March 8, 2019

INSIDE:

Check out the 61st Annual Swallows Day Parade Guide OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

SPECIAL SECTION FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

MARCH 8-21, 2019 • VOLUME 17, ISSUE 05

Let’s Talk About Sex (& Gender)

Capistrano Unified School District Approves Sex Ed Curriculum E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

CUSD approved the implementation of a new sexual health education curriculum that will be taught to middle school students this spring. Illustration: Chelsie Rex

South County Cities Added to Lawsuit over Lack of Homeless Shelters EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Mayor Maryott Announces Bid for Congress in 2020 EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

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San Juan Teams Win Regional, State Titles SPORTS/PAGE 14

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

center in exchange for credit against lease permits or a similar offset to costs.—SR

Mayor Maryott to Run for Congress

Five things San Juan should know this week Court Tentatively Rules Against Moulton Niguel THE LATEST: A preliminary court ruling issued last week places Moulton Niguel Water District on the hook for roughly $2 million in delinquent payments related to capital improvement and maintenance costs for a wastewater treatment facility at Aliso Creek.

The Riverside County Superior Court on Tuesday, Feb. 26, tentatively ruled that Moulton Niguel is responsible for paying its share of the bills toward the Coast Treatment Plant’s upkeep in Laguna Niguel until February 2030.

Moulton Niguel “is legally obligated to pay its proportional share of all costs, including capital costs and items, necessary to operate and maintain the Coastal Treatment Plant,” the tentative ruling states.

As members of a joint agreement with the South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA), Moulton Niguel, South Coast Water District, Emerald Bay Service District and the city of Laguna Beach are each required to pay a certain portion of costs to maintain the treatment plant.

Back in May 2017, SOCWA filed a lawsuit against Moulton Niguel, alleging that since July 2016, the agency had stopped making payments toward the upkeep of the facility, which serves several cities, including Dana Point, Laguna Beach and parts of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

“In all points that we brought forward for judgment, it was a clean sweep, and it’s such a good decision and day for South Orange County taxpayers,” said Steve Greyshock, a spokesperson for the plaintiffs.

Moulton Niguel Assistant General Manager Matt Collings explained that Moulton Niguel doesn’t send any water to the treatment plant, so its customers don’t reap any benefits from the facility.

“The central issue from the SOCWA lawsuit continues to be: the Coastal Treatment Plant is too big, too expensive and too burdensome, resulting in millions of dollars of subsidies by our customers who receive no benefit,” Moulton Niguel said in a prepared statement on the tentative ruling.

WHAT’S NEXT: Collings said that a decision has not been made yet as to whether Moulton Niguel will appeal the tentative ruling.—Shawn Raymundo and Lillian Boyd The Capistrano Dispatch March 8-21, 2019

Representatives for South Orange County Wastewater Authority say that maintenance issues at its Coastal Treatment Plant could have been addressed and paid for had Moulton Niguel Water District paid the roughly $2 million owed. Photo: Lillian Boyd

South County Cities Added to Lawsuit over Lack of Homeless Shelters THE LATEST: Orange County Catholic Worker, along with the Emergency Shelter Coalition and Housing is a Human Right Orange County, filed a suit on Feb. 27 against the cities of San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Irvine and Aliso Viejo, because they said the cities have not done enough to provide for shelters.

Officials during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 5, defended the city’s efforts to help homeless individuals find resources to get off the streets. City Manager Ben Siegel noted that the city currently contracts a full-time homeless liaison officer from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to help connect homeless individuals to services.

Recently, the city and several other South County cities, Siegel added, were successful in securing grant funds under a joint application through the Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP). He explained that the cities have used the funds to contract Mercy House to provide outreach services this spring.

Following Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Brian Maryott called the lawsuit “frustrating,” because the city and local law enforcement have been working closely with the county while being “very mindful of the threat of legal action.”

“So it’s frustrating to get hit with a sledgehammer while we’re working on things in a fairly ambitious way to benefit the homeless,” Maryott said.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to federal court documents, a hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on April 2 at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Santa Ana.—Eric Heinz and SR

City to Negotiate Plans for Potential Camping, Glamping Site on Northwest Open Space THE LATEST: A proposed camping and “glamping” site on a portion of San Juan Capistrano’s Northwest Open Space will move forward as city council on Tuesday, March 5, agreed to enter into exclusive negotiations with the planner.

In a 4-1 decision, with Mayor Brian Maryott opposed, the city council voted to begin negotiating with Red Tail Acquisitions regarding its proposal to implement a “traditional camping and ‘glamping’ destination.”

Mayor Pro Tem Troy Bourne, who put forth the motion to pursue Red Tail for further discussions, said Tuesday’s decision would allow the council to further understand what the proposal would look like if it were to be implemented.

While presenting to councilmembers during the meeting, project manager Tim Kihm said plans for the site comprise areas for RVs, vintage airstreams, safari tents, as well as and cabins and cottages.

Other amenities would include bathroom facilities, equestrian and pedestrian trails, a recreation center, playground, enhanced dog park, café and food options, and a pool.

Kihm also noted that the equestrian and pedestrian trails, a pavilion for events and weddings, and other potential facilities such as a community garden or soccer fields would go toward public use.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city is also hoping that its plans to construct a community park project known as Putuidem Village on part of the Northwest Open Space could be paid for by Red Tail Acquisitions.

According to Kihm’s presentation, Red Tail is to open to maintaining the Putuidem

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THE LATEST: Mayor Brian Maryott announced Tuesday, March 5, that he will again run for California’s 49th Congressional seat in 2020.

Maryott, a Republican, is looking to flip the district back to the GOP by unseating Rep. Mike Levin, the Democratic freshman who was elected in 2018.

