May 27, 2016

INSIDE: Go See Do Things to Do in Our Neighborhood and Surrounding Areas SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 10

The Pride of San Juan

Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano wins Battle of the Mariachis, shines light on local music scene S J C L I V I N G / PAG E 1 8

Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano of San Juan Capistrano performed for the first time at the Mission’s Battle of the Mariachis May 14. The group won both the Spirit of San Juan Capistrano Community Award and first place in the open category. Photo: Jorge Maldonado

City to Continue Districting Process at June Meetings EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

CUSD Board Considers Placing $889M Bond on Ballot EYE ON SJC/PAGE 4

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Veterans Lead JSerra into Quarterfinals SPORTS/PAGE 22

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING dilution for Latino residents.

Following the direction of City Manager Ben Siegel and City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger, the City Council commenced with the transition and voted unanimously April 19 to allocate $70,000 from the city’s general fund to pay for a demographer and community outreach services in order to begin the process of mapping out voting districts.

According to the city’s legal firm, Best Best & Krieger, the city has entered into a stipulated judgement with the plaintiffs of the voting rights lawsuit. Pursuant to the agreement, the two expiring Council seats of John Perry and Sam Allevato will be up for election on Nov. 8, and the other three seats will be up for election in November 2018.

Attorney Cristina Talley said the district with the highest percentage of Latino voters will be one of the two districts that will vote for a Council member this November.

The second district, Talley said, will be chosen during a future City Council meeting.

Shown is the first draft of the city’s map of five voting districts, created after demographers received input during two community meetings. Voting districts will be discussed in an upcoming community forum on June 1 and at a City Council public hearing on June 6. Image: Courtesy City of San Juan Capistrano

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week City Council Holds Annual Budget Workshop, Discusses Priorities THE LATEST:On May 23, the City Council held a workshop to consider the budget for fiscal years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, as well as the proposed seven-year Capital Improvement Program for 2016 through 2023.

City Manager Ben Siegel presented the proposed $26.5 million General Fund operating budget, including challenges facing the city, which include modest growth of sales tax revenues, an eventual drop off of development-related revenues, a 30 percent increase in wage rates for public works contracts, an estimated 5 percent increase in sheriff contract costs and sigThe Capistrano Dispatch May 27-June 9, 2016

nificant litigation expenses, which in fiscal year 2015-2016 totaled more than $900,000 ($492,850 more than budgeted).

With limited resources and staffing, Siegel did not recommend funding additional deputies or code enforcement officers, new parks or city facilities, new full-time personnel or reducing the city’s $27 million unfunded pension.

Siegel presented the Council with some good news in terms of incoming revenue sources such as the two new hotels, commercial development opportunities, downtown redevelopment, a new county waste agreement and expiration of judgement obligation bonds from the Scalzo lawsuit.

The Council reached consensus on items including: allocating $600,000 from the new waste contract to street rehabilitation projects, continuing to allocate $72,000 to help fund the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and continuing with the Del Obispo Street Widening Project.

WHAT’S NEXT: City staff will present the revised operating and capital budgets to the City Council for adoption on June 21.

Council meetings are open to the public and begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall.

FIND OUT MORE: For our full report

from the city’s budget workshop, visit www. thecapistranodispatch.com. —Allison Jarrell

City Continues Districting Process with June Meetings THE LATEST: The City Council reviewed the first draft of a map of five voting districts at its May 18 public hearing and gave direction to demographers to work on some additional options during the upcoming districting community forum on June 1 and public hearing on June 6.

The next two June meetings represent the last leg of public outreach that began in May regarding the city’s transition from at-large City Council elections to by-district elections, which will take effect during the next election on Nov. 8. Under the new system, voters separated into districts within the city will vote for a Council candidate who lives within their respective district.

The city’s switch to district elections— which was approved unanimously by the Council in February—was prompted by a voting rights lawsuit filed against the city in January claiming San Juan’s at-large elections violated the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 and resulted in vote

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WHAT’S NEXT: The June 1 community outreach meeting will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Community Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. Residents are encouraged to attend to build upon or suggest edits to the draft voting districts map.

Final consideration of the districts will take place at the June 6 City Council public hearing, which begins at 5 p.m. at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

The city’s final plan is due to the Orange County Registrar of Voters by July 6.

Beyond submitting your input in person, residents can send their comments to the City Clerk via mail to: 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, or via email to districting@sanjuancapistrano.org.

For more information on the city’s districting process, including an interactive map and recordings from previous meetings, visit districting.sanjuancapistrano.org.—AJ

City’s Utility Study Continues with Commission Hearing June 7 THE LATEST: The city will continue its investigation into reorganizing its utility services with a public hearing at the Utilities Commission’s Tuesday, June 7 meeting. The city has been studying its utility services for over a year and reviewing its options for the groundwater recovery plant in light of increasing costs and complexities in providing water and wastewater services.

The Utilities Commission held its first hearing on utility alternatives on April 26 and a second hearing on May 17. The commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council regarding what criteria should be used to evaluate future reorganization proposals.

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

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) The Council voted April 5 to hold the public hearings, implement a public outreach program, enlist the help of the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) in studying reorganization options.

WHAT’S NEXT: The June 7 Utilities Commission meeting will begin at 10 a.m.

Meetings are held at City Hall. For more information on the city’s utilities reorganization study, visit www.sanjuancapistrano. org and under the “Departments & Services” tab, scroll over “Utilities Department” and click “Utility Alternatives Study.” —AJ

CUSD Board Considers Placing $889M Bond Measure on Nov. 8 Ballot THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees gave staff direction Wednesday night to move forward with preparing a June 8 presentation on the specifics of placing an $889 million general obligation bond on the November 2016 general election ballot.

The bond would be used to fund more than $800 million in deferred maintenance of district facilities.

Beginning in mid-October 2015, a Community Committee on School Classrooms and Campus Facilities began holding meetings on topics including facilities funding and ultimately recommended the district board “pursue additional funds from all possible resources for its school facilities,” “transition to a district-wide funding model over time,” and “pursue a district-wide general obligation bond to further raise additional funds.”

According to a phone survey conducted

by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates from April 28 to May 10, of the 1,171 Capo Unified voters surveyed, 62 percent of respondents would definitely or probably vote “yes” or lean toward voting “yes” in favor of an $889 million bond measure to fund repairs and upgrades to district facilities. After learning more about the measure, that percentage increased modestly to 64 percent. About 29 percent of residents polled would definitely or probably vote “no” or lean toward voting “no.”

After reviewing the survey’s findings, the board directed staff during a May 18 special workshop to bring further information and a timeline for facilities funding options to the May 25 meeting.

On Wednesday, a breakdown of cities polled was also presented to the board. After learning about the measure, 66 percent of voters polled in San Juan Capistrano said they would definitely or probably vote in favor of a bond. In San Clemente, 56 percent said yes, and in Dana Point, 65 percent said yes.

WHAT’S NEXT: Wednesday’s agenda item The Capistrano Dispatch May 27-June 9, 2016

was for discussion only, so no formal vote was taken. The board directed staff to prepare a June 8 bond presentation with the goal of voting on the bond measure on June 22. Since the deadline for placing a bond measure on the November ballot is Aug. 12, the last opportunity for the board to vote on the measure would be its regularly scheduled meeting on July 20.

Two-thirds of the board—five trustees—must approve the measure for it to be placed on the ballot.—AJ

Capo Unified Approves 2017-2018 School Calendar, Model for Future Calendars THE LATEST: After much debate and heated public comment, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted 5-2 Wednesday night to approve an Aug. 22 start date for the 2017-2018 academic calendar.

CUSD students began school early this year on Aug. 25 following a March 2015 vote by the district board to adjust the academic calendar. The board also voted at that time to begin the upcoming 2016-2017 year on Aug. 15.

Those calendar approvals drew vocal opposition from some parents who criticized the lack of input and reasoning for the switch. The board responded to that criticism by forming a School Calendar Committee tasked with making a recommendation for the 2017-2018 academic calendar.

The 37-member committee engaged residents with three public forums, input collected via email and a phone survey of 436 CUSD families. Their recommendations to the board were centered around educational programs, student holidays and consistency from year to year.

The Calendar Committee proposed four options for the 2017-2018 calendar Wednesday night: Option A: Aug. 15-May 31, Option B: Aug. 22-June 7, Option C: Aug. 28-June 13, and Option D: Sept. 5-June 20.

Staff did not endorse Option D and recommended the board approve Option B. “We believe this is a compromise for the parents and families who have expressed their desire for a post-Labor Day start,” Vital said, adding that polls showed 75 percent of respondents were satisfied with this year’s Aug. 25 start date.

WHAT’S NEXT: Trustee Gary Pritchard moved to adopt Option C—Aug. 28 start date—with Trustee John Alpay seconding to continue the discussion. That motion failed 5-2. Trustee Jim Reardon later moved to approve staff’s recommendation, Option B—Aug. 22 start date—with Trustee Gila Jones seconding. That motion passed 5-2 with Alpay and Trustee Lynn Hatton-Hodson dissenting.

CUSD’s 2017-2018 school year is now set to start on Aug. 22, and the calendars for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years will follow the same model.—AJ Page 4

EYE ON SJC

A Sobering Discussion Local lawmakers meet with more than 600 residents to discuss sober living homes in South Orange County

BY MATT CORTINA, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

M

ore than 600 South Orange County residents gathered in Laguna Hills on May 12 for a town hall meeting to discuss sober living homes.

The event underscores the growing discontentment with sober living facilities that many towns and residents in Orange County are beginning to feel. The intent was to educate residents on current legislation being considered by the state and why regulating sober living homes is difficult.

It was the fourth town hall sponsored by State Sen. Pat Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) in the last 12 months, and this time she was joined by Assemblyman Bill Brough (RDana Point) and Assemblyman Matthew Harper (R-Huntington Beach). The three state legislators opened the evening with a few general remarks about sober living facilities.

“We can’t even get in there to find out if these things are working,” Brough said. “I agree that people need help … but these homes are not the right facilities to go to.

I’m not a doctor, but it doesn’t make sense to me to put six addicts in a home and [then] they’re free to do what they want to do at night.”

Harper was one of the few speakers to discuss addressing the underlying problem associated with sober living homes: substance abuse.

“Places that we never would have thought about it, there are young kids who are getting addicted to opioids,” Harper said.

“When heroin does hit, it’s significant.”

Council members and city staff from around Orange County, including San Juan Capistrano Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson, attended the meeting.

Bates spoke of three pieces of legislation the group had authored and that failed to gain traction at the statehouse. Those bills include one from 2015, authored by Brough and Harper, which would have required such facilities to receive licenses; it did not receive a hearing. There was another bill this year, authored by Bates and Brough, which would have enforced health and safety standards on sober living facilities. It only received Republican support and was defeated in committee.

Two bills are currently making their way through the legislative process, havThe Capistrano Dispatch May 27-June 9, 2016

About 600 people, including San Juan Capistrano Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson, gathered in Laguna Hills for a town hall meeting to discuss sober living homes and how to regulate them. Credit: Matt Cortina

ing passed the Assembly Health Committee, Bates said. One is a bill that is co-authored by Bates, Brough and Harper, and that enforces a certification program on sober living homes and requires contact information for the home operator and at least one tenant. The other bill, co-authored by Bates and Brough, would allow cities to request that the state not allow new treatment facilities to be built within 300 feet of other treatment facilities.

Such a law would prevent the over-concentration of sober living homes that many South Orange County communities are reporting.

So many attempts at legislation have been made because regulating sober living facilities is tricky. Dana Point City Attorney Patrick Muñoz gave a presentation on the legal aspects of sober living homes with Todd Leishman, of Best Best and Krieger.

By definition, because sober living homes do not provide medical services to their patrons, they do not have to seek licensure from state or local health departments, and thus avoid regulation. And because people “in recovery” are considered disabled by the state and by federal law, they are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects certain groups from housing discrimination, among other things.

“The courts have made it very, very clear that persons who are living in sober living homes … are disabled,” Munoz said.

“If a city adopts a law that is targeted at them, it is discrimination and we cannot do it.”

The San Juan Capistrano City Council passed a year-long moratorium on the creation of sober living homes in March, with Councilman Derek Reeve voting against the measure. That moratorium came after

a 45-day trial moratorium in 2015 that Reeve and Councilman Sam Allevato voted against. No lawsuits have yet been filed against the city. The city also recently sent a letter of support to a U.S. Congresswoman in Florida who had sponsored a sober living home regulatory bill on May 17.

That said, San Juan Capistrano might learn from examples set by Costa Mesa and San Clemente, which were presented at the town hall meeting.

Tarquin Preziosi, the city attorney of Costa Mesa, talked about his city’s successful efforts to enforce regulation on sober living homes—something other municipalities haven’t been able to do yet.

