December 8, 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

DECEMBER 8–21, 2017 • VOLUME 15, ISSUE 23

Crossing the Line Parents demand change at San Juan Hills crosswalk after two students are hit by cars E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 5

San Juan Hills students cross Stallion Ridge on their way to school on Dec. 6. Parents are asking the city to increase safety at the crosswalk after two students were recently hit by cars while traversing the crossing. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Sergio Farias is City’s Next Mayor, Brian Maryott is Mayor Pro Tem EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Groups of Residents Seek to Recall Three City Council Members EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

City Hosts Annual Tree Lighting at Historic Town Center Park SJC LIVING/PAGE 22

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Sergio Farias is City’s Next Mayor, Brian Maryott Selected as Mayor Pro Tem THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council reorganized at its Dec. 5 meeting, appointing Councilman Sergio Farias as the new mayor and Councilman Brian Maryott as mayor pro tem.

Farias, who served as mayor pro tem last year, replaces Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson at the center of the dais.

After the Council reorganized, Farias began his term as mayor by thanking the residents for their vote of confidence, his colleagues for entrusting him as mayor, city staff for their work, and his family for their support.

Farias spoke about the importance of moving the city forward and exploring new economic opportunities while also honoring San Juan’s past.

“Our equestrian lifestyle is at risk now, and I think that this Council will move forward in a way that will ensure that will always be a part of this city,” Farias said, referring to lawsuits and complaints that have been lodged against the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park and other San Juan stables. “Because there is no San Juan Capistrano without our equestrian community.”

WHAT’S NEXT: At the next meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13, the Council is scheduled to appoint a new Planning Commissioner. —Allison Jarrell

Groups of Residents Seek to Recall Three City Council Members THE LATEST: Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson, Councilman Derek Reeve and Councilwoman Pam Patterson—the three San Juan Capistrano City Council members who were elected in 2014—have each been served with notices of intent to recall.

While all three petitions focus heavily on development-related issues, the recall petitions for Reeve and Ferguson are directly related, using the same verbiage regarding the proposed River Street project off of Los Rios Street.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 8-21, 2017

Councilman Sergio Farias was named San Juan Capistrano’s next mayor at the City Council’s Dec. 5 meeting.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

On Nov. 7, the City Council voted 4-1 (Patterson opposed) to initiate work on an environmental study and traffic impact analysis for the proposed River Street open-air marketplace.

A group of residents served Councilwoman Ferguson with a “Notice of Intention to Circulate a Recall Petition” on Nov. 19 and submitted the notice along with 24 signatures to the City Clerk’s office on Nov. 21. The residents claim that Ferguson has reneged on her campaign promises to “oppose rezoning for a massive development” and to reduce traffic.

Specifically, the petitioners wrote that Ferguson has failed to protect the Los Rios Specific Plan, the General Plan, and residents from the proposed River Street project, while also pointing to incoming development at the playhouse property, the Vermeulen property, and potentially the Northwest Open Space.

Ferguson filed her official response with the City Clerk on Nov. 28, stating that her “votes initiating studies haven’t violated the General Plan or the Los Rios Specific Plan.”

“Claiming I failed to protect Los Rios Street or Vermeulen is false. Voting to initiate studies on the Los Rios and Vermeulen properties is not an approval,” Ferguson replied. “Participating in thorough and transparent amendment processes with ample public input is my duty.”

The same claims against Ferguson were listed almost verbatim in the Notice of Intent to recall Councilman Reeve, which he was served with on Nov. 17. Reeve also filed his response on Nov. 28 and said the petitioners’ allegations are “100 percent blatantly false.”

“These “recallers” are bullying City Council members into voting against residents’ constitutional rights,” Reeve wrote. “I vote against certain development proposals as I have done numerous times, but I will not block San Juan Capistrano residents from a fair process.”

On Dec. 5, Reeve announced on his public Facebook page that he had retained

“the top law firm in the state regarding these matters.” On Dec. 7, Reeve posted again, confirming that The Sutton Law Firm has issued a demand to the petitioners to withdraw the Notice of Intention as it contains “false, defamatory and libelous statements.”

“After spending a great deal of time evaluating the recall attempt against me, it has become abundantly clear that the recallers have with actual malice participated in this recall to defame me. While the recallers have every right to attempt to recall me, no one has the right to state knowingly false defamatory statements intended to damage a person’s reputation,” Reeve wrote on Facebook. “My attorneys and I have respectfully requested that each recaller withdrawal the Notice of Intent against me and if they wish, resubmit a new Notice of Intent without the defamatory statements. I have no objection to debating these issues, but the residents deserve an honest debate.”

On Monday, Nov. 27, Councilwoman Pam Patterson was also served with a Notice of Intent, but from a different group of residents. The 40 petitioners listed 10 specific grievances they have with Patterson, including participating in “an illegal referendum ultimately leading to a city settlement that will build to over $1 million charged to the SJC taxpayers,” “falsely accusing staff of stealing $600,000,” “delaying the Ortega Widening Project,” and supporting her “big developer friends.”

Patterson responded on Dec. 4, saying that the proponents’ recall is “clearly a retaliatory action” that’s “replete with misrepresentations.”

“There was no illegal referendum, just illegal lame duck council’s 3 a.m. approval of Urban Village hotel costing residents’ $750,000+,” Patterson replied.

WHAT’S NEXT: City Clerk Maria Morris said Wednesday that two blank copies of the proposed recall petitions and proof of publication of the Notices of Intention are due at the City Clerk’s office on Dec. 8

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for Reeve and Ferguson, and Dec. 14 for Patterson.

Once the City Clerk’s office has verified that the proposed recall petitions meet all the requirements of the California Elections Code, the proponents would have 120 days to collect the signatures of 20 percent of the city’s 19,227 registered voters—3,845 residents—for each petition.

The City Clerk’s office reported that the cost for an at-large special election would range from $95,000 to $106,000.

After accepting his new post as mayor pro tem on Tuesday, Brian Maryott said during the Council meeting that he was “really saddened” to hear of the “recall nonsense.” Maryott asked that those involved with the petitions, and those who may be asked to sign a petition, to “really think this through.”

“We are going to create potentially a tremendous amount of confusion for the residents of this city as they go to the ballots in the middle of next year to vote for other races and are faced with perhaps voting to recall people who are then going to be on the ballot in November,” Maryott said. “It’s just a terrible disservice to the residents of the city. Additionally, it’s a very costly one...Please think twice. We don’t recall people over a single issue or two. That’s not who we are, and it’s not fair to the people who put them in office.”

FIND OUT MORE: To view the three Notice of Intent to Recall petitions, as well as the three responses filed by Reeve, Ferguson and Patterson, find the online version of this story at www.thecapistranodispatch.com. —AJ

City Settles Two Hotel Lawsuits, Allowing Kimpton Litigation to Move Forward THE LATEST: The city of San Juan Capistrano recently announced that two lawsuits involving the previously approved Urban Village project have been settled—a move city officials hope will soon lead to the resolution of a third hotel-related lawsuit.

The City Council initially approved Urban Village’s San Juan Hotel & Villas project—which was planned for the plot that today is slated for the Hotel Capistrano by Kimpton—in late 2014. The city was later sued by a group of residents known as Save Our Historic Town Center (SOHTC) that sought to overturn the approval, arguing that the project was inconsistent with the city’s General Plan. A judge issued a writ of mandate to SOHTC, and the developer decided to appeal the decision.

The developer also sued the city after the project’s entitlements were later set aside.

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

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) City officials said the settlement agreement with the developer “involves the return of a portion of the developer’s entitlement costs in exchange for a dismissal of the developer’s lawsuit.”

With those earlier lawsuits settled, litigation from developer Bill Griffith that was filed in October 2016 challenging the city’s approval of the Kimpton hotel project can now progress toward a resolution.

On Oct. 6 of this year, Orange County Superior Court Judge Kim Dunning issued a stay in the Kimpton case, temporarily halting the proceeding. Dunning’s reasoning was that the same issue at the heart of the Kimpton challenge—whether or not the Historic Town Center Master Plan was properly incorporated into the city’s General Plan amendments—was also being argued in the Save Our Historic Town Center suit, which was waiting to go before the Court of Appeals. Dunning refused to move forward while the other case was unresolved.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city filed notice of the lawsuit settlements with the court on Nov. 14, and a few days later a status conference for the case was scheduled for Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. with Judge Dunning.

