February 28, 2014

VOLUME 12, ISSUE 4

Photos from the Taste of San Juan,

Kids Pet ParadeEYE ON SJC/PAGE 8

Eagles and Warriors Punch Tickets to CIF-SS

Basketball Semifi nals SPORTS/PAGE 14

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

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE FEBRUARY 28–MARCH 13, 2014

FOUNDED IN 2002

INSIDE: 43rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales Event Guide

SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION

Aging elementary, middle and high school campuses in Dana Point and San Clemente, like Palisades Elementary, are among several Capistrano Unifi ed School District sites that require moderate to extensive facilities upgrades. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Prioritizing Needs, Finding Fixes

South Orange County schools are dealing with major facility needs

E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

THE LATEST: City Councilman Roy Byrnes apologized last Tuesday for comparing fel-low council members to World War II dicta-tors and the Ku Klux Klan but maintained his belief that they acted similarly to Adolf Hitler’s intimidation squads while counter-ing petition gatherers trying to recall Mayor Sam Allevato.

“If I came up perhaps too emotionally or too steadfastly, then certainly you are due an apology,” Byrnes said to Allevato and Councilmen Larry Kramer and John Taylor.

Along with his apology, however, Byrnes also referred to Allevato and his support-ers as a “goon squad” and likened them to Hitler’s brown shirts, members of the Nazi Party who helped the dictator rise to power.

“In my mind, it was not similar. It was identical,” Byrnes said.

Byrnes’ statement followed demands for an apology from the three councilmen, as well as several residents who came up to speak.

Kramer said Byrnes had “gone a step way too far.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Recall supporters have until March 7 to gather 3,503 signatures, 20 percent of San Juan’s registered voters, to enact a special election.

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. – Brian Park

What’s Up With...S A N J U A N C A P I S T R A N O ’ S T O P 5 H O T T E S T T O P I C S

…Byrnes’ Apology?1

1LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTINGEYE ON SJC

www.thecapistranodispatch.comThe Capistrano Dispatch February 28–March 13, 2014

…the News Rack Lawsuit?

…the Phone Scam?

…the Superintendent Search?

…the TCA?

23

4

5

THE LATEST: Attorneys for a local newspa-per that sued the city of San Juan Cap-istrano over a closed-session decision to remove news racks at city properties are challenging an attempt to remove three council members and the city attorney

THE LATEST: The city of San Juan Capist-rano is warning its water customers of a potential phone scam that asks for credit card information to settle water bills.

In a statement released by the city last week, a San Juan water customer reported that they had received a phone call re-questing payment for an overdue account and to provide a credit card number.

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unifi ed School District is asking for the commu-nity’s input in their search for the next superintendent.

Parents, students, community mem-bers and CUSD employees are invited to participate in an online survey to provide their input on desirable attributes of the next superintendent.

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, the school board selected national fi rm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to conduct the search.

Superintendent Joe Farley announced that he will retire on June 30, after four years at the head of the district and a 40-plus-year career as an educator.

WHAT’S NEXT: Two community forums were held earlier this week. The online survey, which will be up until Sunday, March 2, can be accessed at http://goo.gl/Q0DQvp.

The search fi rm will take the public’s input and present that information, along with a leadership profi le and candidate criteria, during the board’s March 12 meeting.

The district expects to name a new super-intendent in May, according to a release.

THE LATEST: Members of the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency board unanimously rescinded a 2008 resolution giving the chairperson and CEO special contracting authorities made outside the public’s eye.

With it, CEO Neil Peterson and Chair-woman Lisa Bartlett were stripped of the authority to cosign contracts outside the public’s scope. The 6-year-old board statute gave the two the authority to sign contracts worth up to $25,000 for legisla-tive support and strategy measures. The CEO could executive such contracts alone, but extensions had to be approved by the chairperson.

WHAT’S NEXT: At the body’s Feb. 13 meeting, Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer criticized the power.

“Once an elected offi cial is on the record as hiding from the public’s scope, trust is lost,” Spitzer said.

Spitzer noted he believed Bartlett was acting within her authority as chair. The problem, however, was her authority was granted by previous boards, and the deci-sion to continue the resolution was “hid-den” in budget approvals, he said.

Bartlett said she was following “standard operating procedure” and that nearly every other agency in Orange County operates under the same procedure, allowing an executive to sign for certain items.

“Our policy is actually more restrictive, with regard to dollar amount,” Bartlett said. “We also have the chairman sign off on the resolution.”

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. – Andrea Papagianis and Jim Shilander

Page 3

SAN CLEMENTECity Council members seemed open to fi nding new ways of fi nancing potential

beach sand replenishment, including asking voters to pay into an ongoing maintenance

fund, similar to the Clean Ocean Fee. Marine Safety Chief Bill Humphreys said the city is still in the running for a potential Army

Corps of Engineers project that would provide for large scale work, between Linda

Lane and T Street beaches. The city currently utilizes twice-yearly sand pushing to keep

up the sand supply, but, Humphrey said, that does not stop the slow erosion of the beach.

Mayor Tim Brown said he is open to asking city voters if they’d agree to tax themselves, to pay directly into a beach sand replenish-ment fund, since it would likely be an ongo-ing issue that could not be addresses solely

from the city’s general fund.

NEWS NEXT DOOR

DANA POINTIn addition to widening Interstate 5 between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano to add a high-occupancy vehicle lane, and the reconstruction of the Avenida Pico interchange, the Orange County Transportation Agency is embarking on other projects to reduce conges-tion, ease traffi c fl ow and improve local roadway safety. OCTA has begun work to sync traffi c sig-nals along Antonio and Crown Valley parkways. The project garnered approval from the OC Board of Supervisors, which includes partner-ships with local cities. Work on Crown Valley Parkway will impact 30 traffi c signals along 9 miles of road, from Pacifi c Coast Highway in Dana Point to Antonio Parkway in Ladera Ranch. New equipment will be installed in Dana Point and Laguna Niguel. The project is currently un-derway and is expected to cost $459,000. Log onto www.octa.net/I-5Pico for updates.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING

TOWNS1from the lawsuit.

Wayne P. Tate, the lawyer for Communi-ty Common Sense, fi led papers last week challenging a motion fi led by attorneys for the city, who wish to strike the names of Mayor Sam Allevato, Councilmen Larry Kramer and John Taylor, and City Attor-ney Hans Van Ligten from the lawsuit.

“This argument, if sustained, will set the precedent that elected and appointed government offi cials are authorized to vio-late the First Amendment of the citizens they represent with virtual impunity,” Tate wrote.

The city’s motion argues that the lawsuit threatens the four men’s freedom of speech, using the state’s anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation law, which is intended to protect citizens from litigation that threatens to silence or in-timidate them from public participation.

Last week, publishers for Common Sense announced that lawyers from the First Amendment Project, an Oakland-based nonprofi t organization, will join Tate as co-counsel.

WHAT’S NEXT: The anti-SLAPP motion is scheduled to be heard in Orange County Superior Court on March 6 by Judge James Di Cesare.

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story and updates, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. – BP

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, visit www.capousd.org. – Brian Park

The call was automated and prompted the caller to enter information through their phone keypad, according to city spokesperson Lori Doll.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city said it does not contact customers for bill payments by phone, and if a customer receives a suspi-cious phone call, they should hang up and call the city’s water billing department at 949.493.1515.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org. – BP

www.thecapistranodispatch.comThe Capistrano Dispatch February 28–March 13, 2014 Page 4

EYE ON SJC

ith Gov. Jerry Brown’s new Local Control Fund-ing Program giving school districts statewide greater authority over funding and budgeting,

districts are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And for the first time in years, the Capistrano Uni-fied School District is discussing what can be done versus what couldn’t or had to be cut.

While returning to a full school calendar and reducing class sizes to previous levels remains at the forefront of discussion, the district is starting to address long-overdue maintenance needs in aging schools in south Orange County, from San Clemente to Aliso Viejo.

One year ago, outgoing Superintendent Joseph Farley said the district’s facilities needs were pushing toward $1 billion, highlighting a multi-year goal to complete upgrades and modernization efforts at several campuses. Needs were more narrowly defined in December as CUSD’s Board of Trustees readdressed a 2009 study by consultant WLC Architects where needed maintenance estimations topped out at more than $822 million across the district.

“The district has acknowledged many of our sites have needs,” district spokesman Marcus Walton said in an email. “Staff is addressing those needs as resources allow.”

While the district has needs everywhere, San Clemente and Dana Point are home to some of the oldest schools in the district, many of which pre-date the district’s forma-tion in 1965. The increasing maintenance costs inherent in older buildings meant the economic downturn affected those buildings more, said Board of Trustees President John Alpay, who represents San Clemente.

“With many of CUSD’s oldest campuses located in the southern portion of the school district, San Clemente and Dana Point based facilities took a disproportionate hit,” Alpay said.

Prioritizing Needs, Finding Fixes

By Andrea Papagianis and Jim ShilanderThe Capistrano Dispatch

South Orange County schools dealing with major facilities needsEight aging schools from San Clemente to Aliso Viejo

were identified by staff as having immediate essentials in need of repair, with costs totaling $13 million.

At San Clemente High School, those needs are estimat-ed at $6.145 million for new roofing, fire alarm upgrades, artificial turf, flooring, painting and other general mainte-nance. For Dana Hills High School the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system needs replacing. Estimates place the project costs at $2.5 million.

Shorecliffs Middle School along with, Las Palmas, Palisades and R.H. Dana elementary schools also made the list, with combined repairs and general updates sitting near the $4 million mark. Those south county schools were all built prior to 1977, with Shorecliffs being the most recent addition.

But with an estimated $44.8 million in available facilities funding, the district has just 5 percent of monies required to cover all its needs. Projects at Dana Hills and San Clemente high schools could soon go out to bid, but until numbers come back, district efforts to identify funding sources are a bit premature.

GAINING MORE CONTROLBrown’s reemphasis on local control during his State

of the State speech in January made his position clear: Educational action should remain at the local level.

“With six million students, there is no way the state can micromanage teaching and learning in all the schools from El Centro to Eureka,” Brown said. “And we should not even try.”

In July, Brown signed sweeping legislation to overhaul the ways California’s public education system is funded, providing one of the biggest changes to K-12 funding in decades.

At the crux of Assembly Bill 97 was the Local Control Funding Program, aimed at providing districts serving higher-needs students—such as lower-income students

(Cont. on page 6)

W

Overall District Need: Estimated $822 million

Available Funding: $44.8 million

Hypothetical: If available funds were spread out evenly between all Capistrano Unified School District schools, each school site would have $801,000 available. But the heating and cooling system repair needs at Dana Hills High School are priced at about $2.3 million. Additional-ly, at San Clemente High School, costs for roofing and fire alarm upgrades are estimated at more than $3 million.

