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GETTING OUT/PAGE
The List
What’s going on in and around town this week
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THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
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FRIDAY | 25
LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wild Horse 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.
LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S 8-11 p.m. Funk Station will perform. Enjoy the music and have a pint at this downtown pub. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.
SATURDAY | 26
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, so you can learn something whether you have a kid just developing a green thumb or you are an adult looking to grow more plants in the backyard. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. Watch a live performance of this holiday classic at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater. Performances will run through Dec. 18. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.com.
Editor’s Pick
Visitors to Mission San Juan Capistrano will get to enjoy holiday sights and festivities during Capistrano Lights this December. Photo: Collin Breaux
SATURDAY | 03 CAPISTRANO LIGHTS 4-6 p.m. The annual holiday program will return with festive lights, music and audio tours. There will also be Christmas trees, a Nativity scene, carolers, photo opportunities and nightly tree lightings. Capistrano Lights will be open on select dates through Dec. 30. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. capistranolights.com.
SUNDAY | 27
SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT SWALLOW’S 2-6 p.m. Put on your cowboy hat and boots and get ready to enjoy all the Western-style fun at one of San Juan Capistrano’s best-known dive bars and country music spots. The Big Fat Steve Band will perform. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.
MONDAY | 28
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.
TUESDAY | 29
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.
WEDNESDAY | 30
TREE LIGHTING AT INN AT THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 5-6 p.m. The downtown boutique hotel Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is helping bring the holiday spirit to town with a tree lighting. Santa Claus will be there to celebrate, and there will also be hot chocolate and seasonal treats. The San Juan Capistrano Elementary School Choir will perform. Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26907 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.503.5700. innatthemissionsjc.com.
THURSDAY | 01
LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 6 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Rhythm Society will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.
CASA LUMINA HOLIDAY WALK 5-7 p.m. Each night through Sunday, Dec. 4, roam through Casa Romantica’s grounds that have been turned into a magical garden walk and winter wonderland. There will also be live entertainment, creative activities, and hot chocolate. Tickets are free to $15. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.
FRIDAY | 02
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.
LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 7 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Anesha Rose will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.
SATURDAY | 03
LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 4-5:30 p.m. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano is offering this clinic. There will be discounted vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagnostic testing available on-site. No appointment needed, and walk-ins are welcome. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano, 32022 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.
THE NORTH POLE AT LOS RIOS STREET 4:30-8:30 p.m. Venture down to one of California’s oldest streets to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season. Enjoy shopping for holiday gifts at local businesses, photos with Santa Claus, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting and other activities. The event is free to attend. Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE COTTAGE GALLERY 5-8 p.m. Los Rios Street art gallery The Cottage House invites the public to come celebrate the holidays, in conjunction with the City of San Juan Capistrano’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Expect cookies, music and fun. The Cottage Gallery, 31701 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.340.6693. cottagegalleryonlosrios.com.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING 5:45 p.m. The city’s annual tradition will light up downtown, as usual. There will be entertainment held before the lighting, including a holiday musical show. Other holiday activities will follow the lighting. Historic Town Center Park, 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org.
AT THE MOVIES ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ Says a Lot About Supposedly Nothing
BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
Two decades ago, Hollywood tried to make Irish actor Colin Farrell into the next big movie star, a la Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt. But now, it turns out, he is much more interesting as a character actor than traditional leading man.
Farrell’s latest feature and third collaboration with writer-director Martin McDonagh is The Banshees of Inisherin, co-starring Brendan Gleeson, who also worked with Farrell and McDonagh on the cult classic In Bruges (2008).
The trailer for Banshees would make you think the period piece is just as hilarious as the trio’s previous hit, but in actuality, it’s
Photo: Courtesy of Jonathan Hession/Searchlight Pictures
pretty grounded in comparison.
Set on an Irish island called Inisherin during the Irish Civil War, Pádraic Súilleabháin (Farrell) lives a simple life with his sister, Siobhán (Kerry Condon), where they tend to their farm animals. Both are content to live their lives ordinarily, until one day, Pádraic’s world comes to a halt.
His closest friend, Colm Doherty (Gleeson), suddenly wants nothing to do with him for some inexplicit reason. While determined to figure out what he’s done to offend Colm, Pádraic is also dodging local nuisances: youthful Dominic Kearney (Barry Keoghan) and elderly Mrs. McCormick (Sheila Flitton).
