GETTING OUT/PAGE

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

FRIDAY | 14

FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

SATURDAY | 15

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS ALTAR 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Venture out to Mission San Juan Capistrano to remember your loved ones by placing their name on the altar or ofrenda. The altar will be on display through Oct. 30. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

MONDAY | 17

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.

FRIDAY | 21

LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S 8-11 p.m. Trisha Freeman will perform. Stop in to listen, dance and have a Friday night pint at this downtown pub. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

SATURDAY | 22

SEED CONNECTION 9-10 a.m. The Ecology Center is providing this hands-on lab about soil and seeds. The event is free and open to all ages. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse is staging Death by Design, a murder mystery comedy set in a 1930s English country manor. The show runs through Nov. 6. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

Editor’s Pick

Marie and James Kelly were named Ms. Fiesta and Señor San Juan at the 2019 Farewell to the Swallows Barbecue. The event will be held this year on Oct. 22. Photo: Collin Breaux

SATURDAY | 22 FAREWELL TO THE SWALLOWS BARBECUE Noon-4 p.m. Come say goodbye to the swallows as they make their annual migration away from San Juan Capistrano. The annual event is hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association—which also organizes the Swallows Day Parade—and will feature live music, food, adult beverages for sale and more. Admission is $10. Kids ages 12 and under can eat for free. Reata Park and Event Center, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.615.1920. swallowsparade.com.

SUNDAY | 23

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Eric Clapton tribute act Journeyman will perform. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

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AT THE MOVIES ‘Blonde’ Is an Exhausting Viewing Experience

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH Where is Marilyn’s equally successful and hilar-

Andrew Dominik’s new historical drama, ious former roommate and close friend, Shelley Blonde, has to be one of the most hateful films Winters? Couldn’t tell you, myself. When we see I’ve ever seen. Here, Marilyn Monroe (Ana de Marilyn studying with legendary acting coach Armas) isn’t a success story, despite her short Lee Strasberg or auditioning for movies like Roy life. She’s the tragic victim of lifelong abuse Ward Baker’s Don’t Bother to Knock (1952), she is and depression until the bitter end. portrayed as out of her element and insecure.

Those interesting stories of her living in Anytime Marilyn or Norma Jeane is foster homes, working at a factory and get- rewarded or acknowledged, it’s for her looks ting married during her teen years as Norma or sexuality—not her intelligence and great Jeane Baker? Nowhere to be found. The two sense of humor, as people in her real life later classics she made with director John Huston, confirmed existed, and debunked her as the The Asphalt Jungle (1950) and The Misfits bubbly bimbo she was typecast as. (1961)—the latter of which was her final film? Instead, Dominik and Joyce Carol Oates Nowhere in sight. (author of the 2000 novel on which Blonde is based) focus on fabrications including a ménage-à-trois between the starlet, Charlie Chaplin’s son, Cass (Xavier Samuel), and Edward G. Robinson, Jr. (Evan Williams).

The real Norma Jeane spent the latter half of her childhood as an orphan because her mother, Gladys, was institutionalized following a mental breakdown. But Gladys (played by Julianne Nicholson in Blonde) didn’t attempt to drown her own child during a psychotic break, as seen on film.

Marilyn never met her real father, but I have a feeling she wasn’t obsessively haunted by his absence to the point of hysteria, as shown in Blonde.

De Armas—who actually does well occasionally with the limited material—is apparently given direction for only three emotions: sad, perplexed and orgasmic.

No doubt, Marilyn Monroe had her hardships, especially regarding the men in her life. But to replace her real tragedies—such as her inability to successfully carry through a pregnancy because of endometriosis—with three rape scenes and an abortion (all that definitely did not happen) is distasteful and grotesque.

People have consistently praised Chayse Irvin’s black-and-white and color cinematography, and Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’ score for Blonde, which I can agree with. I also thought Bobby Cannavale and Adrien Brody as two of Marilyn’s husbands, baseball star Joe DiMaggio and respected author Arthur Miller, respectively, would have been great casting.

But what sinks Blonde as a film the most is that Dominik clearly has no respect or interest in Marilyn, the person. Which asks the question: why does this movie even exist? If Dominik wanted to make an allegory to how abusive Hollywood is, he could have easily created a fictional actress loosely inspired by Marilyn or Jayne Mansfield or Jean Harlow.

For an appropriate depiction of the real Marilyn Monroe, look up some of her interviews and archival footage uploaded on YouTube, or listen to stories told by her old costars and friends. Revisit or introduce yourself to her best features. Because Blonde as a cinematic experience remarkably fails. CD

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE

Kids of Charlemagne guitarist Bill Backal said it is an honor to get invited back on stage at The Coach House after their first show there in April. Photo: Courtesy of Gary Tinnes

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

When Kids of Charlemagne played at The Coach House for the first time in April, it was to a sold-out crowd.