“The resolution of the Urban Village lawsuits will enable the trial court in the Kimpton case to get to the heart of the challenges in that case, which is scheduled to return to court in January 2018,” City Manager Ben Siegel said in a recent newsletter. “Resolving these cases will reduce the city’s legal expenses, avoid the uncertainty associated with litigation, and ultimately bring the city a step closer to realizing two high-quality hotels in the downtown.” —AJ

School District Board Votes to Retain Current Leadership THE LATEST: On Dec. 6, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously, with Trustee Gila Jones absent, to keep the board’s current leadership in place for the upcoming year.

For the second year in a row, Trustee Martha McNicholas, of Laguna Niguel, will serve as president; Gila Jones, of San Juan Capistrano, will serve as vice president; and Patricia Holloway, of San Clemente, will serve as the board clerk.

Trustee Amy Hanacek initially nominated Trustee Gary Pritchard for president, which was seconded by Holloway, but a substitute motion was made by the board’s newest member, Judy Bullockus, to maintain the current slate of officers.

“I believe that this time, consistency and stability by way of officer continuity would be helpful in policy making, planning, and evaluation oversight going forward,” Bullockus said.

The majority of the trustees agreed with Bullockus, and the motion passed 5-1-1 The Capistrano Dispatch December 8-21, 2017

with Holloway opposed and Jones absent.

“I do think consistency right now is what is needed most,” McNicholas said.

Trustee Jim Reardon, who teleconferenced into the meeting, said he felt that the operation of the board over the last year had been “exemplary.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The officers’ next term will last through December 2018.

The board’s next meeting is set for Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at district headquarters, located at 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano. —AJ

Professor of Geosciences Tells South County to Be Prepared in Case of Earthquakes THE LATEST: Fault lines along the coast of South Orange County have been researched as having the capabilities of setting off a chain reaction of earthquakes near the coastline.

Neal Driscoll, Ph.D., a professor with the geosciences research division at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California-San Diego, gave a lecture at San Clemente City Hall on Nov. 28 to area residents.

Driscoll and a team of researchers combed the ocean for nearly a year using new sonar technology to map seismic activity and fault lines along the coastline, which found certain activity is not poised to cause higher levels of earthquakes than past research claimed. He cited research from the 1980s that claimed an Oceanside Blind Thrust was capable within a few dozen miles of San Clemente that wasn’t showing the same results under the new technology.

Back in February, Driscoll gave a presentation at a Community Engagement Panel meeting that summarized his initial research and showed the capabilities of earthquakes in the region and their proximity to San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

WHAT’S NEXT: Although the activity was found unlikely to produce earthquakes higher than a magnitude of 7.3 or 7.4, Driscoll warned that magnitude is capable of causing tsunamis that could heavily damage coastal developments.

If there were a chain reaction of earthquakes set off by the faults, that could cause an 8.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Los Angeles County—however, Driscoll said that would be the highest magnitude earthquake in the state’s recorded history.

FIND OUT MORE: To view a video of Driscoll’s full presentation during the February CEP meeting, find the link in this story at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

The full video of his presentation from Nov. 28 will also be linked in the article.

—Eric Heinz Page 4

EYE ON SJC take whatever steps necessary to protect our kids and our community. We hope that you will as well.”

Davis added that at the very least, a crossing guard should be stationed at the crosswalk immediately.

But Davis said he never received a response from the city.

San Juan Hills students cross Stallion Ridge on their way to school on Dec. 6. Parents are asking the city to increase safety at the crosswalk after two students were hit by cars while traversing the crossing.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Crossing the Line Parents demand change at San Juan Hills crosswalk after two students are hit by cars

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

H

undreds of concerned residents, parents and students are pleading for increased safety measures at a crosswalk outside of San Juan Hills High School after two students were recently hit by cars while trying to cross Stallion Ridge on their way to school.

Dozens of parents attended the San Juan Capistrano City Council’s Dec. 5 meeting to implore city officials to implement solutions at the crosswalk—which was installed last August—such as manning the crossing with a crossing guard, putting in a light, or moving the crosswalk toward the school so kids avoid contact with traffic from the Whispering Hills neighborhood. The crosswalk in question crosses Stallion Ridge at Via Pamplona, which is the entrance/exit of the Whispering Hills neighborhood.

Two accidents in a month A 14-year-old boy was critically injured on Nov. 28 after being hit by a car outside of San Juan Hills High School, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The boy has since been identified by community members, parents and students as SJHHS freshman Kenneth Tilstra, of Ladera Ranch.

OCSD spokesperson Ray Grangoff said the department received a call reporting The Capistrano Dispatch December 8–21, 2017

the incident around 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 28.

Grangoff said the 14-year-old pedestrian was struck by a 2015 Infinity near Via Pamplona and Stallion Ridge.

Tilstra was transported to Mission Hospital in critical condition, and is now home recovering, according to a Dec. 5 update posted on a YouCaring fundraising website, which has raised over $16,660 for Tilstra’s family.

“Kenneth is home from the hospital and he recognizes everyone, but still has problems with nausea. He is resting and is uncomfortable due to a full leg cast.

Surprisingly, he’s in good spirits after the trauma he suffered. Thank you everyone for the prayers and support we have received. The Tilstra Family.”

Grangoff said the driver of the Infinity remained at the scene following the crash, and OCSD is continuing to investigate the cause of the collision.

But residents Linda and John Davis reminded City Council on Tuesday that this wasn’t the first time a student was hit using the crosswalk. Their son was the victim of a hit-and-run on Oct. 24 at approximately 7:50 a.m. Linda and John said a car hit their son while he was utilizing the crosswalk to get to school. The driver fled the scene, and their son sustained arm and hip injuries.

On Nov. 7, John Davis sent a detailed email reporting the incident to members of the City Council, the Capistrano Unified School District and the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

“This is not the first time someone has been struck be a vehicle, there are numerous accidents, reported and not reported, that occur on Stallion Ridge as a result on the unsafe conditions,” Davis wrote. “What has also been made clear is that until now, the school, the district and the city have repeatedly failed to take measures to protect our children. Unfortunately, we have reached a point where legal action must be considered. We as a community will

A perfect storm On the morning of Dec. 6, Whispering Hills resident Stacey Santley stood at the corner of Stallion Ridge and Via Pamplona watching intently as students used the crosswalk that aligns with the entrance/ exit of her neighborhood.

It was 7:45 a.m., and cars were either lined up as far as the eye could see to get into the high school, or whizzing away toward La Pata in post-drop-off haste. A girl slowly entered the crosswalk, and the car that had been traveling toward her came to a sudden stop.

By the time the girl reached the middle of the street, the driver behind the stopped car laid on the horn.

“There’s a student in the crosswalk!”

Santley said while motioning toward the crossing.

This was nothing new for Santley, and for the other residents and parents who have observed the traffic patterns along Stallion Ridge. Santley said there are many compounding issues that make the crosswalk a dangerous place for students. You have the morning sun in drivers’ eyes. LED lights on the crossing sign that aren’t very attention-grabbing. Traffic coming from four different directions (because some parents u-turn illegally in the Whispering Hills entrance and drop their kids off there in order to avoid the wait). And, of course, parents in a hurry to get in and out.

“It really is a perfect storm,” said Whispering Hills resident Danielle Pacheco. “I sincerely hope that nobody else is injured or killed. It’s a daily concern.”

Pacheco, Santley and the array of parents who addressed the Council on Tuesday said they’ve reached out to San Juan Hills, to CUSD and to the city, but to no avail. CUSD and SJHHS have repeatedly noted that the crosswalk falls under the city’s jurisdiction.

Santley created an online petition to increase safety at the crosswalk, which now has over 430 signatures, and presented it to the Council on Tuesday.

“Morning sun reduces visibility for eastbound traffic, and unusually high congestion with only one way in and out of the high school make this a dangerous place for children to cross,” Santley wrote in the petition. “ “We need staffed pedestrian crossings and police presence. It is too difficult for students to cross on their own and watch all sides. We need support now before another child is harmed.”

Response to the accidents Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson noted at the beginning of the meeting that the Council had discussed the crosswalk dur-

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ing closed session earlier that day, and so Council members would not be able to answer questions regarding the crosswalk from public speakers.