The first 40 minutes or so of The Banshees of Inisherin are incredibly Irish and seemingly much ado about nothing at all. This lines up perfectly with McDonagh’s usual sense of humor of mixing irrelevant behavior with serious subjects. But the last half-hour takes a rather dark turn regarding Gleeson’s and Keoghan’s characters, which is also on brand for the filmmaker.
Farrell proves yet again that he stands out the most in modest, small-budget dramedies, compared to action-packed blockbusters. Gleeson and Keoghan are great, as usual, in Banshees, and it’s nice to see Farrell back home in Ireland.
But I was most drawn in the cast to Condon, whom I wasn’t familiar with before viewing the film, and am interested in seeing more of her acting.
Though there is a lot to admire about Banshees of Inisherin, my one problem throughout the movie is I just don’t get why Pádraic is friends with Colm in the first place. We get the sense Pádraic is an average man with no specific interests or complaints, so his standards aren’t particularly high. But why would he want to be best friends with such an unpleasant snob is a bit perplexing.
If you’re a fan of Farrell or anyone else in the cast or want to experience some genuine Irish culture and aesthetics on the big screen, The Banshees of Inisherin might still be worth a viewing. CD
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 7 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth near the train tracks. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.
SUNDAY | 04
CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Rock musician Fee Waybill will perform. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.
WEDNESDAY | 07
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. ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH W ith a mix of irreverence and heartfelt sentiment, eclectic musical act Squirrel Nut Zippers is looking to celebrate the Christmas season in San Juan Capistrano in a manner only they can.
The band—which blends elements of jazz, swing, Americana, punk rock and other styles— will be playing at The Coach House on Dec. 13 as part of their Christmas Caravan tour, which will include other West Coast dates in Seattle and Portland. Squirrel Nut Zippers was part of the swing music revival trend in the 1990s.
The tour is based off their 1998 album Christmas Caravan.
“It’s a lot of fun,” band founder James “Jimbo” Mathus said of the show. “A lot of people like it.”
Mathus further said they like playing The Coach House and that he enjoys getting to visit San Juan Capistrano when they’re in the area, particularly Mission San Juan Capistrano.
“I love the town,” he said.
Squirrel Nut Zippers—which started in North Carolina—enjoys coming out to the West Coast and does so regularly, Mathus said. The Christmas Caravan tour is generally
Eclectic musical act Squirrel Nut Zippers promises zany holiday entertainment this December during their West Coast holiday tour, which includes a stop in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Courtesy of Squirrel Nut Zippers
a great time and one that is “high-energy.”
Since they began touring again in 2016 after a hiatus, the band is now at the “top of their game,” Mathus said. Concerts such as the upcoming gig at The Coach House give fans a chance to get up-close and personal with the band.
Currently, Squirrel Nut Zippers is a ninepiece act with a horn section and several singers who take turns on vocals. Their music brings together people of different backgrounds, and while their songs mix in different styles, Mathus said there’s “not one type of genre” you can decisively put your finger on with their music—though he does point to New Orleans jazz as a strong influence.
Dark humor is also a part of Mathus’ songwriting, and he said Christmas Caravan is a staple in a lot of people’s houses around the holidays.
Mathus admits that while he’s not a huge
SHOW DETAILS
What: Squirrel Nut Zippers When: Tuesday, Dec. 13. 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 $35.
fan of the holiday season, he likes the band’s Christmas material.
As the swing revival period of the ’90s has long since passed, Squirrel Nut Zippers continues hitting the road to entertain audiences.
Mathus—who is currently 56 years old— grew introspective as he noted he’s been playing music since he was 6 and doing it for a living going back to his 20s.
“It’s really nice and kind of reaffirming of why I got started, because I enjoyed the reactions of other people,” he said. “You’ll get a lot of action from us on stage.”
Mathus also reflected on the band’s longevity and chance to be a part of fans’ lives. Getting the chance to get back on stage after the COVID-19 shutdown just feels like “old times again” for Mathus.
“We’re still here, doing what we do,” he said. “We’re very unique. We’re very quirky. We put a lot of effort into our stage performance.” CD
GUEST OPINION | On Life and Life After 50 by Tom Blake
Married 40 Years, a Recent Widow Sees No Chance of Dating Again
Earlier this month, I received an email from a recent widow. She gave me permission to share its contents in this column. I will call her Maggie Mae (not her actual name).
