LO C A L
February 26-March 4, 2015
N EWS
YO U
C A N
INSIDE: Official Festival of Whales Program
U S E
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9
Learning Lessons, Moving Forward Work on Interstate 5 coming soon to Pico interchange EYE ON SC/PAGE 6
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This rendering from the Orange County Transportation Authority shows the proposed final look of the reconstructed Avenida Pico interchange, which includes the widening of Interstate 5.
Environmental Activist Resigns from SONGS Committee EYE ON SC/PAGE 3
Chamber Honors Fish for Life Founder as Citizen of the Year SC LIVING/PAGE 16
Beth Sanden Completes Antarctic Marathon, Finishing Goal SPORTS/PAGE 20
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SC EYE ON SC San Clemente
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING and the Orange County Public Libraries system to provide some library services to patrons in San Clemente, with the Avenida Del Mar library closed for refurbishment and expansion until this summer. Efforts by the city to find an interim storefront space proved unsuccessful due to an inability to find a willing lessee in the city. The county then reached out to Fullerton, which has its own library system and had taken its book mobile out of service in 2012. That book-mobile, a converted bus, was loaned to the county for the effort. Since it is not road legal, the bus was towed to San Clemente, where it will be available four days a week, Wednesday though Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m. at Vista Hermosa Sports Park. Books can be checked out and requested, just as they would be at any library. It is also equipped with a wi-fi hotspot to allow for internet access.
Patrons got a look at the new San Clemente Mobile Library Hub Friday at the grand opening event. Photo: Jim Shilander
What’s Up With... Five things San Clemente should know this week Environmental Activist Leaves Edison Decommissioning Panel THE LATEST: Residents Organized for a Safe Environment founder Gene Stone has resigned his place on the Southern California Edison’s Community Education Panel on the decommissioning of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, effective March 1. Stone said he had grown frustrated with what he believed was “lip-service” being paid to his point of view as essentially the designated anti-nuclear voice on the panel. “I was asked to provide a point of view, which I feel I did,” Stone said. “But it seemed like I would bring up a point, we would go over it and it would be glossed over, like it was checked off.” Stone said he also made the decision, in part, due to recent revelations of “ex parte communications” between a then-employee and then-California Public Utilities Commission president Michael Peevey at an industry event prior to the shutdown of the plant in 2013. San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
“I believe that SCEs credibility is on the line because of actions with PUC/Michael Peevey and the investigation that is to come by the state legislature,” Stone said in an email. WHAT’S NEXT: Stone noted he had also become convinced that rather than a “state-of-the-art” decommissioning process, he felt Edison was only doing what was required by law to decommission the plant. He advocated having the state take over the panel from the utility, in part to give it some authority in the decisionmaking process, rather than serving in an educational and advisory role. No timeline has been set for replacing Stone on the panel, according to an Edison spokesperson. The CEP’s next meeting is not scheduled until April. San Clemente City Councilman Tim Brown, who serves as the panel’s vice chairman, said there is no codified procedure for the replacement of members of the panel, but he and Chairman David Victor hope to create a smooth transition for any replacement. —Jim Shilander
Ceremony Officially Opens Mobile Library Hub THE LATEST: Though it had been in place since Feb. 4 at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, San Clemente’s new Mobile Hub library officially opened Friday with a ceremony highlighting the cooperative effort that brought it to the city. The project is a collaboration between the cities of Fullerton and San Clemente
WHAT’S NEXT: San Clemente librarian Karen Wall said the mobile hub holds “the newest and latest, the best of the best” in terms of books, as well as requests put in by library patrons. “It’s all things we’ve been ordering and we’ve been continuing to order while the branch is closed so that we’ll have the latest, newest and best when we reopen,” Wall said. “Generally, (we have) everything that has been published in the last three to six months, as well as reissued classics.” Work on the Del Mar library expansion is expected to be completed this summer.—JS
Sea Summit Infrastructure Work Now Targeting March Completion THE LATEST: Due in part to utility coordination issues, it now appears infrastructure work, including the opening of a trail system at the Sea Summit residential development at Marblehead as well as the opening of West Avenida Vista Hermosa, is now scheduled for March after earlier projections had put the opening at the end of February. Assistant City Engineer Tom Bonigut said the improvements are moving along well and nearing completion but coordination with outside utilities has somewhat delayed the process. WHAT’S NEXT: Bonigut said that assuming weather was cooperative, the March date appeared to be reasonable for completion. The city hopes to have the road opened up by the time work to dismantle the Avenida Pico overpass bridge begins, to allow for an additional east-west route through the city. Taylor Morrison, the developer of the 300-plus homes in the project, is slated to
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begin construction on model homes this month. FIND OUT MORE: For more updates on this and other projects, visit www.sanclemente.org/about-us/city-news/currentprojects. – JS
Council Makes Attorney Switch Official THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council marked the end of an era in the city attorney’s office, at its Feb. 17 meeting, officially naming the law firm of Best, Best & Krieger as the city’s new legal representation, replacing Rutan & Tucker. Outgoing City Attorney Jeff Oderman said he’d spent “half a life” with the city—32 years—longer, he noted, than some (including Mayor Chris Hamm, who is 31) have been in San Clemente. He has also served 30 city council members and nine city managers, he added. “I feel I leave San Clemente a better place than I came,” Oderman said. “I will miss you all and wish you all the best.” WHAT’S NEXT: As part of the new agreement with the city and the firm, Scott Smith will begin service as the new city attorney beginning March 1, with Matthew “Mal” Richardson serving as assistant city attorney. – JS
Council Likely to Take Up El Camino Real Parking Lot Issue THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council will likely discuss the city’s proposal to build a new parking lot on El Camino Real in North Beach on a city-owned lot between Ichibiri Restaurant and Kaylani Coffee at its March 3 meeting. The proposal went before the California Coastal Commission in January at its meeting in Santa Monica but was sent back to the city for further consideration. It was continued on the commission’s agenda after three residents spoke in opposition to the design and presented an alternative they said commissioners seemed more amenable to. WHAT’S NEXT: The agenda for the March Coastal Commission meeting does not have the parking lot proposal on the agenda and has been set. The April meeting is scheduled to be held in Marin County.—JS
Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? ••• Send your suggestions to editorial@sanclementetimes.com. www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC
Community Meetings
NEWS BITES COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER
Exchange Club Sponsoring St. Patrick’s Day Event March 14 The Exchange Club of San Clemente will be presenting its annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance on Saturday, March 14, to raise funds for local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, Fire and Police of the Year, Laura’s House, the San Clemente High School Music Department and many other organizations that serve the community. A traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner will be catered by Carbonara’s Trattoria from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and music for dancing will be provided by Couchois Brothers band until 9 p.m. The dancers from the Aniar Irish Dance Academy will perform traditional Irish dances at 7 p.m., and there will be drawings for door and opportunity prizes, including Disneyland Park Hopper tickets for four, after the dancers. Tickets will be on sale at the door or may be obtained from Exchange Club members for $20 (kids under 12 eat free). For further information or questions call Tom McKeown at 949.498.3602.
NCL Participates in Operation Valentine Event The Capistrano Coast Chapter of the National Charity League participated in Operation Interdependence’s annual Operation Valentine event, held on Feb. 8. Mother and daughter teams from 13 local southern California NCL chapters took the time to donate items, make gift bags for veterans and assemble care packages for troops overseas. Operation Valentine is an annual event organized by Operation Interdependence in support of the selfless service performed by area veterans and active military members. One hundred-fifty gift bags were
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Special Meeting for the Oversight Board Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio, www.san-clemente.org.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Dark Friday City Offices Closed SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Mothers and daughters from the National Charity League recently participated in a donation event for veterans this month. Photo: Courtesy
hand-delivered to military veterans at the Veteran Center in Los Angeles. Two hundred additional gift bags were given to the veteran’s facility and were handed out at a separate Valentine’s event held later for the veterans. Another 150 assembled gift bags were delivered to the YMCA military office located in San Diego and given to the Navy Hospital on base for the veterans in the hospital. An additional 750 care packages were assembled and shipped to deployed military units overseas. The items used in the assembly of the gift bags and care packages were donated by participating NCL chapters. The Capistrano Coast Chapter of NCL supports 28 charitable organizations throughout the community, including Family Assistance Ministries, Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, Orange County Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House of Orange County, Women Helping Women and U.S. Military Support-Operation Interdependence. The chapter was honored as the Most Outstanding by its national organization in 2010 and represents the areas of San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano,
Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Ladera Ranch and Mission Viejo. For more information, visit www.nclcapistranocoast.org.
San Clemente Toastmasters to Host Body Language Event The San Clemente Toastmasters will host a free seminar, “Your Body Speaks,” focusing on developing body language skills to project personal power and presence. The event, which is free and open to the general public, will feature Cynthia Boccara, a chiropractor who will focus on how people can use their bodies to better sell themselves, and Jay Williams, a motivational speaker, hypnotist and reiki practitioner. The event will be held Tuesday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at 3316 Avenida del Presidente in San Clemente. Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
A dozen students from Bernice Ayer { IN SA N CL E M E NTE } Middle School got an opportunity to learn hip-hop dance moves Friday, Feb. 13 through the South Coast Conservatory’s Dance Discovery Foundation at Las Palmas Elementary School. Orange County Sheriff’s Department community liaison Deputy Joe Bull said the program hopes to include more students next year. Photo: Jim Shilander
SCENE
San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
Village Arts Faire 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The first Sunday of the month, stroll and shop downtown San Clemente where more than 60 vendors offer arts, crafts and other items for sale. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.218.5378, www.villagesanclemente.org. TUESDAY, MARCH 3
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. Regular meeting in City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org. Toastmasters 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Prac-
tice public speaking every Tuesday in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. 3316 Avenida del Presidente, 949.361.8463, http://6463.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
Kiwanis Meeting Noon. The local
Kiwanis Club meets at Carrows, 620 Avenida Pico, 949.290.8729, www.sanclementekiwanis.com.
SC Rotary Club Noon. Pride of the Pacific Bar & Grille, 150 Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.3619, www.sanclementerotary.org. City Council- Long Term Financial Plan, Quarterly Report and Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Meeting
4 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org. THURSDAY, MARCH 5
Golf Course Committee 7 p.m. Regular
meeting in City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.
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EYE ON SC
Learning Lessons, Going Forward Interstate 5 project now underway BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
O
ne of the projects that will help to change San Clemente over the next several years recently got up and running, albeit quietly. The final phase of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Interstate 5 widening project, which will demolish the current Avenida Pico overpass and replace it with a new bridge that will include 10 lanes, including a dedicated high occupancy vehicle lane on both sides, began Feb. 9. It follows two other phases that began last year, which will progressively move south from San Juan Creek Road to Avenida Vista Hermosa adding the extra lane.
