December 23, 2022

What’s Up With...

City Manager Explains Paid Parking Revenue Collections, Where Money Goes

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Paid public parking for San Juan Capistrano was first instituted in 2019 at the privately owned Franciscan Plaza parking structure next to the downtown movie theater. Since then, paid parking has expanded to lots in front of Trevor’s at the Tracks and behind Swallow’s Inn, which are partially owned by the city or completely by a private owner.

Some residents may be wondering how much has been collected in revenue since then and where those funds go.

The Capistrano Dispatch checked with City Manager Ben Siegel on that information.

“Since implementation of paid parking, the City’s share of parking revenues is approximately $1.3 million,” Siegel said in an email. “This revenue is deposited in the Parking Fund and used to pay for a variety of operating expenses, including maintenance of all City-owned downtown parking facilities.”

Parking revenue has also allowed for enhanced landscaping, more frequent janitorial service at the Los Rios Park and downtown train depot restrooms, increased maintenance and pressure-washing during busy summer and holiday periods, as well as additional safety lighting throughout Los Rios Park, the plaza and parking lot.

Revenues are shared with the private owners of the lots.

“Paid parking was requested by the owner of the (Franciscan Plaza parking) structure, as well as several adjacent restaurant and business owners, to

increase parking availability for customers, as the free parking spaces were continuously occupied by vehicles owned by employees of downtown businesses,” Siegel said.“For similar reasons, paid parking was subsequently expanded to the Multi-Modal Lot in Spring 2021, and the Mission Promenade/Swallow’s Inn and Love-Mitchell parking lots in Fall 2021.”

Implementing paid parking had the “immediate effect” of increasing parking availability in these “desirable” downtown lots, while allowing employees or visitors who choose not to pay for parking to utilize the free parking at the City-owned Los Rios Park and Ramos Street lots, as well as the Camino Real Playhouse and Esslinger Building lots, according to Siegel.

“The parking revenue has also been used for City capital projects that create new parking, including expansion of the Ramos Street Parking Lot, which added over 150 new parking spaces in close proximity to the Los Rios District and downtown,” he said. “The City will soon be initiating a project to improve Arguello Way, the pedestrian pathway between the Multi-Modal Lot and Camino Capistrano.”

The Arguello Way project will “increase accessibility, add lighting, and beautify this heavily used pathway consistent with the appearance of Verdugo Street,” Siegel added.

“Staff anticipates using parking revenues to augment other funding sources for this project,” he said.

City Sets Plans and Specifications for Permanent Council Chamber

BY COLLIN BREAUX

The San Juan Capistrano City Council plans to move into new and permanent Council Chambers by next year, signing off on plans and specifications for construction of the coming facility during a meeting on Dec. 13.

The new chambers will be in the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, at 25925 Camino Del Avion near Marco Forster Middle School. The City Council is no longer holding meetings at City Hall and will be meeting in the Nydegger Building (at 31421 La Matanza Street, near the library) in the interim.

Though a new City Hall facility is also being built, the Council Chambers are being relocated to the Community Center due to space limitations at the new City Hall.

“There’s ample parking that will be able to accommodate the City Council Chamber,” said Matisse Reischl, assistant to the city manager and community services director, when presenting the matter to the City Council. “In addition to the construction of the new chamber in the community hall—which is obviously inside the building—some additional exterior landscaping improvements, some signage upgrades to the building that would indicate that is where the council chambers are located are also located in the project.”

Further project components would include a screen to display the video stream of what’s happening in the Council Chamber and audio speakers in case there are overflow needs in a nearby corridor or if someone steps out of the room but wants to keep tabs on the meeting.

“On that wall is also proposed to house the former mayor portraits,” Reischl said. “(The) back wall, directly before you enter the current community hall

Local Teen Pianist to Participate in Prestigious Art Program

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Aja Zou has been playing piano for about 10 years.

Aja will further develop her skills when she participates in the National YoungArts Week in January 2023—a prestigious program that she learned she had qualified for this year.

“I feel beyond honored and blessed,” Aja said of being selected as a finalist and getting to soon learn from high-level musicians and artists. “I’m so excited to

meet my fellow finalists and pianists.”

The San Juan Capistrano teenager is one of only four young pianists who

qualified for the program, which was established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison to nurture creatively inclined youngsters.

Aja learned she had qualified when getting a call from the program while in the middle of class. She was surprised, because she initially assumed she was merely being asked about her application.

Young artists have to apply for YoungArts Week through a competitive process that involves panel judges. Aja is no stranger to this, having previously participated in other piano competitions.

This year’s YoungArts Week will be held in Miami.

Aja began playing the piano when she was 6 years old. She got into it, because her mom used to play piano music on

room, that’s where it’s proposed to locate the current City Council member portraits and some nice signage that identifies that is the entrance to the City Council Chamber.”

The community hall is frequently used and rented by local groups for workshops, celebrations and other events.

“It’s an affordable space, and it’s well utilized on the holidays and most weekends,” Reischl said. “That was the motivation for the proposed design, the expansion of the space. We’re proposing a 1,000 square-foot, approximately, expansion to not lose any usable community space in the room.”

The chamber setup would be flexible with chairs that are not fixed.

“When there’s not a City Council meeting, there’s a movable partition that would close off the dais space, and then the room would essentially look as it does now,” Reischl said.

A new restroom will be included with the dais addition. Windows in the room will still allow a view of the nearby Sports Park. Each dais seat will have audio/visual connectivity capability, be it plugging in a laptop or charging a device. Drop-down video screens will also be installed, similar to the prior chamber at City Hall, yet “easier to see in the audience,” Reischl said.

The City Council approved putting the work out to bid.

“Staff would solicit construction bids in January/February 2023,” Reischl said of the project schedule. “We’d recommend to City Council awarding a construction contract in February. Construction would then be anticipated to begin in March, and then construction would be anticipated to be complete in late 2023.”

CDs when driving her around, and Aja would hum along. Aja’s mom subsequently signed her up for lessons.

“I enjoyed playing it every single day,” Aja said. “I could feel the music move my body.”

Aja—who is in 11th grade at Sage Hill School, a private high school in Newport Coast—aims to practice about an hour or more every day. Her rule of thumb is to play until she has mastered a piece.

She tries to stay focused when she is on stage or merely practicing.

“I try to imagine the music,” Aja said. “I try to imagine images in my mind that come from the music.”

Additionally, Aja will play at Carnegie Hall in New York City in summer 2023.

San Juan Capistrano teenager Aja Zou will be traveling to Miami next month to learn about piano playing during National YoungArts Week. Photo: Courtesy of Anastasia Peters

20 22 BACK TO NORMAL AS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO MOVES FORWARD

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

It was a year marked by the Swallows Day Parade, restaurants opening and an election in which candidates campaigned on looking after San Juan Capistrano.

That description could recap any year prior to 2020, but it particularly describes 2022, in which the calamity and restrictions brought about COVID-19 largely faded away, as San Juan Capistrano resumed going about business as usual.

That’s not to say there weren’t significant changes and developments, though. The City Council decided to go with a new city seal logo designed by resident Kimberleigh Gavin that features a Mission bell, swallows and other San Juan iconography—but which removes the old seal image of Saint Junipero Serra hugging a young Indigenous boy.

The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar, Pacific Pearl Café, Breezy and Bloom Restaurant + Bar continued the trend of San Juan becoming a culinary destination, with three out of the four opening downtown.

A new In-N-Out Burger location at the former Marie Callender’s building on Del Obispo Street was allowed by the City Council, a decision that drew significant backlash from residents due to expected traffic increases.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, the Swallows Day Parade finally returned to

fanfare—though without horses due to an equine viral outbreak.

Camino Capistrano, from the city limits at Dana Point and Laguna Niguel, started to get repaved as part of an ambitious and multi-year plan by the city to fix local road conditions.

Due to essentially being forced to sell by the state government, the City Council finally approved an agreement to sell the Camino Real Playhouse property to local developer Dan Almquist, who plans to turn the property into a parking structure and office/retail space—a decision that elicited some controversy in the community, including from the current Playhouse operator.

City staff and officials said goodbye to the old City Hall, which will be torn down for a new City Hall facility. It was “temporary” for decades.

