22 minute read
GETTING OUT/PAGE
The List
What’s going on in and around town this week
Advertisement
THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday!
SIGN UP FOR THE WEEKENDER AT thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender
FRIDAY | 27
HORSE SHOW AT RMV RIDING PARK 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Equestrian enthusiasts and local community members can check out horses in action during a hunter/jumper show in town, hosted by the Southern California Horseman’s Council. The show runs through Sunday, May 29. The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. 760.525.8933. theridingpark.com.
LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. Have some laughs and watch actors perform in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Camino Real Playhouse is staging Young Frankenstein, an adaptation of the Mel Brooks comedy. The show runs through June 5. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.
FRIDAY NIGHT AT PADDY’S STATION 8-11 p.m. Grab a pint, order some fish and chips, and spend the night at a downtown Irish pub. Country rock band The Cholulas will perform. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.
Editor’s Pick
Pay a visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano for Field of Honor, a flag display that honors deceased service members for Memorial Day. Photo: Collin Breaux
FRIDAY-MONDAY | 27-30 FIELD OF HONOR 9 a.m-5 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano is again partnering with Homefront of America to display American flags in the Mission courtyard in celebration of Memorial Day. More than 400 flags, each standing at 7 feet tall, will be available to view. Active-duty military, veterans, first responders and Mission Preservation Society members will receive free admission to the Mission during the Field of Honor display, which runs through May 30. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.
SATURDAY | 28
SEED CONNECTION 9-10 a.m. The Ecology Center is providing this hands-on lab about soil and seeds, so people can learn about gardening, saving seeds, and which food is appropriate to grow in a given season. The event is open to all ages, so you can learn something whether you have a kid just developing a green thumb or you are an adult looking to grow more plants in the backyard. The event is free. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.
LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 3 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Jah Mex will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 8 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth near the train tracks. Face masks are required on all tours until further notice. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.
SUNDAY | 29
SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT SWALLOW’S 2-6 p.m. Come enjoy a drink and enjoy some live music at this famous downtown bar. The Tricia Freeman Band will perform. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.
LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 4-7 p.m. Rachel Perry will perform. Have fun, grab some drinks, and dance during this local performance. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.
MONDAY | 30
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY 10 a.m. Join VFW Post 3801 in honoring fallen veterans. All veterans and people in San Juan Capistrano are welcome to attend. The ceremony will be held at the historic graveyard in San Juan Capistrano, just off Ortega Highway across from a Shell gas station. Bringing lawn chairs to the event is recommended for attendees. Old Mission Historic Cemetery, Los Cerritos Street, San Juan Capistrano.
WEDNESDAY | 01
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.
THURSDAY | 02
MISSION CLUBHOUSE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring the kids to Mission San Juan Capistrano for hands-on, fun educational activities in the Mission Clubhouse space. Youngsters can weave baskets, build structural arches with miniature blocks, and engage in more Mission-themed tasks. Clubhouse events happen every day from Tuesday through Sunday. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.
KOI FISH FEEDING AT THE MISSION 12:45 p.m. Enjoy an outdoor afternoon at the Mission San Juan Capistrano fountain while feeding koi fish. The event is fun for kids and families, and happens every day from Tuesday through Sunday. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.
FRIDAY | 03
FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday afternoon. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.
‘FRI-YAY FUN’ WOOD WORKSHOP 6-9 p.m. Spend a Friday night crafting a unique item to call your own. Customize a wood sign, bath tray, photo frame, or other item during this hands-on workshop. Registration can be done beforehand online. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2. 949.482.1362. arworkshop.com. (Cont. on page 22)
ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE JANIVA MAGNESS
BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
For concertgoers attending blues musician Janiva Magness’ show at The Coach House on June 9, they should know one thing: the event will be a mix of old and new.
Magness is releasing her album Hard to Kill— her 16th studio album—later in June after the concert, and plans to play songs from it during the San Juan Capistrano gig, along with older material from her extensive discography.
