September 23, 2016

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

Inside: Greek Festival Returns this Weekend to San Juan PAGE 15 FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 13, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 18

Tackling Cancer Head On

Noah Edgerton returns to the field following cancer diagnosis S P O R T S / PAG E 1 9

San Juan Hills High School senior Noah Edgerton was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer as a sophomore.

He returned to the field this season to play an integral role on the Stallions’ defensive line. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Ashton Sachs Pleads Guilty to Killing Parents, Faces Life in Prison EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Hilltop Neighborhoods at Esencia to be Showcased Sunday EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Inn at the Mission Hotel Project Dropped

by Developer EYE ON SJC/PAGE 11

INSIDE: STATE ASSEMBLY, WATER DISTRICT AND CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES ON THE ISSUES

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Ashton Sachs Faces Life in Prison after Pleading Guilty to Killing His Parents THE LATEST: Twenty-two-year-old Ashton Sachs was convicted on Tuesday of shooting and killing his parents, Andra and Bradford Sachs, and attempting to murder two of his siblings in his family’s San Juan Capistrano home on Feb. 9, 2014.

Sachs pleaded guilty during the Sept. 20 hearing to “two felony counts of special circumstances murder for committing multiple murders, two felony counts of attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation, and sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a firearm causing death, personal use of a firearm causing bodily injury, and causing paralysis,” according to the Orange County District Attorney’s office.

Sachs was attending North Seattle College and living in Seattle at the time of the crime. Prosecutors said he returned to Orange County with the “intention of murdering his family.”

“In the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2014, he entered his family’s San Juan Capistrano home armed with a firearm,” prosecutors said. “The defendant entered his parents’ bedroom and shot and murdered his 54-year-old mother, Andra Sachs, and 57-year-old, father Bradford Sachs, as they slept.”

Sachs then entered the bedroom of his 8-year-old brother and shot him. The boy survived but was left paralyzed.

Sachs’ two sisters were also inside the home at the time of the shooting. Prosecutors said he attempted to murder his 17-year-old sister by shooting her, but he missed.

Sachs fled the crime scene and returned to Seattle.

The bodies of Sachs’ parents were found in their multimillion dollar Peppertree Bend home just before 2 a.m. Following an investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Sachs was arrested on March 6, 2014.

WHAT’S NEXT: Sachs faces life in state prison without the possibility of parole. He

is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. in Department C-35 of the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. —Allison Jarrell

Local Group Encourages Residents to Register to Vote THE LATEST: The SJC Voter Registration Project is holding nonpartisan voter registration events in San Juan Capistrano to encourage residents to register to vote before the cutoff on Oct. 24.

The local group, which is a chapter of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, consists of San Juan residents and volunteers hoping to get out the vote in Districts 1 and 5 this November. Only residents in those two districts will be voting for Council candidates on Nov. 8 due to the city’s recent shift from at-large to by-district municipal elections. Two candidates are running in the northwestern District 1, and six candidates are running in the southeastern District 5.

Thus far, the registration project has held events at Green Park, El Campeon, El Molino de Oro, the Old Capistrano Certified Farmers Market and at various community events on the weekends. The group has plans to continue hosting nonpartisan registration events at the farmers market each Wednesday, which runs from 3-6 p.m., in addition to hosting other events around town.

WHAT’S NEXT: For updates on future voter registration events, follow the group on Facebook at “SJC Voter Registration Project.” Those interested in volunteering can contact Patricia Garcia at 949.874.3113 or garcpatwe@aol.com.

To view an interactive map of San Juan’s new voting districts, visit districting.sanjuancapistrano.org. Residents can register to vote online at www.registertovote.ca.gov.

FIND OUT MORE: The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce is hosting a City Council candidates forum on Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 5:30-7 p.m. at El Adobe de Capistrano, located 31891 Camino Capistrano in downtown San Juan.—AJ

City Settles Water Lawsuit with San Juan Hills Golf Course THE LATEST: The San Juan Hills Golf Course announced via press release on Sept. 12 that the lawsuit it brought against the city and the San Juan Basin Authority in 2014 has been settled.

The golf club had been using groundwater under its golf course to irrigate for 50

The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

SJC Voter Registration Project volunteers prepare to participate in a nonpartisan voter registration event at Green Park. District 1 City Council candidates Sergio Farias, second from left, and Nathan Banda, front right, attended the event to support voter registration in their district. Photo: Allison Jarrell

years, and initially sued the city because “it contended its rights to the groundwater were established ‘riparian’ rights and superior to those of the city to extract the water for its groundwater recovery plant,” according to the golf course press release.

City Manager Ben Siegel confirmed last week that the suit had indeed been settled.

“Although the city disputes the golf club’s claims, the settlement advances the important public purpose of avoiding the higher costs and legal uncertainties of continued litigation,” City Manager Ben Siegel said in an email.

Siegel said the settlement allows the golf club to use the city’s wells for a fee instead of its own, “which substantially reduces the risk of well interference between the city and the club.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Under the settlement, Siegel said the city paid $2,040,000 to the golf club, with $2 million paid by the city’s insurer. The city also sold the golf club a city-owned piece of land adjacent to the club, at the corner of La Novia and San Juan Creek Road. That land has an appraised market value of $140,000.

FIND OUT MORE: For more on this story, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.—AJ

CUSD Board Approves Lighting Retrofit for High Schools THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously last week to approve a contract and energy conservation program for the district’s six high schools. The program’s first phase includes a lighting retrofit of the schools, which will begin later this fall.

The board held a public hearing on Sept. 14 and voted unanimously to approve an energy services contract with Schneider Electric, the district’s Prop 39 partner.

Schneider Electric submitted an energy

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expenditure plan to the state back in June, which was approved later that month.

The approved application resulted in the district receiving $2.49 million in funding, which will be used for a mostly external lighting retrofit of the district’s highestcost centers—its high schools.

Marc Starkey of Schneider Electric said the company’s objectives for the program are to optimize and maximize the district’s Prop 39 funding, improve the learning environment and redirect as much of the district’s utility dollars back into the classroom as possible. He told the board that the external LED retrofit of the high schools will yield $227,000 in annual energy savings, or about 1.18 million kilowatt hours of energy—the equivalent of 261 tons of greenhouse gases.

WHAT’S NEXT: Starkey said installation of external LED lighting will begin at the high schools around mid-November.—AJ

Hilltop Neighborhoods at Esencia to be Showcased Sept. 25 THE LATEST: Rancho Mission Viejo will unveil new hilltop homes at a celebration this Sunday, Sept. 25 in the Esencia village.

Esencia is the second development community to open in the 23,000-acre Rancho Mission Viejo area. About 25 percent of the land on the ranch is designated for development.

The Esencia development includes plans for a K-8 school, coffee shops and bars, community areas and more. The landscape includes native species and drought-tolerant plants. There are also small community gardens, citrus groves and fruit trees.

WHAT’S NEXT: Home prices range from the high $300,000s to over $1 million. The open house runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, and guests can tour 11 neighborhoods. For more information, visit www. ranchomissionviejo.com.

—Matt Cortina www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC EYE ON THE ELECTION 2016

Meet the Water District Candidates

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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the Capistrano Dispatch reached out to candidates running for the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD).

MWDOC purchases water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and distributes it to their client agencies, which provide retail water services to the public. Divison 7 covers San Juan Capistrano. SMWD provides water and wastewater services to more than 155,000 customers in the area, including Northern San Juan Capistrano.

The Dispatch asked each candidate to introduce themselves in 250 words. Their responses are listed in the order the candidates will appear on the November ballot.

Municipal Water District of Orange County: Division 7 Megan Yoo Schneider, Water Engineer Megan Yoo Schneider is a native Californian and grew up in Orange County. She is an enthusiastic individual with a life-long passion for water and public health and has devoted countless volunteer hours and her life to the future of water.

Megan has over 12 years of professional and association experience, including serving on two boards of directors, and she possesses a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a Specialization in Environmental Engineering and an M.S. in Engineering with a Concentration in Environmental Engineering. She is also a licensed professional civil engineer in the State of California.

As a dedicated member and leader within a number of organizations, including the Water Environment Federation, the American Water Works Association, the California Water Environment Association, Megan invests much of her time to increase public awareness and educate the younger generations about the importance of water. Megan received numerous awards and accolades for her public outreach endeavors and water-related research, and she is devoted to ensuring the future of local, reliable water supplies for Orange County.