Maggie Mae wrote, “I follow your articles in the San Clemente Times. I enjoy hearing the male perspective on dating. I haven’t noticed women writing to you saying something like this, so I will say it: ‘I am 60, recently widowed after 40 years of marriage (COVID-19 took my college sweetheart) and wanting to date.’
“I tried the dating apps and failed. I am not willing to pay $5,000 for a professional matchmaker. I contacted a matchmaker; she was very nice initially. Then she found out my husband and I had opposite religious faiths, which was never an issue for us in 40 years. We celebrated both religions. She turned cold. It was shocking.
“Also, friends and family don’t know anyone for me to date.
“I am physically active. I volunteer and play sports, but I just don’t see a chance of dating again. Where do I start? Are you sure you aren’t a matchmaker?”
Tom’s response to Maggie Mae:
“Thank you for mustering the courage to contact me. By writing, you have already started to enter the senior dating arena. More importantly, please don’t give up on the chance of dating again. You are young, and just beginning your quest.
“You didn’t fail with online dating; it just didn’t work out for you. While online dating has been successful for some seniors, many feel as you feel; it’s not their cup of tea.
“And, no, I’m not a matchmaker, but lately, a few south Orange County single guys around your age have contacted me. Perhaps you can exchange emails with them.
“You said friends and family don’t help you. But consider this: perhaps a neighbor down the street or across town appeals to you, but he isn’t available. However, life can change in an instant. That guy might become single overnight. He may feel like you, asking himself, ‘Where do I start?’ Keep reminding your friends and family that you’d like to meet a nice guy. Don’t give up asking them. It only takes one. “Another indication that you have already started is by your volunteering and playing sports,
ON LIFE AND LOVE places where you BY TOM BLAKE meet new people. The important thing: continue to get off the couch and out of the house and pursue activities you enjoy. Maybe even add a few more activities.
“Finding a new relationship doesn’t just happen. However, you can help make it happen by interacting socially with people.
“If you see a man who appeals to you, and who appears to be available (no wedding ring or maybe he winks at you), strike up a conversation or ask him a question, whether in the produce or wine section of a store, at church, or wherever you go when you are out and about. Be assertive, but not aggressive, and always be friendly and smile. Exude positive energy.
“I recommend you sign up for my free weekly newsletter. Simply email me, and I’ll add you, or you can sign up on the homepage of my website listed below. I attempt to answer all emails in a timely manner.
“Having lost Greta, my partner of 25 years, last month, I understand your loneliness and pain. Perhaps, via my column in this newspaper, I can help you meet some new single men. But, remember, I’m not a matchmaker!”
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. Photo: Collin Breaux
What’s Happening: Seen in the Community
American Legion Post 721 Adjutant Jess Lopez gives a salute at the Veterans Day ceremony in San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 11. View more photos from the ceremony at thecapistranodispatch.com.
THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK Say hello to Arabella, a pretty momma
Arabella kitty with striking green eyes. With her kittens all adopted, Arabella is finally ready for some “me time.” She has a fun, curious personality and loves to play and explore. She is an independent lady but wouldn’t mind a like-minded feline roommate or two. If you are interested in adopting Arabella, 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
Run It Back
BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
The dominant form of the JSerra girls cross country team held up once again. The Lions placed their five scoring runners all in the top 20 to sprint away with their second consecutive CIF-SS Division 4 championship at the CIF-SS Finals last Saturday, Nov. 19, at Mt. San Antonio College.
JSerra’s seventh girls cross country championship and first consecutive titles since the Lions won four in a row from 2010-13 sends the program back to the CIF State Championships. JSerra will look to win back-to-back state titles next Saturday, Nov. 26, at Woodward Park in Fresno.
JSerra girls cross country captured its second consecutive CIF-SS Division 4 title and will run for back-to-back CIF State Championships. Photo: Courtesy of JSerra Athletics
While the Lions finished off the individual-winning pace of Payton Godsey of Oaks Christian (16:54) in the 2.93mile race, freshman Summer Wilson led JSerra with a fourth-place finish at 17:47. Brynn Garcia, a sophomore, also earned a top-10 position with a time of 17:53 for seventh place.
Freshman Kaylah Tasser finished 11th at 18:14, junior Georgia Jeanneret finished 19th at 18:41, and senior Anastasia Snodgrass finished 20th at 18:45 to round out JSerra’s scoring five.
