2018 Festival of Whales Official Event Guide

47th annual festival of whales March 3-4 & 10-11, 2018

FROM THE MAYOR

Meet the Festival of Whales Logo Contest Winner

Welcome to the 47th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales

T

he migration of gray whales along Dana Point’s beautiful coastline is one of the most spectacular sites one can experience. Whether standing on the shore, the cliffs or taking in an adventure at sea, the thrill and beauty of seeing these giants of the ocean never disappoints. It’s for this remarkable e perience that Dana Point celebrates the estival of Whales every year.

Over two weekends in March, Dana Point is alive with activities. icking off the estival is the memorable parade down Pacific Coast Highway ending with the Street air at La Plaza Park. estival activities range from rt in the Park, classic car displays, the Diamond Dig for kids and band performances at Baby Beach.

Whale watching excursions take place every day of the Festival.

This year, we have a very special treat. Serving as grand marshal of the estival of Whales is the commanding officer of the .S. Marines Corps’ 5th Marine egiment, Colonel eorge C. Schreffler III. Dana Point is home to the 5th Marine egiment Support roup, one of the largest and most successful Marine egiment Support roups in Orange County. We are proud of our Marines and are very pleased to honor Col. Schreffler III and his 5th Marines as a part of this year’s celebration. he Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash is not to be missed. Building and racing a boat made out of cardboard and duct tape requires creativity, ingenuity and a certain bravado. nother one of my favorite events is the Whale of a Pancake breakfast at Baby Beach.

Don’t forget to make time to shop and dine around town. Our local merchants are what make Dana Point special for residents and visitors alike. Be sure to visit www. festivalofwhales.com to learn about all of the family-friendly events offered. Shuttle services and water taxis are available to take you to and from events.

This is the time of year that makes us proud to be a part of this special coastal community. I hope you and your family and friends join the fun at this year’s Festival of Whales.

I look forward to seeing you!

Mayor Richard A. Viczorek

FRANKIE MICHINOCK

I

s we embark on the 4 th annual Festival of Whales, it is important to look back at the natural and human history of this iconic celebration. Scientists believe gray whales have long used the Dana Point Headlands as a

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, EVENT COORDINATOR wayfinding landmark on their annual roundtrip migration between their cold Arctic feeding grounds and the warm water birthing and calving lagoons of Baja Mexico. It is this annual 10,000-mile magical migration that served as the original inspiration for the Festival.

Whale watching in the area was the idea of the late San Clemente High School science teacher Philip rignon who convinced sportfishing company owner Don Hansen to run whale watching excursions for students. Hansen started these trips from the San Clemente Pier in the late 1960s, where his fishing operation was then running. Hansen moved to Dana Point as Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching ust before the Harbor opened in 19 1 and put the city on the map as a great place to see whales in their natural environment. lthough, that first year, the estival of Whales, created by Hansen and rignon, was a yet unnamed and informal celebration of the annual migration of the huge marine mammals, so began the 4 -year tradition of celebrating the big grays. he idea for the estival’s creation is also credited to two local women. rignon gave some credit for the idea to his San Clemente High School colleague Patricia Cassi. nd the late Orange County/Dana Point historian Doris Walker is credited with organizing the first estival of Whales Parade in 19 3. It began as a costume parade for children, and under her guidance continued to grow each year. It is now an epic kickoff with floats, bands, giant helium balloons and more, parading down Pacific Coast Highway on opening day.

As the Festival nears its golden anniversary, its original spirit continues to flourish, making it one of the most highly anticipated, fun and exciting events of the year. Join us and be amazed, entertained and inspired to appreciate and protect the ma estic ocean life right off the coast of beautiful Dana Point. •

The Festival of Whales: A Brief History

Festivalofwhales.com

of people. I wanted it to resonate with everyone who calls this town home.”

When speaking about the technicalities behind her design, Michinock spoke confidently.

“I wanted the whale to be the main focus, held by the waves and supported by Dana Point, Michinock explained. “I have always loved Disney and have been inspired by their three-tier visuals too.”

She said the whale tail is meant to be “held” by the waves in the sea and its central position is symbolic to the mammal’s cultural and historical relevance in Dana Point.

The orange dot in the background represents both the sun and the point in Dana Point, a key geographical location in Orange County.

Color choice was also a large focus for Michinock in her winning design.

“I usually don’t focus too much on colors,” she admitted. “I prefer to work in gray-scale. However, in this design, I relied heavily on my understanding of the Pantone scale that I recently studied in college. fter graduating from California State niversityullerton in spring 201 with a double ma or in illustration and graphic design, Michinock is actively pursuing her passions in Orange County. hese days, she said she is excited by innovative and creative package design, the intersection of beauty and tangibility.

I’ve always been focused on function-first art. If it isn’t useful, I’m not interested,” Michinock said. •

t shouldn’t have been a surprise when Frankie Michinock, 23, of Laguna Niguel, admitted that she didn’t have a printed copy of her award-winning 2018 Festival of Whales graphic. fter being identified as one of the top five logo designers from over 0 entries by the Festival of Whales Foundation Board of Directors, Michinock—who is rather humble—was blown away after being named a finalist, and later received just under 1,000 votes in the public voting section hosted on social media. Not long after the polls closed on social media she was crowned, leaving little time to absorb the news in full.

“I still can’t believe this. I’m in shock,” Michinock exclaimed while looking overwhelmed with the attention. “It’s unbelievable. I can’t thank my friends, family and everyone who voted enough.”

Home town pride and pressure This was Michinock’s third time entering the Festival of Whales logo design contest. The Laguna Niguel resident and Dana Hills High School graduate placed fourth her sophomore year of high school in 2010 and second in 2012, but said she has always identified with Dana Point as home and definitely felt motivated and a bit of pressure—from her home-town pride while designing this year’s award-winning graphic.

Michinock said that it was during her time at Dana Hills, under the motivational tutelage of Visual and Performing rts Department Chair Natalie Hribar-Kelly, that she began to believe in her skills in the arts.

For her latest entry, Michinock said she was inspired by the graphics on the trolleys that circulate Dana Point for the design.

“I wanted to give my design a timeless feel,” Michinock said. “All of the designs (in the past) were incredible, but I thought it was important to create a graphic that appealed to a wide variety

South Orange County local Frankie Michinock stands with her award-winning logo design at Ken Sampson Overview Gazebo in Dana Point. Photo: Daniel Ritz

OTHER LOGO CONTEST FINALISTS

SECOND PLACE

Mika Denny Santa Ana

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THIRD PLACE

STEPHEN DORSEY Sabin, MN

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FOURTH PLACE

TORY ELENA Ventura

FIFTH PLACE

VICTOR SOKOLOW Capistrano Beach

47th annual festival of whales March 3-4 & 10-11, 2018

Cetacean Creation

Dana Hills students set sail in search of inspiration amongst the waves

BY DANIEL RITZ

A

nxious energy rippled through the air as 58 Dana Hills High School (DHHS) students prepared to board Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching’s boat the Dana Pride.

Each year, students from DHHS fine art classes including .P. studio art, video production and drawing and painting classes set sail out of the Dana Point Harbor in order to gain inspiration for creative projects to be displayed and sold during the annual Festival of Whales celebration.

DHHS fine art teachers rista odriguez and Chau Tran, whose classes were attending this year’s Festival of Whales inspiration trip, voiced that this whale watching experience has more to offer their students through the challenges it presents, than its leisure.

“The tones of the water, the texture of the skin of the animals, it all becomes so much more real. You can emulate as many things as you want, but there is nothing like the real thing,” Tran said.

For some students, the Festival of Whales inspiration trip is a routine day on the water, for others, never before explored territory, but for all, growth is formed from stepping outside of

Might as Whale Take a Selfie!

the stable platform of the classroom, and stepping foot into the wind and the waves.

Sky Hernandez, a unior at DHHS, had never been on a boat before this trip. When asked how that could be, she responded simply, saying that she was afraid of the ocean.

“I’ll go to the beach sometimes, but I have never been on a boat. To be honest, I’m afraid of the ocean, Hernandez said, adding that her older sister inspired her to attend. odriguez voiced that this is not an uncommon experience for students in her DHHS classes.

“For a lot of us, the ocean and things like boats are second nature, odriguez said.

“But we have to remember that for some, just because it is close doesn’t mean it’s their reality. Boats are expensive and time consuming; it’s amazing to be able to bring these kids into a new world right in their own backyard.”

For some DHHS Students, in retrospect, the most inspiring moments may have been what they have learned about themselves as much as any natural elements.

“It’s beautiful, I had no idea. I’m a little shaky, but I like it, Hernandez said calmly, sitting on the back deck of the Dana Pride. Succumbing to sea-sickness earlier in the trip, she now sat firmly planted on the deck, eyes peeled for her prized gem a gray whale.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Melanie Shams, a senior at DHHS, combs the deck of the Dana Pride like a sailor who has earned her sea legs.

