February 24, 2017

LO C A L

February 24-March 2, 2017

N EWS

YO U

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Inside: Dana Point Festival of Whales Event Guide

U S E

SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 10, ISSUE 8

Leading Ladies

Annual conference aims to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science D P L I V I N G / PAG E 2 8 Local students were able to see different animals inside the Ocean Institute’s touch tanks during the Girls in Ocean Science conference on Saturday, Feb. 18. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Council Approves New Financial Review Committee Member EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Q&A with Ocean Institute Marine Biologist DP LIVING/PAGE 27

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La Cañada Escapes with 8-7 Win over Dolphins Water Polo SPORTS/PAGE 32

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DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

recommendation was to receive and file the report, Council did not need to vote on any specific action. —KP

City Council Approves New Financial Review Committee Member

Five things Dana Point should know this week Just Like Me Foundation Holds Kick-Off Event THE LATEST: Kids danced, laughed and joked around in a photo booth during the Just Like Me Foundation’s kick-off event Wednesday night, Feb. 22, at the Dana Point Community Center.

Just Like Me is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves young adults with intellectual and development disabilities with after-school, weekend and summer activities. The purpose of each event is to make every kid feel included.

Lyndcee Barragato, a Dana Hills graduate and president of the organization, smiled as she watched a group of kids dance to the song “YMCA.” As the evening dwindled down, a father stopped and thanked her.

“It makes me uncomfortable when they thank me; I should be thanking them because without these kids, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing now,” Lyndcee said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The group will be walking in the Festival of Whales parade. More information can be found at www.justlikemefoundation.com. —Kristina Pritchett

Parks & Rec Commission Endorses Skate Park Design THE LATEST: After seeing the first presentation of a design for San Juan Capistrano’s future skate park—which will be located at the city’s sports park—the Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission agreed at its Feb. 16 meeting to move the design forward to the City Council for approval.

Skate park consultant Aaron Spohn of Spohn Ranch was hired to do the design work last July. Over the summer, he held community workshops and worked with local organizations and skaters to incorporate their input into a design.

At last week’s commission meeting, Spohn presented renderings of potential skate park features, including an archway and an image of a swallow on one of the ramps. Commissioners commended Spohn for paying homage to local architecture, culture and even infamous skate bowls that once existed in town.

Dana Point Times February 24-March 2, 2017

Just Like Me Foundation held their kickoff event at the Dana Point Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

During the event, the organization had a photo booth that allowed guests to dress up. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

WHAT’S NEXT: The skate park design is tentatively scheduled for Council review at the March 7 meeting. If the design receives approval, Spohn said renderings and in-kind donation lists can be provided to local groups so they can begin actively fundraising.

To view Spohn’s presentation, including renderings of the skate park, visit www. danapointtimes.com. —Allison Jarrell

City Staff Discuss Joint Meeting, Costs during Doheny Village Update THE LATEST: During the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 21, Dana Point city staff discussed parking needs and potential costs regarding the revitalization of Doheny Village.

Staff recommended waiting to schedule a joint workshop with the Planning Commission until the City Council makes Planning Commission appointments, which could occur after April 10.

Mayor Debra Lewis asked if anyone on the city’s staff would be able to answer questions from the public.

Ursula Luna-Reynosa, director of community development, said staff would be able to answer questions, but since form-based code (what could be used to help zone Doheny Village development) is a specialty, she felt that only staff could answer “surface level” answers.

“If these become our codes, we better understand them,” Lewis said. “I’d hope a member of the staff would be familiar certainly enough to answer questions.”

Acting City Manager Mike Killebrew said the city may be able to create a handout with entry-level information about the form-based code and how it works.

Councilman Joe Muller said the staff has held multiple meetings, including the four-day design charrette.

“I’m not saying we shouldn’t have more, but it’s been out there. We’ve done seven days of outreach already, we can’t force them to show up to the events,” Muller said and added he liked the idea of creating handouts.

When the motion of waiting until the new Planning Commissioners took office, Mayor Pro Tem Paul Wyatt said he didn’t see the delay as necessary.

“They then have to get up to speed; it could be June before they could feel comfortable voting,” Wyatt said.

According to a staff report, the city’s consultants—Opticos Design and Nelson\ Nygaard Consulting—are scheduled to meet with City Council members in March to allow the Council to gain a more detailed understanding of the form-based code and proposed parking standards in advance of a joint meeting. However, due to the Brown Act, only two Council members can meet at a time, so there will need to be three separate meetings and it’s estimated to cost between $6,000 and $8,000 to have the meetings.

According to the staff report, the Doheny Village Project’s budget summary to date totals $766,735. This includes payments for economic analysis, the form-based code work, hydraulic analysis, traffic studies and more.

WHAT’S NEXT: Since the city staff’s

Page 3

THE LATEST: City Council approved a new delegate for the city’s Financial Review Committee during its Feb. 21 meeting.

According to a staff report, after the Council accepted the designation of Gordon Roth for the Committee, he communicated due to family and business commitments he did not anticipate having the time necessary to serve on the committee.

Councilman Joe Muller designated William (Brian) Porter for the committee.

The Financial Review Committee has five Dana Point residents serve as “financial watchdogs.” Each Council member chose a person to serve on the committee, and that person may serve until the appointing Council member ends their term.

WHAT’S NEXT: The first Committee meeting is on Monday, Feb. 27 at 3:30 p.m. in the Public Works Conference Room at City Hall and is open to the public.—KP

City Attorney Gives Sober Living Litigation Update THE LATEST: During the City Council’s Feb. 21 meeting, City Attorney Patrick Muñoz gave an update regarding sober living homes in Dana Point.

Muñoz said a home on Santa Clara, which he said they’ve discussed before, is in the litigation process.

Muñoz said there are two structures on the property that are being utilized as sixperson operations.

“They’ve had their license reduced to six people; we’re still in litigation with them but the license has been modified,” Muñoz said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Muñoz added that they are currently looking at four other properties in Capistrano Beach.

“We have two new cases on file, one involved New Method Wellness and another involving Sunshine Behavioral Health,” Muñoz said.

He said they believe the homes are not licensed and should be.

“We’re pursuing them for operating in a matter that’s not consistent with the licensing,” Muñoz said. —KP

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter

DISTURBANCE Strand Beach Drive/Ocean Front Lane (3:32 p.m.) Police were called for three male skateboarders who were skating at Strand Beach.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Malaga Drive/La Cresta Drive (11:55 a.m.) Two stop signs that were pulled from the ground were laying in the street.

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

DISTURBANCE Leah Drive, 32700 Block (3:01 p.m.) Two men were seen throwing firecrackers against the caller’s fence.

DISTURBANCE El Encanto Avenue, 34000 Block (8:05 a.m.) A caller told police two men were sitting on the caller’s vehicle and drinking beer. The caller told police this was an ongoing issue.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Via Espinoza, 34400 Block (10:36 a.m.) A caller told police their neighbor’s dog attacked his dog due to the front door being open.

COMPILED BY STAFF

Monday, February 20 DISTURBANCE Mariner Drive, 24700 Block (10:40 p.m.) A caller told police a woman had been texting threats to them.

PETTY THEFT Monarch Bay Plaza, 0 Block (8:53 p.m.) A man and woman reportedly tried to take alcohol from the business.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Dana Strand Road, 34300 Block (6:31 p.m.) Police were called for a group of juveniles reportedly doing drugs inside a vehicle.

RECKLESS DRIVING Pacific Coast Highway/ Crown Valley Parkway (4:55 p.m.) A vehicle was seen driving at a high rate of speed.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Stonehill Drive/Ocean Hill Drive (4:20 p.m.) Police were called for a beach chair in traffic lanes.

GENERAL BROADCAST Crown Valley Parkway/Camino Del Avion (3:39 p.m.) A driver was seen tailgating, riding in the center median and swerving all over the road.

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT

Dana Point Resident Named Stars of Tomorrow Finalist A Dana Point student was named a Stars of Tomorrow finalist and will perform for a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship.

Ashley Patrick, a Dana Hills High School senior, will compete in the musical theater category.

Stars of Tomorrow is a program that provides the opportunity for Orange County high school vocalists to compete for scholarship money to help pursue their career goals.

During the event, Jason Rothman, a senior at Dana Hills and winner in the musical theater category in 2015, will perform.

More than 60 students from Orange Dana Point Times February 24-March 2, 2017

Saturday, February 18 SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Brookview, 0 Block (7:02 p.m.) Police were called for three gunshots heard in the complex. A couple of people in the area stated it was fireworks.

Sunday, February 19 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 25300 Block (10:03 p.m.) Police were called for a man reportedly threatening a group of friends. The caller said the man said he was going to get his guns and knives so he could fight.

RECKLESS DRIVING Camino Las Ramblas/ Freeway-5 (1:31 p.m.) Police were called for a vehicle making illegal U-turns in the intersection.

DISTURBANCE-AUTO INVOLVED Selva Road/ Pacific Coast Highway (8:07 p.m.) Loud music was coming from a vehicle.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Calle La Primavera, 33700 Block (4:06 p.m.) Police were called for loud, “obnoxious, highdecibel drumbeat music.”

BURGLARY Evening Star Drive, 24700 Block (2:29 p.m.) A caller told police their bike was taken from a garage the previous night.

PETTY THEFT Ocean Bright, 33200 Block (12:10 p.m.) A woman said she left her phone in a Lyft car the previous night and the driver hafnot responded to her phone calls. She told police the phone was turned off.

TRAFFIC STOP Seaside Drive/Stonehill Drive (3:31 a.m.) A driver was arrested for a DUI after they were stopped for driving the wrong way in the southbound lanes.

The driver made an abrupt turn into Seaside and made a U-turn. The driver had an open, cold beer in the center console.

Friday, February 17

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Niguel Road/ Stonehill Drive (1:26 p.m.) Two vehicles were involved in an accident, and one of the drivers refused to share information.

DISTURBANCE-AUTO INVOLVED Sherwood Way/ Nottingham Way (1:03 p.m.) A vehicle’s alarm was sounding for two hours.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Selva Road, 34000 Block (11:55 p.m.) A caller told police someone tried their car door handles. The caller said they yelled that they were calling the police and the subject ran away.

Hobie Memorial Fundraiser Scheduled

County auditioned, and 25 finalists will perform on Sunday, March 5.

For more information, visit www.southcoastsingers.org/stars-of-tomorrow.

Napa in Newport Returns to Dana Point The Napa in Newport Wine Auction will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel on March 4 to raise money for CureDuchenne, a national organization that is committed to finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fatal genetic disease.

Napa in Newport brings 30 vintners and a group of wine enthusiasts together, and all proceeds from the event will benefit CureDuchenne.

There will be a three-course dinner prepared by Chef Amar Santana, a wine tasting reception and a silent auction.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.napainnewport.org.