“While there are no reportable items to share on this discussion, the Council is allowing me to share a few thoughts on behalf of the city,” Ferguson continued.

“First, on behalf of the Council, city staff, and the entire community, we want to extend our thoughts and our prayers to the injured student and his family. Second, I want to assure the community that as soon as we were notified by our police services partners regarding the accident, we made sure that any and all city staff and resources were made available to the sheriff’s department to support their independent investigation. Within hours of the accident, we received calls from parents who understandably wanted answers, explanations and timelines. Staff did their best to call all parties back and we thank those of you who were understanding during this process.

“The OCSD continues to investigate Tuesday’s accident,” Ferguson continued. “Although we would all like instant answers, I would encourage all of us to allow the sheriff’s department to conduct their investigation so they can determine the circumstances of the accident, and any contributing factors.”

Capistrano Unified School District spokesperson Ryan Burris said the district’s thoughts also “remain with the student and his family.”

“We are hopeful for a full and complete recovery,” Burris wrote in an email. “This particular area has been the subject of many meetings with City Council members and city staff. The crosswalk was installed after family and neighborhood concerns were expressed with the city, school and District staff. We continue to talk with the city regarding the concerns expressed by families of San Juan Hills High School.”

SJHHS Principal Jennifer Smalley said via email that she is “saddened that two students have been injured this school year in the crosswalk on Stallion Ridge.”

“Student safety is of utmost importance. We (SJHHS and CUSD) have been working with both the city of San Juan Capistrano and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to address safety along Stallion Ridge and we were pleased that the City installed a crosswalk in August 2017,” Smalley wrote. “In our meetings, the district requested (1) a footbridge, (2) increased law enforcement presence, and (3) a crossing guard.

“I would continue to ask parents to follow the traffic plan that we email out on a regular basis, making sure they leave more than enough time so they are not rushing,” Smalley concluded. “Due to the fact that we have heavy traffic, we need to pull together as a community to drive safely to protect the students.”

For more on this story, including links to the petition and Kenneth Tilstra’s YouCaring page, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Community NEWS BITES Capistrano Eagles to Host Meetings Annual Food Drive BenCOMPILED BY STAFF

TUESDAY, DEC. 12

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

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13

Downtown Farmers Market 3-6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from dozens of vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday.

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

Special City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The city’s governing body will meet to appoint a new Planning Commissioner. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, DEC. 14

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

FRIDAY, DEC. 15

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

MONDAY, DEC. 18

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

FRIDAY, DEC. 22

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

The Capistrano Dispatch December 8-21, 2017

efitting Serra’s Pantry

The Capistrano Eagles Motorcycle Club is set to hold its semiannual community food drive on Saturday, Dec. 16 from noon to 5 p.m. benefiting Father Serra’s Pantry and San Juan Capistrano families in need. The drive will be held at the Swallows Inn, located at 31786 Camino Capistrano, and includes live music performed by Family Style.

The most needed items include nonperishable food such as canned meats, fish and poultry; canned fruit; canned soup; dry pasta and beans; and personal hygiene products.

Serra’s Pantry is a nonprofit group of about 80 volunteers at Mission Basilica Church who work to provide food and other household items to over 330 low-income families in South Orange County every week.

About 75 percent of the families the

Shining a Light on HIV/AIDS One survivor shares his take on the importance of educating youth about the global health issue

BY AUSNA HARIS, FOR THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

ver the summer, I decided to volunteer for Shanti Orange County, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting people with HIV/AIDS and increasing awareness about the topic throughout Orange County. Shanti OC offers services for people living with chronic disease and illness, such as mental health therapy, case management, connection to community resources and educational seminars.

While I was volunteering, I realized how much I didn’t know about HIV/AIDS and became aware of the false information about AIDS I had previously learned. It wasn’t really an issue that I thought was prevalent and occurring in my own backyard.

Just last week, people across the globe participated in World AIDS Day. Each year on Dec. 1, people unite to combat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and to support the estimated 36.7 million people worldwide who live with HIV. “Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history,” ac-

pantry serves live in San Juan Capistrano, with the other 25 percent coming from communities such as Capistrano Beach, San Clemente and Laguna Hills. The motorcycle club has been a longtime supporter of the pantry, hosting food drives twice a year for over two decades. The holiday food drive helps keep the pantry stocked through the winter months.

For more information on the drive, call the Capistrano Eagles at 949.422.3717 or the Swallows Inn at 949.493.3188.

To find out more about Father Serra’s Pantry, visit www.serraspantryoutreach.org.

The pantry is located at 31611 El Camino Real in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Red Cross Seeks Blood Donations this Holiday Season

encourage donations, all those who come to give blood or platelets Dec. 21 through Jan. 7 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Below are the dates, times and locations of upcoming blood donation opportunities in the area: • Dec. 18: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Laguna Niguel Public Library, 30341 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel • Dec. 20: 1-7 p.m., Avana San Clemente Apartments, 1100 Calle Del Cerro, San Clemente • Dec. 21: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mission Hospital, 26726 Crown Valley Parkway, Mission Viejo • Dec. 21: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saddleback Lanes, 25402 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo • Dec. 22: 2-7 p.m., San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente

The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to give the gift of life by giving blood this month.

In December, donations often decline, but the needs of patients remain steady. To

For more information or to make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1.800.RED.CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

cording to the National AIDS Trust.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2016, 1.8 million people were newly infected with HIV, and one million people died of AIDS-related causes.

There isn’t much information given to high schoolers about HIV/AIDS, but it is very important for students to know about the causes of HIV/AIDS and how it spreads.

In the United States, HIV is mainly spread by having unprotected sex or sharing syringes or other injection equipment with someone who is infected with HIV, according to the CDC. Once contracted, HIV weakens the immune system by destroying cells that fight disease and infection. And while there is currently no cure for HIV, it can be controlled with the proper care.

I wanted to hear what advice someone who has been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS would give to teenagers at the cusp of adulthood so they can stay safe and educated. I interviewed a client of Shanti OC who is a survivor of HIV to highlight the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness. My hope is that these questions will allow my peers to realize the gravity of this virus and encourage them to openly discuss and ask questions about issues that may be awkward for them now, because it will help them in the long term.

Q: How has being diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS affected your life?

A: I have become more conscious of staying well. I take care of myself. I’m careful of risks in life as well as catching germs, and I’m healthier. I also do occasional Shanti forums and give help to the organization by volunteering. But overall, I still carry on with my daily tasks that I have been doing for years and don’t let the disease affect my everyday life.

Q: What do you do differently now than

you did before being diagnosed?

A: I eat a more balanced diet and work out. It made me change my lifestyle and do what was right for me to stay on top of things and keep my health in check. Being diagnosed has made me more aware of my health and was actually a blessing in disguise, because I care about my health now more than ever before.

Q: How has Shanti OC helped you throughout your journey and diagnosis?

A: I’ve gotten knowledge and support, connection with others with the same issues and those who live with HIV, and forums. I didn’t get HIV until 1996 and it took some time to get used to. Meeting people going through the same thing as me definitely made it easier for me to deal. I also felt empathy for people [who were diagnosed with] HIV in the 80s. In recent years, new drugs have also made it possible to [avoid] hospitalization and serious infections.

Q: What advice would you give to teenagers regarding HIV/ AIDS? A: Become knowledgeable and ask questions. If you are sexually active, then talk to doctors and schedule taking antiviral drugs. If you are not practicing safe sex, get checked regularly and get information from schools, too. Pay attention in health classes and pay attention to your general sexual history because HIV/AIDS can do serious damage to your immune systems.

You shouldn’t feel embarrassed or pressured, because it’s always better to be safe than sorry. One wrong decision in your teen years could affect your life permanently.

For more information on HIV/AIDS, visit www.cdc.gov/hiv. More information on World AIDS Day can be found at www. worldaidsday.org.

Ausna Haris is a junior at San Juan Hills High School. She hopes to study political science or journalism in college. CD

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The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 15, Issue 23. 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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The Capistrano Dispatch December 8–21, 2017

The Selling of San Juan’s Heart and Soul

O

ur city appears to be heading down a path of abandoning our decadeslong commitment to preserving San Juan’s unique rural, equestrian and historic character in exchange for shortterm revenue needs. While I know from my time on the City Council that we face a growing shortfall in future revenue, instead of being reactive, we need to be proactive in addressing the need in a way that preserves and enhances what makes this place so special. A red flag should go up when so many of the current projects require amendments to our General Plan.

