The Capistrano Insider

Mayor's New Letter Goes off to Caltrans

The city fired off its new letter to Caltrans clarifying its position on the Ortega Widening.

The letter says the city does not support the plan to widen Ortega Highway to four lanes from the Hunt Club to the San Juan Capistrano's eastern limits because of the removal of mature trees, increased grades into driveways and streets along the way, big walls on both sides of the highway and other concerns.

Councilmen Lon Uso and Sam Allevato have crossed swords on the intent of the letter. Uso generally opposes the widening as planned and the timing -- before La Pata goes through and other projects --  while Allevato supports a carefully down widening as soon as possible.

The work underway now on Ortega, by the way, is for the widening in the county-controlled area. It's part of the South County Regional Improvement Program. The work is expected to last two years. Here's more about SCRIP.

Here's a copy of Nielsen's letter.

Poker Tourney Set for Injured Capo Beach Man

Juan Reyes grew up in Capistrano Beach, with his mother and father, two brothers and four sisters. He spent his days dirt bike riding, working on classic cars, and traveling with his family.

Eventually, he met Kathy and they raised seven children together. He was always patient and kind, sharing his thoughts and a gentle smile as a son, brother, husband, father, and eventually a grandfather. Juan touched so many lives in his own quiet, unique way.

 

The family remained in Capistrano Beach, and Juan worked as a mechanic at the Spirit service station on Junipero Serra Road in San Juan Capistrano.

 

On March 7, 2009, Juan was seriously injured in an off-roading motorcycle accident. It has been almost three weeks since he has been in the hospital, and his family and friends are overwhelmed. Juan is a very strong and courageous man that continues to fight. Each day, he gives us hope and the amazing support and faith from family and friends has provided strength to each an every one of us.

Although Juan is slowly recovering in the hospital, we remain hopeful and continue to recognize all that he has done. A fundraiser event has been created to support Juan during this time.

 

As a tribute to Juan and his favorite pastime, a poker tournament will be held this Sunday March 29 in at Irons in the Fire, at San Clemente’s municipal golf course. The event starts at 2 p.m. and the entry fee/donation is $100. All of the proceeds will go to Juan and his family.

 

Click here for more information.

 

Written by Rosalie Fischer, an Reyes’ daughter.

 

Click here for his Caring Bridge Web site, although that will be down Saturday.

Well, These Folks Aren't Moving Here ...

I'd earlier posted about an email I'd received from a Long Beach couple who thought of moving to San Juan Capistrano, but weren't happy with what they saw on Parade Day.

I'd responded you can't judge the town by one day, anymore than you can judge New Orleans on Fat Tuesday or Long Beach on Grand Prix weekend. To put it bluntly, they didn't agree. Their response:

"Thank you Jonathan for your prompt response.

Yet I can assure you that what I saw on San Juan Capistrano doesn't happen in Long Beach during the Grand Prix or the Gay parade or any other event.

 

If the best you can do is to tell me that the city gets out of control because of a parade and Sallow's Day then that makes my point even stronger. Swallow's Day is supposed to be a day for a family to enjoy and not a day taken by unruly crowds.

 

I've been all over the world in many different events and I haven't seen the debauchery I saw in SJC over the weekend.

 

You can keep the insider's tour to yourself! A city must be appreciated any day of the year without a need for an "insider's tour."

 

Regards,

George and Robin Schneider"

 

Well, I responded, your loss.

 

(And kudos to Councilwoman Laura Freese, who also wrote them a really nice note about the beauty and wonder of our little town.)

 

Here's a link to their earlier email.

 

Fewer Moons Over Amtrak?

Maybe this was destined to happen, but the OC Sheriff's Department is looking at ways to curtail the activities at the annual mooning of the Amtrak trains at Mugs Away Saloon.

(Yea, it's in Laguna Niguel, but it's close by.)

According to a story in the OC Register, Laguna Niguel's Chief of Police Services is concerned about the number of public nudity and "overt sexual activity" calls received during last year's event. A temporary ban on parking on Camino Capistrano is one suggestion.

The event has been going on 30 years, in July. Boredom reportedly spurred the tradition. It attracted 10,000 people last year.

Here's a link to the Register story.

DA Clears Soto of Wrongdoing

This just in from former Mayor Joe Soto:

Former San Juan Capistrano Mayor Joe Soto’s Landscape Maintenance Company (The Soto Company) has been vindicated by the District Attorney’s Office, after an investigation into allegations of over billing the County of Orange.

As stated in a letter from Mr. William J Feccia (senior assistant District Attorney): “Our investigation revealed there was no criminal wrong doing on the part of The Soto Company”

Mr. Soto commented: “I would first like to thank the many residents who e-mailed, phoned and sent personal letters of support. During these challenging economic times, it’s a shame time and talent and taxpayers’ money was used on such a non-issue.

"Having said that, I realize it’s the District Attorney’s responsibility to respond to any allegations regarding public funds. I would also like to commend the DA’s office on their quick turn around on the allegations and vindication. In closing, we at The Soto Company look forward to working with the County of  Orange in providing quality landscape care to all County Parks for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Click here to see the District Attorney's letter to county officials.

Here's a link to the earlier post about the allegations, along with the search warrant.