We are so back.
Happy New Year to you all. Hoping for an amazing year ahead (hopefully with a little less rain than we’ve gotten over the past month).
Speaking of, I ran to Strands Beach this week and captured some pretty epic sunset pics as the tide was out. These winter sunsets truly can’t be beat here in South OC.
Sunset over Strand’s Beach, January 5, 2026.
This weeks lineup:
The team behind Truly Pizza has a new concept in the works in South OC (think breakfast).
See what our new mayors of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano have prioritized for their terms; plus an update on a recent landslide in SC and development of the Miramar Event Center.
Gourmet mini donuts pop-up, four chamber mixer (and after party), and line dancing are just a few of the many events happening this week.
Home of the week: A beautifully renovated modern yet classic Spanish Colonial comes on the market in San Juan Capistrano.
LET’S EAT
The team behind the local award-winning pizzeria that is Truly Pizza is cooking up a few new eateries that sound incredibly good.
First, they announced a new gelato concept last month, which sounds like will open on Del Prado right by their current restaurant. They also have plans to open two more pizzeria locations: one in Laguna Beach (which is set to open as soon as next week), and the other in Venice Beach.
More recently announced, they also have plans to open a bagel shop in Laguna Beach. According to records, this store would open on 31729 Coast Highway, right in the heart of South Laguna.
Needless to say, if their gelato and bagels are anywhere near as delicious as their pizza, we have a lot to look forward to.
Truly.
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THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES
A warm welcome to our new mayors! As of last week, Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano all have new mayors in office.
Dana Point mayor John Gabbard, who is set to prioritize public safety and small business growth. He also highlights focusing on harbor renovations and housing developments at Doheny Village. Learn more.
San Clemente mayor Rick Loeffler, who says prioritizing beach maintenance, hotel development for the Olympics and parking availability are some top of mind initiatives for him. Read more.
San Juan Capistrano mayor John Campbell: SJC City Council has named John Campbell it’s new mayor pro tem, who has been praised for his “steady hand” in representing the city’s interest against the proposed battery storage facility. He’ll also prioritize housing affordability and city infrastructure. Go deeper.
Miramar Event Center & Food Hall: The San Clemente Planning Commission has officially approved design changes for the Miramar Event Center and Food Hall following a debate over how to balance modern event privacy with the site's historic character. See the latest renderings and details on how this landmark restoration is evolving.
San Clemente landslide: A fresh landslide has forced the closure of a section of San Clemente’s popular beach trail, though rail services currently remain in operation. See how this latest movement impacts coastal access near Calafia State Beach.
TOGETHER WITH
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ARTS & LEISURE
JANUARY 7
Parmigiano Reggiano di Vacca Bianca speciality 7 course dinner from 5pm-7pm at @ The Market by the Meat Cellar at River Street Marketplace. Learn more and reserve your spot.
JANUARY 8
Four chamber mixer with San Clemente, Dana Point, Lake Forest and San Juan Capistrano chambers from 5:30pm-7pm at Agápe 1928. Sign up.
Line dancing at 5pm @ Salt Creek Grille. Learn more.
Big Mountain at 8pm @ The Coach House. Buy tickets.
JANUARY 9
OC Mom Walk event with champagne, sweet treats, music class and more at 10:30am in Chapparosa Park. Learn more.
Queen Nation at 8pm @ The Coach House. Learn more and buy your ticket.
JANUARY 10
Gourmet Mini Donuts x Coco Bloom Coffee 2nd Anniversary Party from 9am-12pm @ 24669 Golden Lantern. Learn more.
Yoga flow in the Peace Dome from 9:30am-10:30am @ The Ecology Center. Sign up.
JANUARY 11
Cars & Cafè from 8am-10am @ River Street Marketplace. Learn more.
So Petty - Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers at 7pm @ The Coach House. Buy tickets.
FARMERS MARKETS
Fridays: Farmakis Farms Certified Farmers Market from 9am-1pm @ Farmakis Farms in SJC.
Saturdays: Dana Point Farmers Market @ La Plaza Park from 9am-1pm.
Sundays: San Clemente Farmers Market @ Del Mar from 9am-1pm.
Wednesdays: Dana Point Harbor Farmers Market @ 34555 Golden Lantern from 9am-1pm.
HOME OF THE WEEK
Presenting: 33991 Calle de Bonanza in San Juan Capistrano. This newly renovated home is the perfect blend of modern finishes meets timeless Spanish design that’s true to San Juan. Just minutes from Doheny and steps from popular trails, this 2,900 sq foot home is an oasis ideal for modern family living.
33991 Calle de Bonanza
Property details:
4 bd, 3.5 ba
2,890 sq ft
7,648 sq ft lot size
Built in 1972
On the market for 11 hrs
Features:
Custom Spanish Colonial rebuilt to the studs with 2,900 SF and four bedrooms.
Two en-suite bedrooms, including main level with exterior sliding door.
Chef's kitchen with 12-foot island, eight-burner range, Taj Mahal counters, Forno appliances.
Indoor-outdoor living via bi-fold door to patio, fire pit, gas BBQ, raised garden.
Ocean-view primary suite balcony, mosaic marble floors, large walk-in closet.
New presidential grade metal & shingle roof, double pane windows & doors, new HVAC, updated electrical, full re-insulation, and more.
Contact Carolyn Kipper, La Placa Properties, at 253-310-3701
Thanks for reading & here’s to an outstanding year ahead,
— Hannah B
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