Proposed Projects: CUSD has identified eight schools as having priority needs, including elementary, middle and high schools in Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, La-guna Niguel and San Clemente. Many of the south Orange County schools have aging facilities with high-dollar needs.

Dana Hills High School was built in 1973. The school’s heating, cooling and air conditioning system is in need of repair or replacement. Costs to replace the school’s HVAC air handlers, which circulate air throughout

the school’s buildings, are estimated at $2.5 million.

Las Palmas Elementary School is one of the district’s oldest. Originally built in the late 1920s, Las Palmas was demolished and rebuilt in the ’70s. An estimated $400,000 in general upgrades is needed.

Palisades Elementary School wears visible signs of its 50 years with dated buildings and worn roofing. The Capistrano Beach school has $463,000 in immediate needs for general maintenance and painting.

R.H. Dana Elementary School was built in 1969. General facilities upgrades and window replacements have been pegged as needed, bearing a $547,000 price tag.

San Clemente High School has some of the district’s highest dol-lar needs. More than $6.145 mil-lion in upgrades and repairs were identified for this school built in 1965, including roofing, artificial turf, fire alarm upgrades, painting,

flooring, lockers and performing arts center repairs.

Shorecliffs Middle School sits near the Dana Point-San Clemente border needing an es-timated $2.545 million in general upgrades, roofing, flooring and painting. Some of the school’s portable classrooms also need reconstruction and/or repairs. Shorecliffs was built in 1977.

At the beginning of the fiscal year, the district had about $57 million in facilities funds with limited uses. Leaving out spoken-for funds, the district has about $44.9 million available, but Community Facilities District funds can only be used for new facilities at certain schools and other funds have limits on their uses, making the financing of projects difficult. Figures courtesy of the Capistrano Unified School District

South County’s Facilities Needs

Schools across south Orange County are in need of major maintenance and upgrades. Photo by Andrea Papagianis


EYE ON SJC(Cont. from page 4)

and non-native English speakers—with increased funding. The law also gives local districts more control on how state fund-ing is spent.

“Instead of prescriptive commands is-sued from headquarters here in Sacra-mento, more general goals have been established for each local school to attain, each in its own way,” Brown said in his speech. “This puts the responsibility where it has to be: in the classroom and at the local district.”

The increased flexibility comes with some stability in funds. In 2012, California voters approved Proposition 30, which allowed increases to both the state sales tax and on incomes greater than $250,000, which were earmarked for education funding. The proposition didn’t increase funding, but rather maintains funds by preventing further cuts to education.

The district is now considering its facility funding options. In a December 11 board presentation, staff suggested trust-ees consider issuing Certificates of Partici-pation for upfront funding from Talega’s Community Facilities District.

But those funds are limited to new construction at school’s serving the com-munity’s students. The district originally considered Talega’s Mello-Roos funding as a source to mitigate San Clemente’s needs, but a recent refinancing of the fund will return an estimated $17 million to

taxpayers in the area. District staff also recommended looking

at School Facility Improvement Districts for areas without CFDs. The funding comes from region-specific general obligation bonds that would pay off CFDs, providing funds for higher-needs schools. This option requires an additional viability analysis.

Additionally, district staff indicated that school facility bonds could make it to the 2014 ballot, giving voters the say into fund-ing facility needs across the state.

But with specific-use limitations on vari-ous funds, the district has yet to earmark funds for projects and has not set construc-tion timelines for when work could occur.

GETTING BACK TO BASICSFor CUSD, like many of its educational-

counterpart agencies, 2008’s economic downturn meant severe budget cuts at the district level and steep downfalls in state and federal funding.

“Given the magnitude of these cuts, we witnessed a reduction in the school year, increase in class sizes, steep cuts in teacher and staff compensation and the eviscera-tion of deferred maintenance,” Alpay said.

In 2009, class sizes were up to 31 stu-dents in elementary schools. The school year was reduced to 175 days during the 2011-2012 school year, but the district restored two additional days in 2013. Trustees expect to restore a full 180-day school year for 2014-2015. An agreement

with the Capistrano Unified Education Association, signed in August, begins to bring down class sizes.

“Next year we will witness an increase in funding, and the trustees have made clear the first priorities will be on reducing class size and restoring the school calen-dar,” Alpay said. “The level of funding is simply not there to add facilities improve-ment to the list of immediate priorities; at least not yet.”

“Once funding is available, schools in dire need of facilities upgrades, San Clemente High School being a prominent example, will receive the extra attention they need and deserve,” Alpay said.

At a meeting last year, Alpay discussed the possibility of constructing a new pool at the high school. Alpay suggested upgraded facilities could serve as a selling point for parents, who could soon decide between sending their children to San Clemente or San Juan Hills high schools, once the La Pata gap between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano is connected.

Since Talega residents helped pay for construction at San Juan Hills through a CFD, those students are given attendance priority but currently attend SCHS.

Members of the SCHS arts community have asked the district for a performing arts facility to replace the downtrodden Triton Center. The center is old and is badly in need of repairs. Mainly the ceiling needs fixing to cover a gaping hole.

Walton emphasized that the health and safety of students and staff is always a pri-ority for the district. He added the district had consistently addressed facility issues using the resources available during the downturn.

The district estimated building a new theater at SCHS would cost $17.3 million. The number is based on recent construc-tion of a similar facility at Capistrano Valley High School, accounting for subsequent increases in construction costs. New arts facilities at Capo Valley were paid with Mello-Roos funding from Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo, along with grant funds.

Without those sources of funding, SCHS Principal Michael Halt is realistic about what can be done in the immediate future. When he toured the campus during his interview process last year, he understood needed improvements would take some time.

“It was clear the physical condition of the school was going to be a challenge,” Halt said.

However, the school’s staff has contin-ued to make the best of the hand they’ve been dealt, by balancing teachers’ wants and the true needs of the school.

“They’re facing challenges that other teachers don’t have,” Halt said. “But they’re professionals and they’re doing the best job they can.” Halt added he felt confident talks with the district could help address some of San Clemente high’s needs. CD Brian Park contributed to this report.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about

awards, events, happenings,

accomplishments and more. Forward

a picture along, too! We’ll put your

submissions into “News Bites.”

Send your information to

[email protected].

NEWS BITESP R O P S , R E C O G N I T I O N S A N D M O R S E L S O F I N F O

Compiled by Brian Park

Tickets Available for Fiesta Association’s El Presidente Ball

Tickets cost $55 and can be purchased by calling 949.493.1976 or at Fiesta As-sociation meetings, which take place every Wednesday until the Swallows Day Parade, starting at 7 p.m. at the Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street. Meetings are pre-ceded by social time, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Fiesta Association is still accepting items for its silent auction. To donate, email [email protected].

City Recognizes Distinguished Local Sheriff’s Deputies

The San Juan Capistrano City Council last Tuesday recognized three of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s finest for their service to the community.

Sgt. Ira Essoe, a 28-year veteran, an-nounced his retirement earlier this year. Essoe worked in San Juan for 18 years, beginning as a deputy in 1992. After being promoted to the county jail and later serving two deployments with the Air Force, he came back to the city as an investigator, from 2002 to 2005. He later returned as a sergeant in 2009.

“It’s been a great honor to serve the city and the sheriff’s department,” Essoe said. “The streets and the trails and the people

here are all part of my second home.”Lt. John Meyer, chief of police services,

said Essoe will continue to be involved with the department’s mounted enforcement unit.

Meyer and Mayor Sam Allevato also recognized San Juan Capistrano Deputy of the Year Carlos Sanchez.

Sanchez, a school resource officer, pro-vides a presence at local school campuses. In addition, he has started homework clubs, neighborhood bus-greeter programs and a bi-lingual parent education program, Meyer said. Sanchez is also active in the District Attorney’s Office’s Gang Reduction Inter-vention Program, GRIP.

Meyer said Sanchez is “the best I’ve ever seen in all aspects of the job.”

The city also honored Deputy Bill Simandl, who was recognized for the fourth straight year by the Orange County chapter of Moth-ers Against Drunk Driving for his efforts to stop suspected drunk drivers.

Since coming to the city in 2011, Simandl has arrested 120 people suspected of driv-ing under the influence, according to Meyer.

Carlos Sanchez (holding the plaque) was recognized as San Juan Capistrano’s Deputy of the Year and invited to take a photo with the City Council and Lt. John Meyer. Photo by Brian Park

Nancy Ingham and John “Fish” Fischle, the Fiesta Association’s 2012 senior dignitaries, take to the dance floor during last year’s El Presidente Ball. Photo by Brian Park

Tickets are on sale for the Fiesta Associa-tion’s next event, the annual El Presidente Ball.

The Western-style formal dinner will take place on Saturday, March 8, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano. The event also includes live music courtesy of Swing Shift, dancing and a silent auction. Guests are encour-aged to come dressed in Western, Spanish, Mexican or early California attire.


EYE ON SJC

Festival of the Swallows Opens with Taste of San Juan, Kids Pet Parade

Story and photos by Brian ParkThe Capistrano Dispatch

n the build-up to the 56th Swallows Day Parade, the Fiesta Association kicked off the Fiesta de las Golondrinas season

last week with two events.On Thursday, Feb. 20, around 500

guests filled El Adobe de Capistrano for the Taste of San Juan. Nineteen restau-rants from in and around San Juan Cap-istrano participated in the event, during which guests tasted a variety of dishes and voted for their favorites at the end of the night.

El Adobe won for the “Best Appetizer” of the night. Sundried Tomato American Bistro & Catering came away with the “Best Original Dish.” Perennial winner L’Hirondelle won for “Best Main Course,” and downtown sweet factory 3:16 Bakery

won for “Best Dessert.”On Sunday, Feb. 23, children and their

pets put on a show in the Kids Pet Parade at Los Rios Park.

The kids and their critters, some dressed in coordinated costumes, walked through the park for the crowd and a panel of judges, which included Cap-istrano Unified School District Trustee Anna Bryson, Zoomars Petting Zoo owner Carolyn Franks, Mission Grill owner John Gillotti and Jim Curwood, grand marshal for this year’s parade.

Contestants competed in several cat-egories. At the end of the event, Franks and Mayor Sam Allevato presented Noelle Ahney and her dog, Nero, with the “Best in Show” award. The two will now get to walk in this year’s Swallows Day Parade, scheduled to take place Saturday, March 22. CD

I

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter

COMPILED BY BRIAN PARK

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 in-cident 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.

