the capistrano dispatch

J U LY 8 –2 1 , 2 0 1 1VOLUME 9, ISSUE 13

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

Santa Margarita Water District Chief Engineer Daniel Ferons with one of four massive pumps at the Upper Chiquita Reservoir. Photo by Patricia McCauley

Councilman Proposes Permission

for Pistols in ParksEYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Capistrano All Stars in

Championship SPORTS/PAGE 22

Relay for Life Ready for Weekend

SJC LIVING/PAGE 17

Offi cials ready to fi ll Upper Chiquita Reservoir, built by Capistrano fi rm, to

provide emergency water supply

Offi cials ready to fi ll Upper Chiquita

Ready in Reserve

E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

THE LATEST: If Councilman Derek Reeve has his way, John Wayne would be OK in city parks, while Dennis the Menace would be in trouble.

Reeve, an attorney elected in December, said he noticed while reviewing the city’s parks rules that Capistrano’s rules are more restrictive than state law when it comes to carrying fi rearms.

The state allows “open carry,” under which residents can openly wear an unloaded sidearm. They can also carry ammunition. But Capistrano’s park regula-tions prohibit fi rearms, such as the six-shooters John Wayne carried, as well as slingshots favored by Dennis the Menace.

Reeve, a college teacher, said he thought the change would make the city safer.

Another change he proposes: Removing the rules against fi shing in the streams and creeks through Capistrano. Bathing in fountains would still be out.

WHAT’S NEXT: His proposals are sched-uled to be heard by the City Council on July 19.

FIND OUT MORE: See his full proposal at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

—Jonathan Volzke

What’s Up With...S A N J U A N C A P I S T R A N O ’ S T O P 5 H O T T E S T T O P I C S

...Packing Pistols at Parks?1

1LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTINGEYE ON SJC

www.thecapistranodispatch.comThe Capistrano Dispatch July 8–21, 2011

...Road Work in Town?2THE LATEST: The city is expected to begin construction this week on the Del Obispo Street Widening project, from Alipaz Street to Paseo Adelanto. The traf-fi c-improvement project will take about 10 months.

The project will widen Del Obispo Street between Paseo Adelanto and Alipaz Street to accommodate two eastbound

...A Review of the Water Department?

5

THE LATEST: Outside analysts should examine how the city arrives at its budget assumptions for the Utilities Depart-ment, whether city leaders get enough information often enough and even the qualifi cations and competencies of those in the Finance Department who work with utilities, under a three-page scope of work approved by the City Council on Tuesday.

The exhaustive list, which also calls for accounting reviews right down to mileage logs of city vehicles and who approves overtime, came from the city’s special seven-member Ad Hoc Audit Committee. The study initially was going to piggyback on the city’s annual fi nancial audit, but grew far beyond that.

It comes as the Utilities Department faces an $8.2 million fi nancial shortfall and other issues. City staff has said most of that is related to problems with the city’s Groundwater Recovery Plant and the MTBE that tainted the city’s water supply.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city will seek pro-posals from fi rms to complete the study. The council was fi rm about sticking to a $45,000 budget, although Larry Kramer cast the lone dissenting vote. He said he thought the study looked too far into the past and the parameters had grown far beyond what city leaders intended.

FIND OUT MORE: See the staff report at www.thecapistranodispatch.com —JV

...Changes on Los Rios Street?

3

THE LATEST: The Historic Los Rios District should remain a two-way street but get a special asphalt paving, get new lighting and other improvements, accord-ing to a circulation plan developed by urban planners.

The city considers the work safety-re-lated because of the number of cyclists and motorists that share the small road. One traffi c count showed 710 cars in a 24-hour period, but 1,056 pedestrians in just three hours.

The estimated cost of the improve-ments ranges from $1.8 million to $2 million. The Southern California Asso-ciation of Governments funded the work, which was done by consultants MIG.

Many of the proposed amenities in the new plan pick up on the furnishings from Los Rios Park, including the style of lighting, benches, bicycle racks and trash cans. In addition to adding those street furnishings along the historical district, the plan calls for new signs, more lighting, additional speed bumps,

...The New City Manager? 4THE LATEST: City Manager Karen Brust has thrown herself into her work and in less than two weeks on the job has attended not only city meetings, but the grand opening of the Northwest Open Space, the Wall of Recognition Ceremony and a Chamber of Commerce network-ing breakfast.

Addressing more than two dozen busi-ness leaders at Wednesday’s breakfast at Vintage, Brust said she has worked with the business community closely in past positions and expects to do the same here.

“Rather than ask ‘Can I help you?’ the question is, ‘How can I help you?’” Brust said, adding she planned to meet weekly with chamber President Stepha-nie Frisch and Executive Director Mark Bodenhamer.

She told of successes of policies and efforts that turned a bar-ridden stretch of New London, Conn. into a thriving, walk-able downtown and of businesses in Southgate.

She also voiced support for the city’s new Downtown Master Plan, which relies on “form-based codes,” that em-phasize the design of the building over its use. Del Mar, where she last worked, used form-based codes.

WHAT’S NEXT: Brust was due to meet with the City Council in a closed session

on July 6, after just days on the job, to ensure she is headed in the right direction.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.thecapistrano-dispatch.com —JV

SAN CLEMENTEA Marine was killed and fi ve more were in-

jured after a helicopter accident shortly before noon Wednesday in the San Mateo area of

Camp Pendleton. Sgt. Trevor Cook, 25, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter

Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, died in the incident. No

additional information about the conditions of the remaining personnel was available. The

aircraft involved in the incident was a UH-1Y or Huey helicopter. A decorated Marine, Cook

is an Orleans, N.Y. native who enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 2004, according

to a press release. Camp Pendleton fi re de-partment and emergency services responded

and the injured personnel were transported to medical facilities. Pendleton offi cials are investigating both the accident and Cook’s

cause of death, the release said.

NEWS NEXT DOOR

DANA POINTA split board of directors on June 23 voted to raise water and sewer rates for South Coast Water District customers, although the fi nal rate hike isn’t as high as initially proposed. The new rates will generate about $2.5 million—9.5 per-cent—in additional revenues for higher charges for imported water, developing local supplies and upgrading water and sewer facilities, district offi cials said. District offi cials avoided the higher increases by trimming $776,000 from the 2011-2012 budget and by tapping $1.5 million in reserves. A typical monthly water and sewage bill for a family that uses 10 units of water is now $30.58, the district said, and will rise to $37.20 in July, then to $40.10 in July 2012. The new rates took effect July 1 and will show up on customers’ bills in August. See the new rates at www.scwd.org.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING

TOWNS1lanes and two westbound lanes, back-to-back left turn pockets for Adelanto and Alipaz, and an additional left-turn lane for Alipaz.

The work also includes dual west-bound left turns from Del Obispo to Alipaz and dual westbound left turns from Del Obispo to Adelanto.

WHAT’S NEXT: Work that interferes with traffi c will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

FIND OUT MORE: Contact project manager Nisha Patel at 949.443.6350 or [email protected]. —JV

drainage improvements and landscaping.

WHAT’S NEXT: The recommendations will be presented to the Transportation Commission on July 13.

FIND OUT MORE: See the full report at www.thecapistranodispatch.com —JV


EyE on SJC

Securing the Supply

By Jonathan VolzkeThe Capistrano Dispatch

hether it comes from the Colora-do River or Northern California, the last leg of the journey for San

Juan Capistrano’s imported drinking water begins in Yorba Linda, at the Robert B. Diemer Treatment Plant. From Diemer—a massive plant that puts out enough water daily to fill the Rose Bowl every hour—the water travels nearly 50 miles through a se-ries of pipes buried beneath toll roads and city streets to supply virtually all of South Orange County’s drinking-water needs.

The long route brings a threat of earth-quakes breaking the line, which in places is more than 5 feet tall, but other dangers lurk too: Fires can knock out electrical sys-tems needed to push the water along, and even routine maintenance at Diemer closes the tap for a week every year.

The pipeline did suffer a serious break once, in 1999. Those who rely on the waterline as a lifeline were forced to rely on city reservoirs and strict conservation for 10 days. “Everybody got through it, but it happened in December,” said Daniel Fer-ons, chief engineer of the Santa Margarita Water District. “But if it had happened in July, it might have been a different story.”

