February 26, 2016

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICEFOUNDED IN 2002

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Musical Melodrama Returns to Camino Real PlayhouseGETTING OUT/PAGE 27

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

City Council Approves Switch to District

ElectionsEYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 10, 2016 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 4

EYE ON SJC/PAGE 6

Tapped InSouth Countys craft beer

Renaissance

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

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTINGEYE ON SJC

City Pursues District Elections, Set to Hire DemographerTHE LATEST: At the Feb. 16 San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved transi-tioning from at-large to district elections before the upcoming Nov. 8 election.

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

The councils discussion on Feb. 16which took all of 20 minuteswas prompted by a voting rights lawsuit fi led against the city on Jan. 27, which claims the citys at-large elections violate the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 and result in vote dilution for the Latino resi-dents by denying them effective political participation in elections.

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

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

Ballinger and City Manager Ben Siegel advised the council to initiate the switch to district electionsas many other cities that have been similarly sued have donein order to avoid costly litigation.

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

of Del Obispo and north of Camino del Avion.

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

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

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

City Rejects LAB Agree-ment, Expands Search for Lower Rosan ProjectsTHE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano

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

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

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

A couple of residents questioned the transparency of the agreement during public comment and asked why the city wasnt sending out requests for proposals for the development of the property. The majority of councilmembers agreed with those sentiments, saying they prefer a more transparent RFP process for the land rather than a non-binding agreement with one developer. Several councilmembers

said they look forward to reviewing mul-tiple creative proposals for the property, which could potentially include the LABs application.

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

OCTA 191, 193 Bus Routes to be Cut in October

THE LATEST: On Monday, Feb. 22, the Or-ange County Transportation Authority ap-proved the adoption of its new Bus Service Plan that calls for the October elimination of two bus routes through San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano.

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

(Cont. on page 4)

Whats Up With...Five things San Juan should know this week

www.thecapistranodispatch.comThe Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016 Page 3

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

EYE ON SJC

The Capistrano Dispatch February 25-March 10, 2016 Page 4

(Cont. from page 3)The 191 runs from The Shops at Mis-

sion Viejo to the San Juan Capistrano Metrolink Station and Avenida Junipero Serra in San Juan Capistrano. It then travels through Capistrano Beach with stops at Doheny Park Road and Domingo Avenue and along Camino Capistrano at Avenida Las Palmas and Camino de Es-trella and then into the San Clemente area.

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

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

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

Were extending the hours of the (Same-Day Taxi Program) and implement-ing a countywide pilot program that de-creases the same-day taxi transfer costs, Donchak said during a phone interview later that day.

The extended Same-Day Taxi Program for ACCESS users would also include an elimination of the $3.60 transfer cost be-tween the Same-Day Taxi and the regular ACCESS service. ACCESS is the OCTAs shared ride service for people with dis-abilities that prevent them from using regular bus service routes.

Donchak said the entire Bus Service Plan intends to increase the OCTAs rider-ship countrywide to 1.3 million over the next three years.

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

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

WHATS NEXT: The dates of future com-munity meetings and availability of infor-mation will be announced by OCTA.

FIND OUT MORE: Donchak said residents can contact her at 949.361.8322 or [email protected] with questions. The Bus Service Plan and a schedule of service reductions can be found online at www.octa.net/Bus/Final-2016-Service-Change. Eric Heinz

City Council to Discuss Riding Park ContractTuesdayTHE LATEST: The City Council is set to discuss potentially renegotiating Blenheim EquiSports management agreement for the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at its March 1 meeting. Since the current agreement with Blenheim expires Dec. 31, the council is being asked by staff to provide direction as to whether they want

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

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

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

If you havent visited the riding park lately, I suggest you do, Ferguson wrote. It is open to the public, and it is a beauti-ful place for a picnic.

WHATS NEXT: Tuesdays meeting begins at 5 p.m. at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To view the rest of the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.AJ

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

The remainder of the policy change regarding immersion programs, specific schools for residents within Community Financed Districts and International Bac-calaureate programs is still being revised by CUSD staff.

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

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

WHATS NEXT: Applications for School of Choice opened Feb. 1 and close March 4.

FIND OUT MORE: The amendments proposed to the School of Choice policy as well as background on the issue can be found at www.capousd.ca.schoolloop.com under the Board of Trustees agenda for Feb. 24. EH

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The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016 Page 5

EYE ON SJC

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Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to [email protected].

SJC SheriffsBlotterAll information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriffs Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dis-patcher. 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 doesnt represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Tuesday, February 23DISTURBANCEPaseo Laguna, 27300 Block (10:39 a.m.)A man told police that his neighbor told him shut up or Ill kick your ass at an

COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

HOA meeting the day before. The man said he wasnt concerned, he just wanted the issue to be documented.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESLa Zanja Street, 26500 Block (12:02 a.m.)A caller reported hearing subjects being loud and punching something. The caller suspected that a fight may have broken out near the garages. A patrol check was conducted and police discovered the noise was actually kids playing soccer.

Monday, February 22ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCYCalle Chueca, 30800 Block (9:11 p.m.)A woman reportedly drank dish soap and was also possibly on drugs.

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

NEWS BITESCOMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

SJHHS Athletic Boosters Receives F&M Bank Sponsorship The San Juan Hills High School Athletic

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

This fundraiser benefits more than 750 athletes that comprise 23 teams at the school, said Lisa Green, SJHHS Athletic Boosters President. We are unique in the fact that we are the only public high school in San Juan Capistrano, but we serve many of our surrounding communities. With decreased funding, we are reliant on sponsors like Farmers & Merchants Bank who are part of our Community Circle of Support and help provide a world class athletic program for our athletes.

Those interested in participating in the May 13 event or becoming a sponsor can contact Green at [email protected] for more information.

Shea Centers Drive to Ride Fundraiser Ends Next WeekThe Drive to Ride campaign at the

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

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

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

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

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

The teams submitting their stories are all listed online at www.sheacenter.org. Click on Drive to Ride in the upper right corner.

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

City Seeks Applications for Youth Advisory BoardApplications are now being accepted

from San Juan Capistrano residents who are interested in serving on the City Councils appointed Youth Advisory Board. The city is looking to fill 16 youth member vacancies and two adult advisor vacancies, with terms effective through Aug. 31, 2017.