Maryott said that during Levin’s short time in Washington, D.C., the Congressman “has put forward extreme initiatives” such as supporting the Green New Deal resolution and the “full nationalization of our healthcare system.”

Dismayed by the gridlock on Capitol Hill, Maryott said he believes his years of experience as a businessman and elected official will be useful in Washington, D.C. “Our politics have really gotten to a point where it’s more political theater and people striving for political celebrity,” he said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Maryott acknowledged that his campaign for Congressional office last year was more of a sprint, having entered the race late. With the 2020 election 20 months away, he said, he’ll be able to “build on the seeds” his team planted last year. —SR

CUSD to Phase Out Plastic Straws THE LATEST: Elementary schools in the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) will no longer offer plastic straws to students beginning next school year.

The decision to remove straws from the cafeterias at all 36 CUSD elementary schools comes as the district moves away from plastics, and instead toward compostable utensils and napkins, according to Kristin Hilleman, director of Food and Nutrition Services.

Currently, the elementary schools provide students with fork and napkin packages that include plastic straws. Those packages are being phased out to make way for the new compostable packages without straws.

CUSD will be following the footsteps of Newport-Mesa Unified School District and Saddleback Unified School District, which nixed plastic straws at the start of the current school year.

Chloe Mei Espinosa, a seventh-grader from Corona Del Mar Middle School, was instrumental in getting Newport-Mesa and Saddleback to “skip the plastic straw” – a reference to her campaign to reduce the use of single-use plastic straws.

WHAT’S NEXT: To learn more about Espinosa’s efforts, visit skiptheplasticstraw.com.—SR thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Let’s Talk About Sex (& Gender)

Others at the meeting also voiced criticism that the curriculum isn’t age-appropriate for middle school students, and some also believe that it encourages students to experiment with their sexuality.

“I don’t think it does that at all,” Hill told The Capistrano Dispatch and the Dana Point Times. “The law doesn’t do that … we really try hard to be on that happy medium. Our role is to educate, our role is to teach.”

CUSD Moves Ahead With Implementation of New Sex Health Education

Getting Community Input

BY LILLIAN BOYD AND SHAWN RAYMUNDO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

new sexual education curriculum for middle school students will be rolled out this May, as the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Feb. 27, approved the implementation of updated instructional materials required under state law.

In a 6-1 vote, with Trustee Jim Reardon dissenting, the board adopted the 12-part lesson plan on comprehensive sexual health education that will be taught to seventh- and eighth-grade students near the end of the school year.

To comply with the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA), which was enacted in 2016, CUSD made updates to the sexual health curriculum to include additional information on developing healthy relationships, HIV prevention, and sexual harassment and abuse. It also recognized same-sex relationships in the curriculum, requiring that it include instruction on gender identity.

“Typically, we do not bring individual lesson plans to the board for approval, but due to the great deal of attention this mandate has created—and in order to fully support the board’s value of transparency—we are here tonight to seek your approval,” said Susan Holliday, the associate superintendent of Education Services at CUSD.

Community Concerns

Dozens of parents and community stakeholders attended the Feb. 27 meeting, with more than 30 individuals signed up to speak on the curriculum.

During the public hearing portion, several speakers, which included some middle school and high school teens, were critical of the lesson plans, stating that they didn’t do enough to include information on abstinence.

Kaden Stephen, a 17-year-old senior at San Clemente High School, expressed concern for what the new curriculum would mean for his siblings, who are currently in middle school.

“Throughout the entire curriculum,

The Capistrano Dispatch March 8-21, 2019

Photo: iStock/Cnythzl

there seemed to be a lost oblivion to the option of abstinence, and this gave me the notion that everyone must be having or contemplating sexual activity already at 12 years old,” Stephen said. “Now there’s certainly language that implies that abstinence is the only way to be 100 percent safe from STDs and such, but there’s almost no language that suggests it as a more viable option.”

A section in the curriculum titled “Pregnancy Outcomes and Birth Control” has students participate in a discussion on the benefits of abstinence and also includes a homework assignment for students to discuss benefits of abstinence with their parents or guardians.

The addition of gender-inclusive language was one of the major changes to the new curriculum, per the CHYA. The new curriculum advises teachers to consider using “they” pronouns (instead of he or she) and to be inclusive of all genders and gender identities. The instruction states it is critical for students to keep in mind their own values about gender and sexuality, although it may make them feel uncomfortable.

The CHYA states in Education Code 51933 (d)(5) that instruction and materials shall affirmatively recognize that people have different sexual orientations and, when discussing or providing examples of relationships and couples, shall be inclusive of same-sex relationships. In a section titled “Anatomy and Gender,” the curriculum delves into definitions of gender identities and the impacts of stereotyping.

Opting Out

During the Feb. 27 meeting, Trustee Reardon asked Joshua Hill, assistant superintendent of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, for clarification on whether parents could have a student opt

out of a section of the instruction rather than the entire curriculum.

“There’s been so much confusion around this, and it’s very simple,” Hill said. “A parent can opt out of the entire curriculum. The education code is very clear on that. If a parent wants to opt out of a part of the instruction, it depends on which part.”

If a parent wants a student to opt out of healthy relationships, educators would have to have a conversation with the parent to explain that several lessons contain the topic of healthy relationships. Educators would provide all information necessary in that case for the parent to make a decision on opting out, Hill said.

“Obviously, the more sensitive issue is about gender, which is where there’s been a lot of confusion,” Hill said. “If a student is only opting out of instruction about gender and nothing else, that is not allowable in the law. So if you want to opt out of all of it, yes. But if you want to opt out of some of it, it will depend.”

The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network provided resources and data for the lessons on gender and sexual orientation. The organization conducts surveys of schools across the United States every few years on how LGBTQ+ students are treated and subsequent impacts, both positive and negative.

