February 24, 2023

St. Margaret’s, JSerra and Capistrano Valley Christian beach volleyball are all on the sport’s first CIF-SS watch list this spring. Photo: David Gangloff

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TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

City Council Approves Design Agreement for Local Street Improvements

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Neighborhood streets in San Juan Capistrano will get spruced up in the coming years, courtesy of the City of San Juan Capistrano.

The city has come up with an ambitious plan to upgrade the condition of local street pavement—which has fallen into disrepair for decades due to neglected maintenance related to a lack of available funding—and took one step further on Tuesday, Feb. 21, when the City Council unanimously approved a design agreement with Adams Streeter Civil Engineers, Inc. for the project.

The contract amount is for $363,015. Adams Streeter previously has worked with the city, including on the beautification of Verdugo Street. They were the lowest bidder for the street improvement project.

The design process is expected to take approximately 90 days to complete, with construction anticipated to begin this summer and take six months to complete, an agenda report

San Juan Officials Sign Off on New Management for Swanner House

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Currently, the historic Swanner House venue at the Northwest Open Space in San Juan Capistrano sits unused.

That will change after the City Council unanimously approved a license agreement with Frontier Real Estate Investments for short-term operations of the city-owned property.

The city recently chose to negotiate with Frontier—which is ongoing—for long-term overall management of the Northwest Open Space after receiving several proposals from various groups, following a request for applications.

Trevor’s at the Tracks owner and founder Trevor Baird, specifically, will handle special-event operations at the Swanner House. Dan Almquist, who heads up Frontier, is also partnering with local equestrian Kathy Holman on other plans

said.

Among the streets that soon will be addressed include Village Road, Rosenbaum Road, and Trabuco Creek Road. Some residents have voiced concerns over the years about the state of local streets, particularly the weathered pavement.

The wide-ranging pavement rehabilitation project has been made possible through federal funds made available from the American Rescue Plan Act. The first phase of the project recently kicked off with improvements made to Camino Capistrano, work that is ongoing and anticipated to finish by this summer.

“The next major initiative in the city’s comprehensive approach to improving roadway pavement conditions citywide will be implemented next fiscal year—Fiscal Year 2023-24,” Public Works Director Tom Toman said. “It involves the rehabilitation of local and residential streets.”

Those streets have been grouped

into different zones, which will gradually see upgrades as time goes on.

“Zone 1 includes the public streets in and around Village San Juan, and the communities located along the east side of Camino Capistrano,” Toman said. “Zone 2 includes the Los Rios Historic District, going southwest all the way to Camino Del Avion.”

Zone 3 includes the communities of Capistrano Royale, Missions Hills Ranch, and Stone Ridge Estates. Zone 4 includes communities south of Ortega Highway and Zone 5 communities just off San Juan Creek Road.

“The public streets specifically within Zones 1, 2, 4, and 5 are anticipated for

construction in Fiscal Year 2023-24, and we assume a construction start date in summer of this year,” Toman said.

The local streets were identified through a comprehensive evaluation of the city’s Pavement Condition Index, which measures and grades the state of local streets.

“The city’s PCI before the City Council approved the enhanced spending plan was right around 67. A 67 is equivalent to kind of like a C- on our score,” Toman said. “With the improvements we’re doing on Camino Capistrano, this local street rehabilitation project, we’ll probably get that number up to 75 to 85, which is a good category.”

services. “The license agreement would require Frontier to repair the property’s HVAC system, electrical and plumbing infrastructure, and irrigation for code compliance, and that would be at Frontier’s sole cost.”

Frontier will be permitted to make “minor cosmetic improvements” to the structure and landscaping enhancements throughout the property, Reischl said.

“That initial term would end December 31, 2026, with two optional one-year extensions with mutual agreements by both parties,” Reischl said.

Frontier taking over maintenance for the Swanner House is also expected to deter nuisance activities at the vacant property.

for the Northwest Open Space, which will include a horse-riding component.

A previous license agreement with Hamilton Oaks LLC for the Swanner House for wine tastings and similar events expired in June 2022.

“(Frontier’s) proposal includes the ability to host private and community events, consistent with the operations of the former licensee, Hamilton Oaks,” said Matisse Reischl, assistant to the city manager and director of community

Under the license agreement, the city would receive a monthly $6,000 license payment commencing on July 1, with an annual Consumer Price Index adjustment capped at 3% applied to the monthly license payments, according to an agenda report.

Councilmember John Taylor recused himself from the vote and discussion due to a financial interest.

Street improvements will be made throughout San Juan Capistrano in the coming years as part of a wide-ranging project intended to address neglected pavement maintenance. Photo: Collin Breaux

venue in San Juan Capistrano’s Northwest Open Space. Photo: Collin Breaux

New Charter School Announces Potential Campus Site, Opens Student Enrollment

BY COLLIN BREAUX

By the time the 2023-24 school year starts, a new charter school is anticipated to have opened within the Capistrano Unified School District.

California Republic Leadership Academy has announced a possible campus site on San Juan Creek Road in San Juan Capistrano and is open for student enrollment.

CRLA, which will have a classical-focused educational curriculum and emphasize the concept of servant leadership, recently had its charter approved by the Orange County Board of Education after the CUSD Board of Trustees had rendered split votes on whether to approve the petition.

“We’re really grateful to the OCBE for their approval and vote of confidence,” said San Clemente parent Kevin Pratt, one of the lead petitioners for CRLA. “They were very good to work with and, just being in those meetings, you get a sense of how much parents appreciate them. We are thrilled we get to bring CRLA to families in the area.”

Pratt said the school will enroll as many students as their space will accommodate.

“That exact number is not known yet, but I would expect a minimum of 120 students,” he said. “We’re already nearing that in actual enrollment, but we hope to have space for more.”

The San Juan Creek site was reportedly proposed by CUSD, following a request

Author Pens Book Tracing Family History in San Juan Capistrano

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Marsha Maulhardt bought a horse in 1981 to assist her dad.

Her father worked for a family estate at what is now the Marbella Country Club but did not inherit the property. Maulhardt saw her dad become depressed over the exclusion, so she purchased a horse that she thought she could breed and show at horse shows to make money.

She never saw the horse before, and when the horse was delivered, she was in for a surprise.

by CRLA for campus space under Proposition 39—a state law that allows charter schools to ask districts for use of school facilities.

Pratt said the location was formerly a tutoring site. It is currently vacant and owned by CUSD.

“If we get to terms with CUSD, then we will pay rent,” he said.

“It’s unfortunate the approval didn’t happen through CUSD, but we still consider them an important partner and look forward to continuing our good working relationship,” Pratt continued. “CUSD staff were at our hearings with OCBE and have been cordial and professional throughout.”

CUSD staff had recommended CRLA’s charter not be approved because of a

number of concerns with the petitioners’ proposal, including a perception that the curriculum was vague and anticipated adverse financial impacts to the district.

OCBE staff had no concerns about CRLA’s fiscal prospects.

No teachers have officially been hired yet for CRLA.

“That will happen in the coming months,” Pratt said. “However, we are accepting applications and have had several well-qualified educators and potential staff members reaching out to us to inquire about teaching and serving at CRLA.”

CRLA will also require student uniforms, prohibit children access to smartphones during the school day and promote respect between students

and teachers. The school will use the FranklinCovey “Leader in Me” program as an educational foundation and intends to bring in mentors from the community to work with students.

Pratt said the school is “well on our way” when asked how the general process has gone so far with opening the school.

“The two most important next steps, finding a location and finding an excellent principal, have fallen into place,” he said. “There is still a lot of work to do, but with those two things in place, we are confident we can be ready.”

CRLA’s petition to start a new charter school had elicited some backlash from residents over concerns that the school could take over existing campus space and the use of public funds for a charter school.

Charter schools are public schools generally open to all students and which receive public funding, though they differ from traditional schools in that their curriculum and general operations are separate from the usual public-school model.

Some critics feel charter schools are essentially private schools and contribute to the downfall of the public education system, while proponents maintain they offer a healthy alternative for students and parents.

CRLA will hold an informational meeting for parents at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion, near Del Obispo Elementary School, on March 7 at 6:30 p.m.

A CUSD spokesperson had not responded to a request for comment, as of press time.

Visit calrepublicleadershipacademy. org for more information.

“I got this horse off the trailer, and I was shocked,” Maulhardt said. “What came out the trailer was this terrified, scrawny horse with bad hair.”

Maulhardt knew then she couldn’t rescue her dad with the horse, but she formed a bond with the animal, anyway.

The relationship with the horse and her dad forms the basis of her autobiographical book, A Horse Named Goofy. Maulhardt will host a book signing at Mother Earth Flowers on March 24 from 4-6 p.m.

She ended up self-publishing the book, because potential publishers she talked to told her they didn’t have the necessary staff for it. Maulhardt was adamant about her family being able to hear the story before they die.

Her father was a chauffeur and gardener for the estate owner. Maulhardt alleges her father was mistreated and unappreciated by his employer.

