November 24, 2017

INSIDE: Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

NOVEMBER 24–DECEMBER 7, 2017 • VOLUME 15, ISSUE 22

San Juan Winter Sports Preview Local athletes gear up for new season S P O R T S / PAG E 24

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

L to R: JT Robinson, Joel Mensah, DJ Rodman and Jordan Alvarado look to lead a talented JSerra basketball team in the new season.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Planning Commission Approves Church at Former Hanson’s Location EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

School Board Receives Progress Report on Upcoming Solar Project EYE ON SJC/PAGE 5

Local Organizations Provide Thanksgiving Meals for Those in Need SJC LIVING/PAGE 20

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

staff anticipates bringing the amendments and the Planning Commission’s recommendation before the City Council for final consideration. —AJ

Planning Commission Approves Church at Former Hanson’s Location

Five things San Juan should know this week Citizens Leadership Academy Informs Residents about Inner Workings of City THE LATEST: On Nov. 15, the city celebrated a group of 25 residents who participated in a Citizens Leadership Academy, a seven-week immersive experience aimed at teaching the community about the operations and programs offered by the city.

After the City Council voted to revive the defunct program earlier this year, the city began accepting applications for the academy in September. Each week, 25 residents received a training session from a member of the staff executive team about their roles and responsibilities, and ultimately learned about how the city government is organized and managed.

At the graduation ceremony on Nov. 15, participants received certificates of completion and words of advice from Mayor Kerry Ferguson, Mayor Pro Tem Sergio Farias and Councilman Brian Maryott.

WHAT’S NEXT: City Manager Ben Siegel told the participants that there are several opportunities to become involved with the community and city government, whether it’s applying for a seat on a commission, running for City Council or participating in a volunteer program.

“Hopefully this lit a little bit of a fire and this won’t be the end of your civic engagement,” Siegel said.

FIND OUT MORE: For reactions about the academy from participating residents, find this story on www.thecapistranodispatch. com. —Allison Jarrell

Council Moves Forward with Amending City’s Guiding Documents THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 7 to pursue amending the city’s General Plan and zoning map/development code in order to correct inconsistencies and ambiguities between the city’s guiding documents, including the Historic Town Center Master Plan (HTCMP).

The Council initially discussed the

The 25 graduates of this year’s Citizens Leadership Academy pose for a photo with members of the city staff and City Council. Photo: Courtesy of the city of San Juan Capistrano

possibility of repealing the HTCMP on Oct. 17, when Councilman Derek Reeve brought the idea forward. Reeve said that since the plan’s adoption in 2012, it’s been an “ongoing source of confusion and conflict.”

“First and foremost, it was never actually enacted through the proper legal process, thereby rendering it merely an advisory document,” Reeve said. “Nonetheless, due to its numerous inconsistencies with the General Plan Land Use Element and the adopted Form Based Code standards, its existence continues to create challenges for applicants and staff as they process development applications in the downtown. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it includes provisions that are broadly opposed by residents, such as encouraging housing development in the downtown. As long as the HTCMP exists, it will invariably lead to dispute and litigation, and will have the effect of delaying or preventing any meaningful investment in downtown.”

After voting in October to move forward with studying a potential repeal of the plan, the Council was presented with four options on Nov. 7—take no action, immediately repeal the HTCMP, initiate a process to repeal the HTCMP only (not including the Form Based Code (FBC)), or direct staff to initiate a combined General Plan amendment and zoning map/ development code amendment to correct the inconsistencies and ambiguities of the HTCMP, FBC, zoning map and General Plan.

The latter option, which was staff’s recommendation, was chosen unanimously by the Council. Staff said it will provide a long-term solution to the inconsistencies in the city’s guiding documents.

Two of the three former Councilmen who initially approved the plan back in 2012—Larry Kramer and Sam Allevato— wrote to the Council in October supporting the repeal of the document. Kramer wrote that the plan is “now being used selectively as a hammer.” The HTCMP is currently at the center of two lawsuits.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 24-December 7, 2017

“To witness the HTCMP being used as a catalyst to sue the City of SJC in the Urban Village case using the argument that the HTCMP was not a valid governing document and the General Plan should have been followed, then in the Hotel Capistrano case the HTCMP again being used as a catalyst to sue the City of SJC but with the exact opposite argument that the HTCMP carries equal power to the General Plan, is truly stunning and disingenuous at best, and is exactly on point as to why the HTCMP needs to be repealed,” Allevato wrote in his letter.

Other residents involved in the creation of the HTCMP asked for a more cautious approach.

Former Councilwoman Laura Freese noted in a letter that the HTCMP was a four-year project that involved hundreds of hours of work and collaboration of downtown stakeholders, business owners and residents.

“Is it flawed? Yes, it is. Therefore, it needs to be amended,” Freese wrote. “But it should not be repealed.”

Longtime resident and historian Jan Siegel also asked that the city consider amending rather than repealing.

“This plan was the result of many hours of staff resources and public comments.

It also has cost the city over half a million dollars,” Siegel wrote. “To toss it away would be unfair to the citizens of San Juan Capistrano.”

WHAT’S NEXT: With the Council’s direction to study amendments rather than repeal, staff provided a tentative timeline for implementing the changes to the city’s documents. In the coming months, staff will create a detailed report on the specific inconsistencies among the documents and the issues that require policy direction.

In the spring/summer of next year, staff will analyze the documents based on Council direction and CEQA review. By fall 2018, the city’s Planning Commission could hold hearings on the proposed General Plan and Zoning Map/Development Code amendments. And in winter 2019,

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THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission expressed faith last week that a new type of anchor at the Vermeulen Ranch Center—a church—will have more success than the grocers that preceded it.

The commission voted unanimously on Nov. 14 to approve a request from Mountain View Church to plant its congregation within an existing 17,000-square-foot vacant building that was most recently occupied by Hanson’s Market, which closed last year.

The commission initially held a public hearing for the proposal on Oct. 24, but continued the topic to Nov. 14 to have city staff address explore a few concerns, including the project’s potential traffic impacts and parking impacts on other businesses within the center. The commission also asked that existing center tenants to be properly notified of the hearing so that the commission could receive more varied input.

Each commissioner said that city staff had largely alleviated any significant concerns about traffic and parking impacts.

The commission’s approval is final unless the decision is appealed to the City Council, which staff said is not expected.

Pastor Todd Rodarmel told the commission that the church has been looking for a home for over five years. Mountain View met at different temporary locations throughout the years, including a shared campus with Mariners Church on Del Obispo Street for three years. Currently, the Mountain View congregation is meeting at Saddleback Valley Christian School on a temporary basis.

Michella Irene Gaspar, granddaughter of original property owners Charles and Irene Vermeulen, was also in attendance on Nov. 14 and spoke on behalf of the Vermeulen family. Gaspar gave a brief history of the property, from Charles purchasing the land in 1959 and growing lentils and celery until 1984, to the Vermeulen Ranch Market being constructed and occupied by an array of grocery stores between 1985 and 2016.

“A church falls in line with what we envision for our ranch center—somewhere lively, somewhere bustling, somewhere friendly, that really just brings the community together,” Gaspar concluded.

WHAT’S NEXT: Staff reported that the church will likely open in August. —AJ (Cont. on page 4) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3)

City Council to Select Mayor, Talk 2018 Priorities on Dec. 5 THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council will reorganize and name the city’s next mayor at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

The annual reorganization will mark the end of Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson’s year serving as mayor of San Juan Capistrano.

In addition to selecting the new mayor, the Council is slated to tackle a number of issues before the new year, including consideration of: a conditional use permit for a new church on Stallion Ridge, a lease agreement renewal with Mountain Pines Christmas Tree Farm, a contract award for the Capistrano Villas Pavement Rehabilitation Project, and a request to use the city parking lot for a future chili cook-off event.

Worthy of note is an agenda item that calls the Council to review its 2018 work plan and key priorities—something that was never completed in 2017.

Despite repeated requests from city staff this past year to establish project priorities, the Council ultimately failed to do so. Council members held a workshop aimed at forming a list of priorities back in January, and in previous years, that workshop has yielded a list of the city’s top priorities—from goals like approving new development, to completing capital improvement projects. City staff utilizes that list throughout the year to prioritize the work that’s done in the community.

But last year, after city staff compiled the Council’s input from the workshop, a list of priorities was never approved.

It remains to be seen how the new mayor and Council will work with staff on developing next year’s priorities.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Dec. 5 meeting is open to the public and begins at 5 p.m. at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

—AJ

Public Watchdogs Files Lawsuit to Stop Burial of Spent Nuclear Waste at SONGS THE LATEST: An organization that scrutinizes government activity is making a last effort to prevent the storage of spent nuclear fuel rods at San Onofre.