Burger Stop is just one of the surrounding San Clemente businesses that will be impacted by the final phase of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Interstate 5 widening project, which will demolish the current Avenida Pico overpass and replace it with a new bridge. Photo: Allison Jarrell
Construction Overview Hamid Torkamanha, the project manager, said the project had been scheduled to begin Feb. 19, after President’s Day, but due to concerns about interfering with bird nesting season, the start date was moved up to allow for trees to be taken down prior to the avian arrivals (nesting season begins Feb. 15). “We started the 9th, and the first week was just clearing brush and trees—everything that could possibly have a bird nesting,” Torkamanha said. Drivers will see the first signs of change on the roads next month, he said, with re-striping of the lanes on both the north and southbound sides of Interstate 5, in preparation for moving the center barrier from the middle of the bridge to the northbound side. That effort will ultimately reduce the width of the lanes to 11 feet, down from 12 feet, and reducing the shoulder width from 10 feet to 2 feet along the bridge to allow for all four lanes of traffic to continue in both directions. After that month-long process, 40 feet of the existing bridge, along the southbound side of the freeway, would be removed, and then a new bridge, this one about 100 feet wide, constructed on that side. After that construction, traffic would be shifted onto the newly constructed bridge to allow for removal of the remainder of the overpass and reconstruction of the northbound side. The process on each side is expected to take approximately a year. Retaining walls on Avenida Pico will also be constructed during that period. “Once the bridge is completed, we’ll be widening Avenida Pico, which will include (paving over the present location) of the (Shell) gas station and Burger Stop,”
bridge reconstruction work on Ortega Torkamanha said. Highway over the last year. To help busiThere will be full closures of both Avenesses facing a difficult period, the city nida Pico and I-5 as a result of the work on eased some sign restrictions and OCTA has occasion, he said, but those closures will offered a number of deals to passengers to be announced well beforehand and take take Metrolink trains to San Juan for events. place overnight, not during regular daily In Dana Point, where construction on the driving times. Lantern District project has been ongoing, No additional sound walls will be put in merchants and the city combined efforts place in the Vista Hermosa to Pico portion to encourage shoppers to visit Del Prado of the project, but new and expanded Avenue despite ongoing construction work. sound walls in the segment between San Clemente City Councilwoman Lori Pacific Coast Highway and Vista Hermosa Donchak said there had been conceptual will utilize special sound absorbing tiles, discussions about a pilot project for taking similar acCaltrans. It’s like anything, once it tions, though no conTorkamanha noted crete plan had yet there were some goes into full construction emerged. Donchak issues that OCTA said at the first meethad dealt with during mode, we’ll probably hear ing of the newly-rethe Ortega bridge started mobility task reconstruction that more from the businesses. force, members had were not present at discussed possible Avenida Pico, such That’s the nature of it. business mitigaas concerns for utili—Lynn Wood, tion efforts, but any ties. OCTA has also San Clemente Chamber of Commerce such proposal would already acquired the require council aprights-of-way it needs proval. While it is unclear just how wide for the reconstruction of the interchange an area might be subject to such mitigaas well, which was not done in San Juan tion efforts, Donchak said that at the Capistrano. However, there are issues very least, areas of North Beach and the having to do with the proximity of San CleAvenida Pico corridor on either side of the mente High School as well as keeping road freeway could be “areas of interest.” capacity higher to allow for travelers to get The total project, including the widento residential areas like Talega and Rancho ing from San Juan Creek to Vista HermoSan Clemente. Much of that load could be sa, is projected to cost approximately $230 taken by the completion of West Avenida million, with funds coming from Measure Vista Hermosa to Pico. M county funds. Donchak, who also serves as vice-chair of the OCTA board Dealing with Construction and representative for the fifth district, If that sounds like a lot, that’s because it noted a primary concern for residents, at is. And the city and business community least in discussions with her, have been are attempting to take lessons from ongothe lack of a second route out of the city, ing work done in its northerly neighbors, the lack of “a backdoor.” San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point, for “On one level, I-5 is kind of the Main ways of mitigating that impact. Street of South County, and people are San Juan has been dealing with its own
San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
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worried about getting back and forth,” she said. “We don’t have the kind of alternatives North County has when they do a project like this.” The closure of the Avenida La Pata gap north of the city is ongoing, in an attempt to provide that backdoor. Some of the earth being moved out from the I-5 widening project is actually being transported a few miles north to help close the gap between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, Torkamanha noted. San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Lynn Wood said the organization is looking to do something similar to the Dana Point model, focusing on getting the word out about what businesses are staying open during construction, including having businesses working together on joint sales or specials to attract customers. “They give an update on the construction progress and at the same time market the businesses around the construction area,” Wood said of her Dana Point counterparts. “It allows people to get an idea of where progress has been made and where there might be difficulties at a certain time.” Wood said while members had expressed concern about the potential effect on business of the closure, no one had said they were “worried” about the construction. “What I’m hearing more is concern from residents,” Wood said. “It’s like anything, once it goes into full construction mode, we’ll probably hear more from the businesses. That’s the nature of it.” Wood said the organization has been in contact with the city to coordinate efforts. One effort called “Keep San Clemente Green,” (with the green, in this case, referring to dollars) would encourage residents to shop and dine locally by noting that dollars spent in San Clemente stay in the city, as well as allow for savings on gas and time. SC www.sanclementetimes.com
EYE ON SC
SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY EVAN DA SILVA
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.
Monday, February 23 DISTURBANCE Calle Sacramentoso, 1200 Block (2:30 p.m.) A man called police stating a student had threatened to beat up another student after school. Both students were in class at the time of the call. DISTURBANCE Crossroads of South Ola Vista/Avenida Cadiz (2:20 p.m.) A man on a bike reported a man in a blue BMW 3 Series station wagon with paper rear plates kept driving by him and throwing items including broken glass at him. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRMCUMSTANCES Calle Del Cerro, 1000 Block (10:13 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for a possibly transient woman in her 40s, with a thin build, brown hair and wearing a pink shirt, jeans, no shoes and possibly under the influence of drugs. The caller said she was trying to climb the fence and go through their yard. WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real/Avenida Palizada (9:34 a.m.) A 5-foot-10-inch-tall man, with blond hair and wearing a black T-shirt, was in the process of removing his blue jeans. The caller stated he was running through traffic and possibly under the influence of drugs. PETTY THEFT Calle Vista Torito, 400 Block (8:34 a.m.) A man tried to take the caller’s bike. The subject was driving a grey Toyota Tundra. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Palizada, 300 Block (6:35 a.m.) Caller’s wife reported that someone put the head of a rabbit on his porch. WELFARE CHECK Avenida Dolores, 100 Block (1:06 a.m.) A 92-year-old woman said she and five other people had been kidnapped. The woman’s GPS tracker showed that she was at her residence at the time. It was unknown if the woman had dementia.
Sunday, February 22 SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Avenida Victoria, 500 Block (9:20 p.m.) A man believed he heard several gunshots coming from the Pier Bowl area. San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
FOUND PROPERTY Crossroads of Calle Del Cerro/Calle Venezia (8:28 p.m.) A caller reported nearly hitting a green cooler in the middle of the street. The caller moved the cooler to the sidewalk but was concerned because there were six to 10 beers on ice inside and didn’t want any kids to get into it. WELFARE CHECK Avenida Cadiz, 100 Block (1:47 p.m.) A female subject in her 20s, described as a “mental case,” or possibly under the influence of drugs, was at a yard sale talking to herself and seemed “out there.”
Saturday, February 21 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Mendoza, 800 Block (9:09 p.m.) Multiple juveniles in Batman costumes ran through a side gate that was open. CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida De La Estrella, 700 Block (4:36 p.m.) A man wanted to talk to a deputy before skateboarders came back and he “choked them out.” BURGLARY IN PROGRESS El Camino Real, 2400 Block (4:21 p.m.) A woman, who was possibly homeless, was holding a screwdriver and broke into the caller’s car. CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Del Cerro, 1100 Block (3:41 p.m.) A caller reported their neighbors were burning something toxic in a barbecue grill.
Friday, February 20 CITIZEN ASSIST El Camino Real, 800 Block (4:15 p.m.) A subject was providing alcohol to minors. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (3:47 p.m.) A patrol check was requested at the beach just north of the pier for a man who was talking to himself and a chair.
Thursday, February 19 WELFARE CHECK Avenida Cabrillo/El Camino Real (9:57 a.m.) A male transient was reportedly throwing pieces of metal, breaking things and screaming in the alley parallel to El Camino Real. CITIZEN ASSIST Camino Capistrano, 2900 Block (7:41 a.m.) A woman reported an incident the previous night when an unknown subject walked into her residence and then walked out. WELFARE CHECK El Camino Real, 2000 Block (7:30 a.m.) An employee requested a welfare check on a male guest who had allegedly been disturbing the peace an hour prior to the call. The employee contacted the guest who said everything was fine and not to call police. The caller then noticed blood on the door of the room and wanted the guest to be checked on. Page 9
SC SOAPBOX San Clemente
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
GUEST OPINION: Lew’s Views by Lew Avera
A Time of Change
34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.sanclementetimes.com
Plenty of new coming to the city this year
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Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 jshilander@sanclementetimes.com
he year 2014 represented a year of significant change for San Clemente, and the year 2015 promises to be another such year. This change is represented in many ways. Going back several recent years we have seen huge physical changes with the opening of the new Target store and the Vista Hermosa Sports Park. In 2014, work began in earnest on the new outlet mall and adjacent housing development both scheduled for opening in 2015 and 2016. In addition, work was begun on the La Pata extension, with an opening set for 2016. Finally, in terms of physical changes, the renewal of the old Kmart Plaza will add new life and vigor to the very northern part of the city. These are all significant, and leave essentially infill for future physical changes. LEW’S VIEWS However, this infill will be By Lew Avera a formidable challenge. Simultaneously with these changes are three mobility-related issues: 1. opening and changing of traffic patterns on West Vista Hermosa between Interstate-5 and Pico adjacent to the outlets, 2. huge differences in traffic patterns when the La Pata extension is opened, and 3. the I-5 extension to Pico and the reconstruction of the Pico/I-5 bridge. While the bridge widening will eventually be completed, the Hermosa and LaPata extensions will take considerable thoughtful effort to problems which must be solved. Even though all of the above essentially leave only in-fill, there remain two very
Letters to the Editor NOT ALL WESTERNERS JOHN DE GREE, San Clemente
In his letter to the editor titled “A Patriot’s Response,” Jim Kempton’s evidence he puts forth has so many falsehoods it is impossible to take his overall analysis seriously. His strained attempt San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
CITY EDITOR
ADVERTISING Construction on the Outlets at San Clemente Plaza has been ongoing since August. This year, the construction on the first phase of the project will be completed, one of many changes coming to the city. Photo: Jim Shilander
important areas of the city which present significant challenges to the city in terms of both the physical attributes as well as the leadership displayed by our city leaders in moving forward with commendable solutions. These are: 1. the North Beach area, specifically the hub of North Beach, the Miramar Theater, and 2. primarily areas along South El Camino Real all the way from downtown to the southern end of the city. Significant in the city leadership are the very major changes which have taken place over the past six to eight months and some of which still lie ahead. We had the elections of 2014 providing for a new member of the City Council and as a result the more recent appointments of two new members of the Planning Commission. In these past six months we have also seen an almost complete turnover in top level city management. A long-standing business executive and successful city manager of many years left some two years ago and recently his replacement of two years has been replaced. Our long standing community development director of some 36 years has recently departed and is being replaced and our city attorney of 30 years changed as of March. All of these changes provide for a very different mix of staff, and possibly values, than have been in place during the development of at least a third of the city during the past 25 years. Our new leaders, at all levels, will be
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC 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 SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.
to equate Muslim terrorist atrocities with America’s war history is absurd and does great disservice to the study of history and to our country. First of all, he argues that “every Western nation used young boys (and even girls) to serve as combatants—and they died by the thousands.” The United States of America did not use young boys and girls to fight as combatants in World War I. Secondly, he writes, “The German Christians of the Third Reich’s return of the Holy Roman Empire sure did,” and, in arguing that Americans killed thousands
of young German kids but didn’t mention they were killing Christians, he writes, “Nobody called them ‘Christian Western Nazis.’” By these sentences Mr. Kempton infers that it was the Christians who led and fought for the Third Reich. While of course there were German Christians fighting in World War II, the Nazi hierarchy was led by the atheistic and pagan Hitler, and Nazi propaganda enforced Medieval German mythology. The fascist ideology of the Nazis was not rooted in Christianity, and never claimed to be. Lastly, Mr. Kempton completely ignores what Mr. Bieber writes, mainly, that
required to exert real leadership in terms of creativity, thinking ahead, flexibility, and collaboration in order to succeed with the few but difficult challenges. We can not just sit back and wait for a solution to North Beach and the Miramar. We must seek out and find solutions and be flexible enough to provide for a good and the right fit. The traffic problems will be significant and many, however, they can be solved. Connectivity between downtown and the outlets is a must and will require new thinking on our part. South El Camino Real is not just a single solution but a number of different answers with each needed change representing success. We all—citizens, leaders and city staff— have the ability to succeed with these changes. We have no other choice if we are to see San Clemente continue to be our delightful Spanish Village by the Sea even more delightful than it has ever been in the past. Lew Avera is a retired career officer, Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps. He has been a director of the Talega HOA since 2003 and served on the San Clemente Planning Commission from 2005 to 2013. SC
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San Clemente Times, Vol. 10, Issue 9. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes. 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 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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SOAPBOX there is no example in the Judeo-Christian culture of adults using children as human shields or suicide bombers. Instead, Mr. Kempton notes atrocities committed by American adults, to show that, “See, even we are bad.” It is telling in all of the examples that Mr. Kempton cites, “Andersonville, Wounded Knee, No Gun Ri Korea, Mai Lai, and Abu Ghraib,” the perpetrators were going against the official policy of the U.S. government, breaking U.S. law by their actions. I don’t know of one American who is proud of these aberrations of the American way of fighting. It is, however, the policy of Muslim terrorists to abuse children, to use them as suicide bombers, to rape women, men, and the young, and to commit countless atrocities. Unlike American fighters who strive to act with courage and protect the innocent and who are ashamed at American atrocities, Muslim terrorists are proud of their horrific actions and use them as recruiting pieces. It is unfathomable for me to understand how Mr. Kempton, and others like him, cannot see the stark difference between the enemy that we currently face, and the armed forces of the United States. As the evidence shows, there is no comparison.