“My dad worked 24/7 and, in 10 years, had no vacation,” she said. “He was paid $300 a month until his death in 1989.”

Her father was 74 when he died and, according to Maulhardt, broke down when he learned he would not get his employer’s house after years of service. She was 40 at the time of his death.

“It still breaks my heart to know what my dad suffered,” she said. “I would have done anything to help him.”

Maulhardt’s mother also worked at the estate and was in charge or organizing the house and changing linens. She died of pancreatic cancer, two years after Maulhardt’s father died.

She grew up in San Juan and was raised on a ranch. Maulhardt mentions working as a kid at a pottery shack across from Mission San Juan Capistrano and at a hardware store, which is now the restaurant Bloom.

She was 13 when she purchased her first horse.

“We rode our bikes and horses everywhere,” Maulhardt said. “I would ride from the ranch all the way to Doheny (State Beach).”

She also described learning how to rope cows from the vaqueros in what is now Rancho Mission Viejo and attending a one-classroom school inside the Mission grounds.

“It couldn’t have been a better childhood,” Maulhardt said. “Everybody knew everybody. It was a magical town.”

She now lives in Ventura after moving there with her husband, who was in the Air Force, though she still has family in San Juan.

Copies of A Horse Named Goofy can be obtained at the book signing or directly from Maulhardt. It is not available online or in bookstores.

A new charter school in San Juan Capistrano called California Republic Leadership Academy is looking to open in a currently vacant building on San Juan Creek Road for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. Photo: Collin Breaux

NEWS BITES

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CD | Downtown Barbershop Rebrands with New Name

People in Downtown San Juan Capistrano can still get their hair cut at the barbershop next to Swallow’s Inn.

The barbershop was previously known as Hair of the Dog and has since rebranded with the new name Last Call Lounge for Hair.

The shop has a new name, because it is under new ownership. Though some people may have assumed the shop was closed during the past few months, it instead was merely going through rebranding—which included putting the new name on the window.

The barbershop has kept its usual hairdressing staff through the transition.

“At the end of September, we started with the renovations,” hairdresser Vicki Boone said. “We have been slowly replacing everything, so the three of us can still work here. It’s coming together. It works.”

The barbershop has maintained a rustic cowboy theme to blend in with San Juan Capistrano and Swallow’s.

“I go with the flow. I was happy before. I’m happy now,” Boone said. “It all works. I have no complaints.”

CD | Girl Scouts Raise Funds for Animal Rescue Efforts

A local Girl Scouts troop has been busy raising money for The Ark of San Juan Animal Rescue.

The troop took on the fundraising initiative as a group project for The Ark, which hosts pet adoption events and rescues forgotten animals in San Juan Capistrano and surrounding areas.

“We’re helping adopt out cats,” said Girl Scout Juliana Walker, 13. “We’re using our time to sell cookies to donate to The Ark of San Juan.”

Girl Scout members also volunteer for foster events and have bought litter boxes and cat food—the latter, $500 worth—for rescued cats.

Girl Scout Leader Jeanne Walker— mother of Juliana Walker—said they will make a “big donation” of the cat food when it arrives.

The troop began planning for the project last year and has begun executing it this year. The Girl Scouts had a table at the Fiesta Association Kids’ Pet Parade on Feb. 18.

The Walker family is currently fostering three cats.

“In 2020, we fostered a mother cat

and her kittens,” Juliana Walker said. “It feels good to help the community.”

CD | San Juan Capistrano Library to Reopen March 7

After being closed for more than a year because of renovations, the San Juan Capistrano Library will open again to the public next month.

A ceremony will be held on March 7 at 10 a.m. to celebrate the updates and welcome residents back to the local branch.

“The ceremony will include remarks from County Librarian Julie Quillman, elected officials, a ribbon-cutting and photo opportunities with children’s book character Mouse from the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series,” said David Lopez, a marketing and communications librarian for OC Public Libraries, which oversees the San Juan branch.

The local branch—located at 31495 El Camino Real, near Capistrano Union High School—has been closed since December 2021.

“The goal of the San Juan Capistrano tenant enhancement is to reimagine the existing space to ensure the facility is compliant and accessible to all,” Lopez said. “The project scope includes upgraded cabling, improved energy efficiencies, new lighting, paint, carpet, furniture, and shelving.”

“There are more computer and laptop areas, a laptop kiosk, a small new community space for programs and book

clubs, as well as dedicated teen and children’s areas,” Lopez continued.

The upgrades will also benefit the community because of access to more “collection choices,” including foreign languages, Lopez said.

“The community also gains usable space for the public to study, read and attend programs and to create a modern, inviting space where people can gather to build community,” he said.

The Graves Design Firm was consulted prior to the enhancements because of OCPL wanting to be mindful of architect Michael Graves—who designed the original building—and his legacy, as well as the building’s importance to the community.

More information about the San Juan branch and OCPL in general can be found at ocpl.org.

CD | Granger Smith Plays Post-Swallows Day Parade Concert

Even after the horses finish trotting through San Juan Capistrano for Swallows Day, the fun will still continue.

Country music artist Granger Smith will perform at The OutPost in the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park after the Swallows Day Parade on March 25, for the official post-parade concert. Smith is known for hit songs “Backroad Song,” “Holler” and “Happens Like That.”

Joining Smith will be fellow country

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

MONDAY, FEB. 27

Parks, Equestrian and Community Services Commission

5:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Parks, Equestrian and Community Services Commission will hold a regularly scheduled meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street. sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, FEB. 28

Cultural Heritage Commission

4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission will hold a regularly scheduled meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

Coffee Chat

8:30 a.m. A town hall forum on community issues. The first Friday session of the month will be held virtually via Zoom video conference; all other Friday forums will take place in person at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for information.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

City Council

5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

Learning English Class 10-11:30 a.m. The La Playa Center is hosting free English classes for adults on Wednesdays. Students will be provided materials and workbooks. La Sala Auditorium, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. crossculturalcouncil.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

singers Earl Dibbles Jr. and Lauren Alaina. The OutPost is gradually becoming a country concert hub and will also soon host Chris Lane on March 5 and Gary Allan on March 12.

The Ridland Group, the current Riding Park operators who are currently negotiating with the City of San Juan Capistrano to secure a long-term operating agreement for the venue, has promised to bring more entertainment to the grounds.

Tickets for the post-parade show can be purchased at sanjuanoutpost.com.

Hairdresser Vicki Boone stands in front of Last Call Lounge for Hair, a barbershop across the street from Breezy. The barbershop was previously named Hair of the Dog. Photo: Collin Breaux

Ysidora Forster: Heroic Matriarch of Old San Juan

As a Mission San Juan Capistrano volunteer docent, I enjoy countless hours walking in the footsteps of the past. Often, when I am in the former priests’ living quarters in the south wing of the Mission, I feel the echoes of the Forster family’s daily lives.

The family occupied the quarters from 1845-1865. My imagination slides to their steadfast matriarch, Maria Ysidora Pico Forster, and her rich legacy.

Pictured on the wall of the museum room, she was known as Ysidora. She was the wife of one of the most prominent land barons of the day, Don Juan Forster (formerly John Forster of Liverpool, England). She was a powerhouse in her own right.

With the recent opening of the beautiful new Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, which boasts the Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge, the details of her life have once again come into focus.

Her San Juan story began in the wake of Spain’s defeat by Mexico in 1821, when the Mexican government dismantled the mission system. The missions were the backbone of law and authority in Alta California.

As the secularization of the mission lands unfolded, the insolvent Mission San Juan Capistrano went up for auction. Ysidora’s brother, Governor Pio Pico, Mexico’s last Alta California Governor, sold the property and approximately 40 acres to John Forster for $710.

Taking possession of the property, the family lived there, leading the townspeople for 20 years until President Lincoln decreed that the California missions be returned to the Catholic Church, at which time they decamped to the sprawling Rancho Santa Marguerita y Flores, which today is Camp Pendleton.

When the Forster family took possession of the mission in 1845, it was in a ruinous state—abandoned, deteriorated with crumbling adobe walls, and weeds overtaking the courtyard. Certainly, John Forster worked to clean it up, but it would still have been less than luxurious.

In addition, criminal types flocked to the tiny San Juan Capistrano pueblo, a convenient rest stop between Los Angeles and San Diego. Crime, vice and law-breaking flourished. Highway rob-

beries, lynching and violence were the rule of the day.

Truly, Ysidora found herself living in the Wild West. Envision her making a home within those bare adobe walls for her very young children. Marcos and Francisco were only 6 and 4 years old, respectively. The middle child, Ana, was born in 1843 and died in 1845. What a toll losing Ana must have taken.

El Toro to Oceanside. As his holdings grew, he grandly chose to be called Don Juan in the Spanish tradition. In 1847, the Mexican-American War came to Ysidora’s doorstep at the mission. One can only speculate on how terribly stressful that would have been for the mother of young children who was also the sister of the Alta California governor, as he was being hunted by American soldiers.