Santa Margarita Water, San Juan Capistrano and three other agencies have teamed up to create an insurance policy of sorts against any troubles with the water supply, turning a 27.4-acre canyon off Oso

WRoad into a 266 million gallon emergency reservoir.

After more than two years of construc-tion, led by SMWD, officials expect to start filling the Upper Chiquita Reservoir on July 18. The process will be slow: After adding one to three feet of water a day to the reservoir for two weeks, officials will let the water sit, closely watching test equipment and monitoring wells to ensure the reservoir’s liner—the same material used for inflatable boats—and floating cover hold, Ferons said.

But when it’s full, the reservoir will hold enough water to provide 168,000 families with 200 gallons of water a day for a week.

Ferons likens the shape of the reser-voir to a huge martini glass. Standing on the rim of the Upper Chiquita this week, he pointed out the funnel shape of the canyon: The bottom foot of the reservoir holds 150,000 gallons of water. The top foot—160 feet from the bottom—holds 5 million gallons. The surface area of the reservoir alone is 17 acres.

Overall, the project cost $53 million. With its partners, San Juan Capistrano

bought only a portion of the storage capacity, and paid accordingly. San Juan Capistrano bought into the project for $5.1 million, or 10 percent, for 76 acre feet. A single acre foot, water officials say, is enough water to serve a family of four for a year, or 325,851 gallons.

South Coast Water District—which primarily serves Dana Point—paid $3 million for 46 acre feet, about 16 million gallons, while Moulton Niguel Water Dis-trict—which serves Laguna Niguel—paid $17.1 million for 256 acre feet and San Clemente paid $5.6 million for 83.8 acre-feet of water. Santa Margarita Water paid $19.3 million for 289 acre feet of storage.

Even with a $5 million price tag, joining forces in the Upper Chiquita is a deal for water districts. South Coast, for example, roughly figures $1 for each gallon of wa-ter when it comes to building a reservoir, and that’s just a starting point.

When Capistrano moved to rebuild its Cook Reservoir, built in 1964, the 2007 bid was more than $3 million for the 1.3 million gallon facility. And even with acres of open space, finding the right spot for a reservoir is difficult: They must be at key elevations to create the right water pressures, but also must be on stable ground—Capistrano has dealt with land moving beneath reservoirs. And besides, neighbors don’t like to look at them.

“Where would you put it?” Capist-rano Utilities Commission member Lee Goode said when asked about additional reservoirs in town. “There’s no space, no geology for it.”

Even with the city’s Groundwater Recovery Plant, which officials ultimately hope will produce more than half of the city’s drinking-water needs in the sum-mer and all of it in the winter, reservoir space is key for emergency supply. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California says water providers should have a week of storage.

This photo was taken during construction of the liner and flexible top for the 266 million gallon capacity Upper Chiquita Reservoir. Courtesy photo

“Upper Chiquita is a like a small lake,” Goode said. “It’s excellent insurance for us.”

The water in Upper Chiquita will be treated before it goes into the reservoir, but the project includes the ability to treat it additionally, if necessary, including by ultraviolet lights. Ferons said officials will determine the best way to manage the res-ervoir after it is filled—either by moving water in and out to circulate it, or allowing it to remain in static storage.

The water can move from the reservoir into supply pipelines by gravity for the first 10 to 15 feet of water, matching the water pressure in the pipelines. After that, four pumps, each with 250-horsepower engines, kick in. The state’s Division of Safety of Dams reviewed the plans and indepen-dently reworked the calculations to ensure the project was safe, and have been on-site throughout construction, Ferons said.

Other agencies were involved, too, from Caltrans, which let construction traffic enter the project off the 241 to avoid snarl-ing traffic on Oso Road, to environmental-resource agencies that ensured cactus, coastal sage scrub and other natural habitat will be returned to the site when the project is finished.

In addition to an emergency supply, the reservoir can help the agencies save money, too, Ferons said. Since the agen-cies buy their water from the Metropolitan Water District, they also pay more for using more than their regular amount of water. Having the Upper Chiquita Reser-voir in place will allow cities to dip into that pool of water if they are getting close to their peak usage, thereby avoiding extra charges.

When the taps turn on later this month, it will be a turning point in the project first envisioned in 1988, Ferons said.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Ferons said. “The region has needed additional reliability for a long time.” CD

San Juan Capistrano is a partner in $53 million emergency reservoir that will start taking in water on July 18

Santa Margarita Water District Chief Engineer Daniel Ferons in front of the Upper Chiquita Reservoir, a 266 million gallon emergency-storage facility that San Juan Capistrano is a partner in. Photo by Patricia McCauley


EyE on SJC

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Web site (www.ocsd.org) and reflects data available from calls placed from the field by the responding officer(s). An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.

Thursday, July 7

DISTURBANCEVia Estenaga, 30900 Block (12:08 a.m.)Somebody was having a party. And yell-ing.

Wednesday, July 6

TRAFFIC STOPOrtega Highway/San Diego Freeway (10:34 p.m.) A 29-year-old woman was taken into custody and held on $20,000 bail after a traffic stop. She listed her occupation as “housewife.”

GRAND THEFTDoheny Park Road, 33900 Block (7:58 p.m.) A man was arrested after being caught shoplifting from a warehouse store. He was acting very nervous. The man, who turns 29 later this month, said he was unemployed in booking papers.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCESCamino Capistrano, 32100 Block (5:28 p.m.) A caller reported a man was hitting a young girl before climbing into their Chrysler Imperial.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTCamino Capistrano, 32800 Block (3:58 p.m.) A single vehicle went off the road, through the bushes and across the

SJCSheriff’s Blotter

COmpileD by JONATHAN VOlZKe

railroad tracks. The wreck was not far from the CHP station.

CITIZEN ASSISTVia Mayor, 33100 Block (12:48 p.m.)A woman just found out her boyfriend had been going to court for fraud against women and she was worried she was going to be the next victim.

WELFARE CHECKWildwood Lane, 26300 Block (3:19 a.m.) A man called 9-1-1- to complain about his roommate. After he’d been told to only use 9-1-1 for emergencies, he called back for paramedics. It was all unfounded.

Tuesday, July 5

SUSPICIOUS PERSONPaseo Carolina, 32100 Block (9:35 p.m.)A caller reported suspicious people, about a half-dozen men, outside their home.

MISSING JUVENILECalle Santa Barbara, 26500 Block (9:24 p.m.) A caller reported her niece was supposed to visit from Lake Elsinore, but never showed up.

DISTURBANCEPaseo Carolina, 32100 Block (12:43 p.m.) A woman was in an argument with her brother, who accused her of stealing.

FOUND PROPERTYDel Obispo Street, 31800 Block (11:20 a.m.) A grocery-store manager found a bag of marijuana.

KEEP THE PEACECalle Aviador, 33000 Block (11:24 a.m.)A man wanted to get his property out of his vehicle—which was in a tow yard—but the tow company wouldn’t let him, he reported.

DISTURBANCECalle Delphina, 26500 Block

(11:04 a.m.) A man was held on $100,000 bail after deputies were called to a family dispute.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONAvenida Aeropuerto, 26000 Block (3:03 a.m.) A resident reported some-one kept knocking on their door. They didn’t look outside.

DISTURBANCECalle Borrego, 33900 Block (2:02 a.m.)A caller reported numerous people argu-ing. A taxi took someone home.

Monday, July 4

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCYCalle La Purisima, 31500 Block (9:50 p.m.) Firefighters were helping a 19-year-old man with diabetes. He apparently yelled at his girlfriend.

DISTURBANCELos Rios Street, 31400 Block (9:40 p.m.)A woman reported her 19-year-old boy-friend was drunk and breaking things in her home. He was last seen running down Los Rios.

DISTURBANCELos Rios Street/Via Barcelona, (9:15 p.m.) About 15 males, described by the caller as drunk, were fighting with bottles.

FIREWORKS VIOLATIONBranding Iron Road/Mission Hills Drive (4:11 p.m.) A man reported a neigh-bor’s son was shooting off bottle rock-ets. The man confronted the younger male, who told him he would just wait until dark. The caller told deputies if they didn’t get there in time he “would go ballistic.” Deputies were called to reports of illegal fireworks throughout town Monday.