Preziosi outlined how Costa Mesa passed laws that put a 650-foot buffer between sober living homes, banned them from residential areas and required contact information for operators. Solid Landings Behavioral Health, which owned 33 homes in Costa Mesa, sued the city.

A district court ruled in favor of the city before a U.S. appellate court granted an injunction upon appeal, meaning that the city would not be able to enforce its law.

However, the city and the sober living home operator reached a settlement, and over time, 15 homes were closed, with the other 18 scheduled to shut down over the course of two years. Solid Landings will still be allowed to operate two community centers.

It’s also important to note that such a strategy incurs many costs—Newport Beach was forced to pay more than $5 million in settlement money alone when sober living home operators sued legislation they had enacted that was similar to Costa Mesa’s.

In another case study, David Hurwitz, a San Clemente resident, recounted his ongoing legal battle with a sober living

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facility that moved next door to his home in Talega 18 months ago. Hurwitz said “the entry of the facility has changed the character of our neighborhood,” claiming that up to 14 people are living in the fourbedroom house, and that he wouldn’t wish the situation on his worst enemy. Hurwitz said he used his golf range finder to determine the sober living home’s smoking area was only 12 yards from his house.

“We went as far as to bring in a CSI-type investigation company that did chemical testing on our windows that shows nicotine stuck on our glass,” Hurwitz said. “We are constantly having interruptions in the middle of the night … lots of people drinking Red Bulls, staying up late. It became unlivable next door [to the facility].”

So Hurwitz sued, claiming that the facility is running a commercial operation in a residential area, and the Orange County Supreme Court will make a ruling on their case on June 6. As many sober living home opponents claim that the facilities should be outlawed because they are commercial operations in residential areas, the ruling could set a major legal precedent.

However, Sober Network Properties, which owns the home (and many others in Orange County), is countersuing Hurwitz and the city of San Clemente for their right to operate. The company says they were issued a cease and desist letter by the city, violating two anti-discriminatory laws prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act. Following the case studies, a panel of all the participants took prescreened questions from the audience. Absent from the event was an opportunity for sober living home residents and operators to speak, though a show of hands revealed about four dozen of such people in attendance. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Hospital to Close Monday Night MemorialCare officials will continue normal operations until license expires

BY ERIC HEINZ, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

an Clemente’s only hospital is nearing its last days.

Efforts by advocates to keep Saddleback Memorial Medical Center up and running have thus far fallen short, as legislative efforts, zoning restructuring and other ideas couldn’t keep it open.

Earlier this month, the group Save San Clemente Hospital sent a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown imploring some kind of intervention to the closure of the hospital.

Because the hospital is a private nonprofit operating under the MemorialCare health care umbrella, state intervention isn’t really possible, according to officials with the California Department of Public Health.

“The department does not have authority to force a facility to continue operations or require a facility to continue to provide optional services such as emergency services,” CDPH officials said in an email on Monday.

On Wednesday, Dr. Gus Gialamas, who has been fighting with Save San Clemente Hospital, provided the The Capistrano Dispatch with an ex-parte preliminary injunction filed on behalf of him, Dr. Steve Cullen and Terri Anne Plunkett.

The motion claims the California Department of Public Health “failed to perform its legal obligations” to approve or disprove the closure of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center until it had collected necessary information regarding the effects of the closure.

A hearing on the motion is scheduled

MemorialCare’s Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente is set to close on May 31. Photo: Allison Jarrell

for Friday, May 27 in the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana. Wednesday afternoon, OCEMS announced the hospital will divert all ambulance transfers to other hospitals as of 7 p.m. Friday, May 27.

In January, the California Legislature did not pass bills that would have allowed for a freestanding emergency room and satellite hospital, which hospital officials said would take the burden off of specific inpatient services. Then after the city passed a zoning ordinance that required the hospital to provide emergency services, MemorialCare sued the city for $42.5 million in potential losses. The case is currently in litigation.

According to the Emergency Impact Report submitted by the Orange County Emergency Medical Services to the California Department of Health, the county has determined there are adequate facilities within reach of San Clemente— Mission Hospital, Mission Laguna and Saddleback Memorial Laguna Hills.

Those hospitals are located 15 to 22 minutes from the borders of San Clemente.

“Basically (the report) pointed out the fact that we’re not a designated trauma center, a designated cardio center and we don’t have inpatient site OB/GYN servic-

es, and because of that what I read was the impact was minimal on the County EMS services,” said Tony Struthers, the administrator of the San Clemente hospital.

Councilman Chris Hamm, an Orange County Fire Authority firefighter and EMT, disagrees with that notion, saying during a budget hearing on Tuesday that it will be a “dangerous day” when the hospital closes.

Struthers said MemorialCare has continued to work with agencies to be accommodating and provide service up until the hospital closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 30.

The hospital’s current license to run an acute care facility expires at the stroke of midnight May 31.

“CDPH has been in our facilities to ensure themselves that the care we’re delivering is still at its standards,” Struthers said. “We’ve been working with them to show them we’re meeting all those regulations with an acute care hospital. And we’re working with OCEMS on developing the transition plan for over Memorial Day Weekend and transport of patients.”

Currently, the city is trying to persuade another medical provider to make an offer on the hospital, but Struthers said no negotiations have taken place.

“Anybody who had made a request,

we’ve sent it off to the CFO to evaluate those offers,” Struthers said, adding that the providers who have made offers have been told MemorialCare is waiting to see the results of its lawsuit.

Struthers also said about half the employees from Saddleback Memorial Medical Center have been retained within the MemorialCare network. He said the goal is to keep everyone, and MemorialCare is continuing to work to find a place for everyone who is still seeking employment with them.

“We will continue to serve San Clemente and the surrounding communities through our numerous locations that include physician health centers, urgent care centers, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers with comprehensive technology like MRIs and CT scans, breast centers, dialysis centers and other programs and services,” Struthers said.

Saddleback Memorial Medical Center began the process of suggesting converting the location into an advanced urgent care facility in 2014, but public opinion did not accept that. In 2015, the hospital met with various state representatives and lobbied for the legislation to allow for freestanding emergency rooms. CD

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

ment policy; and any other water, recycled water, sewer and storm drain related matters that may be of concern to the city and utility users.

Applications are due to the City Clerk’s office by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 3. For more information, contact the City Clerk at 949.493.1171. Applications are available at www.sanjuancapistrano.org, and at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

Camp Pendleton Marines Honored by City Council for Service Marines from 1st Battalion, 11th Marines were honored by the San Juan Capistrano City Council on May 17 for their exemplary service. Mayor Pam Patterson presented certificates to Marine Lance Cpl. Jace Stevens and Sgt. Jorge Flores.

Stevens and Flores were selected by their leadership as Marine and Non-Commissioned Officer of the quarter, respectively. Each Marine also received a $50 VISA gift card from local nonprofit Homefront America and the city’s 1/11 Adoption Committee. Recognition of 1/11 Marine and NCO of the Quarter is an initiative of the 1/11 Adoption Committee.

Residents interested in volunteering for the city’s 1/11 Adoption Committee can submit their information via an online form at: https://form.jotform.com/ HAApplications/1-11-volunteer-form.

City Appoints New Assistant City Manager City Manager Ben Siegel announced the appointment of Jacob Green as the city of San Juan Capistrano’s new assistant city manager effective June 13.

Green currently serves as the assistant city manager for the city of Ontario, California. Over the last 11 years, Green has served as the city’s business operations director in the Economic development agency, police administrative director in the police department and emergency manager in the fire department. He was involved in interdepartmental projects tackling issues such as transportation, infrastructure development and numerous crisis events and emergencies.

Green holds a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Long Beach and a bachelor’s degree in social sciences with an emphasis in public and community service and a minor in management from the University of California, Irvine. He received certification from the National Development Council as an economic development finance professional, as well as numerous awards for his community service leadership, including the National Caring Award, the Orange County Human Relations Award and the Gene Lentzner Humanitarian Award.

Green was born and raised in Orange County and was married to his wife, Nicole, in San Juan Capistrano. He and Nicole reside in Tustin with their four children.

“Jacob’s passion for public service and his vast experience in solving complex local government challenges will be a great asset for the city of San Juan Capistrano,” The Capistrano Dispatch May 27-June 9, 2016

Lance Cpl. Jace Stevens and Sgt. Jorge Flores listen as Mayor Pam Patterson introduces them at the May 17 City Council meeting. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Mountain View Church Participates in Wheelchair Buddy Run

Siegel said in a statement. “He will play a key role on the city’s new executive team, and I am looking forward to having him help enhance our efforts to provide outstanding public services.”

Local Nonprofit Receives Grant to Boost Workforce Development and Education The Bank of America Charitable Foundation awarded $350,000 in grants to 18 Orange County nonprofits dedicated to providing workforce development and education opportunities throughout the county. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, based in San Juan Capistrano, received $5,000 to provide academic and career support to its youth.

The nonprofits receiving support focus on connecting youth and adults, including the unemployed and underserved, to workforce opportunities and skills-building.

Funding will help people living in lowincome neighborhoods, who are disproportionately impacted by unemployment and other barriers to workforce participation, access opportunities that will advance longterm sustainable growth in Orange County.

City Seeking Applications for Seat on Utilities Commission The city of San Juan Capistrano is seeking applications from residents interested in serving on the Utilities Commission.

One vacancy currently exists on the commission, and the appointee will serve a term through March 31, 2017.

Applicants must be registered voters in the city of San Juan Capistrano. The chosen commissioner will be required by state law to file Fair Political Practices Commission Conflict of Interest Statements upon appointment, annually, and upon leaving office.

The Utilities Commission consists of five members who are San Juan residents.

Duties of the commission include reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council on matters concerning water, recycled water and sewer enterprise fund budgets; water, recycled water and sewer rates; water, recycled water and sewer service standards; water and recycled water supply; water conservation; invest-

Supporters of Mountain View Church’s disability ministry, called Refuge, participated in the third annual OC MissionsRace on April 23. OC MissionsRace offers a platform for Refuge and other faith-based charities to fund their causes through individual and team participation, competition and sponsorship.

“We thought it would be fun to come together and help some of our friends with special needs, including those in wheelchairs, do something they may have never thought possible,” said Dave Bulloch, director of Refuge at Mountain View Church. “So we asked a few people if they wanted to do the 5K and that turned into more than 30 people participating.”

The Refuge ministry meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Mountain View Church chapel, located at 32222 Del Obispo Street in San Juan Capistrano.

Refuge provides a safe, non-judgmental place where those with disabilities can sing, laugh, play games and experience adventure, community and joy. Family and friends of those with special needs are welcome to attend, as Refuge offers the opportunity to meet new people as well as receive support.

For more information about Refuge, email refuge@mountainviewchurch.com or call 949.529.7252. For more information on Mountain View Church, visit www. mvclife.com, email pam@mountainviewchurch.com or call 949.458.6888.

Community Meetings MONDAY, MAY 30

San Juan Capistrano Memorial Day Ceremony

10 a.m.-noon. VFW Serra Post 3801 hosts its annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at the Field of Honor flag display in Los Rios Park. The traditional ceremony is open to the public and includes an invocation, keynote speaker and comments from the VFW, city dignitaries, OCFA and OCSD. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

Districting Community Outreach Meeting

6:30-8:30 p.m. The city is encouraging residents to participate in community meetings designed to help draw City Council election districts. The June 1 meeting is the last community forum before the council approves the final map of districts at a June 6 public hearing. The June 1 meeting will take place at the Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion. For more information or to send your input to the city, visit districting.sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 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. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

MONDAY, JUNE 6

City Council Public Hearing on Voting Districts Map

5 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

The June 6 meeting includes a public hearing on the final map of voting districts. To see the agenda, visit www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

Katy Kaufman, Zack Krater, Jonathan Kaufman and Bryson Kelso of Mountain View Church’s Refuge ministry participated in the OC MissionsRace 5K on April 23.

Photo: Courtesy

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

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes 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.

DISTURBANCE Stonehill Drive/Camino Capistrano (4:02 p.m.) A man riding his bike on the San Juan Creek Trail reported seeing subjects on “the vacant lot behind where they park new cars north of the Stonehill bridge” throwing rocks at people on the trails and screaming obscenities. The caller said another homeless man on a bike pulling a trailer also harassed him and had a dog tied to a tree.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/Del Obispo Street (8:22 p.m.) A drunken man sitting on the sidewalk in front of El Adobe de Capistrano was bothering customers. Police officers made contact with the man and he agreed to leave the area.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Camino Capistrano/Junipero Serra Road (5:15 a.m.) A collision occurred between a gray Tahoe and a white Kia Sorrento in front of the senior living center and the soccer field. A “known female subject displayed symptoms of DUI drugs” and “performed poorly” during field sobriety tests. The 23-year-old subject was arrested, cited and subsequently released from the Intake Release Center.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Via Solana, 31100 Block (7:59 p.m.) A woman told police that her vehicle was left unlocked on May 21 and the following day she discovered several items were missing.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Camino Capistrano, 33700 Block (3:45 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for a female guest at the Residence Inn who was “being loud and refusing to go back inside her room.”

