Dana POint Times

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Capistrano Unified School District Names Teachers of the Year

DOLPHIN REPORT: Sports Updates from Dana Hills High School

INSIDE: Festival of Whales Event Program

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 18

SPECIAL INSERT

F E B R U A RY 2 5 – M A R C H 3 , 2 0 1 1

LO C A L

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8

A Classic Crooner

Dana Point’s Steve D’Arca has been serenading audiences for over half a century

E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4 Steve D’Arca not only just auditioned for America’s Got Talent, but he also recently sang the National Anthem at the Pond before a Ducks game. Photo by Christina Scannapiego

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Eye on DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

DP

D a n a Po i nt

City and Business Calendar Saturday, February 26 VFW Post 9934 Patriots’ Day Marine Car Wash 9 a.m.-3 p.m. South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, www.vfwpost9934.org Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza Street. Admission is free. For more information or to inquire about purchasing a booth for $25, please call 949.573.5033 or 951.271.0669. www. danapoint.org

Monday, February 28

City Council Meeting 6 p.m. City Council Chambers, 33282, Golden Lantern, 949.248.3501, www. danapoint.org

6 p.m.-8 p.m. OC Sailing & Events Center “Dana Cove Room” Dana Point Harbor, 34451 Ensenada Place. This meeting is to provide information and address questions the public may have about the Border Patrol and its operations in the community. For more information, call Diana Hinojosa at 949.216.4259. RSVPs to Diana.Hinojosa@dhs.gov will be appreciated.

Wednesday, March 2 Sunrise Rotary Club 7 a.m. the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at the Ritz-Carlton. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, 949.493.2759, www.monarchbeachrotary.com

Youth Board Meeting 4 p.m. Dana Point Youth Board meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at City Hall Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3593, www.danapoint.org

Thursday, March 3 Border Patrol Community Meeting

Dana Point’s Top 5 Hottest Topics

What’s Up With...

1

…Teachers of the Year?

THE LATEST: Fifty-seven teachers have been selected as the top educator at their schools and will go on to compete as one of three Capistrano Unified School District teachers of the year.

The teachers were selected by their peers at the school-site level before being evaluated by a district-level committee.

Dana Point’s 2011 Teachers of the Year are Lorna Judd at R.H. Dana Elementary, Tracy Kerins at R.H. Dana ENF, Mary Slaght at Palisades Elementary and Robin Mairs at Dana Hills High.

“We have excellent teaching every day, and I commend these professionals for representing their peers in this important recognition” Superintendent Joe Farley said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The district winners will be announced in March and then recognized at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 28 at Ocean Hills Church in San Juan Capistrano. The three winners—one each at the elementary, middle and high school levels—will then compete in the Orange County Teacher of the Year contest.

The current District Teachers of the Year are Jennifer Henchel at Bathgate Elementary School, Jennifer Todd at Fred Newhart Middle School and Kathleen Sigafoos at San Clemente High School.

FIND OUT MORE: Check out the Beyond the Blackboard blog at www.danapointtimes.com for the full list of honorees. —Stacie N. Galang and Andrea Swayne

2

…Steam Generators at SONGS Online?

THE LATEST: Unit 3 at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station went online early Friday morning, marking the end of a 10-year upgrade that included replacement of the plant’s steam generator.

“This is a moment of pride for the men and women who maintain and operate the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station,” said SCE Chief Nuclear Officer Pete Dietrich in a press release.

The utility company decided to replace the www.danapointtimes.com

San Onofre plant’s steam generators when a cost-benefit assessment revealed the overhaul could save customers some $1 billion during the plant’s current license period, which runs through 2022. The total project cost $671 million and will be shared among plant co-owners SCE, San Diego Gas & Electric and the city of Riverside.

“Our highest priority during this project was to protect the health and safety of the public,” said Project Manager Mike Wharton.

“Plant personnel and contractors achieved this goal by producing high quality work that resulted in no challenges to public safety.”

During Unit 3 construction, the plant logged 26 first aids and five OSHA recordable accidents, Wharton said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The plant expects to receive its next Nuclear Regulatory Commission end-of-cycle review sometime next month, according to Dietrich. SCE’s final decision on whether to apply to the NRC for license renewal for San Onofre’s two units is pending.

FIND OUT MORE: Check out www.danapointtimes.com for the latest updates. —SNG

3

…Layoff Notices Headed to CUSD Employees?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District trustees on Tuesday voted to send notices to 346 temporary certificated positions, including 10 counselors and two school nurses, that their jobs may be eliminated.

The cuts were approved 4-2, with Trustee Gary Pritchard absent. Trustees Ellen Addonizio and Sue Palazzo voted against the potential cuts, saying it didn’t make sense to move forward with eliminating the positions after the district recently restored two furlough days and partial salary cuts to teachers.

The jobs targeted for possible cuts also include 103 positions in grades K-6, but the bulk of the cuts are in secondary instructional services, including 47 in English, 39 in Math and 24 in Social Science.

District officials must plan their budget even before the state-spending plan is in place. Statewide, school officials are working

on two budgets: If the Governor’s proposal to extent certain taxes moves forward, CUSD will see estimated cuts of $1 million. But if the tax-extension plan is rejected, CUSD cuts are expected to hit $17.5 million. Additionally, the district expects to enroll fewer students, causing another decline in revenue.

WHAT’S NEXT: Trustees meet on March 8.

FIND OUT MORE: See the Beyond the Blackboard blog at www.danapointtimes.com.

—Jonathan Volzke

4

…Former Resident Charged in Cold Case Murder?

the case was reopened.

WHAT’S NEXT: If convicted, Dalie faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole. He is expected to be extradited to Orange County to face the murder charges. An arraignment date has not yet been set.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case—Case Number 11HF0507.

FIND OUT MORE: www.orangecountyda.com.

—AS

5

THE LATEST: On Wednesday the Orange County District Attorney’s (OCDA) office filed charges against former Dana Hills High School student Walter Lawrence Dalie (52), in the 1978 cold case murder of Laguna Beach architect Brent Tobey.

According to an OCDA press release, Dalie is charged with one felony count of special circumstances murder during the commission of a robbery and a sentencing enhancement for the use of a deadly weapon.

Dalie, who was 19 at the time, is accused of going to the Laguna Beach home of Tobey (age 55 at the time) and stabbing him 17 times in the back and head with a knife and then fleeing the scene.

Tobey’s body was found later that evening in his bedroom by a roommate, who had plans with Tobey to go out to dinner that night. The Laguna Beach Police Department investigated the case, even questioning and subsequently clearing the roommate as a suspect. With no clues to go on, the case went cold.

In 2002, LBPD sent crime scene evidence to the Orange County Crime Laboratory (OCCL) for analysis. DNA was found on one of the items and was forwarded to local, state and national DNA databases.

Dalie was linked to the murder scene through DNA in August of 2010 in Connecticut where he is currently serving a 50-year sentence for the 1985 murder of his girlfriend who he bludgeoned to death with a hammer.

LBPD was notified of the DNA match and

…Dana Point Deputy Honored?

THE LATEST: Dana Point Police Services Deputy K C Calder was among those honored by the Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge this month.

Elks Lodge No. 2444 hosted its South Orange County Law Enforcement and Firefighter Appreciation Awards Dinner for more than150 firefighters, law enforcement personnel and family members of the personnel being recognized for their work over the past year.

The dinner was funded by the Lodge’s bingo operation, which is managed by Newt Seal, Lodge Secretary and Past Exalted Ruler and Jim Wessling, House Committee Chair.

Honored guests included Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens, Highway Patrol Captain Sandra Houston, Orange County Fire Authority Division Chiefs Mike Boyle and Rick Robinson, Dana Point Police Chief Lt. Mark Levy and other South Orange County sheriff and city officials.

“Listening to the heroic work of the award winners was awe-inspiring. On our behalf, the dangers that law enforcement and firefighters face on a day-to-day basis is at times unimaginable,” Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Pat Martino said. “The communities of Saddleback Valley are so blessed to have such dedicated personnel. They are the reason we live in an oasis of relative security and tranquility in an increasingly stygian world.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Stay tuned.

FIND OUT MORE: Log on to www.danapointtimes.com for the full list of honorees. —JV

February 25–March 3, 2011 • Dana Point Times • Page 3

Eye on DP

A Classic Crooner

Dana Point’s Steve D’Arca has been serenading audiences for over half a century

By Christina Scannapiego Dana Point Times

S

teve D’Arca is proud of himself. This past October, he auditioned for NBC’s primetime hit show, America’s Got Talent, featuring judges Sharon Osborne and Howie Mandell. D’Arca sings—but he doesn’t just sing. He sings like Sinatra. “I could’ve been part of the Rat Pack,” he admitted of his talent, personality and penchant for choreography. He not only belts out the classics, like “New York, New York,” “Unforgettable,” “The Good Life” or hits from Sammy Davis, Nat King Cole— (“any of the guys you can think of,” he said), but he does Broadway tunes, too. “I can do everything from Oklahoma to South Pacific.”

According to D’Arca, when he wrapped up his audition (he and his daughter waited for six hours before he could perform for two women behind computers) many of the mothers accompanying their kids in the waiting area told him he sounded just like Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. He left confident that, after the show traveled to all the other necessary states for first auditions, he could expect a phone call to return. And that confidence isn’t hard to come by for D’Arca; he was also recently selected, in a local newspaper’s “Oh Say Can You Sing” contest, to sing the national anthem at the Pond before a Ducks game.

But Steve’s ability and growing popularity came as no surprise to anyone. He was born to an entire family of singers. His uncle, Johnny D’Arca, started out singing burlesque and even performed with Bob Hope as well as Julia Francis Langford.

So, needless to say, Steve found every opening he could to use his voice. In high school, he became involved in any choir group, quartet and ensemble he could possibly join.

“I just love to sing. I have so many songs just stuck in my head,” he said of his natural ability turned calling. In 1952, just upon graduation,

Steve D’Arca brightens up happy hour for all the folks at San Clemente Villas by the Sea every month and couples practically line up for their turn on the dance floor.

Photos by Christina Scannapiego

D’Arca appeared on WXYZ-TV in Detroit (his home city), after his mom encouraged him to audition. He had dragged one of his buddies down to the station for moral support and suddenly found himself on air for two shows.

And when the opportunity to sing with Soupy Sales came his way, how could he pass it up?

So when it was time to “grow up” and enter the real world, D’Arca didn’t cease to do what gave him so much delight. He became Staff Sergeant in the military in the early ’50s and sang in the officers’ clubs while stationed in Japan, at Langley Air Force Base, Fort Eustis and Fort Monroe in Virginia. He’d sit with other officers and their wives to join them for drinks, and they would make requests for his crooning, which, at the time, would front an entire big band.

It was while stationed in Virginia that

For D’Arca, singing is in his blood. He comes from an entire family of singers so her talents were nurtured from an early age. Photos by Christina Scannapiego

Page 4 • Dana Point Times • February 25–March 3, 2011

D’Arca met his wife, Betsy and her three children. Betsy had practically just given birth to her third child, “and I left my husband right at the hospital,” she said with pride and a smile. As larger-than-life as Steve’s personality may be, Betsy’s just as hot a ticket and has got every bit of sass and boldness to match it. When Steve and one of his friends approached Betsy and one of her girlfriends at the drive-in, the two young men asked the girls if they’d be interested in going dancing.

“We were wondering if they could really dance, and they were wondering if we could really dance,” mused Steve. “But as soon as the first swing of that jitterbug started, we knew we’d hit it off,” he added. Soon he and his new family picked up and moved to California to join the rest of his family who had relocated there from Michigan, and he found a job at the Seal Beach Naval weapons station in the ’70s. “It was the best thing we’d ever done,” he said. He sang and the couple jitterbugged, cha-cha’d and rumba’ed the entire way across the country.

Now, half a century later and D’Arca is not even close to hanging up his hat. The couple still dances just like they did back in Virginia and have even won some trophies for it. He’s constantly singing for his wife (“although I’m always reminding him of lyrics,” Betsy interjected) and, one Valentine’s Day, he even sent three women to sing her love songs at work. And, of course, Steve continues to belt out his tunes as if no time has passed at all.

