May 11, 2018

INSIDE: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, Shop Local SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

MAY 11–24, 2018 • VOLUME 16, ISSUE 9

Breaking Down the Division Nonprofit aims to strengthen underprivileged with education, bring the community together EYE ON SJC/PAGE 7

Heather Chapman (left) of Unidos, a nonprofit that gives homework help to students of low-income families that are often Spanish-speaking homes, helps Matthew, 8, with an educational game on Monday, May 7. Photo: Emily Rasmussen

City Council to Consider Citywide Luxury Hotel RevenueSharing Incentive Program EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Council Votes No to Issue Apology to City Staff after Councilmember Alleges City Staff ‘Stole’ $600,000 EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

St. Margaret’s Boys, Girls Lacrosse Teams Both Win Dramatic County Titles SPORTS/PAGE 18

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week San Juan Capistrano City Council to Consider Citywide Luxury Hotel Revenue-Sharing Incentive Program THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano City Council voted to direct its city staff to look further into a citywide luxury hotel Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenuesharing incentive program at a meeting on Tuesday, May 1.

The incentive program would be intended to encourage development of new hotels and/or enhancement of existing hotels in downtown, a city staff report read.

San Juan Capistrano currently receives 10 percent of TOT (also known as ‘bed taxes’), which are deposited into the city’s general fund.

“Luxury hotel properties can provide far greater TOT revenue when compared to their non-luxury counterparts,” the city staff report said. “For example, the Plaza Banderas developer has stated that upgrading their project from a 3-star to a 4-star luxury hotel accommodation would result in approximately 60-65 percent greater TOT to the city.”

Within the city staff’s report of an incentive program was also the Plaza Banderas Hotel project developer’s request for more than $2 million in “improvements and estimated costs,” which included $737,000 for a water line, $655,000 for utilities underground on street frontages and $298,000 for street improvements.

“We are seeking tonight a very simple request to help us cover the gap of the additional $12 million we are prepared to invest in this hotel to move it (from 3-star to 4-star) luxury status,” said Dan Fries, Plaza Banderas associate. “We would like reimbursement from the taxes generated solely and directly from our hotel guests, not a dollar from any city resident for several specific public infrastructure improvement projects.”

Mayor Sergio Farias said that he was uncomfortable with the proposal, namely because the Plaza Banderas developer request for $2 million was within the city staff report for an incentive program.

“I have a real issue here, staff, it’s essentially almost like you’re selling the Council The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

with one of the developer’s proposals. Is that what this is?” Farias said. “Because it shouldn’t be solely on what this administrative item is, why are we including one developer as proposed? Why is this part of a staff report?”

City Manager Ben Siegel said that he, and city staff, believed that the consideration of the Plaza Banderas developer request was in alignment with a prior City Council request for city staff to present a potential program that would incentivize hotels to upgrade to a 4-star level from a current or proposed 3-star level.

“If that’s not the case then you can bifurcate this and just consider the broader conversation of a hotel incentive program, but it seems like that would ultimately lead to the same place where we’re at now, which is a developer coming forward with an actual request for a specific agreement with the city,” Siegel said.

Siegel added that by separating the incentive program from the developer’s request, it would be “adding a step.”

“If the Council wants to develop a broad incentive program that’s available not just to the current hotel projects, but to the future hotel projects, we would recommend a consultant study,” Siegel said. “I’m not sure of the value of that to be honest because a consultant study is going to cost a significant amount of money and I don’t think there’s a likelihood of other hotel projects coming to downtown in the immediate future.”

Mayor Pro Tem Brian Maryott said that he thought an incentive program, in general, would add a layer of enticement for developers to come to San Juan Capistrano. Maryott added that he thought the program shouldn’t be project specific.

“Try to come back with a broad (in regards to the incentive program), but specific (in regards to the program itself) plan that future luxury hotel developers can evaluate when they evaluate the possibility in developing a luxury hotel in San Juan Capistrano,” Maryott said to city staff.

Farias argued that City Council should not be aiding developers with tax money, notably because of increasing concerns of homelessness in the region.

“I don’t think councilmembers should have that relationship with developers, I think that we as councilmembers representing our constituents should really separate ourselves from that,” Farias said.

Councilmember Kerry Ferguson said that she believed the incentive program would help the city in the long run, because of increased tax money from TOT. “This is an opportunity to bring in more revenue, and even though there may be some sharing, the city will probably have more revenue in the long run in account of a program like this,” Ferguson said.

The resolution to direct city staff to bring a citywide luxury hotel TOT

Advancements in laying groundwork for construction of the Plaza Banderas Hotel project site can be seen off of Ortega Highway on Wednesday, May 9. Photo: Emily Rasmussen

revenue-sharing incentive program back to City Council passed 3-2, with Farias and Councilmember Derek Reeve opposed.

WHAT’S NEXT: When the citywide luxury hotel TOT revenue-sharing incentive program comes back to City Council for a vote, The Capistrano Dispatch will write a follow-up article. —Emily Rasmussen

City Council Votes No to Issue Apology to City Staff after Councilmember Alleges City Staff ‘Stole’ $600,000 THE LATEST: A divided San Juan Capistrano City Council voted no to a resolution on May 1 that would have formally apologized to city staff on behalf of the Council after Councilmember Pam Patterson alleged that the staff “stole $600,000,” at a City Council meeting on July 18, 2017.

The $600,000 was revenue originally allocated toward street projects that came from a landfill agreement on April 19, 2016 with the county on imported waste.

However, due to unanticipated expenditure increases—namely law enforcement contract increases, decreased sales tax and delayed development fees—city staff proposed via a budget amendment to address the $1.2 million funding gap for the fiscal year 2017-18, Assistant City Manager Jacob Green said.

“Those adjustments include, among other things, retaining the estimated $600,000 in landfill revenue in the general

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fund rather than allocating it to street projects,” Green said.

The proposal, which city staff brought to the City Council on June 20, 2017, was approved in a 4-1 vote with Patterson opposed. At the July 18 meeting, Patterson claimed that the $600,000 was stolen by city staff.

“Based on the current state of affairs with respect to our finances, this is just another cavalier decision with respect to the people’s hard-earned money,” Patterson said on July 18. “We just—staff—basically stole $600,000 earmarked for paving our roads to prop up the general fund. Our roads are in horrific condition. The recommendation that staff made was absolutely not the cheapest recommendation nor the best.”

