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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.

SATURDAY | 24

PHOTOS WITH SANTA 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 annual 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.

Editor’s Pick

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

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.

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.

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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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 refers 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 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 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

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

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

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

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

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

GUEST OPINION | On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Readers Provide Clarity to Widower

In 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

ON LIFE AND LOVE someone else on

BY TOM BLAKE different levels, and that is OK. It does not diminish his love for his wife, nor for Abby.” 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. Photo: Courtesy of the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center

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 CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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

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

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

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. 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 CIFSS 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