February 22, 2019

LO C A L

N EWS

February 22-28, 2019 YO U

C A N

U S E

Inside: 48th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08

Spring Sports Preview 2019

Dana Hills High School Dolphins ready for the season ahead S P O R T S / PAG E 2 6

Dana Hills softball will look to rebuild after big graduation losses as the Dolphins step up to the competitive South Coast League. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Editor’s Pick: NSSA Surf Competition

GETTING OUT/PAGE 6

Councilmember Alleges Misogyny on Council EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

danapointtimes.com

What Recent Rain Means for Surfers SURF/PAGE 30

GO TO DANAPOINTTIMES.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

DP EYE ON DP Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

recording of the Feb. 19 council meeting, visit the YouTube page for City of Dana Point. —Lillian Boyd

City Letter That Asks Organization to Stop Feeding Homeless Resurfaces

Five things Dana Point should know this week Councilmember Alleges Misogyny on City Council

Councilmember Debra Lewis states her argument for amending how members of the Planning Commission are selected. Photo: Lillian Boyd

THE LATEST: A verbal altercation during a Dana Point City Council meeting was the last straw for Councilmember Debra Lewis before she accused her fellow councilmembers of being discriminatory while behind the dais.

Lewis had added an agenda item for the Tuesday, Feb. 19 meeting in order to discuss restructuring the planning commission so that each councilmember could nominate a candidate of choice from a pool of applicants. That nominee, preferably a resident of the district he or she would represent, would then need a majority approval from council. Currently, the planning commission is not districted, as council is, but prospective commissioners need majority approval after following through an application process as described in Policy 302.

“Each district is going to have different issues.” said Lewis. “It’s more fair and representative if each of the commissioners represents the interests of their district.”

Following Lewis’s remarks, Mayor Joe Muller passed the floor to Councilmember Jamey Federico. Federico asked what would be done if there were no qualified applicants within one of the districts. Lewis answered that a councilmember could nominate a candidate from another district in that situation, but that the preference would be his or her own district.

“My question remains unanswered; how do we achieve what is being discussed here if we don’t have qualified people from a specific district? I think there are a lot of faults to this and ultimately I want to hear what other councilmembers have to say about it,” Federico said.

Lewis attempted to respond to Federico’s remarks before Muller instructed she did not have the floor. Muller and Lewis proceeded to disagree and speak over each other.

“Miss Lewis, you do not have the floor,” Muller said multiple times.

“This is our chance to talk and debate. . . .But if you don’t want to do that, we’ll go round and round,” Lewis said.

Upon each councilmember stating their position on changing Policy 302, Muller gave the floor back to Lewis, the lone woman on city council, to speak.

“I notice when Wyatt was talking, you had no problem cutting him off, asking him some questions,” Lewis said. “This is not the first time I have been treated dif-

ferently on this council.”

Lewis alluded to members of the public who have spoken at the podium about her treatment on council in the past.

“I think tonight made it very clear,” Lewis said. “You were just fine having a back and forth with another councilmember to clarify something, which I have no objection. But when I posed a question, you jumped in. I’m now adding my voice to the many residents who have asked me how I tolerate this. Well, I don’t.”

In response, Muller denied treating her differently. Lewis’s motion to change Policy 302 was voted down 3-2, with Muller, Federico and Councilmember Richard Viczorek voting no.

Following adjournment of the council meeting, Lewis stated to Dana Point Times that there is misogyny on city council.

“Miss Lewis is not treated differently; she just acts differently,” Muller said in a phone interview. “Trust me, if I was a misogynist, my wife would have no problem letting me know.”

The city adopted Dana Point City Council Resolution 97-09-23-02, which instructs how council shall conduct itself while in session.

According to Section 2D, “Once recognized by the Mayor, a Councilmember shall not be interrupted when speaking unless called to order by the Mayor . . . unless the speaker chooses to yield to a question by another member of the Council.” According to 4A, “Any Councilmember wishing to speak must first obtain the floor by being recognized by the Mayor.”

Dana Point Times February 22-28, 2019

WHAT’S NEXT: All city employees, volunteers and city officials are required to abide by the City of Dana Point’s Harassment Policy, which prohibits discriminatory harassment. If an individual believes that he or she is the victim of discriminatory harassment, that individual is advised to report it to the city manager or assistant city manager.

“Silence of the victims of harassment and the ridiculous excuses used by the perpetrators of harassment is what allows misogyny to continue,” Lewis said in an email. “It needs to be called out explicitly without sugar coating if it is to stop and perpetrators held accountable.”

The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5 at 6 p.m. To view a

THE LATEST: An official letter from the city of Dana Point asking a volunteer organization to stop feeding the homeless has resurfaced in a Los Angeles Times article published Tuesday, Feb. 19.

The letter, written by Mayor Pro Tem Paul Wyatt, is dated June 18, 2018, and asked Welcome INN “to stop the feeding the homeless at Doheny State Beach and, instead, work with the City of Dana Point and its partners.

Welcome INN is an “interfaith needs network” that has been voluntarily feeding the homeless for 20 years in Capistrano Beach.

“The city contracts with Mercy House so that case managers work six days a week to work on the street and interact with every one of our homeless people, know their story and encourage them to change their situation,” Wyatt said in a phone interview. “We would like for Welcome INN to take guidance from our care coordinators and collaborate together.”

Dana Point Times reached out to Welcome INN for comment but did not hear back before press time.

“Welcome INN has said to us that they set up the feed because nobody was doing anything while they’ve been doing the feed for ten years. I understand they believe it’s the right thing to do,” Wyatt said. “I can appreciate tha, but I believe there’s a better way for us to work together. They disagree.”

WHAT’S NEXT: On the Welcome INN website, it states that volunteers serve breakfast on Saturday mornings in Capistrano Beach through the generosity of several local churches and volunteer teams. –LB

Bates and Brough Introduce Drug Test Bills THE LATEST: Senator Patricia Bates (RLaguna Niguel) and Assemblyman William Brough (R-Dana Point) have introduced Senate Bill 283 and Assembly Bill 551 to require law enforcement to administer drug tests within 48 hours of a traffic collision if there were fatalities.

Current state law requires only medical examiners or county coroners to test deceased drivers and passengers for alcohol, but not for drugs. These bills will update current law and ensure that all municipalities are conducting drug testing involving cases of fatal collisions and to report the data to the California Highway Patrol, according to a news release from Bates’s office.

“As California adjusts to the legalization

Page 3

of recreational marijuana and grapples with the opioid epidemic, we need to provide law enforcement with every legislative tool possible to prevent more collisions from occurring,” Brough said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Assemblymember Brough will be the guest speaker at Dana Point Civic Association’s Coffee Chat at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 in front of Coffee Importers, 34531 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. —LB

Capistrano Beach Author Will Publish Third Book THE LATEST: Local author Kim Hooper is using Capistrano Beach as a backdrop for her latest novel, Tiny, scheduled to be available for purchase on June 11. This will be her third novel, after publishing People Who Knew Me in 2016 and Cherry Blossoms in 2018.

“I chose to use Capistrano Beach as the setting for this story because this has been the most personal story I’ve written,” Hooper said.

Tiny follows the journeys of people unwillingly tied together by tragedy. There is Annie, who disappears to live in a tiny house following the death of her young daughter. Annie’s husband, Nate attempts to stay strong on the surface, but slowly loses his mind as he faces the suspicions of Annie’s family and the police in the wake of Annie’s disappearance.

“I have a baby girl now, but I lost four babies along the journey in having my child,” Hooper said. “Writing Tiny was my way of dealing with my own grief. It felt natural to have Capistrano Beach be the book’s setting, because it’s my home and a part of me.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Tiny will be available for purchase on Amazon on June 11. Visit danapointtimes.com or kimhooperwrites. com for updates on future events. —LB

Congressman Levin to Host Town Hall THE LATEST: Congressman Mike Levin, D-CA, will hold a town hall meeting in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 3:30-5 p.m., with doors opening at 3 p.m.

This will mark his first town hall meeting in Orange County since being elected to Congress this past November to represent California’s 49th District. Levin’s district encompasses San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Dana Point, as well as northern cities in San Diego County.

WHAT’S NEXT: Levin will hold the town hall meeting at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion. Attendance is free, but those interested in going must register for a ticket online at eventbrite.com. –Shawn Raymundo danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Informational Meeting on Coed Teen Boating Program The South Coast Sailing Team, also known as Mariners 936, is a nonprofit organization devoted to coed boating for teenagers. There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in OC Sailing Center, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point.

Mariners 936 is a Sea Scout unit that was started more than 40 years ago by Jim Wehan, skipper of the Spirit of Dana Point and former Mission Viejo High School math teacher.

There is a boating program for teens, ages 14 through 18, and a Mariner junior program for those 12 through 14. Both are designed to provide young people an opportunity to have fun with their friends in sailboats of all sizes at a very low cost.

Prior knowledge of sailing is not required.

The Mariner and Mariner Junior Sailing Program features classroom instruction, Catalina and Channel Island trips, Mariner competitions with other Sea Scout groups,

Photo: Courtesy of Mariners 936

sailboat racing, maintenance instruction and free sailing. For more information, visit mariners936.com or email info@mariners936.com.

High School Video Contest for SCWD The South Coast Water District announced this month that 11th- and 12thgrade students who live in the district’s service area are eligible to submit a video entry for a public service announcement contest.

Contestants must submit a video between 1-2 minutes, explaining the importance of water reliability or where our

water comes from. Before applying, call or email the district’s customer service department at 949.499.4555, ext. 1, to verify eligibility. A 2019 South Coast Water District Scholarship Entry & Release Form must accompany each video that is submitted. Entries can be a group or individual effort, but there can only be one entry per group or person.