City Manager Ben Siegel replied that although City Councilmembers are entitled to their opinion, the remarks were offensive.

“To allege that staff is somehow mismanaging the city’s finances and has an interest is frankly offensive and I don’t appreciate it,” Siegel said. “I don’t think it is good protocol and I don’t think it is good for the morale that I always hear is trying to be built and cultivated in this community.”

At the May 1 meeting, Mayor Sergio Farias said he brought forth the resolution to apologize to city staff on behalf the City Council because Patterson has had multiple opportunities to apologize for the accusation but has not; and that a San Juan Capistrano resident has repeatedly asked that the City Council issue an apology to the city’s staff.

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

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) Patterson said she would not apologize and would stand her ground. However, she did instead use the word “misappropriate,” throwing out her initial term of “stole.” She added that she felt the funds were misappropriated based on “misleading” information.

“I stand by what I said. I feel like that $600,000 has been misappropriated based on the representation that it can only be used on arterial streets and that turned out not to be true,” Patterson said. “So, I can speak for myself: I’m not apologizing for that statement.”

Councilmember Kerry Ferguson said that city staff did not steal or misappropriate funds because the City Council did vote to reallocate the $600,000.

“If you don’t like that we voted to do it, I don’t blame you that’s fine, you can do that,” Ferguson said. “But to sit here and say that our city manager made the decision is just not true.”

Councilmember Derek Reeve commended Siegel on his work as city manager and said the morning after the July 18 meeting that he called Siegel and apologized to him.

“I apologized for my conduct that I did not jump in and defend staff at that moment. I feel bad about that because–it’s not an excuse–but I told our city manager that I have become so conditioned for what I consider ridiculous comments from Councilmember Patterson.”

Councilmember Brian Maryott called the resolution a “waste of time.”

“If (a politician) says something inappropriate or out of line, if they feel the need to apologize, they apologize. Nobody can have the authority transferred to them,” Maryott said.

The City Council resolution failed 3-2, with Farias and Reeve in favor.

San Juan Capistrano Mayor Pro Tem Brian Maryott, (left) and environmental attorney and San Juan Capistrano resident Mike Levin, were at the Citizens Candidate Forum on April 31. Photos: Daniel Ritz

eight non-incumbent members (some who were former board members) running to fill the seats.

Of 67 ballots cast, the election results read that Helen Gardner, Juana Laur and Jim Taylor were reelected; and new members to the board included Michelle Erca, Dave Euzarraga, Jimmy Ferguson, Jonathan Jenkins, Sydney Thibedean and Donny Whitlock.

There was a three-way runoff for one of the positions to be filled, between incumbent Irma Goerner, incumbent Steve Ehlers, and newcomer Thibedean.

Thibedean prevailed in a second vote, in which 47 ballots were cast.

The Fiesta Association board 2018-2019 positions are: Taylor to carry on as president; Hart as 1st vice president; Erca as 2nd vice president; Laur as treasurer; and Gardner to carry on as secretary.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next City Council meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15 at San Juan Capistrano City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.—ER

“I can tell you 70 percent of San Juan roughly is going to support banning smoking. That’s just very consistent in Southern California, it’s a waste of time and resources (to do a survey),” Reeve said.

Then, Reeve added, that “public spaces” is too vague.

“When you start including any public space, you’re getting into a very vague issue and it’s going to slip into a lot of areas of privacy that I just don’t want to go into,” Reeve said. “(Banning smoking) in parks makes sense.”

Councilmember Pam Patterson made a motion to direct city staff to look at the ordinances in Dana Point and Laguna Beach, to look into enforcing a smoking ban and to bring back a staff recommendation. The motion failed 3-2, with Ferguson and Patterson in favor.

Reeve made a motion for city staff to bring back an ordinance or an amendment to the current ordinance for a ban on smoking at public parks. Reeve’s motion passed 4-1, with Councilmember Brian Maryott opposed.

City Council to Look into Public Parks Smoking Ban

WHAT’S NEXT: When the smoking ban proposal at public parks comes back to City Council for a vote, The Capistrano Dispatch will write a follow-up article.—ER

Citizens 2018 Candidate Forum for 49th Congressional Race

THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano City Council directed its city staff to look at banning smoking in public parks, on May 1.

The direction came after Councilmember Kerry Ferguson brought a proposed direction to city staff to look into banning smoking in public spaces. Ferguson’s proposal asked city staff to research the effects of second-hand smoke outside, no-smoking ordinances in other cities, ways to survey San Juan Capistrano residents on whether they would support a smoking ban in public places, and to have the issue brought back to City Council by July 17.

Councilmember Derek Reeve said he did not support doing a survey on whether residents support banning smoking in public spaces, and that city resources should be allocated to more “pressing” issues.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

Fiesta Association Elects New Board Members THE LATEST: The Fiesta Association—the San Juan Capistrano-based volunteer organization that hosts the annual Swallows Day Parade, events leading up to the parade and participates in other community happenings—rearranged its board of directors at its annual election on Wednesday, May 9.

Of the board’s 13 seats, nine of them were up for election and the other four were secured in an ongoing term (Leanna Bradshaw, Polita Hart, Virgy McBride and Deborah Spellum). There were 14 candidates to fill the nine open seats, with six incumbents running for reelection and

WHAT’S NEXT: The next Fiesta Association meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13 at the Nydegger Building at 31421 La Matanza St., San Juan Capistrano.—ER

THE LATEST: On April 31, close to 300 people gathered inside the Capo Beach Church for the Citizens 2018 49th Congressional District Tri-City Candidate Forum hosted by nonprofit groups Coalition to Save San Clemente, Capo Cares, and Advocates for Responsible Treatment.

Featured in the forum were Democrats Mike Levin (San Juan Capistrano) and Douglas Applegate (San Clemente). The Republican representatives were Brian Maryott (San Juan Capistrano) and Rocky Chavez (Oceanside).

The candidates were selected based on recent polling data taken from the April 11 SurveyUSA Election Poll #23919. The forum was intended to be balanced, and if

Page 5

a candidate was unable to attend the next candidate was approached.

Toni Nelson, representing Capo Cares, introduced the event to the crowd as a forum where candidates would be able to focus on local issues as compared to larger forums focused on federal issues.

Candidates each had one minute to answer questions submitted from the community. Questions included local issues such as sober living homes, gun violence in schools, homelessness and the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

From his opening statement, and often afterwards, Levin seemed to invoke passion from the crowd as he took clear stances against any form of toll road extension, the immediate removal of nuclear waste from SONGS and an assault weapons ban.

