Dana Point Film Festival

Celebrating Oceans, Film and Community

The 3rd Annual Dana Point Film Festival (DPFF) returns October 9-12, 2025, to celebrate the beauty, wonder and importance of our oceans through the art of documentary filmmaking. Over four days, DPFF showcases films that promote education, conservation, preservation of marine environments, ocean sports and Surfing Films. DPFF is inspiring our audiences to become positive stewards of the sea.

This year’s 4-day festival features five internationally recognized feature documentaries, averaging sixty minutes each, along with twenty-eight compelling short films—including animated educational shorts and traditional documentaries from talented filmmakers around the world. The carefully curated selection highlights the critical issues facing our oceans and showcases stories of passion, science, conservation and adventure.

Family and Youth Engagement:
On Sunday, October 12 at 11 a.m., celebrate with kid-friendly programming at Craft House in Dana Point. Youth from The Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley will debut their own films, exploring fascinating topics such as Orcas, the Great Barrier Reef, wave science and extinct ocean species.

Festival Events & Highlights:

• Thursday, October 9: A Special Opening Night Event begins with “Meet the Filmmakers” at the Craft House, featuring food, music, culture and community.
• Friday, October 10: Opening Night Film & After Party screening at 6 p.m. in the “Film House,” at OC Sailing Club next to Baby Beach. Immediately after, join us at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows for lite bites, music and libations.
• Saturday & Sunday: Film screenings run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with various films screening throughout the day.
• Saturday Night VIP Party: Following the feature film, the Killer Dana party is at 7:30 p.m.— a VIP Experience is available!
• Sunday, October 12: The festival concludes with a stunning sunset free screening of Jaws on Baby Beach at 6:30 p.m., offering a perfect end to the weekend.

Tickets:
Secure your tickets now in October at the discounted price of $10 by visiting DanaPointFilmFestival.org and using the promo code (DPFFinSept).

About DPFF:
The Dana Point Film Festival is a Stand Up to Trash, Non-Profit event produced by Tenacity Entertainment with support from our OC Supervisor Katrina Foley, the City of Dana Point, Local Art & Culture Ambassador Maria Elena Banks, business and community members who are ocean advocates dedicated to celebrating and protecting our oceans. Join us for a wonderful weekend of inspiring storytelling, community engagement, ocean awareness, conservation and good ole fun.

Adventure Van Expo

OCT 4 & 5, 2025

Outdoor enthusiasts and van life dreamers will gather in San Juan Capistrano for a weekend of creativity, community and camper conversions at the Adventure Van Expo, returning October 4–5 to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.

Hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano and Adventure Van Expo, this event isn’t your average auto show. Instead of vintage vehicles and car polish, expect a showcase of rolling homes— custom Mercedes Sprinters, 4×4 overland rigs, solar-powered campers and off-grid trailers built for real-world adventure.

“This show features more than 100 companies sharing products and ideas for the mobile lifestyle,” says Rotary member Tom Hoon. “You’ll see everything from professional van builders to weekend DIYers.”

Attendees can step inside completed builds, ask questions, and learn directly from the craftspeople behind these mobile masterpieces. Vendors will showcase solar installations, water systems, space-saving storage and gear tested by full-time travelers.

Workshops run throughout the weekend, covering solar basics, construction techniques and recommendations for road-tested gear. Beyond the tech, the event highlights community spirit—many attendees camp on site, turning the event into a hub of shared stories and inspiration.

Food trucks, live music and a festival-style vibe make it fun for families, adventurers and curious newcomers alike.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano

• October 4–5, 2025

• $15 Admission, $10 Dog Pass

• SJCrotary.org

Whether you’re planning your next road trip or just love the spirit of van life, this weekend event offers a window into the art of traveling light—and living big.

San Clemente Home Tour

Volunteer-driven event brings community together to raise $150,000 for San Clemente public schools

On October 24, 2025, the San Clemente community will come together for the inaugural San Clemente Home Tour, a volunteer-led fundraising event showcasing some of the city’s most unique and inspiring homes. Tickets are on sale now at $120 per ticket.