The board, which serves as a liaison between the citys youth and the City Council, submits recommendations to the City Council for special events, programs and fundraising events. Only youth mem-bers are voting members.

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

Application forms are available through the citys website, www.sanjuancapistrano.

Community MeetingsTUESDAY, MARCH 1

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting5 p.m. The citys governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

Downtown Farmers Market3 p.m.6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from dozens of vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday. Visit www.farmersmarketsjc.com or call 949.493.4700 to find out more.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Coee Chat8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennesseys Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano. All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

Planning Commission Meeting6:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the bodys agenda.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting7 p.m. The Capistrano Unified School District governing body meets at district offices, located at 33122 Valle Road. To see the boards agenda, visit www.capousd.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

Design Review Committee Meeting6 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the bodys agenda.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

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

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

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESSan Juan Creek Road, 32100 Block (2:57 p.m.) A caller reported hearing a man yelling while on the fairway of the fourth hole at the San Juan Hills Golf Course. The caller said the yelling seemed to be coming from the road; the man sounded like he was in pain or needed help.

org, and at the City Clerks office, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto in San Juan Cap-istrano. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1. All questions concerning the commission or the applica-tion process should be directed to the City Clerks office at 949.493.1171.

San Juan Elementary to Host Fundraisers March 5San Juan Elementary School will be

holding two fundraisers benefitting the school on Saturday, March 5. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the school is hosting a clothing and shoe drive for the fifth grade Outdoor Science School. Organizers are encourag-ing prospective participants to clean out their closets and pack items in large trash bags, ask friends, family and neighbors to donate, collect unsold items from garage sales and coordinate drop-off locations. The school is accepting clothes, shoes, rugs, gloves, hats, towels, blankets, bed-ding, drapes, purses, belts and stuffed ani-mals. The more bags and weight collected, the more money the school raises.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the elementary school campus is also hosting a free elec-tronics recycling event, sponsored by San Juan Childrens Education Foundation. Participants can drop off their cell phones, laser and inkjet cartridges, laptops, iPods, tablets, eReaders, notebooks and iPads. All proceeds will benefit the school.

San Juan Elementary is located at 31642 El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano. For more information on the recycling event, contact Krisztina Hatfield at [email protected] or 949.326.8686. For ad-ditional information regarding the clothing and shoe drive, contact Teresa Llamas at [email protected] or Cathy Cuevas at [email protected].

EYE ON SJC


South Countys craft beer RenaissancePHOTOS AND STORY BY ALEX PARIS, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Tapped In

Perhaps the greatest advantage of beer is its versatility. It can be simple in taste or extremely complex. It can

be as pure as four ingredients or formu-lated to adopt almost any flavor from any ingredient imaginable. Its the amenable, unassuming nature of beer thats condu-cive to widespread appeal. Theres a flavor out there for everyone, and some people become so passionate about those flavors they feel compelled to create and share them with everyone else. Its an inherently community-forming craft.

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

PIZZA PORT BREWING COMPANY

After opening their doors in Solana Beach in 1987 and again in Carlsbad in 1997, Pizza Port chose San Clemente as its third locale in 2003, making it the first brewery to estab-lish a presence within the citys borders.

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

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

Walls said his first taste of Pizza Ports El Camino IPAthe first India Pale Ale brewed in San Clementecame long before he began working for the brewery. A big part of what makes San Clemente brewers unique, he said, is that they all make exceptional IPAs. Though the brewpub serves a wide variety of styles on tap, a whopping six out of 24 are IPAsa result of the constant demand from cus-tomers for new variations of the style.

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

South Orange County in general is a culmination of a lot of people; its a melting pot, Walls said. So their beer has to be unique; its got to stand out.

LEFT COAST BREWING COMPANY

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

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

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

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

It seems fitting that craft beers influ-ences are so various, since the way people experience craft beer varies so much.

You might not be able to describe the complexity, DiLibero said, but theres a lot to talk about not just the flavor itself but how it makes you feel as a person. What does it remind you of? Does it smell good? Is it harsh? Drinkable? You break it all down and then start talking about the flavor profiles. The more you explore, the easier it gets to talk about complexity and the little things.

ARTIFEX BREWING COMPANY

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

The way the brewery seamlessly transitions into the tasting room creates the feel of a production facility, kind of like sitting in the kitchen of a restaurant. We wanted it to be that way because you get to interact with everyone said Tom Cordato, a partner at Artifex.

And Artifex listens to the court of public opinion: if sales are down on a particular beer for a couple months, they wont brew it again and brew something else instead.

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

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

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

South Orange County in general is a culmination of a lot of people; its a melting pot. So their beer has to be unique; its got to stand out.

Pizza Port Brewer Trevor Walls

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

EYE ON SJC


THE BREWHOUSE

The unassuming locale and casual atmosphere of The BrewHouse conceal an almost daunting selection of 30 rotat-ing taps of craft beer, one of which is the establishments recipe brewed in collabo-ration with Valiant Brewing, and none of which have been repeats since The Bre-wHouse opened its doors last year in San Juan Capistrano. Guiding visitors through the menagerie of brews are the owners, bartenders, brewers and beer enthusiasts, Ron Bland and Andrew Reed.

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

Although they keep a few familiar beers on tap, some brews are so exclusive that Reed and Bland have to pick up the kegs themselves because the brewers dont distribute. Perhaps the most exclusive beer they serve is their own, which, for the moment, can only be had there. Its a Belgian strong blonde style that cycles with its two variantsa blackberry ver-sion called Berry Vunderfl and a cherry version called Rainy Sundae that has a

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

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

DOCENT BREWING

San Juan Capistrano has a new brewery in planning called Docent Brewing. Partner Joe Wilshire recently signed a lease for property close to the San Juan Creek Trail on Calle Aviador and hopes to open the brewery sometime in the third quarter of this year, contingent on state approval. Wilshire and his three partners plan on brewing a wide spectrum of beers in their newly aquired 15-barrel system for the resi-dents and visitors of San Juan Capistrano.