Both Armed forces veterans, current front-runners Applegate and Chavez took considerably more middle-line approaches in their responses, including Applegate’s approach to declaring “patient brokering” in behavioral health treatment facilities a felony.

“Sure, you can criminalize it more and more, but let’s look at what that has done for the drug culture in America,” Applegate said. “We need to take a look at the underlying fundamental issues like opioid addiction and bio-tech solutions to addiction.

Maryott, repeatedly speaking on Republican momentum on the federal level including numerous accolades for President Trump’s tax reform bill, spoke on the need for reform in Sacramento.

“We brought this on ourselves,” Maryott reasoned, using the specific example of Proposition 47, passed by California voters in 2014, which classified some non-violent crimes to misdemeanors.

WHAT’S NEXT: All of the candidates will compete in a top two primary on Tuesday, June 5 and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election on Nov. 6. Stay tuned to www.thecapistranodispatch.com for updates.—Daniel Ritz www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Jimmy Ferguson (left) and Nina Leone were two of the several judges at the Chili Cook Off on May 5.

Photo: Emily Rasmussen

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Chili Cook Off Brings Thousands to Resurgence of Event More than 2,000 people came to the 2018 Chili Cook Off on Saturday, May 5 for a day of chili, beer and music, as the community event came back after eight years of absence.

The Chili Cook Off, which featured chili contests, chili tastings and live music by Family Style & Jann Browne, was hosted by the Swallow’s Inn and the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition (SJCEC), with proceeds going toward the Swallows Foundation and the SJCEC. Susan Gregory, co-chair of the Chili Cook Off, said the event was a success and that she was pleasantly surprised at the amount of people who came.

“People had a lot of fun, we’re pleasantly surprised at the amount of people who showed up,” Gregory said. “We’re looking forward to making it bigger and better next year.”

The chili contest categories were red, homestyle and verde. Nina Leone, Ms. Fiesta, was one of the judges of the chili competition. Leone said that for each tasting, a fresh spoon was required and if a judge has sour cream and/or cheese on a chili, then they were required to have it for each chili tasting. Beer and water, in addition to grapes, were available to clean palates between tastings.

The winners for the contests, which will go onto other chili competitions, were: Clark McGee for traditional red and homestyle; and Karen Angotti for verde.

Other chili vendors that featured local ties included Brian Maryott’s Congressional Chili and Hanging Judge Chili.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

Jefferson Parand, born and raised in San Juan Capistrano, said he was excited to have the event back.

“It’s great to have a localized community event,” Parand said. “I’ve already seen people here who I haven’t seen in years because they’ve moved, but they came back today for this event.”

Parand added that there were newer, and younger, faces at the event also.

Assemblymember Rocky Chávez Introduces Bill to Stifle Transportation, Traffic

day, May 8 at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, where nearly 100 people from San Clemente and surrounding cities joined together to announce the introduction of the bill.

Since 2016, the city of San Clemente has been fighting against proposals for toll roads by the TCA. Some of the roads are planned to be studied through San Clemente and would require, in some cases, the use of eminent domain. Many residents in San Clemente have fought against what they see as environmental hazards from the highway and increases in air pollution.

The TCA argues that traffic is slated to increase 63 percent by 2040, but the city of San Clemente recently commissioned a study that differs, showing no significant increase whether a toll road is constructed through South Orange County or not.

Joining Chávez at the press conference were San Clemente Mayor Tim Brown, City Council members Lori Donchak and Kathy Ward, San Juan Capistrano Councilmember Kerry Ferguson, Rancho San Clemente Community Association board president Vonne Barnes, and Coalition to Save San Clemente leader Eva O’Keefe, who initially contacted Chávez about the city’s toll road debate.

The official text of the bill can be found in a link in this article at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Chávez is currently running for Congress in California’s 49th district, the district of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. Chávez said the bill could see a vote as early as the next two weeks.

San Juan Hills High School AVID Seniors Awarded $56,000 in Scholarships

Surrounded by dozens of “No Toll Road Through San Clemente” shirts, signs and stickers, State Assemblymember Rocky J. Chávez, R-76, announced a new bill he introduced that would limit the efforts of The Toll Roads in Orange County.

The bill, AB 382, which is being attached to legislation already underway in the State Senate, would prohibit the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), the administrator of The Toll Roads, from forming a new faction in an effort to construct more toll roads and it limits the TCA’s ability to increase its debt in order to pay for the roads. Currently, the TCA may have billions in debt obligation, according to a 2015 Orange County Grand Jury report.

Chávez said the bill would also remove all transportation planning functions from the TCA, “leaving the TCA with the ability to service their existing toll roads and complete their debt obligations before the existing toll roads are returned to the public,” Chávez’s prepared statement read.

The notion of returning them to the public stems from the original intent of the TCA, which was to make the roads free after the debt is paid.

A press conference was held on Tues-

The Orange County Department of Education honored three San Juan Hills High School Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students with scholarships totaling $56,000 at an event on Tuesday, April 24.

Student Samantha Jimenez was chosen as this year’s AVID Senior Standout, based on certain qualifications in GPA, community service hours and number of years participating in AVID. Jimenez was awarded with a $4,000 Draper Family Scholar Award, renewable for four years.

Jimenez plans to attend either Loyola Marymount University or Chapman University in the fall.

AVID Club President Monika Robes was also awarded a $5,000 Draper Family Scholar Award renewable for four years, and she plans on attending either University of California Merced or California State University, Fullerton in the fall. AVID senior Patrisha Atayde was the recipient of a $5,000 Devries Family Scholarship, also renewable for four years. Atayde plans to attend Grand Canyon University in the fall.

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

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Community Meetings MONDAY, MAY 14 Youth Advisory Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. The city’s Youth Advisory Board will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 15 Utilities Commission Meeting 8 a.m. The city’s Utilities Commission will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

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

FRIDAY, MAY 18 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, MAY 21 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 will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 22 Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting 4:30 p.m. The city’s Cultural Heritage Commission will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano. org.

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

FRIDAY, MAY 25 Next issue of The Dispatch publishes.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

John (left) and Heather Chapman (right) created Unidos in 2017 to help elementary-school students in lowerincome areas of San Juan Capistrano with their homework. Photo: Emily Rasmussen

Breaking Down the Division Nonprofit aims to strengthen underprivileged with education

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

fter nine years of working with impoverished communities in Lima, Peru, John and Heather Chapman came back to their home city of San Juan Capistrano in 2015 with a fresh set of eyes.