A Hawaiian-themed Hobie Memorial kick-off party is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28, to support the construction of the art piece and monument.

Only 80 guests will be permitted, and tickets are $45. The dress code requires Hawaiian-style clothing.

RSVP online at www.hobiememorial. com/fundraising or send a check to Hobie Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 195 Dana Point, CA 92629. Donations can also be made to the Go Fund Me account at www. gofundme.com/bring-hobie-memorial-todana-point.

The fundraiser will be held at Cannons Seafood Grill, which is located at 34344 Street of the Green Lantern.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Page 4

Community Meetings SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Farmers Market

9 a.m. Every Saturday there will be fresh produce and treats for sale at the Farmers Market. La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point.

949.279.3122.

Friends of the Dana Point Headlands Children’s Program

10 a.m.-noon. Friends of the Dana Point Headlands will be holding a monthly children’s program. Children can learn about the Headlands with hands-on activities. Nature Interpretive Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. friendsoftheheadlands@cox.net.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Planning Commission

6 p.m. Commissioners will meet in Council Chambers. Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. The agenda will be available at www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Because I Love You (BILY) Meeting 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday. BILY helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. 119 Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente. www.bilysc.org.

Coastmasters (Toastmaster’s)

7-8:30 a.m. Join the members of the Coastmasters every Thursday to improve your speaking and leadership skills. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing & Events Center. www.coastmasters.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

Networking at Noon

11:30 a.m. Join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce to promote your business. This month’s location is Hennessey’s Tavern. Tickets are $18 for members, $22 for prospective members. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. www.danapointchamber.com.

Coastmasters (Toastmaster’s)

7-8:30 a.m. Join the members of the Coastmasters every Thursday. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing & Events Center. www.coastmasters.org.

www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Business Beat News from Dana Point’s business community COMPILED BY STAFF

REAL ESTATE JASON CAREY JOINS THE CONNIE McKIBBAN GROUP 949.412.8582.

Jason Carey, a Dana Point resident, recently joined The Connie McKibban Group at Berkshire Hathaway Jason Carey. in the Monarch Beach Photo: Courtesy office.

Carey was born and raised in Niguel Shores and has been in real estate for more than 11 years. He began in commercial real estate then moved into luxury residential real estate.

Carey specializes in South Orange County and enjoys helping clients achieve their long-term real estate goals.

RYAN LEE VENTURES INTO RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE www.lee-residential.com. 949.493.5550.

A Capistrano Beach resident recently began working with a Dana Point real

Ryan Lee. Photo: Courtesy

estate company after making the switch from commercial to residential real estate.

Ryan Lee said he’s been involved with real estate his whole life.

“My father is the founder of Lee & Associates CRE, and he took me under his wing

early on,” Lee said.

He became licensed in 2006 and worked on commercial real estate finance for a year and a half before joining an investment group in San Luis Obispo.

In 2016, Lee made the switch to residential real estate sales and began working at Coldwell Banker Capistrano Beach/ Laguna Beach.

“My expertise is in the Dana Point/ Capo Beach/Laguna markets and helping people to find their dream home and sell their property,” Lee said.

ART CONTEST CAPT. DAVE’S DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING SAFARI 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive. www.dolphinsafari.com. 949.488.2828.

Using the experience Capt. Dave Anderson has of disentangling a blue whale, he’s asking artists to show what they would do to disentangle a whale with an art contest.

To enter the contest, submit original artwork that illustrates how to disentangle a whale or portray a scene where a whale is free. The artwork must include the catamaran Fast Cat, which can be seen online, and include your name in the description with a valid email address.

There will be 12 grand prize winners who receive two free tickets to go on a 90-minute whale watching safari. Each runner-up will receive $10 off any Capt.

Dave’s whale watching safari during the 46th annual Festival of Whales.

The first six grand prize winners will be announced on March 2, and the remaining winners will be announced on March 9.

All ages are welcome to participate, and entries must be in no later than Feb. 28 at midnight.

For more information, visit www.dolphinsafari.com and click on the art contest page.

REMODEL DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING & WHALE WATCHING 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern. www.danawharf.com. 949.496.5794.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching recently completed a renovation of their retail space.

Now, original photos adorn the walls along with different apparel items from local businesses including Rainbow Sandals, Kobe and more.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching recently renovated their retail space. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

“We’ve wanted to redo the space for a little while,” said Donna Kalez, general manager of Dana Wharf. “It’s awesome and has people reminiscing of a surf shop, but it’s also a fishing shop.”

The space allows for them to sell more products, including more fishing gear, more whale watching products, she said.

“We have more of a Dana Wharf whale watching line then we previously did,” Kalez said.

Another benefit, she said, is that customers are now able to utilize the view from the opened windows.

“Before we had offices here so it was portioned off,” Kalez said.

Not only can the customers enjoy a view, but along with the retail space, Dana Wharf has three new office spaces that overlook their vessels in the Harbor.

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Council’s Corner by Debra Lewis

The New Financial Review Committee: Resident Oversight of the Public’s Money

O

n Jan. 17 of this year, the City Council revamped the Financial Review Committee (FRC). This action constitutes an important component of an open, transparent government that embraces ongoing Dana Point resident participation and input.

As a member of the City Council, I will make many decisions that impact the city’s short- and long-term financial health. To do so responsibly, I want COUNCIL'S to fully understand our CORNER budget and be able

By Debra Lewis to answer some basic questions. What is the city’s projected income for the next few years? What if something unexpected happens, and are we adequately prepared to deal with it?

Do we have sufficient savings? How do budgeted figures compare with actual revenue/spending? How does an item affect the budget?

1. Does Dana Point already have a Financial Review Committee?

Yes, we had a committee called the Financial Review Committee. Its limited task was to review and approve the extremely narrow investment options available to public entities.

Letters to the Editor

BE MINDFUL OF WATER DESPITE RECENT RAIN CARTER REDISH, San Clemente

Last Friday, I was out for my usual early morning walk, trying to get out before the next downpour arrived, and just around the corner, I noticed the walkways in front of the first house were wet. It had not started to rain, so the yard sprinklers had been on. Two house down, the sprinklers at that house were running. Later that day, the sky opened up and we got a downpour.

This morning, two more houses on a different street had their sprinklers running, water pouring down the gutter, and we are scheduled for another storm this weekend.

Dana Point Times February 24-March 2, 2017

2. What is the FRC’s newly revamped purpose?

Now, the FRC’s purpose has been substantially broadened as an oversight body. The FRC will review and analyze the entire city’s financial information in order to assist the Council in making fiscally responsible decisions. Financial reporting and policy changes may be suggested to Council to support the FRC’s mission.

3. Why did I ask for this change?

I am trying to accomplish two things.

First, I want residents to be a more integral part of city government. I can think of no place where public engagement is more important than in spending the taxpayer’s money. Resident oversight of public spending implements a healthy check and balance.

Second, I am not an accountant. As a small business owner for many years and former business attorney, I have a basic understanding of budgets and financials.

But I look to those more skillful who can dig into the weeds and provide me with clear and accurate information in a form that both I and the residents can easily understand and digest. It seems only natural to utilize the expertise of the many Dana Point residents for that guidance.

5. How are they chosen?

Each Council member selects his/her own FRC member. The FRC member selection does not require Council approval.

However, understanding the committee’s purpose, each Council member is encouraged to choose an FRC member with the proper background, experience and willingness to make the time commitment.

6. How long is an FRC member’s term?

Each FRC member serves at the pleasure of the appointing Council member, but no longer than that Council member’s term on the Council.

7. How often will the FRC meet?

The FRC will choose a standing monthly meeting date and time. If four FRC members agree, it can meet less often, but at least once each quarter. The first meeting is scheduled for Feb. 27.

I am very excited by this change and see it as a way to help the Council and residents gain a clearer understanding of where our money comes from and how effectively it is being spent. DP

4. How many members are on the Committee? Five.

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.

I have not run our yard sprinklers for at least the last three months. Every week, we have been getting our fill of natural rain, like clockwork.

California is finally getting the rain it needed, but as is so often the case, too much at one time. But our water problems are not over just because we are having a good rainy season. Next year, we may be back to drought conditions, so everyone should learn how to operate their sprinklers and pay attention to when and how long they are operating, or they won’t have water during the next drought.

President George H.W. Bush praised it, and his son spent many mornings in extended discussions with the briefer. Our current president, when introduced to the PDB, said, “I am very smart” and that it would take too long to read.

President Trump gets his PDB from Fox News, disdains the news media and refers to news reporting as “fake news.” His tweets reveal little comprehension of world events, and his analysis of events show very little respect or comprehension of the impact of events on the U.S. His lack effort to search for truth does not bode well for our nation.

TRUMP AND THE DAILY BRIEFING

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

LEO GALCHER, San Clemente

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

The President’s Book of Secrets by David Pries details the president’s daily briefing (PDB) prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency and delivered at 7 a.m. to every president since JFK. All presidents have attested to its value.

Page 6

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HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Kristina Pritchett, 949.388.7700, x113 kpritchett@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Jake Howard Debra Holm Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 10, Issue 8. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.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 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

stuffed animals, hats, sheets, blankets, quilts, bedspreads, drapes, purses and belts. All proceeds from the drive will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The drop-off location will be located at the SCHS upper campus MPR, located at 189 Avenida La Cuesta, San Clemente.

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A day of live music kicks off with Flock of 80’s at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Honky Tonk Kings at 8:30 p.m. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Friday | 24 LIVE MUSIC: HANS & JANINE 4 p.m. Join Waterman’s Harbor for live music with Hans & Janine every Friday.

Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

LIVE THEATER: A NIGHT OF ONE-ACTS 6:30 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County presents a night of theatrical oneact plays exploring the theme of time. Two pieces will be presented, with an intermission in between. The show also runs Saturday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets ahead of time for $12 at www. brownpapertickets.com/event/2838583, or at the door for $15. The Arts Project Theater. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente.

949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

Photo: File

SATURDAY, FEB. 25: KIDS’ PET PARADE 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The rescheduled annual Fiesta Association Kids’ Pet Parade invites children ages 5-12 to show off their favorite animals in contests for best team costume (owner and pet), best domestic pet, best exotic pet, best farm animal and best bird. There is a $5 entry fee, and entrants are asked to fill out an application beforehand, available at www.swallowsparade.com/kidspet.html. Los Rios Park. 31747 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976.

LIVE MUSIC: THE FREMONTS 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from The Fremonts at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE MUSIC: LESLIE LOWE 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Leslie Lowe at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘THREE BANDITS AND A BABY’ 8 p.m. In this family-friendly musical melodrama, three successful and happily unmarried villains get a surprise inheritance of a little girl. Forced to do the right thing and take care of the baby, the three hopeless and hapless babysitters make an attempt until their pasts finally catch up with them. Tickets start at $20. The show runs through March 12. Camino Real Playhouse.