Entries will be judged by a committee on incorporation of theme message, production quality, entertainment value, creativity and originality. The first-place winner will receive a scholarship award for $2,500 and his or her school will receive a bonus of $500. The second-place winner will receive $1,000 and the third-place winner will receive $750. The school with the most entries will receive $250.

All entries must be student-created and may not contain copyrighted material. The last scene must feature the SCWD logo.

District service areas include Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, South Laguna, San Clemente and parts of San Juan Capistrano. The deadline for submissions is Monday, May 13. For more information, visit scwd.org.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Community Meetings FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22

FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY 4 p.m. Members of the community are invited to bring their worn or tattered American flags to Area A at Doheny State Beach, near the park entrance, to have their flags retired with dignity through a formal flag retirement ceremony. Park entry fees will be waived for those who state that they are attending the ceremony. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Each Saturday, California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market. Craft vendors are available the first Saturday of the month. La Plaza Park, Pacific Coast Highway near the Clock Tower.

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> Debra Wells (SJC)

EDITORIAL

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ART/DESIGN

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Art Director > Jasmine Smith

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, 5th District

Saving and Caring for OC’s Animals

A

fter a long day at work, juggling meetings with constituents, policy briefings with staff, traveling throughout South County for events, and so much more, there really is not much that compares to coming home to the joyful company of a pet. Pets have such a positive, loving, and lasting influence on our lives, such as improving health and protecting our families. As a rescue pet owner myself, I have always advocated for rescuing and adopting animals, which is why I am so excited to share some of the many successes of our new and improved Orange County Animal Care center in Tustin.

OC Animal Care’s new facility that opened last March recently announced its year-in-review statistics, with impressive gains in save rates and adoptions. We now have the highest dog and cat save rate ever for our OC Animal Care. In 2018, the save rate rose 9.7 percent from 2017

The Orange County Register reports that if imported water flows continue without reduction, “the proposed Poseidon project could cost customers nearly $250 million more than if they merely continued relying on imported water to supplement local supplies, according to the report.”

Editor’s note: The report also said the project could be beneficial if environmental trends worsen based on demand and costs of imported water.

This is insane.

What would it cost to redirect the 11.3 million gallons of recycled water, currently being discharged into the ocean, and inject it into the San Juan Basin? Indeed, not $250 million.

According to the San Juan Basin Authority, “the quality of the San Juan Basin ranges from good to poor. The lower basins are deep; however, they contain brackish water and require treatment, while the shallow upper sub-basin has lower TDS (total dissolved solids) concentration.

“Monitoring wells, as well as the current production wells, help measure water levels and electric conductivity, which helps

determine the number of various constituents found in the water. It is alleged that the bulk of the salt content in the groundwater comes from marine sediments found to underlie much of the basin.”

Furthermore, the San Juan Basin Authority’s website reports that “the San Juan Capistrano’s lease of the Groundwater Recovery Plant (GWRP) is set to expire in 2035. The GWRP could be upgraded, if necessary, to produce processed water safe for human consumption” and, it would not cost $250 million.

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

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Letters to The Editor

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ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller

REPORTS CAST CLOUD OF DESALINATION

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

JOANNA CLARK, San Juan Capistrano

> Susie Lantz (SC)

for our “fur-ever” friends. Joining us again this year will be author W. Bruce Cameron for a book-signing of his recent novelturned-major motion picture, “A Dog’s Way Home.” Guests will also get the great opportunity to meet the star of the movie, Bella. The expo is projected to have more than 100 vendors, and attendance in the past has been as many as 6,000, so there will be something exciting around every corner. This year’s Pet Expo will be held at the Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center at 28000 Rancho Parkway, Lake Forest, and is free to all attendees.

Overflow parking will be at Saddleback Church on Portola Parkway, and a free shuttle from the overflow parking will be available to bring attendees to and from the expo.

The Pet Expo is going to be a great event for the entire family, and I look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions about the event, please contact Kevin Fernandez at kfernandez@ lakeforestca.gov. If you are interested in becoming one of our vendors, please contact April Josephson at sponsor@ adoptocpets.org.

Lisa Bartlett is the chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, serving as the representative of the 5th District since 2014. DP

Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

to 81.77 percent overall. In total, 1,486 dogs and cats were transferred to other shelters or care, 2,369 were reunited with their owners, and 5,621 were adopted. The center is currently serving 14 cities across the county, and the job spans greater than providing care at the facility. Unfortunately, there are times where our animals are not being cared for correctly, sparking concern in the communities they live in for the safety of these pets. OC Animal Care is dedicated to investigating cruelty cases and taking action where need be to relocate those in danger to safe, happy environments at the shelter or even in foster care.

All of this success is attributed to new leadership and additional resources that have been made available because of the THE BARTLETT support from the Board of BULLETIN Supervisors and the new

By Lisa Bartlett shelter’s advancements.

For example, OC Animal Care was awarded $115,000 in grants focused on efforts to save underage kittens. With the announcement of the many successes in 2018, I am sure there will be many more opportunities for growth and support.

As I have done the past three years, I will once again be hosting the South County Pet Expo on March 9. This is always one of my favorite days of the year, as pet lovers from all over the county participate in exciting presentations on safe and healthy products

Dana Point Times, Vol. 12, Issue 08. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA.

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Dana Point Times February 22-28, 2019

According to the South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA), the San Juan Creek Ocean Outfall discharges 11.3 million gallons of highly treated wastewater 2.2 miles off the Orange County coast daily.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the proposed desalination plant would “produce 4 to 5 million gallons of potable water per day, with the possibility of increasing the output to 15 million gallons per day.

The water would cost $2,169 per acre-foot while producing 5 million gallons a day.

An acre-foot is equal to 326,000 gallons, or enough water to cover an acre of land one-foot deep.”

Page 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to lboyd@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning.

Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: Cutting through the Red Tape of ‘Green Book’

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to Dana Point Times by going to www.danapointtimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Friday | 22 VFW FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY 4-5 p.m. The public is invited to participate in a formal American Flag Retirement Ceremony conducted by VFW Dana Point Post 9934. The event will be held at Doheny State Beach, Area “A,” by the green canopies. Bring worn or tattered flags, to be retired with dignity. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.248.1419. vfwpost9934.org.

GLASS RADIO AT HENNESSEY’S TAVERN 9 p.m.-1 a.m. For live music, a good time, adult beverages and no cover charge, come out to Hennessey’s Tavern to blow off steam from the week. Glass Radio is an Orange County-based, three-man rock group that describes itself as if Jack White stepped into a DeLorean, fired it up to 88 mph, went back in time and picked up the likes of Led Zeppelin and Social Distortion, and then threw them in a boxing ring.

Hennessey’s Tavern, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. 949.488.0121.

Saturday | 23 ORANGE COUNTY CCW PERMIT COURSE 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Complete the training requirement needed to be issued an Orange County Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit through Application Tactical. Range fees are included in the course cost. Register online at applicationtactical.com. You must be an Orange County resident to register for the course. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is the authority on issuing the permit. Application Tactical, 24622 Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.441.2842.

OPENING DAY CELEBRATION WITH DOMINGO AYALA 1-4 p.m. Come out for the Opening Day Parade, a coaches home-run derby, taco catering and an afternoon with baseball YouTube vlogger Domingo Ayala. Dana Point Recreation, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. dpyb.org.

Dana Point Times February 22-28, 2019

EDITOR’S PICK

Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Bella Kenworthy will be competing in the NSSA Southwest Conference Open on Sunday and Monday, Feb. 2425. She is ranked No. 1 in the 12-and-under age group category for NSSA. Photo: Courtesy of Scott Flanders

SUNDAY AND MONDAY, FEB. 24-25: NSSA SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE OPEN 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The National Scholastic Surfing Association is one of the few national youth sports organizations that requires its participants to maintain academic standards in order to compete. Since 1978, the NSSA program philosophy has been that athletics and scholastics go hand in hand. The surf competition will be held at Salt Creek Beach, 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. nssa.org.

mente. 949.76.2699. leftcoastbrewing.com.

Sunday | 24 SIR ANDRÁS SCHIFF, PIANO 3 p.m. A consummate master pianist, Sir András Schiff makes a special recital appearance on the Philharmonic Society’s series at Soka Performing Arts Center. Sir András has served as Pianist in Residence of the Berlin Philharmonic, a Perspective Artist at Carnegie Hall, and Pianist in Residence of the Kunstfest Weimar. Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased by visiting soka.edu. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo.

Monday | 25 BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. goodystavern.com.

Tuesday | 26 BEND AND BREW 6-7 p.m. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. Cost is $10. Left Coast Brewing Co. 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Cle-

Wednesday | 27 FREE COMEDY AT BLOOMS IRISH SPORTS BAR 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Blooms Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

Thursday | 28 DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES: DR. DAVID WILMOT 6-8 p.m. Dr. David Wilmot is the co-founder and president of Ocean Champions, a nonprofit organization that aims to create a political environment in which protecting and restoring the oceans is a priority of federal and state governments. Wilmot has his PhD in marine biology and has developed a passion for advocacy for our oceans. His work includes efforts to ban Styrofoam at University of California San Diego and on local San Diego beaches and serving as Executive Director of the Ocean Wildlife Campaign. Reserve tickets at ocean-institute.org. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274.

Page 6

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

N

ow that the 2018 awards season comes to an end on Sunday, let us revisit one of the more polarizing and divisive films of last year: Peter Farrelly’s lighthearted biopic, Green Book. It is a lot like the popular period piece Driving Miss Daisy (1989), in that we have two very strong lead performances in a film that’s basically a fluff piece.

In 1962 New York, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) is out of a job and looking for easy work before Christmas, and Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) is in need of a driver for a two-month tour in the South.

Despite their personal differences and Tony’s casual racial prejudice, the two come together for the sake of their careers. Tony also gets up-close accounts of Don regularly experiencing racism for being black, and Don even sees Tony mocked for being Italian-American.

