Good afternoon, South OC! Let’s here it for a truly incredible start to the new year with a week straight of 70 degree temps and sunshine in SoCal. And also to the days officially getting longer.
Salt Creek Beach was a balmy 75 degrees on this past Saturday.
This weeks lineup:
White Rooster opens it’s doors in the former Doheny Cafe location, and what you can expect from a new distillery opening in Dana Point this year.
Wine & cheese tasting, free yoga & Pilates classes and cheer on your team (go Niners!) at Salt Creek Grille with game day specials this weekend.
Home of the week: An adorable coastal cottage was just listed in South Laguna, steps from trails and minutes from Table Rock Beach.
LET’S EAT
Extending a warm welcome to the newest eatery to hit DP: White Rooster Cafe!
White Rooster is backed by the team behind local favorite Pacific Pearl Cafe in San Juan, and it looks just as delicious.
Their menu is a mix of comfort food meets coastal, with Mexican influence. Some standouts include Smoked Carnitas Brunch Burrito, Smoked Tri Tip Tacos, Blue Corn Waffles, Horchata Latte, and Michelada Slushy. Yum.
Stop by White Rooster, located at 34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite H in Dana Point.
BOTTOMS UP
After more than a decade as a cornerstone of the Lantern District, StillWater Spirits & Sounds has officially closed its doors. However, the iconic space at the corner of Del Prado Avenue and Golden Lantern won't stay quiet for long. Mammoth Lakes’ Shelter Distilling is preparing to move in, bringing a fresh concept that combines a distillery-inspired cocktail program with a kitchen focused on locally sourced ingredients.
While the venue will undergo significant structural repairs and renovations—including a rebuilt outdoor bar—the new owners plan to keep the music alive with a movable stage for local artists. Shelter Distilling is currently targeting a Spring 2026 opening.
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THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES
New tax initiative: A citizen-led initiative in San Clemente has gathered over 5,500 signatures, surpassing the requirement to place a 1% sales tax increase on the 2026 ballot. If approved, the revenue would be split evenly to fund beach restoration (sand replenishment) and wildfire prevention efforts.
Read the full story in the San Clemente Times.
Battery project update: The proposed Compass Energy Storage Project in San Juan Capistrano has been officially halted by developer ENGIE North America following significant pushback from the local community and elected officials. The company cited commercial concerns and site constraints, such as wildfire risks, as reasons for the pause and is now searching for a more suitable alternative location for the facility.
TOGETHER WITH
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Zero Stress: From technical design to warranty claims, we represent your best interests.
Skip the confusion. Start your solar journey with just the facts—(and mention South Coast Swell).
ARTS & LEISURE
JANUARY 14
Trivia night from 6:30-8:30pm @ Station Craft - San Clemente. Get the deets.
Dueling Pianos featuring Tom Bagley & Missy Alcazar at 8pm at @ The Coach House. Buy tickets here.
JANUARY 15
Opening reception for two new exhibits: Ann Phong & John Crosby from 6-8pm @ Casa Romantica. Learn more.
San Clemente’s Tunnel Vision at The Coach House at 8pm. Purchase tickets.
JANUARY 16
Friday morning flow in the Peace Dome from 9:30am-10:30am @ The Ecology Center. Sign up.
Coffee Concerts with High Tide Coffee from 10am-11am @ Casa Romantica. Learn more.
Ribbon cutting for The White Rooster at 11am @ The White Rooster (3420 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite H). Learn more.
Wine & Cheese tasting all day @ Frisby Cellars. Learn more.
JANUARY 17
Free Pilates class all morning for a 40 minute class beginning at 6:30am-1pm @ Studio Pilates. Register here.
Free yoga class @ YogaSix San Clemente. Choose a free class to book on their website here.
JANUARY 18
Game Day draft towers with rotating tap takeover all day @ Salt Creek Grille. Learn more.
Free yoga class @ YogaSix San Clemente. Choose a free class to book on their website here.
POLL
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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: 31507 Eagle Rock Way in Laguna Beach. This 1938 cottage + guest house has been updated for modern living, while retaining it’s classic charm. It’s situated right by the Valido Trail and just three blocks from Table Rock Beach and South Laguna shops and restaurants.
31507 Eagle Rock Way
Property details:
3 bd, 3 ba
1,100 sq ft
4,375 sq ft lot size
Built in 1938
On the market for 2 days
Features:
Classic 1938 ocean view cottage with a guest house and four distinct patios.
Main residence: two large bedrooms, two baths, sunlit great room with remodeled kitchen.
Ocean view dining area, breakfast nook, and a spacious living room with two art-crafted fireplaces.
Direct access to landscaped patios, beamed ceilings, oak flooring, and ample natural light.
Grounds include a detached cabin, storage/workshop, gated driveway for 3-4 off-street parking.
Contact William Rolfing, Coldwell Banker Realty, at 949-689-4470
Thanks for reading,
— Hannah B
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