SOLDIERS, NOT STORMTROOPERS JIM BIEBER, San Clemente
Jim Kempton slammed me for my letter criticizing his column where he insinuated that mothers in San Clemente would use their children as suicide bombers in a similar fashion as in the movie American Sniper when he asked “What if the roles were reversed?” and painted our forces in Iraq as Stormtroopers who terrorized the civilian population. There is always an ulterior motive for someone attempting to put things into historical perspective citing our nation’s past follies trying to knock patriotic Americans off our high horses. In his reply letter, Kempton shows his colors when he stated, “Men, women and children defending their country from an illegal invasion are not terrorists or shields.” Saying that the U.S. engaged in an “illegal invasion” is a lie. That is rhetoric of the radical left and is not used by anyone in the Democratic Party. Both Hillary Clinton and John Kerry voted for the war powers resolution that committed the U.S. to the coalition to liberate Iraq. They both had full access to intelligence information supplied by the British M-I5. This “illegal invasion” was engaged in by 43 other countries who offered various levels of support for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The men and women of the U.S. Military stood shoulder to shoulder with specialists and combat troops from around the globe from countries such as Australia, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Iceland, Italy, South Korea, Macedonia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, NethPage 11
Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Feb. 27 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. Susan Parmelee of the Wellness and Prevention Center at San Clemente High School will be this week’s guest to discuss ongoing counseling efforts at SCHS. Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Jim Shilander every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome. erlands, Nicaragua, Philippines, Poland, Rwanda, Singapore, Spain, Turkey and even Urganda. You might disagree with the Iraq war but to call it an “illegal invasion” is a lie designed to smear both our nation as well as the men and women who served in it. Calling it an “illegal invasion” and describing our troops as terrorizing the civilian population, paints our servicemen as dups or in the same category as Nazi soldiers. Speaking of Nazis, Kempton again attempts to draw moral equivalency between Western Christians and Islamic Jihadists. He states German Christians of the Third Reich’ used children as shields that American soldiers then killed “with our shelling by the thousands.” There were no Christian Nazis leading or directing military or domestic policy. Hitler and all of his staff displayed either a neutral outlook towards Christianity to open hostility viewing it as a cult offspring of Judaism. The spiritual foundation of the Nazi Party was Thule Society not the Christian church or the teachings of Jesus Christ. As we are at the brink of a global conflict on the scale of WWII facing an enemy equally or even more evil than the Nazis, the lowest conversation someone on soapbox can engage in is a “well so’s your old man” argument and list and equate every misdeed by our nation or of Western Christianity with that of Boko Haram, AlQaeda or the Islamic State. Jim Kempton’s views are wild, ridicules, and flat out wrong to be kind. He would be a much better fit writing a column for a paper in Berkeley or for Al Jazeera rather than insulting the people of San Clemente.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ sanclementetimes.com. San Clemente 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. Please limit your letters to 350 words. www.sanclementetimes.com
SC GETTING OUT San Clemente
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
The List
FOUR CORNERS BAND AT MOLLY BLOOM’S IRISH PUB 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Live music will be performed by the Four Corner’s Band. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.
What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF
POWDER AND POOFF! 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Female impersonator show at Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn. Dinner reservations recommended starting at 6 p.m. for best seating. Show reservations can be made by calling in advance. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesanclementeinn.com.
Thursday | 26 GARDEN ANGELS 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden and more. Bring gloves and wear closed-toe shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net. OLIVIA ROHDE 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Taste blends from the West Coast’s smallest, finest wineries accompanied by vibrant small plates and live music. Wine tastings run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and Saturday 2 p.m.-9 p.m. DaVine Food & Wine, 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. GONE COUNTRY 8 p.m.-midnight. Country music and dancing every Thursday at the Point Restaurant. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com. THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.
Friday | 27 POUL PEDERSEN 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Taste blends from the West Coast’s smallest, finest wineries accompanied by vibrant small plates and live music. Wine tastings run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and Saturday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. DaVine Food & Wine, 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. See more events online. Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com. PROFESSOR MACK’S LAST TRAIN: A WORLD PREMIER MELODRAMA 8 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to “cheer” for the heroes and “boo” the villains while hurling foam rocks in the Camino Real San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
Photo: Courtesy
On Stage at the Coach House: Uriah Heep BY CATHERINE MANSO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
U
riah Heep, an international rock band from the United Kingdom, will be coming to The Coach House on Thursday, March 12. The band just started their tour on the East Coast and will be making their way across the country over the next two weeks. Some of their stops include Detroit, Milwaukee, Las Vegas and Beverly Hills. “We get excited every time we make it to America, because we don’t come to America every year,” said drummer and singer Russell Gilbrook. “We know we have some fans that are really passionate about the band and we, of course, want to perform for them.” The band will perform songs from their most recent album, “Outsider,” along with other tracks from the last four decades,
including “Hanging Tree,” “Gypsy” and “Sunrise.” Members of the progressive rock band include guitarist Mick Box, lead singer Bernie Shaw, keyboard player Phil Lanzon, drummer Russell Gilbrook and bassist Davey Rimmer. “The band is on fire at the moment,” Gilbrook said. “The show that we give out is really rockin.’ It’s full of high energy, great songs and it’s definitely a concert worth going to.” Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22, and dinner reservations with priority seating are also available. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets or more information call 949.496.8930 or go to www.thecoachhouse.com. SC
Playhouse’s annual family-friendly Old West melodrama. Based loosely on old San Juan history, you’ll learn lots of fun facts. Performances run through March 21 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.
www.piersidesc.com.
HOLLYWOOD HILLBILLIES 8:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.
Saturday | 28
PROPER FRIDAYS 9 p.m. to midnight. Live DJs playing deep groovy electronic influenced music in a mood controlled room. All music is broadcast live on proper-radio.com. Pierside Kitchen and Bar, 610 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.218.0980,
NORBY V AND THE FAB 3, PILOT ANJIN, THE CHANTEPLEURES AND TALK IN THE STATIC AT OC TAVERN 9:30 p.m. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. $5. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.
DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org. KRIS WINRICH 2 p.m. Live music at BeachFire. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com. Page 12
Sunday | 01 SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine. WILDFLOWER WALK 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Join local wildflower expert Bob Allen on an exploration of The Reserve looking for early wildflowers. Ages 8 and up. Adults $10, children $5. Participants must be registered by 4 p.m. on Feb. 27.The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy. Call for directions. 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.
Monday | 02 MOMMY MOVIE MONDAYS 10 a.m. Moms and dads are welcome to bring their baby along to the theater every Monday at Krikorian Theaters. 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7610, www.kptmovies.com.
Tuesday | 03 MAYOR’S PRAYER BREAKFAST 7 a.m.-9 a.m. Join the Mayor of San Clemente for a morning breakfast and speech at the San Clemente Community Center. The event is sponsored by the San Clemente Kiwanis Club, the South Orange County Pastors Fellowship, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce and the city. Tickets are $20 per person or $180 for a party of 10. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. For ticket information contact Frank Butsko at 949.366.5423 or visit www.sanclementekiwanis.com. ANTI-TRAFFICKING MEETING 7 p.m. San Clemente Abolitionists meeting to attempt to end modern-day slavery. Barnoa Wine Bar, 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378, www.barnoawinebar.com. (Cont. on page 13) www.sanclementetimes.com
A Call to Young Artists
A Festival of Whales Welcome
Festival field trip and logo contest put Dana Hills High School students in the spotlight
2nd: Stephanie Kuehle
Carlos N. Olvera, Mayor, City of Dana Point
The 44th anniversary of the Dana Point Festival of Whales celebration is upon us and the city of Dana Point welcomes you to these two weekends of events, whale watching excursions and adventure. Over the years, Dana Point has become the premier location in Orange County to see these titanic marine mammals in their natural environment, the Pacific Ocean. This migration season has so far brought more than 2,800 different whales to local waters, including grays, humpback, orcas and some of the world’s largest dolphin stampedes. The Festival of Whales is a wonderful chance to learn about and celebrate our ocean’s great creatures both on land and at sea via fun marinefocused educational opportunities. This celebration also offers a large parade down Pacific Coast Highway on opening day, a pirate-inspired diamond dig in the sand, a carnival-style street fair, sand sculpting competition, clam chowder cook-off, art shows, hands-on arts and crafts, classic car displays, documentary screenings and more. With miles of beaches and a rich history dating back to the cowhide trades of the 1830s, Dana Point is a five-star destination. So explore the city, the Dana Point Harbor, our tallship replicas and take the opportunity to go back in time to visualize the romance of seafaring days past. And while you are in the harbor, make sure to use the Festival of Whales free shuttle and low-cost water taxi to get around. Enjoy yourself and welcome to the Dana Point Festival of Whales.
3rd: Kate Summer
4th: Joey Benrubi
5th: Kai Fowler
Each winter as gray whales begin to make their journey from Alaskan waters to Baja, nearly 100 fine arts students from Dana Hills High School take to the Pacific and visit the Ocean Institute with one assignment— to find inspiration. They come prepared, with sketchbooks, pencils and cameras in hand, to soak in their surroundings and, with some luck, to observe the gray whale in its natural environment. From an excursion aboard a Dana Wharf whale watching vessel to exploring the Ocean Institute’s brig Pilgrim, young artists snap pictures, draw scenery and sketch wildlife while interacting with professional artists—to gain insight into the possibility of choosing a future career in art—and learning from conservationists about their muse, the gray whale. It’s a trip hosted by the Dana Point Festival of Whales Foundation and aimed at inspiring students to create work to be shown among that of professional artists at the current year’s Art in the Park exhibition and to be entered in a logo design contest for a chance at branding the next year’s festival. The program began in 2011 when Penny Elia, executive director of the festival, sought to engage youth in a new way. Since then, hundreds of students have participated in the field trip and the number of studentcreated works on display at Art in the Park has continued to grow. Choosing one logo design winner and four runners-up has also become an increasingly difficult decision. For this year’s winner, Alec Brady, having his design chosen as the festival’s official logo appearing on advertisements, merchandise and signage has been surreal. Brady, a 2014 Dana Hills graduate, sees his design almost daily, whether it’s on a bus, a poster at Subway or printed in the newspaper. It’s a rewarding experience the Saddle-
1st: Alec Brady back College student never expected upon submitting his entry. With a pool of talented photographers, graphic designers and artists at Dana Hills, Brady thought his submission was a longshot. Brady aimed to do something different and it worked. He focused his design on a realistic great gray juxtaposed against freestyled waves. Months after putting forward his design and then graduating, Brady got the news—he had won the fourth annual logo design contest. “I was really surprised … and was really stoked to find out my design was chosen,” Brady said. Brady, along with runners-up Stephanie Kuehle, Kate Summer, Joey Benrubi and Kai Fowler received recognition from festival organizers. Field trip inspired art will be on display during the second weekend of Art in the Park.