The thing with Green Book is that there are some genuinely good scenes, particularly early on when Don and Tony are getting to know each other. And there was a lot of potential to be a great tribute to this talented but overlooked musical artist from the mid-20th century.

The acting is great, and the friendship feels real and puts a smile on your face. But as the movie goes on, the portrayal gets a little unrealistic, with Tony quickly becoming the only “good” white guy in a sea of bigoted southerners. You can easily tell that the film is co-written and co-produced by Lip’s real son, Nick Vallelonga. Yet, like a lot of my fellow film critics, I’m going to recommend Green Book primarily on how strong the performances are. DP

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LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente, 949.485.4979, info@bodymindspiritiop.com, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

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34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

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34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

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State Farm/Ted Bowersox

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com

State Farm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MASSAGE THERAPY

Paul Svoboda CAMTC #76690 Monarch Beach Studio or Outcall, 310.387.2560 MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

Jeddy’s Interiors

34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. 2, 949.240.9569. www.jeddys.com

Want to be featured here?

Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

Welcome to the 48th Annual

The Festival of Whales

Inspiration

Dana Point Festival of Whales

BY DANA POINT MAYOR JOE MULLER

H

ome to the first and longest-running annual whale festival, Dana Point has been celebrating whales for more than 48 years. The community is proud to spend two weekends in March to commemorate the majestic experience when hundreds of these 35-ton leviathans splash their way through Dana Point. The year 2019 has been a notable year so far, with spectacular whale sightings close to shore and even in Dana Point Harbor. Humpback whales, gray whales with their calves and even a whale celebrity, “Scarback,” have favored our coastline.

If you have been near these beautiful creatures, then you know why we dedicate two weekends to celebrate. The Festival of Whales is full of many fun and informative events, as well as numerous whale watching excursions.

Our Festival will begin with a colorful Festival of Whales Parade along Pacific Coast ighway on Saturday morning, March 2. If you want to experience the whale migration, then reserve your spot on any number of whale watching tours.

You can also attend many of our educational programs to learn more about whales and marine life, developed by the Ocean Institute.

Festival activities will range from art shows featuring local artists who will display and sell

a variety of works, to the 4th Annual Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash. Starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, the Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash is a fun-filled, family-oriented day that includes a cardboard boat-building contest and race. We will also have a number of classic car events with the ever-popular SoCal Woodies on weekend one and a classic boat show on March 9 in the East Marina parking lot.

The Festival wraps up on Sunday, March 10 with the BBQ and Concert on the Water at Baby Beach.

This year will feature a full afternoon of hits from the 1980s, starting with Neon Nation – the Ultimate Live ‘80s Experience, followed by the cool tunes of Keston & the Rhythm Killers. The show wraps up with DSB—the Next Best Thing to Journey. I hope to see you on the beach for some BBQ, great tunes and good friends from noon to 5 p.m.

This event is so special to our community and provides a wonderful way to celebrate our ocean, the whales and our city! I look forward to seeing you there!

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, EVENT COORDINATOR

S

pring in Dana Point is a favorite time of year to observe our ocean-dwelling cetacean neighbors, living it up in the Pacific waves breaking along the shores of this beautiful city by the sea. They are a sight to behold; tail flukes slapping, blowholes spouting, sidling up to boats filled with excited humans, perhaps as curious about us as we are about them.

Ask any local; Dana Point is year-round perfection when it comes to whale watching. A wide variety of species are regulars here, but there’s something extra special when California gray whales appear in numbers, perhaps using Dana Point’s majestic headlands as some form of landmark in the longest animal migration on the planet. The grays’ 10,000-miles-plus round trip between the warm breeding and calving waters of Baja Mexico and the cold Arctic feeding waters of the Bering Sea is the “magical migration” that served as the original inspiration for this Festival, nearly half a century ago. his year marks the 8th annual celebration of these magnificent ocean mammals. For as long as the Harbor has been here, so has this iconic event.

Born upon the arrival of whale watching to the Harbor, the Festival was started

by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching owner Don ansen and the late science teacher Philip Grignon. In the late 1960s, Grignon enlisted Hansen (then also based in San Clemente) to run whale watching trips for his students. When the Harbor opened in 1971, Hansen moved his business to Dana Point and put the city on the map as a great whale watching destination. Two local women also had a hand in the event’s creation. Grignon gave some credit for the idea to his San Clemente High School colleague Patricia Cassi, and the late Dana Point Historian Doris Walker organi ed the first parade in 1 .

What started as an unnamed informal event with a walking costume parade for children, has since grown into an enduring, important and highly anticipated event.

The festival entertains, excites and inspires locals, and visitors alike, to appreciate and protect the awe-inspiring ocean life right off the coast of beautiful Dana Point. •

MAYOR JOE MULLER

Meet Robyn Rogers, Designer OF the Festival of Whales Logo

R

obyn Rogers’ fascination with whales began when she was about 5 years old. Her older brother had been preparing for a school project on whales when he had Robyn hold one end of string as he unraveled it about 100 feet–roughly the length of a blue whale.

Now at 28 years old, Rogers is the logo artist for this year’s Festival of Whales.

In past years, when the logo was chosen via an art contest, dozens of artists submitted entries for the chance to have their design featured throughout the Festival, including event merchandise. Rogers’ entry in a past contest is what caught the eyes of the Festival of Whales Foundation Board, leading to her becoming the artist of choice for the 48th annual event.

While Rogers isn’t native to the coast, her appreciation for the deep sea has continued to grow since childhood.

“Seeing how long that unraveled string was really put into perspective how majestic and mysterious whales are, or any creature in the ocean. And to be involved in designing for this event that honors these beautiful creatures . . . it’s a privilege,” Rogers said.

Rogers was born and raised in Kansas. She grew up in

Overland Park and went on to study graphic design at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. “As a professional graphic designer, I’ve done a lot of marketing and advertising for corporate clients. This was a

chance for me to get back to the mediums I love and to really spread my wings,” Rogers said.

Rogers used acrylic paints on a canvas for her design entry before digitizing it on a computer.

While in college, Rogers met the man she would eventually travel across the country to live with in San Clemente. Her husband, Case Tierney, had been deployed to Camp Pendleton, and Rogers soon joined him in 2016.

“On our days off, we’d explore up and down the Southern California coast,” she said. “ ’d find myself looking out on the water always trying to catch a glimpse of a fin or a tail out on the water.”

Rogers and Tierney now live in Twentynine Palms for his current deployment–the next-best deployment option after Camp Pendleton, Rogers said. “I wanted to be as close to Dana Point, San Clemente and the area as possible. I still try to make a trip out as often as I can.”

Rogers is making big plans around the Festival of Whales.

Her parents and in-laws are flying out in light of her 2019 logo design. “We’re making a big vacation out of it,” she said. “I can’t wait.” •

DON’T MISS THE NISSAN INTELLIGENT MOBILTY TOUR, 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. Meet the team in person at the east end of the Harbor near Dana Wharf.

Test drive the Nissan LEAF, first-ever Nissan Kicks and the all-new Nissan ALTIMA. NISSAN - INNOVATION THAT EXCITES.

48th annual festival of whales March 2-3 & 9-10, 2019

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F On Course to Create

Dana Hills art students look to the ocean to guide their inspiration

BY LILLIAN BOYD

ernando Bojorquez, 18, navigates the upper deck of the Dana Pride holding a microphone. He’s followed by a crew of students handling camera and recording equipment as he interviews students, teachers and whale watching staff.

Bojorquez and the crew are part of Dana Hills High School’s video production class. They join fellow art students taking classes in ceramics, drawing and painting as well as digital photography, in an annual field trip to seek creative inspiration through whale watching.

“What can you tell us about the creatures we’re seeing here today?”

Bojorquez asks the naturalist on board, Robin Lowe, while holding a microphone toward her. ach year, students from D S fine art classes set sail out of the Dana Point Harbor. The goal is for the students to channel their experience out on the water into creative projects, which will be displayed and sold during the annual Festival of Whales celebration. Dana Wharf Whale Watching and Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari both donate a boat each year to take the students on the trip.

During the field trip, the students were able to see a gray whale breach at least five times. ach time the gray whale changed the course of its direction, Captain Chris Pica repositioned the

Dana Pride to safely follow the whale, in coordination with the Manute’a.

“It looked like a juvenile gray whale, maybe about 18 months,” Lowe said, after the excursion. “To me, it looked like it was headed southbound.”

During the trip, students also got to see several sea lions. For sophomore olly rucker, this was not the first time she had seen whales or been whale watching. But this experience was not any less meaningful.

“My family and I love to whale watch, it’s something we all do together,” Brucker said. “I’m so fascinated with wildlife and capturing these creatures on camera. I want to be a zoologist someday.”

D S fine art teacher Chau ran, who teaches one of the classes on this year’s trip, expressed his gratitude to the Festival organizers as well as Captain Dave’s and Dana Wharf for seeing the importance in the arts, especially for young students.

This year the students also have the opportunity to enter a Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission juried contest to compete for a chance to have their work chosen to be on display in the City Council Chambers foyer at City Hall. During the festival, student work will be for show and sale on March 9 at the Dana Hills High School Young Artists’ Show and Sale on the Harbor walkway. •

She’s a Natural Orange County Naturalist Program Brings Whale Enthusiasts Together

BY LILLIAN BOYD

R

obin Lowe says that volunteering as a naturalist for whale watching excursions is one form of honoring her late mother. One of her favorite memories of her mother is a time when Lowe took her out whale watching. Her mother had posed for a photo while holding onto her hat and laughing. Lowe snapped a photograph of her smiling mother with the beautiful ocean horizon in the background.

After undergoing training through the American Cetacean Society’s Orange County chapter, Lowe is a certified naturalist for Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

“Volunteering as a naturalist, I’m able to help facilitate that special experience of whale watching for people just like how my mom and I experienced it,” Lowe said. “I know she is resting in God’s memory and that someday I will see her again in a resurrection.”

