January 27, 2017

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

Taste of San Juan Returns Feb. 9 PAGE 8 FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 9, 2017 • VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2

Rock ‘n’ Roll Rising Los Rios Rock School teaches kids the language of music E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

From left, Julia Lane, of Laguna Niguel, Jordan McFadden, of Dana Point, and Matt Murphy, of Laguna Niguel, perform during the Los Rios Rock School’s performance of Queen’s “A Day at the Races” at the Coach House last summer. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Storm Damage Leaves Ortega Highway Closed Indefinitely EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Rotary Car Show Rolls into Town Feb. 4 SJC LIVING/PAGE 11

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Top-Ranked JSerra Girls Soccer Racing to the Finish SPORTS/PAGE 14

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING their CUP application, it will need to be approved by the Planning Commission at a public hearing. Green said since the building façade changes have already received staff approval, the project does not need to be reviewed by any other city commissions.

As with other projects, the Planning Commission’s decision is final, unless the approval is appealed to the City Council.—AJ

Councilman Replaces Mayor on TCA Board

Heavy storms on Jan. 20 knocked down several trees throughout San Juan, causing street closures and traffic jams. Photo: Courtesy of San Juan Capistrano Police Services

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Storm Damage Leaves Ortega Highway Closed Indefinitely THE LATEST: Heavy rain and strong winds wreaked havoc on San Juan last weekend, with the most recent damage causing an indefinite closure of Ortega Highway.

The California Department of Transportation announced an emergency closure of Ortega Highway Wednesday afternoon due to damage caused by the heavy rainfall.

Caltrans spokeswoman Jocelyn Whitfield said maintenance crews had been vigilantly checking Ortega Highway after the heavy rains and noticed a “dip” in the road on Wednesday morning, about 1.5 miles east of Antonio Parkway. As crews monitored the dip, the “pavement began to crack” and a flagging operation was conducted to assess what was going on underneath the pavement.

Caltrans geotechnical engineers were set go back out Thursday morning to further assess the issue and determine what kind of repair is needed before bringing in an emergency construction crew to begin excavating underneath the pavement. Whitfield said the issue could be that a culvert, about 24 inches in diameter, has collapsed. In that case, crews would remove the pavement and dig out the drainage structure to assess the damage.

Whitfield said it would be premature to give an estimate of the length of the The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

closure, as crews are still assessing the situation. It could be less than two weeks, or longer than three weeks—only time and analysis will tell.

“We do not know the length of the closure at this time until a full assessment can be determined, however, all motorists should plan to use alternate routes until further notice,” Whitfield said. “Signs will be posted to alert motorists of activity.”

WHAT’S NEXT: For continuous updates on the closure, follow Caltrans District 12’s Facebook page @CaltransD12 or Twitter account @Caltrans12, contact the District 12 public information office at 657.328.6000, or visit www.dot.ca.gov/ d12/index.html.

FIND OUT MORE: For a full story on storms’ impacts on the city’s infrastructure, visit www.thecapistranodispatch. com. —Allison Jarrell

Trader Joe’s Coming to Former Big Lots Location THE LATEST: City officials confirmed this week that Trader Joe’s has received administrative planning approval to open in the former Big Lots space at 32151 Camino Capistrano.

Trader Joe’s applied in December to modify the existing commercial storefront and install cart corrals. Assistant City Manager Jacob Green said the store can now submit (building and safety) plans in order to obtain their tenant improvement permit.

The city was also notified two weeks ago by ABC that Trader Joe’s has applied for a license for off-site sales of alcohol, which Green said requires a conditional use permit (CUP) issued by the city’s Planning Commission.

WHAT’S NEXT: Once Trader Joe’s submits

THE LATEST: Despite her wish to serve another year on the Transportation Corridor Agencies board, Mayor Kerry Ferguson lost her TCA seat to District 5 Councilman Brian Maryott in a unanimous vote of the City Council on Jan. 12.

Only time will tell what that shift in representation means for San Juan Capistrano. Maryott told the Council that he offers a “fresh approach” on some of the region’s high-stakes transportation issues.

The City Council made all of its appointments to outside agencies during the Jan. 12 meeting and selected which Council members will represent the city on various boards and committees. That included the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA)— a Joint Powers Authority that was formed in 1986 to design, finance, construct and operate the three toll roads in Orange County.

Most of the appointments went fairly quickly and with little fanfare. However, things became noticeably tense when Councilman Maryott threw his hat in the ring for San Juan’s seat on the TCA. “However it’s come about, we have a situation now where the Toll Road—the arrow is aiming right over our hillside, through the city, in through District 5,” Maryott said, referring to potential plans for the 241 Toll Road. “It may be very, very remote, but it’s currently in print. We didn’t get here completely accidentally. I think our representation and our total collaboration with the TCA has not been successful. That’s not in criticism of anyone’s efforts with it, it’s just an observation.”

While serving on the TCA board, Ferguson voted against the TCA agreement that contributed to the situation Maryott referenced—the settlement prevents toll roads from being constructed through San Onofre State Beach, the Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy and San Mateo Watershed.

Ferguson said she and San Clemente Councilwoman Kathy Ward, who also voted against the agreement, knew the settlement would “put undue pressure” on their communities to accept the road in their region.

“If you’re talking about whether I am capable of representing our city and representing the needs of your constituents, as well as the other constituents in our city, I really beg to differ with you, and I would have to say that your comments are not

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based in fact,” Ferguson said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Former mayor Pam Patterson recommended Maryott for the position, and he was voted in unanimously.

Council members will serve on their designated boards over the next year.—AJ

Rep. Issa Introduces Sober Living Regulation Bill THE LATEST: California Rep. Darrell Issa, who represents the 49th congressional district, including San Juan Capistrano, introduced a bill on Jan. 12 that would amend the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to regulate sober living homes, residences that provide treatment for people with drug and alcohol addictions.

The bill arose from local discussions in Issa’s district after people insisted legislation needed to be done, and claiming that these residences have caused a nuisance in their neighborhoods for years.

WHAT’S NEXT: The bill’s summary is still being put together for public view, according to the U.S. Congressional website, but based on Issa’s local meetings, the law will likely contain text requiring operators of sober living homes to obtain a license, have permanent staff members on site at all times and adhere to other requirements. So far, five California Republican members of congress have co-sponsored the bill along with one Massachusetts Democratic congressman. —Eric Heinz

Homeless Point-in-Time Count on Saturday THE LATEST: Homeless population numbers are counted every two years in Orange County, and on Saturday, Jan. 28, volunteers will join in an effort to do the count again.

The Point-in-Time Count is a process in which volunteers go around town in the early morning and count the number of homeless people who are “chronically” living on the streets.

The count helps meet Housing and Urban Development requirements for Continuum of Care (COC) homeless programs.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Point-in-Count study takes place 4:30-9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 beginning at Family Assistance Ministries headquarters, located at 1030 Calle Negocio in San Clemente.