No matter what you want to hear, Magness guarantees the night will be a “blast.” She has plenty of material to draw from, given her long career in music.
Magness—whose work also includes the albums Humpty Dumpty and Lodi—attributes that longevity to “a lot of support” from fans, fellow music industry figures, and media coverage. She’s picked up numerous awards along the way, including seven times as a Blues Music Award recipient.
“I need the music desperately,” Magness said. “Musicians are all obsessed with music. Why else would you get into a horrible business?”
She calls music her “salvation” and is glad to be back on stage with her band following the temporary pause in live music brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have really missed everyone and the exchange between myself and the band, and the band and the audience,” she said. “We’re really just getting started again.”
To those unfamiliar with her, Magness describes her sound as a mix of contemporary blues, soul, and Americana. There’s a rollicking, earthy, and gritty feel to songs such as “Lodi,” during which Magness reflects on the ups and downs of life.
If you’re a blues fan looking for a fun night out, grab your ticket for Janiva Magness’ concert at The Coach House on June 9. Photo: Courtesy of Jay Gilbert
Hard to Kill will be her first new album release in three years, and it is being put out through her own label, Fathead Records.
Given her extensive musical experience, it’s no surprise when Magness reveals she’s played at The Coach House before.
“I love that venue. It’s a great room. There’s not a bad seat in the house,” Magness said. “The food is great. The vibe is great.”
That sunny disposition has been earned the hard way for Magness, who has gone through trauma and struggles—including teenage pregnancy, addiction, and abuse. Magness detailed the harrowing experiences in her 2019 memoir, Weeds Like Us, the audiobook version of which will be released simultaneously with Hard to Kill.
In fact, the introspective angle of Hard to Kill came from when she read the book out loud to herself for the audiobook recording.
“They matched up really well,” Magness said.
She realized “hard to kill” is a resounding theme of her memoir, saying “fighting back” is something she’s done her whole life.
“I didn’t just survive,” Magness said. “I’m thriving. I have a beautiful life.”
She looks forward to sharing a night of that beautiful life in June with local fans.
“I hope people come out,” Magness said. CD
SHOW DETAILS
What: Janiva Magness When: Thursday, June 9. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 8 p.m. Where: 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano For tickets or more info: thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $25.
(Cont. from page 20) SATURDAY | 04
MISSIONFEST Noon-10 p.m. The signature country musical festival returns. Chase Rice headlines, and Bailey Zimmerman and Amanda Kate will also perform. Tickets are available online. The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. missionfest.com.
CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Eagles tribute band Desperado will perform. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.
SUNDAY | 05
LIVE MUSIC AT DOCENT BREWING 1-4 p.m. The Hot Rod Trio—a rockabilly band—will perform, so get ready to slick your hair back for some fun tunes. Order a brew right from the tap, chow down on some snacks, and dance during this local performance. Docent Brewing, 33049 Calle Aviador, Suite C, San Juan Capistrano. 714.531.0107. thehotrodtrio.com.
AT THE MOVIES ‘Men’ Will Be Men
BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
Alex Garland’s new film, titled simply Men, is the latest in what I guess we can categorize as “#metoo movies.” Unlike Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel (2021) or Jay Roach’s Bombshell (2019), Men starts as a drama about a woman grieving, before turning into a psychological thriller and then ending with full-on body horror in the climax.
Garland, who started his film career strictly as a screenwriter, has carried his trademark themes and tones into his directorial work. As far as quality goes, Men is a doozy to say the least, even if you’re familiar with his previous work.
Needing some fresh air and peace of mind after witnessing her soon-to-be ex-husband James (Paapa Essiedu) commit suicide while they’re in the process of divorcing, Harper (Jessie Buckley) takes a short vacation in the countryside of England.
What she isn’t expecting to come with the nice, homey house she’s renting is an eerie and surreal atmosphere to linger throughout the visit.
