Last month, I explored San Juan Capistrano on a cloudy weekday morning. The city of 35,000 prides itself on its Old California charm despite modern intrusions. It’s centered around its mission, one of 21 created by the Catholic Church during the Spanish colonial period, which laid the foundation for modern California.
The region, part of Orange County, voted for President Trump all three times. Downtown reflected this with Trump-supporting decals, bumper stickers, and banners marking 250 years for both the mission and the United States. There’s a sense that the president has tied historical affection to his own legacy.
The Mission’s history mirrors Orange County’s reputation for conservatism, sprawl, and contentious views on immigration. These attitudes are juxtaposed with a simplified historical narrative often presented at the mission itself, where Spanish conquest is glorified.
In fourth grade, my class visited the mission, learning tales of explorers and priests civilizing the land. Missing from this tale were the devastating impacts of disease brought by Europeans, or the coerced labor and religious conversion of Native Americans.
The mission now tells a fuller story, acknowledging environmental destruction by the cattle industry and the indigenous people’s challenges under colonial rule. A letter from Mission Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams admits to the unintended harm caused by mission activities.
A room is dedicated to Father Junípero Serra, canonized by Pope Francis in 2015 amid protests by Native Americans. The exhibits do not shy away from the mission’s controversial past.
This reflection on history isn’t ‘woke’ or sugar-coated. Critiquing America’s past strengthens the resolve for improvement, not resentment. My immigrant family faced discrimination but persevered to seek a better future for us, their descendants.
Orange County has changed, now majority-minority since 2004. New challenges arise, but the evolving identity is welcome. Despite difficulties, change represents growth.
The mission’s tour culminates at the Great Stone Church’s ruins, a reminder of democracy’s fragility. The earthquake that shattered the building shows how even strong structures fail, but resilience and historical awareness help us rebuild.
Across from the mission, Heritage Barbecue embodies diversity—founded by Danny Castillo, a Mexican American. Initially doubted, his BBQ has gained national recognition, blending backgrounds and flavors.
No matter the background, all customers line up together and share benches, highlighting our interconnectedness in society. Castillo’s approach reflects a broader lesson—acknowledging history’s lessons to navigate present challenges.
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