Last but not least, John Campbell won this year’s election for the open District 3 seat on the City Council, replacing outgoing Mayor Derek Reeve—who decided to not run after 12 years of service.

Here’s the rundown of some of the biggest stories of 2022:

JANUARY

Reeve promises that 2022 will bring back “fun” community events, including the Swallows Day Parade, during a sit-down interview with The Capistrano Dispatch

about the year ahead.

FEBRUARY

The City Council renders a split vote, conditionally approving a new In-NOut Burger location on Del Obispo Street. Then-Mayor Pro Tem Howard Hart and Councilmembers Troy Bourne and Sergio Farias voted yes. Reeve and Councilmember John Taylor voted no. Numerous residents decry the decision, because the coming new restaurant was expected to make traffic in town worse. The location is still being developed and has not yet opened.

Almquist hosts a groundbreaking ceremony for River Street Marketplace, a coming agrarian-themed retail and community center expected to open in late summer 2023 near Los Rios Street.

MARCH

The Swallows Day Parade returns after being postponed in 2020 and 2021, though sans horses. Locals and visitors celebrate on the streets of downtown as vehicles and people pass by. There were no arrests or violent incidents reported by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar opens on parade day above Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria. It serves modern American “comfort

cuisine.”

Pacific Pearl Café also opens on Rancho Viejo Road, next to Ball Park Pizza. It sells coffee and cookies. Owner Michael Campbell also does catering.

Floraison Bridal Loft, a venue for pre-wedding gatherings, opens near Diamond Salon. It is operated by local resident Rebecca Stafford.

Justin Montano becomes the city’s new police chief.

An indoor mask mandate for California students, in place since the start of the pandemic, is lifted. The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees decides not to approve lifting the mandate—as suggested by Trustee Lisa Davis—days before the state approves ending the mask mandate. Trustee Pamela Braunstein resigns soon after due to backlash for supporting mask requirements.

The City Council approves a “trial run” to extend business hours at Los Rios Street restaurants The Tea House and Ramos House Café. The eateries want to offer dinner service. The City Council will revisit the decision in two years, and the restaurants will have to proactively apply for extended service again.

APRIL

The City Council approves plans and specifications for a pavement rehabilitation program that starts on Camino Capistrano, with street repaving beginning later in the year.

Preserve Our Farm SJC—a local group that includes former Mayor Carolyn Nash—files a lawsuit to halt the building of a local skatepark. Nash had previously spoken against plans for a new skatepark due to opposing development on the Kinoshita Farms property, one site in mind for the amenity. An environmental review is then commissioned on the project, and city officials vow the skatepark will still be built.

MAY

Marco Forster Middle School math teacher Sergio Sanabria is named a Teacher of the Year by the Orange County Department of Education, the only CUSD teacher to receive the distinction.

JUNE

The City Council approves a city budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23, which provides funding for the repaving project and a new City Hall facility that will incorporate affordable housing for at-risk people. The city no longer has a structural deficit and is generally perceived as being in good financial shape.

JULY

Jim Taylor, president of the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association—which organizes the Swallows Day Parade and related events—announces movie star Dennis Quaid will be the Grand Marshal for the 2023 parade during the city’s Fourth of July celebration. Quaid, who is also a musician, played at The Coach House in May.

Cindy Russell—a San Juan resident who has worked for the city in numerous important roles since 1986—is named the Woman of the Year during the SJC Chamber of Commerce’s annual Installation and Awards Banquet. Almquist is named Man of the Year.

AUGUST

Downtown restaurant Ramen Shack closes after less than a year of being open, due to owner and chef Keizo Shimamoto experiencing health issues.

Candidates John Campbell, Paul Lopez and Cody Martin announce their intentions to run for the District 3 seat on the City Council and are certified to do so in the November midterm election. Reeve, then the District 3 representative, decides not to run for re-election after 12 years on the dais, because he feels San Juan Capistrano is in a better place than when he began serving. Though the District 2 and 4 seats were also up for election, incumbents John Taylor and Troy Bourne retain those positions because no other candidates decided to run.

CUSD had its first day of school, which is the first one that students don’t have to wear masks while indoors.

SEPTEMBER

After months of consideration, the City Council selects a new city seal design, which features a Mission bell, swallows, horse rider and other local features. Though the new seal includes Saint Junipero Serra’s name, it no longer depicts him hugging a young Indigenous boy. While the given reason for updating the seal was to include more aspects of local history and so the design shows up better on a smartphone, criticism of Serra’s treatment of Indigenous people has grown in recent years. The change is well-received in the community, including among Indigenous descendants.

After months of tweaking their local housing regulations, the city’s Housing Element gets certified by the state government. Updates for a city’s General Plan, which includes the Housing Element, are required every eight years by state law. The city had to prove it could accommodate 1,054 new housing units through 2029, including through the construction of residential complexes.

OCTOBER

San Clemente parent Kevin Pratt files a petition with CUSD for a potential new charter school called California Republic Leadership Academy in South Orange County. After the Board of Trustees takes no action on the proposal, school leadership appeals to the Orange County Board of Education.

Mission and city leadership celebrate Old Mission Road, the newly renamed portion of Ortega Highway in front of the historic site. The corridor’s name is changed so the Mission is easier to find

and to pay homage to its legacy.

A new restaurant called Breezy opens, replacing Ramen Shack. It is an island-themed breakfast/brunch spot that serves pancakes, acai bowls and coffee.

Beloved local news reporter Fred Swegles dies at 74 after suffering health complications from a brain tumor. Swegles wrote for the Daily Sun-Post, Orange County Register, San Clemente Times and The Capistrano Dispatch

NOVEMBER

Campbell wins the District 3 election. There are no personal attacks during the campaign, and Campbell compliments Martin and Lopez for running without rancor.

In other elections: Michael Parham secures the CUSD Board of Trustees Area 4 seat against Kira Davis; 74th Assembly District incumbent Laurie Davies keeps her position after running against San Clemente City Councilmember Chris Duncan; then-Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear wins the District 38 State Senate race against Matt Gunderson; 49th Congressional District incumbent Mike Levin fends off another challenge from former San Juan City Councilmember Brian Maryott; and Katrina Foley defeats then-State Sen. Patricia Bates in the Orange County Board of Supervisors 5th Supervisorial District race.

The City Council holds its last meeting in City Hall. The old and “temporary” facility is being torn down to make way for a new building. City officials say goodbye and even use hammers to knock holes in a wall to playfully kick off the transition. Meetings will be temporarily held at the Nydegger Building and then permanently move to the Community Center, once a new City Council Chamber is built at the latter.

The City Council also approves a sale agreement of the Camino Real Playhouse

to Almquist, who plans to turn the property into a parking structure and office/ retail space—a decision that elicited some controversy in the community, including from current Playhouse President Leslie Eisner, who said the community could lose the theater and asks people to donate for a relocated venue. Almquist is separately working on bringing about a new performing arts venue.

The city starts a new Facebook page to keep residents informed about local news and events. The page is the brainchild of Hart, who wants to keep residents informed and keep the city transparent.

DECEMBER

Saladworks, a “healthy quick-serve” franchise eatery, opens a location in San Juan in the Del Obispo shopping center near Aspire Dental. It serves salads, smoothies, paninis and other items.

A bomb threat is made against San Juan Hills High School and CUSD after Fox News reports on a LGBTQ classroom library maintained by an English teacher named Flint. Some parents are outraged over sexually explicit content in one of the books. Students and supporters of Flint say the criticism is anti-LGBTQ bigotry. Flint said the book was removed after the content was discovered and students are not being exposed to porn. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department doesn’t find bombs during a campus search, and the threat is under investigation by OCSD and the FBI.