Public Watchdogs, a nonprofit organization based in La Mesa, filed a lawsuit in federal court on Nov. 15 against the United States government, the Department of Defense and Secretary James Mattis, as well as Southern California Edison (SCE), the operators of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE) to prevent the storage of more than 3.6 million pounds of

radioactive fuel rods.

The lawsuit claims that under Public Law 88-82, a declaration from 1963 that allows the secretary of the Navy to authorize a permit for the nuclear power plant, storage of the spent nuclear waste was not authorized in the law.

The Navy owns the land where SONGS and Camp Pendleton are established.

Public Watchdogs is seeking an injunction that would find the “storage of spent nuclear fuel at SONGS is not authorized by, and is outside the scope of the authority granted to the Federal Defendants under, Public Law 88-82,” as well as “an order or judgment enjoining Federal Defendants from authorizing SCE and SDGE from storing spent nuclear fuel at SONGS and further enjoining SCE and SDGE from storing spent fuel at SONGS.” Charles Langley, the executive director of Public Watchdogs, said the goal of the lawsuit is to stop the storage of spent nuclear fuel at SONGS before the process of moving it to the dry cask storage begins before the end of this year.

“I expect an injunction that prohibits the burial of waste at San Onofre,” Langley said on Nov. 16. “Edison promised they would start burying the spent fuel in December…and they’ve accelerated their schedule instead of (starting) in 2018 as they originally planned.”

Langley referenced a legal settlement between Southern California Edison and another watchdog organization, Citizens’ Oversight Projects, that required the utility company to establish a plan to move the fuel and additional safety procedures, but it doesn’t hold the operators to specific timelines regarding when the fuel can be stored.

The settlement was based on a lawsuit filed by Citizens’ Oversight after the California Coastal Commission issued a permit in 2015 for Edison to store the spent nuclear fuel, after the federal government could not find a place for it. The fuel was originally intended to be stored at Yucca Mountain in Nevada, before that site was shuttered.

Critics at public meetings hosted by Edison, local municipal representatives and other organizations—known as Community Engagement Panel—have said they don’t believe the fuel will be safely stored in the casks and could be vulnerable to erosion over time and seismic activity. The casks were designed and constructed by Holtec International. “…(I)f a container storing spent fuel were to break open due to mishandling or due to corrosion caused by the proximity to salt-heavy ocean air and moisture, tens of thousands of people within 50 miles of SONGS could be exposed to levels of radiation that would cause imminent death,” the lawsuit claims.

WHAT’S NEXT: A hearing for the suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of California, has not yet been scheduled, Langley said.

—Eric Heinz

The Capistrano Dispatch November 24-December 7, 2017

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EYE ON SJC

School News Roundup What’s happening in the Capistrano Unified School District

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

School Board Receives Progress Report on Upcoming Solar Project The Capistrano Unified School District is making progress on switching its headquarters and six high school campuses to solar power. The district’s Board of Trustees is tentatively scheduled to consider a contract with a solar vendor at its Dec. 6 meeting.

At the board’s Nov. 8 meeting, ARC Alternatives, the district’s energy advisor, presented an update on the Request for Proposals process for the district’s solar energy project, which entails outfitting the parking lots of CUSD’s headquarters in San Juan Capistrano and the district’s six high school campuses with solar shade structures.

The board approved funding for a solar feasibility study back in May, and on July 26, the board heard an update on that study, which found that all of the sites in question are able to accommodate the solar panels, and that the project would result in net savings for the district and reduce the district’s utility bill by roughly 44 percent over a 25-year period.

On Sept. 25 the district released its Requests for Proposals for the solar project.

Russell Driver, of ARC Alternatives, reported that the district received 13 proposals on Oct. 20 from a wide variety of firms, ranging from local to national companies.

Driver added that it’s the “greatest number of proposals he’s ever seen,” making it an “incredibly competitive” bid.

The district is currently evaluating the 13 proposals, so Driver didn’t share much detail about the bids on Nov. 8. He did mention that any trees removed as part of the project would have to be replaced onsite at the contractor’s expense.

Funds for the district’s solar project would come from the government’s new Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBS) that are available solely for energy projects, according to staff. Driver told the trustees that the goal is for the district’s savings to pay off the debt accrued.

Driver reported that all 13 proposals received came in under the district’s $23-24 million CREBS budget, which was established based on cost estimating that was done during the feasibility study.

Members of CUSD Solar Students, a group that has been working diligently for years with district staff on the switch

This image shows the “look and feel” of the solar shade structures that will be constructed at CUSD’s six high school campuses. Image: Courtesy of Arc Alternatives

to solar, attended the Nov. 8 meeting to talk about the environmental, economic and educational benefits of solar power.

The group originally petitioned the school district in February 2016 to install solar panels at each high school campus.

“The feasibility analysis that was presented this previous summer conservatively estimated that a CUSD solar system could save anywhere from $1-10 million over 25 years,” said Jack Hartstein, vice president of Tesoro High School’s Conservation Club. “Additionally, we received $23.4 million in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds that can go toward buying solar panels. This will make the overall financial benefit of solar even greater for our district.”

Erika Hunting, president of San Clemente High School’s Blue Oceans Club, added that having the solar panels at each high school campus will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students outside of the classroom.

“We have actually come up with plans to integrate the panels and how much energy they’re producing into course curriculum, and all the teachers at school seem to be on board with that,” Hunting said. “I think it gives a real purpose to learning and it gives a practical application to learning.

“Just coming to school and seeing the panels is something that could inspire kids,” Hunting added. “For kids to come to school and see that and know that they’re there because of other students, I think will leave a lasting message and teach students that no matter your age or background, you’re never too inexperienced to make a difference.”

Driver said after the district has finished evaluating the proposals, he’ll come back to the board’s December meeting with a recommendation of which solar vendor to

The Capistrano Dispatch November 24-December 7, 2017

An aerial view shows where solar panels will be constructed on San Juan Hills High School’s campus.

Image: Courtesy of Arc Alternatives

move forward with.

The board’s Dec. 6 meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the district’s offices, located at 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano.

More information on the district’s solar project can be found in the board’s Nov. 8 agenda posted at www.capousd.org. Information can also be found on the CUSD Solar Students’ website at www.cusdsolar.org.

School Board Split on Dress Code Changes, Discussion Tabled to December The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees is also set to consider a revamp of the district’s dress code at its Dec. 6 meeting.

Trustees decided earlier this year to consider updating the dress code when

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complaints arose at some schools about clothing worn by female students. A group of impassioned mothers from Rancho Santa Margarita spoke out at a CUSD meeting last month voicing concern that their daughters were receiving dress code violations from teachers for wearing tank tops and shorts during exceptionally hot weather.

Trustees discussed changes to the dress code at their Nov. 8 meeting, but couldn’t come to a consensus on how specific to make the new policy. With Trustee Jim Reardon absent, the rest of the board was split between wanting a generic code versus writing specific guidelines about clothing like tank tops, crop tops and “short shorts.”

Superintendent Kirsten Vital recommended the board wait for all trustees to be present at the Dec. 6 meeting to vote on the new dress code policy. Vital said staff will come to that meeting with two options—a specific policy and a generic policy—for consideration. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Community Meetings SATURDAY, NOV. 25

Small Business Saturday 9 a.m. The San Juan Chamber of Commerce & local businesses are participating in Small Business Saturday, starting with a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hennessey’s Tavern, located at 31761 Camino Capistrano.

The first 50 people through the door will receive a free pancake breakfast.

For more info, call 949.493.4700 or visit www.sanjuanchamber.com WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29

Downtown Farmers Market 3-6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods 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.

FRIDAY, DEC. 1

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

SATURDAY, DEC. 2

San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting Celebration 4-11 p.m. San Juan Capistrano’s annual celebration at Historic Town Center Park, located at 31852 El Camino Real, kicks off at 4 p.m. with pre-show entertainment, followed by a holiday stage production. The Christmas tree lighting will take place at approximately 5:45 p.m. For more info, call 949.493.5911.

Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org for more info.

TUESDAY, DEC. 5

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

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

FRIDAY, DEC. 8

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

City Announces Selection of New Police, Fire Chiefs After more than 30 years of law enforcement service, San Juan Capistrano’s Chief of Police Services Lt. Scott Spalding has announced his upcoming retirement. After an extensive interview process, City Manager Ben Siegel announced on Nov. 16 that Lt. Carl Bulanek has been selected as the city’s new chief of police services and will assume command on Friday, Nov. 24.

Lt. Bulanek is a 23-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and has served as administrative lieutenant for custody operations, watch commander, range sergeant, ICE sergeant, tactical officer at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy, a school resource officer, part of the special enforcement team and a patrolman. Bulanek has also been a faculty member at Santa Ana College for the past seven years.