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

DANA POINT/CRAFT HOUSE

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

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

Though the name hints at brewing, Craft House isnt in the business of brew-ing its own beer. However, Dana Points newest eatery, slated to open March 10, values craft brew and plans to have a house beer on tap called 1914 Heritage Alean extra special bitter style co-

branded with AleSmith Brewing Company of San Diego.

We chose that for the house beer be-cause its the happy medium between the hop enthusiast and the light beer drinker, said Craft House owner and chef Blake Mellgren. Its something that fits the full spectrum.

The restaurant will have seven other craft beers on tap representing brewer-ies from San Diego to Paso Robles, with an eclectic farm-driven menu to pair with them. They describe their food and drink menus as living, breathing things that will be different every time a diner visits. Craft House sous chef Crews Wells de-scribes their philosophy in the same way that local craft brewers do.

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

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

With more breweries cropping up on the horizon, south Orange County is poised to develop a reputation as a destina-tion for unique, quality beer. CD

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

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

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

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

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at [email protected] 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.

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTSSOAPBOX

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016 Page 8 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

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The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 4. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Accounting & Distribution Manager> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller,Jonathan Volzke

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

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

Letters tothe Editor MAJORITY OF CITY COUNCIL LACKS COMMON SENSE

Wayne Schrimp, San Juan CapistranoIt is once again apparent that a major-

ity of our seated City Council lacks all possible common sense required to do the job that they were elected to do. It seems there is no end to their personal agendas, nor do they attempt to do what is best for the majority of our citys residents. The needs of the few should never outweigh the needs of the many.

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

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

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

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

Like I said, I live right off of Avenida Sie-ga, and although a light would be great to allow people to safely turn left onto Ortega (a right is usually not a big problem), I have no problem driving down to La Novia to get a turn light. There just is not enough traffi c on Avenida Siega to warrant the installation of a light at this location. In the roads cur-rent condition, a traffi c light will slow down the fl ow of the already crawling traffi c at the bottleneck and make things so much

worse on Ortega, especially at rush hour. The pulsing of the proposed traffi c light will only cause a parking lot-type standstill to occur on the highway.

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

HOSPITAL CONVERSION WOULD NOT HAVE EFFECT

Ray Chaplain, San ClementeRegarding the emergency room at

Saddleback Hospital San Clemente, I hope the following information will help clarify one issue. Public concern appears to revolve around the possible lack of a nearby ER if MemorialCares plans are implemented. There seems to be confusion that paramedics would then need to bypass San Clemente and take critical patients to Mission Viejo or Laguna Hills. If the pa-tient is a heart attack victim, the paramed-ics have been bypassing San Clemente for years since the hospital does not have (and never has had) the most important service needed to treat a heart attack: the catheter-ization lab. The cath lab has specialized equipment that interventional cardiologists and supporting team members need to remove coronary clots, to place stents and possibly pacemakers and defi brillators.

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

The Capistrano Dispatch February 26-March 10, 2016 Page 10 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Couples dressed in their Western best and danced the night away at last years El President Ball. Photo: Allison Jarrell

YOUR EVENT PLANNERGETTING OUT

Friday | 26SOULJAM FEAT. VANCE SCHMITZ7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at San Juan Hills Golf Clubs 19 Sports Bar & Grill. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.1919, www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

DOO WAH RIDERS8:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallows Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capist-rano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Saturday | 27SAN JUAN CREEK GUIDED HIKE8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Led by Jan Duquette, this 90-minute walk begins in the Los Rios parking lot in San Juan Capistrano, goes south along the banks of Trabuco Creek and then east along San Juan Creek. The walk will conclude back in Los Rios Park. $15 suggested donation. 31661 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

DANA POINT SYMPHONY7:30 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony Or-chestra kicks off its four-concert 2016 sea-son with conductor Dean Anderson and featuring Aya Kiyonaga on violin. Program includes Griegs Two Elgiac Melodies, Bedrich Smetanas M Vlast Moldau and Brahms Violin Concerto and Hungar-ian Dances. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, seniors and military. Buy tickets online or at the door on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis. St. Edwards Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, www.danapointsymphony.com.

The ListWhats going on in and around townCOMPILED BY STAFF

FRIDAY, MARCH 4: EL PRESIDENT BALL6 p.m.-10 p.m. The Fiesta Associations 2016 El President Ball is a Wild Western formal event celebrating the heritage of San Juan Capistrano. Enjoy great food and old-fashioned fun while dancing to live country western music at El Adobe de Capistrano. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased in advance online or at Fiesta Association meetings or events. Tickets will not be available at the door. 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

Sunday | 28HANDS & PAWS CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH FUNDRAISERNoon-3 p.m. Join Hands & Paws for a champagne brunch and live entertainment at Casanova Ristorante to benefi t The Ark of San Juan, a local companion animal rescue. Tickets are $50 and include hors doeuvres, salad, choice of main dish, des-sert, champagne, wine and a raffl e ticket for a hotel stay in Las Vegas. 33585 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

Tuesday | 01CURIOSITY CARTS AT THE MISSION10 a.m.-noon. Every Tuesday and Thurs-day, educational carts at Mission San Juan Capistrano offer visitors a close-up view of historical artifacts, including branding irons, spurs, horseshoes, hides, candles, pottery shards and objects used by the Juaneo Indians. Access to the carts is free with paid admission to the Mission. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

Wednesday | 02PAINTING AND VINO6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sip wine while participating in a painting class. All supplies provided. $45. Register at www.paintingandvino.com. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Thursday | 03GARDEN ANGELS8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden and more. Bring gloves and wear closed-toe shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the city of San Juan Cap-istrano, the 2016 State of the City address and dinner with Mayor Pam Patterson will take place at El Adobe de Capistrano this year. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a presentation on the current state of the city. Tickets are $65 or $600 for a table of 10 and can be purchased by visiting www.sanjuanchamber.com or calling 949.493.4700. Reservations are re-quired; no tickets will be sold the night of the event. El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

FIRST FRIDAY FILM7 p.m.-9 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents a monthly movie night. A $2 donation supports the library. Call the library for more informa-tion. La Sala Auditorium at the San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

