SJC: A Town Under Construction

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS: Whispering Hills was issued seven more building permits last week for a total of 33 residential unit permits of the . Taylor Morrison was issued 11 building permits for the first phase of the project at the Glenfed Sector C-2 area.

: The refurbishment of the car dealer is moving forward again and the applicant is now pursuing a modification to install a 38-foot storefront tower facing Camino Capistrano.

: The tenant of the city-owned roller hockey facility on the campus is proposing to replace aging equipment, including new backboards, nets, fencing and flooring.

: The applicant for the excess Caltrans parcel in Pacifica San Juan has submitted revised plans for the grading plan modification application that was reviewed by the Design Review Committee on Aug. 16. The traffic study will go to the Transportation Commission on Sept. 12, then to the Planning Commission, with a tentative date set for Sept. 25.

: is diligently moving forward with the gift shop project. Foundation has been poured and rebar installed.

DEL OBISPO STREET BRIDGE WIDENING: Monday, July 30, at the intersection of Alipaz Street and Paseo Adelanto, the traffic signal lights and hardware were transferred from the existing poles. The new poles have longer masts and larger foundations to accommodate the widening. On Tuesday, July 31, the existing curb and gutter sections were removed and hot mix asphalt was placed. Starting Wednesday, Aug. 1, the contractor installed barriers, cones, and signage and striping for the detour that will be used to provide for safe working conditions while the new bridge section is joined with the old. Westbound traffic will travel on either side of the work zone with one lane on the old section and one on the new. Changeable message signs to provide advanced warnings were placed last week to provide the community with notification and information regarding this project and advice to seek an alternate route.

The contractor has provided a schedule that should make it possible to complete this portion of work by the start of school on Sept. 5.

SUN RANCH CREEK PROJECT: The city of San Juan Capistrano has completed plans to construct drainage improvements within its drainage easement, situated west of the Sun Ranch development, located off Del Obispo Street, south of Calle Aspero.

On Aug. 7, the City Council awarded the construction contract for the project to the low bidder Spiess Construction Co. Inc. in the amount of $2.09 million. Construction is anticipated to commence in early September.

I-5/CAMINO CAPISTRANO INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: To enhance traffic flow, Caltrans, in cooperation with the Orange County Transportation Authority, is improving the southbound ramp at the I-5 and Camino Capistrano. This project includes: construction of a sound wall on the southbound I-5 between the southbound Ortega Highway on-ramp and San Juan Creek Road; construction of a retaining wall between San Juan Creek Road Bridge and San Juan Creek Bridge; the addition of an auxiliary exit lane on the southbound I-5 at Camino Capistrano southbound off-ramp; widening San Juan Creek Bridge; and widening of Camino Capistrano from San Juan Creek Road for 2,200 feet to the south.

This project is part of OCTA’s and Caltrans’ Chokepoint Improvement Program, which targets sections of freeways identified to have bottlenecks for short distances because of heavy traffic weaving and moving. The project construction began in July of 2010, and is scheduled for completion by the end of February 2013, with landscaping scheduled for early 2013. For more information, contact the Caltrans Project Manager David Richardson at (949) 724-2341.

ORTEGA HIGHWAY REHABILITATION: Two Caltrans maintenance projects to resurface Ortega Highway began June 18. Work on the roadway will be performed at night, with lane closures and flaggers where necessary. The project is scheduled to last 90 working days, with completion in late October 2012. There are no scheduled roadway closures.

Project limits for the larger project are I-5 to Calle Entradero and east of Antonio Parkway (Mile Marker 3.0) to Mile Marker 13.3, near the Orange-Riverside counties line. The project limits for the second project are Calle Entradero to the San Juan Capistrano city limits. Where necessary, ADA ramps will be reconstructed to conform with current requirements.

LA SALA AUDITORIUM: The work at La Sala Auditorium at the is almost complete. The facility has been open for more than 20 years now and was starting to look its age. The foyer, kitchen, and auditorium recently received a paint job throughout the inside of the building and new laminated flooring was installed this week. New, much improved lighting in the auditorium was installed and all the improvements should enhance the beauty of the facility. Minor touch up work is still being done.

SENIOR TRIPS: Staff attended a meeting with the San Juan Senior Club for a discussion on researching additional companies that would offer a broader selection of trips for older adults to attract those interested in trips other than casino trips.

Speaking of senior activities, tickets went on sale for the popular “Sunset Serenade” dance, scheduled from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012 at the . Tickets are $10 per person. Adults aged 55 and older will enjoy live entertainment, appetizers and champagne.

BONE-DENSITY SCREENINGS: Staff has made arrangements for SCAN to bring a mobile screening van to the Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 10 for a free bone-density screening, sponsored by Monarch Health Care. The screening takes 3-5 minutes, and no appointment is needed.