Thanks to the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society for putting on a great BBQ yesterday -- Good music, great food, and a lot of nice people. The photo above shows Buck Bean of Rancho Mission Viejo (in cowboy hat), with Nola (center) and Jim Sleeper (right). Among the 300 attendees were many of the pioneer families of Capistrano. A direct descendant of Don Juan Forster was standing in front of me in line for lunch.
This annual event is held at Amantes Campground on Rancho Mission Viejo, which makes it also a great opportunity to get a little glimpse of the Ranch. It's important to have occasional reminders that there are still beautiful and rugged parts of Orange County left.
The Amantes Campground is a regular stop for El Viaje de Portola. This El Camino Real bell (actually fitted with a clapper!), and the monument full of plaques are reminders of this annual event. The enormous fire pit must be impressive at night.
Nearby is the Rancho Mission Viejo Cemetery, established in 1987. It only contains a handful of graves thus far. Among them are the graves of Richard and Donna O'Neill. Just outside the cemetery are grave markers for beloved horses and dogs from the ranch.
Author and Tustin News “Remember When” columnist Juanita Lovret will speak at the Tustin Area Historical Society’s meeting, Sept. 20, 7pm, at the Tustin Senior Center’s lounge, at 200 South C Street.
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Local historian Phil Brigandi will discuss the history of the Boy Scouts in Orange County at the Buena Park Historical Society’s next event, on Oct. 2, 2pm, at the Buena Park Library District, 7150 La Palma Ave. He will also be available after the talk to sell and sign his latest book, On My Honor: A Century of Scouting in Orange County.
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The following day, Oct. 3, the Dana Point Historical Society will host their annual Home Tour. Sites on Street of the Blue Lantern and Valencia Place will be featured in this year’s tour. I imagine they’ll be posting more details on their website soon.
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Dick Metz’ talk on the history of surfing in O.C. was a big hit at the Orange County Historical Society’s meeting last week. About 80 people packed themselves into the Central Patio Room at Sherman Library & Gardens. Folks had a great time, learned a lot, and had many good questions at the end of the program. Thanks to Dick, the Surfing Heritage Foundation, Dr. Hendricks of the Sherman Library, and to everyone who attended.

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