The South County deployment centers will be Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente and Families Forward in Irvine.

For more information and to register, visit www.pointintimeoc.org or email pointintime@211oc.org.—EH www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Rock ‘n’ Roll Rising

showed so much promise and learned so fast and it was so much fun. And I thought, this is what I’m supposed to do.”

Los Rios Rock School teaches local kids the language of music PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

orget what you know about Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours.

The band’s critically acclaimed eleventh album, which was largely recorded in California, is getting a serious makeover in the heart of San Juan Capistrano. And I’m here to tell you—these young musicians aren’t messing around.

On a recent Saturday morning, a group of students gathered for a rehearsal in the lobby of the Los Rios Rock School, tucked back in an unassuming business plaza off Del Obispo Street. There’s one instructor and 20 or so kids. And although I’ve been witness to some of the astounding performances these students have put on in the past, I didn’t know what to expect.

From the first seconds of Buckingham’s “Second Hand News” to the last haunting notes of “Gold Dust Woman,” I was stunned.

Did the songs have that much energy on the original record?

The airy harmonies in “Dreams” and “The Chain” will give you goosebumps.

Fifteen-year-old Seth Whiteaker, of Laguna Hills, made the acoustic guitar picking in “Never Going Back Again” look like a breeze. And I certainly wasn’t prepared for the sophisticated crooning of 14-year-old Austin Jenner, of Dana Point, during his rendition of “Songbird.”

Instructor Justin Norman rocked out with the students for most of the songs, adding minor critiques here and there, but mainly looking like a guitarist who was thoroughly enjoying a Saturday morning jam session.

“They’re good right?” Norman said with a grin as he jumped off the stage.

Good is an understatement.

The young rockers I watched are just one group of the nearly 200 students from all over South Orange County who are pursuing their dreams with the guidance of expert instructors at Los Rios Rock School.

The students make it look easy, but growing this miniature music empire in San Juan has been no simple feat. Rock school founder and co-owner Tyler Marolf will tell you that it took a lot of sacrifice from him and his wife, Melissa. It took drive, persistence and the ability to turn connections into a dream team of professional musicians.

During a time of financial uncertainty, the Marolfs put everything they had into the school, and the risk paid off.

Perhaps Stevie Nicks summed it up best—thunder only happens when it’s raining.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

Logan Seifres, 18, of Coto de Caza, practices the bass part of “Stray Cat Strut” with instructor Justin Norman.

Learning the Language Los Rios Rock School officially opened its doors off of Paseo Adelanto in 2012 with what can only be described as the most rock and roll ribbon cutting San Juan has ever seen. Since then, the school has grown from one student and Marolf as the sole instructor, to nine faculty members and nearly 200 students from across South Orange County.

Students enrolled in the private, tuitionbased school have access to weekly hourlong private lessons, professional gear, group rehearsals, and can audition to be a part of the school’s live shows. The young musicians can also learn about songwriting, recording and even take AP music theory courses.

Marolf said since its inception, students have performed more than 1,000 songs, and most kids stay for an average of three and a half years. Patrons of the Coach House or the House of Blues may have noticed that the rock school often has weekend-long performances at such venues, pulling crowds just as large as national acts. Advanced groups get to perform songs of their choosing during shows, and recently the school has started performing classic rock albums from start to finish, including The Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” Queen’s “A Day at the Races,” and coming up next month: Fleetwood Mac and Van Halen.

“I had no idea it would get this big, or that the culture was going to exceed any one of its parts,” Marolf said. “I thought I

Tyler Marolf, founder and co-owner of Los Rios Rock School, at his home in the Los Rios Historic District.

A Dream on Los Rios Street It’s been said that music is energy. If that’s true, then Marolf has enough music in him to power at least 10 rock schools.

The 41-year-old musician-turned-entrepreneur of Los Rios Rock School has an infectious optimism and passion for all things music. Talk to Marolf for a few minutes, and you’ll find yourself wanting to pick up the nearest instrument and give it a go.

A native Iowan, Marolf moved to San Juan Capistrano in 1988. He went to Marco Forster Middle School, and grew up not too far from where he and his family live now, in the Los Rios Historic District.

After moving away for a bit, Marolf has called San Juan home since 2005, and it was only a few years later that he decided to take a chance and pursue music as a profession. Marolf, his friend, drummer Chris Bates, and a couple other musicians started up a band—The In Between.

Marolf said the move to pursue music came after the recession hit. He had been in the mortgage industry and made the decision to live off of savings for a bit while writing an album. He said his band had decent success, but not enough, and he wanted to find a way to stay in the music business. And he really wanted to write a second album.

So in 2010, he obtained an in-home business license and took on his first music student, drummer Mary LeBlanc—who, Marolf noted, is still a part of the school and now a professional drummer. The rock school gained momentum, growing quickly in Marolf’s Lobo Street home over the following 18 months. The lessons and rehearsals didn’t always sit well with some neighbors, Marolf noted.

“All I was trying to do was write a second album. And I haven’t written it yet. It’s been seven years,” he laughed. “The kids

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Cheyenne Payne, 12, of San Juan Capistrano, sings “Skyfall” with instructor Erin Blagdon on piano.

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EYE ON SJC

Sean Fitzgerald, 16, of Laguna Niguel, rehearses a song from Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours on a recent Saturday. Photo: Allison Jarrell

was going to be teaching 30 students until I died!”

Rather than teaching nonstop and running the school for 70+ hours a week, it was Marolf’s bandmate and rock school co-owner Chris Bates, who convinced him to start delegating responsibilities. Marolf brought on a team of professional musicians, all of whom have degrees in music and can play multiple instruments.

Last summer, the rock school became Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited with guidance from curriculum director Dr. Clint Haycraft. Earlier this month, Marolf signed the school’s very first transcript.

Haycraft teaches music theory and songwriting, as well as individual lessons, and said the school is continuing to make positive strides in the way of curriculum, including corresponding with the Capistrano Unified School District and working on getting their classes to count for school credit.

“My hope is that these kids come here, and they have a great experience playing on stage and getting to know each other, but that they also take something with them,” Haycraft said. “That they don’t just leave here and say, ‘That was really fun playing those covers at the rock school.’ I want them to say, ‘Okay, now I’ll be able to do music for the rest of my life.’”

Spencer Askin, the school’s program director, said hiring passionate musicians has been especially important to him durThe Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

ing his five-year tenure at the school. Askin is currently recording in the studio with his own band, in addition to teaching students a variety of instruments. He said all of the school’s teachers can often be found in the studio or gigging around town.

“Growing up and taking guitar and voice lessons, I learned from some amazing teachers, but I also saw some teachers who don’t have that fire, they’re not actively pursuing music,” Askin said. “Students who want to be musicians themselves get really inspired when they see their teachers and their mentors doing what they want to be doing.”