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In well-documented accounts, Captain John Fremont was determined to capture Governor Pico. His further intention was to “execute” John Forster, a known sympathizer of the Mexican government.

FRIESS

In addition, Ysidora was expecting John, who was born in 1845. Soon after came Jorje in 1846, who sadly passed away by his fifth birthday. The childbirths alone would have been a challenge for any mother, but during those times in that place, it would have been most arduous.

Add to that the loss of two of her young children, and one can understand that Ysidora was clearly a woman of great internal strength.

She had been prepared for dealing with danger and adversity early in her life. As a youth while still living at home with her mother, the women of the household escaped an Indian massacre. Her mother, understanding the native language, was warned by her servant of an impending attack and was able to get the women of the household to safety in San Diego.

Ysidora’s husband, John, was named Justice of the Peace for San Juan. He assumed the difficult undertaking of keeping order in the growing town. With Ysidora at his side, the townspeople often looked to them for life solutions.

In his book, Capistrano Nights, Father John O’Sullivan, who would become a future priest at the mission, recalls that the parishioners thought highly of Ysidora, that she offered kindness through her hospitality to travelers, treated others with generosity, providing care and sometimes even marital advice. As a servant of God, she held her beliefs close to her heart and was protective of all who occupied her household.

Through the close family connection with Governor Pio Pico, John Forster was able to acquire more large tracts of land, spreading from what is today

As history tells it, Fremont and his forces were in heavy pursuit of Governor Pico, who was, in fact, nearby and hidden by Forster. In his own later writings Forster explained, “Fremont was savage for me until he had an explanation.”

Forster, whose native language was English, successfully mollified Fremont by providing both an explanation and fresh horses. Fremont rode off, continuing his search for Pico while Forster helped his brother-in-law escape to Mexico.

Shortly thereafter, the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo was signed with Mexico. Mexico was forced to cede 55 percent of its territories to the United States, including California. In 1850, California became the 31st state.

If one imagines all this from Ysidora’s perspective, trying to calm her young children while an American army was at the door wanting to capture and perhaps kill both her husband and brother, it is breathtaking in its intensity.

The family’s leadership role in San Juan continued until they vacated the mission in 1865. The next 20 years were spent on the sprawling hacienda at Rancho Marguerita y Flores, where they lived a more baronial lifestyle.

Ysidora became even more widely known for her congenial role as a hostess while the couple managed a massive cattle operation. It is said that Don Juan was an epic worker, running 5,000 horses and triple that number of cattle, sending great droves of cattle from San Juan Capistrano to Sacramento and massive runs of horses to Arizona and Utah to be used as cavalry mounts.

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The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 21, Issue 4. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. 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 2023. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GUEST OPINION BY DONNA

Ysidora and Don Juan were among the most powerful citizens of early California. When laws were passed by the new California government requiring thousands of acres of land be fenced, it depleted much of Forster’s capital. At the same time, severe droughts destroyed herds of cattle, and Don Juan’s attempts at attracting colonists failed. The land baron was struggling financially.

In a shocking turn of events in 1881, Ysidora’s beloved son, Francisco “Chico,” was killed in a marriage dispute with actress Hortensia Abarta, when the woman shot him. Understandably, Ysidora was devastated. Before she could recover from that horrendous loss, her husband, Don Juan, also died of a cerebral aneurism.

In 1882, the vast holdings had to be sold. In a 2006 videotaped interview with the great-great grandson Tony Forster (former San Juan Capistrano mayor), Tony reported that the sprawling ranch was cashed out for $250,000 in gold.

Upon the sale of the property, Ysidora moved to Los Angeles, where she stayed

with friends until she passed away within the year. She was 75 years old. Perhaps she died of a broken heart.

Ysidora lived a long and heroic life, raising her family and helping her husband oversee a cattle business including some 250,000 acres, while caring for her friends and parishioners.

When I stop at her photograph at the Mission, I can almost hear the sounds of her footsteps, as I am carried back to those long-ago days when that courageous and gracious lady helped lay the foundation for the future of Southern California. CD

Historian and author Dr. Donna Friess and her family are 50-year residents of San Juan Capistrano. Donna is the great-granddaughter of an early Southern California pioneering family. Professor Emeritus, Cypress College. Her book, Capistrano Trails: Ride for the Brand (2018), brings San Juan’s vibrant horse story to life.

A painting of Ysidora Forster by Hyatt Moore is shown hanging in the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano dining room named after her.

Photo: Courtesy of the Griffith family

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

FRIDAY | 24

LIVE MUSIC AT BARNOA

6:30 p.m. The band 40 Proof will perform at this wine bar and bistro. Barnoa Wine Company, 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. barnoawinebar.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE

8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. John Tesh will perform. Tickets are $38 to $50. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

SATURDAY | 25

LOVE YOUR BEACH CLEANUP

9 a.m. Join the Doheny State Beach Foundation and give some love back to the ocean. Volunteers will meet at the picnic tables along the boardwalk adjacent to lifeguard headquarters and San Juan Creek river mouth. Complimentary parking passes will be given at check-in and are valid until 12:30 p.m. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. dohenystatebeach.org.

CAMPESINO BRUNCH

10 a.m.-noon. The Ecology Center is providing a preview of its upcoming café menu. The sneak peek will include a four-course, family-style meal. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S

11 a.m. Jason Feddy will perform. Enjoy

FRIDAY | 24 LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE

7:30 p.m. Watch a live performance of family comedy Over the River and Through the Woods at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater. Showings will continue through March 12. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

the entertainment on the outdoor patio while you chow down on food and sip drinks. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. Trevorsatthetracks.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

GHOST WALK

7 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth near the train tracks. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

SUNDAY | 26

LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S

4-8 p.m. Come enjoy some live music and dance after having fish and chips and a pint. Local country act James Kelly Band will perform. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

MONDAY | 27

OPEN JAM

7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San

Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

TUESDAY | 28

PAINTING AND VINO ORANGE COUNTY: ‘STARRY NIGHT’

6-9 p.m. Love the impressionists, especially Van Gogh and his style? Join Painting and Vino Orange County to make your own, under step-by-step instructions. This paint and sip event is at Bella Collina San Clemente. Enjoy easy step-by-step instruction from master artist Nick LeGuern. Have a fabulous time sipping, painting, and being creative with your friends at this fun-filled painting class. You’ll be using acrylic paints to recreate the Van Gogh-inspired artwork. No painting experience is necessary to join. All supplies will be provided for you. Full bar and restaurant menu available for purchase. This event is suitable for adults and recommended for kids 13 and older. An adult must accompany any attending kids and must pay for a separate ticket. Tickets are $45. Bella Collina San Clemente, 200 Avenida La Pata, eventbrite.com.

WEDNESDAY | 01

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE

6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896

Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

USCG AUXILIARY

PUBLIC EDUCATION:

BOATING SKILLS & SEAMANSHIP

7 p.m. This comprehensive course is designed for both experienced and novice boaters. Topics include safety, radio, boat handling, rules of the road, knots, aids to navigation, knots and many other valuable subjects. Successful completion will get you the Boater Operator card not required to operate a vessel in California. Costs $70 per person and includes a textbook. To register, contact Eric Gritzmacher at ericgritzmacher@ cox.net or 949.632.2378, or Guy Heaton at guyheaton3489@gmail.com or 949.345.9686. Dana Point Yacht Club, 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point.

FRIDAY | 03

FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

SATURDAY | 04

ZERO TRASH DANA POINT

SATURDAY CLEANUP

10 a.m. Help keep the oceans clean by preventing trash from reaching the water and join Zero Trash Dana Point for a neighborhood clean-up event. Volunteers will be meeting at Girl in The Curl surf shop to pick up supplies. Girl in the Curl, 24800 34116 East Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

MONDAY | 06

BRIDGE GAME

12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

TUESDAY | 07

TRIVIA TUESDAY

6-8 p.m. Come test your knowledge about different subjects during this trivia night held every Tuesday. The Dog Pawrk Brewing Company, 27122 Paseo Espada, Suite 904, San Juan Capistrano. 949.652.3379. thedogpawrk.beer.

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Camino Real Playhouse is continuing to host live theater performances. Over the River and Through the Woods is now showing.

Photo: Collin Breaux

OFFICIAL EVENT GUIDE

WELCOME TO THE 52 ND ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WHALES

Mayor’s Message

BYMAYOR MIKE FROST

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

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

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

There are many city leaders who have devoted much of their life to increase

awareness of this critical environmental legacy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Breeana Greenberg

MEET THIS YEAR ’ S LOGO ARTIST

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Gearing up for the 52nd annual Festival of Whales, taking place in Dana Point from March 3-5, the event’s Foundation Board selected Rancho Santa Margarita resident Suzanne Maynard as this year’s logo artist.

The Festival of Whales Foundation previously held an annual logo design contest, accepting public submissions for that prior year’s logo. Before that, the foundation selected student designs for the logo.

The board chose this year’s designer from among its favorites of past entries. Maynard had submitted a logo to the design contest in 2017.