Rory Kinnear plays the landlord of the place
Photo: Courtesy of A24
that Harper is renting, as well as all the other men she meets in the area.
Ex Machina was one of my favorite movies of 2015, and I enjoyed Garland’s scripts for Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later and Pete Travis’ Dredd (2012). With Men, I feel as if this was a step back for the writer-director and misses the mark.
I don’t like to completely generalize, but many of these movies—where male directors with good intentions attempt to be self-aware on the power imbalance between sexes in society—feel surface-level and heavy-handed.
There’s potential with this kind of message through a male creator. But with Men, it seems as if this certain male filmmaker isn’t saying much besides “man bad, world unfair to woman.” It’s been almost five years since #metoo blew up; give us a little more substance beyond that.
Garland’s usual directing aesthetic and technique are visually pleasing, and there is some legitimate spookiness. But you can get that and better morally executed storytelling with his past efforts.
Unless you’re a big fan of Garland, Buckley and/or Kinnear, Men isn’t a must-see anytime soon. CD
CLASSIFIEDS
Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com
HELP WANTED SMOG TECHNICIAN
Star Smog Station in San Clemente is looking for a full-time smog technician. Please call Danny at 949-235-6366.
GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!
E-mail your garage sale to info@thecapistranodispatch.com DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
MOVING SALE - SATURDAY, MAY 28 8:00 am, no early birds. 875 Calle Vallarta, San Clemente, CA 92673.
HUGE GARAGE SALE! SUNDAY, MAY 29 Sunday, May 29. 9:00 - 1:00 p.m. 34041 Granada dr., Dana Point. Designer clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. All priced to sell!
DANA POINT ANNUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE! - SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH DANA POINT 19th Annual Dana Crest & The Landing Community Garage Sale! Saturday, June 4th, 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Dana Crest & The Landing Neighborhoods (aka “The Biblebelt”), Cross Streets: Golden Lantern & Josiah, follow the signs & shop till you drop! Sponsored by: Gary Macrides, REALTOR® - Surterre Properties - DRE # 01267654
Cosco Fire Protection (San Juan Capistrano, CA) Needs Compensation, Benefits, & Payroll Analyst:
Ensure compliance: review salaries, respond to unemployment claims. Prepare job description, salary scales: develop salary guidelines, enroll new employees in benefit plans, process payroll, process leave of absence requests. Prepare reports: review invoices of benefits, issue annual summary of benefits, prepare payroll data. Process payroll & ensure state & federal compliance. ADP PC Payroll Day 1 Certificate, ADP PC Payroll Day 2 Certificate, ADP EZLaborManager for Payroll Admins Certificate, & ADP Reportsmith 5.1 (Day 1) Certificate are required. Mail resume to Attn: 29222 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com
GUEST OPINION | On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake
The pandemic has been hard on long-distance relationships for seniors. Travel restrictions made face-to-face meetings difficult. And when the partners lived in different countries, getting together was almost impossible.
I heard of relationships in which one person lived in Canada while the other lived across the border in the U.S., but they were unable to see each other for one to two years because of border-crossing restrictions.
Now that restrictions are easing, what’s happening to these international long-distance relationships?
Larry, a former Dana Point neighbor from 30 years ago—he’s now 82—sent me an email last week regarding the status of his international long-distance relationship.
Larry wrote: “Many men have been interested in the (allure) of Asian women. I started an online investigation of these women and their countries a dozen years ago. I discovered there are two common denominators. They all want love and financial security.
“I chatted with many women online throughout the entire world. Many come from countries with different religions than mine. One country stood out above all others (the Philippines) for Catholicism and an English-speaking populace.
“At first glance, it was obvious that Philippine dating sites were not the way to go! Full of money-scammers and women desperate to escape the poverty of the Philippines. So, I looked at other non-dating social sites. This is how I met Emy. We are now in our seventh happy year together.”