Enduring the anticipated reverse culture shock of coming back to Southern California, the Chapmans were surprised to see some unexpected similarities between Lima and San Juan Capistrano. Among those similarities—poverty, crime and socioeconomic division—they noticed primarily lied within the Capistrano Villas area.

“Just looking at San Juan and seeing that (nearly) 40 percent of our population speaks Spanish at home, and the large majority of those families are low income and living a very separate life from the other (approximately) 60 percent, as outsiders I think we saw with different eyes what that looks like and just how much division there is,” Heather said.

Wanting to help the lower-income community of San Juan Capistrano, the Chapmans started working on creating Unidos, a nonprofit organization to help bring together and empower neighbors in the Capistrano Villas area.

“The first thing that they talked about was help with education because a lot of parents don’t speak English,” Heather said.

In early 2017, Unidos created a homework assistance after-school program to help some of the elementary-school age The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

children with their homework; in addition to organizing recreational events.

“Our goal is not to come in and offer services; our goal is to come in and help the residents find their own giftings, passions and loves,” John said.

Of the Hispanic/Latino population in San Juan, an estimated 24.3 percent are below the poverty level compared to the 6.3 percent poverty level amongst the estimated white alone (not Hispanic/Latino) population, according to a U.S. Census Bureau 2016 survey.

“Here in San Juan, our vulnerable population are our (nearly) 40 percent, largely immigrant population. How we treat them is important, what does it say about us as a society?” Heather said.

Seventeen-year resident Erika, a mother of two sons, said Unidos has helped her immensely given that her youngest son has leukemia.

“It helps me to not feel so much pressure, because I have two kids and sometimes I don’t have enough time (to help with homework), and Unidos sometimes comes to my house to pick up (my oldest son) Matthew,” Erika said.

The Chapmans emphasize the work that other nonprofits do in the San Juan Capistrano community is prominent and they have been collaborating.

Mayor Sergio Farias—who represents District 1, the area that Unidos primarily assists—said he’s happy to see nonprofits working together and to see Unidos providing homework help.

In the long run, John said the goal of Unidos is to build relationships within the San Juan communities.

“I believe in the goodness of humanity, I think that people will love each and support each other when they know each other,” Heather said. “The problem is we have this divide on this socioeconomic wall and when people don’t know each other, you make assumptions and that’s in both directions.”

To read the full story, go to www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD Page 7

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The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

Letters to the Editor BRIAN MARYOTT’S RUN FOR CONGRESS —Ruth Clark, San Juan Capistrano Brian Maryott ran an effective campaign in 2016—even going so far as using his young children to stand on street corners to help him get elected—and he made a lot of promises to the citizens of San Juan Capistrano when he ran. His love and appreciation of the city and respect for the diverse and varying voices of its residents were motivation for him to work tirelessly to improve and care for our city with assurances to the voters that he would be a consensus builder.

Now, less than a year and a half into his four-year term, with many of his promises left unfulfilled (especially the one about finding common ground) and much work to be done, Mr. Maryott is running for Congress. Something about that just doesn’t seem right. Was the San Juan Capistrano 5th District a stepping stone on the way to bigger and better political aspirations? Only Brian Maryott knows for sure. All I know is that it sure feels like he used us for his own, personal benefit.

CITY COUNCIL APOLOGY TO CITY STAFF —Donna Fleming, San Juan Capistrano (San Juan Capistrano City Councilmember) Pam Patterson stood up and told residents the truth about taxpayer money being manipulated from place to place to fill a gap. Residents need to know what our city employees are doing with our tax dollars. Suppose it was money allocated for the retirement fund but, since it is just sitting there, why not use it when we need it?

It was not an offensive comment that Pam Patterson made, it was the truth. The residents need to hear what our city-spending employees are doing with our money. No one likes to hear this, but it happened, so we need to know. Thank you, Pam.

THE HOMELESS COULD BE ANY ONE OF US —Joanna Clark, San Juan Capistrano So the Orange County Board of Supervisors turned down the mayors of Orange County cities to put the homeless shelter in Santiago Canyon. Good for them! An out-of-sight, out-of-mind shelter is supposed to help the homeless overcome their plight?

Homelessness can be caused by any number of causative factors, but poverty most likely ranks highest, given that Orange County has the fi fth highest income threshold in the nation, $84,000 which qualifies as low-income in high-cost Or-

ange County. Other factors include lack of affordable housing, unemployment, poor physical or mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, family and relationship breakdown, domestic violence, physical and/or sexual abuse. Any one of these factors can cause a person to become homeless.

What the homeless do not need are out-of-sight, out-of-mind NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) shelters. If we truly want to help the homeless, we need to provide a range of services that will allow them to return to society. And, from day one, we need to make them feel like they are part of our community.

we truly want to help “theIfhomeless, we need to

provide a range of services that will allow them to return to society. And, from day one, we need to make them feel like they are part of our community.

”

The Fairview Development Center (in Costa Mesa), formally Fairview Hospital, is ideally located for a homeless center, where a continuum of services from early intervention, shelter, health care and a range of counseling and rehabilitation services could be provided.

If the county were to establish a Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program, similar to Public Law 93-203, where the homeless could receive vocational training at Orange Coast Community College and on-the-job training at local businesses willing to sign onto the program, the homeless could rebuild their lives and integrate back into society.

Capistrano, are you OK with the already traffic glut we are all enduring?

My next question is: are you gentlemen OK with our state running out of water?

And, lastly, are you OK with adding more people to an already strained city water supply?

This past Sunday, Capetown, South Africa, with a 4 million population, was going to turn off their taps of water due to their drought. They are now going into winter, so they decided to postpone the shutoff hoping they will get rain before winter’s end. They have begun training their law enforcement to manage the chaos when they have to turn off the taps. Los Angeles is on the list for big cities waiting in the wings for their turn.

My husband, Steve, and I worked in Durban, South Africa on a Habitat for Humanity job and their climate is identical to California’s.

Southern California has been functioning on only 48 hours of drenching rain for almost seven years. Before rain, our lower water basin was taking on salt water, and to avoid damage to a pump on one of our wells with low water levels, it had to be turned off.

We are now into another phase of this drought, the worst in California history.