With that experience under their belt, the local Steely Dan tribute band is now set to return to the San Juan Capistrano venue on Nov. 11 for another show—just in time for the 50th anniversary of Steely Dan’s first album.

“That’s going to make it more special for us,” guitarist Bill Backal said.

Backal said that link just happened to come together. Kids of Charlemagne is planning to pull out all the stops to celebrate a half-century of their musical muse.

“We’re going to be playing at least one song from each of their albums,” Backal said.

Kids of Charlemagne is excited to return to The Coach House after being asked back, according to Backal. He called the invitation an “honor” and has seen his musical heroes perform at The Coach House.

“When you’re invited back, you almost feel like, gosh, you earned it,” Backal said. “That means we did something right the first time.”

Like other musicians who have performed at The Coach House, Backal noted the great atmosphere and sound system.

Playing in front of the sold-out show the first time was a rush, he said. Backal came prepared that night, as he had to use a spare guitar he brought when a string broke on his first guitar a minute into the show.

“When you’re playing at that level, you really have to stay focused,” Backal said. “We were happy we stepped off the stage after 90 minutes, and felt good.”

The cover act also plays regularly throughout South Orange County, including in San Clemente and Dana Point. Backal said they’ve amassed a “pretty good” following who generally see them for free.

The Coach House gig, of course, will be different, because it requires a ticket—though Backal still expects their fans to follow.

“We can play in this big concert hall, and people still come to see us,” Backal said.

SHOW DETAILS

What: Kids of Charlemagne When: November 11. 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 $20

Steely Dan tends to bring out people from throughout Orange County, who are willing to drive so they can listen to live renditions of classic tunes, he said. Enthusiasts of Steely Dan are willing to see how well a band can play the songs, Backal said.

Kids of Charlemagne has great musicians who “lock in tight” when it comes to playing their instruments—a must since Steely Dan is one of the “most difficult pop bands to play,” Backal said.

One reason Backal attributes Kids of Charlemagne’s success is how the band members are constantly in tune with each other’s performances, which he thinks creates a better sound.

“The magic of our band is that we all really listen to each other,” Backal said. CD

GUEST OPINION | Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

First Credit Union, 24 Hour Fitness, Costco Hearing Aid Center, Trader Joe’s, Laura’s House Resale Store, Goodwill and Chick-fil-A.

But in seven categories, San Juan Capistrano rated in one of the three top choices in all of Orange County. Our population is 37,000. Best Golf Course Number 1 was San Juan Hills Golf Club. “Affordable greens fees, along with some of the best greens in Orange County, have helped the golf course at San Juan Hills break to the top of the conversation of top golf choices in an always tough and competitive field.” Best Music Venue Number 1 was The Coach House. “A perennial winner in this category. Through the years, everyone from Los Lobos, Todd Rundgren, Huey Lewis and the News, Michael Buble, and Asia to the Bangles, Jesus and Mary Chain, The Replacements and Crowded House have graced the stage. Even Kiss, the Eagles, Heart and Duran Duran members made Capistrano a tour stop at some point.” Best Garden Center/Nursery Number 2 was Plant Depot. According to the contest capsule, black olive trees have been in demand at the nursery, and “their edible plant selection is impressive, stocked with 120 varieties of tomatoes and a bounty of fruit trees. Succulents range from tiny plants that can be used in decorating projects to large ones ideal for landscaping.” And

San Juan Capistrano: A Place for Ghosts and the Best of Orange County F all is such a wonderful time of the year in San Juan Capistrano. It is perfect for horseback riding, bike riding, walking Plant Depot boasts it has “the largest pottery selection in Southern California.” tours and the many other outdoor Where San Juan Capistrano stood out events that we have come to enjoy. the most was in the Food and Drink

The annual Ghosts and Legends Tour category. For a small town, four of our sponsored by the Historical Society eating establishments made the Best Of just keeps getting better and better top three list. every year. The tour strolls down Los Rios Street, the oldest residential street Best Barbecue in California, as ghosts from the past Heritage Barbecue was rated Number reach out from behind trees, buildings 2. “Heritage was the first restaurant in and shrubs. The two-night event on Fri- California to use analog offset smokers day, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, offers as used in Texas. Brad Johnson named five different time it his Restaurant of the Year for 2022. slots each night. (Chef-turned-pitmaster Daniel Castillo When you make says), ‘We are a true live fire cooking your reservations, restaurant and offer the traditional Texwhich are a must, as trinity of brisket, ribs and housemade you sign up for the sausage, but we are also known for pushtime slot you want. ing the boundaries of traditional barbeReservations are cue, more like SoCal craft barbecue.’” available on the Society web page Best Brunch at sjchistoricalsociety.com. For more Ramos House Cafe was Number 3 on the information, call the Historical Society list. “Ramos House has gained attention at 949.493.4056. This family event is the for its literally home-cooked, two-course perfect way to start your Halloween brunch menu. The flavor offerings are weekend. diverse, and chances are you may find

