the capistrano dispatch

THE LATEST: City leaders and Chamber of Commerce offi cials gathered Thursday for a grand opening of the Marriott Residence Inn at Camino Capistrano and Stonehill Drive.

The hotel, with 130 rooms that include kitchens, has a swimming pool that looks over Doheny Beach. It also boasts two meeting rooms and 1,535 square feet of event space. The hotel is designed for extended stays and offers free grocery de-livery and a free shuttle in a 5-mile radius.

And while the city anticipates additional bed-tax revenue, the new hotel could also boost business. Its website notes it is con-veniently located near Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Coach House and Camino Real Playhouse.

WHAT’S NEXT: The hotel is now open. The website shows rates of $159 per night. The city collects 10 percent of the rates through a transient occupancy tax and the Marriott is expected to generate more than $200,000 annually for city coffers. The local rate is $99 a night.

FIND OUT MORE: See http://www.marri-ott.com/hotels/travel/snasj-residence-inn-san-juan-capistrano. —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

...The New Hotel Opening?

1

1LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTINGEYE ON SJC

www.thecapistranodispatch.comThe Capistrano Dispatch February 10–23, 2012

...An Immigration Workshop?

2

THE LATEST: Representatives from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will hold a workshop from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Febru-ary 22 at the San Juan Capistrano Commu-

...More Homes Coming?5THE LATEST: Homebuilder Taylor Mor-rison has purchased 28.35 acres approved for 132 homes in the San Juan Hills Estates community off La Novia Avenue. The price was not disclosed.

“Taylor Morrison made a smart move in acquiring this property, which is one of the few ready-to-go project sites in South Orange County,” Jim Gallagher, one of The Hoffman Company brokers involved in the sale, said in the deal’s announcement. “It’s a fantastic location surrounded by existing neighborhoods in a highly sought-after community so it will be an instant hit with homebuyers.”

Original plans for the community in-cluded a recreation center and seven fl oor plans ranging from 1,700 to 3,000 square feet. Some of the lots would front San Juan Hills Golf Course. Construction was initially delayed because of groundwater issues.

WHAT’S NEXT: Construction is expected to begin on the remaining onsite improve-ments in the fi rst quarter of 2012 and the fi rst homes should be available by summer 2012.

FIND OUT MORE: See the complete announcement at www.thecapistranodis-patch.com. —JV

...The Open Space Finished?

3

THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano Open Space Foundation announced this month that the major improvements to the Northwest Open Space Staging Area, accessible from Camino Capistrano, north of Junipero Serra Road, are com-plete and are being donated to the city.

The city acquired the 68-acre parcel in 1990 through a bond measure passed by San Juan Capistrano voters. The prop-erty sat fenced and vacant for 20 years. Through donations and the work of more than 50 volunteers, the foundation cre-ated a new multi-use stage that was open to the public in summer of 2011. The site is now open daily and has become a popular location for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and picnickers.

Grading equipment, landscaping, 3,000 lineal feet of split-rail fencing, 700 feet of irrigation, a watering trough, hitching post, doggie bag station, trash recep-tacles, concrete, signage and the cost of

…The Toll Road?4THE LATEST: An extension of the Foothill South Toll Road from Rancho Santa Margarita to San Juan Capistrano could be in place by fall of 2014, at a cost “in the $200 million range,” according to the Transportation Corridor Agencies.

Ultimately, the 4.2-mile option would carry 41,000 vehicles a day, the staff report says, with annual revenues of $30 million in 2035. TCA staff laid out the numbers in January as TCA directors selected the end point for the extension. Directors decided a temporary terminus should be created at Cow Camp Road, which is being built east of Antonio Parkway and north of San Juan Creek . The permanent connection should be at G Street, in the same area, directors said, after Rancho Mission Viejo moves ahead on its traffi c system.

When the interim steps to push the toll road south were announced by San Juan Capistrano Councilman Sam Allevato, he said the next step would be from Cap-istrano to San Clemente, although TCA offi cials now deny that is being planned. The ultimate goal is to connect the 241

SAN CLEMENTEA decorated Marine from Joliet, Ill. was the man

an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy shot early Tuesday morning at San Clemente High School and later died. Camp Pendleton offi cials identi-

fi ed Sgt. Manuel Loggins, Jr., a transportation management specialist assigned to Headquar-ters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. He enlisted in October 1998.

Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino said the driv-er, Loggins, plowed through a gate to an access

way on the west side of the gym. The driver’s 9-year-old and 14-year-old daughters were in

the car.Amormino said when the deputy pulled up behind the car, Loggins exited and walked

away. Verbal commands went ignored, causing the deputy to feel threatened, Amormino said.

The deputy, whose name has not been released, was not injured. The Orange County District At-

torney’s offi ce is investigating the shooting.

NEWS NEXT DOOR

DANA POINTBorder Patrol agents took seven people into custody Saturday afternoon at Dana Point Har-bor for illegal human smuggling. At about 3:30 p.m. Saturday Border Patrol agents responded to assist Orange County Sheriff’s Department Deputies and the Customs and Boarder Protec-tion Offi ce of Air and Marine with the detention of a pleasure boat and seven passengers at the Embarcadero Launch Ramp, authorities said. Six of the seven detainees were determined to be in the county illegally—fi ve Mexican nationals and one from Brazil. The seventh person taken into custody is a U.S. citizen. Three of the seven are females—the Brazilian and two Mexicans. According to San Diego Sector Border Patrol spokesman Jerry Conlin, the American is being held and will be prosecuted for alien smuggling and the six in the country illegally were pro-cessed for deportation.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING

TOWNS1grand opening event on June 25 are just a few of the many improvements the foun-dation provided. Foundation offi cials es-timated the value of these improvements at $30,300. Foundation board members and volunteers also donated more than 1,145 hours of manual labor.

WHAT’S NEXT: The foundation is work-ing with the city on a dog park in the northwest area.

FIND OUT MORE: See http://www.sjcopenspacefoundation.org —JV

nity Center. The workshop will provide residents

with information about each depart-ment’s responsibilities regarding im-migration enforcement and Homeland Security within the community.

About one-third Latino, immigration is a hot button issue in Capistrano, part of which is under a gang injunction in an effort to fi ght a Latino gang.

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting, at 25925 Camino del Avion, can accommodate up to 150 people.

FIND OUT MORE: Contact Cathy Salcedo at 949.443.6317

with the San Diego Freeway.

WHAT’S NEXT: Environmental studies and engineering studies for the route will be done before construction.

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


EYE ON SJC

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website (www.ocsd.org). 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.

Sunday, February 5

DISTURBANCEPaseo Carolina, 32100 Block (10:10 p.m.)A caller reported someone was throwing rocks and their car.

HIT AND RUNCamino Capistrano/San Juan Creek Road (6:22 p.m.) A 19-year-old girl was arrested and held on $100,000 bail after a hit and run.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCYCourte Aurora, 31000 Block (6:12 p.m.)Deputies were asked to try and track down the registered owner of a motor-cycle that fled from deputies.

DISTURBANCEOrtega Highway, 27100 Block (12:53 p.m.) A man visiting a friend a hotel was asked to leave—but wouldn’t.

WARRANT ARRESTAlipaz Street, 32300 Block (11:41 a.m.)A 52-year-old man was arrested on a war-rant and held on $20,000 bail. He identi-fied himself as a pastor.

Saturday, February 4

DRUNK DRIVINGOrtega Highway/Del Obispo Street (6:15 a.m.) An off-duty California Highway Patrol officer reported a vehicle was “all over the road” and almost crashed into several other cars before stopping at a donut shop. Deputies determined the man spotted stumbling away from the car was a passenger, not the driver.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCYValle Road, 32800 Block (12:35 p.m.)Deputies were asked to be on the lookout for a car used in a robbery. The suspect vehicle had a flat tire and possible front-end damage from a wreck.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLESan Juan Creek Road/Camino Chico (3:56 a.m.) A red compact car was in the middle of the road with its lights on for 20 minutes. The caller was unsure if anyone was in it.

TRAFFIC STOPRancho Viejo Road/Trabuco Creek Road (12:54 a.m.) A 48-year-old man was arrested after a traffic stop. He identified himself as a limo driver.

Friday, February 3

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCYVia San Vincente, 31100 Block (11:26 p.m.) A woman reported she was on meth and out of control. She hung up when dispatchers tried to get more infor-mation, but a female was found lying on the ground in front of a home.

PATROL CHECKVia Positiva, 0 Block (9:31 p.m.) Depu-ties cruised the parking lot of a youth club as a dance was ending.

TRAFFIC HAZARDOrtega Highway/Del Obispo Street (9:18 p.m.) A woman reported two teens were running through traffic, stopping and making vehicles stop for them. They did it twice that she saw.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONCalle Perfecto, 32700 Block (8:07 p.m.)A caller reported a man was sitting on the curb with a pile of money next to him, but was unresponsive.

TRAFFIC STOPPlaza Drive/Del Obispo Street (8:05 p.m.)A 41-year-old man was taken into custody after a caller spotted two men messing with the tire on a blue Mustang. The caller thought they were hiding drugs.

CITIZEN ASSISTAlipaz Street, 32200 Block (6:13 p.m.)A woman reported her 11-year-old daughter was punched in the nose by a 13-year-old girl.

PETTY THEFTCamino Capistrano, 32100 Block (6:02 p.m.) A man took a package of razors. The caller caught a man with the thief, but the other man was walking down Camino Capistrano.

PETTY THEFT REPORTCamino Del Avion, 25600 Block (4:05 p.m.) A bicycle was stolen.

TRAFFIC HAZARDStonehill Drive/Camino Capistrano (4:06 p.m.) A truck lost a load of wood. Further complicating the mess was the driver’s decision to back up to reload it.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCESCalle Perfecto, 33000 Block (1 p.m.)A man was upset because he’d left his vehicle for repair, then got a parking ticket in San Francisco. The owner thought someone took his vehicle without permission; the caller thought there was a mistake on the VIN.

Thursday, February 2

STOLEN VEHICLEBrook Court, 29500 Block (10:31 p.m.)A resident reported a Cadillac was taken from in front of a home within the last 30 minutes.