Hart becomes the new mayor, Campbell is sworn in, and Reeve says goodbye to the dais during the last City Council meeting of 2022. The three give complimentary remarks about each other, and Hart previews what’s in store for 2023, including a vow to protect San Juan’s open space from state government encroachment. CD

The new San Juan Capistrano city seal—shown here at the temporary City Council Chambers—features a Mission San Juan Capistrano bell, swallows and a horse rider. Though it includes Saint Junipero Serra’s name, it no longer depicts Serra hugging a young Indigenous boy. Photo: Collin Breaux

John Campbell became the new District 3 City Councilmember in San Juan Capistrano after winning the November election for the seat. Photo: Courtesy of John Campbell

RMV Year in Review

Rodeo Returns and Other Highlights from 2022

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

As was the case elsewhere in South Orange County, 2022 was the year during which Rancho Mission Viejo mostly got back to business as usual.

One of this year’s most notable events was the return of the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo in August—noteworthy both

because it hadn’t been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and also being the 20th anniversary for the event.

“Hosting the Rodeo is our way of celebrating Rancho Mission Viejo and South OC’s tremendous Western heritage, one that we feel privileged to share,” said Mike Balsamo, RMV’s Senior Vice President of Governmental Relations. “The RMV Rodeo allows us to keep our region’s cowboy culture alive while also supporting local nonprofits.”

More than $150,000 in funds from the event went to nonprofits this year, including the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, Children’s Health of Orange County (commonly known as CHOC) and other organizations.

The year 2022 also marked the opening of Rienda, yet another new RMV neighborhood.

“The Village of Rienda opened in the spring, and 45% of the homes in Phase 1 have been sold or reserved,” Balsamo said. “Rienda is also home to Ranch Camp—a unique collection of amenities that celebrates the spirit, heritage and

Culture of Care on The Ranch.”

Demand remains high, as homes are reportedly selling and closing every week.

RMV further spent this year partnering with the Global Wellness Institute to enhance their communitywide focus on well-being.

The unincorporated community celebrated public-private partnerships with Orange County Fire Authority and Santa Margarita Water District, with the opening of an interim fire station at Rienda and a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ranch Water Filtration Plant in 2022, respectively.

As for what people can look forward to in 2023, Balsamo pointed to the launching of sales for the next phase of Rienda.

“This phase will differ from phase one in that it includes 145 new single-level living Gavilán homes for residents age 55+,” he said. “In addition to having access to the all-age amenities and RanchLife activities on The Ranch, Gavilán residents enjoy exclusive access

to amenities and programs catered just to them.”

Away from development, The Nature Reserve—RMV’s own outdoor preserve—continues to increase its level of community events and enrichment activities, including new camps and internships for middle school and high school students.

“Now that schools are back in session full-time, field trips for elementary school children are back to pre-COVID level participation,” Balsamo said.

“Connecting Ranch residents and the community at-large to nature is really important to us. It’s exciting to watch kids and kids at heart explore and engage with The Nature Reserve.”

Nature Reserve events also give RMV residents a chance to learn about the conservation, monitoring and management efforts taking place in their proverbial backyards.

“They’re an important part of The Ranch’s culture of care and how we aim to foster a sense of stewardship over the land,” Balsamo said. CD

RMV, OCFA CELEBRATE NEW INTERIM FIRE STATION

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Rancho Mission Viejo continues to grow as a community with the purchases of new homes in the Rienda neighborhood, making new amenities a necessity—including a fire station.

With that growth in mind, officials representing the unincorporated area and Orange County Fire Authority announced the opening of a new temporary fire station along Cow Camp Road on Dec. 8 with a press conference and ribbon-cutting.

The 2,600-square-feet station includes a captain’s office, dorm-style rooms for OCFA employees to stay in, an outdoor workout area, kitchen and other features.

The Cow Camp Road station—located just past the new Rienda visitor area—is expected to be operational for 5-10 years while a permanent station is built in a “more central” location in Rienda. The temporary station could then be repurposed for another use.

“Fire Station 67 is the latest example of great accomplishments based on collaboration,” RMV’s Senior Vice President of Governmental Relations Mike Balsamo said. “Over the decades, Rancho Mission Viejo has partnered with OCFA on seven different fire stations—going all the way back to Mission Viejo, City of

Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch and now Rancho Mission Viejo. Rancho Mission Viejo has worked closely with OCFA and the County of Orange to ensure its communities are designed and built with state-of-the-art fire prevention technology.”

“The firefighters are part of the community here,” he continued. “We love the look of the facility. It was important for us to have it online early in the develop-

ment of Rienda.”

The interim station is the first pre-fabricated station “of this scale” built in Orange County, Balsamo said. Xtreme Cubes, a Nevada-based custom modular construction company, oversaw the design and assembling of the building.

OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy said firefighters aim to respond to medical calls safely and quickly, provide comfort and care for the sick and injured and

“continuously evolve” emergency medical services to the changing and growing needs of new communities.

“Our pride in being here to help take care of this land and its people is matched only by our gratitude for the partnerships that got us here,” Fennessy said. “For decades, the OCFA, Rancho Mission Viejo and the County of Orange have worked collectively and collaboratively on a fire protection agreement that provides the best possible coverage of this region.”

Fennessy called the Cow Camp Road facility the “Cadillac” of temporary stations.

Outgoing Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said having fire stations around is “extremely important” as new homes are developed.

“A fire can break out at any time. An emergency can break out at any time. Having this station here will really set the residents at ease and make sure that we can cover any emergency possible,” Bartlett said.

Seeing the station come to life is “exciting,” Balsamo said.

“Our No.1 priority is the overall safety and welfare of Rancho Mission Viejo residents and the broader community,” Balsamo said. “This new facility will allow OCFA to fully serve The Ranch and meet all our public safety needs.” CD

Rancho Mission Viejo’s Senior Vice President of Governmental Relations Mike Balsamo, outgoing Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy cut the ribbon for a new interim fire station in Rancho Mission Viejo on Dec. 8. Photo: Collin Breaux

Welcome to Go.See.Do

While the weather outside has many of us bundling up on the couch, sharing warm blankets with loved ones, there’s still so much happening around our stretch of Southern California’s coastline.

With the holiday season comes festive cheer, so strap on some thermal socks and a snuggly sweater—ugly Christmas variety or otherwise—and let’s discover all the fun and exciting things Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano have to offer in this year’s Winter Go.See.Do.

What better way to stay warm and toasty than with a pile-high burger? Here, we settle which of the sports bars and taverns in our three towns has the best burger. Not to spoil anything, but let’s just say that when you bite into what we ranked as the top burger, you’ll want to do it over again.

And if those burger spots don’t satiate your meat craving, we highlight the best places to find barbecue in South Orange County.

In these pages, you’ll also take a journey with us back to the past, as we check out some of the must-see local historical sites, particularly around San Juan Capistrano, where its streets are rich with California’s Spanish and Native American heritage.

And we continue to stick around San Juan for a look at its revitalized downtown corridor, where several new and hopping restaurants have popped up, making the town a fun destination area for foodies.

Lastly, it just wouldn’t be wintertime without any festive light displays for residents and visitors alike to enjoy this holiday season. We go on a tour around the three cities in search of some of the best decorated homes, neighborhoods and hangouts.

Back in the Spirit

BY COLLIN BREAUX

A traditionally built replica of a 1770s privateer schooner used during the American Revolution, the Spirit of Dana Point is a notable landmark for the coastal town. The historic boat returned this year to its spot in Dana Point Harbor following extensive renovation. “It was Dennis Holland’s dream to build an accurate replica from the period when America fought for independence,” the Ocean Institute said. “Armed with talent, determination, little money and plans he purchased from the Smithsonian Institution, he laid the keel in his Orange County yard on May 2, 1970,” the Ocean Institute continued. “Thirteen years later, this fast privateer was launched and continues to sail the ocean. Everywhere you look on board is the craftsmanship and pride of early America.” Spirit of Dana Point used to be known as Pilgrim of Newport. It serves a variety of purposes, including being used for at-sea maritime and living history programs.

Look No Further than South Orange County for Holiday Cheer—and Lights

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Those looking to get into the yuletide spirit can find a variety of holiday decorations and light displays across South Orange County, from San Juan Capistrano’s “Crazy Christmas House” to the Dana Point Harbor, to San Clemente’s Talega neighborhood.

Neighborhoods throughout the three towns have gone all-out in decorating homes with vibrant light displays—some encouraged by a holiday home decorating contest.