“Lt. Bulanek believes in a communitybased policing approach to law enforcement and promoting a police/community partnership to improve the overall quality of life in the community,” Siegel wrote in his weekly city manager update.

After serving 34 years in the fire service, Chief John Abel is also retiring. Abel has been serving as the Division 3 chief and is the fire chief of San Juan Capistrano.

The Orange County Fire Authority announced that Chief Rob Capobianco has been promoted to division chief and will be starting his new position overseeing Division 3 on Thursday, Dec. 21.

Chief Capobianco started with the Orange County Fire Authority as a paid call firefighter in 1988. While volunteering his time, he completed his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California-Santa Barbara. He was then hired as a firefighter/paramedic in 1999. During his career with the OCFA, Capobianco has been involved with the urban search and rescue team, swiftwater rescue team, and the critical incident stress debriefing team.

Capobianco has also served as a training officer and fire investigator and spent time as a battalion chief in Battalions 6 and 7, and most recently as the battalion chief in the fire investigations section.

Rancho Mission Viejo’s Sendero Marketplace to Open Dec. 2 The community is invited to experience Rancho Mission Viejo’s newest shopping center, Sendero Marketplace, located on the corner of Antonio Parkway and Ortega Highway, during the center’s grand opening celebration on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We are very excited to bring the com-

The Capistrano Dispatch November 24-December 7, 2017

munity of Rancho Mission Viejo together to celebrate the grand opening of Sendero Marketplace,” said Jud Dutrisac, chief operating officer of Westar Associates.

“With Gelson’s planned opening prior to the holidays, Sendero Marketplace will now provide the community with grocery and specialty goods, along with a variety of other shopping, dining and services to meet the daily needs of the community.”

The Sendero Marketplace grand opening event follows the Gelson’s grand opening event, which is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 30 at 9 a.m. Gelson’s will continue their grand opening festivities throughout the weekend on Friday and Saturday.

The grand opening of the center, located at 30721 Gateway Place in Rancho Mission Viejo, will feature a variety of activities for children and adults, including face painting, crafts, games, product samples, refreshments, live music from the Mike Moody Jazz Trio, an open house at Sendero Animal Hospital, Sport Clips handouts for free MVP Haircuts to new clients, site tours offered by Mission Wellness Corner, buy-one-get-one offers at Nekter Juice Bar, goodie bag handouts from Ben White Orthodontics, and more.

Retailers currently open or scheduled to open at Sendero Marketplace by Dec. 2 include: Gelson’s Market, Rite Aid, Starbucks, Rancho MMC, Sendero Animal Hospital, Chase Bank, The UPS Store, Sendero Nails & Lashes, Unique Accents, Sendero Dental Studio, The Powder Room, Nekter Juice Bar, Sport Clips, Mission Hospital Wellness Corner, and Memorial Care Medical Group.

For more information on the grand opening, visit www.senderomarketplace. com.

City Seeks Volunteers for ‘Letters to Santa’ Program The city of San Juan Capistrano is looking for adult volunteers with good penmanship for its “Letters to Santa” program.

Volunteers read letters that kids write to Santa and write an appropriate return letter in response. Materials are provided, and letters can be written from home.

Interested volunteers should call the city’s Community Services Department at 949.493.5911.

Toy Drive to Benefit City’s Adopted Marines A toy collection to benefit the children of San Juan Capistrano’s adopted 1st Battalion, 11th Marines is underway. Help support the 1/11 by dropping off new, unwrapped toys for children up to age 12 in the toy collection bin at City Hall or the San Juan Capistrano Community Center during business hours now through Dec. 15.

City Hall is located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto and the Community Center is at 25925 Camino Del Avion. Business hours

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are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The toys will be delivered to the children before the holidays.

For more information on supporting the Marines, veterans and their families, visit www.homefrontamerica.org.

Serra’s Pantry Food Drive Ends Dec. 20 Serra’s Pantry & Outreach Ministry in San Juan Capistrano is holding its annual holiday food drive from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20.

Donations can be dropped off at the pantry—31611 El Camino Real in San Juan—and are accepted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or by appointment by calling 949.234.1302.

Donations are also being accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mission Gate House or upon entry for the Christmas at the Mission celebration on Dec. 2.

The following items are usually in short supply and are much appreciated: cooking oil, cereal, tuna, one-pound bags of sugar and flour, peanut butter, jelly, dry pinto beans, canned vegetables and fruit, rice, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce and pop/flip top food items. Hygiene items needed include: toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, bar soap and toilet paper.

For more information on donating to the pantry, visit www.serraspantryoutreach.org.

City Receives Award for La Novia Roundabout Project On Nov. 9, City Manager Ben Siegel reported that the city will receive an award from the Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the recently-completed roundabout project at the intersection of La Novia and Interstate 5.

“The APWA recognizes public works accomplishments in various categories, and the city’s roundabout project will be recognized under the category of Traffic, Mobility & Beautification,” Siegel wrote in his weekly update. “The roundabout project will also receive an award from the American Council of Engineering Companies.”

The La Novia roundabout was completed in early March, marking the end of about seven months of construction that transformed the four-way stop into a traffic circle. The roundabout is part of the development agreement for Taylor Morrison’s 416-home Pacifica San Juan residential development. California Environmental Quality Act regulations required the developer to design and construct several mitigation measures to combat the additional traffic the homes will produce.

Siegel said the roundabout has “reduced congestion at the off-ramp, enhanced traffic safety and improved mobility.”

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

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor KNEELING DURING NATIONAL ANTHEM DOES NOT DISRESPECT MILITARY

—Paul A. Wehrle, San Clemente I respectfully disagree with Mr. Avera’s take on the issue of kneeling by the NFL players for the national anthem at recent football games. Kneeling is not, in any way, a sign of disrespect for our veterans, the country or the flag.

These players are not turning their backs or demonstrating any other form of disrespect. They are simply calling more attention to the racial disparities and inequities that have existed in this country since its inception. These issues remain prevalent and have only been magnified by the election of a dangerous, ignorant and narcissistic sociopath as our president.

You say you support the players’ right to protest, but when they do, you call them out as disrespectful. You talk about “Building a Pyramid,” but to include states’ rights and World War I is ludicrous, but at least you didn’t include the recent two

wars based on lies. No, Mr. Avera, money and financial success does not “trump” basic racial and socioeconomic issues in our or any country. If you haven’t looked, some of our civil rights, to include voting rights, are being rolled back right in front of your eyes. In case you might consider me one of those “left-wing” nut jobs, I served on active duty at least as long as you did, and retired at a higher rank.

PARDONED TURKEY: THE LONE SURVIVOR —Lupe Infraine, Laguna Beach President Trump is getting his pardon pen ready, as the Muller investigation starts indicting his associates. This Wednesday, he plans to practice on two very innocent Minnesota turkeys.

The other 244 million turkeys killed in the U.S. this year have not been so lucky.

They were raised in crowded sheds filled with toxic fumes. Their beaks and toes were clipped to prevent stress-induced aggression. At 16 weeks of age, slaughterhouse workers cut their throats and dumped them in boiling water.

Consumers pay a heavy price too.

Turkey flesh is laced with cholesterol and saturated fats that elevate risk of chronic killer diseases.

Now, for the good news. Per capita con-

sumption of turkeys is down by a whopping 34 percent from a 1996 high of 303 million.

This Thanksgiving holiday, as we give thanks for life and good fortune, let’s also skip the gratuitous violence and grant our own pardon to an innocent animal.

FREEDOM ISN’T FREE —Susan Suhr, Laguna Niguel Rest dear boy, your work complete The battlefield still, A daunting feat.

Our hearts are heavy, Since you were taken That fateful mission, Your brothers forsaken.

We miss your smile, And handsome face Now in heaven, Sharing His grace.

So many questions, To have and to hold Decorated with honor, One of the bold!

Your selfless sacrifice Is a gift to the world Such bravery contagious Like a flag unfurled.

Dedicated to the fallen heroes of war.

STANDING FOR THE ANTHEM —Kerry Sink, San Clemente In the United States we have the most freedom in the world.

In China or Russia, if you have a good idea, you get to give it to the government.

If you protest the administration, you are jailed or worse. In India and Africa, the religious persecution has reached the levels comparable to the Middle East. South America has poverty beyond belief, and there are many other examples.

All over the globe, there are human rights being trampled on by their own government or neighboring tribes. The world sucks in a lot of places.

In the United States, we do have police brutality, sleazy movie directors, corrupt politicians and other societal maladies. We have white supremacists, anti-Semitism, homophobia and xenophobia.

What we do have that is better than a lot of these places is our rights: the right to protest, assemble and keep your own ideas. You can start a tech company or a rap demo. We can surf and jog and go to work and earn a better life. We are protected from our enemies and get some social security. We have infrastructure to help us get to where we are going. Yes, we pay for this, but isn’t it worth it?

