GETTING OUT/PAGE

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

THURSDAY | 15

‘CRAZY CHRISTMAS HOUSE’ & SANTA’S TOY DRIVE 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Camp Pendleton families and enjoy Christmas home decorations at the same time. Santa will be available for pictures. There will also be cocoa and cookies available, as well as a chance to meet Marines and the California Highway Patrol. 31192 Calle Del Campo, San Juan Capistrano.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Bruce Springsteen cover band the Springsteen Experience will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

FRIDAY | 16

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 7 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Selly & the Stray will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

SATURDAY | 17

SANTA PADDLE 9 a.m. Celebrate a California Christmas by dressing up like a reindeer, snowman, elf or Santa for this family-fun Santa Paddle. The paddle group will meet at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor. standuptotrash.com. 34551 Puerto Place, Dana Point.

Editor’s Pick

Photo: File/Matt Larmand

SUNDAY & TUESDAY | 18 & 20 CHANUKAH IN SAN CLEMENTE Join the Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente for Chanukah this year, as it celebrates two nights of Menorah Lighting ceremonies, first at the San Clemente Pier on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 4 p.m., followed by an event at the Outlets at San Clemente on Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 5-6 p.m. At the Pier, the Center invites the community to participate in the lighting of its 10-foot menorah, as well as enjoy music, a Dreidel Man, sufganiot donuts and latkes, dreidels and gelt, and more. There will also be a Build-a-Dreidel Workshop. The public can join the Chabad Jewish Center again at the Outlets’ Oak Tree Court (in front of the movie theatre) for its Grand Menorah Lighting. The event will include a stilt walker with a Gelt and Dreidel parachute drop, balloon twisting, a variety show, crafts for children, hot latkes and donuts, and music. Register for both events online at jewishsc.com. San Clemente Municipal Pier, 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.489.0723. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

UNCONDITIONAL’S SENIOR & SPECIAL DOG MEETUP 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Unconditional will host this event to gather like-minded passionate individuals and families in the community to celebrate these special members of the family. The nonprofit’s mission is to help people see the value of senior and special-needs dogs, the companion dog population most at-risk of getting euthanized. The free event will feature goodies for the dogs, snacks and refreshments for families and picture opportunities with Surfer Santa. RSVPs are required at lnkd. in/gRNg8GYH. Heritage Park, 34400 Old Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

SANTA PAWS 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Pet Project Foundation will host the 10th annual Santa Paws in the Clock Courtyard in Dana Point. Pet photos with Santa will be offered for a $15 donation, with all proceeds supporting the Pet Project Foundation. Clock Courtyard, 34521 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. petprojectfoundation.org. 949.492.1617. info@petprojectfoundation.org.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT THE OUTLETS Noon-6 p.m. Take advantage of an opportunity to get photos with Santa Claus this holiday season during select weekends. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 2 p.m. Watch a live performance of this holiday classic at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater. Another showing will be held later in the day at 7 p.m. Performances will run through Dec. 18. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.com.

SUNSETS WITH SANTA 3-5 p.m. Enjoy Santa’s weekend visits to the San Clemente Municipal Pier with a beautiful sunset as the backdrop. Visitors are recommended to bring their own cameras. San Clemente Pier, 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.361.8264.

‘BREAKING EVEN’ MOVIE PREMIERE 7-9 p.m. Dana Point filmmaker Craig Whetter will premiere his new 40-minute film, Breaking Even, which follows Whetter and fellow bodyboarders Tanner McDaniel and Tristan Ray around the world for 12 months. The movie—for upcoming generations of bodyboarders and the boogie community overall—is the curation of footage shot in California, Hawaii, Mexico, Chile and Gran Canaria. During the exclusive premiere, there will be shirts, stickers and posters available for purchase. Tickets are $10. San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. eventbrite.com

CONCERT AT CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. Hop into the way-back machine and experience festive songs during “Holiday Music Through the Decades.” Mike Chamberlin will sing records from the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, and will bring on special guest Frosty the Snowman for sing-alongs. Tickets are $20. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Blues musician Walter Trout will perform at this popular South Orange County venue.. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. Trout will also perform on Sunday, Dec. 18. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

SUNDAY | 18

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

CAPISTRANO LIGHTS The annual holiday program features festive lights, music and audio tours. There will also be Christmas trees, a nativity scene, carolers and nightly tree lightings. Capistrano Lights will be open on select dates through Dec. 30. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. capistranolights.com.

MONDAY | 19

BRIDGE GAME 12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

OPEN JAM 7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

TUESDAY | 20

CASA LUMINA HOLIDAY WALK 5-7 p.m. Casa Romantica invites the community to check out its magical garden walk with creative activities and more than 1,000 twinkling lights. On select dates through Dec. 22, explore Casa Romantica’s historic seaside home and gardens, transformed into an illuminated and festively decorated winter wonderland at night. A fun, family-friendly experience for all, each night of the Casa Lumina Holiday Walk will include an illuminated walk through Casa Romantica, live entertainment from local artists, crafts including Letters to Santa, and hot cocoa. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. casaromantica.org.