That’s because she has. he 1 -year-old video production student is attending the trip to work on her video editing and interviewing skills. Shams, who aspires to be a lawyer, seems to float along the boat as others warily cling to the rails for support.

Her comfort is evident; managing her movement on the boat as opposed to surviving the rise and fall of each step, Shams is taking advantage of the opportunity to intertwine her passion and her education.

Occasionally cracking a smile, Shams maintains an obvious sense of control amongst her classmates, keeping her own personal progression to herself.

Once the Dana Pride returned to the Harbor, the students seemed to have settled in. Quietly and contently taking in their surroundings, a majority appear more contemplative; sitting along the railings with their feet hanging over the passing waves below.

It’s astonishing, odriguez said. What you learn when you aren’t in complete control of all of the elements.” •

Find a Photo Opp Stop, snap a pic and post it to Instagram with the hashtags #festivalofwhales and #danapointharbor for a chance to win great prizes!

Festivalofwhales.com

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47th annual festival of whales March 3-4 & 10-11, 2018

Festival of Whales Merchandise MERCHANDISE BOOTH LOCATIONS March 3 • Street Fair at La Plaza Park • Dana Wharf (In front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • El Torito Courtyard

Parking and FREE Shuttle Information The FREE shuttle runs each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and services most parking lots and event locations. Daily and $3 per hour ($6 minimum) parking is available at Doheny State Beach at the numerous automated payment machine kiosks located throughout the park, or better yet through the Passport Parking app available for smartphones and tablets at www. ppprk.com/park. he benefit of the Passport Parking payment application is, in addition to making the initial payment for parking, time can also be added remotely from your phone or tablet.

March 4 • Ocean Awareness Day at Baby Beach • Dana Wharf (In front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • El Torito Courtyard March 10 • Dana Wharf (In front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • Along the Harbor walkway • Near the Clam Chowder Cook-Off at Baby Beach March 11 • Near the Concert on the Water/Spirits Garden at Baby Beach • Dana Wharf (In front of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in the center of the large parking island) • Along the Harbor walkway

Getting Around the Festival

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! The Dana Point Festival of Whales 2018 merchandise offering will include short sleeve T-shirts in youth and unisex adult sizes. Youth sizes will be available in tropical blue and indigo blue and adult sizes in ice gray, white and navy blue.

Adult long sleeve tees and zip-front hoodies will be available in charcoal gray and navy blue. Five-panel snapback trucker hats will come in charcoal and white/navy. A sport pack backpack and classic tote bag in white will also be offered.

Items may also be purchased online at www.festivalofwhales.com

Walking Directions from OCTA Bus Stop For those guests that are utilizing the OCTA bus stops on PCH, you can reach the Festival by walking down Dana Point Harbor Drive to the Harbor’s Golden Lantern entrance area or you can enter Doheny State Beach (direction sign at bus stop near bridge), walk along the barrier fence, then proceed toward the beach to the marked Festival of Whales shuttle stop. Ride the shuttle FREE to all event locations.

Parade Day Shuttle (March 3 only) FREE shuttle service will be available one hour prior to the Festival of Whales Parade. Park in the Harbor or at Doheny State Beach and ride to the drop-off location for the northerly Parade Announcer Stand. At the conclusion of the Parade, meet at the drop-off location and the shuttle will return you to the Harbor.

Street Fair Shuttle (March 3 only) FREE shuttle service will be available from all Harbor locations to the Street Fair from Noon to 4 p.m.

Water Taxi Daily service during the Festival will be offered between Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute from noon to 5 p.m. Round trip tickets are $5 per person. Take in all the great sights from the water! Your captain will share interesting facts and features about the Dana Point area and its fascinating history.

Whale of a Concert Shuttle (March 11 only) FREE shuttle service will extend until 6 p.m.

Event Map

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47th annual festival of whales March 3-4 & 10-11, 2018

FESTIVAL Schedule of Events WEEKEND ONE SATURday, March 3 Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach 15 Festival of Whales Parade 10 a.m. Pacific Coast Highway 1

SATURday, March 10

SUNday, March 11

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Baby Beach 15

Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Whale Walk Painting 9 a.m. -2 p.m. Doheny State Beach 16

Boat Builders’ Breaky and BBQ on the Beach 8 a.m.-Noon. OC Sailing & Events Center 15

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7

Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13 Street Fair 10 a.m.-3 p.m. La Plaza Park 2 Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 SoCal Woodies Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 The Legendary Corvette Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 Sailing & Stand-Up Paddling Clinic 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7 Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6 Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

WEEKEND TWO

SUNday, March 4

Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

SoCal Woodies Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 The Legendary Corvette Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6 Ocean Awareness Day 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach 15 Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ocean Institute 5 Diamond Dig 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach 15 Whale of a BBQ 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15 Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip Noon-12:30 p.m.; 12:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

Dana Wharf Docks 3 Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Whale of a Beach Cleanup - FESTIVAL OF WHALES TOAST TO THE COAST 9 a.m.-Noon. Doheny State Beach 16 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6 Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

British Invasion Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7 Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

British Invasion Car Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Harbor Music Series Noon -3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Antique & Classic Boat Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. East Marina Parking Lot 6

Whale of a Concert on the Water Noon - 5 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

Whale of a Concert BBQ and Spirits Garden Noon - 5 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor 12

Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip Noon-12:30 p.m.; 12:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

Dana Wharf Docks 3

Seventh Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Baby Beach 15 Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Walking Tour of Town Center 2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway 8

Harbor Music Series Noon -3 p.m. Mariners Village 10

Whale of a Rubber Ducky Derby 2 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 10

Drone Demo 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3

Capt. Dave’s Presents “Entangled Whales: What Can We Do?” 2 p.m.-3 p.m. OC Sailing & Event Center 9 Drone Demo 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3

Festivalofwhales.com

Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Whale of a Pizza Party 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Drone Demo 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3

Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Capt. Dave’s Under the Sea Eco Carnival Noon-2 p.m. Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach 4

Dana Point Historical society Walking Tour of Town Center 2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway 8

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

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Drone Demo 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3 FILM Screening: ‘Sonic Sea’ 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Whale Watching Every Day of the Event Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Ocean Institute 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Whale Watch from the Bluff Headlands Nature Interpretive Center 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

EVENTS & ATTractions

47th annual festival of whales March 3-4 & 10-11, 2018

The Festival of Whales Parade

to first, second and third places. 6 per rubber duck or two for $10. Attendees need not be present to win. 15 Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash March 10; 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Westwind Sailing hosts the 3rd annual Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash, a fun-filled, family oriented day that includes a cardboard boat building contest (Cardboard Classic) and race (the Dinghy Dash), exhibition booths, food, music and awards. It’s fun for competitors and spectators alike. Teams will work through the morning designing and building their crafts with cardboard and duct tape and then compete by age division in the afternoon, racing in the Harbor with nothing but a paddle and their cardboard ships. $40 per team. Sign up at www.festivalofwhales.com. 15

Purple numbers

coincide with map locations on page 6.

Annual Events

The Festival of Whales Parade March 3; 10 a.m.

The Festival of Whales Parade kicks off the two-weekend celebration of the California gray whale migration with a route along Pacific Coast Highway beginning at Selva Road and ending at Golden Lantern. The parade embraces the Festival’s “Magical Migration” theme, with parade floats, costumes and giant helium parade balloons. The parade also includes a variety of bands, classic automobiles, business and military entries. www.festivalofwhales.com.1 Street Fair March 3; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Pet Project Foundation hosts the Street Fair and Whales and Tails Wag-a-Thon at La Plaza Park. Shop at over 70 vendor booths, enjoy music, food trucks, a kiddie area, pet costume contest, souvenirs, a chance to win great prizes and more. www.petprojectfoundation.org 2 Sand Sculpting Competition March 3; 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

OC Parks presents a day of fun, sun and creativity for families, friends and sand sculpting enthusiasts. Contestants may choose to build whales, ocean creatures, pirates and ships, surfing or tropical island-themed creations.

Walk-up entries accepted. 15

Doheny State Beach Whale Walk Painting March 4; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Help paint a life-sized whale to add to the collection on the Doheny State Beach “Whale Walk” near Boneyard Beach Café. Paint and brushes will be supplied. Free and open to the public. 949.233.0476 or edneely@dohenystatebeach.org. 16 Ocean Awareness Day March 4; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association, Ocean Awareness Day features interactive displays, demonstrations and entertainment showcasing ocean and environmental programs and issues related to our ocean.

949.923.2255, www.danapointharbor.com. 15 Diamond Dig March 4; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club hosts the pirate-themed Diamond Dig at Baby Beach.

For one hour, guests dig for buried treasure, including toys, prizes and for one lucky pirate, a beautiful piece of diamond jewelry donated

by Marinelli Fine Jewelry. Tickets are $20.

949.204.7084 or www.monarchbeachrotary. com. 15 Whale of a Rubber Ducky Derby March 4; 2 p.m.

The Whale of a Rubber Ducky Derby is a fun spin on the traditional “Rubber Ducky Race” at Baby Beach. Duckies may be purchased the day of the event at the Dana Point Woman’s Club booth at Baby Beach. Prizes will be awarded Festivalofwhales.com

Whale of a Beach Cleanup – Festival of Whales Toast to the Coast!

March 10; 9 a.m.-noon Bring work gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket and help clean up Doheny State Beach.

Meet Park Naturalist Vicki at the lifeguard headquarters and learn more about how to help maintain our precious coastal resources.16

Arts and Culture

Art in the Park March 3, 4, 10, 11; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Local artists display an impressive variety of fine art and craft for sale at the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. The Dana Point Historical Society will provide free information on local history and display historic photos, books and gifts for purchase. 12 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale March 3, 4, 10, 11; 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

The Dana Point Fine Arts Association hosts an art show and sale on the Harbor Boardwalk adjacent to the boat docks in Mariner’s Village to the east of The Coffee Importers and Harpoon Henry’s. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, pastels and photography by many awardwinning local artists will be available. www. danapointfinearts.org. 6 Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour of Town Center March 3, 4; 2 p.m.

See and hear the stories of historic landmarks such as S.H. Woodruff’s 1920s planned community and Bluff Top harbor views, circa 1818 to 1939, that represent the area’s early history.

949.248.8121 or museum@danapointhistorical.org. 8 PAGE 8

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Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale March 10; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

High school art students display artwork for show and sale in a variety of mediums on the Harbor walkway at Island Way. 12

CLASSIC CAR AND BOAT DISPLAYS

SoCal Woodies car show March 3, 4; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The best from the Southern California Chapter of the National Woodie Club. The Club’s goal is to promote the woodie car, and the role it has played in automotive history and California surf culture. 11 Pacific Coast Corvettes Presents the Legendary Vette March 3, 4; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Harbor walkway will be replete with several generations of Corvettes. Enjoy a variety of beautifully restored and preserved examples of the classic American sports car known colloquially as the Vette. 11 Antique & Classic Boat Show March 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Antique & Classic Boat Society will display a variety of vessels. The ACBS is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of historic, antique and classic boats, as well as providing education about the vessels’ heritage.

6 British Invasion March 10, 11; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Stroll the Harbor walkway to see a unique display of fine British motorcars including ustinHealeys, Jaguars, Triumphs and more. 11

DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING AND MORE Marine Mammal Lecture Series March 3, 4, 10, 11; 10-11 a.m.

This special lecture series includes continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s. It’s perfect for those who want a one-on-one educational e perience. irsten Donald, March 3 Pacific Marine Mammal Center; Alisa SchulmanJaniger, (March 4) California Orcas/Gray Whale Census; Todd Mansur, (March 10) Gray Whale Foundation; Justin Viezbicke, (March 11) NOAA Fisheries Entanglement Response. www.danawharf.com. 3 (Cont. on page 10)

47th annual festival of whales March 3-4 & 10-11, 2018

restaurants and organizations and then vote for your favorite. aste every entry for 10. Prizes awarded for People’s Choice, Best Booth Design and Mayor’s Choice. he Perpetual rophy will be presented at 4 p.m. ame booths for all, and a beer and wine garden for adults over 21 with a valid ID. www.fishforlife.org. 15 Boat Builders’ Breaky and BBQ on the Beach March 10; 8 a.m.-noon Breakfast is served by the Veritas Lodge at the OC Sailing & Event Center. uel up while watching or participating in the Cardboard Classic/ Dinghy Dash boat building contest and race at Baby Beach. 1

Diamond Dig

Whale of a Concert BBQ and Spirits Garden March 11; Noon-5 p.m.

En oy scrumptious barbecue specialties and a Spirits arden for those over 21 with a valid ID while en oying the Concert on the Water at Baby Beach. 15

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

Cont. from page 8 Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip March 4, 11; Noon–12:30 p.m.; 12:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m. ree dockside fishing clinic where children will learn hands-on fishing techni ues from the e perts and have the chance to win fun prizes. fter the clinic, Dana Wharf will run a fishing trip from 12:45-5:15 p.m. ree for kids with a paid adult. 46 license and e uipment.

949.496.5 94, www.danawharf.com. 3 Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild March 3, 10; 10-10:45 a.m.

Learn from one of the masters of marine art with a dockside presentation and art lesson aboard the OCean Adventures catamaran, via video feed, by renowned environmental artist, Wyland. uests will learn how Wyland has created some of the most well known marine wildlife paintings and sculptures. 5 per child. Children receive a free whale watching trip ticket to use after the lesson. www.danawharf.com. 3 Drone Demo March 3, 4, 10, 11; 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. here will be a 30-minute presentation during the 2.5-hour delu e whale watching trips demonstrating how drone operators get the perfect shot while maintaining a safe distance from whales and other marine wildlife. dult guests receive a copy of Dana Wharf’s DVD, the Shores off Dana Point 20 value . 3

DOLPHIN SAFARI WHALE WATCHING AND MORE Capt. Dave’s Under the Sea Eco Carnival March 10; Noon-2 p.m.

Bounce the day away in the under-the sea bounce houses, take photos at the selfie station and learn how you can do your part to keep our ocean clean. Dive deep with Captain Dave’s

one-of-a-kind underwater viewing pod simulation, and more. ll ages are welcome. Carnival is free; face painting is available for a small fee.

949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com. 4 Capt. Dave’s Presents: ‘Entangled Whales: What Can We Do?’ March 10; 2-3 p.m.

Learn about recent disentanglements that Captain Dave and others were involved with, including the first disentanglement effort of a blue whale that recently made national headlines. Discover more about what is being done, including new e uipment Capt. Dave is developing for tracking whales. OC Sailing and Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place.

949.488.2828. www.dolphinsafari.com. 4

LIVE MUSIC

Harbor Music Series March 3, 4, 10, 11; Noon-3 p.m. he Dana Point Harbor ssociation hosts live music soloists and small ensembles in a variety of styles in the Dana Wharf Courtyard, and on the grassy area at Harpoon Henry’s near Mariner’s Village. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com. 3 Whale of a Concert on the Water March 11; Noon-5 p.m.

Head to Baby Beach for a free outdoor concert.

Bands perform on the water atop a floating stage. he concert features three bands: nesha ose & Midnight Whiskey Noon-1 p.m. , he rip 1:30-3 p.m. and he PettyBreakers 3:30-5 p.m. . 949.248.3530. 15

FOOD OPTIONS

Whale of a Pizza Party March 3; 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. rab a slice of Beach Harbor Pizza and a drink, served up by the Veritas Lodge ad acent to Baby Beach during the sand sculpting contest. 15 Whale of a Pancake Breakfast March 4; 8-10:30 a.m. oin the Dana Point Woman’s Club for a pancake breakfast ad acent to Baby Beach. While there, purchase a rubber ducky for the club’s ubber Ducky Derby later in the day. 15 Whale of a BBQ March 4; 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. hamburger and hotdog barbecue will be served up by the nights of Columbus ad acent to Baby Beach during Ocean wareness Day. 15 Seventh Annual Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-Off March 10; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sample a variety of tasty chowders from local Festivalofwhales.com

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING AND MORE OCEAN institute education center Weekend on the Wharf March 3, 4; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

E plore the history of sailing along the California shore. Learn how sailing impacted development of Dana Point via interactive history discussions about ichard Henry Dana r. See a whaling e hibition, tour the historic tall ship Brig Pilgrim, and more. Discounted admission 5, this weekend only. 949.496.22 4. www.ocean-institute.org. 5 OCEAN institute education center Magical Migration March 10, 11; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ake a hands-on ourney into the mysterious and captivating world of whales and e plore

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a variety of fascinating phenomena uni ue to these magnificent animals. ollow the migration of the gray whale as you move through the facility, starting in Ba a, moving on to the California Coast, and ending up in laska. ickets 10 for non-member adults, .50 for non-member seniors and children. Members and children under 2 are free. 949.496.22 4. www.ocean-institute.org. 5 Whale Watching Eco Tours aboard the R/V Sea Explorer March 3, 4, 10, 11; 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. oin marine educators in e ploring the ocean from top to bottom while searching for some of the world’s largest and smallest creatures during the 1.5-hour cruise. 949.496.22 4. www.ocean-institute.org. 5 Whale’s Tale Sailing Adventure aboard the Spirit of Dana Point March 3, 4, 10, 11; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

E plore how time and discovery have shaped man’s perception of the gray whale on this tall ship sailing adventure while gaining insight into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam the California Coast. dults 60; children 12 and under; minimum age 4 are 40. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the sail ticket purchase.

949.496.22 4. www.ocean-institute.org. 5 Film Screening: ‘Sonic Sea’ and Q&A with Filmmaker March 11; 6-8 p.m. he Ocean Institute is honored to host a screening of Sonic Sea, an Emmy-winning film about protecting sea life from the destructive effects of oceanic noise pollution. Learn more about the film, noise pollution and the Natural esources Defense Council during a uestion-and-answer-session with co-director and co-producer Daniel Hinerfeld after the film. ickets 10 in advance or 15 at the door. Cash bar, for those over 21 with valid ID food and refreshments available for purchase.

949.496.22 4. www.ocean-institute.org. 5

SAILING AND PADDLING

Sailing Rides March 3, 4, 11; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ake a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14. ges 5 and up. ickets are 15 per boat with a three-person ma imum per boat. Call Westwind Sailing for details.

949.492.3035. 7 Stand-Up Paddling Clinics March 3, 4, 11; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. oin the S P craze during a 45-minute clinic.

Each clinic is held on the hour, depending on weather and conditions. ges 12 and up; 12to 14-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. ickets are 10 per person. Life ackets are provided. Call Westwind Sailing for details.

949.492.3035. 7

47th annual festival of whales March 3-4 & 10-11, 2018

Set Your Sights on Whale Watching While in Dana Point for the Festival of Whales, there are many options for visitors to see ocean wildlife up close.

Choose from three businesses offering different whale watching experiences.

Captain Dave’s Whale Watching Safari

Captain Dave’s provides trips aboard their customized catamarans, which allow guests to get up close and personal with wildlife. The Mantue’a offers eye-to-eye underwater viewing pods and a hydrophone to hear below the surface. Multiple trips are planned for both weekends of the Festival. Tickets vary depending on the trip and range from $20 to $65.

24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.488. 2828. www.dolphinsafari.com.

Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Hop aboard one of Dana Wharf’s adventure cruises for a chance to catch a glimpse into the huge variety of underwater wildlife with their multiple whale watching trips every day. Cruises depart on the hour and are narrated by expert captains aboard a variety of vessels. Tickets vary, but range from $15 to $55.

34675 Street of the Golden Lantern. 949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

Ocean Institute

Join the Ocean Institute’s scientists on a whale watching cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. The 2.5-hour cruise will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 3; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 4; 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10; and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 11. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active duty military members and $25 for children.

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.com.

Land Locked? Walk along the bluff-top Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center’s 3 miles of trails to view the whale migration from above.

The Center is open daily from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and the trails are accessible from 7 a.m. to sunset. 34558 Scenic Drive. 949.248.3527. www.danapoint.org.

47th annual festival of whales March 3-4 & 10-11, 2018

Whale Entanglement and How Whale Watchers Can Help

T

BY DAVE ANDERSON

here are a remarkable number of year-round whales and dolphins just off of the coast of Dana Point.

Throughout the year, various species can be seen including blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and the gray whales that Dana Point is celebrating with our annual festival.

With so many beautiful animals to encounter, like it or not, whale watchers are on the front lines for protecting and helping whales, regardless of if they’re on a commercial whale watching vessel or operating their own recreational boat. Anyone who watches whales may be the first to spot one in trouble, and as a result, most rescues begin with a sighting from a whale watching boat. Without help, injured or entangled whales can suffer greatly and die.

In 2016, the most recent year that official federal data became available, 71 whales were reported entangled off of the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington. This includes 54 reported humpback whales, four reported endangered blue whales and one killer whale. 2016 represents the highest annual total of reported whale entanglements off of the U.S. West Coast since NOAA Fisheries began record keeping in 1982. An estimated 308,000 dolphins and whales worldwide die every year because of fishing gear entanglement.

The majority of these entangled whales were spotted and reported first by whale watchers.

Many of these vessels not only reported these animals to the proper authorities, but also stayed with the whales until trained rescue teams could arrive. This action resulted in some whales surviving their entanglements.

Unfortunately, however, the majority of whale disentanglement efforts fail to remove all of the entangled gear, and as a result, the entangled whales often die later.

The vast majority of whale and dolphin entanglements worldwide are caused by active fishing gear. Dungeness crab traps are the primary source of entanglements off of California.

In 2016, 19 humpback whales were reported as entangled in commercial crab trap fishery gear.

The rope and buoy attached to the crab traps are what entangles the whale. So, if we eliminate the rope and buoy, we could end the majority of the entanglements.

As I write this, I am in Australia to meet with the president of Fiomarine Industries, an innovative company that has designed and built an electronic pop-up buoy called the Fiobuoy. The device allows the rope and buoy to stay coiled up on the bottom of the ocean until a fisherman flips a switch on his boat. A sonic release is triggered and the buoy and rope float to the surface. The Fiobuoy will automatically provide its location to the fisherman and the local ish

Tips for Safe Whale Watching Whale watching is fun, but there are important precautions you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of the whales. We asked National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Education Coordinator Alicia Keefe to share guidelines for whale watchers and boaters at this year’s Festival of Whales and beyond.

Photo: Craig DeWitt/Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

and ame uthority to prevent loss, or fishing in restricted areas. The buoy has a fail-safe electronic and galvanic release that can be set to release whenever a fisherman chooses. he Fiobuoy has the potential to eliminate most entanglements.

An individual buoy can cost about $10,000. I convinced the CEO of Fiomarine, John Fiotakis, to send me one of these buoys in the hopes we could get crab fishermen off of California to try it. John assured me that if he received an order of 200,000 Fiobuoys, the equivalent of the number of Dungeness crab traps currently operating off of California, he could mass produce them and lower the price to about $300 each.

Crab fishermen and conservation organizations have formed a working group off of Central California to solve the problem of entanglement. Conservation groups like the Center for Biological Diversity have sued to stop the problem. And lawmakers are considering legislation to prevent it. Commercial crab fishing has not changed much in the last century. Maybe it’s time to bring crab fishing into the 21st century. If not Fiobuoy then some similar technology can certainly be fine-tuned to eliminate these entangling ropes and buoys.

After all, how much is a whale worth?

If we can end the Dungeness crab trap entanglements here in California, then we can do the same on the East Coast as well, where endangered right whales risk extinction because of entanglement in similar gear, (along with some other issues, but the biggest cause of death is entanglement), according to a recent NOAA report. And then the U.S. can be a model to help solve this problem worldwide, where we are losing nearly 1,000 dolphins and whales every day to entanglement.

After whale watching the last few weeks off of New Zealand and Australia, I can once again Festivalofwhales.com

tell you that we have some of the best whale and dolphin watching in the world in Southern California. Thankfully, most whales we see off California are healthy and free of entanglements.

What you can do to help whales If you spot an entangled whale, please call 1.877.767.9425 or hail the U.S. Coast Guard on Channel 16. For your safety, do not approach the animal or attempt disentanglement.

Remain at a safe distance, and if possible, stay with the whale until trained rescue teams arrive or another boat can relieve you. Make a note of the location and species of the whale or a description. Without getting too close, try to get photos or videos of the entanglement, which can provide helpful information to rescuers.

This stage is critical as most reported whales are lost if no one stays with them.

Buy .S. caught fish. We have more restrictions on our fishing and less bycatch than many other countries. These restrictions mean that fish cost more to catch in the .S. and imports are likely cheaper. That is unfair to .S. fishermen. Importing fish caught without as many rules means more whales, dolphins and other animals die. The Marine Mammal Protection ct MMP specifically bans this type of trade and prohibits importing seafood that is caught with more bycatch than our U.S. fisheries allow our fishermen to have. However, this law is not being well enforced.

You can support new laws that protect whales and dolphins with the enforcement of the MMPA. • Capt. Dave Anderson, along with his wife Gisele, owns Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari.

He formed Orange County Whale Rescue and has been involved in many whale disentanglement efforts.

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Guidelines for all whale watchers • Whale watching can be a positive and enriching experience when conducted responsibly. We must remember that our presence has an effect on whales and their habitat. Just like us, whales need space to find food, choose mates, raise young, socialize and rest. When we get too close, approach too fast, or make too much noise, we can interrupt natural behaviors and cause unnecessary stress.

• Stay at least 100 yards away from all marine mammals.

• Be cautious and quiet when around areas of known or suspected wildlife activity, at haul-outs, and bird colonies.

• It is illegal to harass marine mammals, which means to disrupt their natural behaviors including feeding, nursing, resting and migration. To report violations, call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline: 1.800.853.1964.

Additional guidelines for boaters • Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure from viewing wildlife.

• Reduce your speed to less than 7 knots while in the presence of marine mammals.

• Move parallel to the animal’s direction of travel and keep their path clear. Do not approach from the front or from behind.

Avoid any abrupt course changes.

• When whales are traveling close to shore, stay on their offshore side.

• If a whale approaches you, put the engine in neutral and allow the whale to pass.

• View whales for no more than 30 minutes. This will reduce the cumulative impact of all vessels and give consideration to other viewers.

For more information, visit www.bewhalewise.org.

The website is continually updated with new information.

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