“All students deserve schools that are safe and inclusive. They deserve schools that give the comprehensive education they need to make healthy and informed choices,” said Sophia Arrendondo, director of Education and Youth Programs.

“GLSEN supports respecting young people’s right to the information and resources they need to protect their health, make responsible decisions, and lead safe lives. Inclusive sex education ensures all students are seen and validated.”

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To gather community feedback and suggestions on the proposed lesson plans, CUSD put together a task force comprising about 20 individuals, mostly parents and a few teachers. Hill said the district selected people with diverse views and were willing to voice their opinions.

“Through this process, we believe we have compromised and have delivered balanced lessons in light of diverse views,” Hill said to the trustees.

When disagreements regarding topics couldn’t be resolved, he also noted, district staff looked for information from organizations that California’s education code identified as medically accurate, including the Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians.

Between April and December of last year, the task force met seven times.

According to Hill, seventh-grade students will receive lessons one through six, while eighth-graders are taught lessons seven through 12 of the curriculum.

Students currently in eighth grade this school year will receive all 12 lessons.

According to an outline of the curriculum, the lesson plans for seventh-graders will include healthy relationships, healthy decision-making, anatomy and gender, creating a safe school and body image.

Students in eighth grade are set to learn about pregnancy, including outcomes and birth control, sexually transmitted infections, and relationships—both healthy and unhealthy. Both seventh- and eighth-graders will also receive instruction on sexuality being a normal part of human development and engaging in such topics with parents, guardians and trusted adults.

A list of addenda presented at the meeting will also be incorporated into the curriculum. Hill explained that the changes are meant to augment and strengthen areas of the lesson plans, as well as clear up confusing sentence structures and grammatical errors.

For a detailed overview of CUSD’s sexual education curriculum for seventh- and eighth-graders and further explanation on changes made compared to previous instruction, visit capousd.org. CD

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EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Fiesta Association ‘Hangs’ Mayor Maryott During the City Council’s March 5 meeting, several Fiesta Association members took to the dais to “hang” Mayor Brian Maryott as part of a proclamation ceremony to recognize this year’s Fiesta de las Golondrinas season.

After Maryott gaveled in the start of the meeting Tuesday night, Fiesta Association President Jim Taylor barged into the council chambers, announcing that the mayor was in need of “a little bit of persuasion to complete the transaction of the day.”

“I find this to be very much out of the ordinary,” Maryott said, playing along.

“You must be new around here,” Taylor said jokingly, receiving laughs from the audience.

Each year, after city council approves the permit and street closures for the annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire, the mayor signs a ceremonial proclamation recognizing the Fiesta Association as the lead agency to organize the events of Fiesta de las Golondrinas.

Once the “transaction” is completed, the Association “hangs” the mayor.

To go along with the theme of this year’s festivities, “How the West Was Really Won, Celebrating the Women of the West,” the Association appointed member Carmen Phillips as the hanging judge. For as long as he can remember, Taylor said a woman hasn’t held the honor of hanging judge.

The city also recently announced that it will offer free trolley service for the 61st Annual Swallows Day Parade on March 23. There will be three different trolley routes available to take visitors near the downtown district where the parade will be held. The trolleys will run every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Mercado Street Faire will open at 9 a.m., while the parade is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m.

Retired Public Servant Roy Byrnes Dies at 94 Roy Byrnes, a retired physician who formerly served as San Juan Capistrano mayor and councilmember, died peacefully on Feb. 18 surrounded by his family.

He was 94.

As a San Juan Capistrano resident of more than 50 years, Byrnes had served the local community as both an elected public official and a private citizen.

Byrnes was first elected to the city

The Capistrano Dispatch March 8-21, 2019

MONDAY, MARCH 11 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 sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12

Hanging Judge Carmen Phillips and other members of the Fiesta Association “hang” Mayor Brian Maryott during a proclamation ceremony at City Hall on March 5. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

council in 1972 and served two consecutive terms as the city’s mayor from 1973 to 1975. He later was elected to council again in 2012 before announcing his retirement from the dais in early 2015.

Mayor Brian Maryott, who was elected to the council in 2016, said he felt cheated for never having had the opportunity to work with Byrnes.

“Whenever I speak of him with colleagues and former colleagues, you hear ‘gentleman,’ ‘mentor,’ and ‘thoughtful,” Maryott said in an email. “He lived a remarkable life of service and accomplishment, and perhaps he was one of few men that was able to be an outstanding politician and gentleman at the same time.”

Byrnes is survived by Ilse, his wife of 64 years, their four children—Barbara, Dennis, Kim and Catherine—and one grandson, Justin.

At Byrnes’ request, no services were held.

County’s Homeless Mortality Rate Increases Orange County has seen a rise in the homeless mortality rate since 2014, according to a report the Orange County Sheriff’s Department recently released.

The report shows that the number of homeless deaths per year grew to 210 in 2018 from the 126 in 2014 – a roughly 67 percent increase.

In San Juan Capistrano, there were two reported homeless deaths in 2018, or 1 percent of the total homeless mortality rate in the county. Since 2016, there have been a total of six homeless deaths in the city.

Of the 210 homeless deaths in the

county last year, 75 of them were because of natural causes, according to the report. A total of 76 others were caused by accidents such as asphyxia, drowning, vehicular-traffic and overdose – the largest contributor.

Incidents of homicide accounted for 11 of the deaths, while 13 of the decedents had committed suicide. The report also noted that 32 of the homeless deaths in 2018 are listed as pending, because the analysis has not been completed.

Del Obispo Street to Close at Railroad Crossing for Track Maintenance The city will be closing the section of Del Obispo Street between Camino Capistrano and Alipaz Street from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, so Metrolink crews can perform nighttime track maintenance.

Some potential impacts during the maintenance are likely to include noise and vibrations from the construction machinery and equipment, as well as increased lighting.