Tuesday, February 25

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCELos Rios Street, 31300 Block (8:24 a.m.)A caller said six juveniles were smoking drugs and whistling at women walking on their way to school.

Monday, February 24

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCEAvenida Los Amigos, 32200 Block (4:22 p.m.) A man, described to be a 40-year-old transient wearing a beige shirt and slacks, was sitting on the corner. The caller said the man was “being homeless and drunk.”

Sunday, February 23

DRUNK IN PUBLICCamino Capistrano, 33700 Block

(9:25 p.m.) Dispatch received a call from the Marriott Residence Inn about two guests, a man and a woman, who were drunk and in the lobby. The woman was lying on the ground on her stomach.

Saturday, February 22

DISTURBANCEVia Del Rey, 25800 Block (11:23 p.m.)A man called after he said he was in a verbal argument with his neighbor from across the street. The caller said his neigh-bor and two friends threatened to beat him up. The caller mentioned his pregnant wife was coming home from work, and he was concerned.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCEPaseo Santa Clara, 26500 Block (10:21 p.m.) A woman said someone came to her door and broke her lock. The woman said she didn’t see it happen, but she believed it was a man she may know.

DISTURBANCEDel Obispo Street/Paseo De La Paz (1:58 p.m.) Four juveniles were seen on a roof at the Marco Forster Middle School athletic fields, near an office and billboard.

Friday, February 21

TRAFFIC HAZARDSan Juan Creek Road/Paseo Christina (8:54 p.m.) Guests at a large party were in the street, blocking off the roadway.

PATROL CHECKCalle Arroyo/Via Estenaga (5:59 p.m.)

The city was advised that a 30-foot tree, about a foot in diameter, had fallen in the park.

Thursday, February 20

DISTURBANCEMission Street, 26600 Block (8:53 p.m.)A woman said her husband, who she had been separated from, was refusing to leave her residence.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIESCamino Del Avion/Del Obispo Street (5:58 p.m.) A black Audi and a black GMC truck were involved in an accident in front of the San Juan Sports Park. The caller complained of pain and was taken to San Clemente Hospital. A 23-year-old man was arrested and taken to Intake Release Center. He was later released.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESan Juan Creek Road/La Novia Avenue (3:34 p.m.) A man was seen dancing in the middle of the street and later behind the gate of the private community on Avenida La Mancha. The caller said the man was a resident of the community. The dancing man was described to be 6-feet tall with curly brown hair, wearing a red jacket, shirt and jeans.

Wednesday, February 19

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCECamino Capistrano/Avenida Padre (5:40 p.m.) Two men were seen selling stereos out of a dark SUV that was parked in front of Petco.

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLECamino Capistrano, 33700 Block (12:12 a.m.) An employee at the Mar-riott Residence Inn said a woman parked her car in the loading zone and had left. Dispatch told the caller that deputies do not enforce parking on private property, but the caller said they had done so before and asked for a deputy to respond.

Tuesday, February 18

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCECamino Capistrano, 31400 Block (7:57 p.m.) Two females were seen drinking and smoking drugs behind the portable classrooms at the back of the Junipero Serra High School campus.

DISTURBANCE-AUTO INVOLVEDLa Novia Avenue/Valle Road (5:41 p.m.) A man was seen riding a motorcycle in the hills, heading toward the water tower.

INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWNCamino Capistrano/Del Obispo Street (2:04 p.m.) A man wearing a dark gray sweatshirt and gray pants was seen taking a nap on the sidewalk, north of Union Bank and south of El Adobe de Capist-rano.

CITIZEN ASSISTPaseo Barona, 27700 Block (10:58 p.m.) A man called and said he thought some-one had possibly hacked into his computer and accessed his email. The man reported no loss but said some information from a recent deposition could have only been discovered on his computer.

Mission Grill owner John Gillotti and Ali Mosqueda display their chorizo jalapeno queso dip.

Chef Jaime Hernandez from Fiano’s Restaurant pours olive oil over bruschetta.

Carolyn Franks and Mayor Sam Allevato awarded Noelle Ahney with the “Best in Show” award.

Welcome to the 43rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales

By Lisa Bartlett, Mayor of Dana Point

It is that magical time of year again when the majestic gray whales migrate through the waters off the Dana Point coastline, making the

city a premier location for up close viewing. To celebrate this spectacular yearly oc-currence, we are honored to host the 43rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales.

We begin with the Festival of Whales Parade, through downtown on Pacific Coast Highway, March 1 at 10 a.m. and flow into two weekends, jam packed, with activities and events for the whole family.

I am proud to announce this year’s Parade Grand Marshal is Jay “Sparky” Longley, owner of Rainbow Sandals and the Com-munity Grand Marshal is 2014 Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and longtime parade announcer Gene Burrus.

Attractions include music, art, classic cars and boats, stand-up paddling, foot races, marine exhibitions, environmental education and more. Many of the activities and events are free of charge. Whale ex-cursions are also available, and I encourage you to look into the many opportunities for first hand viewing on the ocean. You just cannot imagine how large and spectacular the gray whales are until they come up next to your ocean vessel, and you are close enough to see how gracefully they navigate through the water.

The festival includes venues throughout the city, providing many opportunities to explore Dana Point. The Harbor, Town Center Lantern District, Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center high on the Headlands overlooking the Harbor, Lantern Bay Park, Doheny State Beach and the Ocean Institute are but a few places we hope you will visit.

Don’t miss the Dana Point Symphony’s third season kick-off performances March 7 and 8 aboard the brig Pilgrim at the Ocean Institute.

Detailed information on events and activities, an area map, schedule and more can be found on the pages of this program or online at www.festivalofwhales.com.

The Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink will once again offer an environ-mental- and budget-friendly route to and from the Dana Point Festival of Whales.

Just $10 buys a Metrolink weekend pass, valid for system-wide travel all day Saturday and Sunday. Weekend passes are available for purchase at all Metrolink station ticket machines.

To get to the Festival of Whales from the San Juan Capistrano train station, take OCTA Bus Route 91 south to Dana Point. Bus transfers are

High school is a time for exploring college options, developing new interests and begin-ning to formulate a plan for the future. For art students at Dana Hills High School, the Festival of Whales provides just such an opportunity. It’s an opportunity program organizers hope could give start to budding art careers.

Now, in its third year, a joint program be-tween Festival of Whales organizers and DHHS

free with your Metrolink ticket. Bicyclists, take your wheels with you

onboard one of Metrolink’s specially marked “bicycle cars.” Then from the San Juan station, follow the San Juan Creek bike trail for three miles to Dana Point.

For full bus and train schedules, log on to www.octa.net/whales2014.

OCTA and Metrolink can also help you get great deals at local businesses when you men-tion these offers and present your Metrolink ticket, OCTA bus pass or 91 Express Lanes

gives local teens a chance to design the official logo and to create and display their work among professional artists at the Art in the Park exhibi-tion and sale, held both festival weekends.

The program includes an inspirational field trip whale watching aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel and exploring the Ocean Institute’s brig Pilgrim. Ninety students take photos, sketch and film the experience to serve as inspiration for work they will display at Art in the Park, and for the 2015 logo design contest.

transponder.WHALE WATCHING: Receive a 50 percent

discount at Dana Wharf Whale Watching or the Ocean Institute. For more information and to make reservations call Dana Wharf at 949.496.5794 and the Ocean Institute at 949.496.2274.

HOTEL: The Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive at the Dana Point Harbor, is offering a special $79 rate, single or double occupancy. For reservations, call 949.496.1203.

COFFEE: Buy one premium coffee bever-age at The Coffee Importers and get a second one free. Coffee Importers is located at 34531 Golden Lantern Street, in Mariner’s Village at the Harbor. Offer expires March 31.

APPETIZER: Receive one free appetizer (chef’s choice) at Wind & Sea Restaurant. One per table, with purchase of entrée in the dining room. Offer valid March 1-9. Wind & Sea is located at 34699 Golden Lantern in the Harbor. For reservations, call 949.496.6500.

Festival organizer Penny Elia said, as the program has grown and evolved, students are being provided a new level of guidance as teachers use a curriculum that more closely mimics real-world commissions.

The quality of the student work shows an increasing professionalism and students, includ-ing this year’s logo design winner Sarah Holen, say the experience has piqued an interest in the possibility of pursuing art-related careers.

Holen, a 2013 Dana Hills graduate, is now attending Saddleback College where she plans to finish two years before transferring to a four-year university. Her career interests include business marketing, the automotive industry and art.

“I was really excited to have my art work join that of famous artists, like John Van Hamersveld and Wyland, who have done logos in the past,” Holen said. “Designing a Festival of Whales logo is like being a part of Dana Point’s history.”

The four runners-up are Raechel Grable, Mad-eline McGrath, Sophie Gutteridge and Renee Richardson.

Be sure to stop by Art in the Park to check out the work of our talented local youth.

—Andrea Swayne

festivalofwhales.com | Page 3

ALL ABOARDVisit the festival for less with Metrolink and OCTA

ART FROM THE STARTDana Hills High School students get glimpse into professional art careers, create festival art

Courtesy photo

Sarah Holen designed the offi cial logo for this year’s Festival of Whales. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Sarah Holen Raechel Grable Madeline McGrath Sophia Gutteridge Renee Richardson

ARTS AND CULTURE

Art in the Park March 1, 2, 8, 9; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Local artists along with students from Dana Hills High School display a variety of art-work on the grassy areas at the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. 12 Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale March 1, 2, 8, 9; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Art show and sale on the Harbor boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner’s Village. Works by many award-winning local artists will be avail-able for purchase. 7

Public Reading of Two Years Before the Mast March 7, 8, 9; March 7, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; March 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and March 9, 9 a.m.-noon. The Dana Point Historical Society hosts the fourth annual volunteer public reading of Richard Henry Dana Jr.’s Two Years Before the Mast at the Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive. Free. 949.899.0907. 5

Walking Tour of Town Center March 1, 2, 8, 9; 2 p.m. Meet a guide from the Historical Society at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway—at Blue Lantern and PCH—for this historic Town Center tour of buildings, homes and landmarks circa 1924 to 1939. Free. 9

Polynesian Connection March 1; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Hula Connection (Leinani Hula Hui’ana) presents a day of Polynesian culture with music, dance, food and hands-on educa-tional experiences for all ages at Baby Beach. Activities include lei-making, fire knife and hula/Tahitian dancing, poi-ball twirling, air-brush tat-toos, face painting, coconut husking, outrigger canoe demonstrations and more. 15

CAPTAIN DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING AND MORE949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com