Driving through the three South Orange County towns, residents and visitors alike can find plenty of spots to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

DANA POINT

The Dana Point Harbor Partners spreads holiday cheer each year with a light display consisting of more than 700,000 LED lights that illuminate the harbor through Dec. 31. Each night starting in mid-November, the light display offers residents and visitors of all ages a chance to enjoy themed exhibits, including a giant lighted whale sculpture, “Candy Cane Lane,” a “Merry Kiss Me” arch, Surfin’ Santa, lighted trees and more.

Walking along Del Prado Avenue, visitors and residents can enjoy the lighted palm trees in Dana Point’s Town Center, where the city has gone above and beyond, adding new lights and decorations to the Lantern District this year.

Dana Point also has two Christmas tree displays in town, one at La Plaza Park on Pacific Coast Highway and another at Pines Park, in Capistrano Beach. The two trees will be lit each night through early January.

Many residents of Dana Point are also participating in the annual “Candy Cane Lanes” holiday home decorating contest. Driving through residential streets, one can enjoy elaborately decorated homes, with homes along Calle Fortuna especially decked out.

The Dana Point Youth Board will judge participating homes in three categories: best overall, most creative and best use of theme for the chance to win gift cards to local businesses. Winners of the contest will be announced after Jan. 6.

SAN CLEMENTE

Walking through the festive Downtown San Clemente in the evening, visitors and residents alike can enjoy shopping among the twinkling lights along Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real.

San Clemente has two Christmas tree displays in town, one at the community center and one at the Outlets at San Clemente. At the Outlets at San Clemente, visitors can take photos with Santa through Christmas Eve, or enjoy a flurry of snow while shopping each weekend evening.

In San Clemente, houses along Calle Heraldo are illuminated with dazzling light displays. One house, in particular, is decked out with Santa on his sled pulled by reindeers, flying over the front lawn.

Notably, houses in the Talega neighborhood have also gotten into the holiday spirit with sparkling lights and displays. Many Talega residents participate in the annual “Talega Light Up the Night” holiday decoration contest, where winning houses are recognized for their elaborate displays.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

In San Juan Capistrano, a house on Calle del Campo that its owners have dubbed “Crazy Christmas House” is decorated to the max with lit-up snowmen, teddy bears, Christmas trees, presents and more. To give back to the community, the “Crazy Christmas House’’ is also collecting gifts for families at Camp Pendleton.

Throughout the holiday season, the City of San Juan Capistrano is also displaying a Christmas tree decorated in multi-colored lights at the Historic Town Center Park. After viewing the giant tree, residents and visitors can look to San Juan’s Historic Los Rios Street District for yuletide cheer, with holiday lights spread throughout the downtown corridor.

On select evenings through Dec. 30 at the San Juan Capistrano Mission, visitors can enjoy a Christmas light display at the historic site, along with performances by carolers and photos with Santa.

The annual holiday program features festive lights, music and audio tours, a nativity scene and nightly tree lightings.

Photo: Courtesy of the Ocean Institute

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Bar Burger Brawl

Burgers and the beach. Southern California is a bit of a mecca for hamburgers, as the birthplace of In-N-Out and McDonald’s, in addition to everyone’s favorite local spots, including A’s and Biggies. That burger culture has spread, as many build on to make their burgers bigger, better and loaded up with higher-quality ingredients and massive amounts of toppings. In some places, those burgers get too elite, too pricey and overly pretentious. Here, we’ve eschewed that high society burger, and in looking for something a step above your typical drive-through burger, the team here at Picket Fence Media went for the best bar burger in South Orange County. A better and heftier burger that won’t stray from its roots in a local hangout.

Here’s where we went and what we found:

The Point Restaurant & Bar

34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, thepointrestaurantandbar.com

19 Sports Bar & Grill

32120

Straight to the top, Mulligan’s was the best of the bar burgers we sampled. Thick and stacked high, but not too high to be inedible, the burgers at Mulligan’s are simply quality. Starting with the constant across all the burgers, the patty is fresh, hand-formed angus cooked over an open flame. All that shines through in the burger’s construction and preparation. The bun is also a standout. It looks and feels artisanal without being out of place in the local sports bar setting. It’s able to support the taller and loaded up combinations without becoming soggy or breaking under the weight. It’s soft on top and toasted for a golden crunch wrapped around the juicy patty. It’s a perfect combo. There are multiple named burgers to try, as well as a burger of the month, but what also helps Mulligan’s to the top is the variety in the named burgers and the options in the build-your-own-burger category. Burgers start at $12, and worth every penny. There are also top-notch fries that bring a little seasoning, and options for tater tots.

On the strength and taste of its patty alone, The Point Restaurant & Bar was a contender. Probably the best seasoned beef patty we had. Well-formed, wellcooked, well-presented.The bun was also extremely good. It was practically a dinner roll with its feel and fluffiness. However, it’s also the bun that gave the burger its demerit in our rankings. There’s too much bun. Even on the burgers that had the full spread of toppings, each of us was left with extra bread on the plate by the end. The meat-to-bread ratio was way off, especially for the one of us who preferred their burger plain. On that plain burger, the bun almost completely enveloped the patty. The other markdown is lack of options. There are just two beef patty burgers on the menu—the standard The Point Burger and the California Burger with bacon, avocado and blue cheese— and a blackened ahi burger. The Point is certainly a good burger and grilled up to a great result. However, just those few demerits took it out of the running for the top. Additional point for The Point: their tater tots are a fabulous side.

When looking for the definition of a “bar burger,” it’s the standard of Hennessey’s Tavern burger that will come up. The burger at Hennessey’s is good. Not great, not bad, but simple, boilerplate good, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Hennessey’s actually has two distinctions of burgers: gourmet burgers and favorite burgers. The gourmet burgers are made with dry-aged ground beef, and they do have a standout with the Dublin Burger, which features Irish cheddar—which makes all the difference—and applewood smoked bacon. There’s also a monthly featured gourmet burger. The favorite burgers have multiple combinations, including a standard burger, fried eggs and even a pretzel bun. Again, all pretty down-the-middle. Not going to rock your world, but still good.

The 19 Sports Bar & Grill is a great sports bar and food spot on its own, not just a respite for weary golfers after a round at San Juan Hills Golf Club. There is fantastic food up and down the menu. (Don’t sleep on that pulled pork sandwich.) When it came to the burgers, though, it was a slight disappointment compared to the quality of everything else on the menu. The burgers offer Wagyu patties, whether you order the signature 19th Hole Smashed Burger or you build your own burger. A big positive is the variety of options, whether you grab a breakfast burger after an early round or come later to create your own wild combination. However, it was the preparation that lacked. The burgers were a bit overdone and grayed out. The potato bun on the 19th Hole Smashed Burger was underwhelming. The fries felt like out of a grocery store bag. Maybe it was a bad day, because, again, the rest of the menu has never disappointed, and there are the foundations of a great burger.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ZACH CAVANAGH

Mulligan’s 1401 Calle Valle, San Clemente, mulligansbarsanclemente.com

Hennessey’s Tavern

34111 La Plaza, Dana Point; 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, hennesseystavern.com

San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, sanjuanhillsgolf.com/sports-bar

South County Sportfishing

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

For South Orange County residents, proximity to the endless Pacific Ocean is what attracts many to the area and keeps people around for decades.

There are numerous activities such as swimming and surfing that can provide aquatic thrills, but the sport of fishing is another timeless local tradition that has room to fit all kinds of interests.

South Orange County is a notable spot along the West Coast for both professional and amateur fishing.

Stephanie Hogan, co-owner of the legendary full-service tackle shop Hogan’s Bait & Tackle in Dana Point, gave her sage knowledge about the sport.

Hogan grew up doing freshwater fishing near the San Fernando Valley and transitioned to saltwater fishing after moving to the area in 1987. She runs the tackle store with her family.

“It just depends on the type of fishing,” Hogan said of her favorite spots to fish. “If I’m surf fishing, I enjoy scouting out the different beaches and finding their unique qualities that they have.”

Surf fishing requires minimal equipment, such as a rod, reel, and basic tackle, and entails going to a beach, normally at low tide, to learn what its topography is. Often surf fishing can provide a variety of fish to catch.