DISTURBANCELa Zanja Street/Avenida de La Vista (2:56 a.m.) A woman reported a female friend sent her a photo of her boyfriend

hitting her. She didn’t give an address before hanging up.

DISTURBANCEPaseo Esteban/Calle Arroyo (12:15 a.m.)Not only were neighbors having a party, they were using a strobe light outside.

DISTURBANCEWildwood Lane, 26300 Block (11:40 p.m.) A resident complained about music so loud it was vibrating their home.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESSVerdugo Street, 26700 Block (10:16 p.m.)A restaurant reported a male transient came in and broke the restroom door handle.

DISTURBANCEAlipaz Street, 32500 Block (7:18 p.m.)A woman reported she was in an argu-ment with her ex, and he pushed her. She was waiting outside, with him inside with their children. She was trying to pick them up.

Sunday, July 3

DISTURBANCEDel Obispo Street/Via Belardes (5:31 p.m.) A woman reported a man’s dog attacked her dog—again.

VANDALISMEastview Court, 26300 Block (3:57 p.m.)A caller reported two people—a man and woman—on bicycles threw a rock through his window. They’d lost a cell phone and thought the caller had it.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCESPaseo Del Puerto/Avenida California (3:30 p.m.) A man jogging through a pri-vate community refused to tell a resident there if he lived there.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCYMission Hills Drive, 27100 Block (11:21 p.m.) A man reported he lost his passport in Santa Monica.

‘Drifter Bandit’ Strikes Again in Capistrano

A man suspected of being the “Drifter bandit” used a semi-automatic pistol to rob the F&m bank on Del Obispo Street on Tuesday, making off with an unspecified amount of cash.

The man, who earned his nickname because of unkempt appearance, is suspected in two other robberies in San Juan Capistrano, as well as one in Dana point.

in Tuesday’s robbery at F&m, the man was described as a white man his 40s, wearing a black baseball hat with a tattoo on his left forearm. He wore gray shorts.

He approached a female teller and demanded money just after 4 p.m. No one was injured in the robbery.

Man Leaps from Bridge, Falls Under Train, SurvivesA 31-year-old San Juan Capistrano man survived being run over by a train Saturday night after leaping

from the Stonehill overcrossing to the tracks below, authorities said.The man suffered more injuries from the July 2 fall than from going beneath the Amtrak train itself, said

Orange County Sheriff’s lt. John meyer, Capistrano’s Chief of police Services.meyer said the man was “distraught” when he jumped from the bridge. A train conductor saw the man go

beneath the northbound train and applied the brakes. Several cars passed over the man, but he survived with few train-related injuries.

“The injuries pretty much were from the fall,” meyer said.The train stopped on top of him and he was rescued by paramedics and taken to mission Hospital in mis-

sion Viejo. A passenger, who did want his name used, told The Dispatch that the train was delayed about 90 minutes

and that the conductor was clearly shaken by the incident.Authorities did not release the man’s identity. He was expected to survive. —Jonathan Volzke


VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTSSOAPBOX

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 9, Issue 13. 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.sanclement-etimes.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 2011. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

CEO > Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Group Editor, Editor, The Dispatch> Jonathan Volzke

City Editor, DP Times> Andrea Swayne

City Editor, SC Times> Stacie N. Galang

ART/DESIGN

Senior Designer> Jasmine SmithGraphic Designer> Heidi Mefferd

ADVERTISINGAssociate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

> Sergio Sanchez (San Juan Capistrano)

Sales Associates> Angela Edwards > Buddy Purel

OPERATIONS

Finance Director> Mike Reed

Business Operations Manager> Alyssa Garrett

Distribution Manager> Andrea Swayne

INTERNSAlexa Dumity, Ryan Gooding, Sawyer Hardie, Austin Reagan, Cory Saul, Madi Swayne, Krysta Worthen

SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller, George Mackin

CONTRIBUTORSTawnee Prazak, Christina Scannapiego, David Zimmerle

EDITORSTORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

Jonathan Volzke, 949.388.7700, x108 [email protected]

ADVERTISINGPRINT AND ONLINE

Sergio Sanchez, 949.388.7700, x104 [email protected] Purel, [email protected]

DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, [email protected]

BILLINGAlyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 [email protected]

HOW TO REACH US

PICKET FENCE MEDIA

City Manager Hiring Should Have Many Benefi tsJONATHAN VOLZKE: My View

reception line, shaking hands, looking people in the eye, listening. She’s prom-ised the business community a close working relationship, and it’s a safe bet residents will be able to expect the same.

This is the third permanent City Man-ager I’ve seen in town. The fi rst, George Scarborough, was always out and about, easy to fi nd and willing to let you bend his ear. But some council members back then thought maybe he was too strong a force. When he moved on to San Cle-mente, they hired Dave Adams. Adams was another good City Manager and

It’s still very early, of course, but by all ac-

counts the City Council scored a homerun in the hiring of Karen Brust as City Manager. Already in her days-old

tenure, we’ve seen Brust at city cer-emonies, the Open Space opening and a Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

But she’s not just in the background at those events. Brust makes a point of working the room like a bride in a

G moved to town to drive over the same potholes as we do, as he told me. But he had a different style, preferring to let the council members be the voice of the city and out front on issues. There were council meetings where he didn’t say much at all. That, I suspect, is what that old council wanted.

The new council seems comfort-able having Brust an out-front leader, another face of the city. My sense is that residents are comfortable with that, too. Already I get the feeling residents are happy to have someone permanent at

the helm. A fi rst big test will be Brust’s choice for a Utilities Director, a position vacant far too long.

But aside from leading the city forward, I also sense that just the process of hiring Brust moved the City Council forward, too. Members don’t agree all of the time but going through the resumes, the in-terviews together seems like it was a sort of teambuilding process for the council. And while Derek Reeve might still draw the ire of his colleagues by voting “no” on most things, Brust’s hiring was, after all, unanimous. CD

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at [email protected] 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.

Letters to the Communityof building space not counting the space in the parking structure. This amount of building space is equivalent to 3.6 Wal-Mart stores on the 18 acre parcel.

This amount of density is unprec-edented in San Juan Capistrano and seems to be the model for future development in the downtown recon-struction envisioned by Studio 111 and the Whispering Hills developer request-ing approval for the construction of 100 three story apartments on a 4 acre net parcel of property.

San Juan Capistrano’s motto of “Pre-serving the Past to Enhance the Future” and the city’s mission statement “To pro-tect, sustain, and enhance the communi-ty’s unique identity as a small town oasis in Orange County. Through civic efforts, San Juan Capistrano will continue to be one of the most desirable places to live and visit in southern California due to its historical character, safety and security, strong sense of community, and econom-ic vitality,” seem to be out of step with

ABOUT THE REFERENDUM—John Perry , San Juan CapistranoThe referendum was about giving

the voters of San Juan Capistrano a voice about what was going to happen to their city. Unfortunately a simple is-sue of whether to rezone a 9 acre piece of property was turned into a public relations campaign forcing the voters to choose between a bad project and even worse one.

Voters, especially the elderly, were confused by the barrage of fl yers, public statements by elected offi cials, and neighborhood coffees where only one side of the issue was presented. The vot-ers chose the plan they were told had less development. The “Yes is Less” slogan was effective but was it really true? No calculations were presented by the devel-oper or city to back up the claim.

According to the Conceptual Site Plan contained as an exhibit in the EIR, the 10 buildings on the Distrito portion contained a total of 326,000 square feet

the new “smart urban planning” model adopted by this City Council.

The people of this city must be diligent to protect this small town oasis or we will become just another over developed urban concrete jungle.

John Perry was a leader in the referendum against the Distrito La Novia project.

SHAME ON US—Henrietta Kincer, San Juan

CapistranoI have just read a posted comment

from Rick Lyons from June 25, stating Katherine Holman owns a stable on Calle Arroyo that is to be closed and has quite a fi nancial interest in making sure Measure B passed as she would possibly benefi t from it. That says it all.

Money. That is what this whole issue was about.

I read and felt Katherine Holman wrote a despicable letter to The Dispatch and The Dispatch saw the need to print it.