Whale Watching March 1, 2, 8, 9; Departure times vary For information about Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, call, check out the website or turn to “Whale Watching Excursions” on page 12. 4

Lily, a Gray Whale Tribute March 1; 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Capt. Dave presents a free tour, whale rescue and research lecture and book signing aboard his new 62-foot catamaran,

a state-of-the-art whale research, rescue and whale watching vessel named Lily. The boat was named after a gray whale, wrapped in gill net, that made national headlines when Capt. Dave and rescue team members disen-tangled her. His rescue work also landed him a television appearance on the “Ellen Degeneres Show.” Attendees will be invited to have some hands-on fun with research and rescue equip-ment. Signed copies of Capt. Dave’s book, Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey, will be available for purchase. 4

Captain Dave’s Carnival March 8; Noon-2 p.m. Drop by Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive (near Baby Beach) for free activities and prizes. Kids of all ages will have fun with games, crafts, a bounce house and more. Face painting and animal balloons will be available for a small fee. It’s fun for the whole “pod.” 4

Movie Viewing March 1, 2, 8, 9; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the Dolphin Deck for a free viewing of Capt. Dave Anderson’s award-winning documentary Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California. In 1995 Capt. Dave mounted an underwater cam-era and hydrophone on the bow of his boat and began taking his cameras on every trip. It took five years to create the documentary, an experi-ence Capt. Dave says that has forever changed his life. Screenings held every hour. 4

CLASSIC CARS & VINTAGE BOATS

So Cal Woodies March 1, 2; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Woodie cars from the Southern California Chapter of the National Woodie Club

will be on display at the grassy areas along the Harbor walkway. 11

Antique & Classic Boat Society March 1, 2; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Classic vessels from the South-ern California Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will be displayed in the water

and on land along the Harbor walkway. 11

Porsche 356 Club March 8; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Southern California chapter of the 356 Club displays classic Porsche models at Waterfall Park on Dana Point Harbor Drive. 14

Whale of a Classic Car Display March 8, 9; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Cal Rod Car Club will display a variety of classics and hot rods, along the Harbor walkway. 11

DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING AND MORE949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com

Whale Watching March 1, 2, 8, 9; Departure times vary For information about Dana Wharf Whale Watching, call, check out the website or turn to “Whale Watching Excursions” on page 12. 3

Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Fishing Trip March 1, 2, 8, 9; clinic noon-

12:30 p.m., fishing trip 12:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Free dockside fishing clinic followed by a fish-ing trip where kids 12 and under fish for free. Adults are $39, plus

license and equipment. 3

Kids Adventure Expo March 2; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Inagural event features

hands-on experiences promoting a variety of ocean activities: boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, diving and more. Held at the Dick Simon Yachts parking lot near Dana Wharf. Free. Games and rides offered for a nominal fee. 9

Marine Mammal Lecture Series March 1, 2, 8, 9; 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s while marine biologists present recent findings on whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. March 1: Dean Gomersall, California Sea Lions; March 2: Doug Thomp-son, Gray Whales; March 8: Alisa Schulman-Janiger, Gray Whale Cen-sus and Killer Whales; March 9: Todd Mansur, Gray Whale Migration and Blue Whales. Then climb aboard Dana Wharf’s OCean Adventures catamaran for a 2.5-hour whale watching trip at either 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Tickets are $55 for adults, $35 for seniors and children 3–12, and children 2 and under are free. Lecture only, $5. 13

Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild March 1, 2, 8, 9; 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Learn from renowned environmental artist Wyland via a dockside video presentation and art lesson aboard Dana Wharf’s OCean Adventures catamaran. Children can enter their art in a contest to win great prizes. $5 per child. Proceeds benefit the Wyland Foundation. 3

DIAMOND DIG

Diamond Dig March 2; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dig for buried treasure at the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club Diamond Dig at Baby Beach. Dress as a pirate and get a head start. Cost is $10 per shovel. Last year, toys, bicycles and a diamond necklace were among the booty found. 949.842.0594, www.monarchbeachrotary.com. 15

DOHENY STATE BEACH

Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mam-mal Museum March 9; 11a.m.-3p.m. A variety of genuine marine mammal artifacts will be on display at Doheny State Beach’s Visitor Center, near the park entrance, for visitors to actively learn and gain an appreciation of these magnifi-cent creatures of the sea. Please alert park staff upon arrival so they can direct you to free, one-hour parking. Free. Rain cancels. 949.496.2704, www.dohenystatebeach.org. 16

Whale of a Beach Cleanup March 8; 9 a.m.-noon. Bring work gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket and help clean up Doheny State Beach. Meet Park Interpreter Vicki at Lifeguard Headquarters to learn about how you can help maintain precious coastal resources. Free. 16

FOOD

Polynesian Connection Luau March 1; 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Experience the unforgettable sights, smells, sounds and

tastes of beautiful Polynesia with an authentic luau at the OC Sailing & Events Center. Tickets are $50. 949.973.7281, www.hulaconnection.com.

8

Whale of a BBQ March 2; 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Delicious

barbecue specialties at affordable prices will be served up adjacent to Baby Beach during Ocean Awareness Day. 15

Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook Off March 8; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sample a variety of tasty chowders from local restaurants and orga-nizations and then vote for your favorites along the Harbor walkway near Island Way. Cost is $10 to taste every entry. www.fishforlife.org. 11(Cont. on page 6)

Page 4 | festivalofwhales.com

EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

#=Event location. See map on page 8. For more information, see www.festivalofwhales.com.


(Cont. from page 4)

Whale of a Concert BBQ March 9; Noon-5 p.m. Concessions for scrumptious barbecue specialties will be available at the OC Sailing & Event Center adjacent to Baby Beach. A Spirits Garden will be available for those over 21 with a valid ID. 15

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast & Raffle March 2; 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Start your day with a delicious pancake breakfast, raffle prizes and en-tertainment, hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and Ladies Auxiliary at the OC Sailing & Event Center’s Dana Cove Room. Adults $6, children under 12 are $3. Show your Grunion Run racing bib for $1 off. 949.275.3142. 8

GRUNION RUN

6th Annual Grunion Run March 2; Registra-tion, 6:30 a.m.; 10K, 7:45 a.m.; 5K, 8 a.m.; Kids’ 1K, 9 a.m.; Awards, 9:15 a.m. The sixth annual Festival of Whales Grunion Run 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Run will take place in Doheny State Beach. This is a fast and flat scenic run/walk. Entry fees are $45 for the 10K, $40 for the 5K and $20 for the 1K. www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com. 16

MERCHANDISE

Festival Logo Merchandise T-shirts and sweat-shirts will be on sale throughout the Harbor during both festival weekends. Merchandise is also available for purchase online at www.festivalofwhales.com.

MICKEY MUÑOZ MONGOOSE CUP STAND-UP PADDLE

Mongoose Cup SUP March 8; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Stand-up paddle with famous surfing icon and legend Mickey Munoz and friends in the fifth annual Mongoose Cup at Dana Cove Park and Baby Beach. Enjoy a great day of fun, SUP clinics and camaraderie. Activities include a Wounded Warrior Project Paddle, Waterman Expo & Paddling Skills Clinics, Sport of Kings Races, Luck of the Draw relays and a delicious barbecue too. Clinics will cover paddling and training techniques, SUP racing skills, water safety, fitness, adventure paddling, SUP yoga and more. 949.276.4431, www.festivalofwhales.com. 15

MOVIE IN THE PARK

Finding Nemo March 1; Dusk/6:30 p.m. Find-ing Nemo will be presented free of charge by

the city of Dana Point’s Community Services and Parks Department at Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Road. Free popcorn, hot beverages and snacks will be available. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinner to enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars. 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org. 18

MUSIC

Symphony Spectactular March 7, 8; March 7, 7 p.m.; March 8, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony presents Symphony Spectacular aboard the brig Pilgrim, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive at the Ocean Institute. The show is an ocean-themed extravaganza with the symphony, singers, dancers and high-flying aerialist dancers from the Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles. Tickets are $25 for adults and children 15 and over. Children under 15 free at Saturday’s matinee. 301.832.0388, www.danapointsymphony.com. 17

Harbor Music Series March 1, 2, 8, 9; Noon-3 p.m. Live music performances in a variety of styles will be presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Dana Wharf courtyard, the grassy area near Harpoon Henry’s and Mariner’s Alley. Free. 10

Ocean Institute Jazz Festival Feb. 28, March 1, 2 Opening night, Feb. 28 kicks off with a wine and appetizer reception and concert. March 1 is the gala evening with a cocktail reception, silent auction, gourmet dinner prepared by chefs from local resorts and a jazz performance. A relaxed lunch and encore performance will be held March 2. All events benefit educational programs at the Ocean Institute. 949.496.2274 ext. 337, www.oijazzfestival.com. 6

Whale of a Concert and BBQ March 9; noon-1 p.m., 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Bands perform at Baby Beach atop a floating stage. Free. Bring beach chairs, towels and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of musical en-tertainment. Barbecue specialties will be avail-able for purchase, along with a Spirits Garden for those over 21 with a valid ID. 15

OCEAN AWARENESS DAY

Ocean Awareness March 2; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Association presents interactive displays, demonstrations and enter-tainment showcasing ocean and environmental programs and issues. The event is free and located near Baby Beach at the OC Sailing & Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place. 15

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING AND MORE949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org

Whale Watching March 1, 2, 8, 9; Depar-ture times vary. For information about Ocean Institute whale watching, call, check out the website or turn to “Whale Watching Excur-sions” on page 12. 6

World of Whales March 1, 2, 8, 9; March 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; March 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and March 8-9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a hands-on journey into the mysterious and fascinating world of whales and explore a variety of fas-cinating phenomena unique to these magnifi-cent animals. There will be opportunities to examine how they communicate and eat, to see how pollution can affect them and create fun whale-themed crafts. Additional activities in the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center include animal feedings, ROV driving and tide pool touch tanks. Admission price is $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for children 3-12, children 2 and under are free.