Evan Chaffee, Business Owner/Consultant As a lifelong Orange County resident and small business owner, it is important to me that current and future generations have access to safe, reli-

able and cost effective water. Additionally, my time as a city planning commissioner and public policy advisor will serve as an asset to the board of directors as we address the short and long term water needs of Orange County residents.

As your Director for the MWDOC, I will devote my efforts toward: Fiscally Responsible Leadership: It is imperative that the efficient delivery of inexpensive water is accessible to all residents.

Without proper planning and consideration, the price for water will go up significantly.

I will work toward mitigating increases in price while identifying ways to become more self-sufficient. This will require strategic planning and smart negotiation among water suppliers.

Innovative Technologies: It will be important to review emerging technology and supply options, including desalination, to address direct to consumer as well as emergency supply needs.

Safe, Reliable Water: It is important to pursue new water sources to diversify the water supply while reinforcing responsible emergency planning. Conserving and setting aside a significant supply for the next drought must be a top priority.

Open Communication: It is important that we maintain an open dialogue to hear and address your concerns.

I will protect and preserve our precious water resources.

Richard Gardner, Water Systems Consultant While working for Fluor, I was able to move to Capo Beach with my young family in the ‘70s. The water districts had provided projects to enable the towns to grow. By conserving water, our area has been able to meet demands of the growing population without really increasing supplies.

Many important decisions will be made regarding the future of water for south Orange County. The agencies must work together to choose the best solutions for our water needs.

The best choice to supply our water future is further water conservation and the California water fix. The California water fix will provide high quality reliable water from the delta without negatively affecting the environment. The state fisheries will not be hurt and greater amounts of electricity will not be required as with other water treatment options. If the California water fix, which is the greatest reliable source of water for the cost, is not approved, we will need to work even harder to bring the local cities and water districts together and provide local water projects to meet our needs. Either way, as your MWDOC director, I will work to get state and federal funding approved for regional water solutions.

Whether you live in San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano or the Moulton Niguel Water District, we are over 90 percent dependent on MET for our drinking water. As the only elected water district director, I continue to attend meetings at MET and at the Municipal Water District of Orange County.

The Capistrano Dispatch September23-October 13, 2016

Raymond Miller, Registered Professional Engineer As a water manager and registered engineer in South Orange County, I have devoted my career to providing safe, clean and reliable water to my customers, while keeping costs down. This drought has proven that our water supply has limits, and while there has been a lot of work done to solve this problem, much remains. This MWDOC position is one of the most important that you will vote for and you need a representative that understands the complexity of water issues.

I was the General Manager of the South Coast Water District for 25 years. I have been involved in many professional water and wastewater organizations, and served as the Chairman of the California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and then as the Vice President of AWWA, the national organization of water professionals. I know water.

I want to work to ensure that there is safe, clean and reliable water not only today, but for our children and our children’s children.

It is what I inherited and what I will work tirelessly to pass along.

Santa Margarita Water District Charley Wilson, Incumbent As President of the Santa Margarita Water District’s Board of Directors, I am proud of my record protecting the environment, increasing reliability and protecting water quality. Aggressive efficiency measures, visionary strategic planning and a strong focus on customer service have saved millions of taxpayer dollars and provided a more secure water future for our customers despite the historic drought that has plagued the state over the past few years.

To meet future water reliability needs of the SMWD, my priorities of clean, affordable and reliable water depend on continued strong fiscal policies and sound management of our water resources.

As a resident of South Orange County for more than 30 years, my wife and I chose to raise our family here; there is no other place where we would rather live. South Orange County exemplifies California’s promise, and I am committed to protecting our water resources that are a vital part of our wonderful community.

With your support I will continue to find creative, cost-effective solutions to meet the growing needs of our diverse and dynamic community.

Charles “Chuck” Gibson, Incumbent Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Vice President Chuck Gibson was elected to a four-year term on the Board of Directors in 2012.

In 2013, Gibson was appointed Chair of the Engineering Committee of the Board where he was a leading voice for develop-

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ment of recycled water facilities, groundwater and new storage and treatment facilities. In 2014, he was appointed Chair of the Board’s Finance and Administration Committee where he was instrumental in development of the District’s award winning Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

“Conservation is important and people in South County have done a good job in that area. My top priorities include supporting continued water use efficiencies and ensuring a reliable supply of water through recycling while keeping costs down through productivity improvements and innovation.” For example, Gibson has supported solar energy for district operations—saving $500,000 annually.

Gibson has over 35 years of experience combined in working for major governmental agencies, and in business, including senior manager with a major national consulting firm.

Chuck is a leader in several water industry professional organizations including the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA). He is on the Board of Directors of ACWA’s Region 10 covering Orange and San Diego Counties.

Gibson has a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UCLA. Betty H. Olson, Incumbent Thank you, SMWD, for reducing potable water use 24 percent last year. As a UCI professor of Environmental Engineering, my career focuses on water quality and quantity, educating future generations and serving on regional, state and local organizations to improve water. I ask for your vote for SMWD director to continue securing a reliable quality water supply. SMWD directors and I have increased reclaimed water use to 48 percent in the past four years; insured shortterm reliability by purchasing storage in the El Toro reservoir, building Upper Chiquita Reservoir, utilizing groundwater, and completing the Gubernadora multipurpose basin for storm water and irrigation storage. Longterm and emergency reliability projects are: Irvine Lake Baker Treatment Plant, Drought proofing the San Juan Basin, and linking with regional partners developing local water supplies and Lake Mission Project, replacing potable water with advanced treated water.

During the drought as Board President, SMWD provided homeowners and homeowner association’s rebates to update irrigation systems, remove turf and convert potable irrigation to recycled water. With these expenditures, and plans to build Trampas Recycle Reservoir, the District will reach 100 percent wastewater reuse. The district leads in undertaking a project that will slow storm water and recharge the San Juan Basin, beginning to drought-proof our region.

My background and experience is needed in this time of increasing water scarcity.

Stanislaw Dziecielski, Retired Dziecielski did not provide a candidate statement. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC EYE ON THE ELECTION 2016

City Council Candidates Talk Traffic and Parking THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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s part of The Capistrano Dispatch’s ongoing coverage of the San Juan Capistrano City Council election, we asked each of the eight candidates— two in District 1 and six in District 5— five questions about local issues. In the editions of The Dispatch leading up to the Nov. 8 election, we will publish their answers in the order their names will appear on the ballot.

In our last issue, we asked the candidates about their vision for development in San Juan Capistrano. This week, we asked: Transportation issues such as congested roadways and lack of parking are increasingly on the minds of residents in San Juan Capistrano. What course of action do you feel the city needs to pursue to improve traffic flow? What steps would you take to create

DISTRICT 1

Near Reata Park on the east side of town, Ortega Highway widens from two lanes to four lanes. The City Council majority voted in January to keep the two-lane, 0.9-mile section of the highway as it is, rather than completing the widening. When asked recently about addressing transportation concerns in town, each of the eight City Council candidates brought up the topic of Ortega Highway. Photo: Allison Jarrell

for a long time.”

Farias said parking is, by far, the biggest issue in District 1. He said much of the issue has to do with overcrowding and lack of workforce housing, which “holds back our economy.” Farias said solutions to the city’s parking woes should include partnering with private property owners to help create more parking, while also enforcing the current parking regulations.

“We need more code enforcement officers,” Farias said. “Law enforcement is saying that this is not a priority for them, so if we get more code enforcement, we’ll be able to enforce the current rules in the books.”

Sergio Farias

Small Business Owner To address traffic concerns, Farias said he’s in favor of removing the Ortega Highway choke point, “not only for traffic, but for the safety of our residents and students.” He also thinks the city needs to encourage the 241 Toll Road extension.

Farias said that even though the “ghost train” is a difficult issue to address, it should not be forgotten about, as it lowers the quality of life for residents.

“It’s federally regulated, so there’s not much you can do there,” Farias said. “The technology is there to improve it, but because of red tape, it’s going to be an issue The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

Nathan Banda

Businessman/City of San Juan Capistrano Commissioner

Banda said the widening of Ortega Highway needs to be revisited.

He drives his high school freshman to San Juan Hills High School every morning along that stretch, and is concerned that the needs of the city’s young families are not being addressed. Banda said he thinks some people “get too hung up” on not widening it because of Rancho Mission Viejo, rather than finding a compromise.

“We need to think bigger than that.

Our town is divided—people are sticking their heels in the ground and not looking out for what’s best in the community,” Banda said. “I’d bring consensus; I’m able to work with everybody.”