PETTY THEFTCamino Capistrano, 32100 Block (6:32 p.m.) A drug-store security guard reported a woman was detained for shop-lifting. The woman was uncooperative, but dispatchers noted the store employee was, too.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTVillage Road/Lakeview Road (4:14 p.m.)A woman drove into a light pole. The caller noted she wasn’t getting out of the car, and she had a baby in the backseat. Deputies started with their lights and siren, but the woman was not injured.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONCalle Perfecto, 32400 Block (10:42 a.m.)A man and woman were living in a camper. A caller asked them to leave a day earlier, but they didn’t.

CITIZEN ASSISTPaseo Adelanto, 32500 Block (9:02 a.m.)A woman reported a homeless woman threatened her a day earlier.

Wednesday, February 1

DISTURBANCECamino de Vista, 26500 Block (11:25 p.m.) A woman reported a man called her several times and kept ringing her doorbell. He wouldn’t leave. The man said he’d been drinking.

DISTURBANCEPaseo Toscana, 26200 Block (8:04 p.m.)A caller reported an ongoing problem with a woman who was ringing her door-bell and pacing on the porch. The caller did not want to deal with the woman without deputies present.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLECalle Aviador, 32900 Block (6:14 p.m.)A caller reported a woman who was on camera cutting a lock.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCYCamino Capistrano, 33100 Block (6:26 p.m.) A hydroponics company reported getting counterfeit money.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCESVia Mistral, 26200 Block (8:22 p.m.)A woman reported she returned to her unlocked car to find a man sitting in it, smoking drugs.

Tuesday, January 31

VANDALISM IN PROGRESSCamino Capistrano/Junipero Serra Road (6:10 p.m.) A 21-year-old was taken into custody. He identified himself as a student.

Monday, January 30

DRUNK IN CARCamino Capistrano, 31900 Block (2:06 p.m.) A bank reported a customer ap-peared drunk.

TRESPASSINGOrtega Highway, 27100 Block (1:31 p.m.)A local hotel asked a former guest to stay away, but he returned and was harassing other guests.

Sunday, January 29

PETTY THEFTPlaza Drive, 31800 Block (7:31 p.m.)A man grabbed some perfume bottles from a drug store and ran.

DISTURBANCECalle La Purisma, 31400 Block (7 p.m.)A man reported his girlfriend hit him. She ran off after that. Dispatchers noted the couple made a similar report in Decem-ber. The woman, 32, was arrested but the district attorney’s office declined to file charges.

Saturday, January 28

DISTURBANCESan Juan Creek Road, 32100 Block (8:09 p.m.) About 50 juveniles at a quincenera gathered in the parking lot outside. They were uninvited but refused to leave until deputies showed up.

CITIZEN ASSISTVia El Rosario, 31000 Block (8 a.m.) A resident reported a stolen dog was returned.

DISTURBANCEStonehill Drive/Camino Capistrano (2:23 a.m.) A man said he thought a cab driver was treating him rudely, so he told the cabbie to pull over. The caller reported the cabbie took off, though, as he was get-ting out of the vehicle, causing him to fall.

FOLLOW UP REPORTPaseo Tecate/Calle Resplendor (1:08 a.m.) Deputies checked a crime scene and found blood where a girl was seen yelling that her boyfriend had assaulted her.

COMPILED BY 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. 10, Issue 3. 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 2012. 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 Smith

ADVERTISING/MULTI-MEDIA MARKETING

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Sales Associates> Angela Edwards

OPERATIONS

Finance Director> Mike Reed

Business Operations Manager> Alyssa Garrett

Distribution Manager> Andrea Swayne

SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller

CONTRIBUTORSTawnee Prazak, David Zimmerle

EDITORSTORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

Jonathan Volzke, 949.388.7700, x108 [email protected]

ADVERTISINGPRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 [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

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

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.

Loss of Redevelopment Agency Makes Historic Town Center Master Plan Even More Critical

MARK BODENHAMER: On Business

ow is the time to act and move forward with

San Juan Capistrano’s Historic Town Center Master Plan (HTCMP).

There are many disagreements in our community, but one

thing everyone shares is a desire to pro-tect the fundamental appeal of San Juan Capistrano. The HTCMP will breathe new life into our downtown and provide a framework upon which our community can build its future in a way that benefi ts everyone and preserves its historic charm.

The Master Plan will not bring any changes to San Juan that are unwanted. Rather, it will enable us to move quickly and facilitate the implementation of proj-ects that we do want in a timely manner. This couldn’t be more critical in today’s business landscape.

Cities no longer have the luxury of sitting back and waiting for businesses to show up – bringing new jobs and tax revenue. In this economy, the businesses have the leverage and cities are compet-ing for their investment.

As a smaller town with some budget constraints, San Juan Capistrano isn’t in a position to offer some of the tax breaks and other fi nancial incentives that other cities can. However, with the adoption of the HTCMP we can instead offer the one thing that’s often just as enticing to a business; time.

With a solid framework in place outlining the available uses, a potential

Nbusiness can engage with city staff with a substantive understanding of its op-tions. The businesses that are actively looking for new locations aren’t sitting through months-long back-and-forth dialogues with planning departments anymore. They’re moving along to locations that make it simple, quick and easy for them to get their doors open.

Simple, quick and easy, though, does not mean we’re relinquishing control of things like design elements and con-ditional use permitting. The HTCMP is an outline; a document that serves as a menu of pre-approved choices that make sense to our community. No substantial project will move forward without community feedback.

Those processes have already made their mark on the Master Plan. Through this essential process, the Plan has been amended and altered to refl ect that input. City Staff is recom-mending that a number of elements be modifi ed or eliminated altogether.

Another factor that will obviously change the way the plan is imple-mented is the loss of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). I’ve heard some people say that without the agency, the HTCMP isn’t worth pursu-ing any more. I believe the opposite is true; without the Agency it is absolutely essential for us to adopt the Plan.

There are countless ways to fi nance projects like community centers, park-ing lots, City Halls, etc. Many cities just haven’t used those alternatives because the Redevelopment Agency was simply an easier option. Now that the CRA

“credit card” has been cut up, we’ll have to get creative and start building funds, establish foundations or orga-nize some kind of capital campaign.

Those are all viable and reason-able funding mechanisms that could be used to enhance our community. They may take a little longer, but many would agree that it’s a much better way to fund most projects than the CRA was.

The HTCMP would give us a huge competitive edge in fundraising relative to other communities that propose projects that require uncertain zoning changes. Investors are looking for the projects that are going to get done, not those that will tie up capital for years on end. As such, the likelihood of securing funding is exponentially greater with the Master Plan in place.

To some degree, I understand the hesitation with adopting a plan like this. This is a comprehensive plan that addresses many, many issues. When reading through it and considering all of those elements at once, it feels like we’re taking a wrecking ball to our

beautiful town and starting from scratch.That fear couldn’t be more misplaced.

This plan is designed to be implemented over decades. Each individual compo-nent will be thoughtfully considered and evaluated for its appropriateness here. Those that we as a community like will be moved forward. Those that are not (see: extending Yorba Street across the front steps of the Blas Aguilar Adobe) will be quickly and justifi ably tossed out.

All this plan does is empower us with new and exciting options that can im-prove our business community and qual-ity of life. It puts the projects we’d like to see on the fast track to completion. It opens doors and says “we’re not issuing blank checks, but we are ready for busi-ness” to those who want to bring jobs and tax revenue to San Juan Capistrano.

The Chamber of Commerce, together with many local business and property owners, job creators and people who genuinely care about this community, urge our city leaders to adopt the His-toric Town Center Master Plan.

Mark Bodenhamer is the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. CD

MARK BODENHAMER


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

SAN JUAN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL DANCE RECITAL7 p.m. Student recital in the school’s theatre. 29211 Vista Montana, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.5900, www.sjhhs.org.

VALENTINE’S DAY

GOOD NEIGHBORS CLUB OF CAPISTRANO VALLEY MEETING 11 a.m. Ladies! Make friends, enjoy lunch and an

entertaining program at Irons in the Fire Restaurant. 150 Avenida Magdalena, San Clemente, 949.361.0586.

TASTE OF SAN JUAN6 p.m.-9 p.m. The Fiesta Association presents a spe-cial food and drink event featuring samples from local restaurants held at

San Juan Creek Golf Club. There will also be music, danc-ing and more. Tickets $20. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.org.

PETSMART’S NATIONAL PET ADOPTION WEEKEND12 p.m.-4 p.m. The ARK of San Juan will be at PetsSmart with cats and dogs who need a home. 33963 Doheny Park Road San

Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org.

sunday 12

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

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

BACKYARD SKILLS: FRUIT TREE PRUNING AND GRAFTING 1 p.m. Learn basic principles of fruit tree grafting, pruning, and care at The Ecology Center.

$10 members, $15 non-members + $10 materials (In-cludes a grafted apple tree). 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org.

TOOLS FOR CHANGE 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Ecology Center’s exhibition, featuring sustainable household products, a play area and learning space for children, and special weekend events. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org

ASTRONOMY NIGHT 6:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m. Gaze into the night sky through telescopes at The Richard & Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Adults $10, kids $5, members free. 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

friday 10

HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR ADULT RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR FAMILY 8 p.m. Acclaimed NYC humorist Polly Frost brings her hilarious and heartfelt show at Camino Real

Playhouse. $15. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capist-rano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

SUSTAINABLE CHOCOLATE TALK AND TASTING1 p.m. Free event at The Ecology Center to learn about the sustainable methods of growing, processing and preparing chocolate, from seed to mouth. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org.

MARIACHIS AT THE MISSION 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Visit the Mission SJC Courtyard for a musical performance presented by Mariachi performers from Capistrano Com-munity Mariachi Program. Free with paid admission $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

saturday 11

tuesday 14

wednesday 15

saturday 18

LUNCH LOCAL 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Chamber luncheon hosted by Ricardo’s Place. 32082 Cami-no Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME 11:15 a.m. Children ages 3-6 and their caregivers are invited to join the library for stories, songs, crafts and fun. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GARDEN CLUB MEETING10 a.m. Meeting on the topic of backyard fruit basket led by master gardener Teena Spindler; held at the San Juan Hills Golf

Club. Interested gardeners invited. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.584.1680.