DO YOUR PART: HELP KEEP THE FESTIVAL CLEAN AND GREEN Each year, visitors congregate at the Dana Point Festival of Whales to celebrate the California gray whales’ migration from Alaskan waters to the lagoons of Baja California. It’s a tradition stretching more than four decades that festival organizers hope to continue for decades and decades more. To assure future generations have the opportunity to observe and learn about marine life along Southern California’s shore, the Dana Point Festival of Whales asks all participating sponsors, exhibitors and guests 44th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | March 7-8 & 14-15, 2015 | festivalofwhales.com
to be stewards of the oceans, both at the festival and when they return home. Sponsors and exhibitors have been asked to keep the festival’s location at the water’s edge in mind when planning their events. That’s why you won’t find balloons, stickers, temporary tattoos, flyers, single-use water bottles or other items that might find their way to the receiving waters of the Pacific Ocean. Organizers are also asking festival-goers to do their part to keep the festival, and ecosystem, green and clean. One simple way to reduce your impact is to pack a reusable water bottle. Drinking fountains are conveniently located throughout the Dana Point Harbor and refillable bottles are available for purchase at various event locations. The South Coast Water District will also have their emergency water trailer on hand to help visitors quench their thirst. 3
saved after becoming tangled in a gill net, to the public for a free tour, lecture and signing of Anderson’s book—Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey. 4 WHALE WATCHING March 7, 8, 14, 15; Departure times vary Climb aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari vessel to get up close to dolphins, whales and other marine species. For more information: call, visit their website or read more about whale watching excursions on page 12.
Classic Cars and Vintage Boats ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SOCIETY March 7, 8; 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Classic vessels from the boat society’s Southern California chapter, dedicated to the preservation of historic, antique and classic boats, will be displayed along the Harbor’s West Basin walkway. 11 PORSCHE 356 CLUB March 14; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Learn about Porsche’s first production automobile, the 356, and meet passionate Porsche owners from this Southern California club’s chapter as their pristine vehicles are displayed at Waterfall Park—Dana Point Harbor Drive and Island Way Drive. 14
Events & Attractions # = Event location. See map on page 8.
Arts and Culture ART IN THE PARK March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Students from Dana Hills High School will show their work side-by-side regional, professional artists specializing in a variety of mediums including painting, ceramics, photography, origami and more at Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. 12 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE March 7, 8, 14, 15; 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Stroll the Harbor boardwalk to peruse or purchase works of area artists, from watercolors and acrylic paintings to penciled drawings and photographs. Show displayed alongside the boat docks in Mariners Village. 6 POLYNESIAN CONNECTION March 7; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Experience a day of Polynesian culture as the Hula Connection presents music, dancing and hands-on activities like lei making, poi-ball twirling, Tahitian dancing and coconut husking for visitors of all ages along the shore of Baby Beach. 15 HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER March 7, 8; 2 p.m. Join the Historical Society on this walk of Dana Point’s historic downtown to hear stories of the city’s origins, buildings, homes and landmarks circa 1924 to 1939. Meet your guide at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway on the corner of Blue Lantern and PCH. 8 4
Captain Dave’s Whale Watching and More
SO CAL WOODIES March 7, 8; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Check out the quintessential cars of California’s historic surf culture as the regional branch of the National Woodie Club presents wood-paneled, chrome-finished Fords, Chevrolets, Buicks and more along the Harbor walkway. 11
24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com
CAPTAIN DAVE’S CARNIVAL March 14; Noon–2 p.m. Come one, come all for an afternoon of games, crafts, bounce houses, prizes and more. Also, attendees of all ages can get their faces painted, learn pottery wheel throwing and paint a mural on sail cloth. 4
WHALE OF A CLASSIC CAR DISPLAY March 14, 15; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Classic cars and hot rods, many of which have donned the covers of automotive magazines and taken top industry awards, will be displayed along the Harbor walkway. And, back by popular demand will be the Batmobile. 11
DOCUMENTARY/DRONE FILM SCREENINGS March 14; 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Stop by the Dolphin Deck to view jaw-dropping drone footage of a stampeding dolphin mega pod, migrating gray whales and more. And each hour, catch the award-winning documentary, Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California. 4
Dana Wharf Whale Watching and More 34675 Golden Lantern, 800.979.3370, 800.590.9994, www.danawharf.com
KIDS ADVENTURE EXPO March 8; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Join in on this whale of an adventure as Dana Wharf hosts a day of education, entertainment and delight complete with a rock wall, hamster balls, fishing tips, face painting, DJ, popcorn, cotton candy and more. 9
DRONES OVER WHALES & DOLPHINS March 14; 2 p.m–4 p.m. Discover how Captain Dave Anderson and his crew capture aerial footage of marine mammals off the Southern California coast using drones. View the equipment used and watch unseen footage at this free presentation at the OC Sailing & Events Center. 7 LILY: A GRAY WHALE TRIBUTE March 8; 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Captain Dave Anderson opens up his 62-foot research and rescue vessel Lily, named for a gray whale
KIDS FREE FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP March 8, 15; Noon–12:30 p.m., 12:45–5:15 p.m. Children learn to cast, catch and reel in fish from local experts at this 30-minute dockside fishing clinicfollowed by a free fishing trip, including equipment, for kids 12 and under. Adults are $46 plus license and equipment. 3
MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Hear from marine biologists and experts while enjoying a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s followed by a 2.5-hour whale watching trip. Tickets $55 for adults and $35 for seniors and children 3-12. March 7: Captain Todd Mansur, gray whales; March 8: Lei Lani Stelle, blue whales and dolphin; March 14: Alisa Schulman-Janiger, California Orcas/Gray Whale Census; March 15: Doug Thompson, gray whales. 13 SUNSET WHALE WATCH March 7, 8, 14, 15; 4 p.m.–6 p.m. Experience a Dana Point sunset at sea while sipping your favorite cocktail, wine or beer from the vessel’s onboard bar. Tickets are $29 for adults and $25 for seniors and kids. 3 WHALE WATCHING March 7, 8, 14, 15; Departure times vary Climb aboard a maritime excursion narrated by expert captains and certified naturalists who will detail the gray whales’ migration. For more information: call, visit their website or read more about whale watching excursions on page 12. WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Learn how renowned wildlife artist Wyland creates his paintings and sculptures at this dockside video presentation and art lesson. Kids can enter their artwork to be judged by Wyland for a grand prize. Cost is $5 donation per child and includes a free 2.5hour whale watching trip after the lesson. 3
Diamond Dig DIAMOND DIG March 8; 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Argh! Kids, come dressed in your pirate best and dig for buried treasure in the Baby Beach sands. Prizes include jewelry, toys and more. This annual event, hosted by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club, costs $10. All proceeds benefit local children’s charities. 15
Doheny State Beach MOBILE MARINE MAMMAL MUSEUM March 15; 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Gain an appreciation for the sea’s creatures at this display of marine mammal artifacts at the Doheny State Beach Visitor Center. Free, one-hour parking is available at the state beach for mobile museum visitors. 16 WHALE OF A BEACH CLEANUP March 14; 9 a.m.–noon Help keep a Southern California gem pristine by bringing your gloves and a bucket or recyclable bag to this annual cleanup of Doheny State Beach. Meet at lifeguard headquarters to learn how you can help maintain coastal resources year-round. 16 WHALE WALK March 7, 8, 14, 15; All Day Stroll along a beachside path of life-sized paintings of the ocean’s greatest mammals that can be seen right off Dana Point’s shores including the gray, blue, humpback and orca whale. 16 (Cont. on page 6)
44th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | March 7-8 & 14-15, 2015 | festivalofwhales.com
Events & Attractions (Cont.) Food POLYNESIAN CONNECTION LUAU March 7; 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Polynesia at this traditional luau held at the OC Sailing & Events Center. Cost is $50 for adults and $25 for kids. Proceeds go to the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Disorders. 7 WHALE OF A BBQ March 8; 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers will be served during Ocean Awareness Day festivities. Stand will be set up adjacent to Baby Beach. 15 WHALE OF A CLAM CHOWDER COOK-OFF March 14; 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Local eateries and clubs face off in this annual event benefitting the nonprofit Fish for Life, an organization that takes children with special needs on fishing excursions. Stop by to sample every entry, vote and show your support. Cost is $10 to taste every entry. There will also be a spirits garden for guests 21 and over. 15 WHALE OF A CONCERT BBQ March 15; Noon–5 p.m. Fill up on barbecued favorites at the OC Sailing & Events Center while local bands perform atop a floating stage at Baby Beach. Barbecue includes a spirits garden for attendees over 21. Valid driver’s license must be presented. 15 WHALE OF A PANCAKE BREAKFAST March 8; 8 a.m.–11 a.m. Start your day with hot off the griddle pancakes served by volunteers from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and Ladies Auxiliary. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children under 12. Proceeds benefit active military members, veterans and their families. 7
Grunion Run SEVENTH ANNUAL GRUNION RUN March 15; Registration 6:45 a.m.; 10K and 5K 7:45 a.m.; Kids’ 1K 9 a.m.; Awards 9:15 a.m. Walk or run this fast, flat course that snakes through Doheny State Beach in the 7th annual Festival of Whales Grunion Run. Registration fees are: $45 for the 10K; $40 for the 5K; and $20 for kids 1K. Visit www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com for more information. 16
Merchandise FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE March 7, 8, 14, 15; All Day Take home a 6
piece of the 44th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales by purchasing a commemorative T-shirt or sweatshirt. Merchandise stands will be open throughout the harbor.
tion experts and nightly film viewings. Visit www.phinfest.com for more information and follow PhinFest on Instagram and Twitter @PhinFest. 5
Movie in the Park
FACTS & ‘FIN’TASEA SAILING ADVENTURE March 8; Talk, 12:15 p.m.; Sail 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Learn how we are impacting friends at sea and how individuals can participate in preservation efforts from a real mermaid during this open-sea sail aboard the tallship, Spirit of Dana Point. Cost is $23 for children 4–12 and $40 for adults. 5
THE LITTLE MERMAID March 7; 6:30 p.m. The city of Dana Point hosts an outdoor screening of the Disney classic The Little Mermaid at Lantern Bay Park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner for this night under the stars. Free popcorn. Beverages and snacks will be available. 17
Music HARBOR MUSIC SERIES March 7, 8, 14, 15; Noon–3 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Merchants Association presents live entertainment throughout the Harbor. Musical performances will be held in the Dana Wharf Courtyard, Art in the Park and Mariners Village. 10 WHALE OF A CONCERT March 15; Noon–1 p.m.; 1:30 p.m.–3 p.m.; 3:30 p.m.–5 p.m. Bring your beach chairs and swing on by Baby Beach for an afternoon of live music as The PettyBreakers, Mobility and The Tijuana Dogs take to the Festival of Whales floating stage. 15
Ocean Awareness Day OCEAN AWARENESS DAY March 8; 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Festivalgoers can peruse interactive displays and participate in demonstrations showcasing ocean issues and environmental programs throughout the day at Baby Beach. 15
Ocean Institute Sailing Adventures and More 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org
OCEAN INSTITUTE March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit the Ocean Institute and learn about the world’s hydrosphere through sailing trips, hands-on activities, discussions, animal feedings, dissections and more. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for children and free for kids 2 and under. 5 BRIG PILGRIM AND BARN ACTIVITIES March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Experience life aboard a square-rig brig as you try your hand at climbing a practice yard and pass the time with knots and rope work. On Saturdays, watch crew member demonstrations aboard the brig Pilgrim at 11 a.m. 5 PHINFEST DOLPHIN & WHALE FILM FESTIVAL March 13, 14, 15; Times Vary Use your love for dolphins, whales and other marine life to embrace conservation efforts at the first-ever #PhinFest, featuring sounds of the ocean, discussions with renowned protec-
LITERASEA SAILING ADVENTURE March 14; Talk, 12:15 p.m.; Sail 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Watch literature and history come to life and re-enact life on the Essex—the 1820s whaling ship that inspired Herman Melville’s Moby Dick—while sailing aboard the tallship Spirit of Dana Point. Cost is $23 for children 4–12 and $40 for adults. 5 MADDIE JAMES SEASIDE LEARNING CENTER March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Discover citizen science and learn the effects humans have on local watersheds by participating in the Ocean Institute’s Plate Watch program, which counts invasive harbor species. Each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., experience life as a sailor aboard a whaling vessel. 5 MERMAID RECYCLING EXHIBIT March 14, 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Explore the Ocean Institute’s vast marine exhibits and partake in story times with a mermaid where you’ll learn about the value of recycling. Take pictures with your new sea friend and learn about human impacts on whales. 5 TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST: A TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE March 15; Talk, 12:15 p.m.; Sail 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Relive the adventure and experience life as a 1830s sailor while learning about Dana Point’s history on this hands-on sail aboard the tallship Spirit of Dana Point. Cost is $23 for children 4–12 and $40 for adults. 5 WHALE OF A TALE CRAFTS March 7, 8, 14, 15 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Stop by the Ocean Institute to learn about the value of recycling and craft up-cycled whale projects made from egg cartons, clothespins, paper plates and paper bags. $2 suggested donation for supplies. Stories will be told at the top of every hour. 5 WHALE’S TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE March 7; Talk, 12:15 p.m.; Sail, 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m. From “devil fish” to “friendliest whale” travel through time to discover how man’s perceptions of the gray whale have changed. Then, set out to sea aboard a historic tallship to gain insights into humans’ evolving relationship with the ocean. Cost is $23 for children 4–12 and $40 for adults. 5
Parade 44TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WHALES PARADE March 7; 10 a.m.–noon. Nab a front-row seat along Pacific Coast Highway to cheer on thousands of local participants and organizations as they celebrate the gray whales’ “Magical Migration” with floats, giant balloons, horses, vintage cars, bands and more. Route travels PCH south from Selva Road to Golden Lantern. Free shuttle available from Harbor parking lots to parade viewing area. 1
Rubber Ducky Derby WHALE OF A RUBBER DUCKY DERBY March 8; 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Head down to Baby Beach and try your luck in this twist on a classic rubber ducky race. Cost is $6 per duck or $10 for two. Funds go toward children’s programming at the Dana Point Library. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place. 15
Sand Sculpting Fun WHALE OF A SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION March 8; Sculpting begins, 8 a.m.; Judging, 2:30 p.m. Bring your buckets, sculpting tools and imagination to Baby Beach to create castles, ocean creatures, pirates, woodies and more in this annual contest hosted by OC Parks. Twenty plots available. No entry fee. 15
Street Fair FESTIVAL OF WHALES STREET FAIR March 7; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit La Plaza Park after the parade for a day of fun, filled with live entertainment, food trucks, carnival games, more than 70 booths, a pet costume contest, farmers market and more. Free shuttles run to and from the harbor starting at noon. 2
Westwind Sailing and Paddling 34451 Ensenada Place, 949.492.3035, www.westwindsailing.com
SAILING RIDES March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Take to harbor waterways and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14 on these half-hour educational sessions. Cost $15 per boat with a three-person maximum. All proceeds donated to the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation’s at-risk youth and adaptive-boating programs. 7 STAND-UP PADDLING CLINICS March 7, 8, 14, 15; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. See what the fastest-growing water sport is all about as you paddle your way around Baby Beach. Sessions are 45 minutes. Cost is $10 per person. Lessons are available to participants ages 12 and up. Lifejackets are provided. 7
44th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | March 7-8 & 14-15, 2015 | festivalofwhales.com
Navigating the Festival PARKING Parking at the Dana Point Harbor is free but is limited to four hours—a restriction that is strictly enforced by local sheriff’s deputies. All-day, paid parking is available at Doheny State Beach for $8 or $2 per hour for visitors not staying throughout the day.