31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 25 SHOOTING STARS WILDFLOWER WALK 8-11 a.m. Local wildflower expert Bob Allen will lead an exploration of The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo looking for early wildflowers like the Padre Shooting Star.

Learn to identify blooms and savor the smells, sights, sounds and breathtaking beauty of winter. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and reservations are requested. 28811 Ortega Highway, San

Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

BIG BAG SALE 10 a.m. Sweeet Repeeet Consignment will hold its annual Big Bag Sale fundraiser, where proceeds from $10 bag sales will benefit Family Assistance Ministries. 538 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.429.3100. www.sweeetrepeeetconsignment.com.

SCHS MAKE-A-WISH CLOTHES DRIVE 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The SCHS Make-A-Wish Foundation Club is teaming up with Clothes for the Cause for a clothes and textile drive. Items must be packaged in a trash bag. Accepted items may include but are not limited to: new and gently used clothing, shoes (paired only), towels,

‘THRIVE’ SHORELINE CHURCH WOMEN’S OUTREACH EVENT 6-9:30 p.m. Award-winning author, bible teacher and humorist Sheri Rose Shepherd will speak at the event, which also has a raffle fundraiser, with proceeds donated to charity. Event is $20. Register online. 211 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. 949.547.9818. www.theshorelinechurch.org/thrive.

GAMERZ GAMING NIGHT 7-9:30 p.m. Join the Community Outreach Alliance for a gaming night. 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

LIVE MUSIC: FAMILY STYLE 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Family Style at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Sunday | 26 GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park.

Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

(Cont. on page 10)

At the Movies: ‘Kedi,’ the Cute Cat Movie

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s social media has shown us for the past decade, people love looking at adorable animals. Once in a while the film industry will use this to their advantage and produce a feature that is focused on cute animals—like the ill-fated A Dog’s Purpose from last month, or any of the Disney Nature documentaries we get on a yearly basis, like Born in China coming this spring. In Turkey, filmmaker Ceyda Torun was inspired to

Dana Point Times February 24-March 2, 2017

make a documentary called Kedi that follows a surprisingly simple subject: cats.

In the city of Istanbul, Turkey, cats are not housebound, but live on the streets of the area in harmony with the human locals. The feline species in the country is both wild and domesticated in a unique way. They do as they please, but also have favorite spots and humans with whom they prefer to converse.

The humans like them back, but they also give the cats their space. Some cats are loners; some have a bundle of kittens because

they’re not neutered or spayed.

The word kedi is Turkish for cat, and Torun does a good job of showing the perspective of the foreign location through the lives of a small selection of cats. One cat is on “rat security” for a restaurant, another is fed by a local laundress, and so on. The locals who provide the commentary for Kedi adore their feline friends and have a genuine respect for their rare ability to be free in the streets. For cat lovers and animal fans in general, Kedi is a must see. DP

Page 8

Photo: kedifilm.com

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8) BEND AND BREW 11:30 a.m. iHeartYoga holds a Bend & Brew session at Left Coast Brewing Company’s tasting room in San Clemente.

It’s a one-hour yoga class followed by a pint of beer. Admission $10. 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.com.

SHORECLIFFS MIDDLE SCHOOL SURF TEAM FUNDRAISER Noon-4 p.m. Stop by Surfside Pizza and Brawner Boards to support the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team. Twenty percent of sales at either store during the fundraiser will be donated to the surf team. There will also be live music, raffle prizes and corn hole. 216 and 220 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente. www.facebook. com/events/1492679214106177.

Monday | 27 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Tuesday | 28 HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday.

Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

FAT TUESDAY AT IVA LEE’S 7-10:30 p.m. Celebrate Mardi Gras with zydeco music from the Bayou Brothers at Iva Lee’s. There will be a washboard contest with prizes for the winners. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente.

949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Wednesday | 01 FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

Dana Point Times February 24-March 2, 2017

KARAOKE AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 7 p.m. Sing karaoke, imbibe and eat free popcorn at The Swallow’s Inn’s karaoke night with Bobby and Joel. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are welcome to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

Thursday | 02

On Stage at the Coach House: Louie Anderson DANA POINT TIMES

LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. Every Thursday. No experience needed. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

UPCOMING EVENTS SATURDAY, MARCH 4 DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The two-weekend celebration of the 46th annual Festival of Whales kicks off on Saturday with an opening day parade, Street Fair, arts and crafts shows and much more. The festival celebrates the annual migration of the California gray whale and now welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year. There are plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, learn, view art, celebrate and, of course, see whales. Event runs Sunday, March 5, and again March 11-12. For more information, visit www.festivalofwhales.com.

OPERA NIGHT GALA 2017 5:30 p.m. South Orange County School of the Arts (SOCSA) performs at the Musco Center for the Arts. A variety of entertaining musical selections from the dramatic to the comedic will be performed as a culmination of more than eight weeks of intensive workshops and master classes.

Tickets range from $25 to $75. One University Drive, Orange. 844.626.8726. www.muscocenter.org.

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.

Louie Anderson. Photo: Courtesy

L

ouie Anderson’s career in comedy has taken a variety of forms: creating and voicing the animated show Life with Louie; appearing in classic films like Coming to America; hosting Family Feud; and now starring, and winning awards, on the TV show Baskets. But when Anderson comes to the Coach House on Sunday, Feb. 26, he’ll be obliging the form that made his career possible: stand-up.

“It’s my first love,” Anderson said. “I still feel like I’m trying to prove myself as a stand-up.”

The goal, Anderson said, is to “have people mumbling when they are leaving,” about the jokes that resonated with them.

He said his act nowadays focuses on all the “F words”: fun, family, food—“and being fat is big,” Anderson joked.

THE DISH

“My thing is about joy and happiness and giving people a break from thinking,” Anderson said, adding that he does an impression of Donald Trump, “which is not a hateful impression, but always gets a really big rise out of people.”

The success of the dark comedy and indie-tinged Baskets has brought Anderson to yet another new audience, and he said he’s excited to engage with a new group of fans—even if he couldn’t have predicted the course of his career thus far. “(When I started out), I was looking for world domination,” Anderson said. “I always thought that my main base would be as a stand-up comic and that I would also do TV and movies, but who could have ever predicted Baskets, or Family Feud, or a cartoon?” DP

RUSSIAN REUBEN AT TREVOR’S

A

fter closing for renovations last April, Trevor’s at the Tracks—formerly Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot—officially reopened on Thursday, Feb. 23.

The train depot is one of the most iconic buildings in downtown San Juan, and Sarducci’s left big shoes to fill. But proprietor Trevor Baird stepped up to the task and didn’t disappoint. Baird’s restaurant finds the ideal balance between old and new—from the outdoor patio, complete with fireplaces and a full bar, to the cozy dining rooms that pay tribute to the past with historic photographs.

With only a soft opening under the restaurant’s belt, it’s already near impossible to choose just one dish to feature. The recipes at Trevor’s are classic, but with a fresh, California twist. The pasta fresca with garden veggies and pappardelle noodles is elevated by a creamy vodka tomato sauce that packs an impressive amount of flavor, and the melted feta and sundried tomato dip is about as gourmet as comfort food gets.

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Trevor’s Russian Reuben sandwich features smoked and slow-roasted corned beef, Emmental Swiss cheese, house ‘kraut and Russian dressing on New York rye. Each ingredient holds its own, while complementing the smoky, generously-portioned beef. You may only make it through half of the Reuben, but don’t sleep on the side of perfectly seasoned fries, served with homemade ketchup and ranch.

Trevor’s at the Tracks 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593.

www.danapointtimes.com

O F F I C I A L

E V E N T

G U I D E

... and so much more!

WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR

Welcome to the 46th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales Whale migration is one of the most amazing journeys on the planet. Every year, around 20,000 gray whales migrate 5,000 to 7,000 miles between Baja, Mexico, where they are born and their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. Compare this to the longest land mammal migration, that of the caribou, which spans roughly 3,000 miles annually. What makes whale migration even more exciting is that gray whales usually travel within 2.5 miles of our shore, making their epic journey visible to us.

Imagine yourself standing on the bluffs or cruising the waters on a whale-watching boat. Someone shouts, “I see them!” and eagerly points toward what looks like movement in the water. You turn to see, staring intently at the very spot. Suddenly, you see whales spouting, jumping out of the water and whirling around, or you catch sight of a whale’s iconic tail breaking out of the water. You, and everyone around you shouts excitedly while capturing the moment on a cell phone video to share with family and friends. It is an experience you will never forget.

I invite you to come and share two family-oriented, fun-packed weekends with us as Dana Point celebrates our annual Festival of Whales, beginning March 4. Enjoy the whale parade down Pacific Coast Highway, because who doesn’t love a parade? Participate in street fairs, eat great food and listen to music that will keep your toes tapping. Browse the arts and crafts. Take fishing, sailing, stand-up paddling or Wyland art lessons. Watch drone demos. Journey back in time aboard the Pilgrim tall ship. Visit the Harbor, the Ocean Institute and take home whatever you fancy at one of our many shops here in Dana Point. Of course, don’t forget to make your reservations for a whale watching excursion.

Hope to see you there!

MAYOR DEBRA LEWIS

A Look Back

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL OF WHALES

By Andrea Swayne, Event Coordinator

As the city embarks on its 46th annual Festival of Whales, let’s take a brief look back at the origins of this iconic Dana Point cetacean celebration.

Scientists believe Dana Point, long before it was named and possibly even inhabited, has served as a landmark for migrating gray whales as they make their annual round-trip journey between their cold Arctic feeding grounds and their warm breeding and calving lagoons in Baja Mexico.

Although a 46-year celebration of their visit to our coast seems like a substantial chunk of time from our perspective, in reality it represents a small grain in the sands of time, and in the history of whales. Through the ages, these magnificent marine mammals have been targeted by whale hunters, been near extinction and then returned to healthy numbers through protection laws.

Whale watching in the Dana Point area was originally the idea of San Clemente High School teacher Philip Grignon, who approached Don Hansen, a sportfishing company owner operating at the San

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

Clemente Pier in the late 1960s. Grignon persuaded Hansen to run whale watching trips for science students, and the idea was a hit. Hansen moved his operation (now Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching) to Dana Point in 1971 just before the Harbor opened, and whale watching was extended to the public. It was not long before Dana Point began earning a reputation as a great place to catch sight of migrating grays and other whales. With the addition of the Ocean Institute and Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari the city has become the whale watching capital of the West.

The late Orange County/Dana Point historian Doris Walker is credited with organizing the first Festival of Whales Parade in 1973.