MISSION READERS BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP10:30 a.m. Discuss City of Thieves, at the library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistra-no, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Ev-ery Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba; 949.493.4700.

tuesday 21

monday 20

LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Meet at the Montanez Adobe in Los Rios Park to volunteer at the park and meet friends. Bring gloves. 31661 Los Rios St., San

Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

COMEDY CLUB 8 p.m. The Coach House’s comedians take the stage. $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

thursday 16

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. SJC Historical Society leads a tour to see Los Rios Historical District, O’Neill Museum, Montanez Adobe, the Mission, Rios Ado-

be and more. Meet at the train depot on Verdugo Street. Every Sunday. $2 adults, $1 children. 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

sunday 19

thursday 23

wednesday 22

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House, also with The Jackpot Club, The New FBI. Tickets $29.50. 33157 Camino Cap-istrano, San Juan Capistrano,

949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

friday 17

San Juan Capistrano producers Robert Kline and Stephanie Heredia, the couple who created the West Coast Film Festival in town, are again returning to the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library to share their insights about the Academy Awards.

Kline is the co-creator of Lifetime Television and has produced shows and fi lms ranging from television’s Beat the Clock to movies with Oliver Stone. Heredia has produced On the Wings of Penguins and documentaries on the Kennedys, Harley Davidson and more.

During their annual “An Evening at the Academy Awards,” they share fi lm clips from past winners, discuss this year’s nominees and ask guests to vote for their

favorites. All proceeds of the event benefi t the Friends of the Library. Dinner this year will be provided by Sarducci’s and those in attendance can enter for a chance to win a 47” fl at screen TV.

The 84th Annual Academy Awards are February 26.“An Evening at the Academy Awards” is 6 p.m., Friday, February 24 at the Library, 31495 El Camino Real. The price is $20

and includes dinner. For more information, call 949.248.5132. —Jonathan Volzke

GO.SEE.DO. AN EVENING WITH OSCAR

Stephania Heredia and Robert Kline. Courtesy photo

4LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

SJC LIVING

4COMMUNITY CALENDARfriday 02.10

Coffee Chat 8 a.m. The Capistrano Dispatch hosts a spirited town hall forum on community issues. All are welcome. Camino Real Playhouse, on El Camino Real, just south of Ortega Highway. Occurs every Friday

monday 2.13

Capistrano Unifi ed School Board of Trustees 7 p.m. CUSD Board Room, 33122 Valle Road. Trustees vote on election boundaries. Agenda at www.capousd.org.

tuesday 2.14

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

wednesday 2.15

Old Capistrano Farmers Market3 p.m., Yorba Street, one block south of Ortega Highway between Camino Capistrano and El Camino Real.

monday 2.20

City Offi ces Closed President’s Day

Utilities Commission Meeting8:30 a.m., City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

friday 2.24

Next regular issue of The Dispatch publishes.


*MEETING AGENDAS AT WWW.SANJUANCAPISTRANO.ORG

station wagon will help Goff, who operates a small, struggling event lighting business, avoid foreclosure and possible bankruptcy while providing the means to get her daughters, ages 17 and 11, to and from school and other activities. Goff was nominated by RESTORD, an Orange County nonprofi t that pro-vides assistance for displaced women, children and wayward youth through its resale store in Foothill Ranch. Despite her limited time and fi nancial means, Goff and her daughters are dedicated volunteers at the RESTORD resale store and committed to helping those who are less fortunate.

“Selfl ess, hard-working individuals like Carrie and her daughters who need a helping hand are the rea-sons we support Recycled Rides and are committed to giving back to our local communities,” said Rick Lewis, regional claims manager for the InterInsur-ance Exchange of the Auto Club, which donated the vehicle from its claims salvage yard to be refurbished by Caliber Collision.

taught elementary school in Washington D.C., and worked as a journalist at the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Associated Press. He has taught English lit-erature at Oxford University and Franciscan Univer-sity of Steubenville.

Freeh’s wife, Helen, an English teacher and profes-sor, also holds a doctorate in English, from Baylor University. The couple are expecting their fi rst child in May. The Freehs enjoy camping, hiking and racquetball. His fi rst visit to JSerra in January was part of a 4,100-mile road trip during which the Freehs camped at several national parks.

“I fi nd that the school’s founding principles and vision, along with its fi delity to the same, strike in me a deeply responsive chord,” Freeh said in the school’s announcement. “Such principles and vision, accompa-nied by a clear willingness to put them into practice, make me eager to be part of the noble vision that is JSerra.”

Vice Principal of Administration Eric Stroupe will serve as acting principal through July.

Businesses Step Up to Help Capistrano Woman

New Faces in JSerra Administration

San Juan Capistrano single mother facing foreclo-sure and bankruptcy will enjoy a special Valentine this year when she receives keys and title to a

refurbished SUV donated by Caliber Collision Centers, the Automobile Club of Southern California and other local businesses as part of a nationwide program called Recycled Rides.

Carrie Goff and her family will be presented with a 2007 Ford Escape on February 13 at Caliber’s San Juan Capistrano Center, at 26442 Via De Anza.

“Our hope is that this Recycled Rides gift will be the catalyst that helps Carrie get back on the road to a normal life,” David Goldstein, Caliber Collision Vice President of Operations, said in an announce-ment. “Without reliable transportation, it is diffi cult for individuals to achieve fi nancial stability while caring for their families.”

Those making the donation hope the Ford Escape

Serra Catholic High School has hired Dr. John Freeh—brother of former FBI Director Louis Freeh— as its new principal.

Dr. Freeh, who holds a doctorate in English Renais-sance Literature from Oxford University, will take the helm of the 1,050-student school in July.

Freeh joins the school’s new Rector, the Rev. Rob-ert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D, as the newest administrative team members with signifi cant university leadership experience. Spitzer is the former president of Gonzaga University and the founder of the Magis Institute.

Freeh’s resume includes teaching and leadership roles at Gonzaga, Hillsdale College in Michigan and Wyoming Catholic College; he was Director of Univer-sity Ministry at Gonzaga and directed Hillsdale’s RCIA program for students preparing to enter the Catholic Church. Freeh also holds master’s degrees from Georgetown in English and political philosophy and Northwestern in journalism. Early in his career, Freeh

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Recycled Rides is a nationwide program of auto body repairers collaborating with insurers, parts suppliers and other vendors to refurbish and donate vehicles to needy families. Technicians and other staff members at the Caliber Collision San Juan Capistrano Center donated their time to fi x the vehicle.

Other companies that donated parts, materials and services include Goodyear-Thong, Youngs Automotive, Keystone, Tuttle Click Ford, Pacifi c Automotive, Cap-istrano Car Wash, Ultimate Dent Removal and Parts Channel.

This gifting at Caliber’s San Juan Capistrano center is one of many Recycled Rides that the company plans to donate over the next 12 months across California, Ari-zona, Nevada and Texas, according to Quinn. In the last month, the company has donated refurbished vehicles to a San Diego homeless family and a Riverside single mother of four sons, whose youngest is undergoing treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia. CD

The school is conducting a nationwide search for a new president/CEO to replace Frank Talarico, who ac-cepted the top job with Goodwill of Orange County.

“I will always treasure my time at JSerra. Leaving the tight-knit community of faculty, staff, students and fami-lies won’t be easy, but they are in very capable hands,” he said in a statement. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch

The Capistrano Dispatch

John Freeh. Courtesy photo

A hearty congratulations to this year’s winners of The Capistrano Dispatch’s 5th Annual Golden Horseshoe Awards. In 2011, it was the best of times and the worst of times for businesses that keep our historic town moving along. While the economy continued to recover, companies and their employees hunkered down and some, sadly, didn’t make it. This just gives us all the more reason to salute — and patronize — the ones who survived, not by taking shortcuts but by streamlining their business and continuing to earn our business with everything from good prices to great attitudes. With our hectic schedules fi lled with school, work and play, we often take for granted the folks who make our lives a little easier. They groom our dogs and care for our horses. They clean our work shirts and help us keep our fi tness routines. They keep our bellies—and our glasses—fi lled and put smiles on our faces. So cheers to all the winners and the hundreds of nominees. — Jonathan Volzke

Family Classic Cars Service Manager Glen McDorman says good listening skills are just as important as good mechanics. The shop took gold in the “Best Customer Service” category. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

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BEST DESSERT

Cedar Creek Inn26860 Ortega Hwy., 949.240.2229

Cedar Creek Inn takes the gold in this cat-egory every year. The restaurant’s dessert menu offers unique fl air on traditional fa-vorites such as a Lemon Tart with Raspberry Sauce, Warm Toll House Pie and Warm Bread Pudding. Dinner’s great a Cedar Creek Inn but save room for dessert, always.

Marie Callenders31791 Del Obispo St., 949.661.5977

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Baskin Robbins • Café Mozart • Ciao Pasta • The Dutch Bakery • El Adobe de Capistrano • Family Classic Cars • Frio • Golden Spoon • Hidden House Café • L’Hirondelle • • Mr. B’s Pizza Kitchen • Panera Bread • Rite Aid ice cream • Ruby’s • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot Capistrano Depot • Sim-ply Fondue • Sundried Tomato Café • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Cedar Creek Inn

BEST AMBIANCE


Whether a warm evening or a cold night, Cedar Creek Inn’s the place to go. Inside


NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Bravo Burgers • Ciao Pasta • Denny’s • El Adobe de Capistrano • El Maguey • Jack in the Box • L’Hirondelle • Marie Callenders • NYC Café • Ramos House Café • Ricardo’s Place • Rick’s Café at The Regency Theatre • Ruby’s • Sar-ducci’s Capistrano Depot Capistrano Depot • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Simply Fondue • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Sundried Tomato Café

BEST DINNER

Sundried Tomato Café 31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167

Rob Quest and his crew at Sundried knocked Cedar Creek Inn out of the top spot this year, earning the gold with a combination of great food backed up with great service. Sundried Tomato expanded in recent months, adding more tables for al fresco dining and now can even handle large parties on the lower patio.


NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Ballpark Pizza • Barth’s • Bravo Burgers • Café Mozart • Ciao Pasta • El Adobe de Capistrano • El Maguey • KFC • L’Hirondelle • Marie Callenders • NYC Café • Oeeshi Japanese Grill • Ricardo’s Place • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot Capistrano Depot • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Cedar Creek Inn

and Al Shan says the secret to his restau-rant is making everything fresh. We like the Italian sausage sandwich, but you won’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

The Bagel Shack31876 Del Obispo St., #1, 949.488.8023

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Arby’s • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Bistro 311 • Bravo Burgers • Café Mozart • Cedar Creek Inn • Ciao Pasta • The Dutch Bakery • El Adobe de Capistrano • El Campeon • El Maguey • El Molino del Oro • Hidden House Coffee • Hot Lunch Lady • Humingbird House Café • L’Hirondelle • Marie Callenders • Mollies Famous Café • Oeeshi Japanese Grill • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Ra-mos House Café • Rick’s Café at Regency Theatre • Ricardo’s Place • Ruby’s • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot Capistrano Depot • Sundried Tomato Café • Thai One Juan • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Hot Lunch Lady

BEST APPETIZERS

Sundried Tomato Café 31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167

The Sundried Tomato soup has been a signature appetizer for the Franciscan Plaza restaurant since it opened, and is a repeat Golden Horseshoe winner. It’s so good you’ll be tempted to ignore the other offerings on the menu, but then you’d be missing the Blackened Chicken Spring Rolls and the Panko Crusted Crispy Asparagus—all in the coolest bar in town.

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BEST BREAKFAST

Mollies Famous Café32033 Camino Capistrano, 949.240.9261

Georgia Kelley and her crew make Mollies a perennial winner in this category. Mollies captures Capistrano’s small-town feel with a diner that serves big portions with low prices—all in a no-frills setting where you can fi nd anyone from your neighbor to the Mayor enjoying a meal. Our favorite: The homemade scramble, a special on Fridays.

Bagel Shack 31876 Del Obispo St., #1, 949.488.8023

NOMINEES: Bravo Burgers • Cedar Creek Inn • Del Taco • Denny’s • Hidden House Coffee • Hummingbird House Café • Las Golondrinas • NewStart Nutrition • Panera Bread • Ramos House Café • Ricardo’s Place • Ruby’s • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot Capistrano Depot • The The Vintage Steakhouse • Walnut Grove LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mollies

BEST LUNCH

NYC Café31888 Plaza Drive, 949.234.0071

NYC Café is an unassuming little spot tucked in a strip mall that offers a menu boasting everything from pizza to gyros. The restau-rant has been family owned for a decade,

Dining

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Comfort food: Tomato soup and grilled-cheese sandwich at Sundried Tomato Café. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Owner Al Shan behind the counter at NYC Café, which took gold in best lunch and best pizza this year. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

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offers a fi re-toasted lounge and dining room that fi ts a rustic inn style – complete with a tree growing through it – while the patio of-fers a view of the old Mission and oversized fi replace.

Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot26701 Verdugo St., 949.493.9593

NOMINEES: Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Café Mozart • Ciao Pasta • El Adobe de Capistrano • Family Classic Cars • Hidden House Coffee • L’Hirondelle • Marbella Country Club • NYC Café • Ramos House • Simply Fondue • Sundried Tomato Café • Swallow’s Inn • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Hummingbird House Café

BEST OUTDOOR PATIO

Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot

26701 Verdugo St., 949.493.9593

Long our favorite spot on a summer morning or warm evening, the Sarducci’s patio is the perfect Capistrano spot: In the heart of the downtown and alongside the railroad tracks that helped the town thrive throughout his-tory. The Sarducci’s patio is a place where you’re sure to see a friend, and can just sit back and watch people stroll through down-town and the trains rumble by.

Ciao Pasta31661 Camino Capistrano, 949.496.5002

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Café Mozart • Cedar Creek Inn • El Adobe de Capistrano • Hidden House Coffee • Hummingbird House Café • L’Hriondelle • Ramos House Café • Rick’s Café at The Regency Theatres • Ruby’s • Sundried Tomato Café LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Cedar Creek Inn

BEST CUP OF COFFEE

Starbucks32341 Camino Capist-rano, 949.248.1598; 27211

Ortega Hwy., 949.661.5801; 32022 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.4809

Each of the three Starbucks in town—across from the Mission, at Ortega and Rancho Viejo Road and in the carwash plaza—has its own vibe and crowd of loyal regulars, but they all have the same great coffee and service.

The Bagel Shack31876 Del Obispo St., #1, 949.488.8023

NOMINEES: Bravo Burgers • Café Mozart • Ciao Pasta • Denny’s • Hidden House Coffee • Hummingbird House Café • Marbella Farmer’s Market • Marie Callenders • McDonalds • Mollies Famous Cafe • Panera Bread • Ruby’s • San Juan Hills Golf Course • The Dutch Bakery LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Hidden House Coffee

BEST TACO

Ricardo’s Place32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.403.4941.

Ricardo Beas started his career bussing tables in the building that now houses his signature restaurant, and taking the Golden Horseshoe in the “Best Taco” category in San Juan Capistrano is something to be proud of. Winning it multiple times is something to brag about.

Pedro’s Tacos31721 Camino Capistrano, 949.489.7752.

NOMINEES: Agustin Mexican Food • Del Taco • El Adobe de Capistrano • El Molino del Oro • El Campeon • El Maguey • Los Golondrinas • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Swallow’s Inn LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Ricardo’s Place

BEST SALSA

Ricardo’s Place32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.403.4941.

Whether it’s the salsa brava with a bit of bite or the cool and chunky combination that servers slide onto your table with a warm basket of chips, Ricardo’s Place continues to take top honors with its salsa. It doesn’t hurt that Ricardo and Rosa Beas are great people active in the community, either.

El Adobe de Capistrano31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163

NOMINEES: Agustin Mexican Food • The Bagel Shack • Bravo Burger • Del Taco • El Campeon • El Maguey • El Molino • Las Golondrinas Marbella Farmer’s Market • Pedro’s Tacos • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Swallow’s Inn LAST YEAR’S WIN-NER: Ricardo’s Place

BEST PIZZA

NYC Café31888 Plaza Drive, 949.234.0071

If you’re surprised a place that also serves Greek food is winning best pizza, you haven’t tried it. NYC Café offers the traditional build-your-own selection, but also has more than a dozen specialty pies ranging from the New York Special to a Banana Pizza. And yes, there’s a Greek pie, too.

Z Pizza3241 Camino Capistrano, 949.429.8888

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • The Bagel Shack • Ballpark Pizza • Ciao Pasta • Costco • Dominos • Mr. B’s Pizza Kitchen • Papa John’s • Pizza Hut • Roundtable Pizza • Sundried Tomato Café • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Z Pizza

BEST NIGHTSPOT

Swallows Inn31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188

As long as there’s a Golden Horseshoe Award, you can bet on Swallows Inn taking the Golden Horseshoe for Best Nightspot. A little bit biker, a little bit country, Swallows brings us all together for a beer and a good time. Owner Steve Nordeck and manager Cheryl Krupps have pulled together a great crew to serve that beer, too.

Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar

27211 Ortega Highway #C, 949.661.8466

NOMINEES: El Adobe de Capistrano • Bad to the Bone • Cedar Creek Inn • Ciao Pasta • City Hall • The Coach House • Ruby’s Sky Ranch • Rick’s Café at The Regency Theatre • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Swallow’s Inn

BEST MARGARITA

El Adobe de Capist-rano

31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.4914

Quality tequila and just the right amount of sweet and sour helped El Adobe wrestle the gold away from Ricardo’s this year. But El Adobe has an advantage, too: You can almost taste the rich history of the place in each drink.

Ricardo’s Place32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163

NOMINEES: Bad to the Bone • Cedar Creek Inn • El Maguey • Ruby’s Sky Ranch • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Ricardo’s Place

BEST BARTENDER

Fernando at El Adobe de Capistrano

31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.4914

Fernando Campuzano is the sort of bartender who not only remembers your name, but what you like to drink, too. And he knows just how to mix it, and ensure your glass doesn’t sit empty. And even when the El Adobe bar is hopping, he always seems to have a mo-ment to see how you’re doing.

Hillary at Bad to the Bone

31738 Rancho Viejo Rd, 949.218.0227

NOMINEES: Carmen at Swallows • Joel at Swallows • Mike at Cedar Creek Inn • Molly at Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Sam at The Vintage Steakhouse • Trevor at Sundried Tomato Café LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Swallows Inn

OUR LOCAL CHEERS

Swallow’s Inn31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188

When Capistrano wants to celebrate, it heads to Swallows. When Capistrano needs to mourn, it heads to Swallows. The people watching is great, and so is exploring the signs and memorabilia on the walls. You can fi nd cowboys, business leaders, bikers,

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Fernando Portillo Campuzano mixing it up at El Adobe. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

The Sarducci’s patio in the heart of downtown is a Capistrano favorite. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

regulars and fi rst-timers there, and always a friend.

Bad to the Bone31738 Rancho Viejo Rd, 949.218.0227

NOMINEES: The Bagel Shack • Bravo Burgers • Cedar Creek Inn • Ciao Pasta • The Coach House • El Adobe de Capistrano • Family Classic Cars • Hidden House Coffee • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Sundried Tomato Café • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Swallow’s Inn

BEST SPOT FOR A GLASS OF WINE


27211 Ortega Highway, #C, 949.661.8466

Tannins has a small bar, with about a dozen

stools, but even as you’re enjoying your fi rst sip of a nice merlot, you’ve made 11 new friends. There’s a regular crowd at Tan-nins, but they’re always open to new faces. The bartenders know their wines, and the restaurant is known for high pours. A good glass of wine with good company makes for a Golden Horseshoe.