Hogan added that she enjoys calico bass fishing when out on a boat, but those excursions rely on what species are currently biting at the time.

Fishing novices can start off with basic

rods, reels, and tackle, according to Hogan.

“They can start with doing just bait, which would (include) hooks, sinkers, and the bait,” she said. “(You) need a couple of tools, and, really, you can get fishing with that.”

Hogan’s offers equipment at both ends of the price spectrum, ranging from $36 combos to setups that can cost in the hundreds of dollars.

“It really depends on what the customer is looking to do,” said Hogan. “We like to talk with them and get a little background information to better suit their needs.”

To get better over time, interested parties should visit fishing stores such as Hogan’s to talk to experts, as well as checking out online resources. When already out on location, such as at the San Clemente Municipal Pier, she advised speaking with local fishermen.

“They love sharing their secrets (and) their tips,” she said. “A lot of those guys are out there every day, and they really like to share knowledge and tell their fish stories.”

For those interested in going fishing on a boat, Hogan recommended visiting the Dana Wharf, which offers various trip lengths from a half-day to overnight.

Dana Wharf also provides an After School Fishing Camp in the spring that teaches children new lessons weekly, and hands-on Kids Fishing Clinics that take place dockside. Through December, one child can fish for free with the purchase of two full-price adult tickets for either a half- or three-quarter-day trip.

More information can be found at danawharf.com.

LOCAL EXPERT PROVIDES ADVICE FOR

The fleet at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is ready to hit the waters.

Photo: Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

San Juan Capistrano

A Destination Area for Foodies

BY COLLIN BREAUX

People visiting Downtown San Juan Capistrano don’t face a shortage of options when it comes to eating out.

The area—once regarded by locals as a dead spot devoid of activity or places to check out—has seen a plethora of new restaurants open, including this year alone.

Each eatery listed here is a local non-chain operation and offers something different, adding to San Juan’s growing vibrancy and cultural flavor.

Bloom Restaurant + Bar

31760 OLD MISSION ROAD, BLOOMSANJUANCAPISTRANO.ORG

An ideal high-end dinner spot for a date night, or while out with friends, Bloom Restaurant + Bar is conveniently located across from Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Owner Russ Bendel said the name was chosen to reflect the agricultural history of San Juan Capistrano, but it also matches the dishes on the menu, which incorporate fresh veggies and food.

To get started, you can try the herb-roasted

The Historic Side of South Orange County

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

History can be found in countless places, and the growth of Orange County since its establishment in 1889 provides numerous opportunities for interested buffs to learn further about their backyard.

To begin, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, once an Ole Hanson home, was added to the National Register of Historic Places and registered as a historical resource in December 1991.

giant marrow bones that come with melted garlic capers and rustic bread. Main event items include a New York strip steak with mashed potatoes, blue lake beans and maitake mushrooms. Vegetarians shouldn’t feel left out, though, because veggie dishes and salads are also available.

Patrons are also welcome to pair their dinner with one of the numerous craft cocktails that Bloom offers, such as the Ortega (tequila, Aperol, mint and other ingredients) or the Mr. Jimmy Peacock (gin, grapefruit, lime, elderflower and mint).

Bloom’s interior design features a minimalistic, mostly black setup, though the glamorous lighting won’t make for a dim experience.

Breezy Restaurant and Lounge 31761 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SUITE 4, EXPERIENCEBREEZY.COM

If you’re more in the mood for breakfast or brunch, hop on over to Breezy—across the street from Bloom. The island-themed eatery—which features pancakes, acai bowls and other delectable treats—recently opened in the former Ramen Shack locale.

The expansive Spanish Colonial Revival home was restored and now acts as an exhibition center for architecture, gardening, and arts and culture events.

In San Juan Capistrano, the Joel Rathbone Congdon House, built in the 1870s, sits on a roughly 29-acre property and houses The Ecology Center. The center aims to change the trajectory of how society eats food by demonstrating its organic farm and promoting healthy, responsible eating.

Elsewhere in San Juan Capistrano lie several other areas with a background to the city’s history with ranching and the famous Mission San Juan Capistrano, the latter of which was added to the state’s historic register in 1935.

Founded in 1776, the “Birthplace of

Owner Jasmin Gonzalez, who grew up in the Polynesian culture, wanted to give the community a taste of Hawaiian food. Menu items include the easy breezy (two eggs with a choice of various sides, including bacon and hash browns), avocado toast, breakfast burrito and drip coffee.

The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar 31781 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, ROOFTOPOC.COM

Billing itself as modern American “comfort food” cuisine, The Rooftop is steps away from Breezy and above Selma’s Pizzeria. Living up to its name, the restaurant and bar offers a bird’s-eye view of Swallow’s Inn and the rest of Camino Capistrano and Old Mission Road.

Restaurateurs Archie Hami and Marc Resnick opened their venture to the community on Swallows Day 2022 and are gearing up for next year’s parade.

Menu items include oysters, shrimp cocktail, shishito peppers, ribeye filet, burgers and a grilled vegetable panini.

“We want something that’s a little different—a little bit of San Juan Capistrano. We wanted a very cabin, woody feel,” Hami said shortly after the restaurant opened. “We wanted something more of the American comfort cuisine, with a modern twist to it.”

FKN Bread

31760 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SUITE B, FKNBREAD.COM

Also located in the Camino Capistrano corridor is FKN Bread, which serves—you guessed it—fresh-baked bread and sandwiches.

The bakery is the brainchild of husbandand-wife team Dave and Bree VandenBerg. As Bree explains, the eye-catching name comes from the first initials of their three children: Finn, Kane and Nash: FKN.

Menu items include turkey and tuna sandwiches and varieties of toast (which can come with avocado or peanut butter, depending on the option).

The couple started baking bread for family and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, because they had newfound free time on their hands, and decided to turn it into a business.

Among items FKN Bread has offered in the past include an olive oil cake with green frosting and cookies.

Orange County,” according to the Mission website, was the seventh of 21 established across the state to spread Christianity to the Indigenous population already present. It now hosts tours, exhibits and events as part of its namesake city’s downtown.

Further east down Ortega Highway lies Cabin 18 at the Greystone Villa, in Cleveland National Forest.

The structure, built by Franklin Phillips around 1930, was added to the national register in March 2002. The National Park Service’s description of the rustic and craftsman-style house included that it was “impressive and unusual.”

“The original structure is built entirely of river rock and mortar. It has the appearance of a miniature castle and is the only one of its

A Tour Down Los Rios Street

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Around the corner from the heart of Downtown San Juan Capistrano is Los Rios Street—a charming neighborhood and one of California’s oldest residential streets. Exemplifying the historic and quaint charm that San Juan is known for, Los Rios Street has several restaurants and shops that make for an ideal time whether you’re vacationing with family or merely taking a stroll.

RAMOS HOUSE CAFÉ 31752 Los Rios Street, ramoshouse.com Ramos House Café is a popular spot with the brunch crowd. With its idyllic atmosphere and rich menu items, the small eatery offers cinnamon apple beignets, a spicy crab cake salad, smoked bacon scramble with apple-fried potatoes and more. The food is as eye-catching as it is tasty.

TEA HOUSE ON LOS RIOS 31731 Los Rios Street, theteahouseonlosrios.com

The Tea House offers a variety of options for their namesake beverage with loose-leaf servings. Visitors can also get light foods including sandwiches and holiday desserts. The Tea House and the building property itself have been family-owned for generations.

LAS CATRINAS 31742 Los Rios Street

After you’re done eating and want to shop around for knickknacks, stop in at the boutique shop Las Catrinas. The shop offers a variety of jewelry, home decorations and other assorted items.

ZOOMARS AT RIVER STREET RANCH 31791 Los Rios Street, riverstreetranch.com Bring the kids to check out farm animals. Families can see goats, sheep, pigs and other assorted cute creatures.

kind in Orange County.”

Additional local relics of years past include Hotel San Clemente, now an apartment building along Avenida Del Mar, and a building at the top of Del Mar that reads “Historic City Hall.”

Constructed by early San Clemente resident Oscar Easley, the white structure facing across El Camino Real toward the office never served as the City Hall, but it did host the city clerk’s office, as well as numerous businesses over the years.