Let’s all stand for the flag and the anthem it deserves and leave knickknack politics to the politicians.

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.

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

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

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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 22. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

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

Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

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

Friday | 24 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.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE VINTAGE STEAKHOUSE 6-9 p.m. Local musician, Mike De Bellis, plays smooth jazz every Friday and Saturday.

The Vintage Steakhouse. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents the classic Christmas Eve tale of a man led by his guardian angel to see what life would have been like had he never been born. Show times are every weekend through Dec. 17. Tickets start at $27.

Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.533.0258. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 25 SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 9 a.m. The San Juan Chamber of Commerce and local businesses are participating in Small Business Saturday, starting with a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hennessey’s Tavern. The first 50 people will receive a free breakfast. Various local businesses will offer special promotions throughout the day. Hennessey’s Tavern. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700. www.sanjuanchamber.com/shop-small-saturday.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Flock of 80’s kicks off at 2:30 p.m, followed by Lightning Train at 8:30 p.m. Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 26 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.

GINGERBREAD EXTRAVAGANZA 4 p.m. Every year, Ritz-Carlton puts on a Gingerbread Extravaganza, and this year, Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Haage is showcasing 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 through Jan. 2. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

BEND & BREW 11 a.m.–noon. Bend & Brew is held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente.

This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. The cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente.

949.276.6014. www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

Monday | 27 BAR RAYA HOLIDAY TEA 2:30-3:30 p.m. Treat someone special to the timeless tradition of afternoon tea at Bar Raya featuring an array of teas, canapes and small dishes with an ocean view. $75. Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaniguel.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, DEC. 2: SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION 4-11 p.m. Celebrate the holidays at the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Historic Town Center Park, located at 31852 El Camino Real. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with pre-show entertainment, followed by a holiday stage production featuring students of Musical Theater University. The Christmas tree lighting will take place at approximately 5:45 p.m. Immediately following the lighting, visitors are encouraged to enjoy activities in the downtown area, including at the Mission and the Los Rios Historic District.

31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

ON THE MENU

ENCHILADAS EN SALSA’S ROSA

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.

SADDLEBACK COLLEGE JAZZ LAB ENSEMBLE 7:30 p.m. The critically acclaimed Jazz Lab Ensemble of Saddleback College is performing live in the McKinney Theatre. General admission is $10, or $7 for students and seniors. Saddleback College.

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

949.582.4500. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Tuesday | 28 MARBELLA HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE 1-7 p.m. Marbella Country Club hosts its annual holiday boutique benefiting the San Juan Children’s Education Foundation (SJCEF). Don’t forget your appetite and Christmas shopping list for a day of food and local, independent vendors. Open to the public. Marbella Country Club. 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano.

949.248.3700. www.marbellacc.net.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 24–December 7, 2017

The Enchiladas En Salsa’s Rosa entrée at Ricardo’s Place. Photo: Rachel Wilford

BY RACHEL WILFORD, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

R

icardo’s Place, a treasured Mexican eatery in San Juan Capistrano, was born from a love of family and a love of cooking. The restaurant’s recipes come from owner Ricardo Beas’ grandma Juana, who prepared food for her town in Jalisco, México more than 40 years ago. Today, this San Juan staple prides itself in sharing its family recipes and traditions with visitors who come to try grandma Juana’s authentic cuisine.

The Enchiladas En Salsa’s Rosa entrée comes with a choice of chicken, beef or cheese. The enchiladas are drenched in a medium hot salsa called “Rosa’s Salsa” and are garnished with a generous serving of guacamole and sour cream. The dish is ac-

companied by Spanish rice and refried beans topped with cheese, which make the perfect dip for Ricardo’s homemade tortilla chips.

These enchiladas ooze authenticity that can be tasted in each delicious bite.

Ricardo’s offers a Taco Tuesday special from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. with beef, chicken, carnitas or potato tacos priced at $2.95 with the purchase of a drink, or $3.50 alone.

Try one of the restaurant’s many margaritas, which come in flavors such as mango, strawberry and piña colada. Happy hour drink specials at Ricardo’s are offered during select hours on almost every day of the week.

Ricardo’s Place 32082 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano 949.493.4941, www.ricardosplace.net

(Cont. on page 18) Page 10

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

holiday

Happening s Friday, Nov. 24 ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents the classic Christmas Eve tale of an average man led by his guardian angel to see what life would have been like had he never been born. Show times are every weekend until Dec. 17. $27. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.533.0258. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday, Nov. 25 Shop Small Saturday - SJC 9-11 a.m. Support San Juan Capistrano businesses in Shop Small Saturday for your holiday shopping needs. Some of the participating businesses include Mission Fine Arts Gallery, Wildfire Mercantile and Lavish Home Décor. A free pancake breakfast will be offered at Hennessey’s Tavern, located at 31761 Camino Capistrano. www. sanjuanchamber.com.

Sunday, Nov. 26 Gingerbread Extravaganza 4 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton’s Gingerbread Extravaganza will highlight a “today’s attention on climate” theme.

Clean and sustainable energy will be represented through Californian landscapes created entirely out of gingerbread and sweets.

On display until Jan. 2.

1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

Thursday, Nov. 30 Holiday Wreath Workshop 6-8 p.m. Create your own holiday wreath with San Clemente Florist. The event costs $95 per person and includes materials, wine

and snacks. 168 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.

949.492.5702. www. sanclementeflorist.net.

Saturday, Dec. 2 Winter Festival and Tree Lighting 12-5 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit with a day of activities for the whole family. There will be a craft fair, face painting, cookie decorating, a petting zoo, a visit to Lego Santa’s Village Workshop and be rounded out with a tree lighting ceremony. Most activities are free. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

Holiday Boutique at San Clemente Art Gallery 4-9 p.m. The jewelry and sketch artists of the Art Association will be stopping by the San Clemente Art Gallery to showcase their hand-crafted pieces.

Admission is free. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.542.2924. www. paintsanclemente.com.

Tree Lighting Celebration 4:15-5:45 p.m. Celebrate the holidays at the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at the Historic Town Center Park. Enjoy live music, shopping and refreshments beginning at 4:15 p.m., with the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Festivities continue at Mission SJC, Los Rios Historic District and Zoomars Petting Zoo. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911.

Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org for a schedule.

Santa’s Village by the Sea 5 p.m. The San Clemente Community Center invites you to join them on Avenida Del Mar to bring in the holiday season. Holiday activities begin at 5 p.m. at Casa Romantica, and then move to the Community Center for the annual snow hill. Activities will conclude

after the city tree lighting on the corner of Avenida Del Mar and Calle Seville at 8 p.m. San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

Christmas at the Mission 5:30-8 p.m. Held in conjunction with San Juan Capistrano’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Mission San Juan Capistrano offers a snow area for kids, cookie decorating, shopping, carolers and more.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

Christmas at the Casa: Holiday Open House 5:30-7 p.m. The Casa’s annual holiday open house will feature live music, kids crafts, refreshments and more. Casa Romantica.

415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

Sunday, Dec. 3 Yappy Howl-iday Celebration 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bring your pup to this festive edition of the monthly Ritz-Carlton hosted event.

This gathering gives canines the opportunity to be photographed with Santa. Canned food donations are encouraged. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

Elves on Trails 5K and Half Marathon 7 a.m. Come dressed in your elf outfit or other holiday attire for a breathtaking run through Caspers Wilderness Park.

33401 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano. www. rockitracingoc.com.

(Continued)

holiday

Happening s (Continued)

Monday, Dec. 4 Capistrano Beach Tree Lighting 4-6 p.m. Stop by Pines Park for a tree lighting, holiday music, cookies, a dog holiday costume parade and photo opportunities with Santa. The tree lighting will be at 5:30 p.m.

34941 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point. 949.248.3536. www.danapoint.org.

Garden of Lights 5-9 p.m. The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with sparkling lights illuminating the flora of the 37-acre garden oasis. There will be nightly entertainment as well as food, beverages and family-friendly activities such as horse-drawn wagon rides and marshmallow roasting. Visit www.sdbgarden.org for participating days. Admission is $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children ages 3-12.

230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas.

Tuesday, Dec. 5 Holiday Gift Faire and Party 6-9 p.m. Skip the mall and shop small with Pure.Love.Yoga. Local artisans and crafters will be onsite at the studio with items for purchase.

Live music and wine will be available for guests to mingle, jingle and shop. 415 E. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.492.5048. www. pureloveyogasc.com.

Holiday Dinner Cooking Class 6:30-9 p.m. Join Antoine’s Café for a lesson in holiday cuisine preparation as the experts teach students how to prepare kabocha squash and fennel soup with smoked paprika and candied pecans; herbed beef tenderloin with

cranberry-port wine sauce; chocolate and brandy soufflé tarts and more. The class costs $60 per person plus tax. Full payment is due upon reservation.