“It felt good, because at the time I was like, ‘I think this is a really good logo,’ and then I kind of forgot about it,” Maynard said. “It feels good to have the recognition that people like it.”

Maynard moved to California 10 years ago, after studying advertising at the Pratt Institute of Art and Design.

“I was in New York my whole life and just wanted a little change of pace,” Maynard said.

Maynard now lives in Rancho Santa Margarita and is a creative director at PRECISIONeffect.

When she first moved to South Orange County, Maynard especially enjoyed walking around the Dana Point Harbor. She even had her baby shower in the harbor.

Submitting the Festival of Whales logo design was a fun side gig, Maynard said. When drawing up the logo design, Maynard merged the warm, colorful aesthetic of the ’70s with beachy, coastal California vibes.

“I’m not a California native, and whenever I thought of California, I thought of this very vintagey, beachy vibe,” Maynard said. “It felt very nostalgic. I knew I wanted to create something with that kind of ’70s feel to it, that texture, the color.”

Suzanne Maynard, the Rancho Santa Margarita artist behind this year’s Festival of Whales logo, shows off her design that has been used to promote the 2023 event.

Photo: Courtesy of Suzanne Maynard

ISLAND

Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

OCEAN INSTITUTE

WELCOMING OF THE WHALES

Purple

4:45-9 p.m. The Festival of Whales and Ocean Institute invite the community to a sunset welcoming ceremony by members of the local Acjachemen Nation, along with a Dana Point Surf Club paddle-out at the Marine Protected Area beach behind the Ocean Institute. Following the beach ceremony, a reception will be held inside the Ocean Institute. The event will include food truck cuisine and beverages for purchase, a screening of the Humpback Whales movie, Ocean Institute’s free interactive educational activities and displays, live music and Festival merchandise for sale. 5

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

WAY/DP HARBOR

DRIVE

FESTIVAL OF WHALES PARADE

10 a.m. The parade route starts at the Richard Henry Dana statue on the Island Way Bridge and proceeds over the bridge, then right on Dana Point Harbor Drive and continues until it ends at Golden Lantern. The parade can be viewed from sections of the Island Way Bridge and along Dana Point Harbor Drive. The parade features giant helium parade balloons, marching bands, school groups, nonprofit organizations and floats. For more information, email recreation@danapoint.org. 1, 8, 2

DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL YOUNG ARTISTS SHOW AND SALE

10 a.m.-4 p.m. High school students from DHHS/SOCSA present artworks in various mediums for purchase. See pottery, photography, drawing, painting and more. 8

JUST HAVIN’ FUN CAR CLUB SHOW

Noon-4 p.m. On the east side of the Island Way bridge, there will be the Just Havin’ Fun Car Club Show, which will feature a large selection of classic cars, from muscle cars to hotrods to trucks and American family cruisers. 9

GOLDEN LANTERN/DP HARBOR DRIVE WHALES, TAILS & ALES (STREET FAIR)

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join Pet Project Foundation for a day of outdoor fun for the whole family—both the two-legged and four-legged members! Enjoy craft beer, delicious eats, live music, kid-friendly fun with our friends from Dave & Buster’s, dog costume contests, local artisans, dog-friendly vendors and much more. Find out more at peprojectfoundation.org. 2

BABY BEACH

CARDBOARD CLASSIC & DINGHY DASH

8 a.m.-1 p.m. Westwind Sailing hosts their 6th Annual Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash. This event is a fun-filled, family-oriented day that includes a cardboard boat building contest and race (the Dinghy Dash), business boat exhibition and public vote, food, event celebrity emcee Jim Taylor, music and awards. For more information or to register a team, visit

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

westwindsailing.com/cardboard-classic-dinghy-dash or call 949.492.3035. 15

CLAM CHOWDER COOK-OFF

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Join the fun of the 10th annual Fish for Life Clam Chowder Cook-Off, featuring delicious bites form all your local favorite restaurants! The cost to taste all chowders is $10. Guests will receive two voting tickets: one to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, and one for the Best Booth Decoration. Find out more at fishforlife.org. 15

LAGUNA CLIFFS MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA

CONCERTS ON THE CLIFF

3-8 p.m. As the official hospitality partner of Dana Point Festival of the Whales, join Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa for this special Ladies Night event featuring artists Sheena Easton and Taylor Dayne in conjunction with Bobby Dee Presents. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com. 17

DANA WHARF

WYLAND ‘ART LESSONS IN THE WILD’

9-9:45 a.m. Marine muralist Wyland continues the Landmark Whale and Dolphin Adventure “Art Lessons in the Wild,” facilitating the most creative experience on the water. Each participant will receive a free gift and create their own work of art aboard a Dana Wharf vessel. All of the artwork will be judged by Wyland himself, with multiple winners and a grand prize winner who will receive a special framed and signed art creation by Wyland, valued up to $3,000. 3

HARPOON HENRY’S

MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES:

ALISA SCHULMAN-JANIGER

9:30-10:30 a.m. Enjoy a continental breakfast while listening to a fascinating talk by Alisa Schulman-Janiger on the California Orca and Gray Whale Census. Admission is $10 for adults; children are free. 13

ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SOCIETY SHOW

10 a.m.-4 p.m. See antique and classic boats on display, including vintage mahogany and fiberglass models. Boats will be in the parking lot directly east of Harpoon Henry’s. 6

BABY BEACH

DIAMOND DIG

9 a.m.-noon. Join Monarch Beach Rotary Club for the annual Diamond Dig at Baby Beach, which raises money for children’s charities. Buy a shovel for $10, dress like a pirate, and start digging at 11 a.m. Find out more at danapointrotary.org. 15

STAND-UP PADDLING CLINICS

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the SUP craze and learn firsthand why it’s the fastest growing water sport today. These 45-minute water clinics will be held each hour on the hour—weather and conditions permitting. The cost to join is $10. Lifejackets are provided. Head to the booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center. More information can be found at westwindsailing.com. 7

INTERACTIVE SAILING RIDES

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! For $10, anyone 5 and older can enjoy 20-minute rides (with three participants maximum per boat)—weather and conditions permitting. Lifejackets will be provided. Find the Westwind Sailing booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center. All proceeds are donated to the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation for educational boating scholarships benefiting at-risk youth and adaptive boating programs. Check out westwindsailing.com for details. 7

CONCERT ON THE WATER AND BBQ

Noon-5 p.m. Bring your beach chairs and blankets to enjoy an afternoon of music, food and spirits. This free concert is held at Baby Beach, in the Dana Point Harbor with the bands playing on a floating dock. 15 Noon-12:30 p.m. Andrea Sheva (singer/ guitarist)

12:30-2:30 p.m. The Moondog Miller Band

3-5 p.m. The Reflexx

HARPOON HENRY’S

MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES:

KIRSTEN DONALD

9:30-10:30 a.m. Enjoy a continental breakfast accompanied by a talk with Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s Kirsten Donald on sea lion entanglement, rehabil-

itation and research. Admission is for $10 adults; children are free. 13

DANA WHARF

STORY TIME

10-11 a.m. Join Nona the Naturalist inside the belly of a whale for story time and learn some fun facts about cetaceans. What’s a cetacean? Find out as you sit inside a 25-foot blow-up whale. 3

KIDS’ FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP

Noon-12:30 p.m. & 12:45-5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to join this dockside fishing clinic and learn hands-on techniques on fishing from the experts. Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the clinic, which will be followed by a fishing trip. Adult admission is $61, plus license and equipment; children 12 and under are $10 with a purchase of a full price adult ticket. 3

DOHENY STATE BEACH

WHALE OF A CLEANUP

9 a.m.-noon. Celebrate the majestic migratory Gray Whale and the Festival by getting that debris off the beach before it washes out to sea and poses a threat to marine life. Those interested in participating should plan on meeting by the picnic tables along the boardwalk adjacent to the San Juan Creek river mouth. Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves and drinking water. 14

OCEAN INSTITUTE

STAND UP TO TRASH BEACH CLEANUP

9-11 a.m. Check in at the front of the Ocean Institute to sign up and get supplies (bags, buckets and grabbers). Stand Up to Trash encourages the “BYOB” philosophy (bring your own bucket or reusable bag, reusable gloves, water bottle or coffee cup) to help reduce any additional waste, but collection supplies will be available at check-in; then you’re free to roam the beach, ocean or surrounding areas to clean on your own, or make it a fun group project with friends and family. Pre-registration at standuptotrash.com is encouraged. 5

correspondnumbers with map on the following pages.

!