The Dana Point historical landmark on Santa Clara Avenue, the Goldschmidt House, and the Ole Hanson Beach Club are other places to stop and get a glimpse of yesteryear.

Downtown San Juan Capistrano offers a variety of scenic sights, restaurants, shops and activities.

Photo: Collin Breaux

Bonanza

And if you’re looking to take some meat home for a family feast, Drift also sells racks of its baby back ribs and its brisket or pulled pork by the pound.

THE RIBJOINT ROADHOUSE

34294 EAST PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, DANA POINT, RIBJOINTDANAPOINT.COM

Those looking for Memphis-style barbecue around here should head on over to the Rib Joint in Dana Point. This family-owned-and-operated roadhouse along PCH, near Doheny State Park, has been serving up ribs and other barbecued meats since the early ’80s.

If you’re in the mood for ribs, you won’t be disappointed, as you can try racks of baby back ribs, pork spare ribs or beef ribs. If you’ve got a family with an appetite, check out the Rib Joint’s options for Feasts—plenty of meats and sides to go around.

And no barbecue place would complete without helpings of tasty sides including corn on the cob, beans, cornbread or a baked potato.

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

We may be more than a thousand miles from Texas, but that doesn’t mean we’re devoid of some high-quality smoked meats.

In fact, South County has a handful of notable barbecue spots to fill your tummies with everything from brisket to pulled pork, and cornbread to bread pudding.

Let’s see what our three towns have to offer:

BAD TO THE BONE BBQ

31738 RANCHO VIEJO ROAD, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, BADTOTHEBONE-BBQ.COM

Bad to the Bone BBQ has long been a staple for delicious and tantalizing smoked meats in San Juan Capistrano.

For hungry families, it’s a great place to gather for digging and pigging out on platters of ribs, pulled pork, chicken and plenty more.

Bad to the Bone boasts quite the extensive menu for those dining in, taking out or in need of catering for events and parties.

Whether you’re looking for two- to threemeat combos, racks of ribs or some burgers and sandwiches, there’s no shortage of barbecue options at Bad to the Bone.

DRIFT DISTILLERY

940 CALLE AMANECER, SUITE K, SAN CLEMENTE, DRIFTDISTILLERY.COM

What better way to pair a glass of single barrel wheat whiskey than with a helping of some baby back ribs or brisket.

Tucked away in the Rancho San Clemente Business Park, Drift isn’t only where you can find some locally distilled spirits such as whiskey, gin and rum; it’s also a hidden gem when it comes to barbecue around these here parts.

The menu is quite focused, as guests can choose between plates of ribs, pulled pork and brisket. But there are also brisket, pulled pork and bacon chicken sandwiches, a Cuban sandwich, and, of course, sides of beer-baked beans, cheesy potatoes, or mac & cheese, among other items.

HAPA J’S

2016 SOUTH EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE, HAPAJS.COM

While not your traditional Midwestern barbecue spot, Hapa J’s gets a special mention here for its offering of Hawaiian barbecue favorites.

You can’t go wrong the grilled kalbi short ribs or the Kalua-style pork,

HERITAGE BARBECUE

31721 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, HERITAGECRAFTBBQ.COM

Saving the best for last, we’ve got Heritage Barbecue in Downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Since opening just a couple of short years ago, Heritage has made quite the name for itself—and deservedly so.

It has earned much attention and acclaim from publications and food reviewers (including Michelin Guide’s prestigious Bib Gourmand), as well as from South County residents. All the good things you’ve heard about this barbecue stand just across from the historic Mission San Juan are true.

After visiting Heritage a few times, the word I stress to everyone is “patience.” Trust me when I say that your patience wading through the long line—which oftentimes forms in the morning, hours before opening—will be rewarded with delicious and savory meats.

If you’ve got the time on a Saturday or Sunday morning, grab a friend, stake a spot in line, and let your appetite grow as you continue to take in the mouth-watering aroma emanating from the smoke pits. Your taste buds will thank you for waiting.

Heritage has its mainstay and popular menu items such as its brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip and, of course, beef ribs. There are delectable sides too, including mac & cheese, potato salad and Texas chili.

But be sure to follow Heritage on Instagram @heritagebarbecue, as it periodically announces some specialty items and posts daily specials like sandwiches and burgers—my favorite: the Pastrami Torta.

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 thecapistranodispatch.com

CITY EDITOR

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City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith

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GUEST OPINION | The Cowgirl Designer by Marlene Holmquist

Welcome to the 2023 ‘Magentaverse’

Do Trends & Predictions Really Matter?

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute unleashes their pick for “The Color of the Year” in early December. Ever since their first choice of Cerulean (sky blue) in 2000, designers all over the world hold their breath, waiting for the formal reveal and celebration. Like it or not, Viva Magenta 2023 (Pantone 18-1750) has just been unleashed on us, mirroring the global culture around us.

Surprising as it may seem, Viva Magenta makes sense. It is an unconventional color for unconventional times. It is inspiring, bold and empowering,

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 20, Issue 24. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GUEST

OPINION | Wellness & Prevention by Susan Parmelee

’TIS THE SEASON FOR COMPASSION

The holiday season can be hectic, challenging, and sometimes not the picture-perfect celebrations we envision. As we still face the challenges of a long pandemic and an uncertain economy, it can seem a little less cheerful.

However, taking time to pause and celebrate with loved ones is important to our well-being.

The end-of-year holidays and celebrating the New Year allow us time to reflect and perhaps choose intentions for the year ahead. Approaching resolutions more broadly, as opposed to a list of personal changes, can be a helpful approach to overall wellness.

One intention that positive psychologists suggest for countering the challenges we face is compassion.

Compassion is simply defined as

DESIGNER BY MARLENE HOLMQUIST

and warm and cool at the same time. It reflects the huge advances in technology that, for many, replaced our homes and cars as an extension of who we are. Good or bad, it allows us to hide behind our virtual presence, and encourage experimentation.

Color is the most powerful element in design and is the first thing we as humans notice. It grabs our attention and makes us feel. Color can inspire or manipulate, calm or excite. The ingredients of a joyful life are as individual as each human being. Color has the power to bring that joy to the surface, releasing a domino effect that can profoundly influence health, happiness, and a powerful force for change.

Shoveling through interior design trends trying to figure out what recipe would work in your own home can be exhausting. Even professionals like myself have a hard time keeping up with what has come and gone! Coastal Grandma, Japandi Style and the Yellowstone Effect may have gone unnoticed

by some. But did you know the overwhelmingly popular Modern Farmhouse, and the All-White Kitchen are losing favor fast? Luckily, trends are there for the taking, allowing us the freedom to choose what we like. My recommended rule of thumb is to start by choosing the things you love and ignore trends or predictions. I once asked a textile artist how she decided the colors and textures of the fabrics she was designing for her next collection. Sure that she had done extensive research, I was more than relieved when she told me she did what any other artist would do … create instinctively.

Marlene Holmquist, ASID, owns Luxury Ranch Interior Design, a full-service interior design company specializing in remodels for residences and small businesses. An avid equestrian known as “The Cowgirl Designer,” she is a member of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and Las Vaqueras Women’s Riding Club. luxury-ranch.com or thecowgirldesigner.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.

“feeling for another” and helps human beings understand the struggles of others. When we use a compassionate perspective, we act with kindness, concern, and altruism.

to sponsor families for the holidays, serve meals to the military, and host festive events that bring cheer to all.

These compassionate practices can be continued year-round and benefit those who give and those who receive. Take a moment to acknowledge this communitywide compassion.

WELLNESS & PREVENTION BY SUSAN PARMELEE

The rewards of a compassionate approach include increased social connection, improved familial relationships, lower levels of anxiety, and happiness and decreased depression. Compassion is both outward and inward, with self-compassion being equally as important as compassion.

Self-compassion is a tool that most mental health therapists teach their clients and key to countering negative self-talk. We might ask a client to talk to themselves the same way that they might talk to their child or a close friend.

Allow yourself to make mistakes and escape perfectionism. Research has shown that self-compassion leads to reduced symptoms of PTSD, healthier aging, and a reduction in burn-out, particularly in the health care professions.