Lowe says she was raised to appreciate creatures of all kinds, but having grown up inland, she was not exposed to seeing cetaceans.

Now she brings her camera equipment on every whale watching excursion to capture images of the wildlife.

“They’re amazing, majestic, fascinating beings. Whales are able to captivate people of all backgrounds, from young children to those later on in their years,” Lowe said.

People of all backgrounds also seemingly gravitate toward the American Cetacean Society’s naturalist training program, according to course instructor Desi Green.

“Whether you have a marine biology background or you’re a retired accountant, anyone can complete the program. This is for anyone who has a passion for whales and wants to learn more and get to know more people in the field,” Green said.

Both Lowe and Green completed the ACSOC naturalist program. Now, Green leads the courses and taught Lowe when she underwent training.

Naturalist candidates are expected to attend at least 10 sessions, make short presentations in front of the group on all species studied and pass a two-page written quiz. Species studied include gray, blue, fin, minke, humpback and orca whales as well as California sea lions and common, bottlenose, Risso’s and Pacific whitesided dolphins.

“I have found some really good people in this field and through this naturalist program.

Courses end, but I’ve made some longtime friends. I’ve really found my happy place,” Green said.

Lowe says she uses her role as a naturalist to share her love and appreciation for wildlife with others.

“There is so much about marine mammals and other marine life that we just do not know.

I encourage people to come back, keep learning and that no two trips are alike. Whale season in Southern California is year-round. It’s not something you want to cross off of your ‘bucket list,’” Lowe said.

ACS-OC conducts naturalist trainings once or twice a year. For more information and questions about this and future classes, email Desi Green at LGreen1128@aol.com. Visit danawharf.com for more information on scheduling a whale watch with an ACS-OC certified naturalist on board. •

48th annual festival of whales March 2-3 & 9-10, 2019

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Merchandise booth locations MARCH 2

• Street Fair at La Plaza Park • Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • El Torito Courtyard

MARCH 3

Festival of Whales Merchandise The Dana Point Festival of Whales 2019 merchandise offering includes a colorful array of long-sleeve and shortsleeve T-shirts, zip-front and pullover hoodies, trucker hats, backpacks, tote bags, and—new this year— lapel pins!

There’s something for everyone!

Ocean Awareness Day at aby each • Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • El Torito Courtyard

MARCH 9

• Baby Beach • Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • El Torito Courtyard

MARCH 10

• Near the Concert on the Water/Spirits Garden at aby each • Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • El Torito Courtyard

Items may also be purchased online at festivalofwhales.com and at select Harbor retailers.

Getting Around the Festival Parking and FREE Shuttle Information The FREE shuttle runs each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and services most parking lots and event locations. Daily and $3-per-hour parking ($6 minimum) is available at Doheny State Beach at the numerous automated payment machine kiosks located throughout the park, or through the Passport Parking app available for smartphones and tablets at ppprk.com/ park. he benefit of the Passport Parking payment application is, in addition to making the initial payment for parking, that time can also be added remotely from your phone or tablet.

Walking Directions from OCTA Bus Stop For guests utilizing the OCTA bus stops on Pacific Coast ighway, you can reach the estival by walking down Dana Point arbor Drive to the arbor’s Golden Lantern entrance area or enter Doheny State Beach (direction sign at bus stop near bridge , walk along the barrier fence, then proceed toward the beach to the marked Festival of Whales shuttle stop. Ride the shuttle FREE to all event locations.

Parade Day Shuttle MARCH 2 ONLY

R shuttle service will be available one hour prior to the Festival of Whales Parade. Park in the arbor or at Doheny State Beach and ride to the drop-off location for the northerly Parade Announcer’s Stand. At the conclusion of the Parade, meet at the drop-off location and the shuttle will return you to the arbor.

Street Fair Shuttle MARCH 2 ONLY

R shuttle service will be available from all arbor locations to the Street Fair from noon to 4 p.m.

Harbor Cruise Daily service during the estival will be offered between Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute from noon to 5 p.m.

Round-trip tickets are $5 per person.

Take in all the great sights from the water our captain will share interesting facts and features about the Dana Point area and its fascinating history.

Whale of a Concert Shuttle MARCH 10 ONLY

R shuttle service will e tend until 6 p.m.

Event Map

6

48th annual festival of whales March 2-3 & 9-10, 2019

FESTIVAL of whales

Schedule of Events WEEKEND ONE

Saturday, March 2 Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach 15 Festival of Whales Parade 1 a.m. Pacific Coast ighway 1 Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 10-10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13 Mardi Paws Street Fair 10 a.m.-3 p.m. La Plaza Park 2 Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7 SoCal Woodies Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 The Legendary Corvette Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Center 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach 15 Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6 Whale of a Pizza Party Noon-4 p.m. Baby Beach 15

SUNday, March 3 Whale of a Breakfast 8-10:30 a.m. Baby Beach Park 15 Whale Walk Painting 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Doheny State Beach 16 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13 Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7

WEEKEND TWO Saturday, March 9 Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach 15 Boat Builders’ Brekky and BBQ on the Beach 8 a.m.-Noon. Baby Beach 15 Whale of a Beach Cleanup 9 a.m.-Noon. Doheny State Beach 16 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Center 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach 15

British Invasion 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Whale of a BBQ Noon-4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Mariners Village 10

Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip Noon-12:30 p.m.; 12:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

Dana Wharf Docks 3

Walking Tour of Town Center 2 p.m. lue Lantern Street Pacific Coast Highway 8

Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Drone Demo Whale Watching Trip 2- p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 3

Walking Tour of Town Center 2 p.m. lue Lantern Street Pacific Coast Highway 8

Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 British Invasion 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

The Legendary Corvette Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Diamond Dig 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

The Antique & Classic Boat Society 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor Walkway at East Marina parking lot 6

Ocean Awareness Day 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Events Center 7

Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

SUNday, March 10

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 10-10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

SoCal Woodies Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12 Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12 Eighth Annual Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-Off 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15 Capt. Dave’s Under the Sea Eco Carnival Noon-2 p.m. Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach 4

Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10 Whale of a Concert on the Water 12:30-4:30 p.m. Baby Beach 15 Whale of a Concert BBQ and Spirits Garden 12:30-4:30 p.m. Baby Beach 15 Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip Noon-12:30 p.m.; 12:45-5:15 p.m.

Dana Wharf Docks 3

Every day of the Event

WHALE WATCHING Dana Wharf Whale Watching 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Whale Watching

Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Whale Watching

Capt. Dave’s Presents “Entangled Whales: What Can We Do?” 2-3 p.m. OC Sailing & Event Center 7

Ocean Institute 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Whale Watching

Whale Songs & Other Tails from the Opera: A Musical Event with Lyric Opera of Orange County 6 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Headlands Nature Interpretive Center 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Whale Watch from Land – bluff top viewing

48th annual festival of whales March 2-3 & 9-10, 2019

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Annual Events

The Festival of Whales Parade

March 2, 3, 9, 10; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organi ation, will host an art show and sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner’s Village on the east side of the Coffee Importers Espresso Bar and Harpoon Henry’s restaurant. Dana Point Fine Arts annually donates a portion of the proceeds from the show to Dana Hills High School Art Department. For more info on this e hibit, visit their website danapointfinearts.org. 6

The Festival of Whales Parade

March 2; 10 a.m.

The Festival of Whales Parade kicks off the two-weekend celebration of the California Gray Whale migration.

The parade embraces the Festival’s theme of magical migration with parade floats and entries decorating in an ocean/whale theme and costumes. Giant helium parade balloons of a blue whale, orca and many other sea life creatures fill the air overhead during the parade. festivalofwhales.com. 1

Street Fair

March 2; 10 a.m-3 p.m. he Pet Pro ect oundation hosts the Mardi Paws Street Fair and Whales and Tails Wag-a-Thon at La Pla a Park. Shop at more than vendor booths, en oy music, food trucks, a kiddie area, pet costume contest, souvenirs, a chance to win great pri es and so much more. unds raised help the Pet Pro ect Foundation support the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. 2

Whale of a Sand-Sculpting Competition on Baby Beach

March 2; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. he contest is a day of fun, sun and creativity for families, friends and sand-sculpting enthusiasts.

Contestants may choose to make sand creations, including whales, ocean creatures, pirates and ships, surfing and tropical island-themed creations. 15

Diamond Dig

March 3; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Come to Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s Annual Diamond Dig at aby each. or one hour, guests can have a whale of an opportunity to become rich by digging for treasure, toys, pri es and for one lucky person, a beautiful piece of diamond ewelry, donated

by Marinelli Fine Jewelry. Tickets are 1 . .2 . 8 or visit monarchbeatchrotary.com. 15

Ocean Awareness Day

March 3; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association, Ocean Awareness Day features interactive displays, demonstrations and entertainment showcasing ocean and environmental programs and issues related to our ocean. . 2 .22 or danapointharbor.com. 15

Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour of Town Center

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS the collection of wonderful whale paintings already on display. This event is free and open to the public.

Event location on the Doheny State Beach “Whale Walk” by the snack bar (Boneyard Beach Cafe). Please alert the entrance staff upon arrival so they can direct you to parking and the “Whale Walk.” 16

Whale of a Beach Cleanup – Festival of Whales Toast to the Coast!

March 9; 9 a.m.-Noon Bring work gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket and help clean up Doheny State Beach. Meet Park Naturalist Vicki at the lifeguard headquarters and learn more about how to help maintain precious coastal resources. 16

Whale Walk Painting

March 3; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Join friends and family to help paint a life-si e whale that will add to

8

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Center

48th annual festival of whales March 2-3 & 9-10, 2019

Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash Expo

March 9; 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Westwind Sailing is honored to host the 4th Annual Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash during the Dana Point Festival of Whales. This event is a fun-filled, family-oriented day that includes a cardboard boat-building contest and race the Dinghy Dash , e hibition booths, food, music and awards. It’s fun for competitors and spectators alike.

