February 23, 2017

EYE ON SC

What’s Up With...

Five things San Clemente should know this week

Road Closures Scheduled for This Weekend

THE LATEST: Caltrans announced S. El Camino Real at the Interstate 5 bridge will be fully closed at night starting on Sunday, Feb. 26, through Tuesday night, Feb. 28. Closures will be from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning for bridge work. Avenida Del Presidente will be the signed detour route for El Camino Real traffic.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information on closures, www.dot.ca.gov. —Staff

San Clementean Helps Save Seven Kids from Drowning in New York City’s Central Park

THE LATEST: When Bennett Jonas and his friend, Ethan Turnbull, saw seven teenage boys sink under the frozen surface of a lake in Central Park in New York City, they rushed into action.

Around 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, Jonas and Turnbull were skateboarding through Central Park and saw the boys, ages 13-17, standing on thin ice, taking a selfie. Suddenly, the ice gave way and the boys

I got there, all I could think about was getting them out. Same with Ethan.”

WHAT’S NEXT: According to reports by various New York media outlets, some of the boys were treated at a local hospital for symptoms of hypothermia, but all survived. —Eric Heinz

Wellness & Prevention Coalition Travels to D.C.

THE LATEST: Two youths and one adult member of the San Clemente’s Wellness & Prevention Coalition attended a fourday Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America conference where they built skills in advocacy and policy change, according to a press release from the coalition.

ing to press charges to have the person prosecuted, which Bull said can deter people sometimes out of either compassion for the offender’s situation or fear of retaliation.

Room at shelters is also meager, Bull said, and sometimes it can be difficult to get some homeless people to go to them.

San Clemente is estimated to have more than 70 people who are chronically homeless—people who are seen on the streets in a particular area for more than four weeks at a time.

Moodie said calls to the city’s Police Services Department are up 15 percent from 2015 to 2016, with many of them related to homelessness or other nuisances.

were all submerged in the frigid water.

“They were pretty scattered and dancing around, and they were about 20 feet from dry land,” Jonas said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. “They all had backpacks and big boots, jeans and coats on, and (when they fell in) they were grabbing each other, trying to get out,”

Jonas is a San Clemente native and is living in Midtown (east Manhattan) in New York City pursuing an acting career. As a child, he said he participated in the city of San Clemente’s Junior Lifeguard Program. Those skills came in handy Monday night.

“It was truly horrific, watching what was going on,” Jonas said. “We immediately picked up our skateboards and ran to them as fast as we could. There were ladders on the shore that you can pull out if someone falls in, but they weren’t long enough to get out to where they were. I immediately handed all of my belongings to a woman who was standing on the shore and went in.”

While the two men tried to rescue the whole group, Jonas said he could see two of the boys who were “at the end of their rope;” both of them were under water and not moving much

By this time, a group of people on shore had gathered and the paramedics were on their way.

“I was fighting a block of ice and pulled the last two kids out by their backpack and a jacket,” he said.

Jonas said the Fire Department of New York officials who arrived later told him the lake was 18 feet deep at the point of entry.

Jonas described what was going through his mind as he tried to focus.

“Ethan and I were talking about it later, and it was a bit of a blackout,” Jonas said. “Once I hit the water… I felt terrified. That was the only point I was scared. Once

“Yuki Dias and Helen Calderon represented San Clemente youth in visits to Rep. Darrell Issa, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-St. Louis) and other key policy makers on Capitol Hill,” the release stated. “The message was to invest in the future of our youth through funding prevention efforts. Yuki and Helen participate in the youth coalition SCHShift that works in collaboration with the Wellness & Prevention Coalition.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Dias and Calderon will travel in April to Issa’s office to talk about the Wellness & Prevention Coalition, which meets every second Tuesday of the month; seventh- through 12th-graders are invited to attend. Call 949.680.0516 or visit www.wellnessandpreventionsanclemente. com. —Staff

San Clemente Officers Present Homelessness Report

THE LATEST: Details about enforcing nuisance and code compliance infractions caused by homeless people were presented at the Tuesday, Feb. 21, City Council meeting.

San Clemente Police Chief David Moodie and Joe Bull, the Orange County Sheriff’s Deaprtment community liaison for the city, attributed the rise in the populations, in the city and county, to various sources. The biggest reason, Moodie said, is likely from the effects of Prop 47, which makes narcotics possession and other “lesser” crimes punishable by citation only.

Moodie said the department receives calls regarding homeless people trespassing or disturbing businesses constantly, but there isn’t always something they can do.

The city’s most recent trespassing laws gives business owners the ability to have people who are causing problems removed and cited, but only if the owners are will-

WHAT’S NEXT: When asked about certain known locations of homeless people, such as convenient stores, Bull said Police Services keeps in contact with the owners of the locations but can’t situate a deputy at those places at all times. The officers are continuing to work with Family Assistance Ministries, the nonprofit 211 and the city’s Targeting Reduction Investigation Prevention (TRIP) program, which helps locate and enforce infractions. —EH

City to Contract with Law Firm for Code Enforcement

THE LATEST: City Council voted unanimously to contract with the law firm Silver & Wright, LLP during the Tuesday, Feb. 19, meeting in order to fortify its municipal code enforcement.

City Attorney Scott Smith said the District Attorney may not decide to prosecute some of the code violations and having a firm could help file civil lawsuits against repeat offenders—all of which could help reduce code violations.

“We want compliance with the law, and we’re not looking to punish people for this,” said Matt Silver, a partner with the law firm.

Smith said lawsuits would only be filed after a few notices have been given to the offender.

The cost to the city could also be none, Silver said, because liens could be put on offending property owners, and that money could be recovered by the city at the time of sale or foreclosure.

The District Attorney is tasked with filing criminal prosecution.

WHAT’S NEXT: The vote came with a few contingencies: the law firm must work with OCSD when issues come up; the contract would be capped at $30,000 until a report about six months from now is prepared; and the firm must work with city staff while keeping in contact with Council members. —EH

Community Meetings SC Sheriff’s Blotter

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

SAN CLEMENTE DAY

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free swimming will be offered from 10 a.m.-noon at Ole Hanson Beach Club, 105 Avenida Pico, and from 9 a.m.-noon lap swim for adults and noon-4 p.m. all ages at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

BILY MEETING

7-9 p.m. Meets every Tuesday. Because I Love You helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. Presbyterian Church. 119 Avenida De La Estrella. www.bilysc.org.

SUNRISE ROTARY

7:15 a.m. San Clemente Sunrise Rotary meets every Tuesday at Talega Golf Course Signature Grille. 990 Avenida Talega. www.scsunriserotary.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

SAN CLEMENTE ROTARY

Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets every Wednesday at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena. 949.233.7981. www.sanclementerotary.org.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

6 p.m. The San Clemente Planning Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting. 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. To view the agenda and get more information, visit www.san-clemente.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLAN WORKSHOP

4 p.m. The city’s officials will go over financial plans for the city’s foreseeable future. City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. 949.361.8200. www.san-clemente.org. The meeting is open to the public.

COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Sunday, February 19

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida

Acapulco/Avenida San Pablo (9:03 p.m.) People were outside of the vehicle and partying in the street.

DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (7:25 p.m.) Someone was sleeping in the middle of the grocery store.

DISTURBANCE Corte Merlango, 2400 Block (2:50 p.m.) Juveniles were seen jumping from a roof into the swimming pool.

Saturday, February 18

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES

Avenida Pico/Avenida La Pata (8:05 p.m.)

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

SCHS Dance Team Wins First State Title of 2017

The San Clemente High School Dance Team won its first state championship this weekend for its Intermediate Dance group at the United Spirit Association’s (USA) Southern California State Dance Classic on Saturday at Fountain Valley High School.

“This is the first USA state title in the history of the SCHS Dance Team,” said Danielle Braithwaite, dance team coach and former SCHS dancer. “The girls have been working so hard and putting in a lot of hours, and it has certainly paid off. We are so proud of their determination and resilience this past week.”

In addition, freshman Emily Burks placed eighth in the state soloist competition. Burks was the only freshman to qualify in the top 10 and the only SCHS dancer to compete in the finals.

