2012 Festival of Whales

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Young at Art

Welcome to Dana Point

Festival of Whales infused with fresh artistic talent of Dana Hills High School students

BY LA R A A NDE R SON, M AYOR OF DA NA PO I NT

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elcome to Dana Point and our 41st annual Festival of Whales. Whether this is your first visit or you are a resident of our beautiful seaside community, this year’s Festival and the whales it celebrates are sure to delight.

We’ve already seen spectacular pods of Orcas, Humpback whales and literally tons of Gray whales. What will you see on a whale watching excursion?

On land, we have a fun-filled lineup of family-friendly events starting with our hometown parade on Saturday, March 3. Retired pro football player Jim Everett will be the 2012 Celebrity Grand Marshal and Dana Point’s own Lindsay Steinriede, 2011 Woman’s World Champion Long Board Champion, will be the Community Grand Marshal. The parade starts 10 a.m. on Pacific Coast Highway at Selva Road and travels down PCH terminating at the Whale of a Block Party in La Plaza Park.

The Dana Point Historical Society is continuing their tradition of a live reading of our namesake Richard Henry Dana’s book, Two Years Before the Mast. Over 100 volunteer readers will take turns to complete a public reading of the entire book in approximately 15 hours over three days.

Stop by the Nature Interpretive Center on Scenic Drive above the Harbor and have a listen, March 2, 3 and 4.

The Harbor is filled with art and music

during the entire Festival of Whales. Along the boardwalk, the Dana Point Fine Art Association will be hosting a show and sale. There will also be Art in the Park at Dana Point Harbor Drive and Island Way, movies, the Harbor Music Series, worldclass jazz, a concert at Baby Beach and much more.

How about some food? There are delicious pancake breakfasts on March 4 and 11 hosted by our local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and Ladies Auxiliary and Doheny Longboard Surfing Association.

They’re great breakfasts for a great cause.

Enjoy BBQ at Baby Beach. New this year is the first ever Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook Off featuring teams from some of the best local restaurants and the City of Dana Point. Proceeds from the Cook Off benefit a fantastic organization called Fish for Life that enhances the lives of those with special needs.

Dana Point is an active community and the Festival of Whales reflects our commitment to health and fitness with numerous activities like tidepool hikes, walking tours, stand-up paddling clinics, a Dana Outrigger Canoe Club race, the Mickey Muñoz Mongoose Cup and the Festival of Whales Grunion Run, March 11.

All these events and lots more are on the Festival of Whales program. There’s so much to do and see; plan to spend the weekend, or two, in Dana Point. And, like the whales do each year, I hope you’ll come back too. DP

Join the Migration for Less with Metrolink and OCTA

BY A N D R EA SWAYNE

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oin the migration at the Dana Point Festival of Whales and let OCTA and Metrolink get you there for less. Buy a weekend pass—valid for system-wide travel from 7 p.m. Friday through midnight on Sunday—for just $10. Weekend passes are available at any Metrolink station ticket vending machine.

To get to the Festival of Whales from the San Juan Capistrano Metrolink station, take OCTA Bus Route 91 South to Dana Point.

Bicycle riders—look for one of Metrolink’s special bicycle cars marked with large yellow “Bicycle Car” signs and take your bike onboard. Ride Metrolink to the San Juan Capistrano station and then hop on your bike and ride the bikeway to Dana Point and the Festival.

Full train and bus schedules can be found at www.octa.net/whalesfestival2012.aspx.

Using public transportation to and from the Festival is not only an environmentally friendly way to attend, a ride aboard a bus or train can add to the adventure and get you

great discounts at area businesses. Below are a few of the special deals riders can enjoy.

• Present Metrolink, OCTA bus pass or 91 Express Lanes transponder and save 50 percent off Dana Wharf and Ocean Institute whale watching excursion ticket prices.

Advanced reservations required. Call Dana Wharf at 949.496.5794 ext. 7 and Ocean Institute, 949.496.2274 ext. 0 for reservations.

• Present Metrolink, OCTA bus pass or 91 Express Lanes transponder and receive a special room rate of $69, single or double occupancy, at the Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.1203, www.danapointmarinainn.com. DP

BY A N DREA SWAY N E

Sarah Stanley

Lauren Black

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hen the artwork of 2011 Dana Hills High School grad Carver Moore— now studying film editing at the Academy of Art in San Francisco—was chosen as the official logo for the Dana Point Festival of Whales; he was one of the few people surprised by it.