The passion and experience that Haycraft, Askin, and all of the school’s teachers utilize during their lessons seems to be paying off, according to 17-year-old singer Sophie Martin of Mission Viejo.

“You’re surrounded by a bunch of people who all have the same dream as you and the same interests, and it’s not only a learning environment, but it’s like your second home,” Martin said. “I love them so much. You’re doing what you love with them, which makes it really special. I never thought there could be a place like this.”

Fourteen-year-old Kade McKelvie of Aliso Viejo agreed, saying it’s not just the music that attracted him to the program, it’s the whole community.

“We’re all really good friends, and everyone is really supportive,” McKelvie

said. “I started off very timid, and now I’m very loud and expressive on the drum set.

I have my own style now when I play.”

“I think I speak for a few of the teachers when I say, we all kind of wish we had something like this when we were kids,” said instructor Justin Norman. “What’s really neat, is that a lot of the kids, they take this seriously here when they’re performing, but then a lot of them start bands outside. It’s one big network here. And that’s ultimately the end goal, that these kids take our love of music and they run with it. It’s just going to be really interesting to see in the next five, ten years how much bigger it gets.”

Many of the teachers credited the school’s success to Marolf creating a safe, supportive environment, and for truly listening to what the kids want.

“From day one, I’ve never seen him treat a kid like a kid,” Bates said. “He immediately connects with them, and gets them to raise their bar. He treats them with the respect he believes they deserve.”

“There was a period of my life, from eight to 14, when no one was listening to me. So you find people who will, and those aren’t the best people sometimes,” Marolf said. “That’s why our culture here in the school is so adamant about listening to kids.

“The wisdom thing happens fast if you just believe in them,” he said.

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Bringing Music to the Masses In addition to growing the rock school, Marolf and Bates have been working for a couple years now on their new company, Teacher Zone, which is also based in San Juan. Together, with their knowledge of music and Bates’ previous experience in software, they created teacherzone.com, a learning management system designed by music schools, for music schools.

They kicked off the effort by cold calling over 4,000 schools in a 10-month period, asking them what they’d look for in music school management software.

A team of seven developers helped create the Teacher Zone software, which today is being tested by more than 8,000 students in 52 schools across 24 states.

With the program, schools and teachers can curate their own content, manage communications and schedules, and handle billing and attendance. Teachers can even record video assignments for students, who can then play them back and work on their technique by slowing the video down or looping difficult sections.

“They don’t have to do what we do, but what they get is Chris and Tyler’s music school business strategy coaching,” Marolf said. He noted that a lot of schools showed interest in learning about a range of subjects, from managing security and building community to booking shows and hiring employees.”

Bates said their goal over the next five years is to get the program out to two million students. Eventually, the duo said they’d like to begin curating content for public schools, and maybe one day even be able to provide the software for free to schools around the world that can’t afford to purchase it.

“We believe that music is the most powerful language on earth,” Bates said.

“Everybody should speak it.” CD

Tyler Marolf, founder and CEO of Los Rios Rock School, and his business partner Chris Bates, coowner and COO of the rock school, opened Teacher Zone two years ago in San Juan Capistrano.

For more information on Los Rios Rock School or upcoming shows, call 949.456.1081, visit www.losriosrockschool.com or follow the school on Facebook: @losriosrockschool www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt.

The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Thursday, January 19 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (9:13 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested in front of the train station for a man rolling around on the ground.

shots were fired.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (7:01 p.m.)

A man reported that his white Rav4 was broken into in the basement of the parking structure. The back window was smashed.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/La Zanja Street (6:40 p.m.) Police were called after a man put his hand over a pregnant woman’s mouth and pushed her up against a gate.

The man had a dog with him and was seen running across basketball courts and into a school. The man was apprehended at Acjachema Street. The dog attacked the deputy involved, but no

ROBBERY IN PROGRESS Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (6:15 p.m.)

A woman reported that a man opened her car door while she was driving by the Vintage Steakhouse and demanded money.

Coffee Chat

DISTURBANCE Stallion Ridge, 29200 Block (3:06 p.m.) A caller told police that a Dana Point dump truck “threw a water bottle” at them.

9 a.m. The City Council will hold its annual planning retreat at Marie Callender’s restaurant, located at 31791 Del Obispo Street.

The meeting is open to the public. For more information, visit www.sanjuancapistrano. org or call City Hall at 949.493.1171.

8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. This week’s chat will take place at Marie Callender’s restaurant, located at 31791 Del Obispo Street. All are welcome.

City Council Retreat

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

Downtown Farmers Market

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

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

COMPILED BY STAFF

Chamber of Commerce President Resigns from Post

The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

FRIDAY, JAN. 27

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (6:10 p.m.)

A man snatched a woman’s purse at a store and ran off with it. A witness chased him down and saw the man drop the purse while running through the O’Reilly parking lot.

NEWS BITES

The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce announced on Jan. 20 that Chamber President and CEO Mark Bodenhamer will be leaving the organization this summer.

Bodenhamer’s wife, Tallia Hart, was recently hired as the new CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, which means their family will soon move to the Bay Area. Hart is currently the CEO of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber officials said in a press release that Bodenhamer has served for over six years alongside operations manager Jennifer Pointer and program manager Claire Sussex, providing the organization with “strong leadership and dedication to the community of San Juan Capistrano.”

“We are going to miss all the people that we have come to know in San Juan Capistrano, Irvine and around Orange County,” Bodenhamer said. “Leaving my role with the San Juan Chamber was a particularly stressful decision. This is more than a job to me. I genuinely love the community and am so thankful for having had the opportunity to represent the city, its businesses and the Chamber organization for the past six years.”

“We are committed to ensuring that the Chamber staff transition has no impact on our ability to serve this great community,” said Chamber Board Chairman John Gillotti. “The board is currently working on a transition plan that will allow the organization to continue growing and evolving in a positive way. While we are sad to see Mark leave, the board and remaining staff members are all on the same page and excited to welcome in the next chapter for

Community Meetings

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

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.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

Outgoing Chamber President and CEO Mark Bodenhamer. Photo: Allison Jarrell

this great organization.”

All normal Chamber operations and events will continue under the leadership of Gillotti and Bodenhamer. For additional information, member inquiries about the transition process or any other issues, contact Bodenhamer at 949.493.4700 or mark@sanjuanchamber.com.

CUSD to Open School of Choice Period Feb. 1 Beginning Feb. 1, students in the Capistrano Unified School District can apply to one of 43 different academic programs during the annual School of Choice period.

The School of Choice process provides parents with the ability to apply to a school outside of their child’s attendance area on a space-available basis. This year, there are 43 schools with space to accept School of Choice students, according to a press release from the district.

Detailed information describing each school and its academic offerings is available online at www.capousd-ca.schoolloop.

com/soc. Parents are also encouraged to contact their schools of interest and make an appointment to tour the campus and visit the classrooms.