Maintenance is expected to be completed by 7 a.m. Sunday, March 10, according to the city. Detour signs will direct traffic and pedestrians to alternate routes.

Public safety services won’t be affected as the city and Metrolink have coordinated with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Authority, the city noted.

Because I Love You (BILY) Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meets every Tuesday.

Because I Love You (BILY) helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing because of their children’s (adults or minors) poor choices. San Clemente Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella bilysc.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 sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 SJC Skatepark Coalition Meeting 6-7 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Skatepark Coalition will meet at the SJC Community Center at 25925 Camino Del Avion. sjcskateparkcoalition.com.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 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.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 City Council and Successor Agency Meeting 5 p.m. The city’s governing body will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

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

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The next edition of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

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EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

RMV Teen Set to Host Blood Drive

Events at The Ranch

MARCH 9

Free RanchRide to Festival of Whales

11 a.m. This free shuttle service is offering rides to Dana Point’s Festival of Whales. Go to ranchride.net to see shuttle timetables.

BY JENNA ROSS, FOR THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Rather than having a standard teenage party, Austin Le Monte has decided to celebrate his birthday by requesting blood donations from the community.

On Saturday, March 9, Rancho Mission Viejo (RMV) will host its inaugural blood drive. The blood-drive-meetsbirthday-celebration will be beachthemed and feature music, food, activities for kids, and a photo booth.

“I decided to start my blood drive, because whenever I go into the hospital, I see many other sick kids who have to stay there much longer than I do, and I just wanted to find a way to help out,” said Le Monte, who will be turning 14.

Because of an immune deficiency, Le Monte has undergone years of treatment at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), including monthly blood infusions and visits with specialists such as pulmonologists, allergists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists and hematologists.

He hopes that by inviting the community to come together for this event, Le Monte will help people overcome their fears of donating blood and raise awareness for children in need, according to a press release from The Ranch.

For anyone unable to donate blood, the Le Monte family is also accepting donations of new books or handmade cards for children receiving in-patient care. For the sake of children with immune deficiencies, donated books should be new.

“I don’t care whether you donate to my blood drive or to another blood drive,” Le Monte said. “Just as long as you donate. All the donations we can get matter.”

The blood drive will take place at 35 Ascenso Ave., Rancho Mission Viejo, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To participate in the drive and donate blood, register at redcrossblood.org.

Astronomy Night

A Walk in the Park: A Look at The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo

BY JENNA ROSS, FOR THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

As you drive down Ortega Highway, it’s virtually impossible to miss the rolling green hills and farmland that surrounds the development of Rancho Mission Viejo (RMV).

This area is overseen by The Reserve, which monitors the land’s development as it relates to the environment and organizes a variety of education and outreach programs.

The land under The Reserve’s watchful eye has been owned by one family, the O’Neills, since 1882, and plans for its residential and commercial development came to fruition in 2000.

Laura Coley Eisenberg, The Reserve’s executive director, joined the company in 2000 to undertake a series of studies determining which areas would be under development. The findings led to a plan that 25 percent of the land would be used for

The preserved land encompassing 75 percent of Rancho Mission Viejo is overseen by The Reserve, which monitors the land’s development and organizes education and outreach programs. Photos: Jenna Ross

residential and commercial purposes, while 75 percent would be preserved.

Every area under current or future development in RMV correlates with a certain amount of open space. The two current developed areas are Esencia and Sendero, but there are still four more to come.

“The less disturbed an area was that we were going to be building on, the bigger the open space associated with it had to be,” said Coley Eisenberg. “As Rancho Mission Viejo starts developing (other planning areas), then the habitat reserve will get bigger over time.”

The Reserve also actively monitors 32 different species of wildlife, several of which are listed either on federal or state endangered species lists, and maintains the land by supervising restoration projects and undertaking the removal of invasive species.

“We did a big project to remove giant reed from San Juan Creek because it will benefit the Arroyo toad, which is one of the endangered species,” Coley Eisenberg said.

Along with management and monitoring, The Reserve also participates in outreach events in RMV and surrounding cities, programs for Capistrano Unified School District elementary schools, and community programs such as astronomy nights or wildflower walks.

These programs are mostly run by volunteers.

“Without the volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do many of the things that we do,” said Leeta Latham, The Reserve’s education and public programs manager.

For more information on wildlife preservation or community events, visit rmvreserve.org.

7:45 p.m. Enjoy an opportunity to observe constellations and use telescopes from volunteer astronomers.

The Reserve, 28811 Ortega Hwy. MARCH 12

Morning Hike on Chiquita Ridge

8 a.m. This community hike follows the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia. It is a difficult trail meant for intermediate hikers. For more information and to sign up, visit rmvreserve.org.

MARCH 15

Community and Conversation Meeting

3:30 p.m. This meeting provides an opportunity for residents to meet with management, a board member and a representative from the master developer to share questions or concerns and discuss life in the Rancho Mission Viejo community. Open to residents only. 75 Esencia Dr.

Swirl. Sniff. Sip.

5:30 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the Hilltop Bar. Visit ranchomissionviejo.com for more information. 65 Esencia Dr. MARCH 16

Gather and Give

9 a.m. Learn how to properly harvest produce and explore the Esencia farm.

All harvested produce will be donated to a local food bank. 75 Esencia Dr.

NEW! Expanded coverage of Rancho Mission Viejo Every issue, The Dispatch will now feature a section called “Eye on RMV” featuring news and events specifically from the Rancho Mission Viejo community. To submit a story for consideration, email Shawn Raymundo at sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.