Festival coordinator Penny Elia approached Moore’s digital photography teacher Natalie Hribar-Kelly near the end of last school year with an idea to engage the talented art students from Dana Hills High School as contributors to the annual event.

Elia, Hribar-Kelly and her fellow art instructors were impressed—but not surprised—by the abundance of creativity and technical ability displayed by all who submitted logo designs. And they were delighted that Moore’s standout work will represent this year’s Festival of Whales.

Moore said he was surprised and excited to be recognized in this way. And the fact that his design represents a local event that was a big part of his life growing up in Dana Point was a bonus.

“I feel honored but a bit strange too, because this is the first time my work will be widely viewed by the public,” said Moore.

The top five submitted works were

Dana Hills High School class of 2011 graduate Carver Moore stands by the Festival of Whales logo he designed. Photo by Andrea Swayne

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Frankie Michinock

Renee Richardson

rounded out by entries from Sarah Stanley, Lauren Black, Frankie Michinock and Renee Richardson.

Inspired by the designs, student involvement quickly grew to include an opportunity for students to show their work at Art in the Park—the exhibition of work by local artists now in its third successful year at the Festival of Whales.

To prepare, a group of 90 students from all high school visual art departments was invited on a January field trip, whale watching aboard a Dana Wharf boat, interaction with professional guest artists and a tour of the Ocean Institute and its historic tallship Brig Pilgrim.

Moore even took a break from his college studies and returned to Dana Point to attend—the same day when posters, signs and banners with his logo had their debut around town.

The trip was designed to serve as inspiration and motivation, not only for next year’s logo competition, but also to spark the creativity of the students creating works for display at the Art in the Park.

“It was a perfect opportunity for our students to venture out and get inspired to create work for the show,” said Hribar-Kelly.

“The kids are very excited about submitting designs for the 2013 festival logo and are already working on ideas. I think it’s huge for art students to gain inspiration in the field, and exposure to professional artists is very important to their education.”

Art in the Park founder, art consultant Jackie Gallagher agreed and predicted that the student art show will grow organically, just as the original show has over the years.

“This is a great way to expose kids to the possibilities of a professional art career,” said Gallagher. “We started out three years ago with 15 artists and hope to have 70 this year, plus a large group of students.”

Other plans to expand student involvement by including kids studying areas beyond the visual arts—music, theater, etc.—are already in the works.

“What better way to get the community involved in the festival than to include our youth,” Elia said. DP

Whales in the Wilderness

BY DOU G THOM P SON

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tanding on the beach gazing out to sea, you are overlooking a true wilderness—not with massive migrations of zebras and wildebeests across vast African savannahs, but instead with impressive numbers of giant animals cloaked by the ocean’s watery wilderness. One of these regular travelers, right in front of us off our local coastline, completes the longest migration of any mammal on Earth—the roughly 10,000-mile round-trip journey of the California Gray whales.

Each fall between September and October, Gray whales begin their long journey south from their traditional feeding grounds in the Arctic to the lagoons of Baja, where most were born. Their migration is triggered by the shortening days heading into winter when the ice forms and affects their food sources. They travel four to five thousand miles one way, depending on how far north they started.

Gray whales travel about as fast as we walk, completing about 100 miles in 24 hours.

Whales are marine mammals and breathe air. They must think about each breath and are not automatic breathers like us. They cannot completely fall asleep at any time or they would drown. They usually surface three to five times in a row, exhaling and taking in large amounts of air to re-oxygenate their blood; then while holding their breath, swim underwater for four to six minutes just below the surface, then repeat the process. They can stay underwater up to 20 minutes before surfacing.

Two blowholes (their nostrils) are connected directly to the lungs, so even a mouth full of water and food will not interfere with breathing. The blowholes are located on top of the head, making it easy to just slightly break the surface of the water to take in air. Gray whales’ eyes (about the size of softballs) are located on each side of their head, about seven or eight feet back from the tip of the jaw. They lack forward stereoscopic vision that we humans have and must move their entire body to see an object in front of them. They do have limited stereoscopic vision downward to aid in finding food on the seabed floor, where they filter small animals from the mud.