He committed four years to a group called The Entertainers, consisting of eight women and three men who covered voice and instruments. They performed in Laguna Woods, Huntington Beach, at St. Kilian Church, St. Edward Church and many women’s charity events. They finally, sadly disassembled, though, because they offered their entertainment up on purely a volunteer service and, in the end, the financial strains for uniforms, instrument upkeep and the like became too costly. Now D’Arca is mainly hired to sing for groups and events solo, with pre-recorded music to accompany his crooning. The crowd

goes wild for him, just the same, though. He performed at Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn for nine months last year, he sang for Diane Harkey’s parties at her house in Ritz Cove several times, and he makes happy hour that much happier at the San Clemente Villas by the Sea every month. “They love me there,” he said.

“They come down and wait for him,” Laura Bernhardt, at the Villas front desk observed. (“He does great Dean Martin songs—he sounds just like him!” she added.) Bernhardt noted how excited D’Arca’s entertainment makes the residents there, mentioning that one, in particular, named Lou “looks like a teenager dancing out there,” despite the fact that she walks with a walker. Unfortunately, Lou couldn’t make D’Arca’s most recent showing, due to high blood pressure. But she’ll no doubt return as soon as she’s got the green light to dance again.

“It’s usually packed,” Anna Lombardi, also at the Villa’s front desk, concurred. “Everybody loves it when Steve’s here. They drink, dance and have fun.”

D’Arca also recently sang at the San Juan Community Center’s Valentine’s Day luncheon for the fourth year in a row. “So many people told me, ‘Gee, I remember you from last year,’” he said. “They even said, ‘If you weren’t here, we wouldn’t be here. That made me feel really good.’”

And Betsy may even be just as proud as her husband is. “He’s just wonderful,” she said of her partner of 49 years. The couple has been living happily above Dana Point Harbor and enjoying Steve’s fun-filled bag as well as their seven grandchildren for years—and they lived in San Clemente for nine years before that. In fact, he’s preparing to sing at one of his granddaughters, Brandi’s change of command ceremony (she’s a Captain in military intelligence and graduated from West Point) in April. Until then, he’ll be waiting for that call-back from NBC and only half-resisting his wife’s witty urgings to learn some more current songs. “I’m a standards guy,” he joked—but he’ll undoubtedly pick some good ones, old or new, for that second audition. DP www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

News Bites

Compiled by Andrea Swayne and Jonathan Volzke

Props, Recognitions and Morsels of Info

The South Coast Singers are sponsoring the sixth annual Stars of Tomorrow vocal scholarship competition on March 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway.

Forty-two students, representing twelve high schools, were chosen following a January 22nd audition, to compete for $4000 in scholarship awards.

“The singing will be spectacular and your spirits will soar!” said Stars of Tomorrow Co-chairs Robert Burns and Ruth Strickland.

“These young people represent the musical future of our world, we are so proud to support them in their vocal journeys to stardom.”

Local finalists chosen to compete include Taylor Carol, Ramzi Jneid, Abigail Schwartz, Shannon Tweed and Emma Werderman from the South Orange County School of the Arts (SOCSA) at Dana Hills High School; from San Clemente High School Austin Holden, Scott Pennington, Lauren Scudder, Maya Erickson, Emma Hutchinson and from San Juan Hills High, Lindsey Treff.

Log on to www.southcoastsingers.org for details and to purchase tickets. Tickets cost $15, if purchased in advance, $20 at the door on the day of the event. If you are interested in being an event sponsor, placing a program ad or making a donation, please email Robert Burns at burnsr@stifel.com.

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A hail whale, just in time for the Festival of Whales. Photo courtesy of Brad and Lisa Phillips

Last weekend’s stormy weather brought a brief hailstorm to the area along with the wind and rain. Brad and Lisa Phillips of San Clemente snapped a photo of a “snow whale” or more aptly, a “hail whale” they made in honor of the upcoming 40th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales.

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The Contributing Academic Resources to Education (CARE) Foundation will host its seventh annual Keys to the Future event March 29. The foundation fundraiser will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Capistrano Toyota at 33395 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano.

Prizes will be awarded, including the grand prize of a new Toyota Prius donated by Capistrano Toyota.

Food is being prepared by restaurants Brio Tuscany Grille and Sundried Tomato Café.

Tickets are $50 each or three for $125. Participants may designate $15 from each ticket to their favorite Capistrano Unified School District school, program or group. Tickets will be on sale until the evening of March 29.

The school with the most ticket sales (300 minimum) receives $1,000 and a dinner gift certificate for 10 at Brio Tuscany Grille, Dana Point for their school principal. Two middle and high school students with the most ticket sales (40 minimum) will each receive $500 (courtesy of Capistrano Toyota). All entries must be submitted and received by the CARE Foundation no later than 5 p.m. March 24. Winners will be announced during the event.

Proceeds from the event will go to the CARE Foundation, which raises funds for the 58 schools and 51,000 students in the Capistrano Unified School District. For more information, visit www.care-4education.org.

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Page 6 • Dana Point Times • February 25–March 3, 2011

Fountains at Sea Bluffs residents (L to R) Eva Monge, Joan Boulter and Ed Boulter receive thanks for the coats they donated to One Warm Coat. Courtesy photo

u Residents of The Fountains at Sea Bluffs in Dana Point recently delivered more than 100 gently worn coats to One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit organization that works with local agencies to distribute donated coats to children and adults in need. The coat drive, sponsored in part by Burlington Coat Factory, takes place every fall and is heavily promoted on ABC’s Good Morning America. In 2009, the campaign collected and distributed 220,000 coats.

“Many of our residents think this is a wonderful opportunity to help those less fortunate and we agree,” said Nicole Reed of The Fountains at Sea Bluffs. “We’ll definitely do it again next year.” Burlington Coat Factory’s manager greeted Fountains at Sea Bluffs residents to personally thank them for their donations and presented each with a 10 percent off coupon.

The Fountains at Sea Bluffs is a retirement community located at 25411 Sea Bluffs Drive. For more information call 949.354.0033 or log on to www.watermarkcommunities.com/seabluffs

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. Forward a picture along, too! We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

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Eye on DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter Compiled by Ma d i Sway n e All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Web site (www.ocsd.org) and reflects data available from calls placed from the field by the responding officer(s). An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.

Tuesday, February 22 9-1-1 HANGUP Dana Point Harbor Drive, 25300 Block (10:15 a.m.) A female called 9-1-1 saying she was locked in the bathroom of a bar near the wharf because someone was after her. The woman was also heard singing Tina Turner songs and asking authorities to call Criss Angel because “he can say where she is.”

The woman also said she had been up for two weeks.

Monday, February 21 CITIZEN ASSIST Cheltam Way, 33300 Block (8:24 p.m.) A man called about an argument he had with his girlfriend. The girlfriend had threatened to hurt him. They had been together for three years and the argument took place at her residence.

PATROL CHECK Street of the Violet Lantern / La Plaza (2:57 p.m.) A juvenile was seen urinating in the bushes. He was described as a 6 feet tall with a black hat and Hawaiian print shirt.

The juvenile had been sitting on the curb with another young male.

Sunday, February 20 DISTURBANCE Caller Rosita, 34600 Block (9:13 p.m.) A group of approximately 50 juveniles were partying and driving up and down the street honking horns and slamming doors.

UNKOWN TROUBLE Doheny Park Road, 34200 Block (8:24 p.m.)

Deputies were contacted with second-hand information saying that people in the parking lot of an auto service business were heard yelling, “Call 9-1-1 a woman has been raped.”

The victim was reportedly naked and there were people standing around her.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Pointe Stirling, 32800 Block (7:02 p.m.)

Juveniles were sitting on the counters of a community laundry room. They were reportedly “playing around” and the caller said they had been smoking an illegal substance.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (5:41 p.m.) A man was seen passed out on the porch of a surf warehouse store.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle Portola / Calle Juanita (8:03 a.m.)

Orange County Fire Authorities responded

Page 8 • Dana Point Times • February 25–March 3, 2011

when a car parked near a church was fully engulfed in flames. A male subject had reportedly lit the vehicle on fire and then left on a skateboard. The subject was described to be 40 to 50 years old, bald and wearing a blue sweatshirt.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Ritz-Carlton Drive, 0 Block (1:16 a.m.) A gate guard reported seeing a blonde female run from two vehicles that were parked in the Salt Creek Beach parking lot. The caller was concerned that she may have been trying to sneak in through the gate or toilet paper something in the area. Deputies responded and detained three juveniles—two girls and a boy.

Saturday, February 19 CITIZEN ASSIST Street of the Golden Lantern, 33200 Block (7:03 p.m.) A citizen at the police station had information for deputies regarding a student at Dana Hills High School who steals electronics and sells them online.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Niguel Road, 33800 Block (2:50 p.m.) Deputies were contacted when a male subject was taking pictures of the caller with his cell phone. The incident happened on the bus.

DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road, 34000 Block (2:40 p.m.)

A man was begging for money and becoming aggressive with passersby. The manager of the grocery store he was standing outside of was receiving numerous complaints.

The subject may have been drunk.

Friday, February 18 DISTURBANCE Calle Naranja, Block 34600 (1:47 p.m.)

Someone was walking around outside and banging on the doors and windows of a domestic violence shelter. The subject was scaring the occupants inside.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Camino de Estrella / Calle Naranja (10:47 p.m.) A white Nissan Pathfinder ran into a light pole. The driver was reportedly drunk and was seen hiding his bottle of alcohol.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Doheny Park Road / Las Vegas Avenue (7:14 p.m.) One subject was passed out inside the post office while another was mumbling incoherently to people who were passing by.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Via Lagos / Perch Drive (3:59 p.m.) A twentyyear-old male in a grey sweatshirt was selling books door-to-door. No vehicle was seen.

CITIZEN ASSIST Pointe Trinity, 24700 Block (2:32 p.m.) A male subject came to a woman’s door. She thought he looked like the suspect known as the “Knock-Knock Burglar.”

TRAFFIC HAZARD Street of the Violet Lantern, 3400 Block (12:25 p.m.) A patrol check was requested in the alley for subjects moving from a neighboring apartment. They had parked their U-HAUL so that it blocked the alley. The truck was a major inconvenience for the caller since he “does have to go make a living at work.”

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SOAPBOX

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VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

DP

D a n a Po i nt

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

HOW TO REACH US EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com BILLING Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times, Vol. 4, Issue 8. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Group Editor, Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

GET A LICENSE Did you know that pet dogs require a license by the time they are four months old? You can license your pet at City Hall in the Police Services Department or at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 221 Avenida Fabricante San Clemente. Call 949.492.1617 for more info.

DANA POINT DOG FUN ZONES AND CITY PARKS The city has five Dog Fun Zones, fenced areas where dogs can run free, at Creekside, Crystal Cove, Heritage, Sea Canyon and Sea Terrace Parks. Please monitor your pet and read and understand the rules which are posted there.

Pets are allowed, on leash only, at city parks, but please never leave any doo. The city provides pet waste bags at many locations so pet owners are not without a bag. Please Page 10 • Dana Point Times • February 25–March 3, 2011

Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

INTERNS Kirsten Amavisca Sacher, Madi Swayne

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin, Rebecca Nordquist CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, Christina Scannapiego, David Zimmerle

ONLINE READER POLL Should the California Coastal Commission have the power to halt coastal fireworks displays?

Yes, if they can prove fireworks pose a threat to water quality and/or wildlife.

81% No. I think that would be overstepping their bounds.

17%

id you know that bacteria from dog doo can cause our beaches to be posted with health warning signs?

Yes, there is a connection and some call it “poo-llution.” Besides being a big “pet peeve” and nuisance to our neighborhoods, unattended to dog doo can result in bacteria Lisa Zawaski loads that will eventually get flushed into our storm drains from rain or irrigation runoff right into our creeks and beaches, contributing to water pollution. So, unless we want to be swimming in dog doo, it is very important for every pet owner and caretaker to pick it up—“It’s your Doody.” Below are some pet care tips for the health and safety of your pet and the environment, including beautiful dog-friendly spots to take your dog.