A lot has happened in the nearly five decades since the Festival started, and the Festival continues to educate, delight and inspire, just as it was meant to in the beginning. The entire city has embraced the Festival, and in its present iteration, it has become one of the largest, most fun-filled and highly anticipated events of the year.

Q&A

WITH PARADE GRAND MARSHAL

Rachael Tilly Rachael Tilly, 18, of Capo Beach is well-known among locals at Doheny State Beach and surf fans everywhere for her World Surf League 2015 Women’s Longboard Championship win.

In the 2017 Festival of Whales Parade, Rachael will be front and center as the grand marshal. We sat down with the San Clemente High School alum to discuss the upcoming festival, her favorite events and more.

How did you feel when you were asked to be the grand marshal?

Rachael Tilly: Really excited. I thought it’s such a cool opportunity. About five years ago, I was the Bag Monster™ for Ocean Awareness Day, helping out my aunt who works in Dana Point (and coordinates that event at the Festival of Whales). I wore this plastic bag outfit (to illustrate the environmental harm done by single-use plastic bags) and it was so hot. I just had to walk around; you couldn’t even see me; I just had two little eyeholes. And so we made a joke that I made it all the way from Bag Monster™ to grand marshal.

How long have you lived here?

I grew up here. I’ve been through the parade with my elementary school on the firetrucks and such, and so I’ve grown up seeing this parade and the festival every year, so it’s exciting now to be the grand marshal.

What do you love most about FOW? Every year it’s something to look forward to. It’s something that the community can really gather around and get together and celebrate our community.

How did you get involved with surfing?

My dad used to be a professional surfer and so naturally when I was little he was always surfing and going to contests. So I grew up saying, ‘Take me, take me out in the water.’ When I was finally old enough, he first took me surfing and from then on we started going more and more. I did my first contest at 6 years old, and it just became more regular. I started loving it for myself.

His sessions of going out were over; he was helping me. It was definitely opening a new chapter for him and me but I’m really happy we’ve been able to do this together.

What do you love most about the community?

I think what I love the most is our active lifestyle. You go down to the Harbor and people are walking around, people are enjoying food whether it’s down at Boneyard or Coffee Importers in the Harbor. You go out and it’s alive. The community is always going. I love the Harbor; I spend a lot of time there. I grew up taking sailing classes at Westwind Sailing, and the past six years I’ve been an instructor there. I spend every day in the summer there.

What are your favorite things to do in your free time?

Sailing is one of my favorite things. I love being active in general, so although surfing is a fun thing, it’s my job. For something I consider for free time, I’d say sailing.

<< Rachael Tilly hoists her world champion trophy on the podium at the conclusion of the World Surf League 2015 Women’s World Longboard Championship in China. Photo: WSL

3

MEET THE FESTIVAL OF WHALES LOGO CONTEST WINNER

Alex Van Brasch

Alex Van Brasch, a Simi Valley native, was named the Festival of Whales Logo contest winner.

Photo: Quintin Hardgrove

The Festival of Whales Logo Design Contest had a few changes this year. First, it was reopened to the public after having been open only to Dana Hills High School students for the past five years. Second, the public was able to select the winner.

More than 50 entries were submitted this year, from crayon drawings done by young children to professional pieces in a variety of mediums. The Foundation Board narrowed down the selections to five, then the public took over. Each of the submissions had to showcase the California gray whale, the name of the festival and the festival’s dates.

Alex Van Brasch, a Simi Valley native who currently lives in Portland, Oregon, received 1,377 votes for his design and was named the winner. Mark Sandlin of Atlanta, Georgia, received 438 votes and was named second runner-up. Third runner-up was Jeff Fleming of Dana Point with 210 votes, followed by Tom Swimm of San Clemente with 184 votes, and Vickie Killeen of Dana Point with 99 votes.

We asked Alex a few questions about how he came up with the design.

How did you hear about the contest?

Van Brasch: A friend of mine sent over a flier and I was immediately intrigued. I’ve loved whales since I was a kid, so having the chance to pay tribute was an honor. One night I just started drawing this whale in colored pencil. There was no clear layout for

the rest of the design.

What was your inspiration behind the design?

I wanted to create something to celebrate not only the spirit of the gray whale, but also the ability to break out of the negative barriers around us. I believe whales symbolize hope, strength and diversity and I wanted to highlight those values in the logo.

Previously, you said you haven’t attended the event in the past. Are you excited to attend this year, especially with your artwork everywhere?

I’m thrilled to be able to attend the festival; and having my work featured will definitely be humbling.

What did you use to create the logo?

The majority of the design was created using pen and colored pencil. Afterwards, computer generated text and a border were added in and around the hand-drawn illustration.

What are you most excited for?

I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and enjoying what the event has to offer. It’ll be great to see the emphasis on the importance of visual art, music and local culture at the festival. I’m excited to share this experience with all of the talented artists and vendors that will be there as well.

Van Brasch will make an appearance at the festival during the first weekend in the parade and during a poster signing at the Street Fair.

OTHER FINALISTS

Mark Sandlin

4

Jeff Fleming

Tom Swimm

Vickie Killeen

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

Festival of Whales

Merchandise

The Festival’s merchandise is unique and will be featured at several locations throughout the event.

Products include a youth short sleeve T-Shirt in ash gray and Carolina blue; a sport pack backpack; a tote bag; a five-panel flat bill snapback trucker hat in white, royal blue/white and charcoal gray; an adult short sleeve T-shirt in white, indigo blue and ash gray; an adult long sleeve T-shirt in indigo blue and charcoal gray; an adult zip front hooded sweatshirt in heather gray and charcoal gray.

Merchandise booths will be at the following locations: March 4: Street Fair at La Plaza Park and Dana Wharf (in front of Dana

6

GETTING AROUND THE FESTIVAL WALKING DIRECTIONS FROM OCTA BUS STOP

For those guests who are utilizing the OCTA bus stops on PCH, you can reach the Festival by walking down Dana Point Harbor Drive to the Harbor’s Golden Lantern entrance area or you can 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 Announcer Stand. At the conclusion of the Parade, meet at the drop-off location and the shuttle will return you to the Harbor.

STREET FAIR SHUTTLE

(March 4 only) FREE shuttle service will be available from all Harbor locations to the Street Fair from noon to 4 p.m.

PARKING AND FREE SHUTTLE INFORMATION Wharf Whale Watching and in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot) March 5: Ocean Awareness Day at Baby Beach, Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Whale Watching and in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot) March 11: Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Whale Watching and the in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot), along the Harbor walkway March 12: Concert on the Water/ Spirits Garden at Baby Beach, Dana Wharf Whale Watching (in front of Dana Wharf Whale Watching and in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot) ••• Items can also be purchased online at www.festivalofwhales.com.

The FREE shuttles (and trolleys) run each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and services most parking lots and event locations. Daily and $2 hourly parking 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 www.ppprk.com/ park. The benefit of the Passport Parking payment application is, in addition to making the initial payment for parking, time can also be added remotely from your phone or tablet.

PARADE DAY SHUTTLE

(March 4 only) FREE shuttle service will be available one hour prior to the Festival of Whales Parade. Park in the Harbor or at Doheny State Beach and ride to the drop-off location for the northerly

WATER TAXI

Daily service during the Festival 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! Your captain will share interesting facts and features about the Dana Point area and its fascinating history.

WHALE OF A CONCERT SHUTTLE (March 12 only) FREE shuttle service will extend until 6 p.m.

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

Schedule of Events

WEEKEND ONE

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

WEEKEND TWO

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Sand Sculpting Competition

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast

Whale of a Beach Cleanup

Festival of Whales Parade

Whale Walk Painting

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Baby Beach 15 10 a.m. Pacific Coast Highway 1 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Street Fair

10 a.m.–3 p.m. La Plaza Park 2

7 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Baby Beach Park 15 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Doheny State Beach 16 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

Art & the Sea: Painting Class

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Ocean Institute 5

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 11

Art in the Park

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic

So Cal Woodies Car Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

Whale of a Pizza Party

Ocean Awareness Day

11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

11 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Harbor Music Series

Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure

Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Historic Walking Tour of Town Center

Rubber Ducky Derby

EVERY DAY OF THE EVENT

• Dana Wharf Whale Watching 8 a.m – 4 p.m.

• Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

11 a.m.–2 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Diamond Dig

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Whale of a BBQ

11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip

Noon–12:30 p.m.; 12:45–5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks 3

Harbor Music Series

Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Historic Walking Tour of Town Center

2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway 8

• Ocean Institute 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Drone and GoPro Demo

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

Movie Screening: “Humpback Whales”

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. East Marina Parking Lot 13

Ocean Institute Education Center

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7

Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure

WHALE WATCHING

Kids’ Fun Fair

British Invasion Car Show

Art in the Park

2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

Drone and GoPro Demo

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. East Marina Parking Lot 13

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

The Legendary Corvette Car Show

2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway 8

Kids’ Fun Fair

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach 15

10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

So Cal Woodies Car Show

The Legendary Corvette Car Show

Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash & Expo

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

Ocean Institute Education Center

Ocean Institute Education Center

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

9 a.m.–Noon Doheny State Beach 16

British Invasion Car Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 11 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7

Art in the Park

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

Art in the Park

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale

Mobile Marine Mammal Museum

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

Sixth Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Captain Dave’s Under Sea Eco Carnival

11 a.m.–3 p.m. Doheny State Beach Visitor Center 16

Harbor Music Series

Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Whale of a Concert on the Water Noon–5 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Noon–2 p.m. Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach 4

Whale of a Concert BBQ and Spirits Garden

Harbor Music Series

Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip

Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Drone and GoPro Demo

2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3

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

Noon–5 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Noon–12:30 p.m.; 12:45–5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks 3

Drone and GoPro Demo

2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Aventura Sailing Association 9

Free Movie Screening: “Finding Dory”

6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Dana Point Community Center 14

2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

7

Annual Events Classic Car Displays

Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash and Expo

March 11; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing will be hosting the second annual Cardboard Classic/Dinghy Dash. It includes a cardboard boat building contest and race, exhibition booths, food, music and awards. The event is at Baby Beach, next to OC Sailing & Event Center. To enter the Dinghy Dash, cost is $30 per team and all building supplies will be supplied.

Up to five people may participate on a team, and only one person per team may race. Sign up at www.festivalofwhales.com. 15

So Cal Woodies

March 4, 5; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. So Cal Woodies will be on display from the official Southern California Chapter of the National Woodie Club. 11

Pacific Coast Corvettes Presents the Legendary Corvette

March 4,5; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Harbor walkway will be filled with several generations of Corvettes. 11

British Invasion

Diamond Dig

March 5; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Diamond Dig will be at Baby Beach. For an hour, dig for treasure, toys and prizes. One person will win a piece of jewelry donated by Marinelli Fine Jewelry.