(Cont. on page 27)

EDITORS PICK

At the Movies: The Witch Is the OneFBY MEGAN BIANCO

or the past few years, cinema has churned out some great at-mospheric, slow-burn horror/

thriller indie fl icks that have saved the fi lm industry from completely selling out to superheroes. With the likes of Under the Skin, The Guest, It Follows and Ex Machina have been dazzling fi lm fanatics, and newcomer Robert Eggers offers his own trippy experience with The Witch. A hit during the festival circuit throughout the past year, Eggers horror period piece is

the unusual must-see for this February.In 1640 New England, a family of English

immigrants settle in the middle of a forest fi lled with tall trees and gray weather. Iso-lated from most of society, the family cares to its children and farm animals. While the eldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is watching over the baby, the youngest child is abducted into thin air. The parents, William (Ralph Ineson) and Katherine (Kate Dickie), wonder if theres evil around the forest, while younger son Caleb (Harvey Scrimshaw) is curious of whats beyond

the woods.Eggers wisely casts unknown actors for

the family members and the movie benefi ts from the slow pacing and period detail, particularly the old English dialogue, with the actors not feeling out of place. The Witch does everything a quality arthouse feature should: create a unique universe, set a solid tone and theme, use distinctive direction and tell a story through aesthetics and atmosphere. For movie fans who want to see one of the creepiest horror movies since Crimson Peak, The Witch is the one. CD Photo: Courtesy of A24

Inside: maps, Schedules & more

EVenT pROgRamInside: maps,

EVenT pROgRamEVenT pROgRam PRESENTED BY

BY JOHN TOMLINSON, MAYOR, CITY OF DANA POINTOn behalf of Dana Point, I welcome you to

the 45th anniversary of the Dana Point Festival of Whalesone of our citys marquee events showcasing all Dana Point has to oer.

Dana Point is home to some of Californias most scenic vistas. In addition to whale watch-ing boat excursions oered during the festival, these coastal perches are ideal locations to experience local marine wildlife and the an-nual California gray whale migration.

A visit to the Dana Point Headlands Conser-vation Area is a must. At the Headlands park, visitors will find our citys nature interpre-tive center where you can learn more about the areas natural history, local conservation eorts and the regions flora and fauna. The Headlands park also has a network of trails providing access to one of the most scenic beaches in the stateDana Strand.

The annual celebration kicks-o Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m. with a parade down Pacific Coast Highway and fair at La Plaza Park. Joining the opening day festival lineup is the inaugural Cardboard Classic Dinghy

Dash, a cardboard boat building contest, race and barbecue. Also on opening night, the city is hosting a viewing of Free Willy: Escape from Pirates Cove at Lantern Bay Park. Fun starts at 6:30 p.m. and the popcorn is free.

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

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

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

You can find a full list of events and attrac-tions in the pages of this program. And while you are here, be sure to take advantage of the festivals free shuttle service and water taxi.

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

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 festivalofwhales.com 3

Five years ago stu-dents took over. The Dana Point Festival of Whales logo that is.

For years, the work of renowned artists decorated the annual celebrationartists like Wyland, known internationally for his marine art raising environmental con-servation awareness, and the movie poster illustrator Phil Rob-

erts, who designed posters for films like Bad News Bears, Austin Powers and Encino Man. Californias whale tail license plate co-designer, Bill Atkins, and the surf classic Endless Summer poster illustrator John VanHamersveld, too, have lent their talents to the festivals logo.

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

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

This years winner is Camden Butterworth, a Dana Hills sopho-more who utilized skills learned in her multi-media and design class to take her logo entry in an entirely dierent direction than past festival designs.

I wanted to go for a cartoonish look with smooth lines and letteringa simple design that would be fun and dierent to look at, she said. Her logo design, the oicial brand of the 45th

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

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

Butterworths logo, along with those from runners-up Anthony Aguilar (second place), Agustina Cruz (third place), Chloe Gaynor (fourth place) and Fatemah Khanmohammadi (fih place), will be on display throughout the festivals Art in the Park eventan

art-focused aair stretching both festival weekends featur-ing artwork from both local students and professionals.

The student art program began in 2011 with Penny Elia, executive director of the festi-val, looking for ways to engage area youth in new and exciting ways. With the help of Natalie Hribar-Kelly, a digital photog-raphy and ceramics teacher at DHHS, the contest was born, and with it student participa-tion in the festivals Art in the Park showcase and an annual field trip at sea for students to find inspiration.

Every year, students embark on the trip during the heart of

the California gray whale migration season to view the mam-mals in their natural habitat. Sketchbooks and cameras in hand they draw marine life and snap images of their surroundings. Ninety fine arts students attended the first year. Interest among both students and teachers has grown exponentially since. This January, more than 200 students and eight teachers from the

Welcome to the Migration Celebration

SECOND PLACEAnthony Aguilar

THIRD PLACEAgustina Cruz

FOURTH PLACEChloe Gaynor

FIFTH PLACEFatemah Khanmohammadi

FIRST PLACECamden Butterworth

Camden Butterworth, a sophomore at Dana Hills High School, had her design chosen by Dana Point Festival of Whales organizers as the oicial logo for the 45th annual event. Photo: Andrea Swayne

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

YoUtHin FOcuSStudent-centric festival program fosters meaningful interaction with community

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

To guarantee that guests for genera-tions to come have the same opportunity to observe and learn about the regions marine life, festival organizers ask all participating sponsors, exhibitors and guests to be stewards of the oceanboth while enjoying the festivals merriment and when they return home.

Sponsors, exhibitors and participants

have been keeping the festivals loca-tionright at the waters edgein mind when planning events for years. In doing so, guests will likely not find balloons, stickers, temporary tattoos, flyers, single-use plastics and other items that could find their way into the ocean.

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

KeEpiNg The FEsTivAL cLeAn, GreEN

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

Incorporating STEM subjectsscience, technology, English and mathtogether with the arts to form a STEAM-based edu-cational experience was the perfect way to satisfy the growing interest among teachers and students, Hribar-Kelly said. Elia agreed. The expansion fulfills one of the festivals core missions: to involve and educate the entire community and highlight the talent of the citys next generation of leaders.