PET CARE TIPS TO PROTECT OUR HEALTH AND OUR RECREATIONAL WATERS • Always carry a few bags to clean up after your dog. It’s the law. Throw the bag in the trash or flush the doo—not the bag—down the toilet.

• Change your pet’s food and water regularly to avoid pest infestation. Uneaten food should be removed to avoid unwanted critters. Unattended water bowls can facilitate mosquito breeding, so please don’t leave pools of unattended water around, however small.

• Wash pets indoors or on absorbent ground, such as the lawn, with non-toxic soaps. Dirty wash water is prohibited from entering the streets and storm drains.

• If using flea control products, consider non-toxic products, read the instructions and apply carefully. Dispose of unwanted quantities at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. The nearest facility is the Prima Deshecha Landfill at the end of La Pata Road, south of Ortega Highway.

Call 714.834.6752 or see www.oclandfills.com for more info.

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Sales Associate > Angela Edwards > Buddy Purel

ART/DESIGN

It’s Your Doody: Please Don’t Let Fido Foul the Water D

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

> Sergio Sanchez (San Juan Capistrano)

City Editor, SC Times > Stacie Galang

HARBORING THE GOOD LIFE: By Lisa Zawaski, Senior Water Quality Engineer, City of Dana Point

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

I am undecided.

2% Make sure to sound off each week on the “DP Times Poll of the Week” at www.danapointtimes.com. Then go to our community Message Board and share your opinions. www.danapointtimes.com. Bookmark it today!

The DP Times Online Reader Polls are not scientific and do not reflect the opinion of the DP Times.

Letter to the Editor THE BRANDMEIERS: GRAND MARSHALS AND GREAT CITIZENS SCOTT SCHOEFFEL, Dana Point

find a proper receptacle for the doo bags.

DOG-FRIENDLY COASTAL DESTINATIONS Dogs are not allowed at any public beaches in Dana Point.

So, please be mindful as to where you take your dog. There are certain areas, however, where dogs can enjoy our beautiful coastal town. Dogs are welcome at Doheny State Beach in the campground and day use/picnic areas only—not on the beach. All dogs must be leashed and attended to by an adult at all times. When camping, dogs must be contained in a vehicle or tent overnight. Dogs are also welcome at the beautiful walkway along Strand Vista Park.

FIDO ISN’T THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN FOUL THE WATER And, please remember, it isn’t only doggie doo that can cause water pollution, our fine feathered friends and felines also make their fair share of “poo-llution” deposits. Although undomesticated animals pose certain challenges to control, we can do our part by not feeding the sea birds. It’s not good for them and it’s not good for the water.

Please contact the City’s Water Quality Engineer, Lisa Zawaski at 949.248.3584 with any questions about water quality.

This column is a cooperative effort of the City of Dana Point and South Coast Water District to cultivate conscious living to protect and preserve our coastal neighborhoods and resources.

If you have any suggestions for topics, please feel free to direct questions to lzawaski@danapoint.org (City of Dana Point) or lhomscheid@scwd.org (South Coast Water District).

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are solely those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the Dana Point Times staff.

We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@danapointtimes.com.

This year our city celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Festival of Whales. In keeping with tradition, the two-weekend gala will kick off with a lively and entertaining parade down Pacific Coast Highway, led this year by Community Grand Marshals Brad and Judy Brandmeier.

Like many people who have been given this honor throughout the parade’s history, the Brandmeiers are solid Dana Point citizens and business people who have made, and continue to make, significant and lasting contributions to our community. However, in my view, the Brandmeiers are no ordinary pillars of the community and I would like everyone lining the Festival parade route to know just how extraordinary the Brandmeier’s gifts to our city have been. Several years ago their 24-year-old son Craig, was diagnosed with leukemia just as he was planning to marry and start a family of his own. Craig’s valiant battle with the disease was well chronicled and, sadly, did not have a happy ending. Despite the unimaginable grief of losing a child in this manner, the Brandmeiers publicly faced the challenge with uncommon courage, grace and dignity. In doing so they helped us re-discover what it means to be a community of residents who will pull together and provide unselfish assistance when one of ours is in need. I always have a good time riding in the parade as a member of the Dana Point City Council. I plan to have a great time riding with the Brandmeiers in this 40th edition of the pageant. I hope you will join us on March 5 as we roll out the Festival of Whales and give a shout out to these very special neighbors of ours.

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

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

DP

D a n a Po i nt

The List

A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town this week. Compiled by Tawnee Prazak

friday25 forecast: few showers • high: 57° low: 45°

Senior February Birthday Party

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. City of Dana Point hosts the luncheon event for seniors at the Dana Point Community Center. Donation $4.

34052 Del Obispo St., 949.248.3536, www.danapoint.org.

Singles’ Night

9 p.m.–1:30 a.m. Top-40 hits, rock ‘n’ roll and ’90s dance music at Brio Tuscany Grille for singles’ night. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Monarch Beach, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

Derek Bordeaux

8 p.m.-11 p.m. Live soul, funk and R&B music at Salt Creek Grille tonight and tomorrow night. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Mardi Gras WINE TASTING

5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. San Clemente Wine Company welcomes Clautiere Winery from Paso Robles. Tasting fee is $15 for seven wines with cheese, crackers and chocolate. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

Greater Tuna

Go See Do

Saddleback College’s ‘Wait Until Dark’

Live theater and suspense come together in Saddleback College’s performance of Wait Until Dark, written by Frederick Knott.

The play, presented by the Department of Theatre Arts and directed by Patrick J. Fennell, runs from February 25 to March 6 at the college’s McKinney Theatre.

The story centers on protagonist Susy Hendrix, a blind woman who lives with her photographer-husband Sam, in a basement apartment in New York. While traveling from Canada to New York, Sam is approached by a woman who asks him to deliver a doll to a child in a hospital.

When he returns, Sam misplaces the doll. Unbeknownst

Orange County Market Place

Help Me Rhonda

Dana Point Farmers Market

Nature Hike

7 a.m.-4 p.m. Everything you can imagine at the OC Fair & Events Center. Admission $2, children under 12 are free. 8 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 949.723.6660, ocmarketplace.com.

9 a.m.–1 p.m. Fresh produce and much more every Saturday at La Plaza Park, intersection of PCH and Golden Lantern.

Straight 78

7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. ’80s band at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

They Came From Outer Space

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Casa Romantica’s NASA Space Exploration Exhibit on display featuring historical space stories, photos, equipment and more. Adults $5. Kids 12 and under $3. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Animal Adoption Event

7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage Steak House.

26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3407, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

Piano Bar

7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live piano with Elliot at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

saturday26 forecast: rain • high: 54° low: 37°

Patriots’ Day Marine Car Wash

9 a.m.-3 p.m. VFW Post 9934 hosts a car wash at South Shores Church featuring displays, police and fire vehicles, food and more.

32712 Crown Valley Pkwy., Dana Point, www.danapoint.org. www.danapointtimes.com

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Live music and brunch at Salt Creek Grille.

32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Ukulele Nights

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Bring your ukulele, sing along or listen to the music at Hulaville’s newest event. Every Sunday. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

monday28

10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. OC Tavern presents a fun event offered Wednesday through Sunday. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

Shane Dandy

8 p.m. Live rock ‘n’ roll at The Rib Joint. 34294 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.9500.

Meet the Artist Reception

Pepper and Friends of Law Records

Jane Fuller

Tom Morey Jazz Brunch

Satellite Horse Racing

First Time Offenders

7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

9 a.m.-10 p.m. Join Park Rangers Sunday mornings for an easy 1mile hike on the Nature Trail at Caspers Park. Free. Parking $5.

33401 Ortega Hwy., 949.923.2211, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

Leslie Lowe

2 p.m.-4 p.m. The Saddleback College Art Gallery presents Rassouli and his exhibit “Journey of the Spirit from Dream to Reality.” On display through March 10. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu.

Flock of 80’s

6 p.m.-9 p.m. Three-piece acoustic band at Renaissance.

24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

2 p.m.-5 p.m. Three Dog Bakery presents an animal adoption event at their shop. 118 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.3364, www.greatpets.org.

8 p.m. Cabrillo Playhouse presents a comedic and satirical play on life in rural America. Tickets $20 general admission. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

8 p.m. Live music at The Rib Joint. 34294 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.9500.

to the couple, the doll contains heroin, and three criminals concoct a plan to recover the doll from Susy.

Alone in her apartment and cut off from the outside world, Susy must fight for her life.

When Audrey Hepburn played Susy in the 1967 film, she was nominated for an Oscar.

Shows are February 25, 26, March 3, 4, 5 at 8 p.m. and February 27, March 6 iStock photo at 3 pm. Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo. Tickets can be purchased by calling 949.582-4656 from noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesdays to Saturday or online at www.saddleback.edu/arts.

—Stacie N. Galang

8 p.m. Hit rock/reggae/dub band at The Coach House.

Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

BeDazzled

7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Popular Drag Queen show at Adele’s.

Tickets $10. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.366.1121, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

sunday27 forecast: showers • high: 55° low: 39°

Kid’s Pet Parade

1 p.m.-3 p.m. The Fiesta Association presents the annual parade for kids ages 5-12 and their pets to dress up and enter contests for the chance to win awards in several categories. Held at Cook Park. Rain Date: March 6. 27551 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

FREE Kids’ Fishing

12 p.m. Fishing clinic for kids hosted by Dana Wharf.

34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

forecast: partly cloudy • high: 62° low: 42°

NASA Astronaut Speaks at Casa Romantica

4:30 p.m. NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez visits Casa Romantica to tell his inspirational story, in conjunction with the Casa’s NASA exhibition. Free admission. 415 Avenida Granadam San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Pajama Storytime

7 p.m. Visit the Dana Point Library for stories and fun.

33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Felisha

5:30 p.m. Female artist at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

Country Dancin’ with DJ Bubba

6:30 p.m. The fun starts early and goes till late at Swallow’s Inn every Monday. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Comedy Show

9:30 p.m. Comedians get some laughs at Hennessey’s every Monday night. Free. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.

$5 Mondays

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Join SC Wine Company for happy hour featuring three wines for $5, glasses of selected wines for $5 and mugs of beer from $5 and up. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

Smokey Karaoke

8 p.m. Sing at BeachFire and enjoy Mojito Monday. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

(Cont. on page 13) February 25–March 3, 2011 • Dana Point Times • Page 11

GETTING OUT

DP Times Restaurant Spotlight

By Jonathan Volzke

Yoon Kee Chinese Kitchen

31952 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano (In Alipaz Plaza), 949.248.1281 BEST KNOWN FOR: All day buffet MOST POPULAR ITEM: Crispy Deep Fried Chicken Wing We’ve always got our eye out for a great dining bargain, and our stomachs and our wallets are equally thrilled with Yoon Kee Chinese Restaurant. The restaurant now has $6.99 all-you-can-eat buffets all day long. The offerings are fresh and vast, but that’s no surprise: Yoon Kee’s menu offers 123 (they’re numbered) items. If you decide the buffet’s not for you, you can pick from the appetizers, soups, moo shu, seafood, chicken, egg fu young, beef and pork, vegetable, lo mein and fried rice. Another bargain: The family dinner that includes soup, an egg roll and choice of chicken chow mein, pork fried rice, beef broccoli, orange chicken (the restaurant’s most popular item), kung pao chicken and sweet and sour pork. All that for $9.50 per person—which is about the average price of an entrée. The restaurant also has a variety of house special combination plates ranging for $6.95 to $8.95. Did we mention Yoon Kee also has cold beer, wine and sake?

Yoon Kee Chinese Kitchen. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

PRICE RANGE: $5.50 (lunch menu)-$14.95

PAYMENT: Cash and credit card

RESERVATIONS: Not necessary

HOURS: 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. daily

ABOUT OUR REVIEWS: In each issue we’ll highlight universally critical points including “Most Popular Dish,” “Best Known For” and “Price Range.” But most importantly, we’re inviting you to participate each week and rate the restaurant based on your experiences. Go to www.danapointtimes.com and under “Restaurant Guide” share your thoughts about this week’s restaurant.