Kids and adults are encouraged to arrive early. Tickets are $10.

949.204.7084 or visit www. monarchbeachrotary.com. 15

Free Movie Night

March 11; 6:30-9 p.m. Finding Dory will be featured during a night of family fun. Bring a picnic dinner or enjoy free popcorn and snacks.

Although the screening is indoors, low back lawn chairs or blankets are permitted. There will also be bleacher seating. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. 949.248.3530.

14

Kids’ Fun Fair

March 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will host a carnival fun zone for kids and families in the East Marina Parking lot adjacent to the walkway between Dana Wharf and Harpoon Henry’s on Golden Lantern. There will be carnival style games, inflatable attractions and activities. Admission is free, but the purchase of tickets will be required for most attractions. 13

Ocean Awareness Day

March 5; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Join the Dana Point Harbor Association for interactive displays, demonstrations, entertainment and more showcasing environmental programs and issues relating to the ocean. Baby Beach. 34451 Ensenada Place. The event and parking are free. 949.923.2255 or www.danapointharbor.com. 15 8

Events &

Attractions

Parade

March 4; 10 a.m. The parade kicks off the two-weekend celebration of the California gray whale migration. There will be floats decorated in ocean and whale themes and giant helium balloons of a blue whale, an orca and other sea creatures. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with a route along Pacific Coast Highway beginning at Selva Road and ending at Street of the Golden Lantern. The parade is weather permitting; if canceled, no makeup date will be arranged. 1

Street Fair

March 4; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Pet Project Foundation will host the Street Fair and Whales and Tails Wag-a-Thon at La Plaza Park.

There will be vendor booths, music, food trucks, a kiddie area, a pet costume contest and more.

Admission is free. 2

Rubber Ducky Derby

March 5; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hosted by the Dana Point Woman’s Club, this fun spin on a “Rubber Ducky Race” will be at Baby Beach. Duckies can be purchased in advance by calling 949.859.5706, or on the day of the

race. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place. Duckies are $6 or two for $10.

Sand Sculpting Competition

March 4; 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Join OC Parks for a sand sculpting contest at Baby Beach. Compete in one of these categories: whales, castles, ocean creatures, pirates and ships, or woodies and surfboards. Judging will begin at 2:30 p.m. Call 949.923.2284 to enter. 15

Arts & Culture Art in the Park

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Local artists display a variety of work 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. 12

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show and Sale

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Dana Point Fine Arts Association will host an art show and sale.

The art will be on display at the

March 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join the British Invasion along the Harbor Walkway to see a unique display of British motorcars including Austin-Healeys, Jaguars, Triumphs and more. 11

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

Harbor Boardwalk in Mariner’s Village. The Association donates a portion of the proceeds to Dana Hills High School Art Department. It’s weather permitting; if canceled, there will be no make-up date. 6

Dana Point Historical Society

Walking Tour of Town Center March 4, 5; 2 p.m. The walk will show the historical town center.

See and hear stories of historical landmarks; a free walking tour brochure will be included. Meet the guide at the newly renovated Coastal Kitchen restaurant.

949.248.8121 or museum@ danapointhistorical.org.

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale

March 11, 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. High school art students will display a variety of artwork on the Harbor walkway, just east of Island Way. Work will include paintings, photography, graphic design, ceramics and sculptures. Cookies created by the school’s culinary arts classes will be available for purchase.

Proceeds will benefit education programs at the high school. 12

Dana Wharf Whale Watching and More Drone and GoPro Demo with Marine Life Top-of-Mind

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 2:30-4:30 p.m.

See how Dana Wharf operates GoPros and drones and learn how to get the perfect shot while maintaining a safe distance from the whales. There will be a 30-minute demo during the 2.5-hour trip that focuses on the new technology they use daily. All adults will receive a copy of Dana Wharf Whale Watching’s new whale and dolphin DVD, “Sharing the Shores off Dana Point.” www.danawharf.com. 3

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 10-11 a.m.

These special lectures at Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant are perfect for those who want a one-on-one educational experience. Marine biologists and guests will present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. Eric Austin Yee (March 4) marine biologist: unusual marine life sightings of 2016; Alisa Schulman-Janiger (March 5) marine biologist: California Orcas/Gray Whale Census; Lei Lani Stelle, Ph.D (March 11) Blue Whales; and Kirsten Donald (March 12) Director of Education Pacific Marine Mammal Center: California Sea Lions and Seals. 13 (Cont. on page 10) FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS (CONTINUED) Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild

March 4, 5, 11; 10-10:45 a.m.

Dana Wharf and the Wyland Foundation have entered a partnership to offer a unique and creative lesson. There will be a dockside presentation and an art lesson aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran via video feed by environmental artist Wyland.

Children can enter their art in an end-of-season contest. The lesson is $5 per child and proceeds will benefit the Wyland Foundation.

Children who participate will receive a free whale watching trip. www.danawharf.com. 3

Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip

March 5, 12; Noon-12:30 p.m.; 12:45-5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites children to the dock side fishing clinic to learn handson techniques from the experts.

Prizes will be awarded. A fishing trip is scheduled from 12:45-5:15 p.m. Adults are $46 plus license and equipment. Children 12 and under fish for free with paid adult.

949.496.5794. 3

Doheny State Beach Whale Walk Painting

March 5; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Help paint a life-sized whale to add to the collection. Paint and brushes will be supplied. The event is free and open to the public. Doheny State Beach “Whale Walk” is near Boneyard Beach Café. Alert entrance staff upon arrival and they will direct you toward parking. 16

Whale of Beach Cleanup-Festival of Whales Toast to the Coast

March 11; 9 a.m.-Noon. Bring some gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket to help clean Doheny State Beach. Meet Ranger Vicki at the Lifeguard Headquarters. 16

Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum

March 12; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be a variety of marine mammal artifacts for visitors to learn about.

Alert entrance staff upon arrival to get directions for parking location.

The event is free. 16

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast

March 5; 7-10:30 a.m. Join the Dana Point Woman’s Club for a pancake breakfast adjacent to Baby Beach. While there, purchase a rubber ducky for the Club’s Rubber Ducky Derby later in the day. 15

Dolphin Safari Whale Watching and more

Whale of a BBQ

Captain Dave’s Under the Sea Eco Carnival

Sixth Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off

March 11; Noon-2 p.m. Join the crew at the carnival and learn how to do your part and keep the ocean clean while having fun.

There will be bounce houses, a selfie station, and an underwater viewing pod simulation, face painting and more. Entry into the carnival is free. 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com. 4

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

March 11; 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join Captain Dave Anderson for an informative presentation about whale entanglement and rescue. There will be never-before-seen rescue footage and drone video, and an opportunity to check out rescue equipment. Aventura Sailing Association, 24707 Dana Drive, Dana Point. 949.488.2828. 9

Food Options Whale of a Pizza Party

March 4; 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Grab a slice and drink from Beach Harbor Pizza served by Veritas Lodge.

The party will be adjacent to Baby Beach during the Whale of a Sand Sculpting Contest. 15

March 5; 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be delicious BBQ specialties served by the Knights of Columbus during Ocean Awareness Day. Adjacent to Baby Beach. 15

March 11; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sample clam chowders from local restaurants and organizations then vote for your favorite at Baby Beach.

Taste all the entries for $10. Prizes will be awarded for a variety of categories. Event includes a beer and wine garden for adults 21 and older with a valid ID. www.fishforlife.org.

Whale of a Concert BBQ and Spirits Garden

March 12; Noon-5 p.m. BBQ specialties and a spirits garden for those 21 and older. Baby Beach. 15

Live Music Harbor Music Series

March 4, 5, 11, 12; Noon-3 p.m.

The Dana Point Harbor Association hosts live music in the Dana Wharf Courtyard and Harpoon Henry’s grassy area near Mariner’s Village. There will be a variety of musical styles and sounds. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com. 10

Whale of a Concert on the Water

March 12; Noon-5 p.m. In honor of the whales migrating by Dana

Point Headlands, the Festival of Whales will include a free outdoor concert at Baby Beach. Bands will perform on the water atop of a floating stage. The Dave Silver Band performs at noon, the Tricia Freeman Band at 1:30 p.m. and Hollywood U2 will perform at 3:30 p.m. Low back chairs or blankets are permitted. There will be BBQ and a Spirits Garden for those 21 and older.

949.248.3530. 15

Ocean Institute Whale Watching and More Ocean Institute: Ocean Education Center

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Take a hands-on journey into the mysterious and captivating world of whales. Follow the migration of the gray whale as you move through the facility. There will be hands on dissections, animal feeding and more. Tickets are $10 for non-member adults, $7.50 for non-member seniors and children. Members and children under 2 are free. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org. 5

Art & the Sea: Painting Class

March 5; 10-11 a.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a one-of-a-kind paint class with Motif Paint Events.

Tickets are included with admission to the Ocean Institute for the weekend only. 5

Movie Screening: MacGillivray-Freeman Films’ ‘Humpback Whales’

March 5; 6-9 p.m. A special viewing of MacGillivray-Freeman film will show up-close and personal looks into the world of humpback whales. There will be a short

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

presentation and a Q&A session following the film. Tickets are $15 at the door, and proceeds benefit the Festival of Whales and the Ocean Institute. 5

Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure

March 4,5; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Explore how time and discovery have shaped man’s perception of the gray whale. Join the Institute for a tall ship adventure and search for the gray whale. Tickets are $60 for adults, $50 for seniors and active duty military, $40 for children 4-12. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the ticket purchase. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org. 5

Sailing and Paddling Sailing Rides

March 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Take a sailing ride and learn to steer and sail a Capri 14. Rides are for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $15 per boat, three people maximum, for a half-hour session. Westwind Sailing. 949.492.3035. 7

Stand-up Paddling Clinics

March 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join the SUP craze during a 45-minute clinic. Each clinic is held on the hour, depending on weather and conditions. Clinics are for ages 12 and up; 12-14 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are $10 per person and lifejackets are provided. Contact Westwind Sailing for details at 949.492.3035. 7

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON

Whale Watching

While in Dana Point for the Festival of Whales, there are many options for visitors to see some ocean wildlife up close.

Choose from three businesses offering many different whale watching experiences, times and prices.

Captain Dave’s Whale Watching Safari

Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Ocean Institute

Captain Dave’s provides trips aboard their customized catamarans, which allow guests to get up close and personal with wildlife. The Mantue’a offers eye-to-eye underwater viewing pods and a hydrophone to hear below the surface. Multiple trips are planned for both weekends of the festival. Tickets vary depending on the trip, but range from $20 to $65. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive.

949.488.2828. www.dolphinsafari.com.