Tuesday, May 24

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Paseo Adelanto/Del Obispo Street (6:55 p.m.) Someone reported hearing a “loud explosion” near the creek bed, and another person reported seeing an explosion below her residence. The second informant suspected that kids were playing with fireworks.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo San Gabriel, 26500 Block (6:49 p.m.) A resident reported a strong smell of illegal substances and told police it was an ongoing issue with the neighbors smoking at the residence. Police officers spoke with three men who were sitting on the grass. Nothing suspicious was seen.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/Ortega Highway (5:26 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a man riding a bicycle and chasing another man on foot near the Starbucks.

DISTURBANCE Plaza Drive, 31800 Block (5:19 p.m.)

Transients were reportedly creating a disturbance in the alley behind Comfort Galley Mattress. One subject was seen chasing another transient with a baseball bat and was last seen on a dirt path toward Rite Aid. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Del Obispo Street/Ortega Highway (5 p.m.)

A caller from Bagel Shack reported seeing two subjects who matched the description of two pickpockets in the Irvine area. The subjects were seen talking to a woman before leaving the business.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 27–June 9, 2016

The pedestrian bridge over Pacific Coast Highway is set to be demolished on June 2. Photo: Andrea Swayne

News Next Door WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

Monday, May 23 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Paseo Nicole, 27900 Block (8:29 p.m.)

A caller told police that a woman driving a gray Honda SUV with Texas license plates parked behind other vehicles on the street. When the caller asked the woman what she was doing, she said she was “hit on the freeway” and then drove off toward Cook Park. The caller thought the vehicle was suspicious “or else the driver wouldn’t be hiding in the neighborhood.” There were no reports of any hit-and-runs on the freeway.

DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (5:54 p.m.)

An ongoing dispute between neighbors was called in by a woman who claimed her neighbor “sprayed her with a water hose” because she was watering her plants. The claim was unfounded.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Plaza Drive/Del Obispo Street (5:20 p.m.)

A male subject in a tan-gold Chrysler Seabring appeared to be passed out with illegal drug paraphernalia in his lap.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Vista Montana, 29200 Block (2:42 p.m.)

A parent reported that construction occurring at San Juan Hills High School was causing a traffic back-up and students were stuck in line to leave for 45 minutes.

The light sequence had not been scheduled for the students’ early release.

Traffic was flowing normally 10 minutes later.

Dana Point: Bridge Demolition to Close PCH on June 2 The demolition of the pedestrian bridge over Pacific Coast Highway will close traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, according to an Orange County Transportation Authority press release. There will be a temporary signalized crosswalk immediately south of the existing bridge location, and there will be local access only.

The bridge is located around the 34600 block of Coast Highway in Capistrano Beach, near Surfside Inn. The County of Orange determined the bridge, which was built about 30 years ago, had excessive concrete spalling, corroding reinforcement and a lack of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for its lack of an elevator.

“After demolition, there will be open access on reduced lanes during other activities,” the release stated. “There will be detour signs to advise the public of alternate routes. Traffic control safety measures will be used to ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and others.

A new signalized intersection pedestrian crossing will be installed at a later date yet to be determined.” —Eric Heinz

San Clemente: Public Safety, Projects Highlight City’s Budget Hearing Groups of residents have been requesting that the city add more police officers to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in San Clemente. As the city contin-

Page 10

ues to mull the prospect of adding more officers, two full-time officers are expected to be added along with a crime specialist and a part-time officer. This would bring the city’s total OCSD officers to 43.5, which is 1.5 more than 10 years ago.

During the hearing, Councilwoman Lori Donchak requested a five-year master plan to examine the needs of police enforcement in San Clemente.

San Clemente has .67 officers per 1,000 residents, which is less than the regional average of 1.1 officers per 1,000 residents, according to 2013-2014 U.S. Census and FBI data.

Assistant City Manager Erik Sund spoke about the city needing to ensure it consolidates its spending and continue to provide a balanced budget. As mentioned at the May 17 City Council meeting, the city would operate with expenditures exceeding its revenues if certain trends continue in the general fund, but he also said the city always finds a way to pass a balanced budget.

A major component of cutting expenditures is to maintain a AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s, Sund said.

Also during the hearing, Council voted to fund a $600,000 intersection project at Camino Vera Cruz and Costa, the Forester Ranch entrance.

Other issues discussed included the upcoming water rate structure study, which will begin sometime this year, as well as more capital improvement projects within the area.

The city has an operating general fund of about $57 million in expenditures.

The city will adopt its 2017 budget at a meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 13 at City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. To view the current proposed budget, visit www.san-clemente.org and click on the proposed budget under “Latest News.”

—Eric Heinz www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

Happiness is More Than What Money Can Buy “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.”

— Oscar Wilde

W

hat is happiness? Is it the same for everyone, and can we bring it on ourselves?

Is it only, “Nothing more than good health and a bad memory,” as Albert Einstein maintained? And who said money can’t buy happiness, anyway? The women I know claim that whomever said that simply didn’t know where to shop.

One thing seems sure: lots of rich people must have missed the shopping uplift; many of the world’s wealthiest families are rife with suicides, drug overdoses, failed marriages and massive depression.

In some cases, it seems like the richer one gets, the more expensive happiness becomes. And no matter what size the bank account, pain is no more preventable or buffered when a parent loses a child or disease strikes down a loved one. So if money doesn’t buy bliss, what can?

John Lennon, one of the 20th century’s

Letters to the Editor DOCTORS SHOULD BE ON-SITE AT SOBER LIVING HOMES —David Lees, San Clemente As a longtime—32-plus years—San Clemente resident who has enjoyed the safety of living here until I suffered two break-ins during the past year, I have a question about sober living homes: If addiction is a disease—and that claim apparently triggers the extraordinary protections afforded to sober living homes by the Fair Housing Act—then why isn’t a doctor or nurse on hand at each home?

And if addiction is not a disease, then why are these homes any different than short-stay rentals and therefore subject to the same regulations?

Just asking why sober living homes can have it both ways.

INTERIM NUCLEAR STORAGE A BANDAGE ON NEED FOR PERMANENCE —Ricardo Nicol, San Clemente The U.S. Department of Energy’s “consent-based siting” for the interim storage of nuclear waste from plants like San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station The Capistrano Dispatch May 17-June 9, 2016

most influential artists, made the most astute comment about happiness I have ever read: “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment. I told them they didn’t understand life.”

That indefinable explanation is as close as I’ve come to grasping the concept of contentment.

So do some people have more of it than others, or are some people just born unhappy?

As it turns out, there does seem to be things WAVELENGTHS

By Jim Kempton that can help. What both experience and clinical tests have shown is that exercise, quiet contemplation, conscious acts of kindness, anticipating the future and spending money on people, not possessions, are all keys to sustaining a happy life. Anticipation of something positive is one of the most joyous states of mind, and there is always proposes to create temporary waste sites in regions of the country that need the business such activity would produce. It’s not a good idea in my opinion.

It is an interim solution to the interim solution that’s already been in place at San Onofre for more than 50 years, and it would take decades and billions of dollars to find, approve and build the new sites and transport the nuclear waste to them.

And additional decades and millions to decommission those sites, and again transport the waste when permanent single or multiple repositories are established.

Why the duplication of effort, time and money? Instead, why not concentrate our resources on finding the permanent solution and prepare the nuclear waste now in the best possible manner for eventual safe transport and storage?

Besides, isn’t there a moral and ethical aspect in having our most economically disadvantaged communities “consent” to accept for money what is unacceptable to the rest of us?

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.

something to look forward to—even if it is just being done with the day’s work.

Of course no one can be happy all the time. In fact, those who have never experienced any hard times or painful challenges in their life are most often bereft of the joy that comes from overcoming them. And as we all know too well, attitude is the only thing we can control in our lives. One last note—a 3,000-year-old Chinese proverb: “Happy wife, happy life.”

So we might as well grin and bear it, look on the bright side and hope for the best. A positive attitude may not solve all our problems, but it can often annoy our adversaries enough to make it worth the effort.

Jim Kempton is a surf industry veteran who has been happy to get up and go to work almost every day of his life. He is not rich, but he has lived like he was. All he asks is the chance to prove that lots of money can’t make him happy. 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

EDITOR’S NOTE:

By Andrea Swayne, Senior Editor

Signing Off

I

t is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from Picket Fence Media as I venture out to pursue other opportunities.

Although I am excited for what my future holds, I can’t help but to feel sad about leaving the dedicated team that makes the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch the top-notch local newspapers they are.

It has been an honor to serve the community over the past eight years, working hard to provide the best information to help residents (my neighbors) stay informed on the news of the day and to experience everything our beautiful tri-city area has to offer.

I would like to thank you, our readers, for your support, feedback and contribution to the editorial makeup of our papers. You have been of great assistance to me, and our team, via letters to the editor, questions, suggestions and story pitches about the interesting people, places, events and issues you care about. It has been a distinct pleasure serving you.

See you around town. CD

Page 12

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, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Debra Holm Cameron Sadeghi Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 10. 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 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

3 | GO SEE DO

WELCOME

The Holidays. hoto Craig erstetter

Every week, our three community papers feature the region’s happenings in our calendars. In this, our second annual Go See Do issue, we’ve expanded our “Getting Out” calendar to include feature stories on Southern California getaways, local eateries and summer concerts series in order to give you, our readers, a full array of summertime options all in one place.

On the following pages, you ll find places to go, wonders to see and things to do throughout our communities and surrounding areas. op on an mtrak train from the an uan Capistrano epot and head to an iegos uni ue, trackside neighborhoods in ll board page or travel to a a Californias wine country and Catalina sland s beaches through our rilliance of a a feature page . ind a list of ollywood s vintage hits and family comedies being screened outdoors throughout Orange County in On the ilver creen page along with the lineup of country, rock, otown and pop cover bands hitting the free-concert stages of our local municipalities in l resco unes page . eading through o Odd, page you ll also discover a road-trip friendly guide to oCal s oddest attractions—from the colorful alvation ountain to the famed atts owers. e ve also compiled an immense list of things to do—items you can check off your list any time of the year. ear what your neighbors favorite locales are in ocal ove page and behind-the-scenes kitchen takes from culinary creationists in our ocal lavor feature page . n ottoms p page , discover our areas libations from local brewers, distillers and winemakers. hen, pull out your map and highlight the best places to et on our ancing hoes page . inally, e plore uni ue camping alternatives that bring modern amenities to the wonderful outdoors in ough t or ot page . rom cocktails to Catalina, train travel to dancing hotspots, o ee o has a little something for everyone.

ON THE COVER

Fresh Seafood and Fine Steaks at the Harbor Grill or more than years, the arbor rill has served fresh seafood, oysters and uicy steaks in the ana oint arbor. he restaurant has become renowned by visitors and locals for its e ceptional fare prepared on a large mes uite wood-fired grill. egional dishes are accented with fresh herbs from the arbor rill s herb garden, and accompanied by chutneys, spice rubs and salsas. ecutive Chef ngel abian started his career with the arbor rill back in , and shortly thereafter attended the Culinary nstitute of merica in apa alley. he menu he has cultivated draws heavily from his e perience traveling in outh merica, while also allowing for influences from atin merica, sia, the outhwest and the editerranean.

The Harbor Grill’s lobster roll. hoto le

aris

he arbor rill serves lunch, dinner and a unday champagne breakfast, all in the elegant dining room or out on the co y terrace where diners can watch the boats roll in and out. here is also a long list of cocktails to sample and an e tensive wine list that is carefully curated.

GO SEE DO | 4

Brilliance of Baja

Discover arts, culture, adventure in Baja California

By Andrea Papagianis-Camacho A two-hour, straight shot south on Interstate 5 leads to a lively international escape. The vibrant world of Baja California’s arts, culture, entertainment, dining and adventure awaits a simple crossing into Mexico.

Eighty miles south you’ll discover the region’s spirited urban hub, i uana, a lobster fishing village in uerto uevo, the coastal haven of Ensenada and lush wine country in Valle de Guadalupe.

Visit Valle’s burgeoning culinary and winery scene on group bus tours departing San Diego each weekend with Baja Vino Tours or embark on a gastronomic expedition to Tijuana and Ensenada’s eateries, street carts and taco shops with the roving supper club, Club Tengo Hambre.

Dine your way around Tijuana with renowned Cali-Baja flavor expert avier lacencia. isit his iconic restaurant Caesar’s—the birthplace of the Caesar salad—nosh on sleek, refined e ican cuisine at his Misión 19 or visit Erizo, a cevicheria along the hip Avenida Sonora, for fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Follow Anthony Bourdain’s lead from No Reservations to Las Ahumaderas’ six street-side taco stands. othing fancy. ts down-to-the basics. it back and watch the masters prepare carne, lengua and adobada delights.