She described a “Cast of Characters” running a deceitful opposition spewing lies and exaggerations of the facts. This “Cast of Characters” had only the best interest for the future of this town, not fi nancial in-terests. The developer and people hoping to gain fi nancially were for the measure. Of course, the developer had very deep pockets to spew his propaganda and confu-sion. And last, but not least, it was not a handful of discontented people, but 3,000 signatures of residents concerned about the impact of such a measure.

Again, I’m disappointed The Dispatch saw fi t to print such a despicable letter in their paper after all the efforts made by the dedicated folks looking out for the future of this town.

Jonathan Volzke


SOAPBOX

“Change. It is the essence of life. I am reminded of this every time I shave. And this brings me back to the joy my wife and I felt at the celebration of the new open space.”

were the 30 percent who didn’t want it?Just two days earlier, I’d visited Ken

Friess at his office across from the Von’s parking area, just dropped in to say hello to an old friend. We both remarked on how San Juan was bit by bit getting it together—the new hotel, the Distrito project, the open space, the growing pains of a town evolving, despite budget problems and the general grumpiness of those who expect the world to re-main Forever Plaid, another musical of yesteryear—nostal-gic and dated. Or as another former mayor of many years ago had remarked when I said that I thought San Juan was a colorful town and he responded with “Stained, I think, is the word.” I was surprised. But then he admitted, he’d been trying to be clever. He’d had a rough confrontation on the council the night before. He’d been accused by a disgruntled citizen of being too anti-growth. My, how times have changed.

Change. It is the essence of life. I am reminded of this every time I shave.

PATRICK O’BRIEN: The Way I See It

Bit by Bit Putting It Togethernyone who has seen the musical of some years

ago—Sunday in the Park with George—will re-member the line: “Bit by bit, putting it together.” As we all know, it’s the

story about the French painter George Seurat evolving, about becoming better, making something new and fresh and different, something to be appreciated. It seems an odd line to remember as my wife and I listened to Mayor Sam Allevato deliver his welcoming address to those who came to visit the new open space area about which Alexa DuMity reported in the last issue—“Open Space Celebra-tion Set for Saturday, June 25.” But it fit perfectly. What a treat—good coun-try-western music, good dancing, good barbecue, beautiful day, good company, a 4-year old boy dancing on a bale of hay to the beat of the music, friends laughing, families taking a short hike on the trails between the orange trees from which we were encouraged to pluck a few by a young man who gave anyone who wanted an orientation program on the dog park, hiking trails, horse areas and everything else that typified San Juan. As Alexa DuMity reported, 70 percent of the voters wanted this open space. With statistics like that, I always wonder who

AAnd this brings me back to the joy my wife and I felt at the celebration of the new open space. We had hiked a trail, marveled at the natural beauty of the trails and land left open for citizens to enjoy and the general feeling of excite-ment, all within a long stone’s throw of the frenzy of the 5 freeway. It is a niche

of pleasant solitude.But even more interest-

ing and satisfying was the conversation I had with two of San Juan’s original Juaneno Indians—Happy and C.C. They talked of old San Juan when the salmon could be caught on the river, salmon as high “a boy’s hip.” They grew up in San Juan, were educated in San Juan, and Happy served in the U.S. Navy as he was being

“shipped to Japan from San Francisco.” What was most refreshing about this couple was the complete acceptance and pleasure they felt in the changes that the town had undergone. Of course, as with all of us, the early days of our youth are the ones we remember in idyllic terms. They were carefree days in San Juan, roaming the hills and the river, throwing oranges to the ser-vicemen on the train going north,

receiving a nickel or dime in return. More important it was the connection between men going off to war and the childhood they remembered, a sporting game of teasing and pretended target practice with oranges and coins.

It reminded me of something my Irish grandfather once said: “You can fight the music by sitting out the tunes being grumpy and scowling or you can get in the dance and flow with the music. You may stumble at first but soon you’ll feel the melodic flow of the change within you.” Ah, can the Irish palaver or not? He loved his poetry.

It seems to me that San Juan and its open space at the north end of the village, along with C.C. and Happy has learned to dance, despite those who sit at the sidelines and and complain about that most boring of subjects—money. A way will be found.

Thank you City Council members and planners for continuing to make our town different, new and fresh. “Bit by bit, put-ting it together.”

We, as others, made our contribution to the Open Space Foundation. We don’t have a dog for the dog park. We don’t have a horse to ride, but others do and we do like to walk. It is worth the contri-bution. We wanted to do our “bit.”

Patrick O’Brien is a retired college professor and author.

Patrick O’Brien

s we celebrate our nation’s Indepen-dence Day, let’s

not forget why our coun-try chose to sever ties with the British. “Taxa-tion without Representa-tion” was the hue and cry heard around the world.

So as we remember this Fourth of July, I am pleased to announce that California’s under-represented taxpayers will also have a beginning revolution to celebrate.

While the recession continues to impact the nation, California’s situation is worsened by self-inflicted wounds. Higher than average taxation, draconian regulation, and hostility to business due to ignorance and arrogance of the ruling majority has crippled our state. It’s time to get back on track, and while only a first step, we are putting more money in your wallet, and forcing the state to right-size and economize, as you have done.

A 21st Century Independence Day to CelebrateA

On July 1, Californians experienced some relief when the car and sales taxes dropped. The Legislature raised these taxes temporarily in February 2009, rather than reign in state spending to fill our budget hole. It didn’t work, state spending continues to rise, there is no spending cap in sight and our budget

remains unbalanced. Thanks to the two-thirds vote necessary to raise taxes, and my Republican colleagues and I holding strong, the 1 percent increase in the sales tax and the near-doubling of the car tax disappeared as scheduled.

Sales tax rates dropped one per-cent statewide and in Orange County this equates to a reduction from 8.75 percent to 7.75 percent on every taxable item you purchase. Coupled with the quarter-percent income tax expiration that occurred January 1st, the typical California family will save about $1,000 in taxes annually. This is real money that you can spend as you chose, rather than continue to feed the state beast.

With more money in your wallet, you can purchase products you may have delayed for months or years, such as a new or used family car. For example, a family would save $100 in sales taxes on a $10,000 vehicle. An additional $50 sav-ings would accrue via a lower vehicle license fee (car tax) to the DMV, not to mention additional savings on gasoline and other purchases.

When you tax something, you get less of it. So, the expiration of the February 2009 tax increases will stimulate the

Orange County economy, aiding local small businesses in particular. More peo-ple buying, in lieu of government growing and consuming more each year, will lead to private sector job creation. With nearly 12 percent unemployment statewide, higher in many areas, California will only heal when people are back working again. Rest assured that I have worked closely with my colleagues to ensure that we can fund education, public safety and other necessities of state government without grabbing more of your money.

So, hopefully you celebrated Indepen-dence Day with a bit more gusto this year. We are experiencing the beginning of a 21st Century Revolution in Califor-nia. Having a little bit more economic freedom from Sacramento is a victory worth celebrating—with fireworks!

Assembly Member Harkey R-Dana Point, represents San Clemente in the 73rd Assembly District of the California Legislature.

GUEST OPINION: By Assembly Member Diane L. Harkey

Diane L. Harkey

“While the recession continues to impact the nation, California’s situation is worsened by self-inflicted wounds.”

ABBEY ROAD: TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House featuring a Beatles tribute band. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano,

949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

CAPO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 8 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse presents its annual acting festival, this year featur-ing Shakespeare Incorporated, which takes a comedic look at plays and poems attributed to Shakespeare. Runs through July 17. Tickets $15. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capist-rano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org. SECOND STAGE STAND UP 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Two live comedy shows at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $12. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org BRANT VOGEL 8:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.


YOUR TWO-WEEK EVENT PLANNER

GETTING OUT

THE LISTA day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town this week. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

friday 08

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER7.08 Partly Cloudy H: 74° L: 62°7.09 Partly Cloudy H: 73° L: 61°7.10 Partly Cloudy H: 73° L: 60°

7.11 Partly Cloudy H: 73° L: 60°7.12 Partly Cloudy H: 72° L: 59°7.13 Sunny H: 70° L: 60°7.14 Sunny H: 71° L: 61°

(Cont. on page 15)

GROWING FRUIT TREES 9 a.m. An expert visits Plant Depot to give an informative talk on growing fruit trees. 33413 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.2107.