Sundried Tomato Café31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Bad to the Bone • Café Mozart • Cedar Creek Inn • Ciao Pasta • El Adobe de Capist-rano • L’Hirondelle • NYC Café • Ruby’s Sky Ranch • Ramos House Café • Rick’s Café at The Regency Theatres • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Swallow’s Inn • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar

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BEST WINE SELECTION


27211 Ortega Highway, #C, 949.661.8466

If you’re going to run a wine bar, you’d better like wine. And Tannins owners Gabriel San-chez and Bryan McKay are “wine people,” Sanchez says. Going to other wine spots, they found shops just wanted to sell high-priced bottles. Tannins offers something for everybody, by the glass, at reasonable prices.

Sundried Tomato Café31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Café Mozart • Cedar Creek Inn • Churchhills • Ciao Pasta • El Adobe de Capistrano • L’Hirondelle • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Swallow’s Inn • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar

BEST SHOPPING PLAZA

Plaza Del Obispo/Marshalls Plaza

31878 Del Obispo St., 949.240.2711

Anchored by Marshall’s, Del Obispo Plaza offers a bit of everything from the depart-ment store to Thai Juan On to Mission Jew-elers. Owner Gretchen Stroscher Thomson, a member of a longtime Capistrano family, didn’t have to go far when she added a new favorite: her daughter, Melissa, opened The Ceramics Studio there, where you can paint ceramics or play with clay.

Marbella Plaza31115 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.859.6012

NOMINEES: Costco • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Downtown • El Adobe de Capistrano • Big Lots/Ross • Fran-ciscan • Los Rios Street • Ralphs • Vermuelen’s Plaza • Rancho Ortega Plaza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Plaza Del Obispo

BEST HAIR SALON

Charisma Beauty32301 Camino Capistrano #F, 949.240.1200

Another repeat winner in a tough category, Charisma Beauty offers the traditional haircuts and coloring, as well as an adjacent shop with hair products and supplies. After 15 years in the community, owner Sherry Behzadi also knows customers like a friendly, chatty staff, too.

Curtis Michael Salon31882 Del Obispo St. #150, 949.240.9240

NOMINEES: Bella Moda Salon • Brush Salon • Daniel Michael Salon • Resurrected/London Hair Studio • San Juan Hair Station • Sage • Southwest Barbers • Silver Shears • Vincent Michael Salon • W Salon LAS T YEAR’S WINNER: Charisma Beauty

NOMINEES:Creek Inn • Churchhills • Ciao Pasta • El Adobe de Capistrano • L’Hirondelle • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Swallow’s Inn • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza YEAR’S WINNER:

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Jespah Clanton and Ursula Cassinelli in the wine cellar at Tannins. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Plaza Del Obispo added Panera Bread this year and brought home another Golden Horseshoe. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

BEST FITNESS SPA

24 Hour Fitness27131 Calle Arroyo, 949.489.9000

We were in the Laguna Niguel 24 Hour Fit-ness once when we overheard two women talking on the treadmill. One told the other she liked the Capistrano gym better, because Niguel’s had “too much silicone.” San Juan Capistrano’s gym is nothing fl ashy, just a good workout in a clean facility.

Seafi t Studio31654 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.388.0002

NOMINEES: Curves • Massage Associates • SJC Pilates LAST YEAR’S WINNER: 24 Hour Fitness

BEST MANICURE

Happy Nails & Spa32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.6888

Happy Nails is a new gold fi nisher in this category, and good service at good prices seems to the be winning combination. Manager Tracy Huynh says the key is making sure manicurists know what the customer wants, then delivering. The shop has been in its Camino Capistrano location for more than 15 years, which doesn’t hurt either.

Color Nails and Spa31876 Del Obispo St. #4, 949.443.0125

NOMINEES: Bella Moda Salon • Curtis Michael • Debra’s Nails • Lily Nails • Lovely Nails • Merlin Skin Care • Natural Nail Clinic LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Color Nails and Spa

BEST CAR REPAIR

Star Motors32959 Calle Perfecto, 949.443.1946

Chris and Knuth and Emma Silvera know it’s a cliché to say they provide Nordstrom-style service, so they just let their good work, day in and day out, do the talking for them. The engaged couple purchased Star Motors more than three years ago, and the upgrades continue: They’ve expanded the shop and require every employee—from the ever-friendly receptionist to the service technicians—to complete continuing educa-tion every year. All that and the shop, which donates to charities when people “like” them on Facebook, services all makes and models, with a European specialty.

Family Classic Cars33033 Camino Capistrano, 949.276.7777

NOMINEES: Avery Automotive • British 4x4 • Brother’s Auto • CAARS • Camino Auto Imports • Capistrano Ford • Goodyear/Capistrano Tire • Capistrano Toyota • Capistrano Transmis-sion • Del Obispo/Camino Capistrano Chevron • Franks Auto and Transmission • German Imports • Weseloh Honda LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Family Classic Cars

BEST DRY CLEANER

Polo Cleaners31105 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. C11, 949.496.7354

Dan Newell has the Golden Horseshoe in this category locked up. Providing quality service with an on-site tailor, Polo is open every day and even offers pick up and drop off, too.

Ortega Cleaners27184 Ortega Hwy., 949.3405

NOMINEES: Express Cleaners • Mission Village Cleaners • San Juan Cleaners • Shine Cleaners • Town & Country • Village Cleaners LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Polo Cleaners

BEST JEWELRY STORE

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

32382 Del Obispo St. #C3, 949.493.3632

Abby Khan was born in South Africa and learned his craft from fi ne jewelers around the world before settling into Capistrano about seven years ago. Visitors to his his Vermuelen’s Plaza shop fi nd him at the work bench in the shop, designing pieces that have been worn by everybody from Rick Dees to Cher—and your neighbors.

Zia Jewelry31761 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1322

NOMINEES: Chico’s • Mission Jewelers • Monaco Jewelers • Ortega Trading Post LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

BEST CLOTHING

Marshalls31878 Del Obispo St., 949.240.2711

If you’re surprised Marshall’s can win the Golden Horseshoe for ‘Best Clothing,” you haven’t been in there. The commercials promise designer goods for less, and the store delivers. You might have to browse around to fi nd what you’re looking for it, but the prices are worth it.

Blue Eyed Girl31103 Rancho Viejo Rd. #D4, 949.420.1361

NOMINEES: American Horse Products • Blue Echo • Chico’s • Children’s Orchard • Inspiration Boutique • Milie • Ortega Tack and Feed • Oh La La • Ross Dress for Less • The Antique Barn • The Black Cat Gallery • The Carved Horse LAST YEAR’S WIN-NER: The Carved Horse

BEST HOME DÉCOR

Whim31831 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.9600

Whim owners Eric Guenther and Daviell Maldonado search near and far for the products in their Camino Capistrano store, and wandering through each of the rooms feels like you’ve stepped into the pages of a design magazine. From large furniture to that perfect fi nishing touch, Whim has it all.

Marshalls31878 Del Obispo St., 949.240.2711

NOMINEES: The Antique Barn • Big Lots • Costco • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • A Touch of Elegance • Plant Depot • Renaissance • The Ceramics Studio • Two Doors Down LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Whim

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NOMINEES: CAARS • Camino Auto Imports • Capistrano Ford • Goodyear/Capistrano Tire • Capistrano Toyota • Capistrano Transmis-sion • Del Obispo/Camino Capistrano Chevron • Franks Auto and Transmission • German Imports • Weseloh HondaYEAR’S WINNER:

Marshalls in Del Obispo Plaza not only won gold for best clothing, but silver for best home décor, too. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Chris Knuth and Emma Silvera in the award-winning shop at Star Motors. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

BEST ART OR FRAMING SHOP

Plaza Art Gallery32382 Del Obispo St., #C1, 949.493.1950

Ted Rosenfeldt complains we keep writing the same thing about his shop, but in our defense, his Plaza Art Gallery in Vermuelen’s Plaza wins every year. A great selection and his attention to detail make Rosenfeldt the Golden Horseshoe winner again this year…wonder if he’ll frame it?

The Ceramics Studio31878 Del Obispo St., 949.412.9241.

NOMINEES: Black Cat Gallery • Mission Art • San Juan Photo & Digital • Villas and Verandas • Whim LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Plaza Art Gallery

BEST NURSERY

Plant Depot33413 San Juan Creek Rd., 949.240.2107

It says something that a town as small as Capistrano has four nurseries, and they’re all good. So it says even more that Plant

• Buy My Bikes • Camino Import Auto Service • Carved Horse • Charisma Salon • Chico’s • Children’s Orchard • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Color Nail and Spa • Costco • F&M Bank • Hidden House Café • Independence Bank • Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge • L’Hirondelle • Marbella Farmers Market • San Juan Photo & Digital • NYC Café • Plant Depot • Polo Cleaners • Regency Theatre • Ricardo’s • Ruby’s • San Juan Hills Golf Club • The Bagel Shack • The Antique Barn • The Ceramics Studio • The Hot Lunch Lady • Mission San Juan Capistrano • Two Doors Down • Vons LAST YEAR’S WINNER: DeNault’s True Value Hardware

BEST FLOWERS

Mother Earth32158 Camino Capistrano #105, 949.493.4400

Amir Zagar and business partner Masoud Badie emphasize customer service and sup-porting local charities in their business plan for Mother Earth Flowers. Support the com-munity, Zagar says, and the community will support you. In this case, it’s with another Golden Horseshoe. Twenty-fi ve years’ expe-rience doesn’t hurt either.

Panage31876 Del Obispo, 949.661.1858

NOMINEES: Costco • Farmer’s Market • Flowers by Lisa • Vons • Lilacs and Lace • Mission Flowers LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mother Earth

BEST SPOT FOR THAT ‘PERFECT GIFT’

Whim31831 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.9600

Two things you know when you shop at Whim for that perfect gift: You’ll fi nd some-thing the recipient doesn’t have, and you’ll fi nd something the recipient will be proud to own. Whim wins this category regularly, and one trip through the store tells you why. From glassware to the perfect accent, it’s nice when fi nding the perfect gift really means picking from among the options.

