Memorial Established for City Patriarch

Before his death four years ago at the age of 99, Paul Arbiso had signaled the return of the swallows to the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano for 42 years, clanging the church bells when he sighted the tiny songbirds each March 19.

Now members of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society want to raise money to honor Arbiso with a bronze plaque at the mission.

“We are planning to have the dedication on Swallows Day,” said historical society member Rita Nieblas.

Arbiso, who was the city’s official patriarch since 1952, had spent most of his life in San Juan Capistrano. He was born in 1895 and served in the Army during World War I. He later worked in the mission’s gardens pruning roses.

Donations for the Paul Arbiso Memorial Fund can be sent to the O’Neill Museum, 31831 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

Information: (714) 493-8444.