Members are free. 6

Whale’s Tale Tall Ship Sailing Adventure March 1, 8; 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. From “devil fish” to “friendliest whale,” explore how time and discovery have shaped man’s

perception of the magnificent gray whale. Join the Ocean

Institute for an exciting tall ship sailing adventure and gain new

insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam our California coast. Non-member price is $40 for adults and $23 for children 12 and under. Members are $36 for adults and $21 for children. Minimum age to participate is 4. 6

Seashore Interpretive Family Hike March 1, 2, 8, 9; Times are based on tides Take a guided family tide pool hike through the Dana Point Marine Protected Area with Ocean Institute naturalists. Hikes are available on a first come, first served basis. Sign up at the front desk of the Ocean Institute. Free with paid admission. 6

PARADE

Festival of Whales Kickoff Parade March 1; 10 a.m. The parade features floats, bands, horses, giant balloons, community organizations and more related to the Festival theme, “Magi-cal Migration.” Parade route runs along Pacific Coast Highway from Selva Road to Golden Lantern. 1

RUBBER DUCKY DERBY

Whale of a Rubber Ducky Derby March 2; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hosted by the Dana Point Women’s Club, this fun spin on a traditional rubber ducky race is held at Baby Beach. Duckies can be purchased in advance by calling 949.859.5706 or the day of the event at the DPWC booth at Baby Beach. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers. Duckies are $6 each or two for $10; need not be present to win. www.danapointwomensclub.org. 15

SAND SCULPTING

Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition March 2; 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. OC Parks presents a competition on the sand at Baby Beach. Teams, from families and friends to hard-core sand sculpting enthusiasts are welcome. Sculpting areas are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Compete in one of five cat-egories: castles, whales and ocean creatures, pirates and ships, woodies and surfboards or patriotic emblems. Judging begins at 2:30 p.m. with awards to follow. Bring buckets and tools. Dyes and stabilizers are not allowed. 15

SAILING AND PADDLING949.492.3035, www.westwindsailing.com

Sailing Rides March 1, 2, 8, 9; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, at the OC Sailing & Event Center, teaches passengers how to sail a Capri 14. Half-hour sessions are $15 per boat, three

people max, ages 5 and up. 8

Stand-Up Paddling Clinics March 1, 2, 8, 9; 10 a.m.-

3 p.m. Join the SUP craze and learn why it’s the fastest growing water sport today. Westwind Sailing hosts 45-minute

on-the-water clinics, on the hour, for ages 12 and

up. Cost is $10 per person and lifejackets will be provided. 8

STREET FAIR

La Plaza Street Fair March 1; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce invites you to the annual Street Fair Festival for an unforgettable day of food, games, music and entertainment for the whole family. The carnival-style fair, with vendor booths and a farmers market, begins immediately following the Festival of Whales Parade at La Plaza Park. 949.496.1555. 2

(Cont. from page 4) the city of Dana Point’s Community Services and Parks Department at Lantern Bay Park, OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE RUBBER DUCKY DERBY


The Dana Point Festival of Whales is an ocean-friendly event with many of our

booths, displays and exhibits being very close to water’s edge.

We ask that all our sponsors and exhibitors keep this ocean location top-of-mind and refrain from using

balloons, stickers, tattoos, flyers, single-serving water bottles or other

materials that might find their way to the receiving waters of the Pacific Ocean.

We also ask all of our guests to keep these practices in mind as they spend a glorious day or weekend taking in the beauty of this special location.

Drinking fountains are plentiful for the refilling of water bottles that can be purchased at multiple event locations. Or bring your own and refill throughout the day.

See the event map above for water fountain locations.Please help us keep the Festival of Whales clean and

green for generations to come. Thank you. —Dana Point Festival of Whales

WATER TAXI NEW THIS YEAR Daily service will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the two festival weekends. Service runs between Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute for $3 round-trip per person. Tickets may be purchased at Dana Wharf Whale Watch-ing or at the Ocean Institute. Park and then ride this fun new water taxi, taking in all the great sites from the water. Your captain will share interesting facts and features about the Dana Point area and its fascinating history. Ride all day for only $5 per person.

PARKING AND SHUTTLE SERVICE FREE shuttle service will be available every day of the festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended service hours the morning of the parade (March 1) and the afternoon of the Whale of a Concert (March 9). Parking in the Harbor is free, but limited to four hours and is strictly enforced. Parking at Doheny State Beach is $8 for the entire day.

PARADE DAY SHUTTLE (MARCH 1) FREE shuttle service will be available one hour prior to and at the conclusion of the Festival of Whales Parade. Park in the Harbor or Doheny State Beach and then ride to the drop-off location for the northerly parade announcer stand. At the conclusion of the parade, meet at the drop-off location and the shuttle will return you to the Harbor.

STREET FAIR SHUTTLE (MARCH 1) FREE shuttle service will be available from all Harbor locations to the Street Fair from noon to 3 p.m.


GETTING AROUND

Parking

Shuttle Stop

Event

Whale WatchingExcursions/Viewing

Festival Merchandise

Drinking Fountain

Shuttle Route

Parade Route

Shuttle RouteFirst Saturday

FESTIVAL MERCHANDISET-shirts (long and short sleeve) and hooded sweatshirts will be on sale throughout the Harbor during both weekends of the festival.

HELP US KEEP THE FESTIVAL OF WHALES CLEAN AND GREEN

WHALE OF A CONCERT SHUTTLE (MARCH 9) FREE shuttle service will extend until 6 p.m.

WALKING DIRECTIONS FROM OCTA BUS STOP For those utilizing the OCTA bus stops on Pacific Coast Highway, the festival can be reached by walking down Dana Point Harbor Drive to the Harbor’s Golden Lantern entrance or you can enter Doheny State Beach (direction sign at bus stop near bridge), walk along the green barrier fence, then proceed toward the beach to the marked Festival of Whales shuttle stop. Ride the shuttle FREE to all event locations.

The Dana Point Festival of Whales is an ocean-friendly event with many of our

balloons, stickers, tattoos, flyers,

SUNDAY, MARCH 9

Dana Point Historical Society Public Read-ing of Two Years Before the Mast 8 a.m.-noon. Headlands Nature Interpretive Center

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariner’s Village

Art in the Park 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive

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

Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. OCean Adven-tures catamaran at Dana Wharf Dock

Whale of a Classic Car Display 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway

Sailing and Paddling Lessons 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing at OC Sailing & Event Center

Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Doheny State Beach’s Visitor Center

Whale of a Concert on the Water, BBQ and Spirits Garden Noon-5 p.m. Baby Beach

Harbor Music Series Noon-3 p.m. Dana Wharf courtyard, Harpoon Henry’s grass area, Mariner’s Alley

Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour of Town Center 2 p.m. Blue Lantern and PCH

Seashore Interpretive Family Hike Time TBA based on tides. Tide pools near Ocean Institute

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

12th Annual Ocean Institute Jazz Festival 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Ocean Institute

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village


Festival of Whales Parade 10 a.m.-Noon. Pacific Coast Highway

Street Fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. La Plaza Park

So Cal Woodies and Antique & Classic Boat Society 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway

Polynesian Connection 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach and Baby Beach Park



Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. OCean Adven-tures catamaran at Dana Wharf Dock


Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip Noon-5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks

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


Lily: a Gray Whale Tribute 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari


Polynesian Luau 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. OC Sailing & Event Center

12th Annual Ocean Institute Jazz Festival 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

Movie in the Park: Finding Nemo Dusk. Lantern Bay Park

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SUNDAY, MARCH 2

6th Annual Festival of Whales Grunion Run 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Run 6:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Doheny State Beach

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast and Raffle with Entertainment 8 a.m.-11 a.m. OC Sailing & Event Center

Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Baby Beach

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show and Sale 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor Walkway near Mariner’s Village



So Cal Woodies and Antique & Classic Boat Society 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway

Kids Adventure Expo 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dick Simon Yachts parking lot

Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures catamaran at Dana Wharf Dock


Ocean Awareness Day 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach Park

Whale of a Rubber Ducky Derby 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Baby Beach

Diamond Dig 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Baby Beach

Whale of a BBQ 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Baby Beach Park




12th Annual Ocean Institute Jazz Festival3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

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FRIDAY, MARCH 7

Dana Point Historical Society Public Reading of Two Years Before the Mast 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Headlands Nature Interpretive Center

Dana Point Symphony’s Symphony Spectacular 7 p.m. Public pier adjacent to the Ocean Institute

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Dana Point Historical Society Public Reading of Two Years Before the Mast 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Headlands Nature Interpretive Center

5th Annual Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup & BBQ 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Baby Beach

Whale of a Beach Cleanup 9 a.m.-noon. Doheny State Beach

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Harbor Walkway near Mariner’s Village


3rd Annual Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-Off 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Harbor walkway beginning at Island Way


Whale of a Classic Car Display 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Harbor walkway

Porsche 356 Club Southern California 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Waterfall Park on Dana Point Harbor Drive

Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. OCean Adven-tures catamaran at Dana Wharf dock


Movie Viewing: Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari


Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip Noon-5:45 p.m. Dana Wharf docks

EVENT SCHEDULE

festivalofwhales.com | Page 9

WEEKEND 1 WEEKEND 2

Captain Dave’s Carnival Noon-2 p.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari

Lily: A Gray Whale Tribute 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari

Ocean Institute Whale’s Tale Tall Ship Sail-ing Adventure 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Ocean Institute


Dana Point Symphony Presents: Symphony Spectacular 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Public pier adjacent to the Ocean Institute


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By Sean Vogt, Natural Resources Protection Officer, City of Dana Point

Gray whales are known as the great migra-tors. The grays seen during winter off the coast of Dana Point have already traveled nearly 5,000 miles. In the longest migration of any mammal, gray whales travel over 10,000 miles roundtrip from Arctic feeding waters to calving waters in Baja California, Mexico. Many people ask why this species of whale travels so far each year. The answer is simple: female gray whales are fantastic mothers. Gray whale calves have the best chance of survival if they are born in the sheltered lagoons of Baja.

Entering the world in these warmer, more saline waters means calves can stay warm and easily float to the surface to breathe without wasting energy, thus expending more energy building up their blubber for the trip back to the Arctic. In addition, their main predators, orcas (also known as killer whales), are less able to gang up and kill calves while within these shal-low lagoons. If orcas venture too close, adult gray whales can come together and use violent tail slaps to fend them off.

Generally, pregnant gray whales start arriving in Baja by late December, with most of them giving birth in January and February. Since gestation is approximately 12 to 13 months for this mammal, this is also the time that adult, non-pregnant females begin estrus and breed-ing. While it is possible for females to give birth each year, they typically give birth and mate in alternate years. Gray whale breeding behavior is complex, but quite the party, with groups mating during the southward migration and in the Baja lagoons from late November through early February.

Calves are approximately 14 feet in length and weigh a whopping 1,500 pounds at birth. They spend approximately two months nursing. The calves drink up to 50 gallons of milk, which is 53 percent fat, each day, before their mothers leave the protection of the lagoons and escort them to the Bering and Chukchi Seas off the Alaskan coast. During the northward migration, calves continue to nurse, relying on their protec-tive and loving mothers to fend off predators and deliver them safely to their Arctic feeding grounds by June or July.

