December 21, 2018

Fun-Filled Adventures to be Found in the Winter Go.See.Do. OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

SPECIAL SECTION FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

Reflect back on the top stories of San Juan Capistrano in 2018. Illustrated by Chelsie Rex

Brian Maryott Selected as Next SJC Mayor EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Children Receive Awards at Shea Center EYE ON SJC/PAGE 7

DECEMBER 21, 2018-JANUARY 10, 2019 • VOLUME 16, ISSUE 24

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

San Juan Sports Year In Review SPORTS/PAGE 22

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

ters are bilingual, and it has opened so many opportunities for them. This program is going to strengthen this school and strengthen our community,” Nelson told the Dana Point Times during the meeting.

The remaining meetings will be held on Jan. 9 and Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. and on Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. —SR

Five things San Juan should know this week

CUSD Approves Opinion Research Plan for Facilities Improvement

City Council Appoints Maryott as Mayor of San Juan Capistrano THE LATEST: Dozens of community officials, stakeholders and citizens gathered at the San Juan Capistrano City Council Chambers on Monday, Dec. 10, as the city’s newest elected members took their place among the dais and appointed Councilmember Brian Maryott to serve as mayor for the next year.

Maryott’s appointment marked the start of the new term for city council, which welcomed former Mayor John Taylor and newcomer Troy Bourne, who are replacing outgoing Councilmembers Kerry Ferguson and Pam Patterson.

“I want to tell the community and my colleagues how honored I am to serve,” said Maryott, who previously held the position of mayor pro tem under Mayor Sergio Farias.

“You need the blessings, the confidence and trust first of your colleagues, and I’m grateful for that,” Maryott said of the mayoral appointment.

With Maryott taking on this new role, Farias resumes his title as councilmember.

Farias, who received considerable applause and appreciation from the crowd, was presented with a plaque, recognizing his achievements and service as the mayor.

“It was a great pleasure to serve as mayor for all the residents of San Juan Capistrano,” Farias said. “The special part of our city is the people of San Juan Capistrano. You’re all unique, and it was a great honor to serve all of you.”

To serve under Maryott as mayor pro tem over the next year, the council voted unanimously to appoint Bourne, a businessman and first-time councilmember.

“I’m looking forward to serving on this council,” Bourne said.

While the Dec. 10 meeting displayed all the pomp and circumstance of a swearingin ceremony, there was a brief moment of contention during the opening prayer.

Leading the invocation, Councilmember Ferguson said that this “past election season was perhaps the least honest in our city’s history.” Her remarks prompted scoffs from the crowd, including one person commenting that she was being a “sore loser.”

Ferguson and Patterson lost their council seats during last month’s election. The

Newly appointed Mayor Brian Maryott listens to a public speaker during the Dec. 10 city council meeting.

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

two ran under District 3 – a crowded field that included incumbent Councilmember Derek Reeve, college student Cody Martin, businesswoman Joyce Anderson and U.S. Air Force Veteran Robert Hagstrom, a write-in candidate.

Reeve won the bid for reelection, receiving 39 percent of the votes in that district.

Before delivering some parting words to the community and their fellow councilmembers, Ferguson and Patterson were presented with plaques recognizing them for their service to the city.

Patterson encouraged residents to “rise again, unite and fight for the preservation of our quality of life and for this historic city, which we are so fortunate to call home.”

In a tearful goodbye, Ferguson expressed gratitude to her supporters, letting them know that they won’t be forgotten.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every one of you who has helped and supported me all these years. You will never be forgotten,” Ferguson said. “It has indeed been my honor to serve you in this uniquely beautiful and historic town we call home.”

WHAT’S NEXT: With San Juan Capistrano City Hall and the Community Center being closed for a holiday break starting Dec. 22, the City Council will hold its next meeting Tuesday, Jan. 15.

—Shawn Raymundo

CUSD Approves Spanish-Language Immersion Program for RH Dana Elementary THE LATEST: RH Dana Elementary School received the green light Wednesday, Dec

The Capistrano Dispatch December 21, 2018-January 10, 2019

12, to transition into a Spanish-language immersion school beginning next school year.

The Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees approved the transition plans, which RH Dana Principal Kristen Nelson had laid out during last month’s board meeting.

“We are very excited to open a 50/50 Spanish Dual Immersion Program,” Nelson said in a CUSD press release.

Under the language immersion instruction, students would be taught in English 50 percent of the time and in Spanish the other 50 percent. The transition will be introduced in the 2019-2020 school year, starting with the kindergarten class, which will carry the program through each subsequent grade level.

The transition is estimated to cost $288,000 over the next five to six years, covering additional staffing and Spanish materials, according to CUSD. That money is to come from general funds as well as Title I – a federal grant program designed to improve certain schools’ education and academic strategies.

With the CUSD Board’s approval, RH Dana will be rebranded from the RH Dana Science and Technology Academy to the RH Dana Language and Science Academy.

It will also join four other schools in the district that have similar language immersion programs.

Marian Bergeson Elementary School offers a Mandarin Chinese program, while Las Palmas, San Juan and Viejo Elementary Schools currently have 80/20 Spanish immersion programs, wherein 80 percent of instruction is in Spanish and 20 percent is in English.

WHAT’S NEXT: RH Dana will host a series of informational meetings regarding the program. The first meeting was scheduled for Dec. 18 at 9 a.m.

“Bilingualism is the future. My daugh-

Page 3

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Dec. 12, approved plans to gather the community’s thoughts on whether a bond measure to update educational facilities should be placed on the March 2020 Primary Election ballot.

Over the coming weeks, the board will work with the firm True North Research to conduct surveys and polls of voters in the cities of San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo and Dana Point.

Depending on how the voters in those areas respond to the questions, the board will determine whether to move forward with drafting the March 2020 bond measure that, if passed, would authorize funding for capital facility projects.

The priority, said CUSD Chief Communications Officer Ryan Burris, are the schools in San Clemente because they are some of the oldest schools in the district.

“They have the oldest schools and some of them with the greatest needs,” Burris said, adding that “if we looked at some of the younger schools, even like San Juan Hills (High School), they would already have needs, but not at the levels of San Clemente high schools, middle schools and elementary schools in that city.”

The next step in the process, Burris said, is to figure out the types of questions that will be asked in the survey.

Essentially the poll is intended to answer whether the residents are ready to support a bond measure and, if so, what areas of the classrooms and school sites they are willing to invest in.

“We would look at things like fire, life, safety. We would probably look at seismic, we would look at plumbing and clean water,” Burris said. “But we would have more of an idea of exactly what the community has felt based on what analysis we saw from the survey.”

Burris said CUSD would like to have the polling done by late January or early February as that would allow the board to begin making decisions on the bond (Cont. on page 4) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) measure by the end of February.

The deadline to file measures for the March 2020 Primary election is Dec. 6 2019.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next CUSD board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24 at the district’s office, at 33122 Valle Rd., San Juan Capistrano.