Guests will enjoy a full day of discovery with tours of local homes, along with breakfast, lunch, a curated marketplace at the historic Casino and afterparty at Sonance Studio in San Clemente where there will be immersive audio experiences and tastings of local favorites. Proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit all 11 public schools in San Clemente, helping to close the funding gap and enrich the educational experience for thousands of students. The Home Tour’s ambitious fundraising goal is $150,000, making it one of the most impactful local school fundraising efforts to date.

“The San Clemente Home Tour was born out of parents and community members asking: What can we do together to better support our kids while building community?,” said Sharon Williams, President of the San Clemente Home Tour Committee. “This event is 100 percent volunteer-driven, community-built, and focused on ensuring San Clemente schools have the resources they need to thrive.”

Launched by a group of local moms in 2024, the San Clemente Home Tour operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In addition to ticket sales, organizers are seeking local business sponsors and community volunteers. Sponsorship opportunities include promotion on social media channels, and across event platforms.

Tickets are expected to sell out. Purchase yours today at www.SCHomeTour.org

EVENT DETAILS

• Date: October 24, 2025

• Location: San Clemente, CA

• Tickets: $120 regular pricing

• Website: www.schometour.org

DISCOUNT
Use LOCALDISH
for 20% Off Tickets

Reata Glen

Expect More From Retirement

PEACE OF MIND AND A PLAN: WHY MORE SENIORS ARE CHOOSING REATA GLEN

When Gary and Lola Bingham started exploring retirement options, they weren’t just looking for a place to live; they were seeking peace of mind.

“We moved to California 15 years ago from Long Island,” said Gary. “We had no children, so we knew we had to look out for our future.”

The Binghams join a growing number of Baby Boomers seeking retirement options that provide a practical lifestyle. It’s no surprise that their research led them to Reata Glen, a Life Plan community in South Orange County that continues to earn recognition for Orange County Register readers as one of the area’s top retirement communities.

FINALLY — A PLAN THAT MAKES SENSE

For many Baby Boomers, aging in place sounds appealing in theory—until reality sets in. Rising in-home health care costs (now reaching nearly $300,000 annually, according to AARP), along with the unpredictability of long-term care needs, can cause stress for the entire family.

Reata Glen’s Life Plan model offers a smart option. With a repayable entrance fee and predictable monthly costs, residents gain priority access to the adjacent health center for assisted living, memory care, and long-term care in a skilled nursing center, if ever needed—creating real peace of mind for residents and their families.

“One of the things that drew us to Reata Glen was the health care center,” Gary said. “We’re independent now, but over time, if we ever need more assistance, it’s nearby. And if one of us needs to go there, it’s just a 10-minute walk for the other to visit.”

A LIFESTYLE THAT INSPIRES

While the future is thoughtfully planned for, it’s the day-to-day moments that truly stand out.

With 60 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Reata Glen offers something for all residents—walking trails, an aquatics and fitness center, an art studio, a cinema, and even a brand-new indoor golf simulator.

Gary and Lola are regulars at the Wine Tasting Club and enjoy the abundant social, educational, fitness, and travel groups— connecting with other residents who share their interests and are retired in theory but with no plans of slowing down.

“I spend a lot of time on the simulator committee,” Gary shared. “It’s easy to stay busy here and find others who share your interests.”

“I find myself telling friends, ‘I gotta go do this,’ or ‘I have plans with that,’” Lola said. “They tell you when you move in, you’ll stay busy. And that’s what we wanted.”

EXPERIENCE AN AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY

The true luxury of Reata Glen isn’t just the amenities—it’s the freedom. No home maintenance. No yard work. No stress. Just time to enjoy what matters most in a welcoming community.

Reata Glen is proud to continue earning recognition as one of Orange County’s best places to retire.

To celebrate, the community invites guests to stop by and enjoy an exclusive Best of OC Celebration Box—packed with local goodies and special Reata Glen gifts. Available only for a limited time and while supplies last to guests who visit in September or October, it’s Reata Glen’s way of saying thank you.