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

32382 Del Obispo St. #C3, 949.493.3632

NOMINEES: The Antique Barn • Big Lots • Capo Smoke Shop • Cottage Home and Garden • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Family Classic Cars • Marshall’s • Millie • Ortega Tack and Feed • Plant Depot • Paper Annex • Ross Dress for Less • The Ceramic Studio • The Cottage • The Gift Goddess • Two Doors Down • Villas and Verandas LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Whim

BEST VET

Ortega Animal Care27341 Ortega Highway, 949.487.7600

Ortega Animal Care hasn’t been all that long, especially by Capistrano standards, but Dr. Deborah Adams and the staff have set a new gold standard with a second consecutive Golden Horseshoe. Ortega offers veterinar-ian care, grooming, boarding and even doggie play groups.

San Juan Animal Hospital/Dr. Mannix

32391 San Juan Creek Rd., 949.493.1147

NOMINEES: Banfi eld • Pet Hospital • Dr. Secor • Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Ortega Animal Care

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

Family Classic Cars33033 Camino Capistrano, 949.276.7777

Family Classic Cars Service Manager Glen McDorman knows that people can be upset when they bring their vehicle in for service, especially if it’s a classic. So McDorman and his crew fi nd their inspiration for customer service in the business name: They treat them like family. Being sympathetic and accommodating, while also providing great repair service at a great price, is the key, McDorman says.

Star Motors32959 Calle Perfecto, 949.443.1946

NOMINEES: Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design • American Horse Products • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Bravo Burgers

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Amir Zagar of Mother Earth Flowers. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Dr. Deborah Adams opened the Ortega Animal Care just over three years ago, and it’s quickly become a local favorite. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

lunch. We also suspect it took gold this year because it’s home to the Camino Real Play-house’s summer Shakespeare Festival, where playgoers picnic.

Los Rios Park

NOMINEES: Casper’s Regional Park • Descanso Park • Mission grounds • Staging Area in Northwest Open Space • Shakespeare Festival LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Casper’s Regional Park

BEST HISTORICAL SPOT

Mission San Juan Capistrano

26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

Whether you go there for one of the great Music Under the Stars Concerts or to pray in Serra Chapel—the last building standing where Father Serra said Mass—the Mission fi nds a way to showcase Capistrano’s rich history for everyone.

Los Rios DistrictLos Rios Street, north of Del Obispo Street

NOMINEES: Hidden House Coffee • Little Hollywood Old Train Station • Los Rios District • Mission Parish Church • Montanez Adobe • O’Neill Museum LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mission San Juan Capistrano

BEST CAPISTRANO TRADITION

Swallows Day Paradewww.swallowsparade.com

The swallows put Capistrano on the map, but these days we see more visitors for the Swal-lows Day Parade than we do birds. That’s

Capistrano’s favorite park. A runner up for Best Picnic Spot, Los Rios Park offers a quiet spot for lunch, a place for the kids to play and a walk through Capistrano’s history.

Cook Park28202 Calle Arroyo

NOMINEES: Four Oaks Park • Casper’s Regional Park • His-toric Town Center Park • Mission Bell Park • Sports Park LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Los Rios Park

BEST STABLE

Ortega Equestrian Center

27252 Calle Arroyo, 949.661.3130

Kathy Holman and her crew continue to do more than their part to hold onto Capist-rano’s equestrian tradition. While many of the stables in town are English-riding spots, Ortega remains western. That, and Holman’s ties to the community, are the reasons OEC riders open the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo every year.

Sycamore Trails Stables26282 Oso Road, 949.661.1755

NOMINEES: Mission Trails • Rancho Sierra Vista • J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center • Tar Farms LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Ortega Equestrian Center

BEST PICNIC SPOT

Historic Town Center Park

Probably best known as the spot where Capistrano gathers for Summer Nites Con-certs or the Annual Tree Lighting, Historic Town Center Park also offers a couple of tree-shaded tables perfect for an outdoor

Depot is a perennial winner of this category. Plant Depot just has it all: a large selection of everything from trees to herbs, ground covering and pottery, gardening supplies and a friendly staff that knows its stuff.

Armstrong Garden Centers

32382 Del Obispo St., 949.661.6666

NOMINEES: Ito Nursery • Tree of Life Nursery LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Plant Depot

BEST TRAIL

Patriot’s (Flag on the Hill) Trail

Created by the community, supported by Eagle Scouts Ryan and Kyle Pickell, the Flag on the Hill Trail is a good family hike that offers a bit of a challenge but rewards those who reach the fl agpole with incredible views of the Dana Point shoreline and Capistrano.

San Juan Creek Trail

NOMINEES: Creek Trail To The Beach • Las Ramblas • Pep-pertree • Whispering Hills Trail LAST YEAR’S WINNER: San Juan Creek Trail

BEST PARK

Los Rios ParkPaseo Adelanto north of Del Obispo Street

The city’s newest park, a stone’s throw from Capistrano’s downtown, proves again to be

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OK, though, El Presidente Steve Weekes and his volunteer Fiesta Associate put on a great show. That doesn’t mean they couldn’t use a little help, though. Check out the website for volunteer opportunities.


26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

NOMINEES: Christmas at the Mission • Holiday Tree Lighting • Mission Bells on Sunday • Playhouse Melodrama • Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Swallows Day Parade

BEST PLACE TO SPOT THE SWALLOWS


26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

There’s no doubt the number of swallows returning to the Mission has declined over the years—other tall buildings in the area at-tract the birds now—but the Mission honors the tradition well and even brings out a renown swallows expert to let us get to know our winged visitors a bit better. Besides, the students who dress up as swallows for the Mission’s St. Joseph’s Day Celebration are cute enough for us.

San Juan Creek

NOMINEES: Bridge at San Juan Creek • Camino Capistrano and Del Obispo • Downtown • La Novia Bridge • Little Hol-lywood • Marbella Golf Course • Near the Train Depot • Zo-omars LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mission San Juan Capistrano

BEST EXAMPLE OF ‘PRESERVING THE PAST

TO ENHANCE THE FUTURE’


26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

At more than 235 years old, Mission San Juan Capistrano keeps getting better. Execu-tive Director Mechelle Adams, her staff and

History &Heritage

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Outdoors

page 10

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The fountain of the interior courtyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Not just one of our favorite spots, but one of Capistrano’s too. Staff photo

Mission supporters keep a focus on history with changing museum-quality exhibits. The new gatehouse, under construction now, promises to add to the legacy.

San Juan Capistrano Historical Society31831 Los Rios St., 949.493.8444

NOMINEES: Adobes • Blas Aguilar Adobe • Family Classic Cars • Swallow’s Inn • Train Depot • Open Space LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mission San Juan Capistrano

BEST REASON TO LIVE IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

The People

If you looked at a list of the 400-plus cities in California, Capistrano’s population would actually rank it near the middle. But it never feels like it. When we set aside the argu-ments over growth and politics, we all know Capistrano’s a special place that attracts special people.

Small Town Atmosphere

NOMINEES: Beauty • Climate • Downtown • Equestrian Life-style • History • Mission SJC • Old Town Feel/Ambiance LAST YEAR’S WINNER: The People

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT OF TOWNERS


26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

Beautiful grounds, Capistrano’s history show-cased and that self-guided audio tour make the Mission the natural choice.

Los Rios DistrictLos Rios Street, north of Del Obispo Street

NOMINEES: Bad to the Bone • Bagel Shack • Los Rios Street • Café Mozart • Camino Real Playhouse • Cedar Creek Inn • Christmas Tree Lighting • El Adobe de Capistrano • Family Classic Cars • Hidden House Café • Ortega Equestrian Center • Ramos House Café • Ricardo’s Place • Regency Theatre • Ruby’s • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Shea Therapeutic Rid-ing Center • Swallow’s Inn • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • The Antique Barn • The Black Cat Gallery • The Oaks • Depot Area • The Vintage Steakhouse

BEST PLACE TO TAKE CHILDREN

ZOOMARS Petting Zoo

31791 Los Rios St., 949.831.6550

Carolyn Franks runs a western wonderland for kids at the edge of the Historic Los Rios District: Pony rides, the bunny pen, parties and now even panning for gold. A great place to let kids be kids, for about the same price as a cup of java.


26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

NOMINEES: Ballpark Pizza • Bagel Shack • Family Classic Cars • Los Rios Park • Mission San Juan Capistrano • Ortega Equestrian Center • Pond at Plant Depot • Ruby’s • The Ce-ramics Studio • The Hot Lunch Lady LAST YEAR’S WINNER: ZOOMARS Petting Zoo


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Mission supporters keep a focus on history with changing museum-quality exhibits. The

Showing Off Carolyn Franks, with one of the star attractions at ZOOMARS Petting Zoo in the Los Rios District. Courtesy Photo

Contest is open to all children ages 9 and under. All entries must be received by March 4, 2012 for judging. Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times, The Capistrano Dispatch and Dana Wharf Sportfi shing assume no responsibility for lost or late entries. All completed entries will receive one child’s whale watching ticket or child’s fi shing ticket, compliments of Dana Wharf Sportfi shing, mailed to the address on the contest entry. We do not accept the tickets on any group outing, and no copies are valid. The grand prize winner will be contacted by telephone. Some entries will be displayed around Dana Point Harbor during the 2012 Festival of Whales. The Grand Prize entry will be displayed at Dana Wharf Sportfi shing. Contest entries will become the property of Dana Wharf Sportfi shing and cannot be returned. Employees of Picket Fence Media, Dana Wharf Sportfi shing and their families are not eligible to win. All winners are responsible for taxes and applicable fees. All parents/legal guardians of the winners will be required to verify identity through a signed affi davit, social security number and valid driver’s license. Contest void where prohibited. Entry into this contest will serve as entrant’s agreement of the above contest rules. Coloring contest winner will be announced at the Festival of Whales Concert Sunday, March 11th at Baby Beach.