DANA POINT HARBOR

FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Logo merchandise will be available for purchase at booths near Dana Wharf Whale Watching on both days, as well as at the Whales, Tails & Ales Street Fair on Saturday, and at Baby Beach on Sunday. 2, 3, 15

HARBOR MUSIC SERIES

Noon-3 p.m. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds presented by Dana Point Harbor Partners, and in conjunction with Community Outreach Alliance. Musical performances will take place in the Dana Wharf Courtyard area in front of El Torito, and along the Harbor Walkway in front of Coffee Importers. 3, 13

ISLAND WAY/DP HARBOR DRIVE

ART IN THE PARK

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Browse through booths of local artisans presenting artwork in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, gems and fossils, art glass and sea glass, wood, pottery, jewelry, textiles and much more. Art in the park will be held on the west side of Island Way, on the corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive. 8

GOLDEN LANTERN/DP HARBOR DRIVE

WYLAND CLEAN WATER EXHIBIT

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

10 a.m.-4 p.m. The popular Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience is a 1,000-square-foot science exhibit on wheels dedicated to inspiring and educating people everywhere about the state and future of our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. The exhibit includes a 40-person onboard theater, an exhibit room with a running river, computer modeling simulations, interactive touch exhibits, and actual rain falling over an urban landscape. 2

BOTH DAYS OF FESTIVAL

HARBOR WALKWAY

DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION

SHOW & SALE

9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner’s Village on the east side of the Coffee Importers Espresso Bar and Harpoon Henry’s restaurant. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, woodworking and photography by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. 10

All Month Long

LANTERN DISTRICT

DANA POINT HISTORICAL SOCIETY WALKING TOUR

2 p.m. Join historians on the Dana Point Historical Society’s annual historic town center Walking Tour. See and hear the stories of historic landmarks, view home exteriors of S.H. Woodruff’s original 1920s planned community, as well as bluff top harbor views that represent the area’s early history. The tour meets at the corner of PCH and Blue Lantern, in front of the historic building now home to Coastal Kitchen. 16

OCEAN INSTITUTE

OCEAN INSTITUTE

WHALE TAIL SCAVENGER HUNT

March 5- 27. Eight decorative wooden whale tails will be hidden throughout the Dana Point Harbor area from March 4-19. To enter for a chance to win a whale watching trip for a family of four, and $300 in gift cards to local Dana Point businesses, find all eight whale tails, take a photo standing by each, and email all eight photos to recreation@danapoint.org by March 28. And don’t forget to post on social media with #DPRecWhaleTailSighting and #festivalofwhales. Please don’t remove any of the whale tails once you have found them. For additional information, contact the City of Dana Point Recreation Division at 949.248.3536.

CLASSIC CAR DISPLAYS

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pacific Coast Corvettes

Club Car Show will display dozens of classic Corvettes both Saturday and Sunday, west of the Island Way bridge. On Saturday, also on the west side of the bridge, the SoCal Woodies Club Car Show will display the best example of iconic Woodie wagons—the classic vehicle of early Southern California surf culture—and on Sunday, the Austin Healy Association of SoCal and the Jaguar Owners Club of LA will display fine British motorcars for the British Invasion Car Show. 11, 12

DOHENY STATE BEACH

DOHENY STATE BEACH VISITOR’S CENTER OPEN HOUSE TOUR

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit Dana Point’s hidden gem—the Doheny State Beach Visitor’s Center—for an open house tour and Q&A session focused on the center’s whale collection displays. 14

The Ocean Institute will be open to feature several general admission activities such as a Gray Whale Pop-up Museum, Whaling History, Jr. Whale Researcher, Senses of the Sea and much more. Admission for adults is $15; $10 for seniors; and $7.50 for kids. Head to oceaninstitute.org for more details and to purchase tickets. 5

ECO HEROES:

DREAM TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari will premiere virtual experiences for guests to enjoy on the business’s YouTube channel. These virtual experiences will include Doug Perrine, an award-winning photographer and researcher; Rick Erkeneff of Surfrider Foundation; and Tom Mustill, an author, photographer and researcher.

Whale Watching

OCEAN INSTITUTE

BOTH DAYS OF FESTIVAL AND BEYOND

DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Use Dana Wharf’s promo code FOW23 to save $10 off all tickets, excluding special (already discounted) 8 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. trips. For reservations, call 1.888.224.0603 or visit danawharf.com.

CAPT. DAVE’S DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING SAFARI

8 a.m.-4 p.m. For a limited time, save 20% instantly when you book a 2½hour Signature Safari or two-hour Zodiac Safari. For reservations, schedule and information: 949.488.2828 or visit dolphinsafari.com.

10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. These Marine Mammal Cruises depart twice each day. Join the crew for an experience you will never forget. This 2½-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65-foot research vessel, takes you miles beyond the Dana Point Harbor jetty in search of marine mammals such as migrating Blue whales, large schools of playful dolphin, the impressive sunfish known as Mola, and more. For more information or reservations, please visit oceaninstitute.org or call 949.496.2274.

WHALE WATCHING FROM LAND

8 a.m.-4 p.m. During this peak season, 40-50 whales pass by Dana Point each day, using the Dana Point Headlands’ 200-foot cliffs near the harbor as a landmark to check their migration path. Enjoy blufftop viewing from the Headlands Nature Interpretive Center.

MERCHANDISE FESTIVAL OF WHALES

EVENT MAP

The 2023 Dana Point Festival of Whales merchandise offerings include a colorful array of adult- and children-sized long-sleeve and short-sleeve T-shirts, zip-front and pullover hoodies, lapel pins and posters. There’s something for everyone!

MERCHANDISE BOOTH LOCATIONS

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

4:45-7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Welcoming of the Whales at Ocean Institute

Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, in the Wharf parking lot) Whales, Tails & Ales Street Fair

Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, in the Wharf parking lot) Near the Concert on the Water at Baby Beach

* Merchandise quantities are limited. Booths may close early if items sell out.

GETTING TO THE FESTIVAL

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

ATTENDEES CAN HOP ON ONE OF SEVERAL TROLLEYS OPERATING through the harbor to get to each event. Trolleys will make stops along Dana Point Harbor Drive, stopping in most Harbor area parking lots and event locations from Baby Beach to Puerto Place.

The Festival of Whales will offer off-site parking and trolley service throughout the weekend from Dana Hills High School. The festival trolley will make stops throughout town, and will shuttle guests from the Harbor and back. Festival organizers strongly encourage visitors to avoid Harbor traffic and take advantage of the parking at Dana Hills.

For the first time in the Festival of Whales’ 52-year history, a bike corral will be available for cyclists to store their bikes and e-bikes during the Festival weekend from March 4-5.

On Saturday, March 4, the bike corral will be located on the corner of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, in the main harbor parking lot. On Sunday, March 5, the corral will be located at Baby Beach.

Doheny Bike will provide staffing for the corrals, with Rosen Law Offices sponsoring the new service.

For more information, visit festivalofwhales.com.

GETTING AROUND

TROLLEY and Parking Information

FREE trolleys will run on Saturday (Parade Day) from 7 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM. This special Festival trolley service will begin at Dana Hills High School and include a few downtown stops, the Community Center, most Harbor area parking lots and event locations, except for a short period of time on Saturday, when a special Parade time route will run from 7 AM to approximately 11:30 AM. Avoid traffic and plan to park at the high school and trolley down to the celebration!

EBike Corrals

Bike corrals will be located in the main Harbor parking lot (on the corner of Golden Lantern & Dana Point Harbor Dr.) on Saturday, March 4 and will be located at Baby Beach on Sunday, March 5. Riders must provide their own bike locks.

PARADE TIME SHUTTLE ROUTE

Hourly parking ($3/hour, $6 minimum/$15 max for all day) is available at Doheny State Beach at the automated payment kiosks. You may also use the Passport Parking app at https://ppprk.com/ park/.

In addition to making the initial payment via the app, time can also be added remotely from your cell phone or tablet. Free parking is available in and around the Harbor, along with some paid lots. Most of the Harbor’s FREE lots are limited to four hours maximum. Keep track of time or better yet, opt for all-day parking at Doheny.

Purple numbers correspond with event schedule.

DANA HILLS STUDENTS GET UNIQUE EXPERIENCE WITH DANA WHARF TRIP

BY COLLIN BREAUX

You Never Know What You Will See

BY CAPT. DAVE ANDERSON

I AM A BLESSED MAN WITH AN UNUSUAL OCCUPATION.

I, we, have seen a lot off the coast of Dana Point over the past 28 years. I have witnessed a pod of more than 10,000 common dolphins, so large it stretched out over five miles. I’ve watched pacific white-sided dolphins and bottlenose dolphins bow riding and frolicking in front of blue whales and humpbacks and gray whales and make themselves just as vulnerable in front of our boats.

In separate incidents, we had a bottlenose dolphin and a pilot whale pushing their dead calf around unable to let go, grieving. One day, I was surprised by a gray whale mom with twins, because they normally have only one calf.

I have filmed so many amazing things with my drone within a few miles of our harbor, such as dolphin stampedes or a blue whale calf nursing from her mother or a group of eight gray whales swimming together like dolphins.

I couldn’t believe my joy at seeing a humpback whale free itself from a prawn trap, just outside Dana Point Harbor, with violent thrashes and breeches twisting and turning because they have no hands or arms to untangle themselves.

I have seen countless balloons in the water, day after day. Balloons that should be illegal to release, like any other littering on land or in the ocean.