Banda said much of the funding for increased parking downtown will likely come from new development, which is why, he noted, “it’s really important to get these hotels pushed through.”

Banda listed potential solutions such as “creating a private-public opportunity for parking,” which could be another parking garage, or consulting with the business community to see if the city should move to metering.

Banda said currently some businesses are having issues with people parking there all day long.

“If we designated some areas for long-term parking, we might have more available parking for downtown business patrons,” Banda said.

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DISTRICT 5

Larry Kramer

Retired Submarine Captain If elected, Kramer said his first goal would be to bring the widening of Ortega Highway back before the Council and “to get it done.”

“Ortega Highway is a no-brainer to me—that 0.9-mile choke point needs to be widened,” he said.

Kramer said it’s important for the city to listen to people and take the lead on design so that staff can work closely with Caltrans to keep it “looking as rural as possible” with stepped walls and a sidewalk.

Kramer mentioned other traffic alleviation projects on the books, including adding two more lanes under Interstate 5 on San Juan www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC EYE ON THE ELECTION 2016 Creek Road and the widening of Del Obispo. He thinks the “ghost train” can be solved, but the solution “is not simple.”

“I think if we can improve our relationship with OCTA and other outside agencies, we’d have a better chance of solving it,” Kramer said.

As for parking, Kramer said he doesn’t know exactly where a new structure should go, but the mostly likely spot “seems to be where the playhouse is,” which he noted is in the downtown master plan. Kramer doesn’t see the need for meters right now, but said if a new structure is built the city may have to implement metering to pay it off.

Jim Schneider

Professional Geologist/Professor Regarding the widening of Ortega Highway, Schneider said he’d like to understand the issue more, as he’s heard people say the road in its current state is a “safety issue.” He said the City Council “must have had a compelling reason to not widen it.”

“I’m not opposed to widening Ortega, but we’re going to have to use eminent domain, take some of the residents’ land, build 30-foot retaining walls and get rid of a bunch of trees,” Schneider said. “That should be a last resort, but it’s probably inevitably going to happen.”

Schneider said the city “wouldn’t have a parking issue if we could revisit the master plan.” He wants to see the entire downtown revitalized in the future by transforming Camino Capistrano into a greenbelt, with added parking structures behind and a back alley for residents and commercial trucks to get in and out. Schneider said retail with livable space above would line the street and the area would become more walkable and bike-able for residents and visitors.

“A greenbelt is unique, and something I would like to go to,” Schneider said.

“The Mission is a big draw, but comparing ourselves to other cities, I think we need a bigger draw.”

Robert Parks

Retired Disposal Manager Parks said he finds it “ridiculous that we have to pay back the money” for the Ortega Highway widening because “three people on the City Council stopped that project.”

“We have a choke point that needs to be widened. Those three people on City Council need to be held accountable for what they’re doing,” Parks said. “I’m going to bring the widening of Ortega Highway back up so we can get it finished. We can still get it done if we sit there and renegotiate everything.”

In response to a claim that some officials have made, Parks said that San Juan Creek Road connecting to a new road and relieving congestion “is never going to happen.”

Parks said he looks forward to the new hotels helping “a little bit” with parking.

He thinks parking meters “would cause more problems than they’re worth.”

“We have a big problem. We have to sit down and say, ‘Hey, there’s no place to put more downtown parking; we’re limited to where we can park,’” Parks said.

retaining walls and the inclusion of mature trees.

“I don’t think an absolute ‘no’ is a responsible decision,” she said of the widening. “It should be ‘yes’ with conditions, which have to reflect some of the specific needs of our residents.”

Lawrence Adams said she wants to see the city utilize its institutional knowledge and staff to create some “short-term pilot parking programs,” such as a community valet program, which could “lead to longterm infrastructure solutions.” She sees parking shortages mainly from Thursday evening to Sunday, and said the city needs to “understand the peak period” and start by freeing up parking that is currently being used by employees, in addition to looking for public-private partnerships.

Lawrence Adams added that the focus downtown should be on business retention and not adding more “event uses.”

“The Mission funded [a valet program] last year, and we were able to get 30 percent more parking during peak period,” Lawrence Adams said. “I’m cautious about spending taxpayer dollars on quick, kneejerk solutions or Band-Aids. Longerterm solutions involve parking decks and parking structures, no doubt, but they’re not the first answer.”

Ronda Mottl Media Executive

Mechelle Lawrence Adams Director, Historic Mission

Lawrence Adams said she’s in favor of revisiting Ortega Highway in order to improve safety, while also working on project elements such as the height of the

The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

Mottl said she was “initially for the widening of Ortega Highway” but recently changed her position on the widening after speaking with more people. She said her “number one priority is safety” and “something has to be done,” but she prefers options such as adding turn lanes or lowering the speed limit. Mottl said with 14,000 homes going into The Ranch, “eventually something will need to be addressed, but why do it twice?”

Mottl also noted that the city needs to work with OCTA to address the ghost train because it causes “needless backups.”

As for parking solutions, Mottl points to other cities like Laguna Beach, where people pay for parking. She said that if San Juan implemented a similar model, the revenue would “help cover added infraPage 7

structure that we need for parking.”

Mottl said she doesn’t know exactly where additional parking should be and would need to look at the zoning requirements. She believes the city should be getting revenue from parking.

Brian Maryott

Financial Services Executive Maryott said he doesn’t support the “current situation with Ortega Highway,” including “some of the arrogance and assumptions that were made” regarding the widening project.

“We have four lanes at both ends closing down to two, and it is not a natural traffic situation,” Maryott said. “I don’t think we have a safe situation there now.”

Maryott said he supports being a “partner in the process, rather than trying to wait it out to prove a point, and then have it done without our partnership,” which he thinks would ultimately occur.

In general Maryott, said he doesn’t think the city has a “terrible traffic issue now.”

“I think we have an events issue and maybe a bit of a weekend issue,” he said, adding that he thinks the broader issue in San Juan is “heavy traffic at strange times.”

Maryott said he’s “torn” on the “ghost train” issue, because it’s his understanding that it can’t be fixed without going underground or moving the stop, which he feels “adds a certain charm to the city.”

Maryott said parking has become more of an issue recently with the “collective renewed enthusiasm for downtown development and redevelopment.” He recommends the city embark on a “collaborative and inclusive” effort to construct a new parking structure downtown.

NEXT WEEK’S ELECTION COVERAGE The next edition of The Capistrano Dispatch will include our annual election guide, which covers all the local and relevant state races and ballot measures.

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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EYE ON SJC

Council Votes to Study General Plan Amendment for Vermeulen Ranch

EYE ON THE ELECTION 2016

Meet the Candidates: Bill Brough and Mesbah Islam

BY ERIC HEINZ, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

B

ill Brough, the Republican incumbent candidate for California’s 73rd Assembly District, served on the Dana Point City Council from 2010-2014.

Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Army from 1986-1991, and operated a government affairs consulting firm from 20052014, according to his campaign page.

Brough’s challenger is Mesbah Islam, a write-in candidate. The Capistrano Dispatch reached out to the Democratic candidate and did get in contact with him initially. However, after weeks of continuous emails and phone calls, Islam did not respond to set up an interview. Islam recently took down his campaign page on Facebook, and a spokesman for the Democratic Party of Orange County said they didn’t think Islam “was very serious about running anymore.”

We do know Islam is a resident of Mission Viejo, a young man and a Democrat.

His write-in campaign earned him 278 votes, or about .4 percent of Brough’s 74,568 votes.

But elections wait for nobody, and in the interest of fairness to Brough, who made time to visit with The Dispatch, we’ve assembled his answers to a variety of questions here. If Islam responds, we’ll run his answers online.

And though the state of his campaign may be in flux, Islam’s name will still appear on the ballot.

PROP 47 The Dispatch asked Brough if he would do anything to alter Prop 47, which reduced punishments of certain crimes to citations in lieu of jail time.

“We had a series of fixes come through because we found out that things like the date-rape drug, stealing firearms or less than $950 were things that were missed in the proposition,” Brough said. “I think there were some unintended consequences that were missed when Prop 47 was passed.

“We had a series of bills to try to correct those, and as things come up… we’ll certainly look at legislation to fix that.”

Brough also said Prop 57, which is on this year’s ballot and would release people convicted of mostly nonviolent crimes, is something he hopes does not pass. He also said he would have to contemplate raising the state’s prison budget.