The main event is the Dinghy Dash, which will feature a beach full of sea hardy captains racing in the Harbor with nothing but a paddle and their cardboard ships.

Dinghy Dash teams will work through the morning designing and building their crafts from cor-

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

rugated cardboard and duct tape.

It costs $40 per team. Sign up at festivalofwhales.com. 15

ARTS AND CULTURE Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Center

March 2, 3; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. his state of the art 1, -s uarefoot learning exhibition on wheels features a 4-D multisensory theater and six interactive stations. The exhibit delivers a museum-quality science experience that allows visitors to explore how the quality and availability of water affects the quality of our lives. wylandfoundation.org. 15

Art in the Park

March 2, 3, 9, 10; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Local artists will display and sell a variety of works on the grassy areas at the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. The Dana Point Historical Society will provide free information on local history and display historic photos, books and gifts for purchase. The Festival’s free shuttle has a stop in front of “ erb,” the topiary whale, ad acent to the display areas. 12

March 2, 3; 2 p.m.

Meet the guide at the newly restored Blue Lantern Café (Coastal itchen , 1 Pacific Coast wy. (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the historic town center Walking Tour. See and hear the stories of historic landmarks, S. . Woodruff’s 1 2 s planned community and luff op harbor views, c. 1818 to 1 . or more information, call .2 8.8121 or go to museum@ danapointhistorical.org. This event is free, but donations to the nonprofit DP S useum are appreciated. 8

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale

March 9; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

High school art students will display and sell a variety of artwork on the arbor walkway ust east of sland Way. Works will include paintings, photography, graphic design, ceramics and sculpture. Cookies created by the school’s culinary arts classes will also be available for purchase.

Proceeds benefit arts education at DHHS. 12

CLASSIC CAR AND BOAT DISPLAYS SoCal Woodies

March 2, 3; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The best of the best will be on display from the official Southern California Chapter of the National Woodie Club. The Club’s goal is to promote the wooden car, and the role it has played throughout automotive history, especially in the California surf culture. For more information visit socalwoodies.com. 11

Pacific Coast Corvettes Presents the Legendary Vette March 2, 3; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Harbor walkway will be

replete with several generations of Corvettes the first weekend of the Festival. 11

The Antique & Classic Boat Society

March 9; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Southern California Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will display a variety of vessels in the ast arina parking lot ad acent to the walkway between Dana Wharf and arpoon enry’s on Golden Lantern. 6

British Invasion

March 9, 10; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. oin the ritish nvasion, presented by he Austin ealey Association of Southern California and the aguar Owners club in Los Angeles, along the arbor Walkway. n oy a uni ue display of fine ritish motorcars including Austin- ealeys, aguars, riumphs and others. 11

DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING AND MORE Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild

March 2, 9; 10-10:45 a.m.

Dana Wharf and he Wyland oundation have entered into a partnership to offer the most uni ue and creative e perience on the water. Learn from one of the masters of marine art by oining us for a dockside presentation and art lesson aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran, via video feed, by Wyland, a renowned environmental artist. Children can enter their art in an end-of-season contest for the most accurate portrayal of marine mammals to be udged by Wyland.

3

Drone Demo Whale watching trip

guests will present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. danawharf.com.

13

Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip

March 3, 10; Noon–12:30 p.m.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching invites all children to come to their dockside fishing clinic and learn hands-on techni ues about fishing from the e perts. Pri es will be raffled off at the end of the clinic. After the clinic, Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 12 1 p.m. . . .3

DOLPHIN SAFARI WHALE WATCHING AND MORE Capt. Dave’s Under the Sea Eco Carnival

March 9; Noon-2 p.m. ounce the day away in the underthe sea bounce houses, take photos at the selfie station and learn about different ways to recycle household items. Dive deep with Capt. Dave’s one-of-a-kind underwater viewing pod simulation, face painting and more. All ages are welcome. . 88.2828, dolphinsafari.com. 4

Capt. Dave’s Presents: ‘Entangled Whales: What Can We Do?’

March 9; 2-3 p.m.

Learn about recent disentanglements that Capt. Dave and others were involved with, including the first disentanglement effort of a blue whale that made national headlines. Discover more about what is being done to help these animals, including new e uipment Capt.

Dave is developing for tracking whales. OC Sailing & Event Center. . 88.2828. dolphinsafari.com. 7

FOOD OPTIONS Whale of a Pizza Party

March 2; Noon-4 p.m.

Grab a slice of each arbor Pi a and a drink, served up by the Veritas Lodge ad acent to aby each during the sand-sculpting contest. 15

Whale of a Breakfast at the Beach

March 3; 8-11:30 a.m. oin the nights of Columbus for a delicious, freshly cooked breakfast ad acent to aby each. 15

Whale of a BBQ

March 3; Noon-4 p.m.

A hamburger and hotdog barbecue will be served up by the nights of Columbus ad acent to aby each during Ocean Awareness Day. 15

Eighth Annual Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-Off

March 9; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sample a variety of tasty chowders from local restaurants and organi ations and then vote for your favorite. Only 1 to taste every sample. Pri es will be awarded for the “People’s Choice est Chowder,” “ est ooth Design” and “ ayor’s Choice.” he Perpetual rophy will be presented at p.m. his year, en oy a beer and wine garden for adults over 21 with a valid driver’s license. fishforlife.org. 15

Boat Builders’ Brekky and BBQ on the Beach

March 9; 8 a.m.-Noon reakfast is served by the Veritas Lodge at the OC Sailing & vents Center. Fuel up while watching or participating in the Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash boat-building contest and race at aby each. 15

March 2; 2-5 p.m.

See how professionals operate Dana Wharf’s drones and learn how to get that perfect shot while maintaining a safe distance from whales and other marine wildlife. here will be a -minute demo conducted during the 2. -hour-trip. Prices are for adults and for seniors and children. ickets can be purchased at danawharf.com. 3

Whale of a Concert BBQ

March 10; 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Scrumptious barbecue specialties will be available at aby each, along with a Spirits Garden. 15

LIVE MUSIC Harbor Music Series

March 2, 3, 9, 10; Noon-3 p.m.

Presented by the Dana Point arbor Association in the Dana Wharf Courtyard, arpoon enry’s will host live music in the grassy area near ariner’s Village. here will be a variety of musical styles and sounds. . 2 .22 . danapointharbor.com. 3

Whale Songs & Other Tails from the Opera: A Musical Event with Lyric Opera at Orange County

March 9; 6 p.m.

Opera returns to the Ocean nstitute to help celebrate the Gray Whale migration. n oy a beautiful evening of whale song, cat calls, bird trills, and other operatic animal music plus refreshments overlooking the high seas at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. An elegant evening of eclectic opera, with a view you won’t want to miss. ickets are available for . . .22 . ocean-institute.org. 5

Concert on the Water

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

March 2, 3, 9, 10; 10-11 a.m. his special lecture series includes continental breakfast at arpoon enry’s. t’s perfect for those who want a one-on-one educational e perience. arine biologists and

SoCal Woodies

Diamond Dig

March 10; Noon-5 p.m. n honor of the whales migrating

by Dana Point eadlands, the estival of Whales will include a free outdoor concert at aby each with bands performing on the water atop a specially designed floating stage. The concert will feature three bands eon ation he ltimate Live ’8 s, eston & he Rhythm illers and DS he e t est hing to ourney. .2 8. . 15

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING AND MORE Magical Migration

March 2, 3, 9, 10; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

During the second festival weekend, a hands-on ourney into the mysterious and captivating world of whales will allow visitors to e plore a variety of fascinating phenomena uni ue to these magnificent animals.

Guests follow the migration of the gray whale as they move through the Ocean Institute, starting in a a, moving on to the California Coast, and ending up in Alaska. . .22 . ocean-institute.org. 5

Pacific Marine Exploration aboard the R/V Sea Explorer

March 2, 3, 9, 10; 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. oin the Ocean nstitute’s marine educators in e ploring the ocean from top to bottom while searching for some of the world’s largest and smallest creatures during the -minute special estival of Whales cruise. . .22 . ocean-institute.org. 5

SAILING AND PADDLING Sailing Rides

March 2, 3, 10; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ake a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 1 . Rides are for ages and up. ickets are 1 per boat with a three-person ma imum. Contact Westwind Sailing for details. . 2. .7

Stand-Up Paddling Clinics

March 2, 3, 10; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. oin the S P cra e during a -minute clinic. ach clinic is held on the hour, depending on weather and conditions. Clinics are for ages 12 and up 12- to 1 -year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. ickets are 1 per person and life ackets are provided. Contact Westwind Sailing for details at . 2. .7

48th annual festival of whales March 2-3 & 9-10, 2019

9

Set Your Sights on Whale Watching While in Dana Point for the Festival of Whales, there are many options for visitors to see some sea life up close.

Choose from three businesses offering a variety of whale watching experiences, times and prices.

Capt. Dave’s Whale Watching Safari

Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Ocean Institute

Capt. Dave’s provides trips aboard their customized catamarans, which allow guests to get up close with sea life. The Manute’a offers underwater viewing pods and eye-spy dolphin and whale tram nets. Multiple trips are planned for both weekends. Tickets for the Manute’a are $65 per adult (13 and older) and $45 per child. Tickets for the FAST CAT are $65 per person. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.488.2828. dolphinsafari.com.

Hop aboard one of Dana Wharf’s adventure cruises for a chance to catch a glimpse of the huge variety of underwater sea life with their multiple whale watching trips every day since 1971. Cruises depart on the hour and are narrated by expert captains aboard a variety of vessels. Ticket costs vary, ranging from $15 to $55. 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern.

949.496.5794. danawharf.com.

Join the Ocean Institute’s scientists on a whale watching cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. The 2.5-hour cruise will be at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on each day of the festival.