SHUTTLE A free shuttle will run throughout the Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach parking lots each day of the festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shuttle will service multiple event stops throughout the harbor to help festivalgoers get from one area of the festival to another. • On the festival’s opening day, Saturday, March 7, shuttle services will be available at 9 a.m. (one hour before the parade) from the harbor to the Festival of Whales parade viewing area. The shuttle then continues service from noon to 4 p.m. to and from the harbor and La Plaza Park, providing access to the annual Street Fair. • On the festival’s final day, Sunday, March 15, shuttle services will be extended to 6 p.m. after the Whale of a Concerts conclusion.
WATER TAXI Festivalgoers can enjoy daily service between docks at each of the harbor’s ends with the Festival of Whales water taxi. Taxi runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Roundtrip tickets between Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute cost $5. 8
A MASS-TRANSIT MIGRATION Looking for budget- and environmentallyfriendly ways to celebrate the yearly migration of the California gray whale? Well, you’re in luck. The Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink have made travels to the 44th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales simple and affordable with $10 weekend passes and trouble-free transfers between trains and buses. To get to the festival, riders can travel to the San Juan Capistrano train station on Metrolink’s OC Line and transfer to an OCTA Route 91 bus headed south to Dana Point. Travelers seeking adventure can bring along their bicycles and ride the San Juan Creek bike trail for three miles to Doheny State Beach. Weekend passes, providing system wide travel all day Saturday and Sunday, are available at Metrolink ticket machines that have weekend service. Log on to www.octa.net/whales for full festival-transit schedules. Aside from avoiding traffic and reducing their carbon footprint, mass-transit riders will also save money while exploring the
Festival of Whales by showing their Metrolink ticket, OCTA bus pass or 91 Express Lanes transponder.
DRINKS
Buy one coffee beverage at Coffee Importers, located in the Dana Point Harbor’s Mariners Village, and receive a second one free. Offer expires March 31.
EATS
Visit Wind & Sea Restaurant—situated in the harbor at the water’s edge—and receive a free house appetizer of the chef’s choosing with the purchase of an entrée.
ELECTRIC BOAT RENTAL
Explore the harbor from your own vessel. Receive a 50-percent discount on 21-foot electric boat rentals from Vintage Marina Partners, located at the Embarcadero Marina. Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Minimum onehour rental fee required. Reserve a rental by calling 949.496.6177.
EXCURSIONS
Enjoy 50-percent off whale watching trips with Dana Wharf Whale Watching and the Ocean Institute during both festival weekends. Reservations are required. Check trip times for Dana Wharf and make reservations at 949.496.5794 or online at www. danawharf.com. To reserve your spot on an Ocean Institute outing, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call 949.496.2274.
STAY
Make a weekend of the festival by staying a night or two in the heart of the harbor at the Dana Point Marina Inn for a special, discount rate of $79. Reservations required. Mention the OCTA/ Metrolink rate when securing a room. Call 800.255.6843 or email info@danapointmarinainn.com for more.
WATER TAXI
Travel the harbor’s waterway from Dana Wharf to the Ocean Institute aboard a Festival of Whales water taxi for just $3 roundtrip. Taxi service runs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 44th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | March 7-8 & 14-15, 2015 | festivalofwhales.com
EVENT SCHEDULE WEEKEND ONE // MARCH 7–8 # = Event location. See map on page 8.
Saturday, March 7 6 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway, near Mariners Village 12 Art in the Park 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive
5 Story Time 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Ocean Institute 10 Harbor Music Series Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village, Art in the Park 5 Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 12:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute 8 Historical Walking Tour of Town Center 2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/ Pacific Coast Highway 7 Polynesian Luau 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. OC Sailing & Event Center
1 Festival of Whales Parade 10 a.m.–Noon. Pacific Coast Highway 2 Street Fair 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. La Plaza Park 11 So Cal Woodies, Antique & Classic Boat Society 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 15 Polynesian Connection 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 7 Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Lessons 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Sailing, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. SUP. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 13 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.– 11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 3 Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 5 Citizen Science Program 10 a.m.–Noon. Ocean Institute 5 Whale of a Tale Crafts 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 Brig Pilgrim and Barn Activities 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute
17 Movie in the Park: The Little Mermaid 6:30 p.m. Lantern Bay Park Sunday, March 8 7 Whale of a Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m.–11 a.m. OC Sailing & Event Center
WEEKEND TWO // MARCH 13–15 3 Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 13 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.– 11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 5 Citizen Science Program 10a.m.–Noon. Ocean Institute 5 Whale of a Tale Crafts 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 Story Time 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 Brig Pilgrim and Barn Activities 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 15 Ocean Awareness Day 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach 15 Whale of a Rubber Ducky Derby 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Baby Beach
15 Sand Sculpting Competition 8 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. Baby Beach 4 Lily: A Gray Whale Tribute 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari 6 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway, Mariners Village 12 Art in the Park 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 7 Sailing & Paddling Lessons 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 11 So Cal Woodies and Antique & Classic Boat Society 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 9 Kids Adventure Expo 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Dick Simon Yachts parking lot
# = Event location. See map on page 8.
Friday, March 13 5 PhinFest Dolphin & Whale Film Festival 3 p.m.–10 p.m. Ocean Institute Saturday, March 14 16 Whale of a Beach Cleanup 9 a.m.–Noon. Doheny State Beach 6 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway, near Mariners Village 12 Art in the Park 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 15 Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-Off 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. Baby Beach Park 13 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 11 Whale of a Classic Car Display 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Harbor walkway
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 10 Harbor Music Series Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariner’s Village, Art in the Park 3 Free Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip Noon–5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks 5 Fin’tasea Sailing Adventure 12:15 p.m.– 3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute 8 Historical Walking Tour of Town Center 2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/ Pacific Coast Highway 3 Drone and GoPro Demo 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
44th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | March 7-8 & 14-15, 2015 | festivalofwhales.com
14 Porsche 356 Club Southern California 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Waterfall Park on Dana Point Harbor Drive 3 Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock
4 Viewing: Documentary, Drone Footage 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach 10 Harbor Music Series Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village, Art in the Park 3 Free Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip Noon–5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks 4 Captain Dave’s Carnival Noon–2 p.m. Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach 5 LiteraSea Sailing Adventure 12:15 p.m.– 3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute 7 Drones Footage Discovery 2 p.m.–4 p.m. OC Sailing & Event Center 3 Drone and GoPro Demo 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 5 PhinFest Dolphin & Whale Film Festival 4 p.m.– 10 p.m. Ocean Institute Sunday, March 15 16 Festival of Whales Grunion Run 6:45 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Doheny State Beach 6 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway, Mariners Village
7 Sailing & Paddling Lessons 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center
5 Brig Pilgrim and Barn Activities 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 Story Time 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Ocean Institute
11 Whale of a Classic Car Display 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Harbor walkway 7 Sailing & Paddling Lessons 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 5 Citizen Science Program 10 a.m.–Noon. Ocean Institute 5 Whale of a Tale Crafts 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 Brig Pilgrim and Barn Activities 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 Brig Pilgrim Tours 10:45 a.m.–2:45 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 Story Time 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Ocean Institute 16 Mobile Marine Mammal Museum 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Doheny State Beach Visitor Center 15 Whale of a Concert and BBQ Noon–5 p.m. Baby Beach 10 Harbor Music Series Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village, Art in the Park 3 Free Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip Noon–5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks
5 Citizen Science Program 10a.m.–Noon. Ocean Institute 5 Whale of a Tale Crafts 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute
3 Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock
5 Two Years Before the Mast: A Tallship Sailing Adventure 12:15 p.m.– 3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute 12 Art in the Park 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 13 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s
3 Drone and GoPro Demo 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 5 Dolphin & Whale Film Festival 4 p.m.–10 p.m. Ocean Institute
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BEING COURTEOUS, CONSCIENTIOUS HOSTS
Simple guidelines to keeping visiting gray whales safe and happy
Photo: Loriannah Hespe/loriannahphotos@gmail.com By Ocean Institute Staff
Pacific gray whales have returned to their traditional migratory route in the near-shore waters of Southern California and cetacean lovers are enjoying some of the best whale watching in more than 30 years. A seemingly endless caravan of gray whales has been moving toward lagoons off the central Baja California, Mexico coast for the last several months and is just now starting to reverse course and return to cooler, Alaskan waters—home to their summer feeding grounds. Frequent sightings of these gray whales, which often occur within a half
mile of shore, should continue through April. These grays are very much like celebrities within the boating community. We gossip about their whereabouts and share stories and videos of sightings. Indeed, we are not unlike paparazzi, following them relentlessly with our cameras hoisted. But grays often prefer privacy to nurse their young or interact with one another. So, how can a boater be a good host to our welcome visitors instead of an unwelcome intruder? Here are some guidelines to provide an enriching encounter between you and a gray whale: We can all start with a basic understanding
of grays. A boater must know that grays do not like loud engine noise. Unlike humpbacks, grays have soft voices that are easily drowned out by engines and they must be able to hear one another in order to stay close together in our murky waters. Remember, they usually cannot see each other once they are 20 feet apart, so they rely solely on their voices. Upon sighting a gray whale, boaters should study its behavior from a quartermile away before approaching. Which way is it going? How fast is it swimming? Once you’ve determined this, a boater should quietly fall in behind the whale in the “six
o’clock” position. If you are following a whale and its behavior changes—it speeds up, zig-zags or stays down longer—break off. You’ve impacted our guest. As polite hosts, boaters should go no faster than an idle when within a quarter- mile of a gray and never whale watch from a personal water craft for safety purposes. Grays can hear your boat approaching, they can tell how fast you’re going, and they can tell if your boat is pointed at them. If you zoom right up to a gray and then cut the engine, this could be very stressful for them and you may miss an amazing opportunity to view these spectacular creatures. By tiptoeing up to a gray, your politeness will be rewarded. Finally, boaters should adhere to the “one whale, one boat” rule of thumb. There are so many of these beautiful mammals passing by this year, there’s no reason to encroach on another boater that’s enjoying a whale. Be adventurous. Head for the horizon, proudly shout, “Thar she blows,” on your own. And, it’s best to stay clear of the large commercial boats as these are professional wildlife guides who are trying to provide an enriching experience for their guests. All of us want the same thing: To host our visitors with respect, and to share a special moment on the water with these intriguing mammals. If we heed a few simple guidelines, we will host them for many years to come. The Ocean Institute proudly provides fun, engaging boat excursions along our coast. We strive to be an educational resource for the community and welcome any questions regarding additional best practices for wildlife viewing. Public whale watching cruises run on weekends throughout the year. Please contact us at 949.496.2274 or visit www.ocean-institute.org for additional information.