Mothers slowly wean their young off milk while teaching them how to feed on bottom-dwelling invertebrates—mostly shrimp-like crustaceans. Gray whales spend the summer months in the Arctic building up fat reserves by feeding on up to 1 ton of little critters per day.

When fully grown, grays can weigh up to 40 tons and reach lengths of 45 feet. Instead of

teeth, a gray whale’s upper jaw holds numerous overlapping plates of long, stiff hair-like struc-tures called baleen. To feed, the whale sucks in water and sediment from the ocean floor, closes its mouth and forces the water and mud through its baleen, trapping millions of tiny invertebrates. It then uses its 1-ton tongue to break up and swallow its catch.

When days begin to shorten in October, Arctic waters begin to cool and the ice pack increases. This signals the start of yet another southward migration and the natural cycle repeats itself.

Many press releases this winter have touted a dramatic increase in near-shore gray whale sightings this migration season. This December and January, monitors on the Palos Verdes peninsula counted the third-highest number on record since the 1980s. However, large-scale trends and anecdotal evidence actually indicate a decrease in near-shore sightings in southern California since the early 1970s. This is despite a consistent increase in the number of gray whales. The trending movement away from near-shore routes may be a result of natural factors, but more likely is due to increased noise pollution from sonar and boat engines, harass-ment by recreational and commercial vessels and ship strikes near the coast in shallow-water fishing spots and shipping lanes.

Because gray whales are intelligent animals with average life spans similar to humans (up to

80 years), it seems reasonable to hypothesize these creatures communicate with each other and avoid areas where they were previously harassed. Currently, only a fraction of migrating grays actually follow the Southern California shore. Most are too far off shore to see from the mainland—using the Channel Islands as naviga-tional markers—so it would be a shame to force these special few away. The federal government passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, or MMPA, to combat the issues that

could cause many of the approximately 20,000 remaining gray whales to steer clear of a near-shore route.

Amended in 2012, the MMPA is the most re-cent national protective legislation in response to a long history of whaling. The MMPA is a piece of comprehensive legislation designed to protect all marine mammals in the United States, includ-ing otters, manatees, seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales. The MMPA states that “the act of hunting, killing, capture, and/or harassment of any marine mammal; or, the attempt at such” is illegal. Gray whales in the Pacific Ocean are still hunted by humans—mostly legal subsistence hunting by indigenous populations in Russia and the U.S.—and were nearly hunted to extinction by the early 1900s. European and U.S. whalers killed at least 10,000 gray whales between 1840 and 1900 along the west coast of North America. Thankfully, the International Whaling Commission made it an international crime to hunt gray whales (as well as most other whale species) in the 1940s, which is likely the only reason grays still exist on our coast. Atlantic gray whales were not as lucky, as they were likely hunted to extinction by European whalers prior to the end of the 18th century.

In order to be in compliance with the MMPA, the average person simply needs to learn about how these majestic creatures interact with the environment and avoid disrupting their behaviors. For example, boats should travel at a safe speed and never cut in front of a marine mammal’s path of travel or encircle it. The MMPA states that all vessels must observe from a safe distance of at least 300 feet. Whales can be curious and often approach boats. Viewing them in this manner is not illegal, as it is beyond the boater’s control. In this case, place the boat in neutral and enjoy the whale until it is ready to move on. Perhaps the whales will put on a show and leap out of the water, creating an unforget-table moment. For those that do not do well on boats, the conservation areas atop the Dana Point Headlands offer some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants in Orange County.

Sean Vogt has a Master of Science degree from CSU, Fullerton and more than 10 years of experience studying marine biology. As the Natural Resources Protection Officer for the city of Dana Point, Vogt manages the Nature Interpretive Center at the Dana Point Headlands, open-space parks adjacent to the Center for Natural Lands Management Preserve and the Marine Protected Area along the city coastline. With the help of nearly 100 volunteers, Vogt launched citizen-science wildlife monitoring programs late last year, including surveying marine mammals visible from the Headlands.

Sean Vogt, Natural Resources Protection Offi cer for the city of Dana Point. Photo by Andrea Swayne

A gray whale raises its tail fl uke while swimming off the coast of Dana Point. Photo by Debra Kettler

GET TO KNOW THE GREAT MIGRATORSGray whales travel past the Dana Point coast each year as part of their annual 10,000-mile migration


See why Dana Point is the ‘Whale Capital of the West’Most boat excursions are 2-3 hours long. Reservations are recommended.

Expert captains and certified naturalists narrate each excursion, detailing the whales’ movements through their natural migration path. As the originator of whale watching in Orange County, Dana Wharf remains family owned and operated and is exclusively endorsed by world-renowned marine life artist Wyland. Marine Mammal “rain checks” ensure you see a good show of whales or dolphins, or your next trip is free. Excursions depart every hour, on the hour, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during festival weekends. Trips run approximately two hours. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and military, children 3-12 years $25 and children under 2 are free. Want a whale of a deal? All 8 a.m. trips are

WHALE WATCHING EXCURSIONS

Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari

Ocean Institute Gray Whale Adventure CruiseMore than just a whale watch, the Ocean

Institute’s Gray Whale Adventure Cruises introduce participants to whales and many other marine animals using state-of-the-art equipment including satellites, plankton nets, sediment samplers, touch tanks, viewing aquariums and video microscopes. Two viewing levels and a bowsprit stretching out over the water provide visitors with a breathtaking view of dolphins, whales, sea lions and other ocean life. Learn about feeding strategies, migration and behavior patterns from the Institute’s experienced and knowledgeable captains and educators. Indulge your inner scientist with this unique opportunity to experience one of the greatest mammal mi-grations on Earth, aboard the Ocean Institute’s 65-foot research vessel R/V Sea Explorer. As

an educational platform the vessel is ideal. This floating lab plays an important part in the nation-ally recognized, nonprofit educational facility’s educational programming. Throughout the year, research conducted aboard the vessel is integrated into the Ocean Institute’s curriculum offered to over 15,000 students annually.

The 2.5-hour cruises are offered at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on festival weekends. Member pricing is $22 for adults and $19 for children 4 to 12 years old. Children must be at least 4 years old to attend. Non-member pricing is $35 for adults and $22 for children. Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the cruise ticket purchase. For more information and reserva-tions, call 949.496.2274 or log on to www.ocean-institute.org.

The most unique whale watching trips in the world puts visitors eye-to-eye with dolphins and whales via underwater viewing pods. It feels like swimming with wild dolphins and whales but without getting wet. Capt. Dave’s high-speed, high-tech catamaran Lily comfortably carries only 49 passengers and a smaller, more intimate catamaran carries 20 passengers, so trips are never crowded. Listen in on the sounds of marine mammals below the surface with a research hydrophone while an experienced marine naturalist narrates how the animals live. Trips are often led by Capt. Dave Anderson himself, whose award winning film on wild dolphins and whales has drawn people from all over the world to Dana Point.

The fronts of Capt. Dave’s catamarans are low to the water offering an up close view of sea animals. An onboard whale and dolphin micro-museum adds an extra fun and educa-tional opportunity to learn more about marine mammals. Trips are broadcast live on www.whalewatchingtv.com so you can wave to family and friends tuned in online at home. And one of the best perks of the trip is Mrs. Captain Dave’s delicious triple fudge brownies, served as a special treat on the ride back. Mention this article for 10 percent discount. Special offer is good during the Festival of Whales only. Call 949.488.2828 or visit www.dolphinsafari.com for more information and reservations.

just $15 per person. Marine mammal lecture and whale watching

trip combos are offered both weekends for a one-on-one educational experience with guest marine biologists. Tickets are $55 for adults, $35 for seniors and children 3-12, and children under 2 are free. Tickets include the lecture and continen-tal breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a 2.5-hour whale watching trip aboard the luxurious 63-foot, state-of-the-art, OCean Adventures catamaran at 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. A specially priced sunset trip with cocktails, wine and beer, runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $25. For reservations call 800.979.3370 or 800.590.9994 or log on to www.danawharf.com.


Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfi shing & Whale Watching

Courtesy of Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Courtesy of The Ocean Institute

Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari

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Dine & Shop DANA POINT HARBOR

The Capistrano Dispatch February 28–March 13, 2014 Page 9

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTSSOAPBOX

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

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 12, 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.sanclement-etimes.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 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Senior Group Editor> Andrea Swayne

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch> Brian Park

Sports Editor> Steve Breazeale

City Editor, SC Times> Jim Shilander

City Editor, DP Times> Andrea Papagianis

ART/DESIGN

Senior Designer> Jasmine Smith

ADVERTISING/MULTI-MEDIA MARKETING

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)Locals Only Business Listing Manager

OPERATIONS

Finance Director> Mike Reed

Business Operations Manager> Alyssa Garrett

Accounting ManagerDistribution Manager> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Catherine Manso, Tawnee Prazak, Jenna Ross, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent, Michael Vogeler

CITY EDITORSTORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

Brian Park, 949.388.7700, x108 [email protected]

ADVERTISINGPRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 [email protected]

DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, [email protected]

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HOW TO REACH US

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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

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.

Letters to the EditorPLEASE, DR. BYRNES

—Patrick Pearson, San Juan CapistranoDr. Roy, Dr. Roy, Dr. Roy.I’m impressed how vividly you can

recall the brown shirts in Nazi Germany, but you can’t remember how to apologize to your fellow councilmen and citizens of San Juan Capistrano for your disgrace-ful comments. If any of the other council members would have made derogatory comments like you did, they’d have been run out of town on a rail.

I noticed that all of your supporters were conspicuously absent from the last council meeting: Councilman Derek Reeve, Kim McCarthy, John Perry, Clint Worthington, Jim Reardon and Kim Lefner. Like rats from a sinking ship, they bailed on you.

Please, please, please, do the city and yourself a favor: Resign your City Council position immediately. It’s a shame to see your incompetence displayed in such a public forum.

Groundwater Recovery Plant into some-thing negative is just wrong. The GWRP is one of the major reasons why our city will go through this drought with minimal impact compared to other California cities. We should be applauding his foresight, not condemning him for it.

However, the thing that upsets me most is that the small group of people—not all of them are citizens of our town—who are trying to push this recall do absolutely nothing constructive for our wonderful city. Instead of using their time to help the community they say they love, they just sit back, criticize and try to tear down what so many dedicated residents have worked so hard to build.

I’ve met hundreds of wonderful people and volunteers while working in the com-munity over the past 35 years, including serving 30 years on the Fiesta Associa-tion’s Board of Directors and many years on the city’s Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Commission. In all these years, I have never seen any member of the recall group lift a fi nger to help.