For more information or to schedule a visit, call 949-696-6481. The team at Reata Glen looks forward to welcoming visitors and sending them home with something special.

Reata Glen
2 Las Estrellas Loop
Rancho Mission Viejo
949-696-6481
ReataGlen.com

The Winston’s Club

Simply The Best

In 2005, Rick Collins (The Guv’nor), an admirer of fine cigars and single malts, began considering the idea of opening a cigar lounge and bar. Nearly twenty years later in 2023, Rick traveled to his home city, London UK, to visit the 10 best cigar lounges. He returned with two key ideas. The first is that there is no reason that a cigar lounge and bar cannot have the most amazing client services. The second is that cigar lounges were all stuck in the past — dark interiors, brown furniture and the obligatory Scarface & Clint Eastwood artwork.

Fast forward to June 2025, when Rick and his partner Deb proudly opened Winston’s Cigar Lounge and Sports Bar in San Juan Capistrano. Winston’s offers an elevated experience for cigar afficionados, as well as enjoyers of fine whiskey’s, bourbons, and amazing craft cocktails. Complete with a Wine Club, cigar events, whiskey/tequila tastings, weekend music and enough TVs to show every game, Winston’s expects to become a beloved destination here in South OC.

Winston’s luxurious bar is smoke-free for those who do not partake in cigars. It has the look and feel of a 5-Star Hotel lounge. A large cigar humidor and wine retail center will cater to locals who need to add to their collections with well-priced selections. A large VIP room is available for special events and parties, and a cigar room complete with lockers and creature comforts is dedicated for our VIP member smokers.

Rick and Deb have the passion and drive to ensure Winston’s success for years to come. Winston’s is located in San Juan Capistrano, off the 5 freeway at Ortega Highway (Route 74) near 24 Hour Fitness. Cigar lovers rejoice. Drop by Winston’s and learn how you can become a member of their beautiful new club.

The Winston’s Club
27129 Calle Arroyo #1803
San Juan Capistrano
(949) 503-2469 | TheWinstonsClub.com

Christian Love

September 11th at The Coach House

Christian Love, the son of Beach Boys founding member and lead singer Mike Love, is making waves in the music world with his own distinctive blend of rock and pop music. From the full-length debut album, Only Alibis, to his signature song, “Sum Sum Summer,” Christian has a style that appeals to a broad spectrum of listeners. Christian will be making his inaugural solo appearance at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, September 11.

Christian’s songwriting career took off in 2020 when he co-wrote “Here We Go Again” with Bruce Johnston and other accomplished songwriters. This hit song found a place on The Weeknd’s album, “Dawn FM,” and added another chapter to Christian’s already impressive music career. Following this achievement, Christian decided to embark on a solo project, resulting in the album Only Alibis. The album is a captivating mix of original pop and rock songs.

Following in his father‘s musical footsteps, the singer/songwriter has carved out his own journey as a performer. He grew up going to his dads Beach Boys concerts and that started his true love of music. Christian formed his own band, called Alex’s Cane, as a teenager. He fronted several other bands in the 90’s and opened up for Matchbox 20 and Dave Wakeling of The English Beat. In 2005, Christian joined the touring Beach Boys band. He plays rhythm guitar, sings harmonies and lead vocals on God Only Knows, Good Vibrations, Help Me Rhonda, Sail On Sailor and many more. Last year, Christian began recording new music for his solo album, Only Alibis. The album is available for purchase in both CD and digital formats and via digital streaming services.

For more information, check out his website at ChristianLoveOfficial.org and on Instagram @christianloveofficial.

San Clemente High School’s own Surf Strands will be opening for Christian Love at The Coach House along with Brian D’Entremont. Cash tickets are $20 and $28 online. Don’t miss a great night of music!

The Coach House
3157 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano
(949) 496-8930
TheCoachHouse.com

Toast to the Casa

Casa Royale

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is once again rolling out the red carpet for one of San Clemente’s most anticipated annual events. Set for Saturday, September 13, Toast to the Casa: Casa Royale promises an unforgettable night filled with high style, immersive entertainment, and James Bond–inspired surprises.