Wanting a cultural experience? Seek out the casual, inviting contemporary art galleries located on the outskirts of the downtown’s tourist destination, Avenida Revolucion, and visit the Centro Cultural Tijuana. Sports fans, check schedules. Tijuana is home to three professional sports teams: The Zonkeys (basketball), Toros (baseball) and Xoloitzcuintles (soccer)—Xolos for short.

An hour and a half south of Tijuana and just northeast of the port city of nsenada you ll find a a Californias arid wine country—Valle de Guadalupe. Cultured, yet rustic, traditional and trendy, Baja’s wine region has an inimitable identity. Its winemakers and chefs play by their own rules. Chenin blanc, tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, name the varietal; it’s likely grown here.

Taste your way through the region’s unique blends at the valley’s pioneer winery L.A. Cetto, the hilltop Las Nubes or Finca La Carrodilla, where grapes are grown using biodynamic farming methods. The farm and vineyard Mogor Badan offers the best of both wining and dining worlds. Its French Bourdeaux-inspired blend and citrus-forward Chasselas are served solely onsite at Deckman’s en el Mogor—a farm-to-table dining experience cooked entirely in traditional a a style—over firewood.

Whether exploring Baja individually or on a tour, remember this: Don’t forget your passport. And make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to cross the border if traveling on a Sunday.

Erizo Baja Fish House & Market. hoto ndrea apagianis-Camacho

Deckman’s en el Mogor. hotos ndrea apagianis-Camacho

More Regional Getaways Barbara Bound

Santa Barbara. hoto

Mojave Magic

Catalina Calm

ark anche

isit anta arbara

A visit to the American Riviera—Santa Barbara—doesn’t disappoint. Red-tiled roofs and white stucco structures set against hillsides flowing into the sea exude Mediterranean vibes rich with culture and prompting relaxation. Santa Barbara is ideal for travelers of all ages looking to enjoy the outdoors, arts—check out the Santa Barbara Museum of Art—culture, food and wine. Well, what are you waiting for?

Catalina Island. hoto le

aris

Get on island time. Located just 22-miles off the California mainland, Catalina Island feels a world away. Catch a ferry from Dana oint or ong each harbors for a day of culinary e perimentation and outdoor adventures. Did someone say Catalina Parasail? Or slow it down. Stay awhile, settle in and truly appreciate the island clock. The only rush hour here involves golf carts—the perfect transportation mode.

Pappy & Harriett’s Pioneertown Palace. hoto

arina Chave

If adventure is what you’re seeking, the Mojave Desert’s 25,000 s uare miles of California, evada, tah and ri ona could be your next destination. Discover dunes and volcanic formations in o ave ational reserve and hike trails of varying degrees of e treme in oshua ree ational ark. ere, campsites and uni ue finds abound. Catch a Pappy & Harriett’s show or visit the World Famous Crochet Museum.

GO SEE DO | 6

All Aboard

LITTLE ITALY an iegos tuna fishing industry thrived for generations as talian families made their living off this neighborhood s waters. Today, Little Italy continues to flourish. ome to a vibrant dining, craft brewing and shopping scene, including a weekly aturday farmers market, ittle taly is a mustsee. t s conveniently located off the lue ine trolley, too.

Joes on the Nose, a coffee truck, at Little Italy Farmers Market.

Little Italy Farmers Market flower vendor.

Chowder fries and a local brew at Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar.

Chicano Park murals highlight Mexican-American culture.

Beans and chorizo with rice at Las Quatro Milpas.

Murals under the San Diego- Coronado Bridge at Chicano Park.

Santa Fe Depot.

Green-line trolley passing Petco Park.

New Children’s Museum.

e ican figurines at l Centro Artesano.

ntrance to ld Town San Diego State Historic Park..

Fajitas at Café Coyote.

A National Salute to Bob Hope & the Military.

Gyro platter at Greek Islands Cáfe.

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Shop.

BARRIO LOGAN

A San Diego discovery by way of rail Story and photos by Andrea Papagianis-Camacho

It takes about an hour and 30 minutes to travel from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego. By train, that is. No traffic—just the sounds of tracks beneath, Pacific views out the window. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner passenger trains depart the historic San Juan Capistrano Depot for San Diego’s Old Town and Santa Fe stations numerous times each day. An 8:42 a.m. departure from the state’s oldest residential neighborhood sees a 10:02 a.m. arrival in the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego.

outh of downtown, accessible from the blue-line trolley, visitors will find one of an iegos most vibrant neighborhoods. n recent years, coffee shops, Cross it gyms and brewers have entered the diverse community filled with authentic eateries and a colorful art scene— arrio ogans Chicano ark is home to the nations largest collection of outdoor murals.

DOWNTOWN his urban ungle is an oasis for one and all. amilies can e plore the city s vast museums and world renowned zoo (a short bus ride away or cheer on the adres one afternoon at etco ark. venings see the areas pulsating nightlife and dining seen erupt. iscover downtown by foot, trolley or pedi-cab.

OLD TOWN step off the train in Old own is a step back in time. his historic cultural park offers a view into the first panish settlement in California. ere, guests can learn about life in the e ican and early merican periods of the regions past while perusing uni ue shops, galleries, museums, cafes and cantinas.

Here, train travelers can start their San Diego exploration by way of foot and trolley, discovering the city’s unique neighborhoods and districts through open-air markets, museums and eateries before catching a northbound train home.

Courtesy photo provided by the ew Childrens useum and an iego etropolitan ransit ystem.

WATERFRONT long the eastern edge of an iego ay lies the mbarcadero district. rab a sweet treat and shop one-of-a-kind gifts at eaport illage, tour the USS Midway useum and climb on a Coronado sland-bound ferry. ach day sees something new. rom street performers, giant bubble makers and a weekly open-air fish market, this waterfront district never disappoints.

7 | GO SEE DO

Al Fresco Tunes

Summer outdoor concert series returns to tri-cities

By Andrea Papagianis-Camacho It’s no secret: South Orange County is a great venue for live music. Live tunes reverberate throughout the county’s beachside and historic parks as the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano host their annual, free-of-charge, seasonal concerts. Below is a list of this year’s musical offerings. You’ll want to mark your calendars; this summertime lineup is one for the record books.

Dana Point Summer Concert Series July 10: All hail Southern rock as Skynyrd Reloaded pays homage to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers known worldwide for their beloved anthem “Sweet Home Alabama,” while SouthBound recreates the mix of rock, blues, country and jazz renderings of the Allman Brothers.

July 17: You won’t stop believin’ in the power of ’80s rock classics when the high-energy Journey tribute band Lights takes the stage.

You will also have “More than a Feeling” of nostalgia as BOSTYX—a Boston and Styx mash-up band closes out the day’s musical offerings.

July 24: The Tricia Freeman Band pulls from musical influences of Cline, Raitt and Joplin as its powerhouse lead brings country ballads and delta blues to the stage. A tribute to the American rockers behind “Hotel California” and “Tequila Sunrise” follows with Peaceful Eagles.

July 31: This week’s performers—Fan Halen and Led ZepAgain—are regarded as the best for their precision and the near-perfect reproductions of rock classics like Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher” and “Panama” and Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.”

August 7: Las Vegas headliners of yesteryear are revived as Raymond Michael’s Casino All Stars sing the 1960s hits of Elvis Presley, Engelbert Humperdink and Tom Jones. Then, Hot August Night salutes Neil Diamond.

August 14: Performers rooted in the Southern tradition of country, Brent Payne and Craig

Wayne Boyd, hit the Sea Terrace Stage. Boyd is the seventh season winner of The Voice.

August 21: Savor the Band honors Carlos Santana’s musical fusion of rock and Latin American sounds while The Fabulous Ultratones, known for synthesizing hits across musical genres and generations, closes out ana oint s final summer concert.

Concerts are held from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Sea Terrace Park. The final concert is at Heritage Park. A free shuttle runs from Dana Hills High School to Sea Terrace concerts. Parking is available at the Salt Creek Beach lot. The Dana Point trolley services the Salt Creek lot.

Visit www.dptrolley.com for routes.

San Clemente Beach Concerts July 7: Eighties cover band Wigs & Ties, known for high-energy renditions of the decade’s hits, will rock the socks off beachconcertgoers even if they aren’t wearing any.

July 21: The tried-and-true veterans of blues, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, bring a blend of Chicago-grit, West Coast swing, jazz, R&B and rock and roll blues to the beach.

August 4: The fused sounds of Common Sense—a mix of small-town vibes, Southern California attitudes and reggae-rock inspirations—close out this beachside concert series.

Performances are located north of the San Clemente Pier. They kick off at 6 p.m. Chicken and barbecue rib dinners are available for $8. Parking is available at the Pier Bowl lot and on the street.

San Juan Summer Nites June 15: From “Fortunate Son” to “Proud Mary,” the faithful-recreationists of Creedence Relived will transport listeners to a 1960s Creedence Clearwater Revival concert.

July 20: It’s all in the name: The Trip. This rock and roll cover band takes concert-goers on a journey through time with hits from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and ’00s.

August 17: Get your dancin’ shoes ready.

The Blue Breeze Band is bringing the best of Motown, R&B, soul, funk, jazz and blues.

September 21: The purveyor of today’s hottest country hits, Pickleback Shine, will keep attendees dancing, singing and stomping.

Shows are held the third Wednesday of the month at Historic Town Center Park. All concerts start at 6 p.m.

Street and lot parking is available for free throughout downtown San Juan Capistrano.

San Clemente Beach Concerts. Photo: Eric Heinz For additional information on venues, parking, summer shuttle services and musical line-ups, visit www.danapointconcertseries.com, www.san-clemente.org or www.visitsjc.com.

GO SEE DO | 8

Salvation Mountain. Photo: iStockphoto.com/Steven_Kriemadis

So Odd

A short guide to Southern California’s oddest landmarks

By Andrea Papagianis-Camacho

Road trips are synonymous with summer. If you’re hitting the open road this season, stay on the lookout for Southern California oddities. You’ll find the World Famous Crochet Museum in Joshua Tree and the World’s Largest Surfboard—etched in the Guinness Book of World Records for “Most People Riding a Surfboard”—in Huntington Beach. So, pull out the map and lay out your course. You never know what you’ll find along the way. Here are two peculiar landmarks to spark your oddity interest.

Salvation Mountain

Watts Towers

Location: Niland, California Venturing east to Palm Desert or Phoenix? Make time for a pit stop or a day excursion to Imperial County’s infamous Salvation Mountain.

The mountain—a towering man-made terrain of hay bales, adobe clay, tree branches, various scraps found in the desert and thousands of gallons of colorful paint—was a labor of unfailing faith. Built over the course of 25 years by Leonard Knight, Salvation Mountain has become a destination for global visitors. It, too, has been documented by The Discovery Channel and National Geographic. Guests can walk along the yellow-brick road and climb to the top of the late Knight’s 50-foot vibrant beacon of love—a work of art dedicated to delivering its creator’s message: “God is love.” Knight died in February 2014 at the age of 82. His legacy lives on, however, through this patchwork wonderland of color in the middle of the Southern California desert.

Location: Los Angeles, California he City of ngels is filled with oddities and uni ue e periences. ou can hike through the abandoned ruins of the old . . oo in riffith ark, or explore prehistoric Los Angeles at the La Brea Tar Pits. The options here are endless: giant donuts, walks of fame and a museum dedicated solely to velvet paintings. Perhaps the strangest of all peculiarities is Watts Towers—a collection of 17 major sculptures and the 33-year project undertaken by Sabato “Simon” Watts. The Italian immigrant used simple tools to construct towers, the tallest standing just over 99 feet, which he dubbed “Nuestro Pueblo”—meaning “our town.” These steel structures, simply wire together rebar, were hand-packed with mortar and embellished with mosaic tiles, glass, shells and rock. Public guided tours of this National Register of Historic Places landmark are held Thursday through Sunday. The Watts Tower Arts Center provides a diverse lineup of programming from exhibits and studio workshops to the annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival in September.

Getting There: If traveling on Interstate 10 from Los Angeles, take CA-86 S just east of Indio. Take a slight left toward CA-195 (marked 66th Avenue E) then a left onto CA-111 S. Follow the road for 43.3 miles, along the eastern end of the Salton Sea, before turning left on Main Street.

Continue onto Beal Road to the destination. If driving through San Diego, take Interstate 8 to El Centro and head north on CA-111 N. On the north end of Brawley the road turns into CA-78. You’ll continue onto CA-111.

Make a right on Main Street and continue traveling on Beal Road until you reach Salvation Mountain.

Getting There: Head north on Interstate 5 past Anaheim and Buena Park.