—SR

Bomb Threat at Stance Socks Causes Evacuation, Deemed ‘Not Credible’ as Police Cite Widespread Hoax THE LATEST: A bomb threat sent to Stance Socks employees the morning of Thursday, Dec. 13 was part of a nationwide hoax, said Lt. Mike Peters, chief of San Clemente Police Services.

The threat, sent in an email, demanded 20,000 in Bitcoin cryptocurrency or those responsible would detonate an explosive they said had been left inside the building. The email also said a mercenary would detonate the device if the pay-

ment was not made to a link to an account by the end of the day.

A quick search of bomb threats on Google showed multiple incidents of bomb-threat hoaxes across the nation, but every threat is investigated by officers.

Stance Stocks employees were evacuated from the headquarters so officers could investigate.

Peters said the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) bomb squad had been dispatched to the Stance headquarters off Avenida La Pata around 11:30 a.m. as a precaution to the owner of the business who requested an inspection.

Lt. Peters said Lake Forest and Riverside and other places around the county received the email.

“It’s all across the county and nation,” Peters said, adding that no other business in San Clemente has reported receiving the threat.

Harold Ambuehl Elementary School in San Juan Capistrano and Chaparral Elementary School in Ladera Ranch were included in the list of businesses and schools that received the hoax emails throughout the country that morning, according to Ryan Burris, Capistrano Unified School District’s (CUSD) spokesperson.

When the two schools received the

emails, OCSD was notified as well as CUSD’s Safety and Student Services Executive Director Mike Beekman, said Burris.

In a statement from OCSD public affairs that Thursday, Dispatch had received multiple calls regarding the bomb threats. OCSD said sheriff’s deputies had responded to each threat, but they still believed it to be a hoax.

Stance personnel have not yet been available for comment.

WHAT’S NEXT: OCSD wants people to report anything suspicious to call 714.647.7000 or 911 in an emergency.

—Eric Heinz

San Juan Capistrano Businessman Found Guilty of Murder THE LATEST: An Irvine man could face a life sentence after being convicted Friday, Dec. 7, of murdering his business partner for financial gain in their San Juan Capistrano office in 2010.

Edward Younghoon Shin, 41, was found guilty in the death of 33-year-old Christopher Ryan Smith of Laguna

Beach. The pair co-owned 800XChange, a debt consolidation and internet advertising business, at 29222 Rancho Viejo Road.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, after Shin murdered Smith in June 2010, he disposed of the body and forged documents in Smith’s name, signing the rights of the business over to himself.

The Capistrano Dispatch reported in 2011 that Shin had also used Smith’s email to send messages, giving the impression that Smith was still alive.

An investigation into Smith’s whereabouts launched in April 2011 after his family reported him missing to the Laguna Beach Police Department. Evidence later found that indicated the victim was killed at the San Juan Capistrano office prompted the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) to take over the investigation.

Shin in August 2011 was aboard a flight that was preparing to take off for Canada when he was arrested by OCSD authorities.

WHAT’S NEXT: Shin’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 1, when he could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. —SR

EYE ON SJC

2018 Year in Review

Reflecting on This year’s Top Stories

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

From the statewide legalization of marijuana for recreational use to the midterm elections, 2018 certainly was an eventful year that brought about significant changes while laying the groundwork for what’s to come.

And while a new year provides an opportunity to grow and move forward, we should first take a step back and remember how and why we got here. Below is a compilation of some of the year’s biggest headlines.

A student holds a sign that reads ‘enough’ during a demonstration at San Juan Hills High School on March 14, 2018, protesting nationwide gun violence. About 1,000 San Juan High students took part in the National School Walkout to call on stricter gun laws in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, 2018. Photo: Emily Rasmussen

JANUARY

MARCH

A petition to recall San Juan Capistrano City Councilmembers Kerry Ferguson, Derek Reeve and Pam Patterson began collecting signatures after the City Clerk’s office approved the notices of intent in late December 2017.

A three-year tentative agreement regarding teachers’ salaries and benefits was struck Jan. 17 between the Capistrano Unified School District and the Capistrano Unified Education Association. Part of the agreement was to provide teachers 1 percent salary increases during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, as well as a 1 percent retroactive increase for the 2016-17 school year.

Statewide, several new laws went into effect, including the legalization of recreational marijuana and a handful of hot-button business laws. Some of the laws included minimum-wage hikes, requiring employers with 25 employees or fewer to pay $10.50 an hour and $11 an hour if they employed more than 25 people.

The College and Career Planning course was removed as a graduation requirement for high school students by the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Feb. 28.

The course, which was a semester-long class, helps students with college and career planning.

About 1,000 San Juan Hills High School students participated in a national school walkout March 14 to protest gun violence.

The demonstration was a response to the 17 victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, 2018.

FEBRUARY The San Juan Capistrano City Council on Feb. 6 denied the Capistrano Unified School District’s application to initiate a study of a proposed code amendment that would have allowed a development of up to 47 single-family homes in a 7.29-acre site called Pacifica San Juan. The proposed site, off Camino Las Ramblas and Avenida California, is designated as a potential school site.

CUSD had previously noted that there are not a sufficient number of students to warrant the construction of a new school.

CUSD also said that if it’s successful in obtaining the approval of residential use of the property, the funds gained from selling the property to a residential developer would be committed to various district capital facilities’ needs.

APRIL In a 4-1 vote, with Mayor Sergio Farias dissenting, the City Council on April 3 passed a symbolic resolution condemning California Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), also known as the Sanctuary State Law. SB 54 went into effect at the start of the year, banning local and state law enforcement agencies from “using money or personnel to investigate, interrogate, detain, detect, or arrest persons for immigration enforcement purposes.”

The petitions to recall City Councilmembers Kerry Ferguson, Pam Patterson and Derek Reeve were withdrawn because of a “lack of sufficient signatures,” the council announced on April 19.

MAY City Council on May 1 voted down a resolution that would have formally apologized to city staff on behalf of the Council for allegations lobbed by Councilmember Pam Patterson back in July 2017 that the staff “stole $600,000.”

A few weeks later, on May 16, Patterson

The Capistrano Dispatch December 21, 2018-January 10, 2019

attended a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, where she joined a small group of Southern California representatives who opposed California’s controversial Sanctuary Law.

fund needs of the Capistrano Unified School District, filed a lawsuit against its former director, Michelle Hart. The lawsuit accused Hart of embezzling more than $50,000 from the foundation.

JUNE

OCTOBER

The San Juan Capistrano City Council on June 19 approved the conceptual design of the Verdugo Street Beautification Project, which had been in the works for about a decade. The project includes widening sidewalks, installing landscaping and enhancing paving, lights and street furniture. With the council’s approval, the project could also move forward with requests for final design services.

Following the Capistrano Unified School Foundation’s lawsuit against its former director, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted on Oct. 10 to adopt a resolution to distance itself from the foundation. Trustees considered the resolution after concerns were raised regarding the foundation’s management of raising funds.