Some of the actions are blatant, such as the push to lease out the Northwest Open Space to commercial interests that could forever change the face of our entry from the north.

At night, you know when you have entered San Juan Capistrano driving south on I-5 because it gets Mark Nielsen dark. In daylight, there is abundant open space establishing that you have arrived at an historic oasis in the midst of Orange County’s urban sprawl. I can’t imagine we all taxed ourselves these many years just to have the city lease out this natural open space to commercial ventures.

Other actions are more subtle, such as the vote to sell the playhouse site and adjacent parking lot across the street from Cedar Creek to a developer that wants to build a commercial project and performing arts center. (But the performing arts center is not part of the deal—the developer

merely offers a contingent donation of a portion of the land to a future nonprofit that will have to raise tens of millions of dollars to build and maintain a performing arts center). The project as envisioned would be hard to fit on such a small site and would not fit the character of the location and adjacent adobe, let alone the traffic impacts.

It should also be noted that the city is not required to sell the parking lot.

Then we have the 61,000 square feet of commercial development with five buildings being proposed in the Los Rios District, on the Ito Nursery parcel. This project fundamentally changes the character (and traffic) of a landmark in our town that is on the National Register of Historic Places (the oldest residential street in all of California). It also requires an amendment to our General Plan and contradicts the Los Rios Specific Plan.

We also have a push by at least one member of the City Council to do away with the Historic Town Center Master Plan, which the city spent over $600,000 creating (not to mention countless hours of staff and citizens’ time in numerous workshops). Councilman Derek Reeve suggested that we just change the formbased code to include the essential pieces of the HTC Master Plan. This is like saying we should replace the Declaration of Independence and Constitution with a bunch of regulations and laws. The first set out the vision. The second merely provide implementation rules. The vision must always remain to give context and direction for future generations to interpret regulations.

Developers and landowners understandably want to maximize their profits and sale price for their land. The city needs to shape the developers’ plans and expectations to fit what will enhance and protect the uniqueness of our community without constantly reverting to changing our General Plan to satisfy the developer. If a project “does not pencil out” at lower density or within the limitations of our guidelines, then perhaps the developer is overpaying for the land. It should not be at the expense of our citizens and our town’s character that we maximize what a landowner or developer makes.

Yes, we need to improve the financial picture of the city. But we need to do it in a way that does not destroy our unique character that caused so many of us to make San Juan our home. We have a proud history of past city leadership standing up to protect our character (such as suing the county to protect our ridgelines). Let us not lose that history based on shortsighted fiscal fear.

Mark Nielsen is a local business executive and resident of San Juan for over 25 years.

He served on the City Council from 2006 to 2010 and was mayor in 2009. He also chaired the city’s Open Space Committee. To respond to Mark’s guest opinion, send your comments and letters to letters@thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

Letters to the Editor

the Los Rios Specific Plan. Through all these years, I have worked with many City Council members concerning these preservation efforts. No member has been more passionate or knowledgeable about our neighborhood and its unique needs than Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson. I find that she has always been readily accessible to myself, and others, who have various concerns.

It now offends me to read the “grounds for the recall” as listed in the Notice of Intention to Circulate Recall Petition, which are factually incorrect as they apply to the Los Rios Specific Plan. It is simply untrue to say that Councilwoman Ferguson “has failed to protect such Plan,” “actively promoted this shopping mall to residents…” and “ignored the voices of residents,” etc.

I have spoken to Councilwoman Ferguson numerous times about the River Street Project, and I have personally attended,

or watched via live stream, every city meeting concerning the proposed project.

Councilwoman Ferguson, as well as other City Council members, have simply voted to review the applicant’s request. Initiating a study of this matter is not an approval of the applicant’s request.

Also, it has been my pleasure to serve on the mayor’s advisory committee concerning the Northwest Open Space (NWOS) for the development of our Putuidem Tribal Village as an educational and cultural attraction. With other members of the committee, we have spent numerous hours and held many meetings with the mayor on this most important matter.

Never once during these meetings has Ms. Ferguson ever spoken about “commercial development of the Northwest Open Space,” as the recall petition supporters allege.

When the River Street Project first

IN SUPPORT OF MAYOR KERRY FERGUSON, DUE PROCESS AND HISTORICAL PRESERVATION —Stephen Rios, San Juan Capistrano Dear fellow citizens of San Juan Capistrano, I own and reside in the Rios Adobe on Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano, with my wife, Olga, and our children. Our home was built in 1794 and my children are ninth generation direct descendants from Feliciano Rios, who arrived in San Juan Capistrano with Father Serra.

For more than 40 years, I have been actively involved in the preservation of our historic Los Rios neighborhood, utilizing

Page 8

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX came before City Council, I spoke in favor of the applicant’s right to a fair review process. When this process is completed, we will see a final proposal and then know whether it is appropriate for Los Rios Street. This, I suggest, is the same position that Mayor Ferguson has taken. Unfortunately, many of the recall petition supporters do not know the true facts surrounding the proposed project (River Street) or choose to intentionally distort them.

I support fair and due process review and continued appropriate protection of my beloved Los Rios Street. I know that the mayor strongly shares these feelings as well. It would be helpful if everyone would keep the true facts on the table.

LAWSUITS AGAINST CITY HINDER UNITY, CULTURE AND THE ARTS —Art Guevara, Lake Forest For nearly 30 years I have participated in community events, helping San Juan Capistrano—my beloved town—to grow by bringing art and culture to its people.

This journey has been a source of personal fulfillment and I’ve learned a lot about our community.

I have done art exhibits for over 10 years at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, Los Rios Historic District, the Mission Courtyard, and the Camino Real Playhouse. I started the San Juan Capistrano Art Walk, which once brought over 10,000 people to Los Rios Street. My art also helped to bring 3,500 people to the first Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibit at the library.

Stephen Rios, owner of the Rios Adobe on Los Rios Street, writes in his letter that Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson is giving the River Street application the fair review process it deserves. Photo: Courtesy

With my art, I strive to convey a message to our communities—to stay together and have quality time with the whole family through the arts.

It makes me sad that while we make tremendous sacrifices to improve the quality of life of our community, lawsuits have now taken over our town.

Nonsense lawsuits have paralyzed our town to the point of nearly filing for bankruptcy. We must remember that San Juan Capistrano relies on tourism, and that negative publicity can deter tourists from coming to what was once a vibrant, colorful, artistic village. That was the way San Juan was 40 years ago.

Today, San Juan Capistrano is one of the

only cities in the area without grants for artists.

In the name of all who love this town and the arts, I would like to ask all involved in these nonsense lawsuits to drop all litigation against each other and start working together for the betterment of our beautiful village.

Let’s start 2018 with fresh ideas. Let’s clean the house of frivolous lawsuits—forget about your differences and start a new chapter of San Juan Capistrano’s story.

Do not hold any animosity against anyone. Just shake hands and forget about all perceived grievances. Let’s bring peace, harmony, and arts and culture to our town to attract more tourism, and show the

world that we are a civilized community.

Peace to all and happy holidays. God bless you all!

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.

GUEST OPINION: Barlett Bulletin by Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

Housing is a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out

W

ith National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week taking place last month, we acknowledge there are a number of homeless men, women, teenagers, children and entire families in our community.

Every two years, the County of Orange conducts the Point in Time (PIT) Count, a census administered on a given night of the homeless in our communities. The PIT Count, which represents a snapshot in time, revealed a troubling trend in 2017—a 7.6 percent increase in the number of homeless, with a total of nearly 4,800 individuals counted.

Orange County has diligently and compassionately tried to stem this rising tide by building a system of care that meets the needs of this complex and diverse population. Our efforts include increasing shelter capacity, outreach and services, including the following initiatives, among others: • Establishment of The Courtyard, a partnership between the county and The Midnight Mission that provides 400 shelter beds every night • Completion of phase one of Bridges at Kraemer, the county’s year-round The Capistrano Dispatch December 8–21, 2017

emergency shelter that provides 100 beds; Phase two, which will provide a total of 200 beds, is slated for completion in May 2018 • Enhancing our efforts to ensure public safety in large encampments • Increasing outreach and service linkages for the homeless As impactful and encouraging as these efforts are, an urgent need remains for more permanent supportive housing.