About five years ago, Larry moved to the Philippines to live with Emy. Just before the pandemic arrived, he returned to the U.S. to attend to some personal matters. Then, after the pandemic spread, his return flight to Manila was canceled.
During 2020 and 2021, he had eight more reservations to fly to Manila canceled. The Philippine government was strict about allowing people into the country.
He wrote: “Since March 2020 until recently, the Philippines and the USA governments have kept me from returning to the Philippines. The stress has been close to unbearable. It has taken a toll on my life, and I am now in a recuperative stage. It is going to take days, weeks and perhaps longer to recover. “To get us back together, I investigat-
ON LIFE AND LOVE ed 35-45 countries
BY TOM BLAKE where Emy might be able to get a visa. I found only two— Ecuador and Mexico. Ecuador seemed too far away in South America. And Mexico, which she chose, turned out to be difficult for Emy to enter. They required many documents and other severe travel restrictions for Filipinos! She endured a three-day delay in Manila, but with help from friends, plus 34 hours of travel time, we have been together again in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for over two weeks.
“What is it like here in Mexico with Emy? Life is better than good. She is the same lady who loved me in 2019: sweet, kind and caring. She never misses Mass, and it is great to hold hands together in Mass. She cooks three meals a day, made from fresh food from the local market. Our apartment is so clean that a person could eat off the floor. She gives me a strong, full back massage every day, and we take long walks every day.
“We live in a nice updated fully furnished one-BR apartment including A/C and electricity for under $500 per month. Buses run every 5-10 minutes, and it costs 50 U.S. cents to anywhere in the city. Supermarket pricing is close to the same in the U.S. The locals are friendly.”
Tom’s comment: I wonder what they will do. Remain in Mexico or return to the U.S. or the Philippines?
Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. CD
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch 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 Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries.
This photo depicts a dedication ceremony at the San Juan Capistrano Library in December 1983.
The Capistrano Dispatch regularly publishes a historical photo. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com.
ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK
Han
THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
This handsome boy is Han, a 1-year-old sweetheart who just can’t wait to meet you. Han has a happy energy about him and loves to run and play in the yard. With his lovable demeanor and playful spirit, he would be a wonderful addition to just about any family. If you are interested in adopting Han, 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. CD
Sudoku
BY MYLES MELLOR
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
Capistrano Valley Christian softball capped its best season in program history with a CIF-SS championship in its first CIF-SS Finals appearance. Photo: Zach Cavanagh
St. Margaret’s Boys Volleyball Beats CVC in CIF-SS Final
t. Margaret’s boys volleyball edged out Capistrano Valley Christian in the first set, surged from behind in the second set, and charged through the third set, as the Tartans swept the Eagles, 25-20, 25-23, 25-18, to capture the CIF-SS Division 4 title on May 14 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School.
St. Margaret’s won its third CIF-SS championship in program history and its first since 2010. CVC was playing in its second straight CIF-SS Final after winning the Division 6 title last season.
“We’ve definitely improved as we’ve went along,” St. Margaret’s coach Bob Yoder said, “and they really put it together tonight. Best match they’ve played—and
BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH good timing.” S This was also the second all-San Juan Capistrano boys volleyball final in CIFSS history. Saddleback Valley Christian, which was coached by current CVC coach Ryan Van Rensselaer, beat St. Margaret’s in 2015, which was the Tartans’ last CIF-SS title game appearance. CVC, the San Joaquin League champions, had beaten St. Margaret’s in their previous two league meetings in a sweep at St. Margaret’s and in five sets at CVC. In the CIF Southern California Regional playoffs, St. Margaret’s lost in the Division II first round, and CVC lost in the Division III Final. Visit thecapistranodispatch.com for the full story and an extended photo gallery. CD
Lions’ Pride
JSerra baseball wins elusive first CIF-SS championship
Serra had long established itself as a baseball powerhouse. The Lions program has produced plenty of college products, MLB prospects and a couple of major leaguers, including a No. 1 overall draft pick. JSerra has had Trinity League champions, top-seeded teams, its first-ever title game appearance last season and a regional championship last season.