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

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

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

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

convey the negative eect such materials, and their pollution, have on the oceans and marine life. This life-sized spine and rib cagestanding 9-feet-tall and 30-feet-widewill be large enough for guests to walk through.

We used currents to understand the current situation of plastic pollution in the ocean, said environmental science teacher Randy Hudson of his students studies. We dont see it because it gets kind of entrained in these larger-scale currents oshore Were learning about how we are finding whales with plastic in their gut and chemi-cal eects in their blood.

Students will share what theyve learned through observations of currents, waves and tidesphysical factors of the oceanand how those, along with pollution, eect the biological ocean inhabitants.

Dana Hills involvement doesnt end there. Along with the longtime participation of the marching band in the festival parade, an estimated 15 percent of the schools 2,700 student bodyabout 400 studentswill be involved in the event. In years past, culinary students faced o against local eateries and organizations in the Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-o and baked goods for various festival events.

Whats really exciting about this years expansion is that weve created this really well-rounded program that reaches all kinds of kids, with varied interests, and gives them new opportunities to interact with each other and the community in a very meaningful way, said Rhibar-Kelly.

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

Photo: Allison Jarrell

PARKINGParking is free at the Dana Point Harbor but is limited to

four hours. Heed this warning: the restriction is strictly en-forced by sheri s deputies. All-day, and hourly, paid parking is available at Doheny State Beach for a discount rate of $1 per hour. Kiosks are located in the parks lots and the iPhone and Android app, PassportParking Mobile Pay, allows guests to pay and add time with their phone.

SHUTTLEA free shuttle will run throughout the Dana Point Harbor

and Doheny State Beach parking lots each day of the festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shuttle will service multiple stops along Dana Point Harbor Drive to help festivalgoers get from one area of the festival to another. PARADE and STREET FAIR: On Saturday, March 5, shuttle

services begin at 9 a.m. o ering guests rides from the harbor and Doheny State Beach to the parade viewing area. The shuttle will continue service from noon to 4 p.m. to and from harbor and Doheny parking lots to La Plaza Park where the Street Fair is held. WHALE OF A CONCERT: On Sunday, March 15, shuttle

services will be extended to 6 p.m. through the Whale of a Concert conclusion.

WATER TAXIGuests can travel from harbor end to end on the Festival of

Whales water taxian educational ride featuring interesting facts about Dana Point and gray whales. Daily taxi service will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute. Roundtrip tickets cost $5.

In the spirit of conservation, the Dana Point Festival of Whales, Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink have once again teamed up to help guests celebrate the California gray whale migration with an af-fordable, hassle-free and environmentally-friendly means of travel.

Throughout both festival weekends OCTA and Metrolink are o ering a $10 weekend day passvalid for system-wide travel all day Saturday or Sunday.

To get to the festival, riders can travel to the San Juan Capistrano train station on Metrolinks OC Line and trans-fer to an OCTA Route 91 bus headed south to Dana Point. Festivalgoers can also bike from San Juan to Dana Point by way of the San Juan Creek trail. This 3-mile trail leads to Doheny State Beach.

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

In addition to enjoying tra ic-free festival travel, mass-transit riders can also receive special o ers during the festival by showing their Metrolink ticket, OCTA bus pass or 91 Express Lanes transponder.

HERE ARE THE FOLLOWING EXCLUSIVE OFFERS:BOAT RENTALS Be your own captain and cruise the harbor on a 21-foot

SAVE ENVIRONMENT, CASH WITH MASS TRANSIT TRAVEL

TraVEliNg ABoUt tHe fEStiVAl

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

DINING AND DRINK SPECIALS Buy one premium co ee beverage at The Co ee Import-ers, located in the Dana Point Harbors Mariners Village on the waters edge, and receive a second one free. Snag a seat in Harpoon Henrys spacious dining room with panoramic harbor views to receive your complimen-tary chefs choice appetizer with an entre purchase. One per table. Enjoy a free side salad with each sandwich purchase at the dockside eatery, Proud Marys Restaurant. Receive a free house appetizer of the chefs choosing with the purchase of an entre at Wind & Sea Restaurant. Limit one per table.

OVERNIGHT STAYS Dont miss a minute of the action! Enjoy a weekend get-away in the heart of the harbor with a special $79 a night rate at the Dana Point Marina Inn. Reservations required. Mention the OCTA/Metrolink rate when booking. Call 800.255.6843 or email [email protected].

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

WHALE WATCHING EXCURSIONS Receive a 50-percent discount o a whale watching trip with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Reservations are required. Confirm your trip by calling 949.496.5764 or by visiting www.danawharf.com.

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 festivalofwhales.com6

EveNt ScHedULeSUNDAYMARCH 615 WHALE OF A SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION8 a.m.2:30 p.m. Baby Beach

4 LILY: A GRAY WHALE TRIBUTE 8:30 a.m.9:30 a.m. Captain Daves Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

16 WHALE WALK PAINTING9 a.m.2 p.m. Doheny State Beach

6 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village

3 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD10 a.m.10:45 a.m. Ocean Adventure Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock

13 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES10 a.m.11 a.m. Harpoon Henrys

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

11 SO CAL WOODIES10 a.m.4 p.m. Harbor Walkway

11 THE LEGENDARY CORVETTE10 a.m.4 p.m. Harbor Walkway

12 ART IN THE PARK10 a.m.5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive

15 OCEAN AWARENESS DAY11 a.m.4 p.m. Baby Beach Park

15 DIAMOND DIG11:30 a.m.1 p.m. Baby Beach

15 WHALE OF A RUBBER DUCKY DERBY11 a.m.2 p.m. Baby Beach

15 WHALE OF A BBQ 11:30 a.m.4 p.m. Baby Beach Park

10 HARBOR MUSIC SERIES Noon3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village

3 KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND TRIPNoon12:30 p.m.; 12:455:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks

8 WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway

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

SATURDAYMARCH 12 16 WHALE OF A BEACH CLEANUP 9 a.m.Noon Doheny State Beach

6 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village


13 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES 10 a.m.11 a.m. Harpoon Henrys

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

11 BRITISH INVASION10 a.m.4 p.m. Harbor Walkway



4 CAPTAIN DAVES CARNIVAL Noon2 p.m. Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach


5 WHALES TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE12:15 p.m.3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute


9 DRONES OVER WHALES & DOLPHINS2:30 p.m.3:30 p.m. Dana Point Yacht Club

SUNDAYMARCH 136 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village



11 BRITISH INVASION10 a.m.4 p.m. Harbor Walkway



16 MOBILE MARINE MAMMAL MUSEUM 11 a.m.3 p.m. Doheny State Beach Visitor Center


15 CONCERT ON THE WATERNoon5 p.m. Baby Beach

15 WHALE OF A CONCERT BBQ AND SPIRITS GARDENNoon5 p.m. Baby Beach

3 KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND TRIPNoon12:30 p.m.; 12:455:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks


5 OCEAN INSTITUTE OCEAN EDUCATION CENTEROpen daily during the festival 10 a.m4 p.m.

MARCH 1213

CAPTAIN DAVES DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING SAFARI24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, dolphinsafari.com

DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING34675 Golden Lantern, 800.979.3370, danawharf.com

OCEAN INSTITUTE24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, ocean-institute.org

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

WEEKEND TWO

SATURDAY MARCH 56 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village

1 FESTIVAL OF WHALES PARADE10 a.m. Pacific Coast Highway

15 CARDBOARD CLASSIC DINGHY DASH & EXPO 10 a.m.4 p.m. Baby Beach



2 STREET FAIR 10 a.m.3 p.m. La Plaza Park

11 SO CAL WOODIES 10 a.m.4 p.m. Harbor walkway

11 THE LEGENDARY CORVETTE10 a.m.4 p.m. Harbor Walkway


9 JEFFREY ADAM MEMORIAL SAILING REGATTA 11:15 a.m. Dana Point Yacht Club

15 WHALE OF A BBQ 11:30 a.m.4 p.m. Baby Beach Park


5 WHALES TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE12:15 p.m.3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

8 WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway


14 MOVIE IN THE PARK FREE WILLY: ESCAPE FROM PIRATES COVE6:30 p.m. Lantern Bay Park

5 OCEAN INSTITUTE OCEAN EDUCATION CENTEROpen daily during the festival 10 a.m4 p.m.

WEEKEND ONE MARCH 56

WHALE WATCHING

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 festivalofwhales.com 7

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

DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE March 5, 6, 12, 13; 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. A walk along the Harbor Boardwalkalong the Mariners Village boat docks and near The Coee Importerssees the work of local award-winning artists on display. Peruse or purchase watercolors, oil paint-ings and more. A portion of the nonprofits festival proceeds will benefit local high school students. 6

WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER March 5, 6; 2 p.m. Join the Historical Soci-ety on a tour of Dana Points notable down-town to hear stories of the citys origin, buildings, homes and landmarks built from 1924 to 1939. Meet your guide at the Blue Lantern CafCoastal Kitchenat 34091 Pacific Coast Highway. For group reserva-tions, call 949.248.8121. 8

Cardboard Classic and Sailing RegattaCARDBOARD CLASSIC DINGHY DASH March 5; 10 a.m.4 p.m. Experience the exhilaration of racing your own watercra. Dinghy Dash teams will work all morning long designing and building their cras from just cardboard and duct tape before competing in age divi-sions in the aernoon. $25 per team. Materials supplied. Inaugural event includes vendor booths, barbecue and more. 15

JEFFREY ADAM MEMORIAL SAILING REGATTA March 5Dana Points yacht clubs, sail-ing schools and Sea Scouts come together to honor Jerey Adam, a local 22-year-old who died from a rare bacterial meningitis, with his favorite pas-timesailing. Dinghy sailors of all ages are welcome. Spectator cruises, lasting 80 min-utes, are open to the public. They depart at 11:15 a.m., noon and 1:15 p.m. 9

Captain Daves Whale Watching and MoreDRONES OVER WHALES & DOLPHINS March 12; 2:30 p.m.3:30 p.m. Discover how innovative drone technology is help-ing local marine experts learn more about dolphins and whales than ever before and see how the aerial tools can be helpful in entanglement rescues. 9

LILY: A GRAY WHALE TRIBUTE March 6; 8:30 a.m.9:30 a.m. Capt. Dave Anderson welcomes guests aboard his 62-foot re-search and rescue vessel Lilynamed for a gray whale who became entangledto the public for a free tour, lecture and signing of Andersons bookLily, A Gray Whales Odyssey. 4

UNDER THE SEA CARNIVAL March 12; Noon2 p.m. All members of the pod are invited to experience an under the sea adven-ture on land. Join Capt. Dave for an aernoon of educational fun complete with games, cras, prizes, facing painting and an underwa-ter simulation at the Dolphin Deck. 4

Classic Car Displays

BRITISH INVASION March 12, 13; 10 a.m.4 p.m. Britains greatest 1960s exports, aside from James Bond and The Beatles, classic sports cars are on display along the Harbor walkway. View Austin-Healey, Jaguar, Morgan and

Triumph sports cars up close throughout the weekend. 11

SO CAL WOODIES March 5, 6; 10 a.m.4 p.m. Meet loyal owners of Califor-nias quintessential cars who preserve a piece of the states rich surf culture history. The National Woodie Clubs area branch presents wood-paneled, chrome-finished Fords, Buicks and more along the Harbor walkway. 11

THE LEGENDARY VETTE March 5, 6; 10 a.m.4 p.m. Chevrolets iconic American homegrown sports car, the Corvette, stars in this Harbor walkway display. Pacific Coast Corvettes presents the car that has captured enthusiasts and casual drivers for seven model generations. 11

Dana Wharf Whale Watching and MoreDRONE AND GOPRO DEMO March 5, 6, 12, 13; 2p.m.4:30 p.m. Learn how Dana Wharfs crew operates drones safely and respectfully to capturing stunning images and videos of local marine wildlife during a 2.5-hour whale watching excursion. 3

KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP March 6, 13; Noon12:30 p.m. Young guests will learn how to cast, catch and reel in fish from local ex-perts at this dockside clinic. A free fishing trip, including equipment, for kids 12 and under will follow from 12:45 p.m.5:15 p.m. Adults are $46 plus license and equipment. 3

MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.11 a.m. Local marine biologists and guest experts share recent findings on marine life at this continental breakfast at Harpoon Henrys. Lectures are free. A 2.5-hour whale watching trip is oered right aer. Whale watching tickets are $55 for adults and $35 for children and seniors. Speakers include: Lei Lani Stelle (March 5); Doug Thompson (March 6); Kirsten Donald (March 12); and Todd Mansur (March 13). 13

WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.10:45 a.m. Learn how renowned wildlife artist Wyland creates his paintings and sculptures at this dock-side video presentation and art lesson. Kids can enter their artwork to be judged

by Wyland for a grand prize. Cost is $5 per child. Participants

receive a free same-day whale watching excursion with paid adult ticket

for $45. 3

Diamond DigDIAMOND DIG March 6; 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. Ahoy Mate! Come dressed in your pirate best to loot buried treasures in the Baby Beach sands. Riches include jewelry, toys and more. Entry into this Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club hosted event costs $10 per child. All proceeds benefit local childrens charities. 15

Doheny State BeachMOBILE MARINE MAMMAL MUSEUM March 13; 11 a.m.3 p.m. Gain an ap-preciation for the seas creatures at this display of marine mammal artifacts at the Doheny State Beach Visitors Center. Free, one-hour parking is available at the state beach for mobile museum visitors. 16

WHALE OF A BEACH CLEANUP March 12; 9 a.m.noon Toast to the coast and help keep a treasured California locale pristine by lending a hand in this annual cleanup of Doheny State Beach. Meet at lifeguard headquarters to learn how you can do your part to maintain coastal resources all year-round. Bring work gloves and a recyclable

bag or bucket. Free shuttle available from harbor. 16

WHALE WALK PAINTING March 6; 9 a.m.2 p.m. Help add a 75-foot long fin whale mural to Dohenys whale walkfeaturing life-sized paintings of the worlds largest mammals:

the gray, blue, humpback and orca whales. Call the Doheny

State Beach Interpretive Associa-tion for more information at: 949.544.4627. 16

Food Fun WHALE OF A BBQ March 5 & 6; 11:30 a.m.4 p.m. Barbecued hot dogs, hamburgers and other treats will be served. Stand will be set up adjacent to Baby Beach. 15

WHALE OF A CLAM CHOWDER COOK-OFF March 12; 10 a.m.2 p.m. Festival-goers, prepare your taste buds. Local eateries and clubs are battling it out in a clam chowder throw down benefitting the non-profit organization Fish for Life that takes children with special needs on fishing excursions. So stop by, sample each entry and vote for your favorite. Cost is $10. There will also be a beer & wine garden available to guests 21 and over. 15

WHALE OF A CONCERT BBQ March 13; Noon5 p.m. Enjoy barbecued favorites on the sands of Baby Beach while local bands take to the floating stage to close out the 45th annual Festival of Whales. Barbecue includes a spirits garden for guests over 21. Valid drivers license must be pre-sented. 15

EveNtS & ATtRacTIonS


# = Event location; See map on page 6.

(Cont. on page 10)

Diamond Dig

Traveling day and night, the California gray whale makes one of the mammal worlds longest annual migrations. The more than 10,000-mile, roundtrip migration see the species travel from the icy waters of the Bering and Chukchi seas to the warm lagoons of Baja California each fall and returning in spring. During the peak springtime travel, 40 to 50 of these majestic mammals pass by Dana Point each day using the famed 200-foot Headlands clis as a migratory-path landmark. Visitors can head out on a maritime excursion with Captain Dave, Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute throughout the 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales to learn more about the gray whales migration and other local marine life from knowledgeable captains, naturalists and researchers. Gray whales, dolphins and more can also be experienced by land from the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area. The park includes a three-mile public trail system with scenic overlooks and beach access.

Dana Wharf Whale Watching34675 Golden Lantern, 800.979.3370, danawharf.com Climb aboard a family-owned Dana Wharf vessel to experience Orange Countys original whale watching with expert captains and certified naturalists detailing the gray whales movements. These 2-hour excursions depart each hour on the hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Price is $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and military members, $29 for children 3-12 and free for kids under 2. Special 8 a.m. trips, 4 p.m. sunset cruises and catamaran ad-ventures oered throughout the festivals two weekends. The Dana Wharf marine mam-mal rain check ensures a good show of whales and dolphins or the next trip is free.

Captain Daves Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, dolphinsafari.com See what its like to swim with dolphins and whales aboard one of Captain Daves hi-tech catamarans, featuring eye-spy dolphin nets and state-of-the-art research equip-ment. On the catamaran sailboat, enter the eye-to-eye viewing pod, hear dolphins below the surface and explore marine artifacts in the micro-museum. Safaris are never crowded with just 49 guests, and are all topped with a special treatMrs. Capt. Daves triple fudge brownies. Tickets for these 2.5-hour trips are $65 per adult, $45 for children 1 to 12 and $20 for infants. Departure times vary. Call or visit Capt. Daves website to book tickets.

Ocean Institute24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, ocean-institute.org Join the Ocean Institutes skilled and expert crew on a 2.5-hour cruise aboard the marine educational vessel, R/V Sea Explorer, to glimpse into the mysterious world of the whales and dolphins that call Pacific waters home. These 2.5-hour learning-adventure trips are oered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. throughout the festival. Each sea excursion in-cludes hands-on learning activities for kids onboard. Trip cost is $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and military members, $25 for children 4-14 and free for children 3 and under. Weekend admission to the institute is included with each ticket purchase.

Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center34558 Scenic Drive, 949.542-4755, danapoint.org Walk along this blu-top preserves three-miles of trails to view marine-mammal migra-tions from above. The Dana Point Headlands oers coastal switchback trails from Dana Point Harbor to Dana Strand Beach complete with sweeping panoramic views and remote desert landscape. The Nature Interpretive Center is open each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trails are accessible from 7 a.m. to sunset daily.

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

MusicHARBOR MUSIC SERIES March 5, 6, 12, 13; Noon3 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Association presents live entertainment in the Dana Wharf Court-yard and grassy area near Mariners Village throughout the festival. 10

CONCERT ON THE WATER March 13; Noon5 p.m. Close out the years Festival of Whales with live music and dancing at Baby Beach. Local bands take the floating stage all day long. A barbecue and a spir-its garden for guests 21 and older round out the celebration. Line-up includes: an opening from Molly Bergman, then old school surf from The Eliminators at noon; reggae from Sapadilla at 1:30 p.m.; and a Jimmy Buet tribute from and Gar-ratt Walkin & The Parrotheads starting at 3:30 p.m. 15

Ocean Awareness DayOCEAN AWARENESS DAY March 6; 11 a.m.4 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor As-sociation presents interactive displays, demonstrations and live entertainment highlighting area envi-ronmental programs and ocean-related issues. Event is located at Baby Beach. 15

Ocean Institute Whale Watching and MoreWHALES TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE March 5, 12; 12:15 p.m. From devil fish to friendliest whale travel through time to discover how mans perceptions of the gray whale have changed. Then, set out to sea aboard a historic tallship to gain insights into humans evolving relationship with the ocean. 5

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

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

Rubber Ducky Derby WHALE OF A RUBBER DUCKY DERBY

March 6; 11 a.m.2 p.m. The Dana Point Womens Club puts a fun spin on a

classic rubber ducky race. Cost is $6 per duck or $10 for two. Funds go toward childrens summer programming at the Dana Point Library. Prizes awarded to first, second and third place. 15

Sand Sculpting Fun

WHALE OF A SAND SCULPTING COMPETI-TION March 6; Sculpting begins, 8 a.m.; Judging, 2:30 p.m. Bring your buckets, sculpting tools and imagination to Baby Beach to create ocean creatures, pirates, woodies and more in this annual contest hosted by OC Parks. Twenty plots available. No entry fee. 15

Sailing and Paddling

SAILING RIDES March 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.4 p.m. Take to harbor waters and learn how to steer and sail a Carpi 14 on these half-hour educa-tional sessions. Cost $15 per boat with a three-person

maximum. Proceeds benefit the Dana Point Aquatic Foundations

at-risk youth and adaptive-boating programs. 7

STAND-UP PADDLING CLINICS March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.3 p.m. Experience the SUP craze firsthand during these 45-minute on-the-water clinics. $10 per person. For participants ages 12 and up12 to 14 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Lifejackets are provided. 7

Street FairFESTIVAL OF WHALES STREET FAIR March 5; 10 a.m.3 p.m. Visit La Plaza Park aer the parade for the fun-filled Whales and Tails Wag-a-thon and fair hosted by the Pet Project Foundation

and Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Event includes: live

entertainment, food trucks, carnival games, more than 70 booths, a pet costume parade, farmers market and more. Free shuttles are available both to and from the Harbor. 2

*All events are dependent on weather.

WhALe wATcHinG


EveNtS & ATtRacTIonS(Cont. from page 8)

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Top: Randy Hudson, an environmental science teacher at Dana Hills High School and past recipient of Capistrano Unified School Districts Teacher of the Year award, instructs students on an annual field-study trip to Baja California. Courtesy photo Above: With a li from its mother, a young California gray whale gets close to a panga boat in Ojo de Liebreor Scammons Lagoonlocated in Mexicos Baja California Sur about 450 miles south of Tijuana. Photo: Randy Hudson

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

This year, the National Park Service celebrates its centennial100 years of conservation that sprung from a novel but powerful idea: to protect wildlife and habi-tat for future generations.

This idea may have started in America but has since morphed into a global eort to es-tablish parklands and legislate on behalf of endangered species. It has even blossomed into entirely new fields of study. One of the sentinels of this early movement was John Muiran author, naturalist and environ-mental philosopherwho had an uncanny beat on how the natural world functioned and an understanding that everything in the universe is ultimately connected.

Nearly 150 years ago, Charles Scammon sailed past Dana Point in his initial pursuit of the gray whales to their Baja California, Mexico nursery grounds in Ojo de Liebre. The result of this voyage, and more in the following years, decimated the east Pacific population as whalers eectively removed two generations of whales from the oceans in less than a decade.

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

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

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

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

Its a success story that we use to remind ourselves of where we once were, how we recognized the folly of our ways and recti-fied the issue. But did we?

Gray Whales may no longer be hunted in North America, but they still face a formi-dable foeus.

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

Issues of plastic pollution are an ex-ample. Single use plastic items of conve-nience enter our oceans on the order of millions of tons per year and are turning up in carcasses of wildlife from fish to birds to gray whales. The synthetic estrogen-like compounds that adhere to both the in-gested plastic and subsequently the whales blubber have the power to render a species extinct by eectively sterilizing its reproduc-tive system.

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

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

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

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

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

The California gray whale landed on the endangered species list in the early 1970s. Around the same time, Don Hansena local captain running whale watching trips for high school studentsmoved his small sportfishing company from the San Clemente Pier to the not-yet-opened Dana Point Harbor.

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

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

During this time, Dana Point became the Wests whale watching epicenter.

Hansens harbor move brought about the founding of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. To celebrate the com-panys opening, Hansen and late Orange County and Dana Point historian Doris Walker launched the firstand unnamedDana Point Festival of Whales. One year saw the festival really get o the ground.

The festival and gray whale population are symbiotically linkedeach growing with the passing years.

Gray whales are exceeding expectations. Every year we see record aer record being set in terms of population, said Donna Kalez, Hansens daughter and general manager of Dana Wharf, who sits on the festivals governing committee. It is super exciting. Awareness of whales and dol-phins is at the highest it has ever been. It is something to be proud of. Dana Point can be proud of the awareness it has brought to whales and dolphins.

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

tional event. It has maintained its origins, however. This festival is grassrootsboth organized and executed by the commu-nity, for the community.

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

The city of Dana Point kicks the celebra-tion o with a parade down Pacific Coast Highwaya hallmark event that sees hun-dreds of residents, students and organiza-tions take part. Right aer the parade, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and Pet Project Foundation welcome guests to the annual street fair at La Plaza Park.

Throughout the festival

February 26, 2016

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