The Capistrano Dispatch

06/17/2026

The San Juan Capistrano City Council has approved an amendment to a professional services agreement with an environmental consultant, giving it the green light to proceed with the necessary soil testing at Saint John Chrysostom Church. Details at https://www.thecapistranodispatch.com/eye-on-sjc/san-juan-capistrano-approves-soil-testing-for-saint-john-chrysostom-church-project/article_ebbaaa81-4d4b-4988-b3a9-6697d298875f.html.

06/15/2026

Congratulations, graduates! Celebrate the Class of 2026 with our graduation special section — inside our latest issue and online at thecapistranodispatch.com/special-publications/graduation-special.

06/12/2026

Led by senior pitching ace Liliana Escobar and timely hitting by sophomore catcher Annabel Raftery, the JSerra Catholic High School softball team stormed through the playoffs to win the first CIF-SS championship in school history. Read this week’s at https://www.thecapistranodispatch.com/sports/sjc-roundup-jserra-softball-wins-cif-title-lions-excel-at-state-track-meet/article_08d86653-f02f-4d2b-a220-49c6e00fb47d.html.

📸: Terry Jack/JSerra Athletics

06/08/2026

“At first, I wasn’t too excited about the invitation, because I knew the Los Angeles Lakers were playing on TV at the same time and I hadn’t been a big Michael Jackson fan when he was popular,” columnist Tom Blake writes of a recent trip to the movies, admitting:

“Once we were in the theater, my lackadaisical attitude turned into awe and amazement.”

Read his full column at https://www.thecapistranodispatch.com/soapbox/on-life-and-love-after-50-lebron-or-michael-the-movie-wins/article_83994519-a743-4157-b6f6-13bcc0a9bb7b.html.

📸: Courtesy of Lionsgate

06/05/2026

The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association has announced its newly appointed board members for the 2026-27 season.

06/03/2026

Kevin Skvarna is headed deeper into the international competition ladder after his gold-medal finish at the Pan American Surf Association Games in Panama, a result that now connects the professional longboarder to a wider qualifying path toward the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Read more at https://www.thecapistranodispatch.com/sports/san-juan-s-skvarna-rides-historic-pasa-gold-into-next-qualifier/article_4a12ca5d-55cd-44df-a49a-77b54d05c61f.html.

06/02/2026

Congratulate your graduate!

Reserve space in The Capistrano Dispatch graduation special section by June 4.

Contact Debra Wells at [email protected].

06/01/2026

As the countdown to San Juan Capistrano’s 250th anniversary celebration continues, the monthly trolley tours through historic San Juan are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

As the countdown to San Juan Capistrano’s 250th anniversary celebration continues, the monthly trolley tours through historic San Juan are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June

05/29/2026

As Orange County officials continue planning for the future of the Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano, residents opposing a proposed increase in daily trash intake say they remain concerned about traffic, air quality, odors and the long-term future of waste disposal in South Orange County.

As Orange County officials continue planning for the future of the Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano, residents opposing a proposed increase in daily trash intake say they remain

05/28/2026

Welcome to the South OC Good Eats!

South Orange County is not lacking in phenomenal food offerings. From coastal cafes to hidden suburban gems, the local culinary scene is bursting with flavor, creativity and passion.

In this comprehensive roundup, we dive deep into the absolute best spots that elevate your dining experience far beyond just a great meal.

We track down the ultimate destinations to cure a stubborn sweet tooth, highlighting decadent bakeries and artisanal dessert shops worthy of a visit. We have mapped out the most welcoming dog friendly patios perfect for sunny, relaxed afternoons, and celebrate the true heart of our community by spotlighting the inspiring, generous businesses that consistently give back to local charities.

This guide also revisits the businesses that won best new restaurant in our 2025 Best Of Editions: Hook & Anchor in Dana Point, Coastal Cowboy in San Clemente and Blanca’s Latin Kitchen & Bar in San Juan Capistrano.

Read on to learn a little bit more about the dining options in South Orange County at thecapistranodispatch.com/special-publications/good-eats!