(Cont. from page 11)

tuesday01 forecast: partly cloudy • high: 65° low: 43°

POUL PEDERSEN

6:30 p.m. Acoustic artist at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

BEN POWELL

7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

POOL & KARAOKE

3 p.m.–close. Play pool for free at Knuckleheads every Tuesday.

Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.2410.

COOKING CLASS

6:30 p.m. Interactive Cooking Class at Antonie’s Café with chef and caterer Caroline Cazaumayou featuring recipes, dinner, wine and more. 218 S. Cost $50 each. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com.

2-FOR-1 TUESDAYS

Half price on all fishing trips, whale watching and other adventures at Dana Wharf every Tuesday. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

wednesday02 forecast: partly cloudy • high: 67° low: 45°

DUPP BROTHERS

8 p.m. Live “hippy hillbilly” music at The Rib Joint. 34294 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.9500.

COMEDY NIGHT

9:30 p.m. Your chance to sing live at Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.

VINE WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING 7 p.m.–8 p.m. Educational wine tasting at Vine featuring four wines paired with food; cost is $40 per person.

211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.9376, www.vinesanclemente.com.

thursday03 forecast: partly cloudy • high: 65° low: 45°

ITALIAN MOVIE NIGHT

6 p.m. Enjoy happy hour at Rick’s Cafe then at 7 p.m. watch the award-winning film Pane e Cioccolata at San Juan Capistrano Regency Theater. 26762 Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3456, www.rickscafesanjuan.com.

IMAGES FROM SPACE

7 p.m. Casa Romantica presents NASA’s John Hoot and a presentation on the development of space-related technology.

Admission $7, Casa members $6. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, wwwcasaromantica.org.

FOOD TRUCK & FARE THURSDAYS

11 a.m.-2 p.m. A variety of gourmet food trucks that changes weekly at the OC Fair & Event Center. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com.

MISSING PERSONS

8 p.m. New wave band in concert at The Coach House.

Major F & Dealio and The Relay also perform. Tickets $15.

33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

TARYN DONATH

LADIES NIGHT

JIM SUMMERS & FRIENDS

RICKY LEWIS BAND

7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET

3 p.m.–7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba in San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700.

MARDI GRAS BEER TASTING

5 p.m.–8 p.m. SC Wine Company welcomes Bryan Molar of Wine Warehouse. Help celebrate Mardi Gras with New Orleans’ oldest operating breweries, and one of the first craft breweries in America. Plus there will be a raffle! Tasting fee is $15 for seven beers with brats, pretzels and other snacks. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com. www.danapointtimes.com

9 p.m.-close. No cover for the ladies at Caliente Coastal Cantina.

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.493.0549, www.calientecoastalcantina.com.

7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Ricky Lewis Band plays live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

BILLY WATSON

7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

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

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com

ON STAGE

Savoy Brown 45th Anniversary Release Party

L

egendary rock-blues guitarist Kim Simmonds, will be fronting the venerable, albeit refreshed, version of Savoy Brown at the Coach House on Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at 8 pm.

Please relate to our readers the essence of your upcoming show and how the evening will progress.

Kim Simmonds: The evening will be a mix of new material — from our forthcoming Voodoo Moon release — and also songs from the band’s past, covering the past four decades. A mix of 60s nostalgia and 2011 blues-rock.

How is a Kim Simmonds solo concert different from when you are fronting Savoy Brown as in the upcoming show at the Coach House?

KS: For starters, my solo shows are totally acoustic.

I am unable to do the things on guitar that I can do electric with the band so the perforSavoy Brown. Courtesy photo mances become a one-man show experience. I feature stories from my past, old Savoy material from the vaults as well as solo songs, which have a more personal slant.

The cover of your latest solo release, “Out of the Blue,” showcases one of your paintings. How does your passion for art influence your music or is it vice versa?

KS: Painting is all about problem solving and that keeps the artistic side of my brain ticking and therefore keeps me fresh for solving song arrangements or for thinking of new song ideas.

Blues fans rejoice, it doesn’t get any better than this. Just get to the Coach House, get a good seat, have a drink and get your blues on. Visit www.savoybrown.com for more info. For the uninitiated, there are music clips on the site that will bring you into the fold as a fan of this guitar master.

Savoy Brown plays Saturday, March 5 at The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $20, doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. DP —A.J. Bardzilowski February 25–March 3, 2011 • Dana Point Times • Page 13

DP LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DP

SUDOKU

by Myles Mellor 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 Last week’s solution:

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

D a n a Po i nt

See today’s solution in next week’s issue.

A Little Girl’s Legacy Parents Wish to honor terminally ill daughter with a contribution to the Ocean Institute

By Alex Ota Special to Dana Point Times

I

clearly remember when I found out my good friend Kajsa James was pregnant with her daughter Maddie. A small group of us were gathered at her house in Laguna Beach when she made the announcement. To say that we were ecstatic is putting it mildly.

A short while later, three more of us became pregnant, and BAM! we had a playgroup.

Our group of new moms met at least once a week. I don’t know how I could have made it through those first months of motherhood without them.

January 14 was just such a time. They came to our house for dinner—the kids played and then Maddie said she was tired and wanted to know if she could watch TV and rest. Not something a five-year-old usually says. Kajsa commented that Maddie had been extremely tired during the previous days—falling asleep in unusual places and going to bed at 6:30 p.m. She chalked it up to having a big week at school, but had taken her in for blood tests a couple days prior to make sure. Nothing unusual showed up.

Kajsa noticed that Maddie was walking a bit “off-balance.” Because Maddie wears glasses, Kajsa would ask her, “Can you see okay?” And Maddie would reply yes, and be on her way to play. My husband noticed Maddie seemed to have a limp and asked me about it after they left—I said that Kajsa hadn’t mentioned Maddie getting hurt. We put it out of our minds, only thinking it was a fun start to an extended weekend.

So you can imagine my shock when I woke up Sunday morning, January 16 to read the following email: “Maddie is in the ICU at CHOC in Orange.

I had noticed her becoming increasingly off balance and having trouble walking straight the last few days, and today her speech became slurred. I took her to urgent care and then she was admitted here. A CAT scan has detected a sizable mass on her brain. That is all that we know right now, and an MRI / meeting with a neurosurgeon in the morning will give us a much better idea of what we are dealing with. She is resting comfortably and isn’t in any pain.”

Having once been in Kajsa’s shoes—my own daughter was diagnosed with a pediatric cancer called neuroblastoma in 2009, endured three surgeries and was declared healthy as of her last checkup—I sympathized and tried

Maddie James’ parents hope to raise funds for a new learning center at the Ocean Institute in honor of their daughter. Courtesy photo and rendering

not to panic. My first thoughts were, “This doesn’t necessarily have to be cancer. We’ll help her get through this. We’ll think positively. We’ll be playing together soon.”

A second email followed some hours later. A portion of it read: “There is no easy way to say this and I can’t believe I am writing these words, but our sweet Maddie has been diagnosed with an inoperable, malignant brain tumor called DIPG [Deep Infiltrating Pontine Glioma]. Our doctor has prepared us for the incurable and aggressive nature of the disease. We are talking months, with a rapid

Page 14 • Dana Point Times • February 25–March 3, 2011

decrease in motor skills, ability to walk, etc within weeks.”

Maddie was given six months to live.

Today, the “aggressive nature of the disease” is shockingly evident. Maddie’s parents, are spending every moment with their daughter and making all the memories they can, which has included a trip to Hawaii to snorkel, backstage tours at Long Beach, CA’s Aquarium of the Pacific, Sea World, and the Ocean Institute in Dana Point—all having to do with what Maddie loves—the ocean and sea life.

As for me, I’m still at a loss of how I can

help. I can’t take away the pain and I can’t make it better. But what I can do is get the word out about the Maddie James Foundation. Maddie’s parents, Kajsa and Collie, have established a foundation in which money raised will go to the Ocean Institute, a place that Maddie loves with all of her heart. The foundation’s website says it best: “One of Maddie’s favorite places in this world is the Ocean Institute. Last summer, she attended their Sea Camp and it was the best week ever. She would get a name tag every morning at check-in, and to this day, every single name tag she received is stuck to her bedroom wall.

When the time comes, Maddie’s ashes will be spread at sea. Her soul will be at peace, surrounded by all the animals and natural beauty she so loves.

Maddie’s parents are passionate about memorializing their daughter in a way that is worthy of their very special little girl.

Maddie’s parents recently discovered that the Ocean Institute is in the final phase of a $4 million capital campaign to create exciting new ocean-side programs and facilities—The planned Seaside Learning Center. The project is shovel-ready and all permits are in place.

All that is missing are the necessary funds.

Depending upon success with fundraising, building is planned for summer/fall 2011.

“I don’t see this news as a coincidence,” Kajsa said. “Our mission was clear. And it became even more clear when Maddie saw me looking at the plans and asked what they were. I told her, and she exclaimed, ‘That’s so cool, mommy. Are we going to help them build it?’ With all my heart, I responded, ‘Yes, Maddie, we are.’”

The Maddie James Seaside Learning Center would be possible with a donation of $1 million. We realize this is a huge number but we have decided to reach for the stars and try and raise as much as possible. We will do whatever we can to make sure Maddie’s name lives on in perpetuity at the Center.”

To make this happen we need the community’s help. Whether its one dollar or hundreds, every single bit will help in having Maddie’s name live on.

To make a donation and read more about Maddie’s story and her parents’ wish to memorialize her with a gift to the Ocean Institute, visit the Maddie James Foundation at www. maddiejamesfoundation.org. For more information on this effort, please visit author Alex Ota’s website at www.breezymama.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

Locals Only

Business Directory The only directory featuring Dana Point businesses exclusively A L S O

O N L I N E

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

A T

W W W . D A N A P O I N T T I M E S . C O M

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING

Junk Removal

Jim Ettinger Design 949.246.0224 33742 Big Sur St., jimettingerdesign@cox.net Nona Associates - Raymond J. Nona A.I.A. 26901 Camino de Estrella, 949.496.2275 www.raynona.com

Green Dump Truck www.greendumptruck.com

ATTORNEY James D. Hornbuckle, Esq. 949.499.7370 34204 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.dixonlawcorp.com

BEAUTY SALONS Azalea Salon & Boutique 949.248.3406 24452 Del Prado Ave. Ste. A, www.azaleasalonandboutique.com Paragon Salon 949.489.1955 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy. Salon Revelation - Dayna Dallas 949.248.8595 34192 Violet Lantern #2

Bookkeeper / Organizer

Danman’s Music School Danman’s Music School is Business of the Month for the City of Dana Point. Danman’s is run by Dan Lefler and is a full service music school offering lessons for most instruments including guitar, piano, voice to name a few and has been at its Del Prado location for 12 years.