JULY San Juan Capistrano business owner and resident Stephen Armond Nordeck died of cancer on June 25. Nordeck, known for his philanthropy and involvement in San Juan’s business and equestrian communities, was 76 years old.

AUGUST The environmental organization Action for Nature named 8-year-old Ryan Hickman as a 2018 International Young Eco-Hero for starting his own recycling company. With the help of his father, Ryan started Ryan’s Recycling Company, which recycled roughly 370,000 cans and bottles to help keep them out of landfills and to “save the planet.”

SEPTEMBER The nonprofit organization, Capistrano Unified School Foundation, which helps

Page 6

NOVEMBER Residents of San Juan Capistrano elected Troy Bourne and former Mayor John Taylor to the City Council, representing Districts 2 and 4, respectively. Incumbent Councilmember Derek Reeve was re-elected, defeating fellow Councilmembers Pam Patterson and Kerry Ferguson.

Because of the creation of districts, Reeve, Patterson and Ferguson ran against each other for District 3. The field of candidates also included college student Cody Martin, businesswoman Joyce Anderson and write-in candidate Robert Hagstrom, a U.S. Air Force Veteran.

DECEMBER Newly elected Councilmembers Troy Bourne and John Taylor were sworn in to office, replacing Councilmembers Kerry Ferguson and Pam Patterson, who were unseated in the November elections. With a fresh new City Council in place, the members unanimously voted to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Brian Maryott as the mayor of San Juan Capistrano. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Community Meetings FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 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, JANUARY 8

Orange County Fire Authority fighters put out a structure fire on the 27000 block of Via Banderas in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, Dec. 13. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Firefighters Contain Enflamed Garage in San Juan Capistrano Neighborhood Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) fighters responded to a structure fire at a home on the 27000 block of Via Banderas in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, Dec. 13.

The call came in just after 10 a.m., according to San Juan Capistrano Fire Chief Rob Capobianco. The fire, he said, originated in the garage of the home.

Capobianco also confirmed that no one was injured during the fire.

More than 30 firefighters were on the scene to make “an aggressive interior attack” and were able to “hold the fire to the garage and limit any damage inside the residence,” Capobianco said.

As of that afternoon, investigators had yet to determine the cause, according to Capt. Tony Bommarito, public information officer for the OCFA. Neighbors told The Capistrano Dispatch that the resident of the home was inside the residence at the time the fire started.

She was able to make it out to safety with the help of her neighbor, 33-year-old Justin Kolek.

Kolek, whose house is one street over and sits directly across from the victim’s home, said he saw smoke coming from the house and raced over to make sure no one was inside.

“I saw the smoke, ran down the hill and just slammed on the door, knocking on the door real loud,” he recalled. “I only got a few knocks in when she opened the door.”

When they got to the front yard, Kolek said, they saw flames.

“You could just feel the heat and hear popping and exploding inside (the garage),” he said. “It’s lucky the garage door was down (because) if it had been open, it probably would have just escalated the whole thing.”

The resident of the home did not wish to be interviewed or named in the story.

JSerra Students Prepare for Finals with Annual ‘Snow Day’ Snowball Fight Before heading into their week of final exams, students at JSerra Catholic High School on Thursday, Dec. 13, were greeted with 45 tons of snow covering the courtyard.

This meant only one thing for the students: the annual “Snow Day” snowball fight was on.

When classes let out for lunch, the school’s quad instantly became a battlefield as many students – as well as some faculty – wasted no time hurling snowballs at one another. Some students came prepared for the occasion, donning protective goggles and bringing buckets and sleds to carry snowballs.

While much of the mêlée was a free-forall, many students formed alliances, working together to launch attacks on their fellow students. One such alliance was led

by Father Damien Giap, who enjoys getting involved in the action just as much as the students do.

“I always find that it’s most fun when we

The Capistrano Dispatch December 21, 2018-January 10, 2019

have an attack that’s organized (and) concerted. In other words, we gotta all stay together,” he said, adding that in doing so, “the offense is going to be much more strong and powerful rather than individual attacks.”

Giap shared some key advice for how to make a good snowball.

“You have to make sure that you pack it tight,” advised Giap, who said he had lost feeling in his extremities after the fight concluded.

As the Snow Day battle of 2018 raged on, the school’s student-led rock bands The Replacements and Mane Event performed Christmas rock songs, providing an appropriate soundtrack to all of the action.

The annual Snow Day is meant to mark the last full day of classes before students take their finals. But Giap noted that the JSerra Snow Day is also about “community building.”

“It bonds all of us, even if it involves a big snowball fight,” he said. “It just brings the best of us in the sense that we have a lot of fun and still stay loving amidst throwing snowballs at other people.”

Go to www.thecapistranodispatch. com to check out all of the photos of the snowball fight.

Disabled Children Receive Recognition Awards from Shea Center, Meet Santa When Alyna Tapia was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 9 months old, her mother, Adriana Tapia, didn’t know what to do or how exactly to move forward.

Tapia, a 36-year-old Lake Forest resident, began taking Alyna to physical and occupational therapy for treatment. But

Page 7

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

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 (adult or minor) poor choices. San Clemente Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella www.bilysc.org.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 Design Review Committee Meeting 4:30 p.m. The City’s Design Review Committee will meet at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 The next edition of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

when Alyna was about 2 years old, her therapists advised Tapia to look into hippotherapy at the J.F. Shea Riding Center.

With hippotherapy, disabled individuals ride horses with the help of physical therapists in order to strengthen their muscles and improve mobility and balance. The movement of the horse helps to engage the person’s “sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to achieve functional outcomes,” according to the American Hippotherapy Association.

Over the past 40 years that Shea has (Cont. on page 8) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 7) offered hippotherapy and therapeutic riding, it has become a model for similar equine programs throughout the world.

Additionally, Shea, which turned 40 this year, also offers other rehabilitative programs such as physical, occupational and speech therapy.

At the time Alyna first started coming to Shea, she had trouble holding her head up and couldn’t walk, Tapia recalled.

But in the six years since Alyna, now 8, began hippotherapy, her mother has seen a significant improvement with her daughter’s physical capabilities.

“We didn’t know what to do. We were kind of like lost before we got here,” Tapia said.

“When we came here, we saw the dramatic change,” she said. “It gave us hope, it gave us happiness, (and) it gave her freedom.”

Within about three months of riding at Shea, Alyna began to improve, Tapia said.

And now, Alyna can hold up her head and is able to walk short distances with the assistance of a walker.

For Alyna and many of the clients with physical and cognitive disabilities who receive treatment at the Shea Center, it’s all about making progress.

Alyna Tapia, 8, meets Santa Claus during her hippotherapy session at the J.F. Shea Riding Center on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Shea Facilities Manager Phil Dunn dressed as Santa as part of the center’s Rider Recognition Week, in which the children who receive treatment are given awards commemorating their progress over the latest rehabilitative session. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

As part of Shea’s Rider Recognition Week, center staff on Tuesday, Dec. 11, presented Alyna and her fellow riders with awards, highlighting their individual improvements made over the course of

the latest session. After receiving their awards, the children and their families got to meet with Santa for photos.