MARIJUANA The Dispatch asked about concerns Brough may have regarding the possibility of marijuana being legalized this year.

Brough is the current vice chair of the

Committee on Business and Professions.

“I don’t think it’s a good thing,” he said.

“If a doctor thinks it will help someone, I have no problem with that. My big issue is if it’s legalized and gets into the hands of kids.”

Brough said, if the measure passes, he would like to tax both medicinal and recreational transactions and to craft regulation around the marijuana industry that would inhibit negative repercussions.

While Tuesday’s vote triggers feasibility study of a housing and commercial development, Council majority shows interest in pursuing purchase of the property

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

SOBER LIVING HOMES The Dispatch asked Brough what people may expect regarding sober living home regulation in the near future.

“I was a little concerned at the last town hall where the lawyer said that the courts are looking at everything that we say and can base their decisions off that,” he said.

“We’ve got a big epidemic with prescription drug use,” Brough said, adding that he wants to approach sober living as a “consumer-protection issue.” He said, “I’m going to get with the insurance (companies) and see what it is they offer, and maybe there’s a way to steer people toward a licensed facility rather than an unlicensed.”

Brough also said it’s difficult to find space in South Orange County to establish a larger sober living facility.

HOMELESSNESS The Dispatch asked Brough about what can be done to alleviate the increase in the homeless population.

“We have to have a community plan,” Brough said. “There’s actually money and programs out there, and the county is sitting on a bunch of mental health money, and I know they’re moving forward on that as a county problem. We just need to get that money out and the money needs to go to the homeless veterans and the support groups who are helping.”

EPILOGUE At the end of the interview, The Dispatch asked Brough why he thinks his only opponent is a write-in and how his constituents view him now. He said because of his work on the hospital issues and MelloRoos bills, he hasn’t had to “take (his) foot off the gas.”

Brough said he intends to be very active in the Legislature this year regarding the issues that face South Orange County and California. He also said he intends to continue studying the developments of desalination plants in the area.

To read the full interview, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

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parcel of land that became the hot button topic of the 2014 election—and is currently the basis of a lawsuit against the city—has emerged once again to the fore after the City Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday, with Mayor Pam Patterson opposing, to initiate a General Plan amendment study for the Vermeulen Ranch property.

The adopted resolution directs the city’s development services department to conduct a study for a proposed General Plan amendment to allow a commercial and residential development, referred to as “The Farm on Del Obispo,” on 34 acres of the 43-acre Vermeulen Ranch property, which is located at 32383 Del Obispo Street.

As currently proposed, the project could entail up to 180 residential homes on 30 acres of land—approximately six homes per acre—and up to 40,000 square feet of commercial space on four acres of land.

Should a General Plan amendment pass, the property’s agribusiness land use would shift to specific plan/precise plan.

Spieker Senior Development was initially poised to develop a retirement facility, Laguna Glen, on the Vermeulen Ranch property in 2014. However, following a contentious referendum process, the City Council voted in December of that year to overturn the previously approved Laguna Glen development.

The Vermeulen family, along with Spieker, filed five claims against the city in July 2015. The court sustained four of those claims, and the case is proceeding to trial.

“It basically centers around this idea that you can’t tell a private property owner that you can’t use your property for anything that’s economically viable,” said Troy Bourne, principal at Spieker Senior Development. “And in this situation, they’ve told the property owners that they’re restricted to agribusiness uses, while at the same time, the city owns the farm across the street and loses money on it every year.”

City staff presented some history of the land at Tuesday’s meeting, including the fact that the property was not always zoned as agribusiness. In 1974, the city’s General Plan designated the land for “future agricultural preservation,” until 1976,

Page 9

when that overlay became void and the property’s “residential base designation” became the official land use. In 1977, the land use was changed from single family residential to agriculture. The Verumeulen family and Spieker claim the City Council promised to compensate the family for downzoning the property, but never did.

Since filing the lawsuit, Spieker has now proposed “The Farm on Del Obispo” development on the property. Bourne asked the Council Tuesday night to work with Spieker on the development rather than leaving the matter to litigation.

Bourne said that Spieker would not be the developer of a future project on the site.

He told The Dispatch Thursday that the company will be “evaluating development partners in the next couple of months.”

Spieker is currently involved in a different venture—moving what was to be Laguna Glen to Rancho Mission Viejo.

The new Reata Glen retirement center, to be located on a 60-acre site across from Reata Park, is under construction and set to open in 2018.

During the Council’s discussion, Councilwoman Kerry Ferguson expressed interest in the city purchasing the Vermeulen Ranch as an alternative to the development. Councilman John Perry responded by moving staff recommendation and adding an item to “direct staff to bring back options for ways to acquire the property.”

Councilmen Reeve and Allevato questioned the feasibility of the city purchasing the property. Allevato said buying the land isn’t “realistic” given the problems the city has maintaining its existing parks. He added that the land is likely worth “tens of millions” of dollars.

“I just don’t think the city has the wherewithal to raise that kind of money,” he said.

Reeve said he agreed with Allevato, but noted that residents have been asking why the city doesn’t just buy the land.

“I think it would be important to have that public discussion, to address the concerns you and I have,” Reeve said. “I know how we pay for it—we’re going to raise everyone’s property taxes. Ultimately, that’s how it’s done. So that’s something I think everyone can talk about. I think we owe it to the residents to at least have that discussion.” CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO

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

Thursday, September 15 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano/San Juan Creek Road (2:10 p.m.) A patrol check was requested after a woman was seen walking up to vehicles at a stop light.

DISTURBANCE Camino Del Avion, 25600 Block (2:01 p.m.) A woman called police after her 14-year-old daughter got out of the car and started walking around the park to look for another ride. The mother said that the daughter was cussing at her and refused to get back in the car. The mother waited in her car until police arrived.

PETTY THEFT Del Obispo Street, 31800 Block (1:46 p.m.) An employee of Verizon contacted authorities after he had refunded a customer his money for a phone, and the man left with the money and the phone.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via San Vicente, 31200 Block (12:45 p.m.)

A caller contacted police after seeing a number of juveniles loitering behind a fence. The caller was concerned that the juveniles would begin to urinate.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Los Cerritos, 31600 Block (12:01 p.m.) Police were contacted after a man and woman were seen sleeping behind a container in a parking structure.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Don Juan Avenue, 31300 Block (9:39 a.m.) A woman in a Prius called police after seeing two minors who were left home alone. When the woman tried to make contact with the minors’ family, she saw a small child peep through the window. The two children refused to open the door.

Wednesday, September 14 PETTY THEFT Verdugo Street, 26700 Block (6:23 p.m.) A conductor inside the train’s café car detained a man for stealing snacks.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Del Obispo Street, 32200 Block (5:10 p.m.) A woman at the Del Obispo Terrace called police after an intoxicated man was seen vomiting in the parking lot. Police arrived and reported that the man showed signs of being under the influence of narcotics. Meth and a

meth pipe were found inside the man’s vehicle. The man was transported to a hospital for further evaluations.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/La Zanja Street (4:34 p.m.) A man at a bus stop was seen drinking beer and looking at women.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Viente, 32100 Block (3:34 p.m.) A woman called police and insisted that someone was walking on the roof of the house that she was house-sitting. Police arrived and checked the perimeter, but did not find anything.

DISTURBANCE Calle Resplendor, 30700 Block (12:13 p.m.) A man called police after his girlfriend and girlfriend’s family were moving into a new house and found an unknown woman yelling at everyone.

The man later told police that the woman was a neighbor who had concerns about the property becoming a brothel. The woman apologized to the man.

Community Meetings WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28

Downtown Farmers Market

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

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

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

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, SEPT. 30

Coffee Chat

8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano.

All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

TUESDAY, OCT. 4

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting

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

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

Page 10

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Inn at the Mission Hotel Project Dropped by Developer

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

DANA POINT

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

letter to the city of San Juan Capistrano from Inn at the Mission developer Bill Griffith states that the hotel project’s application has been withdrawn as of Wednesday, Sept. 14.

The Inn at the Mission was a proposed 124-room boutique hotel that was to be operated by Marriott International’s Autograph Collection and constructed at the corner of Ortega Highway and El Camino Real, across from the Mission and adjacent to a historic yellow house.

The Inn at the Mission and the Hotel Capistrano by Kimpton, the latter of which is set to be built between the Egan House and the Esslinger Building along Camino Capistrano, were both unanimously approved by the city’s Planning Commission in July; however, both hotel approvals were appealed in August—Hotel Capistrano was appealed by Attorney Erik Friess on behalf of Griffith, and the Inn at the Mission was appealed twice by San Juan Capistrano resident Marc Weintraub and David Wood of Hotel Capistrano’s developer Stratus Development Partners.