Gray whales reach a length of 50 feet and weigh a little less than a ton a foot (in our world of gravity). All whales are weightless in water, so slowly pulsing their large flukes (tail) moves them forward efficiently.

Baleen or filter-feeding whales, such as Gray whales, store blubber as a food source to allow them to make these long distance migrations away from their feeding grounds. They feed all summer in the foodrich northern seas, gaining literally tons of weight in blubber. Then in the fall, they head south and do not need to eat again for many months, using stored blubber as their food source.

A pregnant female Gray whale may leave the northern latitudes weighting 90,000 pounds. She will travel many weeks to Baja where she will have a 12- to 15-foot baby that can weight up to 2,000 pounds at birth. The mother whale will gently support her almost helpless baby to take

This Gray whale is taking a look around doing what is called “spy hopping.” Photo by Doug Thompson

the first few breaths of air at the surface.

Within a few hours, the baby will gain some coordination and be able to slowly swim alongside mom. The baby feeds—on rich, nourishing milk that is roughly 50 percent fat—from recessed nipples on either side of the mother’s genital slit. When the baby touches a nipple and makes a seal, the mother contracts the massive muscles around the nipple and shoots the thick milk down the baby’s throat. The baby will drink about 50 gallons a day and may grow to 70 percent of its adult length in the first year of life. Months later, when mom and her young whale return to the northern feeding areas, mom will have lost many tons of weight.

Gray whales are considered a coastal whale, meaning they normally stay within a few miles of shore, making them easy to observe during migration. Jump on a whale watching boat and become part of their mysterious journey.

Doug Thompson is a noted marine naturalist with over 30 years of studying Gray whales in the lagoons of Baja. He is the author of Whales, Touching the Mystery and is Director of Expeditions for The SummerTree Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation which conducts ongoing natural history experiences, lectures and wildlife and marine expeditions worldwide. He will be speaking March 4 at 10 a.m. at Harpoon Henry’s and can be reached at doug@summertree.org.

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Historic Festival of Whales Forty-one and Counting

BY CARLOS N. O LVERA, PRESI D ENT DANA PO I NT HI STO R ICA L SO CI ETY

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he Festival of Whales is here once again.

This year—year 41 and counting—we celebrate for the first time without Festival of Whales founder, author and Dana Point historian Doris I. Walker. Doris passed away in October but her memories and historical accounts of festivals past live on in her renowned book Dana Point: Home Port for Romance.

One such memory recorded in the book is that of the full size whale characters—Sandy, Flo, Pheena and Herb—she brought to the corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Island Way years ago. Only Herb remains today, a live growing whale topiary, but Doris’ mark lives on in many festival traditions Dana Point has treasured for over four decades.

Back in July of 1971 the Dana Point Harbor opened its doors (docks) to the public.

One of the first businesses to open at the wharf, and the only East Basin one that was fully constructed, was Don Hansen’s Dana Wharf Sportfishing. He moved his sportfishing operation from San Clemente and brought with him the need to share the experience of the sea with children. That was when Doris first got involved, quickly became responsible for the harbor’s public relations and created the first Festival of Whales Parade. The inaugural year was a small celebration consisting of a short walking parade of children between the only two harbor businesses at the time, Dana Wharf and the Wind & Sea. When Dana Point became a city in 1989, the first mayor, Judy Curreri, asked yours truly to organize the first parade under

city sponsorship. The route—eastward down Santa Clara, crossing Pacific Coast Highway at Violet Lantern—was chosen because we couldn’t get a permit to use PCH; or even to cross it. So we had a person hit the crosswalk signal and quickly moved parade entrants across to La Plaza where it ended at the Street Faire (today’s Block Party).

After about 10 years, City Council chose not to sponsor the parade and local organizers continued the tradition with a parade on Golden Lantern. Two years later it returned to PCH; this time with Grand Marshals Doris I. Walker, Don Hansen and I in the lead—just to name just a few.

In those early years Doris once brought Donald Duck from Disneyland to serve as Grand Marshal, as he was the only waterrelated Disney character at the time.

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But over the years Doris and others made sure to never lose sight of the fact that the real stars of the show must always be the whales.

Each year many different events take place throughout Town Center and the Harbor to celebrate Dana Point’s place along the Gray whales’ 10,000-mile annual migration and the abundance of sightings whale watchers enjoy just off our coast. In years past we had scuba sky diving into the ocean, mariachi bands, Navy parachute demonstrations and a Navy Special Boat Squadron. New this year we have a chowder cook off, professional sand sculptors and more.

Although Dana Point celebrates this year’s Festival without our beloved Doris, her mark remains in both the traditions and spirit of the event. Check it out and you too can be a part of the history of Dana Point. DP

Whale Watching

Sponsor Spotlight San Diego Gas & Electric has been a proud sponsor of the Festival of Whales for over a decade.

Their generous donations have made possible the expansion of many events and have been central to making the Festival what it is today.

Be sure to stop by the SDG&E booth at Ocean Awareness Day, Sunday, March 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Baby Beach grassy area. DP

Adventures Dana Wharf Whale Watching

The originator of Whale Watching in Orange County invites you to celebrate over 40 years of exceptional whale watching.

Excursions offer fun for all ages. Sightings of whales or dolphins are guaranteed or come back again and ride free. Boats depart every hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on festival weekends. Back by popular demand—the Whale of a Deal—all 8 a.m. tickets are just $10. For other departure times, adults are $32, senior and military $27, children 3-12 years $19 and children 2 and under are free.

Two-hour whale watching excursions following their Marine Mammal Lecture both weekends at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. are also available. Trips are narrated aboard the 63-foot, state-of-the-art OCean Adventures catamaran. Prior to the 11:30 a.m. departure, a special lecture session from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s included with all 11:30 a.m. reservations. Tickets are $42 for adults, $29 for children 3-12 and free for children under 2. Purchase tickets online at www.zerve. com/DanaWharf/OceanAdv. Use Promo Code (FOW12) to save $5 per ticket (not valid on 8 a.m. special). For more information call 800.979.3370 or 800.590.9994 or visit www.danawharf.com.

Ocean Institute Marine Mammal Cruises

More than just a whale watch, Ocean Institute cruises aboard the R/V Sea Explorer introduce participants to whales and other marine animals using state-of-the-art equipment including satellites, plankton nets, sediment samplers and video microscopes.

Experience these magnificent animals and learn about feeding strategies, migration and behavior patterns. Cruise times are 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Festival weekends. Member pricing is $22 for adults and $19 for children 4 to 12. Non-member pricing is $35 adults, $22 children. Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the cruise ticket purchase.

For more information, call 949.496.2274 or log on to www.ocean-institute.org.

Capt. Dave’s Whale & Dolphin Safari

Get eye-to-eye with wild dolphins and whales—without getting wet—in two exclusive underwater viewing pods on board a high-speed, high-tech, sailing catamaran.

One of the most unique dolphin and whale watching experiences in the world, the boat carries only 49 so excursions are never crowded and get passengers up close to wild marine mammals. See and hear below the surface with an underwater camera and hydrophone while an experienced marine naturalist narrates how the animals live. Trips are often narrated by Capt. Dave Anderson, himself, whose award-winning film on wild

Chowder Cook Off

Photo by Andrea Swayne

dolphins and whales has drawn people from all over the world to Dana Point. The front of the boat is low to the water to get you close to the animals and an onboard micro whale and dolphin museum is fun and educational. Trips are broadcast live on www.WhaleWatchingTV.com so passengers can actually wave hello to family and friends while out on the water with the whales and dolphins. And one of the best features—Mrs. Captain Dave’s triple fudge brownies are served complimentary on every safari. Cost: $55 adults, $35 children 3-12 years old. Call 949.488.2828 or visit www.dolphinsafari.com for more information and reservations.

Dream Catcher Yacht Charters

Wouldn’t it be great to have your own custom version of a Jacques Cousteau adventure at sea? Board a luxury sailing or motor yacht skippered by an experienced Coast Guard-licensed captain for a threehour excursion for you and up to five shipmates. Prices start at just $55 per person.

Departure times are whenever you want to go—Dream Catcher works with your schedule. If you want to search for whales and dolphins and see the spectacular Southern California Riviera coastline in a more personal and intimate setting, then Dream Catcher Yacht Charters has your private yacht waiting at the dock. Passengers can learn something about sailing and boathandling, if interested, or just sit back, enjoy the voyage and scan the horizon for sea life. Shhh…hear that? The whales are gently calling your name. Dream Catcher Yachts is celebrating their 20th year in Dana Point Harbor. For more info or to book a trip, call

949.248.7100. Visit Dream Catcher online at www.dreamcatcheryachts.com.

Aventura Sailing Association

Enjoy a whale watching excursion powered by the wind aboard one of Aventura’s luxury 30-foot sailboats. Two and a half-hour trips run $35 per person, (must have at least six passengers); or enjoy a 30foot private boat for $210, (6 passengers maximum). Upgrades to larger vessels are available for an additional fee. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the serenity of being under full sail as you listen to the sounds of the sea and whales as they breach. Bring your camera and capture the whales as their tails fly high. For reservations and information call 949.493.9493 or log on to www.aventurasailing.com.

Headlands Park and Nature Interpretive Center Interested in catching a glimpse of migrating gray whales from land? Visit the Headlands Conservation Park and Nature Interpretive Center. Situated high atop the 200-foot cliffs of the headlands, the park trails and scenic overlooks offer a great vantage point for viewing the whales passing below. The three-mile trail system is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset and Interpretive Center hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From the Ocean Institute visitors can walk up Cove Road to the park. The Interpretive Center is located adjacent to the park, at the terminus of Green Lantern. It’s a steep walk, but the spectacular views are worth it. For more information, log on to www.danapoint.org and click on the “visitors” button then on “nature interpretive center.” DP

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Devin Hafey is delighted by the beautiful red sheephead she caught during a Fish for Life outing. This year’s Festival of Whales Clam Chowder Cook Off will raise funds to continue providing angling experiences for kids with special needs. Photo by Frank Armstrong

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new addition to this year is the first ever Festival of Whale’s Clam Chowder Cook Off. A dozen of Dana Point’s finest eateries, along with a team from the city, will compete for bragging rights to the tastiest chowder in town on Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the harbor walkway near Island Way (E12 on the map).

Tickets are $5 for five tastes or $10 for 13 and all proceeds will benefit Fish for Life, an organization that provides fun, memorable and inspirational angling experiences to young people with special needs.

“Our mission is to enhance the lives of those with special needs by hosting complimentary half-day Dana Wharf Sportfishing trips aboard the Dana Pride,” said Jim Holden, Fish for Life founder. “This event will certainly help us to extend this often lifechanging experience to more kids.”

Participating teams include: The Harbor Grill, Brio Tuscany Grille, Cannons Seafood Grill, Carlos Mexican Restaurant, Chart House, City of Dana Point, Harpoon Henry’s, Mahé, The Rib Joint, RJ’s Café, Tutor and Spunky’s Deli, The Vue at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and Wind & Sea Restaurant.

Prizes will be awarded in three categories—Best Chowder, Best Booth Design and People’s Choice.

Learn more about Fish for Life at www.fishforlife.org. DP —AS

EVENT MAP

Event locations coordinate with listings on pages 10 & 12

Free Shuttle

Calendar of Events Saturday, March 3, 2012 E1 Festival of Whales Parade 10 a.m. The parade features floats, bands, balloons and more related to the Festival theme, Magical Migration. Parade route runs along Pacific Coast Highway from Selva Road to Golden Lantern.

E2 Whale of a Block Party 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at La Plaza Park. Hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the Block Party is a fun and educational carnival-style event for the entire family.

Weekend 1

Drive. Over 100 volunteers read in 10-minute shifts beginning Friday, March 2 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

E15 Sand Sculpting Creation and Workshops 9 a.m.-Sunset. Archisand—professional sand sculptors and seven-time U.S. Open Sand Castle Competition champions—create a sculpture featuring whales and the 2012 Festival of Whales logo at Baby Beach. Sandcastle building workshops offered at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. At sunset watch as Archisand applies some cool LED colored lighting effects. See their work at www.socalsandcastles.com.

Event numbers correspond with the event map on pages 8 & 9 pancake breakfast, raffle prizes and entertainment, hosted by VFW post 9934 and Ladies Auxiliary at the OC Sailing & Event Center’s Dana Cove Room. Adults $6, $3 for children under 12.

E6 Ocean Institute Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Enjoy a tallship sailing adventure and gain new insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and whales.

Non-member price $40 adults, $23 children 12 and under; members—$36 adults, $21 children 12 and under (min. age 4).

E3 Live Remote KSBR 88.5 Jazz FM 9 a.m.

Stop in and visit with the DJs and staff from Radio KSBR 88.5 in the Dana Wharf courtyard area.

E11 So Cal Woodies Woodie cars will be on display at the grassy areas along the harbor walkway.

E15 Dana Outrigger Canoe Club Race In its 22nd year of historical paddling, Dana Outrigger Canoe Club will once again host a competition at Baby Beach. Spectators welcome.

E15 Ocean Awareness Day 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. Interactive displays, demonstrations and entertainment showcasing environmental programs and issues related to the ocean.

E11 So Cal Woodies Woodie cars from the Southern California Woodie Club will be on display at the grassy areas along the harbor walkway. Take a stroll and enjoy these iconic surf wagons from days past.

E11 Metropolitan Club Nash Metropolitan cars will be on display at the grassy areas along the harbor walkway.

E5 Historical Society Public Reading 9 a.m.6 p.m. The Dana Point Historical Society hosts its second public reading of Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana Jr. Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic

Watch as Archisand sand sculptors bring the design in this concept rendering to life.

E15 Movie in the Park 6:30 p.m. Head to the grassy area at Baby Beach for a special showing of A Dolphin Tale. Free popcorn, hot beverages and snacks available. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and your own picnic.

Sunday, March 4, 2012 E8 Whale of a Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m.11 a.m. Start your day with a delicious

All Four Days

2012 Festival of Whales Merchandise T-shirts and sweatshirts will be on sale throughout the Harbor and are available for purchase online at www.festivalofwhales.com.

E10 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Marine mammals are among the most beloved icons of the California coast and yet much of their life history and biology remains a mystery.

Attend the Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching marine mammal lecture series at Harpoon Henry’s to learn some of the latest discoveries about them. Enjoy a continental breakfast as special guests present recent findings on whales, dolphins, other marine mammals and sharks.

March 3: Great white shark expert Mary Blasius; March 4: Doug Thompson on Gray whales; March 10: Alisa SchulmanJaniger speaks on killer whales and March 11: Dennis Kelly on bottlenose dolphin and sea otters. Following the lecture, board the

OCean Adventures catamaran for whale watching. Lecture is free with purchase of the cruise and includes continental breakfast. Lecture and breakfast only $5 per person, at the door. For tickets visit www. danawharf.com or call 949.496.5794.

E12 Art in the Park Local artists display a variety of works on the grassy areas at the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive.

E6 Seashore Interpretive Family Hike 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Guided family tidepool hikes through the Dana Point Marine Protected Area with Ocean Institute naturalists. First come, first served. Sign up at the front desk of the Ocean Institute after admission is paid, no additional charge.

E6 Ocean Institute 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a hands-on journey into the fascinating world of whales. Activities include crafts, animal feedings, ROV driving and tidepool touch

E15 “The Amazing Adventures of Captain Don” Book Signing 1 p.m.3 p.m. Author Donna Kalez will be signing her book “The Amazing Adventures of Captain Don” in the Dana Wharf booth at Ocean Awareness Day. Books $5. Purchase includes a free spin of the prize wheel with gifts valued up to $44.

E15 Diamond Dig Noon-1 p.m. The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club Diamond Dig lets kids and adults pay for a shovel and dig for buried treasure—cash, toys and diamonds! Dress as a pirate and receive a clue.

E15 Whale of a Rubber Ducky Race 11 a.m.2 p.m. This fun spin on a traditional “Rubber Ducky Race” will be held at Baby Beach.

Prizes awarded to the top three finishers. $6 per duck or 2 for $10; need not be present to win.

E15 Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Compete in one of five categories: castles, whales and ocean creatures, pirates and ships, Woodies and surfboards, or patriotic emblems. Judging begins at 2:30 p.m. with awards to follow. Bring your own buckets and tools. Dyes and stabilizers not allowed—all natural. Sculpting creation areas are limited—first come, first served.

E15 Whale of a BBQ Noon-4 p.m. Delicious BBQ specialties at affordable prices served up at Baby Beach. Choose from tri-tip sandwiches, mouth-watering chicken sandwiches, scrumptious salads and more.

E10 Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Fishing Trip 12 p.m.–12:30 p.m. Clinic followed by a fishing trip from 12:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites kids to a dockside clinic to learn techniques from the experts, followed by a fishing trip. Adults are $39 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under free, equipment included. Call 949.496.5794 for reservations.

E5 Historical Society Public Reading 9 a.m.noon. The Historical Society hosts its second public reading of Two Years Before the Mast at the Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive. Over 100 volunteers read in 10-minute shifts. Donations gladly accepted.

tanks. Admission: $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children (3 -12 yrs); children 2 and under and members are free.

fornia.” Screenings every hour. Also, see a live whale watching broadcast from www.

WhaleWatchingTV.com.

E7 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The Dana Point Fine Arts Association will host an art show and sale on the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner’s Village. A portion of artists’ sales will benefit the Dana Hills High School Art Department.

E8 Stand-Up Paddling Clinics 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. Join the SUP craze and learn why it’s the fastest growing water sport today.

Westwind Sailing hosts 45-minute on-thewater clinics, on the hour, $10 per person, ages 12 and up. Call 949.492.3035 for details.

E8 Sailing Rides 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing teaches passengers how to sail a Capri 14. Half-hour sessions $15 per boat, three people max., ages 5 and up. Call 949.492.3035 for details.

E9 Historical Society Town Center Walking Tour 2 p.m. Meet at 34091 (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for an historic Town Center walking tour of commercial and residential buildings. Call 949.248.8121 or visit www.danapointhistorical.org for info.

E4 Free Film Screening and Live Whale Watching Broadcast 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Stop by the Dolphin Deck, 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, for a free viewing of Captain Dave’s award-winning documentary “Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern Cali-

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E10 Harbor Music Series Noon–3 p.m.

A variety of music styles will be presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger courtyard, Harpoon Henry grassy area and Mariner’s Village.

Calendar of Events Saturday, March 10, 2012 E15 3rd Annual Mongoose Cup 9 a.m. Join surf legend Mickey Muñoz and friends for a day of paddling fun. There will be an open fun paddle, Waterman Expo, SUP clinics and SUP relays. The event kicks off with a fun paddle, open to any type of paddling craft, and a harbor cleanup sweep. The Mongoose Cup will consist of SUP-only relays. Teams will be chosen by “luck of the draw.” Each elite Mongoose Cup safety paddler will draw names of three paddlers to complete their four-person teams. Entry includes commemorative Tshirt, BBQ lunch and a chance to paddle with Muñoz himself. Proceeds benefit the Festival of Whales, Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association and Doheny Longboard Surfing Association. Register online at http:// mongoosecup2012.eventbrite.com/ or on the beach starting at 7:30 a.m. For more info, call 714.262.8370.

• Muñoz will have a book signing following the event at the Dana Point Yacht Club.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get an autographed copy of his celebrated book No Bad Waves,Talking Story with Mickey Muñoz.

Weekend 2

make it today? The Commanders return for two more performances on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Under the musical direction of TSgt Jim Butler, this 20-piece big band is considered one of the finest of its kind on the West Coast. From big band to contemporary, there’s something for all musical tastes. The Commanders began in 1959 as a component of the North American Air Defense (NORAD) Command Band and then merged with the Air Force Band of the Golden Gate in 1979 at Travis Air Force Base. The group has toured the western United States extensively, appeared on numerous radio and television shows, performed at Carnegie Hall, Monterey Jazz Festival, Redwood Coast Jazz Festival and with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and collaborated with the likes of Marvin Stamm, Steve Smith, Bob Hope, Walt Levinsky, Carl Saunders, and more.

E11, 12 Cal Rods Car Club 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Cal Rod Car Club, formed in 1954 in the San Gabriel Valley, will display approximately 50 classics and hot rods along the harbor walkway. Many of these cars have been featured in automotive magazines and received awards from the Grand National Roadster Show, L.A Roadster Show, La Verne Cool Cruise, Dr. George Charity Car Show in Palm Springs and more. For more information visit http://calrods.com.