Introducing PhinFest Dolphin & Whale Film Festival PhinFest welcomes Naomi Rose from the Animal Welfare Institute in Washington D.C. In years past, Festival of Whales activities have happened only in daylight hours, but this year a whole new opportunity to learn about the world’s largest mammals will light up at sundown. PhinFest, an organization created to educate the public about marine life protection via multi-media events, will present the inaugural PhinFest Dolphin & Whale Film Festival, March 13 through 15. Hosted by the Ocean Institute, PhinFest will include the sights and sounds of cetaceans via digital projections and interactive technologies, screenings of important films about extinction and conservation and faceto-face dialogue with documentarians and scientists about their films and the status of marine mammals worldwide. Naomi Rose, PhD, marine mammal scientist for the Animal Welfare Institute in Washington, D.C. will be among the esteemed guest speakers at the inaugural PhinFest. While earning her doctorate degree in marine biology from UC Santa Cruz, Rose led a five-year research project in British Columbia studying orcas. She then went on 10
to spend 20 years at The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International and has written and lectured extensively on issues related to animal protection. As a member of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission’s Federal Advisory Committee on Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals, she testified before Congress in 2001 on worldwide efforts to regulate and mitigate noise impacts on the marine environment caused by low-frequency active sonar. At the AWI, Rose coordinates programs aimed at providing protection and advocacy for marine mammals both in the wild and on public display. Her work deals with policy on state, national and international levels and the laws—such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act—created to protect these animals from issues including whaling, marine noise, harassment in the wild and captivity. “Our job is to make sure that the laws are strong,” Rose said. “If they’re not strong, we work to make them stronger, and if they’re not implemented or enforced properly, we pressure the government to make sure they are.” On Friday, March 13, Rose will be among
the experts aboard the Ocean Institute’s R/V Sea Explorer for an afternoon whale watching cruise, followed by a meet and greet reception at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m., PhinFest will be presenting Rose with an award of excellence for her work in cetacean protection
“I do what I do because I have always loved the animals … and want to work toward making things better for them.” Dr. Naomi Rose laws. Alisa Schulman-Janiger, director of the American Cetacean Society and the LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project will be honored as well. Rose will also speak about her recent work and the current status of
cetaceans around the world, including the latest developments in worldwide protection laws. On Saturday, March 14 both will join other panelists in a discussion following the Southern California debut of the movie, Fragile Waters. VIP tickets for the event, which include the cruise and all three days of films, activities, meet and greet reception and panel discussion, are $150. Two-day passes are $75 (and comes with a special gift) and a singleday pass is $30. Those wishing to view only a specific film may do so for $25. Tickets are on sale at www.phinfest.eventbrite.com. Net ticket sales will benefit participating organizations: The Ocean Institute, Animal Welfare Institute, American Cetacean Society, Orca Network and Orca Research Trust. PhinFest is also conducting a contest which invites both amateur and professional filmmakers to submit a video of five minutes or less about their love of dolphins or whales. For more information, including a schedule and guest speakers, visit www.phinfest. com.
44th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | March 7-8 & 14-15, 2015 | festivalofwhales.com
Whale Watching Excursions Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
Dana Wharf Whale Watching
Get up close with dolphins and whales and feel what it’s like to swim with these majestic marine mammals aboard one of Capt. Dave’s high-tech catamarans, complete with eye-spy dolphin nets and state-ofthe-art research equipment. Hop onboard Capt. Dave’s catamaran sailboat Manute’a and become one with a stampeding pod of dolphins or a passing whale when you enter the underwater, eye-to-eye viewing pod. Also, hear cetaceans below the surface with Capt. Dave’s hydrophone and explore marine artifacts in the whale and dolphin micro-museum. Tickets for these 2.5-hour trips are $59 per adult and $39 for children ages 2 to 12. Children under 1 are free, but must be included in the reservation. Mention this listing for a $10 discount. Departure times vary. Charters for up to six people are also available. For the excursion schedule, more information or to book a reservation, call 949.488.2828 or visit www.dolphinsafari.com.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching was started in 1968 by Don Hansen with boats launching at the San Clemente Pier. In 1971, the operation moved to Dana Point Harbor and the originator of whale watching in Orange County has been a vital aspect of the local scene since. Today, Dana Wharf’s impressive fleet of vessels, including the 95-foot Dana Pride and OCean Adventures catamaran, caters to water adventurers of all kinds. Climb aboard a Dana Wharf whale watching trip for an open-sea excursion with a staff of expert captains and certified naturalists who provide an intimate and educational experience. These 2.5-hour trips depart every hour, on the hour. Tickets are $45 for adults, seniors and military are $35 and children ages 3-12 are $25. Kids 2 and under are free. Also, catch a whale of a deal at 8 a.m.—a trip for just $15—or, for $29, take a sunset whale cruise at 4 p.m. To make reservations, visit www.danawharf.com or call 888.224.0603.
Ocean Institute Experience the exciting phenomenon of one of the greatest mammal migrations on earth aboard an Ocean Institute excursion. Each year, gray whales embark on one of the longest migrations of any mammal—swimming more than 10,000 miles roundtrip between their feeding grounds in the Arctic and the lagoons of Mexico. Join the Ocean Institute’s skilled and knowledgeable crew on a 2.5-hour cruise and glimpse into the mysterious world of these amazing creatures. During the cruise, Ocean Institute biologists will provide a peek into the history of whaling along California’s coast, the human impact on Pacific gray whale populations and the history of these majestic mammals. These 2.5-hour trips are offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on both festival weekends. Cost is $35 for adults and $22 for children ages 4-12. Weekend admission to the institute is included with all purchases. For more information and reservations, call 949.496.2274 or log on to www.ocean-institute.org. Photo: Loriannah Hespe/loriannahphotos@gmail.com
ART AND LEARNING GO HAND IN HAND The Dana Point Festival of Whales has honored the gray whales’ 10,000-mile roundtrip migration between Alaskan and Mexican waters for more than 40 years, with two weekends of fun and educational events for the entire family. Over the years many traditions have been formed, such as the parade down Pacific Coast Highway, Grunion Run, Art in the Park and, of course, whale watching. These, along with the festival’s main focus—educating the public about ocean mammals—combine to make learning fun for attendees of all ages. Festival organizers add new attractions every year to engage visitors in new and exciting ways. This migration season is no exception, as additions to the festival’s line-up aim to shed light on humans’ impact on the environment and the voyaging whale visitors by offering new artistic opportunities that combine creativity with learning. By adding a kinesthetic component—doing hands-on arts and crafts while learning through lecture, discussion or demonstration—to the festival’s lineup of activities, organizers hope to better engage attendees of all ages. Throughout the festival, guests can stop by Art in the Park at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., to make your own origami sea creatures to take home while learning about the ocean’s 12
cetacean inhabitants from Ocean Institute educators. A giant origami whale project, led by 13-year-old paper folding artist, Brayden Jenson, will give attendees the opportunity to make origami that will become part of the finished paper sculpture. Jenson is an accomplished paper folding artist who has shown his work publicly and taught classes in the art of origami. This will be his largest sculpture to date. Festivalgoers have many other chances to learn about marine life while getting the artistic juices flowing. At Ocean Awareness Day on March 8 and Captain Dave’s Carnival on March 14, join in the creation of marinethemed murals alongside a professional artist. The Ocean Institute is offering creative learning activities as well, Brayden Jenson, 13, shows off one of his origami creations. Jenson will repurposing recyclables by creating crafts out of egg complete a large origami whale cartons, clothespins, paper plates and bags. For a $5 at Art in the Park. Photo: Courtesy donation to the Wyland Foundation, Dana Wharf Whale Watching is providing art lessons for children ages 3 to 12, taught by renowned environmental artist Wyland, via video feed, every day of the festival. Lessons are followed by a free twohour whale watching trip for kids accompanied by a paid adult. For times and locations of these events and more, see the schedule of events on page 9. 44th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | March 7-8 & 14-15, 2015 | festivalofwhales.com
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GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12) SAN CLEMENTE WOMEN’S GROUP 10 a.m. Monthly meeting at 10 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, 1304 Calle Valle, San Clemente, 949.606.6822.
Wednesday | 04 NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET WEAVING 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn about the traditions and culture of basket weaving at Mission San Juan Capistrano. First and third Wednesday of every month. Free with paid admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com. CASA WELLNESS WENDESDAYS: COCINA CASA ROMANTICA 7 p.m. Taste the history of San Clemente. Join Chef Renee Fontes as she provides a historical background on food, culture, historical dishes and recipes from the 1920s. Admission is $10 for Casa mem-
bers, and general admission is $12. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.
UPCOMING: FRIDAY, MARCH 6 WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE? THE MUSICAL Opening night for newest show at the Cabrillo Playhouse. Runs through Sunday, March 29 with performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.cabrilloplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 949.492.0465. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.
For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com
Restaurant Spotlight: Cafe Mozart STORY AND PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA HAMMER
L
ife has been quite a journey for Hans Loschl, owner and chef of Cafe Mozart, along with his partner and pastry chef extraordinaire, Carla Ramos. Loschl grew up in Radlbrunn, a country farming community east of Vienna, Austria. His longtime wish was to become a great chef and own his own restaurant. “I took the PRICE RANGE: $4 - $39 plunge,” Loschl said, “and PAYMENT ACCEPTED: decided to meet Cash and credit cards the world and find that special HOURS: place to build my 11 a.m.-2 p.m Tuesday dream.” through Saturday, In 2003, Cafe 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Mozart was 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday formed in the through Thursday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and charming community of San Saturday. Juan Capistrano—a perfect setting for an old worldstyle restaurant. Both Loschl and Ramos worked on a complete site renovation, which took two years to finish. The cuisine’s flair is European and con-
Café Mozart’s outdoor patio and entrance.
San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
Ono Special: Lightly pan-fried fresh Ono served on a layer of tomato coulis with sides of fresh vegetables and scalloped potatoes.
tinental, with menu items inspired by traditional German and Austrian specialties. Guest favorites are beef wellington, chicken wellington, beef stroganoff, sauerbraten and schnitzel. Loschl’s scalloped potatoes are asked for daily, with folks coming in and requesting a take-home delight. Chef Ramos has a designer flair for her own decadent desserts, including flourless chocolate cake and bread pudding—both guest favorites with magnificent flavors. All desserts are made fresh for every occasion, including picture-perfect wedding cakes. Live music is offered Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 6 p.m. A full bar with a vast selection of wines is available daily. New organic salads and entree specialties are coming soon. Austrian-style coffee and Loschel’s unique strudels will add to a once-a-month morning gathering, bringing back an old world tradition starting in June. 31952 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.0212, www.cafemozart.net. SC Page 13
Locals Only
BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT
Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program
2411 S. El Camino Real, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com
AIR CONDITIONING
Oasis Heating & Air
31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com
APPLIANCES
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS
ASAP Appliance Service
3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com
ART GALLERIES
San Clemente Art Association 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com
BOOKS
Village Books
99 Avenida Serra, 949.492.1114, www.DowntownSanClemente.com
CHIROPRACTIC
Thompson Chiropractic
629 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 104, 949.240.1334, www.thompson-chiro.com
CHOCOLATE/CANDY
Schmid’s Fine Chocolate
99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com
CONCRETE
Costa Verde Landscape
Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com
DENTISTS
William Brownson, D.D.S.