Per the appeal process, both hotels were scheduled for hearings at the Sept. 6 City Council meeting. Dan Friess, principal at Mission Commercial Properties, wrote a letter to the Council asking for a continuance so that the developer could “regroup” and “work with staff to address the issues raised by the appellants.”

“We have been working carefully on the minor architectural modifications to the project for the last year and a half and do not want to jeopardize our project with a hasty response,” Friess wrote. “The project is very important to us and the future economic development of the entire downtown and requires careful consideration. We cannot respond adequately by Tuesday and we require additional time to prepare for the appeal hearing.”

The continuance was granted 4-1, with Councilman John Perry dissenting, and a new hearing for the Inn at the Mission was set for the Sept. 20 Council meeting.

The Council went ahead with its hearing for the Hotel Capistrano on Sept. 6 and approved the project 4-1, with Mayor Pam Patterson dissenting. With the final approval from City Council, city staff

An Aug. 10 drone photos shows early stages of grading at the Inn at the Mission site. Photo: Torin Alm

Former Dana Hills High School Teacher Sentenced in Child Pornography, Sexual Assault Case A former Dana Hills High School teacher was sentenced five years in state prison on Sept. 15 for possessing child pornography and sexually assaulting a young teen he met through a volunteer organization, the District Attorney’s office said.

Ezequiel Christopher Barragan, 50, of Aliso Viejo, pleaded guilty to four felony counts of performing lewd acts on a child under the age of 14, three felony counts of lewd acts on a child between the ages of 14 and 15 and one felony count of possession of child pornography. The crimes occurred between 2012 and 2015.

Barragan was a Spanish teacher at Dana Hills at the time of the incident. Over the last 20 years, he was involved in coaching youth sports and also volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in Orange County.

According to the DA’s office, Barragan must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.—Kristina Pritchett

SAN CLEMENTE

A rendering of the former Inn at the Mission hotel project. Image: Courtesy of Inn at the Mission

confirmed that a demolition permit for the Hotel Capistrano site was issued on Monday, Sept. 19. An appeal to the permit filed by Attorney Erik Friess was denied by the city.

City Contract Planner Mathew Evans said in an email that the appeal was denied “because the appellant did not raise concerns that the demolition permit would have violated the California Building Code, nor did they establish that any rules legally adopted were incorrectly interpreted.”

When the agenda for the Council’s Sept.

20 meeting was posted, the item for the Inn at the Mission hearing was accompanied by a letter signed by Griffith.

“We are formally withdrawing all of our applications for the modification of the approved Plaza Banderas Hotel and Mixed Use project, also known as Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano,” Griffith wrote, listing the five specific applications that have been withdrawn. “Please do not calendar our project for further City Council review and please immediately halt all staff time on processing of this project.”

The letter did not specify reasons for

The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

dropping the project, nor does it clarify whether the developer will move forward with the previously approved Plaza Banderas hotel project, which the site has already been heavily graded for. Jake Griffith, development analyst at Mission Commercial Properties, said in a July interview that the grading was able to begin due to the permits already acquired for the Plaza Banderas project.

Mayor Pam Patterson said in an email that she is “very disappointed with the outcome.”

“I am not happy with the manner in which the city processed the modification of an already approved hotel project at that site, and the residents of our community are ultimately going to be the ones that are hurt,” she wrote.

On Wednesday, Friess told The Dispatch that he has “no comment at this time” regarding why the application was withdrawn or what will come next. Bill Griffith could not be reached for comment.

Tom Brinkman, Marriott’s senior vice president of lodging development west region, declined to comment on the hotel application. CD

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Ole Hanson Beach Club Set to Reopen Sept. 30 After years of planning and construction, the city of San Clemente has announced the grand reopening of the Ole Hanson Beach Club will take place from 5-8 p.m. on Sept.

30 at the Club (105. W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente). The event is open to the public.

Event parking will be available on nearby streets and meter violations will not be enforced after 4 p.m., city officials said.

“The Ole Hanson Beach Club was built in 1928 by San Clemente founder Ole Hanson, along with many other public facilities he built and donated such as the Pier, community center and golf course that our community continues to enjoy today,” the city wrote in a statement.

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility, light refreshments, a nohost bar and entertainment.

“In January 2015, construction work commenced on the beach club to ensure critical repairs and rehabilitation were performed, while maintaining the historic architecture to bring it back to its former glory,” the city’s statement read. “The building, restrooms, balcony and pool have been overhauled, and the building is now structurally compliant with ADA improvements and includes an elevator.”

Although the project was first expected to cost about $1.2 million, the final cost was approximately $5.6 million, due to unforeseen repairs that needed to be made, such as the original pool being built upon the last time renovations were made.

Hours of operation for the OHBC are still being decided by the city government.

—Eric Heinz CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

San Juan Capistrano Resident Sues City over Ban on ‘For Sale’ Signs in Parked Cars

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

t was a seemingly ordinary effort to sell his car.

San Juan Capistrano resident Michael Cefali decided last May to park his Volkswagen Tiguan in front of his house on Paseo Rosa, with a “for sale” sign displayed in the window.

But instead of attracting prospective buyers, the display was flagged by local law enforcement. Cefali was issued a $50 ticket for the sign, which he found out violates the city of San Juan Capistrano’s municipal code.

The 26-year-old law school graduate said “red flags went up” when he saw the ticket. Cefali submitted a Public Records Act Request to see how many people the city has ticketed over the last three years, and although he couldn’t pinpoint whether the tickets were specifically for “for sale” signs, he found that the city has collected around $15,000 over the last few years in tickets related to the code.

At the time he received the ticket, Cefali was in the Pacific Legal Foundation’s Constitutional Jurisprudence Clinic

at Chapman University. After looking up similar cases, he approached his professor, attorney Larry Salzman, about the situation.

Salzman, a principal attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, said their aim is to “stand up for the First Amendment and put an end to an unconstitutional program” that violates freedom of speech guarantees. Cefali filed a federal lawsuit against the city on Sept. 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and the city has 30 days after being served to respond.

San Juan’s ordinance states that it is “unlawful for any person to park a vehicle upon any roadway for the principal purpose of displaying such vehicle or property thereon for sale, hire, or rental.”

Salzman said had Cefali’s sign been advertising a garage sale or a political message, it would have been permitted under city code.

Salzman also points to precedents that have been set in other cases, such as last year’s McLean v. City of Alexandria ruling and the 2000 case of Burkow v. City of Los Angeles. In these cases, the courts found

that banning “for sale” signs was a violation of the First Amendment.

“The basic issue here is that the city has an ordinance that censors signs based on their content, and the Supreme Court has repeatedly said that you have a right to communicate truthfully any message, including messages proposing a commercial transaction,” Salzman said. “This is a flatly unconstitutional law.”

City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger said on Sept. 13 that his office was working with city staff to review the ordinance in question.

“The city’s ordinance prohibiting vehicles parked on a public street for the purpose of sale is intended to prevent blight, ensure adequate residential parking, and maintain the quality and safety of San Juan Capistrano’s neighborhoods,” Ballinger wrote in an email. “[We] have no further comment while the issue is under legal review.”

Cefali’s lawsuit was on the City Council’s closed session agenda for Sept. 20. No action was reported out of closed session.

Salzman said students currently enrolled in the Chapman clinic—the same one Cefali took—will be working to defend

Plaintiff Michael Cefali stands outside his home in San Juan Capistrano, where he was ticketed for posting a “for sale” sign in his car, which was parked on the street. Photo: Allison Jarrell

their former classmate under his supervision.

“Pacific Legal Foundation is the nation’s oldest public interest law firm defending individual rights, and we think it’s an important part of our mission to train students … to stand up for the Constitution,” he said.

“It’s a pretty small matter, but it’s an important principle,” Salzman continued.

“We think free markets are important, and for free markets to happen, you need free expression. We want to draw a line in the sand that says, ‘You can’t violate Supreme Court precedent, city of San Juan Capistrano.’” CD

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

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EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett

Finance Director > Mike Reed

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Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

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

GET THE FACTS ABOUT MEASURE M BOND TAX BEFORE YOU VOTE —Craig Alexander, Dana Point

CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina

Letters to the Editor

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 17. 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

If it passes, Measure M, the $889 million bond tax by Capistrano Unified School District, will add approximately $300 to $600-plus per year for 35 years to everyone’s real and unsecured (boat owners, please take note) property tax bills. With interest, Measure M will cost South County property owners about $1.8 billion.