Near Norwalk, merge onto Interstate 605 heading south. From there, merge onto westbound Interstate 105 and take exit 10 toward Wilmington Avenue. Turn left onto Imperial Highway, followed by a slight right toward Willowbrook Avenue then a right on Wilmington Avenue. Make a left on 112th Street, which becomes Willowbrook Avenue. Finally, turn right onto 107th Street. The destination is on the left—1765 E. 107th Street.

Watts Towers. Photo: iStockphoto.com/Joe Potato Photo

9 | GO SEE DO

On the Silver Screen Orange County’s family-friendly, open-air cinemas

By Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Warm summer nights were made for movies under the stars. While Orange County’s drive-in movie theaters, circa 1960, may be a thing of the past, cities and art venues throughout the region have filled the summer pastime void with movie-going experiences that rival those of yesteryear.

All summer long, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the City of Dana Point and the Orange County Great Park are projecting Hollywood classics and computer-animated cinema outdoors—free and family-friendly features complete with food trucks, popcorn and sweet theater snacks.

This year’s outdoor theater season kicks off in Dana Point. Each Friday in June, Lantern Bay Park is transformed into an open-air cinema where families pack picnic dinners and munch on popcorn—served free of charge—during fantasy, action and comedy flicks.

On June 3, the inventive animated dramedy Inside Out takes viewers into the mind of iley, a young girl going through a difficult, life-altering event. This emotional rollercoaster ride sees iley s feelings personified. The Good Dinosaur follows a young apatosaurus as he

forms an unlikely friendship with a human on June 10. On June 17, the unspoken legend of Peter Pan is told in Pan. The comedic, yellow creatures from Despicable Me search for a new master to serve in the city s final summer showing of Minions on June 24.

On weekend nights throughout June and August, family favorites and silver-screen classics will be showcased on Orange County Great Park’s outdoor screen. A ride on the Great Park Balloon—with a 360-degree view of Irvine from 400 feet above ground—or the Great Park carousel segues perfectly into a night of film, food trucks and free family fun.

After an alien race conquers Earth, a fugitive alien and a girl are on the run in the June 4 showing of Home. The family adventure continues on June 11 as Dracula, voiced by Adam Sandler, puts his grandson through monsterin-training boot camp in Hotel Transylvania 2.

Before serving Gru, the super-villain’s famed small, yellow assistants were in search of a master. heir film, Minions, airs on June 18. Everyone’s favorite neighborhood friends—Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and Lucy—take to the big screen on June 25 in The Peanuts Movie. On July 9, Jack Black’s character, Po, hits the Great Park movie scene with Kung Fu Panda 3.

Romance and drama ensue June 10 as a modern-day princess, Audrey Hepburn, rebels against her duties in the Great Park’s showing of Roman Holiday. On une , silent film actors transition to sound in Gene Kelly’s Singing in the Rain. Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn take to the silver screen June 24 in the showing of Bringing Up Baby—a screwball comedy starring a confused paleontologist and a maddening heiress. The Great Park’s classics are rounded out uly with the film, State Fair.

Returning for its 10th season, Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents Movie Mondays starting July 11 with the classic, hopelessly devoted fan favorite, Grease. The music continues July 18 with the biographical drama, Selena, starring Jennifer Lopez as famed Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla. Moviegoers can spread Christmas cheer in July by singing loud for all to hear with the July 25 showing of Elf and take a day away from responsibilities with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on August 1. The summer movie extravaganza ends in epic fashion with the Jim Henson-directed, David Bowie-starring fantastical film, Labyrinth, on August 8.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Photo: Courtesy Movies in the Park at Lantern Bay Park 8 p.m., 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point June 3: Inside Out • June 10: The Good Dinosaur • June 17: Pan • June 24: Minions Movies on the Lawn at Orange County Great Park 7 p.m., 6950 Marine Way, Irvine June 4: Home • June 10: Roman Holiday • June 11: Hotel Transylvania 2 • June 17: Singing in the Rain • June 18: Minions • June 24: Bringing Up Baby • June 25: The Peanuts Movie • July 8: State Fair • July 9: Kung Fu Panda 3 Movie Mondays at Segerstrom Center for the Arts 8 p.m., 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa July 11: Grease • July 18: Selena • July 25: Elf • August 1: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off • August 8: Labyrinth

CHEATSHEET

GO SEE DO | 10

Get on Your Dancing Shoes

San Clemente Goody’s Tavern is a place that just makes you want to dance. It’s got an old school feel to complement a bevy of live music and entertainment that keeps people dancing until the early hours. And if you get tired of dancing, Goody’s has karaoke nights on Sunday. Meanwhile, Duke’s Bar and Grill brings the party to you.

They’ve got beer pong and Thirsty Thursday specials, to knock of those inhibitions. Live music from local bands and DJs keeps the atmosphere fresh.

You’ll also want to check out Pierside Kitchen + Bar, which hosts live music on the weekends to go alongside an exceptional drink and food menu. And don’t forget OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar, which is always a good time with live music.

The best places to let loose in South Orange County

By Matt Cortina The Swallow’s Inn. Photo: Allison Jarrell

California has a rhythm all its own. And on top of that, the towns of South Orange County have a unique flavor to them that emanates on the dance floor.

In the tri-cities, you’ll find clubs with modern music and drink specials, but mere steps away, you can waltz the night away or Texas two-step.

No matter the style of dance, the area is home to venues that meet any number of occasions—from celebrations like weddings and quinceañeras to nights out with friends and dance classes. Take a look at some dancing hot spots to find out where you might want to get your groove on this weekend.

Dana Point Harpoon Henry’s is a harbor favorite.

With live music every weekend, Henry’s is the place to be to get the essence of life in Dana Point. Its relaxed and fun atmosphere is

complemented by drink specials and a convivial staff.

If you’re looking for something upbeat, The Point is where it’s at. With live music and DJs on the weekend, it attracts a younger crowd that stays out late into the night. Drink specials and more keep the party going.

Or, you can check out the enduring, local-favorite StillWater Spirits and Sounds. StillWater gets people moving to all types of music, but specializes in good old rock and roll.

And don’t forget about Brio Tuscany Grill.

With live music and themed nights, its one of the hottest weekend spots in Dana Point.

San Juan Capistrano There are several places to get moving in San Juan Capistrano, but one best embodies the spirit of the city itself: Swallow’s Inn. The Swallow’s is a world-renowned watering hole that also hosts excellent country western and rock and roll bands. You’re liable to see any number style of dancing out on the floor from the Texas two-step, to the waltz, to whatever the latest dance craze is now. If a band’s not ripping up the sound system, a well-attended jukebox plays songs to get the atmosphere right for dancing.

So what are you doing still reading this? Get out and dance!

11 | GO SEE DO

Local Love For our second annual Go See Do issue, we wanted to hear from our readers—you. So, we took to the town to find out what the locals love. The places you take your families. Where you surf, dine and catch a sunset. And your recommendations for things visitors of our three communities must go, see and do when they visit San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point. Below is a compilation of what the people we met at the Dana Point Harbor, along Los Rios Street and Avenida Del Mar had to say.

The Ruiz Family

The Phillips Family

The Lee Family

What is your family’s favorite place to go? “Baby Beach. Before kids, we would surf Lowers together, so this is a great way to introduce them to the ocean. For people who surf it’s good to start the kids at Baby Beach, then Doheny, then Old Man’s, then Lowers.”— James Ruiz And the things you like to do in Dana Point? “We like to go out on the ocean, so we’ll take one of the whale watching tours and then eat at Mahé afterward. Their happy hour is really good.”—Carolyn Ruiz

Where is Dana Point’s mustvisit locale? “My grandparents, from the time the harbor was being built, would walk over the bridge and onto the island to sit and feed the squirrels and birds and watch the boats go by. You don’t have to have a lot of money, just grab a cup of coffee, go fishing or to the local bar. The harbor is the place to go.”—Darla Phillips What do you recommend people do in town? “We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. You just gotta get out and walk. You’ll find little stores and restaurants that you didn’t know were there. Come down to the harbor and go to Jon’s Fish Market, get some awesome seafood.”—Ryan Phillips

Is there a place you always go in town? “Hidden House.

We go there every time we come to the park. It’s got good coffee, good atmosphere and they’re really friendly. They always remember Frank. His great-great-grandparents lived on this street, the gift shop— Las Catrinas—was their house.

We have a long history down here. We just like this whole area.”—Apollonio Lee

(L to R) James, Jameson, Juliet and Carolyn of Dana Point

(L to R) Ryan and (mother) Darla of Dana Point

(L to R) Appollonio, Kathryn and Frank of San Juan Capistrano

The Sorenson Family Roger and Elaine with their dogs Punkin and Zoet of San Clemente

Katherine Evans and Pete Jacquot Dillon Joyce and Hillary Fitzmaurice of San Clemente

What’s your go-to place in San Clemente? “The Beach Trail is the best. It’s a great way to transit through town since it has no hills.”—Dillon Joyce How else do you enjoy the outdoors? “We’re big surfers so surfing s our favorite thing to do here.”—Dillon Joyce

of Laguna Beach and San Juan Capistrano, respectively

What’s your favorite San Juan spot? “Swallow’s Inn. There’s all different kinds of groups and they all get along.

It’s fun because it’s a great place to dance, to drink, to pal around and make new friends.”—Katherine Evans Is there something people must see in San Juan? “The live bands at Swallow’s Inn. It’s all about music.”—Pete Jacquot

What things do you like to get out and do? “Most of the time when we go somewhere we take our dogs and go up or down the coast 10 or 20 miles and walk ... where you can see the beach, then find a place to eat on the way home. We like Strand and the harbor in Dana Point or Pines Park.”—Roger Sorenson Is there a local dining spot that tops your list? “Brick Pizzeria, Iva Lee’s or Cinnamon Productions are our favorites.

I can’t choose one because they’re all very different.”

—Elaine Sorenson Photos and interviews by Alex Paris

GO SEE DO | 12

The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar. Photo: Matt Cortina

Local

Flavor

South Orange County is Home to Vibrant, Exciting Cuisine

By Matt Cortina

When it comes to dining out, South Orange County revels in diversity. The cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano are home to seafood shacks, five-star restaurants, authentic ethnic fare, gastropubs, food trucks and more.

Deciding on where to eat can be a tricky situation, but here’s an inside look at three local favorites to get you started.

The Shwack Beach Grill, Dana Point It doesn’t get any more local than The Shwack. Opened by a surfer and Dana Hills High School graduate, Max Fisher, The Shwack serves up burgers, tacos, beer, cocktails and more. The restaurant is named, fittingly, after a surf maneuver, and the menu is selfdescribed as California beach fare. Manager Devin Sinner says the food borrows from Mexico and Hawaii, and offers something for everybody. “It’s pretty simple. We have really good food, and it’s all really fresh and affordable,” Sinner said.

The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar, San Clemente Simply put: a trip to San Clemente is not complete without a meal at The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar. It’s no wonder why it consistently wins in San Clemente Times’ Best of San Clemente poll.

The patio allows diners to take in the sun and sea breeze, while the dining room recalls an old sailor’s inn. But what contributes to its prestige is the quality of the food. Whether you’re participating in the feast-style dinners of king crab, prawn or fish, or ordering pasta dishes or steak, The Fisherman’s food is exceptional.

Cedar Creek Inn, San Juan Capistrano Cedar Creek Inn serves a diverse menu in a comfortable setting.

An experience at Cedar Creek can be perfect for a couple’s night out—seated by the fire place, you order a bottle of California viognier and dishes of cedar-planked salmon and a rack of lamb. Or, it can be a casual Sunday brunch on the patio with crab cakes Benedict, lemon pancakes and a mimosa. Still yet, you can sample any number of craft beers while nibbling on tapas-style items like steamed artichoke, beer-battered green beans and ahi tartare.

Bottom’s Up

13 | GO SEE DO

The tri-cities overflow with unique watering holes

By Matt Cortina

The neighborhood bar is an important asset of every community. It’s a place to unwind, to share stories, to meet friends and, more than anything, to have fun. The tri-city area has dozens of bars, breweries, wineries and restaurants that range from old and rustic to chic and modern. Here’s a few highlights.

El Adobe de Capistrano SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Started as a cheese shop, The Cellar has exploded into a community gathering spot with craft beer, great wine, live music, a diverse food menu and, of course, cheese.

The Cellar has carved out a niche on Del Mar, where locals and visitors alike meet at communal tables and toast one another.

The Cellar has a rotating beer program, which ensures quality brew is being poured on tap and from bottles year-round. “We try to keep current with all the trends, and we’re trying to create trends ourselves,” said Eric Snyder, general manager at The Cellar. The drinks complement a rich menu that takes risks and also revels in comfort. Either way, Snyder says the response has been excellent. “We are very supported,” he said. “The locals take care of us.”

Turk’s Bar & Restaurant DANA POINT

It’s hard not to fall in love with El Adobe when you step into its historic building.