A recent cost study conducted by the University of California-Irvine and Orange County United Way indicated that $300 million was spent on homelessness within one fiscal year between the county, cities, hospitals, law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations.** Providing stable housing with case management, social and medical services to the most medically fragile homeless individuals would reduce the cost of serving that population by 50 percent per capita, at $100,000 a year for the homeless versus $50,000 a year for those in housing.

Chronically homeless individuals with disabilities and who lack stable housing often do not receive the appropriate preventative care or supportive services.

These individuals, who are covered through public health plans, are likely to struggle with severe medical needs, which often results in costly emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

The average cost of health care services for chronically homeless individuals who lack stable housing was $98,000 annually, versus $26,158 for the chronically homeless who are placed in housing programs.

THE BARTLETT Providing permanent BULLETIN supportive housing for

By Lisa Bartlett the homeless population with medical disabilities provides a compassionate long-term solution that helps individuals improve their conditions, while reducing our overall costs.

In June, I introduced a measure that dedicates $5 million in Mental Health Services Act dollars toward creating additional housing and supportive services for the disabled homeless who suffer from mental illness.

As our community moves forward

Page 9

developing solutions to our growing homeless crisis, I am committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders and my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to develop the system of care and increase the housing available to our homeless residents.

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett represents the 5th District on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, (portions of) Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. **Editor’s Note: A link to the cost study titled, “Homelessness in Orange County: The Costs to Our Community” can be found in this column online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List What’s going on in and around town

way, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

EDITOR’S PICK

SADDLEBACK COLLEGE HOLIDAY JAZZ CONCERT 6:30 p.m. The Saddleback Big Band, under the direction of Joey Sellers, presents their holiday jazz concert featuring unique arrangements of classic holiday songs.

Tickets are $15. McKinney Theatre, Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4656. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 08 HISTORIC BELLS TOLL IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE EARTHQUAKE OF 1812 9:30 a.m. The historic bells at Mission San Juan Capistrano will toll in remembrance of the Earthquake of 1812. On Dec. 8, 1812, the Great Stone Church fell due to a tragic earthquake that killed over 40 people attending mass. The church was never rebuilt. The ruins stand today as a testament to the past. There will also be a special presentation by the Orange County Historical Commission following the tolling of the bells, including the unveiling of the Mission San Juan Capistrano Historical Commission Plaque at 10 a.m. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

MERMADE MARKET 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Mermade Market returns to Dana Point with over 100 vendors offering handmade goods, food trucks and live music. The market also runs Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point. www.mermademarket. 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-B Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.661.3400. www.thevintagesteakhouse. com.

SADDLEBACK JAZZ COMBOS 7:30 p.m. Stop by the McKinney Theatre at Saddleback College to listen to some student-arranged and composed jazz music. Be sure to stick around after the show for jazz trivia and the opportunity to win some cool prizes. General admission is $10. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4656. www.saddleback.edu/ arts.

Saturday | 09 MISTLETOE AND WINTER PLANT WALK 9-11 a.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a Saturday morning walk.

Participants will look for mistletoe and seasonal fruit such as the “holly berry,” while walking on the Shady Canyon trail.

Participants will also have the opportunity to decorate and take home their own The Capistrano Dispatch December 8-21, 2017

Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, DEC. 8: 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” will 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. See site for boat registration. Dana Point Harbor. 34555 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com.

North Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente. 949.272.8435. www.sccs-arts.org.

mistletoe. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Open to ages 8 and older.

Reserve your spot online by 4 p.m. on Dec. 8. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www. rmvreserve.org.

HOLIDAY SOULCYCLE CHARITY RIDE 1-2 p.m. Stand for Vets, a South Orange County nonprofit organization for wounded veterans, is hosting a local charity ride at SoulCycle in Newport Beach. Registration is $50 per rider, which includes complimentary shoe rentals, prizes and a swag bag. All proceeds will go to wounded veterans. 1177 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949.424.2126. www.standforvets.org.

WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP 1:30-3:30 p.m. The Tree of Life Nursery is putting on their annual wreath making workshop to kick off this season’s holiday activities. Craft your very own wreath made completely of native Californian plant materials. Each wreath costs $40.

Tree of Life Nursery. 33201Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

SAN CLEMENTE CHORAL SOCIETY HOLIDAY CONCERT 3 p.m. Enjoy an hour of holiday music as the San Clemente Choral society presents their holiday concert, “Tidings of Joy,” at the San Clemente Presbyterian Church. Led by Dr. Laura Harrison, the San Clemente Choral Society provides and promotes music education throughout South Orange County. Tickets are $15. 119

HOLIDAY ICE SKATING AT THE RIDING PARK 4-8 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Youth Advisory Board invites the public to their first annual weekend-long holiday ice skating event at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan. Skate rentals are $5 per person and all proceeds benefit the underserved youth of San Juan Capistrano. Admission is free. RMV Riding Park.

30753 La Pata Avenue, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. www.sanjuancapistrano. org.

SOUTH COAST SINGERS’ PEPPERMINT DREAMS CONCERT 4 p.m. Enjoy live music featuring classic holiday favorites and a few new songs as well. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $16 for seniors. St. Andrews by-the-Sea. 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente. 949.492.2537. www.sabts.org.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for an evening of gazing into space through the telescopes of Reserve astronomers and learning about the constellations. Reserve astronomers are all volunteers who enthusiastically share their telescopes and expert sky knowledge. Bring warm clothing, a red cellophaned flashlight, binoculars, and a beach chair if you prefer. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Open to ages 8 and older. Reserve your spot online by 4 p.m. on Dec. 8. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. 28811 Ortega High-

Page 10

NOEL NIGHT CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7 p.m. The St. Edward the Confessor Parish Church Music Ministry presents their annual Noel Night Christmas Concert, directed by Rick Dellefield and performed by both the adult and the children’s choirs. The concert will feature songs off of their new Christmas album, Rejoice and Be Merry, which will be available for $10 after the concert. A reception with Christmas treats will be served after the concert in Knight Hall. Admission is free.

St. Edward the Confessor. 33926 Calle la Primavera, Dana Point. 949.496.1307. www.stedward.com.

Sunday | 10 JUST LIKE ME JINGLE JAM 5-7:30 p.m. The Just Like Me Foundation is a newly formed nonprofit in Dana Point that is focused on enriching the lives of teens and adults with special needs.

JLM will be putting on their holiday dance party, Jingle Jam, at St. Andrew’s by the Sea. The event includes a live DJ, a photo booth and crafts. Admission is free. 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente.

949.492.2537. www.justlikemefoundation. org.

Tuesday | 12 DREIDELS AND DONUTS 4:30 p.m. The Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Beach is hosting an event for children of all ages. Come to the JYZ Youth Zone at the Chabad Center for a Menorah lighting, Chanukah crafting, donut decorating and dreidel spins. Admission is free. 30804 South Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949.499.0770. www.chabadoflaguna.org.

Thursday | 14 HOLIDAY EVENING NETWORKING MIXER 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce for its annual holiday networking mixer at Marbella (Cont. on page 19) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

holiday

Happening s Friday, Dec. 8 Lil’ Elves Workshop 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The San Clemente Community Center is transforming into Santa’s Workshop for one special day of crafting and meeting Santa’s little helpers. Children ages 3-5 years old are encouraged to stop by for cookie decorating, gift making and holiday carnival games. Tickets are $15 per child. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

43rd Annual Dana Point Harbor 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.

Live Theater: ‘A Christmas Carol’ 7 p.m. Laguna Niguel Community Theatre and Coast Hills Church present A Christmas Carol adapted by Lynn Stevens. Join Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghost of his former business partner as they visit the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in an effort to warm Scrooge’s heart. The show runs all weekend at both 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are $10. Coast Hills Church.

5 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo. 949.415.6281. www.lagunanigueltheatre.org.

Live Theater: ‘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. Friday and Saturday

show times begin at 8 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $27. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.533.0258. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday, Dec. 9 Mistletoe and Winter Plant Walk 9-11 a.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a Saturday morning walk. Participants will look for mistletoe and seasonal fruit such as the “holly berry,” while walking on the Shady Canyon trail. Participants will also have the opportunity to decorate and take home their own mistletoe.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Open to ages 8 and older.