Residential and commercial renters, your rent will likely go up as the cost of this bond tax will be passed on to you. This is a very long-term decision that will affect our pocketbooks for many years to come. Is a yes or a no vote the right decision?

Before you decide whether to vote yes or no to increase your taxes for the next 35 years, get the facts about Measure M. Go to www.therealcusd.com.

FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE —Carla DiCandia, San Juan Capistrano Oftentimes, individuals who experience a mental and/or substance use disorder feel isolated and alone.

Yet, every year, millions of Americans experience these conditions. It’s important that we offer support to individuals facing mental and/or substance use disorders. In fact, we need to create environments and relationships that promote acceptance.

Support from families is essential to recovery, so it’s important that family members have the tools to start conversations about prevention, treatment and recovery.

Too many people are still unaware that prevention works and that mental and/or substance use disorders can be treated.

Having worked in community services for nearly 20 years, I have witnessed the positive reality of recovery. Individuals who embrace recovery achieve improved mental and physical health, as well as form stronger relationships with their neighbors, family members and peers. We need to make more people feel like recovery is possible.

Mental and/or substance use disorders affect people of all ethnicities, ages, genders, geographic regions, and socioeconomic levels. These individuals can get better, with the support of a welcoming and supportive community.

Families and communities can find hope and spread the message that recovery works by celebrating the annual National Recovery Month, an initiative sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMH-

The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

Page 13

SA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

I urge all community members to join the celebration and help stem the incidence of mental and/or substance use disorders. Let people know that free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day through SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1.800.662.HELP (4357) or 1.800.487.4889.

INTEGRITY OF SOBER LIVING POLICY EXAMINED —Gene James, San Clemente My wife and I recently had the very good fortune to move to San Clemente.

On our first day of home ownership, we learned we had the misfortune to be next door to a sober living home. From day one, our life has been a living hell in what was supposed to be our new and wonderful adventure and life in this great city.

Congressman Darrell Issa recently assembled a great panel comprised of both pro and con experts. I was in attendance along with several hundred others. Mr. Issa laid out his proposed bipartisan legislation and he brought up the acronym NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard). The Congressman made it very clear NIMBY would not be part of his legislation. His legislation would simply allow local gov-

ernment to regulate the houses and that all communities would have to take their fair share of the addicted in recovery.

Last week, I found Democratic challenger Col. Doug Applegate had placed on his campaign Facebook page an outside editorial. The editorial accused Mr. Issa of promoting a NIMBY agenda at the panel. Col. Applegate then added his own response on his Facebook page with the words “shame on Darrell Issa.”

I reached out six times to the Applegate campaign over five days and received nothing. Initially, I assumed Col. Applegate had fallen victim to poor campaign staff work. However, after numerous attempts to inform the campaign they were putting erroneous information on their Facebook page, it became obvious Col. Applegate did not care. Colonel Applegate’s integrity is in very serious question, and we need to hold him accountable. A vote for Applegate will be a vote for unchecked and unregulated sober living.

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

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List What’s going on in and around town

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 23 MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

‘THE EXPLORER’S CLUB’ AT THE CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 8 p.m. The Playhouse’s 27th season continues with The Explorer’s Club, a tale set in 1879 London. Tickets start at $20.

Show runs through Oct. 2. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

‘MAN OF LA MANCHA’ 8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse continues their new season with one of the world’s most popular musicals, Man of La Mancha. The “Impossible Dream” musical, tells the adventures of a delusional Spanish knight, Don Quixote, backed by his faithful sidekick Sancho Panza, who duels windmills and defends his perfect lady, Dulcinea. Runs Thursday-Sunday through Oct. 9. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 24 SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Flock of 80’s performs followed by Eli Locke. The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 25

The Best Thing We Ate This Week

LIVE MUSIC: THE SHENANIGANS 1:30-6:30 p.m. Live music from The Shenanigans at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Macarons

Monday | 26

For a while there, it seemed like the delicate macaron would be crammed down the face of any half-interested gourmand and sweet Macarons from Pascal. Photo: Matt Cortina tooth possessor. But the trend has died, and in its wake, only the steadfast and excellent purveyors of the heavenly cookie remain.

Pascal is one such place. The house specialty comes in a variety of rotating flavors— we tried mango, raspberry, vanilla and chocolate.

The meringue cookies that make up the macaron were egg-shelled on the exterior and airy inside. They were perfect bookends to robustly flavored filling—the vanilla had the distinct flavor of the bean and was more in the frosting category; while the mango punched with lemon and herb sweetness in a jam-like consistency.

Now, going to Pascal, a new-ish, award-winning restaurant where excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner are also served, and writing about the macarons is sort of like going to Yosemite and writing about Half Dome. Sure, it’s magnificent, but it leaves out the vast greatness of the place. That said, make macarons the cap of a meal if you go, or the companion to coffee or wine.

PASCAL

31451 Rancho Viejo Road, No. 103, San Juan Capistrano. 949.488.0031. www.cafesanjuancapistranoca.com.

LAUGHS FOR LEATHERNECKS 7 p.m. The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group sponsors this comedy show to raise funds for active military and spouses. Rita Rudner, P.J. Walsh, Tom Riehl and other comedians will perform. Tickets are $35 and include dinner. Improv Comedy Club. 31 Fortune Drive, Suite 216, Irvine.

949.854.5455. www.improv.com.

Saturday | 01 EASY STEPS FOR MAKING COMPOST 9:30-10:30 a.m. Learn how to compost with the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Orange County and Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens. Event is free. Los Rios Park. 31747 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. RSVP requested.

949.606.6386. goinnative@gmail.com. www.goinnative.net.

UPCOMING: SATURDAY, OCT. 15 CORAL 65 CHARITY FUNDRAISER Noon-3 p.m. The annual fundraiser collects money for women over 65, and their families, battling cancer. This year welcomes guests to show off their horses and motorcycles. There will be a buffet lunch, raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $40 and must be purchased by Oct. 7.

San Juan Hills Golf Club. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano.

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Brian Park

FRIDAY, SEPT. 23 TO SUNDAY, SEPT. 25: SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GREEK FESTIVAL 5-11 p.m. The weekend-long Greek Festival kicks off with dancing, Greek food and wine, church tours, art and more. Runs Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church.

27129 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano. 949.542.3445. www.sjcgreekfest.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

Page 15

At the Movies: Nothing New with ‘Snowden’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ike some of his peers, Oliver Stone was at the top of his game in the 1980s with hits like Scarface (1983), Platoon (1986), Wall Street (1987) and Born on the Fourth of July (1989). But when the decade ended, he never left. JFK (1991) was polarizing, but generally did well, yet everything he’s created since then has left a lot to be desired. His latest biopic, Snowden, is the best example of all his weaknesses and greatness with political pieces.

In the mid-2000s, Edward Snowden (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) becomes a computer engineer for the CIA after being discharged from the military.

While inventing new technology and systems for the government, Snowden discovers that they also have access to every citizen’s computer and phone.

During all of this, he also struggles with a relationship with his artsy, free-spirited girlfriend, Lindsay Mills (Shailene Woodley). Meanwhile, in 2013, Ed is hiding out in Hong Kong with reporters Glenn Greenwald (Zachary Quinto), Ewen MacAskill (Tom Wilkinson) and filmmaker Laura

Photo: Open Road Films

Poitras (Melissa Leo) ready to leak the CIA’s secret.

The pros of Snowden are the electronic music score and Gordon-Levitt’s endearing love interest. Woodley puts in a natural and organic performance that shows acting can sometimes make up for the bland material. GordonLevitt is also fine as the man himself, but the cons of Stone’s usual caliber— outdated political views and biased narrative—hold the feature back. On top of that, everything we need to know on Edward Snowden was already covered well enough in the 2014 documentary.

Citizenfour. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Older Men Dating Younger Women Is a Controversial Topic

F

or years, I have published an online newsletter that addresses the topic of dating and relationships for people ages 50 to 90. The newsletter is emailed each Friday to people across the U.S., Canada and other countries. There is no cost to sign up; I call the subscribers “Champs,” because that’s what they are.

Two weeks ago, a Champ named Fred commented about older men dating younger women.

