🌱 Patch AM: Which San Juan Capistrano students just became National Merit semifinalists?

Hey hey San Juan Capistrano! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Which San Juan Capistrano students just became National Merit semifinalists?
• How a pricier Metrolink still makes San Juan Capistrano a bargain

Also on today's calendar: 30th Original Lobster Festival - Sept. 11-13, 2026 - Free Parking! and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Sunshine and warm, with a high of 88 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Friday: Mostly sunny and humid, temps: high: 83, low: 69.
• Saturday: Humid with periods of sun, with a high of 79 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Here are the National Merit Scholarship semifinalists from Orange County for the Class of 2027 (ocregister.com) — San Juan Capistrano students from JSerra Catholic, San Juan Hills, St. Margaret's, and California Online Schools have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, placing them among the top 1% of U.S. seniors. The list highlights dozens of high-achieving Orange County students by city and school, recognizing their strong PSAT scores and academic accomplishments as they move on to compete for scholarship awards.
   

• Metrolink's fare hike is here — why the train is still a top SoCal travel hack as gas prices soar (nypost.com) — Metrolink fares are rising about 14% starting Oct. 5, but San Juan Capistrano still features as one of the network's most charming, walkable day-trip destinations. The article highlights how riders can save on gas while enjoying easy train access to the town's historic district and mission, alongside other Southern California spots like San Clemente, Disneyland, and downtown Los Angeles.
   

📸 Around San Juan Capistrano

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🗓 Upcoming Events in San Juan Capistrano

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★ Featured events ★

Saturday September 12
• 30th Original Lobster Festival - Sept. 11-13, 2026 - Free Parking! →
  Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley
  12:00 pm
Sunday September 13
• The Coast Vintage Market →
  Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills
  9:00 am
Saturday September 26
• La Dolce Vita on the Green →
  Crown Valley Park, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel
  6:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Thursday September 10
• Camino Real Playhouse Grand Opening →
  31896 Plaza Dr, Suite c5, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675
  9:00 am
Friday September 11
• Queen Nation →
  The Coach House Concert Hall, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
  8:00 pm
Thursday September 17
• Tommy Emmanuel →
  The Coach House Concert Hall, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
  7:00 pm
Friday September 18
• Saddle Up For Good →
  27125 Calle Arroyo, 27125 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano
  5:30 pm
Saturday September 19
• The Box Tops →
  The Coach House Concert Hall, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
  8:00 pm
Monday September 21
• 10th Annual Play Golf. Change Lives. →
  Tijeras Creek Golf Course, Tijeras Creek, Rancho Santa Margarita
  12:00 pm
• Knights Of Columbus 10th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament →
  Tijeras Creek Golf Course, Tijeras Creek, Rancho Santa Margarita
  12:00 pm
• Knights Of Columbus 10th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament →
  Tijeras Creek Golf Club, 29082 Tijeras Creek, Rancho Santa Margarita
  12:00 pm
Monday September 28
• Knights of Columbus Hole in Fun Golf Outing →
  Tijeras Creek Golf Club, 29082 Tijeras Creek, Rancho Santa Margarita
  1:00 pm

📣 San Juan Capistrano Shout Outs!

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

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making San Juan Capistrano PatchAM possible:

• Magic Pro Cleaning Solutions — (949) 842-0020
• Psychic charm — (949) 545-7955
• Segerstrom Shelby Event Center — 9499694368

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• I'm having a family birthday party here in a couple of weeks.
  Can anyone recommend a place to get a tasty cake that doesn't cost me an arm and a leg. I'm willing to pay a reasonable price, but would like to… (Nextdoor Sun Ranch)

• Advantage Solutions posted a job opening for Retail Merchandiser - Overnight in San Juan Capistrano. Apply here.
• Burlington Stores posted a job opening for Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Lake Forest. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near San Juan Capistrano here.

🗞 Nearby News

Dana Point

• Dana Point Library Read To A Dog Tuesday September 8 2026 (southocbeaches.com)
• Saturday Ohana Fest Tickets with Heather! (audacy.com)
• Hurricane Marie damaged LA, OC beaches. Super El Niño could be worse, experts say (ocregister.com)

Laguna Niguel

• What Designers Wish Homeowners Knew About Stone (naludamagazine.com)
• Lynn Ahearn on BE Fit Modern Pilates (orangecoast.com)

Laguna Beach

• 4 Oceanfront Homes Yellow-Tagged In Laguna Beach As Surf Ravages SoCal Coast (patch.com)

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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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