E17 Whale of a Beach Cleanup 9 a.m.–noon Bring your work gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket and help clean up Doheny State Beach. Meet Ranger Vicki at the Lifeguard Headquarters and learn more about how you can help maintain our precious coastal resources.

E12 Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook Off 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sample a variety of tasty chowders and vote for your favorites along the Harbor walkway near Island Way. Cost: $5 for five tastes or $10 for 13.

The Commanders US Air Force Jazz Band of the Golden West. Courtesy photo

E14 The Commanders US Air Force Jazz Band of the Golden West 11 a.m.-noon and 2 p.m.4 p.m. The Commanders US Air Force Jazz Band of the Golden West performs two shows on the grass adjacent to Art in the Park. Bring blankets, beach towels or beach chairs and settle in for some great entertainment. Can’t

Event numbers correspond with the event map on pages 8 & 9

Sunday, March 11, 2012 E17 Festival of Whales Grunion Run 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Run The Grunion Run features a 10K at 7:45 a.m., 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m., Kids’ 1K Run at 9:45 a.m. and awards at 10 a.m. FREE prerun shuttle service will begin at 6 a.m. with pick ups at the Ocean Institute, OC Sailing & Event Center and Dana Point Harbor Drive at Golden Lantern. Proceeds to benefit the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, a nonprofit organization that supports interpretive, educational programs at Doheny State Beach.

Pre-registration and more information is available online at www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com.

• A Whale of a Pancake Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. inside Doheny State Park. Adults $6, $3 for children under 12. Bring your racing bib and receive $1 off breakfast. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Doheny Longboard Surfing Association and our local State Lifeguard Association.

E11, 12 Cal Rods Car Club 10 a.m.3 p.m. The Cal Rod Car Club will display approximately 50 classics and hot rods along the harbor walkway.

E10 Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Fishing Trip 12 p.m.–12:30 p.m. Clinic followed by a fishing trip from 12:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites kids to a dockside clinic to learn techniques from the experts, followed by a fishing trip. Prizes raffled after the clinic. Fishing trip bonus—the chance to see whales, dolphins and other marine life. Adults are $39 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under free, equipment included.

Call 949.496.5794 for reservations.

E4 Capt. Dave’s Kids’ Carnival Noon2 p.m. Fun for the whole “pod”! Drop by the Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive for free activities and prizes. Kids of all ages will have fun with games, crafts, face painting and more.

E6 Ocean Institute Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Enjoy a tallship sailing adventure and gain new insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and whales. Non-member price $40 adults, $23 children 12 and under; members—$36 adults, $21 children 12 and under (min. age 4).

Don’t forget to check page 10 for more events happening all four days of the festival PAGE 12

E15 Whale of a Concert and BBQ Noon4:30 p.m. FREE concert at Baby Beach with bands performing atop a specially designed floating stage. Tijuana Dogs—noon to 1 p.m., Lights (Journey Tribute band)—1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and Chicago Tribute Authority—3:15 p.m. to 4:30 pm. Bring beach chairs or blankets to sit on. BBQ specialties and a Spirits Garden provided (over 21 with valid ID). For info, call 949.248.3530.

E14 Java and Jazz with The Commanders US Air Force Jazz Band of the Golden West 9 a.m-10 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon The Commanders US Air Force Jazz Band of the Golden West performs two shows on the grass. Bring blankets or beach chairs. Stop

by The Coffee Importers between 8 a.m. and noon, mention Java and Jazz and get a FREE coffee!

E17 Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mobile Marine Mammal Museum at the Doheny State Beach Visitor Center will present a free exhibition of genuine marine mammal artifacts for visitors to actively learn and gain an appreciation for these magnificent creatures of the sea. Please alert entrance station staff upon arrival so they can direct you to appropriate parking. Please note: Free vehicle parking at Doheny State Beach for Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum is limited to one hour only. Rain cancels. Call 949.496.2704 or see www.dohenystatebeach.org for more information.

E8 “Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey” Book Signing and Lecture 11 a.m.-noon Join author Capt. Dave Anderson at the OC Sailing & Event Center for a lecture and video on whale entanglement and a signing of his new book “Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey.”

For more information call 949.488.2828 or see www.talesfromthepod.com.

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