School of Choice applications will be available online at the link above, at local schools and at the District Education Center, located at 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano. The application period ends Friday, March 3.

Completed applications must be turned in between 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. either at the school to which the child is applying or at the District Education Center. Online applications must also be submitted by March 3.

In the event there are more applicants than openings at a particular school, students will be selected by lottery. Notifications will be received by May 1, 2017.

For more information, visit the district’s website or call the School of Choice hotline at 949.234.9335.

City Council Meeting

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

Because I Love You (BILY) Meeting

7-9 p.m. every Tuesday. BILY helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. 119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente. www.bilysc.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club

6:15-8 p.m. The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano meets every Wednesday at the San Juan Hills Golf Club, located at 32120 San Juan Creek Road. For more information, visit www.sjcrotary.org.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

Design Review Committee Meeting

4:30 p.m. The city’s Design Review Committee meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

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

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Next issue of The Dispatch publishes www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Wavelenghts by Jim Kempton

Imagine a Day without Undocumented Workers

D

onald Trump made one thing very clear in this election cycle: Many Americans harbor a simmering resentment toward people who are here without legal status. Arguments can get as hot as a Baja border crossing when discussing a subject with so many complications. Humor is often the only refuge. My favorite immigration statement is a picture of four rifle-armed Apaches. It reads, “Illegal Immigrants: Unless you are related to these guys, shut up about it.”

The most often touted accusation among people who dislike the current status is that undocumented individuals clog our emergency rooms, bring down our public school system and burden taxpayers. Some of those charges are true; undocumented people do use Social Services and put their children in school.

But it’s complicated. Can we really imagine keeping a child illiterate or refusing to treat a sick baby because their mother is not a certified American? Or rounding them up like criminals and shipping them back to where their children never lived?

As for the argument that undocumented immigrants cost U.S. citizens money, consider this: Without the army of farm workers, food prices would skyrocket. Ask any

Letters to the Editor

REGARDING THE SALE OF THE CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE PROPERTY —Ruth Clark, San Juan Capistrano It is my sincerest hope that as the City Council deliberates the sale of the Camino Real Playhouse and the surrounding property, they consider the value that this historic attraction has to our city. The playhouse draws audiences from Dana Point, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach and Capo Beach, and these visitors shop and enjoy the restaurants while they’re here.

Is the city so desperate to generate revenue that we have to sell off every piece of land to developers? San Juan has extensive open space and community facilities—parks, horse stables and riding trails, dog parks, hiking and biking trails. The city even owns and maintains sacred Native American land.

Why not add the Camino Real Playhouse and the adjacent adobe to that heritage?

Does the parking lot have to remain a part of the playhouse property? Free parking is great for the downtown businesses and attractions—perhaps the local merchants can bid on the land that benefits

The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

farmer in California and they will tell you in no uncertain terms that if we extract the undocumented laborers, California’s $100 billion agricultural industry would collapse. The same is true for many other industries as well. The net benefit of this extremely cheap labor is an economic gain dwarfing the costs of social services.

Do you think U.S. citizens would pick fruit for $6 an hour? For perspective, that’s about $700 a month after taxes, Social Security and unemployment are taken out.

(Yes, undocumented workers pay over $11 billion documented tax dollars annually).

By the way, if you have ever picked fruit for a day, one truth becomes abundantly clear: A lazy immigrant is an oxymoron; there are no people on earth who work harder. Many do the work no one else wants to do with a smile on their face and dignity in their bearing. Industrious, lawabiding loving parents; honest, humble, reliable and religious—these are the traits of the vast majority of immigrants, identical to what we hold as American ideals.

Today, there are an estimated 11 million undocumented workers in the U.S. We are unlikely to deport these millions of families. So, the challenge is finding pragmatic, acceptable solutions to a colossal and

complex problem.

I hardly subscribe to the notion that unchecked entry is an ideal process for immigration. But like Jeb Bush, a former Republican governor from Florida, I also respect the struggling WAVELENGTHS families whose reason for

By Jim Kempton coming to this country is the same as our own forefathers—to build a better life for themselves and their children.

For the considerable current undocumented community (many who have lived here for decades) there has to be a fair, workable path to legal work status and eventual citizenship. It isn’t just a practical matter. It is most likely a true benefit to both our social and economic well-being.

Jim Kempton has known many undocumented residents. He’s found them industrious in labor and big-hearted in personality. CD

them. I realize the city officials (City Council and mayor among them) are tasked with managing the revenue that taxes, fees and permits bring, and it seems that every city is always looking for ways to generate more, but is San Juan Capistrano going to have all the charm developed out of it in the quest for more cash?

especially in California that are designated for legal citizens and legal immigrants?

TRUMP WILL SERVE AMERICA’S JOB NEEDS —Jacqueline Cooper, San Clemente As I was reading the guest opinion column (published above) in the Jan. 19-25 issue of the San Clemente Times, I was struck by Mr. Kempton’s tired, rehashed canards of what all liberals say about the undocumented.

As a taxpayer, I am paying for the benefits the undocumented are given by the government. All the businesses and corporations that hire undocumented workers are benefiting from these undocumented workers. Which means these businesses are being subsidized by me through all the social welfare the undocumented workers draw from government programs. They get free cash, free healthcare, free food, free housing, if they have a baby or babies.

There are 95 million U.S. citizens who are jobless? Do you understand that the undocumented use all services and bene-fits

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

IN RESPONSE TO ‘AIR TRAFFIC NOISE’ —Cleve Wilson, Dana Point I, like most who read The Capistrano Dispatch, am aware of the air traffic that our proximity to John Wayne Airport (SNA) brings, but this is not news. Speaking as an engineer who has been working on designing aircraft systems for 25 years, I am impressed with the reduction in noise emitted from airborne planes. The airport has been there for a long time and was likely active when Mr. McDonald’s house was being built. The time for comment was when the Public Comment Period was open regarding the changes to SNA. Yes, I can hear the 7 a.m. departures, but I can also hear the three Amtrak trains between 6:30 and 8 a.m. Comments are constructive when it is early enough to do something with them.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@thecapistranodispatch. com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

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

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett

Finance Director > Mike Reed

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Victor Carno Debra Holm Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 15, Issue 2. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

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

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

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

300 entries are received from all over the world, a team of readers selects, reads and grades each play, keeping the identity of the playwrights anonymous until the top 10 plays are selected—attendees only see the top seven plays. Festival runs through Jan. 29, and tickets start at $20. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.com.

Saturday | 28

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Allison Jarrell

THURSDAY, FEB. 9: TASTE OF SAN JUAN 6-9 p.m. The Fiesta Association invites guests to the Taste of San Juan, the kick-off celebration of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas. The Taste brings together many of San Juan’s restaurants, which will offer food and drink samples throughout the evening. Tickets are $35 per person and are available online, at the San Juan Chamber, at Fiesta Association meetings and at the door on the day of the event. San Juan Hills Golf Club. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976. www.swallowsparade.com.