Another paper in Orange County, Or- something new or an interesting twist ange County Register, recently had their on a classic.” “Best Of” issue. Most of the winners were in cities with populations topping Best Outdoor Dining 300,000. These cities included Santa Rancho Capistrano Winery was NumAna, Anaheim and Irvine. There were ber 3. “Although the Winery has three PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of 79 categories on which to vote. And San locations, the San Juan Capistrano opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are Juan Capistrano businesses rated in 15 location is extra special, with its big, shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of of the categories. Some of these were blazing fireplace on a 3,000 square-foot 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, chains such as Wells Fargo Bank, School patio that is dog-friendly. (Winery owner please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Kyle Franson said), ‘It’s a closed patio in old downtown San Juan Capistrano in a historic building. People can see the Mission nearby. We’re at the train station, so people can take the train and walk across to us.’” Best Sushi Oeeshi Japanese Grill was Number 3. “For an accessible and affordable introduction into sushi and sashimi, the Oeeshi Japanese Grill is an excellent choice. The restaurant has ample selections featuring tuna, snapper, albacore and salmon in combinations. Oeeshi also serves a variety of tempura and teriyaki combo plates, as well as udon, ramen and fried rice meals and bowls.” Spend a “Moment in Time” this season and enjoy all that our town has to offer. Jan Siegel was a 33-year resident of San Juan Capistrano and now resides in the MOMENTS IN TIME neighboring town of Rancho Mission Viejo.

BY JAN SIEGEL She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years, has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 26 years and is currently the museum curator for the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK Say hello to Calvin Klein, a handsome

Calvin Klein boy with a great personality. Laid-back for a 1-year-old, he loves to relax and soak up the afternoon sun. When he isn’t getting his beauty rest or practicing his cat walk, Calvin Klein enjoys being petted and making new friends. Could this fetching feline be the one for you? If you are interested in adopting Calvin Klein, 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

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE

Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 12pm Monday.

ESTATE/GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Household items, small furniture, rugs, BBQ, holiday items. 118 Trafalgar Lane, San Clemente.

ESTATE SALE – OCTOBER 8, 15 & 22 Saturday, October 8, 15 & 22. 25592 Via Del Rey, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92673.

VIBRANT LIVES LIQUIDATION SALE - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 1-5 p.m. Vintage style clothing, hats, shoes; Sound equipment; Games; Activity supplies; Colorful home decor. 34941 Calle Del Sol, Dana Point.

DANA KNOLLS GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Saturday, October 22 from 7 AM to NOON. Located at corners of Blue Fin and Del Obispo as well as Stonehill and Palo Alto.

MULTI-HOME GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 9 a.m.-2 p.m. In the San Juan Hills East neighborhood, down to the curve on Via Buena. Cross street Avenida Larga. Follow the signs! Home health devices; golf clubs; man stuff; collectibles. Friendly sellers! Please come and check it out!

FOR SALE

SURFBOARD FOR SALE Hand-shaped Channel Islands 7’4” surfboard (20 x 2 3/4). Great condition. $300 OBO. Text 949.702.3142.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED Experienced Tile setters and helpers, Slab Fabricators, Slab Installation 5 years exp. Top pay based on experienced. 949-395-3369

WANTED

WANTED - VINYL RECORDS Vinyl records from the 1960’s to present & music memorabilia. Shirts, posters, concert tickets etc. Will pay you better than any record store! Best price paid guaranteed! No collection too big or small. I will come to you. Cash. 310-756-7854 Mike.

Want to reach 24,150+ people in the SJC & RMV area? Then you need to be in The Capo Dispatch! Call Debra at 949.388.7700 ext. 104

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

SAN JUAN PREP SPORTS ROUNDUP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

For in-game updates, news and more for all the San Juan Capistrano high school sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports and on Instagram @South_OC_Sports.

San Juan Hills Girls Volleyball Rallies for League Championship

With two late league upsets, the San Juan Hills girls volleyball team flipped the South Coast League.

The Stallions avenged two early league losses to San Clemente and Aliso Niguel, including pulling out a fierce, five-set thriller at home against Aliso Niguel on the league’s final day on Wednesday, Oct. 12, to fight back and claim a share of the South Coast League championship.

San Juan Hills, Aliso Niguel and San Clemente each finished 6-2 in league play to split the South Coast League title three ways. Aliso Niguel, the reigning CIF-SS Division 2 champion, and San Clemente split the league championship last season. It’s the first league title for San Juan Hills since the third of three consecutive championships in 2018.