24699 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.496.6556

EMAIL MARKETING

Concept2Design Marketing Accurate Bookeeping 949.412.5345 www.concept2design.net lisathebookkeeper@yahoo.com

949.276.6921

EMBROIDERY

CAFE - DELI Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

CARPET CLEANING

ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, www.abcembroideryshop.com

949.248.1007

FITNESS PROGRAMS

Capistrano Beach Steam Clean 949.240.5875 Fit Club - Boot Camp 949.831.7984 www.steamcleaningdanapoint.com www.afitclub.com Jazzercise, O.C. Sailing & Events Center CATERING 34451 Ensenada Place, 949.492.7817 Smokey’s House of BBQ 949.388.8102 www.danapointjazz.com 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com GIFT BASKETS

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES Christian Science Services 34102 La Plaza

949.661.3151

COFFEE SHOP Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES

HAIR SALONS

ICE CREAM

Mary Kay Cosmetics & Career 949.248.2868 Coffee Importers Scoop Deck 949.493.7773 Opportunities, Ind. Sales Director - Marline Adams, 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com www.marykay.com/madams2

Insurance Services

DENTISTS Dana Point Dental 34080 Golden Lantern, Ste 201, www.danapointdental.com

949.661.5664

DOG GROOMING Dawgy Style 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. 112, www.todawgystyle.com

949.496.3315

Patricia Powers 949.496.1900 License#0737080, pat.powers@cox.net Statefarm/Elaine LaVine 949.240.8944 34080 Golden Lantern, www.elainelavine.net State Farm/Ted Bowersox 949.661.3200 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy. #204 www.tedbowersox.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Maureen B. Fletcher Interior Design 714.889.9597 momofletcher@gmail.com delta G electrical

949.360.9282 Norma Mardian Interior Design 949.492.6271 CA #657214, www.deltagelect.com www.nminteriordesign.com

ELECTRICAL

949.697.4517

949.248.1007

Surf Shops

Girl in the Curl Surf Shop 949.661.4475 34116 Pacific Coast Hwy., www.girlinthecurl.com LANDSCAPING/SPRINKLERS Infinity Surfboards 949.661.6699 Sunburst Landscaping 949.632.0081 24382 Del Prado, www.infinitysurf.com

949.276.8080 www.sunlandscape.webs.com 949.493.3670 Jack’s Surfboards 34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jackssurfboards.com

LOCKSMITH Dana Point Lock & Security www.danapointlock.com

TUTORING 949.496.6919

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

English Tutoring by Susan 949.481.0481 Mathnasium 949.388.6555 32411 Golden Lantern, Ste. Q, www.mathnasium.com

Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 Upholstery 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com Dana Point Upholstery 949.240.2292 Danman’s Music School 949.242.4431 24402 Del Prado 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

PET GROOMING

Dawgy Style 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy #112, www.todawgystyle.com

949.496.3315

Window Coverings

PIZZA Beach Cities Pizza

34473 Golden Lantern St. 34155 Pacific Coast Hwy.

WINDOW CLEANING Bayside Window Cleaning 949.290.8230 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

949.496.0606

Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

949.496.2670

Plumbing Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com Mission Plumbing & Heating 949.492.4303 www.missionplumbingandheating.com

Under-Wraps Gift Baskets 949.291.0300 PRESCHOOLS mariannedorsey@cox.net, www.giftbasketsbyunderwraps.com San Clemente Preschool 949.498.1025 163 Avenida Victoria, HANDYMAN SERVICES sanclementepreschool@gmail.com Robert’s Professional Handyman Services PRINT SHOP Lic. # B853695

949.606.6425

Monarch Bay Haircutters 949.496.1957 San Clemente Computer & Network Services 20 Monarch Bay Plaza daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 Paragon Salon 949.489.1955 Solution Tek-nologies 949.400.0080 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy. www.solutiontek-nologies.com Utopia Salon 949.661.1664 Barry 949.661.1664 CONTRACTORs - GENERAL Gary 949.231.9755 Creative Environments Construction 949.496.3728 Morgan 949.433.3960 Design & Build #464468 24582 Del Prado, #B, www.barrysutopia.com

COSMETICS

SIGNS

Jeweler

Dana Point Jeweler 949.489.1165 ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 24845 Del Prado, www.danapointjeweler.com 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, www.abcembroideryshop.com

Beacon Printing - Brad & Judy Brandmeier 24681 La Plaza, Ste. 125 949.661.3877 beaconprinting@sbcglobal.net Printing OC

949.388.4888 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY Corinne Rupert PhD, PsyD, MFT 949.488.2648 33971 Selva Rd. Ste. 125, www.danapointpsychotherapy.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL Prudential California Realty, Shirley Tenger www.tengerteam.com 949.487.7700 J. Hill & Associates 949.488.7653 34270 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. A, www.hillrealty.org Lantern Bay Realty 949.661.6441 34179 Golden Lantern, Ste. 103, www.lanternbayrealty.com

RESTAURANTS Brio Tuscany Grille 949.443.1476 24050 Camino Del Avion, www.briorestaurant.com Jolly Roger Restaurant 949.496.0855 34661 Golden Lantern, www.aloharestaurants.com Smokey’s House of BBQ 949.388.8102 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This handy, cost-friendly, go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

Get your business listed today.

Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@ danapointtimes.com.

DP S a n C le m e n te

D a n a Po i nt

Business Directory

Classifieds

Submit your ad online at www.danapointtimes.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SOLAR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY $ 14,900 call 818.528.8520

REAL ESTATE Selling your house? Have a rental available?

Looking for a roommate?

DP Times classifieds get results. Submit your ad online today! www.danapointtimes.com

FOR RENT 2 bed 2 bath townhouse in paradise South San Clemente, walk to Trestles. Enclosed yard with golf course view. Pets OK. $2000/mo. (+ security/negotiable) Available March 15. 724-630-3217

GARAGE SALES Rummage Sale National Charity League -Monarch Chapter 4th Annual Rummage Sale, Sat 3/26 8AM-2:30PM, Something for everyone! San Clemente Presbyterian Church 119 North Avenida de la Estrella. Proceeds to local charities.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. No phone calls please.

HELP WANTED NEWSPAPER SALES MANAGER WANTED Experienced newspaper sales veteran with South Orange County (Calif.) sales experience sought to head sales effort for community media group’s print and online sales team. Candidate will have min. 5 years newspaper sales experience, great personality, proven track record in sales and willingness to sell space and run small sales team. Competitive base salary, commission and full benefits. Send cover letter and resume to info@picketfencemedia.com

DP TIMES CLASSIFIEDS ARE ONLINE! Submit an ad or browse current listings at www.danapointtimes.com

www.danapointtimes.com

February 25–March 3, 2011 • Dana Point Times • Page 17

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

DP

5 BEST BETS WRESTLING

Avalanche vs.

Ducks, Honda Center Feb. 27, 5 p.m.

Hit the road with some of Dana Hills’ finest wrestlers as they move on to compete for glory at the state level.

After beating Irvine Valley in the first round of the SoCal playoffs, the Gauchos take in a round two game at home.

The Ducks square off against its foes from Colorado as Anaheim looks to stave off the Avalanche at home ice.

Info: www.sctritons.com

Info: www.saddleback. edu/athletics

SPORTS NEWS FROM DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

By David Zimmerle

tied at 14-14, California went on to outscore Dana 7-1 to take a 21-15 lead at halftime.

The Lady Dolphins then opened the third quarter with a Ward basket. From that point on, the Lady Condors slowly increased their lead as time went on. Four baskets by center Ivory Hallstein pushed their lead to 29-21. A free throw by Zaire Williams and a layup by Emily Jaimerena for Dana finished the quarter with the Dolphins trailing 34-25 after three quarters. The slow, physical game was taking a toll as both teams entered the fourth quarter with several key players in foul trouble. With both teams in the bonus, the fourth quarter would be decided at the free throw line.

Other than a layup basket by California’s Amanda Pena, all of their remaining points in the fourth quarter were scored at the free throw line.

Midway through the quarter with the Condors led 43-31, Dana got four points from Kristi Nishihira on two free throws and a layup, and two 3-point baskets, one each by Williams and Nordbak but it wasn’t enough as the Dolphins fell 45-41.

California, who went on to lose in the second round of the CIF playoffs to Centennial of Corona 75-27, was lead by Hallstein’s 14 points. Guard Noemi Navar added 12 points and Pena chipped in nine points.

Dana Hills struggled all night shooting only 19 percent from the field and 42 percent from the free throw line. Kristi Nishihira lea the Dolphins with 10 points and Nordbak added nine points along with 10 rebounds.

Before fouling out, Ward scored eight points. Katherine Chastain finished a fine season with 14 rebounds on the night, while Zaire Williams added six points and grabbed eight rebounds. —Greg Spear contributed to this article. Next 7 days: N/A GIRLS SOCCER • The Lady Dolphins (11-2-6, 6-0-2 Sea View League) got off to a great start in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs beating Redlands East Valley 1-0 on February 17. Knotted 0-0 heading into the second half, Dana got its lone winner from Lynsey Gaines off an assist from Kaitlin Dickmann.

However, the girls’ luck stopped there as the Lady Dolphins went on to lose 2-1 to Trabuco Hills on Tuesday, February

Page 18 • Dana Point Times • February 25–March 3, 2011

HOCKEY

Barstow vs.

Clippers vs. Lakers, Saddleback, Staples Center Saddleback College Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 25, 7 p.m.

Dolphin Report

GIRLS BASKETBALL • The Lady Dolphins (15-9, 4-4 South Coast League) season ended abruptly February 17 with a 45-41 loss to California High School in Whittier.

The temperature outside was cool as another winter storm approached, and unfortunately for Dana, their shooting percentage could never warm up.

The game matched two teams with completely different playing styles. Dana entered this first round CIF Division 1A playoff game with a 15-8 overall record, 4-4 and in third place in the South Coast league and averaging 50 points a game. The Lady Condors of California High School meanwhile had a 14-12 overall record, 5-5 and in third place in the Del Rio league, while averaging only 30 points a game.

Dana got bad news before the game when it was determined that Olivia Winokur, the teams second leading scorer averaging 10.4 points would not be playing due to a back injury.

Dana got off to a very slow start, not scoring their first points of the game until 3:53 left in the first quarter. Haley Nordbak’s layup made the score only 4-2 in favor of California. Nordbak and Tori Nishihira added jumpers to cap off a sloppy first quarter with California leading 10-6.

Dana Hills was finally able to tie the score at 12-12 early in the second quarter behind an Allyson Ward jumper and back-to-back layups by Kristi Nishihira. With the game

BASKETBALL

CIF Master State Qualifier, Temecula Valley High School Feb. 25-26, 2 p.m.

D a n a Po i nt

BOYS BASKETBALL • The Dolphins (10-17, 1-7 South Coast League) couldn’t find a way to make it out the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1A playoffs losing 64-54 to Redlands East Valley while on the road February 16. Both teams were knotted 10-10 at the end of the first period, and the Dolphins even went into the half nursing a 29-28 lead. After the end of the third period, Dana Hills still held a 47-43 lead but suffered a monumental collapse in the fourth frame getting outscored 21-7 en route to this disappointing loss.

Alex Brown led the team with 18 points, while Jeremy Bass finished with 12 points and Jared Moore with 13 points. Bass also brought down a team high 12 rebounds with Moore totaling 11 boards as well. Brown also finished with a team high four assists.

Next 7 days: N/A

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

The purple and gold look to dominate the second half of the regular season as the team faces its cross-town rival.

Info: www.nba.com/lakers

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Tigers vs. Anteaters, Bren Center Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m.

UC Irvine’s men’s basketball team hits the floor in its final home game of the regular season against University of the Pacific.

Info: www.ucirvinesports.com

Info: www.ducks.nhl.com

S C O R E B OA R D 22. The Lady Mustangs got out of the gates early scoring two unanswered goals in the first half before Dana Hills finally responded in the second half off a goal from Gaines. Unfortunately, that effort was not enough to spark a rally toward the win. Next 7 days: N/A GIRLS WATER POLO • The Lady Dolphins (25-7, 8-0 Sea View League) sprinted to a great first round finish in the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs trouncing Alta Loma 14-4 on February 17. The girls held the 7-0 lead at the half before outscoring their opponent 7-2 in the final two periods to cruise to victory. Colleen McNaught and Dani Styles each scored four goals apiece while Emily Carlson banged out three goals. McNaught also led with six steals and five assists.

The team then went on to crush La Habra 14-3 in the second round on February 19. Up 9-2 at the half, the girls scored four unanswered goals in the third period and one more in the fourth for the impressive win.

Carlson and Styles each led with four goals apiece while Bailey Kinsey totaled 14 saves at goal and McNaught finishing with a team high six assists coupled with her two goals on the game.

But in the end it was Los Osos who handed Dana Hills an 8-6 quarterfinals loss and an early exit from the playoffs on Wednesday, February 23. Dana Hills trailed 2-0 after the first period but turned it on in the second with four goals and went into the half up 4-3. However, four unanswered goals

by Los Osos in the third period proved the deciding factor in this one, as Dana Hills could not get its offense in gear to pull off the comeback win.

Carlson, McNaught and Styles each had two goals apiece in the game with Kinsey totaling 14 saves at goal. Next 7 days: N/A WRESTLING • The Dolphins finished in sixth place with 110 points at the CIF-SS Eastern Divisional at Oak Hills High School of Hesperia, February 18-19. La Quinta, (181.5) Oak Hills (172.5) and Santa Fe (142) all finished in the top three spots, respectively. Bryan Seefried (145) medaled in second place, Jordan Toaves (152) took fi fth, Austin Devone (160) finished in second place and Kamron Abedi (171) took fourth place. Next 7 days: Feb. 25-26 at CIF Masters State Qualifier at Temecula Valley High, 2 p.m.