KAY DAS AND STEEL & STRINGS 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Steel guitar player and his band play Hawaiian music at Hu-laville. Tickets $5. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com. EVITTE PALMER 7:45 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vin-tage Steak House. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

PET ADOPTION 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit pets who need a home at the Ark’s pet adoption event every Saturday at various local locations; go online for details. 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

SEEDBALLS & GARDEN FERTILITY 1 p.m. Garden fertility workshop including two hands-on DIY skills at The Ecology Center. Fee: $15 members, $25 non-mem-bers. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org.

NABA BUTTERFLY COUNT AND WALK 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Event featuring the North American Butterfl y Associa-tion at The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Cost $5-$10;

members free. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

MIKE DEBELLIS AND FRIENDS 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Jazz mu-sic on the patio at Ciao Pasta Trattoria every Sunday. 31661 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.5002, www.ciaopasta.net.

NATURE HIKE 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Join Park Rangers Sunday mornings for an easy 1-mile hike on the Nature Trail at Caspers Park. Free. Parking $5. 33401 Ortega Hwy., 949.923.2211, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

TIJUANA DOGS 2:30 p.m. Live at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

LOS RIOS GARDEN AN-GELS 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Volunteer at Los Rios Park Garden. 31661 Los Rios St., 949.606.6386, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinna-tive.net.

COUNTRY DANCIN WITH DJ BUBBA 7:30 p.m. Live entertainment and dancing at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

DJ PAUL 7:30 p.m. Music, beer pong, drink specials, tacos and more at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

POUL PEDERSEN 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live acoustic talent at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET3 p.m.-7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba; 949.493.4700.

GARDEN TOURS 10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. explore the Mission grounds with a tour guide. Free with paid admission of $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

TWILIGHT THURSDAYS 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Tree of Life Nursery hosts a special event every Thursday in July and August with community presenta-

tions, discussions, bird walks, garden tours, refreshments and much more. 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www.californianativeplants.com.

NIGHT AT THE MIS-SION ADVENTURE SLEEPOVER 5 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday. Mission San Juan Cap-istrano hosts a special

adventurous sleepover event for families featuring dinner, fl ashlight tours, games, crafts, campfi res, breakfast and more. Cost $50-65, pre-registration required. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1306, www.missionsjc.com/activities/sleepover.

FRIDAY NIGHT GARDEN GRILLING 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Goin Native guest chefs host a dinner class with fresh garden items, grilling, a take-home menu and more. RSVP; seating limited. 31661 Los Rios St., 949.606.6386, San Juan Capist-rano, www.goinnative.net

JOHN SLOAN SINATRA TRIBUTE 7:45 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage Steak House. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevinta-gesteakhouse.com.

Capistrano residents know the Swallows come in the spring, and Shakespeare in the summer—the Camino Real Playhouse’s Shake-speare Festival, anyway. This year’s festival kicks off July 8 with Shakespeare Incorporated, a comedic look at what could have been the real authors of the plays and poems attributed to Shakespeare. The descendants of the alleged conspiracy meet in present day and fi nd themselves transported to the 1600s, playing their more famous ancestors. Producers promise a zany comic tale of ambition, jealousy, suspicion and perhaps even murder! The cast of Shakespeare Incor-porated includes Austin Frey, Kristin Van Etten and Joe Yacoubian, of Ladera Ranch, Brandon Delgado of Capistrano Beach, Kyle Keffer of Mission Viejo, Ruben Miranda of RSM, Jim Young of San Diego and Robin Walton of Fullerton. The show is directed by Tom Scott of San Juan Capistrano. Performances will be at Camino Real Playhouse Mainstage. Show Dates are Friday July 8 at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, July 10 at 2 p.m., Friday, July 15 at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 16 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at www.CaminoRealPlayhouse.org or Box Offi ce Voicemail at 949.489.8082. The playhouse is at 31776 El Camino Real. The Taming of the Shrew opens on July 22. —Jonathan Volzke

GO.SEE.DO CAPO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL BEGINS

saturday 09

thursday14

friday15

tuesday 12

wednesday 13

monday 11

sunday 10


GETTING OUT

Go to www.thecapistranodispatch.com and under “Getting Out” share your thoughts about this week’s restaurant.

Have an event?Send your listing to [email protected]

*For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

San Clemente OCean FeStival 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. The annual two-day “Greatest Show on Surf” at the San Clemente Pier with water competitions, games, contests on the sand, car and art

exhibits, fishing derby, food, fun and much more. Avenida Del Mar and Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.440.6141, www.oceanfestival.org.

Pet aDOPtiOn 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Ark’s pet adoption day will be at PetCo in Vons Plaza, Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org

GrOw YOur Own veGGieS 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Class at Goin Native on growing your own vegetables. Fees: $10 + materials fee of $35. 31661 Los Rios St., 949.606.6386, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

(Cont. from page 12)

saturday 16

SiGnature SaFari View dolphins, gray whales and more marine wildlife onboard Capt Dave’s Dolphin Safari’s high-tech catamaran sailboat. Departures daily, call for times. 24440 Dana

Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dol-phinsafari.com.

ukulele niGhtS 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Sing along or listen to the music at Hulaville’s ukulele night. Every Sunday. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

BiG Fat Steve 2:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

SOCCer CamP 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Jaime Arroyo Soccer Academy (JASA) runs its three-day award-winning summer soccer camp at Forster Ranch Park #6; ages 6 to 15 are welcome. Cost $100,

includes T-shirt. 3207 Camino Vera Cruz, San Clemente, 949.291.2678, www.jasocceracademy.com.

COmPuter laB 8:45 a.m. Computer lessons at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

twO-FOr-One at the wharF Dana Wharf has half price on all fishing trips. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

native ameriCan BaSket weavinG10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn the art and culture of basket weaving at Mission San Juan Capistrano on the

first and third Wednesdays of each month. Free with paid admission of $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capist-rano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

karaOke 7:30 p.m. Joel and Les host Karaoke at Swal-low’s Inn. Plus $2 tacos and free popcorn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

BaSiC neeDS Sum-mer SPeaker SerieS6:30 p.m. Tyler Valiquette discusses some of the challenges and solutions to providing basic needs

to under-developed countries at The Ecology Center. Registration $10 for members/$25 for non-members. Food and drinks included. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

vOn COttOn 7:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

sunday17

monday18

tuesday19

wednesday 20

thursday 21

COOkinG ClaSS: italian inSPireD Dinner 6:30 p.m. Italian-inspired cooking class at Antoine’s Café with Chef Caroline Cazaumayou. $50 per person, includes dinner, recipes, wine and more. Call for reservations. 218 South El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com.

32118 Paseo Adelanto #4A, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3354

BeSt known for: Fresh sandwichesMoSt PoPulAr iteM: Classic turkey sandwich

Billy’s Premium Deli came under new ownership just three short months ago in April, when Tin Pae took it over, with his mother and sister along-side him. The trio has turned the place around into a “five-star” eatery, according to Pae’s mother Sunny Cho. Cho has more than 20 years of res-taurant experience and takes great satisfaction in her products, calling her sandwiches “excellent.” Cho also takes pride in her always fresh ingredi-ents and custom creations. Cho says Billy’s gets great business with, “Nice people that keep coming back.” The biggest seller is a turkey sandwich, but Cho also makes a tuna sandwich that follows as a close second. Sand-wiches aren’t the only product this shop sells; paninis, salads, smoothies and coffee are also key menu items. At Billy’s you can customize your sandwich just to your liking. Billy’s Premium Deli is a neighborhood shop that aspires to excellence in every bite.

PriCe rAnge: $4.50-$8.50 PAyMent: Cash, credit reServAtionS: Not needed HourS: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m., closed Sunday

By Krysta WorthenDispatch Restaurant SpotlightBilly’s Premium Deli

Billy’s Premium Deli. Photo by Krysta Worthen

ON STAGE

t’s been three decades since the Bangles first belted out tunes bear-ing their super tight harmonies and

catchy lyrics. The all-female group continues with its three original band mates in front woman Susanna Hoffs and sister musicians and vocalists Vicki and Debbi Peterson. As they prepare for the release of their sixth studio album, “Sweetheart of the Sun,” this fall, the trio will play the Coach House July 15, and it ain’t no dainty acoustic set. They’ll be play-ing with a full band and rocking the house, said Hoffs in an interview this week.

what can the audience expect at your San Juan Capistra-no show? We’re doing a few of the new songs, for sure, and, of course, the old faves for the fans of the ‘80s. If you enjoy the hits, we play those. It’s always fun to tour. We love to tour live. We’re gearing up for a more formal tour in the fall. It’s very rare for us to make a new studio album. We’re pretty excited about it.