The bar area is set off by old wood beams, vintage paintings and a beautiful bar top. Drinks are served simply from well-skilled bartenders, and the drink list includes wines, beer, spirits and cocktails from Mexico, the U.S. and around the world. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book a dinner in the wine cellar, which has been repurposed from what used to be a jail. History abounds at El Adobe.

The Cellar

SAN CLEMENTE

Whether it’s a nightcap or an eyeopener—or something in between—Turk’s is a good choice. Favorited by locals, sailors and visitors, Turk’s is a no-frills drink stop that has gained a reputation all its own. It’s got charm unlike any other, and its edges only endear the diner and the drinker. Best of all, the drinks are well-made, affordable and keep coming from an attentive and friendly waitstaff.

GO SEE DO | 14

ROUGH IT

or Not

The Holidays. Photo: Alex Paris

A guide to Southern California’s not-your-dad’s camping sites

By Alex Paris Whether you’re looking for an escape or an adventure, there are a number of places in a world of their own that are surprisingly close to South Orange County. Sprinkled throughout Southern California are hidden camping treasures offering a unique take on the outdoors. Camp on the grounds of a working family farm south of Temecula or opt for a challenging hike to a removed forest camp located northeast of Pasadena in Big Santa Anita Canyon. Whatever camping experience you are looking for, we’ve compiled a few options to provide a running start to your summer outdoor excursions.

The Holidays

Despite its proximity, the San Clemente State Beach campground feels isolated from the city and contains all the ingredients of an idyllic beachside vacation. The four 1960s-style vintage trailers, known collectively as “The Holidays,” transport guests to a time completely secluded from the present. But you don t have to sacrifice modern convenience here—trailers come stocked with all camping necessities e cept food and firewood. hey also have optional electricity and air conditioning. stash of indoor and outdoor games is available to occupy campers as they await a grilled, stove-cooked or fire-roasted dinner. ooking is open between two days and seven months ahead of time online at www.theholidaysca.com, and due to popularity, interested guests should book well in advance. ates are per night with a ma imum of five people per trailer, eight per site.

Enchanting Blueberry Farm

Sample fruit straight from the farmer’s hands while camping at one of seven tent sites in an area that’s reminiscent of Orange County in its more agrarian days. Just 20 miles east of Oceanside, this quaint fruit farm provides natural shade and water for certain campsites and a shared bathroom and shower for all. This is a great base camp for biking country roads, hiking trails or wine tasting. Relax with a picnic at picturesque Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens, which has free entry and famous pies, or pick strawberries or watermelon at Kenny’s Strawberry Farm, offering $10 tours. Camp for $65 a night. Maximum four persons per site. Book on www.hipcamp.com.

Sturtevant Camp

You’ll have to hike your gear to reach this verdant historical retreat—unless, of course, you hire a pack mule to carry it the four miles through Angeles National Forest to camp. The trek’s reward is charming wood cabins enveloped in forest and hiking trails far from any cell phone signal.

There’s a shocking amount of creature comforts for such a remote place, including hot showers, an industrial kitchen with refrigerators, tableware and two fireplace rooms. here are games such as badminton and ping pong, but also enough trail to fuel an adventure without them. Two- to six-person cabins can be booked on www.hipcamp.com for $80 or $120 per night. For cabins up to eight persons, book on www.sturtevantcamp.com at a rate of $40 per person per night.

The Gypsy Escape

f your creative uices could use a refill or your vision needs something uniquely vibrant to shake off the cobwebs, this might be the place. Decorated by an artist, this eclectic, glamorous camp in Topanga Canyon is adjacent to a trail system leading to mountainous vistas and state parks. Though surrounded by nature, it’s just minutes from the beach and downtown Topanga. The cozy compound includes all necessities plus an outdoor shower and tub, a fire ring, daypacks for hiking, boogie boards, bedding, a full kitchen and modern conveniences like heat and internet scattered throughout the three dwellings. Rates run about $180 per night for up to two people, and an additional $40 per person for up to eight. A $99 cleaning and service fee will be charged from www.airbnb.com.

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

with everyone’s favorite tide pool animal, the sea star. Each session includes an activity and an animal encounter. $30 per class, or $150 for the series. Classes run on Tuesdays from May 3 through June 7. Register online. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 27

HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, 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.

‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents a fabulously fun song-and-dance show that follows a sweet and seemingly not-so-bright sorority sister named Elle Woods (and her Chihuahua, Bruiser) as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.

Based on the hilarious novel by Amanda Brown and the subsequent hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

Shows run through June 5 on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $29-$41. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

HOUSE OF DESIGN The Philharmonic Society of Orange County will present its 24th Philharmonic House of Design May 24 through June 19 in The Strand at Headlands in Dana Point. Tickets are now on sale on the House of Design website through the Huntington Beach office. $40 (general admission) and $50 (House Pass, unlimited entry). The 2016 Philharmonic House of Design is available to rent for corporate and private parties. For information and updates, visit www.PhilharmonicSociety.org/HOD, or call the Philharmonic Society’s office at 714.840.7542. Follow the House of Design on Facebook at www.facebook.com/philharmonichouseofdesign.

Saturday | 28 SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Flock of 80’s performs until 6:30 p.m., followed by Trevor McSpadden at 8:30 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 29 DREAM BROTHER 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Live music at San Juan Hills Golf Club’s 19 Sports Bar & Grill. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.1919, www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

Monday | 30 DANA POINT ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE 10 a.m. Join the City of Dana Point and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 on Monday for their annual Memorial Day commemoration service. This year’s event will pay special recognition to Vietnam War veterans, as part of the National 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam War. The Marine Color Guard from Marine Aircraft Group 39 will participate in the festivities, as will classical trumpeter David Longoria and the Post 9934 rifle team. The ceremony will include the traditional “boots and rifle” ritual by members of the Dana Point VFW. The ceremony will take place at Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano. For more information, visit www.vfwpost9934.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 27-June 9, 2016

Wednesday | 01

EDITOR’S PICK

This year’s Memorial Day ceremony will take place at the Field of Honor display located in Los Rios Park.

Photo: Jorge Maldonado

MONDAY, MAY 30: SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY 10 a.m.-noon. VFW Serra Post 3801 hosts its annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at the Field of Honor flag display in Los Rios Park. The traditional ceremony is open to the public and includes an invocation, keynote speaker and comments from the VFW, city dignitaries, Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Sheriff’s Department. For more information, visit www.homefrontamerica.org, email info@homefrontamerica.org or call 949.248.9468.

SAN CLEMENTE MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The city of San Clemente and The Heritage Foundation of San Clemente will host Memorial Day observance events on May 30. The city’s events will take place at 11 a.m. and conclude at noon, and the Heritage Foundation’s events will take place at 2 p.m. at Park Semper Fi. FAMILY STYLE MEMORIAL DAY BBQ 1-6 p.m. Live music and Memorial

Day BBQ at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Tuesday | 31 TINY TOTS: PARENT & ME PROGRAMS AT OCEAN INSTITUTE 9-10:15 a.m. The Ocean Institute hosts a six-week series of classes for children ages 2 and 3 and their parents. Toddlers will explore shapes, colors, textures and more Page 13

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET WEAVING 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn about the traditions and culture of basket weaving at Mission San Juan Capistrano. First and third Wednesday of every month. Free with paid admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET 3-7 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.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Ever y 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 (Cont. on page 14) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 13)

Thursday | 02 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden and enjoy a little dirt therapy. Bring gloves and wear closetoed shoes. Ages 18 and up. Los Rios Park, 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

Friday | 03 FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7-9:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents a movie night featuring Concussion, starring Will Smith. A $2 donation supports the library.

La Sala Auditorium, San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495-A El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Saturday | 04 FAMILY FILM FEATURE 10-11:30 a.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents a familyfriendly matinee film the first Saturday of the month. This month features Open Season: Scared Silly. Free admission and popcorn. La Sala Auditorium, San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495-A El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

ECO-DESIGN FARM TOUR 10-11 a.m. Enjoy a guided tour of The Ecology Center while learning about household water solutions. $5 suggested donation for non-members. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

SOCSA STUDENT SHOWCASE 4:30 p.m. Support talented students as they display a culmination of a year of hard work and commitment to the arts at the annual year-end art and music showcase benefitting the South Orange County School of the Arts, presented by the Friends of SOCSA Foundation and Dana Hills High School. This year’s showcase marks SOCSA’s 20th anniversary. A reception will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75. Dana Hills High School, Porthole Theatre, 33333 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.240.1994, www.socsarts.org.

BIOLUMINESCENCE CRUISE 8-10 p.m. The Ocean Institute’s nighttime Bioluminescence Cruise aboard the RV Sea Explorer provides a unique opportunity to learn about and witness the remarkable ability of some marine animals to The Capistrano Dispatch May 27-June 9, 2016

glow in the dark. $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active duty military with ID, $25 for children ages 4-17. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Sunday | 05 THE LAGUNA BEACH CHORALE AND ORCHESTRA 4 p.m. Daniel Resch will conduct the chorus, orchestra and soloists in an afternoon performance of Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem.” Dawna Montgomery, a member of the chorus will sing the famous “Pié Jesu.” The Chorale will be joined by baritone, Colin Ramsey. More information on the concert is available online. Tickets are $20. There will be free childcare during the concert. St. Clement’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, San Clemente, 949.492.3401, www.scbythesea.org.

Tuesday | 07 PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m.-Noon. Join the San Juan Capistrano Library for stories, songs and crafts for children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers. No registration is required. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

Wednesday | 08 RESIDENT APPRECIATION DAYS AT THE MISSION 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Every Wednesday, San Juan Capistrano residents receive free admission to the Mission with a $10 Mission store purchase. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE 5-7 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society’s annual open house takes place at the O’Neill Museum. Members get in for free, members’ guests are $10, or you can join the society for $25 at the gate. Members are encouraged to bring their favorite deviled eggs or desserts.

Handmade tacos, beer, wine and soft drinks will be provided. The event also includes live music and the “best opportunity drawing in town.” Reservations are required as soon as possible—RSVP by calling Gwen at 949.493.8444.

Saturday | 11 RELAY FOR LIFE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO June 11, 10 a.m. to June 12, 10 a.m. This free community Relay for Life event at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park runs in conjunction with the American Caner Society’s worldwide fundraising event to end cancer. On June 11, a 10 a.m. opening ceremony will kick things off, followed by a day of walking laps to help fight cancer, live entertainment, a kids’ club, food, games, prizes and raffles. At 9 p.m., a luminaria ceremony will take place around the track. The closing ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on June 12. San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano. For more information contact Danielle Ruiz at or 951.768.2851 or Dee White at 949.280.5251 or dee.white@fmb.com. Follow the local Relay for Life organization on Facebook at “Relay for Life of San Juan Capistrano.”

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse hosts a lineup of four comedians on the second Saturday of each month. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $17.50; reservations are recommended. To purchase tickets, call 949.489.8082 or visit www.comedyintheoc.com. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

SAN JUAN CHAMBER NETWORKING MIXER 5:30-7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of networking at RRM Design Group’s newly renovated location. Chamber members $15, potential members $25. RSVP to info@sanjuanchamber.com or call 949.493.4700. RRM Design Group, 32332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

Thursday | 09 READ TO A DOG 3-4 p.m. Kids can read to licensed therapy dogs every other Thursday at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Studies have shown that reading to therapy dogs can improve children’s reading skills and selfconfidence. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

‘The Nice Guys’ Shouldn’t Finish Last

DANA POINT SYMPHONY 7:30 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony Orchestra presents the final event of its fourconcert 2016 season with conductor Dean Anderson and featuring Zach Dellinger on viola. Program includes Strauss, “Till Eulenspiegel,” Bruch, “Romance for Viola and Orchestra” and Beethoven, “Eroica.”

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, seniors and military. Buy tickets online or at the door on a first come, first served basis. St. Edward’s Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, www.danapointsymphony.com.

Page 14

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch. com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Photo: Daniel McFadden © 2016 NICE GUYS, LLC

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he curse of the R-rated action film strikes again. Screenwriter Shane Black’s third feature as a director after the divisive Iron Man 3 (2013) and the cult classic Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005) is the retro, action-filled comedy, The Nice Guys.

Black knows his action sequences, his buddy cops and his easy going atmosphere, as seen most famously with the Lethal Weapon movies. But despite his record and big-name cast, his new movie barely made it to No. 4 at the boxoffice.

In 1977, L.A. independent private investigator Holland March (Ryan Gosling) is hired by elderly Mrs. Glenn (Lois Smith) to find her niece who is missing. At the same time, Jackson Healey (Russell Crowe) gets paid to beat up people who are causing problems, and his most recent client is Amelia Kuttner (Margaret Qualley).

Coincidently, Amelia hired Jackson to get rid of Holland, who she thinks is following her. As Jackson and Holland meet, Amelia goes missing, people start dying and a porno is linked to everything.