Capetown people that can afford to, are moving out. We may have to leave. I would like to hold off as long as we can, and that means I cannot accept any more development at this time in San Juan Capistrano, my home and yours.

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.

PROPOSED HOMELESS SHELTERS IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO —Bob Morrissey, San Juan Capistrano Thank you for your informative article on bringing more homeless people to our wonderful city. I think this is a huge crock of crap. Why don’t these do-gooders put these homeless people in their back yard where we don’t have to see them.

As citizens we cannot allow this to happen. Look at all the cities fighting back to keep them out of their communities. As citizens we need to take a stand.

STOP DEVELOPMENT, SAVE WATER —Barbara Szemenyei, San Juan Capistrano My question to you gentlemen (on the Planning Commission) is: as you all live in South Orange County, and San Juan

Page 8

CLARIFICATIONS & CORRECTIONS: In the article “Crack in the Creek: New data shows high bacteria, pollution levels in San Juan Creek,” clarifications were added that bacteria data samples were collected from Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park overland flows during wet weather, not San Juan Creek directly.

In the article “San Juan Capistrano City Council Adopts Climate Change Resolution,” the story was updated in Mayor Sergio Farias’ quote to state “partisan issue,” corrected from “bipartisan issue.”

In the article “Potential Homeless Shelter Locations in San Juan Capistrano, Local Nonprofit Says,” the story was updated to show that the Woman’s Club Building is up for sale, corrected from sold.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER EDITOR’S PICK

Jim Taylor is hosting ‘Laughs for Life’ comedy night on Friday, May 25. Photo: Courtesy

FRIDAY, MAY 25: LAUGHS FOR LIFE COMEDY NIGHT 8 p.m. Laughs for Life Comedy Night, hosted by comedian Jim Taylor, is bringing laughs to The Coach House for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This fun and hilarious event features comedians Tony Calabrese, Vince Harper and Richard Daryl Osborn. Ticket purchases are open seating, with a two-item food or drink minimum. Ticket sales will benefit the Orange County Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Tickets are $25 and the doors open at 6 p.m. The event is for 18 years and older. For more information or to make a reservation, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. You can buy tickets at www.afsp.org/LaughsForLifeOC.

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

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

Saturday | 12 STAR WARS MAY FUNDRAISER 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Costco is having a special Star Wars guest to drive the May fundraiser for Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Photos with professionally costumed Storm Troopers, Darth Vader and other characters will make an appearance at Costco, 33961 Doheny Park Dr., San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call Costco at 949.240.3558.

CELEBRATE PRESERVATION MONTH 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate Preservation Month at the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum.

There will be basket making and other activities. The Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum is located at 31086 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. www.sanjuanchamber.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Live music from rotating bands at the Swallow’s Inn. Burgers and wings from Lisa’s Kitchen also are available. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 13 MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT BAD TO THE BONE BBQ 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Southern breakfast and signature smoked meats at Bad to the Bone BBQ. Brunch selections include cowboy skillet hash, a Spanish-style breakfast frittata, an 18-hour smoked prime rib brisket pasta, and more. Bad to the Bone BBQ is located at 31738 Rancho Viejo Rd., San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call 949.218.0227 or visit www.badtothebonebbq.com.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Treat your mom to brunch at the San Juan Hills Golf Club. Items include carved prime rib, chilled seafood, cheese and charcuterie, omelet station, chicken and waffles, and more. San Juan Hills Golf Club is located at 32120 San Juan Creek Rd., San Juan Capistrano.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 949.240.1919 or visit www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

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GETTING OUT

Monday | 14 KOI FISH FEEDING 12:45 p.m. Everyday visitors are welcome to help Mission San Juan Capistrano feed their koi fish in both courtyards. Fish food is free for Mission Preservation Society members and $1 for non-members. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

provided, please send an RSVP to admin@ danapointchamber.com. The event is cohosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, San Clemente Chamber of Commerce and San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce. Outlets at San Clemente. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

NETWORKING LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce for a networking lunch local at one of San Juan Capistrano’s newest restaurants, Bueno Bueno Mexican Kitchen. Bueno Bueno Mexican Kitchen, 26762 Verdugo St., Suite C, San Juan Capistrano. For more information, visit www.sanjuanchamber.com.

THE CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS ‘BYE BYE BIRDIE’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse brings Bye Bye Birdie, one of Broadway’s biggest hits, back into the spotlight. Debuting on May 18, the show runs until June 3. This spectacular show is about a struggling songwriter’s attempts to write one last hit before his star client is drafted into the army. This effervescent, toe-tapping production is a show both for the kid with you and the kid within you. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. Tickets range from $22$58. For more information, visit caminorealplayhouse.org or call 949.493.4700.

Wednesday | 16

Saturday | 19

OLD CAPISTRANO CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET 3-6 p.m. Stop by and check out some locally grown, organic produce and artisan goodies at a farmers market that has been going strong for over 15 years. Historic Town Center Park. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700. www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

DANA POINT DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL 11 a.m. The Doheny Blues Festival is a two-day music event at Doheny State Beach. More than 20 artists will perform including Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Larkin Poe and more. Tickets range from $140-$475. Doheny State Beach. 5300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.dohenybluesfestival.com.

Tuesday | 15

Friday | 18 UPDATE ON PROP 13 SPLIT-ROLL TAXES AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT BUSINESSES IN CALIFORNIA 8:30-9:30 a.m. Join local representatives in a presentation by State Senator Patricia Bates, Assembly member Bill Brough, Board of Equalization Member Diane Harkey and OC Taxpayers Association President/CEO Carolyn Cavecche. Complimentary breakfast refreshments will be

Sunday | 20 LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE: THE CHAIRMAN AND THE BOARD 7 p.m. The Chairman and The Board, the Rat Pack tribute from Las Vegas, is a classic reenactment of the peerless iconic pop performers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. as the performed together in the 1960s. The 90-minute show captures the essence of the chemistry,

On Stage at The Coach House: Funniest Housewives of OC

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

unniest Housewives of OC, a female comedy group that plays on stereotypes with a variety of hilarious housewives, is coming back to The Coach House at 7 p.m. on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13.

With a handful of characters ranging from ‘Dysfunctional Housewife’ to ‘Hippie Housewife,’ the show is relatable to all families, particularly mothers. Nearing the group’s 10-year anniversary, the performance of Funniest Housewives on Mother’s Day will be a perfect “girls night out,” said Julie Kidd, CEO of Funny Mom Productions and producer of Funniest Housewives.

