🌱 Patch AM: Could San Juan’s business park become 250 homes, including affordable units?

Greetings San Juan Capistrano! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Could San Juan’s business park become 250 homes, including affordable units?
• What’s planned for Mission San Juan Capistrano’s 250th birthday year?
• Who’s leading San Juan Capistrano after the latest council shake-up?

Also on today's calendar: Chanukah Comedy Night with Sandy Hackett .

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 69 and low of 52 degrees.
• Sunday: Clouds giving way to sun, temps: high: 69, low: 46.
• Monday: Partly sunny, with a high of 69 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Study Reinitiated for Major Housing Project (picketfencemedia.com) — San Juan Capistrano’s City Council has restarted a detailed study that could turn the 15-acre Capistrano Business Park near Calle Arroyo into a 250-unit housing community, including 50 affordable senior units. The move doesn’t guarantee approval, but launches environmental review, specific plan work, and discussions on how to support displaced businesses before any final planning commission and council votes.
   

2. Mission San Juan Capistrano Prepares for 250th (picketfencemedia.com) — San Juan Capistrano’s iconic Mission is gearing up for its 250th anniversary in 2026, with exhibits, lectures, and a big community birthday celebration on November 1. The city is also marking its own 250th, coordinating events with local tribal leaders and offering birthday visitors free admission and special buttons throughout the year.
   

3. San Juan Capistrano Selects New Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem (picketfencemedia.com) — San Juan Capistrano has a new mayor: Councilmember John Campbell will lead the city through 2026, with John Taylor serving as mayor pro tem. The council’s decision follows Troy Bourne’s one-year term and highlights recent debates like the proposed battery storage facility, while encouraging more residents to consider serving on commissions or running for office.
   

4. Orange County Gears up to Celebrate Winter Holidays (voiceofoc.org) — San Juan Capistrano is one of several Orange County cities already glowing with tree lighting celebrations as residents head into Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. The story also explores how local faith leaders see holiday lights as symbols of hope amid deportation sweeps and looming cuts to food and health assistance programs.
   

📸 Around San Juan Capistrano

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🗓 Upcoming Events in San Juan Capistrano

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★ Featured events ★

Saturday December 20

• Country Christmas in San Juan Capistrano
  Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection, 26907 Old Mission Rd, San Juan Capistrano
  4:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Sunday December 21

• Chanukah Comedy Night with Sandy Hackett
  Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Beach , 30804 Coast Hwy , Laguna Beach
  6:30 pm

📣 San Juan Capistrano Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Saturday December 13

• Breakfast with Santa
  Outlets at San Clemente , 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa , San Clemente
  9:00 am
• South OC Cars & Coffee
  Outlets at San Clemente , 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa , San Clemente
  9:00 am
• San Clemente Library: Sensory Playtime
  OC Library - San Clemente Branch , 242 Avenida Del Mar , San Clemente
  10:30 am
• Laguna Niguel Library: Toddler Play & Learn
  OC Library - Laguna Niguel Branch , 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy , Laguna Niguel
  11:00 am
• 35TH ANNUAL WINTER FANTASY
  Sawdust Art Festival , 935 Laguna Canyon Rd , Laguna Beach
  11:00 am
• Montage Mosaic Bar & Grille
  Mosaic Bar & Grille , 30801 Coast Hwy , Laguna Beach
  4:00 pm
• Kids Night Out - Holiday Gift Making (4-10y)
  Kidcreate Studio - Dana Point , 34255 Pacific Coast Hwy #113 , Dana Point
  5:00 pm
• Phil Vandermost: w/ TELESOUND at Salt Creek Grille
  Salt Creek Grille , 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy , Dana Point
  5:30 pm
• DOUGLAS ROEGIERS returns to Bricco Cucina in Laguna Niguel
  Bricco Cucina & Wine Bar , 28083 Moulton Pkwy Unit C5 , Laguna Niguel
  6:00 pm
• Enthralled In Honor
  190 Avenida La Pata , San Clemente
  6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• FOUND CAT!!
  Is anyone missing a cat? My brother found him near the sheriff’s station in San Juan Capistrano on paseo adelanto st, close to the creek. He is… (Nextdoor Sunhollow)
• Reports of police chase in Fullerton, California.
  12:21AM on Dec 12: Nextdoor user reports that authorities are asking people to stay inside their homes or cars while they search for a suspect. (Nextdoor )

• Target Corporation posted a job opening for Seasonal: Guest Advocate (Cashier), General Merchandise, Inbound (Stocking) (T3366) in San Juan Capistrano. Apply here.
• Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Team Member in San Juan Capistrano. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near San Juan Capistrano here.

Ok San Juan Capistrano! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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