WELCOME TO THE 52 ND ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WHALES

Mayor’s Message

BYMAYOR MIKE FROST

IT IS AN

THIS TIME OF YEAR TO CELEBRATE OUR FESTIVAL OF WHALES, which commemorates Dana Point’s pride in its distinctive role in the migration of thousands of whales that pass along our city’s beautiful coastline.

Throughout that March weekend, there will be many opportunities for residents and visitors to experience whale watching, learn more about these great creatures at special presentations, and share in arts festivals, live music, classic car shows and so much more.

Over the years, many individuals have played an important role in ensuring we not only celebrate the whale migration but also honor our responsibility in caring for the beaches and ocean waters that are home to these great creatures.

There are many city leaders who have devoted much of their life to increase awareness of this critical environmental legacy.

In 2022, we lost one of those iconic individuals, Wayne Rayfield.

He served on the Dana Point City Council from 1998 to 2006, was named Dana Point Citizen of the Year in 2004, and served as Mayor of the City of Dana Point in 2005.

He went on to serve as Director of the South Coast Water District from 2008 to 2022. During that time, he worked diligently on water conservation and protecting this important natural resource.

Ongoing efforts to care for the environment, our ocean, and beaches are vital.

That is why I am excited to share that on Sunday, March 5, at 9 a.m. during the Festival of Whales, volunteers can join one of two beach cleanups.

These are great ways to reduce litter, protect marine life, and raise awareness about the harmful effects of trash and plastic pollution. Later that day, everyone is invited to join in the “OC Streams of Hope” presentation. This is a countywide public arts and community cleanup campaign that will help to inspire people across Orange County and beyond to become even better stewards of our coasts and waterways.

Let’s all get inspired during this year’s Festival of Whales to do our part to ensure Dana Point and its coastline remain a safe destination for all marine life—especially our magnificent whales.

Festival of Whales Partners with Laguna Cliffs Marriott, Launches Concerts on the Cliff

Musical artists Sheena Easton and Taylor Dayne will headline the Festival of Whales Foundation’s inaugural Concerts on the Cliff at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa on March 4.

The special “Ladies Night” event will be held on the resort’s Vue Lawn, where Easton, a two-time Grammy Award-winning artist, and American pop artist Dayne will perform.

And back in early January, the Foundation also announced that it has partnered with the Laguna Cliffs Marriott for the 52nd annual Festival of Whales, making the resort the preferred lodging partner.

“We look forward to introducing our own signature event as part of the festival and supporting the Festival of Whales

Foundation for many years to come,” Laguna Cliffs Marriott General Manager Jeff Perkins said in a media release.

“We are so fortunate to have a direct view of the festival happenings and beautiful Dana Point Harbor, the gateway to these extraordinary whale-watching experiences,” Perkins continued.

Donna Kalez, Festival of Whales Foundation chair and daughter of the festival’s founder, Don Hansen, added that the resort’s vision and values “align perfectly with the festival, as they promote ocean-friendly practices and are passionate about keeping our beaches clean and preserved for generations to come.”

—Breeana Greenberg