How do you and your band mates get along these days?

We’ve spent the better part of 30 years working as a band. We get along a lot better now. It’s a compli-cated thing. Part of it was the ‘80s and the age; we were in our 20s. It was very, very interesting. We were basically living together continuously, whether we were squeezed together on a tour bus or stuck in a recording studio. We didn’t have the freedom to explore life as individuals … We’ve learned a lot. Having children has informed how we relate to each other

in a very good way. There’s a lot of compassion and empa-thy and understanding of each other’s needs.

As individuals, how have you changed? We’ve grown as people. We all have kids. Our lives are pretty complicated now. In the ‘80s, our lives revolved around touring and recording. It was a different time and different experience. In some ways, we appreciate (touring) more. We’re lucky to do it now. We love it. We’re very blessed that way.

The Bangles’ show is July 15, and tickets are $55. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. CD —Stacie N. Galang

Bangles Ready to Rock the coach house

I

Courtesy photo

UPCOMING: Saturday, July 23

200 YearS in 20 minuteS 11 a.m.; noon and 1 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Playhouse and Zoomars puts on a historical drama entitled “Two Hundred Years in San Juan Capistrano in 20 Minutes,” in honor of the 50th anniver-sary of the incorporation of the city. This fast-paced spoof is written by Gary McCarver and will be performed at Zoomars. The audience will sit on hay bales. Admission is free. 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano.


4LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

SJC LIVING

4COMMUNITY CALENDARfriday 7.09

Coffee Chat8 a.m. The Capistrano Dispatch hosts a spirited town hall forum on commu-nity issues. All are welcome. Camino Real Playhouse, on El Camino Real, just south of Ortega Highway. Occurs every Friday

tuesday 7.12

Planning Commission Meeting6:30 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto

wednesday 7.13

Transportation Commission Meeting Commissioners examine a plan for circulation and pedes-trian improvements in the Historic Los Rios District. 6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto

Farmers Market3 p.m.–7 p.m. Yorba Street and Camino Capistrano, one block south of the Mission. Occurs weekly.

tuesday 7.19

City Council Meeting6 p.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto

friday 7.22

Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes.

*Meeting agendas at www.sanjuancapistrano.org

Even though it was a planned demonstration, the gravity of the situation dawned on Las Flores resident Lynnette Round, who is the OCFA community rela-tions supervisor. Her 9-year-old son played the part of a potential drowning victim.

“It was scary and shocking,” said Round, whose performance of the distraught mother seemed all-too real. “I’ve never had to experience anything like see-ing [Hayden’s] lifeless body.”

Even so, Round said she puts her faith in the fi rst responders to such emergencies.

“It may seem like an eternity for them to respond, but in reality it’s about four or fi ve minutes,” she said.

With proper training, Round also said parents can take the initial steps to help save a drowning victim.

“Having CPR classes is important; you can be the fi rst set of emergency hands on the situation,” said Round. “Sign up for CPR classes and you’ll have so much relief and peace of mind.”

The OCFA said about 20 drowning incidents involv-ing both children and adults have occurred since January.

For more information, see www.ocfa.org. CD

t is a sight parents should never have to see: Their child’s lifeless body fl oating in the family pool.

No sound. No warning.The gut-wrenching heartache of that moment is what

the Orange County Fire Authority illustrated to parents and children June 30 at Waterworks Aquatics in Irvine.

More importantly, the OCFA also illustrated that such an experience is avoidable with proper adult supervi-sion, barriers to guard entrances to the pool and enroll-ing both children and adults in swim classes.

“Every drowning is preventable if someone is watch-ing,” OCFA Captain Greg McKeown said.

I

By Chris Bashaw The Capistrano Dispatch

Swim Season can also be Drowning SeasonOCFA simulates near-drowning and rescue to raise safety awareness

A crowd of children and parents look on as paramedics pretend to pump air into 9-year-old Hayden’s lungs and place defi brillator pads on his chest. Photos by Chris Bashaw


SJC LIVING

would return her to her car and both would return to their respective homes.

Dancing King said, “I am down to one lady after last night. It was a Newport Beach night and things went badly when my date’s ‘unmea-sured vodka’ caught up

with her after we left Woody’s Wharf. She commented that most of the cars ahead of us had four tail lights. Fortunately, I was behind the wheel.”

Dancing King continued: “We dropped off the keys to her Newport Beach rental property for her son-in-law at the Ritz Carl-ton Hotel hostess desk. She was fearful of meeting him in her condition and then was fearful of speaking to him or leaving him a message on the cell phone, but continued to fret and worry that he might not get the

On Life and LOve after 50: By Tom Blake

A Newport Beach Nighte often hear of the dating woes of senior women. But, senior dating can be tough on men as well.

You’d think with three million people in Orange County, a 71-year-old man would be able to find a compatible mate here. A friend I’ve known for 54 years has dated a variety of women, hoping to find a perma-nent partner. But, last week, his prospect list was whittled down to one name.

My friend loves to dance, says it keeps him sane and helps him stay in shape. He said, “Dancing just makes life work better for me.” Hence, we shall call him Dancing King.

Dancing King arranged to meet his date in the parking lot in front of Polly’s Pies Restaurant, near the Department of Motor Vehicles, on Moulton Parkway. She would leave her car there and together they would drive to Newport Beach for dinner at a restaurant called Woody’s Wharf, a fixture for 41 years. Then, Dancing King

W

On Life and LOve after 50

By Tom Blake

keys from the hostess.” In the car, according to Dancing King,

she continued to fret over and over again about the keys not being delivered to her son-in-law. Dancing King told her to please either phone the son-in-law or stop worrying because her ongoing rant was wearing him down.

Her reply: “I hate you.”Dancing King turned toward her house

instead of to where she had left her car. He safely got her to her condo at a well-known community for seniors. But, she couldn’t find her keys in her purse and poured the entire contents of the purse onto her front porch deck.

Dancing King said, “Unable to unlock her door, she crawled through her pet door into her house. I finished unloading the car. I opened her emptied purse one more time and found the keys in one of those small pockets inside where she had placed them an hour earlier.”

Saturday begins with the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Next, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. dance to the incredible sounds of DC Babylon and the Hanging Gardens Band. They will be playing music from the libraries of The Beetles, The Doors, Steely Dan, Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Joe Cocker, Elton John, and much, much more. Next, you are in for a local treat as the “Capistrano Community Mariachi Program” mariachis perform at 1:30 p.m. Another fine local group,

he American Cancer Society’s San Juan Capistrano Relay for Life, “is all set to go,” according to Event

Chairperson Ted Roberts. The 24-hour event begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday July 9, and runs continuously until 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, July 10, at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park.

The theme of this year’s event is “Celebrate More Birthdays.” More than 20 teams have been sponsored by corporations, service organizations, and individuals who have been touched by cancer in some way. This year’s goal is to raise more than $100,000.

The SJC Relay for Life team invites the public to stop by and join in the fun. There is no admission charged, and you do not have to be part of a team to show your support for the fight against cancer. You can come and even walk around the course, or just enjoy the free enter-tainment. The Sports Park is at 25925 Camino Del Avion.

There will be food booths, with all proceeds going directly to the American Cancer Society. Try your luck with the raffles—there are some fantastic prizes generously donated by local businesses. Need a professionally styled haircut? Daniel Michael Salon, once again, has generously volunteered to cut hair, and donate all proceeds to the event.

T

By Michael JohnsonThe Capistrano Dispatch

2011 Relay for Life Set to Go in Capistrano

Relay for Life Chairman Ted Roberts addresses cancer survivors at a kickoff “Survivors Lunch” at Sarducci’s earlier this year. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Numb Desire, comprising of teens from the Capistrano area, will be playing rock ‘n’ roll for you. Additionally, we are pleased to have back a talented band of teens comprised from kids of employees of longtime relay supporter Meggitt, (formerly Endevco) who will perform at 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Finally, we are really excited to announce that last year’s smash hit headliner, Yard Sale is back! They take the Independence Bank Stage at 6 p.m.