Reserve online at www. antoinescafe.com/cookingclass-san-clemente or call 949.492.1763. 218 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

Holiday Sip and Shop at Barnoa 4-9 p.m. Stop by Barnoa Wine Company for holiday gift shopping and wine tasting. 831 Via Suerte, Ste. 106, San Clemente. www.barnoawinebar. com. 949.388.4378.

Thursday, Dec. 7 Dana Point Symphony Holiday Concert 7:30 p.m.

Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Choir and Dana Hills High School Orchestra will join the Symphony to perform holiday favorites from the Nutcracker and Rossini: Messe di Gloria. Admission is $20; seniors, students and military tickets are $15. Concerts are held at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point. 949.542.6282. www. danapointsymphony.com.

Friday, Dec. 8 43rd Annual Dana Point Boat Parade 4:30 p.m.9 p.m. Arrive early for a premier spot to watch the 43rd Annual Boat Parade to celebrate the season. This year’s event will include family-friendly activities throughout the Harbor. Trolley service will be available for all four days of the parade starting at 3:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. 24650 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

Saturday, Dec. 9 Holiday Ice Skating 4-8 p.m. The city of San Juan Capistrano invites you for a weekend on ice at the Riding Park. Skate rentals are $5 per person. Proceeds benefit the underserved youth of San Juan Capistrano. 30753 La Pata Avenue, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

Saturday, Dec. 16 Cookies with Mrs. Claus at Zoomars 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Zoomars Petting Zoo to decorate Christmas cookies with Mrs. Claus.

Seats are limited so calling in advance is recommended. Entry is $15 per person.

31791 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano. 949.831.6550. www.zoomars.com.

Hanukkah Party 7-9 p.m. The Monarch Beach Resort will be hosting a Hanukkah party with “Lighten-Up” comedy show starring comedian Brian Kiley. RSVP for the comedy show is required.

Tickets are $36 and can be purchased at www.chabadoflaguna.com. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point.

949.499.0770. www. monarchbeachresort.com.

Sunday, Dec. 17 Gingerbread Academy 10 a.m.-noon; 1-3 p.m.

Feeling crafty? Join the Monarch Beach Resort pastry team in decorating gingerbread houses like one of the pros. The price is $109 per family and includes one house, the fixings, access to the holiday treat bar and a glass of sparkling wine. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point.

949.234.3423. www. monarchbeachresort.com.

Cool Picks

gift ideas for everyone on your list Wine Tasting Gift Certificates & Bottles 10% off wine bottles to go Five Vines Wine Bar 31761 Camino Capistrano, Ste. 11 San Juan Capistrano 949.800.9145 fivevineswine.com

Hair, Facials, Permanent Makeup Charisma Salon & Beauty Boutique 32301 #F Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano (949) 240-1200

Holiday +Western Custom Gift Baskets Ortega Equestrian Center Call to order: 949.661.3130 27252 Calle Arroyo San Juan Capistrano oecboss@aol.com

Estate Red Velvet Lined Onyx Jewelry Box 6 ½” L x 4 ½” W x 2 ¼” D $165.00 Designs By Nature 400 South El Camino Real, A San Clemente • 949.498.8358 designsbynature.com

Cool Picks

gift ideas for everyone on your list io ec ica r ta le AT-LP60 turntable $99.99 Moldy Toes Records 221 S. Ola Vista, San Clemente 949.444.8275 facebook.com/moldytoesrecords

Holi a i t Bas ets, Balsa ic i e ars, li e ils a i e We Olive & Wine Bar 31760 Camino Capistrano, Ste. B, San Juan Capistrano 949.441.7279 weolive.com/san-juan-capistrano

Haro BMX 12” 16” 20” Lay-A-Way Best Selection in O.C. $179- $249 Buy My Bikes 32303 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano 949.493.5611 buymybikes.com

Bestie Spa Day i t Certificate Any Denomination Bow Wow Beautiful Pet Spa 364 Camino De Estrella San Clemente 949.702.3130 bowwowbeautiful.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10)

Thursday | 30 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.

FREE CONCERT WITH CHIH-LONG HU 2-3 p.m. Every Thursday the Saddleback College Music Department presents a free concert hour, featuring a wide-array of musicians and ensembles of different genres. This week features Chih-Long Hu, an award-winning pianist, giving a lecture recital titled, “I’ll be Bach!”

Saddleback College, Fine Arts Room 101.

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

949.582.4500. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Friday | 01

CHRISTMAS AT THE MISSION 5:30-8 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano’s annual celebration features a snow play area for kids, a Nativity scene, cookie decorating, photos with Father Christmas, holiday shopping and live music. Food vendors will offer tamales, chili, sweets, spiced cider and hot cocoa. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 4-11.

Food donations are welcome for the Serra Pantry Food Drive. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

Sunday | 03 YAPPY HOWL-IDAY CELEBRATION 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This festive gathering of canines and their companions provides dogs with the opportunity to be photographed with Santa Clause. Guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to support animals in need. Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7-9 p.m. The Friends of the Library presents “The Big Sick” at La Sala Auditorium in the San Juan Capistrano Library. $2 donation supports the library. 31495 El Camino Real, 949.248.5132, www.facebook. com/SJCFriends.

COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HOLIDAY CONCERT 3 p.m. Open to the entire community, Community Presbyterian Church’s Holiday Concert will feature an array of instrumental and vocal favorites, and will conclude with a group carol.

32202 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1502. www.sjcpres.org.

Saturday | 02

Tuesday | 05

FREE SATURDAY FILM 10 a.m.-noon. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library welcomes families to enjoy free popcorn and a movie at La Sala Auditorium. This month’s film is Cars 3. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.248.5132. www.facebook.com/ SJCFriends.

HOLIDAY MAKE AND TAKE WORKSHOP 7-9 p.m. Get a jumpstart on holiday gifts with Costa Lifestyle Medicine’s homemade gift workshop. Enjoy an evening of learning to craft your very own ornaments, bracelets and sprays. Pre-made gifts are also available for purchase. $10.

Costa Lifestyle Medicine. 181 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente. 949.276.7393. www.coastalifestylemedicine.com.

SAN CLEMENTE ART GALLERY HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE 4-9 p.m. The jewelry and sketch artists will be stopping by the San Clemente Art Gallery to showcase their latest handcrafted pieces. Stop by to pick up your own one-of-a-kind creation or get some holiday shopping out of the way. Admission is free. 100 N, Calle Seville, San Clemente.

949.542.2924. www.paintsanclemente.com.

SANTA’S VILLAGE BY THE SEA 5 p.m. The San Clemente Community Center invites the public to celebrate the holiday season on Avenida Del Mar. Activities begin at 5 p.m. at Casa Romantica, and then move to the Community Center for the annual snow hill. Activities will conclude after the city tree lighting on the corner of Avenida Del Mar and Calle Seville at 8 p.m. San Clemente Community Center. 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ondon-based filmmaker Martin McDonagh has only made three major feature films, but he already has grown a pretty big following with movie fans. His first feature, In Bruges (2008) is a cult classic set in his home continent of Europe. But his next two movies, Seven Psychopaths (2012) and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri—now in theaters—are based in the U.S. and are about American culture.

What’s even more impressive is how natural he is out of his homeland.

In Ebbing, Missouri, Mildred Haze (Frances McDormand) is divorced and a mother of a recently deceased daughter, Angela. While driving home, she spontaneously comes up with the idea to buy out three billboards on the road outside her neighborhood to guilt-trip the police department for never finding Angela’s murderer. Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) claims he’s done all he can and has to focus on beating cancer, while Officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell) is more interested in harassing petty criminals and delinquents.

Photo: Merrick Morton/Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp.

John Hawkes, Abbie Cornish and Lucas Hedges co-star. Like with McDonagh’s previous two films, Three Billboards has a very talented and impressive cast, with McDormand reminding us that she is one of her generation’s best. Harrelson and Rockwell do well with their characters, and Hedges is at the top of his game in young Hollywood. McDonagh’s screenplay is a breath of fresh air in our current social environment and has his trademark wit and goofy comic relief. For those looking for a grown-up movie this Thanksgiving weekend, this is it. CD

On Stage at the Coach House: Ozomatli

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

Friday | 08 DANA POINT BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 4:30 p.m. Kick off the holiday season by attending the 43rd annual Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights. This year’s theme of “A Superhero Holiday” is sure to inspire heroic themed boats, holiday games and crafts. Be sure to find Santa for a free photo. Festivities start at 4:30 p.m. and the parade begins at 7:30 p.m. Dana Point Harbor. 34555 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com.