Kim Basinger and Matt Bomer co-star, and Angourie Rice plays Gosling’s precocious daughter. The Nice Guys is more Chinatown (1974) and L.A. Confidential (1997) than it is Lethal Weapon, making Crowe’s and Basinger’s casting more appropriate.

Though the setting is the ’70s and it is comedic, the noir homage is undeniable. Gosling and Crowe are an unexpected, great pairing with fresh dialogue, though Rice’s adolescent sidekick borders between irritating and endearing. All the same, Black’s film is still worth the ticket. CD

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Help Wanted: Assistant Soccer Coach Assistant Soccer Coach 1 Temp. Full-Time Job Opening at F.C. Capistrano, Inc., Location: 32158 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

Assist head coach with plan/conduct soccer practice sessions; establish training programs; eval. of athlete’s skills; explain/enforce safety rules and regulations 35 hrs/wk M-Sat. $640.50/week. No overtime. Single work week standard for computing wages due, paid weekly. No minimun education. 25 months experience required. No job training available.

Employment dates 06/15/2016 to 03/15/2017. Travel required to competitions in CA. Transportation provided.

If the worker completes 50% of the work contract period, employer will reimburse workers for transp. and subsistence from place of recruitment to place of work. Upon completion of work contract or if worker is dismissed earlier, employer will pay for worker’s reasonable costs of transportation and subsistence back home or to place of original departure, except where worker will not return due to new employment with new employer.

The amount of transportation reimbursement will be equal to the most economical and reasonable common carrier for the distances involved.

Daily subsistence will be provided at a rate of $12.09/day during travel to max of $51/day with receipts. Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, supplies, and equip. required to perform the job. Employer guarantees to offer work for hours equal to at least three-fourths of the workdays in each 12-week period of the total employment period. Only deductions required by law will be made from paycheck. Employer will reimburse the H-2B worker in the first workweek for all visa related expenses incurred by the H2B worker.

Email resume and letter of rec. to peter@capofc.com.

You can inquire about this job from Santa Ana Work Center (714-565-2600) or your nearest State Workforce Agency local office.

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

A Meditation on Gardening Cultivating intentionally is key to being successful in your garden

I

n all honesty, throughout the years I have unintentionally abused my plants through lack of water or too much water, poor soil conditions or planting the wrong plant in the wrong place, which also negatively impacted my checkbook.

Becoming an intentional gardener takes time and patience.

The key to any successful garden is navigation—planning, budgeting, observation, reading garden articles and books, taking garden classes and asking lots of questions when visiting garden centers and plant nurseries.

For those of you saying, “I hate gardening,” or “It’s dirty work,” or “I don’t have the time or energy to plant a garden,” think twice. By creating a green space to meditate in and care for on a daily basis, you’re doing far more for yourself and the environment than you think.

Gardeners are smart and wise; they are lifelong learners and have learned through trial and error. They have the patience of Job, don’t take failures personally and persevere and plan through each season.

Gardeners by trait never give up and are often found in the garden beginning at sunrise and past sunset.

Current medical studies suggest gardeners live longer due to better circulation in the body, reduced blood pressure, increased endorphins to the brain, better sleep, less stress and anxiety, reduced depression, and the list goes on. Gardening

practices are used to help calm behaviors of children with autism and individuals suffering from anxiety and PTSD. Connecting people to nature it gives them a sense of purpose.

OK, so sign me up, right? Where do I apply?

Let’s simply begin by starting small. Get a garden journal. By journaling information, you are setting up the stage for success by planning, DIRT THERAPY calculating and creatBy Marianne Taylor ing your own farmers’ almanac. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. It goes for any goal you want to achieve. You have to write it down.

Indicate an area you’d like to change or improve in your yard. Next, sit outside and observe the lighting, the direction of the sun and how many hours of sun or shade it gets. Knowing how much lighting a plant needs is critical.

Soil is the next culprit that will make or break your garden success or failure. Take a handful of the soil and get it tested. The best soil to grow vegetables has a pH 6.5 to 7.

The right soil with the right pH makes all the difference in growing healthy plants that will thrive. PH-balanced soil has beneficial microbes and insects that protect your plant from disease.

Californians will be facing another drought season this year, so we must

continue to be diligent in saving water.

Incorporate a rain barrel to capture rainfall and change out your sprinkler system with efficient irrigation heads.

Hand watering is another calming way to observe your garden on a daily basis for growth and needs. This is my preferred practice when it comes to caring for my garden.

Choosing the right plant for the right place is the most important selection in your final step for a successful garden.

What do you want to see? California natives, California-friendly plants, succulents, edible landscape, dwarf fruit trees, gardens for children, butterflies and hummingbirds, or all of the above?

To help with your selection, visit specialized nurseries such as Tree of Life on Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano, the largest wholesale and retail supplier of California native plants since 1976. Talk to the experts about your design plan, irrigation and implementing native plants in your garden.

For the best selection of succulents and garden containers, I recommend visiting Stevens Gardens on Ortega Highway in San Juan. Their containers will be your best friend when it comes to growing tomatoes and other vegetables in small places.

For ongoing free gardening classes taught by the UCCE Master gardeners of Orange County, visit Reata Park in San Juan Capistrano. The summer series is

heating up on June 25 with an introduction class on raising backyard chickens.

Following each class, garden walks and talks are given by Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens.

This Saturday, May 28, Goin Native is hosting a huge plant sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at GTNG headquarters, located on Los Rios Street. We’ll help you find the plants you need to get started in the garden or to continue your garden journey with plants that will benefit the environment and your well-being. What are you waiting for? Get moving and in the dirt this weekend!

Proceeds from GNTG’s plant sale help support the nonprofit’s ongoing garden efforts and programs offered at Los Rios Park, Reata Park and at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley. For more information go to 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.

Nonprofit Honors Military, Veterans with Flag Display Homefront America brings Field of Honor to Los Rios Park in downtown San Juan

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

O

n Saturday, May 21, Los Rios Park was transformed into a Field of Honor—a display of 300 flags, each standing 7 feet tall, as a tribute to military, veterans and first responders. Marines with the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines from Camp Pendleton were on hand Saturday to set up the field of flags, along with honor scouts with the Order of the Arrow, girl scouts, volunteers and residents. According to organizers, the Field of Honor display in San Juan Capistrano is the first of its kind in south Orange County.

The Capistrano Dispatch May 27-June 9, 2016

Sponsored by local nonprofit Homefront America, the field will remain on display for the public to enjoy through May 30.

On May 30, a Memorial Day ceremony will be conducted from 10 a.m. to noon onsite by local VFW Serra Post 3801. The public is invited to attend. The ceremony includes an invocation, keynote speaker and comments from the VFW, city dignitaries, Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

For more information, call 949.248.9468 or visit www.homefrontamerica.org. For a slideshow from Saturday’s set-up event, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

Photos: Jorge Maldonado

Page 16

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

People You Meet Make Travel So Rewarding

Y

es, stopping in scenic ports is educational and entertaining, but it’s the people you meet onboard that makes a cruise like this so rewarding.

My partner Greta and I are in Europe for 52 days. We were in Paris for 18 days, Asti, Italy, for 14, Venice for three days and now we are onboard the S.S. Eurodam, a Holland America cruise ship, traveling from Venice to Barcelona. There are approximately 2,100 people on board with a crew of 900.

This is our second time on the Eurodam.

We took a cruise on it in Europe in 2008, shortly after the ship had been commissioned.

When we meet couples onboard, Greta and I enjoy finding out how they ON LIFE AND met and where they live.

LOVE AFTER 50 And the easiest way to do

By Tom Blake that is to choose “open seating” for dinner in the dining room. In that way, you sit with new people each night.

It might be a couple, a single person or a larger group, as many as eight others. Each person has an interesting story.

On the first night, before the ship had set sail from Venice, we had dinner with a Vietnamese couple, Ben and Diane, from Toronto, Ontario. They met in Montreal and have two daughters, who are now old enough to leave with family members while they travel. They both work in high tech jobs, and we became instant friends.

On the night before we reached our first port of call, Dubrovnik, Croatia, we sat with two other couples during dinner. One couple lives in Canberra, Australia. Mila, the wife, is from the Philippines; she is a nurse and midwife.

Her husband, Jack, worked for the Australian government for 37 years and still does consulting. Friends fixed them up. He was a confirmed bachelor and had never been married. He called Mila the night before their first date and told her if

she was looking for a husband or a committed relationship, he wasn’t the guy for her.

Three months later, he proposed to her.

The other couple at the table that night met on a cruise two years ago. Each was widowed. He, 75, was from Georgia, and she was from New York City. He said, “She is a damn Yankee.” She smiled and quickly responded, “And, he’s a damn Southerner.”

She reminded him that as a New Yorker, she’s the one who keeps him in line. He admitted that. They live together, but are not married, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

On the morning the ship arrived in Kotor, Montenegro, a former part of Yugoslavia, I was sitting on the ninth level enjoying the view of this beautiful city. A couple was next to me enjoying the view as well. They introduced themselves as Tammi and Hai, and said they were from Torrance, California.

Of course, that initiated a conversation, and we found out that they have a timeshare at the San Clemente Inn. (Greta has a timeshare at the Cove in San Clemente, which is close to the San Clemente Inn).

Tammi was a school teacher, as was Greta, and then a beautician for 26 years before retiring. Hai worked for Boeing and still works in space technology.

It’s the people you meet on a trip like this that makes it so enjoyable. And it was only day four of our cruise. I am certain we will meet others as well.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. His latest book can be found online at www.smashwords.com/books/view/574810.

See his website at www.findingloveafter60. com (Yes, after 60, time rolls on). To comment, email tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The 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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

Pet of the Week: Beau

T

his handsome boy is aptly named Beau and he is ready to sweep you off your feet! Beau has a sweet and friendly disposition that makes him a great companion for cats and humans alike.

With his striking green eyes and all-around fantastic personality, Beau is quite the kitty catch! If you would like to know more about Beau, please call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente. CD

Page 17

Beau. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter

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SJC LIVING

Music from the Heart

Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano wins Battle of the Mariachis, shines light on local music scene

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

ith one word, 24-year-old guitarrón player Jorge Marin perfectly captured what many people surely felt during the May 14 performance of San Juan’s own Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano.

From the first note to the last, it was electric.

The sea of 3,400 spectators cheered unabashedly for the local mariachi band— many grinning from ear to ear. It was the first time Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano competed at the Mission’s annual Battle of the Mariachis, which celebrated its 12th anniversary this year.

And despite having been together for only eight months, the group’s chemistry, skill and passion wowed the judges and visitors alike. And they won not one, but two awards, including first place and a $1,500 check.

“We were all tense; we didn’t know what to expect,” recalled 26-year-old member Oscar Hernandez of Los Angeles. “We were questioning whether we would even place. When they announced the winners … it was unbelievable.”

The young musicians gleefully hugged each other when they were announced as this year’s winning mariachi band. Sixteenyear-old trumpet player Jorge Ramirez could be seen in the front embracing his fellow musicians and (possibly) shedding a tear or two.

“It was just really shocking,” Ramirez said. “Thinking about all of those days of work … practicing every day for hours,

and then listening to all those other groups play and knowing that we won first place, it really felt nice to know that hard work payed off.”

Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano began as a five-member band before growing to its 11 members today. The group initially formed in September with just two guitarists, one vihuela player, a trumpet player and a violinist.

Alejandro Aranda, 18, of San Juan Capistrano, was part of the initial group, which was formed after the local Capistrano Community Mariachi Program was cancelled last year.

“We wanted to continue the music,” Aranda said. “We had already learned so much, and we didn’t want to throw it away.

We wanted to keep learning from each other.”

The group decided they wanted to compete in the Mission’s Battle of the Mariachis and added some new members to fill out their sound. They also enlisted director Alberto Gonzalez, of Tustin, to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses. A final touch came when, along with the help of their dedicated parents, they were able to pay for custommade suits after two successful community fundraisers.

Weekly practices quickly turned into two or three times per weekend, with some members commuting from as far away as Santa Ana and L.A. Ramirez noted that the trumpet section was meeting every day at one point for two to three

Members of Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano gathered on May 20 in Irvine to throw a thank you party for their parents. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Angelica Martinez, 21, of San Clemente, plays the violin in Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Oscar Hernandez, 26, of Los Angeles, performs a solo during the May 14 Battle of the Mariachis at the Mission.

Photo: Allison Jarrell The Capistrano Dispatch May 27-June 9, 2016

Grace Soto, 18, of San Juan Capistrano, performs a solo during the May 14 Battle of the Mariachis at the Mission.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

hours a day due to the complicated nature of some of the songs.

“We could feel the electricity when we were all playing,” Marin said. “You just feel it. That’s something I’ve never felt before with another group.

“Other groups, they get together to perform, but they don’t really have that close bond, that feeling of being a family,” Marin added.

And indeed, that hard work and dedication paid off. Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano took home two of the top prizes—the Spirit of San Juan Capistrano Community Award and first place in the open category.