COURTESY OF DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING AND WHALE WATCHING

DANAWHARF.COM

*No photo copies will be entered.* Mail completed entry form & coloring page to: Dana Wharf Sportfi shing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629

Contestant’s Name Age

Address

Parent/Legal Guardian Phone

Email

I would like to recieve a child’s Whale Watching Ticket Fishing TicketPLEASE CHECK ONEwww.danawharf.com

2012 Festival of Whales

Coloring Contest

Every child who enters

WINS one

FREE Whale Watching or Fishing Ticket

for kids 9 & underALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MARCH 4, 2012

GRAND PRIZELet the seagulls sing you to sleep…

with a one-night beach get-a-way for a family of four in a Ocean View Suite, at the DoubleTree Suites by

Hilton Doheny Beach in beautiful Dana Point, CA. A warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie at check-in is the hotel’s promise of a warm and caring experience.

IN ADDITION,Breakfast for four at Proud Mary’s in the

Dana Point Harbor! And a whale watching trip for four from Dana Wharf Sportfi shing!

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 949.420.132131648 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

S U B M I T Y O U R C L A S S I F I E D A D O N L I N E AT W W W .T H E C A P I S T R A N O D I S P AT C H . C O MCLASSIFIEDS

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY”

This handy, go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or email [email protected].

Independence Bank 949.373.896332291 Camino Capistrano, Suite A, www.independence-bank.net

BANKING

Lightning Technology, Inc. 949.488.002932963 Calle Perfecto, www.lightningtechnology.com

BUSINESS COMPUTER SERVICES

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

JEWELER

Kitchen & Bath Designs 949.661.408027231 Ortega Hwy., Unit B

KITCHEN DESIGN

Jarvis Restoration 949.362.538831942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

MOLD REMOVAL

Capistrano Health & Life 949.697.9454www.capistranohealthlife.com

MORTGAGE

San Juan Photo & Digital 949.661.566832301 Camino Capistrano, www.sjcphotodigital.com

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464www.atozleakdetection.comChick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731www.chicks-plumbing.com Pronto Plumbing (El Plomero) 949.246.358931878 Del Obispo Ste. 118-227, www.prontodrain.comSCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.242627126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com

PLUMBING

Dunn-Edwards Painting, Inc. 949.234.120131896 Plaza Dr. Unit D-1, Plaza Del Obispo Center

PAINTING SUPPLIES

Capistrano Health & Life 949.697.9454www.capistranohealthlife.com

INSURANCE

Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano Exciting New Audio Tour 949.234.1300 26801 Ortega Highway, www.missionsjc.com

EXPERIENCE THE MISSION

Excel Electric - CA #793860 949.493.776932238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORSSan Juan Financial, LLC 949.496.115131726 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. 115, [email protected]

ACCOUNTING/TAX

San Clemente Computer & Network [email protected] 949.276.1581Tired of Waiting I.T. Services [email protected]

COMPUTER SERVICES

Excel Electric 949.493.776932238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com

ELECTRICIANS

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles 949.350.4692www.gracorpcoins.com

COINS

HELP WANTED

GARAGE SALES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

SAT FEB 11TH STARTING AT 7:30 AMHuge garage Sale.. 20 Families participating located in the community of Mira Costa in San Clemente around the corner from Big Lots....items include tools, mountain bikes, stereo, elec-tronics, patio/home/baby furniture, tools, golf balls, TVs, Coca cola memorabilia, motor cycles, clothes for the whole family come one come all

PART TIME WORK- MUST FILL ASAP $16 Base/Appt National Company Has Several Openings Customer Service & Sales Flexible Schedules Scholarship Opportunities MUST FILL positions IMMEDIATELY CALL (949) 347-8708 APPLY ONLINE www.workforstudents.com

Jarvis Restoration 949.362.538831942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

WATER DAMAGE

Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. 949.212.049933208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 949.493.568332032 Del Obispo Street, www.cvcs.org

SCHOOLS

SCP Plumbing/ CuraFlo of O.C. 949.493.242627126 Paseo Espada STE. 705, www.curaflo.com

SLAB LEAK REPAIR

Printing OC 949.388.488827134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

PRINTING

Adelanto Studio Yoga & Life Arts 949.705.734432118 Paseo Adelanto, Ste.9, www.adelantostudio.net

YOGA

Bayside Window Cleaning 949.290.8230www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

WINDOW CLEANING/PRESSURE WASHING

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is presently recruiting for two positions:PROGRAM AIDE (Part-time) Part-time Program Aide position to work with students ages 7-12 after school. Hours will be 2pm-6pm, Monday through Friday. Duties will include planning and implementing activities in one or more of the following areas: education; social recre-ation; arts and crafts; and physical education. Requirements: high school diploma, experience working with children, communication skills to deal with children and with the general public (bilingual in Spanish a plus), CPR and first aid certification. If interested, please contact Nicole Watson, Unit Director, at 949.240.7898 exten-sion *19 or by email at [email protected] TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION DIREC-

TOR (Full-time) Works with youth (ages 7 – 18) to teach computer and technology skills ranging from typing/keyboarding to computer software applications. Generally works with 7 -30 youth per hour in the Computer Lab. Plans, implements and supervises a variety of creative programs with an emphasis on technology. Creates a positive environment for youth in support of BGCA values. Promotes and markets programs to increase mem-bership and attendance. Administers department within resources allocated. Maintains facilities for members’ health and safety. Updates Club website. Supports all audio/visual equipment usage. Works with IT consultant to support and maintain the Club’s computer equipment and network. Drives Club van to transport members. May manage spe-cial programs or events. Communicates with staff, parents and members of the community to explain, promote and develop programs. Requirements: Minimum of 2 years’ work experience in a BGC or similar organization planning and organizing youth development activities. Associates degree. Strong communication skills and understanding of group dynamics. Demonstrated organizational and project management abilities. Basic knowledge of updating and managing websites. Ability to repair technol-ogy equipment . Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Word). Demonstrated ability to use AV equipment. Demonstrated skill with using video de-velopment software. CPR and First Aid certifications. Valid driver’s license and clear driving record. Must secure Class B license within one year of hire. Ability to work a variable schedule generally between 9 am and 8 pm. If interested, please contact Lynn Watson, Office Manager, at 949.240.7898 extension *10 or by email at [email protected]. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is an equal opportunity employer.

Friess Electric 949.248.422232332 Camino Capistrano, Suite 102

www.thecapistranodispatch.comThe Capistrano Dispatch February 10–23, 2012 Page 14

SJC LIVING

believe women are especially treated awful by society, relatives, and friends with snide comments like, why would he buy the cow when he can get the milk for free. Also, they will come straight out and tell you that you are being used, and if your man really loved you he would make it legal. Women who are not married are treated like second class citizens, and are judged harshly. A common thought is that they don’t have what it takes to keep a man; no one wants them, etc.

“When it comes to family, if there are young children or even older children, you can’t introduce the person as a husband or wife, and the young children wonder, just what are you then? This is especially a problem if the extended fam-ily has faith beliefs that do not condone cohabitation.

“So you might really care about these children, but in the eyes of the fam-ily, you are not the aunt, and you are not called Aunt Maggie, you are just awkwardly referred to as Jack’s friend Maggie, when you are much, much more than a friend. You cannot build a close relationship because they don’t recognize you as family....you are just that woman that lives or shacks up with Uncle Jack.”

Comment from Tom: As a columnist, I strive to present both sides of issues and keep my opinions about what people say to a minimum. However, I have to men-tion that I strongly disagree with several of Billie’s points.

I smile, however, remembering that a few years back, a caller to the Dr. Laura

The Cow or the Milk Debate Continues No Matter Agene of the hottest topics among older singles is the

marriage vs. cohabitation debate. Today, five women share their opinions.

Jennifer, Laguna Niguel stated, “Marriage is a personal and economic unit whose main goal is to provide a stable home

in which to raise children. Two people can do a better job of this than one. Older people who often have grown children have already completed this task. They do not need to nail down a reproductive agree-ment.

“Older people have often spent a lifetime working and accumulating assets and they frequently like to keep their finances sepa-rate. Many want their children or grand-children to be their sole heirs. Marriage or re-marriage can interfere with this inheri-tance plan or complicate it. Sometimes, it’s simpler to remain single, even while living together.

“Older couples who live together benefit from the closeness and companionship of a live-in partner, and probably live longer too. They can pool their money and talents, which means they will probably enjoy an enhanced lifestyle together.

“Those who, for religious or other rea-sons, are uncomfortable with this arrange-ment can still get married.”

Billie, not her true name, South Orange County, feels people who cohabitate endure the disapproval of others. She said, “I

O

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake

show asked Dr. Laura her opinion about me, the love-after-50-columnist, living with Greta without being married. Dr. Laura said “She’s his shack-up honey.” I couldn’t thank Dr. Laura enough; I sold 53 extra copies of my “Finding Love After 50” book on Amazon that week.

Billie continued, “Introductions are also awkward, and I have found people don’t get it, they look kind of blank and married women quickly move away, suspicious.

Comment from Tom: Perhaps Billie meant “jealous,” instead of “suspicious.”

She ended with: “If a man and woman really love each other, no matter what age, they should get married. It’s a matter of respect for each other. Why in the world, if you meet your soul mate, wouldn’t you say YES, let’s get married! I don’t get it.”

Judith, formerly of Irvine, now living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is another cow/milk advocate: “I’m 71, and still tend to go with, “Don’t give away the milk for free until he buys the cow,” Personally, I would never cohabitate.”

Perhaps Kim, Dana Point, has the mar-riage vs. cohabitation answer: “Eleven and a half years ago, mutual friends set up Chuck and me on a blind date. The date went well; he asked if he could call me. I said yes. But he never called.

“A year later, our mutual friend got married and both of us were invited to the wedding at the Hotel Laguna. At the reception (assigned tables), I saw him sitting at my table. My first thought was to sit at a different table but then I thought ‘Be a good sport.’

TOM BLAKE: On Life and Love After 50

I gave him a little punch on the shoulder and said ‘Hey, you never called me!’ He pulled out the chair next to him and said ‘sit down.’ Then he said ‘I’m sorry I never called but it just wasn’t a good time for me’ and I said, ‘Come to think of it, it wasn’t for me either.” We spent the night dancing and we’ve been together ever since. We will celebrate our 11th anniversary next July 27th!

