time for me to put on an apron and head for the kitchen, Greta would like her morning coffee.

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

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

High School Sports Roundup: Eagles Volleyball Soars into CIF-SS Championship Game COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all San Juan Capistrano high school sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

W

e are right in the thick of the high school sports postseason calendar and CIF-SS titles are up for grabs. The football playoffs are set to begin this week.

Here is the latest: Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball finds itself in a familiar position at the end of the season, but will be hoping for a new result.

The red-hot Eagles (27-3) have barnstormed their way to a second consecutive CIF-SS championship game. The Eagles will play Buckley in the Division 8 championship game at Cerritos College on Friday, Nov. 10. Last year, CVCS lost in the Division 9 finals.

The Eagles have won 11 straight matches dating back to Oct. 3. They swept past South El Monte in the Division 9 first round, battled to a five-set win over Oakwood in the second round, swept Rolling Hills Prep in the quarterfinals and got past Malibu in four sets in the semifinals.

Washington College commit Kahley Jaeke, Sofia Pluhar, Riley Barclay and Keara Rutz have been leading the way for the Eagles this season.

CVCS is also on track to appear in the CIF State Championship tournament. The Eagles advanced to the Division 5 State semifinals in 2016.

The San Juan Hills football team built a strong enough resume to impress the CIF-SS selection committee and earned an at-large berth in the CIF-SS Division 4 Championships.

The Stallions (5-5) will travel to play Redondo Union (6-4) out of the Bay League on Friday, Nov. 10.

San Juan Hills placed fourth in the competitive South Coast League. Their lone league win came against Trabuco Hills.

Their effort in league, coupled with a strong 4-2 nonleague record that included wins over Dos Pueblos, Canyon and Great Oak, earned them a trip to the playoffs.

San Juan Hills finished the regular season as the No. 8-ranked team in Division 4.

The Stallions have a strong defense, which should keep them in most games throughout their playoff run.

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The Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball team will play Buckley for the CIF-SS Division 8 championship on Friday, Nov. 10. Photo: Courtesy

The winner of the San Juan Hills-Redondo Union game will play the winner of Cajon-Palm Springs in the quarterfinals on Nov. 17.

Both the San Juan Hills and Saddleback Valley Christian girls volleyball teams advanced to the quarterfinals of their respective CIF-SS playoff brackets. The South Coast League champion Stallions swept Los Alamitos and Lakewood before losing to Mater Dei in the quarterfinals.

The San Joaquin league champion Warriors beat Chadwick and Notre Dame Academy before falling to Sage Hill on Nov. 4.

The JSerra football team will begin its march through the gauntlet that is the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships with a road game against Long Beach Poly on Friday, Nov. 10.

The Lions (7-3) lost to Mater Dei, Santa Margarita and St. John Bosco, respectively, to close out the regular season. It was a tough trio of games, as those teams went on to finish first, third and second in the Trinity League, respectively.

JSerra has had to deal with injuries to key players, like running back Al Fisher, late in the season. Fisher, however, did play in the Lions’ last game.

Now, the Lions will reset and turn their attention to the Jackrabbits (8-2, 6-0) and their star quarterback Matt Corral (2,200 yards, 25 touchdown passes). The winner of JSerra-Long Beach Poly will play the winner of No. 1 Mater Dei-Vista Murrieta in the quarterfinals on Nov. 17. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Signing Day in San Juan Student-athletes sign NLI, celebrate with family, friends THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

hursday, Nov. 8 marked the day dozens of local student-athletes had been looking forward to all year.

It was the first day high school studentathletes in certain sports could sign their National Letter of Intent, indicating their college of choice.

Several San Juan Capistrano high schools held signing day ceremonies for

San Juan Hills High School Gabby Bellizzi, volleyball, University of California-Berkeley Lauren Fairchild, volleyball, Concordia University Gracyn Houmis, softball, Towson University Katie Lukes, volleyball, University of San Diego Gavin Spencer, tennis, University of Arizona

JSerra Catholic High School Jordan Alvarado, basketball, University of Puget Sound Caroline Kennedy, volleyball, Bryant University Caitlin Lewis, softball, Southern Nazarene University Joel Mensah, basketball, San Diego State University Preston Miller, baseball, University of San Diego Jake Reed, baseball, University of San Diego

students that were eligible to send in their NLI’s, as well as for student-athletes signing with Ivy League schools and military service academies.

Some schools wait until the spring signing period to hold one large ceremony for all student-athletes.

Here is a list of the student-athletes that took part in a signing day ceremony this week:

Carly Townsend, diving, University of Wisconsin-Madison Pat Vorenkamp, volleyball, University of California-Irvine

L to R: Gabby Bellizzi, Lauren Fairchild, Gracyn Houmis, Katie Lukes and Gavin Spencer took part in a signing day ceremony at San Juan Hills High School on Nov. 8. Photo: Courtesy

Capistrano Valley Christian School Alec Arnone, baseball, University of California-Riverside Carson Matthews, baseball, Brigham Young University Kahley Jaeke, volleyball, Washington College

L to R: Carson Matthews, Alec Arnone and Kahley Jaeke are joined by their coaches and athletic director during Capistrano Valley Christian’s signing day on Nov. 8. Photo: Courtesy

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Nicole Greuel, softball, Rhodes College Trevor Peay, lacrosse, Marquette University Emily Suh, lacrosse, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Cailin Young, lacrosse, San Diego State University

JSerra Catholic had eight student-athletes take part in a signing day ceremony on Nov. 8. Photo: Courtesy

Paddling in Peru Dana Outrigger Canoe team heads to South American Championships

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

A Dana Outrigger Canoe team will compete in next week’s South American Canoe Championships in Lima, Peru. Photo: Steve Breazeale

The Capistrano Dispatch November 10–23, 2017

he six-member team of Dana Outrigger Canoe paddlers are excited about the new hats and jerseys they will be taking with them to South America next week.

Standing on the sand of Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor, their large outrigger canoe hoisted up and ready for transport, they talk about how cool this year’s designs are. The outline of California, with a red star highlighting Dana Point’s spot on the Golden State, is embroidered on the side of the cap.

Their new shirts feature the American flag alongside the flags of countries they

Page 22

St. Margaret’s senior Trevor Peay will play lacrosse for Marquette University next season. Photo: Courtesy

will be competing against in a few short days. The flags of Brazil, Chile, Peru, Argentina and a few more line the backs of the shirts.

The Dana Outrigger team, which features San Juan Capistrano resident Ray Owen, will be representing not only that small, red star and the Golden State when they travel to Lima, Peru for the South American Canoe Championships. They’ll be competing for the entire United States as the country’s only representative in the field.

The Dana Outrigger team will paddle against some of the best teams in the world off the shores of Lima on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The team competed in the event last year, placing fourth overall. With some new additions to the team, they feel they have a group that can compete for a top-3 finish.

They’re excited to compete with the best and celebrate the sport with other cultures.

The team includes San Clemente residents John Skorstad, Bryan Pesartic and Dave Brosowski, along with Gerald Montes, Owen and Manny Barela.

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