Fred did not disclose his age, but said, “At my age, everyone is younger; ON LIFE AND however, this is my LOVE AFTER 50 experience. Women that

By Tom Blake get to age 68-70, divorced or widowed, tend to become older than their age. Despite what they write in their online profiles, ‘love to travel, walk on the beach, dance the night away,’ they do none of these things, and haven’t for many years. Widows are guiltier of not doing these things.

“Also, the dearly departed reach the position of sainthood in the widows’ minds, which is usually not even close to the truth. And, they constantly compare you to the late-departed mister.

“So what do old guys do? They stay away from the widows and look for younger women who actually do dance and walk the beaches. The downside is younger women have no money, so I have to accept that travel, dining out and whatever, will be on my dime. Also, ego comes into play.

‘Hot’ women with good clothing and an upbeat personality make your day.”

I was reluctant to include Fred’s comments in the newsletter, thinking older women might find them offensive. But to my surprise, many responded positively, even adding their own experiences.

Marie, 65, wrote, “I recently met a 68-year-old man. He bought me a roundtrip ticket to Florida. I dumped him when I came back from the trip because he could not keep up with me.”

Judie, 73, said, “I found Fred’s comments very truthful. Sounds like he spends a lot of time online, and then when he actually meets these ladies, he then finds they are probably ‘old’ acting, looking and thinking.

“I go to movies, concerts and casinos by myself for an evening out. Many women in their late 60s, 70s and beyond do not go out alone at night. They don’t wish to drive, are fearful, or their families tell them they

need to stay in, where it’s ‘safe.’ Or, if they do start dating someone, they frequently cancel to watch the grandchildren.”

Linda shared, “I think some older men want the eye candy that they think younger women will provide, which will make those men more sexy. Men are very visual. Some things never change.

Women, on the other hand, want a mate to help rear children and for nesting. So, no wonder as older women we aren’t sure what we are looking for in a mate.”

Stella said, “I totally agree with Fred!

Older women seem to hang on to their baggage as though it were an heirloom.

Younger gals just want to have a good time. The downside is that they also want to get married and start a family. I’ve seen these coots marry and have kids with these young gals and regret it.

“Just as dancing the night away and walking on the beach may be too much for the older ones, dealing with a pregnant wife, screaming, messy and snotty toddlers is way too much for the old guys.”

Jan stated, “Fred’s comments were on-point. Later in life, men can afford to date the young beauty because most are more financially set to do so. While men like to believe these women date them because of their sparkling personalities and handsome good looks, the odds are (albeit rarely admitted) it is because of their financial generosity. (Rarely seen is a young model dating a poor older man.)

“I’m in my late 50s and extremely active.

However, more and more of my women friends are embracing a more sedentary lifestyle. I am fortunate to currently date a man who is youthful and active.

“I know plenty of women in their 50s who are active and attractive, but will never be able to compete with women in their 20s or 30s, so the age discrepancy occurs much earlier than the ages suggested

by Fred.”

Email your older-men-dating-younger women comments to tompblake@gmail. com.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter 50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

Page 16

SCENE { I N S AN JUAN }

BENEFIT GALA RAISES $236K FOR MISSION SAN JUAN

The Mission Preserva-

tion Foundation held the 13th annual Romance of the Mission benefit gala on Sept. 16, featuring a concert in the ruins of

The Great Stone Church

by American Idol finalist

Clark Beckham. Over 450 guests attended the an-

nual fundraiser, with net

Photo: Lisa Renee Baker

proceeds totaling $236,000. Each year, the funds raised at the gala are used for the Mission’s preservation efforts.

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy: By Marianne Taylor

Composting 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Healthier Soil

W

ith autumn settling in and the leaves starting to fill your yard, this is the perfect time to begin composting. Composting is great for all gardeners because it improves soil, which in turn prevents plant diseases. It can even reduce harmful greenhouse gases.

I often call composting the lazy person’s guide to gardening. You don’t really have to think about it once you get going. With DIRT THERAPY the right compost bin

By Marianne Taylor and evenly mixed greens and browns, you’ll see amazing results in a few months.

HOW TO GET STARTED

There are several types of containers to choose from. A simple rubber trash can makes a great compost bin—it fits in small spaces, has a lid to keep animals out and is easy to move around the garden. Be sure to drill holes along the sides and bottom in order for air to circulate the decamped matter you will place inside. Raise the trash can on bricks so material doesn’t stagnate inside bin. Add uncooked vegetable scraps, dried leaves, grass clippings and disease-free plant material. Keep moist by adding water and be sure to turn every week—you can roll the trash can on its side with the lid on or take a long wooden stick or rebar to stir. The compost will be ready in a few months.

I prefer repurposed wooden pallets to create my compost bin. It’s inexpensive, easy to turn material, naturally aerates the decomposed matter and keeps the pets away. I wire three pallets together to form a U shape and start adding waste in a ratio of three “browns” to one “green.” Browns are carbon-rich materials and include wood chips, straw, branches and leaves. Greens provide nitrogen and include grass clippings and kitchen scraps, like eggshells

and carrot tops. Be sure to add water as you layer your material and use a pitchfork to turn once a week. Don’t let the pile dry out. If it starts to smell, add more browns.

WHAT CAN YOU PUT IN YOUR COMPOSTER?

• Uncooked vegetables and fruits—be sure to cut them up into small pieces so they will break down faster. This is helpful with a small compost bin.

• Grass clippings • Dried leaves • Disease-free plant material • Shredded paper • Avoid sticks and woody plants HOW TO TELL IF COMPOST IS READY

When it’s ready for use—which could take anywhere from a few months to a year—compost looks and smells like very dark soil. If you’re unsure, put it to the baggie test: place a small amount in a plastic bag and take a whiff before sealing.

Then place the bag in a drawer for a few days. When you open the bag, the sample should smell the same as it did before. If it smells worse, your compost needs more time in the pile.

Want to learn more? Join Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and the UCCE Master Gardeners of OC for a free Compost 101 class on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9:3010:30 a.m. at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Meet near the grape arbor and restrooms inside the park. RSVP to marianne@goinnative.net or call 949.606.6386.

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. 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.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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 Solution:

The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

Page 18

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Tackling Cancer Head On Noah Edgerton rejoins the San Juan Hills football team following cancer diagnosis

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he pain in his knee started to flare up when Noah Edgerton was a freshman. At first, it was minor. It had to be a football injury, he thought.

He’d played through something like that before countless times.

He started at outside linebacker as a sophomore for the San Juan Hills football team the following season, his love for the game growing with every tackle. But the pain persisted.

Eventually, the discomfort in his knee became too much to bear. Edgerton wasn’t able to fully extend his leg without wincing in pain. He limped everywhere he went.

A trip to the doctor’s office didn’t offer much help at first. The doctor was unsure if it was a cyst, a growth, or something else. At the behest of Edgerton’s mother, Lisa, the doctors scheduled Noah for surgery to remove whatever was inside his leg.

What they found was a dark mass the size of a golf ball.

The Edgertons were soon informed that Noah had stage three synovial cell sarcoma, a rare, incurable form of cancer that attaches itself to soft muscle tissue.

“At first I couldn’t comprehend it. I’ve always tried to be as healthy as possible.

Then they tell you that you have this cancer, which is the most unhealthy thing,” Edgerton said. “But a few weeks later, it started to really hit me and really got into me. My immune system and my body just felt like it was shutting down.”

The Edgertons were held in limbo as the doctors and surgeons planned on how to proceed with Noah’s case.

Edgerton went under the knife again just a few months later to remove what was left behind in his leg. The procedure lasted 10 hours, and doctors removed large amounts of his cancer-stricken lower hamstring and upper calf. He required a large skin graft, which was taken from his back, to cover the excavated parts of his leg. Large scars were etched onto him where once there used to be muscle; the same muscle he relied on to make plays on the field.

The doctors said he was lucky that they picked up on the cancer early. If it had been allowed to grow, amputation of his leg could have been a real possibility.

He was told that he could never play football again, and, given the reoccurring nature of the cancer, that he would have to

carefully monitor his health for the rest of his life.

Edgerton, who possesses a strong Christian faith, said he trusted that God had a plan for him. He learned to accept the fact that his life would never be the same, but he refused to believe his playing days were over.

The Long Road Back When the Stallions opened their season against Dos Pueblos on Aug. 26, a blue jersey with the number seven on it that read “Edgerton” took the field for the first time in over a year to play on the defensive line.

For his family, teammates, coaches and friends, the moment could not have been a happier one, considering where Noah was at the same time one year ago.