Test your new knowledge in the search for whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Assist staff in collecting samples of sea floor mud and the smallest organisms on earth.

Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.com.

Land locked?

Walk along the bluff-top Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center’s three miles of trails to view the whale migration from above.

The Center is open daily from 10 a.m-4 p.m., and the trails are accessible from 7 a.m. to sunset. 34558 Scenic Drive. 949.248.3527. danapoint.org.

Tips for

To See, Hear and Think Like a Whale

Safe Whale Watching Whale watching is fun, but there are important precautions you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of the whales. We asked National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Education Coordinator Alicia Keefe to share guidelines for whale watchers and boaters at the Festival of Whales and beyond.

Guidelines for all whale watchers

• Whale watching can be a positive and enriching experience when conducted responsibly. We must remember that our presence has an effect on whales and their habitat.

Just like us, whales need space to find food, choose mates, raise young, socialize and rest. When we get too close, approach too fast, or make too much noise, we can interrupt natural behaviors and cause unnecessary stress.

• Stay at least 100 yards away from all marine mammals.

• Be cautious and quiet when around areas of known or suspected wildlife activity, at haul-outs, and bird colonies.

• It is illegal to harass marine mammals, which means to disrupt their natural behaviors including feeding, nursing, resting and migration.

To report violations, call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline: 1.800.853.1964.

Additional guidelines for boaters • Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure from viewing wildlife.

• Reduce your speed to less than 7 knots while in the presence of marine mammals.

• Move parallel to the animal’s direction of travel and keep their path clear. Do not approach from the front or from behind. Avoid any abrupt course changes.

• When whales are traveling close to shore, stay on their offshore side.

• If a whale approaches you, put the engine in neutral and allow the whale to pass.

• View whales for no more than 30 minutes. This will reduce the cumulative impact of all vessels and give consideration to other viewers.

Visit bewhalewise.org for more information.

The website is continually updated with new information.

12

BY MIKE BURSK, OCEAN INSTITUTE BOAT CAPTAIN

E

ach winter, the celebrated migration of the Pacific gray whale brings thousands of these enormous migrants to our nearshore waters. uch of their popularity is linked to their accessibility to whale-watchers, both ashore and afloat. While many baleen whales spend much of their lives far offshore, many grays hug the coast and often enter coves and lagoons to the delight of surfers and beachgoers.

Watching a whale pass by can be a singular e perience, like watching a car pass on a deserted highway, or it can be the opening page of a natural mystery. Where is it going Where has it been Why And what did it think of me At the Ocean nstitute, this is our advice should you decide to en oy a whale e perience from Dana Point ecome the whale. See what it sees, hear what it hears. or two hours, live life inside the whale. o do this, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the e traordinary life of the gray whale.

Let’s start by combining science and our imaginations to put the gray whale’s lengthy migration into human terms. Picture yourself in an owa cornfield in the dead of summer. magine having all the corn you could ever dream of, a food source that you don’t need to chase, prey that can’t outrun you. As the days pass into weeks, you grow fat and happy in the abundance. ut as winter approaches, the corn withers away, and the days grow dark and cold. ou know of a place thousands of miles to the south, the place where you were born, a place warm enough for a mammal to survive the winter. magine that one October day you start walking that direction with certainty, even though there are no roads, no street signs. magine that there are no mountains, no canyons, no landmarks, no reference points of any kind, nothing but darkness and an unsympathetic hori on. et you continue with linear precision toward a destination , miles away, undaunted. inally, imagine that you are blind. here. ou’re a gray whale. his is the annual ourney, not from owa, but from the top of the world. Gray whales’ summer in the ering and Chukchi Seas, above the Aleutian slands. With round-the-clock sunlight plus nutrients, the orth Pole plays host to the entire food chain in the summer months. Phytoplankton production skyrockets in late ay, ocean temperatures rise and a 1 -day e plosion begins. After phytoplankton spikes, ooplankton levels rise and from there the dominoes fall in many directions. erring gorge on ooplankton, salmon and whales gorge on herring, orca attack the salmon, thousands of seabirds oin the fren y, and a constant driftfall of scraps and waste settle over thousands of s uare miles of seafloor, feeding an entirely separate community of detritus feeders, such as crabs and shrimp. t is a level of productivity unseen at our latitude, all fueled by that big non-stop “grow-light” in the sky.

One of the most abundant members of the seafloor clean-up crew are gammarid amphipods, a

48th annual festival of whales March 2-3 & 9-10, 2019

small shrimp usually less than one inch long. hey are short-lived but e tremely prolific, and it’s likely that billions of them live and die each Arctic summer. his is the “corn” of the Arctic for appro imately 2 , gray whales to prey on each summer. While all other baleen whales feed in the water column, grays are the only benthic feeder, to e ploit this nutritious “cornfield” in the ering Sea. hey feed all summer, growing fat and happy, because they know a long ourney awaits. he amphipods are so densely packed that grays can get thousands in each mouthful. y October, the days have shortened and productivity declines. ood supplies dry up. Scientists agree that gray whales likely cue on the length of the day or “photic period,” as a signal to head South. hey pass between the Aleutian slands, heading toward the Canadian coast, and ultimately Southern California or a a.

Which brings us back to that mysterious migration, and the burning uestion ow does a gray whale find a lagoon entrance that is feet wide from , miles away Si ty years ago, it was assumed that all grays traveled so close to shore that they could hear the waves lapping against the orth American land mass, and simply kept that sound on their left and did the opposite on the return trip. As science and telemetry improved in the 1 8 s, it was uickly proven that roughly half the herd travel well offshore during portions of their migration. So is it random luck Do they simply stumble upon the small opening of Scammon’s or San gnacio lagoon he answer is simple scientists don’t know. hope that somewhere, a student reading this will pick up the gauntlet and around 2 2 ’ll get an e-mail and a copy of a Ph.D thesis with the answer to this uestion. ut until then, consider this Some cetaceans, including Grays, have magnetite crystals embedded in their brains and rostrums. agnetite is an element that might respond to changes in polarity, like a compass. arlier, mentioned that the migration is done blind. Grays have good eyesight but are functionally blind, like we are in dense fog or darkness. alf of their migration is done at night, most of it is in turbid coastal water with a visibility of less than eight feet. Scientists agree their eyesight plays only one possible role in navigation cueing on the position of the sun. agnetite might play a role in navigation. one of us, standing blindfolded in a cellar, could know whether we were facing orth or South. ut what if we could What if it simply felt different to face each incremental direction, a subtle sensation, a pull that you cannot uite define. ut it’s there, and ast feels like ast and West feels like West. Grays might have this talent it’s yet another unwritten chapter, awaiting a young scientist.

As hosts on their migration, Dana Point can offer our gray guests wonderful weather, but little to eat. Like hibernating bears, grays must survive the long winter on stored energy. his is their difficult choice, waiting for the Spring thaw and the corn to grow again. Waiting here with us, interacting with us, their lives at once beautiful and harsh. Come enter their world now all too soon they’ll be flukes on the horion, heading north. • Mike Bursk is a marine biologist and has been captain of the Ocean Institute’s R/V Sea Explorer for 21 years.

Join one of his expert tours with the Ocean Institute Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m.

SHOP & DINE DANA POINT HARBOR

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DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom Blake

An Evening with Rosanne Cash

S

outh Orange County seniors often ask for suggestions on how to add variety to their social routines. I can now recommend a visit to the magnificent, seniorfriendly, Chapman University MUSCO Center for the Arts in Orange.

My partner, Greta, and I had a date night there Feb. 2. It was to see an old friend, Rosanne Cash, in concert.

When I first met Rosanne, the oldest daughter of Johnny Cash, in 1976, she was 21. I was the director of marketing for Victoria Station, a restaurant chain that specialized in prime rib; most of the chain’s restaurants were constructed in boxcars and cabooses.

Victoria Station had hired Johnny to sing train-themed radio commercials, and it was my job to work with him to ensure the company’s association with him went well.

I’ve watched in admiration as Rosanne has matured into an incredible, prolific composer and musician. I’ve observed her emerge from under her famous father’s coattails and become established on her own merit.

Her music isn’t solely country; it’s called “Americana,” which includes pop, rock, blues and folk. Rosanne’s career took off with a 1981 title track song and album called Seven Year Ache. She has released 15 albums.

In 2015, she won three Grammy Awards for best Americana album, The River & the Thread.

Rosanne has had 11 songs that reached No. 1 on the country music charts. She has published four books, her most noteworthy a 2010 memoir titled Composed.

At the Feb. 2 concert, Rosanne and her husband, John Leventhal, performed as a duet. During the show, she commented

that the MUSCO Center has the finest acoustics of any venue in which she’s performed in California.

A guy in the audience yelled out, “That’s what Vince Gill said.” She smiled and commented, tongue-in-cheek, “Vince is always copying me.” That brought a big laugh from the audience, which was pretty much in our age range.

Rosanne sang a breathtaking version of the 1967 Bobbie Gentry song, “Ode to Billie Joe,” from The River & the Thread, as well as a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “The Long Black Veil,” from The List album, which was based on a hand-written list of 100 of the greatest American songs her dad gave her when she was ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 18. She mentioned she

By Tom Blake still has that list.

After the second encore, Greta and I were able to spend a few minutes talking with her backstage.

When she first noticed us, I held up a copy of my 2006 memoir, Boxcars and Prime Rib. Whatever Happened to Victoria Station? and said, “Remember this?”

“How could I forget?” Rosanne said.

“That’s you and dad on the cover. Didn’t I endorse the back cover?” I showed her the back cover with her quote.

In a bit of an unusual request, I asked if she’d sign the inside front cover of my book, which she did, writing, “To Tom and Greta, with love, Rosanne Cash.”

She said, “I remember you posted the book and my dad’s radio commercials on your Victoria Station website.” (Find link in this story at sanclementetimes.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Los Angeles Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES This aerial photo is of the Capistrano Beach Club on Beach Road. It is unclear when the photo was taken.