During the award ceremony, Janelle Robinson, Shea’s director of therapeutic

programs and Alyna’s trainer, said Alyna’s biggest areas of progress this past session were in her walking and mobility as well as being able to follow instructions and build a dialogue.

The children get really excited when they receive the awards because it gives them a sense of accomplishment, said Eileen Caldwell, Editor & Community Relations for Shea.

Besides being able to progress physically, Alyna’s hippotherapy treatment has helped her to relax whenever she’s feeling anxious.

“Alyna, sometimes she gets really frustrated because she can’t communicate because she’s non-verbal,” Tapia said.

“But with the horse, when she’s riding, she’s calm, she feels safe.”

Tapia added that seeing Alyna riding and progressing at Shea has made her happy as well.

“It makes me feel better all around. You see your daughter happy, and it’s like ‘oh, my God, this is wonderful,’ ” she said.

“And, of course, the environment – the environment of Shea just provides a lot of support, a lot of happiness.”

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

RECIPE INSIDE!

Bear Coast Coffee’s

Pear Cider

Indulge in the holiday spirit with this cozy beverage

A LOOK AT UPCOMING Festivals IN

2019

Exploring + the Coast with Electric Bikes

Go.See.Do

WELCOME TO

On the Cover

Go.See.Do There may be a slight chill in South Orange County air as the winter season is in full swing, but this corner of the world is just as beautiful when it’s frosty as when it’s warm – and there’s still plenty to do.

In our winter Go.See.Do, we’ll give you the rundown on some great locations to shop, dine and play.

For starters, learn about electric bike companies in San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and San Clemente and the products they make to help you navigate this beautiful landscape.

Next up, learn about nearby locations worth traveling to for snow and festive winter fun.

Looking for a place to dine but feel like you’ve tried everything? Not to worry – we’ve picked out a brand new South County restaurant and talked to the head chef there.

We’ll also provide information on places to get high-end gifts as well as gifts that don’t break the bank; a list of upcoming festivals; and a list of places to catch the big game in February.

We hope that if you’re scratching your head on how to make the most out of your winter months, this guide will be a great start.

Get in the spirit of the holidays with a cozy, warm beverage courtesy of Bear Coast Coffee.

Bear Coast Coffee’s

Pear Cider

This seasonal beverage is offered at both of Bear Coast’s locations:

10 Bartlett pears, sliced into quarters 12 cups water 3 cinnamon sticks 3 oz whole ginger 1 tbsp whole cloves 3/4 gallon of apple juice

DANA POINT • 34052 La Plaza #103, 949.388.1103 SAN CLEMENTE • 618 ½ Avenida Victoria, 949.482.0618 For more information, visit www.bearcoastcoffee.com.

Combine all and let simmer for two hours.

Strain and serve.

COVER AND ABOVE IMAGE BY JENNA ROSS

6 PLACES TO GET THOSE

Wintertime Feels

BY ALEX GROVES

W

hile Southern California can get a little chilly at times, it’s certainly nothing like the Northeast or Midwest, where temperatures plummet below freezing and snow is an actual occurrence. But just because it doesn’t feel like deep winter here doesn’t mean South County residents can’t make a day trip to find fun winter feels. From snowy mountainsides to ice skating rinks, there are plenty of places where people can get their cold fix, and we’ve compiled a list of them right here.

Mammoth Lakes

Idyllwild

Another popular locale for skiing and snowboarding is Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in Mammoth Lakes, California. With more than 150 named trails ranging from beginner level to advanced, the resort is one of the best for winter sports enthusiasts. Outside of the ski area, Mammoth Lakes boasts numerous dining options, including breweries, taverns and pizzerias.

This quaint little mountain town, nestled above Hemet in Riverside County, is a lesser-known but very picturesque location to enjoy the snowfalls. Idyllwild boasts several parks where families can get out and enjoy the snow that’s fallen on the ground. Idyllwild also has a charming downtown with various specialty shops, restaurants and coffee houses.

www.visitmammoth.com

www.idyllwild.com

Laguna Mountain Laguna Mountain is just a stone’s throw away in San Diego County, but it’s known for receiving plenty of snow regularly. There are several large areas throughout Mt. Laguna for sledding, as well as cross country skiing. Visitors can head to nearby Alpine for its gift and specialty shops and to Julian for a slice of pie from the well-known Julian Pie Company. www.fs.usda.gov

Big Bear Lake The picturesque town of Big Bear Lake in Los Angeles County is known for its snow and is frequented often by snow sporting enthusiasts. It’s home to Snow Summit Ski Resort, which offers 240 acres of terrain and 27 different trails for people of varying skill levels. There’s also Big Bear Snow Play, a location popular among families for inner tubing. www.bigbear.com

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Aliso Viejo Ice Palace

Take a trip to the desert to ride The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which travels over breathtaking vistas to reach the Mountain Station at Mt. San Jacinto State Park. It’s not unusual during the winter months to see the station – located more than 8,000 feet above sea level – blanketed in snow.

Also at the station is a natural history museum, a gift shop and hiking trails.

Granted, it never gets cold enough in Southern California to really do outdoor ice skating, but there are indoor ice rinks that offer a similar experience. Aliso Viejo Ice Palace boasts it is “The Coolest Place in Orange County.” There are public skating sessions most days of the week. The cost is $15 for admission and $4 for skate rentals.

1 Tram Way, Palm Springs.

888.515.8726. www.pstramway.com

9 Journey, Aliso Viejo.

949.643.9648. www.avicepalace.com

Go.See.Do

!

C r t c e l E It’s

Exploring the Coast with Electrically Powered Bikes

BY LILLIAN BOYD

D

anny Val fell in love with electric bicycles as soon as he rode one for the first time in San Diego.

Soon thereafter, he made a career change: the former account manager for a landscaping company decided he wanted to open a Pedego Electric Bikes location in Dana Point.

His first experience with an e-bike was December 2017. Val opened the Dana Point location in June and has now been helping others fall in love with the hobby as well.

“I loved it so much, and I wanted to be

able to share that enjoyment with others,” Val said. “Now I get to help people try out day rentals or choose their next e-bike investment.”

In the United States, electric bikes with throttles are permitted with certain regulations, whereas in Europe they are banned.

E-bikes are classified into three different categories: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on trails and do not exceed 20 miles per hour; Class 3 is illegal to use on trails since they exceed 28 miles per hour. “(These e-bikes) enable you to go further and longer than a regular bike,” Val said.

“You can pedal and still get a workout if you

want to.”

Pedal-assist systems sense the cyclist pedaling and provide assistance automatically without having to hold down the throttle—an ideal feature for people embarking on long rides with few stops. Val says this type of technology allows people who might otherwise be held back, such as grandparents, to keep up with their grandchildren on bikes and cover just as much ground.