In the first round of league play, San Juan Hills played tough on the road but dropped a sweep to San Clemente and a four-set match to Aliso Niguel.

The Stallions got retribution for their loss at San Clemente with a four-set win at home on Oct. 4, but San Juan Hills still needed help from San Clemente for a shot at the league title.

While the Stallions were sweeping Dana Hills on Monday, Oct. 10, they got that help with a road sweep by San Clemente at Aliso Niguel.

This put the fate of the league directly in the hands of San Juan Hills going into the finale on Wednesday, and the match was a true title fight.

Aliso Niguel took the opening set, 2523, but San Juan Hills outlasted the Wolverines in a marathon second set, 31-29, to tie the match. The Stallions grabbed the advantage in the third set, 25-22, but Aliso Niguel wouldn’t go down easily on the way to a fourth-set win, 25-21. In the fifth set, San Juan Hills found its edge to win the match and grab its share of the league title, 15-12.

Combined with San Clemente sweeping Tesoro at home on Wednesday, the

San Juan Hills girls volleyball made a late run to grab a share of the South Coast League championship on the strength of home upsets of San Clemente and Aliso Niguel. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

South Coast League championship was split three ways, as each team split its two matches against each other.

San Juan Hills now waits for its CIFSS playoff draw, as the brackets will be revealed on Saturday, Oct. 15, and the playoffs beginning early next week.

JSerra Football Drops Second Tight Trinity League Game

As the old saying from baseball legend Frank Robinson goes, “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades,” even if you do it two weeks in a row.

The JSerra football team forced an early turnover and again scored on special teams to keep up with an explosive Santa Margarita offense, but ultimately, the Eagles converted a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter for a one-point lead that held up to defeat the Lions, 29-28, on Friday, Oct. 7, at Saddleback College.

JSerra (3-4, 0-2) dropped its second straight one-score game in the Trinity League, after the Lions gave nationally top-ranked Mater Dei all it could handle last week in a 21-13 loss.

JSerra next travels to St. John Bosco, which was also nationally top-ranked and lost to Mater Dei in Santa Ana on Oct. 7, 17-7. The Lions, ranked No. 13 in CIF-SS by CalPreps, play the Braves on Friday, Oct. 14, and host Servite on Oct. 21.

Santa Margarita (5-2, 0-2) neared school-record marks in the offensive passing game before JSerra slowed the game down in the second half. Senior quarterback Jaxon Potter completed 34 of 42 passes for 382 yards and two touchdowns, with junior receiver Emmett Mosley catching 14 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown.

Potter threw for 319 of his 382 yards in the first half, but JSerra forced a fumble at its own 4-yard line on Santa Margarita’s opening drive, which was recovered by junior Jack Munro, and got its second kickoff-return touchdown in as many weeks on a 90-yard runback by junior Clarence Chaney to keep the game level, 21-21, going into halftime.

Zander Singh threw a touchdown to Vance Blyth to put the Lions ahead in the third quarter, 28-21. In the fourth quarter, Santa Margarita responded with a touchdown run, and after JSerra blocked an extra point earlier, the Eagles converted their second two-point conversion for the lead that stood up, 29-28. Winless San Juan Hills Turns Toward League Play

The bell tolled once again for San Juan Hills on Sept. 30, as the Stallions’ search for that elusive first victory marched on.

Tesoro stopped San Juan Hills on fourth down five times and leaned on running back Travis Wood for 232 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries to reclaim the “Battle for the Bell,” 30-15, at Tesoro High School.

San Juan Hills is 0-7 for the first time since 2011, when the Stallions finished the season winless (0-10). San Juan Hills took a bye week to prepare for Sea View League play, where the Stallions open at El Toro (2-5) on Friday, Oct. 14.

“We’re 0-7 on the year. We’re going into a bye week, and then we’ll be 0-0 again in league play,” San Juan Hills coach Rob Frith said after the Tesoro loss. “All this pre-league stuff is important. It’s really important. I know our guys wanted to win this game. At the end of the day, this is pre-league. League is for championships, and league is for playoff implications.”

Despite their 0-7 record, the Stallions are still the second-highest rated team in the Sea View League by CalPreps, the computer algorithm that helps determine the CIF-SS playoff divisions at season’s end. San Juan Hills’ seven opponents have a combined record of 41-8.

Trabuco Hills (5-2) is the league’s highest ranked team at No. 84 in CIF-SS. San Juan Hills is No. 92, Aliso Niguel (4-3) is No. 124, and El Toro is No. 132.

After El Toro this Friday, San Juan Hills plays at Trabuco Hills next Friday, Oct. 21, and closes the season by hosting Aliso Niguel on Oct. 28. CD