“We grew up looking up to other groups,” Aranda said. “We actually kind of achieved our dream. It was amazing.”

“We’re now the group that won first place” added 21-year-old violinist Nancy Gonzalez.

One thing is clear—the band doesn’t intend to rest on their laurels. The musiPage 18

cians said they want to continue to grow musically, attend competitions and maybe even record an album later on.

Currently, they’ve been playing at Ricardo’s Place in San Juan, as well as events such as the annual Swallows Day Parade, but they’re on the lookout for new venues and opportunities.

Each member reiterated how important community and family support was in getting to where they are today.

“I feel like the community wanted us to win,” Hernandez said, adding that the support boosted the group’s moral. “Getting that win at the end, it made the city proud.”

“It feels good to know that this is just the first of many to come,” Aranda added.

For more information on Mariachi Nuevo Capistrano, you can follow the group on Facebook or on Instagram @mariachinuevocapistrano, email mariachinuevocapistrano@gmail.com or call 949.899.4035.

CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Four Kids and a Dog by Elizabeth Bottiaux

Dogs Are Great, But They Don’t Belong Everywhere

O

ne of our family members is a furry, four-legged, rescued friend. My kids love dogs. I grew up with dogs.

We are dog people. But, our dog does not go with us everywhere. Dog owner entitlement seems to be on the rise.

As my two little boys and I recently pulled into the parking lot of a local restaurant I noticed an older couple on the patio with their medium-sized dog lying next to them. I didn’t think much about it. It’s become quite common to see dogs of all sizes and breeds with their owners inside stores, on restaurant patios and in most public FOUR KIDS areas.

AND A DOG

By Elizabeth We ordered and found Bottiaux a table outside, on the patio. I quickly dashed inside to retrieve condiments, drinks and napkins. I was inside for less than one minute, when my older son came running in to tell me his brother was crying. I returned to find the dog owner holding my five-year-old’s hand and apologizing. Confused, I immediately assumed that he’d gotten scared while I was away and had started crying. Just as the mom guilt washed over me, the woman explained that her dog had bitten my son.

I did my best to remain calm. All eyes were on me. I could feel the weight of an entire restaurant watching me. I hugged my scared little guy. I pulled up his shorts to check the chomp. There was a definite bite mark. Skin was broken and hints of blood threatened to surface.

The dog owners apologized and recounted their version of what had occurred. My unassuming son had headed to the nearby trash can. He’d started out walking, then had run the last few steps to the trash. The startled dog lashed out at him.

The owners said their dog was known to have certain fears and would randomly lunge at people. This aggressive animal with a checkered past was brought to an enclosed area with many people nearby.

My son, who had in no way interacted with or provoked this animal, and was minding his own business, was attacked.

An onlooker stopped by the patio as she was leaving the restaurant. To my surprise she was not concerned by the fact that my young son had been bitten.

No. She was there to console… the dog!

She cooed over the dog, while petting it’s head. Really? My child was attacked and this woman wanted to soothe the attacker!

Unreal. When did furry friends become more important than humans?

Before leaving the restaurant, I obtained the dog owner’s contact information and reported the incident to the manager.

Although, obviously unenforced, the manager confirmed that dogs are prohibited on the patio. It was negligent of these owners to bring their aggressive dog to a restaurant.

Children should be taught to always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog. If an owner says they’d rather not let my child pet their dog, I respect—even commend—the owner for setting that boundary. For safety and sanitary reasons, dogs simply shouldn’t be allowed everywhere with humans. Authentic, card-carrying service dogs are a different matter.

Dog ownership isn’t just a privilege. It’s a responsibility.

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 5, 7, 9 and 11. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years. She publishes a blog, www.fourkidsandadog.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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

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

Page 19

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

WSA Champs Crowned San Juan’s Kevin Skvarna has big day on the water

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he culmination of a season rife with cancelations and make-up events— thanks to El Niño—came to an exciting close on May 14 and 15, with six local surfers crowned Western Surfing Association season champions in seven divisions.

The season’s weather-related contest rescheduling along with the tour’s mix of talented competitors—from Micro Groms under the age of nine to the Legends division for surfers over 50—made for exceptionally tight races at this year’s season finale, and exciting action in the lineup.

The weather, although a bit chilly, worked in the surfers’ favor all weekend at Church Beach in San Onofre State Park.

Overcast skies kept glare at bay on both days. Waves on Saturday began in the 3- to 4-foot range and by Sunday afternoon a new swell filled in, the wind died down and surfers enjoyed glassy, clean and rampy 4to 5-foot waves on which to strut their stuff in the day’s semifinal and final rounds.

In the end, six local surfers were crowned West Coast champions.

San Juan Capistrano’s Kevin Skvarna won the WSA’s Junior Longboard U18 and Open Men’s Longboard titles on May 15. Photo: Courtesy

Kevin Skvarna, of San Juan Capistrano, was the biggest winner of the day, and the season, taking double wins in the event and double season titles in Junior Longboard U18 and Open Men Longboard divisions. Skvarna took the Open Men Longboard win over Encinitas’ Trevor Anderberg by a slim 140-point margin. CD

Warriors Make History SVC boys volleyball captures historic fourth consecutive CIF-SS Championship COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

A

t the beginning of its season, the Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team did not shy away from aiming high. The veteran team was about to embark on a march to a fourth straight CIF-SS Championship and had the personnel, and mindset, to do it.

Fast forward two months and the Warriors have made good on one of their biggest preseason goals. They defeated second-seeded Crean Lutheran in three sets on May 21 to claim the CIF-SS Division 4 Championship. SVC is just the fourth program in history to win four consecutive CIF-SS Championships.

Senior Noah Dyer led the Warriors with 18 kills in the championship game. Trevor O’Reilly added 10 and Brandon Ketel chipped in seven. Jon Minsberg paced the Warriors offense with 37 assists as SVC won 25-15, 25-19, 25-15.

SVC is now in the midst of a run through the CIF SoCal Boys Volleyball The Capistrano Dispatch May 27-June 9, 2016

The Saddleback Valley Christian boys volleyball team won its fourth consecutive CIF-SS Division 4 Championship on May 21. Photo: Courtesy

Division 3 Championships. The top-seeded Warriors swept Sage Creek in the first round on May 24 and were scheduled to host El Camino in the regional semifinals on May 26. Results were not available at press time. SVC reached the CIF SoCal Regional championship match in 2014 and 2015, but came up short both times. CD Page 20

BUSINESS DIRECTORY LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS AUTOMOBILE REPAIR

Star Motors

32959 Calle Perfecto, 949.443.1970, www.star-motors.com

ELECTRICIANS

Excel Electric

32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, 949.493.7769, www.excelelectric.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

Excel Electric - CA #793860

32238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, 949.493.7769, www.excelelectric.com

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

San Juan Photo & Digital

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

32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.5668, www.sjcphotodigital.com

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

CLASSIFIEDS GARAGE SALES

HELPER NEEDED FOR ELDERLY WOMAN Light housekeeping for 1-bed apt, grocery shop, occasional ride to doctor, library, all within SC. $20/hr 2-4 hrs/wk Eileen 949-218-9813

ESTATE SALE/GARAGE SALE SATURDAY MAY 28. 8am - 2pm (NO early birds). 4432 Mar Escarpa, San Clemente, CA 92673 (cross St Costero Risco). Items from England/ New Zealand & USA. Antique/vintage furniture, Crystal lamps, Girandoles, Victorian 9 ct rings/broach, broaches, jewelry, mid century glass collection, prints, cast iron items, ping pong table, shoes & more

GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY MAY 28, 2016 8AM-1PM 35491 Del Rey Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 Outdoor Patio Furniture, Kitchen Wares, Indoor Furniture, Tools, Clothing and more.

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

CRAZY-GOOD GARAGE SALE (DONUTS TOO!) Saturday, 5/28 from 7a-11a. Like new casual, namebrand clothes and other hot items.

Near Liberty Park at 4 Via Huesca, SC 92673

The Capistrano Dispatch May 27–June 9, 2016

OTHER STUFF DISCOUNTED TICKETS For Juice Newton! $15 The Coach House May 29th at 7pm.

Call: 818-462-3253 WANTED: STAMPS! Buying large U.S and Worldwide Postage Stamp Collections. Nick, (619) 672-0434 MUST SELL!! SEATS 7! NISSAN PATHFINDER 4x4 2009 Silver with black interior. Bluetooth CD player.

New Bilstein shocks. K&N air filter. In great shape. $12,000 949-633-3860

Page 21

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 32032 Del Obispo Street, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo.

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HELP WANTED

33208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B, 949.212.0499

SERVICES 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

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Baseball Roundup:

Capistrano Valley Christian barnstormed its way through San Joaquin League play but was upended in the second round of postseason play. The Eagles (16-13-1) defeated Temple City 1-0 on May 20 in the first round but lost to Citrus Hill 5-1 in the second round on May 24.

Zack Mendez, the San Joaquin League MVP, belted a solo home run in the first inning against Temple City and senior starter Dylan Baird, an Eastern Illinois commit, threw five innings of two-hit ball in the win. Andre Antone came out to close the game, allowing no hits over a two inning stretch to get the save.

Antone, a UCI commit, started the second round game for the Eagles against Citrus Hill and had a no-hit bid going into the fi fth inning. CVCS led 1-0 in the fi fth but Citrus Hill strung together four hits to score all five of its runs in the bottom half of the frame to seal the win.

Veterans Lead JSerra into Quarterfinals

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he JSerra baseball team is not taking its run through the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships lightly.

After reaching the semifinals two years ago and the quarterfinals of last year’s postseason, the Lions know what the sting of a big loss feels like. With so many expectations surrounding them, top-ranked JSerra is playing like it never wants to come face-to-face with that feeling again.

The Lions breezed past visiting Loyola 4-1 in the second round of the playoffs on May 24 and will travel to play Hart in the quarterfinals on May 27.

Holding on to a 1-0 lead in the fi fth inning, JSerra burst the game open with a three-run two-out rally. Junior Royce Lewis worked a walk, stole second and was doubled in by Brady Schockey. After senior Chase Strumpf drew a walk, senior Davis Wendzel laced a two-RBI single into the outfield to make it 4-0.

“Those are all veteran guys,” JSerra coach Brett Kay said. “Wendzel’s at-bat with two strikes and two outs was huge, but it was set up by Chase and Brady.

Those senior guys come through. They know how to do it and they’ve been there before.”

Lewis singled in Matt Manskar in the third inning to open the scoring. Lewis had one hit, one RBI, two stolen bases and scored a run. Shockey went 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI. The game was never close, and the Cubs got their lone run in the final inning with two outs. It was the first run JSerra has allowed in the playoffs through two games. Senior Collin Quinn pitched a complete game shutout against Dana Hills in the first round on May 20.

JSerra starter Cole Samuels went five innings, allowing three hits and no walks.

He did, however, hit three Loyola batters.

The veteran JSerra defense made all of the necessary plays behind Samuels when Loyola had runners on.

The Lions have now won 10 games in a row and have allowed only seven runs over the stretch. It’s a hot streak that came at the perfect time. The Lions are just hoping it can last a few weeks longer.

“You have to take advantage of it. The last two years have sucked,” Wendzel

The Capistrano Dispatch May 27-June 9, 2016

JSerra third baseman Royce Lewis stole two bases and collected an RBI in the Lions 4-1 win over Loyola in the CIF-SS Division 1 second round on May 24. Photo: Eric Heinz

said. “We made it to the semifinals and the quarterfinals and couldn’t come through in those situations. Now we’re just trying to pull one game at a time and get through each one.”

In Other Local Baseball News: The San Juan Hills baseball team suffered a tough-luck loss to Foothill in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 Cham-

pionships on May 19. It took four extra innings to decide the game, but Foothill eventually came through with the winning run in the 11th inning to take a 4-3 victory.

The Stallions (16-13) emphatically punched their ticket into the playoffs by defeating defending league champion San Clemente twice during the final week of the regular season. The wins over San Clemente earned San Juan Hills a solo third-place finish in the Sea View League.

St. Margaret’s made a dramatic comeback to tie Providence in the sixth inning of a CIF-SS Division 6 first round matchup on May 19, but lost in extra innings.

Providence took a 2-0 lead in the second inning and held the Tartans scoreless until the sixth and scored the game-winning run in the eighth inning. The Tartans (12-9) won just two of their first six Academy League games, but rallied down the stretch to close with four straight league victories and finish in third place.

Saddleback Valley Christian lost to South El Monte 3-0 in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 5 Championships on May 21. The Warriors (15-15, 8-4) placed second in the San Joaquin League. CD

Left: Senior pitcher Collin Quinn pitched a complete game shutout against Dana Hills in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on May 20. Right: Matt Manskar and the JSerra baseball team are the No. 1 overall seed in the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships. Photos: Eric Heinz

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