Pedego offers a variety of customization, such as hub motors or mid drives. Hub motors deliver power without any extra gear shifting or wear on the drivetrain. Each Pedego bike with a hub motor includes a twist-and-go throttle. Most Pedegos sport a 500-watt hub motor with twice the power of a typical mid drive. Mid drives are best suited for capable cyclists who are comfortable shifting gears often. They also require additional maintenance because of the added wear.

As for battery options, it depends on whether the rider prefers to have it placed in the rear rack or evenly distributed with a lower center of gravity. Electric bikes have also been developed utilizing smartphone technology. Smartphone applications can show you your navigation, performance training, maintenance reminders and tech support.

“There are so many aspects to e-bikes that people can explore. It’s all about family, fun and fitness. It can be overwhelming when choosing what kind of e-bike is right for you, but that’s what I’m here for,” Val said. “People can test out which bikes they’re interested in and I can provide guidance.”

Val says that most of his customers using day rentals like to explore the Dana Point Harbor or venture between Capo Beach and San Clemente on the bike trail along Pacific Coast Highway. For more information on ebike technology and the local Pedego shop, visit www.pedegoelectricbikes.com.

Test Riding, Renting, or Purchasing Your E-Bike BUY MY BIKES INC 32302 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5611 www.buymybikes.com

CYCLEOGICAL 34102 La Plaza A, Dana Point, 949.542.4777 www.cycleogicalbikes.com

EZ GREEN BIKES 34193 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.2761 www.ez-green-bikes.business.site

MURF ELECTRIC BIKES 212 N El Camino Real Suite B, San Clemente, 949.245.0294 www.murfelectricbikes.com

PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES 34186 Pacific Coast Highway Suite A, Dana Point, 949.481.2044 www.pedegoelectricbikes.com

SAN CLEMENTE ELECTRIC BIKES AND RENTALS 2345 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.444.6421 www.sanclementebikesandrentals.com

URBAN BICYCLE OUTFITTERS 1900 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.5737 www.urbanbicycleoutfitters.com

“There are so many aspects to e-bikes that people can explore. It’s all about family, fun and fitness.” —Danny Val

2019 { F O s l a Festiv

Go.See.Do

BY ERIC HEINZ

The southern part of the county is ripe with events in your local communities and neighboring cities. Each presents visitors and residents with rich heritage and tradition, whether through food, exercise, sports, collections or other cultural significance. Here are some of the major events each of the three cities hosts each year.

Most of them have been around for decades.

SAN CLEMENTE

DANA POINT

SAN CLEMENTE

Panhe Festival

Boat Parade of Lights

Honoring the native cultures inhabiting South Orange County, Panhe is a celebration of the Acjachemen Nation and Juaneno Band of Mission Indians. It is an educational day for people of all ages to enjoy the entertainment, crafts and demonstrations.

Panhe is hosted by the San Onofre Parks Foundation and the United Coalition to Protect Panhe. The festival takes place the third or fourth Sunday in March at the San Mateo Campground.

The Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights has taken place each of the last 44 years, where dozens of the boats docked at the harbor parade around the waterways. Boats are covered in lights as they make their way. The event takes place the first two weekends in December.

San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival

www.sanonofreparksfoundation.org.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Fiesta de las Golondrinas The granddaddy of all San Juan Capistrano events—Fiesta de las Golondrinas. The massive Swallows Day Parade is the centerpiece of the Fiesta, but there are tons of supporting events.

There’s the “hanging” of the mayor, beard growing contest, Hoos’Gow Day—it’s a hootenanny of settlementera shenanigans. Check online for the latest updates of their events.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Mariachi Festival A throw-down like no other, the annual Battle of the Mariachis enlivens the atmosphere of the Mission San Juan Capistrano with its up-tempo tunes and colorful garb. Next year’s Battle of the Mariachis takes place May 18, 2019. www.missionsjc.com.

www.swallowsparade.com.

DANA POINT

Festival of Whales Back-to-back weekends celebrate the return of the gray whales, which typically migrate and pass near Dana Point waters during the weeks of mid-March.

Various whale watching excursions are available from local businesses, and there are many things to do at the arts and crafts fairs and children’s center.

Turkey Trot There’s reason to be thankful for the Turkey Trot in Dana Point. The annual 10K, 5K and children’s races take place on the holiday each year early in the morning around Dana Point Harbor.

Registration is already available for the 2019 Dana Point Turkey Trot.

Vintage Food and Wine Festival

SAN CLEMENTE

Classic Car Show

Attendees are treated to some of the best California has to offer in food and wine. The next Food and Wine Festival takes place Oct. 5, 2019, at the Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Hundreds of vehicles are lined up and down the streets of Avenida Del Mar. Vehicles of nearly all makes and models are displayed and meticulously polished by the owners. The Classic Car Show takes place the third Saturday in June.

www.vintagesjc.com.

www.villagesanclemente.org.

DANA POINT

Doheny Blues, Ohana Festival, Driftwood Festival

www.ohanafest.com. www.driftwoodfest.com. www.dohenybluesfestival.com.

SAN CLEMENTE

Ocean Festival SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

www.scchamber.com.

Dana Point is on its way to becoming the concert capital of South Orange County. Its main three festivals— Doheny Blues, Ohana Festival and Driftwood—pack their respective venues with performances from multiple genres. Check for specific dates during the summer online for each of the festivals.

DANA POINT

www.turkeytrot.com.

Start off with the spicy salsa competition and complete the entire day by listening to dozens of bands perform during the biggest street party of the year in San Clemente. The Fiesta is possibly the oldest tradition in the city that’s still heavily attended. It started as a day for musicians to gather downtown more than 60 years ago and has grown each year. The San Clemente Fiesta takes place the second Sunday in August along Avenida Del Mar.

The Greatest Show on Surf. Ocean Festival has been drawing athletes from all over the nation and world for decades. The festival started with local lifeguards who brought it to the city to test their skills against one another. It has since then swelled to the perennial pantheon of sea-faring competitors.

Ocean Festival takes place the second or third weekend of July at the San Clemente Pier.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

RMV Rodeo This is a major stop for professional bull riders and other rodeo competitors.

The prize of winning in these competitions is a trip to a national tournament in Las Vegas, so there’s incentive for the athletes to give it their best. The 2019 Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo dates will be announced online. www.rmvrodeo.com.

Go.See.Do

DINING ANEW IN

FIG 313 Restaurant opens along San Clemente’s El Camino Real

BY ERIC HEINZ

O

wners of Fig 313, Gosia Napiorkowska Dahabreh and Gus Dahabreh, have the best problem you could ask for—customers who stay well past the end of their meal. “We’ve had people coming at 5 p.m. and leaving at 9 p.m.,” said Gosia. Since opening on Aug. 21, the owners said they have had a packed house each night.

Fig 313 is housed in a historic building that was constructed in 1929.

It has been many businesses since that time, including an old waffle business, a French restaurant, a furniture store and many other ventures.