Hop aboard one of Dana Wharf’s adventure cruises for a chance to catch a glimpse into the huge variety of underwater wildlife with their multiple whale watching trips every day. Cruises depart on the hour and are narrated by expert captains aboard a variety of vessels. Tickets vary depending on the trip, but range from $15 to $55.

34675 Street of the Golden Lantern. 949.496.5794. www.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. Saturday, March 4; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 5; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11; and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 12. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active duty military and $25 children. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.com.

LAND LOCKED? Walk along the bluff-top Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center’s 3 miles of trails to view the whale migration from above.

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

Individual Whale Identification Techniques

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 this year’s Festival of Whales and beyond.

BY ERIC AUSTIN YEE , MARINE BIOLOGIST, DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING

The whale watching world is full of creatures that most enthusiasts would consider celebrities in our oceans. Often whales can be easily identified by certain habits or traits that make them stand out. Bring up names like Scarlet, Hook or Scoopfin to a whale watching naturalist from Southern California and they will definitely be able to tell you what kind of whale is behind the name and how it earned the name. You might be thinking, “Don’t all whales look the same?” or “You’ve seen one whale, you’ve seen them all.” But there are many ways to tell individual whales apart and it is easy to do so if you look at the unique features on a whale. The identification of individual whales is not only important to researchers, but it also helps to spread interest and promote the conservation of whales.

Technology has been advanced to the point where anyone can identify individual whales; you no longer have to be a marine biologist or a researcher to do so.

HOW DO WE IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL WHALES?

The most common way to start identifying a whale is to photograph the whale from both the left and right side to capture its identifiable features. This technique was pioneered with whales by the late Dr. Michael Bigg in the ’70s. Bigg discovered that orcas could be identified by simple photos of the side of the animal. Depending on the species of whale, various features such as the dorsal fin, flukes (tail), scars and markings can be utilized. Dorsal fins not only vary in shape and size from species to species but are unique to each individual animal.

Notches and scars are also commonly found on the edges of dorsal fins and aid in the identification process. These notches and scars are obtained in various ways, such as fighting, play or from injuries. These notches and scars can heal or change over time, so constant monitoring and new photos are needed to keep identifications current and correct. For animals such as orcas, the dorsal fin and saddle patch, a white area just behind the orca’s dorsal fin, can be used also. The saddle patch varies in shape and size between different individuals and also can have distinctive markings within it. On blue whales, the dorsal fin and blotches or spots below the dorsal fin on the whale’s body are primarily used to identify an individual. The dorsal fin matching technique is also regularly used 12

TIPS FOR SAFE WHALE WATCHING

GUIDELINES FOR ALL WHALE WATCHERS Humpback whale breaching. Photo: Dr. Mridula Srinivasan, NOAA/NMFS/OST/AMD

with bottlenose dolphins. A recent catalog of coastal bottlenose dolphins photographed from California to Northern Baja, Mexico, contained close to 1,300 dorsal fin identification photos.

Using photos of the whale’s flukes is also a common way of identifying a whale. This is a technique widely used on humpback whales. The shape of the flukes and underside of the flukes are full of markings and patterns that make an individual humpback whale unique. Some compare the underside of a humpback’s flukes to a human’s fingerprints. Creative researchers will see markings under a fluke that resemble an object and that will earn the humpback whale its name.

WHY DO WE WANT TO IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL WHALES?

Identifying whales as individuals is beneficial for many reasons. Population sizes and social structures of whales are determined by photo identification projects done around the world’s oceans. Most researchers share the ID photos they gather to help their colleagues working in other areas recognize or match animals with the photos they have acquired. This can help figure out the animal’s migration or travel patterns. Repeated sightings of identified animals can also aid in figuring out an animal’s age. Photographic identification of whales is a non-invasive way of tracking whales; no tags or devices need to be attached to the animal. There has been recent controversy about tags attached to whales possibly causing wounds that could lead to infections.

Conservationists also see identifying a whale as an individual as a way to help people bond with whales and spread the word about the effort to help whales and their habitat.

WHO IDENTIFIES INDIVIDUAL WHALES?

The process of identifying individual animals can be a major task for researchers, but it can be done by professionals and amateurs alike. Often, thousands of photographs have to be sorted and edited to start the identification routine. These photos are placed on a computer or in printed catalogs, kind of like a yearbook for whales. Over the years, various types of programs have been used by researchers to make this strenuous task easier.

Most of these programs can be quite complicated and still require much human input to verify a match. The current wave of new programs is steering toward instant and automated matching.

Recently, a program called Happywhale has made the identification process quite simple and fun for anyone.

A user can log on to Happywhale.com and upload a photo of a whale they have photographed to have it identified. Using image processing algorithms, Happywhale will try to match the user’s photo to extensive photo collections. In a short time, Happywhale will notify the user if the whale has been identified and will supply various interesting information on the whale and previous sightings of that whale by other Happywhale users.

The user even has the option of following up with the whale and will receive notification if the whale has been spotted again. Happywhale is a great way to support the citizen scientist movement, proving you don’t have to be a marine biologist or work in the whale watching industry to help researchers identify and track whales. The program also hopes to inspire others to learn about whales and the conservation effort to help them in our ever-changing oceans.

• 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 haulouts 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.

For more information, visit www.BeWhaleWise.org.

The website is continually updated with new information.

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

Annual Field Trip Aims to Give Dana Hills Students

Inspiration

Several students aboard the Dana Pride and the Dolphin Safari grabbed their gloves and pulled up their hoods as the wind picked up one day this January. But each stood at the boat’s railing waiting to see any type of wildlife. The Dana Hills High c oo st ents ere on an ann a estiva o a es re event fie tri to ain inspiration for art they will be showcasing during the two-weekend festival.

This is the sixth year the students have gone out to sea with Dana Wharf Whale Watching and Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari. Students from classes, including AP Studio Art, Culinary Arts and more, took the two-hour trip.

Culinary Arts teacher Alissa Hernandez said she’s taken the trip for a few years.

“The students will make cookies in the shape of whales,” Hernandez said. “This trip helps them understand more about the festival.”

She said for some students, this is the first time out on a boat, or even whale watching.

“We spend months getting ready for the festival,” Hernandez said. “It takes a while for them to get the filling ready and get the design just right.”

She hoped the trip gave the students inspiration for their designs.

Krista Snow, who teaches AP Studio Art and Multimedia Design, said the students not only gain inspiration but business and networking skills.

“They’ll be meeting people, greeting guests and selling their work at the Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale event at the festival,” Snow said.

In her class, the students will be editing and printing the photos they took before selling them during the festival.

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

“It’s a good process; you have to start with the basics—perfect exposure on the camera, perfect aperture, shutter speed, settings, you have to be able to compose your photo—so they’ll be building those skills to create strong and professional photos,” Snow said.

Nicole Beatty, a senior at Dana Hills, said she was taking photos for AP Studio Art. “We pick a concentration our second semester, and right now I’m getting shots of people out on kayaks, on boats and the shoreline,” Nicole said.

Walking around the boat with a video camera and a microphone, Thanh Ngo and Rebecca Cadena were getting footage for a Dana Hills show called Hall Pass.

“It’s about all different things, current events, stuff at school,” said Rebecca.

“We’re interviewing people about the trip for the show.”

While most of the students had digital SLR cameras, GoPros, iPhones and more, one student was relying on the art of film.

“It’s more fun,” said Shayla Fante, a senior.

“I can develop them at school, and I’ll get to see what I captured.”

She said she felt more comfortable using film and was excited to see what she captured.

The student art exhibition is scheduled for March 11 and 12 on the Harbor walkway.

13

SHOP & DINE Dana Point Harbor

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Threads Q&A with Ocean Institute Ma- of Care rine Biologist Julianne Steers Dana Point native

GUEST OPINION: On the Ocean by Jim Graves

I

sat down with Julianne Steers, a marine biologist and director of husbandry at the Ocean Institute, to speak about the kelp forest off our coast, and how it’s experienced a slight rejuvenation over the years. Steers also discussed a unique sea slug that resides off our coast and more.

Jim Graves: What have you observed about the health of our local kelp forests?

Julianna Steers: First off, remember that 800 species make their home in our kelp forests, so kelp is an important component of our local ecosystem. In 2014, we saw a significant decrease of our kelp forests, due to the warming of our ocean related to El Niño. The kelp could not maintain itself due to the warmer temperatures. There is always a natural die-off of kelp, but at this time it was not replacing itself.

From 2014 to 2015, the kelp forests were replaced by Sargassum, a type of algae that did not provide a source of food or a hiding place for our local marine life. Some of our local marine life left the area in search of a more suitable habitat. I would do fish surveys and count fewer fish.

In 2016, there was a dip in the temperature of our ocean, and the kelp started to come back. We’re returning to a normal cycle, and marine life is returning.

Graves: What kinds of kelp do we have off the coast of Dana Point and what kinds of animals live there?

Steers: We have giant kelp, or macrocystis pyrifera, which can grow up to 150 feet long. It needs a hard surface to anchor itself on, such as a rock or artificial object, like the Wheeler North Reef off San Clemente. Off our Dana Point beaches, you’ll find giant kelp growing 10 or 20 yards off the shore and going out

A giant kelp. Photo: Courtesy of Julianne Steers

Dana Point Times Februar24-March 2, 2017

several hundred yards.

There are all kinds of fish in the kelp which are camouflaged to look like kelp. It is their defense mechanism. There are also kelp crabs that climb up and down the ON THE OCEAN canopy. There are some

By Jim Graves varieties of snails, such as Norris’ top snail. It moves up and down the kelp throughout the day. There are also brittle stars. Many of these creatures use the kelp as their nurseries, where they have their young.

Graves: How important is kelp to sea life, and what can humans do to avoid harming kelp?

Steers: It would be hard for many of these species to survive without kelp.

Humans can help most by being good stewards to our environment, keeping our watersheds healthy and avoiding behaviors which pollute it. If you have a power boat, avoid driving through the forest and damaging it with a boat propeller.

I would encourage people to enjoy the kelp forests. It’s beautiful to snorkel or dive through and enjoy. For those who don’t want to swim, the Ocean Institute has exhibits that introduce visitors to our kelp forests and aquaria, which display some of the animals that live off our coastline. Also, many of the Institute’s summer programs for children discuss the important role kelp plays in our ecosystem.

And, don’t be surprised if, in the summer, clumps of kelp wash up on the shoreline. It is a normal part of our ecosystem.

Julianne Steers is a marine biologist and director of husbandry at the Ocean Institute. She has an extensive background in ecology and has been researching, diving and exploring the local ecosystem for the past several decades. She recently spoke with me about Julianne Steers. Photo: the health of our unCourtesy of the Ocean derwater kelp forests Institute off Orange County’s coastline. DP 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

spreads happiness through apparel organization

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hat started as a humble apparel line, Project Happy Hearts has blossomed into a local organization that spreads happiness throughout the community.