Reserve your spot online by 4 p.m. on Dec. 8. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

Holiday SoulCycle Charity Ride 1-2 p.m. Stand for Vets, a South Orange County nonprofit organization for wounded veterans, is hosting a local charity ride at SoulCycle in Newport Beach. Registration is $50 per rider, which includes complimentary shoe rentals, prizes and a swag bag. All proceeds will go to wounded veterans. 1177 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949.424.2126. www.standforvets.org.

Holiday Ice Skating 4-8 p.m. The city of San Juan Capistrano invites you for a weekend on ice at the Riding Park for their first annual Holiday Ice Skating. Skate rentals are $5 per person and all proceeds benefit the underserved youth of San Juan Capistrano. 30753 La Pata Avenue, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911.

(Continued)

holiday

Happening s (Continued)

Sunday, Dec. 17

South Coast Singers’ ‘Peppermint Dreams’ Concert 4 p.m. Enjoy live music featuring classic holiday favorites and a few new songs as well. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $16 for seniors. St. Andrews by-the-Sea. 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente.

949.492.2537. www.sabts.org.

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 for the event 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.

Friday, Dec. 15

Menorah Lighting at the Outlets 4-5 p.m. The Outlets at San Clemente will be hosting a free, family-friendly event to celebrate Chanukah with the Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente. Activities will include balloons, hot latkes, doughnuts and gelt. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, Ste 190, San Clemente. 949.535.2323.

Shabbat around the World Service and Oneg Buffet 6 p.m. Join the Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Beach for a night of blessings under the Tallit, a latke bar and matzah ball soup. Live music and a short service will be held during the festivities. Admission is free. 30804 South Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949.499.0770.

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.

Holiday Nature Crafting 9-11 a.m. Enjoy a cool, winter morning creating treasured keepsakes and personalized gifts made from natural and recycled materials. Space is limited and tickets are $5. Reserve your spot online by 4 p.m. on Dec. 15. The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

Breakfast with Santa at H.H. Cotton’s 10 a.m.-noon. Scarf down breakfast with Santa at the Avenida Del Mar restaurant. Photo opportunities will be available. Donate an unwrapped toy too to benefit children at Mission Hospital. Email erin@hhcottons.com for more information. RSVP for breakfast today. 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.429.3321.

Thursday, Dec. 21 Orange County Winter Fest 5 p.m. The OC Fair and Events Center presents Winter Fest 2017. The festival features a 150-foot ice tubing slide, an ice skating rink and nightly fireworks. Hours of operation vary.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 or younger. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. 657.333.2520. www.winterfestoc.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) Country Club, featuring photos with Santa and tastings of Partida Tequila. The Chamber will be collecting gifts for the Boys & Girls Club, so please bring an unwrapped gift to help support their Operation Holiday Homework. Guests are also encouraged to bring an opportunity drawing prize valued at $25 or more to showcase their business. $15 for chamber members, $25 for potential members. 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700. www.sanjuanchamber.com.

LIVE THEATER: TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 8 p.m. Join the Cabrillo Playhouse for their joyful tribute to the holiday season with a theatrical performance of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Performances are every Thursday through Sunday through Dec. 17. See site for showtimes. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Friday | 15 LIVE MUSIC: TJO JAZZ TRIO 7:30 p.m. Join local jazz musicians Sam Shepherd, AJ Polidoro and Keith Bishop as they perform holiday jazz music at Thai Juan On. Admission is free. 31878 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.0332. www.thaijuanon.com.

Saturday | 16 SANTA CARES 8:30-11:30 a.m. The Just Like Me Foundation and the Outlets at San Clemente are teaming up to provide a Santa photo experience for children with sensory, physical and developmental needs. Register online to eliminate waiting in line. Snacks and activities will be provided. Registration is free. Outlets at San Clemente. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

949.535.2323. www.justlikemefoundation. org.

CAPISTRANO EAGLES’ ANNUAL COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE Noon-5 p.m. The Capistrano Eagles M.C. is putting on their annual food drive in support of Father Serra’s Pantry, benefiting San Juan Capistrano families. Be sure to bring nonperishable products such as pasta, hygiene products, and canned food.

Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.422.3717. www. serraspantryoutreach.org.

HOLIDAY NATURE CRAFTING 9-11 a.m. Enjoy a cool, winter morning creating treasured keepsakes and personalized gifts made from natural and recycled materials. Space is limited and tickets are $5. Reserve your spot online by 4 p.m. on Dec. 15. The Reserve at Rancho Mission The Capistrano Dispatch December 8-21, 2017

Viejo. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778.

ON THE MENU

LUCHADORE DOG AT JD’S KITCHEN AND BAR

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Live music by Family Style, followed by Swing Shift at 8:30 p.m.

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

LIGHTEN UP CHANUKAH COMEDY NIGHT 7 p.m. Join comedian Brian Kiley for a night of laughs and latkes at the Monarch Beach Resort. Kiley has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and he is currently a writer for Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Tickets are $36 for general admission. 1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point. 949.234.3200.

Sunday | 17 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 10 a.m. – noon Start your Sunday with breakfast with Santa Claus at H.H. Cotton’s. Photo opportunities will be available.

RSVP for a table. 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. www.hhcottons.com.

MENORAH LIGHTING AT THE OUTLETS 4-5 p.m. Join the Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente at the Outlets at San Clemente for the free family-friendly celebration. There will be activities for children as well as traditional activities, hot latkes, doughnuts and gelt. Oak Tree Court, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

Tuesday | 19 LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the San Juan Chamber of Commerce for a networking lunch at Ricardo’s Place Restaurant. No admission; guests buy themselves lunch and network with fellow businesses. 32082 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.4700. www.sanjuanchamber.com.

The Luchadore Dog by JD’s Kitchen and Bar. Photo: Eric Heinz

BY ERIC HEINZ, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

magery of a colorful wrestler may be a robust description for a hotdog, but the combination of flavor in the Luchadore Dog by JD’s Kitchen and Bar is of formidable strength.

Much like the various items on JD’s menu, the Luchadore Dog is packed with toppings and doesn’t feign its intent. The dog is loaded with its sidekick, bacon, and teams up with grilled shishito peppers and onions, slathered in guacamole, cooling garlic aioli, cotija fresco and cilantro.

At the Movies: Films to Fit the Christmas Season

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Thursday | 21 ORANGE COUNTY WINTER FEST 5 p.m. The OC Fair and Events Center presents a slice of the snowy holiday season at Winter Fest 2017. The festival features a 150-foot ice tubing slide, an ice skating rink and nightly fireworks. Hours of operation vary. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 or younger.

88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. 657.333.2520. www.winterfestoc.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.

Supposedly, the only arch nemesis to this legion of food is gravity, as the weighted Luchadore’s toppings slide off easily toward your face when tilting it downward—a welcome dog-pile, if you will.

JD’s has been open for about a month, and it already has consistent patronage, opening at 5 p.m. and staying open until 2 a.m. on all nights, offering quality latenight eats. The business also offers a variety of local brews and vegetarian options.

JD’s Kitchen and Bar 215 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.243.5692. www.scjds.net. CD

W

hat makes a movie a Christmas essential? Well, of course, they usually revolve around the Christmas season, like Miracle on 34th Street (1947), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Love Actually (2003). Then there are Christmas classics that only feature the holiday in a single act of the film, like Holiday Inn (1942), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). Next are the traditional popular movies set during December where the plots don’t have anything to do with the holiday, but are still viewed during the month: Trading Places (1983), Lethal Weapon (1987) and Die Hard (1988), to name a few.

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Going even farther, there are the movies that have absolutely nothing to do with Christmas that people still enjoy watching during the holiday season: The Wizard of Oz (1939), The Sound of Music (1965), Mary Poppins (1964), etc. I think that most people like to watch movies that make them feel good during the last couple of months of the year because it reflects the spirit of the season. That is precisely the reason why Pixar wisely releases their films during Thanksgiving weekend and why their latest, Coco, is currently killing it at the box-office three weeks into release.