“I told her she could call her friend Jane, who lives nearby, in the morning and have Jane drive her to her car in the Polly’s parking lot, or, I would leave her $20 for a cab.

“She dropped the F-bomb and I left im-mediately. Tell me; is there any hope for this one?”

I replied, “Does she own a Great Dane? Or, is she just petite? Any woman who is athletic enough to crawl through her pet door might be a good dancer so perhaps consider giving her another chance. On second thought, I understand why your mate-prospect list is now down to one.”

Senior dating in Orange County isn’t exactly a snap for men either. CD

Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. To comment on his column, email him at [email protected]. See his website at www.FindingLoveAfter50.com

and play until 8:30 p.m. You’ll be sure to want to stick around

for the always touching Luminaria Ceremony, which begins at approxi-mately 9 p.m. This moving ceremony concludes with bagpiper Scott Mac-Donald performing Amazing Grace, as survivors, family members, and care workers, take a lap of remembrance and celebration in honor of those who have survived cancer and to remember those who lost their battle.

Sunday morning, closing ceremonies will be at approximately 9:30 a.m. From 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., music will be pro-vided by Julio Montero and his daughter, Claudia. This harp and guitar duo is just the perfect accompaniment to have breakfast by! Come early, and enjoy a spectacular breakfast prepared by mem-bers of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club. Again, all proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society.

Nationwide, Relay for Life is the Amer-ican Cancer Society’s largest fundraiser each year. Over 95 percent of the money raised goes to either cancer research or directly patient services, to make life a little easier for cancer patients.

It is not too late to get involved! Please visit our website at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=31910or web search “San Juan Capist-rano Relay For Life.”

We look forward to seeing you there!Michael Johnson is on the Relay for Life

volunteer committee. CD

The only directory featuring San Juan Capistrano businesses exclusivelyB u s i n e s s D i r e c t o r y

Locals Only

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.132131648RanchoViejoRd.,Ste.A,www.oasisair.com

AiRConditioning&HEAting

Jarvis Restoration 949.362.538831942PaseoSagrado,www.jarvisrestoration.com

WAtERdAMAgE

Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. 949.212.049933208PaseodeCerveza,Ste.B

RooFMAnAgEMEntSERViCES

Blu:Echo 949.496.481031878delobispo(MarshallsCenter)

WoMEn’SClotHingIndependence Bank 949.373.1570MarbellaPlaza31107RanchoViejoRd.,www.independence-bank.netPacific Mercantile Bank 949.487.420031601AvenidalosCerritos,Ste100,www.pmbank.com

BAnking

Del Obispo Terrace 949.496.880232200delobispoStreet,www.delobispoterrace.com

ASSiStEdliVing

Law Office of Skinner & Skinner 949.248.026031461RanchoViejoRd.,Ste.103

AttoRnEy

Star Motors 949.443.197032959CallePerfecto

AutoREPAiR

Charisma Salon & Supply 949.240.120032301-FCaminoCapistranoCurtis Michaels Hair Salon 949.240.924031882delobispo,Ste.150,www.curtismichaels.com

BEAutySAlon

Capistrano Health & Life 949.697.9454www.capistranohealthlife.com

inSuRAnCE

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 949.493.363232382delobispo,Ste.C-3,www.abbysdesigns.com

JEWElER

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 949.493.568332032delobispoStreet,www.cvcs.org

SCHoolS

SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.242627126PaseoEspadaStE.705,www.curaflo.com

SlABlEAkREPAiR

Reeltime Sight and Sound 949-240-055526381ViadeAnza,www.reeltimesightandsound.com

tElEViSion

Lightning Technology, Inc. 949.488.002932963CallePerfecto,http://www.lightningtechnology.com

BuSinESSCoMPutERSERViCES

Las Golandrinas Mexican Food949.240.344027124PaseoEspada#803,www.lasgolondrinas.biz

REStAuRAntS

Printing OC 949.388.488827134PaseoEspada#B203,www.printingoc.com

PRinting

San Juan Photo & Digital 949.661.566832301CaminoCapistrano,www.sjcphotodigital.com

PHoto&digitAllAB

Kitchen & Bath Designs 949.661.408027231ortegaHwy.,unitB

kitCHEndESign

Jarvis Restoration949.362.538831942PaseoSagrado,www.jarvisrestoration.com

MoldREMoVAl

Capistrano Health & Life 949.697.9454www.capistranohealthlife.com

MoRtgAgE

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464www.atozleakdetection.comChick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731www.chicks-plumbing.com

PluMBing

Adelanto Studio Yoga & Life Arts949.705.734432118PaseoAdelanto,Ste.9,www.adelantostudio.net

yogA

Historic Mission San Juan CapistranoExciting New Audio Tour 949.234.130026801ortegaHighway,www.missionsjc.com

ExPERiEnCEtHEMiSSion

Mother Earth Flowers 949.493.440032158CaminoCapistrano,Ste.105www.motherearthflorist.com

FloRiSt

Four-A Electric 949.240.884432432Alipaz,Ste.C,[email protected] Electric-CA#793860949.493.776932238PaseoAdelantoE-i,www.excelelectric.com

ElECtRiCContRACtoRS

San Clemente Computer & Network [email protected] of Waiting I.T. Services [email protected]

CoMPutERSERViCES

Friess Electric 949.248.422232332CaminoCapistrano,Suite102

ElECtRiCiAnS

Bayside Window Cleaning 949.290.8230www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

WindoWClEAning/PRESSuREWASHing

Xeriflo Plumbing Systems949.276.7000www.xeriflo.com

WAtERConSERVAtion

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DC Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning www.dcplumbing.net 949.365.9044Pronto Plumbing (El Plomero) 949.246.358931878delobispoSte.118-227,www.prontodrain.comSCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.242627126PaseoEspadaStE.705,www.curaflo.com

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Are you looking for A cAreer which offers stAbility, Personal Growth and Financial Rewards though helping others? I am seeking energetic, career-minded individuals who desire an opportunity to learn from an established, growth oriented Agency. Required training will be provided with this opportunity. Accept-able back ground, drug screen and credit check will be required. Requirements: Full Time Availability - Ability to meet California State Property & Casualty Licensing requirements. - A naturally positive attitude. - Enjoys interaction with people -Thrives on challenge - Ability to multitask - Computer literate - Bilingual/Spanish a Plus. Position offers: Competitive base Plus Commis-sion - Comprehensive Products and Services backed by the Largest Insurer of Personal Insurance in the Nation - Extensive Training and Support - Professional work environment - Health & Retirement participation - Opportunity for Advancement. Interested candidates are welcome to send a resume and brief cover letter. Email to [email protected].

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SJC LIVING

ditional and visitor interest are centered in the old historical Mission of San Juan Capistrano and to the early California style of building and architecture exist-ing in the city.” It was the intent of the City Council to “perpetuate the setting of the Old Mission and other early exam-ples of California building.

“General boundaries include La Zanja Street at the north; Santa Fe Railway tracks at the west; San Diego Freeway at the east; and Del Obispo Road at the South.”

The law was necessary to preserve the historical area of the city, including not only the “Jewel of the Missions” but also other structures as well.

Section 10 of the ordinance stated, “within the above designated Mission Area, it is the intent of the City Coun-cil that particular attention shall be given to the design of new building and

Thanks to Early Leaders for Visions we continue to celebrate our city’s 50th year of

incorporation, we need to look back at the fi rst City Council and realize how much we owe them for

their vision of San Juan Capistrano.In August, 1961, the City Council

adopted a plan for our downtown that is re-sponsible for how our historic community evolved over the next 50 years.

The council established a Mission Area in the downtown district, designed to maintain the early California style of buildings and architecture. It set up an architectural board of review, consisting of fi ve members, which would serve as an advisory body to the Planning Commis-sion and the City Council.