One of their complaints is that public open space is not made available to the public. However, wonderful projects like the Dr. Joe Cortese Dog Park, 2C Ranch and upcoming Reata Park and Event Center have been turned into wonderful public-use areas by the manpower and donations of the Open Space Foundation’s volunteers. You’ll see people like Sam Al-levato, John Taylor, Larry Kramer and so many others physically working at these sites and so many other sites in town, but I have never seen anyone from the recall group offering to help there either.

Not only that, but they condemn the efforts of these volunteers. Again, these are volunteers working on behalf of the community. It doesn’t matter how much of their time these valuable volunteers dedicate or the amount of good work they do. The recall supporters don’t want to join in the good of the community. They just seem to want to destroy the good in

the community.It has been an honor and a joy to be a

volunteer in our community for so long, and I know that Sam Allevato feels the same way. He truly has our city’s best interests at heart. Please see this latest vindictive stunt for what it is and say no to the recall.

town and our beloved swallows coming back to Mission San Juan Capistrano. Even Bugs Bunny.

Our town has grown quite a bit in the 50 years since I fi rst visited in 1964 at 8 years old. To continue this fi ne tradition for the next 50, and far beyond, I suggest we remove a swallow plug from each tile roof in town for 10 years or so. Then we build 20 or so mud holes, 10-by-10, with the specifi c mud swallows use to build their nests, surrounded by native plants to attract bugs they love to eat. Put a fancy rope around them and a brass plaque that says, “This is where the swallows get their mud for their nests.”

It would be a great visitor photo oppor-tunity. Volunteers would maintain them. Set a goal of two million visitors by 2016, fi ve million by 2021 and 10 million by 2030. All businesses in town would pros-per beyond belief. If you build the hotels, they will come. I guarantee it.

If you travel, you are aware that when you say you are from San Juan Capistrano, people respond, “That’s where those swal-lows come back to,” or something about those birds. We should act now. It’s just something to think about with the swal-lows coming back March 19.

From your very proud Grand Marshal for the 56th Swallows Day Parade, March 22. Be there!

The famed cliff swallows of Mission San Juan Cap-istrano have been tougher to spot in recent years, as increased urbanization has forced the birds to fi nd alternative nesting spots. Courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano City Councilman Roy Byrnes. Photo by Brian Park

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

RECALL SUPPORTERS TEAR DOWN THE CITY

—Kathy Hooper, San Juan CapistranoThe more I hear about the ridiculous

recall attempt against Mayor Sam Allevato, the angrier I get. Obviously, the charges against him are unfounded. Blaming Sam for increases in our water rates is com-pletely unwarranted.

Also, trying to twist his support of the

LET’S BRING BACK THE SWALLOWS—Jim Curwood, San Juan CapistranoFifty years ago this spring, my parents,

sister and I came to San Juan Capistrano to attend Mass and see the town.

What a wonderful place. After walking around town and the Mission, we stopped to get an ice cream. Leaving the store with my strawberry ice cream, I opened the door, took two steps and a swallow pooped on my cone. I started to cry and threw away my ice cream, but my dad said, “It’s your lucky day. There’s a Chinese proverb that says it’s good luck to get pooped on by a bird.” How often does that happen? In 52 years, two other times!

My point is, San Juan Capistrano is a very special place, and those little birds are our endless economy, like York Min-ster, the Grand Canyon, etc. You fi gure, conservatively speaking, at least a billion people worldwide know about our fi ne


YOUR TWO-WEEK EVENT PLANNER

GETTING OUT

THE LISTA day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

TROUBLE BUBBLES AT THE HOT SPRINGS 8 p.m. Annual San Juan melodrama at Camino Real Playhouse, based loosely on San Juan Capistrano history. $18-$24. Shows through

March 22. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

friday 28

Have an event?Send your listing to [email protected]

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

DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The 43rd annual festival kicks off to-day featuring heaps of fun events and activities including whale watching, a parade, carnival

style street fair, arts and crafts, the Grunion Run foot races, concerts, sand sculpting, SUP events, food and more at the Dana Point Harbor and throughout the city. Parade starts at 10 a.m. and runs southbound on Pacifi c Coast Highway be-ginning at Selva Road. The festival runs for two weekends: March 1, 2, 8, 9. 888.440.4309, www.festivalofwhales.com.

WATER-SAVING AND TOMATO WORKSHOPS10 a.m. Two of Plant Depot’s experienced nursery team members present a short talk on water-saving tips and to-matoes. 32413 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.2107, www.plantdepot.com.

MARDI GRAS GREEK-STYLE FESTIVAL6 p.m.-midnight. Celebration at Mission Grill with live music, food, costume contests and more. Tickets $15-$50 including dinner. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Cap-istrano, 949.543.3445, www.missiongrillsjc.com.

saturday 01

GRUNION RUN 10K, 5K AND 1K 6:30 a.m. Participate in a fl at and fast 5K or 10K run/walk or kids’ 1K in Doheny State Beach as part of the Dana Point Festival of Whales.

Registration online or available race morning. Benefi ts the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.6172, www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com.

sunday 02

FARM TO FORK: ADULT COOKING CLASS11 a.m.-1 p.m. Explore the gar-den, harvest fresh produce and learn how to prepare a delicious meal at The Ecology Center

under guided instruction from a professional chef. Tickets $40 members, $20 non-members. 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

TRAIL CLEARING & WEEDING 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Volunteer to clear/maintain trails at The Re-serve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. Free.

949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.sunday

09

monday03

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Fresh fl owers, produce and specialty foods for sale

Every Wednesday at Yorba Street and Camino Capist-rano. 949.493.4700, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

wednesday05

FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Monthly movie presentation in La Sala auditorium at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Donation $2. 31495 El Camino Real, San

Juan Capistrano, 949.248.5132, www.ocpl.org.

GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday at Los Rios Park to help maintain the garden and more. Bring gloves and wear close-toed shoes.

949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

friday07

thursday06

THE ARK OF SAN JUAN RESCUED PET ADOP-TIONS 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dogs and puppies, cats and kittens for adoption at PetSmart. 33963 Doheny Park Road, San

Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

SECOND SATURDAY ART FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Arts and crafts by local and regional artist, also featuring live music, business and restaurant specials in downtown San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700, www.sjcartfair.org.

EL PRESIDENTE BALL 6:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Fiesta Association’s annual Western-style dinner and dance with music and more, honoring the Fiesta president. El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Cap-istrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

saturday08

SADDLEBACK JAZZ LAB ENSEMBLE 7:30 p.m. Bruce Babad performs with the Saddle-back College Jazz Lab Ensemble in the McKinney Theatre. Tick-ets $10. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy.,

Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

AUTHOR READING ON CALIFORNIA HISTORY6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Talk on “Mission Indians, Yankees, and Mariners: California History Reconsidered” at the SJC Library. 31495 El

Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

TONIC 8 p.m. Alternative/indie band in concert at The Coach House. Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

monday10

tuesday11

thursday13

SOUTH COUNTY’S GOT TALENT 7 p.m. South Orange County Regional Chamber of Commerce talent show at The Coach House. Tickets

$75-$100. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

wednesday12

SECOND STAGE STAND UP 7:30 p.m. Comedy show at Camino Real Playhouse. $15. 31776 El Camino San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Every movie genre uses story tropes but none more so than the action-adven-ture fi lms. In Paul W.S. Anderson’s latest extravaganza, Pompeii, there seems to be every trope known to man, but they aren’t necessarily used a bad way. Some movies you watch for the sake of guilty pleasures when you don’t want to think too hard and just want to be entertained with exactly what you expect for two hours. In 76 A.D., an orphan slave named Milo (Kit Harington) is traded from Britannia to Pompeii right before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The daughter of the ruler of Pompeii, Cassia (Emily Browning) is arranged to marry villainous Roman Senator Corvus (Kiefer Sutherland), but she and Milo fall in love with each other. Meanwhile, Corvus schemes to take over the city and kill off all non-Romans. Carrie-Anne Moss and Jared Harris co-star as Cassia’s parents.

Anderson’s previous cult fl icks, Mortal Kombat (1995) and Resident Evil (2002), show he can make a movie popular despite criticism, meaning Pompeii might fi nd a following too. Game of Thrones star Harington is fairly awkward in his fi lm debut. Unfortunately, awkward could describe most of the other performances as well. Unlike P.T. Anderson, P.W.S. Anderson is a director of fl ashy aesthetics and heavy fi ght scenes, rather than subtle acting. Pompeii tends to be predictable and corny but not the least bit boring for action fans. —Megan Bianco

AT THE MOVIES: ‘POMPEII’ ERUPTS WITH ACTION

© Sony Pictures

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CLASSIFIEDS

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design 949.493.363232382 Del Obispo, Ste. C-3, www.abbysdesigns.com

JEWELER

Jarvis Restoration 949.362.538831942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

MOLD REMOVAL

San Juan Photo & Digital 949.661.566832301 Camino Capistrano, www.sjcphotodigital.com

PHOTO & DIGITAL LAB

Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731www.chicks-plumbing.com

PLUMBING

Excel Electric - CA #793860 949.493.776932238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com

Karen Fischer, Professional Organizer, Get Organized and Move! 949.355.3487www.getorganizedandmove.com

ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS

HOME ORGANIZATION

Excel Electric 949.493.776932238 Paseo Adelanto E-I, www.excelelectric.com

Organics Out Back 949.354.2258www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICIANS

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.132127126 Paseo Espada, Suite 1604, www.oasisair.com

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Independence Bank 949.373.896332291 Camino Capistrano, Suite A,www.independence-bank.net

BANKING

Jarvis Restoration 949.362.538831942 Paseo Sagrado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

WATER DAMAGE

Bryan Krueger Enterprises, Inc. 949.212.049933208 Paseo De Cerveza, Ste. B

ROOF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 949.493.568332032 Del Obispo Street, www.cvcs.org

SCHOOLS

Dress Well Boutique 949.922.804433712 Calle Miramar, www.DressWellBoutique.com

Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 714.757.3490www.yorbalindatilemarble.com, CA License #789312

WOMEN’S CLOTHING & HANDBAG BOUTIQUE

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/RESTORATION

LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANINGReliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733

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FOR SALE

SERVICES

10 PIECE LANE FORMAL MEDITERRANEAN DINING SET. 1970 solid Cherry Wood. Hexagonal pedestal dining table, 2 leaves, six cane-backed chairs. Hutch, China Cabinet, Buffet Server. Sold as a set. $1,900 or best offer. Cannot deliver. Must be picked up. Call MaryLou at (949) 366-2464.