WEDNESDAY | 21

SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION POP-UP SHOP 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Cottage and Visitor Center showcases local history, flora and fauna at this original 1934 ranger’s cottage. A rotating exhibit features the history of San Onofre. Stop in at the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop to say hello, do a little shopping and learn more about the history of the local state parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches. Historic Cottage and Visitor Center is located within the San Clemente State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org.

BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo. The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30. The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-yournumber game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

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GUEST OPINION | Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

Ho, Ho, Holidays— The Fun of Giving and Receiving

December is the month of anticipation and expectation. With the flip of the calendar, pressure to prepare for the holiday hype commences.

Every season, I strive to plan the most wonderful holiday, but I’ve realized holiday perfection is overrated.

Today, I don’t feel the burden to buy, bake, and brighten every December day.

I’m not Scrooge shouting, “Bah, humbug!”—far from it, I love the holidays.

I decorate every inch of our house and wrap the stairway railing with pine needles and twinkling lights.

I plan the festive feast, making my list and checking it twice, to ensure I’ve included everyone’s holiday favorites.

I search online and shop in stores to track down coveted items on my family’s wish lists and wrap the gifts in boxes with bows.

And each year, I look forward to hosting our family Christmas Eve gathering.

For years, my husband and I, and later our kids, spent Christmas Eve with his family. But, after a series of unfortunate events, we started celebrating Christmas Eve with my husband’s older brother and his family.

In the beginning, my sister-in-law and I took turns hosting the occasion and, naturally, trying to top each other by preparing the perfect festive feast.

I can’t remember the catalyst for the change, but long ago, I assumed the hosting duties and ditched the over-the-top holiday hysteria.

Our customary get-together is casual; it includes takeout food and paper plates—holiday-themed, of course.

Some of us dress for the season and others dress for a comfy Christmas buffet.

During the pandemic, my husband lost track of his not-so-tight-knit family.

But, thankfully, he reconnected with his older brother, and after three years, we’re all excited to gather again.

Between our two families, we have four grown kids all on different paths. Many years ago, we spent Christmas Eve tracking Santa’s journey, but this year I’m seeking time together. I can’t wait to catch up with my sister-in-law. It’s said that people come into your life for a reason, a

LIFE’S A BEACH season or a lifetime.

BY SHELLEY MURPHY My sister-in-law comes into my life every holiday season. She is witty with a wicked sense of humor and makes my holiday merrier and brighter.

The mother-in-law we share is legendary for her gift-giving—her eccentric shopping can’t be explained.

Once, she gave me and my sisterin-law each a garish pair of salt and pepper shakers—gaudy doesn’t begin to describe the set.

So, obviously, after that exchange, my sister-in-law and I began gifting each other ugly salt and pepper shakers. The tackier, the better.

After we exchange our gifts on Christmas Eve, the high jinks ensue. The real fun is in the sneaky return of the salt and pepper shakers to the gift-giver.

My sister-in-law began the tradition when she snuck a set that I’d given her back under our tree. We shared lots of laughs the next morning after discovering the shakers hidden among the presents.

Over the years, our competitive exchanges have escalated.

At our last gathering, she somehow hid various hideous sets throughout my house. Long after all the decorations were put away, I opened a drawer to find a pair of frightening snowmen staring back at me and burst into laughter.

A few years ago, after they’d left for the evening, we found several sets of shakers stashed around our house. Not to be outdone, we hired an Uber driver to deliver them to their home later that night.

I’m counting the days until she’ll open this year’s special gift set of salt and pepper shakers—a brightly colored ceramic pair of kissing reindeer.

This holiday, I’m not expecting perfection, but I am anticipating the joys of the season shared with family and friends— including joining in nostalgic reindeer games.

Happy Holidays!

For more than 20 years, Shelley Murphy and her husband have lived in San Clemente, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to Picket Fence Media since 2006. SC

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES Pictured is the Western White House pool during President Nixon’s time at Casa Pacifica in the early 1970s. This photo can be purchased from the San Clemente Historical Society at sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

Every week, the San Clemente Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit, as well as the date and location of the photo to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK Seven-month-old Chrissy is a spayed Chrissy dwarf Lionhead-mix who just can’t wait to find her forever family. Though she can initially be a tad shy with strangers, Chrissy is a curious bunny and enjoys exploring her surroundings in between petting sessions. She has good litterbox habits and has the makings of a wonderful house rabbit. If you are interested in adopting Chrissy, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION: Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium