February 26, 2016

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

Inside: Official Festival of Whales Program FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 10, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 4

Tapped In South County’s craft beer Renaissance E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 6

A patron of The BrewHouse in San Juan Capistrano salutes the camera with a taster-sized beer. Photo: Alex Paris

City Council Approves Switch to District Elections EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Fiesta de las Golondrinas Season Soars into Town SJC LIVING/PAGE 28

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Musical Melodrama Returns to Camino Real Playhouse GETTING OUT/PAGE 27

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week City Pursues District Elections, Set to Hire Demographer THE LATEST: At the Feb. 16 San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved transitioning from at-large to district elections before the upcoming Nov. 8 election.

Along with approving the switch, the council directed staff to bring back a district-mapping process that would include at least three community forums to gather input and authorized the city manager to hire a demographer. Community input and the demography work would be used to determine whether to create five districts or four with an elected mayor.

The council’s discussion on Feb. 16—which took all of 20 minutes—was prompted by a voting rights lawsuit filed against the city on Jan. 27, which claims the city’s at-large elections violate the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 and result in “vote dilution for the Latino residents” by denying them “effective political participation in elections.”

Latinos account for about 39 percent of San Juan’s population, and according to city staff, no Latino representatives have been elected to the City Council for at least the last five election cycles.

City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger said during the meeting that the council first discussed the potential lawsuit filed by the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP) and San Juan residents Tina Auclair and Louie Camacho on Jan. 5 during closed session. However, the plaintiffs’ attorney, Kevin Shenkman of Shenkman & Hughes, said in an interview that there was no communication from the city after a mid-December letter was sent detailing the CVRA violation, leaving the plaintiffs little choice but to file a complaint.

Ballinger and City Manager Ben Siegel advised the council to initiate the switch to district elections—as many other cities that have been similarly sued have done— in order to avoid costly litigation.

The establishment of districts within the city will shake up the current distribution of council members, with City Councilman Derek Reeve, Mayor Pam Patterson and Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ferguson living within about a mile of each other west The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

An Orange County Transportation Authority Bus on the 191/A route stops at the Metrolink Station in San Clemente’s North Beach on Wednesday morning. The OCTA Board of Directors approved a plan to eliminate the 191 and 193 routes, which service riders from San Clemente to Mission Viejo, in October. Photo: Eric Heinz

of Del Obispo and north of Camino del Avion.

While no one spoke against the switch to district elections during the meeting, Councilman John Perry noted that depending on the size of the districts, some council members could be elected with very few votes.

WHAT’S NEXT: The City Council will consider hiring a demographer during its public meeting on Tuesday, March 1. After receiving only one proposal, Siegel and Ballinger are recommending the city hire Doug Johnson of the National Demographics Corporation at a cost of no more than $22,000 from the city’s General Fund.

Tuesday’s meeting begins at 5 p.m. and takes place at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To view the rest of the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano. org.—Allison Jarrell

City Rejects LAB Agreement, Expands Search for Lower Rosan Projects THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano

City Council voted 4-1 on Feb. 16 to reject a proposed agreement with Costa Mesa developer Lab Holding, LLC, to “explore the feasibility” of creating a “unique commercial retail/lifestyle center” on the city’s Lower Rosan property. Mayor Pam Patterson was the dissenting vote.

City officials have been attempting to sell the Lower Rosan Ranch, a 16.48acre property north of Stonehill Drive, for years and were planning on selling it through a brokerage. In stark contrast to past offers from big box stores such as Home Depot, staff described Lab Holding’s proposal as “a unique development concept.”

Had it been approved, the agreement would have created a limited term during which negotiations surrounding site plans could have been discussed.

A couple of residents questioned the transparency of the agreement during public comment and asked why the city wasn’t sending out requests for proposals for the development of the property. The majority of councilmembers agreed with those sentiments, saying they prefer a more transparent RFP process for the land rather than a non-binding agreement with one developer. Several councilmembers

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said they look forward to reviewing multiple creative proposals for the property, which could potentially include the LAB’s application.

WHAT’S NEXT: City Manager Ben Siegel said staff will develop the proposed process for the land and bring it back for future council consideration.—AJ

OCTA 191, 193 Bus Routes to be Cut in October THE LATEST: On Monday, Feb. 22, the Orange County Transportation Authority approved the adoption of its new Bus Service Plan that calls for the October elimination of two bus routes through San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano.

Lori Donchak, the chairwoman of the OCTA Board of Directors and a San Clemente city councilwoman, said there are alternatives for people who utilize those routes throughout the three cities, and the OCTA is looking to hold workshops in the near future with members of the public.

(Cont. on page 4) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) The 191 runs from The Shops at Mission Viejo to the San Juan Capistrano Metrolink Station and Avenida Junipero Serra in San Juan Capistrano. It then travels through Capistrano Beach with stops at Doheny Park Road and Domingo Avenue and along Camino Capistrano at Avenida Las Palmas and Camino de Estrella and then into the San Clemente area.

The 193 route runs through San Clemente from the Metrolink Station into Talega and back down into Capistrano Beach.

Service enhancements to the routes on the Bus Service Plan countywide will begin in June.

Donchak said there are some alternatives in the works to give people options in the interim before certain service routes are reduced.

“We’re extending the hours of the (Same-Day Taxi Program) and implementing a countywide pilot program that decreases the same-day taxi transfer costs,” Donchak said during a phone interview later that day.

The extended Same-Day Taxi Program for ACCESS users would also include an elimination of the $3.60 transfer cost between the Same-Day Taxi and the regular ACCESS service. ACCESS is the OCTA’s shared ride service for people with disabilities that prevent them from using regular bus service routes.

Donchak said the entire Bus Service Plan intends to increase the OCTA’s ridership countrywide to 1.3 million over the next three years.

The 91 bus route, which travels from San Clemente to Laguna Hills along the Pacific Coast Highway, will see no changes in service from the Bus Plan.

According to an OCTA press release, county bus services have lost more than 20 million passengers, a reduction of 30 percent, since 2008.

WHAT’S NEXT: The dates of future community meetings and availability of information will be announced by OCTA. FIND OUT MORE: Donchak said residents can contact her at 949.361.8322 or donchakl@san-clemente.org with questions.

The Bus Service Plan and a schedule of service reductions can be found online at www.octa.net/Bus/Final-2016-ServiceChange. —Eric Heinz

City Council to Discuss Riding Park Contract Tuesday THE LATEST: The City Council is set to discuss potentially renegotiating Blenheim EquiSports’ management agreement for the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at its March 1 meeting. Since the current agreement with Blenheim expires Dec. 31, the council is being asked by staff to provide direction as to whether they want The Capistrano Dispatch February 25-March 10, 2016

to enter into another management agreement or pursue other options such as managing the Riding Park with city staff or selling the park.

The 116-acre Riding Park has remained a contentious issue in town since the city first purchased it in 2010. Over the years, some residents have complained that public access to the park is too restricted, while others have said that residents and visitors are free to walk or bicycle through the park.

City Councilman Derek Reeve, Mayor Pam Patterson and Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ferguson have all been outspoken critics in the past of the city’s acquisition of the park. However, in a Dec. 18 column in The Capistrano Dispatch, Ferguson wrote that as the city’s equestrian liaison, she’s been working with Blenheim to promote greater use of the Riding Park by residents.

“If you haven’t visited the riding park lately, I suggest you do,” Ferguson wrote.

“It is open to the public, and it is a beautiful place for a picnic.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Tuesday’s meeting begins at 5 p.m. at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To view the rest of the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano. org.—AJ

CUSD Amends School of Choice Policy THE LATEST: At its Wednesday, Feb. 24 meeting, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to change a portion of the School of Choice policy to allow students of employees and teachers to attend the school at which their parents work as well as admitted students’ siblings.

The remainder of the policy change regarding immersion programs, specific schools for residents within Community Financed Districts and International Baccalaureate programs is still being revised

by CUSD staff.

CUSD teachers in attendance said they did not think allowing their students to attend the school at which they teach would burden classrooms.

In March 2015, CUSD hosted a series of meeting to discuss the school of choice policy.

WHAT’S NEXT: Applications for School of Choice opened Feb. 1 and close March 4.

FIND OUT MORE: The amendments proposed to the School of Choice policy as well as background on the issue can be found at www.capousd.ca.schoolloop.com under the Board of Trustees agenda for Feb. 24. —EH Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?

••• Send your suggestions to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

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EYE ON SJC

Community NEWS BITES SJHHS Athletic Boosters Meetings Receives F&M Bank COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

Sponsorship

TUESDAY, MARCH 1

The San Juan Hills High School Athletic Booster Club was presented with a check from Farmers & Merchants Bank on Feb. 23, as the bank is a sponsor of the San Juan Hills High School’s Ninth Annual Golf Classic, to be held on May 13 at the San Juan Hills Golf Course.

“This fundraiser benefits more than 750 athletes that comprise 23 teams at the school,” said Lisa Green, SJHHS Athletic Boosters President. “We are unique in the fact that we are the only public high school in San Juan Capistrano, but we serve many of our surrounding communities.

With decreased funding, we are reliant on sponsors like Farmers & Merchants Bank who are part of our Community Circle of Support and help provide a world class athletic program for our athletes.”

Those interested in participating in the May 13 event or becoming a sponsor can contact Green at lisa_green@cox.net for more information.

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting

5 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

To see the agenda, visit, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

Downtown Farmers Market

3 p.m.–6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from dozens of vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street.

Occurs every Wednesday. Visit www.farmersmarketsjc.com or call 949.493.4700 to find out more.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Coffee Chat

Shea Center’s Drive to Ride Fundraiser Ends Next Week

8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

The Drive to Ride campaign at the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is a month-long fundraiser aimed to provide financial aid for the center’s riders and horse care. This year, the drive includes nearly 80 heartfelt success stories written by therapy riders, parents and volunteers.

The campaign invites friends and the public to go online, read stories from each team, and select a few they wish to

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

Planning Commission Meeting

6:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

7 p.m. The Capistrano Unified School District governing body meets at district offices, located at 33122 Valle Road. To see the board’s agenda, visit www.capousd.org.

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

Design Review Committee Meeting

6 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

DISTURBANCE Paseo Laguna, 27300 Block (10:39 a.m.)

A man told police that his neighbor told him “shut up or I’ll kick your ass” at an

City Seeks Applications for Youth Advisory Board Applications are now being accepted from San Juan Capistrano residents who are interested in serving on the City Council’s appointed Youth Advisory Board.

The city is looking to fill 16 youth member vacancies and two adult advisor vacancies, with terms effective through Aug. 31, 2017.

The board, which serves as a liaison between the city’s youth and the City Council, submits recommendations to the City Council for special events, programs and fundraising events. Only youth members are voting members.

The board meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5 p.m. in the City Council chamber.

Application forms are available through the city’s website, www.sanjuancapistrano.

HOA meeting the day before. The man said he wasn’t concerned, he just wanted the issue to be documented.

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.

Tuesday, February 23

support. The goal for the entire campaign, ending on Feb. 29, is $125,000. Thus far, the drive has raised more than $67,000.

One such group looking for support is “Team Sarah and Stroud.” Sarah began riding three years ago and has progressed to being able to help other riders who need help, as she once did.

“The Shea Center has been an amazing blessing in my life,” Sarah wrote. “It enables me to improve my disabilities, to ride, care and work with the horses, to help others through volunteering, and to have great friends.”

The teams submitting their stories are all listed online at www.sheacenter.org.

Click on “Drive to Ride” in the upper right corner.

The Shea Center’s mission is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs. The center is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization addressing over 60 different physical and cognitive disabilities. Annually, it serves over 850 clients.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES La Zanja Street, 26500 Block (12:02 a.m.)

A caller reported hearing subjects “being loud and punching something.” The caller suspected that a fight may have broken out near the garages. A patrol check was conducted and police discovered the noise was actually kids playing soccer.

Monday, February 22 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle Chueca, 30800 Block (9:11 p.m.)

A woman reportedly drank dish soap and was also possibly on drugs.

DISTURBANCE Alipaz Street, 32700 Block (8:55 p.m.)

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org, and at the City Clerk’s office, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto in San Juan Capistrano. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1. All questions concerning the commission or the application process should be directed to the City Clerk’s office at 949.493.1171.

San Juan Elementary to Host Fundraisers March 5 San Juan Elementary School will be holding two fundraisers benefitting the school on Saturday, March 5. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the school is hosting a clothing and shoe drive for the fifth grade Outdoor Science School. Organizers are encouraging prospective participants to clean out their closets and pack items in large trash bags, ask friends, family and neighbors to donate, collect unsold items from garage sales and coordinate drop-off locations.

The school is accepting clothes, shoes, rugs, gloves, hats, towels, blankets, bedding, drapes, purses, belts and stuffed animals. The more bags and weight collected, the more money the school raises.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the elementary school campus is also hosting a free electronics recycling event, sponsored by San Juan Children’s Education Foundation.

Participants can drop off their cell phones, laser and inkjet cartridges, laptops, iPods, tablets, eReaders, notebooks and iPads.

All proceeds will benefit the school.

San Juan Elementary is located at 31642 El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano.

For more information on the recycling event, contact Krisztina Hatfield at kriskafeoc@gmail.com or 949.326.8686. For additional information regarding the clothing and shoe drive, contact Teresa Llamas at teortiz@hotmail.com or Cathy Cuevas at cathycuevas@cox.net.

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

A patrol check was requested for a strong odor, possibly from a controlled substance, coming from the trailer to the right of the caller’s home. The caller said the neighbor was also being “extremely loud.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida de la Vista, 31500 Block (7:01 p.m.) A man reported a beeping alarm that was “emanating from within a plastic bag” which had been “placed in a nearby trash receptacle.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES San Juan Creek Road, 32100 Block (2:57 p.m.) A caller reported hearing a man yelling while on the fairway of the fourth hole at the San Juan Hills Golf Course.

The caller said the yelling seemed to be coming from the road; the man sounded like he was in pain or needed help. www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Tapped In

ated with Oktoberfest in mind. DiLibero was inspired by the similarities between the German festival and San Clemente’s Fiesta Music Festival held annually on Del Mar Street, and he knew the summer heat necessitated a crisp lager. Another unique beer that came out last month, Orange County IPA, derives its flavors from actual Orange County oranges as well as Mandarina Bavaria hops, which smell remarkably like mandarin oranges.

It seems fitting that craft beers’ influences are so various, since the way people experience craft beer varies so much.

“You might not be able to describe the complexity,” DiLibero said, “but there’s a lot to talk about not just the flavor itself but how it makes you feel as a person.

What does it remind you of? Does it smell good? Is it harsh? Drinkable? You break it all down and then start talking about the flavor profiles. The more you explore, the easier it gets to talk about complexity and the little things.”

South County’s craft beer Renaissance PHOTOS AND STORY BY ALEX PARIS, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

P

erhaps the greatest advantage of beer is its versatility. It can be simple in taste or extremely complex. It can be as pure as four ingredients or formulated to adopt almost any flavor from any ingredient imaginable. It’s the amenable, unassuming nature of beer that’s conducive to widespread appeal. There’s a flavor out there for everyone, and some people become so passionate about those flavors they feel compelled to create and share them with everyone else. It’s an inherently community-forming craft.

Pioneers of the local craft scene, such as Pizza Port and Left Coast, have helped create a thirst for quality that they themselves—and a new wave of passionate entrepreneurs—aim to quench. The beer culture in south Orange County is diversifying and expanding, and listed below are the breweries and some of the trendsetters contributing to that shift in the tri-city area.

ARTIFEX BREWING COMPANY

PIZZA PORT BREWING COMPANY After opening their doors in Solana Beach in 1987 and again in Carlsbad in 1997, Pizza Port chose San Clemente as its third locale in 2003, making it the first brewery to establish a presence within the city’s borders.

The company has been brewing its own beer since 1992 and the San Clemente Pizza Port is no exception, offering patrons a wide array of house-made craft beer, much of which is served exclusively on location.

Pizza Port brewer Trevor Walls said customers constantly push him to adapt their selection. A small cask stashed in a fridge behind the bar is symbolic of Pizza Port’s experimental, community-centric way of brewing. It holds one-off beers with ingredients almost everyone loves but almost no one else brews with—things like Mexican chocolate, Nutella and even Captain Crunch cereal. The brewery has also been known to utilize ingredients from the farmers market down the road in addition to indigenous herbs such as sage.

Walls said his first taste of Pizza Port’s El Camino IPA—the first India Pale Ale brewed in San Clemente—came long before he began working for the brewery.

A big part of what makes San Clemente brewers unique, he said, is that they all make exceptional IPAs. Though the brewpub serves a wide variety of styles on tap, a whopping six out of 24 are IPAs—a result of the constant demand from customers for new variations of the style.

Walls attributed some of the local preference for IPAs to how it complements the bold local flavor in the area, such as the spice of Mexican fare and other bold cuisines.

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

Above: A glass of beer brewed at Pizza Port San Clemente sits among some Amarillo hops the brewery uses in some of their beers. Below: Head Brewer Trevor Walls describes some of the characteristics of their The Hops Awaken beer poured from the fermenter behind him at Pizza Port San Clemente.

South Orange County in “general is a culmination of a lot of people; it’s a melting

pot. So their beer has to be

”

unique; it’s got to stand out.

— Pizza Port Brewer Trevor Walls “South Orange County in general is a culmination of a lot of people; it’s a melting pot,” Walls said. “So their beer has to be unique; it’s got to stand out.”

LEFT COAST BREWING COMPANY Established in 2004, Left Coast Brewing Company is the second oldest brewery in San Clemente and by far the largest in volume and distribution. The brewery offers six beers available in bottles yearround in addition to a beer club that grants participating patrons priority access to two different bottles of barrel-aged beer every three months.

Left Coast’s barrel-aged beer is occasionally available on tap at their tasting room in San Clemente, which is set to add three more taps in the near future. The brewery is also preparing to open a new taproom near the Spectrum Center in Irvine, which will sport 20 to 30 taps, with up to 10 taps allocated to barrel-aged beers.

Master Brewer Randal DiLibero said the inspiration for new beers comes from a variety of sources. Sometimes the brewers will discuss the beer they’re drinking and suddenly have an epiphany. Or, as in the case of their triple IPA, it comes from customers’ demand for a certain style. The Del Mar Street is a German-style beer cre-

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The fledgling brewery is growing up fast, with enough popularity to triple their capacity from 1,200 barrels of beer to 6,000 before their second anniversary. Though standing on their own now, the San Clemente brewery was originally hamstrung by delayed construction, which resulted in Pizza Port lending a hand and a brewery to produce their first beer, San Clemente IPA. That beer inspired the crowd favorite “No Name IPA,” and the brewery is now known for its hoppy beers. But they’ve already won awards for their Irish Red and Schwarzbier, and have a wide variety of other styles such as Unicorn Juice, the passion fruit flavored American Wheat Style, and a Honey Blonde Ale that’s available only at Board and Brew.

The way the brewery seamlessly transitions into the tasting room creates “the feel of a production facility, kind of like sitting in the kitchen of a restaurant.

We wanted it to be that way because you get to interact with everyone” said Tom Cordato, a partner at Artifex.

And Artifex listens to the court of public opinion: if sales are down on a particular beer for a couple months, they won’t brew it again and brew something else instead.

In an effort to offer something new, Artifex recently acquired eight wine barrels to age beer in. They also hope to start bottling for the local market by the end of the first quarter and open a tasting room outside of the tri-city area by the end of the year.

Artifex originally chose San Clemente for its geographic centrality and for the potential Orange County has to emerge as a craft beer-centric place.

Johnny Johur, one of the brewing partners, was surprised by how friendly and helpful other breweries have been and said local collaboration with the brewers at Pizza Port and Left Coast provides motivation and inspiration to “continually make better beers.” www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Tommy Shankland serves up craft beer tasters at Artifex Brewing Company’s tasting room and brewery in San Clemente.

Head Brewer of Left Coast, Jim Clarke, adds hops to a kettle of boiling wort.

Andrew Reed, a co-owner of The BrewHouse in San Juan Capistrano, pours some craft beer tasters.

THE BREWHOUSE The unassuming locale and casual atmosphere of The BrewHouse conceal an almost daunting selection of 30 rotating taps of craft beer, one of which is the establishment’s recipe brewed in collaboration with Valiant Brewing, and none of which have been repeats since The BrewHouse opened its doors last year in San Juan Capistrano. Guiding visitors through the menagerie of brews are the owners, bartenders, brewers and beer enthusiasts, Ron Bland and Andrew Reed.

“Every individual who comes in here has a different way of looking at things and different things that they want out of their experience, so you just have to figure out what that is based on for that individual,” Bland said. “I can sit down with someone and in 10 minutes get a good idea of what their palate is really like.”

Although they keep a few familiar beers on tap, some brews are so exclusive that Reed and Bland have to pick up the kegs themselves because the brewers don’t distribute. Perhaps the most exclusive beer they serve is their own, which, for the moment, can only be had there. It’s a Belgian strong blonde style that cycles with its two variants—a blackberry version called Berry Vunderf’l and a cherry version called Rainy Sundae that has “a The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

(From left) Craft House sous chefs Crews Wells and Jason Naaman and chef and owner Blake Mellgren pose on the patio of their soon-to-open Dana Point restaurant.

very robust cherry quality without tasting like cough syrup or anything like that because we use real cherries instead of artificial flavoring,” Bland said.

Bland first developed his craft beer palate by purchasing bottles of the same style of beer from different breweries and sharing them with fellow members of his beer club, the Orange County Beer Society. The BrewHouse’s massive list of bottles and brews on tap demonstrates that he still does a lot of purchasing but now shares them with his customers.

DOCENT BREWING San Juan Capistrano has a new brewery in planning called Docent Brewing. Partner Joe Wilshire recently signed a lease for property close to the San Juan Creek Trail on Calle Aviador and hopes to open the brewery sometime in the third quarter of this year, contingent on state approval.

Wilshire and his three partners plan on brewing a wide spectrum of beers in their newly aquired 15-barrel system for the residents and visitors of San Juan Capistrano.

“We really want to focus on our tasting room, having a place the locals can go to hang out to taste new recipes and take a growler home,” Wilshire said. “It will all be indoors but will have nice views of the mountains.”

DANA POINT/CRAFT HOUSE While Dana Point has yet to add a local brewery to its landscape, a handful of the city’s restaurateurs have embraced craft beer as an integral part of their dining appeal. Establishments such as The Shwack Beach Grill, StillWater Spirits & Sounds and the soon to open Craft House have made a point of offering diverse selections of craft brews. The Shwack has 12 taps and usually at least one serving a brew from San Clemente to accompany its beach town atmosphere. StillWater has 50 beers on tap with a portion dedicated to a different local brewery each month to serve a variety of their styles.

Olamendi's Mexican Restaurant in Dana Point recently started serving "Olamendi’s Cerveza California" on draft, their house beer brewed by Indian Wells Brewing Company of Inyokern, California. Jorge Olamendi Jr., a manager at the restaurant, describes their private label lager as "a mix between Bohemia and Pacifico [beers], smooth, without a bitter bite."

Though the name hints at brewing, Craft House isn’t in the business of brewing its own beer. However, Dana Point’s newest eatery, slated to open March 10, values craft brew and plans to have a house beer on tap called 1914 Heritage Ale—an extra special bitter style co-

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branded with AleSmith Brewing Company of San Diego.

“We chose that for the house beer because it’s the happy medium between the hop enthusiast and the light beer drinker,” said Craft House owner and chef Blake Mellgren. “It’s something that fits the full spectrum.”

The restaurant will have seven other craft beers on tap representing breweries from San Diego to Paso Robles, with an eclectic farm-driven menu to pair with them. They describe their food and drink menus as “living, breathing things” that will be different every time a diner visits.

Craft House sous chef Crews Wells describes their philosophy in the same way that local craft brewers do.

“As much as we want to educate people and share our knowledge with people, we’re not trying to tell them how it is,” Wells said. “We’re trying to figure out their palate and the best way to make them happy.”

The restaurant will open with limited hours initially. Eventually, Mellgren plans to expand their hours to include Mondays, dedicating them to tap takeovers, full beer dinners, wine dinners and industry nights.

With more breweries cropping up on the horizon, south Orange County is poised to develop a reputation as a destination for unique, quality beer. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

MAJORITY OF CITY COUNCIL LACKS COMMON SENSE

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

—Wayne Schrimp, San Juan Capistrano It is once again apparent that a majority of our seated City Council lacks all possible common sense required to do the job that they were elected to do. It seems there is no end to their personal agendas, nor do they attempt to do what is best for the majority of our city’s residents. The needs of the few should never outweigh the needs of the many.

They want to put a stoplight on Ortega Highway at the bottleneck? Are they crazy?

As a resident near Avenida Siega for more than 10 years, I have watched the traffic grow on Ortega Highway month after month, year after year. It has now become so bad that I refuse to drive home that way at certain times of the day, as it backs up all the way to the Interstate 5 freeway.

So the majority on our City Council does not want to relieve the severe traffic congestion in any way by widening the road as needed, but instead now wants to slow the traffic even more by installing

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Near Reata Park on the east side of town, Ortega Highway widens from two lanes to four lanes. The City Council voted in January to keep the two-lane 0.9-mile section of the highway as it is, rather than completing the widening. Photo: Allison Jarrell

a stoplight at the worst possible place on Ortega Highway. I just have to ask: did a majority of our city’s residents actually vote for these people?

Like I said, I live right off of Avenida Siega, and although a light would be great to allow people to safely turn left onto Ortega (a right is usually not a big problem), I have no problem driving down to La Novia to get a turn light. There just is not enough traffic on Avenida Siega to warrant the installation of a light at this location. In the road’s current condition, a traffic light will slow down the flow of the already crawling traffic at the bottleneck and make things so much

worse on Ortega, especially at rush hour.

The “pulsing” of the proposed traffic light will only cause a parking lot-type standstill to occur on the highway.

The City Council must not install a traffic light anywhere on Ortega until they rescind their decision on widening Ortega and the widening of the road has been completed. Anything else just does not make sense to anyone with even the slightest bit of common sense.

HOSPITAL CONVERSION WOULD NOT HAVE EFFECT —Ray Chaplain, San Clemente Regarding the emergency room at Saddleback Hospital San Clemente, I hope the following information will help clarify one issue. Public concern appears to revolve around the possible lack of a nearby ER if MemorialCare’s plans are implemented. There seems to be confusion that paramedics would then need to bypass San Clemente and take critical patients to Mission Viejo or Laguna Hills. If the patient is a heart attack victim, the paramedics have been bypassing San Clemente for years since the hospital does not have (and never has had) the most important service needed to treat a heart attack: the catheterization lab. The cath lab has specialized equipment that interventional cardiologists and supporting team members need to remove coronary clots, to place stents and possibly pacemakers and defibrillators.

Thus, converting the hospital to a first-class outpatient facility and an urgent care will most likely not have any effect on heart attack victims. Full disclosure: I worked part time at SC hospital (pharmacist) until 2012. Two years ago I suffered a severe MI (heart attack) at home and am alive today because the paramedics stabilized and transported me directly to Mission, where I was treated in the ER and sent immediately to the cath lab for clot removal and a stent. So perhaps I have a unique perspective on the issue.

Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@thecapistranodispatch.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@thecapistranodispatch.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Melissa Calvano, Evan Da Silva, Debra Holm, Alex Paris, Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 4. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www. 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 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@thecapistranodispatch.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

Page 8

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List What’s going on in and around town

Wednesday | 02

EDITOR’S PICK

PAINTING AND VINO 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sip wine while participating in a painting class. All supplies provided. $45. Register at www.paintingandvino.com.

StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 26 SOULJAM FEAT. VANCE SCHMITZ 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at San Juan Hills Golf Club’s 19 Sports Bar & Grill.

32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.1919, www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

Thursday | 03 GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 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.

DOO WAH RIDERS 8:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Saturday | 27 SAN JUAN CREEK GUIDED HIKE 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Led by Jan Duquette, this 90-minute walk begins in the Los Rios parking lot in San Juan Capistrano, goes south along the banks of Trabuco Creek and then east along San Juan Creek. The walk will conclude back in Los Rios Park. $15 suggested donation. 31661 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

DANA POINT SYMPHONY 7:30 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony Orchestra kicks off its four-concert 2016 season with conductor Dean Anderson and featuring Aya Kiyonaga on violin. Program includes Grieg’s “Two Elgiac Melodies,” Bedrich Smetana’s “Má Vlast Moldau” and Brahms’ “Violin Concerto” and “Hungarian Dances.” Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, seniors and military.

Buy tickets online or at the door on a first come, first served basis. St. Edward’s Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, www.danapointsymphony.com.

Couples dressed in their Western best and danced the night away at last year’s El Presidenté Ball.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

FRIDAY, MARCH 4: EL PRESIDENTÉ BALL 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s 2016 El Presidenté Ball is a Wild Western formal event celebrating the heritage of San Juan Capistrano. Enjoy great food and old-fashioned fun while dancing to live country western music at El Adobe de Capistrano. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased in advance online or at Fiesta Association meetings or events.

Tickets will not be available at the door. 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

Sunday | 28

Tuesday | 01

HANDS & PAWS CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH FUNDRAISER Noon-3 p.m. Join Hands & Paws for a champagne brunch and live entertainment at Casanova Ristorante to benefit The Ark of San Juan, a local companion animal rescue. Tickets are $50 and include hors d’oeuvres, salad, choice of main dish, dessert, champagne, wine and a raffle ticket for a hotel stay in Las Vegas. 33585 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

CURIOSITY CARTS AT THE MISSION 10 a.m.-noon. Every Tuesday and Thursday, educational carts at Mission San Juan Capistrano offer visitors a close-up view of historical artifacts, including branding irons, spurs, horseshoes, hides, candles, pottery shards and objects used by the Juaneño Indians. Access to the carts is free with paid admission to the Mission.

Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the city of San Juan Capistrano, the 2016 State of the City address and dinner with Mayor Pam Patterson will take place at El Adobe de Capistrano this year. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a presentation on the current state of the city. Tickets are $65 or $600 for a table of 10 and can be purchased by visiting www.sanjuanchamber.com or calling 949.493.4700. Reservations are required; no tickets will be sold the night of the event. El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m.-9 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents a monthly movie night. A $2 donation supports the library. Call the library for more information. La Sala Auditorium at the San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

(Cont. on page 27)

At the Movies: ‘The Witch’ Is the One

BY MEGAN BIANCO

F

or the past few years, cinema has churned out some great atmospheric, slow-burn horror/ thriller indie flicks that have saved the film industry from completely selling out to superheroes. With the likes of Under the Skin, The Guest, It Follows and Ex Machina have been dazzling film fanatics, and newcomer Robert Eggers offers his own trippy experience with The Witch. A hit during the festival circuit throughout the past year, Eggers’ horror period piece is The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

the unusual must-see for this February.

In 1640 New England, a family of English immigrants settle in the middle of a forest filled with tall trees and gray weather. Isolated from most of society, the family cares to its children and farm animals. While the eldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is watching over the baby, the youngest child is abducted into thin air. The parents, William (Ralph Ineson) and Katherine (Kate Dickie), wonder if there’s evil around the forest, while younger son Caleb (Harvey Scrimshaw) is curious of what’s beyond

the woods.

Eggers wisely casts unknown actors for the family members and the movie benefits from the slow pacing and period detail, particularly the old English dialogue, with the actors not feeling out of place. The Witch does everything a quality arthouse feature should: create a unique universe, set a solid tone and theme, use distinctive direction and tell a story through aesthetics and atmosphere. For movie fans who want to see one of the creepiest horror movies since Crimson Peak, The Witch is the one. CD

Page 10

Photo: Courtesy of A24

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EN ES PR D BY

Inside: maps, Schedules & more

TE

EVenT pROgRam

Welcome to the Migration Celebration

BY JOHN TOMLINSON, MAYOR, CITY OF DANA POINT

On behalf of Dana Point, I welcome you to the 45th anniversary of the Dana Point Festival of Whales—one of our city’s marquee events showcasing all Dana Point has to offer.

Dana Point is home to some of California’s most scenic vistas. In addition to whale watching boat excursions offered during the festival, these coastal perches are ideal locations to experience local marine wildlife and the annual California gray whale migration.

A visit to the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area is a must. At the Headlands park, visitors will find our city’s nature interpretive center where you can learn more about the area’s natural history, local conservation efforts and the region’s flora and fauna. The Headlands park also has a network of trails providing access to one of the most scenic beaches in the state—Dana Strand.

The annual celebration kicks-off Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m. with a parade down Pacific Coast Highway and fair at La Plaza Park. Joining the opening day festival lineup is the inaugural Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash, a cardboard boat building contest, race and barbecue. Also on opening night, the city is hosting a viewing of Free Willy: Escape from Pirates Cove at Lantern Bay Park. Fun starts at 6:30 p.m. and the popcorn is free.

This two-weekend extravaganza is full of activities for the whole family including kids’ fishing clinics, a sand sculpting competition, classic car displays, the educational Ocean Awareness Day, hidden treasure Diamond Dig and the ever-popular Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-off.

Another festival highlight is Art in the Park—a showcase that sees local high school students display their artwork and marinefocused science projects alongside professional artists during the festival’s second weekend. Here, student teams will be creating a sidewalk chalk art display and, in an effort to utilize art to convey an important environmental message, they will construct a 9-foot-tall by 30-foot-wide gray whale rib cage and spine out of various plastic items to visually share the impact single-use plastics have on the ocean.

The celebration concludes on Sunday, March 13 with the spectacular Concert on the Water featuring performances from The Eliminators, Sapadilla and Garratt Walkin & The Parrotheads.

You can find a full list of events and attractions in the pages of this program. And while you are here, be sure to take advantage of the festival’s free shuttle service and water taxi.

Again, on behalf of all of Dana Point, please enjoy the always fun-filled, educational and exciting Dana Point Festival of Whales!

Dana Hills High School students photograph and sketch wildlife on a whale watching trip to find inspiration for the Dana Point Festival of Whales logo contest.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Five years ago students took over. The Dana Point Festival of Whales logo that is.

For years, the work of renowned artists decorated the annual celebration—artists like Wyland, known internationally for his marine art raising environmental conservation awareness, and the movie poster illustrator Phil Roberts, who designed posters for films like Bad News Bears, Austin Powers and Encino Man. California’s whale tail license plate codesigner, Bill Atkins, and the surf classic Endless Summer poster illustrator John VanHamersveld, too, have lent their talents to the festival’s logo.

A new tradition arose in 2012 following the resurgence of a 1990s festival logo—a whale fluke, or tail, swimming amid a sea of colorful confetti. That year a bold logo with deep, vibrant shades of yellow, blue and red depicting a fluking whale against Dana Point’s famed Headlands welcomed guests.

Its designer, Carver Moore, bested an impressive field of entries in the festival’s first logo design contest, a challenge featuring only student entries. The 2011 Dana Hills High School graduate became the first in a now-treasured festival tradition that sees local students vying for the ultimate, official logo, prize.

This year’s winner is Camden Butterworth, a Dana Hills sophomore who utilized skills learned in her multi-media and design class to take her logo entry in an entirely different direction than past festival designs.

“I wanted to go for a cartoonish look with smooth lines and lettering—a simple design that would be fun and different to look at,” she said. Her logo design, the official brand of the 45th

YoUtH in FOcuS Student-centric festival program fosters meaningful interaction with community

FIRST PLACE Camden Butterworth

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales • March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 • festivalofwhales.com

SECOND PLACE Anthony Aguilar

annual event, now appears on advertisements, event programs, online media and festival merchandise.

“I’ve gone to the festival with my family growing up and last year some of my art was on display,” Butterworth said. “But to be this year’s logo designer is a huge honor. To have my logo be among all the famous artists who have done it in the past, as well as the student designs, is amazing.”

Butterworth’s logo, along with those from runners-up Anthony Aguilar (second place), Agustina Cruz (third place), Chloe Gaynor (fourth place) and Fatemah Khanmohammadi (fifth place), will be on display throughout the festival’s Art in the Park event—an art-focused affair stretching both festival weekends featuring artwork from both local students and professionals.

The student art program began in 2011 with Penny Elia, executive director of the festival, looking for ways to engage area youth in new and exciting ways. With the help of Natalie Hribar-Kelly, a digital photography and ceramics teacher at DHHS, the contest was born, and with it student participation in the festival’s Art in the Camden Butterworth, a sophomore Park showcase and an annual at Dana Hills High School, had her design chosen by Dana Point Festival field trip at sea for students to of Whales organizers as the official find inspiration. logo for the 45th annual event.

Every year, students embark Photo: Andrea Swayne on the trip during the heart of the California gray whale migration season to view the mammals in their natural habitat. Sketchbooks and cameras in hand they draw marine life and snap images of their surroundings.

Ninety fine arts students attended the first year. Interest among both students and teachers has grown exponentially since. This January, more than 200 students and eight teachers from the

THIRD PLACE Agustina Cruz

FOURTH PLACE Chloe Gaynor

FIFTH PLACE Fatemah Khanmohammadi 3

school’s English, science, math, theater and culinary arts departments boarded whale watching vessels provided by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching and Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari to observe and work on curriculum created for the outing.

Incorporating STEM subjects—science, technology, English and math—together with the arts to form a STEAM-based educational experience was the perfect way to satisfy the growing interest among teachers and students, Hribar-Kelly said. Elia agreed.

The expansion fulfills one of the festival’s core missions: to involve and educate the entire community and highlight the talent of the city’s next generation of leaders.

“Everybody’s heard of STEM as an educational focus, but art is the way to open minds,” Elia said. “It is our responsibility as adults to mentor the next generation and I think the festival gives us a good platform to do that, across all academic subjects. And the festival will now have a whole lineup of student-created entertainment stemming, or should I say ‘STEAMing’ from the original logo program.”

Just as the field trip has expanded, so too has student festival participation.

Students have displayed their artwork alongside professionals at Art in the Park for the last five years. New in 2016, students will not only showcase their art, they will also be creating it. Fine arts students will create sidewalk chalk art during the festival’s second weekend.

Marine biology students, too, will fashion art. Using only single-use plastics, students will construct a whale sculpture to visually

convey the negative effect such materials, and their pollution, have on the oceans and marine life. This life-sized spine and rib cage—standing 9-feet-tall and 30-feetwide—will be large enough for guests to walk through.

“We used currents to understand the current situation of plastic pollution in the ocean,” said environmental science teacher Randy Hudson of his students’ studies. “We don’t see it because it gets kind of entrained in these larger-scale currents offshore …

We’re learning about how we are finding whales with plastic in their gut and chemical effects in their blood.”

Students will share what they’ve learned through observations of currents, waves and tides—physical factors of the ocean— and how those, along with pollution, effect the biological ocean inhabitants.

Dana Hills’ involvement doesn’t end there. Along with the longtime participation of the marching band in the festival parade, an estimated 15 percent of the school’s 2,700 student body—about 400 students— will be involved in the event. In years past, culinary students faced off against local eateries and organizations in the Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-off and baked goods for various festival events.

“What’s really exciting about this year’s expansion is that we’ve created this really well-rounded program that reaches all kinds of kids, with varied interests, and gives them new opportunities to interact with each other and the community in a very meaningful way,” said Rhibar-Kelly.

—Andrea Papagianis. Andrea Swayne and Allison Jarrell contributed to this story.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

KeEpiNg The FEsTivAL cLeAn, GreEN The Dana Point Festival of Whales brings thousands together each spring to celebrate the Pacific Ocean and the California gray whales’ migration from Baja California lagoons to the Bering Sea. This four-decade-long, ocean-friendly tradition is rooted in environmental awareness, education and fun.

To guarantee that guests for generations to come have the same opportunity to observe and learn about the region’s marine life, festival organizers ask all participating sponsors, exhibitors and guests to be stewards of the ocean—both while enjoying the festival’s merriment and when they return home.

Sponsors, exhibitors and participants

have been keeping the festival’s location—right at the water’s edge—in mind when planning events for years. In doing so, guests will likely not find balloons, stickers, temporary tattoos, flyers, singleuse plastics and other items that could find their way into the ocean.

Festival-goers are also asked to do their part to keep the festival, and local ecosystem, green and clean. A simple way to reduce your impact is to pack a reusable water bottle. Drinking fountains are conveniently located throughout the Dana Point Harbor. Learn more about how you can have a positive impact on the environment during Ocean Awareness Day—Sunday, March 6—at Baby Beach.

SAVE ENVIRONMENT, CASH WITH MASS TRANSIT TRAVEL In the spirit of conservation, the Dana Point Festival of Whales, Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink have once again teamed up to help guests celebrate the California gray whale migration with an affordable, hassle-free and environmentally-friendly means of travel.

Throughout both festival weekends OCTA and Metrolink are offering a $10 weekend day pass—valid for system-wide travel all day Saturday or Sunday.

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.

Festivalgoers can also bike from San Juan to Dana Point by way of the San Juan Creek trail. This 3-mile trail leads to Doheny State Beach.

Weekend day passes, providing roundtrip transportation and transfers all-day Saturday and Sunday, are available at Metrolink ticket machines. Log on to www.octa.net/whales for full festival-transit schedules.

In addition to enjoying traffic-free festival travel, masstransit riders can also receive special offers during the festival by showing their Metrolink ticket, OCTA bus pass or 91 Express Lanes transponder.

HERE ARE THE FOLLOWING EXCLUSIVE OFFERS: BOAT RENTALS

Be your own captain and cruise the harbor on a 21-foot 6

electric boat from Vintage Marina Partners. Receive 50 percent off your rental. Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Minimum one-hour rental fee required. Reserve by calling 949.496.6177.

PARKING

DINING AND DRINK SPECIALS

• Buy one premium coffee beverage at The Coffee Importers, located in the Dana Point Harbor’s Mariners Village on the water’s edge, and receive a second one free.

• Snag a seat in Harpoon Henry’s spacious dining room with panoramic harbor views to receive your complimentary chef’s choice appetizer with an entrée purchase. One per table.

• Enjoy a free side salad with each sandwich purchase at the dockside eatery, Proud Mary’s Restaurant.

• Receive a free house appetizer of the chef’s choosing with the purchase of an entrée at Wind & Sea Restaurant.

Limit one per table.

OVERNIGHT STAYS

Don’t miss a minute of the action! Enjoy a weekend getaway in the heart of the harbor with a special $79 a night rate at the Dana Point Marina Inn. Reservations required.

Mention the OCTA/Metrolink rate when booking. Call 800.255.6843 or email info@danapointmarinainn.com.

WATER TAXI RIDES

Take in the sights and sounds of the festival aboard a harbor water taxi from Dana Wharf to the Ocean Institute for just $3 roundtrip. Taxi service runs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHALE WATCHING EXCURSIONS

TraVEliNg ABoUt tHe fEStiVAl

Receive a 50-percent discount off a whale watching trip with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

Reservations are required. Confirm your trip by calling 949.496.5764 or by visiting www.danawharf.com.

Parking is free at the Dana Point Harbor but is limited to four hours. Heed this warning: the restriction is strictly enforced by sheriff ’s deputies. All-day, and hourly, paid parking is available at Doheny State Beach for a discount rate of $1 per hour. Kiosks are located in the park’s lots and the iPhone and Android app, PassportParking Mobile Pay, allows guests to pay and add time with their phone.

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 stops along Dana Point Harbor Drive to help festivalgoers get from one area of the festival to another.

PARADE and STREET FAIR: On Saturday, March 5, shuttle services begin at 9 a.m. offering guests rides from the harbor and Doheny State Beach to the parade viewing area. The shuttle will continue service from noon to 4 p.m. to and from harbor and Doheny parking lots to La Plaza Park where the Street Fair is held.

WHALE OF A CONCERT: On Sunday, March 15, shuttle services will be extended to 6 p.m. through the Whale of a Concert conclusion.

WATER TAXI Guests can travel from harbor end to end on the Festival of Whales water taxi—an educational ride featuring interesting facts about Dana Point and gray whales. Daily taxi service will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute. Roundtrip tickets cost $5.

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales • March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 • festivalofwhales.com

EveNt ScHedULe WEEKEND ONE

MARCH 5–6

WEEKEND TWO

MARCH 12–13

SATURDAY MARCH 5

SUNDAY MARCH 6

SATURDAY MARCH 12

SUNDAY MARCH 13

6 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village

15 WHALE OF A SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Baby Beach

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

1 FESTIVAL OF WHALES PARADE 10 a.m. Pacific Coast Highway 15 CARDBOARD CLASSIC DINGHY DASH & EXPO 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach 3 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Ocean Adventure Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 13 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 2 STREET FAIR 10 a.m.–3 p.m. La Plaza Park 11 SO CAL WOODIES 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 THE LEGENDARY CORVETTE 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 12 ART IN THE PARK 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 9 JEFFREY ADAM MEMORIAL SAILING REGATTA 11:15 a.m. Dana Point Yacht Club 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, Mariners Village 5 WHALE’S TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE 12:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute 8 WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER 2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway 3 DRONE AND GO PRO DEMO 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 14 MOVIE IN THE PARK FREE WILLY: ESCAPE FROM PIRATES COVE 6:30 p.m. Lantern Bay Park 5 OCEAN INSTITUTE – OCEAN EDUCATION CENTER Open daily during the festival 10 a.m–4 p.m.

4 LILY: A GRAY WHALE TRIBUTE 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari 16 WHALE WALK PAINTING 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Doheny State Beach 6 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 3 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Ocean Adventure Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 13 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 7 SAILING & STAND-UP PADDLING CLINIC 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 11 SO CAL WOODIES 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 11 THE LEGENDARY CORVETTE 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 12 ART IN THE PARK 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 15 OCEAN AWARENESS DAY 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15 DIAMOND DIG 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Baby Beach 15 WHALE OF A RUBBER DUCKY DERBY 11 a.m.–2 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, Mariners Village 3 KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP Noon–12:30 p.m.; 12:45–5:15 p.m.

Dana Wharf Docks 8 WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER 2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway 3 DRONE AND GO PRO DEMO 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales • March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 • festivalofwhales.com

6 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village

3 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Ocean Adventure Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock

3 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Ocean Adventure Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock

13 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s

13 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s

11 BRITISH INVASION 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway

15 5TH ANNUAL CLAM CHOWDER COOK OFF 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Baby Beach Park

7 SAILING & STAND-UP PADDLING CLINIC 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center

11 BRITISH INVASION 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway

12 ART IN THE PARK 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive

7 SAILING & STAND-UP PADDLING CLINIC 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 12 ART IN THE PARK 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 4 CAPTAIN DAVE’S CARNIVAL Noon–2 p.m. Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach

16 MOBILE MARINE MAMMAL MUSEUM 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Doheny State Beach Visitor Center 10 HARBOR MUSIC SERIES Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 15 CONCERT ON THE WATER Noon–5 p.m. Baby Beach

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

15 WHALE OF A CONCERT BBQ AND SPIRITS GARDEN Noon–5 p.m. Baby Beach

5 WHALE’S TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE 12:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

3 KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP Noon–12:30 p.m.; 12:45–5:15 p.m.

Dana Wharf Docks

3 DRONE AND GO PRO DEMO 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

3 DRONE AND GO PRO DEMO 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

9 DRONES OVER WHALES & DOLPHINS 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Dana Point Yacht Club

5 OCEAN INSTITUTE – OCEAN EDUCATION CENTER Open daily during the festival 10 a.m–4 p.m.

WHALE WATCHING Whale watching excursions are available every day of the festival at these Dana Point businesses

CAPTAIN DAVE’S DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING SAFARI

24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, dolphinsafari.com

DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING 34675 Golden Lantern, 800.979.3370, danawharf.com

OCEAN INSTITUTE

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, ocean-institute.org 7

EveNtS & ATtRacTIonS Diamond Dig

# = Event location; See map on page 6.

DIAMOND DIG March 6; 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Ahoy Mate! Come dressed in your pirate best to loot buried treasures in the Baby Beach sands. Riches include jewelry, toys and more. Entry into this Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club hosted event costs $10 per child. All proceeds benefit local children’s charities. 15

Arts and Culture ART IN THE PARK March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Regional artists and students from Dana Hills High School will display their unique paintings, ceramics, photography and more at the corners of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive.

Live entertainment all day. 12 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE March 5, 6, 12, 13; 9:30 a.m.– 5 p.m. A walk along the Harbor Boardwalk— along the Mariner’s Village boat docks and near The Coffee Importers—sees the work of local award-winning artists on display.

Peruse or purchase watercolors, oil paintings and more. A portion of the nonprofit’s festival proceeds will benefit local high school students. 6 WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER March 5, 6; 2 p.m. Join the Historical Society on a tour of Dana Point’s notable downtown to hear stories of the city’s origin, buildings, homes and landmarks built from 1924 to 1939. Meet your guide at the Blue Lantern Café—Coastal Kitchen—at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway. For group reservations, call 949.248.8121. 8

Cardboard Classic and Sailing Regatta CARDBOARD CLASSIC DINGHY DASH March 5; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Experience the exhilaration of racing your own watercraft.

Dinghy Dash teams will work all morning long designing and building their crafts from just cardboard and duct tape before competing in age divisions in the afternoon. $25 per team. Materials supplied.

Inaugural event includes vendor booths, barbecue and more. 15 JEFFREY ADAM MEMORIAL SAILING REGATTA March 5 Dana Point’s yacht clubs, sailing schools and Sea Scouts come together to honor Jeffrey Adam, a local 22-year-old who died from a rare bacterial meningitis, with his favorite pastime—sailing. Dinghy sailors of all ages are welcome. Spectator cruises, lasting 80 minutes, are open to the public. They depart at 11:15 a.m., noon and 1:15 p.m. 9

Captain Dave’s Whale Watching and More DRONES OVER WHALES & DOLPHINS March 12; 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Discover how innovative drone technology is helping local marine experts learn more about dolphins and whales than ever before and see how the aerial tools can be helpful in entanglement rescues. 9 8

Doheny State Beach MOBILE MARINE MAMMAL MUSEUM March 13; 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 Visitors Center. Free, one-hour parking is available at the state beach for mobile museum visitors. 16

Diamond Dig LILY: A GRAY WHALE TRIBUTE March 6; 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Capt. Dave Anderson welcomes guests aboard his 62-foot research and rescue vessel Lily—named for a gray whale who became entangled—to the public for a free tour, lecture and signing of Anderson’s book—“Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey.” 4 UNDER THE SEA CARNIVAL March 12; Noon–2 p.m. All members of the pod are invited to experience an under the sea adventure on land. Join Capt. Dave for an afternoon of educational fun complete with games, crafts, prizes, facing painting and an underwater simulation at the Dolphin Deck. 4

Classic Car Displays BRITISH INVASION March 12, 13; 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Britain’s greatest 1960s exports, aside from James Bond and The Beatles, classic sports cars are on display along the Harbor walkway. View AustinHealey, Jaguar, Morgan and Triumph sports cars up close throughout the weekend. 11 SO CAL WOODIES March 5, 6; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Meet loyal owners of California’s quintessential cars who preserve a piece of the state’s rich surf culture history.

The National Woodie Club’s area branch presents wood-paneled, chrome-finished Fords, Buicks and more along the Harbor walkway. 11 THE LEGENDARY VETTE March 5, 6; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Chevrolet’s iconic American homegrown sports car, the Corvette, stars in this Harbor walkway display. Pacific Coast Corvettes presents the car that has captured enthusiasts and casual drivers for seven model generations. 11

Dana Wharf Whale Watching and More DRONE AND GOPRO DEMO March 5, 6, 12, 13; 2p.m.–4:30 p.m. Learn how Dana Wharf’s crew operates drones safely and respectfully to capturing stunning images and videos of local marine wildlife during a 2.5-hour whale watching excursion. 3 KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP March 6, 13; Noon– 12:30 p.m. Young guests will learn how to cast, catch and reel in fish from local experts at this dockside clinic.

A free fishing trip, including equipment, for kids 12 and under will follow from 12:45 p.m.–5:15 p.m.

Adults are $46 plus license and equipment.

3 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.–11 a.m.

Local marine biologists and guest experts share recent findings on marine life at this continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s. Lectures are free. A 2.5-hour whale watching trip is offered right after. Whale watching tickets are $55 for adults and $35 for children and seniors. Speakers include: Lei Lani Stelle (March 5); Doug Thompson (March 6); Kirsten Donald (March 12); and Todd Mansur (March 13). 13 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.–10:45 a.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 per child. Participants receive a free same-day whale watching excursion with paid adult ticket for $45. 3

WHALE OF A BEACH CLEANUP March 12; 9 a.m.–noon Toast to the coast and help keep a treasured California locale pristine by lending a hand in this annual cleanup of Doheny State Beach. Meet at lifeguard headquarters to learn how you can do your part to maintain coastal resources all yearround. Bring work gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket. Free shuttle available from harbor. 16 WHALE WALK PAINTING March 6; 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Help add a 75-foot long fin whale mural to Doheny’s whale walk—featuring life-sized paintings of the world’s largest mammals: the gray, blue, humpback and orca whales. Call the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association for more information at: 949.544.4627.

16

Food Fun WHALE OF A BBQ March 5 & 6; 11:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. Barbecued hot dogs, hamburgers and other treats will be served. Stand will be set up adjacent to Baby Beach. 15 WHALE OF A CLAM CHOWDER COOK-OFF March 12; 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Festival-goers, prepare your taste buds. Local eateries and clubs are battling it out in a clam chowder throw down benefitting the nonprofit organization Fish for Life that takes children with special needs on fishing excursions. So stop by, sample each entry and vote for your favorite. Cost is $10.

There will also be a beer & wine garden available to guests 21 and over. 15 WHALE OF A CONCERT BBQ March 13; Noon–5 p.m. Enjoy barbecued favorites on the sands of Baby Beach while local bands take to the floating stage to close out the 45th annual Festival of Whales. Barbecue includes a spirits’ garden for guests over 21. Valid driver’s license must be presented. 15 (Cont. on page 10)

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales • March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 • festivalofwhales.com

EveNtS & ATtRacTIonS (Cont. from page 8)

Movie in the Park FREE WILLY: ESCAPE FROM PIRATES COVE March 5; 6:30 p.m. The city of Dana Point hosts an outdoor screening of the latest Free Willy installment at Lantern Bay Park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner for this night under the stars. Free popcorn. Beverages and snacks available for purchase. 14

Music HARBOR MUSIC SERIES March 5, 6, 12, 13; Noon–3 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Association presents live entertainment in the Dana Wharf Courtyard and grassy area near Mariner’s Village throughout the festival. 10 CONCERT ON THE WATER March 13; Noon–5 p.m. Close out the year’s Festival of Whales with live music and dancing at Baby Beach. Local bands take the floating stage all day long. A barbecue and a spirits’ garden for guests 21 and older round out the celebration. Line-up includes: an opening from Molly Bergman, then old school surf from The Eliminators at noon; reggae from Sapadilla at 1:30 p.m.; and a Jimmy Buffet tribute from and Garratt Walkin & The Parrotheads starting at 3:30 p.m. 15

Ocean Awareness Day OCEAN AWARENESS DAY March 6; 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

The Dana Point Harbor Association presents interactive displays, demonstrations and live entertainment highlighting area environmental programs and ocean-related issues. Event is located at Baby Beach. 15

Ocean Institute Whale Watching and More WHALE’S TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE March 5, 12; 12:15 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. 5

Parade FESTIVAL OF WHALES PARADE March 5; 10 a.m. Thousands of local participants open the 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales in a lively parade along Pacific Coast Highway to celebrate the gray whales’ “Magical Migration” with floats, giant balloons, horses, vintage 10

cars, bands and more. Route travels PCH south from Selva Road to Golden Lantern. Free shuttle available from Harbor to parade viewing area. This year’s grand marshal is the comedian and actress Rita Rudner. 1

Rubber Ducky Derby WHALE OF A RUBBER DUCKY DERBY March 6; 11 a.m.–2 p.m. The Dana Point Women’s Club puts a fun spin on a classic rubber ducky race. Cost is $6 per duck or $10 for two.

Funds go toward children’s summer programming at the Dana Point Library. Prizes awarded to first, second and third place. 15

Sand Sculpting Fun WHALE OF A SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION March 6; Sculpting begins, 8 a.m.; Judging, 2:30 p.m. Bring your buckets, sculpting tools and imagination to Baby Beach to create ocean creatures, pirates, woodies and more in this annual contest hosted by OC Parks. Twenty plots available.

No entry fee. 15

Sailing and Paddling SAILING RIDES March 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Take to harbor waters and learn how to steer and sail a Carpi 14 on these half-hour educational sessions. Cost $15 per boat with a three-person maximum. Proceeds benefit the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation’s at-risk youth and adaptive-boating programs. 7 STAND-UP PADDLING CLINICS March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Experience the SUP craze firsthand during these 45-minute on-the-water clinics. $10 per person. For participants ages 12 and up—12 to 14 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.

Lifejackets are provided. 7

Street Fair FESTIVAL OF WHALES STREET FAIR March 5; 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Visit La Plaza Park after the parade for the fun-filled Whales and Tails Wag-athon and fair hosted by the Pet Project Foundation and Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Event includes: live entertainment, food trucks, carnival games, more than 70 booths, a pet costume parade, farmers market and more. Free shuttles are available both to and from the Harbor. 2 *All events are dependent on weather.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

WhALe wATcHinG Traveling day and night, the California gray whale makes one of the mammal world’s longest annual migrations. The more than 10,000-mile, roundtrip migration see the species travel from the icy waters of the Bering and Chukchi seas to the warm lagoons of Baja California each fall and returning in spring. During the peak springtime travel, 40 to 50 of these majestic mammals pass by Dana Point each day using the famed 200-foot Headland’s cliffs as a migratory-path landmark. Visitors can head out on a maritime excursion with Captain Dave, Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute throughout the 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales to learn more about the gray whales’ migration and other local marine life from knowledgeable captains, naturalists and researchers.

Gray whales, dolphins and more can also be experienced by land from the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area. The park includes a three-mile public trail system with scenic overlooks and beach access.

Dana Wharf Whale Watching

34675 Golden Lantern, 800.979.3370, danawharf.com Climb aboard a family-owned Dana Wharf vessel to experience Orange County’s original whale watching with expert captains and certified naturalists detailing the gray whales’ movements. These 2-hour excursions depart each hour on the hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Price is $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and military members, $29 for children 3-12 and free for kids under 2. Special 8 a.m. trips, 4 p.m. sunset cruises and catamaran adventures offered throughout the festival’s two weekends. The Dana Wharf marine mammal “rain check” ensures a good show of whales and dolphins or the next trip is free.

Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, dolphinsafari.com See what it’s like to swim with dolphins and whales aboard one of Captain Dave’s hitech catamarans, featuring eye-spy dolphin nets and state-of-the-art research equipment. On the catamaran sailboat, enter the eye-to-eye viewing pod, hear dolphins below the surface and explore marine artifacts in the micro-museum. Safaris are never crowded with just 49 guests, and are all topped with a special treat—Mrs. Capt. Dave’s triple fudge brownies. Tickets for these 2.5-hour trips are $65 per adult, $45 for children 1 to 12 and $20 for infants. Departure times vary. Call or visit Capt. Dave’s website to book tickets.

Ocean Institute

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, ocean-institute.org Join the Ocean Institute’s skilled and expert crew on a 2.5-hour cruise aboard the marine educational vessel, R/V Sea Explorer, to glimpse into the mysterious world of the whales and dolphins that call Pacific waters home. These 2.5-hour learning-adventure trips are offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. throughout the festival. Each sea excursion includes hands-on learning activities for kids onboard. Trip cost is $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and military members, $25 for children 4-14 and free for children 3 and under.

Weekend admission to the institute is included with each ticket purchase.

Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center

34558 Scenic Drive, 949.542-4755, danapoint.org Walk along this bluff-top preserve’s three-miles of trails to view marine-mammal migrations from above. The Dana Point Headlands offers coastal switchback trails from Dana Point Harbor to Dana Strand Beach complete with sweeping panoramic views and remote desert landscape. The Nature Interpretive Center is open each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trails are accessible from 7 a.m. to sunset daily.

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales • March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 • festivalofwhales.com

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” —John Muir

BY RANDY HUDSON, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE TEACHER AT DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

The SEa Is CalLInG anD we MUsT liStEN Our choices, no matter how small, have an impact on our environment

Top: Randy Hudson, an environmental science teacher at Dana Hills High School and past recipient of Capistrano Unified School District’s “Teacher of the Year” award, instructs students on an annual field-study trip to Baja California. Courtesy photo Above: With a lift from its mother, a young California gray whale gets close to a panga boat in Ojo de Liebre—or Scammon’s Lagoon—located in Mexico’s Baja California Sur about 450 miles south of Tijuana. Photo: Randy Hudson

This year, the National Park Service celebrates its centennial—100 years of conservation that sprung from a novel but powerful idea: to protect wildlife and habitat for future generations.

This idea may have started in America but has since morphed into a global effort to establish parklands and legislate on behalf of endangered species. It has even blossomed into entirely new fields of study. One of the sentinels of this early movement was John Muir—an author, naturalist and environmental philosopher—who had an uncanny beat on how the natural world functioned and an understanding that everything in the universe is ultimately connected.

Nearly 150 years ago, Charles Scammon sailed past Dana Point in his initial pursuit of the gray whales to their Baja California, Mexico nursery grounds in Ojo de Liebre.

The result of this voyage, and more in the following years, decimated the east Pacific population as whalers effectively removed two generations of whales from the oceans in less than a decade.

Numbers remained low for the next century when, in the spirit of conservation, the United States enacted the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This federal legislation, coupled with the protection of the gray whales’ nursery grounds in Baja, has had a profoundly positive impact on the species.

Census counts performed in the same lagoons that once ran red, boast record numbers of gray whale adults and calves for the last three years.

Having ventured to the famed Scammon’s Lagoon twice in recent years to interact with the whales has proven to be an amazing experience for my family. Here, mothers proudly display their young calves to eager onlookers, often swimming alongside panga boats and occasionally propping their calf upward where watchers may be introduced to the new addition. My children regale as they recount their own interactions and are gifted with memories I hope will last well into their adult lives.

This month we celebrate the 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales, an interpretive-education event which shares in the same spirit of conservation. We mark the return of the gray whales as they venture north from the lagoons of Baja to the Bering Sea, and more symbolically a return from their drastically low numbers.

It’s a success story that we use to remind ourselves of where we once were, how we recognized the folly of our ways and rectified the issue. But did we?

Gray Whales may no longer be hunted in North America, but they still face a formidable foe—us.

They migrate more than 10,000 miles annually through an ocean in transition, one being altered by human activity and thus continues to present more obstacles to their survival.

Issues of plastic pollution are an example. Single use plastic items of convenience enter our oceans on the order of millions of tons per year and are turning up in carcasses of wildlife from fish to birds to gray whales. The synthetic estrogen-like compounds that adhere to both the ingested plastic and subsequently the whale’s blubber have the power to render a species extinct by effectively sterilizing its reproductive system.

Recent studies show the sheer volume of the non-biodegradable, prey-like debris outnumbers plankton on the order of 10 to 1. And that’s just plastic. Human induced climate change is warming the surface waters, altering the pH of our oceans and redistributing organisms and the food they require to survive.

Unfortunately, these impacts are the obvious ones to list. One must think on the level of John Muir to identify those minute and obscure connections in order to truly grasp the magnitude of this new reality.

So, as we celebrate the return of the California gray whales and feel the inspiration that many have experienced over the years to make a positive impact on their lives, perhaps we should focus on making changes to our own lives first.

A Community Tradition Festival marks 45 years of education, celebration The California gray whale landed on the endangered species list in the early 1970s.

Around the same time, Don Hansen—a local captain running whale watching trips for high school students—moved his small sportfishing company from the San Clemente Pier to the not-yet-opened Dana Point Harbor.

After years of heavy hunting by the native peoples in Alaska and Serbia, the gray whale population dwindled—nearing extinction. The National Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act worked to change that. The acts established safeguards to protect the whales’ more than 5,000-mile migration corridor— from the Bering Sea to Baja California Sur. The Mexican government, too, took action and gave sanctuary status to the lagoons whales migrate to each winter.

The population grew over the next two decades. In 1994, with an estimated population of 21,000, the California gray whale was removed from the endangered list. It was the first marine being to be delisted.

During this time, Dana Point became the West’s whale watching epicenter.

Hansen’s harbor move brought about the founding of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. To celebrate the company’s opening, Hansen and late Orange County and Dana Point historian Doris Walker launched the first—and unnamed— Dana Point Festival of Whales. One year saw the festival really get off the ground.

The festival and gray whale population are symbiotically linked—each growing with the passing years.

“Gray whales are exceeding expectations.

Every year we see record after record being set in terms of population,” said Donna Kalez, Hansen’s daughter and general manager of Dana Wharf, who sits on the festival’s governing committee. “It is super exciting. Awareness of whales and dolphins is at the highest it has ever been. It is something to be proud of. Dana Point can be proud of the awareness it has brought to whales and dolphins.”

From humble beginnings, the festival has transformed into a two-weekend educa-

tional event. It has maintained its origins, however. This festival is grassroots—both organized and executed by the community, for the community.

Each day, each event, members of the local fold help make this festival possible.

The city of Dana Point kicks the celebration off with a parade down Pacific Coast Highway—a hallmark event that sees hundreds of residents, students and organizations take part. Right after the parade, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and Pet Project Foundation welcome guests to the annual street fair at La Plaza Park.

Throughout the festival local organizations such as the Dana Point Historical Society, Dana Point Fine Arts Association, Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club, Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, Fish for Life, Ocean Institute, Dana Point Harbor Association, Dana Point Women’s Club, Mariner Sea Scouts, Dana Point Aquatic Foundation, Orange County Parks, City of Dana Point, and more host events for the whole family.

“We call it “festival synergy”—the working together of two or more things to produce a result greater than the sum of their individual effects,” said Penny Elia, executive director of the Festival of Whales. “Local organizations don’t just work on their own event, they interact with each other and create an incomparable synergy that can be seen and felt not only throughout the two weekends but during the year-long planning process for this huge event.”

SHOP & DINE DANA POINT HARBOR

GETTTING OUT (Cont. from page 10)

while they roam the town in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing Western clothing, the deputies just might “arrest” you and throw you in the Hoos’Gow, leaving you no choice but to make “bail” by purchasing a Fiesta Association souvenir. Downtown San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

Saturday | 05 DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES 10 a.m. The 54th annual event spans two weekends—March 5, 6, 12 and 13—at the Dana Point Harbor, featuring education and entertainment celebrating the annual migration of California gray whales.

Events include whale watching, art show and sale, Diamond Dig, sandcastle building contest, live music, lectures and activities, vendors, games and more. The event kicks off March 5 with a parade down Pacific Coast Highway at 10 a.m. and a street fair at La Plaza Park. For more information, visit www.festivalofwhales.com.

FAMILY FILM FEATURE 10 a.m.-noon. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents a familyfriendly matinee film the first Saturday of the month. Free admission and popcorn.

Call the library for more information.

La Sala Auditorium at the San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

FROG JUMPING CONTEST 3 p.m.-4 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s third annual frog jumping contest will include music and prizes at the Mission Grill. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

Fiesta Association member Ed O’Donnell “arrests” two women in front of the Swallow’s Inn during last year’s Hoos’Gow Day. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Sunday | 06 WHALE WALK AND TALK 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Learn about the area’s largest mammal visitor on this 1.5-mile walk through the Dana Point Headlands conservation area. Tours will also run March 5, 6 and 12 and 13 during the Festival of Whales. Bring binoculars or borrow ours.

RSVP to dpnaturalresources@danapoint. org or 949.248.3527. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

FIFTH ANNUAL FAM CLOTHING BENEFIT 1 p.m. Sweeet Repeeet Consignment is hosting its annual fashion show benefit to support Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente. Each year 600 pounds of clothing is donated to help those in need. $10 per ticket. All proceeds go to FAM.

Ms. Fiesta Beverly Blake poses for a photo with Steve Holt, winner of last year’s Hairiest Man Contest, at the Fiesta Grande held at the Swallow’s Inn. Photo: Allison Jarrell

A contemplative frog is encouraged to hop during last year’s Frog Jumping Contest held at the Mission Grill. Photo: Allison Jarrell

538 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.429.3100, www.srconsignment.com.

Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Boot Barn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

Wednesday | 09

Friday | 11

FIESTA GRANDE 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Four contests and a night of Wild West entertainment are rolled into one evening of fun at the Fiesta Grandé.

Join your friends and make new ones at the Swallow’s Inn and enter to win one of the categories being judged. Spectators are welcome. Entrance fee is $5 per person, per category. Pay when you arrive.

HOOS’GOW DAY 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hoos’Gow Day is an annual tradition that brings a taste of the Wild West back to downtown San Juan Capistrano. The “sheriff” and the “deputies” of the Fiesta Association are dressed in their traditional black and white Western garb

Saturday | 12 58TH ANNUAL SWALLOWS DAY PARADE & MERCADO STREET FAIRE 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s 58th Swallows Day Parade begins at 11 a.m., with the Mercado Street Faire running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The parade is one of the largest non-motorized parades in the nation and marks the end of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas season, which celebrates the return of the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com.

The USMC 1st Marine Division Band from Camp Pendleton and the USMC 1st Batallion, 11th Marines kicked off last year’s Swallows Day Parade.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

Have an event? Send your listing to events@thecapistranodispatch.com

Playhouse Melodrama Airs San Juan’s Dirty Laundry

BY ALLISON JARRELL

N

ow in its 26th year, the annual San Juan melodrama presented by the Camino Real Playhouse has been reimagined, with a fresh take on old San Juan’s storied past.

“San Juan’s Dirty Laundry—Or Will Her Knickers Ever Be Clean?,” written by playhouse president Tom Scott and the show’s director Gary McCarver, has an air of mystery and frivolity, and is aptly accompanied by authentic old-time melodramatic music and sound effects as a story unfolds about lost love, a villainous railroad tycoon, a brave woman and the fruition of Orange County in 1889. A set-

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

ting made from scratch each year by Scott, playhouse vice president Beverly Blake and a team of volunteers sets the scene with fun references to historic San Juan—think “Meddlesome Inn” in lieu of the Mendelson.

The musical largely revolves around local legend Modesta Avila, known around town as the woman who tried to stop the train from coming through San Juan Capistrano with a clothes line. Scott said extra research went into this year’s production, and audience members can expect some twists and new revelations in the traditional tale of Modesta, as well as “more dirt in the dirty laundry this year!” Attendees should also keep an eye out for local celebrity walk-ons

and references to current issues in town.

Heralded as “the most fun you can have in a theatre since the 1890s,” the familyfriendly Old West melodrama also gives the audience ample opportunity to interact with performers—from cheering for the heroes to booing the villains, and even hurling foam rocks at them on occasion.

The show’s remaining performances are set for Feb. 26-28 and March 3, 5 and 6.

Shows begin at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets are $27–$37. For more information, visit www.caminorealplayhouse.org or call 949.489.8082. The Camino Real Playhouse is located at 31776 El Camino Real. CD

Page 27

This year’s Camino Real Playhouse melodrama, which is loosely based on old the history of old San Juan, is packed with old-timey musical numbers and historical intrigue. Photo: Allison Jarrell

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Kate Pointer, 10, of San Juan Capistrano, with her 10-year-old cat, Benny.

Eight-year-old Cheyenne Russell, of Garden Grove, and her 5-month-old Red Bourbon turkey, Pretty Boy, won first place in the “Bird” category.

Dressed up as characters from the Wizard of Oz, 5-year-old Keilani Harris, of San Juan Capistrano, and her Spanish mastiff, Boris, won Best Costume and Judges Choice at Saturday’s Kids Pet Parade.

The judges for this year’s Kid’s Pet Parade were City Councilman and Parade Grand Marshal Sam Allevato, Señor San Juan Tom Scott, Ms. Fiesta Beverly Blake and junior dignitaries Zoe Gardner and Andy Cain.

Fiesta de las Golondrinas Season Soars into San Juan STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association has been busy rousing up a warm welcome for the return of the swallows next month. The city’s annual celebration of the swallows’ migration from South America is prefaced with an array of Fiesta de las Golondrinas happenings—from events this month like Taste of San Juan and Kids Pet Parade, to several Wild West outings still ahead.

Taste of San Juan On Thursday, Feb. 11, around 280 guests arrived at the San Juan Hills Golf Club for the annual Taste of San Juan, which raised $9,000 for the annual Swallows Day Parade. Twenty restaurants from in and around San Juan Capistrano participated in the event, offering some of their

Trevor Baird and his mom Jeanne Baird serve up pineapple coconut chicken lettuce wraps at the annual Taste of San Juan. Trevor is the proprietor of Trevor’s At The Tracks (formerly Sarducci’s).

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

finest fare for guests to sample. At the end of the night, attendees were able to vote for their favorite restaurants and dishes.

Local eatery Thai Juan On took home the award for “Best Appetizer,” San Clemente’s Board & Brew won “Best Main Dish,” Trevor’s at the Tracks (formerly Sarducci’s) was awarded “Best Original Dish” and Ô Gourmet French Café & Bakery took home “Best Dessert” in addition to the coveted Swallows Cup for best overall dish of the evening. Ô Gourmet co-owners Benoit Jussaume and Eric Djomby both hail from France and opened the doors of their café, located at 32341 Camino Capistrano, just under a year ago in San Juan.

Kids Pet Parade On Saturday, Feb. 20, more than a dozen children and their pets filled Los Rios Park to show off their hidden talents

and creative costume choices in front of a crowd of animal lovers and a panel of judges, which included City Councilman and Parade Grand Marshal Sam Allevato, Señor San Juan Tom Scott, Ms. Fiesta Beverly Blake and junior dignitaries Zoe Gardner and Andy Cain.

A wide array of pets—from a turkey named Pretty Boy to a Japanese fighting fish named Berry—competed in several categories, with costumed entries ranging from a Britney Spears look-a-like and her dog to Frozen characters Elsa and a golden retriever dressed as Olaf.

Pet Parade Chairman Nathan Banda awarded 5-year-old Keilani Harris, of San Juan Capistrano and her Spanish mastiff Boris with the “Judges Choice” award. Keilani and Boris were dressed as Dorothy and The Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz, and will get to walk in this

A favorite among locals for international dining, Thai Juan On took home the award for “Best Appetizer” at the Taste of San Juan.

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year’s Swallows Day Parade.

For a complete list of winners and photo slideshows from each event, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

March Fiesta Schedule Upcoming Fiesta Association events include the El Presidenté Ball on March 4, Fiesta Grande on March 9, Hoos’Gow Day and the Frog Jumping Contest on March 11 and the 58th Annual Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Street Faire on March 12.

This year the parade falls a week before St. Joseph’s Day (March 19), the traditional celebration of the swallows’ return.

For details on upcoming events, check out our Getting Out calendar on pages 10 and 27. For more information on the Fiesta Association or volunteer opportunities, call 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.org. CD

Benoit Jussaume and Eric Djomby of Ô Gourmet French Café & Bakery won this year’s Taste of San Juan Swallows Cup for best overall dish of the evening as well as “Best Dessert.”

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

American Seniors Explore the Splendor of Cuba

M

y life partner Greta and I traveled to Cuba for one week on a people-topeople educational exchange tour.

There were 42 alumni in our group from colleges across the U.S., including 14 who booked reservations through five different University of California campuses. Greta was the only person from UC Irvine.

Traveling with us were Vivian, a bilingual Cuban guide; Simona, a tri-lingual guide from Italy; and Ernesto, a wonderful Cuban bus driver. There were 39 couples in the group and four single women. Other than their spouses; most people did not know each other beforehand.

All of us were seniors, ages 60 to mid-80, except for one younger couple. Most were retired. All had interesting backgrounds and histories.

On Valentine’s Day night, the group gathered in a Miami hotel conference room for an initial briefing.

On Monday, Feb. 15, ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 we had to arrive at the

By Tom Blake airport four hours before departure because processing visas and paperwork for travel to Cuba—even with an educational group—takes time. We flew from Miami to Santa Clara, Cuba, which is located in the central part of the country.

After landing, Ernesto drove us to the Hotel Memories Paraiso Azul, a huge resort on Cuba’s north shore. The members of our group were gradually getting to know each other.

At the hotel, currency was exchanged for the Cuban tourist peso, called the CUC. Credit cards are still not accepted in most places in Cuba.

On day two, there was a five-hour bus ride through farmlands and small towns to the historic city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World heritage site. There, our group was invited into the private home of Mata, a well-known Cuban painter. He and his wife served coffee as we viewed his paintings.

Also in Trinidad, we were entertained in a club by an Afro-Cuban band. Many of our group danced onstage with the band’s vocalists.

That night our group stayed at the Hotel Jagua, located in the south coast city of Cienfuegos. Dinner was served at a private home that had been converted into a restaurant. For all of our lunches and dinners, the first item served was the Cuban drink, Mojito, a popular rum concoction with lime and mint leaves.

When Greta and I went to our room, Simona pointed out that we were occupying the room in which Fidel Castro had slept on Aug. 18, 1960, which, of course,

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

indicates the age of the hotel. The ghost of Fidel, who is still living, didn’t appear that night, but in the morning, the shower doors were wet as if someone had taken a shower during the night (and neither of us had).

The following day, on the four-hour ride to Havana, our bus got a flat tire. Luckily, we were near a truck stop that served ice cream, soft drinks, beer and rum. It took three hours to change the tire. Not one person complained about the wait. In fact, the group bonded because of the inconvenience. A couple of bottles of Havana Club rum were shared, which, of course, helped the cause.

Our hotel in Havana for five nights was the majestic, 21-story Melia Cohiba, which opened in 1995. Simona and Vivian had a surprise for the group the following morning: Since our bus was being serviced, they had 11 old convertibles—tops down, each a different color and make—pick us up at the hotel and drive us around Old Havana. Our caravan turned many heads around town.

During lunch, driver Ernesto appeared and gave us the thumbs-up: the bus was repaired and ready to go. The group applauded him. He had become an important part of the cameraradie that had grown among us.

The meals on this trip were incredible.

Everything was fresh—tropical fruit, black beans, rice, chicken, seafood and pork. Most wines were from Chile. Bottled water was served with all meals and was always available on the bus. You even brushed your teeth with bottled water.

That afternoon, we were driven to the home of Ernest Hemingway, about 40 minutes outside of Havana. Tourists are not allowed inside, but since the doors and windows were open, one could see nearly the entire home by peeking in the openings.

Hemingway is considered a hero in Cuba.

One morning, we had a tour of a cigar factory where 17,000 cigars are handmade daily. Each person can bring a combination of Cuban cigars and rum worth $100 into the states. Greta and I spent about half of our allotment on both.

Being on an educational tour, our group enjoyed lectures by two college professors and other experts. We learned about Cuban history and how Cuba is embracing the free world but faces many challenges along the way. We learned about the heroes and villains; Fidel Castro is highly regarded here while Batista is despised.

We visited an elementary school, senior nursing home, an eco-friendly community and two renowned Cuban dance studios.

One night, we had a one-hour salsa lesson.

At the University of Havana, one young

SCENE { I N S AN JUAN }

Cub Scout Pack 712, based in San Clemente, visited The Capistrano

Dispatch on Feb. 18 to see what it’s like to put a

newspaper together. The scouts were interviewed,

had their photos taken and were featured in a mock cover story of The Dispatch. Photo: Allison Jarrell

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

student gave us an informative talk and a walking tour of the campus. Education in Cuba is paid for by the state, all the way through college, including medical, law and engineering degrees.

By the end of the eight days together, many friendships had been formed among our group.

We found the beautiful people of Cuba very welcoming of Americans. They seemed to be thrilled that we were in Cuba and that relations between our two countries are warming. And in our group, all seemed to feel the same way.

Page 30

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. His latest book can be found online at www.smashwords.com/books/view/574810.

See his website at www.findingloveafter60. com (Yes, after 60, time rolls on.) To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch 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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

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SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Four Kids and a Dog: By Elizabeth Bottiaux

Miserable Mornings: Finding Joy in the Daily Chaos

T

he last door has slammed. Bickering children, hormonal girls and tears of frustration have piled into Daddy’s truck and are off to school. Our house now lays strangely silent.

Weekday mornings at our house are hectic. There are four young people with four distinctly different personalities all clamoring to get out the door in unison.

There is Slow Man. He operates at one speed: snail’s pace. Slow Man does not worry about making himself or others tardy for school. He’s definitely not a morning person and isn’t interested in eating breakfast before 10 a.m.

Slow Man causes everyone around him to feel frustrated and angry.

Then there’s the one who rises before the FOUR KIDS entire family, eats, gets AND A DOG

By Elizabeth dressed and is ready for Bottiaux school before the rest of us set foot downstairs. Fantastic. However, Early Riser will then linger about, watching everyone else stumble through their morning obstacle course, taunting and making unnecessary comments to her siblings.

Usually the taunting ends with a giant outpouring of hormonal tears and shrieking.

Doors slam. The house trembles.

I’m certain our neighbors think we are all crazy. Later, when I see the smiling next-door neighbor at the mailbox, I’ll wonder what was overheard and quickly avert my eyes with shame.

Don’t forget about Instigator. Wellknown across the land for striking up arguments, Instigator stirs the pot knowing full well that she is brewing problems.

Instigator has a knack for getting people fired up. Once they’re fired up (and then flip out), she enjoys playing the role of victim. She even finds humor in getting a sibling or three angry enough that they lose their tempers and their minds.

Last but not least, is Baby Bear. Baby Bear doesn’t usually cause problems; he’s our one and only mellow child. He’s the youngest and just content being along for the ride. His biggest fault is not being able to do many things on his own yet. During the morning flurry, Baby Bear often gets lost in the shuffle. Sometimes he’ll take matters into his own hands for attention and to increase his standing in the unsanctioned Bottiaux kid ranking. He’s been known to strip naked and chase shrieking sisters and their friends around the house in order to put himself on the family map.

In an effort to streamline our morning frenzy, we’ve tried a few things lately.

Getting Slow Man’s outfit ready the night before seems to help him through his Page 31

sluggish morning haze. Setting the timer helps put a jump in his step—he’s always up for a race; even if it’s against the clock.

Clear guidelines are necessary for the others before the drama begins. They need to know that starting fights will ensure their free time is filled with extra chores and revoked privileges.

Mom or Dad showing a little interest might be what’s needed. Maybe they’re acting out because they’re worried about something happening at school. At my older daughter’s age, there are a lot of issues with friends. One day she’s in friend land and everyone is getting along beautifully. The next day they’re enemies and she’s avoiding them at all costs. Taking a minute to draw out of each child what could be causing anxiety might lead to a more subdued morning.

mornings “at Weekday our house are hectic.

There are four young people with four distinctly different personalities all clamoring to get out the door in unison.

”

The breakfast meal itself can be a challenge. Up until a few months ago, we were cereal people. Easy. Suddenly I became a short-order cook with bossy customers.

One kid can’t live without his framed egg.

Another needs an acai bowl with all the fixings. Porridge and protein shakes are on the morning menu too. The oldest can help with eggs and porridge. But, the high powered blender business is an adult matter.

Then there are the lunches. Oh how I dislike packing them. Nighttime assembly would be ideal. I know this. But, I’m exhausted and sick of cleaning up other people’s messes by day’s end. So, project lunchbox is handled in the morning.

One day, when they’re all grown, mornings won’t be so rushed, stressful or chaotic. In the meantime, I will try to find joy in providing them with healthy meals and a loving home.

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 5, 7, 8 and 10. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years. She publishes a blog, www.fourkidsandadog.com, about family life in our tri-city area. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the The Dispatch 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 The Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

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SJC LIVING

The ‘Pride’ of San Juan

San Juan Elementary receives Disney musicals grant, to perform ‘The Lion King’ in March

Students practice their choreography, including the incorporation of handheld lights, during a Feb. 17 Lion King rehearsal.

PHOTOS AND STORY BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

S

ince the beginning of the school year, more than 70 San Juan Elementary students have been practicing tirelessly, fashioning costumes and constructing set pieces alongside their teachers, faculty and parents in preparation for bringing to life Disney’s “The Lion King” Broadway musical next month.

San Juan Elementary is one of four Orange County schools selected by the Segerstrom Center for the Arts this year for the Disney Musicals in Schools grant—a program that is currently in its second year and has been implemented in 140 schools across the country.

Alongside schools in Garden Grove, Fountain Valley and Westminster, San Juan Elementary students and faculty participated in a 17-week musical theatre residency during which they were given the performance rights, educational support materials and guidance from professional teaching artists to produce “The Lion King.” The goal is to create a sustainable theater program at each school so

The five students chosen to play multiple Rafiki’s in The Lion King perform a musical number during a Feb. 17 rehearsal.

Students sit offstage and watch the drama unfold between Simba and Scar during a Feb. 17 rehearsal for The Lion King.

students have access to Disney musicals for years to come.

San Juan Elementary teacher and musical director Carmen Perez, who was involved with developing the school’s previous musical, “Gold Rush,” said she was pleased with the school’s decision to take on the challenge of producing “The Lion King”—which she said has been possible thanks to the collaboration of passionate students, parents, faculty, visiting artists and volunteers. Perez said she’s enjoyed watching her students gain confidence and has noticed happier, more engaged pupils

19 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. General admission tickets went on sale on Monday, and are $5 for a matinee show and $8 for evening shows. On March 22, Segerstrom Center will host a Student Share Celebration, where all four participating schools will come to the center and perform a signature song from their respective Disney Broadway musical.

For the full story on the behind-thescenes work that went into this year’s musical, including interviews with teachers and students and a photo slideshow, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

in the classroom.

“Producing a musical has tremendous value,” said Lisa Mitchell, senior manager of education and outreach of the Disney Theatrical Group. “Musical theatre is multidisciplinary; all of the arts come together for one goal—music, drama, design, dance. There’s a way for everyone to feel engaged, and students can find out what they’re most successful at.”

Performances at San Juan Elementary are set for March 4 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., March 5 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and March

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Harnessing Your Water: Every Drop Counts Tips for a drought-friendly landscape and utilizing the rain when it comes

T

he weather has been so delightful— feels like summer—but the latest research is now saying the rain will be here in March.

With the recent rains, some may think the drought is over. But the reality is, we’re not out of the drought yet. Take a moment to assess your landscape sprinkler systems. Many watering systems go on early in the morning, so homeowners don’t have the opportunity to see if there is a broken sprinkler head or pipe. The biggest water waster is runoff due to broken sprinkler heads.

Did you know that runoff not only wastes water, but also often includes garden pesticides that flow right into the ocean causing harmful effects on humans and the environment? Don’t let pest control go down the drain!

As we wait for El Niño to arrive, here are a few tips you may want to add to

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

your weekend to-do list in order to cultivate a drought-friendly landscape while utilizing available water.

• Replace and repair broken irrigation spray nozzles.

• Make seasonal DIRT THERAPY

By Marrianne adjustment to your conTaylor trollers.

• Prevent runoff by breaking up your irrigation into shorter, multiple run times.

• Use rain barrels to capture and store runoff from rooftops.

• Improve water absorption by adding organic matter to planters and aerating lawns to reduce compaction.

• Choose permeable materials to replace concrete surfaces. This allows water to seep into the ground.

• When applying pesticides, read the

label and apply only as directed. If a little works, a lot is not needed.

• Cleanup accidental pesticide or fertilizer chemical spills with cat litter, soil or sawdust. Avoid using water to clean up so these chemicals don’t run off into the ocean.

• Compost using green and brown waste from your home and garden.

• Save water by using a commercial car wash. Avoid chemical runoff by not washing your car at home.

• Keep a bucket in your shower to capture the excess water. Time your showers to under three minutes: get wet, soap up and rewet.

Remember, every drop counts.

Be informed. Please join us for our free “Smart Gardening 101” series at the Reata Park and Event Center in San Juan Capistrano. Classes are held in the barn from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., with an interpretative

Page 32

garden walk following each class. The March 5 class is “Composting,” March 26 is all about “Terrific Tomatoes” and April 2 focuses on “Growing Edibles.” More class details can be found at www.goinnative. net. For more home and garden tips, visit www.uccemg.com.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special-needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. Find out more at www.goinnative.net. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the The Dispatch 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 The Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

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ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

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The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Smith Powers SVC Hoops Past Trojans, Into CIF-SS Semifinals

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

F

our minutes into its CIF-SS Division 5AA quarterfinal matchup against visiting Silver Valley on Feb. 23, the Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball team found itself encased in a whirlwind of nerves and noise.

The No. 2-seeded Warriors fell behind

early, but found a guiding light in the form of senior guard Trey Smith, who righted the ship and powered SVC to a 79-49 victory.

The Warriors (19-11) will host Flintridge Prep in the Division 5AA semifinals on Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Playing in front of a raucous home crowd, with plenty of visiting fans and students sprinkled in, the Warriors could not find a groove in the opening four minutes of play and fell into a 12-3 hole.

Following a timeout, the Warriors, led

by Smith, bounced right back. Smith scored 16 points over the next 12 minutes, fueling a critical 15-1 run that stretched midway through the first quarter and into the second, giving SVC an 18-13 lead it would not let go of.

As Smith drove to the basket and hit spot-up jump shots, the Warriors offense began to play its brand of basketball. The attention drawn to the standout senior Saddleback Valley Christian’s Trey Smith drives to the hoop in the Warriors CIF-SS Division 5AA quarterfinal game against Silver Valley on Feb. 23. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

The Saddleback Valley Christian student section wore all white in support of the boys basketball team on Feb. 23. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

San Juan Preps Roundup COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

T

he 2016 winter prep sports season has entered the deep stages of CIF-SS Championship competition.

Here is a look at a few San Juan Capistrano high school programs that have found success in the postseason.

McCaffrey Scores Golden Goal for Tartans in Second-Round Win St. Margaret’s sophomore Lauren McCaffrey scored the game-winning goal in overtime of the Tartans CIF-SS Division 4 second-round The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016

matchup against visiting Malibu on Feb. 23. The goal secured a 1-0 win for St. Margaret’s, who were set to play in the divisional quarterfinals against No. 3 seed Mayfair on Feb. 25. Results were not available at press time.

A shot on goal by St. Margaret’s Grace Chalmers set the stage for McCaffrey’s late-game heroics. Chalmers’ shot was saved by the Malibu goalkeeper, but the ball was bobbled and drifted into the box where McCaffrey was waiting.

The Tartans have had a successful 2016 season, going 17-3-2 overall as of Feb. 25. St. Margaret’s entered the playoffs as the co-Academy League champions.

Eagles Basketball Soars into CIF Semifinals The Capistrano Valley Christian boys

guard freed up the Warriors formidable frontcourt that features junior forwards Tyshan Barrett and Nick Andrews. Freshman Jon Scherer also helped increase the Warriors lead by knocking down four first-half 3-pointers.

“It was a big game I think we just had to settle into a groove. We weren’t really playing our patient game, we wanted to slow it down,” Smith said. “We kind of got caught up in things and once we settled down everything turned out alright.”

Smith led all scorers with 26 points.

The Warriors came out in the third with a renewed energy on attacking the Trojans (21-5) in the paint. Barrett scored on three consecutive shots from down low early in the third to push SVC’s lead to 54-31. The Warriors also clamped down on defense and outscored the Trojans 20-3 in the third quarter.

Scherer finished the night with 17 points, Barrett poured in 10 and Andrews and Josh Crutchfield each chipped in 9.

The Warriors now find themselves in the semifinals of the playoffs for the second time in three years.

“Over summer we came into it saying ‘We’re going for a CIF Championship’. We just have to stay focused and stay hungry and not get ahead of ourselves,” Smith said.

Flintridge Prep, located in La Cañada, has had a successful season and entered the Division 5AA Championships as the No. 3 seed. The Rebels own a 20-4 overall record and went undefeated in Prep League competition.

For in-game scores and updates from the Warriors CIF-SS Division 5AA semifinal game, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports. CD

basketball team will face a familiar foe in the CIF-SS Division 5A semifinals on Feb. 26. The Eagles, who defeated Valley Torah 68-48 in the quarterfinals on Feb. 23, will travel to play Rancho Christian on Feb. 26 in a rematch of one of last year’s semifinal games.

The Eagles (22-7) and Rancho Christian of Temecula (18-11) squared off in the semifinals of last year’s Division 5A playoffs. Rancho Christian pulled off a fourth-quarter comeback to topple the Eagles 68-66.

The two teams got to play in a rematch earlier this season at the Brethren Christian Small School Showcase tournament on Jan. 23 where, again, Rancho Christian bested the Eagles 45-41 in a closely contested game. CD

The St. Margaret’s girls soccer team, seen here celebrating a goal against Sage Hill in Academy League play, advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 4 Championships. Photo: Courtesy St. Margaret’s Episcopal

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