So on a surprisingly dry week of new releases, I would recommend revisiting your favorite movie to watch during the holidays or check out Coco, Lady Bird or Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri in theaters if you haven’t already. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

So Much For That Idea

A

s a newspaper columnist, fledgling social media marketer, and retired dude, I am always thinking of ways to help single people ages 50 to 90 by extending the reach of my writing.

In September, I came up with an angle that I felt might land me a third appearance on the Today show in New York City. I had been interviewed on Today by Jack Ford in 1999 and Matt Lauer in 2001.

I thought, wouldn’t it be fun to be interviewed by Matt Lauer again. Not only do I remember the details of that interview, but I also remember my partner Greta and I being in the green room, where you hang out before the show with other guests. One was author David McCullough. The other, John Lithgow, of 3rd Rock from the Sun. Greta and I even ordered three copies of McCullough’s book he was promoting, John Adams, directly from him.

They arrived in the mail a couple of weeks later.

With the Today show reaching an estimated five million viewers each day, if I got on the show, I would be able to sell some of my dating and relationship books that are stored in my garage. However, getting on any network talk show is very difficult, but I decided to try anyway.

GUEST OPINION: Branching Out by

San Juan Capistrano Library Staff and the Friends of the Library

A Book for Every Child Early literacy and a love of reading are gifts worth giving to your little ones

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Book on Every Bed is a special holiday tradition, and San Juan Capistrano’s public library invites everyone to participate. The idea is to place a wrapped book at the foot of your child’s bed so it is the first gift of the day. And what a fun way to get children of all ages excited about reading.

This is a wonderful custom that everyone will look forward to year after year, and can be celebrated for any special day. Parents are encouraged to start the tradition when children are young to help foster an early interest in reading and build a personal library as they grow.

Books should be thoughtfully chosen but don’t need to cost a lot. They can be new, lightly used, or handed down from one generation to the next. Remember, donated books can be found for a bargain at the Friends of the Library bookstore adjacent to the library, and a free library card gives the gift of thousands of books.

In further support of early literacy, the library is also participating in “1,000 Books before Kindergarten.” This The Capistrano Dispatch December 8-21, 2017

I called the show’s switchboard in New York City to get the name and address of the show’s executive producer.

I drafted a letter to him, but decided not to send it until Greta and I returned from our trip to South America. I didn’t want to blow an opportunity to appear if the producer contacted me when we were at sea off the coast of Chile or Argentina, or somewhere else along the way.

Sometimes, major talk shows decide at the last minute to bring guests on, and if you’re selected, you need to drop everything and boogie to NYC. Now that we are home from the trip, getting a letter off to the executive producer was at the top of my “to-do” list for ON LIFE AND early December.

LOVE AFTER 50 My pitch to the producer was going

By Tom Blake to be that when I was interviewed in 2001, Matt’s opening question to me was “Has dating changed for people over 50?” Then, he and I discussed the changes.

Having written more than 3,000 columns and newsletters on senior dating and relationships since that 2001 interview, I thought the producer might be interested in the senior dating changes that have occurred since then. I reasoned that Matt could just ask me the same questions.

Some senior dating changes in 2017: internet dating has grown to approximately 4,000 different dating sites; longdistance relationships are more common; romance scams exploit vulnerable singles; people use Skype and social media to chat; people lie on their profiles; and, breaking up by text message happens occasionally.

worthwhile program encourages caregivers to share 1,000 books with their little ones before they start kindergarten. It may sound like a lot, but reading one book a night equals 365 books in a year. In three years, that’s 1,095 books! And, studies show that children who are read to before they start school have better school success than children who are not.

Sign up at the library today and, as extra motivation, for every 100 books read together, each child will receive a coupon for a free book from the Friends of the Library bookstore. For more information and inspiration, visit www.1000booksbeforekindergarten.org/1000-booksbefore-kindergarten-program.

One more reason to stop by—the San Juan Capistrano library is participating in Operation Santa Claus again this year. Generous donations of unwrapped gifts for children and seniors are much appreciated. There is a drop box in the main foyer, and grateful staff will be happily welcoming gifts until Dec. 21. Happy holidays!

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

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But, my plan to make another run at a Today show appearance got derailed last week, before I mailed the pitch letter to the show’s producer. Matt was terminated after 24 years on the show as co-anchor, for allegations of sexual misconduct.

In senior dating, when couples meet, timing is everything. Same thing when pitching an appearance on a major network talk show. I guess the dating and relationship books being stored in my garage will continue to gather dust.

Greta’s niece Gina mentioned that she saw videos of my TV appearances on my website. She said, “Send a letter to Today anyway, just change the pitch somewhat, and since you were also on Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer, send a letter to them as well.”

Gina’s right. I’ll include that project among my New Year’s resolutions.

To view videos of Tom’s TV appearances, including parts one and two of the Matt Lauer interview, and the Good Morning America interview with Diane Sawyer, go to this webpage: www.findingloveafter50.com/videos.

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

Obituary: David Boyle St. Margaret’s Episcopal School mourns the loss of David Boyle THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ongtime St. Margaret’s Episcopal School leader and founding faculty member David Boyle passed away from complications of pneumonia on Sunday, Nov. 19.

David, faculty emeritus who retired in 2012 as associate headmaster, joined St. Margaret’s as a faculty member in the fall of 1980, the second year of the school. He committed his life’s work to the mission of St. Margaret’s.

In the early years, David’s passion for education and dedication to the vision of St. Margaret’s was evident in the many roles he took on to support the young school’s growth and success. Throughout his tenure, David was integrally involved in strategic planning and vision setting for St. Margaret’s future. David is most recently remembered as the upper school principal, from 2004 to 2011.

David will be remembered for his life of service, humility, as well as his signature humor and joy. The Boyle family, too, is an integral part of the history of St. Margaret’s. David is survived by his loving wife, Marilynn, St. Margaret’s faculty emerita, and their son Michael, a member of the Class of 2002, his wife Rebecca and their daughter Lyla.

A public memorial service for David took place Dec. 2 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too!

Mike, Lantern Bay Carpets 949-240-1545.

FOR SALE - TWO WING-BACKED CHAIRS Wood framed, vanilla. Each chair has two accent pillows. Excellent Condition. $250 Please call 248-0236

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.

OBITUARY FRANK EDWARD MOXLEY III With heavy hearts, we announce that Frank Edward Moxley III passed in Oak Glen after a prolonged illness. Frank was born in Apple Valley, CA and raised in Yucaipa. He was involved in Key Club, Speech and on the varsity tennis team. He was also an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in political science. He was also a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He loved traveling, the beach, surfing, golfing, music and playing the guitar.

Frank owned an airfreight business after college and worked at Pan Am and Delta Airlines in Washington, D.C. as a senior crew supervisor and in operations. Frank and his wife Heather, established Cardvark Gifts in San Clemente and later SmokinWood-Chips

By Frank’s Gourmet. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Yucaipa and Pacific Coast Church in San Clemente. Frank is survived by his wife Heather Hines Moxley of San Juan Capistrano; son William Bradford Moxley of Tacoma, WA; grandson Calvin James Moxley; two sisters, Mother, Father, Step-Father.

Private services were held February 1st, at a paddle-out by his son. Celebration of Life will be held this Sunday, December 10th at 10:30 in San Juan Capistrano. For more information, please contact Heather Moxley at cardvarks@aol.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 8–21, 2017

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

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SJC LIVING

Merry and Bright City hosts annual tree lighting ceremony at Historic Town Center Park

San Juan Capistrano’s Ballet Folklorico dancers performed prior to the tree lighting on Dec. 2 Photo: Allison Jarrell

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

housands of residents and visitors enjoyed holiday festivities—including a glimpse of Santa Claus—in downtown San Juan Capistrano last weekend.

The city’s annual tree lighting celebration took place on Dec. 2 at the Historic Town Center Park, which opened with performances by San Juan Capistrano’s Ballet Folklorico and Musical Theatre University. The beloved community event was followed by activities on Los Rios Street, as well as Mission San Juan Capistrano’s annual “Christmas at the Mission” program, which featured performances by Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano, the Dickens Carolers, and a variety of school choirs and orchestras.