But what remained most elusive for JSerra head coach Brett Kay’s program was that gold CIF-Southern Section championship plaque.
Until Friday night, May 20, at Goodwin Field at Cal State Fullerton.
Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks evened the score of the CIF-SS Division 1 Final on a JSerra error in the top of the sixth inning, but as they had all season, the Lions continued to grind. Owen Fuller reached on a one-out triple in the bottom of the sixth inning and scored on a Dominic Smaldino single for the go-ahead run as JSerra went on to defeat the Knights, 3-1, and win its first CIF-SS championship.
“It still doesn’t sound real,” JSerra senior David Horn said. “I can’t believe it. I’ve seen interviews where guys are at a loss for words, and I’ve never had that feeling. And to feel that is special, man. This group of guys is different. We knew it when we were down, and we knew it when we were up. We never lost that
fight. This is an unreal moment.” When the gold-plated CIF-SS championship plaque was handed off, Kay turned to the JSerra faithful, lifted the plaque over his head and let out a rousing yell, as the central pillar of the Lions program finally won this most coveted hardware. “This is for all the kids that have been in our program before that have laid the foundation,” Kay said. “Mark Spizzirri took BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH a chance on me as the founder of the J school as a 26-year-old kid with one year of head coaching experience at Capistrano Valley Christian. We’ve had great teams, and this is the one maybe you didn’t think was going to win it. They just kept believing in themselves and competing.” JSerra (23-10) started out the season 6-9 overall and 1-6 in Trinity League play. The Lions leaned into their pitching and defense and eventually found their stride to win 17 of their last 18 games to earn the No. 2 seed in Division 1 and charge to this CIF-SS title. “We had a rough start to the season,” Fuller said, “but nobody ever had a doubt that we were going to be here and we were going to win it. It’s super special.” Fuller and Horn were two of the few who returned from last season’s JSerra team that made the program’s first CIF-SS Final and lost a heartbreaker to Harvard-Westlake on that same Cal State Fullerton field. It’s something that stuck with Fuller and Horn in particular as the season went on. “I remember the time after the game,” Fuller said of last season’s title game, “and I was sitting with David and Luke Jewett, and I looked at David and said we were going to be here. I never doubted that from that moment.” Visit thecapistranodispatch.com for the full story and an extended photo gallery. CD
CVC SOFTBALL WINS FIRST CIF-SS TITLE
BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH C apistrano Valley Christian softball sprinted out to 4-0 lead after two innings, and freshman starting pitcher Kylie Cammarato got the Eagles out of jams in the third, fourth and fifth innings to defeat Linfield Christian of Temecula, 5-1, in the CIF-SS Division 7 Final on Saturday, May 21, at Deanna Manning Stadium at Bill Barber Memorial Park in Irvine.
“I told these girls from the beginning, it’s going to come down to who’s going to bring their bats,” CVC coach James Crawford said. “We’ve prevailed all year. They showed up today with the bats, we made plays on defense, and our pitching came through.”
Capistrano Valley Christian (27-1) went undefeated in San Joaquin League play and won its last 14 games to capture the first CIF-SS title in program history. The Eagles outscored opponents by an overwhelming margin all season, 396-62. CVC allowed just one run in each of its five playoff games, and outscored playoff opponents, 42-5.
CVC was playing in the program’s first CIF-SS championship game. The Eagles’ 27 wins is also the most in program history. CVC hadn’t won more than eight games since 2012, and the Eagles last won 20 games in 2010.
Visit thecapistranodispatch.com for the full story and an extended photo gallery. CD
Capistrano Valley Christian softball capped its best season in program history with a CIF-SS championship in its first CIF-SS Finals appearance. Photo: Zach Cavanagh