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to The Capistrano Dispatch by going to www.thecapistranodispatch.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 24-December 7, 2017

At the Movies: ‘Three Billboards’ Is a Breath of Fresh Air in Current Social Environment

Page 18

he six members of the Los Angeles-based band Ozomatli pride themselves on living up to the group’s namesake—Ozomatli, the Aztec god of dance.

With that in mind, lovers of Latin music, reggae and other world styles—or anyone who likes to dance for that matter—should be sure to catch the band’s upcoming Coach House show on Sunday, Nov. 26.

“We want people to show up and have an amazing time,” said saxophonist Ulises Bella.

Since Ozomatli’s formation in 1995, the band has become known for seamlessly blending an array of genres, from classic and modern Latin music, to urban, hiphop and rock. Bella said their upcoming San Juan show will be no different; they’ll be showcasing some of their older tunes while also playing music from their latest album, Nonstop Mexico to Jamaica, which features covers of popular Mexican songs like “La Bamba,” “Besame Mucho,” and “Como La Flor,” but with a Jamaican twist.

Unlike many of their prior albums, Nonstop Mexico to Jamaica is recorded almost entirely in Spanish. When asked if there was any political motivation behind the band’s choice to focus on their Mexi-

Photo: Courtesy

can heritage, Bella said delivering a strong political message wasn’t necessarily their focus, but added that connecting people to other cultures is important in today’s politically-divisive world.

“As time went on and we were recording it, we realized the [political] climate going on,” Bella said. “We were born here in the States, and with this album, we’re taking Mexican music and giving it a Jamaican spin. It’s a melting pot, in a way, of all of these wonderful sounds. Those kinds of connections are important versus the fear that’s been dividing people lately.”

Doors open at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26 for the show, which begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $30.

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

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Feeding the Soul

the Capistrano Valley Christian School gymnasium, where volunteers prepared a home cooked meal for hundreds of people.

Organizer Michael Koontz said with over 500 people in attendance last year, his team of volunteers cooked for 600 this year.

Koontz also helps organize the church’s Feed the Need program, which distributes food donated by local grocers like Trader Joe’s and Sprouts Farmers Market to approximately 100 families in need every Sunday morning.

“It’s been a real blessing for the community, and it’s been a wonderful outreach for our church,” Koontz said.

For more information on South Shores Church San Juan, visit www.southshores. org/sanjuan.

The spirit of giving is alive and well in San Juan Capistrano this holiday season

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ots of smiles were shared between complete strangers last weekend in San Juan Capistrano.

On Nov. 18, student volunteers and Rotary Club members met local families in need and provided them with Thanksgiving dinners made possible by donations from generous San Juan shoppers. Later that afternoon, Marines picked up meals to give to young families back on base.

Church volunteers served hundreds of community members with a home cooked Thanksgiving feast at South Shores Church on Nov. 19. And on Monday, members of local nonprofit Homefront America drove around Southern California delivering donated Thanksgiving meals to a multitude of military bases.

San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club and San Juan Hills Interact Club On Nov. 18, the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club, the San Juan Hills High School Interact Club and student volunteers from Marco Forster Middle School collected food donations at four local grocery stores before meeting at San Juan Capistrano

The SJC Rotary Club and student volunteers met at San Juan Capistrano Elementary School on Nov. 18 to distribute Thanksgiving meal donations to local families in need. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Elementary School that same afternoon to sort, box up and hand out Thanksgiving meal donations to local San Juan Capistrano families and young Camp Pendleton 1st Battalion, 11th Marines families in need.

Rotary President Paul St. Pierre, of San Juan Capistrano, said this year’s generosity was unprecedented, with 53 turkeys donated compared to the 10 or 12 the club has received in years past. With the club’s own donation of 50 turkeys, the volunteers were able to give away more than 100 Thanksgiving meals to local families. In addition, St. Pierre said $653 was donated, which will also go toward helping families in need.

Rotarian Carlos Aguilar helped organize

the food drive and said the event wouldn’t be possible without the help of about 50 student volunteers who do most of the heavy lifting like collecting donations, sorting the food, and helping families load up their cars.

For more information on becoming involved with Rotary Club, visit www.sjcrotary.org. The club meets every Wednesday at the San Juan Hills Golf Club, located at 32120 San Juan Creek Road.

South Shores Church South Shores Church San Juan hosted its fourth annual Love Thy Neighbor Thanksgiving feast in San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 19. The free dinner took place in

Homefront America Each year, local nonprofit Homefront America’s “Giving Thanks to Heroes” program provides military families with all the necessary groceries, Marie Callender pies and a certificate for a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinners.

The program serves more than 250 families from Camp Pendleton and surrounding military communities. On Nov. 20, Homefront America volunteers drove to bases as far as San Diego to deliver the Thanksgiving meals.

Mamie Yong Maywhort, co-founder of Homefront America, said the nonprofit is still in need of donations and support from the community. Members of the public can help the program 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. CD

Local Filmmaker Gives Double Take on Reagan Legacy

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

N

o matter what your opinions are of Hollywood movie star-turned U.S. President Ronald Reagan, one thing can be said for sure—Reagan knew how to present and compose himself in front of a crowd and on camera. Of course, being a professionally trained actor can help a lot in that regard. But while watching Robert Kline’s updated reworking of his documentary The Reagans: The Legacy Endures, I was reminded and struck by how calming it is to have a president speak and be confident and comfortable with his platform.

Kline’s documentary comes nearly three decades after Reagan’s presidency and at a time when our country’s politics have become increasingly more divisive and polarizing. The fact that someone as

openly conservative and right-winged as Reagan could garner supporters from all sides, with a number of the left calling themselves ‘Reagan Democrats’ in the early 1980s, says something. The bar was set high for future presidents regarding how they interact with the public—some succeeded and some struggled.

The documentary begins with the usual backstory of how Reagan was raised in Dixon, Illinois, where he participated in theatre, football and radio jobs before moving to Hollywood and becoming a star.

Eventually, Reagan became interested in politics as a Democrat before becoming California’s governor as a Republican in 1966.

Viewers are also treated to some background on Nancy Reagan’s rise from Broadway to Hollywood, all the way to

The Capistrano Dispatch November 24–December 7, 2017

Photo: Courtesy of Robert Kline

First Lady in 1981.

Surprisingly, the whole film includes only narration and archival footage and photos, without any commentary on the side. Throughout the doc, there’s a lot of

Page 20

focus on the former president’s speeches, including about his goals for ‘Reaganomics,’ the Cold War, Grenada, the war on drugs, the AIDS epidemic, and the IranContra Affair, to name a few.

The Reagans starts off as a straightforward documentation of Reagan’s rise to power, but by the end, it is clear that the viewers who will enjoy the documentary the most will be his fans. Whether you’re a supporter, or just have a neutral opinion of Reagan, it’s refreshing to remember a time when it was a requirement to have a great public image and speaking skills as a president.

Kline’s update of The Reagans: The Legacy Endures will be available on DVD early next year through Image Entertainment. Pre-orders are available at us.rljentertainment.com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

Max Mendelson raised his own poultry at the Mendelson Hotel in the late 1800s.

Photo: Courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

GUEST OPINION: Then & Now by Rhonda deHaan

History of Hospitality at Historic Town Center Park

M

ax Mendelson was born in Calish, Poland, in 1837. He and his two brothers, Mendel and Morris, made their way to the United States and ultimately settled in California. Max, also known as Mark, set his sights on the southern part of the state and moved with his family to San Juan Capistrano. In 1875, he purchased land from Manuel and Paula Garcia and opened the Mendelson Hotel that same year. Today, it is the site of our Historic Town Center Park.

The year 1875 was also when the first map of San Juan Capistrano Township was recorded in the Los Angeles County book of records. Many of THEN & NOW the names listed on the

By Rhonda map belong to families deHaan that are still prominent in town today. It is interesting to note, however, that the only street name that has remained the same is Spring, near the Mission. El Camino Real north of Ortega Highway was called Main Street. What we know as Camino Capistrano ran south from the Mission and was Central Street.

There was Oriental (El Camino Real south of Ortega) and Occidental (now Los Rios Street).

Many things have changed since then.

Thankfully, refrigeration has eliminated the need to raise our own poultry as they did at the Mendelson. But sometimes it’s nice when things remain the same. And, as countless hungry travelers enjoyed a hearty meal and warm hospitality at that

Page 21

Today, the site of the former Mendelson Hotel is occupied by Historic Town Center Park, where the annual tree lighting takes place. Photo: Allison Jarrell

old hotel, may today’s visitors also experience the graciousness of this lovely town.

The annual city tree lighting is a wonderful way to share a memorable evening with family and friends. All are welcome as the community comes together to celebrate the season on Dec. 2 at Historic Town Center Park.