The List

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

Friday | 27 MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

LIVE MUSIC: HANS & JANINE 4 p.m. Join Waterman’s Harbor for live music with Hans & Janine every Friday.

Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCE 6-9 p.m. The Dana Hills Boys Lacrosse Program bringing together top chefs for the first annual Food and Wine Experience fundraiser. There will be eight top chefs from the area for a 21 and older VIP party that includes food and beverage samples aplenty. Tickets are $100. Ocean Institute.

32500 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-foodwine-experience-tickets-28737971045.

The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

LIVE MUSIC: HART AND SOUL BAND 7-10 p.m. Listen to live music from Hart and Soul Band at Adele’s in the San Clemente Inn. 2600 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.481.1222. www.adelesinthesanclementeinn.com.

LIVE MUSIC: COSMO WATTS 7:30-11 p.m. Join Cosmo Watts for live music at Harpoon Henry’s. 34555 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.493.2933. www.windandseasrestaurants.com.

LIVE MUSIC: BILLY WATSON 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Billy Watson at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘KITCHEN WITCHES’ 8 p.m. Combine Martha Stewart and Jerry Springer and you have the rousingly hilarious comedy, Kitchen Witches, which continues at the Cabrillo Playhouse. Show runs through Feb. 5, and tickets start at $20. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

SHOWOFF! INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL 8 p.m. The annual ShowOff! International Playwriting Festival features the world premiere of seven 10-minute plays. The audience votes for their favorite plays, and the top three winners get cash prizes after the last performance. After nearly

REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30 a.m. Learn how to create a thriving inland garden that can survive in hot climates with Tree of Life Nursery and native plant expert Abby Harned. The workshop is part of an ongoing series. Tree of Life Nursery. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com NATIVE GARDENS DESIGN AND CARE WORKSHOP 10 a.m. Learn how to cultivate an abundant, low-maintenance and droughttolerant native garden with The Ecology Center. You’ll learn about plant choices, site preparation, lawn remediation, irrigation, mulching and more. Cost for the workshop is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 1-3 p.m. Stop by the Outlets at San Clemente for a family-friendly celebration of the lunar new year. There will be a dragon dance, inter-

THE DISH

active dances for kids, live music, face painting, giveaways and more. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Flock of 80’s kicks off a day of live music at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Jimi Nelson Band at 8:30 p.m. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

LIVE MUSIC: WAYBACK BROTHERS 7:30-11 p.m. Join Wayback Brothers for live music at Harpoon Henry’s.

34555 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.493.2933. www.windandseasrestaurants.com.

LIVE MUSIC: FAMILY STYLE 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Family Style at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE MUSIC: OLIVIA ROHDE 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Olivia Rohde at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Sunday | 29 GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park.

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

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

NIÇOISE SALAD

A

good Niçoise salad is a contradiction. It should be robust in flavor and texture, while also creamy and indulgent. It should punch and comfort in the way sipping a single-malt whisky might.

At Ô Gourmet French Café & Bakery, they don’t stifle the flavors that make the Niçoise salad characteristic. Instead, two powerful anchovy mini-filets and ample chunk tuna marry delicate hard-boiled eggs and an acidic, fruit-forward vinaigrette. Thinly sliced potatoes, cooked green beans and fresh spring greens are a receptive vehicle through which the flavors of the salad are on display. Ô’s Niçoise is a study in balancing temperature as well, as the warmed green beans and potatoes amplify the flavor of the fish and provide a palate-pleasing contrast with the cool lettuce and tomatoes.

There’s a justifiable “yeah right,” reflex that emanates when someone gushes about

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a salad, but Ô’s take on this classic is worthy of praise… and a try. Ô Gourmet French Café & Bakery 32341 Camino Capistrano, Suite F, San Juan Capistrano.

949.388.5811. www.ogourmetcafe.com

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT BEND AND BREW 11:30 a.m. I Heart Yoga holds a Bend & Brew at Left Coast Brewing Company’s tasting room in San Clemente. It’s a one-hour yoga class followed by a pint of beer. Admission $10. 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.com.

MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO WOMEN’S GUILD WINE TASTING 2-5 p.m. The Women’s Guild wine tasting fundraiser at Café Mozart will benefit the Mission and includes a buffet, silent auction and live entertainment. Tickets are $40. For more information, call Dottie at 909.273.0357. Café Mozart. 31952 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

LIVE MUSIC: CLASSICAL PIANO DUET 2:30 p.m. Keyboard Studies at Saddleback College presents Anna Grigorian and Natasha Gubenko in a piano duet performing a program of famous works such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Scaramouche by Milhaud, Petite Suite by Debussy and more. Tickets are $15 for general admission, with discounts for seniors and students. Saddleback College.

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

949.582.4413. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Monday | 30 BRIDGE LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS 9:30-11:30 a.m. Bridge lessons will be held for those new to the game as well as those who haven’t played in a while. The lessons span four Mondays in January, and the series costs $60 total. South Orange County Bridge Center. 31261 Rancho Viejo Rd., Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. Contact janedober@gmail.com for registration. www.danaharborbridgecenter.org.

FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Tuesday | 31 TINY TOTS: PARENT AND ME PROGRAM AT THE OCEAN INSTITUTE 9-10:15 a.m. Children ages 2 and 3 and their parents are invited to the Ocean Institute to explore shapes, colors, textures and more with the sea star. Program runs on six successive Tuesdays until Feb. 21. Each session includes exploration, an animal encounter and an activity. Cost is $30 for a single drop-in class and $150 for the full series.

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

At the Movies: ‘20th Century Women’ are Still Relevant

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday.

Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

E

lle Fanning is lucky enough to be one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood right now, averaging two to four movies per year even though she’s barely out of high school. Of course, you can’t win them all, as they say—Live by Night is already a certified dud from viewers, but Fanning’s 20th Century Women just expanded into wide release and is a much better period piece by comparison.

It also features arguably her best performance to date.

In 1979 Santa Barbara, a two-story house is renovated while five people occupy it: 55-year-old Dorothea (Annette Bening); 45-year-old William (Billy Crudup); 24-year-old Abbie (Greta Gerwig); Dorothea’s 15-year-old son, Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann); and his best friend, Julie (Fanning). William is reconstructing the

INNER PEACE MEDITATION EXPERIENCE 6:30 p.m. Wellness coach and meditation teacher Jane Fijak leads a meditation session at Revital Imports. A $10 donation is requested, and guests are asked to bring a yoga mat or meditation pillow.

Reservations are required; RSVP to revitalimports@gmail.com. 24981 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Suite E110, Dana Point.

312.479.5558. www.revitalimports.com.

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke every Tuesday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente.

