The Capistrano Insider

Look Out for Snakes!

From Supervisor Pat Bates' office:

Beware of Snakes on OC TrailsIndividuals enjoying county trails and open space are advised to be aware of rattle snakes. According to experts, rattle snake season, which is typically from April to October, has started early this year. To keep you and your pets safe while exploring the wilderness, remember these helpful tips:

• Don't step over rocks or logs. Often people mistake snakes for "sticks" and step on them, resulting in getting bitten.• Never hike alone, emergencies occurring in the outdoors often require help.• If you do see a snake, keep your distance. Rattlesnakes use their strike to catch prey, but if frightened they will strike as a defensive measure. A rattlesnake can strike 1.5 times its body length even when uncoiled.• Rattlesnakes are cold blooded and rely on the warmth of the sun to keep warm. Thus, you will not see them on cold days. However, you may find them in sunny patches; sunning themselves on a rock or trail. Their preferred outdoor temperature is between 70 and 90 degrees.• Don’t underestimate small snakes. Baby rattlesnakes can sometimes be difficult to spot as they do not always have rattles and they cannot control their venom, making them more dangerous than adults
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Exciting Weekend at the Capistrano Library

From OC's coolest librarian, Teri Garza:

February 26

On Friday, February 26, at 7 pm, in the La Sala Auditorium, Academy Awards excitement is returning to the San Juan Capistrano Library.  San Juan residents and filmmakers, Robert Kline a former senior vice president for Twentieth Century Fox and his wife Stephanie Heredia will again regale the movie aficionados with their expertise and view on this year’s nominated films.  Along with film clips from this year’s ten nominees for Best Picture, they’ll also critique the actors and filmmakers in the major categories vying for the coveted Golden Statues.  As a voting member of the academy, the Kline’s will also give an insider’s view of the Academy, a history of this prestigious award, and a Q & A session.  A $10 donation at the door is all that is required for your opportunity to explore the films of 2009, dress up in your Oscar best, and vote your ballot on who you think will be the winners at the Kodak Theater March 7 in Hollywood.  Seating is limited so either call and make your reservation or get your ticket today at the library.  For more information, call 949-248-5132, visit www.ocpl.org, or email [email protected].

Saturday February 27, 2010
 
The San Juan Capistrano Multicultural Arts Series next concert is February 27, when Hanneke Cassel, returns to fill the La Sala Auditorium with her beautiful Scottish Fiddle Music.  A rising star in the Celtic skies her playful and dance-provoking music is a unique blend of traditional Scottish music combined with her hip Boston Bluegrass/Americana touches.  Showtimes at 6:30 and 8:30 pm.  Adults $10, kids 12 and under$5.  For more information visit www.musicatthelibrary.com or call 949-248-5132.

Uso's State of the City: No Room for Mistakes

San Juan Capistrano is running out of vacant land, meaning every development decision is more important than ever to ensure the city’s future economic stability, Mayor Lon Uso told an overflow crowd at El Adobe restaurant during his “State of the City” breakfast Wednesday morning.

 

Capistrano has recently enlisted Studio 111 to amend its Historic Town Center Master Plan to bring in the right mix of retail and commercial projects while maintaining the city’s historic and small-town feel. Studio 111 worked on the Paso Robles Master Plan, the Laguna Beach Civic Arts District Master Plan; the Santa Fe Depot District in Orange; and the Petaluma downtown redevelopment project.

 

Additionally, Uso told the audience—which included Supervisor Pat Bates and Sheriff Sandra Hutchens—he last month met with transportation officials and those from San Clemente and Dana Point to continue work on a tri-city trolley project that would move residents and visitors among the three cities. The planning is being paid for by Measure M sales-tax money.

 

Here's his entire speech:

Download Uso State of the City

More Prayers for Jack Campbell Needed

This sad update in this morning from the family of Jack Campbell, the longtime volunteer and World War II veteran:

My dad has been in a rehab center following his stroke and made great steps in improving.  He was walking with minimal assistance and speaking better every day.  He took a setback for a few days, but bounced back and was improving once again.  Yesterday afternoon, however, he suffered a heart attack.  Although his wishes and the medial directive indicated no extremes measures such as defibulation or intubation, he had both.  After 20 minutes in cardiac arrest his heart started up again.  He has extensive brain damage and is comatose.  Life support was removed at 8pm last night, and in true Jack form, he is still breathing and his heart is still beating, fighting to the end.  The doctors did not expect him to live through the night.  They do not expect him to survive this, nor be coherent again.  He is being given medication and oxygen to ease comfort level.  While we always take prayers for miracles, probably the best prayers anyone can offer now is for him to pass peacefully and quickly.  He is at Saddleback Memorial Hospital in Laguna Hills.

Thank you all for your love and prayers.

Love, Laura & Randy

OC Weekly Thinks Capistrano's Sexy ... Once a Year

As only they could do it, the staff over at OC Weekly ranked the Top 10 sexiest cities in Orange County. While Costa Mesa topped the list - apparently for dive bars and as a hotbed of new music - San Juan Capistrano did get an honorable mention of sorts:

"Once a year, this city counts more swallows per capita than any other city in the nation . . . and they like it, too."

Maybe I should say dishonorable mention ...

Here's the entire list.