Every week, the Dana Point Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to lboyd@picketfencemedia.com.

I said, “Yup. When you click on the link, after about five seconds, you hear Johnny singing our commercials. He sounds as good as ever.”

I told Rosanne how proud I am of her and how amazingly talented she’s become.

She seemed to appreciate those words, from a friend of her dad’s whom she’s known for 43 years.

It was a special “date-night-out” evening for Greta and me. Add the MUSCO Center for the Arts to your list of places to go in Orange County. Parking structures are nearby, well-lighted, secure; parking is

included in the price of the ticket.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites findingloveafter50. com; vicsta.com and travelafter55.com.

To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Pet of the Week: Bea Sudoku DANA POINT TIMES

N

Bea. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter Dana Point Times February 22-28, 2019

ine-year-old Bea is as sweet as they come. A lady of impeccable tastes, Bea enjoys the finer things in life like sunbathing and having her fur brushed. Though this often means she has a very full schedule, she will always make time for a cuddle or some lap time with friends. If you’re looking for a mildmannered and affectionate feline companion, Bea might be just the one for you.

If you’d like to know more about Bea, call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

Page 25

See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Hills Spring Sports Preview

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

S

pring has sprung earlier than usual in the world of high school sports.

Not only was the CIF calendar bumped up across the board this school year, but baseball and softball got an even earlier jump on their seasons. Both were allowed to play their first games on Feb. 9, which was two weeks earlier than last year’s first pitches. The earlier start makes sure any potential CIF-SS championships will finish before the school year ends, but it has also run both sports into winter storms.

Tennis opened Feb. 11; track and field, swimming and volleyball opened Feb. 16; and the lacrosse and golf teams will open their seasons on Feb. 23.

Spring is a busy season on the fields and courts and in the pool, so let’s check in on where 10 spring sports teams stand at Dana Hills High School as the season

opens.

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the Dana Hills spring sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SOUTHOCSPORTS

BASEBALL

The Dana Hills baseball team got a glimpse of its future as last season ended.

The Dolphins, then the No. 2 representative from the Sea View League, battled with South Coast League champion El Toro in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. Dana Hills ultimately fell, 3-1, but the Dolphins could take solace in how they reached the game.

Dana Hills’ best players were all underclassmen. There were strong senior leaders, to be sure, but the Dolphins were led by their youth, which gained valuable experience in their league race and playoff matchup.

Dana Hills now moves back up to the South Coast League, where it will tangle with the likes of El Toro.

The Dolphins will be led by senior captain Zach Waters. Waters was first on the team last season with 23 RBI and 35 hits. He also hit .365 with two home runs, seven doubles and 16 runs scored.

As a sophomore, Thomas Buckanavage was second on the Dolphins with 20 RBI,

17 runs scored and 27 hits. He also led the team with eight doubles and five stolen bases and added two home runs.

Leading the defensive effort will be senior catcher Logan Gallina, junior Ethan Ezor and sophomore CJ Zwahlen.

Dana Hills’ top hurler last season was Dante Jackson. On the mound as a sophomore, Jackson earned six wins with a 1.99 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 10 appearances.

Senior Chase Hill and Zwahlen each earned three wins, and Zwahlen had 37 strikeouts.

Dana Hills is 2-2 on the early season with wins over El Modena and Los Alamitos in the Loara Tournament. The Dolphins open South Coast League play on Feb. 27 at home against Capistrano Valley.

Dana Hills will also take on Servite at home on March 27 and Mater Dei at the Great Park in Irvine on April 13.

SOFTBALL

The Dana Hills softball team was on the verge of winning back-to-back Sea View League championships last season. All the Dolphins had to do was win the season finale against Tesoro, a team they had shut out earlier in the season.

However, in an extra eighth inning, Tesoro beat Dana Hills, 6-5, and the Dolphins had to settle for second place in the

Sea View League.

The Dolphins were an extremely seniorheavy group, and as Dana Hills moves up to the South Coast League, it graduates its top six RBI leaders from last season.

The Dolphins will look for offense from a young group.

The leading offensive returner for Dana Hills is junior shortstop Jackie Stillwell, who contributed 17 hits, 11 runs and five RBI last season.

Stillwell is one of three captains, along with seniors Sam Montero and Terra Goetz.

Goetz was the Dolphins go-to pitcher in the circle last season.

Dana Hills has put together a 1-2 record to start the season, including a 5-4 victory over Beckman on Feb. 19.

Against Beckman, sophomore Piper Tago led the way by going 2 for 2 with a home run and four RBI. Goetz went 1 for 3, drove in a run and scored a run, while freshman Kaci Palmer scored twice.

Dana Hills continues in the Northwood Tournament against Woodbridge on Friday, Feb. 22 and El Modena on Saturday, Feb. 23.

The Dolphins open South Coast League play at Mission Viejo on March 21 and host Laguna Hills on March 26.

(Cont. on page 28)

The Dana Hills boys baseball team transitions from young to experienced as it moves up to the competitive South Coast League. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Dana Point Times February 22-28, 2019

Page 26

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DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

FOR SALE PIANO FOR SALE - $200 Wurlitzer Melville Clark Spinet piano model 1660. Great condition, needs tuning. Piano bench and sheet music included. $200 or best offer. Similar models selling online for $500+.

Must be able to pick up.

Please Call: 949.370.6325.

GARAGE SALES BLOCK SALE! Multiple houses on the block opening their garages to sell clothes (men, women, kids), toys, tools, furniture, books, antiques, knick-knacks and much more!

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23rd, 2019 from 0800-1200. Located at 34248 Camino El Molino (Capo Beach) between Monterey and Los Alamos. RAIN OR SHINE!

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to info@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week?

Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times February 22-28, 2019

Page 27

danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS (Cont. from page 31)

BOYS GOLF

The Dana Hills boys golf team has to start counting on the other hand.

The Dolphins clinched a fifth consecutive South Coast League title last season and finished in the top four of the CIF-SS South Coast Division for a fifth straight season.

Dana Hills finished just three strokes out of second place in CIF-SS, denying the Dolphins a second straight berth into the SCGA qualifying tournament.

While the team just missed advancing, Dana Hills can be confident as all of its best players return, and each took turns posting the low score over last season’s league schedule.

Quentin Hill and Connor Beveridge were the Dolphins’ top players as juniors and now take over the role as senior leaders. Juniors Gavin Whitehead and Dylan Walsh also posted a low league match score last season, as well as sophomore Jason Bannister.

Bannister led Dana Hills at the CIF-SS South Coast Division tournament with the

Dolphins’ only score under par, a 1-under 71.

Dana Hills opens the season with a match against Torrey Pines on Feb. 28 at El Niguel Country Club. The Dolphins will play in the Aliso Niguel Tournament on March 4 at Aliso Viejo Country Club.

Dana Hills opens the South Coast League schedule against Tesoro in a home and home on March 19-20.

South Coast League Finals take place on April 29-30 at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Last season, the Dana Hills boys volleyball team lacked experience.

The Dolphins had three sophomores in their starting lineup, and at times, it showed.

Dana Hills compiled a 13-12 record overall and a 3-5 record in the South Coast League.

But going through the South Coast League is one way to gain tons of experience. Raucous gyms like the one at San Clemente play host to tight and competitive matches each and every night. It’s a pressure cooker of Orange County vol-

leyball that can help any volleyball player elevate his game.

Dana Hills played close with Aliso Niguel and San Clemente and earned wins over Capistrano Valley. Only league champion Tesoro, which finished 8-0 in league, dominated its competition.

While the Dolphins lose some impact seniors, the sophomores of last year are ready to step into new roles and will be counted on for success.

Nick Rigo and Chase Morrison are two of the then-sophomores, now juniors who started a year ago.

Dana Hills is 2-2 to start the season, with wins over El Dorado and Woodbridge in the Tesoro Tournament and losses to Esperanza and Servite.

The Dolphins continue in nonleague play at Santa Margarita on Feb. 26 and at Laguna Beach on March 5.

In league play, the Dolphins host San Clemente on March 12 and Tesoro on March 21. Dana Hills travels to San Clemente on March 28 and Tesoro on April 11.

BOYS TENNIS

The Dana Hills boys tennis team had a

rougher go than usual last season.

The Dolphins had a tough schedule, both nonleague and league, and a team that was rebuilding after years of success.

Dana Hills finished 4-12 overall and just 2-6 in South Coast League play, both league wins coming over last-place Capistrano Valley.

Now seniors, Riley McCall and Taylor Stephens will lead the Dolphins in singles play. They’ll need to set the tone for Dana Hills to find success this season.

Dana Hills stays in the South Coast League this season, along with mainstays San Clemente and Tesoro and newcomers Aliso Niguel and El Toro.

The Dolphins’ early matches were canceled due to rain, but Dana Hills should get back on track at Woodbridge on Feb. 26. The Dolphins continue in nonleague play against Edison on March 5, at Corona del Mar on March 6 and at University on March 7.

Dana Hills opens South Coast League play at Aliso Niguel on March 12. The Dolphins travel to San Clemente on March 19 and host the Tritons on April 11.

Clockwise from top left. The Dana Hills boys tennis team looks to rebound from a tough rebuilding year, but it will again find tough nonleague and South Coast League competition. The Dana Hills boys golf team won its fifth consecutive South Coast League title last season, and with very little turnover and another year of experience, the Dolphins will look to add another title and create postseason success. Photos: Zach Cavanagh

Dana Point Times February 22-28, 2019

Page 28

danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

The Dana Hills boys track team lost some impact seniors to graduation, but the Dolphin running programs know how to develop talent. The Dolphins will be tough competition once again. The Dana Hills girls track team is still very much intact with returners all over the oval looking to break records and bring titles back to Dana Point. Photos: Zach Cavanagh

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

The Orange County champion boys side of the Dana Hills track and field team was hit hard by graduation.