JSerra won the title with 56 points to runner-up Oaks Christian’s 101 points. The Lions scored their five runners before Oaks Christian scored its third runner.
The JSerra boys finished in 10th in their Division 4 Final. Sophomore Bradley Arrey led the Lions boys in 29th at 16:14. Freshman Alden Morales finished in 35th at 16:19, and freshman Luke Friedl finished in 42nd at 16:32.
ST. MARGARET’S BOYS COLLECT SILVER IN DIVISION 5
In Division 5, the St. Margaret’s boys cross country team was able to earn some hardware with a runner-up finish as a team and in the individual standings.
Everett Capelle, a junior, paced the Tartans with a run of 15:36 to finish 22 seconds behind first place and claim a silver medal. Keven Shen, a senior, also had a stellar run for St. Margaret’s with a 12th-place finish at 16:24.
Despite placing its top two runners in the top 15, Viewpoint’s pack of runners took 25th, 26th, 29th and 31st before the Tartans could place their third runner. St. Margaret’s also scored its fourth runner before Viewpoint scored its fifth, but the Tartans couldn’t overcome the margin. Viewpoint beat St. Margaret’s for the title, 123-135.
Evan Causee, a sophomore, finished in 35th at 17:19, Jared Botuchis finished 41st at 17:26, and freshman Zaden Guruamy rounded out the scoring in 73rd at 18:09.
The St. Margaret’s girls finished fourth in their Division 5 Final to qualify for the State Championships. Freshman Joyce Li led the Tartans in fifth place at 19:29, and sophomore Sarah Bendzick finished 20th at 20:13. CD
SAN JUAN PREPS 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.
JSerra Football Seeks New Leadership, ‘Parts Ways’ with McKnight
JSerra announced on Nov. 17 that it will “part ways” with head football coach Scott McKnight after two seasons to seek new leadership for the helm of the program.
In two seasons under McKnight, the Lions posted a 9-14 record overall with two playoff appearances. JSerra went 3-8 in 2021 and lost in the Division 2 first round to Sierra Canyon in a game that went down to the final play, and the Lions went 6-6 in 2022 with a first-round comeback victory over Santa Margarita in the Division 1 first round and a second-round loss to Mater Dei.
“Coach McKnight took over this team at a crucial time and has done a great job bridging the gap,” JSerra athletic director Chris Ledyard said in a statement. “His dedication and hard work brought a level of success for which we are grateful.”
JSerra decided to “part ways” with head football coach Scott McKnight after two seasons. McKnight, a special teams guru, led the Lions to two playoff appearances. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57
McKnight was not on the sidelines for JSerra’s two playoff games this season after suffering a severe concussion in an accidental collision in warmups ahead of the Lions’ first-round game against Santa Margarita at Saddleback College. McKnight also coached part of the season with an eye patch after sustaining an injury to his left eye.
McKnight was renowned as a special teams guru, including his 10 previous years as an assistant coach with the Lions. Over the past two seasons, JSerra had dialed up six kickoff returns for touchdowns.
“We wish Scott the very best in his next endeavors,” JSerra president Rich Meyer said in the statement. “And while it’s never easy to make a change, we believe now is the time to capitalize on the foundation Scott has built for one of our marquee programs.”
JSerra offensive line coach Pat Harlow, who was the head coach of the Lions for four seasons before stepping down and McKnight taking over, was the acting head coach in the Lions’ two playoff games while McKnight was out. Harlow told the Orange County Register in an email that he “might be done coaching” and will take time to figure out his future.
JSerra Boys Water Polo Rebounds with Regional Title
Exactly one week after falling to Newport Harbor in an epic CIF-SS Open Division Final, the JSerra boys water polo team evened up their season series and returned the favor in the Sailors’ own pool.
The Lions broke a fourth-quarter tie with four goals to defeat Newport Harbor, 11-8, to capture the program’s first CIF State Southern California Regional championship in the Division I Final on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Newport Harbor High School.
Junior Ryder Dodd scored six goals, including two in the fourth quarter, to pace the No. 2 Lions over No. 1 Newport Harbor and split the four meetings between the two elite programs this season.
JSerra capitalized on five of its eight extra-man opportunities.
On Nov. 12, Newport Harbor had edged JSerra, 10-9, for the Sailors’ second consecutive CIF-SS Open Division title, but the Lions denied Newport Harbor their second straight Regional title. CD