206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

Wednesday | 01 FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

Gardens to care for and maintain native plants and butterflies. No experience is necessary (they’ll teach you), but you should bring gloves and clippers. No class if it rains. Admission is free. Los Rios Park.

31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

KARAOKE AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 7 p.m. Sing karaoke, imbibe and eat free popcorn at The Swallow’s Inn’s karaoke night with Bobby and Joel. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to make and taste three cocktails.

Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials.

There will be local and professional talent.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

Thursday | 02 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join volunteers, students and teachers at Goin Native Therapeutic

ARTIST LECTURE: CAPTURING WATER AND LIGHT 5:30-7 p.m. This demonstration and lecture by artist Tom Swimm will help painters looking to create a realistic seascape and better capture movement and light in water. Admission is $5. San Clemente Art Supply. 1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.369.6603. www.scartsupply.com.

SESSIONS AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Listen to live music when artists from around the world perform together.

Stillwater Spirits and Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www. danapointstillwater.com.

Friday | 03 ‘GAL’ENTINE’S CELEBRATION 5- 8 p.m. Celebrate the month of love with your best friends at Miraval Life in Balance Spa with their Galentine’s celebration. With go-to celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann as host, enjoy cocktails and appetizers, express nail services, and hot tools hair styling at Drybar. There will also be a live jazz performance. Cost is

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Photo by Merrick Morton, courtesy of A24

house on his own, while Dorothea, Abbie and Julie all mentor Jamie on the status quo of feminism, adulthood and the punk music and culture scene.

20th Century Women is semi-autobiographically written and directed by Mike Mills of Beginners (2010), who once again knows how to utilize pop culture in the background of dysfunctional relationships. Here, instead of a modern fatherson dynamic, it’s a mother-son dynamic from another era. Bening is getting all the critical hype, though Fanning, Gerwig and Zumann are just as impressive. The themes still feel appropriate in modern times even though it’s set in the 1970s and focuses on that decade’s issues. 20th Century Women has a little bit for everyone and is a great way to end January. CD $65. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point. 949.234.3900. www.monarchbeachresort.com.

Saturday | 04 REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30 a.m. Learn how to create a thriving garden that can survive in intermediate climates with Tree of Life Nursery and designer Josh Link of Ecotone Studios.

The workshop is part of an ongoing series.

Tree of Life Nursery. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com ECO-DESIGN Q&A HOUR 11 a.m. Get advice and troubleshoot your garden challenges in this question and answer session with the eco-design team at The Ecology Center. Members get in free, while a $10 donation is recommended for non-members. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

LIVE MUSIC: SKY GREENE 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Sky Greene at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

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

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Annual Car Show Rolls into Town

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Cultivating a Nation

The San Juan Capistrano Rotary car show returns Feb. 4

A passionate gardener, third president Thomas Jefferson believed plants can transform society

T

he third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and founder of the University of Virginia, was also a highly knowledgeable gardener and farmer.

A man of many talents, he extolled the virtues of the agrarian life. He considered himself a farmer by profession. In Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, he documents his varied approaches to gardening—from landscape architecture and pleasure gardening, to horticultural science and teaching his grandchildren.

Evidence of Jefferson’s passion for gardening DIRT THERAPY can be seen today in the

By Marianne restored gardens at MonTaylor ticello in Virginia. The gardens are admired worldwide.

Jefferson’s love for horticulture was well-known. He inherited his family’s 2,000-acre plantation as a young man, designed a neo-classical house and planted flower gardens, grain and vegetable fields, fruit orchards and vineyards. He planted 24 beds of herbs and vegetables.

In his diary, Jefferson wasn’t afraid to admit his fair share of garden failures.

It’s been said that he had a holistic view of the garden and knew that the failure of one thing is repaired by the success of another. Jefferson wrote that if he failed 99 times out of 100 that one success was worth the 99 failures.

After planting his garden, he worked the land with family members, slaves and European workers. A meticulous, obsessive record-keeper, he kept a horticultural diary for 60 years, noting observations such as the degree of frost damage or when seeds were sown.

He was always interested in new crops and machinery and searching for more progressive ways to work his plantations.

At Monticello, he grew 330 varieties of vegetables, 170 fruit varieties and had amazing gardens bursting with seasonal blooms and bounties of produce.

Jefferson’s delight in gardening, which was revealed in his correspondence with leading horticulturists worldwide, brought in wonderful curiosities such as peppers from Mexico, squash and broccoli from Italy, figs from France, and bean varieties collected from the Lewis and Clark expedition.

His love for family was equally imThe Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

portant. His affectionate letters to his family included sweet tributes to his tulips, strawberries and sugar maples awaiting his arrival back home.

Thanks to his experiments with rare and exotic food from around the world, he brought the nation seeds and produce such as sesame seeds, chick peas, sea kale, tomatoes and eggplant.

As a patriot with a mission and love for his farm, he once wrote, “The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its culture...”

For Jefferson, farming was perhaps the foremost means for social change; he believed that plants could transform society.

Toward the end of his life it was difficult for him to walk, so he would tour his farm by horseback to do his daily garden inspections. He found the garden healthful to his body, mind and affairs. “But though an old man, I am but a young gardener.”

T

he 14th annual San Juan Capistrano Car Show is set to take place on Feb. 4 at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center and Sports Park, featuring more than 400 hot rods, muscle cars, classics, cruisers and vintage autos.

As in years past, the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., includes a variety of vendors, exhibits, refreshments, raffle drawings and performances by the Disc Dogs of Southern California throughout the day.

Each year the show highlights exotic million-dollar cars such as the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport, the McLaren P1 hybrid and the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid.

Local car dealers will also be showcasing some of their most popular models. A new addition this year is a two-time NHRA champion top-fuel dragster with a winning

speed of 236.85 mph in a quarter mile.

Like last year, this year’s show will once again salute the popular disc jockeys that many car enthusiasts grew up listening to.

Guests will be able to enjoy on-air jingles intermixed with hits from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

The event also features the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort, or CARE, and wellbehaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

Last year’s car show drew thousands of visitors and more than 500 cars, while raising funds for CARE and SJC Rotary charities.

Admission to the show is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 11 to 17 and free for kids 10 and under. To register a car, visit www.sjcrotary.org. Mission San Juan Capistrano is providing two free tickets to the Mission for car owners that have registered early. CD

“

No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.

”

—Thomas Jefferson

No matter if you’re young or old, it’s never too late to plant a garden. Take baby steps and start with a small container garden recording your daily observations. Watch your plants progress and see your garden thrive with daily care. Like Jefferson, don’t be afraid of failures—one success is worth any failure.

Want to learn more about gardening?