This year’s dazzling soirée will honor longtime supporters Lou Leto and Sherri Colligan, whose years of generous service and welcoming spirit have become synonymous with the nonprofit’s mission. As President’s Circle members and volunteer greeters, their support touches everything from docent tours to beloved traditions like Christmas Nights at the Casa.

From the moment guests arrive, the experience is designed to impress. A vintage luxury car sets the tone, while Casa’s iconic keyhole door opens to reveal an “elegant champagne girl” lounging in a sparkling champagne bowl. Bond-worthy touches await at every turn: blackjack and craps tables in the art gallery, signature martinis from two full bars, and a James Bond look-alike circulating for photos. Live music will fill the air with sultry Bond classics, while interactive fun—like poker darts, a 360-degree camera, and themed décor—rounds out the evening of mystery and style.

“Casa Royale is more than just a party,” says Kylie Travis, Executive Director of Operations and Programming. “It’s a night of celebration that helps sustain our programming, preserve this historic landmark, and connect the community through the arts.”

Tickets start at $175 through September 1 and include access to entertainment, food, and drinks. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are also available.

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit CasaRomantica.org or follow @CasaRomanticaSC on social media.

Casa Romantica
415 Avenida Granada | San Clemente

Sip & Savor

The Gatsby Gala

The Assistance League of Capistrano Valley (ALCV) is setting the stage for a dazzling evening of vintage glamour, meaningful giving, and community connection at this year’s Sip & Savor Gatsby Gala, held at the stunning Sonance headquarters in San Clemente.

Taking place Saturday, October 3, the event blends 1920s-inspired elegance with modern generosity. Guests will be transported to a bygone era as they sip fine wines, enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres and decadent desserts, and take in jazz-infused music powered by Sonance’s world-class audio technology. Glamorous photo ops, vintage décor, and the ever-popular Mystery Wine Wall add to the evening’s immersive charm.

More than just a stylish soirée, the Gatsby Gala plays a vital role in supporting ALCV’s many philanthropic programs that benefit children, families, educators, and military personnel across South Orange County.

These include:

• Operation School Bell^® – New clothing and hygiene kits for students in need
• Hands On Literacy – Reading and math support at local schools, with book distribution
• Igniting Potential – College readiness resources for underserved high school students
• I.N.S.P.I.R.E. & Scholarships – Educational support for single parents and graduating seniors
• Serving Those Who Serve – Essentials for military families at Camp Pendleton
• Links to Learning – Teacher grants and reading resources
• Trauma Togs & Hug-A-Bear – Comfort items for trauma patients and children in crisis

With nearly 50 years of service and more than 22,000 volunteer hours logged last year alone, ALCV continues to make a lasting impact. Events like Sip & Savor help ensure this vital work can continue for years to come.

Tickets, sponsorships, and donation opportunities are available at AssistanceLeague-CapistranoValley.org. Whether attending in person or supporting from afar, guests are invited to be part of a night that proves giving back never goes out of style.

Chukkers for Charity

A Night To Support Surf & Turf Therapy

Surf & Turf Therapy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality equine and surf therapy for children and adults with disabilities. Founded and led by Dr. Jillian Stewart, the program blends the dynamic benefits of horseback riding and surfing to support physical strength, balance, coordination, and adaptability in a meaningful and motivating setting.

With individualized sessions grounded in clinical care, Surf & Turf serves people with a wide range of diagnoses, including Autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and rare genetic conditions. Each participant works toward specific goals — whether that’s better trunk control, improved tolerance to sensory input, or simply the ability to participate in an activity many others take for granted. The need is high; Surf & Turf currently has a waitlist of over a year, reflecting how few programs like this exist — especially ones led by licensed therapists.