For advertising and marketing opportunities, email Debra Wells at dwells@picketfencemedia.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 8-21, 2019

Page 8

thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Friends of the Library by Rhonda DeHaan

Library Encourages Young Readers

Y

oung readers are invited to the San Juan Capistrano Library to vote on their favorite books. Millions of children have participated in the California Young Reader Medal (CYRM) program since it began in 1974. As part of the program, kids are encouraged to enjoy nominated books, then choose which one they liked the best. Visit the library to get involved in this exciting program. For more information and to see past winners, go to californiayoungreadermedal.org.

As part of the ongoing program for the Eat, Move, Grow: Healthy Living grant, the San Juan Capistrano Library is pleased

to present these upcoming programs: • Continuing through March 27, Yoga for Adults and Teens is offered every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. Reduce stress with an hour of stretching, strengthening, breathing and relaxing with Yoga Bungalow instructor Tam Nguyen.

• Last month’s class on Beans and Grains left participants wanting more, so on Thursday, March 14, from 4-5:30 p.m., Chef Kim Allen will share her knowledge and love of “Beautiful Breads.” Watch for more cooking demonstrations in April.

• Also, in March, the FRIENDS OF library is happy to once LIBRARY

By Rhonda De Haan again host a nutrition class presented by The Mission Hospital Wellness Corner. Learn about how to have a “Good Gut” on Wednesday, March 20, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• To celebrate the changing of seasons, a gardening workshop for adults will be held on Saturday, March 30, at 1 p.m. Create a spring bouquet with Marianne Taylor

from Goin’ Native. Supplies are limited to the first 25 participants, so come by the library to sign up today. And, gardeners, mark your calendars, because the SJC Garden Club is going to share how to create a patio vegetable garden on April 20.

The dedicated staff at the San Juan Capistrano Library continue to look for and add exciting programs for all ages. They are also helpful in answering questions, providing guidance in using library resources, and happy to welcome visitors to enjoy these and other events. You can find more information and access online services at ocpl.org.

Rhonda DeHaan enjoys learning about San Juan Capistrano and its history, sharing fun photographic finds along the way. She is proud mother of two, a freelance writer and a member of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society Board of Directors. She is also serving her eighth year as member of the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission.CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

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

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HOW TO REACH US CITY REPORTER Shawn Raymundo, 949.388.7700, x108 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

Woman’s Club Transforms From Social Group to Civic Leaders

O

n Tuesday, March 8, 1921, a group of 16 women met with their “handy work” at the home of Mrs. Guy Williams and formed the Capistrano Social Club. According to the minutes of that first meeting, it was decided that the group would meet every other Tuesday afternoon at the homes of the members. Mrs. Williams had called the young and newly married women of San Juan Capistrano, all of whom were wives of the early farmers and ranchers, to a social get-together to get acquainted. Mrs. Williams was the club’s first president. The club lasted for 97 years, closing its doors this past December.

The history of the club reads like a Who’s Who of San Juan Capistrano, and their accomplishments were remarkable. The club history also reflects the history of the life of women over the last 100 years. In 1924, Mrs. Edna Malcolm became president, but she had to resign because she was expecting. Adele Hankey, who was vice president, took over and finished out the term. It turned out that she also was expecting before the end of the term, but said, “Someone had to finish out the term, and I knew it wasn’t catch-

The Capistrano Dispatch March 8-21, 2019

ing. It wasn’t caused by any germ.”

On January 10, 1922, the club decided to present a flag to the new high school. Each member threw in 50 cents for the flag, which was to be 5 feet by 13 feet. Whatever money was left over would be used by the club. They had collected $12, and the flag cost $5.70.

In 1933, the Club purchased three lots for $175 on which to build a clubhouse. The club initiated life membership at $25 in order to pay for the lots. The depression and World War II got in the way of building, so it was not until 1960 that MOMENTS IN TIME ground was broken for

By Jan Siegel the new clubhouse. By then, the club had $20,000. The total cost was going to be $34,000, so some members were afraid of getting into debt. They were ranchers’ wives and what they made in one year they lived on until the next. But the Club did vote to take out a $14,000 loan.

In 1956, the club was issued Articles of Incorporation and changed its name to

The Woman’s Club of San Juan Capistrano, with the specific and primary purpose to promote social and civic affairs in and about the San Juan Capistrano area.

The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society is fortunate to have all of the minutes, press coverage, and records of the Woman’s Club in its files. You can spend a “Moment in Time” checking out this time capsule of life in San Juan Capistrano in the last century. Check the Society website for more history on the Woman’s Club.

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

Page 9

EDITORIAL City Reporter, The Capistrano Dispatch > Shawn Raymundo

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith

City Reporter, DP Times > Lillian Boyd

Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex

Senior Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

General Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Copy Editor > Randall Youngman ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (SC) > Debra Wells (SJC)

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent EDITOR EMERITUS Jonathan Volzke

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 17, Issue 05. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (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 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

FACEBOOK.COM/CAPODISPATCH • INSTAGRAM @CAPODISPATCH TWITTER.COM/CAPODISPATCH • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA

thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

istrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.857.6262. ocwinefest.com.

Monday | 11

What’s going on in and around town

INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE 9:30-11:30 a.m. A beginner’s class will take place. Lessons will be offered on subsequent Mondays. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.1268. janedober@gmail.com. socb.center.

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 | 09 OCWINEFEST 1-5 p.m. This Saturday and Sunday, the OCWineFest returns to San Juan Capistrano, bringing top wineries to one location for a weekend of wine tasting and wine education. All tickets include unlimited tastings and a souvenir glass. Tickets for the 2019 OCWineFest cost $100 for general admission and $125 for all access, including the exclusive VIP boutique winery areas. A Stone’s Throw Winery. 29943 Camino Cap-

Wednesday | 13 EDITOR’S PICK Photo: File

SATURDAY, MARCH 9: FIELD TRIP FEST Noon-6 p.m. Celebrate Docent Brewing’s second year in business by joining the brewer for its inaugural Field Trip Fest at Reata Park in San Juan Capistrano. This family-friendly event will also include a group bike ride from Docent Brewing to the festival beginning at 11 a.m.