Join us at Reata Park and Event Center at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 for a free class in Bare Root Gardening. RSVP to info@goinnative.net. For more information on future classes, visit www.goinnative.net.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

Page 11

Photo: Allison Jarrell

SCENE

ShowOff! International Playwriting Festival Actors Casey Moriarty, of Irvine, and Jake LaRo{ I N S AN JUAN } sa, of Ladera Ranch, perform in “Therapy Dog”, a story about a man in an airport and an unlikely therapy dog that helps him loosen up. The play is just one of seven 10-minute shows that are part of the Camino Real Playhouse’s annual ShowOff! International Playwriting Festival, which concludes on Jan. 29.

Each year, the festival features the world premiere of seven 10-minute plays. The audience votes for their favorite plays, and the top three winners get cash prizes after the last performance. Nearly 300 entries are received from all over the world. Tickets start at $20. For more information, call 949.489.8082 or visit www.caminorealplayhouse.com. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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

Bouncing Back from Adversity

I

t’s funny how column topics come about. In my online newsletter last week, I shared with subscribers an email I had received from a woman named Jessie in Oregon.

Jessie wrote, “I’ve been reading your column for years. I’m one of the fortunate ones. I found love! Thanks for all you do. I was single for 15 years before Paul and I found each other. Your column was wonderful for helping me realize I wasn’t alone in being older and without a partner. You even quoted me in your newsletter once.

“If you ever do a Volume 2 to your How 50 Couples Found Love After 50 book, I’d be happy to be interviewed, and I’m sure my guy would too.”

That second paragraph in Jessie’s email elicited several responses from subscribers offering to have their stories of meeting a mate later in life included in a book I hadn’t even thought about writing.

Two of the responses came from men whose wives left them after several years of being married.

Glen, Huntington Beach, said, “A few years back, you featured my story about how my wife (high school sweetheart, married 23-plus years), out-of-the-blue abruptly left me in 2008 and filed for divorced, shortly after I retired from 30 years in law enforcement.

“My divorce was the divorce from hell,” Glen wrote. “My ex put me through 39 months of litigation over nothing (no minor children, no business, no off-shore bank accounts, etc.). Why she did what she did is and always will be a mystery, but I don’t dwell on it anymore.

“In 2009, I met Cheryl, a teacher in Orange County. We’ve been living together since 2010. I am beyond blessed to have found Cheryl and thank God every day for her love and devotion.”

Glen added that he’d be happy to have his and Cheryl’s story included in the book I hadn’t even thought about writing.

The second man, Trent, emailed, “You and I corresponded several years ago when I first found your online newsletter. I’m the fellow who—like you—had the unfortunate experience of having an ex clean out my house and take off with another man while I was out of town.

“I have to sort of thank my ex because I feel like I won the love lottery. I now live in San Diego, and Rachelle and I are happier than we deserve. We met while I was on a business trip to California, and after a year of long-distance dating, we were married.

“If you ever write a volume 2 of your How 50 Couples Found Love After 50

The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

book, I would be happy to have you include our story. I’ve been so blessed; the least I can do is pay it back by lifting the spirt of someone else who may be doubting they can find love and companionship in their later life.”

To clarify Trent’s comment about my ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 ex-wife cleaning out

By Tom Blake my house and taking off with another man, the former happened but I don’t think she left for another man; I never got an explanation.

But like Trent, I have to sort of thank my ex because what she did in leaving is the reason I started writing 23 years ago about love in the later years, and it also opened the door for Greta to enter my life 19 years ago. Like Cheryl, Greta was a teacher in Orange County.

Men and women can learn from Glen’s and Trent’s stories and to a lesser extent my story. When a spouse leaves without notice, it can be devastating, lifechanging and mighty bleak when it first happens. I know of a man who falls into that category currently.

But, in time, both men and women pick themselves up and dust themselves off. Love can return, and often, the new love is much better than the previous situation. It’s like a blessing.

Now, about that book I hadn’t even thought about writing, a second volume of How 50 Couples Found Love After 50: If I decide to do it, Jessie, Glen and Trent have already offered their stories. That leaves 47 more couples. Certainly, in South Orange County, there are couples who found love after 50 who would enjoy sharing their stories. If so, I’d like to hear from them at tompblake@gmail.com.

As I said earlier, it’s funny how column topics evolve. Some weeks, I just never know from where they are coming, and this was one of those weeks.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middleaged dating. See his websites at www. findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www.travelafter55.com. Email: tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with

a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

(Above) In this photo from 1915, Fred Stoffel’s San Juan Inn sits along Camino Capistrano. Photo: Courtesy of San Juan Capistrano Historical Society (Right) Today, the Capistrano Trading Post is quite prominent when looking down Camino Capistrano.

Photo: Peter Cabral

GUEST OPINION: Then and Now by Rhonda deHaan

Developing Downtown A look at the historic structures that have lined San Juan’s main thoroughfare

T

ry to imagine 100 years ago, standing near the entrance to Mission San Juan Capistrano, facing south, and peering down a dusty road.

This is what you might have seen had you been in San Juan Capistrano around 1915. And the road is Camino Capistrano, the town’s main thoroughfare.

In the center of the Historical Society’s photo, in the distance, you might recognize the Egan House, which was built by Judge Richard Egan in 1883. However, much in the picture is very different from what we see today.

The large building on the right is Fred Stoffel’s San Juan Inn. It was the first cafe in town and, because San Juan Capistrano is conveniently located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, it was a popular roadside stop for travelers.

And, yes, it is on the list of places that famous people have visited. It is said that the San Juan Inn was a favorite of boxer Jack Dempsey as a place to stop for lunch on his frequent visits to Mexico. Sadly, the San Juan Inn burned down in 1918.

In its place (in the current photo), we see another large building, which

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welcomes all those who enter town from the east. After retiring from Hollywood, Academy Award-nominated art director Harry Oliver came to San Juan Capistrano and built the original Old Mission Trading Post in THEN & NOW

By Rhonda 1947. The storefront was deHaan changed in 1953 to the Western façade that is so recognizable today.

Rhonda deHaan has lived in San Juan Capistrano only 10 years but has quickly embraced the town. She is a proud mother of two, a freelance writer, an SJC Friends of the Library board director, and is currently serving her sixth year on 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.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point.

Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too! Mike 949-240-1545.

2000 JAGUAR XJ8 L SEDAN 4-Door, $2630, 4-WD, Cassette Player, CD Player, Leather Seats, Sunroof. Call me: 213-986-6703

LOST MISSING DOG- REWARD, MID-SIZE, LIGHT HAIR, FRECKLE ON BROWN NOSE Luna went missing Tuesday 1/17. Last seen near the Albertsons on Stonehill and Del Obispo. Luna is skittish but friendly.

Approx. 35 lbs., slim, light GOLDEN hair, with a dark FRECKLE on her BROWN nose.Wearing a bark collar. Email AllisonWiltse@gmail.com.

SERVICES FRANCE’S ELDERLY CARE Home elderly care 8:00am to 8:pm. Services include nursing, Medication assistance, personal hygiene, transportation to and from shopping, medical appointments, and other needs as require. light housework and cooking included. Excellent referrals on request. 949-396-4970.