“The secret to our success: We don’t want to get married and we don’t want to live together! We live about five minutes apart so we see each other often in just the right doses!”

Dr. Kelly Musick, a Cornell University Associate Professor, published a six-year study on marriage vs. cohabitation in the Journal of Marriage and Family in 2011. One of her conclusions: “...while married couples experienced health gains-likely linked to the formal benefits of marriage such as shared healthcare plans-cohabitat-ing couples experienced greater gains in happiness and self-esteem. For some, co-habitation may come with fewer unwanted obligations than marriage and allow for more flexibility, autonomy, and personal growth.’”

So that’s it. Do you want the cow, or just the milk?

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. CD

Fiesta Hosts ‘Taste of San Juan’ at Golf Course

The Fiesta Association holds its ‘Taste of San Juan,’ at San Juan Hills Golf Course on Wednesday, February 15. Admission is $20, which includes food tastings. There will be a no–host bar.

Participating restaurants to date include L’Hirondelle, Sun Dried Tomato Café, Ricardo’s Place, The Vintage Steakhouse, Fred’s Mexican Café, Mollies Famous Café, Vito’s Italian Ristorante, O’Neill’s Bar and Grill, El Adobe, Z Pizza and others.

Purchase advance tickets at the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, 31421 La Matanza Street, or the door. For more information about the Fiesta Association, call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowspa-rade.org.

The Taste is a major fundraiser for the Fiesta Association, an all volunteer organization that puts on the Swallows Day Parade and associated events.

The parade, the 54th annual, will be held March 24. CD

ore than 450 cars and 150 motor-cycles participated in the Rotary-Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort

Car Show and Motorcycle Run at the Sports Park on February 4.

The weather also provided a beautiful sunny Southern California day.

“Everybody’s having a good time, that’s the important thing,” Rotary President Paul Murai said as he cruised among the gleaming vehicles in a golf cart.

Vehicles at the show ranged from a 1941 John Deere tractor owned by Bob Ellis of San Juan Capistrano to a gleam-ing $450,000 Lexus brought out —on a flatbed tow truck—by Mission Viejo Lexus. CD


SJC LIVING

YESENIA GARCIA IS BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS YOUTH OF THE YEARThe Capistrano Dispatch

Text and photos by Jonathan VolzkeThe Capistrano Dispatch

esenia Garcia was named Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and will now

compete against other club members for the Orange County Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation.

Club leaders say Yesenia, 17, is a true example of an extraordinary young woman because of her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club mem-ber can receive.

“It has been a pleasure knowing Yes-enia for the past 11 years and seeing her grow into the model teen leader that she

is,” said James Littlejohn, executive director of the club.

An 11-year club member, Yesenia has immersed herself into many com-munity service projects and activities throughout the years. She was part of the Torch Club leadership group designed to teach middle school mem-bers how to speak in public, organize events and represent the club in dif-ferent community activities. Through the Breakthrough Education Success Program at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, Yesenia helped collect toys for kids in another country. At the academic level, Yesenia has been dedi-cated to educational excellence since she was a young child.

She attended Kinoshita Elementary School and received the Presidential

Gold awards and the Principal’s award for five years. She had perfect atten-dance in the fourth grade. Her educa-tional aspirations continued to blossom while at Marco Forster Middle School. She became part of the Breakthrough Program, a college-bound program that

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helps achieving students strive toward academic success and delve deep into extracurricular like softball and Students Run LA. Today, Yesenia is a junior at San Juan Hills High, who is maintaining a 3.375 GPA.

If she wins at the county competition, Yesenia will compete for the title of Cali-fornia Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the program’s national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September to com-pete for BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House. CD

The Celebration Committee, organized to commemorate San Juan Capistrano’s golden anniversary as a city, buried a bit of the present for those in the future on February 4.

The committee, working with the Historical Society, sealed a time capsule in the walkway in front of the O’Neill Mu-seum in the Los Rios District. The capsule is slated to be opened in April 2061.

Items in the capsule included a cellular phone, copies of The Capistrano Dis-patch newspaper and a DVD of Gov. Jerry Brown’s speech at El Adobe commemorat-ing the city’s 50th anniversary.

Members of the Celebration Commit-tee, the brainchild of Jan Siegel, were Pam Gibson, Councilwoman Laura Freese, Ilse Byrnes, Ken Friess, Ann Forster, Erin Kut-nick, Jerry Nieblas, Randi Peshkin, Mozelle Sukut, Don Tryon and Jonathan Volzke. CD

Time Capsule Buried at Historical Society

Rotary, CARE Host Largest Show Yet

Jan Siegel, Tom Ostensen, Don Tryon and Bart Moore with capsule cover. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Mayor Larry Kramer, Yesenia Garcia and Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor.


5STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS& OUTDOORS

5Five Stallions Sign for Scholarships

Stallions vs. Lightning, Sage High SchoolFeb. 24, 4:30 p.m.

The Stallions play Sage High School in an early-season warm up.www.sjhhs.org

5 BEST BETSGauchos vs. Anteaters, Bren Events CenterFeb. 15, 7 p.m.

UC Irvine’s men’s bas-ketball team gets back to conference play as the Anteaters host a battle royale against UC Santa Barbara.Info: www.ucirvinesports.com

Lions vs. Okanagan, Hockey Academy Penticton, B.C.Feb. 20

J’Serra’s Ice Lions varsity hockey team travels to British Columbia to take on the Okanagan Hockey Academy, a prep school dedicated to hockey.Info: www.jserra.org

Stallions vs. Titans, San Juan Hills High SchoolFeb. 23, 2:30 p.m.

The Lady Stallions face off against Tesoro High School in a pre-season scrimmage.www.sjhhs.org

COLLEGE BASKETBALL ICE HOCKEY SOFTBALL BOYS LACROSSE BASEBALL

Tartans vs. Eastside Christian, SJC Sports ParkFeb. 24, 3 p.m.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School takes on Eastside Christian of Fullerton in a pre-season game at the Sports Park, 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano.www.smes.org

San Juan Hills High School announced fi ve student-athletes are receiving scholarships to continue their athletic careers in college.The announcements came on National Letter of Intent Signing Day.

McKenzie Lee Walsh, SoccerUC Santa Barbara

Accomplishments:• Varsity Soccer as Freshman• Best Offensive Player Award, High Goal Scorer, Team Captain• Scholar Athlete• Slammers FC member – Premier Level Club Soccer teamMember ECNL (Elite Clubs National League)• Invitee: ECNL Combine (invitation only National Camp for elite top 60 ECNLclub soccer players w/ birth years 93-96)

Track:• Stallion Excellence Award• CIF Finalist – Freshman, Sophmore• CIF Semi-Finalist – Freshman, Soph-more, Junior• First Team All Pacifi c Coast League• School Record Holder: 400m• School Record Holder: 4X400m

Academic/Community:• 4.03 GPA National Honor Society• National Society of High School Scholars• St. Johns Hopkins Center for Tal-ented Youth• Volunteer – Los Angeles Mission – 2005-present• Girl Scouts of America – Silver Award

Jake Pintar, BaseballSan Diego State University

Accomplishments:• Currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays Scout Team• Selected to play on the Scout League All Star game this past November

Community• Member of Lion’s Heart, a commu-nity service organization for teens• Received the Presidential Service Award which recognizes the valuable contributions of volunteers nationwide

Allyson Barys, SoccerGeorgia College and State University

Accomplishments:

Soccer• 08-09 Coaches Award (JV)• 10-11 Co-Captain (Varsity Soccer)• 10-11 MVP (Varsity Soccer)• 10-11 Named to First Team All Sea View League• 11-12 Captain (Varsity Soccer)

Academic/Community• 08-09 Geometry Academic Award• 09-10 Spanish III Academic Award• 09-10 Chemistry Academic Award• 3 time Principal’s and Superinten-dant’s Honor Roll 2008-2011• 2-time Scholar Athlete• National Honor Society Member since 2008• 11/12 (Vice President) Teens for

Troops• 10/11 Counselor/Mentor for Julie Foudy Foundation• Volunteer for a variety of causes through Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Aaron Azoff, LacrosseAdams State College, Alamosa, Colorado

Accomplishments:• Freshman Year - JV Attackman of The Year• Sophomore Year - Most Outstand-ing Varsity Attack, 2nd Team All League• Junior Year - Adrenaline High Rollers All Star Team, 2nd Team All League, Blue Chip 225 All Star Team

Hope Frisch, SoftballUnion College-KentuckyWill pursue a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine

Accomplishments:• 3.5 GPA and is currently taking 3 AP classes and maintaining a B+average and she is a member of the SJHHS Club “Save the Mermaids.”• Participates on the Youth Advisory Board for the City of San Juan Cap-istrano and works part-time at a local photo studio, Raymond Photography.

unior Andrew Torok captured the Prep League Championship on Tuesday, as six of eight St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

wrestlers qualifi ed for CIF competition.St. Margaret’s hosted the individual league

championships, which brought athletes from Aquinas, Calvary Chapel Downey, La Verne Lutheran, Whittier Christian and Webb to San Juan Capistrano.

In addition to Torok, Tartan wrestlers Trevor Jue, a sophmore, Arian Farji, a senior, Ryan O’Hare, a freshman, Jason Kim, a sophomore and Nic Toubia, a senior, qualifi ed. Wrestling standouts David Sparks, a junior, and Will Schwartz, a freshman, likely would have quali-fi ed but missed the tournament because of

injuries. First-year wrestlers Daniel Reardon and Michael McGraw fought hard in their matches but did not make the next level of competition.

Other exciting moments in Tuesday’s tourna-ment included Kim pinning an opponent who had defeated him twice this season and an inspiring display of heart and determination as Toubia won a semi-fi nal match after several ad-ditional minutes of tie-breaker wrestling.

The team is coached by St. Margaret’s Upper School Assistant Principal Ryan Dahlem, parent Jeff Fohrman and The Capistrano Dispatch edi-tor Jonathan Volzke.

The CIF matches will be February 17-18 in Moreno Valley. —The Capistrano Dispatch

ST. MARGARET’S SENDS EIGHT TO CIF

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