The event will feature a variety of Docent beers and others from guest breweries for tasting from noon to 4 p.m. The cost is $25 for a Field Trip Festival Pass and $40 for a Field Trip Deluxe Tasting Pass. Parking will be available at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park for $5. Free shuttles will be available to transport guests to and from the event. Reata Park.

28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.767.8170. docentbrewing.com

WEDNESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 7:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy friendly competition and craft beers among friends during the BrewHouse’s weekly trivia night. Food trucks are on site during the trivia contest.

The BrewHouse. 31896 Plaza Dr., Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. thebrewhousesjc.com.

Thursday | 14 SOMEONE I KNOW HAS DEMENTIA–HOW CAN I HELP? 6-7 p.m. Neighbors, friends, caregivers

GETTING OUT and family members are encouraged to attend a special program hosted by Alzheimer’s Orange County. The free program is designed to provide simple tips for supporting and communicating with people experiencing memory loss. San Juan Capistrano Community Center. 25925 Camino Del Avion. Call 949.493.5911 to register at the Community Center.

ACOUSTIC THURSDAYS AT BARNOA 7-9 p.m. Live music every Thursday. A rotating cast of Orange County’s most talented musicians play acoustic covers and original music.

Enjoy a great wine selection, craft beers, tasty appetizers and Barnoa’s full dinner menu.

Must be 21 and older. Barnoa Wine and Craft Beer Bistro. 831 Via Suerte, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. barnoawinebar.com.

LADIES NIGHT OUT 6-9 p.m. Gather your girlfriends, bring an auction item or cash donation. Hosted by the Gala committee, this fun evening provides underwriting support for the 2019 Shea Center Annual Gala. The evening includes a rider demonstration, dinner, drinks, and live and silent auctions. Feel free to dress in your favorite 1980s attire.

Closed-toe shoes are required. J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center. 26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.240.8441.

Reserve tickets at sheacenter.org.

Saturday | 16 EL PRESIDENTÉ BALL 6-10 p.m. Join the Fiesta Association for a

celebration of San Juan’s early California heritage with dinner, dancing, live music and a best-dressed contest—Spanish, early California or Western attire. Tickets are $75. El Adobe de Capistrano. 31891 Camino Capistrano. 949.493.1976.

Tuesday | 19 ST. JOSEPH’S DAY/ RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS 9 am.-3 p.m. Join Mission San Juan Capistrano in celebrating St. Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows with music, performances and activities.

Admission is free for Mission members, $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $8 for children. 26801 Ortega Highway.

949.234.1317. missionsjc.com/swallows.

Wednesday | 20 FIESTA GRANDÉ 6-9 p.m. Eleven contests and a night of Wild West entertainment are rolled into one evening of fun at the Fiesta Grandé.

Join your friends and make new ones at the Swallow’s Inn, 3176 Camino Capistrano, and enter to win one of the categories being judged. Spectators are welcome.

Entry fee is $5 per person per category.

Participants can pay when they arrive.

Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Boot Barn, a plaque and ribbon, as well as bragging rights. For more information, visit swallowsparade.com.

On Stage at The Coach House: Meat Loaf Presents BAT

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W Photo: Focus Features

At the Movies: ‘Greta’ So Close, Yet So Far

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

G

reta is one of the very few Hollywood movies for which French cinema royalty Isabelle Huppert crossed overseas.

Huppert is by far one of the most talented and intriguing actresses to come out of France, and yet when she broadens out to the States about once every decade, it’s usually in mediocrity. Directed by Neil Jordan and co-starring Chloe Grace Moretz, the horror-thriller is so close, yet so far, from being a success.

In downtown Manhattan, Frances McCullen (Moretz) is living with her childhood best friend, Erica (Maika Monroe), after her mother suddenly passes away. While riding on the subway after work, she spots a lost black handbag that belongs to an older woman named Greta Hideg (Huppert). After returning Greta’s belongings to her, Frances finds that the woman is lonely from both

her husband’s death and daughter moving out of the country. Rather quickly, the two become a surrogate mother-daughter pairing that Erica thinks is a little strange for comfort. Frances doesn’t see the big deal—until she finds something alarming in Greta’s house.

Greta is directed by Irish filmmaker Neil Jordan, who first broke through with testosterone-heavy features such as The Crying Game (1992). Here and with Byzantium (2012), Jordan proves that he has a genuine interest in creating projects centered on women. But while his characters are interesting, the recent scripts have hit a weak spot in his career. Throughout Greta, we receive almost amateurish execution of tropes and exposition that you would see in a student film. It’s a shame, because Jordan and the actresses had a lot more potential than this movie allowed them to realize. CD

hen the Neverland Express, the official band of legendary rock artist Meat Loaf, takes the stage at The Coach House on Sunday, March 17, fans should expect to get “punched in the face with melody and lyrics,” said guitarist Paul Crook.

The show, “Meat Loaf presents BAT,” will feature the Neverland Express alongside 2014 American Idol winner Caleb Johnson as they perform Meat Loaf’s hit album, Bat Out of Hell, in its entirety.

“It’s just going to be a high energy, rockand-roll show … very theatrical,” said Johnson, who will be fronting the band while Meat Loaf recovers from back surgery.

During a phone conference with The Capistrano Dispatch, both Crook and Johnson stressed that no one can ever replace Meat Loaf, a Grammy Award-winning vocalist.

Acknowledging that Meat Loaf’s operatic stage presence is “very physically demanding,” Johnson said “it’s an incredibly daunting task” to fill in for the rock star.

“He’s just such an amazing singer,”

Johnson said. “The vocal performances on those albums is incredible. I’m incredibly honored to be asked to be part of this, because first and foremost I’m a fan.”