Heidi Burns, a Dana Point native, created Project Happy Hearts to spread good cheer, but also to create awareness about congenital heart disorders. Sales of clothes—primarily women’s and babies’ apparel—go toward granting wishes to children with congenital heart defects (CHD) as well as CHD-related organizations. February, by the way, is Heart Health Month.

Burns was born with congenital heart defects, which she deals with on a daily basis even as she’s now in her 20s.

“It’s kind of crazy to be running a company,” Burns said. “It’s awesome because it motivated me, not only to keep fighting but to help save others. I think that I continually practice what I preach, and overall it helps me be in a better place.”

In 2014, Burns underwent a surgery where her heart had to be removed from her body to undo a myocardial bridge, a condition where one of the coronary arteries is incorrectly aligned. After that surgery, her life was changed and staying positive was key—out of that, Project Happy Hearts was created.

In its third year, Burns said the company is focusing on a few main goals. She said they want to raise awareness, give back to people fighting the disease and make sure everyone has a little bit of happiness every day.

Founder of Project Happy Hearts Heidi Burns and Head of Development Jenny Sato pose during an event for Happy Hearts Project. Photo: Courtesy

“Heart disease does not have nearly enough awareness for being (a major) killer,” Burns said.

This year, the group transitioned into a 501(c)(3), but Burns said they are still running the organization in “super business format.”

“We don’t get grants, and we don’t rely on donors,” Burns said. “We sell our apparel online and in yoga studios all over the country. That’s how we make a lot of our money.”

The company is giving back to others by creating care packages for kids and making sure families have financial support, which are things they’ve done in the past. But, moving forward, they will be going into a doctor’s appointment to surprise a heart patient.

“When I was growing up, going to the heart doctor was very scary and it’s not fun. It’s not a special day,” Burns said. “We want to give back; everyone just needs a little speck of happiness, especially since they’re fighting so hard.”

The company has been working with University of California, San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospitals and individual families at Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Another goal moving forward is for the organization to set up free heart screenings at businesses and schools.

For more information about the organization, visit www.projecthappyhearts. com. DP

Pet of the Week: Caviar

T

his little cutie is Caviar, a 2-year-old miniature pinscher mix ready to be your best friend. She is very friendly and always on the lookout for a comfy lap to sit in. With her happy, mild-mannered personality, Caviar would make a great pet for family members of all ages.

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

Page 27

Caviar. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

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DP LIVING

Leading Ladies Annual conference aims to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he rainy weather didn’t stop a group of female middle-school students as they tracked and surveyed plants behind the Ocean Institute this past weekend. Out in the Harbor, another group of girls stood in the rain as they looked at mud samples and plankton drawn from the water.

These scientific forays—and more— were part of the annual Girls in Ocean Science Conference held by the Institute.

The conference was created to inspire middle and high school girls to pursue degrees and careers in science.

“This is the 11th year of this event,” said Karen Jhawar, director of environmental programs at the Ocean Institute.

“Six years ago, we split the middle school and high school groups because of such a high demand.”

On Saturday, Feb. 18, more than100 middle school girls from Southern California filled different labs to learn lessons taught by 16 female scientists from around the country. The students gained hands-on experience and learned about what these career scientists do every day.

Most of the scientists in attendance had an ocean science background; Jhawar said they historically tend to focus more on that branch of study because it aligns with Ocean Institute’s scope, but have broadened the conference this year.

“We branched out on science careers,” Jhawar said. “This year Microsoft is coming in and will show the girls about coding.”

Not only are girls getting experience and knowledge about how to build a career in science, but they’re getting to see that girls can be leaders at any age.

“I work with a group of high school and middle school girls, and they work with me to invite the scientists. They choose who they want to see, and I’m there more as a mentor,” Jhawar said. “They do the speeches, the introduction, setting up and getting the girls around the conference.”

Emily Rhodes, a sophomore at Dana Hills High School, has been participating in the conference for the last few years.

She said she started out in middle school attending the conference and now she’s one of the committee members who help organize and run the event.

“This is my fifth year [as a committee member] and it never gets old,” Emily said. “It’s different every time; there are different speakers and experiments. I came in [as a middle school student] and

Dana Point Times February 24-March 2, 2017

Students looked through a mud sample collected in the Dana Point Harbor aboard the R/V Sea Explorer during the Girls in Ocean Science conference on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Ocean Institute. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

(Center and right) Mia Jhawar and Unique Castaneda look at different animals in the Ocean Institute’s touch tanks. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

The girls were able to study different animals inside the Ocean Institute’s touch tanks during the Girls in Ocean Science conference. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

loved all the science aspects and learning about all the different fields.”

Emily said she believes the conference is an event with which more girls should get involved.

“I think growing up, girls think, ‘I can’t do much in the science field,’ and that it’s almost a stereotypical boy field,” Emily said. “It’s really good to give them the exposure and get their minds thinking that there are more fields out there for them.”

Lexi Fraiser, 14, a Dana Point resident and first time committee member, agreed.

“Girls are able to break through barriers and see they can discover things,” Lexi said.

Jhawar said the conference originally started because people noticed the lack of females in careers in science.

“We want girls to feel inspired,” Jhawar said.

One of the presenters at the conference was Jayme Timberlake, a habitat restoration specialist with Dudek Environmental.

Timberlake told the group that she is responsible for the creation of restoration plans for coastal, upland, wetland and riparian restoration projects.

She started her presentation with areas she’s worked in, which included areas in South Orange County, and shared goals that young scientists should keep in mind while working out in the field.

Although the rain continuously fell

Saturday morning, the girls put up their jacket hoods and began to work with the plants behind the Institute.

In the lab next door, Dr. Nyssa Silbiger, a marine ecologist at UC Irvine, and Piper Wallingford, a post-doctoral researcher, talked to girls about how they spent the summer exploring the Pacific Coast’s tide pools.

“How did you eat?” one of the girls asked.

The two laughed and showed a video of the van in which they traveled and how they had their own kitchen.

Page 28

They led the group through an intertidal survey, where they had to identify what they saw in specific quadrants of tide pools. After, they were able to explore the Institute’s touch tanks and learn about the creatures inside, including slugs and starfish.

In the afternoon, students got a lesson about the creatures and items that lay at the bottom of the seas with Dr. Laura White from the Institute of Nautical Archaeology. White explores and records marine shipwrecks and the cargo that’s found in the areas.

Mia Jhawar, Karen’s niece, said this was her first time at the event.

“I’d give it a five-star rating,” Mia said with a grin.

She recalled going out on the R/V Sea Explorer and really enjoyed the trip despite the large waves.

“It was fun,” Mia said. “We looked at plankton, we got mud samples.”

Although she’s 11, she said she wants to be a marine biologist when she gets older and would definitely attend the conference again.

By the end of the day, the girls were packing to go home and Jhawar stood at the back of the room watching.

“I feel the event went well, and the feedback we received agreed,” Jhawar said. “I wish the weather at the beginning of the day could have been better, but everyone seemed to have a great time regardless.”

She said considering the overwhelming demand to participate, she hopes to see the conference expand.

“We have now begun preparation for the high school conference and are excited about the speakers the participants are going to get to hear and interact with,” Jhawar said.

For the high school conference, Jhawar said there will be a new group of presenters, which includes Dr. Shawn Noren, associate research scientist; Melissa Miner, research biologist; Maureen Wise, graduate student; Sarah Heim, programmer analyst; Carol Kravetz, CRP climate leader; Captain Rebecca Hartman, peace officer; and more.

The conference for high school girls is scheduled for Saturday, March 18. Students interested can still register online at www.ocean-institute.org. DP

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Last week’s solution:

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Never Too Old for Romance and Marriage

I

n 2001, Chris Anastasio found himself divorced after a 15-year marriage. He was 68, and he had no idea what to do.

A man cleaning the carpets in Anastasio’s Dana Point home knew that he enjoyed dancing. The man suggested Anastasio become a dance host on cruise ships.

Before long, Anastasio was enjoying all-expenses-paid cruises around the world and dancing every night.

Anastasio said, “The rule on the ships is a ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 dance host cannot have any kind of romance

By Tom Blake while on a cruise, but he can get a phone number or email address.

“I started dancing at sea in 2003. A year later, I was on a 36-day Caribbean cruise when I met Tina. Her husband had passed away 18 months earlier. I have danced with a lot of women over the years, but when I danced with Tina, I knew there was something special about this lady.

“Although Tina was from England, I was interested in getting to know her. She gave me her email address. She got off the ship on the seventh day of the cruise. I told her I would email her when I finished the cruise, which was a month later.”

Anastasio said the email address he received from Tina was no longer valid.

He had a friend who lived in England track down Tina’s phone number. Anastasio said, “I was so excited about contacting her, I forgot about the time-zone difference.”

Tina chimed in: “After 30 years of marriage and at the age of 61, facing life alone, I thought my enjoyment in life was behind me. Eighteen months later, friends insisted I take a cruise with them to the Caribbean.

“When I returned to England, I did not know if Chris would contact me. My phone rang at 3 a.m. I was excited to hear from Chris. I didn’t know I had given him my old email address by mistake. We started emailing and calling. After three months, Chris said we should get together.

“We decided to meet in Florida. My kids thought I was crazy. We spent a wonderful seven days together.”

And thus, one of the longest longdistance relationships began: 5,419 miles between England and Dana Point. That was in 2004.

Anastasio and Tina have been seeing each other ever since. Anastasio would spend three months in England and Tina

Page 30

Chris Anastasio and his wife, Tina, were married after about 12 years of long-distance courtship.

Photo: Courtesy of Tom Blake

would spend autumns and winters in San Clemente, to where Anastasio had moved. They have taken many, many trips together.

A few years back, Anastasio said to me, “There is a lot of trust in this relationship and trust is what makes it work for us.

Friends always ask if we plan to marry and live together. Well, that doesn’t make much sense. We get along great, and every time we get together it’s like a honeymoon.”

Also a few years back, Tina added, “During our years of being a couple, we’ve had to say a lot of ‘goodbyes.’ Those times are the hardest.”

Now, in 2017, this long-distance relationship has changed. Anastasio, 83, and Tina, 76, won’t have to be saying those goodbyes anymore.

On Sunday, Feb. 12, family and friends watched Anastasio and Tina exchange wedding vows on an outdoor deck at the Dana Point Yacht Club. Yachts, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and walkers passed by during the ceremony.

Tina’s family was represented by her daughter, Louise Dowson, and granddaughter, Isabelle Dowson, who had flown in from England.

When Greta and I got home, we agreed that the wedding was one of those intimate, unique gatherings that warm your heart and will never be forgotten. Tina is indeed an English rose.