3553 Camino Mira Costa, Ste B, 949.493.2391, www.drbrownson.com
Eric Johnson, D.D.S.
647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com
Kristen Ritzau DDS
122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.498.4110, www.KristenRitzauDDS.com
EDIBLE LANDSCAPING
Organics Out Back
949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com
ELECTRICAL
Arcadia Electric
949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com
FURNITURE
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
IMAGES/Creative Solutions
117 Del Gado Road, 949.366.2488, www.imgs.com
HARP LESSONS & RENTALS
Wendy-Harpist
949.482.9025, www.orangecountyharpist.com
HEATING
Oasis Heating & Air
31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com
HOME DÉCOR
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
LANDSCAPING
Costa Verde Landscape
Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com
MATTRESSES
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
MORTGAGES
Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage 949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com
MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE
SC Rider Supply
520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com
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949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com
RESTAURANTS
Café Calypso
114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386
SALONS
Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.
Salon Bamboo
Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com
Salon Bleu
PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD
1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com
PHARMACIES
Sea View Pharmacy
665 Camino De Los Mares, #101, 949.496.0123, www.seaviewpharmacy.com
PLUMBING
Bill Metzger Plumbing
929 Calle Negocio Suite D, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com
Chick’s Plumbing
949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com
POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL
SC Pool & Spa Works
1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com
Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com
150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com 207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com
Syrens Hair Parlor
217 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. E, 949.361.9006, www.syrens.com
SCHOOLS
Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org
SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
SWIMMING SCHOOL
Waterbabies Swim School
142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com
TERMITES
Colony Termite Control
1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com
WEBSITE DESIGN
San Clemente Website Design
949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com
REAL ESTATE
Marcie George Star Real Estate South County
949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net
MUSIC LESSONS
Danman’s Music School
949.496.6556, www.danmans.com
OFFICE FURNITURE
South Coast Furniture & Mattress
109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com
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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES CHAIR FOR RENT Beach Waves hair salon. Full or part time great rates contact us abbey for more info, 949-973-7355
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San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
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SC SC LIVING San Clemente
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
Honoring City’s Best San Clemente Chamber awards outstanding businesses and individuals BY JIM SHILANDER, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
T
he San Clemente Chamber of Commerce honored some of the city’s leading lights Thursday at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club, at the organization’s annual installation and awards dinner. Jim Holden, the San Clemente man who founded Fish for Life, a nonprofit that provides special-needs children and their families with a fun day on the ocean, was recognized as Citizen of the Year. The organization celebrated its 20th voyage from Dana Point Harbor in 2014 and now is seeing growth elsewhere in the country. Holden said all he knew of receiving the award was that he’d been invited to the dinner by City Councilwoman Lori Donchak, who presented him with the award, but that had been all. “She said it was an awards banquet, but I didn’t know (beyond that),” Holden said. Holden founded the group after a day spent fishing with his friend Jeffrey Kutcher, who suffers from cerebral palsy, and said he knew it could make a difference for both children and their families. Since 2010 there have been 20 trips from Dana Point Harbor aboard the Dana Pride, usually with more than 100 children and their families in attendance. The event begins with a red carpet introduction of each child. There have also been trips in San Diego and Chicago. “I don’t really see the 20 as a milestone,” Holden said. “I’ll be doing this until my body no longer casts a shadow. Who knows how many trips that will be? And the big plan would be to put it in other harbors.”
Fish for Life founder Jim Holden received the honor of Citizen of the Year. Photo: Jim Shilander
San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
Left Coast Brewery was honored as the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year for 2014. Photo: Jim Shilander
One such harbor may be coming soon in the Dallas area. A man approached Holden after hearing about the organization. The man had recently started his own nonprofit, but it had no specific direction, other than being for kids. After attending a sailing trip last October, Holden said the man was inspired to start his own chapter in Texas, which will have its first sail on Lewisville Lake next month, aboard one of the biggest boats in Texas. “What a great activity this is for parents with a special needs child,” Holden said. “I can’t tell you how many parents come to me expressing deep reservations about their child going out on a fishing trip. A hundred percent of the time afterward they come up to tell me ‘thank you,’ because they know they can do it. It’s a safe haven for them.” Kent Campbell, the retired director of the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, was honored for his work as the winner of the organization’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Campbell, who has been retired since the start of the year, said the award served as a nice wrap-up. Campbell, who moved to San Clemente 32 years ago from Tennessee thinking his stay might be temporary, said he appreciated hearing from those whose lives he’d touched in his role with the organization. “Here I am, almost 33 years later, it’s quite an honor,” Campbell said. “I’ve seen and heard from people (since retiring). I just heard from someone whose kids used to come years ago, probably more than 20, about how much the club helped them.” Among the other award recipients were
Vista Del Mar Middle School Principal Sandra McKinney was named as the Chamber of Commerce’s Educator of the Year, and received honors from State Senator Pat Bates and Mayor Chris Hamm. Photo: Jim Shilander
Vista Del Mar Middle School Principal Sandra McKinney, who was awarded Educator of the Year. After taking over the school in Fall 2013, the school has added character and nutrition programs and a fitness challenge. “There’s so many deserving educators, that to be chosen is quite an honor,” she said. “Vista Del Mar is unique in that it functions as a K-8 school even though it’s divided. And while San Clemente itself is a community, Talega functions as a community within that. Our families grow up together. There’s a real strong sense of family there.” The Chamber also voted Left Coast Brewery as its Business of the Year, Beth Apoodaca as Chamber Ambassador of the Year and Jim Richardson of Rich’s Signs as Volunteer of the Year. SC
Sudoku BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:
Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium
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See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
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SC LIVING
Tom Blake was featured at the Feb. 22 Friends of the San Juan Capistrano Library Local Author Lecture Series. Shown here (L to R) are author Cheryl Gardarian, Blake, panel moderator Ann Rohan and Mary DeMers, president, Friends of the Library. Photo: Monique Dodge
GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake
Everyone Wins
Lecture series a win-win for bibliophiles, singles, aspiring authors, more
O
n the third Sunday of each month, the Friends of the San Juan Capistrano Library sponsor a Local Author Lecture Series from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the bookstore. The February event featured romance and travel writers. Cheryl Gardarian and I were the guest authors. Cheryl writes fiction, and I write non-fiction. Nearly 30 people attended and it seems that everybody benefitted in one way or the other. Cheryl and I benefitted simply by being the invited authors. That was an honor in itself. Both of us were able to share our stories and writing experiences in a panel that was moderated by Ann Ronan, a local travel agent and chairwoman of the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce. At the end of the session, complimentary snacks and refreshments were served while Cheryl and I got to display and autograph our books. The bookstore is run entirely by volunteers, led by Friends of the Library president Mary DeMers, who put a great deal of effort into coordinating the event. The book shelves are moved aside and temporary chairs are set up for the guests. After the event, the chairs are removed and the book shelves put back in place. The all-volunteer staff was assisted by members of the National Charity League. Book-lovers benefitted by meeting the authors in person, asking questions and purchasing autographed books. The library earns a commission on the sale of the books, which helps cover operating costs. Not to mention the exposure that the library received by having people new to the bookstore enjoy its charm. Singles benefitted by making new friends and getting dating, relationship and travel advice. One woman, recently
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widowed, met Christine Baumgartner, a relationship counselor/event planner who attended, and scheduled some future consulting appointments with Christine. Aspiring authors learned the ins and outs of publishing books. Cheryl uses publishers and I self-publish. Both authors also publish electronic books, which are very popular these days. I often tell older singles that the most important thing they can do is get off the couch and out of the house and meet new friends. Attending events like this is a great way to achieve that; I heard two women say they were meeting for coffee the next morning. Getting out and meeting the public is beneficial to authors as well. I was pleased and surprised when moderator/ travel agent Ann asked if I would like to host a four-day cruise out of Los Angeles in November on the Star Princess cruise ship. When I said yes, Ann replied, “We will name it the ‘Tom Blake’s Loving Life after 55 Cruise.’” That would not have happened to me had I not appeared. Each of our local tri-city libraries are greatly assisted by volunteers. Funding is tight for libraries. We as residents are blessed to have these volunteers helping our libraries, which we need to support. What a pleasant afternoon this was. There is nothing greater than to be in a warm and cozy environment surrounded by books just waiting to stimulate our minds. For information on the Sunday, March 15, Local Author Lecture Series at The Bookstore at the San Juan Capistrano library, call 949.493.2688 or visit the website at www.sjcfol.org. For information on the Nov. 12 cruise, contact Ann at 949.702.3977 or by email at ann@sjctravel.com. Cruise details are also on the website: www.mybookinggenie. com/tom-blakes-travel-after-55-cruise. Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and former business owner who has authored three books on middle-aged dating. For dating information: www.FindingLoveAfter50. com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC 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 SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com
www.sanclementetimes.com
SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
Triton Report BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the San Clemente High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.
Tillers Topple Tritons Basketball in Second Round Trailing Tustin by two points with 12 seconds remaining in their CIF-SS Division 1AA second-round game, the San Clemente boys basketball team got the ball in the hands of Sam Darnold, their leading scorer and most reliable shooter. Darnold came off a screen and got an open look from 16 feet out, but the ball clanged off the rim as time expired, ensuring Tustin held on for a 61-59. “We got (Darnold) a great look and we got him a wide open 16-footer,” San Clemente head coach Marc Popovich said. “You tell me we’ve got the game on the line and Sam’s going to line up a 16-footer … I would have signed up for that five hours ago.” Tustin quickly overcame a seven-point deficit in the third quarter behind senior guard T.J. Shorts’ ability to drive to the paint, create contact and finish. After his teammate George Wilson converted a four-point play in the quarter’s opening minute, Shorts made good on a threepoint play opportunity on the Tillers next possession to take a 39-38 lead. Tustin would outscore San Clemente 24-14 in the third quarter.
Shorts scored a game-high 24 points on the night and Wilson added 20. “(Shorts) carved us up … He’s so hard to contain. He’s so good at drawing contact and staying under control,” Popovich said. Tustin padded their lead until late in the fourth quarter, when Darnold hit a deep 3-pointer to make it a four-point game at 61-57 with just over one minute to go. San Clemente senior Scott Herrod knocked down two free throws and Cole Fotheringham forced a Tustin turnover on the ensuing possession to set up the game’s final dramatic moment. The Tillers, who have won 19 games in a row, now advance to play Millikan in the postseason’s third round on Feb. 27. The loss put an end to San Clemente’s 12-game win streak and the team came within one win of tying a school record for most wins in a season. “It was a tremendous season. It was the best season we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Popovich said. “These guys gave everything they had (tonight). It was a great, great effort and that’s what these guys have given us all year.” San Clemente advanced to the second round after defeating Downey 54-43 in the opening round.
Big Fourth Quarter Puts Tritons Water Polo in Quarterfinals The San Clemente girls water polo team needed a big fourth quarter performance against Los Osos on Feb. 21 if they were to advance to the CIF-SS Division 2 semifinals. After erasing a three-goal deficit in the final quarter, San Clemente’s Amber McCutcheon scored the go-ahead goal with
San Clemente senior Amber McCutcheon scored four goals in the Tritons win over Los Osos on Feb. 21. Photo: Karen Smith
San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
San Clemente’s Alex Drabkin pursues the ball against Buena on Feb. 20. Photo: KDahlgren Photography
17 seconds remaining to give the Tritons a 14-13 quarterfinal victory. San Clemente was set to face Agoura in the tournament semifinals on Feb. 25. Results were not available at press time. The Tritons played the quarterfinal matchup in front of a home crowd at the Vista Hermosa Aquatics Center for the first time in program history. San Clemente got production from up and down their lineup, as four different players scored two or more goals. McCutcheon led the way with four goals and four assists and Cassidy Smithson scored three times.