Johnson also noted that as a fan he intends to perform from a fan’s perspective and without dressing like Meat Loaf.

“It’s 100 percent me singing these songs,” Johnson said. “It’s 100 percent of the emotions that I had when I first heard (them).”

Crook boasted that there’s a lot of talent at the BAT shows.

“The talent coming off the stage is pretty staggering. Caleb is obviously one of the greatest singers in the world; I’m not blowing smoke … the band is unbelievable,” he said, later adding, “We’re so lucky to have these songs to play.”

Tickets to see the Neverland Express featuring Caleb Johnson at The Coach House are $38. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the concert starts at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 17.

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

Photo: Courtesy of BAT The Capistrano Dispatch March 8-21, 2019

Page 11

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

March in the Ordinary Garden

I

love March! Okay, a shameless plug: it’s my birthday and my granddaughter’s as well, and I have just celebrated my sixth year as The Capistrano Dispatch dirt therapist garden columnist. I love sharing with you what I’ve learned along the way with gardening and wellness in nature.

This year, I’ve decided to take a couple of different approaches with my monthly column, from sharing monthly garden tips for sowing and growing to engaging with you and hearing about your garden successes and failures. Sharing garden knowledge connects the community in a greater way, with insights and ideas that inspire and teach us as a whole. Please share your garden glories or garden nightmares with me at DIRT THERAPY marianne@goinnative.

By Marrianne Taylor net. Next month’s garden spotlight just might be your garden.

We’ve had a very cold California winter with morning temperatures still in the lows 40s. Our daytime temperatures sometimes fluctuate 20 to 30 degrees in a day, helping sprout, in warp speed, all kinds of new growth in the gardens—including those invasive and virulent weeds!

Don’t let those garden villains take over; this is the time to get in your garden and pull those weeds from the roots by hand.

Doing this now will increase your plant

growth and blooms and decrease those weeds showing up again this summer.

The soil is moist, so this is the optimum time to get out in the gardens and tidy up for a blooming spring and summer. This is our typical month for rain, so if you haven’t yet added a rain barrel to your collection of garden tools, this is the time to purchase and install. There are many decorative styles on the market to choose from, making this garden tool a permanent garden fixture in your landscape.

Get out your garden gloves, your hand tools and dig those weeds out of your garden.

For sowing and growing success, here are 10 tips for gardening in March: • Check tools. Give your tools a once-over.

Repair or replace.

• Check irrigation system for broken heads or leaks. Check timer. Repair or replace.

• Remove weeds by hand. Dig out the root; don’t just cut off the tops.

• Remove old plant and deadhead flowers from planters, raised beds and containers.

• Amend the soil for new plants.

• Plant flower and vegetable seeds.

• Plant California native plants, fruit trees and roses.

• Prepare the compost bin or worm bin.

• Get a rain barrel to capture rainwater all year long.

• Grab a notebook and take notes on what you’ve done this month for next year’s reminder.

Get lost in the garden this month and find daily success in what you’ve sown.

Gardening is the art of trial and error; it’s the great equalizer, teaching humility along the way. You never have it quite right, because nature is always changing.

As this season of sowing begins, take time to enjoy the gardens you’re tidying as time to nurture yourself. The gardens provide

The Capistrano Dispatch March 8-21, 2019

in a wheelbarrow on Ramos Street in San Juan Capistrano in 1958. “This is how mom brought her to our house,” the back of the photo reads. “She couldn’t walk too good.”

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 sraymundo@ picketfencemedia.com.

more than food, beauty and habitats; they provide a place to refresh, relax and restore our souls. While you’re gardening, be sure to carve out a garden room of your own as a place to ponder. Be sure to check our website at goinnative.net for upcoming free garden classes and workshops.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens, 501(c)(3),

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

BY MYLES MELLOR

Solution:

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

FROM THE ARCHIVES Rita Lobo pushes Amelia Lobo Jimenez

Sudoku

Pet of the Week: Princess

P

Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries

rincess is a 9-year-old beauty looking for a fresh start. While she might be past her kitten stage, she’s definitely not past her prime. Princess is very sociable and loves to greet new visitors at the door. She would make a great companion for someone in search of a mellow and mature lap cat.

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

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 12

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com HELP WANTED HOMESTAY HOSTS NEEDED Cultivate a new relationship by hosting a Breakthrough SJC Teaching Fellow this summer! Teaching Fellows are college students exploring futures in education by teaching in our summer program. Call Emma Lee at (949) 661-0108, ex. 1348.

HELP WANTED-PICTURE FRAMER Mat cutting, picture fitting. Must be good at addition and measuring, clean in your work.

Cortador de mats. Ensamblador de cuadros para posters. Que conosca medidas del metro, que sea limpo en trajabo. Nosotros entrenamos a la persona Part Time or Full Time available. Medio tiempo complete. Available hours Monday-Friday between 7:00am-5:00pm $12.50-$14.00 depending on experience. Will train right person. 949-388-8403 ask for Scott

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

OBITUARIES

Paul James Michael Gregory Oct. 5, 1951 - Feb. 26, 2019 Paul “PJ” Gregory passed away at the young age of 67. Born in New York state to Sidney and Frances Gregory, he grew up with his two siblings, Warren (New York) and Laraine (California). Paul began playing guitar in his youth and often performed on stage in a mask and cape, using whatever pseudonym suited his mood.

Paul studied in Mexico and received his degree in Mesoamerican Anthropology, then traveled the world working for United Airlines.

He enjoyed discovering new cultures throughout his life. He also received his Juris Doctorate, becoming a member of the California State Bar. He loved living near the ocean in Dana Point, where he lived for over two decades, daily strolling Strands beach and the headlands. Any day you might find him humming songs while tending to his vast yard filled with unique palms and exotic plants. He was an attorney by trade, a passionate guitar player, Vespa enthusiast, and an avid reader.