We’ve seen hundreds, maybe thousands, of gray whales pass by our whistle buoy, jetty and harbor entrance, a few mistakenly even coming inside our harbor. I have seen gray whales breach and reach for the sky, and I’ve seen them die, taking their last breath on the shore after being entangled for over a year.

I have been towed by a blue whale

and then thought about him for days after he escaped our attempt to free him of 200 pounds of crab traps. I’ve seen way more failures than successes, as many here in Dana Point have answered their silent calls for help over the years. I’ve made my living from whales, and so I was willing when they needed my help.

One day, I had to make the call to leave and give up on the rescue of an entangled gray whale calf, because her mom wouldn’t let us get close enough to her offspring to remove the fishing gear. It was heartbreaking.

So, in January, when a gray whale actually gave birth in front of three of our whale-watching boats, I was moved to tears.

She could have easily moved away from us. Why would she give birth next to our whale-watching boats and then bring her weak, flopping progeny over to our boats, as she did that day? As if to say, “Hey, look at my beautiful calf,” as gray whales often do in the birthing grounds in Baja.

Why, when our own dogs wouldn’t even do that and might not even let you near their pups? Why did she trust us? Why do they trust us when we hunted them almost to extinction and fill the ocean with plastic and accidentally catch them in fishing gear or run them over?

We have the first and longest-running Festival of the Whales. And it is fitting. We should have a festival; we should celebrate the gray whale migration. We should celebrate all their courage—to not run away, far away from us.

And, instead, let us carefully watch them. And even trust us with their newborn. We can do better with what has been given to us to care for and protect. And we will.

Instead of taking a test or turning in homework, Dana Hills High School student Maddie Keene spent part of her school morning out on the water.

Keene, 16, was onboard a Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching boat on Thursday, Feb. 2, for a class trip visual arts students took in conjunction with the upcoming Festival of Whales.

The boat ride out of Dana Point Harbor is an annual tradition intended to foster ecological curiosity in students and so they can explore different environments in their own backyard.

Some students, including Keene, took photos of the water and sea lions they saw for a class project. Other students will draw what they witnessed or artistically convey the trip in other ways.

“I think it’s really cool that our school is able to experience these types of things, especially because we live in this area,” Keene said. “I’m really grateful that we get to have this experience when there are a lot of other kids who don’t get to see the ocean in their lifetime. I just always feel super grateful.”

Keene has gone on previous whale watching excursions, but Thursday’s outing was her first time with classmates. She has previously participated in the Festival of Whales, which will happen at around the Dana Point Harbor this year from March 3-5.

“Last year, what we did is we took whales and made a logo for the Festival of Whales,” Keene said.

This school year marks the first time Keene is studying photography, though she has taken other art classes in the past.

“Being able to take pictures of the cool stuff of the area that we live in,” Keene said of what she likes about photography. “Dana Point is a very photographic area to live in.”

Visual arts instructors Jon Ginnaty, Chau Tran and Natalie Hribar-Kelly accompanied their students on the trip. Ginnaty—who teaches ceramics—said his students might translate their trip into ceramic work if possible but, if not, will still

appreciate the life experience of going out in the Pacific Ocean.

“Festival of Whales will have a booth that displays some of our student artwork,” Ginnaty said. “We’re gaining inspiration to turn around and make objects we’ll present at the booth.”

Getting outside the classroom is a wonderful experience for the kids, he said.

“A lot of these kids might not have the resources to go on a boat like this,” Ginnaty said. “To offer this opportunity is once in a lifetime for some of these kids. To just take a break from the classroom and be out in the sun and out in the nature, what you see and learn out here is more important than what you can pick up in one day in class.”

Nona Reimer, an educational consultant for Dana Wharf, said the trip can be a starting point for students to get motivated about helping conserve the ocean environment for whales and other marine life.

“That’s how it started for me. I was a marine ecology student at San Clemente High School,” Reimer said. “I was coming out on this boat, learning about gray whales, and here I am 50-some years later still concerned about these whales.”

Talking to students and seeing their love of art come together with concern for the whales is exciting, Reimer said.

“Putting that together is going to be an amazing door opening for their future,” she said. “It’s so important to have this partnership where we can bring these kids out here.”

Reimer also addressed the legacy of the Festival of Whales for the community.

“It goes back 52 years now,” Reimer said. “Our company, Dana Wharf, was instrumental in the founding of that program because it was so important to educate the community about these amazing gray whales that were migrating up and down the coast.”

“Going back 52 years is just about when the ecotourism business began of bringing the public out to see the whales,” she added.

For those interested in booking a whale watching trip of their own, please visit festivalofwhales.com.

Dana Hills High School photography student Maddie Keene, 16, takes photos during a boat trip with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching on Thursday, Feb. 2. Photo: Collin Breaux

A gray whale mom and her new calf swim around a Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari vessel. Photo: Courtesy of Matt Stumpf

‘THE GARTH GUY’ DEAN SIMMONS ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Nostalgia will surely be in the air on March 4, when Garth Brooks tribute artist Dean Simmons performs the country singer’s tunes at The Coach House.

Simmons, who is based in Las Vegas, has never played at the San Juan Capistrano venue before and so is looking forward to his debut there.

The tribute singer makes a living imitating Brooks and goes by “The Garth Guy.” He secured The Coach House gig through his agent and has played other shows before in Southern California, a place he enjoys visiting for the weather and friendly residents.

“We’re really happy to be invited there,” Simmons said of the upcoming San Juan concert.

Not only does Simmons play all of Brooks’ biggest hits, he goes as far as looking and moving like the 1990s musical sensation. He aims to not only have similar clothes but also the same type of equipment—including using the same guitar and wireless headset microphone that Brooks did.

“I love to portray the ’90s version, with the bright clothes and all,” Simmons said.

“I try to present it as a fan of his and what he’s done for country music,” Simmons said.

As Simmons tells it, his unique vocation is one he found by happenstance. Simmons didn’t aim to imitate anybody.

Instead, he just grew up in a family of country singers. Simmons, too, took up the family pastime and—of course—sang what was on the radio at the time.

People told him he sounded like Brooks.

Then, in 1994, he ended up starting off as The Garth Guy when a concert organizer was looking for a Brooks tribute act.

“I fell backwards into it,” he said.

He’s now been The Garth Guy for almost 30 years.

Taking on the persona of Brooks has enabled Simmons to come out of his performance shell, since he was previously more of a self-described shy entertainer.

Performing Brooks songs in full regalia has enabled Simmons to travel the world and support his family through music, which he called a rare blessing. He regularly plays casinos or corporate events in Las Vegas.

Simmons also noted he’s been able to work with great entertainers.

“I play guitar, because I enjoy it,” he said.

When asked what the appeal of Brooks is, Simmons said Brooks was the benchmark for country music in the 1990s—which, before then, was considered more a genre for older

people.

“He put a little more of a rock edge into his music,” Simmons said. “He shook up the industry and brought a whole new generation into country music.”

“(Before Brooks), I was not cool for being into country music,” Simmons added.

Celebrating Brooks’ music is special for Simmons, who no longer has stage fright after nearly three decades of playing live. His attitude is more “let me at them,” because he has so much experience and confidence going into shows.

SHOW DETAILS

Saturday, March 4. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 8 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $20.

As a further wholesome touch, Simmons also noted he performs with his wife on duets. “We have a nice chemistry on stage,” he said. CD

AT THE MOVIES

‘Knock at the Cabin’ Surprisingly Delivers

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

It’s February, and we’re already getting M. Night Shyamalan’s new film, Knock at the Cabin, since the laughably stupid Old (2021).

Any movie fan will tell you by now, you go into Shyamalan movies knowing they’re going to be his usual on-the-nose, predictable schlock. You enter the theater already trying to guess what the wacky twist is going to be or who in the cast is going to have the hammiest performance.

The funny thing about Knock at the Cabin is that there really aren’t much of those tropes to be found, surprisingly enough. After years of mediocrity and lowered expectations from viewers and critics, the successful filmmaker actually reminds us that he has a distinct directing style.

Like with some M. Night ventures, Knock at

the Cabin takes place in a single location with a group of strangers stuck together. Here, it’s in the middle of the New England woods where 7-year-old Wen (Kristen Cui) meets gym teacher Leonard (Dave Bautista) while catching grasshoppers outside her family’s vacation home.

Soon, she and her dads, Eric (Jonathan Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge), discover Leonard and three other strangers—Sabrina (Nikki Amuka-Bird), Adriene (Abby Quinn) and Redmond (Rupert Grint)—come bearing weapons and a warning that the apocalypse could happen if one of them doesn’t sacrifice themselves.

Knock at the Cabin basically works as a showcase for Shyamalan’s skills as a visual director. The staging, atmosphere and editing are all solid and impressive enough to make up for his biggest weakness as an artist.

For whatever reason, he chose to hold back on his famous tropes this time and deliver a straightforward suspense-thriller with an apocalyptic background. We’re reminded of why the writer-director was considered the next big thing in Hollywood when The Sixth Sense (1999) was a hit, and continued the streak briefly with Unbreakable (2000) and Signs (2002).

