Vocalist/lead guitarist Will Johns pays tribute to his uncle Eric Clapton with The Cream of Clapton Band, which comes to the @Coach_House in San Juan Capistrano this Sunday.

Author and historian Donna Friess has often turned to writing to connect with the community. She recently released a new book recounting the horrendous fires that destroyed much of the San Bernardino Mountains in 2024 and then Los Angeles in 2025.

Rohen Vargo received a Youth Hero Award from the American Red Cross for his student-led public health initiative, “Health in Your Hands,” which provides free blood pressure screenings to underserved communities in South Orange County.

South Orange County is set to light up with patriotic celebrations this Friday, July 4.

A San Juan Capistrano woman was among the first to graduate with her master’s degree as part of a new program between CalOptima Health and select social work programs across California.

Picket Fence Media’s latest Go. See. Do — our guide for fun and exciting happenings in and around South Orange County — is out now! Pick up our latest edition on newsstands around town or go to Here’s to a fantastic and adventurous summer!

For over a year, many residents of San Juan Capistrano and its neighboring communities have been working to stop the construction of a lithium battery storage facility on a piece of land previously owned by Saddleback Church.

Sicilian guitarist Matteo Mancuso admits he was competitive as a teen. He wanted to one-up his peers with his guitar talents. Then his dad, Vincenzo, gave him advice that really resonated with Mancuso.

Congratulations, graduates! This week’s issue celebrates the Class of 2025! Read and subscribe to our FREE digital edition at

“There are many theories behind the alarming rise in youth mental health challenges . That’s why, in 2016, the Wellness & Prevention Center began asking young people themselves what they thought would support their mental health and well-being.”

“ Why was a family with no criminal history, no gang affiliation, three children, and a new grandchild, a priority for deportation? That is not the America I know. That is not how America should be,” @RepMikeLevin writes.

Today is World Bike Day! Did you know the lifelong legacy of Buy My Bikes has just grown a family member with Hidden Gem Skate Shop?

When Steely Dan fans hear the moniker Kids of Charlemagne, the aficionados know the name is derived from the breezy track written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. The song became a minor hit and inspired the name of Bill Backal’s Steely Dan cover band.

Inside this week’s issue of The Capistrano Dispatch: Our latest South OC Good Eats! Read our digital edition at Read our digital edition at

“Ending homelessness is a long process. It isn’t all about lifting someone off the streets and finding them a job and a place to call home,” writes Deacon Jim Vargas, OFS, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages.

Foghat guitarist Scott Holt feels blessed, saying performing with the legendary “Slow Ride” band is a dream — especially because act garnered its first Grammy consideration this year. @Foghat performs with Molly Hatchet on Thursday at the @Coach_House.

There is a small street, which is not much more than an alleyway, in San Juan Capistrano called Arguello Way. This month, the city is improving this walkway. But who was Arguello, and why is this small alley worth preserving?.

CalOptima Health has broken ground in San Juan Capistrano for the fifth youth wellness and prevention center. Thanks to a grant, it hopes to fund more resources directly to communities. This will be the first youth-designed allcove in Orange County.

Various celebrations are set for Mother’s Day throughout San Juan Capistrano on Sunday. From brunches to fun in the sun, here are a few ideas:.

Small SJC nonprofit Riverbank has opened its first warehouse to collect home goods in larger quantities for people experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, individuals in foster care and others who cannot afford them. This week’s cover story: