February 24, 2017

Inside: Official Festival of Whales Program SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 9 2017 • VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4

Branching Out San Juan Capistrano’s new librarian shares her vision for expanding programs S J C L I V I N G / PAG E 2 6 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC Library branch manager Ericka Reeb began her new role in September and looks forward to continuing to strengthen the library’s role in town. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Hotel Capistrano Moves Forward, Demolition Begins at Site EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Parks & Rec Commission Endorses Skate Park Design EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

Last Second Shot Sends JSerra Girls Basketball to Semifinals SPORTS/PAGE 30

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

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING and in-kind donation lists can be provided to local groups so they can begin actively fundraising.

To view Spohn’s presentation, including renderings of the skate park, visit www. thecapistranodispatch.com. —AJ

SJC Man Remains in Coma after Hit-and-run, Police Seek Witnesses

Part of the Birtcher-Pacific Building—which sat vacant at the Hotel Capistrano site—is seen being demolished on Feb. 14. The building was constructed in 1966. Photo: Allison Jarrell

What’s Up With...

Orange County Superior Court on May 22.

Five things San Juan should know this week

WHAT’S NEXT: Regarding the ongoing litigation, Oedekerk said the lawsuit has “so many false elements” to it.

“It’s a frivolous lawsuit, and we’re going to be seeking legal fees,” he said.

Once demolition and some minor grading are completed, Oedekerk said construction of the hotel will begin.

Hotel Capistrano Moving Forward as Demolition Begins at Site

FIND OUT MORE: For more on this story, including an interview with Oedekerk, photos and a video of the demolition, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com.

—Allison Jarrell

THE LATEST: Part of San Juan Capistrano’s downtown landscape is undergoing a longanticipated transformation.

On Feb. 11, the Hotel Capistrano by Kimpton moved closer to becoming a reality as demolition began at the 3.18acre site along Camino Capistrano. The demolition comes after an announcement last month from Stratus Development Partners and Steve Oedekerk, Hollywood director and owner of the hotel site, saying they expect to open the 102-room, 4-star boutique hotel in the summer of 2018.

As the hotel progresses, a lawsuit filed by local developer Bill Griffith over the legality of the city’s approval of the project also continues to move through the process. After dropping plans for his own hotel project—the Inn at the Mission—in September, Griffith filed a complaint in October against the city for approving the Hotel Capistrano.

The Kimpton hotel will be built between the Egan House and the Esslinger Building, which are both owned by Griffith.

Griffith renovated the Egan House, which is now home to Ellie’s Table Café and Bakery. In January, the Egan House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Griffith’s suit claims that the Hotel Capistrano will have negative impacts on the Egan House. The case will go to trial in

Parks & Rec Commission Endorses Skate Park Design

The Capistrano Dispatch February 24-March 29, 2017

THE LATEST: After seeing the first presentation of a design for San Juan Capistrano’s future skate park—which will be located at the city’s sports park— the Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission agreed at its Feb. 16 meeting to move the design forward to the City Council for approval.

Skate park consultant Aaron Spohn of Spohn Ranch was hired to do the design work last July. Over the summer, he held community workshops and worked with local organizations and skaters to incorporate their input into a design.

At last week’s commission meeting, Spohn presented renderings of potential skate park features, including an archway and an image of a swallow on one of the ramps. Commissioners commended Spohn for paying homage to local architecture, culture and even infamous skate bowls that once existed in town.

WHAT’S NEXT: The skate park design is tentatively scheduled for Council review at the March 7 meeting. If the design receives approval, Spohn said renderings

THE LATEST: The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is seeking any witnesses to a hit-and-run incident on Feb. 5 in Laguna Niguel, which left a San Juan Capistrano man severely injured and in a coma.

The incident, which occurred at Ridgeway Avenue and Niguel Road around 8 p.m., involved a male bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle. The suspect left the scene prior to the deputies arriving. According to a Plumfund fundraising page, the man is Steve Schenkenberger, a San Juan Capistrano resident and father of five young boys.

OCSD Lt. Mark Stichter said he could not confirm the man’s identity, only that the victim was an adult male.

A Facebook page titled, “Prayers for Steve Schenkenberger,” shared an update on Feb. 22 that Schenkenberger was breathing on his own but still in a coma.

As of Feb. 23, Schenkenberger’s Plumfund medical fund page had raised about $90,000.

WHAT’S NEXT: OCSD located the suspect’s vehicle in Laguna Niguel, as well as a person of interest, who has only been described as an adult male. Authorities said no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

OCSD investigators are asking any witnesses of the collision to call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1.855.TIP. OCCS. A fundraiser for Schenkenberger is set for March 1 from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. at Chick-fil-A, located at 28201 Crown Valley Parkway in Laguna Niguel. Twenty percent of all sales will directly support Schenkenberger and his family. —AJ

State of the City Address Set for March 9 THE LATEST: Mayor Kerry Ferguson and the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce are inviting members of the public to attend the 2017 State of the City Address and dinner on Thursday, March 9, from 5:30-8 p.m.

The dinner and presentation will be held at El Adobe de Capistrano, located at 31891 Camino Capistrano. Admission is $50 per person, and reservations are required.

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WHAT’S NEXT: To purchase a ticket or for more details, contact Jennifer Pointer at the Chamber of Commerce at 949.493.4700 or jennifer@sanjuanchamber. com. More information can also be found on the Chamber’s website, www.sanjuanchamber.com. —AJ

Geologists Say Threats of Earthquake, Tsunami at SONGS Not as Dire as Believed THE LATEST: Major earthquakes and tsunamis that could threaten San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) are probably less of a problem than once perceived, according to geologists who studied the seismic landscape of the area for six years. But that doesn’t mean they can’t happen, the geologists said.

At a Feb. 16 Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting hosted at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, Dr. Neal Driscoll, a professor of geosciences at the University of California-San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, presented findings from the peer-reviewed research his team conducted. Most of the study examined the Newport-Inglewood/Rose Canyon fault lines, which exist along the Southern California coastline.

The information provided didn’t do much to comfort skeptics of all things SONGS, who said during public comment that even if there is lesser risk of these natural disasters, they still question the quality of the canisters that have been selected to store the spent nuclear waste.

WHAT’S NEXT: Legislation to amend the Nuclear Waste Policy Act to allow for interim storage of spent nuclear fuel is still waiting to be heard by a Congressional committee. Currently the act does not allow for interim storage of nuclear fuel, only permanent. The bill is championed by Rep. Darrell Issa.

Proponents of the bill hope that a facility in New Mexico or Texas will accept the fuel until the Department of Energy finds a final home for it. As it stands, the spent nuclear fuel is expected to be taken from the cooling pools, where it is now, to dry cask storage by 2020 or 2021, and could be shipped out of the area by 2025 if the act is amended.

Col. Doug Applegate, who ran for Congress in California’s 49th district, said during the meeting that people must contact their representatives if they want current legislation to gain momentum.

Slides from the CEP meeting are available at www.songscommunity.com. The next CEP meeting is scheduled for May 11. To read the full story, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. —Eric Heinz www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

J.F. Shea Center’s Annual ‘Drive to Ride’ Fundraiser Ends March 4 Each year, the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, a San Juan Capistranobased nonprofit, poses the following question—is there a collective drive in the community to help people with disabilities ride horses?

If past years are any indication, there certainly is. And “Drive to Ride” campaign organizers are hoping this year is no different.

Now in its seventh year, the J.F. Shea Center’s month-long fundraiser aims to provide financial aid for the center’s riders and horse care.

Each day, the nonprofit works to improve the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs. The center is a privately-funded 501(c)(3) that addresses over 60 different physical and cognitive disabilities and serves over 850 clients each year.

Campaign organizer Sonya Violette said “Drive to Ride” is an important fundraiser for the center, as 80 percent of their clients are on some form of financial aid. This year, the drive features 83 success stories written by therapy riders, parents and volunteers. The center invites friends, family and the public to go online, read stories from each “team,” and select a few they wish to support.

The goal for the entire campaign, ending on March 4, is to raise $125,000.

As of Feb. 23, the drive had raised more than $75,000. Violette said last year, about $98,000 of the $125,000 raised came from the riders’ families alone.

Last week marked the drive’s annual “kissing booth week,” where a miniature horse named Benny allowed children to come up and give him a smooch for a dollar. The booth is a hit each year due to generous donations—Benny brings in about $10,000 of the center’s funds.

Violette said the center’s programs are unique because their equine-based therapy offers riders the opportunity to progress both physically and mentally at an accelerated rate.

“If you ride a stationary bike you maybe get 30 repetitions in a 45 minute session,” Violette said. “On a horse, you get over 3,000. So you can see that rapid kind of growth. And it takes the brain 20,000 repetitions to remember something, so you can see how much faster you can get there on a horse.”

“It’s not just horseback riding,” Violette continued. “The horses do so many great things, not just physically, but also for building relationships and trust.”

To read all of the riders’ stories, visit the Shea Center’s website at www.sheacenter.

The Capistrano Dispatch February 24-March 9, 2017

TUESDAY, FEB. 28

Planning Commission Meeting

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

Downtown Farmers Market Ruby Weeks, 7, and Molly Weeks, 5, of Irvine, giggle as they give Benny the horse a kiss as part of the J.F. Shea Center’s annual “Drive to Ride” campaign. The sisters ride together at the center. Photo: Allison Jarrell

org and click on “Drive to Ride” in the upper right corner. —Allison Jarrell

NCL Laguna Chapter Honors Debutantes for Service The Laguna Chapter of National Charity League hosted its 28th annual Debutante Ball at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016. Eighteen young women were honored for their philanthropic and league service. Their six years of commitment to serving the surrounding local communities began when the girls were in seventh grade.

The 2016 class has three members who reside in San Juan Capistrano, and all of the class lives in South Orange County.

This year’s class volunteered more than 6,600 hours in the local community during their time in NCL Laguna (and almost 11,000 hours when combined with their mothers’ volunteer service). The philanthropies served include Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, CSP Youth Shelter, Discovery Arts, J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, Laura’s House, Mission Hospital, Ocean Institute, Operation Valentine, Orange County Public Libraries, Orangewood Children’s Foundation, Saddleback Hospital, South County Senior Centers, Special Camp for Special Kids, Surfrider Foundation and Working Wardrobes.

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

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter

COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt.

The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

WELFARE CHECK Ortega Highway/Interstate 5 (11:09 a.m.) A man playing drums and a woman with “very little clothing” on were seen in a field by the Best Western Hotel. The caller was concerned for the woman’s safety. Both subjects were confronted by deputies and agreed to leave the area.

Sunday, February 19 DISTURBANCE La Zanja Street, 26400 Block (8:24 p.m.) A woman reported that a male subject was being aggressive about her

FOUND PROPERTY Paseo Adelanto, 32500 Block (8:35 a.m.) A bag of Korean passports was found near Del Obispo Street.

BURGLARY REPORT Oso Road, 26200 Block (8:46 a.m.) A saddle was reportedly stolen from inside a trainer’s office at Excel Equestrian.

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San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club

6:15-8 p.m. The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano meets every Wednesday at the San Juan Hills Golf Club, located at 32120 San Juan Creek Road. For more information, visit www.sjcrotary.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

Coffee Chat

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

MONDAY, MARCH 6

children playing in the alley. There was no physical altercation, but the woman wanted to notify deputies of the incident.

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL Camino Capistrano, 31800 Block (9:22 a.m.)

A patrol check was requested in the lot behind El Adobe de Capistrano. The caller said there are workers there every Sunday morning and it’s an ongoing issue. When deputies arrived, a worker was using a leaf blower to clean the property. Police found that there was no crime committed.

Monday, February 20

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

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

Trails and Equestrian Committee Meeting 6 p.m. The city’s Design Review Committee meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

City Council Meeting

5 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

7 p.m. The Capistrano Unified School District governing body meets at district offices, located at 33122 Valle Road.

To see the board’s agenda, visit www. capousd.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

Have Loners Disappeared from the World of Social Media?

T

o read the posts on Facebook, view the images on Instagram and catch the soundbites on Twitter, it may seem as though a man of solitude is a vanishing breed. Everyone can talk, friend and share with everyone else on earth.

Consequentially, we seldom experience being alone anymore.

Every minute we are bombarded with the latest news headlines, poll results, sports scores, music awards, book releases or outrageous comment of the day.

Many people don’t even phone one another anymore. They text, even though it takes longer to type the message than to speak it. In every restaurant, bar, gym and other social gathering place, multiple television screens spatter spectacles from every angle, leaving no place to be unburdened from stimulation.

Of course, as everyone knows from experience, the crowd can be one of the loneliest places on earth. And the constant distraction of incoming data—unfiltered, unconnected, unorganized—can often create an unsettling, even disorienting, atmosphere.

The pace of virtual interaction has become so fast, so furious and so frantic that some of my friends say they go out

Letters to the Editor

ISSA’S TOWN-HALL WAS COMBATIVE —Leslie Parker, San Clemente No doubt you will get letters defending Darrell Issa’s attitude during his so-called “town hall meeting” over the telephone. I am writing to support Mary’s viewpoint from the letter published in the Feb. 10-23 edition of The Capistrano Dispatch.

Mr. Issa was dismissive of anyone who did not start their question with praise and congratulations for his recent election victory. If someone expressed concern about an issue that didn’t align with his own opinion, he would abruptly interrupt them with, “What’s your question?” If they sucked up to him, he let them ramble on about their views.

I thought the purpose of a town hall meeting was to listen to constituents’ views, no matter which “side” they are on. Mr. Issa clearly has no interest in listening to anyone who doesn’t agree with his views. He came close to losing his seat this time and he will The Capistrano Dispatch February 24-March 9, 2017

to clubs and bars and party scenes with mobile devices in hand just to be reminded how much they enjoy being by themselves afterwards.

And is there nothing more amusing in our modern age than watching how these smart little phones (which we pay a fortune for) make captives of us all? At even the slightest pause in physical inactivity—waiting for an appointment, a movie, a checkout line, even a stoplight—handheld devices are frenetically finger-punched by scores of addicts standing shoulder to shoulder, all completely ignoring one another.

What seems to have been lost in this massive shift of instantaneous interactive communication is the concept of contemplation. When every moment the eye and brain are being assaulted by exterior electronic stimuli, it is harder to let the interior instincts, the still small voice of reason, the cool, calm and collected thoughts sift to the surface and provide meaning and direction for our lives.

A contemplative solitude is the best place to order and prioritize the mishmash of raw data thrown at us on a constant basis. It’s not just a tool to thwart bewilderment; it’s a means to a rationally examined life. likely get a rude awakening come the next election if he doesn’t open his doors and ears to the rest of us.

ISSA CONTINUES TO AVOID DIALOGUE —Phuong Nguyen, Dana Point As a voter of the 49th district, I have serious concerns about access to Congressman Darrell Issa. As a public servant, his job is to listen to and represent his constituents.

Unfortunately, he has been actively avoiding direct dialogue with the people who live in his district.

He has not held a town hall since 2009, citing highly questionable cost figures as his excuse. When voters arrange a town hall for him, he refuses to attend because, as his staff argues, his schedule hasn’t been determined for that particular day. A mere week later, his spokesperson changes the story, claiming that he already has a “long-standing obligation” that evening. This obligation happens to be, conveniently, a photo-op at a homeless shelter.

In addition to his failure to told town halls, he makes no public appearances in his local offices. His sporadic “public” teleconferences are a sham in which only pre-screened callers with favorable comments are allowed

Being alone has one other great advantage: you don’t have to answer to anybody. Perhaps more than ever this is why surfing has had such an alluring effect on so many individuals.

WAVELENGTHS “In this crowded world,”

By Jim Kempton founder John Severson wrote in the 1960 premier issue of Surfer Magazine, “the surfer can still seek and find the perfect day, the perfect wave, and be alone with the surf and his thoughts.”

Today, even out in the ocean that coveted seclusion is hard to come by.

Loners, in other words, have nowhere to go. No matter where they take refuge, the ensuing smart-phone racket barges right in. Well, I am here to champion the call to action: “Loners unite!” Go surfing, grab a paddle, put on the hiking boots, basketball sneakers, bike helmet, even the reading glasses and watch the sun rise—but leave the little bleeping black box at home.

Jim Kempton is writing a cookbook based on recipes from surfing adventures. He agrees with the loner Audrey Hepburn who famously said, “I don’t always want to be alone. I just sometimes want to be left alone.” CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

to voice their opinions.

This suggests a politically calculated strategy to avoid accountability for his highly unpopular votes as well as his support for a troubled Trump administration.

APPLEGATE LISTENS TO RESIDENTS —Pamela Braunstein, Ladera Ranch A lot of voters in the 49th congressional district have been asking Rep. Darrell Issa to meet with them in an in-person town hall.

Sadly, Mr. Issa has refused so far, even as he sends us mailings in which he claims he wants to do a better job listening to us.

Instead, last night, it was refreshing to see that Colonel Doug Applegate, former candidate for the 49th district, held a town hall meeting in San Juan Capistrano, meeting with several hundred voters and answering all questions that were asked.

Editor’s note: Issa answered questions from a group that assembled outside his office on Feb. 21.

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

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett

Finance Director > Mike Reed

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Debra Holm Tim Trent Alex Paris

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 15, Issue 4. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives.

Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

EDITOR’S PICK

Photo: File

SATURDAY, MARCH 4 AND SUNDAY, MARCH 5: FESTIVAL OF WHALES 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The two-weekend celebration of the 46th annual Festival of Whales kicks off on Saturday with an opening day parade, street fair, arts and crafts shows and much more. The festival celebrates the annual migration of the California gray whale and now welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year. There are plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, learn, view art, celebrate and, of course, see whales. Event runs Sunday, March 5, and again March 11-12. For more information, visit www.festivalofwhales.com.

The List

What’s going on in and around town

take care of the baby, the three hopeless and hapless babysitters make an attempt until their pasts finally catch up with them. Tickets start at $20. The show runs through March 12. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 24

Saturday | 25

MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

SHOOTING STARS WILDFLOWER WALK 8-11 a.m. Local wildflower expert Bob Allen will lead an exploration of The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo looking for early wildflowers like the Padre Shooting Star.

Learn to identify blooms and savor the smells, sights, sounds and breathtaking beauty of winter. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and reservations are requested. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778. www. rmvreserve.org.

LIVE THEATER: A NIGHT OF ONE-ACTS 6:30 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County presents a night of theatrical oneact plays exploring the theme of time. Two pieces will be presented, with an intermission in between. The show also runs Saturday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets ahead of time for $12 at www. brownpapertickets.com/event/2838583, or at the door for $15. The Arts Project Theater. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente.

949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘THREE BANDITS AND A BABY’ 8 p.m. In this family-friendly musical melodrama, three successful and happily unmarried villains get a surprise inheritance of a little girl. Forced to do the right thing and The Capistrano Dispatch February 24-March 9, 2017

BIG BAG SALE 10 a.m. Sweeet Repeeet Consignment will hold its annual Big Bag Sale fundraiser, where proceeds from $10 bag sales will benefit Family Assistance Ministries. 538 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.429.3100. www.sweeetrepeeetconsignment.com.

KIDS’ PET PARADE 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The rescheduled annual Fiesta Association Kids’ Pet Parade invites children ages 5-12 to show off their (Cont. on page 8) Page 7

GETTING OUT THE DISH

RUSSIAN REUBEN AT TREVOR’S

A

fter closing for renovations last April, Trevor’s at the Tracks—formerly Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot—officially reopened on Thursday, Feb. 23.

The train depot is one of the most iconic buildings in downtown San Juan, and Sarducci’s left big shoes to fill. But proprietor Trevor Baird stepped up to the task and didn’t disappoint. Baird’s restaurant finds the ideal balance between old and new—from the outdoor patio, complete with fireplaces and a full bar, to the cozy dining rooms that pay tribute to the past with historic photographs.

With only a soft opening under the restaurant’s belt, it’s already near impossible to choose just one dish to feature. The recipes at Trevor’s are classic, but with a fresh, California twist. The pasta fresca with garden veggies and pappardelle noodles is elevated by a creamy vodka tomato sauce that packs an impressive amount of flavor, and the melted feta and sundried tomato dip is about as gourmet as comfort food gets.

(Cont. from page 7) favorite animals in contests for best team costume (owner and pet), best domestic pet, best exotic pet, best farm animal and best bird. There is a $5 entry fee, and entrants are asked to fill out an application beforehand, available at www.swallowsparade.com/kidspet.html. Los Rios Park.

31747 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1976.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A day of live music kicks off with Flock of 80’s at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Honky Tonk Kings at 8:30 p.m. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

‘THRIVE’ SHORELINE CHURCH WOMEN’S OUTREACH EVENT 6-9:30 p.m. Award-winning author, bible teacher and humorist Sheri Rose Shepherd will speak at the event, which also has a raffle fundraiser with proceeds donated to charity. Event is $20. Register online. 211 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. 949.547.9818. www.theshorelinechurch.org/thrive.

Sunday | 26 GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park.

Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

BEND AND BREW 11:30 a.m. iHeartYoga holds a Bend & Brew session at Left Coast Brewing Company’s tasting room in San Clemente. It’s The Capistrano Dispatch February 24-March 9, 2017

Trevor’s Russian Reuben sandwich features smoked and slow-roasted corned beef, Emmental Swiss cheese, house ‘kraut and Russian dressing on New York rye. Each ingredient holds its own, while complementing the smoky, generously-portioned beef. You may only make it through half of the Reuben, but don’t sleep on the side of perfectly seasoned fries, served with homemade ketchup and ranch.

Trevor’s at the Tracks 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593.

a one-hour yoga class followed by a pint of beer. Admission $10. 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.com.

Monday | 27 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner-level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Tuesday | 28 HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

FAT TUESDAY AT IVA LEE’S 7-10:30 p.m. Celebrate Mardi Gras with zydeco music from the Bayou Brothers at Iva Lee’s. There will be a washboard contest with prizes for the winners, and (Cont. on page 25) Page 8

O F F I C I A L

E V E N T

G U I D E

... and so much more!

WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR

Welcome to the 46th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales Whale migration is one of the most amazing journeys on the planet. Every year, around 20,000 gray whales migrate 5,000 to 7,000 miles between Baja, Mexico, where they are born and their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. Compare this to the longest land mammal migration, that of the caribou, which spans roughly 3,000 miles annually. What makes whale migration even more exciting is that gray whales usually travel within 2.5 miles of our shore, making their epic journey visible to us.

Imagine yourself standing on the bluffs or cruising the waters on a whale-watching boat. Someone shouts, “I see them!” and eagerly points toward what looks like movement in the water. You turn to see, staring intently at the very spot. Suddenly, you see whales spouting, jumping out of the water and whirling around, or you catch sight of a whale’s iconic tail breaking out of the water. You, and everyone around you shouts excitedly while capturing the moment on a cell phone video to share with family and friends. It is an experience you will never forget.

I invite you to come and share two family-oriented, fun-packed weekends with us as Dana Point celebrates our annual Festival of Whales, beginning March 4. Enjoy the whale parade down Pacific Coast Highway, because who doesn’t love a parade? Participate in street fairs, eat great food and listen to music that will keep your toes tapping. Browse the arts and crafts. Take fishing, sailing, stand-up paddling or Wyland art lessons. Watch drone demos. Journey back in time aboard the Pilgrim tall ship. Visit the Harbor, the Ocean Institute and take home whatever you fancy at one of our many shops here in Dana Point. Of course, don’t forget to make your reservations for a whale watching excursion.

Hope to see you there!

MAYOR DEBRA LEWIS

A Look Back

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL OF WHALES

By Andrea Swayne, Event Coordinator

As the city embarks on its 46th annual Festival of Whales, let’s take a brief look back at the origins of this iconic Dana Point cetacean celebration.

Scientists believe Dana Point, long before it was named and possibly even inhabited, has served as a landmark for migrating gray whales as they make their annual round-trip journey between their cold Arctic feeding grounds and their warm breeding and calving lagoons in Baja Mexico.

Although a 46-year celebration of their visit to our coast seems like a substantial chunk of time from our perspective, in reality it represents a small grain in the sands of time, and in the history of whales. Through the ages, these magnificent marine mammals have been targeted by whale hunters, been near extinction and then returned to healthy numbers through protection laws.

Whale watching in the Dana Point area was originally the idea of San Clemente High School teacher Philip Grignon, who approached Don Hansen, a sportfishing company owner operating at the San

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

Clemente Pier in the late 1960s. Grignon persuaded Hansen to run whale watching trips for science students, and the idea was a hit. Hansen moved his operation (now Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching) to Dana Point in 1971 just before the Harbor opened, and whale watching was extended to the public. It was not long before Dana Point began earning a reputation as a great place to catch sight of migrating grays and other whales. With the addition of the Ocean Institute and Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari the city has become the whale watching capital of the West.

The late Orange County/Dana Point historian Doris Walker is credited with organizing the first Festival of Whales Parade in 1973.

A lot has happened in the nearly five decades since the Festival started, and the Festival continues to educate, delight and inspire, just as it was meant to in the beginning. The entire city has embraced the Festival, and in its present iteration, it has become one of the largest, most fun-filled and highly anticipated events of the year.

Q&A

WITH PARADE GRAND MARSHAL

Rachael Tilly Rachael Tilly, 18, of Capo Beach is well-known among locals at Doheny State Beach and surf fans everywhere for her World Surf League 2015 Women’s Longboard Championship win.

In the 2017 Festival of Whales Parade, Rachael will be front and center as the grand marshal. We sat down with the San Clemente High School alum to discuss the upcoming festival, her favorite events and more.

How did you feel when you were asked to be the grand marshal?

Rachael Tilly: Really excited. I thought it’s such a cool opportunity. About five years ago, I was the Bag Monster™ for Ocean Awareness Day, helping out my aunt who works in Dana Point (and coordinates that event at the Festival of Whales). I wore this plastic bag outfit (to illustrate the environmental harm done by single-use plastic bags) and it was so hot. I just had to walk around; you couldn’t even see me; I just had two little eyeholes. And so we made a joke that I made it all the way from Bag Monster™ to grand marshal.

How long have you lived here?

I grew up here. I’ve been through the parade with my elementary school on the firetrucks and such, and so I’ve grown up seeing this parade and the festival every year, so it’s exciting now to be the grand marshal.

What do you love most about FOW? Every year it’s something to look forward to. It’s something that the community can really gather around and get together and celebrate our community.

How did you get involved with surfing?

My dad used to be a professional surfer and so naturally when I was little he was always surfing and going to contests. So I grew up saying, ‘Take me, take me out in the water.’ When I was finally old enough, he first took me surfing and from then on we started going more and more. I did my first contest at 6 years old, and it just became more regular. I started loving it for myself.

His sessions of going out were over; he was helping me. It was definitely opening a new chapter for him and me but I’m really happy we’ve been able to do this together.

What do you love most about the community?

I think what I love the most is our active lifestyle. You go down to the Harbor and people are walking around, people are enjoying food whether it’s down at Boneyard or Coffee Importers in the Harbor. You go out and it’s alive. The community is always going. I love the Harbor; I spend a lot of time there. I grew up taking sailing classes at Westwind Sailing, and the past six years I’ve been an instructor there. I spend every day in the summer there.

What are your favorite things to do in your free time?

Sailing is one of my favorite things. I love being active in general, so although surfing is a fun thing, it’s my job. For something I consider for free time, I’d say sailing.

<< Rachael Tilly hoists her world champion trophy on the podium at the conclusion of the World Surf League 2015 Women’s World Longboard Championship in China. Photo: WSL

3

MEET THE FESTIVAL OF WHALES LOGO CONTEST WINNER

Alex Van Brasch

Alex Van Brasch, a Simi Valley native, was named the Festival of Whales Logo contest winner.

Photo: Quintin Hardgrove

The Festival of Whales Logo Design Contest had a few changes this year. First, it was reopened to the public after having been open only to Dana Hills High School students for the past five years. Second, the public was able to select the winner.

More than 50 entries were submitted this year, from crayon drawings done by young children to professional pieces in a variety of mediums. The Foundation Board narrowed down the selections to five, then the public took over. Each of the submissions had to showcase the California gray whale, the name of the festival and the festival’s dates.

Alex Van Brasch, a Simi Valley native who currently lives in Portland, Oregon, received 1,377 votes for his design and was named the winner. Mark Sandlin of Atlanta, Georgia, received 438 votes and was named second runner-up. Third runner-up was Jeff Fleming of Dana Point with 210 votes, followed by Tom Swimm of San Clemente with 184 votes, and Vickie Killeen of Dana Point with 99 votes.

We asked Alex a few questions about how he came up with the design.

How did you hear about the contest?

Van Brasch: A friend of mine sent over a flier and I was immediately intrigued. I’ve loved whales since I was a kid, so having the chance to pay tribute was an honor. One night I just started drawing this whale in colored pencil. There was no clear layout for

the rest of the design.

What was your inspiration behind the design?

I wanted to create something to celebrate not only the spirit of the gray whale, but also the ability to break out of the negative barriers around us. I believe whales symbolize hope, strength and diversity and I wanted to highlight those values in the logo.

Previously, you said you haven’t attended the event in the past. Are you excited to attend this year, especially with your artwork everywhere?

I’m thrilled to be able to attend the festival; and having my work featured will definitely be humbling.

What did you use to create the logo?

The majority of the design was created using pen and colored pencil. Afterwards, computer generated text and a border were added in and around the hand-drawn illustration.

What are you most excited for?

I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and enjoying what the event has to offer. It’ll be great to see the emphasis on the importance of visual art, music and local culture at the festival. I’m excited to share this experience with all of the talented artists and vendors that will be there as well.

Van Brasch will make an appearance at the festival during the first weekend in the parade and during a poster signing at the Street Fair.

OTHER FINALISTS

Mark Sandlin

4

Jeff Fleming

Tom Swimm

Vickie Killeen

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

Festival of Whales

Merchandise

The Festival’s merchandise is unique and will be featured at several locations throughout the event.

Products include a youth short sleeve T-Shirt in ash gray and Carolina blue; a sport pack backpack; a tote bag; a five-panel flat bill snapback trucker hat in white, royal blue/white and charcoal gray; an adult short sleeve T-shirt in white, indigo blue and ash gray; an adult long sleeve T-shirt in indigo blue and charcoal gray; an adult zip front hooded sweatshirt in heather gray and charcoal gray.

Merchandise booths will be at the following locations: March 4: Street Fair at La Plaza Park and Dana Wharf (in front of Dana

6

GETTING AROUND THE FESTIVAL WALKING DIRECTIONS FROM OCTA BUS STOP

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

Ride the shuttle FREE to all event locations.

Parade Announcer Stand. At the conclusion of the Parade, meet at the drop-off location and the shuttle will return you to the Harbor.

STREET FAIR SHUTTLE

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

PARKING AND FREE SHUTTLE INFORMATION Wharf Whale Watching and in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot) March 5: Ocean Awareness Day at Baby Beach, Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Whale Watching and in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot) March 11: Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Whale Watching and the in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot), along the Harbor walkway March 12: Concert on the Water/ Spirits Garden at Baby Beach, Dana Wharf Whale Watching (in front of Dana Wharf Whale Watching and in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot) ••• Items can also be purchased online at www.festivalofwhales.com.

The FREE shuttles (and trolleys) run each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and services most parking lots and event locations. Daily and $2 hourly parking is available at Doheny State Beach at the numerous automated payment machine kiosks located throughout the park or through the Passport Parking app available for smartphones and tablets at www.ppprk.com/ park. The benefit of the Passport Parking payment application is, in addition to making the initial payment for parking, time can also be added remotely from your phone or tablet.

PARADE DAY SHUTTLE

(March 4 only) FREE shuttle service will be available one hour prior to the Festival of Whales Parade. Park in the Harbor or at Doheny State Beach and ride to the drop-off location for the northerly

WATER TAXI

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

WHALE OF A CONCERT SHUTTLE (March 12 only) FREE shuttle service will extend until 6 p.m.

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

Schedule of Events

WEEKEND ONE

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

WEEKEND TWO

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Sand Sculpting Competition

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast

Whale of a Beach Cleanup

Festival of Whales Parade

Whale Walk Painting

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Baby Beach 15 10 a.m. Pacific Coast Highway 1 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Street Fair

10 a.m.–3 p.m. La Plaza Park 2

7 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Baby Beach Park 15 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Doheny State Beach 16 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

Art & the Sea: Painting Class

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Ocean Institute 5

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 11

Art in the Park

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic

So Cal Woodies Car Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

Whale of a Pizza Party

Ocean Awareness Day

11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

11 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Harbor Music Series

Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure

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

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Historic Walking Tour of Town Center

Rubber Ducky Derby

EVERY DAY OF THE EVENT

• Dana Wharf Whale Watching 8 a.m – 4 p.m.

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

11 a.m.–2 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Diamond Dig

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Whale of a BBQ

11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip

Noon–12:30 p.m.; 12:45–5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks 3

Harbor Music Series

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

Historic Walking Tour of Town Center

2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway 8

• Ocean Institute 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Drone and GoPro Demo

• Whale Watch from Land (bluff top viewing) Headlands Nature Interpretive Center 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Movie Screening: “Humpback Whales”

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. East Marina Parking Lot 13

Ocean Institute Education Center

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7

Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure

WHALE WATCHING

Kids’ Fun Fair

British Invasion Car Show

Art in the Park

2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

Drone and GoPro Demo

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. East Marina Parking Lot 13

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

The Legendary Corvette Car Show

2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway 8

Kids’ Fun Fair

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach 15

10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

So Cal Woodies Car Show

The Legendary Corvette Car Show

Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash & Expo

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

Ocean Institute Education Center

Ocean Institute Education Center

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 6

10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

Ocean Institute Education Center 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

9 a.m.–Noon Doheny State Beach 16

British Invasion Car Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 11 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7

Art in the Park

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

Art in the Park

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 7 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale

Mobile Marine Mammal Museum

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 12

Sixth Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Captain Dave’s Under Sea Eco Carnival

11 a.m.–3 p.m. Doheny State Beach Visitor Center 16

Harbor Music Series

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

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

Noon–2 p.m. Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach 4

Whale of a Concert BBQ and Spirits Garden

Harbor Music Series

Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip

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

Drone and GoPro Demo

2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3

Capt. Dave’s Presents “Entangled Whales: What Can We Do?”

Noon–5 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Noon–12:30 p.m.; 12:45–5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks 3

Drone and GoPro Demo

2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Aventura Sailing Association 9

Free Movie Screening: “Finding Dory”

6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Dana Point Community Center 14

2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Whale Watching 3 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

7

Annual Events Classic Car Displays

Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash and Expo

March 11; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing will be hosting the second annual Cardboard Classic/Dinghy Dash. It includes a cardboard boat building contest and race, exhibition booths, food, music and awards. The event is at Baby Beach, next to OC Sailing & Event Center. To enter the Dinghy Dash, cost is $30 per team and all building supplies will be supplied.

Up to five people may participate on a team, and only one person per team may race. Sign up at www.festivalofwhales.com. 15

So Cal Woodies

March 4, 5; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. So Cal Woodies will be on display from the official Southern California Chapter of the National Woodie Club. 11

Pacific Coast Corvettes Presents the Legendary Corvette

March 4,5; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Harbor walkway will be filled with several generations of Corvettes. 11

British Invasion

Diamond Dig

March 5; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Diamond Dig will be at Baby Beach. For an hour, dig for treasure, toys and prizes. One person will win a piece of jewelry donated by Marinelli Fine Jewelry.

Kids and adults are encouraged to arrive early. Tickets are $10.

949.204.7084 or visit www. monarchbeachrotary.com. 15

Free Movie Night

March 11; 6:30-9 p.m. Finding Dory will be featured during a night of family fun. Bring a picnic dinner or enjoy free popcorn and snacks.

Although the screening is indoors, low back lawn chairs or blankets are permitted. There will also be bleacher seating. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. 949.248.3530.

14

Kids’ Fun Fair

March 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will host a carnival fun zone for kids and families in the East Marina Parking lot adjacent to the walkway between Dana Wharf and Harpoon Henry’s on Golden Lantern. There will be carnival style games, inflatable attractions and activities. Admission is free, but the purchase of tickets will be required for most attractions. 13

Ocean Awareness Day

March 5; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Join the Dana Point Harbor Association for interactive displays, demonstrations, entertainment and more showcasing environmental programs and issues relating to the ocean. Baby Beach. 34451 Ensenada Place. The event and parking are free. 949.923.2255 or www.danapointharbor.com. 15 8

Events &

Attractions

Parade

March 4; 10 a.m. The parade kicks off the two-weekend celebration of the California gray whale migration. There will be floats decorated in ocean and whale themes and giant helium balloons of a blue whale, an orca and other sea creatures. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with a route along Pacific Coast Highway beginning at Selva Road and ending at Street of the Golden Lantern. The parade is weather permitting; if canceled, no makeup date will be arranged. 1

Street Fair

March 4; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Pet Project Foundation will host the Street Fair and Whales and Tails Wag-a-Thon at La Plaza Park.

There will be vendor booths, music, food trucks, a kiddie area, a pet costume contest and more.

Admission is free. 2

Rubber Ducky Derby

March 5; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hosted by the Dana Point Woman’s Club, this fun spin on a “Rubber Ducky Race” will be at Baby Beach. Duckies can be purchased in advance by calling 949.859.5706, or on the day of the

race. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place. Duckies are $6 or two for $10.

Sand Sculpting Competition

March 4; 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Join OC Parks for a sand sculpting contest at Baby Beach. Compete in one of these categories: whales, castles, ocean creatures, pirates and ships, or woodies and surfboards. Judging will begin at 2:30 p.m. Call 949.923.2284 to enter. 15

Arts & Culture Art in the Park

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Local artists display a variety of work at the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. The Dana Point Historical Society will provide free information on local history and display historic photos, books and gifts for purchase. 12

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show and Sale

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Dana Point Fine Arts Association will host an art show and sale.

The art will be on display at the

March 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join the British Invasion along the Harbor Walkway to see a unique display of British motorcars including Austin-Healeys, Jaguars, Triumphs and more. 11

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

Harbor Boardwalk in Mariner’s Village. The Association donates a portion of the proceeds to Dana Hills High School Art Department. It’s weather permitting; if canceled, there will be no make-up date. 6

Dana Point Historical Society

Walking Tour of Town Center March 4, 5; 2 p.m. The walk will show the historical town center.

See and hear stories of historical landmarks; a free walking tour brochure will be included. Meet the guide at the newly renovated Coastal Kitchen restaurant.

949.248.8121 or museum@ danapointhistorical.org.

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale

March 11, 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. High school art students will display a variety of artwork on the Harbor walkway, just east of Island Way. Work will include paintings, photography, graphic design, ceramics and sculptures. Cookies created by the school’s culinary arts classes will be available for purchase.

Proceeds will benefit education programs at the high school. 12

Dana Wharf Whale Watching and More Drone and GoPro Demo with Marine Life Top-of-Mind

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 2:30-4:30 p.m.

See how Dana Wharf operates GoPros and drones and learn how to get the perfect shot while maintaining a safe distance from the whales. There will be a 30-minute demo during the 2.5-hour trip that focuses on the new technology they use daily. All adults will receive a copy of Dana Wharf Whale Watching’s new whale and dolphin DVD, “Sharing the Shores off Dana Point.” www.danawharf.com. 3

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 10-11 a.m.

These special lectures at Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant are perfect for those who want a one-on-one educational experience. Marine biologists and guests will present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. Eric Austin Yee (March 4) marine biologist: unusual marine life sightings of 2016; Alisa Schulman-Janiger (March 5) marine biologist: California Orcas/Gray Whale Census; Lei Lani Stelle, Ph.D (March 11) Blue Whales; and Kirsten Donald (March 12) Director of Education Pacific Marine Mammal Center: California Sea Lions and Seals. 13 (Cont. on page 10) FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS (CONTINUED) Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild

March 4, 5, 11; 10-10:45 a.m.

Dana Wharf and the Wyland Foundation have entered a partnership to offer a unique and creative lesson. There will be a dockside presentation and an art lesson aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran via video feed by environmental artist Wyland.

Children can enter their art in an end-of-season contest. The lesson is $5 per child and proceeds will benefit the Wyland Foundation.

Children who participate will receive a free whale watching trip. www.danawharf.com. 3

Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip

March 5, 12; Noon-12:30 p.m.; 12:45-5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites children to the dock side fishing clinic to learn handson techniques from the experts.

Prizes will be awarded. A fishing trip is scheduled from 12:45-5:15 p.m. Adults are $46 plus license and equipment. Children 12 and under fish for free with paid adult.

949.496.5794. 3

Doheny State Beach Whale Walk Painting

March 5; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Help paint a life-sized whale to add to the collection. Paint and brushes will be supplied. The event is free and open to the public. Doheny State Beach “Whale Walk” is near Boneyard Beach Café. Alert entrance staff upon arrival and they will direct you toward parking. 16

Whale of Beach Cleanup-Festival of Whales Toast to the Coast

March 11; 9 a.m.-Noon. Bring some gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket to help clean Doheny State Beach. Meet Ranger Vicki at the Lifeguard Headquarters. 16

Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum

March 12; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be a variety of marine mammal artifacts for visitors to learn about.

Alert entrance staff upon arrival to get directions for parking location.

The event is free. 16

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast

March 5; 7-10:30 a.m. Join the Dana Point Woman’s Club for a pancake breakfast adjacent to Baby Beach. While there, purchase a rubber ducky for the Club’s Rubber Ducky Derby later in the day. 15

Dolphin Safari Whale Watching and more

Whale of a BBQ

Captain Dave’s Under the Sea Eco Carnival

Sixth Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off

March 11; Noon-2 p.m. Join the crew at the carnival and learn how to do your part and keep the ocean clean while having fun.

There will be bounce houses, a selfie station, and an underwater viewing pod simulation, face painting and more. Entry into the carnival is free. 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com. 4

Capt. Dave’s Presents: ‘Entangled Whales: What Can We Do?’

March 11; 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join Captain Dave Anderson for an informative presentation about whale entanglement and rescue. There will be never-before-seen rescue footage and drone video, and an opportunity to check out rescue equipment. Aventura Sailing Association, 24707 Dana Drive, Dana Point. 949.488.2828. 9

Food Options Whale of a Pizza Party

March 4; 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Grab a slice and drink from Beach Harbor Pizza served by Veritas Lodge.

The party will be adjacent to Baby Beach during the Whale of a Sand Sculpting Contest. 15

March 5; 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be delicious BBQ specialties served by the Knights of Columbus during Ocean Awareness Day. Adjacent to Baby Beach. 15

March 11; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sample clam chowders from local restaurants and organizations then vote for your favorite at Baby Beach.

Taste all the entries for $10. Prizes will be awarded for a variety of categories. Event includes a beer and wine garden for adults 21 and older with a valid ID. www.fishforlife.org.

Whale of a Concert BBQ and Spirits Garden

March 12; Noon-5 p.m. BBQ specialties and a spirits garden for those 21 and older. Baby Beach. 15

Live Music Harbor Music Series

March 4, 5, 11, 12; Noon-3 p.m.

The Dana Point Harbor Association hosts live music in the Dana Wharf Courtyard and Harpoon Henry’s grassy area near Mariner’s Village. There will be a variety of musical styles and sounds. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com. 10

Whale of a Concert on the Water

March 12; Noon-5 p.m. In honor of the whales migrating by Dana

Point Headlands, the Festival of Whales will include a free outdoor concert at Baby Beach. Bands will perform on the water atop of a floating stage. The Dave Silver Band performs at noon, the Tricia Freeman Band at 1:30 p.m. and Hollywood U2 will perform at 3:30 p.m. Low back chairs or blankets are permitted. There will be BBQ and a Spirits Garden for those 21 and older.

949.248.3530. 15

Ocean Institute Whale Watching and More Ocean Institute: Ocean Education Center

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Take a hands-on journey into the mysterious and captivating world of whales. Follow the migration of the gray whale as you move through the facility. There will be hands on dissections, animal feeding and more. Tickets are $10 for non-member adults, $7.50 for non-member seniors and children. Members and children under 2 are free. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org. 5

Art & the Sea: Painting Class

March 5; 10-11 a.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a one-of-a-kind paint class with Motif Paint Events.

Tickets are included with admission to the Ocean Institute for the weekend only. 5

Movie Screening: MacGillivray-Freeman Films’ ‘Humpback Whales’

March 5; 6-9 p.m. A special viewing of MacGillivray-Freeman film will show up-close and personal looks into the world of humpback whales. There will be a short

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

presentation and a Q&A session following the film. Tickets are $15 at the door, and proceeds benefit the Festival of Whales and the Ocean Institute. 5

Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure

March 4,5; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Explore how time and discovery have shaped man’s perception of the gray whale. Join the Institute for a tall ship adventure and search for the gray whale. Tickets are $60 for adults, $50 for seniors and active duty military, $40 for children 4-12. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the ticket purchase. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org. 5

Sailing and Paddling Sailing Rides

March 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Take a sailing ride and learn to steer and sail a Capri 14. Rides are for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $15 per boat, three people maximum, for a half-hour session. Westwind Sailing. 949.492.3035. 7

Stand-up Paddling Clinics

March 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join the SUP craze during a 45-minute clinic. Each clinic is held on the hour, depending on weather and conditions. Clinics are for ages 12 and up; 12-14 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are $10 per person and lifejackets are provided. Contact Westwind Sailing for details at 949.492.3035. 7

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON

Whale Watching

While in Dana Point for the Festival of Whales, there are many options for visitors to see some ocean wildlife up close.

Choose from three businesses offering many different whale watching experiences, times and prices.

Captain Dave’s Whale Watching Safari

Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Ocean Institute

Captain Dave’s provides trips aboard their customized catamarans, which allow guests to get up close and personal with wildlife. The Mantue’a offers eye-to-eye underwater viewing pods and a hydrophone to hear below the surface. Multiple trips are planned for both weekends of the festival. Tickets vary depending on the trip, but range from $20 to $65. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive.

949.488.2828. www.dolphinsafari.com.

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

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

Join the Ocean Institute’s scientists on a whale watching cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. The 2.5-hour cruise will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 4; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 5; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11; and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 12. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active duty military and $25 children. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.com.

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

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

Individual Whale Identification Techniques

Whale watching is fun, but there are important precautions you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of the whales.

We asked National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Education Coordinator Alicia Keefe to share guidelines for whale watchers and boaters at this year’s Festival of Whales and beyond.

BY ERIC AUSTIN YEE , MARINE BIOLOGIST, DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING

The whale watching world is full of creatures that most enthusiasts would consider celebrities in our oceans. Often whales can be easily identified by certain habits or traits that make them stand out. Bring up names like Scarlet, Hook or Scoopfin to a whale watching naturalist from Southern California and they will definitely be able to tell you what kind of whale is behind the name and how it earned the name. You might be thinking, “Don’t all whales look the same?” or “You’ve seen one whale, you’ve seen them all.” But there are many ways to tell individual whales apart and it is easy to do so if you look at the unique features on a whale. The identification of individual whales is not only important to researchers, but it also helps to spread interest and promote the conservation of whales.

Technology has been advanced to the point where anyone can identify individual whales; you no longer have to be a marine biologist or a researcher to do so.

HOW DO WE IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL WHALES?

The most common way to start identifying a whale is to photograph the whale from both the left and right side to capture its identifiable features. This technique was pioneered with whales by the late Dr. Michael Bigg in the ’70s. Bigg discovered that orcas could be identified by simple photos of the side of the animal. Depending on the species of whale, various features such as the dorsal fin, flukes (tail), scars and markings can be utilized. Dorsal fins not only vary in shape and size from species to species but are unique to each individual animal.

Notches and scars are also commonly found on the edges of dorsal fins and aid in the identification process. These notches and scars are obtained in various ways, such as fighting, play or from injuries. These notches and scars can heal or change over time, so constant monitoring and new photos are needed to keep identifications current and correct. For animals such as orcas, the dorsal fin and saddle patch, a white area just behind the orca’s dorsal fin, can be used also. The saddle patch varies in shape and size between different individuals and also can have distinctive markings within it. On blue whales, the dorsal fin and blotches or spots below the dorsal fin on the whale’s body are primarily used to identify an individual. The dorsal fin matching technique is also regularly used 12

TIPS FOR SAFE WHALE WATCHING

GUIDELINES FOR ALL WHALE WATCHERS Humpback whale breaching. Photo: Dr. Mridula Srinivasan, NOAA/NMFS/OST/AMD

with bottlenose dolphins. A recent catalog of coastal bottlenose dolphins photographed from California to Northern Baja, Mexico, contained close to 1,300 dorsal fin identification photos.

Using photos of the whale’s flukes is also a common way of identifying a whale. This is a technique widely used on humpback whales. The shape of the flukes and underside of the flukes are full of markings and patterns that make an individual humpback whale unique. Some compare the underside of a humpback’s flukes to a human’s fingerprints. Creative researchers will see markings under a fluke that resemble an object and that will earn the humpback whale its name.

WHY DO WE WANT TO IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL WHALES?

Identifying whales as individuals is beneficial for many reasons. Population sizes and social structures of whales are determined by photo identification projects done around the world’s oceans. Most researchers share the ID photos they gather to help their colleagues working in other areas recognize or match animals with the photos they have acquired. This can help figure out the animal’s migration or travel patterns. Repeated sightings of identified animals can also aid in figuring out an animal’s age. Photographic identification of whales is a non-invasive way of tracking whales; no tags or devices need to be attached to the animal. There has been recent controversy about tags attached to whales possibly causing wounds that could lead to infections.

Conservationists also see identifying a whale as an individual as a way to help people bond with whales and spread the word about the effort to help whales and their habitat.

WHO IDENTIFIES INDIVIDUAL WHALES?

The process of identifying individual animals can be a major task for researchers, but it can be done by professionals and amateurs alike. Often, thousands of photographs have to be sorted and edited to start the identification routine. These photos are placed on a computer or in printed catalogs, kind of like a yearbook for whales. Over the years, various types of programs have been used by researchers to make this strenuous task easier.

Most of these programs can be quite complicated and still require much human input to verify a match. The current wave of new programs is steering toward instant and automated matching.

Recently, a program called Happywhale has made the identification process quite simple and fun for anyone.

A user can log on to Happywhale.com and upload a photo of a whale they have photographed to have it identified. Using image processing algorithms, Happywhale will try to match the user’s photo to extensive photo collections. In a short time, Happywhale will notify the user if the whale has been identified and will supply various interesting information on the whale and previous sightings of that whale by other Happywhale users.

The user even has the option of following up with the whale and will receive notification if the whale has been spotted again. Happywhale is a great way to support the citizen scientist movement, proving you don’t have to be a marine biologist or work in the whale watching industry to help researchers identify and track whales. The program also hopes to inspire others to learn about whales and the conservation effort to help them in our ever-changing oceans.

• Whale watching can be a positive and enriching experience when conducted responsibly. We must remember that our presence has an effect on whales and their habitat.

Just like us, whales need space to find food, choose mates, raise young, socialize and rest. When we get too close, approach too fast or make too much noise, we can interrupt natural behaviors and cause unnecessary stress.

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR BOATERS • Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure from viewing wildlife.

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

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

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

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

• View whales for no more than 30 minutes.

This will reduce the cumulative impact of all vessels and give consideration to other viewers.

For more information, visit www.BeWhaleWise.org.

The website is continually updated with new information.

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

Annual Field Trip Aims to Give Dana Hills Students

Inspiration

Several students aboard the Dana Pride and the Dolphin Safari grabbed their gloves and pulled up their hoods as the wind picked up one day this January. But each stood at the boat’s railing waiting to see any type of wildlife. The Dana Hills High School students were on an annual Festival of Whales pre-event field trip to gain inspiration for art they will be showcasing during the two-weekend festival.

This is the sixth year the students have gone out to sea with Dana Wharf Whale Watching and Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari. Students from classes, including AP Studio Art, Culinary Arts and more, took the two-hour trip.

Culinary Arts teacher Alissa Hernandez said she’s taken the trip for a few years.

“The students will make cookies in the shape of whales,” Hernandez said. “This trip helps them understand more about the festival.”

She said for some students, this is the first time out on a boat, or even whale watching.

“We spend months getting ready for the festival,” Hernandez said. “It takes a while for them to get the filling ready and get the design just right.”

She hoped the trip gave the students inspiration for their designs.

Krista Snow, who teaches AP Studio Art and Multimedia Design, said the students not only gain inspiration but business and networking skills.

“They’ll be meeting people, greeting guests and selling their work at the Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale event at the festival,” Snow said.

In her class, the students will be editing and printing the photos they took before selling them during the festival.

FESTIVALOFWHALES.COM

“It’s a good process; you have to start with the basics—perfect exposure on the camera, perfect aperture, shutter speed, settings, you have to be able to compose your photo—so they’ll be building those skills to create strong and professional photos,” Snow said.

Nicole Beatty, a senior at Dana Hills, said she was taking photos for AP Studio Art. “We pick a concentration our second semester, and right now I’m getting shots of people out on kayaks, on boats and the shoreline,” Nicole said.

Walking around the boat with a video camera and a microphone, Thanh Ngo and Rebecca Cadena were getting footage for a Dana Hills show called Hall Pass.

“It’s about all different things, current events, stuff at school,” said Rebecca.

“We’re interviewing people about the trip for the show.”

While most of the students had digital SLR cameras, GoPros, iPhones and more, one student was relying on the art of film.

“It’s more fun,” said Shayla Fante, a senior.

“I can develop them at school, and I’ll get to see what I captured.”

She said she felt more comfortable using film and was excited to see what she captured.

The student art exhibition is scheduled for March 11 and 12 on the Harbor walkway.

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SHOP & DINE Dana Point Harbor

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8) there will also be ample hurricanes and Cajun food to go around. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Wednesday | 01 FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

KARAOKE AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 7 p.m. Sing karaoke, imbibe and eat free popcorn at The Swallow’s Inn’s karaoke night with Bobby and Joel. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to make and taste three cocktails.

Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are welcome to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.com.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

Thursday | 02 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. Every Thursday. No experience needed. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

Saturday | 04 GARDENING WORKSHOP: NATIVE BEES 9:30-10:30 a.m. With 20,000 known species worldwide, bees are perhaps the most important pollinators in the world. There is a wide range of diversity in California’s native bee species, from rice-sized sweat The Capistrano Dispatch February 24-March 9, 2017

bees, all the way up to thumb-sized carpenter bees. Author Bob Allen (BugBob) will discuss local native bees and how to create a bee-friendly habitat in your yard at Tree of Life Nursery. 33201 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www. californianativeplants.com ARTISAN BREAD POP-UP SHOP Noon. Bread Artisan Bakery, a local family owned and operated wholesale bakery, is returning to The Ecology Center for their ever-popular pop-up bread sales. Get there while supplies last. The Ecology Center.

32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

OPERA NIGHT GALA 2017 5:30 p.m. South Orange County School of the Arts (SOCSA) performs at the Musco Center for the Arts. A variety of entertaining musical selections from the dramatic to the comedic will be performed as a culmination of more than eight weeks of intensive workshops and master classes.

Tickets range from $25 to $75. One University Drive, Orange. 844.626.8726. www.muscocenter.org.

CAMPFIRE PROGRAM: COWBOY CÈILIDH 6-7:30 p.m. Grab your favorite lad or lassie and discover Rancho Mission Viejo’s Irish roots by participating in a Cowboy Cèilidh. A cèilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a traditional Gaelic gathering with stories and songs.

Hear the story of how two Irish immigrants began one of California’s greatest ranchos.

Suitable for ages 8 and up. Admission is $5.

Reserve your space ahead of time. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

On Stage at the Coach House: Louie Anderson THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ouie Anderson’s career in comedy has taken a variety of forms: creating and voicing the animated show Life with Louie; appearing in classic films like Coming to America; hosting Family Feud; and now starring, and winning awards, on the TV show Baskets. But when Anderson comes to the Coach House on Sunday, Feb. 26, he’ll be obliging the form that made his career possible: stand-up.

“It’s my first love,” Anderson said. “I still feel like I’m trying to prove myself as a stand-up.”

The goal, Anderson said, is to “have people mumbling when they are leaving,” about the jokes that resonated with them.

He said his act nowadays focuses on all the “F words”: fun, family, food—“and being fat is big,” Anderson joked.

“My thing is about joy and happiness and giving people a break from thinking,”

Louie Anderson. Photo: Courtesy

Anderson said, adding that he does an impression of Donald Trump, “which is not a hateful impression, but always gets a really big rise out of people.”

The success of the dark comedy and indie-tinged Baskets has brought Anderson to yet another new audience, and he said he’s excited to engage with a new group of fans—even if he couldn’t have predicted the course of his career thus far. “(When I started out), I was looking for world domination,” Anderson said. “I always thought that my main base would be as a stand-up comic and that I would also do TV and movies, but who could have ever predicted Baskets, or Family Feud, or a cartoon?” CD

Tuesday | 07 CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION AND HANGING OF THE MAYOR 5 p.m. The ceremonial “hanging of the mayor” marks the official start of the Fiesta Assocation’s Fiesta de las Golonodrinas, or Swallows Festival. 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976. www.swallowsparade.com.

Thursday | 09 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS AND DINNER 5:30-8 p.m. Mayor Kerry Ferguson delivers the San Juan Capistrano State of the City Address at El Adobe de Capistrano.

Tickets are $50, and reservations are required. Call 949.493.4700 or email Jennifer@sanjuanchamber.com to make reservations. 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to The Capistrano Dispatch by going to www.thecapistranodispatch.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Photo: kedifilm.com

At the Movies: ‘Kedi,’ the Cute Cat Movie

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

s social media has shown us for the past decade, people love looking at adorable animals. Once in a while the film industry will use this to their advantage and produce a feature that is focused on cute animals—like the ill-fated A Dog’s Purpose from last month, or any of the Disney Nature documentaries we get on a yearly basis, like Born in China coming this spring. In Turkey, filmmaker Ceyda Torun was inspired to make a documentary called Kedi that follows a surprisingly simple subject: cats.

In the city of Istanbul, Turkey, cats are not housebound, but live on the streets of the area in harmony with the human locals. The feline species in the country is both wild and domesticated in a unique way. They do as

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they please, but also have favorite spots and humans with whom they prefer to converse. The humans like them back, but they also give the cats their space.

Some cats are loners; some have a bundle of kittens because they’re not neutered or spayed.

The word kedi is Turkish for cat, and Torun does a good job of showing the perspective of the foreign location through the lives of a small selection of cats. One cat is on “rat security” for a restaurant, another is fed by a local laundress, and so on. The locals who provide the commentary for Kedi adore their feline friends and have a genuine respect for their rare ability to be free in the streets. For cat lovers and animal fans in general, Kedi is a must see. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Branching Out

A YEAR OF READING AT THE SJC LIBRARY

San Juan’s new librarian shares her vision for future programming

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

I

f you’ve ventured into the San Juan Capistrano library over the last six months, odds are you’ve noticed a new (very friendly) face.

Librarian Ericka Reeb began her post as San Juan’s new branch manager back in September, and since then she’s been busy working with the Friends of the Library and getting to know her new community.

Reeb may be fairly new to San Juan, but she’s worked in the Orange County Library system for over 20 years in communities like Foothill Ranch, Dana Point and Rancho Santa Margarita. She initially got her start in the mid ’90s as a library page and clerk at the Irvine Heritage Park Library—one of the busiest branches in the county—and worked her way up over two decades to assistant manager and materials evaluator in Rancho Santa Margarita.

But San Juan has been an exciting challenge for Reeb, who said she’s enjoyed getting to know the different facets of the city.

“

The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.

”

–Albert Einstein

“I’ve worked in some very new cities and communities, and there’s not that sense of community that we have here,” Reeb said.

“There are some local clubs that have been around for 81 years, and in Orange County that’s an amazing feat. There are a lot of long-time residents who know the city and know each other. And that’s just been wonderful.”

Reeb is quick to thank the members of the Friends of the Library for a lot of her San Juan experiences thus far—from learning from former librarian Teri Garza, to visiting the historical society, the rotary club and the Mission.

“This place is so interconnected and beautiful,” Reeb said smiling. “That’s what I need to spend my time sort of, untying. I just try to listen and ask questions.”

Reeb said she’s continually impressed by the passion and commitment of the library’s Friends, and she’s hoping that dedication will help continue to grow the library’s programming.

The Capistrano Dispatch February 24-March 9, 2017

SJC Library branch manager Ericka Reeb began her new position in September. She looks forward to continuing to strengthen the library’s role in town. Photo: Allison Jarrell

“It’s nice to have all these things going on,” Reeb said. “When you have civicminded people, they understand the value of a library.”

Reeb said she and the Friends would like to see more programming done at the library—whether that’s in the form of STEAM speakers and programs, activities for toddlers, or perhaps even a homework help center, where high school students teach children who can’t afford professional tutoring. Reeb said library staff is currently doing a remarkable job of programming on a budget, and she’s hoping the Friends can help out with increased funding to take that programming to the next level.

“We’re a place where people can connect, and we also want to be a place where people can feel inspired—whether that’s from the materials we have on the shelf, or through things like creative programming,” Reeb said. “We’d like to see more of the science and technology programs for the younger kids, because those are fields we’d like to see more kids go into.

So investing in them and showing them how that can also be fun is something that’s very important to me.”

Reeb said her hope is to continue creating a welcoming, open environment that can also act as a place of inspiration for the community.

“When you see a kid confronted with a piece of technology they haven’t seen before, and they can see how it’s fun, and also the intricacies of how it works and how it can plug into what they’re doing, it really changes their vision for what’s possible,” Reeb said. CD

DID YOU KNOW? • Orange County Public Libraries can send you personalized reading recommendations online. The service, called Rita Recommends, allows readers to pick out what kind of books they like and select their reading level using an online survey. Those answers are then used to send a list of five reading recommendations within a week. Visit www.ocpl.org/elib/ritarecommends to see how the Rita Recommends service works.

• Through a recent grant, Orange County Public Libraries are offering scholarship opportunities for a program called, “Career Online High School.” Librarian Ericka Reeb said five or six spots are available for Orange County residents age 19 or older to apply for a full scholarship to earn a high school diploma. Reeb said the work can be done on library computers or at home, and can take as little as six months to complete. For more information, visit www. ocpl.org/libloc/cohs.

For each month of 2017, the San Juan Capistrano library is profiling a different theme or genre. Staff members, book clubs and library patrons are all encouraged to pick a book based on each month’s theme.

January was general fiction, February is romance and March will be books that became movies.

Librarian Ericka Reeb said she read Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster in January, and this month she’s considering Love and Friendship by one of her favorite authors, Jane Austen.

Next month, Reeb is looking forward to picking up Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs.

Future themes include graphic novels and mystery books. Reeb said the “Year of Reading” allows patrons to branch out from what they normally pick up.

Each month the new theme will be posted at the library and on the library’s Facebook page.

UPCOMING EVENTS For a full calendar of monthly library events, visit www.ocpl.org/libloc/ sjc/calendar. You can also follow the Friends of the Library on Facebook: @ SJCFriends or www.facebook.com/sjcfriends and on Instagram: @sjclibraryfriends.

LIBRARY HOURS Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Friday: Closed Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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 Solution:

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www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

A Fiesta of Flavors at the Annual ‘Taste of San Juan’

BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association held its annual Taste of San Juan event Thursday, Feb. 9 at the San Juan Hills Golf Club, featuring 21 local restaurants that provided some of their finest fare for guests to enjoy. At the end of the evening, attendees were able to vote for their favorite restaurants and dishes.

Mexican eatery Sol Agave took home two awards, one for “Best Appetizer” and the other for “Best Original Dish.” Trevor’s at the Tracks, which recently announced its Feb. 23 grand opening, won “Best Main Course.”

In 1976, the Swallows Day Parade began close to where this photo was taken on El Camino Real. Photo: Courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

GUEST OPINION: Then & Now by Rhonda DeHaan

‘Old Capo’ High A look back at the high school that once sat along El Camino Real

A

s soon as the last notes of “Auld Lang Syne” fade away, thoughts in San Juan Capistrano turn to the annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas and its many associated activities. And I chose this photo to honor our beloved Swallows Day Parade.

However, I’m not going to add to the numerous articles that are published at this time of year about these celebrations. There is no shortage of information in that regard!

Instead, I’d like take a look at something else that we see in the photo—Capistrano Union High School.

The Capistrano Union High School District was founded in 1919, and the school opened in September of 1920. Since the closest high school at the time was in Santa Ana, residents were thankful their students no longer had to make the tedious trek north.

Permanent buildings were constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and opened in 1921. The school was nestled between Camino Capistrano (what was then Highway 101) and El Camino Real, and consisted of “classrooms, a shop, and a 400-seat auditorium,” according to Pamela HallanGibson’s pictorial history Two Hundred Years in San Juan Capistrano.

By 1960, the region’s growing population had shifted south. Rather than update the

The Capistrano Dispatch February 24-March 9, 2017

Rancho Capistrano Winery offered guests strawberry bruschetta. Photo: Alex Paris

And for the second year in a row, Ô Gourmet French Café & Bakery took home the award for “Best Desserts” in addition to the coveted Swallow’s Cup for best overall dish of the evening.

A new honor this year, the El Presidente Taste of San Juan Award, was presented to Ricardo’s Place for all they have done to support the Fiesta Association and the Fiesta de las Golondrinas events they host. The award will be an annual honor for restaurants that support the association and give back to the community.

For a complete photo slideshow from the event, visit www.thecapistranodispatch. com. CD

A view of El Camino Real today.

Photo: Rhonda deHaan

aging campus, a bond was passed in June of 1962 to build a new, larger high school in San Clemente.

Today, the Capistrano site is part of the Capistrano Unified School District and used for alternative studies. But many miss having a high school downtown, and alumni fondly remember the homecoming pride “Old Capo.”

While the original buildings are long gone, on the left side of the photo you can see part of the “modern” building that was added in 1938-1939. While the view is of the back of the campus, I recommend stopping by to see the frontage on Camino Capistrano as it is a wonderful example of Streamline Moderne architecture. The building, with the adjacent Stone Field, is on the city’s Inventory of Historic and Cultural Landmarks.

Rhonda deHaan has lived in San Juan Capistrano only 10 years but has quickly embraced the town.

She is a proud mother of two, a freelance writer, an SJC Friends of the Library board director, and is currently serving her sixth THEN & NOW year on the city’s Cultural

By Rhonda deHaan Heritage Commission. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

(From left) Rosa and Ricardo Beas, El Presidente Jim Eakin, Señor San Juan Edward Beyer and Miss Fiesta Erin Kutnik Beyer pose for a photo after Ricardo received the first annual El Presidente Taste of San Juan award.

Photo: Alex Paris

(From left) Chef Manny Velasco, owner Jesus Galvez, and team member Alfonso Montoya pose with Sol Agave’s awards. Photo: Alex Paris

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Ô Gourmet French Café & Bakery claimed the Swallow’s Cup in addition to an award for best dessert and an honorable mention for most original dish.

Photo: Alex Paris

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

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Never Too Old for Romance and Marriage

Butterflies in Decline

I

n 2001, Chris Anastasio found himself divorced after a 15-year marriage. He was 68, and he had no idea what to do.

A man cleaning the carpets in Anastasio’s Dana Point home knew that he enjoyed dancing. The man suggested Anastasio become a dance host on cruise ships.

Before long, Anastasio was enjoying all-expenses-paid cruises around the world and dancing every night.

Anastasio said, “The rule on the ships is a ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 dance host cannot have any kind of romance

By Tom Blake while on a cruise, but he can get a phone number or email address.

“I started dancing at sea in 2003. A year later, I was on a 36-day Caribbean cruise when I met Tina. Her husband had passed away 18 months earlier. I have danced with a lot of women over the years, but when I danced with Tina, I knew there was something special about this lady.

“Although Tina was from England, I was interested in getting to know her. She gave me her email address. She got off the ship on the seventh day of the cruise. I told her I would email her when I finished the cruise, which was a month later.”

Anastasio said the email address he received from Tina was no longer valid.

He had a friend who lived in England track down Tina’s phone number. Anastasio said, “I was so excited about contacting her, I forgot about the time-zone difference.”

Tina chimed in: “After 30 years of marriage and at the age of 61, facing life alone, I thought my enjoyment in life was behind me. Eighteen months later, friends insisted I take a cruise with them to the Caribbean.

“When I returned to England, I did not know if Chris would contact me. My phone rang at 3 a.m. I was excited to hear from Chris. I didn’t know I had given him my old email address by mistake. We started emailing and calling. After three months, Chris said we should get together.

“We decided to meet in Florida. My kids thought I was crazy. We spent a wonderful seven days together.”

And thus, one of the longest longdistance relationships began: 5,419 miles between England and Dana Point. That was in 2004.

Anastasio and Tina have been seeing each other ever since. Anastasio would spend three months in England and Tina The Capistrano Dispatch February 24-March 9, 2017

Chris Anastasio and his wife, Tina, were married after about 12 years of long-distance courtship.

Photo: Courtesy of Tom Blake

would spend autumns and winters in San Clemente, to where Anastasio had moved. They have taken many, many trips together.

A few years back, Anastasio said to me, “There is a lot of trust in this relationship and trust is what makes it work for us.

Friends always ask if we plan to marry and live together. Well, that doesn’t make much sense. We get along great, and every time we get together it’s like a honeymoon.”

Also a few years back, Tina added, “During our years of being a couple, we’ve had to say a lot of ‘goodbyes.’ Those times are the hardest.”

Now, in 2017, this long-distance relationship has changed. Anastasio, 83, and Tina, 76, won’t have to be saying those goodbyes anymore.

On Sunday, Feb. 12, family and friends watched Anastasio and Tina exchange wedding vows on an outdoor deck at the Dana Point Yacht Club. Yachts, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and walkers passed by during the ceremony.

Tina’s family was represented by her daughter, Louise Dowson, and granddaughter, Isabelle Dowson, who had flown in from England.

When Greta and I got home, we agreed that the wedding was one of those intimate, unique gatherings that warm your heart and will never be forgotten. Tina is indeed an English rose.

She and Anastasio were so cute together. Their kids kept clinking silverware on the water glasses to make the couple kiss. Anastasio finally said, “If you do that one more time, I’m going to stand up and make a half hour speech.” That stopped the glass tapping.

Anastasio and Tina provide hope to senior singles that not only is finding love possible in our later years, but love can also endure distance and time.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.FindingLoveAfter50.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

Monarch butterflies are disappearing, and we’re part of the problem

W

here have all the Monarchs gone?

This past summer and fall our Los Rios Park Garden Angel volunteers were surprised to find very few Monarch butterflies fluttering about in the parks’ certified butterfly gardens.

The tropical milkweed was in full bloom, when it normally would have looked like twigs—which isn’t a good sign, since the Monarch caterpillars only feast on milkweed flowers, leaves and stems, leaving behind ragged twigs.

As I researched the staggering reasons for the Monarch decline in our gardens, I quickly realized we gardeners are part of the worldwide problem. Luckily, the Los Rios garden volunteers deadheaded all the colorful flower heads in October in hopes the beneficial insects will make a come back to the Los Rios Park and neighboring gardens this summer.

I decided to further my due diligence and find out what exactly is happening worldwide to these pollinating insects that bring annual joy to the garden. Unfortunately, caring and concerned gardeners are part of the problem. By purchasing tropical milkweed to help save the Monarch population, we’re actually stopping their natural migration cycle to Mexico.

Monarch butterflies are wintering in our gardens, thus making them susceptible to a protozoan parasite called Ophryocystis elekrosccirrha (Oe). Oe is responsible for the loss of butterfly habitats, as it infects the caterpillar munching on the leaves and turns the chrysalis black.

The milkweed leaves harbor the Oe disease. Tropical milkweed is evergreen, while all other native milkweeds are deciduous, which means they shed the infection in winter. It is important to remove every tropical leaf and prune tropical stems to 4 inches continuously during fall and winter so as to not interrupt the Monarchs’ migration south. It is best to use California native milkweed, also known as California narrow leaf milkweed.

To my shock, the massive decline of Monarchs doesn’t stop with good-intentioned gardeners. The Monarch butterfly is currently on the endangered list due to startling recent studies indicating their habitat has declined by 80 percent over the past 20 years.

What’s causing the massive decline in habitat? According to the Center for Biologi-

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cal Diversity (CBD), several issues are responsible—the loss of milkweed in the Monarchs’ summer grounds due to weed spraying and urbanization, increased logging of their winter home in Mexico, DIRT THERAPY severe spring storms in

By Marianne the Midwest that killed Taylor millions of Monarchs, and persisting drought conditions.

The CBD also notes that the butterfly’s decline has been driven, in part, by the widespread planting of genetically engineered crops in the Midwest, where the majority of Monarchs hatch. Most of the genetically engineered crops are made to be resistant to Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, a potent killer to milkweed, which is the only food for Monarch caterpillars.

In the past 20 years, these once common butterflies may have lost more than 165 million acres of habitat about the size of Texas, or nearly a third of their breeding grounds. With the collapse of their migratory habitat, they may face extinction in the next 20 years.

The CBD has filed a lawsuit to force the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine whether to protect the Monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act by June 30, 2019. Such protections would safeguard their habitat and ensure the Monarchs’ recovery.

The Monarchs’ future may sound bleak, but with all our help, we can turn things around before it’s too late.

On March 23 from 9-11 a.m., Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and the Los Rios Garden Angel volunteers we will be planting native milkweed at the Los Rios Park’s certified butterfly garden. Join us in the garden and help us plant, or if can’t join us, consider donating a plant to the park.

We’re also encouraging local gardeners to support the Monarchs by planting native milkweed in their gardens.

Be sure to purchase milkweed from a nursery that doesn’t use pesticide on the plant—I prefer Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano. It’s best to plant several milkweeds among other flowering plants.

To learn more about creating healthy butterfly gardens, check out our free Smart Gardening class at Reata Park on Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m. This class will get you started on the right path. For more information, visit www.goinnative.net.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Fillmore Flashes Past Tartans in Second Round of Playoffs

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he St. Margaret’s boys soccer team had not felt the sting of defeat in quite some time. But in the CIF-SS soccer playoffs, the possibility of a tough loss is always lurking just around the corner.

The young Tartans learned that the hard way when playing host to Fillmore in the CIF-SS Division 6 second round on Feb. 22. The two teams appeared to be evenly matched, but a late goal by the Flash secured a 1-0 victory and the end to the Tartans’ season.

St. Margaret’s (19-4-1, 10-0 league) had not lost a match in 13 games prior to the loss, but Fillmore (17-5-4) changed all that in the 65th minute of the match.

Fillmore junior midfielder Enrique Gutierrez booted a long strike from about 20 yards out that hit Tartans’ goalie Gordon Larson in the hands and trickled past him into the net.

The Flash had been trying long-range shots from outside the box against St. Margaret’s all night, and the attempts either went nowhere near the goal, or Larson was able to handle the shots with ease.

St. Margaret’s, which did not field one senior to start the second round matchup, withstood an aggressive Fillmore attack in the opening 40 minutes. The Flash recorded nine shots in the first half and earned two corner kicks in stoppage time, which disrupted the Tartans’ back line

defense and gave the visitors momentum heading into the final 40 minutes.

But the Tartans responded with some aggressive play of their own to start the second half.

St. Margaret’s unleashed sophomore midfielder Kevin Groeninger up the left side of the field, and his involvement in the offense led to several good chances.

A passing sequence that started with Groeninger ended up at the feet of sophomore Robbie Graham right in front of the Fillmore goal, but Graham’s crossing attempt went just high and hit the crossbar in the 47th minute.

Six minutes later Groeninger fed a ball to Graham, who had slipped behind the right side of the Flash defense, and the sophomore put a well-timed shot on target, but Fillmore goalie Kevin Galvan made his best save of the night to end the scoring threat.

The loss marks the end of the season for the Tartans, who went undefeated in Academy League play with a 10-0 record.

Since taking over the program for the 2016 season, Tartans’ coach Adam Doty has guided St. Margaret’s to back-to-back Academy League titles.

St. Margaret’s will graduate just three seniors from its roster, and should return plenty of players with experience next season.

BY MATTHEW LANEY, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

The Capistrano Dispatch February 24-March 9, 2017

R.J. Egdorf heads a ball during a CIF-SS playoff game against Fillmore on Feb. 22. Photo: John Cole/Pro Action Photo

Other High School Soccer News: The JSerra girls soccer team has carried

Vail’s GameWinner Sends JSerra Basketball to Semifinals ith just one second remaining on the clock, JSerra point guard Lexi Vail made a dramatic layup to seal a 49-47 come-from-behind victory over Los Altos in the CIF-SS Division 2AA girls basketball quarterfinals on Feb. 22.

In the fourth quarter, JSerra was able to finally make a move after trailing Los Altos for most of the night.

JSerra senior Julia Ackerman hit back-

St. Margaret’s junior R.J. Egdorf dribbles past Fillmore’s Jose Valdez during a CIF-SS playoff game on Feb. 22. Photo: John Cole/Pro Action Photo

Julia Ackerman and the JSerra girls basketball team advanced to the CIF-SS Division 2AA semifinals after defeating Los Altos on Feb. 22. Photo: Courtesy

to-back 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter that helped spark the Lions’ comeback.

Ackerman’s first bucket from beyond the arc brought JSerra within one point of the

Conquerors. Her second consecutive 3-pointer tied the game up at 47-47. The JSerra defense forced a turnover on the next Los Altos possession with 22 seconds left, setting the stage for Vail’s late-game heroics.

JSerra will host Rosary Academy, a Trinity League rival, in the semifinals on Feb. 25.

The Lions had to make multiple comebacks during the game and trailed 17-4 after the first quarter. JSerra went on a 13-0 run to tie the game at 17-17, but Los Altos took the lead again and went into halftime up 28-19.

“We had to take a couple deep breaths and calm down,” JSerra coach Mary Rossignol said. “They’re just a really resilient group, and I knew it was a matter of time before they would figure out how to close the game.”

Vail scored a game-high 20 points and had seven rebounds. JSerra’s Sarah Shaw chipped in 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Other High School Basketball News:

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the momentum over from Trinity League play, where they were crowned league champions for the first time and into the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.

JSerra defeated Dana Hills 4-1 and Los Osos 3-1 in the first and second rounds on Feb. 16 and Feb. 21, respectively.

The Lions will travel to play Los Alamitos in the quarterfinals on Feb. 24. CD

• In a shocking upset, the top-seeded Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball team was defeated by North of Torrance 56-51 in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 3AA playoffs on Feb. 17.

The Warriors (24-4) played without star guard Trey Smith, the Orange County scoring leader, who has been dealing with knee issues throughout the season.

• The JSerra boys basketball squad drew the unfortunate task of having to play Chino Hills, the No. 1 team in the nation, in the first round of the CIF-SS Open Division Championships on Feb. 17.

The Lions hung with the Huskies in the first quarter but Chino Hills, led by standouts LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball, went on a second quarter run that helped their team to a 105-74 victory. The Ball brothers combined to score 58 points.

JSerra’s season, however, is not over.

Following the loss, the Lions headed to the Open Division’s consolation bracket and defeated Alemany 61-59 on Feb. 21.

JSerra will travel to play Damien on Feb. 24. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com