“Women are funny,” Kidd said. “It’s just one laugh after the other.”

Kidd, who plays the ‘Dysfunctional Housewife,’ said that every show by the Funniest Housewives is unique in that the group of comedians rotates for nearly every show. At the Mother’s Day show, the featured guest housewife is Rita Rudner, who performs comedy regularly in Las Vegas.

In addition to Kidd and Rudner, there are three other housewives: Frances Dilorinzo as ‘Hyperactive Housewife,’ Amber Rose as ‘Curvy Housewife’ and Karen

music and spirit of the times. Admission is $20 and the doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.

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

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

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

Karen Rontowski plays the ‘Hippie Housewife’ in the Funniest Housewives of OC. Photo: Courtesy of Julie Kidd

Rontowski as ‘Hippie Housewife.’

Also at this show, half of the proceeds from all ticket sales ($25) will go toward Cheyne’s Brain, a foundation that advocates for support and education for traumatic brain injury.

Doors open at 5 p.m. on May 13 for the show, which begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. People can get $10 off their tickets at www.FunnyMomProductions.com, Kidd said, with promo code FunnyMom. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

For tickets or information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. CD

Thursday | 24 LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE: THE POSIES 8 p.m. The Posies, with 30 years of playing classic alternative/indie anthems such as “Dream All Day” and “Solar Sister” is coming to The Coach House. Terra Lightfoot and Michael Ubaldini will be opening. Admission is $20. The Coach House. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.

At the Movies: ‘Tully’ Truly is Both a Hit and Twist

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

hen the hit indie comedy Juno premiered in autumn 2007, Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody were almost unanimously predicted to be the next big directorscreenwriter duo in independent film.

Though their second collaboration, Young Adult (2011), was met with reluctant praise, both creators seemed to struggle to repeat the success with Juno, with Cody’s Jennifer’s Body (2009) and Reitman’s Men, Women & Children

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

(2014) and Labor Day (2015). Their third effort together, Tully (also their second with Charlize Theron after Adult), is essentially a return to form for both.

In the suburbs of modern-day New York, Marlo (Theron) is married, in her early 40s and the mother of three little kids.

She’s out of shape, she gets less than five hours of sleep and hasn’t had sex with her husband Drew (Ron Livingston) in almost a year. Her brother, Craig (Mark Duplass), suggests hiring a “night nanny” to watch over the new baby in the middle of the night to help her relax. Marlo is reluctant,

but eventually gives in and hires 26-year-old free spirit named Tully (Mackenzie Davis).

Like Young Adult, Tully borders the line of cringe humor and the viewer’s tolerance for secondhand embarrassment. Theron, who reportedly put on 50 pounds for her role as the stay-at-home mom, is as great as she usually is, and Davis’ character successfully goes from pretentious to endearing by the end. The motherhood scenes are so in detail and graphic that for those who are middleaged moms it might hit too close to home, and there’s a plot twist people are going to really like, or really hate. CD

Page 13

Photo: Focus Features

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Silva Adobe Highlights History and Community of San Juan

R

emembering Our Past Insures Our Future” is the motto of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. This has been aptly demonstrated with the completion of the restoration to the Silvas Adobe on the Society grounds. The grand opening of the Silvas adobe will be held for a Historical Society membership-only event at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 15.

There is no better time to become a member of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society and MOMENTS see history preserved.

IN TIME In 2009, the Society

By Jan Siegel started on a one-year project to restore the 1794 Silvas Adobe.

Plans went to the city and work finally began in 2013. The first step was seismic upgrading and preservation of the adobe.

A structural assessment of the wooden board and batten addition to the structure had to be made. Removal of the roof material and interior floors was needed

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

More to Do at the Library

M

eet people with similar interests.

Try something new. The staff at the San Juan Capistrano Library is always working to add new events of all types to the calendar. Take a look at what’s coming up.

There’s a new Family Storytime called “Saturday Stories” starting on Saturday, May 19. Enjoy a morning of stories, songs and play time, designed to encourage The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society volunteers have been working to restore the Silvas Adobe for seven years, pictured is the inside of the adobe near completion. Photo: Emily Rasmussen

too, in order to see if the addition could be jacked up to a level plane, so that repair or replacement of damaged floor beams could be done. The front concrete porch was removed and the wood porch cover restored. Steel beams would be inserted for stabilization. Adobe bricks had to be made by hand to add to the building. A new roof was put in place and a new floor was put down. The cost turned out to be more than the Society could raise in a reasonable time frame. Many experts in the field of restoration helped guide the Society on what needed to be done, so Society volunteers did the work to save thousands and thousands of dollars.

Society volunteers were truly weekend warriors for more than seven years. They

early childhood literacy in an entertaining way. Saturday Stories will continue on a monthly basis. Join other families for this fun-filled program on the third Saturday of each month at 9:15 a.m.

On Wednesday, May 23, all are invited to a food safety and fermentation demonstration starting at 5:30 p.m. First, learn about food safety principles from the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Food Preservers, as they discuss food handling, the basics of food spoilage and preservations, how to prevent foodborne illnesses, and how to safely store your food. Then find out about the benefits of lacto-fermentation and other methods of fermentation.

The process of fermentation not only preserves food but creates beneficial enzymes, vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids and various strains of probiotics. The Master Food Preservers will demonstrate how to ferment vegetables in your own home

gave up their weekends to work on the adobe, still having their day jobs. The group who came together and stayed for the long haul included Scott Gates, Harrison Taylor, Steve Behmerwohld, Dick Paulsen and Society President Tom Ostensen. Without Ostensen, this project would never have been completed. To give perspective on how long a dedicated project this was; consider the life of Taylor.

When he started helping on this project he was single. Since the start of the restoration, he is married with two children.

Not enough can be said for the dedication of these weekend warriors.

According to Mission San Juan Capistrano Historian Father Zephyrin Engelhardt, adobes were built on what is now Los Rios

A demonstration on food safety and fermenting vegetables is coming to the San Juan Capistrano Library on Wednesday, May 23. Photo: Courtesy of University of California Cooperative

using simple ingredients and equipment.