WATER POLO

OC Water Polo, Kap7 International 14u Boys, Chris Garau. Courtesy photo

ORANGE COUNTY WATER POLO CLUB SET FOR SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Orange County Water Polo Club (OCWPC) recently finished a strong showing at the Kap7 International, a high-level tournament geared toward top water polo clubs in South Orange County. Taking first place in their respective divisions were OCWPC’s 19 & Under and 16 & Under Boys. Also finishing strong were two 14 & Under Boys teams placing second and 10th within their divisions. And finishing seventh was a young 10 & Under Coed team—many of whom have never played in a tournament before.

“Our club is developing some of the best athletes in the sport right now, and our success continues to grow with strong finishes like these,” head coach Peter Asic said. “I’m very proud of these guys; their work is really paying off.”

“There’s no question that significant improvement happens for players who play club during the off-season,” said girls coach Kevin Perkins. “Athletes come back to their schools with a clear advantage over their competition.”

Orange County Water Polo Club trains at the world-class aquatics center at JSerra Catholic High School, and is open to all ages from 10 & Under to college. New players are welcome and encouraged to do a free trial.

For more information visit the club website at www.ocwpc.com/ or call Lada Asic at 949.769.4038.

SCORES WANTED: We want to run your scores, results and announcements in “Scoreboard.” E-mail sports@danapointtimes.com, fax 949.388.9977, snail mail or drop off the information to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 by each Monday at 5 p.m. www.danapointtimes.com

INSIDE:

Welcome to DANA POINT

WINTER WHALE PARADES ON LAND AND SEA

BY DORIS I. WALKER

BY SCOTT SCHOEFFEL, MAYOR OF DANA POINT

T

he whales are back and so is the Dana Point Festival of Whales. The Festival gets better each year, with activities and events to entertain and enlighten all ages.

I encourage you all to come and join in the celebration.

The Dana Point Harbor and Festival of Whales both celebrate their 40th anniversary this year. I would like to congratulate the Festival founders and organizers on creating our city’s signature event and keeping it going for nearly half a century!

It all starts on Pacific Coast Highway with the Festival of Whales Parade on Saturday, March 5, at 10 a.m. Dana Point welcomes our 2011 Celebrity Grand Marshal Henry DiCarlo from KTLA morning weather television. The parade will also feature Community Grand Marshals Brad and Judy Brandmeier, Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. Minuteman Press and Citizen of the Year, my deserving colleague on the City Council, Lara Anderson. After the parade, come to the Whale of a Block Party at La Plaza Park for family fun with rides, food, live music, education and crafts.

Activities are planned for each day of the two-weekend Festival of Whales to appeal to many different interests: Explore Marine Life Become well acquainted with our wealth of marine resources through whale watching excursions, fishing, a marine mammal lecture series, the moving and informative Lily the Whale story and seashore interpretive hikes. Ocean and environmental programs are showcased through interactive displays, demonstrations and entertainment at Ocean Awareness Day on Sunday, March 6.

Art, History, Music and Education Interested in local history? The Dana Point Historical Society will be conducting walking tours each of the four weekend days. The Doheny State Beach Mobile Marine Mammal Museum will display authentic marine artifacts for visitors to gain an appreciation of our magnificent sea life on Sunday, March 13. Art exhibits will be on display in various locations throughout the Festival and “Shark Tale” will be shown at the Movie on the Beach on Saturday, March 5. The Whale of a Concert will close out the Festival on Sunday, March 13, with live bands performing on a floating stage accompanied by a sumptuous BBQ feast.

Car Shows After watching them cruise through the parade, the rare collection of Woodies, Nash Metropolitans and Hot Rods can be seen up close along the Harbor walkways.

Land and Sea Sports Whale watching cruises, sailing rides, canoe races, and “on-the-water” stand-up paddling (SUP) clinics will be featured at various times throughout the Festival. Additionally, the Mickey Muñoz Mongoose Cup Stand-Up Paddleboard Relay Race, Fun Paddle and Whale of a Beach Cleanup on Saturday, March 12, provide active ways to enjoy the water and help improve our marine environment.

Grunion Run The 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Run will be staged on a fast, flat and fun race course along Doheny State Beach in the early morning of Saturday, March 12, followed by a Whale of a Pancake Breakfast. For more information, go to www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com.

Family Fun Bring the whole family to the Whale of a Rubber Ducky Race, Baby Beach Sand Sculpting and Diamond Dig on Sunday, March 6. Parents and kids can also have a great time together at Captain Dave’s Kids’ Carnival on Saturday, March 12.

Whether you want to splash in the ocean or enjoy from the land, the Festival provides many opportunities to experience our maritime heritage and discover more about our treasured coast. For a daily calendar of events, music, artist schedules and shuttle stop information, turn the pages of this Festival Program or log on to www.festivalofwhales.com. The city website, at www.danapoint.org, is also a great source of information about our beautiful city of Dana Point.

I

t’s time to hail the whale again as California’s largest visitors are staging their annual winter parade close to the Orange County shore. During the months these thousands of gray whales are migrating from the Arctic’s Bering Sea to Baja California lagoons, just as many human visitors from all over the West (and beyond) rendezvous with them out of Dana Point Harbor.

From December through spring, Dana Point Harbor’s ocean-going fleets turn to whale watching, possibly taking more people to sea to see whales than any other port!

This coastal point is thought to be an important navigational landmark for the parading whales, and the harbor and city celebrate their annual appearance with the Dana Point Festival of Whales each March.

The herd of grays—which once numbered at least 30,000, then neared extinction from whaling, twice in history—came back in strong numbers after being protected by international treaty since 1938. It is estimated that there are now about 20,000 grays in its coastal parade, approximately the same number of people who sail out of this port to view them each year.

As if thanking the public for following them to sea to admire them instead of harpooning them, the grays are also considered to be the friendliest of all whales toward people. In their shallow calving lagoons down south, they seem to enjoy the touching attention they receive from watchers who observe them with respect. No other great whale species stays as close to land in its travels—within sight and sound of mankind.

It is also significant that the Festival includes a land parade of people; in its first years it was a children’s parade along the marina walkways. Gray whales can be spotted off Dana Point each winter day, usually parading by in pods of three as they enact the longest migration of any mammal on earth—about 6,000 miles in each direction. On frequent daily cruises from this scenic coast, whale watchers can view the mammoth adult mammals—40-plus-feet long and 40 tons heavy! On their spring parade back to the Arctic, they are accompanied by their young calves, all moving slowly and close to shore.

From this historic anchorage of 19th century sailing ships, it is less than five minutes out to sea and usually no more than a mile until the spout of a whale can be seen. Small grays have even been spotted adventuring within the channels of the harbor, along with playful dolphins and sea lions. While at sea, the whale watching ships’ skippers are adept at following the marine mammals without crossing or interfering with their narrow migration path.

The pregnant females head for the warmer waters of

the Baja lagoons to give birth, where the shallow salt-water helps buoy up their two-ton newborns as they learn to swim.

However, some mothers have been known to produce a calf prematurely in the shallow coves of Orange County. It is even thought that the present site of Dana Point Harbor was a prehistoric calving lagoon within Capistrano Bay—eons ago when the shoreline extended miles inland.

Grays also come into local coastal coves to scratch against the rocks, thought to be attempting to dislodge the barnacles that attach themselves to these slow moving mammals along the way. These white parasites and resulting scars when they are rubbed off the whales’ black skin create a mottled visual effect that prompted their name “gray.”

Sometimes a gray whale will reward a boatload of admirers by “spyhopping”—lifting its 15-foot-long head entirely out of water as if to watch back, literally standing on its tail. And at rarer times a whale will “breach”—leaping well out of the water, exposing two-thirds of its up-to-40-foot length and then splashing loudly down on its back.

When spring arrives, the pattern of migration reverses and the first arrivals and their babies begin to swim north again, to their main feeding grounds. The parade continues until the last of the herd travels past this coast. By then the adults are slimmer for having lived off their blubber all winter, though the babies are gaining fast on a diet of only their mothers’ rich milk.

We must remember that many fossil skeletons of gray whales’ ancestors have been unearthed well above the present sea level in the hills and valleys around Orange County. They had lived and died here millions of years ago, when most of the area was under the sea. Their remains sank to the ocean bottom. Interestingly, the structure and size of today’s coastal migrants are little changed from those who vacationed here 20 million years in the past.

The changing geological history in this area—the land risen from the sea several times by earthly upheavals—has revealed the remains of these ancient marine mammals on and under the modern dry land, where the entire whale family tree is thought to have originated—right here—before whales evolved from the land into the ocean. Their modern sea-living descendants, who are little changed living fossils themselves, swim by each winter as if to stay in touch. © 2011 by Doris I. Walker Co-founder of the Dana Point Festival of Whales, author Doris Walker is compiling her adventures with gray whales into a children’s book. It will combine her activities on behalf of gray whales here and her adventures in the lagoons of Baja California, illustrated by her own close-up photographs. One chapter will describe the local excitement in recent years caused by the “summer vacationing” of the largest of all whales—the blues.

Sometimes a gray whale will reward a boatload of admirers by “spyhopping.” This magnificent mammal surprised whale watchers aboard a Dana Wharf boat off the coast near San Onofre. Photo by Lawrence Hartmann

Page 3 | 2011 Festival of Whales Event Program | www.danapointtimes.com

To Dive Like a Whale

Restaurant Week

BY JULIANNE E. STEERS, MARINE BIOLOGIST

T

he dive of a whale is quite an amazing feat to behold. Cetaceans spend nearly all their lives underwater, sometimes at considerable depths. Since whales are mammals, like us, they breathe air directly, instead of extracting oxygen dissolved in water as fish do. Whales must return to the surface at regular intervals to take in air, and when they dive, they too must hold their breath.

As a SCUBA diver, I can descend beneath the waves but to imitate the fantastic dive of a whale, for a human is a futile attempt, at best.

When humans dive longer than we can hold our breath, a cylinder of compressed air is necessary. The scuba tank is a must because the air pressure within our lungs must equal or slightly exceed the pressure of the water around us; otherwise our chests would be crushed. Under compression, the nitrogen of the air dissolves in the fluids and tissues of a diver’s body to their full capacity. During ascension, the dissolved nitrogen comes out of the solution as bubbles of gas, causing a sometimes lethal condition known as “the bends.”

In contrast, when a cetacean dives, it takes very little air with them; only a portion of the air is nitrogen, so that the amount that could dissolve in the body fluids and tissues from one filling of the lungs is rather miniscule. This small amount does not enter the blood and tissues, because as the whale dives its lungs compress and drive the air in them into the windpipe and extensive nasal passages. The thickened membrane lining these passages helps stop nitrogen bubbles from entering the blood. Whales can store more than twice the amount of oxygen in their blood than we can; this allows them to have effective muscle function for much longer during a dive.

Whales also conserve energy while they are underwater, by slowing their heartbeat and by pumping blood to only a few organs—the brain, heart and muscles. Humans have this “diving reflex” also, although it’s not as well developed.

If a whale gets low on oxygen, it can generate a small amount of energy without using oxygen, but this process creates lactic acid—the substance that makes your legs “burn” if you run too far or too fast. Whales, however, don’t seem to mind the “burn” as much as we do. So

D

ana Point Restaurant Week runs March 4 through 13 featuring some of the best and most unique restaurants in southern California. Take a break from the festivities, relax and refuel at these fantastic eateries.

You will be treated to special Restaurant Week pricing in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Dana Point Festival of Whales. Contact the restaurants directly or log on to www.festivalofwhales.com to see more about the Restaurant Week specials being offered in honor of this year’s festival celebration.

CafE Mezzaluna 2 Ritz Carlton Drive #102, 949.276.7900, www.mycafemezzaluna.com Harbor Deli / Slice of New York 34667 Golden Lantern, 949.496.0424, www.myharbordeli.com

The misty spout of a gray whale lingers in the air. Photo

by Ocean Institute Chief Aquarist Julianne E. Steers (Inset)

the whale’s secret to staying under water for a long time is to store up a lot of oxygen before it dives and then use as little of it as possible while it’s submerged.

As a cetacean returns to the surface, the lungs gradually expand again, its blowhole opens wide and the foul air accumulated during the dive is expelled explosively. “Ah, the spray, the spout, the blow of a whale,” we whale watchers exclaim with joy at the sight—then the resulting scent wafts our way.

This “fragrant” spout is produced by the water from around the blowhole being forced into the air. As soon as the animal has exhaled, it takes in fresh air, the air sacs of the lungs return to their expanded condition and then it dives again.

You may view many spouts and dives off Dana Point during the current gray whale migration. Perhaps you’ll even catch a whiff of that lustrous odor emanating from a blowhole during your very own whale encounter.

With whale watching season in full swing, there are many opportunities to experience these amazing animals during the 2011 Dana Point Festival of Whales. Among the choices are the Ocean Institute’s Marine Mammal Cruises, where you can join expert marine

The Harbor Grill 34499 Golden Lantern, 949.240.1416, www.harborgrill.com

Harpoon Henry ’s 34555 Golden Lantern, 949.493.2933, www. windandsearestaurants.com/harpoonhenrys

biologists on an ocean journey to witness these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat. And, be sure to stop by the Institute to participate in a hands-on learning adventure into the fascinating lives of whales, including how they eat, communicate and to learn how pollution can effect them.

For Ocean Institute program and cruise information, call 949.496.2274 or visit www. ocean-institute.org.

Marine Biologist Julianne E. Steers is a graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona. She is the Chief Aquarist for the Ocean Institute. Steers is also active in the local marine science community as a founding Board Member of the Beach Ecology Coalition.

Jolly Roger 34661 Golden Lantern, 949.496.0855, www.jollyrogerrestaurants.com Luxe 24582 Del Prado Avenue, 949.276.4990 Mahe 24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.240.6243, www.eatatmahe.com Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant 34664 Pacific Coast Highway, Capo Beach and 8 Monarch Bay Plaza, 949.218.7394, www.originalolamendis.com Stacks Pancake House 34255 Pacific Coast Hwy #110, 949.429.2223 Wind & Sea 34699 Golden Lantern, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com

Ride Big Buses, See Big Whales

BY ANDREA SWAYNE

L

eave the car at home and let OCTA and Metrolink get you there for less with a Metrolink Friends and Family 4-Pack for just $29 and local bus routes for as low as $1.50 or $0.60 for seniors. Kids under 6 ride OCTA buses for free (limit 3). Even if you live close, consider enjoying a weekend mini “stay-cation,” and present your ticket to save on lodging at area hotels. From the San Juan Capistrano Metrolink station, it’s an easy hop on OCTA Bus Route 91 south to Dana Point.

A list of schedules and stops can be found at www.octa.net/whales and directions from bus

stops to Festival events can be found at www. festivalofwhales.com. And, while you’re out and about, look for the special Dana Point Festival of Whales 40th anniversary graphics adorning OCTA buses.

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 your OCTA and/or Metrolink ticket voucher and receive $5 off any whale

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watching excursion ticket price at Dana Wharf Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5764, www.danawharf.com.

• Present your OCTA and/or Metrolink ticket voucher and receive a special room rate of only $69, single or double occupancy, at Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.1203, www.danapointmarinainn.com.

• Present your OCTA or Metrolink ticket voucher and receive a special room rate of only $169, at Doubletree Guest Suites, 34402 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.661.1100, www.dohenybeach. doubletree.com.

Tale of a Tail

BY ANDREA SWAYNE

I

t’s been a long time coming since Ocean Awareness Day at the 2008 Festival of Whales commenced its first ever community art project—a beautiful mosaic whale tail sculpture public art piece. It all began when the Dana Point Harbor Association commissioned local artist Eric Danton to sculpt a 6-foot tall iconic image of a whale tail. Danton completed the tail and then community art coordinator Karin Schnell enlisted Dana Point artist Aileen May to help facilitate the implementation of an art medium on the tail.

May devoted considerable time and talent to create a beautiful mosaic application and got the ball rolling by applying the initial octopus mosaic to the sculpture. She then, with the help of Schnell and Harbor Association representative Kim Tilly, painstakingly prepared the mosaic tiles for installation on site by the community.

“The Harbor Association is pleased to donate this public art piece to the county and its residents,”said Tilly. “It is our hope that this beautiful work will serve as a permanent and moving tribute to the whales’ annual migration past Dana Point.”

The Harbor Association worked with the OC Dana Point Harbor Department to find the perfect home for this beautiful and special sculpture. Now, they are pleased to announce the dedication of the sculpture will take place at the OC Sailing & Events Center on Sunday, March 6 at 1 p.m.

Orange County 5th District Supervisor

Patricia Bates is expected to officiate the ceremony.

While you’re there, check out this year’s Ocean Awareness Day, also on Sunday March 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Baby Beach. Participating groups present an array of fun and interactive activities that both educate and entertain.

For more information on the sculpture and Ocean Awareness Day, log on to www.festivalofwhales.org.

A child helps place mosaic tiles on the sculpture at the 2008 Festival of Whales Ocean Awareness Day. Photo

by Karin Schnell

40 Photographers for 40 Years

F

resh off completing their first photographic book The Spirit of San Clemente, the Photographic Art Club has a new focus—documenting the 40th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales through the lenses of 40 photographers.

The photos taken at this year’s Festival will be added to those taken by the club during many other city events to produce the club’s second book, a photo art volume that will present a complete picture of life in Dana Point by capturing the essence of this lovely coastal city. The book is scheduled to be in production by May 2011 and part of the proceeds will go to support photography classes at the local Boys & Girls Clubs.

“We have yet to name our Dana Point book and are welcoming suggestions from the public,” said club founder and president Frank Ritenour. “While enjoying your day at the Festival, be on the lookout for our 40 photographers. They will be wearing badges identifying them as event photographers and club members. Who knows, your Dana Point Whale Festival adventure may be documented in the pages of our book.”

The club holds monthly meetings at 6 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month, at the Wind & Sea Restaurant in Dana Point Harbor. Interested members of the public are welcome to join.

For more information, log on to www.meetup.com/photographicartclub. —AS Photo above: Frank Ritenour (left) with club members. Courtesy photo

WHALE WATCHING ADVENTURES 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.”

Captain Dave’s Whale & Dolphin Safari Guests aboard the hi-tech catamaran Manute’a can view dolphins and whales from an underwater viewing pod and hear them with an onboard hydrophone. Experienced marine naturalists narrate the trips and provide engaging question and answer sessions. All trips are broadcast live on www.WhaleWatchingTv. com so passengers can wave hello to friends and family watching on the internet. Mrs. Capt. Dave’s scrumptious triple fudge brownies are a sweet treat served free on each safari. Tickets are $55 for adults, $35 kids 3-12 and kids under 2 are free. Call 949.488.2828 for departure times and reservations. For more information, log on to www.dolphinsafari.com.

Aventura Sailing The sounds of the sea and the wind in the sails await you aboard an Aventura luxury sailboat. Join a

small group adventure or hire a private boat and enjoy the quiet as you listen for the sound of a spout or the splash of a breaching whale. Prices are $30 per person or $180 for a private, six-passenger maximum boat. Call 949.493.9493 for reservations or visit www.aventurasailing.com.

Ocean Institute Whale’s Tail Tallship sailing cruises aboard the Spirit of Dana Point leads guests on an exploration of how time and discovery have shaped man’s perception of the gray whale. Cruises run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Member pricing is $36 for adults and $21 for children 12 and under (minimum age 4). Non-members, $40 for adults and $23 for kids 4 to 12. Marine Mammal 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.

Cruises are offered at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. both weekends.

Member pricing is $22 for adults and $19 for children 12 and under (minimum age 4). Non-member pricing is $35/adult and $22/children 4 to 12 years old. Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the cruise ticket purchase. For information and reservations contact the Ocean Institute at 949.496.2274 or log on to www.ocean-institute.org.

Riviera Yacht Charters The Riviera is a custom 40-foot yacht with an exceptionally wide beam for a comfortable and stable ride and a cruising speed of 18 knots to reach the whales and dolphins quickly. Guests can choose to ride in a climate-controlled cabin or enjoy the sounds and sights of

the whales from the deck as a marine naturalist narrates. A television is on board to give the little ones an up close view.

Tickets are $35 per person and children under 3 are free. Call 949.496.5891 to make a reservation. For more information and a departure schedule, log on to www.rivierayachtcharters. com/2011-festival-of-whales.

Dana Wharf Whale Watching Dana Wharf is celebrating its 40th anniversary too! Back by popular demand and to celebrate 40 years—the Whale of a Deal—all tickets on the 8 a.m. trip are just $8. Regular hour-long excursions depart every hour on the hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Festival weekends. Tickets are $29 for adults, $24 for seniors and military and $19 for kids 3-12 years. Children 2 and under are free. Two-hour excursions following their Marine Mammal lectures on both weekends at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. are also available. Marine biologists will narrate aboard the 63-foot, state-of-the-art OCean Adventures catamaran—featuring a spacious viewing deck and full-service deli-style galley. For those who want a one-on-one educational experience, prior to the 11:30 a.m. departure, a lecture session from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s will be included with all 11:30 a.m. reservations. Tickets are $39 for adults, $29 for children 3-12 and free for kids under 2. Check out the schedule and purchase tickets online at www.zerve.com/DanaWharf/OceanAdv. Use a Promo Code (FOW11) to save $5 per adult fare (not valid on 8 a.m. special). For more info, call 800.979.3370 or 800.590.9994 or visit www.danawharf.com. Sightings of whales or dolphins are guaranteed, or come back again and ride free.

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Event Map Event Locations coordinate with listings on pages 10 & 12

Saturday, March 5

SUNday, March 6

E1 Festival of Whales Parade 10 a.m. The parade, themed 40 Years of Magical Migration, features floats and balloons and runs along Pacific Coast Highway from Selva Road to Golden Lantern. Arrive early, enjoy breakfast harbor side, board the free shuttle and spend the day visiting all the events located throughout the Harbor and Dana Point Plaza.

E2 A Whale of a Block Party 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at La Plaza Park. The Block Party, hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, is a fun and educational event with interactive booths for the whole family. Stay all day and enjoy rides, food, live music, crafts and more.

E15 Dana Outrigger Canoe Club Race In its 21st year of historical paddling, Dana Outrigger Canoe Club will once again host a competition with paddlers from across Southern California. The event will take place at Baby Beach and spectators are welcome.

E11 Metropolitan Club Beep, Beep! Take a stroll down the Harbor walkway and enjoy an impressive display of Nash Metropolitans. Immediately following the Festival parade, the Nash Metropolitans will be escorted to the Harbor for display along the Harbor walkway grassy areas.

E14 Hot Rods Unlimited The Festival welcomes back Hot Rods Unlimited! Stroll down Dana Point Harbor Drive and enjoy a display of vintage hot rods and classic cars.

E15 Movie in the Park 6:30 p.m. Join us for a special showing of “Shark Tale,” rated PG. FREE popcorn, hot beverages and snacks will be available. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy this family-friendly movie.

E8 Whale of a Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m.–11 a.m.

Hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars post 9934 at the OC Sailing & Event Center’s Dana Cove Room. Start your day with delicious, fluffy pancakes with strawberry topping served hot off the griddle, tasty sausage and bacon, served with juice, milk or coffee. Over 25 great gifts raffled plus surprise entertainment. All proceeds will benefit the VFW. Adults $6, children under 12 $3.

E8 Whale Tail Sculpture Dedication 1 p.m. Join the Dana Point Harbor Association at the OC Sailing and Event Center for a dedication ceremony for their first ever community art project. Dana Point artist Eric Danton was comissioned to sculpt a 6’ tall iconic image of a whale tail at the 2008 Ocean Awareness Day. With the help of Dana Point artist Aileen May and the community of Dana Point, the sculpture is now ready for its close up!