Wrestlers Shine at CIF Championship The San Clemente wrestling team benefitted from four CIF place-winners and a host of other strong performances at the CIF Eastern Division Individual Wrestling Championships Feb. 20-21 at Ayala High School. As a team, the Tritons finished fourth overall. The Tritons’ Tyler Meisinger took home the 154-pound title at the event, joining the ranks of Triton wrestlers who have claimed an individual CIF title. Kyle Marshall and Mike Marshall both placed second in the 162 and 172-pound division, respectively. Alex Ames took fourth in the 197-pound class. Meisinger, Kyle Marhsall, Mike Marhsall and Ames will now compete at the CIF Masters Tournament in Ontario Feb. 27-28. Daniel Flener (115), Sebastian Beltran (122), Noah Fiegener (147), Zack Henderson (184) and Tyler Howrey (222) picked up match wins throughout the tournament to boost the Tritons into fourth place.
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Girls Basketball Beats Los Osos in CIF First Round A double-double from senior Jenna Rodriguez and a 16-point effort from senior Emma Bankson propelled the San Clemente girls basketball team past Los Osos and into the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1AA Championships on Feb. 21. Rodriguez scored 21 points and grabbed 20 rebounds while Bankson poured in three 3-pointers en route to her 16 points. Serena Saba had 12 points and eight assists in the Tritons wire to wire win. San Clemente was set to play Crescenta Valley in the second round on Feb. 25. Results were not available at press time.
Four Late Goals Push Tritons Soccer Past Buena Following a scoreless first half of play against Buena in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on Feb. 20, the San Clemente boys soccer team erupted for four goals in the final half for a convincing 4-0 victory. Sophomore midfielder Fernando Vasquez started the scoring barrage when he sent a loose ball in the box into the net early in the second half to make it 1-0. Senior forward Matias Ledesma scored the Tritons next two goals, the first of which came off a header several yards away from the goal. The Buena goalkeeper came out to defend a long Tritons cross into the box, but Ledesma beat him to the spot and flicked the ball up and over for a 2-0 lead. Eddie Molina tacked on a late goal to send the Tritons into a second round matchup with Paramount, which was set to be played on Feb. 25. Results were not available at press time. www.sanclementetimes.com
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
Sanden Completes Antarctic Marathon
Local athlete finishes seventh marathon on seventh continent COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE
S
City Councilman Tim Brown spoke to parents about the importance his mother, who’d grown up in Mexico, placed on education in their home, and congratulated the parents for their completion of the PIQE Program Thursday. Maria Christina Barrosa served as interpreter. Photo: Jim Shilander
an Clemente resident Beth Sanden completed the toughest segment of her journey to finish a marathon on all seven continents when she crossed the finish line of the Antarctic Marathon on Feb. 19. Sanden, who is partially paralyzed from the waist down, completed the cold, rocky trek in 10 hours, 57 minutes and 55 seconds using a custom hand cycle fitted with studded wheels. The trip got off to an inauspicious start. The race was set to begin on Feb. 14 but heavy fog kept the marathoners grounded for several days. In an email, Sanden said the terrain in
Scoreboard SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
WATER POLO Three SC Tritons Water Polo Club teams earned medals at the Kap 7 Water Polo Championships in Irvine on Feb. 15. The club’s U12 Boys and the U12 Girls team won the gold in the gold and platinum divisions, respectively, while the U10 co-ed team earned the silver in their division. The U12 Boys team includes: Wyatt Merchant, Spencer Snow, Sam Moore,
San Clemente resident Beth Sanden finished the Antarctic Marathon on Feb. 19. Photo: Courtesy
the Antarctic was undesirable, but that she knew it was going to be tough going when she signed up. Sanden, 60, had to deal with gravel, snow, ice, black ice and a lot of mud while navigating the Antarctic’s rolling hills. Sanden actually compared the rolling terrain to the hills behind San Clemente, where she trained. It was a long journey and Sanden said she had to dig deep for inspiration at certain points. “Half way through the race I started thinking and praying for my family and put my Christian rock music on in one ear and that helped get me through the last half,” Sanden said in the email. Sanden is a coach for both the USA Triathlon team and Challenged Athletes Foundation. SC
Will Schneider, Wyatt Wood, Jack Finnerty, Waylon Fox and Griffin Donnelly. The team is coached by John Rees and Wes Hatfield. The U12 Girls team includes: Grace Pelkey, Isabelle Comes, Lang Csira, Alex Higginson, Hayes Austin, Ella Schneider, Adrina Daniels and Megan Moe. The team is coached by Alli Russell and Kristen Yonan. The U10 Co-ed team includes: Jake Hoss, Ray Hickman, Zane McMains, Calista Pelkey, Max Huffman, Taylor Naughton and Trae Mantecon. The team is coached by John McMains and Todd Pelkey.
The SC Tritons Water Polo Club Boys U12 team won the gold at the Kap 7 Water Polo Championships last weekend. Photo: Courtesy
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SC San Clemente
SC SURF
SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
SSS: Stellar Shorecliffs Surfing
RESULTS Scholastic Surf Series, Orange County Middle School Divisions 1 and 2, Event No. 3, Feb. 21, Oceanside, Pier DIVISION 1 // TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs, 265; 2. Thurston, 201; 3. Niguel Hills, 104; 4. Vista Del Mar, 90; 5. Bernice Ayer, 84; 6. Marco Forster, 81; 7. Don Juan Avila, 49. BOYS: 1. Hagan Johnson, Shorecliffs; 2. Kade Matson, Shorecliffs; 3. Ryan Martin, Shorecliffs; 4. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 5. Taj Lindblad, Shorecliffs; 6. Jonah Clark, Thurston. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Ethan Mudge, Shorecliffs; 2. Jameson Roller, Thurston; 3. Ben Kappes, Niguel Hills; 4. Bryce Mattox, Niguel Hills; 5. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 6. Barrett Miller, Shorecliffs. GIRLS: 1. Kirra Pinkerton, Shorecliffs; 2. Kayla Coscino, Thurston; 3. Kelly Smith, Thurston; 4. Claire Kelly, Thurston; 5. Lexi Alston, Bernice Ayer; 6. Alexis Morgan, Shorecliffs. GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Liv Stokes, Thurston; 2. Alexa Ross, Vista Del Mar; 3. Kirra Pinkerton, Shorecliffs; 4. Rachel Hall, Marco Forster; 5. Kendal Osorio, Marco Forster; 6. Lola Fisher, Thurston. COED BODYBOARD: 1. Hayden Stein, Niguel Hills; 2. Cole Fink, Thurston; 3. Anthony Smetona, Shorecliffs; 4. Nolan Tobias, Shorecliffs; 5. Liam Gillon, Marco Forster; 6. Olaf Trevilla, Bernice Ayer.
Shorecliffs Middle School surf team takes big win Feb. 21 in Oceanside BY ANDREA SWAYNE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES
W
ith cool temperatures and an overcast sky lingering for most of the day, Orange County middle school surfers met on Feb. 21 at the Oceanside Pier for event No. 3 of the Scholastic Surf Series. Waves were in the 2- to 3-foot range. Although a south wind came up in the morning, the waves were never blown out and remained contestable throughout the event. Originally scheduled as event No. 4, the cancellation of the January San Clemente Pier event made this stop the third of the SSS season. Shorecliffs Middle School was the big winner of the day, topping runner-up Thurston Middle School, 265 to 201 in team competition. Dominating in Boys Shortboard, they took five of the six available finalist spots, as well as wins, in both Division 1 and Division 2 competition. Hagan Johnson was the Division 1 winner and Deisel Rathgeber won Division 2. Other Division 1 winners were Ethan Mudge in Boys Longboard
Hagan Johnson of Shorecliffs Middle School was the Boys Shortboard division winner at the Feb. 21 SSS contest in Oceanside. The Shorecliffs team also came out on top. Photo: Sheri Crummer
and Kirra Pinkerton in Girls Shortboard. Dylan Clemens was the Division 2 Boys Longboard winner and, also in Division 2, Malia Mauch took top honors in both Girls Shortboard and Girls Longboard. “The talent pool is very deep among OC middle school teams and they’re amazing to watch,” said Carolyn Krammer, competition director. “Consistent surfing with aggressive maneuvers showed that these kids have really grasped the criteria
and are surfing up to it. Even though the conditions weren’t perfect the surfers really rose to the challenge.” Niguel Hills, Vista Del Mar, Bernice Ayer, Marco Forster and Don Juan Avila teams came in third through seventh, respectively. Event No. 4—the makeup for the January San Clemente contest—is set for Saturday, Feb. 28 in Huntington Beach at Goldenwest Street. SC
DIVISION 2 // TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs, 129; 2. Thurston, 95; 3. Dana Point, 41; 4. Bernice Ayer, 34; 5. Marco Forster, 33; 6. Don Juan Avila, 7. BOYS: 1. Diesel Rathgeber, Shorecliffs; 2. Noah Brown, Shorecliffs; 3. Raiki Nishida, Shorecliffs; 4. Liam Mateer, Shorecliffs; 5. Jett North, Thurston; 6. Eli Crane, Shorecliffs. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Dylan Clemens, Shorecliffs; 2. Matt Blunk, Thurston; 3. Hunter Stovesand, Dana Point; 4. Brandon Davis, Marco Forster; 5. Trenton Coleman, Shorecliffs; 6. Alex Wick, Thurston. GIRLS: 1. Malia Mauch, Shorecliffs; 2. Grace Fink, Thurston; 3. Destiny Thompson, Thurston; 4. Coral Nordheim, Dana Point; 5. Lauren O’Neill, Shorecliffs; 6. Grace Winter, Bernice Ayer. GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Malia Mauch, Shorecliffs; 2. Cici Stewart, Thurston; 3. Avery Acquanita, Dana Point; 4. Hannah Pierce, Bernice Ayer; 5. Camille Hardgrave, Marco Forster.
UPCOMING EVENTS February 28-March 1: NSSA Open, Event No. 8, Ventura, C Street February 28: SSS Orange County High School, Event No. 5, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street February 28: SSS Orange County Middle School, Event No. 4, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street March 14-15: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty
SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-62 degrees F
GROM OF THE WEEK
ETHAN MUDGE
W
e caught up with Ethan Mudge, 13, of San Clemente, at Western Surfing Association Event No. 7, Feb. 14-15 at the Huntington Beach Pier to talk about a surfing action photo of him on the WSA equipment trailer wrap. The image shows him ripping, aloft and fins free. The choice, WSA officials said, was a good one, not only because it shows great surfing but because Ethan is a longtime competitor who has been surfing the WSA Championship Tour since his dad was pushing him into waves as a Micro Grom at the age of 5. “I first saw it on Instagram and was blown away. I didn’t think it was really me at first. It was so surprised,” Ethan said. “I’m feeling really good about the WSA season this year because I’ve won a couple. But this made it even better.”
San Clemente Times February 26-March 4, 2015
At that event, Ethan earned a third-place trophy in Boys U16. On the second day of the contest Ethan battled his way into the final but a long fog delay forced a postponement of the finals rounds. In WSA, he is currently ranked No. 6 in Boys U14 and No. 7 in Boys U16, in a field of 95 for both divisions. Ethan also competes as part of his school team—shortboard and longboard—in the Scholastic Surf Series and in National Scholastic Surfing Association Open Juniors where he is No. 15 in a field of 45. In Surfing America Prime competition, he is No. 25 of 44. His next steps on his quest for a pro surfing career, he said, will be pro junior competition and surf travel. In school, Ethan is a bright eighth-grader earning As and Bs and looking forward to attending San Clemente High School next year. This summer he will be training in Nicaragua with surf coach Erik Krammer of International Surf Services and also enjoying his other passion, fishing, on a trip to Alaska.—Andrea Swayne Page 22
Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-8’+ Poor-Fair Thursday and Friday: Primarily NW windswell over Thurs/Fri, while smaller WNW and SSW swells build in. Expect waist-chest high waves at the better windswell exposed breaks throughout OC, with standout spots producing occasional sets/peaks around shoulder high+. Light to moderate South-SE wind through the mornings, veering SW into each afternoon. However, watching for breezy WNW wind to rise up Friday afternoon. Mostly cloudy skies early clearing up through the day. Possible fog early Thursday morning. Longer Range Outlook: This swell-mix (comprised of mainly NW windswell) is looking to continue through the weekend, then backing down early next week. Breezy onshore flow is expected for Saturday, before cleaning up on Sunday. Check out Surfline for more details, daily updates, and the longer range outlook! Ethan Mudge. Photo: Andrea Swayne
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