$159 - QUEEN PILLOWTOP MATTRESS! Brand NEW, brand name, still sealed in the MFRs original factory plastic. Not refurbished, Not used. 949-682-5351


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4LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY

SJC LIVING

4COMMUNITY CALENDARThursday 3.6

Joint City Council and Utilities Commission Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Friday 3.7

Coffee Chat 8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues, hosted by The Dispatch founder Jonathan Volzke. Occurs every Friday. All are welcome. El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano.

Saturday 3.8

El Presidente Ball 6:30 p.m. to11:30 p.m. A Western-style formal dinner event with live music and dancing at El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in Western, Spanish, Mexican or early California attire. Tickets can be purchased at Fiesta Association meetings, every Wednesday, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Nydegger Build-ing, 31421 La Matanza Street. www.swallowsparade.com.


PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are en-tirely those of the columnist alone and do not refl ect those of the The Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at [email protected]

Tuesday 3.11

Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Wednesday 3.12

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting7 p.m. Capistrano Unifi ed School Dis-trict Offi ce Board Room, 33122 Valle Road. www.capousd.org.

Friday 3.14

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

s a columnist and a retail business owner, I hear about hardship that happens to people between the ages

of 50 and 90 nearly every day. Some of the news is brutal. People lose

their loved ones, pets, jobs or homes. They develop health issues. These things are a part of life and growing old, and my heart aches for them.

When adversity hits us personally, it can be a huge downer, almost more than we can stand. But somewhere in the dark-ness, sooner or later, a fl icker of light will appear. And it’s up to us to seek that light and gather the strength to go on and not give up hope. It may take a long time to get through the grief or to take action to change our lives, but that is easier said than done.

Dee emailed, “Your articles have gotten me through a very diffi cult time in my life. Eighteen months ago, I left a marriage after 37 years of verbal, emotional and physical abuse.

“In July, I had a coffee date with some-one I met online. He is wonderful, fun and so many other things my husband never was. We laugh and talk for hours and I feel so lucky to be with him. Please tell all the ladies out there not to give up. You never know where life may lead you.”

Glen wrote, “I had been in a marriage for more than 23 years when my ex sud-denly decided to fi le for divorce. Although it came as a huge shock to me and all or our friends, I still held out hope that she might come back.

Overcoming Adversity: It’s No Easy Task, But a Necessary OneFinding positives in hardships can help one pursue new opportunities

“I went to counseling and did my best to try and understand what was going on and how I would move forward at age 51. I can’t tell you when it happened, but I slowly began to under-stand that I needed to take charge and make a new life for myself. It

took 39 months to complete my divorce, although there were no complicated is-sues.

“During that time period, I met the absolute love of my life. Thanks for the articles that help people make sense of the sometimes complicated world of dating after 50.”

For a third example, meet Linda. She and I have known one another for close to a quarter of a century. Soon after I opened Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in 1988, Linda and her husband, Joe, started coming in for sandwiches. They owned a produce brokerage business with an offi ce just down Pacifi c Coast Highway from my shop.

I was impressed with them as a couple: smart, fun, friendly and handsome. Over the years, I lost track of them.

A few weeks ago, I saw Linda at the deli. We had a chance to catch up. She said her life had been diffi cult recently. I was stunned when she told me Joe suddenly passed away four years ago at age 63. She had moved to a nearby city.

Three years after losing Joe, Linda start-ed to realize that she had to take initiative to change her life. Six months ago she met Pete, a widower, online and they are now a couple, involved in a long-distance rela-tionship. Last week, she brought Pete into the deli to introduce him to me. They have plans for a future together. Both followed the light at the end of the tunnel—and found each other.

Adversity, as tough as it is, often leads to opportunity. It’s up to us to recognize it and pursue it.

To comment, email Tom at [email protected]. CD

A

T

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

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake

he San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library is seeking the commu-nity’s input to help put the fi nish-

ing touches on its new bookstore.The Friends have set up an online

survey to determine their vision for the bookstore, from the types of books to sell to store hours. The survey, which also asks for a suggestion for the name of the store, can be found at the Friends’ website, www.sjcfol.org.

The Friends of the Library is the nonprofi t volunteer organization that supports the library’s efforts, including staffi ng the bookstore. The bookstore is currently in its fi nal stages of construc-tion and a grand opening is scheduled to take place June 1. CD

Community Input Sought for Library Bookstore

5STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

SPORTS& OUTDOORS

5iding a 14-game winning streak into their CIF-SS Division 5AA quarterfi -nals matchup against Xavier Prep on

Feb. 25, the Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball team used a second-half surge to earn a 77-53 victory, keeping their streak intact.

The Warriors will now play Bishop Diego in the Division 5AA semifi nals on Feb. 28.

Xavier Prep (14-13) scored the game’s opening points on a layup by Matt Stearns, but that was the only lead they would have in the contest.

In the opening minutes, the Warriors (24-5) forced four turnovers in a row and jumped out to a 14-3 lead and a major mo-mentum swing. The Saints weren’t done yet, fi ghting back to get within striking distance, trailing 33-25 at the half.

The second half was a different story. Late in the third quarter, Xavier Prep

pushed to within three points of Saddle-back Valley Christian but the Warriors responded by scoring nine unanswered points on three consecutive 3-pointers.

Warriors Cruise Past Saints, Into CIF Semifi nalsBy Michael Vogeler

The Capistrano Dispatch


R

The scoring spree from behind the arc gave the Warriors a 57-45 lead heading into the fourth.

Saddleback Valley Christian outscored Xavier Prep 20-8 in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a breakaway dunk by Irshad Hunte that put the game out of the Saints’ reach.

The Warriors (25-5) were led by Eric

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

For in-game playoff updates, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports

Girls BasketballThe No. 3 seeded San Juan Hills

girls basketball team was upset by No. 6 Corona del Mar 38-37 in the CIF-SS Division 3AA Championships on Feb. 26. The Sea View League champion Stallions (22-4, 8-0 league) stifl ed Corona del Mar defensively in the fi rst-half and held a 23-7 lead at halftime. But Corona del Mar turned the tables on them in the fi nal two quarters, outscoring the Stallions 31-14. The

SAN JUAN PREP PLAYOFF ROUNDUP

Stallions shot a season-low 28 percent from the fi eld. San Juan Hills was led by Jordan Coleman’s 11 points.

Girls SoccerSt. Margaret’s is on a hot streak at

the right time. The Tartans entered the CIF-SS Division 5 Championships as a wild card team and has since won three matches, earning a berth in the quarterfi nals. The Tartans beat Desert, La Serna and Arrowhead Christian, respectively. They will travel to play La Quinta on Feb. 28.

San Juan Hills drew a tough

matchup with Santa Margarita in the fi rst round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on Feb. 21 and lost on the road 2-0. The Stallions (9-4-6, 3-2-3) punched their ticket to the playoffs by claiming second place in the Sea View League.

Boys BasketballThe JSerra boys basketball team

has won three playoff games and will play Buckley at home on Feb. 28 in the CIF-SS Division 4AA quarterfi nals.

— Compiled by Steve Breazeale

Cooper Bird celebrates his second period goal in the Capistrano Coyotes 6-1 win over Long Beach Prep on Feb. 10. Photo by Leslie Bird

Saddleback Valley Christian’s Reece Bearden surveys the fl oor during the Warriors CIF-SS quarterfi nals game against Xavier Prep on Feb. 25. Photo by Jenna Ross

Capistrano Coyotes Capture Title, Eye Playoff Debut

n a season fi lled with fi rsts, the Capistrano Coyotes ice hockey team clinched the Anaheim Ducks High

School Hockey League Varsity 2A division on Feb. 10. The newly formed team, which draws players from across the Capistrano Unifi ed School District, accomplished the feat in its fi rst season in the league.

Due to their fi rst-place fi nish, the Coy-otes were awarded a fi rst-round bye in the Varsity 2A playoffs. They will face the win-

By Steve Breazeale The Capistrano Dispatch

I

ner of San Diego South/Villa Park in the quarterfi nals at Anaheim Ice on Mar. 1.

The Coyotes (13-0-1) put up another convincing stat line in their 6-1 division-clinching victory over Long Beach Prep on Feb. 10.

Already in control with a 1-0 lead, the Coyotes signature high-powered offense took off in the second period. The team scored four unanswered goals, including one from Paul Boutoussov, Cooper Bird, Alec Grollman and Max Kamper. Zach Wollivar netted the Coyotes fi nal goal in the third period.

low and steady won the race for the Capistrano Valley Christian boys basketball team in their 54-52 vic-

tory over No. 2 seed Bellarmine-Jefferson in the CIF-SS Division 5A quarterfi nals on Feb. 25.

The No. 10 seed Eagles’ (16-11) fi rst eight points came from free-throws alone, and after taking an early lead, the team slowly built toward a winning effort.

The Bellarmine-Jefferson (18-11) guards played an aggressive and physical game by using a full-court-press. This tripped up the Eagles offense early, but with a few minor adjustments, the Eagles were able to push the momentum in their favor, tak-ing a 23-15 lead into the second quarter.

“We switched a few of our guards around in order to overcome the full-court-press, but really, our guys just manned up,” Capistrano Valley Christian head coach Zach Brogdon said.

Sophomore point guard Peter Abramsky scored a team-high 16 points and led the dismantling of Bellarmine-Jefferson’s press by bringing the ball up the court. Abramsky was also involved in the game’s deciding play.

At the end of the fourth quarter, with close to 10 seconds remaining on the game clock and both teams tied at 52, Abramsky took a 3-point shot attempt and narrowly missed. With the ball fl oat-ing near the rim, Eagle’s center Simon Okolue leapt and tipped in the deciding bucket with four seconds left.

“We really worked on our confi dence since the last two games and all of us believed we could win this game,” Brogdon said.

The Eagles now advance to the semi-fi nals to play No. 3 seed Santa Clarita Christian High School on Feb. 28. It will be the deepest the Eagles have gone in the postseason tournament since the 2009 season. CD —Victor Carno

Last Second Tip-In Sends Eagles Hoops Into Playoff Semis

S

Rwahire’s 17 points. Hunte and Miles Seward both scored 16 points.

The Warriors have outscored their two playoff opponents by a combined score of 167-96. They defeated Albert Einstein Acad-emy 90-43 in the opening round on Feb. 21.

“It’s all about our defense. If we play solid defense, we will be fi ne.” Saddleback Valley Christian head coach Tom Lewis said. CD

The Capistrano Coyotes fi nished the regular season as the only unbeaten team in regulation. CD

February 28, 2014

Documents

byrnes statement

taste of san juan

city of san juan capistrano

city of san juan capistrano

san clemente

city attorney

san juan water customer

city properties