Paul was a loving father and a playful grandfather to his three grandchildren, Zöe(15), Booker(6) and Frances(3). He is survived by his daughter, Kara, his son, Michael, and mother of his children, Coleen. He is dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 8-21, 2019

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

Page 13

thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Titles for Two

JSerra, St. Margaret’s girls soccer teams win Regionals, Lions complete CIF-SS three-peat

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

J

Serra girls soccer capped off another historic season, and St. Margaret’s girls soccer exacted revenge for a CIF-SS title defeat as both teams captured CIF SoCal Regional Championships on Saturday, March 2.

The JSerra girls soccer team completed its dominant march to the finish line.

On Feb. 23, the Lions won their third straight CIF-SS Division 1 championship with a 3-0 win over Los Alamitos at Warren High School in Downey. JSerra got setpiece goals from Rachel Bastone and Bella Beltran, and Isabella D’Aquila scored her 134th and final goal of her record-breaking JSerra career in the game’s dying seconds.

JSerra, ranked No. 2 nationally, played without D’Aquila in the regionals as D’Aquila joined the United States U20 national team in Spain. However, the Lions didn’t skip a beat with a 3-0 win over San Luis Obispo and a 3-1 win over Our Lady Peace of San Diego. JSerra again met up with Los Alamitos, ranked No. 3 nationally, in the Division I Regional Final.

Samantha Williams scored twice and Abby Lynch also scored to clinch JSerra’s

Ice Crown JSerra’s Jack Ferletic’s 31 saves backstop Lions to overtime win, state title

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

J

Serra goalie Jack Ferletic saw plenty of rubber on Sunday morning, March 3.

By game’s end, all Ferletic saw were his teammates piling on top of him and the shine of a gold medal.

JSerra was outshot by Santa Margarita, 32-12, but Ferletic stopped 31 shots to backstop the Lions into overtime. Seventeen seconds into the extra session, Daniel Ton-That’s shot from the right point deflected by the Santa Margarita goaltender and sent the Lions storming off the bench, gloves and sticks flying, as JSerra captured the CAHA High School Division 1A Championship at Great Park Ice in Irvine.

The title was the second California Amateur Hockey Association state champion-

The Capistrano Dispatch March 8-21, 2019

JSerra girls soccer won its third straight CIF-SS championship and completed the treble with Trinity League, CIF-SS and CIF SoCal Regional titles. Photo: David Williams

second regional title in three seasons, 3-1.

St. Margaret’s returned to the scene of the CIF crime and righted a wrong.

On Feb. 23, the Tartans lost in bizarre fashion as a penalty-kick shootout at La Salle High School in Pasadena was prematurely ended by miscount of the shots by the referees. After the trophies and cham-

ship for JSerra; the first came in 2014. The Lions played in their first state championship game since 2016.

The win also qualified JSerra for the USA Hockey National Tournament. The Lions will travel to Cleveland for the High School Division 1 competition March 28-April 1.

“When you get there, you’re going to be playing teams that are a lot better than what we face on a regular basis,” JSerra head coach Jeff Noviello said. “They’re just going to have to play for each other and do the little things to succeed.”

Before JSerra could turn its eyes to Nationals, the Lions began the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League Division 1 playoffs on Wednesday, March 6 against St. Mary’s of Stockton at Great Park Ice. JSerra is the No. 2 seed for the ADHSHL playoffs.

The Lions defeated St. Mary’s, 6-3, and took on Damien of La Verne in the ADHSHL semifinals on Thursday, March 7 at Anaheim Ice. Results were not available at press time. If JSerra advanced, they would take on the Santa MargaritaTahoe Hockey Academy winner for the Schulman Cup on Saturday, March 9 at

pionship T-shirts had already been handed out, the teams returned to the field and La Salle made a final kick to win the CIF-SS Division 4 title, 2-2 (4-2).

St. Margaret’s wanted a rematch and earned it with a 4-0 win over Roosevelt of Los Angeles and a penalty-kick win over Ramona, 0-0 (6-5).

JSerra hockey won its second CAHA state championship with a 2-1 overtime win over Santa Margarita on Sunday, March 3 at Great Park Ice in Irvine. The Lions qualified for the USA Hockey National Tournament on March 28 in Cleveland.

Photo: Eric Heinz

Great Park Ice. Santa Margarita, which won the USA Hockey national championship last season, is the No. 1 seed for the ADHSHL playoffs. The Eagles have dropped all four games against JSerra this season.

Page 14

The Tartans returned to La Salle for the Division IV Regional Final and followed a similar script, but St. Margaret’s rewrote the ending.

St. Margaret’s overcame another onegoal deficit and took a one-goal lead with strikes from Charlotte Jones and Juliet Ballard to win its first regional title, 2-1. CD

Through two periods of the state championship game, Santa Margarita was well in control with a huge shot advantage, 22-8, and a 1-0 lead. Marcus Kim put the Eagles ahead seven minutes into the first period.

Both teams combined to go 0-for-7 on the power play, but it was JSerra’s kill of a Santa Margarita advantage in the third period that ended up turning the tide.

JSerra flipped the puck out of its own end as the penalty expired, and Max Lynch jumped out of the penalty box.

Lynch won the race to the cleared puck and finished his one-on-one break with a five-hole shot to tie the game, 1-1, with seven minutes remaining.

“That totally changed the game,” Ferletic said of Lynch’s goal. “We had a lot more enthusiasm, and it definitely fueled us into OT.” It didn’t take long in overtime. The Lions won the left-side draw back to Jake Hager, who sent the puck over to TonThat at the right point. Ton-That threw the puck on net, where it deflected past the Eagles goalie for the win and the state title. CD thecapistranodispatch.com