There are several ways to support Surf & Turf Therapy’s mission:

• Volunteer with their dedicated team
• Follow and share @surfandturftherapy on social media
• Attend the upcoming fundraiser: Chukkers for Charity

Chukkers for Charity will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the OC Polo Club in Silverado. This exciting evening includes live polo, an open bar courtesy of Five Vines Wine Bar and Nolet Spirits, catering by Savory Times, silent and live auctions, live music by the James Kelly Band, and features of Surf & Turf Therapy’s riders and surfers. This event is the primary fundraiser of the year for Surf & Turf and funds raised directly support more participants gaining access to care.

There’s still time to get involved — early bird tickets are available at a discounted rate, and sponsorship opportunities remain open.

Learn more and reserve your spot here:

SurfandTurfTherapy.org/events

6TH ANNUAL CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY
September 25 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Orange County Polo Club
27271 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado

Fairmont Athletic Academy

The Solution for Elite Middle School Athletes

Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” Lombardi’s words will resonate with parents whose student-athletes aspire to play at the highest levels because they understand that elite athletes require elite training. “Perfect” practice does not take place in a vacuum — it requires pairing committed athletes with highly skilled coaches to bring its promises to fruition.

For this reason, Fairmont Schools launched Fairmont Athletic Academy (FAA) in 2020. “We recognized that there was a real need for an athletics program that could take a club or travel team athlete and turn them into a regional or national player,” says Program Director Phil Lopez. “But we didn’t want the exceptional nature of our program to stop with athletics. We wanted to bring it into the classroom as well. Fairmont is renowned for its academics. We didn’t want parents to have to choose between exemplary training and exemplary academics. With our program, they get the best of both worlds.”

Fairmont Athletic Academy is offered to middle school student-athletes at Fairmont Schools’ San Juan Capistrano campus. Academy students benefit from spending part of their school day improving their sports performance and skills while reaping the rewards of Fairmont’s award-winning curriculum and teachers.

Recognizing the unique needs of elite athletes, Fairmont offers a schedule that dedicates 80 minutes, five days per week, for strength and conditioning and speed and agility training, and 80 minutes, three days per week for sport-specific training with their coach.

Gustav Gratzer of the Strikers FC soccer club explains, “A club coach gets an hour and a half twice a week to work with their
whole team, of which only so much time can be dedicated to individual skills. Here, I have an athlete 80 minutes three times a week for the whole year to build those individual skills.”

“Fairmont has a history of innovating,” says Rebecca Lugo, Head of School at Fairmont San Juan Capistrano. “When we see an opportunity to address the needs of our families, we seize it. Our leadership heard from many parents about their student-athletes’ challenges — returning home late after practices, starting homework at 9:00 p.m., and missing out on important things like family time and sleep. Fairmont responded by developing Fairmont Athletic Academy to address these concerns.”

Working with sport-specific coaches and experienced trainers, each student follows a customized training regimen that leverages technologies like VALD SmartSpeed, JumpMat, and ForceDeck, along with GymAware and dynamometers to track speed and strength metrics.

A premier program attracts premier talent. FAA’s coaches and trainers represent some of the top programs in Orange County and beyond, including Tstreet Volleyball Club, Strikers FC, Tribe Baseball, OC Elite Football, and iTennis. It also attracts some of the county’s top student-athletes who aim to excel not only on the fields, courts, and ice but also in the classroom. Although the San Juan Capistrano campus is just five years old, it capitalizes on Fairmont Schools’ 72-year history of proven academic results. Fairmont SJC has already earned an A+ rating from Niche.

Do you have a middle schooler who is looking to get to the next level of play? Learn how they can benefit from Fairmont Athletic Academy’s unique and personalized approach to growing elite student-athletes at their upcoming Evaluation/Combine Day — Wednesday, August 13th; checkin is at 11:45 a.m. and the clinic runs from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Scan the QR code to RSVP. For additional information about the program or to schedule a tour, contact Betty Petersen by emailing bpetersen@fairmontschools.com or calling 714-234-2784. Fairmont San Juan Capistrano offers rolling admission.

Fairmont Athletic Academy
714.234.2771
FairmontSchools.com