Opening the first week of June, a photographic exhibit will be on display at the San Juan Capistrano Library. This exhibition, titled “Cuba on the Go,” is a Page 14

Street around 1794. The only other adobes from the period on the street that survived are the Montanez and the Rios. Jose Maria Silvas obtained the adobe and rebuilt it in 1868. In 1871, Silvas married Maria Manuela de Jesus Yorba, daughter of Domingo Yorba and Catalina Olivares in San Juan Capistrano. A map of the 1870s states that the Silvas Adobe is bound on the north by the Rios adobe and on the south by the Dolores Garcia home. The Garcia home was moved and is now the O’Neill Historical Society Museum. In 1895, the owner of the property was Juan Saliberri and he sold the property to Domingo Oyharzabal.

The Oyharzabals donated the house to the Historical Society.

The history of this building is the history of San Juan Capistrano. The historic families that were involved in this structure are still around today. The cultural history of our community is told through this adobe. The missionaries, the Spanish, the Mexicans and the Basques are a part of this adobe. You can spend a Moment In Time by visiting the Historical Society and seeing how time and dedicated volunteers bring history alive for the future.

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

compilation of images from the travels of Judith Anderson, longtime resident of San Juan Capistrano and world traveler. Don’t miss this extraordinary show.

For more information about these and other events, please contact the San Juan Capistrano Library at 949.493.1752 or visit www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

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 onsite bookstore and special events. For more information on the library, visit www.ocpl. org or follow @SJCFriends on Facebook. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE SATURDAY MAY 12TH benefiting Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Lots of everything for sale. Stop by and see puppies in training. 8am-12pm. 31242 Via Cuartel SJC. Please, no early birds.

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

HELP WANTED NOW HIRING HOTEL HOUSEKEEPERS / HOUSEMAN $15.00 AN HOUR! Apply online @ http://theranchatlagunabeach.atsondemand. com or in person at: The Ranch at Laguna Beach 31106 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach HOUSEKEEPING ATTENDANTS NEEDED IN LAGUNA BEACH!!!

Laguna Brisas Hotel in Laguna Beach is currently looking for Housekeeping Room Attendants to join our team at our Laguna Brisas property.

Pay is $13.50 per house plus all the standard benefits (401K, vacations, holiday pay, etc.)

As a Room Attendant, you’ll be responsible for cleaning and maintaining assigned guestrooms.

Job Responsibilities: Cleaning assigned guestrooms in accordance with company standards; Replenishing amenities and supplies in assigned guestrooms; Stocking and maintaining Housekeeping cart; Greeting guests in hallways in a pleasant and friendly manner. Job Requirements: The minimum qualifications for the Room Attendant position are: E-verify; Ability to perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy; Ability to move perform frequent and repetitive movements, including bending and stooping; Must be able to lift, push, and pull a moderate weight frequently; Ability to scrub and scour surfaces, extending arms over head to perform cleaning tasks, and work in confined spaces; Basic ability to comprehend English language sufficient to understand information such as labels and instructions and basic guest requests; Previous cleaning experience preferred; Must have the ability to work a varied schedule that may include early morning, evening, night, and weekend shifts. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply at www.evolutionhospitality.com, or come to the hotel in person and ask for Roger Lujan (949-497-7272).

ROOM WANTED SEMI-RETIRED FEMALE PSYCHOLOGIST SEEKING AFFORDABLE QUIET ROOM WITH SHARED BATH TO RENT ($500 MONTH).

If needed can assist with errands, pet sitting and walking, doctors appointments & psychological support. Excellent references.

Please call Joanne at 949-632-7312.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

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

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

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

Page 15

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

Regardless of Age, Pursue Your Passion

N

ow that you are retired, what do you do?” is a question I’ve been asked often in the last three and a half years.

My answer is always something like this. “I keep my body moving and my mind active. Those are my top two priorities.”

I was strongly reminded of that answer while reading an article titled, “Why Does Willie Nelson Still Do It?” in the May 2018, online version of Texas Monthly magazine.

Writer Michael Hall included in his article a video interview with Willie Nelson.

I’ve always admired Willie, and after reading Hall’s article—and watching the video—I have even more respect and admiration for him.

But, first, some background.

In August 2015, Willie Nelson, at 82, was scheduled to perform at the Orange County Fair.

My life partner Greta and I and our Dana Point friends, Ron and Lee Cohan, had tickets for the concert at the Pacific ON LIFE AND Amphitheatre. The four LOVE AFTER 50 of us realized it might

By Tom Blake be our last chance to see Willie, a country music legend.

We were in our row-two seats; the band’s instruments were in place on the stage. Then, it started raining hard; the show was canceled.

Three months later, the same group— Ron, Lee, Greta and I—attended a Jan. 6, 2016, Willie Nelson and Family concert at the Grove in Anaheim.

On the night of the concert, it rained again, but the Grove is an indoor venue, so we knew the show would go on, although the possibility of a rain cancelation crossed my mind.

Frankly, my expectations about Willie performing were modest. I imagined that his family members, including his sons Micah and Lukas on guitars, and “little sister Bobbie” as Willie calls her, on piano, would be the primary performers and that Willie would sing only a few songs. After all, he was 82.

When the lights dimmed, Willie led his band onto the stage. He was wearing a T-shirt with “Maui” on the front and his usual red headband.

Willie picked up Trigger, the name he’s given to his ancient Martin N-20 classical guitar that he’d had for 47 years—the one with a gaping hole and faded autographs from famous people such as Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings on it. He began with one of his classics, “Whiskey River.” The four of us were pleasantly surprised. Willie

The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

and his band sounded great. Again, I wondered if that would be the last time I’d get to see him perform.

He was on stage nonstop for more than 90 minutes. He sang: “Georgia on My Mind;” “On the Road Again;” “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground;” “Crazy;” “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die;” “Good-Hearted Woman;” “Always on My Mind;” and about 25 other songs, all of them familiar.

He was gracious and personable. Fans kept tossing cowboy hats on the stage.

Willie would wear the hats for a couple of songs and then toss them to the crowd Frisbee-style. He also threw five headbands to the crowd.

Now, this August, Willie, who turned 85 on April 29, (Trigger, the guitar, is now 49, and “baby sister” Bobbie, is 87) and his family are coming to Southern California again. He will be at the Orange County Fair Aug. 10, but we aren’t going to see him there.

Instead, the night before, he is performing at Humphreys by the Bay, a cozy, intimate, outdoor venue cuddled next to yachts in San Diego. Our friends, Ron and Lee, purchased a package that includes dinner, an overnight stay at the hotel and row-two seats. We are going with them.

To make this concert even more special, singer Alison Krauss of the group Union Station is also performing.

I’ve learned to stop wondering if this will be the last time I see Willie perform.

Written on the tickets: “Humphreys/ Rain or Shine.” So, it can rain all it wants that night.

In the Texas Monthly article, Hall writes that Willie says he keeps entertaining because it makes him happy. In the video, Willie adds, “I think that has a lot to do with keeping you alive—keeping busy, doing things and being creative.”

Willie is 85 years of proof of the need to keep our body moving and mind active as we age. He’s an inspiration to a lot of seniors.

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 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

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Archives

FROM THE ARCHIVES Pictured is the Hotel Capistrano on Camino Capistrano.

It was built in 1920 and demolished in the 1960s.

Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. Online, The Capistrano Dispatch will create a gallery of the month’s photos. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to erasmussen@picketfencemedia.com.

Pet of the Week: Sneezy THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

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

hree-year-old Sneezy is a handsome Husky mix hoping to meet his new best friend. He is an active dog and absolutely loves playing fetch with toys.

Potty-trained and great on leash, Sneezy would even make a great jogging companion. Could this well-mannered pooch be the right one for you?

If you would like to know more about Sneezy, please 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

Solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares.

To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

Page 16

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Preps Roundup

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

Volleyball Teams All Sweep

St. Margaret’s girls lacrosse team celebrates their US Lacrosse Orange County Championship after a 14-8 win over Mater Dei on May 9 at Irvine High School.

The Tartans boys and girls lacrosse teams each won county titles in comeback fashion. Photo: Courtesy

Seeing Double St. Margaret’s boys and girls lacrosse teams both win dramatic county titles

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

t. Margaret’s boys lacrosse coach Glen Miles found himself in two unique positions on Wednesday, May 9, both equally taxing in their own way.

Miles was set to coach the Tartans boys against Foothill in the US Lacrosse Orange County Championship at Irvine High School immediately after watching his daughter, Niki Miles, and the Tartans girls take on Mater Dei for the girls county championship.

“A long evening for me,” Miles said.

“Five hours.”

Five agonizing hours were well spent as the St. Margaret’s girls overcame an early deficit to storm past and hold off Mater The Capistrano Dispatch May 11–24, 2018

Dei, 14-8, and the St. Margaret’s boys dug out of a five-goal second-half hole for a dramatic double-overtime win over Foothill, 12-11, for the Tartans county double.

The girls won their first county title since 2008, while the boys won their third county title in the last six seasons.

“It was worse watching (the girls game) than it was coaching (the boys),” Miles said of the stress levels. “You root hard for your kids. As a parent you can’t do anything, but as a coach you can try things.”

There’s another long double day in store for Miles and the Tartans faithful with the US Lacrosse Southern Section championships on Saturday, May 12 at Newport Harbor High School. The girls take on Redondo Union at 11 a.m., and the boys square off with Loyola of Los Angeles immediately afterwards.

Miles couldn’t recall a game in recent memory like the boys’ county title game.

Foothill took an early 2-0 lead, but goals from Garrett Kuntz, Kevin Groeninger and Andy Shin put St. Margaret’s ahead.

Foothill scored five straight goals into the second half and eight of the next 10, around Tartans goals by John Edington and Trevor Peay, for a 10-5 lead in the third quarter.

Peay scored again, and Foothill answered before St. Margaret’s made its run.

Groeninger scored at the end of the third quarter, and Kuntz scored back-toback goals to open the fourth. After Peay’s third goal, Kuntz tied the game at 11-all.

St. Margaret’s couldn’t capitalize on a man-up opportunity in the final halfminute, so the game went into a frantic overtime.

No one found the net in the first session, but late in the second overtime, Kuntz hit Peay from behind the net for a slam-dunk game-winner and the county title.

Kuntz and Peay each scored four goals, and Peay was named tournament MVP. In the girls game, Mater Dei took an early lead, 3-1, but Maddie Barkate scored the first three goals for St. Margaret’s, including back-to-back free-position goals to tie the game.

Mater Dei scored two in a row for a 5-3 lead, then the Tartans stormed ahead.

St. Margaret’s scored five straight goals into the second half with three from Miles for an 8-5 lead.

Mater Dei got back within one goal twice, but St. Margaret’s scored another five straight to pull away and hold on.

Barkate scored five goals, Miles scored 4 and Cailin Young, named tournament MVP, scored three. CD Page 18

San Juan Hills went on the road in Division 2 and took down Valley Christian of Cerritos, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21. The Stallions were ranked in the division for a lot of the season, but finished third in league and had tough nonleague losses late.

It doesn’t get easier as San Juan Hills welcomed the No. 3 seed Bishop Montgomery of Torrance on Thursday, May 10.

Results were not available at press time. If San Juan Hills advanced, it would take on the St. Francis-Quartz Hill winner in the quarterfinals on Saturday, May 12.

Saddleback Valley Christian also advanced in Division 2. The Warriors beat visiting Cypress with relative ease, 25-15, 25-18, 25-12.

SVC also welcomed in a seeded opponent with No. 2 Lakewood making the trip down on Thursday, May 10. Results were not available at press time. If SVC advanced, it would play the Calvary ChapelArcadia winner on Saturday, May 12.

St. Margaret’s was strong in a Division 3 sweep of Godinez, 25-12, 25-9, 25-14. It was the Tartans’ 23rd sweep of the season.

St. Margaret’s travelled to Campbell Hall of North Hollywood on Thursday, May 10. Results were not available at press time. If they advance, Tartans play the San Luis Obispo-Bell Gardens winner on Saturday, May 12.

Tennis Teams Advance in Tight Matches JSerra moved on in Division 2 on a tiebreaker against Tesoro. The Lions and Titans were even, 9-9, but JSerra won on games, 74-63. The Lions travel to Buckley on Friday, May 11.

St. Margaret’s also continued in Division 2 with a 13-5 win over Crossroads.

The Tartans host Canyon on Friday, May 11.

San Juan Hills is the top seed in Division 4, but due to not being a league champion, the Stallions opened with a wild card match. San Juan Hills defeated La Habra, 13-5, on Tuesday, May 8.

The Stallions travelled to Arrowhead Christian for the first round on Wednesday, May 9 and took a close one, 10-8.

San Juan Hills hosts Arroyo on Friday, May 11. www.thecapistranodispatch.com