So, as we head into the holidays, how can we practice compassion and self-compassion? I have already witnessed that many families and individuals in our community have volunteered

Within our own homes, the traditions we practice are important to self-care; however, over the past few years, many of us have suffered losses, and some of those traditions may no longer meet our emotional needs.

If you or a loved one is feeling especially sad, stressed, anxious, or depressed, ask for help. Reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) warmline; call or text the OC Warmline at 714.991.6412; and if you or a loved one is suicidal, call 988 or 911.

The Wellness & Prevention Center team wishes you and your loved ones a healthy and happy holiday season, and we look forward to supporting you in 2023!

Susan Parmelee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and executive director of the Wellness & Prevention Center: wpc-oc.org. She can be reached at susan@wpc-oc.org. CD

PLEASE NOTE:

thecapistranodispatch.com

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

FRIDAY | 23

CAPISTRANO LIGHTS

4-6 p.m. The annual holiday program features festive lights, music and audio tours. There will also be Christmas trees, a Nativity scene, carolers, photo opportunities and nightly tree lightings. Capistrano Lights runs through Dec. 30. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. capistranolights.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB

6:30-9:30 p.m. The Honey Bees will perform. Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 555 North El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

AT THE OUTLETS

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Take advantage of the last opportunity to get photos with Santa Claus this holiday season. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S

11 a.m. Before you celebrate Christmas Eve, head out to Trevor’s for a festive lunch with live music. Travis Thomas will perform. The restaurant will close early for the holiday and stay closed for Christmas, with last call for food at 2 p.m. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

WEDNESDAY | 28

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE

6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge when it comes to music, movies and other subjects. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

SATURDAY | 31

NEW YEAR’S FLOCKIN’ EVE AT STILLWATER

9 p.m. New Year’s Flockin’ Eve at the Stillwater will feature music, champagne toasts and food. Call 949.661.6003 to make a reservation. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. danapointstillwater.com.

FRIDAY | 06

SHOWOFF! PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL

7:30 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse’s an-

AT THE

MOVIES

‘Sr.’ Is a Touching Farewell to a Film Legend and Father

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Robert Downey Jr. is now one of the most famous movie stars alive and has arguably the greatest comeback story in Hollywood history, going from Oscar nominee to prison inmate to Marvel Studios’ leading man.

But before all the fame and fortune, to a lot of people in NYC and L.A., he was—as he re-

fers to himself on camera in Chris Smith’s new documentary Sr.—“just Bob Downey’s kid.”

Robert Downey Sr. was, along with John Cassavetes and Andy Warhol, one of the most prominent directors in independent filmmaking throughout the 1960s and 1970s. These days, I think it’s safe to say his son has completely eclipsed him in popularity. As we see in Smith’s doc, that appears to be totally fine with both men.

Sr. is, in simplest terms, a loving farewell from RDJ (Robert) to RDS (known as Bob or Senior in his later years) before he would succumb to Parkinson’s. There is some documentation of RDJ’s rise from Hollywood kid to lead actor, but the primary focus is seeing RDS’ legacy and career through both his own eyes and his son’s, as well as childhood memories growing up in an artsy environment with a

SATURDAY | 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE AT PADDY’S STATION

9 p.m.-1 a.m. Say goodbye to 2022 and ring in 2023 at this downtown Irish pub. Sugar Lips will perform live music. British Invasion will also entertain pubgoers from 3-6 p.m. Have a pint and some fish and chips while you’re there. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

nual showcase for playwrights returns. There will be various 10-minute plays from different playwrights covering numerous genres—and the audience gets to vote for the winner. The festival runs through Jan. 15. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.com.

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.

writer-director dad and actress mom (Elsie Downey).

We get nostalgic and realistic accounts of RDS as both an artist and parent, with the younger Downey sharing how exciting and educational it was growing up on film sets and around other creative people.

But it also acknowledges how unorthodox it was to regularly be near alcohol and drugs as a child. Of course, recaps on the rise of RDS’ legacy with cult films such as Chafed Elbows (1966), Pound (1970), Greaser’s Palace (1972) and his landmark Putney Swope (1969) are also included.

Smith appropriately shoots the family portrait with both black and white, and color, cinematography to reflect the careers and home lives of the Downeys. The most interesting aspects of Sr. to me are the too-brief sections

TUESDAY | 10

TRIVIA TUESDAY

6-8 p.m. Come test your knowledge about different subjects during this trivia night held every Tuesday. The Dog Pawrk Brewing Company, 27122 Paseo Espada, Suite 904, San Juan Capistrano. 949.652.3379. thedogpawrk.beer.

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on Elise and on RDS’ second wife, Laura Ernst, during which we learn RDJ got his famous wit more from Elsie than his dad.

There’s a nice ode to Laura as well, who was a positive influence on RDS and son, and sadly died of ALS in 1994. Though, I have to say my favorite part of Sr. was RDJ bluntly claiming filmmaker and former RDS protégé P.T. Anderson is Senior’s dream son.

While Sr. is a nice, smooth 89 minutes, there were a few times I wished Smith and the Downeys had gone into more depth—such as clarifying how cinema icons and commentators Norman Lear and Alan Arkin are connected to RDS personally and professionally or why exactly RDS and Elsie’s marriage ended.

But all in all, Sr. is touching and well-made viewing for people who are interested in either father or son. CD

PHOTOS WITH SANTA

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Paddy’s Station in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Courtesy of Cottonbro Studios/Pexels

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE

STEPHANE WREMBEL

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

When talking to Stephane Wrembel about music, the French jazz guitarist would at times steer the conversation to someone else: Jean “Django” Reinhardt.

Reinhardt was a Romani-French jazz guitarist active in the 20th century whose work was influential in the genre, including with Wrembel. Wrembel’s California tour—which includes a stop at The Coach House on Jan. 25—will celebrate the life and work of his idol.

Wrembel particularly wants to show how guitar playing has evolved since Reinhardt and beyond. The show will be a mix of Reinhardt’s and Wrembel’s compositions. Like his hero, Wrembel spent time learning guitar from Romani people in France.

Wrembel thinks so highly of Reinhardt, he compares the man’s work on guitar to what Johann Sebastian Bach did with the keyboard, given Reinhardt was able to show music aficionados what the boundaries of guitar work are.

“Django showed us how guitar works in

the jazz context,” Wrembel said.

Jazz shaped the modern musical landscape, Wrembel said. Guitar players who study Reinhardt will become better at their craft, he added.

However, Wrembel does point out he is his own person and brings his own flavor to the guitar and performances. Furthermore, Wrembel even declares he does not believe in genres and that he—and other guitar players—are, first and foremost, artists.

His music has appeared on the soundtrack for the 2011 Woody Allen film Midnight in

Paris. Wrembel graduated in 2000 from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, released his debut album two years later and then moved to New York in 2003.

Wrembel acknowledges the influence of Middle Eastern music on his own compositions. Other influences include the blues, swing and classical music. He even grew up a Pink Floyd fan.

“You can’t describe music with words,” he said. “It’s something you have to experience.”

Something Wrembel will experience on stage at The Coach House is playing the venue for the first time. He can’t recall playing

SHOW DETAILS

What: Stephane Wrembel

When: Wednesday, Jan. 25. 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.

the San Juan Capistrano venue before, but he is excited to be touring the West Coast.

“There is something in the air, in the general vibe,” Wrembel said of California. “We adapt to the vibe wherever we play. It’s never the same show.”

The “we” refers to Wrembel’s fellow musicians touring with him for the shows: drummer Nick Anderson, bassist Ari Folman-Cohen and guitarist Josh Kaye.

Together, the four performers will create a “moment in space and time” unique to that Wednesday night that the South Orange County audience can enjoy. Wrembel hopes attendees will be able to take away a memory that stays with them after the concert is over.

“That thing’s going to be with you for a while,” he said. “Our concerts are always extremely alive.” CD

Jazz guitarist Stephane Wrembel (pictured here with fellow musicians Josh Kaye, Ari Folman-Cohen and Nick Anderson) looks forward to creating a memorable night of musical entertainment for audience members in Southern California in late January. Photo: Courtesy of Rob Davidson

Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

Call

Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com

After 50 by Tom Blake

Readers Provide Clarity to Widower

n my previous column, Ben, 63, a widower of two years, described his relationship with Abby, one of his deceased wife’s best friends, who lives 3,000 miles from him.