E15 Ocean Awareness Day 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Located at Baby Beach, the event features interactive displays, demonstrations and entertainment showcasing ocean and environmental programs and issues related to our ocean.

E15 Diamond Dig 12 p.m.–1 p.m. on Baby Beach. You have a whale of an opportunity to become rich by digging for treasure. Kids and adults can pay for a shovel and dig for pirate’s booty—cash, toys and diamonds! Dress as a pirate and receive a clue to the buried treasure!

E15 Whale of a Rubber Ducky Race 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Hosted by the Dana Point Woman’s Club, this fun spin on a traditional “Rubber Ducky Race” will be held at Baby Beach.

E11 So Cal Woodies The best of the best woodie cars will be on show from the official Southern California Chapter of the National Woodie Club. Stroll along the Harbor walkway and enjoy this one-of-a-kind display!

E10 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.–11 a.m. at Harpoon Henry’s. Marine mammals are among the most beloved icons of the California coast and yet much of their life history and biology remains a mystery to us. Enjoy a continental breakfast as special guests (March 5: Marine biologist and great white shark expert Mary Blasius, March 6: Dennis Kelly, Director of Coastal Dolphin Survey Project) present recent findings on sharks, local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. Following the lecture, go on a whale watching trip aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. The lecture is free with purchase of the whale watching cruise aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran and includes a continental breakfast. To attend the lecture only (with breakfast), $5 per person will be collected at the door. To purchase tickets, visit www.danawharf.com or call 949.496.5794.

E8 Sailing Rides 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing takes you on a sailing ride to learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! $15 per boat, three people max. Ages 5 and up. Call Westwind Sailing, 949.492.3035 for details.

E8 Stand-Up Paddling Clinics 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Join the SUP craze and learn first hand why it’s the fastest growing water sport today! Westwind Sailing will host 45 minute on-the-water clinics held each hour on the hour. Ages 12 and up (12–14-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult). $10.

all weekend E9 Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour 2 p.m. Meet at Bella Bazaar (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the historic town center Walking Tour showing historic buildings discussing the early building of the city. FREE, donations gladly accepted. Call 949.248.8121 or visit www.danapointhistorical.org for info.

E10 Harbor Music Series 12 p.m.–3 p.m. Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger Courtyard, Harpoon Henry Grassy Area and Art in the Park. FREE. E4 Whale watch from land! FREE Film and Live Whale Watching Broadcast 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Stop by the Dolphin Deck office (next to Baby Beach), for an exclusive FREE viewing of Captain Dave’s award winning documentary “Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California.” Screenings every hour. Throughout the day relax and enjoy their boat’s live whale watching broadcast from WhaleWatchingTV.com right on their deck overlooking the harbor. Sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, and refreshments are available for purchase.

*Free Shuttle 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Ducks can be pre-purchased at Art in the Park on March 5 and at Baby Beach the day of the event for $6 per duck, or two for $10. Or, beginning March 1, ducks can be purchased at Beacon Printing and Dana Wharf Sportfishing. Prizes will be awarded to the first three ducks.

E15 Festival of the Whales Baby Beach Sand Sculpting Competition 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Choose 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. Sand provided free. Bring a team of family and friends and join the fun! Sculpting creation areas are limited—first come, first served.

E15 Whale of a BBQ 12 p.m.–4 p.m. Delicious BBQ specialties at affordable prices will be served up adjacent to Baby Beach. Choose from tri-tip sandwiches, mouth-watering chicken sandwiches, salads and more!

E10 Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Trip 12 p.m.–12:30 p.m./ 12:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites children to come to their dock side fishing clinic and learn hands on techniques from the experts. Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the clinic. After the clinic, Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip. Adults are $39 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for FREE (includes equipment). Call 949.496.5794 for reservations.

E4 Lily The Whale–Behind The Scenes 1 p.m.–2 p.m.

Join Captain Dave at the Dana Point Marina Inn to learn about Lily the Gray Whale’s headline-making disentanglement in Dana Point Harbor with exclusive video, photos and a question and answer session. For info call, 949.488.2828.

E6 Ocean Institute Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 2 p.m.–4 p.m. Join us for a tallship sailing adventure as you gain new insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam our California coast. Non-members, $40 adults, $23 children 12 & under. Members, $36 adults, $21 children 12 & under (min. age 4).

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.

Hikes are available on a first come first served basis. Space is limited. 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. During the festival, a hands-on journey into the mysterious and fascinating world of whales will allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to these magnificent animals. There will be opportunities to examine how they communicate and eat, to see how pollution can affect them, learn about ongoing research, and create fun whale-theme crafts. Admission: $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children (3 -12 yrs); Children under 2 and members are free.

E7 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show and Sale 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. The Dana Point Fine Arts Association will host an art show and sale along the Harbor Boardwalk in Mariner’s Village. Dana Point Fine Arts will donate a portion of artist’s sales to Dana Hills High School Art Department.

E2 & E10 2011 Festival of Whales Merchandise T-shirts, sweatshirts and notecards will be on sale throughout the Harbor and are available for purchase online at www.festivalofwhales.com.

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

Dana Point Restaurant Week March 4–13. Try out some of Dana Point’s best restaurants at a bargain price.

Turn to page 4 for a list of participating eateries.

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Saturday, March 12

all weekend

E15 Second annual Mickey MuNoz Mongoose Cup Join Mickey and his friends for a day of paddling fun, camaraderie, a Waterman Expo and delicious BBQ at Baby Beach. Mickey Muñoz, an avid stand-up paddler, is an early pioneer of surfing and wellknown surfboard shaper.

Once described as the “surfer’s surfer,” Mickey has been riding waves since the 1950s and has been featured in many popular surfing films and documentaries. Winning the first professional surf contest and pioneerMickey Muñoz.

Courtesy of Dana Point Historical Society ing big wave surfing at Waimea Bay are a few of Mickey’s surfing accomplishments.

His event will directly benefit local charitable organizations.

There will be an open fun paddle, a lively Waterman Expo and SUP relays. The event will start at 9 a.m. with a Fun Paddle and harbor cleanup sweep. The Mickey Muñoz Mongoose Cup is an event open to everyone. The Fun Paddle is open to any type of paddling craft and the Mongoose Cup will be contested solely as a stand-up paddleboard relay race (SUP relays). Event participants will receive a commemorative Mongoose Cup tee, delicious BBQ lunch and chance to paddle with surf legend Mickey Muñoz. Save money by registering online at www.mongoosecup.eventbrite.com. Beach registration will open Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 a.m. The BBQ is open to the public as well. For more info, email Barrett.tester@gmail.com.

E17 Whale of a Beach Cleanup 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Festival of Whales Toast to the Coast! 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. FREE shuttle service from most Harbor parking lots.

Sunday, March 13 E17 Festival of Whales Grunion Run Featuring a 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Run. 10K begins at 7 a.m., 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by the Kids’ 1K at 9:15 a.m.

Awards are scheduled for 9:40 a.m. Proceeds to benefit the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, a non-profit organization which supports interpretive, educational programs at Doheny State Beach. Pre-registration and more information is available online at www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com. FREE pre-run shuttle service will begin at 6 a.m. and will have pick ups from the Ocean Institute, OC Sailing & Event Center and Dana Point Harbor Drive at Golden Lantern.

After the run enjoy a Whale of a Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m.–10 a.m. inside Doheny State Park. Adults $6, Children under 12 $3. 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.

E4 Captain Dave’s Kids Carnival 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Fun for the whole “pod”! Bring the kids by the Dolphin Deck (near Baby Beach and OC Sailing and Events Center) for FREE fun, educational games and awesome prizes. Win or purchase an autographed copy of Capt. Dave’s new family book, “Tales From The Pod: The Lily The Whale Story.”

ning documentary “Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California.” Screenings every hour. Throughout the day relax and enjoy their boat’s live whale watching broadcast from WhaleWatchingTV.com right on their deck overlooking the harbor. Sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, and refreshments are available for purchase.

E10 Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 a.m.–11 a.m. at Harpoon Henry’s. Marine mammals are among the most beloved icons of the California coast and yet much of their life history and biology remains a mystery to us. Enjoy a continental breakfast as special guests (March 12: Alisa Schulhman-Janiger, American Cetacean Society, March 13: Doug Thompson, marine naturalist) present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. Following the lecture, go on a whale watching trip aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. The lecture is free with purchase of the whale watching cruise aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran and includes a continental breakfast. To attend the lecture only (with breakfast), $5 per person will be collected at the door. To purchase tickets, visit www.danawharf. com or call 949.496.5794.

E7 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show and Sale 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. The Dana Point Fine Arts Association will host an art show and sale along the Harbor Boardwalk in Mariner’s Village. Dana Point Fine Arts will donate a portion of artist’s sales to Dana Hills High School Art Department.

E8 Sailing Rides 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing takes you on a sailing ride to learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! $15 per boat, three people max. Ages 5 and up. Call Westwind Sailing, 949.492.3035 for details.

E8 Stand-Up Paddling Clinics 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Join the SUP craze and learn first hand why it’s the fastest growing water sport today! Westwind Sailing will host 45 minute onthe-water clinics held each hour on the hour. Ages 12 and up (12–14-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult). $10.

E9 Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour 2 p.m. Meet at Bella Bazaar (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the historic town center Walking Tour showing historic buildings discussing the early building of the city. FREE– donations gladly accepted. Call 949.248.8121 or visit www. danapointhistorical.org for info.

E10 Harbor Music Series 12 p.m.–3 p.m. Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger Courtyard, Harpoon Henry Grassy Area and Art in the Park. FREE. E4 Whale watch from land! FREE Film and Live Whale Watching Broadcast 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Stop by Captain Dave’s Dolphin Deck office (next to Baby Beach), for an exclusive FREE viewing of Captain Dave’s award win-

E10 Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Trip 12 p.m.–12:30 p.m./ 12:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites children to come to their dock side fishing clinic and learn hands on techniques from the experts. Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the clinic. After the clinic, Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip. Adults are $39 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for FREE (includes equipment). Call 949.496.5794 for reservations.

E15 Whale of a Concert and BBQ 12 p.m.–4:30 p.m. In honor of the whales migrating by Dana Point Headlands “singing their song” the Festival of Whales festivities will include a FREE outdoor concert at Baby Beach with bands performing on the water on a specially designed stage. Bring your beach chairs, towels and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of musical entertainment. Concert will begin with “Steel Parade”

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

E6 Ocean Institute Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure 2 p.m.–4 p.m. Join us for a tallship sailing adventure as you gain new insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam our California Coast. Non-members, $40 adults, $23 children 12 & under. Members, $36 adults, $21 children 12 & under (min. age 4).

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.

Hikes are available on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited. 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. During the festival, a hands-on journey into the mysterious and fascinating world of whales will allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to these magnificent animals. There will be opportunities to examine how they communicate and eat, to see how pollution can affect them, learn about ongoing research, and create fun whale-theme crafts. Admission: $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children (3 -12 yrs); Children under 2 and members are free.

E10 2011 Festival of Whales Merchandise T-shirts, sweatshirts and notecards will be on sale throughout the Harbor and are available for purchase online at www. festivalofwhales.com.

Dana Point Restaurant Week March 4–13. Try out some of Dana Point’s best restaurants at a bargain price. Turn to page 4 for a list of participating eateries.

performing from 12 p.m.–1 p.m., “The Eliminators Surf Band” from 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m., and the “Surftunes” from 3 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Concessions for scrumptious BBQ specialties will also be available, including a Spirits Garden for those over 21 years old with a valid I.D. E17 Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Meet at Doheny State Beach’s promenade north of the snack bar at the picnic tables. There will be a variety of genuine marine mammal artifacts for visitors to actively learn and gain an appreciation of these magnificent creatures of the sea. Please Note: Free vehicle parking at Doheny State Beach for Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum is limited to one hour only. FREE

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*All events are weather permitting

Dine &Shop Dana Point Harbor SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY VISITING THESE LOCAL MERCHANTS...

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Dine &Shop Dana Point Harbor SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY VISITING THESE LOCAL MERCHANTS...

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