MICROSOFT OFFICE TRAINING Microsoft Office training for small groups.

Our studio or we come to your office. Low prices. quality instruction. All courses, all levels. Orange Coast Database Associates San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, ocdatabases1@yahoo.com, 800-355-9855 HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris – 949 510 6645 WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARD Wood Rot Repair Certified Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed. Phone Chris -949 510 6645 The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

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

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

Juin (Whipple) Foresman

OBITUARY

Juin (Whipple) Foresman passed away at the age of 92 peacefully at home with her family. She was an intelligent, strong, adventurous, and creative woman. She did many more unique and impactful things than the average person; especially for her times.

Juin was a fashion model in New York, a Hollywood actress and then became a mother of four children.

Juin was an active member of numerous charity and social organizations: Assistance League, National Charity League, Kappa Kappa Gamma, DAR, Red Hat, Cohan Group, Questers, and more.

She was a Cub Scout leader, Girl Scout Leader, winner of many cooking contests, pottery maker, writer for her local paper, needle pointer, quilter and toy sewing machine collector.

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In her late 40’s, Juin went back to school and earned a Master’s degree in library sciences. While working on her thesis, she was an intern in Egypt with the Smithsonian Institute while living on a houseboat on the Nile River, researching papyrus papermaking and reconstructing ancient documents.

Juin’s favorite legacy was her family. She was fiercely protective of her husband and children. Juin is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Robert R. Foresman, Jr. and son Mark William Foresman. Her surviving family members are her brother, Gaylord C. Whipple, her children Gayl (Foresman) Beller, R. Scott Foresman and Guy S. Foresman. Juin’s grandchildren are Brent and Gray Beller, Bryant, Rebecca and William Foresman, Kathryn & Elizabeth Foresman, and Graham Foresman. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Preps Soccer Roundup: Lions Roaring to the Top

Scoreboard THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

San Juan AYSO Team Headed to Sectionals The San Juan Capistrano Galaxy, a U12 AYSO team, won the U12 Boys Regional Championship on Dec. 6 in Lake Forest. The win earned the SJC Galaxy the right to represent San Juan AYSO Region 87 at the upcoming AYSO Section Championship on Feb. 11.

The SJC Galaxy won the area tournament in Lake Forest in dramatic fashion, overcoming a 2-1 deficit to defeat a Laguna Hills team 4-2 in the championship game.

If the SJC Galaxy advances through the Sectional Championship, they will represent the city at the Western States Tournament in Nevada in March.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he JSerra girls soccer team is capitalizing on its youth, speed and skill to put away opponents in the 2017 season.

The Lions (12-1-1, 4-0 league) have the ability to jump out to a lead and keep their foot on the gas pedal, which is exactly what they’ve done through 14 games.

The first-place Lions have yet to drop a match in the highly competitive league, which features perennial powerhouses Santa Margarita and Mater Dei. So far, the Lions have bested their two rivals by a combined score of 5-1. The one goal the Lions allowed, against Mater Dei, has been the only goal scored against them in league play.

JSerra, the No. 1 ranked team in Southern California and 16th-ranked team in the nation according to www.topdrawersoccer.com, was set to begin its second go around through league with a home game against Rosary Academy on Jan. 26. Results were not available at press time.

The Lions pride themselves on being on offensive juggernaut, and they’re led by sophomore Santa Clara commit Isabella D’Aquila. As of Jan. 26, D’Aquila was leading Orange County in goals scored with 22. She also has 11 assists, good for the fourth-best mark in the county.

D’Aquila has scored at least one goal or tallied one assist in all 13 games she’s played this year. She has scored a goal and an assist in the same game five times and has scored two or more goals seven times, including a season-high five-goal effort on Nov. 29.

D’Aquila burst onto the scene last year as a freshman striker, earning Trinity League offensive MVP honors, and has only gotten better this offseason.

“She’s a much more polished player (this year),” JSerra coach Greg Baker said. “She puts in a lot of extra private training and her skills are only sharpening.”

Joining D’Aquila up top on attack is freshman Samantha Williams, a tenacious winger who has scored 12 goals and notched seven assists. Senior Julie Doyle, a U20 National Team player, recently returned from injury and will make the Lions’ high-flying offense more dynamic, Baker said.

In Baker’s tenure, the Lions have always been able to score goals, but this season the

The Capistrano Dispatch January 27-February 9, 2017

JSerra senior Julie Doyle dribbles against a teammate in practice. Photo: Steve Breazeale

The SJC Galaxy AYSO team is headed to the AYSO Sectional Championships.

Photo: Courtesy

JSerra’s Isabella D’Aquila leads Orange County with 22 goals scored. Photo: Steve Breazeale

team is also getting it done on the defensive side. JSerra has allowed just 13 goals in 14 matches, and they’ve recorded six shutouts.

Freshman center back Bella Beltran has emerged as a physical presence to anchor the back line.

The Lions are sitting pretty in the standings right now, but four games remain, three of which will be against either Santa Margarita or Mater Dei. “If you mess up once or twice you’re quickly third place in this league,” Baker said. “I think we need to build on what we’ve done well and we need to try and apply even more pressure in the second half of league.”

A quick look at other San Juan soccer programs:

St. Margaret’s senior midfielder Blake Crawley leads the team with 18 goals.

Photo: Pro Action Photo

• It would be hard to find a team with a better goal differential than the St. Margaret’s girls soccer team. The Tartans (131-2, 5-0-1) have been downright dominant this season, and have outscored their opponents by an eye-popping 77-4 margin.

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Senior Blake Crawley’s 18 goals scored ranks her fourth in Orange County, and freshman Juliet Ballard (10 goals) and sophomore Lauren Otterbein (nine goals) have joined in on the offensive surge. St. Margaret’s has scored five goals or more eight times, and has scored eight or more goals four times. The Tartans most recent triumph was a 7-0 shutout of Calvary Chapel on Jan. 24.

“We try to play a very high pressure, counter-pressing style of play that makes other teams uncomfortable,” coach Johnny Marmelstein said. “We want to dictate the pace of the game.”

Freshman Kennedy Barlow’s effort in goal has been as effective as the offense.

Barlow has recorded 13 shutouts as the team’s goalie, and her 83 saves ranks as the fourth-most in the county.

St. Margaret’s is chasing Crean Lutheran (9-5-1, 6-0-1) for the Academy league title.

• The San Juan Hills High School girls soccer team found its footing following backto-back shutout wins in Sea View League competition. The Stallions (6-8-1, 2-1-1) defeated Trabuco Hills 1-0 on Jan. 17, then took down Mission Viejo 2-0 on Jan. 23.

The move brought them into a share of second place in the league standings with four games remaining. www.thecapistranodispatch.com