She and Anastasio were so cute together. Their kids kept clinking silverware on the water glasses to make the couple kiss. Anastasio finally said, “If you do that one more time, I’m going to stand up and make a half hour speech.” That stopped the glass tapping.

Anastasio and Tina provide hope to senior singles that not only is finding love possible in our later years, but love can also endure distance and time.

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 at www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.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, 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

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the Dana Hills High School fall sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

Girls Basketball Bounced by La Habra in Playoffs

A second-half charge wasn’t enough to save the Dana Hills girls basketball team from playoff elimination on Feb. 16.

The Dolphins hosted La Habra in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2-A Championships, and the Highlanders came away with a 43-39 overtime victory.

The Dolphins trailed by five at halftime, but outscored La Habra 21-16 in the second half. Freshman Macie Saia hit a 3-point shot late in the fourth quarter to force overtime. La Habra was able to limit the Dolphins to just one made basket in the extra period to secure the win.

Olivia Chambers and Alex Williams both had a team-high nine points for Dana Hills. Chambers also had nine rebounds and Williams pulled in a team-high 12.

The loss marks the end of a historic season for the Dolphins, who won 20 games for the first time in at least 12 seasons. Dana

Hills placed second in the Sea View League.

Wrestlers Compete at CIF-SS Individual Championships

Three Dana Hills wrestlers had high finishes in their respective weight classes at the CIF-SS Individual Championship tournament on Feb. 17.

Troy Walker placed seventh in the 132-pound class, while Kian Abedi (170 pounds) and Levi Jones (150) both placed inside the top-12 of their division.

The Dolphins did not have any wrestlers advance to the upcoming CIF-SS Masters tournament.

La Cañada Escapes with 8-7 Win over Dolphins Water Polo The Dana Hills girls water polo team’s opening draw in the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs was not an easy one.

The Dolphins had to travel to play La Cañada, which had spent most of the season in the top-3 of the Division 2 rankings and had won 20 games.

Dana Hills responded with a wellrounded effort but it was not enough, as La Cañada edged the Dolphins in an 8-7 victory on Feb. 16.

A turning point in the back-and-forth match came in the second quarter, when Dolphins senior defender Sydney Toole was elbowed in the face by a La Cañada player. Toole, the Dolphins’ top two-meter defender, was forced to come out of the game with a broken nose.

Dolphin Report: By the Numbers

4 • Average goals per game scored by Dolphins senior water polo player Sydney Baba this season. In 31 games Baba scored an impressive 120 goals.

Dana Point Times February 24-March 2, 2017

ended her high school career with 373 goals, which is now the new career-best mark in the program.

P

atience has been the name of the game for the fleet of boats running fishing trips out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the Dana Point Harbor. As the weather fluctuates, so does the fishing.

Regardless of the weather, the shore fishing has been consistently good all year, and plenty of sculpin and calico bass are being reeled in daily.

Here is the latest fish count out of Dana Wharf. There were no trips from Feb. 1720 due to weather:

T

8 • Shutouts recorded by the Dana Hills girls soccer team this season. Four of the Dolphins’ shutouts came in South Coast

Sydney Baba scored five goals in the Dana Hills girls water polo team’s 8-7 loss to La Cañada in the CIFSS Division 2 playoffs on Feb. 16.

Photo: Courtesy

DANA POINT TIMES

hrough the use of statistics and numbers, we break down the standout individual and team performances during the 2017 winter sports season at Dana Hills High School.

12 • Consecutive games won by the Dana Hills girls basketball team over a stretch that lasted from Dec. 9 to Jan. 21.

With its top defender out, the Dana Hills defense did not fold.

The Dolphins drew 10 exclusion fouls on La Cañada, giving the offense multiple one-player advantages. Senior goalie Kaley Hardgrave had one of her best games of the season, and recorded a season-high 17 saves in the match.

Dana Hills matched La Cañada goal-forgoal in the contest, save for the second quarter, when La Cañada outscored the Dolphins 2-1.

Dana Hills senior Sydney Baba scored a team-high five goals and Brooke Bradley scored twice in the loss.

Baba’s final five goals as a Dolphin brought her season-long total up to 120, which ranks fi fth in Orange County. Baba

Dana Wharf Fish Count

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

8 • Baba’s season-high mark for goals in one game. She scored eight times in a 20-0 win over Pacifica on Feb. 6.

Dana Hills goalie Kaley Hardgrave made a season-high 17 saves against La Cañada in a CIF-SS Division 2 playoff game on Feb. 16. Photo: Courtesy

Guard Zach Stirtz led the Dana Hills boys basketball team in scoring this season. Photo: Courtesy

2/22 • 2 boats; 37 anglers: 60 sculpin, 2 sand bass 2/21 • 2 boats; 36 anglers: 55 sculpin, 1 sand bass, 1 calico bass

League play.

238 • Points scored by senior guard Zach Stirtz for the Dana Hills boys basketball team this season. Stirtz led the Dolphins in scoring, averaging just over 10 points per game.

2/20 • 2 boats; 59 anglers: 232 sculpin, 1 sand bass 2/16 • 1 boat; 22 anglers: 80 sculpin

Page 32

Local angler Tyler Rich holds a sculpin he caught aboard the Sum Fun. Photo: Courtesy

2/15 • 2 boats; 50 anglers: 11 calico bass, 6 sand bass, 5 sculpin, 3 blue perch 2/14 • 2 boats; 43 anglers: 80 sculpin, 5 sand bass, 1 barracuda 2/13 • 2 boats; 46 anglers: 149 sculpin, 50 sanddabs, 5 sand bass www.danapointtimes.com

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 57-60 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Outlook: WNW swell mix eases Friday with minor leftovers on Saturday. Morning winds look mostly light. New West swell and NW swell mix possibly move in for Sunday and early next week with fun size surf. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

The San Clemente Beach Conservation group hosts fun beach clean-up activities in order to engage people. Photo: File

Not Just another Beach Clean-Up After a wet winter, the San Clemente Beach Conservation group is taking bold steps to make our beaches clean again

Shon Miller, founder of San Clemente Beach Conservation, is on a mission to bring more people into the know when it comes to cleaning up area beaches.

Photo: Courtesy

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

nyone notice all the rain we’ve gotten this winter? It’s been a wet one, hasn’t it? As a result, the hills around Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente are looking more like Ireland than the dusty southland we’ve come to know during the drought years.

Colorful palettes of wildflowers abound.

And for the surfing populous, area sandbars have been greatly replenished and are in fine form. From Gravels to Doheny, down to Uppers and San Onofre, all of the

GROM OF THE WEEK

EZRA MCPHILLIPS

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

H

uge props to all the men and women, boys and girls that competed in the Western Surfing Association’s contest at Huntington Pier over the weekend. After a deluge on Friday that saw near record rainfall, the water was like chocolate milk and the seas were rough, but for the hardy wave-riders that persevered, it was well worth the effort—it always is.

Congrats to Grom of the Week Ezra McPhillips, who battled through the conditions to finish runner-up in the Micro

Dana Point Times February 24-March 2, 2017

water from the local creeks and arroyos have moved tons of sand and rock, reshaping our wave-riding playgrounds in the process. Of course, it comes at a cost. All of the rain means urban runoff, which means beach and ocean pollution.

That’s where Shon Miller and his San Clemente Beach Conservation program comes into play. Over the last year or so you may have seen him and his ever-growing crew of “activists” hitting the sands around San Clemente, diligently picking up Groms Girls Under 10 division. Taking on the wild storm surf, she was able to hold off a talented crew of young, upand-coming ladies for the second-place finish.

Not only did Ezra go home with a trophy, but she also earned some serious bragging rights for the effort. Her older brother, Dax, finished sixth in the hypercompetitive Boys Under 14 division.

Other notables from the weekend were a pair of Dana Point young ladies: Ryann Daly, who won the Girls Under 14 division, and Bella Kenworthy, who finished second in the Girls Under 12.

If the sign of a talented competitive surfer is somebody that can win in any and all conditions, this crew certainly proved themselves worthy up in Surf City over the weekend. DP

waste and refuse that either washes up or is left behind by careless visitors.

“I grew up here, my family’s lived here for generations; the least I can do to give back is dedicate myself to making our community and beaches a better place for everyone,” said Miller.

After trying his hand at a number of career opportunities, including event marketing and financial planning, Miller decided to step away from his nine-to-five routine and sink his toes deep into the sand.

“We started as a local, grassroots organization with the goal of helping make San Clemente beaches a cleaner place,” he continued. “That starts with beach clean-ups, but it’s much more. We have events for kids to come out and help, and have fun, but also learn a lot about their environment and the role they can play in helping. We also have created partnerships in Australia, Portugal and other places, so it’s becoming this loose network of local people all with the same goals.”

Miller’s clearly taking a page out of the environmentalist playbook: think global, act local. And thanks to fundraising efforts and the support of some local business, 2017 looks to be a big year for San Clemente Beach Conservation. On the first Friday of every month they’re hosting a “Bonfire Beach Clean w/ S’mores & Pizza Party” to rally the youth. And on the third Saturday of every month, Miller’s scheduled a “Free Breakfast & Beach Clean

Page 34

w/ Friends,” which welcomes all comers with open arms and will continue to adopt beaches in the area throughout the year.

“The clean-ups are a lot of fun and we’ve got a great, and growing, group that are involved,” said Miller. “It’s a great opportunity to come out and meet your neighbors and do some good.”

When it comes to the kinds of waste the San Clemente Beach Conservation crew are finding, we asked Miller to offer up his list of top five offenders. Here’s what he’s seeing on the front lines: 1. Cigarette butts: “It’s baffling to me that smokers don’t think of their cigarette butts as litter, but you come down any evening during the summer and people have left hundreds of them behind. It’s an epidemic around here.”

2. Styrofoam: “It’s not just coffee cups and food containers, but over time, styrofoam starts to break down and it gets dirty, so it becomes really hard to see in the sand, and it’s everywhere. The other day we did a clean-up and on the way down to the beach somebody told us it looked clean and we weren’t going to find anything. We ended up pulling 100 pounds of styrofoam off the beach.”

3. Water bottles: “Besides maybe cigarette butts, the single-use plastic water bottle thing is a killer. We’d love to get more hydration stations down at our beaches so people can refill and reuse.”

4. Random plastic: “People come from all over to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but when they leave, they leave sand toys, beach chairs, all kinds of stuff behind.

It’s a very disposable mindset. It seems weird that you come somewhere to enjoy the beauty and then leave all your trash behind.”

5. Trashcan Overflow: “Wind, birds, the cans being overfilled—in terms of throwing their garbage away, a lot of people get 90 percent of the way there and miss the mark. We need to think about solutions for this because it could have a profound impact, especially during busy summer weekends.”

Find out more and how to get involved with San Clemente Beach Conservation at www.beachconservation.org. DP www.danapointtimes.com