Last season, the Dolphins were able to diversify their efforts with strong and versatile competitors in various events. While the distance runners are and will always be there, the Dolphins will need to replace most of their formidable relay teams. They also lose a top thrower.

If winter results are truly an indication of spring success, the Dolphins have found athletes to step up and will be just fine.

On the track, senior Nathan Fatigate was the last remaining of the Dolphins’ South Coast League champion and CIF-SS Division 1 finalist 4x400-meter relay team. At the California Winter State Championships, Fatigate, on a team with John O’Melveny, Nicholas Kraushaar and Jordan Vuong, took fifth in the 4x200-meter relay.

In the 4x800-meter relay, the Dana Hills team with Carrick Denker, Payton Kubalsky and Cole Stark broke a meet record for the Winter State Championships.

In the distance races, the perennial league champion Dana Hills cross country team will make its name heard. Seniors Simon Fuller and Eddie Wagenseller will hold down the longer runs for the Dolphins.

In the field events, junior Will Riviere made some noise in the winter. Riviere set a personal record in the high jump at 6 feet, 3 inches.

Dana Point Times February 22-28, 2019

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

The Dana Hills girls track and field team is only going to get better.

The Dolphins had four event wins at the South Coast League Finals en route to a second-place finish, and Dana Hills loses only one sprinter from its group.

Highlighting the Dolphins’ efforts on the track are senior Hailey Ray and junior Anisa Rind.

Ray was the South Coast League champion in the 300-meter hurdles and qualified for the CIF-SS Masters meet. Ray took second in league in the 100-meter hurdles; she also was the South Coast League champion in the 400-meter race and took second in the 200-meter race.

Ray and Rind also made up half of the South Coast League champion and CIFSS Division 1 finalist 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relay teams. Senior Ximena Bustos joined both teams, and junior Mia Lawrence joined on the 4x400-meter team.

The Dana Hills 4x400-meter team finished eighth at state.

Dana Hills loses only one member of the 4x100-meter team, and the 4x400meter team is completely intact and ready to take down the rest of the section.

In the distance races, junior Marisa Gaitan steps up after strong track performances last season and a solid cross country season in the fall.

Other Dolphins to watch are senior Maddy Mitchell in the throws and sophomore Avery Kramer in the pole vault.

BOYS SWIMMING

The Dana Hills boys swim team got hit hard by graduation, losing CIF-SS champions and qualifiers. The Dolphins are only two seasons removed from their 2017 CIFSS championship.

However, the future of the Dana Hills swim team can be found on its CIF-SS qualifying 200-yard medley team in senior Matthew Querner, junior Ryan Abdollahi and sophomores Evan Abdollahi and Steven Seibert.

Querner also qualified for CIF-SS in the 50-yard freestyle and as part of the 200yard freestyle relay. Ryan Abdollahi also qualified in the 200-yard individual medley and the 500-yard freestyle.

The Dolphins opened the season on Thursday, Feb. 21 against Mater Dei, but results were not available at press time.

Dana Hills will swim at the Capo Relays from Feb. 28 to March 2.

Dana Hills opens league at home against Laguna Hills on March 19 and hosts Tesoro on March 26. The Dolphins swim at San Clemente on April 16. The league championships will take place April 23-26.

GIRLS SWIMMING

The Dana Hills girls swim team was paced by plenty of youth in 2018.

As a freshman, Lucy Kao took second in the 50-yard freestyle at the South Coast League Finals. Kao qualified for CIF-SS in the event as well as the 100-yard butterfly

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and with the 200-yard medley and 200yard freestyle medley.

Both medley teams featured junior Sydney Querner and senior Devon Forker along with Kao. Forker qualified for CIF-SS in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke. Querner qualified in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle.

Ana Nemeth qualified in the 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle.

The Dolphins also qualified in the 400-yard freestyle medley.

The Dolphins girls will follow the same schedule as the Dana Hills boys.

BOYS LACROSSE

The Dana Hills boys lacrosse team began 2018 with promise, but the Dolphins hit another tough league campaign.

It was a young group, but a 6-2 start had Dana Hills moving in the right direction. The young group learned about how hard it is to win, finishing 1-7 in league.

Dana Hills moves into 2019 with a new head coach, Trent Cooper, and gets shuffled back down into the Sea View League.

The Dolphins open the season at home against Mission Viejo on Feb. 27 and travel to Northwood on March 5.

Dana Hills starts its league season at home against San Juan Hills on March 13. Dana Hills hosts Aliso Niguel on March 19 and Capistrano Valley on March 26. DP

danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

After the Deluge What all of this rain means for local surfers and surf spots

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

f it feels as if it’s rained a lot lately, it’s because it has. As of Feb. 18, San Clemente recorded 7.8 inches of rain in February, compared to just 0.65 inches in February 2018. And in Dana Point in January, 9.4 inches of rain fell compared to a historical average of just 1.4 inches. The wet weather that moved through the area last week was more than enough for the San Juan and San Mateo creeks to break open and start flowing out to the ocean.

So, what does this all mean for surfers in San Clemente and Dana Point?

In the short term, it means you should probably avoid contact with the brown sludge at spots such as Doheny and Trestles. Whenever it rains, the Orange County Health Department issues a standard warning advising swimmers and surfers to stay out of the ocean for 72 hours.

“The elevated levels of bacteria can continue for a period of at least three days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of the runoff,” reads a boilerplate statement by the agency.

“Swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions.”

GROM OF THE WEEK

SIERRA DOWNER

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

threat no matter what she’s riding, 14-year-old Sierra Downer continues to impress her friends, teammates and maybe, most importantly, the judges.

At the Scholastic Surf Series contest in Carlsbad on Feb. 9, Downer dropped the hammer, winning both the girls short board and longboard divisions. Representing Shorecliffs Middle School, Sierra’s successes helped carry the team to a firstplace finish in the team division.

“So stoked to take double wins in girls short board and longboard!” Downer wrote on her Instagram feed. “Good job to

Dana Point Times February 22-28, 2019

A view from some debris that has flowed from the San Mateo Creek, as seen on Monday, Feb. 18.

Photo: Jake Howard

For surfers, that’s usually easier said than done, especially if the waves are pumping. But considering the severity of the rains we’ve had recently, if you’ve stayed out of the water for the last week, you’ve done the right thing. Record rains mean that inland waterways that haven’t been flushed out in years are now flowing directly out into the ocean. That means not just toxic road grime such as brake dust, oil and coolant are getting washed into the ocean, but all of the waste from illegal dumping, homeless encampments, dead animals and more combine for a caustic cocktail in your favorite local lineup.

“People that are affected can experience anything from flu-like symptoms with fevers and aches and pains, to ear and nasal infections, to much worse; it’s very serious, and there’s some nasty stuff

all the other girls, they were all ripping.”

Downer began building momentum at the end of 2018 with a string of Scholastic Surf Series and Western Surfing Association victories. In the four Scholastic Surf Series events she’s surfed this season, she’s won three of them and finished runner-up in the other one. This has given her a commanding overall lead in the Orange County Middle School Division 1 ratings.

But even with all of this competitive success, Downer is all about keeping her priorities in check and surfing for the right reasons.

“The best surfer is the one having the most fun,” she proudly said when the Positive Vibe Warrior Foundation named her Grom of the Week back in January.

We couldn’t agree more. DP

in that water,” Rick Wilson, the senior staff scientist at the Surfrider Foundation, explained when I interviewed him for Surfline.com in 2014.

A lot of surfers are willing to take the risk when the surf is good, because they’ve convinced themselves that their immune systems have been strengthened over the years by spending so much time in the ocean. But it’s unknown at this time if there’s any scientific validity to this urban legend.

In 2018, the University of Exeter Medical School in England conducted a study to try and find what impact ocean exposure has on surfers’ immune systems. What they discovered was that surfers were more prone to having the E. coli bacteria resistance to cefotaxime, a widely prescribed antibiotic, in their gut. The bacteria was present in 9 percent of surfers’ guts, compared to 3 percent of the

average population. Additionally, they noted that surfers’ guts are four times more likely to be home to other antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

“We’re going to be spending some time at the skatepark. I’m not letting my kids in that water,” one concerned surf dad said last week. “We used to go in the water all the time when I was young. I contracted a virus that almost killed me, and I’ve had friends that have caught flesh-eating bacteria from surfing Doheny. We’ll wait until things clean up a little.”

But it’s not all gloom and doom. The rains have been a boon when it comes to replenishing the sand along some of the local beaches. As the water (and pollution) flow out to sea, the creeks deposit sediment on the bottom, which has helped to bring some much-needed sand back to the area. In recent years, coastal erosion has taken a heavy toll on the South Orange County coastal landscape. Houses are threatened along Beach Road, and from Cottons Point down through San Onofre, the beach is a sliver of what it once was.

But thanks to the recent rains, Doheny and Trestles have added some much-needed sand. At Upper Trestles, the sand actually flowed northward out of San Mateo Creek, building up more beach at Cottons Point. It’s going to take a little while for everything to settle, but by the time we have our next proper ground swell, we could be looking at some new, finely groomed, property-saving sandbars.

“We need the rain’’—that is the comment I keep hearing over and over.

It’s true, after years of drought conditions, we do need the rain, but now that our reservoirs are full and the snowpack in the Sierras is well above average, we could also use some sunshine and a proper west swell because those sandbars aren’t going to be around forever. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 55-58 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-10’ Outlook: Modest NW swell and SSW swell provide knee-waist high+ (2-3’+) surf this weekend and early next week with chest-shoulder high (4’) waves at top breaks. Morning winds mostly light and favorable with light to locally moderate onshore flow each afternoon. Be sure to check Surfline.com for all the details and the longer range outlook.

Sierra Downer. Photo: Instagram @downersierra

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