The performances from the six actors in Knock are very strong, especially Bautista,

Aldridge and Cui. Knock at the Cabin isn’t perfect. The ending is still a bit underwhelming; the characters’ backstories are a little cliché; and Grint doesn’t really sound convincingly American.

But it’s tight and to the point without any extra fat. For those who haven’t checked in on our resident sci-fi/mystery/thriller moviemaker in a while and want to see that he still has it when he keeps it simple, Knock at the Cabin works well enough. CD

Country music fans will get to enjoy renditions of Garth Brooks songs, courtesy of tribute artist Dean “The Garth Guy” Simmons, on March 4 at The Coach House. Photo: Courtesy of Airbender Media

Photo: FilmNation / Universal Pictures

Rotary Club Car Show Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Red, blue, green and other brightly colored vintage cars were at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park on Feb. 11 during the 20th annual Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano Car Show.

The event is held as a fundraiser for the organization. Local residents and families browsed the collection of various vehicles during the event.

Dogs with Fix’n Fidos, a regional nonprofit focused on pet care, were also available for adoption at the event.

TEXT & PHOTOS BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

TO MARKET, TO MARKET, TO BUY…?

Interior designers are familiar with the term “going to market,” but few consumers have knowledge of what they are, or where they are. High Point Market located in High Point, North Carolina, hosts the world’s oldest and largest home furnishings “market” with more than 11.5 million square feet of showroom space in more than 180 buildings occupied by more than 2,000 exhibitors.

Twice a year, approximately 75,000 attendees (trade professionals including exhibitors, buyers, designers, celebrities, and the media) discover the latest trends in furniture, lighting, accessories, art and other products for the home. As far as I have heard, no one has ever been able to experience the entirety of this enormous event in just one visit!

Most interior designers, including myself, haven’t had the need to attend the 5-day event at “The Holy Grail of Markets” in High Point. Thankfully, other scaled-down design markets (from 2-5 days) are offered in locations including Miami, Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas—and I have attended most of them several times throughout the years.

Complementing events including The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, Coverings, Surfaces, and Light Fair educate us on the latest in large appliances, decorative plumbing, textiles, floor coverings, tile and stone, and decorative and technical lighting systems.

Although the internet can assist us in discovering and learning about any product, there’s nothing quite like seeing

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

them in person to get some inspiration. Preparing for any of these market events takes thorough planning, enormous energy, and a few pairs of comfortable tennis shoes.

What’s Happening: Seen in the Community

DESIGNER

BY MARLENE HOLMQUIST

A few weeks ago, I invited my longtime clients Ty and Anne to join me at The World Market in Las Vegas, and to write down their thoughts about the trip when they got home. Some markets, like this one, allow designers to escort two guests at a time, but only the designer is allowed to make the purchases. I came prepared with a very detailed list of which showrooms to visit.

I was curious to get feedback from them about the expectations versus the realities of their experience.

“Working with our designer, Marlene, has been invaluable,” they said. “She listens openly to our ideas, and clearly explains why something will or won’t work, preventing us from making mistakes and wasting money on things that we might otherwise have purchased or tried.”

“Her familiarity with varied products and tradespeople has broadened the horizon of what is possible. Attending the Las Vegas Market was very helpful, saving us time and money instead of making separate trips to multiple stores in many different locations to view choices,” they continued. “Marlene passes on her wholesale cost to us, charging us only for her time. Her preparation

JSerra Catholic High School hosted a wheelchair basketball exhibition game on Jan. 21. Presented by JSerra’s Adaptive Athletics Club, JSerra teachers played against the nationally ranked Ranchos Halos Juniors, a wheelchair sports team from Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. The game is part of a larger movement to make the school welcoming for disabled young athletes.

and the transparency of purchasing showed us instant value.”

“The Market experience was what she had described to us, although the sheer number of showrooms and products was still somewhat overwhelming, but in a good way,” they further said.“She narrowed down which vendors carried the type of things we were searching for, and we didn’t have to sift through it all ourselves. All in all, an interesting and fruitful trip!”

If you would like to have a local “design market” experience, I suggest visiting The Laguna Design Center in nearby Laguna Niguel. The public is welcome every Monday through Friday from 9-5, but most showrooms will only sell to the trade.

You can easily visit all showrooms in this outdoor mall in a single day and

will find everything from furniture, art and fabrics to decorative plumbing and appliances. They even have a nice café with outdoor seating to take a break between showrooms. CD

Marlene Holmquist, ASID, owns Luxury Ranch Interior Design, a full-service interior design company specializing in remodels for residences and small businesses. An avid equestrian known as “The Cowgirl Designer,” she is a member of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and Las Vaqueras Women’s Riding Club. luxury-ranch.com or thecowgirldesigner.com.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

This big kitty is Bogart, a 5-year-old charmer who just can’t wait to meet you. Bogart is a personable cat and will often greet you at the door. His favorite pastimes are being petted, playing with his toys, and taking long naps in the sun. Bogart has lived with cats and would likely make a great companion for most cats and humans. If you are interested in adopting Bogart, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. CD

Photo: Courtesy of Joe Latter Photography

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

GUEST OPINION | The Cowgirl Designer by Marlene Holmquist

2023 Kids’ Pet Parade Gives Families a Chance to Show Unique Animals

A dog wearing a superhero outfit, a snake draped around a kid’s neck, and ducks were all part of the fun on Feb. 18 at Los Rios Park during the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association’s Kids’ Pet Parade.

The annual showcase is part of the Swallows Day Parade seasonal festivities and gives kids a chance to show off their favorite animals. Some of the animals were dressed in costumes, while others were notable because of their sheer quirkiness.

Judges also selected parade winners in various categories.

THE WINNERS:

Team costume • Dominic Pule with his dog Zeus

Bird • Lily Marquina with ducks Jojo and Waddles

Kid at heart • Margo Kutner with her dog Skylar

Exotic pet • James Glynn with his snake Split

Domestic pet • Lilly Brazil with her dog Tilly

TEXT & PHOTOS BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

2023 San Juan Spring Sports Preview

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

As the champions of winter compete for their crowns, the throng of spring sports teams take to the field, diamond, pool, court, track and sand.

The spring season features a loaded schedule, with San Juan Capistrano’s high schools fielding up to a whopping 12 spring squads each, compared to the seven teams in each of the winter and fall seasons.

With high goals and expectations for several local sides, let’s look at some of the top San Juan Capistrano teams in this spring season:

GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL

As the sport enters its second season as a CIF-sanctioned sport, girls beach volleyball teams now have something extra to look forward to with their first CIF-Southern Section championship playoffs.

For a sport to warrant CIF-SS playoffs, there must be a minimum of 20% of the section’s member schools to field a team. The Southern Section reached that number this season, so there will be both bracketed team playoffs and a pairs tournament.

With CIF-SS playoffs also come divisional rankings and a preseason watch list. JSerra, St. Margaret’s and Capistrano Valley Christian all are on the initial CIF-SS Division 1 and 2 watch list. San Juan Hills will also field a beach team this season, and the Stallions play in the South Coast League with watch-list teams San Clemente and Tesoro.

JSerra opens the Trinity League against Orange Lutheran on Monday, Feb. 27, and hosts Capistrano Valley Christian on March 8. St. Margaret’s opens the Orange Coast League against Estancia at Huntington State Beach, home of all the Tartans’ league games, on Monday, Feb. 27.

The CIF-SS playoffs open the first round on April 25

Beach volleyball is contested with five pairs playing best 3-of-5 matches.

BASEBALL

When it comes to baseball in San Juan Capistrano, there’s clearly one top focus: JSerra.

The Lions finally won their first CIF-SS championship last season, and now the Lions enter the season with the target on their backs. Every single target on their backs. Name a ranking, JSerra is likely No. 1 on it, whether it’s county, CIF-SS, state, regional or national.

JSerra is, by all accounts, the best team in the country, as it awaits its season opener on Friday, Feb. 24, at Chaparral of Scottsdale, Arizona. The Lions featured 10 NCAA signees for baseball signing day back in November, including six players signing with Pac-12 schools: reigning CIF-SS Division 1 player of the year Andrew Lamb (USC), infielder Trent Caraway (Oregon State), infielder Lou Fujiwara (Washington), pitcher Brodie Purcell (USC), pitcher and outfielder Ben Reimers (Stan-

ford) and first baseman Dominic Smaldino (Cal).

JSerra opens the Trinity League at home against Mater Dei on March 7 and will play in the elite National Invitational in Cary, North Carolina, on March 29.

Don’t let JSerra’s outsized resume blot out the sun from the rest of San Juan Capistrano’s baseball scene, which features some real

competitors.

Capistrano Valley Christian is a small team to watch, particularly for its two Big 10-bound players: Indiana commit Hayden Carlson and Michigan State commit pitcher Hunter Long. The Eagles are 2-3 on the early season.