According to the Coastline Dispatch, the new law notes “that national renown, tra-

A alterations to old structures in order to be certain that the structures by their scale, size, height and architecture will be compatible with and will not overpower the existing old historical buildings. Building materials employed shall be of a character deemed generally compatible with the adobe, wood, brick and similar materials used in early California design building, with roofs, where exposed, of tile or of wooden shakes. The landscaping of the new sites shall employ indigenous materials where possible and shall avoid incompatible materials.” The council was far ahead of its time in recognizing the importance of native plants.

Fifty years later you can still see this historic area in downtown San Juan Capistrano. And to fi nd out more about these historic structures you can take the Architectural Walking Tour on Saturday. The Walk is sponsored by Friends of

JAN SIEGEL: Moments In Time

to live for youth and adults alike.Matt Gaffney has been involved in

the community most of his life. He has served on city boards and commissions since 1986 and has devoted his time to organizations such as the Historical Society and Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort. He said he was proud of his work on the Open Space Committee and Open Space Foundation.

An avid volunteer, Jean Vincenzi has lived in town since 1979. She has been involved with the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library, which raises funds to benefi t the library, for the past 14 years and currently serves as president. She made those in attendance chuckle when she admitted she felt “like a fraud” for receiving the honor, ac-knowledging other great volunteers. CD

Darnold, Gaffney and Vincenzi Honored

bout 50 community leaders and residents gathered June 30 to see the names of Mike Darnold, Matt

Gaffney and Jean Vincenzi added to the City’s Wall of Recognition.

Their names joined others on the wall at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center under a program created in 2000 to recognize individuals whose contributions and selfl ess efforts have made San Juan Capistrano a more productive and pleasant place to live, work and play.

From service clubs to youth organiza-tions, Mike Darnold, a 35-year resident, has been highly involved in the commu-nity and has donated countless hours to help make the city a more enjoyable place

A

Honorees Mike Darnold, Jean Vincenzi and Matt Gaffney after their names were added to the city’s Wall of Recognition. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

The Capistrano Dispatch

the Library. There is a $5 donation that benefi ts the programs sponsored by the library. The Walk starts at the Depot on Verdugo Street at 10:00 every Saturday. The tour last about 90 minutes. On Sunday, the Historical Society sponsors a Walking Tour that starts at 1 p.m. at the Depot. The one-hour walk cost is $2. And don’t forget to visit the Montenez Adobe next to Los Rios Park on Saturday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and the Blas Aguilar Adobe next to the Playhouse on El Camino Real on Saturday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Both of these historic structures allow you to see life the way it was 200 years ago in San Juan Capistrano.

Spend a Moment in Time seeing living history through the buildings that were saved by the fi rst City Council 50 years ago.

Jan Siegel is a member of the Cultural Heritage Commission. Her name appears on the city’s Wall of Recognition.

A strong believer in giving back to one’s community, Gunter was an early member of the Capistrano Rotary Club and a volunteer fi reman. He was a mem-ber of the Chamber of Commerce in Corona and also served on the Planning Commission. Returning to live in San Juan around 1990, he became an active member of American Legion Post 721, where he was an original member, the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society, the Estrella Senior Men’s Golf Club, the Temescal Palms Masonic Lodge of

Corona and the San Juan Capistrano Senior Citizens group.

He is survived by his beloved partner, Charlotte Brown of San Juan Capistra-no, two daughters, Deborah Ereth of Chandler, Ariz., and Pamela Gibson of Sonoma, grandchildren Maria Dicken of Orange, Meredith Krauss of Grants Pass, Ore., David

Hallan of Birmingham, Ala., Shelley Hallan of Sonoma and four great-grand-children. He is also survived by his partner’s children, Andy Myers of San Clemente and Jeff Myers of Monmouth, Ore., and three grandchildren.

His daughter, Pamela Gibson, was a longtime Assistant to the City Man-ager in San Juan Capistrano and began her career as a City Manager in the historic city.

No services are planned at this time.

Community Loses Longtime Resident Gunter

avid Gunter, a longtime resident of San Juan Capistrano, passed away Thursday, June 23. He was 89.

Born in Arlington, Calif. on April 12, 1922. Gunter spent his childhood in Redondo Beach. He lived in San Onofre and San Juan Capistrano prior to entering Capistrano Union High School, where he graduated in 1940 as Student Body Presi-dent. In 1943, he married Marie Stros-chein, who died in 1994.

Gunter enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1940, serving in both World War II and the Korean Confl ict. He remained in the Navy as a Reserve Offi cer, having achieved the rank of lieutenant. He saw duty on the USS Salt Lake City, the USS Bangust, the USS Ca-bildo and the USS Pittsburgh. He was still active in the USS Salt Lake City Association.

Returning to San Juan Capistrano, he was briefl y in charge of the local County Sanitation District before moving to Corona to enter the produce marketing business, working over the years for a number of companies in Corona, Yuma, Ariz., Upland, Saticoy and San Francisco. He began his career at the Blue Goose packing house operated by American Fruit Growers on Verdugo Street (where the parking structure is today.)

D

The Capistrano Dispatch

Jan Siegel

Hallan of Birmingham, Ala., Shelley


Padres vs. DodgersDodger StadiumJuly 10, 1:10 p.m.

Before the boys in blue break for All-Star week festivities in Phoenix, spend your Sunday watching the Dodgers slug it out against San Di-ego. Info: www.losangeles.

dodgers.mlb.com5STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS& OUTDOORS 5 BEST BETS

Mariners vs. AngelsAngel StadiumJuly 8, 7:05 p.m.

Your Los Angeles Angels close out the fi rst half of the regular season with a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.Info: www.losangeles.angels.

mlb.com

Chicago Fire vs. LA GalaxyHome Depot CenterJuly 9, 7:30 p.m.

After closing out their previous match in a 0-0 tie with Seattle, the Galaxy is looking to fi nd the back of the net against Chicago. Info: www.lagalaxy.com

San Diego Blood Bank 5K Walk/RunEmbarcadero MarinaJuly 10, 8 a.m.

Enjoy San Diego’s down-town views with a 5K Walk/Run while helping to raise funds for the San Diego Blood Bank. Info: www.sandiegobloodbank.

org

BASEBALL SOCCER WALK/RUN BASEBALL KAYAKING

Outdoor Fitness Adventure ClubDana Point HarborJuly 13, 5:30 p.m.

Unwind from your weekly grind with a nice kayaking session with Outdoor Adventure Fitness Club. Fees do apply. Info: www.

outdoorfi tnessonline.org5Hole-In-One Easy Shot for Capistrano Woman

Reni Vidovich (runner up senior fl ight) Dianne Burdick (champ senior fl ight), Linda Healion (Club Winner), Corkie Birdsall (runner up). Courtesy photo

The San Juan Capistrano Little league is hosting the Little League District 68 and Sectionals Junior and Senior All Star Games at the SJC Sports Park from through July 20. The Capistrano Junior Team will play Saturday, July 9 at noon, while the Senior Team played July 6. The Seniors won their game, 10-5 and play for the Championship at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Capistrano All Stars

It was a lucky day for Corkie Birdsall when her 5-wood tee shot produced a spectacular hole-in-one. San Juan Hills 16th hole is sur-rounded by large sand traps, making it diffi cult to see the green from the tee. Approaching the green, Birdsall was mystifi ed—she couldn’t see her ball. Jokingly she looked in the cup—there it was!

Linda Healion and Dianne Burdick, who have won the San Juan Hills Golf Woman’s Club Championship numerous times, took on the three week challenge to win the trophies. It wasn’t easy for Burdick in the senior division. In round two, three women were tied for sec-ond place (fi rst place leading by one stroke). Burdick pulled it out, winning by three strokes, to secure the title.

Club Champs Repeat

Spring Select ChampionsCongratuations to the AYSO Region 87 spring select soccer team BU14 from San Juan Cap-istrano, which placed fi rst in Area 11 this season.

Corkie Birdsall. Courtesy photoPhoto by Danielle Johnson

Pictured: Coach Bob Anderson, Parker Hilgen, Jesse Morantes, Chris Brzykcy, Andres Navarro, Johna-than Gutierrez, Patrick Landeros, Fernando Maldonado, Goalie Andre Anderson, Donovan Shreve, Guillimo Dircio-Dresa, Gerson Plata, Joseph Cardenas, Chris Mendoza (not pictured: Sam Vasquez and John Grayden). Courtesy photo

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