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

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

After a Long Trip, It’s Good to Be Home

O

ne of the best aspects of taking a long trip is coming home. Such is the case for my partner Greta and me. After being gone for 48 days, we are home and were quickly reminded how fortunate we are to live in South Orange County.

Although very jetlagged from crossing six time zones, being on airplanes for 15 hours and logging four hours of sleep, I stopped at the Dana Point Post Office to ship some books.

Lisa and Bill were behind the counter.

They’ve been there forever, it seems.

They’ve always been friendly and efficient.

Lisa cheerily said, “Loved your recent travel articles in the newspaper, especially the one about Glenn Miller, the penguin you saw in Chile.” I walked away thinking, wow, what nice people we have working in our community.

I also stopped at Pacific Western Bank, where I’ve banked since 1988. After entering the door from the parking lot, teller Sherie said, “Welcome back Tom, I can help you!”

Rosette, a vice president and branch manager, has assembled a great team of employees. Mimi, a former international

flight attendant, wanted an update on the Copa Airlines flights we had taken from Rio. The other tellers, Monica and Larrisa, listened intently. Denise and Fermin are always friendly. The bank visit reminded me of why it’s great to be home.

On our second day back, still “out of it” from our long trip, Greta and I walked in Dana Point Harbor. It was just before 4 p.m. when we passed Harpoon Henry’s. We’d been walking for only 15 minutes when Greta said, “That’s enough exercise for now; it’s happy-hour time at Harpoons.”

So, in we went. Speaking of a socializing place for seniors, by 4:30 p.m., the upstairs lounge is always packed with white-haired people. We enjoyed a glass of wine, some of the restaurant’s famous calamari and then headed home to sleep. After all, it was nearing midnight, Brazil time.

On the third day back, I decided to walk from our Monarch Beach home to Salt Creek Beach, as I do a few times a week. I always pass by the Monarch Beach Resort golf shop to get to the public sidewalk that takes you under PCH and to the beach.

As I approached the pro shop, I noticed a bright yellow Audi sports car parked there.

A promotional sign behind the car read, “Welcome to the Basketball Hall of Fame 2017 Golf Classic.” The sign listed several sponsors including the Los Angeles Lakers.

As I walked down the steps, I noticed several golf carts lined up at the first tee with big, tall men in them. There was a sign listing the foursomes who were playing that day: Julius Erving (Dr. J), Rick Barry, Clyde Drexler, Gary Payton, Artis Gilmore, Alex English and many other former NBA greats were listed.

I saw Jamaal Wilkes sitting in a golf cart.

He was on four NBA championship teams

including the Golden State Warriors and Lakers. Without thinking, I blurted out “Silk?” That had been his nickname because he was smooth as silk when he played.

He said, “Do I know you?”

I said, “We met the night the Golden State Warriors made the NBA playoffs in 1971. After the game, you and some of your teammates came into the Victoria Station Restaurant in Oakland. I was the manager.

We all partied pretty hard that night.”

Silk said, “I remember that. By the way, Rick Barry is here.” I looked around but didn’t see Barry. He was also a great player for the Warriors, and known for his underhand style of shooting free throws.

Then, I saw Ralph Sampson remove a club ON LIFE AND from the golf bag on LOVE AFTER 50 his cart. Hard not to

By Tom Blake recognize Sampson, the Houston Rockets Hall of Famer, he’s 7-foot4-inches tall. Again, without thinking, I said, “Hit the ball hard Ralph!”

He looked at me with a big grin and said, “I hope I can even hit it.”

Since the golf gathering was a private event, I left and walked down the path to Salt Creek. My thoughts: Everybody living in South County is fortunate to have three incredible hotels here—the Monarch Beach Resort, the Ritz-Carlton and the Laguna Cliffs Marriott—that represent our community so impressively.

By late Saturday afternoon, Greta and I had nearly overcome our jetlag. “Let’s go to the new movie, Murder on the Orient Express,” she said.

She and I had been on the Orient

Express from Venice to Paris via Prague 10 years before, and we were curious to see if the movie replicated the actual train. It did. As we left the theater, we saw Ward, a South County friend we’d known for years.

Ward said, “Saw in the paper your trip articles. Where to next?”

I said, “It’s so great to be home, we’re staying put for a while.”

On Sunday, I did stand-up paddling in the harbor with Russell Kerr, my SUP buddy, who a few years back was the board chairman of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Ricky, an old-timer from San Clemente, who paddles nearly every day, said, “Hello, brother,” which he calls everybody. Fun for me to be back paddling.

At home, Greta said, “I think you need a haircut.”

“Yup, you’re right. I’m looking like a worn out, silver-haired hippie. I’ll go see Alex (the Sports Barber stylist who has been cutting my hair in Dana Point for 23 years). He’ll want to hear about our travels.”

It’s the beauty and the people here that make coming home so great.

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

Pet of the Week: Chico

Chico. Photo: San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

Chico is an easygoing gentleman who is ready to be your new best friend. At 4 years old, Chico is a great mix between fun-loving and calm.

Potty-trained and well-mannered, he would make an easy transition into a home. If you would like to know more about Chico, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente.

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:

Courtesy of Orange County Archives

FROM THE ARCHIVES Mission San Juan Capistrano, circa 1915.

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.

The Capistrano Dispatch November 24–December 7, 2017

Page 22

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy

by Marianne Taylor

THE SOUP CAN GARDEN Here is a project the kids can start doing now to give as teacher gifts or for a friend or hostess gift.

Gifts that Keep Giving

Items needed: • Empty soup cans • Hot glue gun • 2-inch plants, either succulent or herbs • Potting soil for succulents or herbs • Punch holes with drill in bottom for plant drainage • Natural ribbon, twine or raffia • Optional name tags

Uproot your kids from boredom with an upcycle holiday garden project

Getting started: Clean your soup cans with a thorough wash with soap and water and remove labels. Use a can opener to open the top of the cans. Take a drill and make a few holes in the bottom of the cans. Then take natural ribbon and cut it to the width of the cans and attach with a few hot glue dots. Add potting soil half way, and then add your plants.

T

he holidays are here, which means lots of excitement in the air, a school break, late nights, and oh wait … lots of free time on our kids’ hands. It’s time to uproot those little sprouts from their boredom and have fun together exploring, learning and creating holiday DIY garden gifts.

You’d be surprise by the many repurposed items you have hanging around the house that can be repurposed into inexpensive and creative garden projects or sustainable DIRT THERAPY “green” gifts.

By Marrianne With Pinterest at the Taylor touch of a finger, online crafts of every kind are available for those who want to create and play. I’m sharing just two holiday garden crafts that I found to be family friendly and easy to do. Be sure to explore Pinterest for more holiday crafts ideas.

RECYCLED MILK BOTTLE HERB GARDEN This herb garden can be hung from a window or patio or can sit on a sunny kitchen counter top. You can use one bottle or as many as five to make this easy, savory ready-to-use kitchen herb garden.

If you are a visual learner like myself, you can view this herb garden tutorial online from “Not Just Trash on Grillo Designs.”

Items needed: • Scissors • Craft knife

Photo: Courtesy

• Five pint-sized plastic milk cartons • (If hanging) 3-centimeter-wide wooden pole long enough to fit your window • Hole puncher • Metal ruler • Permanent black marker • Five 4-inch herbs • Bag of organic potting mix • Gloves Getting started: Clean your milk bottles with a thorough wash with soap and water and remove labels. Using scissors, cut off the top and bottom handle of the plastic bottle. The plastic bottle should have the back side higher and the front side lower. Using the craft knife and ruler, from the longer topside of the bottle, make 2-centimeter vertical slits parallel from the center of the bottle. The cuts need to be approximately 4 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters from either side of the center of the bottle (but this depends on the size of your wooden pole). The bottle will glide along

the pole. Finish the slits by punching holes on the top end of the vertical cuts (this gives the bottles enough space to slide on). Next, use the black permanent marker pen to decorate and label each bottle with your favorite herb.

Note: If you are planning to plant the herb in the bottle, take scissors and cut two additional slits on the bottom of each bottle for drainage. If you plan to set the 4-inch plant on top of the container, you will need to remove the plant to water—you won’t need to cut bottom slits.

Select your herbs and plant before you hang the bottles. I like to use basil, chives, mint, rosemary and Italian parsley for cooking, and they’re easy to grow. Fill organic vegetable potting soil half way, remove the plant from container, loosen roots and then place on top of soil and water lightly. Once all bottles are planted, slide the pole through the bottles using the pre-cut slits and suspend it from the windowsill, or let the bottles sit on a sunny kitchen counter.

Optional: Top dress the soup cans with your choice of colored aquarium rocks.

Take twine and cut it to the width of the cans and tie a bow, and add a name tag to the twine.