After Ben and Abby spent five days together, Abby was going to move in with Ben but changed her mind. She said she might move next summer.

Ben loves Abby; he asked for clarity on why his feelings for her are so strong. I asked readers for their thoughts. Twenty of their email responses are featured.

16 WOMEN RESPOND

Mary Lou: “Ben needs to move on. I see only trouble ahead. Perhaps not enough time has passed since his wife’s death. Before Abby moves, each should seek one-on-one counseling.”

Belinda: “Ben and Abby are entitled to their happiness. He’s way past living for his children’s needs. It’s time for his own life and pleasure. He should move them out and Abby in.

“Love at 63 is tough to find; we need to cherish it when we are lucky enough to have it.”

Stel: “Ben’s only been widowed two years. He’s not through grieving. Abby was handy and convenient too soon. To preserve their friendship, he should back away.”

Carolyn: “Too many red flags. Abby’s daughter threw a monkey wrench into the plans. Daughters don’t want their moms to move away from them. Time for Ben to move on.”

Patty: “I lost my husband of 47 years in July. Every woman misses the intimacy, tenderness, and true friendship of a partner, but the process of breaking in someone new is daunting. Abby isn’t his true match.”

Kim: “It was too much too soon. Love is ‘heady’ at first, and maybe we perceive things differently at that time. They should step back for a minute.”

Colleen: “Maybe Abby feels bad about her private communicating with Ben prior to Ruth’s passing and now doesn’t feel

right moving into her best friend’s home.”

Alicia: “Abby concluded that they needed to proceed at a slower pace. If it’s meant to be, it will be.

“The intensity of his love for Abby? I believe our hearts can hold love for someone else on different levels, and that is OK. It does not diminish his love for his wife, nor for Abby.”

BY TOM BLAKE

Althea: “Abby got caught up in the heat of the five days together, thinking Ben was her soulmate. When she got back home, she saw what she would have to give up by moving to live with Ben.”

Margaret: “Too many red flags. Often, bad choices are made when a person is grieving.”

Thyrza: “Both should cool off and let clearer heads prevail. Both have red flags.”

Robbie: “Ben doesn’t want to be single. Amy came along at the right time, even though they’ve known each other for years. I wish them the best.”

Jeanne: “Way too complicated of a relationship. Adios.”

Francine: “Ben has not explored any relationship other than Abby. I think he should date again, and if in six months he still has feelings for Abby, then he should pursue her.”

Kathy: “They should both stay where they are. Abby living with Ben’s mom and son won’t work.”

Deanne: “I am a widow; I understand what Ben is going through. He should take his foot off the gas pedal.”

4 MEN RESPOND

Carmelo: “Jump in; take a chance. What’s to lose?”

Wayne: “Way too many red flags with this situation.”

Larry: “Vaya Con Dios, my darling.”

Dave: “No one knows the questions Ben should be asking. Only Ben knows what is within himself.”

Tom’s comment: The consensus seems to be, Abby and Ben need to slow it down and see what six months brings.

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.

What’s Happening: Seen in the Community

The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center hosted more than 200 guests from Beyond Blindness—a nonprofit that empowers visually impaired and other disabled children—back in November for a day of hands-on interactions with animals. Guests were invited to ride horses and care for animals.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Bartles the cat is quite the little sweetheart. Only 1 year old, he is a curious and affectionate kitty who loves to play almost as much as he enjoys a good cuddle. Bartles is good with other cats and would make a fantastic companion for just about anyone.

If you are interested in adopting Bartles, 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

Photo: Courtesy of the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center

ON LIFE AND LOVE

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Bartles

2022 SAN JUAN SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

It was a golden year for athletics in San Juan Capistrano with numerous championship trophies in a wide multitude of sports added to the display case.

Here is a look back at some of the memorable San Juan Capistrano sports moments of 2022:

FEBRUARY

San Juan Hills Boys Basketball Wins First CIF-SS Championship

The Stallions set a program record for wins on their way to their second league championship, first quarterfinal, first semifinal, first CIF-SS Final and first CIF-SS Championship. San Juan Hills dominated the final three quarters to defeat host La Mirada, 59-49.

Capistrano Valley Christian Girls Basketball Wins First CIF-SS Championship

The Eagles obliterated the CIF-SS Division 5AA playoff field to capture the program’s first CIF-SS title. CVC averaged 71 points per game and allowed just 28 points per game over its playoff run, including a 70-24 win in the title game.

MARCH

San Juan Hills, CVC Basketball Earn Coach, Player of the Year

On the back of those historic CIF-SS championships, San Juan Hills boys coach Jason Efstathiou and Capistrano Valley Christian girls coach Dominic Freeman were named their divisions’ coach of the year. John McFadden and Mark Reichner were named Division 2A co-players of the year, and Halle Sii was named Division 5AA player of the year.

APRIL

Sean Rhyan Drafted by Green Bay Packers

Former UCLA Bruin and San Juan Hills alumnus Sean Rhyan was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. The offensive lineman made the official roster for the Packers in the fall.

MAY

Royce Lewis Makes MLB Debut JSerra alumnus and 2017 No. 1 overall pick Royce Lewis made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins on May 6. Lewis handled the first out of the game

at shortstop and collected his first bigleague hit in the eighth inning.

JSerra Baseball Wins First CIF-SS Championship

After grabbing a lead in the sixth inning, the JSerra baseball team finally captured its first CIF-SS championship with a 3-1 win over Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks in the Division 1 Final at Cal State Fullerton. The Lions won 17 of 18 games after a 1-6 Trinity League start to take the title.

St. Margaret’s Boys Volleyball Beats

CVC for CIF-SS Championship

In an all-San Juan Capistrano Final, the St. Margaret’s boys volleyball team swept league rival Capistrano Valley Christian, 25-20, 25-23, 25-18, to win the CIF-SS Division 4 title. CVC advanced to the Division III Regional Final before losing.

CVC Softball Wins First CIF-SS Championship

The offensive juggernaut that was the Capistrano Valley Christian softball team captured the program’s first CIF-

SS championship with a 5-1 win over Linfield Christian in the Division 7 Final. The Eagles allowed just one run in each of their five playoff games and scored 42 runs over their title run.

OCTOBER

San Juan Hills Football Rebounds for League Title

Against an incredibly tough schedule, the San Juan Hills football team opened with an 0-7 record entering Sea View League play, but the battle-tested Stallions made progress out of their lumps. San Juan Hills won its three league games by a combined score of 112-34 to advance to the playoffs.

JSerra, St. Margaret’s Football Clinch Playoffs in Season Finales

JSerra won back-to-back Trinity League games for the first time since 2018 to squeeze its way into the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs with a victory over Orange Lutheran. St. Margaret’s overcame an 0-6 start to the season to clinch third place and a playoff spot in its first season in the Orange Coast League.

San Juan Hills Girls Volleyball Wins League Title

The Stallions fought and scrapped their way to a share of the South Coast League championship. In the final week, San Juan Hills upset San Clemente and Aliso Niguel—and got help from San Clemente over Aliso Niguel— to earn its share of the title.

NOVEMBER

JSerra Boys Water Polo Loses Open Division, Wins Regional

The No. 1 seed Lions made their way to the program’s first-ever CIF-SS Open Division Final, but JSerra was edged in an absolute thriller by Newport Harbor, 10-9. The Lions got their revenge in the Division I State Regionals with a title win at Newport Harbor, 11-8.

JSerra Girls Cross Country Wins Back-to-Back CIF-SS, State Titles

The Lions placed all five scoring runners in the top 20 of the CIF-SS Division 4 Final to win the program’s seventh CIF-SS championship. In the State Division IV Final, JSerra placed three runners in the top 15 and all five scorers in the top 25 to win the program’s fifth state title. The Lions went on to run in the Nike Cross Nationals. CD

Photos: Zach Cavanagh (top, middle right, bottom right), Minnesota Twins (middle left) and JSerra Athletics (bottom left)