For a full photo gallery and videos from last weekend’s events, find this story online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

Clockwise from top: Preschoolers with the “Singers Company” performed during Christmas at the Mission on Dec. 2. Students from Musical Theatre University performed song and dance numbers prior to the tree lighting. A large crowd enjoyed holiday festivities. Photos: Allison Jarrell

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year The holiday season, and when we celebrate it, is constantly changing

A

s we get ready to embark on the holiday season...oh wait. When did the holiday season begin? Not too many years ago, the season referred to the time between Christmas and New Year’s Day. But throughout the decades, the season has started earlier and earlier.

Most sources agree that today, the holiday season is the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. But for many retailers, the festivities are merged into the period right after Halloween—unless you shop at Walmart, where Christmas decorations first started showing in August.

Fall is the best season for holidays— there’s Halloween, All Saints’ Day, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), All Souls’ Day, and Armistice Day. Autumn also brings the five-day Hindu festival of lights known as Diwali, which is also celebrated

by Buddhists and Sikhs. Diwali is often called the festival of lights because it celebrates the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil, with firecrackers and lamps, in addition to gift giving and family dinners.

Later in the fall comes Thanksgiving, a truly American holiday that encompasses the family. Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, is celebrated with the lighting of menorahs for eight days, as well as gift giving and holiday dinners. Kwanzaa, Christmas, and New Year’s Day round out the two-month holiday season.

The word “holiday” is an old English word that is actually a combination of two words—“halig,” meaning holy, and “daeg,” meaning day. Around 950, the word “haligdaeg” was used. In 1200, the recorded word was “haliday.” Finally by 1500, the word transitioned into the spelling and the usage that we know today. In the year 1400, the definition of “haligdaeg” was a religious festival and a day of recreation. Today, the British still refer to vacations as holidays.

To understand the dates of the holidays, one needs a calendar. But calendars are complicated also. In ancient times, calendars were based on the cycle of the sun to determine planting and harvesting times.

Many religious observances were based on a lunar cycle. The Jewish, Islamic and Chinese calendars are all based on those cycles.

The Julian calendar was created by the Romans in 46 B.C. under the rule of Julius Caesar. To make the calendar successful, Caesar took bits and parts of known calendars of the period. The division of hours into 60 minutes, and minutes into 60 seconds, came from the Mesopotamians; the concept of a 24-hour day was Egyptian, The Capistrano Dispatch December 8-21, 2017

and the division of the week into seven days came from the Jewish calendar. The word “month” came from the word “moon.”

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII implemented the Gregorian calendar because Easter, which was supposed to be the start of the spring equinox on March 21, was getting further and further away from that date.

The Julian calendar had miscalculated the length of the solar year by 11 minutes, and so with the passage of time, the calendar no longer had the significance of being useful for agricultural use. As careful as Pope Gregory was in recalculating the calendar, his system is still off by 26 seconds a year.

By 4909, the Gregorian calendar will be off one full day.

In the beginning, it was only Catholic countries that adopted the Gregorian calendar. While most countries have now adopted the Gregorian calendar, the Greek and Russian Orthodox MOMENTS churches still use the IN TIME Julian calendar. England

By Jan Siegel did not use the calendar until 1752, and Russia did not conform to the Gregorian calendar until 1918. To compensate for the difference in dates, 11 days were added to the new calendar when the old one was changed.

George Washington was born Feb. 11 by the old calendar, but once England and the colonies accepted the Gregorian calendar, Washington’s birthday was changed to Feb. 22. Benjamin Franklin welcomed the change, writing, “It is pleasant for an old man to be able go to bed on Sept. 2 and not have to get up until Sept. 14.”

Take a “Moment in Time” and enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. It is a wonderful time of the year for all celebrations. Have a very happy and healthy New Year.

Jan Siegel is a 28-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 18 years. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Archives, Willard Smith Collection

FROM THE ARCHIVES Local officials inspect a map of the proposed route for Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano, circa 1930.

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

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

Pet of the Week: Alder

F

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

our-year-old Alder is a sweet, little guy ready to make new friends. He loves playing the yard and going on jaunty walks. With his friendly personality and happy smile, Alder is sure to brighten any day.

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

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:

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Outrigger Performs Well at South American Canoe Championships

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T 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

JSerra sophomore Anthony Grover won Orange County, CIF-SS and CIF State cross country titles this season.

Photo: Courtesy

Grover Claims X-C State Title to Finish Dominant Season

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

nthony Grover had a feeling he could turn his sophomore season into one for the record books back in October.

All of the little things he had been focusing on, like his diet and sleeping habits, were starting to pay off in training sessions. He was noticing a boost to his times and energy.

That newfound focus was evident back in October, as Grover captured the JSerra cross country program’s first-ever Orange County individual title.

However, his season didn’t peak there.

Grover went on to have the type of racing season dreams are made of.

He won the CIF-SS Division 4 Individual title on Nov. 18 and, on Nov. 25, capped off his dominant season with a first-place finish in the CIF State Division 4 Championship race.

Grover completed the Orange County running equivalent of the triple crown.

“It’s an honor to be able to call myself a State champion. That’s a very big accomplishment and doing something like that does not happen overnight, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” a vindicated Grover said.

At the State Championships, Grover said he executed his racing game plan perfectly. He hung with the top pack for the first mile, then decided to make his move at the two-mile mark. He put it into The Capistrano Dispatch December 8-21, 2017

high gear and won by eight seconds, coming in at 15:31.

It was a breakout season, for sure. But it has only served to motivate Grover as he prepares for the upcoming spring track and field season.

“This cross country season showed me I’m capable of running very fast times in track now,” Grover said. “I plan on continuing my success by doing all the little things right and giving 100 percent in practice every day.”

he six members of the Dana Outrigger Canoe Club that landed in Peru on Nov. 17 barely had time to shake off the jetlag before they hit the icy waters of the Pacific to compete against the best outrigger canoe paddlers on the continent.

The Americans had less than 12 hours after landing in Lima before they were competing in the South American Canoe Championships’ flagship event—a 14-mile, open-ocean paddle.

The local Dana Point-based team acquitted themselves nicely with a 10th-place finish in a field of 17 boats. The local team had to rent a boat while in Peru, which slowed them down quite a bit.

However, the 14-mile race went off without a hitch for the Dana Outrigger team.

Clubs from Brazil and Easter Island got out to early leads and left a pack behind, which the Dana Outrigger team stayed in. Heavy swells ended up not factoring in much to the outcome.

“I thought we were respectable,” Dana Outrigger member John Skorstad said. “Everybody on our team really performed well.”

Team members Dave Brozowski and Brian Pesartic competed in the event’s mixed co-ed 6K race. Brozowski placed second and Pesartic took third.

The same Dana Outrigger team made the trip south for the championships in 2016, which was held in Chile. The trip is now becoming an annual tradition for the tightknit group. Next year, they plan on

Dana Outrigger Canoe Club members took the Times with them to Machu Picchu. Photo: Courtesy

competing in the 2018 edition of the race in Brazil.

Skorstad said the sport of outrigger canoe racing is becoming increasingly popular in South America. More outrigger clubs are making the journey to the event every year, he said, and the overall interest and skill level has noticeably increased.

But the competition is only half the fun for the local outrigger team. They always make sure to take a few extra days following the race to sightsee and explore.

This year, after completing the race on Nov. 18, the crew spent a week exploring the mountainous area around the city of Cusco. The group made hikes up to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Rainbow Mountain before returning stateside.

The Dana Outrigger group is currently planning a trip to compete in Hawaii sometime in 2018. CD

In other San Juan Capistrano high school sports news: The JSerra girls soccer team hasn’t skipped a beat. The reigning CIF-SS and CIF SoCal Regional champion Lions have won their first five games of the season. JSerra (5-0) has outscored its opponents by a convincing 26-1 margin.

The Lions entered the season as the No. 1 team in the nation, according to www. topdrawersoccer.com’s FAB 50 rankings.

The San Juan Hills boys basketball team picked up steam this week with a solid finish at the St. Margaret’s Tartan Classic Tournament. The Stallions, who lost their first four games of the year, ended their run at the tourney by beating Bell Gardens 76-55 and Tustin 54-51.

The Stallions (2-4) will travel to play a tough nonleague game against Newport Harbor on Wednesday, Dec. 13. CD

Members of the Dana Outrigger Canoe Club on the shores of Lima, Peru for the South American Canoe Championships. Photo: Courtesy

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