San Juan Hills posted a 3-0 win at home over CVC last Friday, Feb. 17. The Stallions (3-3) open league play at home against El Toro on March 15. St. Margaret’s begins play in the Orange Coast League this season starting on March 7 at Estancia.

SOFTBALL

San Juan Capistrano is a hotbed for both sides of the bat-and-ball sports, as JSerra, San Juan Hills and Capistrano Valley Christian were all featured on their respective CIF-SS division’s preseason watch lists.

JSerra will be tough in Division 2, and the Lions have solidified a top-three competition in the Trinity League with Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran. JSerra’s top hitter, Alyssa Grajeda, was a freshman last season and top run-producer Kaylee Layfield was a sophomore. The Lions are 4-2 so far this season and play at San Juan Hills on Friday, Feb. 24. JSerra opens league play at Orange Lutheran on March 14.

San Juan Hills is on the watch list in Division 3 after a run to the CIF-SS quarterfinals last season. The Stallions (2-3) have either lost big or won close in the early action this season. San Juan Hills will look for consistency before it opens league play at home against Aliso Niguel on March 21.

Capistrano Valley Christian jumps up two divisions to Division 5 after its first CIF-SS championship last season. The Eagles were dominant and explosive throughout last season, and while CVC graduates Orange County’s single-season home run leader Natalie Gleason, three of the Eagles’ top offensive players were freshmen last season in Katelynn Cammarato, Kylee Cammarato and Savi Maier. Kylee Cammarato was CVC’s starting pitcher last season, as well.

OTHER NOTABLE TEAMS

Securing a top place in the CIF-SS preseason rankings, as per usual, are the St. Margaret’s boys and girls lacrosse teams. The Tartans girls open at No. 3 in Division 1, and the boys sit at No. 4 in Division 1. The St. Margaret’s girls return their top two goal-scorers from last season, and the Tartan boys will have plenty of motivation from last year’s semifinal thriller loss to Foothill.

On the track, JSerra is No 1 in the CIF-SS Division 3 preseason poll, and that’s no surprise. The Lions girls cross country team was one of the most dominant and cohesive units in the state last season on the way to another CIF-SS championship and state title. The Lions won the Orange County Track Championships last season, as well. The JSerra boys are also in the rankings at No. 5 in Division 3. CD

St. Margaret’s is one of four city schools fielding a beach volleyball team this season, and it is one of three on the sport’s CIF-SS watch list. Photos: David Gangloff

JSerra baseball captures headlines as the No. 1 team in the country; both San Juan Hills and Capistrano Valley Christian will be competitive groups.

CLASSIFIEDS

GARAGE SALES

FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

SATURDAY MARCH 11, 2023 8am-12pm

X streets Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares

GARAGE SALE - FEB. 25 & 26

Huge Garage & Yard Sale Rain or Shine 2/25-2/26

26622 Calle Lago Capistrano Beach

Everything must go! Come get it before Goodwill does. Vintage, Plants, Clothes, Craft Supplies, Ephemere & Art.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE/ELECTRONICS

Lots of I/C chips, Thyristors, transistors, Triacs, L/H v diodes, Zener diodes, FET’s, volt regulators LED’s. Small motors, thermo parts, H/V pwr. supplies, H/V probes, electronic test equipment. (Tektronix) (949)276-5926

SAN JUAN PREPS ROUNDUP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

For in-game updates, news and more for all the San Juan Capistrano high school sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports and on Instagram @South_OC_Sports.

JSerra Girls Water Polo Rolls to First CIF-SS Championship

To classify JSerra girls water polo’s path through the CIF-SS playoffs as utterly dominant might be understating it.

The No. 1 seed Lions outscored their five opponents in the Division 3 playoffs by a 70-goal margin, including a 13-5 win over Sunny Hills on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine to capture the program’s first CIF-SS championship.

Zoe Gabriel, a junior, and freshmen Sloan Paulson and Sayre Duran each scored three goals. Kamryn McCord, Syd-

ney Chapman and Sophia Balkhi also scored goals for JSerra.

JSerra qualified for the CIF Southern California Regional playoffs, where the Lions opened the Division II bracket with an 8-5 win over La Jolla on Tuesday, Feb. 21. JSerra traveled to El Camino of Oceanside for the semifinals on Thursday, Feb. 23, but results were not available at press time.

JSerra lost in the CIF-SS Division 5 Final last season, and this girls run follows a nearly transcendent boys run in the fall, when the Lions advanced to the CIF-SS Open Division title game and won the CIF SoCal Regional Division I championship.

St. Margaret’s Girls Basketball Advances to First CIF-SS Title Game

St. Margaret’s girls basketball continued to showcase its top-

seed chops to make program history last Saturday, Feb. 18.

The No. 1 seed Tartans held off a late push from host South Hills of West Covina, 55-39, in a Division 5AA semifinal to advance to the program’s first CIF-SS championship game.

St. Margaret’s will take on Gahr in the Division 5AA Final on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. at Edison High School in Huntington Beach. Tickets can only be purchased online at gofan.co. General admission is $15, and students with ID and children 5-13 years old are $5.

In the semifinals, St. Margaret’s led by three at halftime, 2320, and pushed out to a 14-point lead in the third quarter on three consecutive 3-pointers from Lila Wohlgemuth. Wohlgemuth sank five 3-pointers to score 15 points.

South Hills cut the deficit to five points with just over four minutes remaining, but St. Margaret’s got another Wohlgemuth 3-pointer to stop the Huskies’ momentum and ride out the win.

Harper Gideons led St. Margaret’s with 19 points.

JSerra Boys Soccer Breaks Through Late to Advance to Second Straight Division 1 Title Game

Gavin Allageart scored his second goal of the game with less than two minutes to play in top-seeded JSerra’s Division 1 semifinal at Montclair High School to send the Lions back to the CIF-SS Final with a chance at redemption.

No. 1 seed JSerra defeated Montclair, 3-2, in the semifinal and will take on Sunny Hills in the Division 1 Final on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach. Tickets can only be purchased online at gofan.co.

It is JSerra’s third trip to the CIF-SS championship game and second consecutive appearance after a 2-1 loss to Trinity League rival Servite in the 2022 Division 1 Final. The Lions won the Division 1 title in 2010. CD

JSerra girls water polo rolled over Sunny Hills, 13-5, in the Division 3 Final to capture the Lions’ first CIF-SS championship. Photo: Courtesy of JSerra Athletics

THE COACH HOUSE

www.thecoachhouse.com

TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930

2/24 JOHN TESH – Big Band Live

2/25 DENNIS TUFANO w/special guest CANNIBAL AND THE HEADHUNTERS

2/26 YASMIN WILLIAMS

3/2 DAVE ALVIN & JIMMIE DALE

GILMORE and The Guilty Ones

3/3 WAR

3/4 THE GARTH GUY (garth Brooks triBute)

3/5 SONNY LANDRETH

w/ Cindy Cashdollar

3/8 THE WHEELAND BROTHERS

3/9 ALBERT CUMMINGS

3/10 JD SOUTHER all the hits. some of the stories

3/11 THE SMITHEREENS with guest

vocalist ROBIN WILSON

3/16 HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN

and TYLER HILTON performing elvis presley’s sun studio recordings

3/17 THE FENIANS

3/18 SERGIO MENDES

3/19 GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

3/23 PETTY CASH (Johnny cash & tom petty triBute)

3/24 SUPER DIAMOND

3/25 GENE LOVES JEZEBEL / BOW WOW WOW

3/26 BIG MOUNTAIN

3/31 BEATLES VS STONES

4/5 DUANE BETTS

& PALMETTO MOTEL

4/6 COLIN HAY Acoustic / Lazlo Bane

4/7 G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE

4/8 WILD CHILD (the doors triBute)

4/15 THE 5TH DIMENSION

4/16 HERMAN’S HERMITS ft peter noone

4/28 SKELETON CREW (grateful dead triBute)

4/29 CREAM OF CLAPTON

5/2 BETH HART

5/3 MORGAN JAMES

THE SMITHEREENS

5/5 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS

5/7 METALACHI

5/12 QUEEN NATION (Queen triBute)

5/14 HALEY REINHART

5/19 JOHN CAFFERTY

& The BEAVER BROWN BAND

5/21 LET’S HANG ON! (frankie valli & the four seasons triBute)

CLUB OF COWTOWN

LOVES JEZEBEL

6/3 JUDY COLLINS

6/8 BLACK SABBITCH (female Black saBBath triBute)

6/9 AL Di MEOLA

6/16 AL JARDINE and his endless summer Band

6/ 17 AMBROSIA

6/18 PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE

7/1 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES

7/15 SHINE ON – pink floyd experience

7/19 THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND

7/22 Y & T

7/28 SPACE ODDITY (david Bowie triBute)

7/29 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE (steely dan triBute) 8/4 PABLO CRUISE

8/18 SPYRO GYRA

8/19 MADELEINE PEYROUX 10/7 RONDSTADT REVIVAL

10/15 JOURNEYMAN (eric clapton triBute) 33157 Camino Capistrano | San Juan Capistrano