In the weeks that followed his intense surgery, Edgerton was confined to beds and couches as he waited for the skin on his back and leg to heal. He began his road to recovery by doing what was once the simplest of tasks, like standing up.

He’d stand up, then lie back down. He’d walk down the hall, leaning heavily on a walker for assistance, then walk back to his bed. That long walk down the hall was all he could do some days. It was exhausting.

As a single mother with four children, one of whom is severely disabled and requires 24-hour care, Lisa Edgerton, an elementary school teacher in the Orange Unified School District, was sometimes forced to let Noah fend for himself as she worked multiple jobs. Noah spent his first day out of the hospital by himself lying on the downstairs couch of their three-story Ladera Ranch home. His bedroom was on the top floor, but there was no way he could return there any time soon. A walk to the fridge in the kitchen felt like a mile away.

Noah never let his spirits get down. In fact, his situation motivated him.

As his skin healed, he grew stronger.

He began walking greater distances and eventually started lifting small weights in the living room. He was always an avid gym rat, so Noah turned the family living room into his own personal physical therapy office. Soon, the thought of returning to school, and the football field, seemed more realistic.

“I’ve always had that drive, that competitiveness in me,” Edgerton said. “It felt like the doctors were trying to bring me down almost. I was just going to prove them wrong.”

The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

Noah Edgerton was diagnosed with stage three synovial cell sarcoma as a sophomore. One year later, he has returned to the San Juan Hills High School football team’s starting lineup. Photo: Steve Breazeale

He got a job at Lifetime Fitness teaching young kids how to play sports. He saved up enough money to buy his first car: a 1966 Volkswagen Bug that he spraypainted black. On the side of the driverside door, emblazoned in white, is the number seven.

Edgerton eventually returned to school during the second semester of his junior year. He’d kept up with his homework while rehabbing at home and continued to take Advanced Placement classes.

Then came the next big step forward.

Edgerton decided he was going to work like crazy and get into good enough shape to play football his senior year.

He worked out ferociously with the team, running through their normal offseason workouts then hurrying to the gym to get extra work in. His right leg, which is numb from the knee down due to nerve damage sustained during surgery, felt stronger than ever.

All of the hard work paid off the first time he lined up against Dos Pueblos in the season opener. He recorded five

Page 19

tackles, including two tackles for a loss, in a 36-29 victory.

“Because his passion for sports is so great, he wasn’t going to let (the cancer) stop him,” Lisa Edgerton said. “He basically made that decision on his own. If he just sat there like a lump, he wouldn’t have healed the correct way or gotten stronger.”

A Bond of Brotherhood The San Juan Hills defense is a tight group. They are heavy on seniors and juniors that have played alongside one another for years, and they play with a swagger and physicality that has become the team’s calling card.

Before a 24-17 loss to Edison on Sept.

16, the Stallions were on a three-game win streak thanks in large part to their effort on defense.

The Stallions defensive line is perhaps the team’s most gritty unit. Edgerton and seniors JJ Glass and River Stewart have (Cont. on page 22) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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OBITUARY

Louis Richard Wilhelm

Louis Richard Wilhelm passed away September 15th, 2016, at his home in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Known to his friends as “Dick”, he spent his early years farming with his father and working as a master mechanic in town until he entered the Navy at the age of eighteen. After the Navy and while working as a laborer on the docks in Los Angeles, he met and married the love of his life, Dawne Wilhelm. They ran a company supplying janitorial services for many business-

es. Dick was a volunteer with the Hermosa Beach Police Department reserve program and he was also a part of the famed deep sea diving team of Mel Fisher. Both he and Dawne were licensed Ham radio operators and also operated a small exotic animal quarantine for the Los Angeles Zoo. Dick also volunteered for many years with the Ramona Pageant in Hemet, CA. Dick’s wife Dawne, was born legally blind and

as a testimony to his character, he spent his life determined that she would never miss anything because of her disability.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 1st, at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Ave., in Hemet, California 92544. A reception is to follow at the Diamond Valley Arts Council, 124 N. Harvard Street, in Hemet, California. Both Dick and his wife Dawne will be memorialized on the wall at the Riverside National Cemetery.

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The Capistrano Dispatch September 23-October 13, 2016

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Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

Page 21

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SCHOOLS

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

San Juan Preps Roundup

A quick look around at San Juan Capistrano high school sports programs COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO AND STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

JSerra Football Making Huge Statement

Upon hearing of his cancer diagnosis, San Juan Hills football players like River Stewart, left, and JJ Glass, right, rallied to support their friend Noah Edgerton. Photo: Steve Breazeale

(Cont. from page 19) the team’s most gritty unit. Edgerton and seniors JJ Glass and River Stewart have combined for 20 tackles for a loss through four games, with Glass and Stewart combining for 12 sacks. They get after the opposing team’s quarterback like crazed dogs chasing a cat up a tree. Their belief in one another is strong.

But the bond the Stallions possess extends far beyond the playing field.

When the team found out about Noah’s health, they immediately rallied around him. Players and coaches were frequent visitors while he was in the hospital. The school and football program walked for Noah at a Ladera Ranch Relay for Life event, and the social media hashtag #Noahsackscancer was prominent throughout the Stallions’ stadium all season.

Edgerton received a huge amount of votes for team captain his junior year, despite never playing in a game.

“He saw the support from (his teammates), which made that (bond) even stronger,” head coach Aaron Flowers said.

“He’s a kid that will do whatever he needs to do for his teammates. All the guys like him, they respect him.”

Edgerton’s situation is still ongoing.

For now, he’s healthy enough to play football and attend school. But because of the nature of the cancer, he will continue to make visits to the doctor every three months for a series of scans and tests.

He plans on playing for the Stallions’ newly-formed rugby club team in the winter and will compete for the track and field team in the spring. He wants to major in applied physics and attend a four-year university, with the hopes of landing a job at a major aerospace corporation when he graduates.

Football has offered him a safe haven, where he can take his mind off of life for hours at a time and just play ball. The thought of his health is now compartmentalized in his mind, rather than the main focus, he said.

His life may be different now, but Edgerton is not letting it restrict him from chasing his dreams.

“God has a plan for me. I was given this hand and that’s what I’m going to deal with. I’m just going to fight through it. … I feel like my drive this past year was unbelievably crazy,” Edgerton said. “I’m really grateful to be out here and finish up my senior year and finish strong.” CD

The relatively young JSerra football team is moving up the ranks of the top teams in Orange County in a hurry.

The Lions (3-1) have opened their season with wins over quality teams like Alemany and Vista Murrieta, which entered its game against JSerra on Sept.

15 as the seventh-ranked team in the state, according to www.calhisports.com. JSerra was able to come away with a 28-14 victory in that one. The Lions also defeated Sacramento in the season-opener 35-7.

JSerra is being led by junior quarterback Matt Robinson’s strong arm and shifty running ability. Senior Riley O’Brien has been a versatile weapon on both sides of the ball, playing receiver, defensive back and punt/kick return specialist.

JSerra was scheduled to play Los Alamitos, another top team in the county, on Sept. 22. Results were not available at press time. —Steve Breazeale

hit their stride late and were able to narrowly edge out the Tritons 25-21. Game three followed suit, as the Warriors walked away with a 25-15 match-clinching win.

Saddleback Valley Christian senior Lily Dyer had a game-high 13 kills. SVC senior Sydney Stratton had three aces and 20 assists. On the defensive end, the Warriors’ Kendall Reinecke led the team with five blocks.

SVC coach Carmen Stratton believed the win over the Tritons was a big step forward for her squad, which is ranked sixth in the newly formed CIF-SS Division 3.

“We are a small school and wanted to come out and play big to show we aren’t intimidated by these bigger schools,” Stratton said.—Victor Carno CD

SVC Volleyball Topples Tritons The defending South Coast league champion San Clemente girls volleyball team suffered a three-set sweep at the hands of Saddleback Valley Christian in a nonleague match on Sept. 21.

San Clemente (4-7) had its share of chances in the match, but was unable to hold off the three-time defending CIF-SS Division 3A champion Warriors (6-3).

The first set started off in San Clemente’s favor, and the home team built up a five-point lead. Saddleback Valley Christian hung tough, rallying together several three-point runs to take the first game, 25-20.

The Warriors entered the second game with momentum and opened up a 5-1 lead, but a six-point San Clemente run ensured it would be a close set. Once again, SVC

Matt Robinson is leading the JSerra football team in 2016. Photo: Steve Breazeale