This holiday season, remember to slow down and have fun making happy memories. And don’t forget to try your hand at creating your own unique DIY projects with the kids. Be sure to snap a picture and add it to Pinterest!

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

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Winter Sports Preview Local athletes gear up for new seasons

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he winter high school sports season is about to get underway. In our annual preview, we highlight several San Juan Capistrano programs that are primed for big seasons on the court and on the field.

For in-game updates, scores news and more for all of the San Juan programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

SAN JUAN HILLS BOYS BASKETBALL A trio of versatile playmakers will headline the San Juan Hills boys basketball team this season.

The Stallions return three starting players from last year’s squad that placed third in the Sea View League and advanced to the CIF-SS Division 3AA Championships.

Three-year starting point guard Alex Ruiz, Tomas Soto and Joseph Kitaen all return.

Ruiz and Soto offer coach Jason Efstathiou a unique pair of guards. Ruiz, who is 5-feet-9-inches tall, offers a hard-charging, quick-attack style, while Soto, who is 6-foot-4-inches, is more of a finesse player who can handle the ball extremely well.

L to R: Rebecca Garibo, Brinley Hawkins, Megan McClellan, Erin Sulfaro and Cassie Gonzales will look to lead the San Juan Hills girls soccer team this season.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Both players can lead the team in scoring on any given night, Efstathiou said.

Efstathiou says players like Kitaen, and returning senior Brendan Gibson, embody the tough-minded approach to the game that has become the Stallions’ calling card since the veteran coach took over the program two seasons ago.

“We’re always scrapping, always hustling. We are a very grind-it-out type of team,” Efstathiou said. “It helps that we

Joe Kitaen, left, Tomas Soto, middle, Alex Ruiz and the San Juan Hills boys basketball team are looking to make some noise competing in the Sea View League this season. Photo: Steve Breazeale

The Capistrano Dispatch November 24–December 7, 2017

have some experience, but for the most part we’re pretty disciplined and I think that’s going to help us.”

The Stallions will be eying Capistrano Valley, the reigning league and CIF-SS champ, and Mission Viejo in the Sea View League.

GIRLS SOCCER The San Juan Hills girls soccer team graduated a considerable group of Division 1-bound seniors over the offseason and return a new-look group to start the winter season.

For the first time in four years, the Stallions will have a new goalie minding the net. Junior Amanda Haimes will be the team’s starting goalie after four-year starter Rylee Hanes graduated.

Coach Farrel Moore said the Stallions’ strength lies up top, where they field plenty of talent and speed. Senior Erin Sulfaro and junior Abby Hazen will be among the team’s primary forwards in charge of igniting the offense. Playing through the middle will be seniors Brinley Hawkins and Megan McClellan.

The Stallions placed second in the Sea View League last year and return to the competitive league again. San Juan Hills will be battle-tested in time for league play. The Stallions will open their season in the OC Winter Showcase Tournament at Beckman High School and play in the high-profile Excalibur Tournament over the winter break.

Page 24

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL BOYS SOCCER The St. Margaret’s boys soccer team will have the luxury of welcoming its entire starting lineup from one season ago to the pitch this year. It’s an enviable place to start from, considering this is the same Tartan team that won 19 games, the Academy League championship and appeared in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 6 Championships in 2017.

The Tartans fielded a potent offense last season, which figures to be even stronger this time around. St. Margaret’s scored an average of 3.5 goals per game last season.

Leading the attack will be midfielder R.J. Egdorf, an all-league selection, and attacking midfielder John Leasure, the team’s leading scorer and assist man and an AllCIF-SS selection.

The Tartans were a young team last year that learned and got better as the season progressed, coach Adam Doty said. Now with a lot of experience they will be ready for another challenging schedule that features appearances in the Aliso Cup Tournament and high-profile matches against Division 1 opponents like San Clemente.

“Last year we didn’t have any starting seniors, but their strength was the fact they were up for the challenge. They worked hard and built chemistry,” Doty said. “Now (Cont. on page 26) www.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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SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 24) we just have to build on that chemistry.”

Several incoming freshman and a few sophomores are competing for playing time, which has developed a good, competitive dynamic in offseason practice, Doty said.

In addition to the Aliso Cup Tournament in December, the Tartans will play in the Marina Holiday Classic before heading into Academy League play.

GIRLS BASKETBALL A strong mix of athletic newcomers and experienced veterans has St. Margaret’s girls basketball coach Lori Fava feeling optimistic about the upcoming season.

The Tartans were among the youngest squads in the Academy League last year and graduated just two seniors in the offseason. The team returns experienced players like four-year starter Ellie Jones and point guard Alexis Fintland.

The depth chart got a considerable boost from standout senior lacrosse players Niki Miles and Maddie Barkate, two Division 1 commits.

The addition of the lacrosse players gives the Tartans above-average size, which Fava said they will use to their advantage on the boards. St. Margaret’s has always been a guard-heavy team in Fava’s 12 years at the helm, but this year their height ends that tradition.

“This year, my motto is ‘Let’s get shots up’, because I don’t think we’ll have a problem rebounding,” Fava said. “If we can get the ball up the court and get down there before everyone sets up (on defense) I think that’s going to be our advantage.”

The Tartans will also be looking to newcomers to make an impact, like freshman sharpshooter Alice Korolev.

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS BASKETBALL The boys basketball team at Capistrano Valley Christian has become one of the more competitive small-school programs in Orange County over the past several seasons. They’ve done this despite going through several coaching changes.

This year, the six returning seniors on the team will play for their third head coach.

Chris Childress is now calling the shots on the Eagles’ sideline and he has credited the Eagles veterans with making the transition as smooth as possible.

Childress served stints coaching at Mayfair, Bellflower and Orange Lutheran before making his way to San Juan Capistrano.

“For them to accept me and work extremely hard for me has been humbling,” Childress said. “We have a good group and the biggest challenge is change. We have to incorporate my philosophy and the way I play in less than two months. But they’ve been great.”

The Eagles’ strength lies in the paint, where 6-foot-7-inch junior Festus Ndumanya and 6-foot-9-inch senior Jeff Yan will operate. Surrounding the Eagles’ bigs will be guards Troy Kihm, Colin Powers

The St. Margaret’s girls basketball team is looking to capitalize on its size and athleticism this season. Photo: Steve Breazeale

and Paul Stache.

Transfers Aron Frankand and Kevin Laws will look to make an immediate impact after sitting out the first 30 games of the season due to eligibility requirements.

mined to continue their upward trajectory.

“We have to prove ourselves again,” Brogdon said. “We have to solidify that last year was a good year and this year will be another one. We’ve got to play smart and we’ve got to play hard.”

JSERRA CATHOLIC BOYS BASKETBALL When watching the JSerra boys basketball team practice this offseason, it’s easy to see why second-year coach Zach Brogdon and his team have high hopes for the new season.

The Lions are long, athletic and skilled, a potent mix of traits that could power the team toward the top of the Trinity League standings and into the CIF-SS playoffs for a second consecutive season.

JSerra lost its leading scorer, Sebastian Much, to graduation, but the Lions return plenty of impact players and picked up a few key transfers this summer.

Senior center Joel Mensah, who stands at 6-feet-11-inches tall, will be a focal point on both ends of the court. Mensah committed to San Diego State University this offseason and has developed his post moves as well as his midrange game, Brogdon said.

JT Robinson, an athletic, playmaking point guard, and Jordan Alvarado, a 30game starter and team captain, return.

DJ Rodman is a marquee 6-foot-4-inch transfer from Corona del Mar that has made an impact on the team throughout fall practice.

JSerrra placed third in league last season and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Open Division Championships.

They also appeared in the CIF Division 1 State Championships.

From the looks of it, the Lions are deter-

The Capistrano Dispatch November 24–December 7, 2017

SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN GIRLS BASKETBALL The Saddleback Valley Christian girls basketball team will start the new season off with a new coach in Darren Gibson.

Gibson, who was a coach of the Warriors lower-level team last season, and the Warriors have spent the offseason acclimating to the change, will open their season against Tarbut V’Torah on Thursday, Nov. 30.

The Warriors return two senior starters from last year’s team in Ryley Shelmidine and Tamako Hoshina.

Shelmidine, who plays point guard, has a chance to end her career at SVCS as the program’s all-time assist leader. The senior is close to breaking the current record, Gibson said.

Outside of Shelmidine and Hoshina, the Warriors are a young group. Two freshmen and a sophomore are slated to break into the starting rotation.

The Warriors do not have a lot of height on their roster, so Gibson has been stressing the need for the team to utilize their speed to counterbalance their lack of size.

“Our strength is our fight and tenacity,” Gibson said. “The girls want to do well and they know there’s an opportunity to do well here and succeed.” CD

The Saddleback Valley Christian girls basketball team has a new coach and a new-look roster this season.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

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