Gus Dahabreh and Gosia Napiorkowska Dahabreh. Photos: Tracy Wilson

“Maybe 10 or 15 years ago, we saw the building and thought it would be so beautiful,” Gosia said. “When our agent called, saying they had a building available, this was the one she had in mind. It was like fate.”

Gosia is from Poland originally and Gus is from Jordan. They met while in college.

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining facilities as well as a private room for parties.

The restaurant owners described the food as part of the “new-American” culinary experience, cooking up dishes from Europe and influenced by traditional American dishes. They have a mouth-watering burger that has been altered with the restaurant’s main feature—figs.

“We wanted to incorporate figs into the menu because it’s one of the favorite fruits,” Gosia said. “We have dried figs, fig salad and we have homemade fig jam that we’re putting on a burger.”

Cornish hen is the prized dish at Fig 313, but due to its demand, it is not always available. The owners said they want to make sure it is as fresh as possible. Even the ketchup has a little twist on it, as the chef adds nutmeg and some other ingredients to make the taste pop.

There are also cocktails that feature figs, which even inspired the coloring of the walls and décor of the restaurant.

“We’re thinking of changing the menu twice a year for spring/summer and winter/fall selections. We’ll definitely play around with it a little bit more because you can’t have figs in every single dish. They’re not everyone’s favorite. But they’re so easy

to plate and have a great color,” Gosia said.

“So far, we’ve enjoyed serving people, and the warm welcome motivates us to do better,” Gus said. “We are already thinking about holiday menus, brunch, and it’s exciting.”

Currently, Fig 313 is only serving dinner, but that’s likely to change in the near future.

“We’re excited about the food and the customers, the kinds of people we’ve had here,” Gus said. “We’re meeting a lot of new friends.”

The owners also own an Italian restaurant in Huntington Beach, but they wanted to try something new in the Spanish village by the sea.

As fine dining continues to grow in San Clemente, the owners of Fig 313 aren’t worried about their counterparts edging them out.

“We don’t look at it as a competition; we just want to express ourselves and do what makes us happy,” Gosia said.

The chef at Fig 313 is having his own debut in the executive role. “It’s been great so far,” said executive chef Matthew Sirjani. “We’ve got a great staff, and they’ve got a great attitude and are willing to learn.

(Figs) are a very versatile ingredient, so it’s not that hard to work with.

There’s a lot of stuff you can do with them.”

Since speaking with the owners of Fig 313, the restaurant has developed a fall and winter Fig 313 | 313 N. seasonal menu available now, and the private El Camino Real, dining room is available for small holiday gatherSan Clemente ings. There will be a New Year’s Eve special menu 949.218.4406 to be announced soon. Reservations are also now www.fig313.com available by calling the restaurant. Fig 313 is open nightly from 5-10 p.m.

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letter from the Publisher: Welcome Our New City Reporter

BY NORB GARRETT, OWNER AND PUBLISHER OF PICKET FENCE MEDIA

T

he community of San Juan Capistrano is unique and complex. With a rich history dating back before statehood, San Juan Capistrano offers residents and visitors alike a diverse and vibrant culture. Covering this amazing community is something we take very seriously here at The Capistrano Dispatch, which was founded on Aug. 22, 2002 by Jonathan Volzke, who set a high bar for quality, passionate journalism. With aims of continuing that tradition while also helping expand our coverage to Rancho Mission Viejo, I’m excited to introduce our newest city reporter, Shawn Raymundo.

A native Southern Californian, Shawn joins us after having spent three years in Guam writing for The Pacific Daily News, a Gannett newspaper. His primary beat was government and politics, which will serve him well here in the ever-colorful political climate in San Juan Capistrano. While at Arizona State University, PUBLISHER Shawn had the police beat.

Norb Garrett He recently moved to the area and will be an immediate fixture at all of the city council meetings, city events and happenings.

Please join me in welcoming Shawn, and

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

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

Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com DISTRIBUTION

feel free to reach out to him at sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com or on his desk line at 949.388.7700, ext. 108.

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin

by Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

Hallmark Achievements from 2018

signed a long term partnership with Dana Point Harbor Partners. As revitalization continues and more construction begins, the places we enjoy at the Harbor will remain open for business and ready for the next chapter in Dana Point.

The I-5 South County Improvement Project Completion

hat a year it has been! I am grateful for every year you give me the opportunity to serve you in the fifth district. 2018 has been full of wonderful opportunities for South County, which have led to many successes along the way.

Our communities are growing and becoming more beautiful each year. With the year coming to a close, I wanted to highlight some of the special projects that make our lives in South County more efficient and enjoyable.

One of my main priorities has always been THE BARTLETT to increase regional BULLETIN mobility. After numerBy Lisa Bartlett ous years of planning and construction, the I-5 South County improvement has finally been completed.

The project has increased access to I-5, decreased traffic and, most importantly, the road is safer. With nearly a quarter of a million individuals driving this stretch of the I-5 each day, these improvements will surely help make a difference.

Dana Point Harbor Revitalization

South County Trolley System

W

The Dana Point Harbor is very near and dear to my heart. It is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable places our county and state have to offer. Unfortunately, anyone who has been to the harbor knows that it has seen better days, and reinvestment in our beloved community asset is absolutely necessary. This year, we were able to take a giant leap forward in revitalization, as we concluded negotiations and

South County residents have had the great opportunity to enjoy the trolley systems. The trolley systems running throughout South County cities help connect people to popular destinations.

As chairwoman of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), it is a priority of mine to make it easier, safer and more cost-effective for every OC resident to access all of the great local

attractions the area has to offer, and the trolley system is doing just that.

We are so fortunate to live in such a thriving and welcoming community.

Each of our cities and surrounding areas have offered so many wonderful holiday events that benefit and support fun for all those in our community. From photos with Santa and holiday-lights boat parades to food and toy drives for those in need, our community truly comes together for a greater cause this season, and I am honored to be part of such giving. There is still more to these next few days as well. Be sure to check out the Dana Point Harbor’s “A Western Wonderland” Holiday Light Festival activities every night until Jan. 3. In addition, Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts a nightly “Capistrano Lights” tree lighting and music program until Jan. 6, and on Dec. 22, OC Animal Care hosts its “Pawliday,” with free pet adoptions!

I wish all of you a safe and wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Lisa Bartlett is the Orange County supervisor for the fifth district. She was elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018.

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

Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Shawn Raymundo

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith

City Reporter, DP Times > Lillian Boyd

Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex

City 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. 16, Issue 24. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

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

Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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The Capistrano Dispatch December 21, 2018-January 10, 2019

Page 18

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED-RDA/RDAEF We have a beautiful, modern office, a wonderful patient population, an enthusiastic team and a sincere periodontist dedication to quality care. Three to four days a week, possible leading to full-time.

Previous dental experience, a great attitude and strong work ethic are our first priority. Bilingual is a plus!Please send resume and a paragraph about yourself to: southcountyperio@aol.com

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

Submit your info online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano area? *2.1 readership per 11,500 copies distributed

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch. Call us today!

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email dwells@picketfencemedia.com

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan Capistrano area?

