WORLD NEWS news briefs

By Katherine M. Clements

Local

War Heroes on Water Announces 2023 Tournament dates

NEWPORT BEACH — War Heroes on Water (WHOW) – the annual sportfishing tournament that helps combat-wounded veterans recover from war’s physical and emotional wounds – announced the 2023 event will be held Sept.22 – 26, off the waters of Catalina Island. The 2023 WHOW tournament will build off last year’s success which saw 125 veterans onboard 50 sportfishing vessels on the west coast for three days of world-class angling. Participating veterans will harness the healing powers of the ocean and the thrill of team-based competition, reeling in thousands of pounds of fish, including some big game catches. Money raised from WHOW serves combat-wounded veterans and their families throughout the year through Freedom Alliance’s programs which include outdoor recreational therapy trips, donations such as cars and all-terrain wheelchairs, and college scholarships for the children of military heroes killed or disabled in service.

To make a tax-deductible donation to this event or to join the WHOW fleet, please visit www.warheroesonwater. com.

Dana Point Harbor Partners’ Underserved Youth Program Aims to Provide Ocean Experiences and Education to More Than 1,000 Underserved Youths

DANA POINT — The long-awaited $400 million, multiyear revitalization of Dana Point Harbor commenced at The Marina at Dana Point in August 2022.

In collaboration with the California Coastal Commission, DPHP will improve public water access through the intricate design of The Marina and the newly developed community outreach programs.

Bellwether Financial Group, a partner in DPHP and the firm responsible for The Marina operations and redevelopment, is spearheading a robust outreach program to expose underserved youth from both local and inland communities to aquatic activities, including swim lessons, ocean education, whale watching, surfing, kayaking, and sailing each year.

Since the program commenced in August 2022, the Underserved Youth Program has provided hundreds of underserved youths in the community the opportunity to experience ocean education and activities, often for the first time. In 2023, the program aims to provide unforgettable ocean experiences and education to more than 1,000 underserved youths. To implement

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•Compare prices/features the program, DPHP has partnered with Orange County non-profits, including the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, The Boys & Girls Club of San Juan Capistrano, and San Juan Elementary School.

“It has been several years since we started collaborating with the Surfrider Foundation on developing our youth program, said Joe Ueberroth, founder and president of Bellwether Financial Group, owner of Bellingham Marine, and a partner of Dana Point Harbor Partners. “Now, as we enter into our first full year, it is incredible that we have more than twenty organizations participating in our efforts. My partners and I look forward to continuing this program in 2023 and beyond for seeing the smile and reaction of a child that has just learned to swim or stepped on their first boat, or rode their first wave never loses its magic for all of us involved.”

The program includes robust tracking of the participants to measure the program’s impact. The Marina recently welcomed a dedicated community outreach coordinator to measure and track the program’s influence to report the success to the California Coastal Commission.

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Island Packers Take to

The Great Outdoors With Winter Whale Watching & Excursions

VENTURA — Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, has recently announced daily departures to the Channel Islands National Park from Ventura Harbor Village and is now offering Winter Whale Watching Excursions through April 2023. To book your spot, please visit www.islandpackers.com.

A winter Whale Watch allows passengers to view Pacific gray whales migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Baja. Pacific gray whales are typically sighted in the National Marine Sanctuary near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island, which began in late December and extended through roughly April 15. This mammoth migration of over 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a significant attraction in Southern California. Sightings of the southern migration began in December for Pacific gray whales, and Island Packers also saw humpback whales, fin whales, and occasionally orcas. In addition, common dolphins are enjoyed year-round, delighting passengers as they frolic with the boat and ride the bow and stern waves.

For the Island Packers’ most recent sightings, visit www.islandpackers.com or find them on Twitter and Instagram.

The three-and-a-half-hour Winter Whale Watch Cruise provides views of the Ventura coastline or the Channel Islands: depending on where the whales may be sighted. Winter Whale Watch

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