949.388.7700 ext. 104 The Capistrano Dispatch December 21, 2018-January 10, 2019

Page 19

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Ben is Back’ Is Vintage Holiday Dysfunction

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 | 22 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. The car show attracts hundreds of car enthusiasts each week. No registration is required and spectators are welcome. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. www.southoccarsandcoffee.com.

UGLY SWEATER SATURDAY 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Wear your finest ugly Christmas sweater and receive a small, sweet treat with the purchase of a meal at Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant. 34664 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

949.661.1005. www.originalolamendis.com.

Sunday | 23 GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike in the beautiful Bell Canyon area of Caspers Wilderness Park. Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, plants and artisanal goods from organic growers along the north side of Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org.

YOGA ON TAP SERIES 11 a.m.-Noon. Get to know your fellow yogis and beer drinkers at Yoga on Tap. $10 for an hour of yoga and a pint of beer.

Left Coast Brewing Co., 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.2699. www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

Monday | 24 MASSES FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF CHRISTMAS EVE 4 p.m. The Mission Basilica will hold Christmas Eve Mass and will be followed by a Spanish service at 7 p.m. At 10 p.m. there will be a Pre-Service Concert,

EDITOR’S PICK

Photo: Mark Schafer/Lionsgate Films

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Photo: File

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26: 9TH ANNUAL ELF CRAWL The Annual Elf Crawl returns again this year with a twist. Purchase an Inaugural SJC Chamber Elf Crawl Cup and receive Elf Specials at participating locations. Most locations will be dog- and kid-friendly. Elf Crawl Cups, which can be purchased online or at El Adobe de Capistrano or Swallows Inn after Dec. 21, are $5. The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce is heading up the event. A full list of participating vendors can be found at the Chamber website. www.sanjuanchamber.com.

followed by the Festive Vigil Mass at 10:30 p.m. A Latin Mass service will held at midnight in the Serra Chapel. 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1360. www.missionparish.org.

www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Monday | 31

Tuesday | 25 CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES 7:30 a.m. Mission Basilica will hold Christmas Day Masses at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. A Latin Mass service will held in the Serra Chapel at 8 a.m. and Spanish Mass service will be held at 1 p.m. in the Basilica. 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1360. www.missionparish.org.

Saturday | 29 A ROMANTIC HOLIDAY EVENING WITH ‘FRANK SINATRA’ 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse will host a special holiday tribute to Frank Sinatra, starring the award-winning jazz vocalist Tony Gil, accompanied by the Ron Kobayashi Quintet. Vocalist Bella Gil will be a special guest. Tickets are $30 for Cabaret Table seating and $25 for Mezzanine seating.

The performance will held in Playhouse’s Stage II Theatre at 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 21, 2018-January 10, 2019

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2018 BY SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 8 p.m. Ring in the New Year at the San Juan Hills Golf Club with the local favorite, Family Style. Doors open at 8 p.m.; the band will play from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Enjoy complimentary tapas, appetizer stations, midnight munchies and West Coast champagne toast. General admission tickets are $80 and $100 for premium admission. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. www.sanjuanhillsgolf. com/calendar/new-years-eve.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY WITH THE JIMI NELSON BAND 7 p.m.-1 a.m. The Swallow’s Inn will ring in the New Year with the Jimi Nelson Band.

Presale tickets are $20 and $25 at the door.

31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE MASS 7 a.m. Mission Basilica will hold New Year’s Eve Masses in the Serra Chapel at 7 a.m. and the Basilica at 8:30 a.m. 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1360. www.missionparish.org.

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elebrity family members working together can be a marketing gold mine for press tours and trivia nuts. Anjelica Huston won Best Supporting Actress in her father John’s film, Prizzi’s Honor (1985); Talia Shire played Connie Corleone in her brother Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather trilogy (1972-90); Henry and Bridget Fonda co-starred in On Golden Pond (1981), etc. Most recently, writer-director Peter Hedges and his actor son, Lucas, collaborate on the family drama, Ben is Back.

In the suburbs of New York, Ben Burns (L. Hedges) surprises his family by returning home Christmas Eve morning. Teenage Ben has spent the past six months in rehab for addiction to painkillers and heroin, and no one is more excited to see him than his mother, Holly (Julia Roberts). His stepfather, Neal (Courtney B. Vance), and sister, Ivy (Kathryn Newton), are skeptical, as Ben technically hasn’t fully completed his recovery yet.

What happens to the family for the next 24 hours will test their trust and safety with Ben. Peter Hedges is no stranger to family dysfunction, as he previously covered in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), Pieces of April (2003) and Dan in Real Life (2007). Here he is at his most intense with the serious topic of teen drug addiction at the center of Ben is Back. Lucas’ personal connection to his director doesn’t hold back his performance, fortunately, and Roberts shows she still has it as a lead. Ben is Back isn’t exactly a feelgood film for the holidays, but film fans will appreciate it. If there is one thing to nitpick, it’s that the mother and daughter being named Holly and Ivy is a little corny. CD

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Turning Our Phones into a Device of Meditation

A

s we say goodbye to 2018, we’re excited with all the possibilities of the New Year, filled with hope and promise. With our resolutions in hand, we will strive for ways to make our lives happier, healthier and more manageable this coming year. We will go all out for the latest phone apps, books, social media influencer, health club or weight loss center to help us make our resolutions come true, once and for all. As we all have experienced, our best intentions with our resolutions fail within the first month—possibly because of the fact that we just have too many resolutions we’re wanting to change all at once. Or we lose sight of our goals, not really having a plan, or get distracted with the demands of life, letting the New Year resolutions dissolve. Whatever the case may be, change is not easy. Habits are just that—habits. But with the help of practicing daily mindful meditation, a new you will emerge.

What is mindfulness, you ask? Mindfulness is being in the moment. The dictionary defines it as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.” Resolutions and mindfulness; focus on creating one new habit. Remember, it’s a process, not perfection.

One such mindful moment is captured in nature. Meditation in the garden begins my focus for peace and relaxation. Nature has a way to calm, slow your breath, clear your mind and reduce stress while grounding you for the day. You can be mindful right

where you are. One way to begin practicing mindfulness is in nature. Go out and take a walk in a park, turn off your mental list of to-do’s and demands of the day and focus on the sights, sounds, smells and details of your walk. Give your senses your fullest attention. As you prepare for your walk, clear your thoughts, take a few deep breaths, move your arms back and forth and roll your head around. Grab some water and go! Feel your body start to relax, look around and observe your surroundings; as you walk the path, see what you discover in the environment: flowers in bloom, a crooked branch, DIRT THERAPY birds singing in the tree,

By Marrianne Taylor the warm sunlight on your skin or shadows on the ground. You might hear laughter from children playing. Look with “bare awareness.” Take a breath and focus on what scents you’re taking in. Being fully engaged in all your senses draws attention into the moment and releases our mental noise, bringing a fresh aliveness and wonder into our day.

Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens is offering a free class in mindfulness through capturing our observations with a click on our smart-phone camera. Let’s see how we can turn our device of distraction into a mode of meditation. Connecting in nature and finding mindfulness through photography expands our senses while exploring the wonder and awe of a garden, giving us greater opportunities to discover ourselves.

Pet of the Week: Maggie

The Capistrano Dispatch regularly publishes historical photos as part of our From the Archives feature in print and online. 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.

Start your New Year’s resolution with a morning of mindfulness practice on Saturday January 5, 2019 at the Los Rios Park from 10-11 a.m. Discover the beauty of a winter garden, watch for budding bulbs thrusting up from the earth, smell the invigorating sages, feel the spines of the aloe vera plant, hear the rustling of the sycamore leaves under your feet and capture the experiences in your mind and on your camera phone. We will walk and talk while we’re practicing our mindfulness together.

Class is free. Materials: Bring a smart phone. Sign up at info@goinnative.net.

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 Last week’s solution:

our-year-old Maggie had quite the life upheaval when her owner moved away without her. Though she can be a bit shy, Maggie doesn’t mind being petted. She is used to being the only cat, but does well in the company of calm and friendly cats. Maggie would do best in a quiet home, where she can finally settle in for good. If you would like to know more about Maggie, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at Maggie. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point 949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. CD Animal Shelter The Capistrano Dispatch December 21, 2018-January 10, 2019

FROM THE ARCHIVES Orange County Supervisor Ronald Caspers at Starr Viejo Regional Park, circa 1973. Starr Viejo Park was later renamed in honor of Supervisor Caspers, who was lost at sea during a storm off the coast of Mexico.

Sudoku

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Archives

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

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

San Juan Capistrano Sports Year in Review

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

n local, county, state, national and international levels, San Juan Capistrano athletes made their mark in a wide variety of sports. San Juan Capistrano added new champions and professionals to its ranks in a memorable year.

Here is a look back at some of the best San Juan Capistrano sports moments of 2018:

JANUARY Eight SJC Players Shine in Football All-Star Game San Juan Hills’ Isaiah Grover, Jackson Swift and Gabe Martinez; JSerra’s Al Fisher, Eli Jefferson and Tristan West; and Capistrano Valley Christian’s Colin Thornton all contributed for the South County All-Stars in a win over the North, 30-27, in the Orange County All-Star Classic.

FEBRUARY Thirty Student-Athletes Honored on National Signing Day JSerra led the way with 14 college signees on National Signing Day. San Juan Hills and St. Margaret’s were not far behind with nine student-athletes signed, and Saddleback Valley Christian added three signees.

San Juan Hills Hires Rob Frith as Football Coach Frith took over the reins of the Stallions football program after seven-year head coach Aaron Flowers resigned. In the fall, the Stallions won their first league title since 2013, only their second in school history.

MARCH JSerra Girls Soccer Wins Back-to-Back CIF-SS Titles The Lions avenged their loss in Trinity League play with a win over Santa Margarita, 1-0, to clinch their second consecutive CIF-SS title. Isabella D’Aquila scored the goal, and goalkeeper Ryan Campbell posted the shutout.

APRIL Dante Pettis Selected in NFL Draft JSerra alum Dante Pettis was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second

Clockwise from left. JSerra alum Dante Pettis was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the NFL Draft. Pettis was the first JSerra graduate ever selected in the NFL Draft. Photo: San Francisco 49ers. Isabella D’Aquila (10) was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year as she led the JSerra girls soccer team to back-to-back CIF-SS Division 1 championships. Photo: Jerry Soifer. The St. Margaret’s boys and girls lacrosse teams swept the Orange County Championships, and the Tartans girls won the CIF-SS championship. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

round of the NFL Draft. Pettis, a wide receiver from the University of Washington, was the first JSerra alum ever selected in the NFL Draft.

MAY St. Margaret’s Sweeps County Lacrosse Titles The Tartans boys and girls lacrosse teams completed the Orange County double when the St. Margaret’s boys defeated Foothill, 12-11 in double overtime, and the St. Margaret’s girls beat Mater Dei, 14-8. The Tartans girls also went on to win the CIF-SS title.

JUNE Isabella D’Aquila Named National Player of the Year The JSerra girls soccer forward scored 39 goals and added 15 assists in her junior season and was recognized as the Gatorade California State Player of the Year and National Player of the Year. D’Aquila is a senior committed to Santa Clara and also played with the USA U17 national team this summer.

JULY 949 Volleyball Club Wins Two Golds at Junior Nationals The boys 18-and-under and 13-and-under teams in the San Juan Capistrano-based 949 Volleyball Club dominated their way to championships at the Junior Nationals in Phoenix. The 18U team became the first

The Capistrano Dispatch December 21, 2018-January 10, 2019

club to win four straight golds in progressive age groups, and the 13U team went a perfect 9-0 with seven sweeps.

AUGUST Cody Schrier Earns MVP at 15U Baseball World Cup JSerra sophomore Cody Schrier was named tournament MVP and earned awards for most runs scored and highest batting average for Team USA at the 15U WBSC World Cup in Panama on Aug. 20.

SEPTEMBER Dante Pettis Scores in NFL Debut Pettis scored his first NFL touchdown on his first NFL catch in his first NFL game as the 49ers took on the Vikings in Minnesota. Pettis made two receptions for 61 yards as San Francisco lost, 24-16.

OCTOBER CVC Football Wins First 11-Man League Title Since 2000 The Capistrano Valley Christian football team went undefeated in the Academy League (4-0) to clinch its first league title since its 2010 eight-man Express League title and first 11-man league title since 2000. The Eagles’ high-scoring offense led the team to a 9-2 record on the season.

NOVEMBER St. Margaret’s Sweeps

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CIF-SS Cross Country Titles The Tartans boys and girls cross country teams both ran to Division 5 titles in Riverside on Nov. 17. It was the first-ever sweep for the program and the first girls title in school history. Jackson Adelman won the individual Division 5 title for the boys team, which went on to win the State Division 5 title the next weekend in Fresno.

Anthony Grover Wins Back-to-Back State Titles JSerra’s Grover, a junior, defended his State cross country title with a repeat win for the State Division 4 individual championship.

Grover ran a time of 15:21 to beat the field.

Cameron Steele Wins Baja 1000 After 47 years of family racing in Baja California, Steele won his and his family’s first Baja 100. Steele, who is based out of Baja HQ in San Juan Capistrano, won the prestigious desert off-road race in a time of 16 hours, 24 minutes and two seconds.

DECEMBER San Juan Hills, JSerra Football Sign Seven to Colleges Sean Rhyan of San Juan Hills, No. 1 lineman in California, signed with UCLA, and JSerra’s leading receiver, Munir McClain, signed with USC to highlight the early period National Signing Day on Dec. 19. San Juan Hills’ Case Ostrom and JSerra teammates Caden Bell, Etu Moala, Calvin Mouisset, Shawn Nielsen and Grant Ristoff also signed. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com