Other top awards included second place finishes in the small dance, large lyrical and novelty divisions. All dance divisions that the team competed in qualified for USA Nationals, scheduled for March 31 and April 1 in Long Beach. Qualifying dance divisions included small dance, medium hip-hop, intermediate, large lyrical and novelty.

For more information about the SCHS Dance Team, visit www.schsdanceteam.

Police were called to reports of an underage boy asking people to buy him alcohol.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Avenida Victoria, 100 Block (5:30 p.m.) A woman was urinating on a customer’s car.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES El Camino Real, 2200 Block (12:14 p.m.) A woman said the peep hole on her hotel room door had been reversed, and the hotel staff was looking into her room while she was changing.

Friday, February 17

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Avenida Pico, 800 Block (10:31 p.m.) Police were called regarding a van that has been parking at the store just before it closes. The caller said the person driving the car has been watching employees leave for the past few weeks.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES E. Avenida Palizada/El Camino Real (6:33 p.m.) A patrol check was conducted for two people in a parking lot wearing dark hoodies and smoking heroin.

WELFARE CHECK Via Sonrisa, 0 Block (1:37 p.m.) A man was outside the caller’s house saying someone was trying to kill him.

com and follow them on social media at www.facebook.com/schsdanceteam and @schsdance on Instagram.

Artifex Brewing Welcomes Portuguese Street Artist

Artifex Brewing Company is throwing a welcoming party Friday, Feb. 24, for Francisco Camilo. Camilo is an internationally famed street artist from Portugal and the current Street Artist in Residence at the House of Trestles.

The Street Artist in Residence program connects street artists from around the world with Southern California’s street art community. Artifex will introduce Camilo’s work to the public in a free event on Feb. 24 from 5-7 p.m. inside the brewery, located at 919 Calle Amanecer in San Clemente.

“Francisco’s art is spectacular and bold, which suits the Street Artist in Residence program,” said Joshua Host, who is cochair of the program’s board of directors along with renowned street artist Bandit, also a San Clemente resident.

Camilo paints for private commissions in and around Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city. He’s accustomed to making large, outdoor walls into his personal canvases, and he’s experienced with portraits. His residency in Southern California is incorporating metaphysical theories and using realism in abstract spaces.

Camilo is painting throughout Southern California, including in Los Angeles, Long

DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares/ Calle Agua (7:57 a.m.) A woman was seen throwing chairs and trash into the roadway.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Albergar, 0 Block (3:31 a.m.) A woman said she could hear someone walking in her backyard.

Thursday, February 16

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Mira Del Norte, 100 Block (11:09 a.m.) An “elderly” man was yelling for help inside the location. The caller said it was possibly a forced entry.

CITIZEN ASSIST El Camino Real, 3900 Block (12:39 a.m.) A woman was lying in the street.

Wednesday, February 15

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (9:51 p.m.) Police were called for a man under the Pier who had a stick.

DISTURBANCE Via Los Tilos, 300 Block (4:36 p.m.) A woman said she received Facetime calls and emails from an unknown man, which contained photos and images of his private parts.

Beach and San Clemente. A public event near the end of his residency, which lasts until March 28, will be held to display his work. Check out his work on Instagram at @franciscovcamilo.

SCHS Students to Compete in Stars of Tomorrow

South Coast Singers’ annual competition, “Stars of Tomorrow,” will take place on Sunday, March 5, at the Performing Arts Center at Capistrano Valley High School.

This year, more than 60 children from all over Orange County auditioned for the main competition, a group that was whittled down to 25 singers for the final. San Clemente High School junior Carlie McCleary will compete in the musical theater division and senior Cassidy McCleary will compete in classical theater. Cassidy won the musical theater competition last year.

The competition organizers have also invited past winners to sing at the finals concert. Hannah and Abigail Schwartz of San Clemente High School are among the performers. Hannah won in 2010 for musical theater and Abigail took third in 2012 for musical theater. They will be singing a duet.

For more information, visit www.southcoastsingers.org/stars-of-tomorrow.

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

Team of geologists

say threats of earthquake, tsunami to SONGS not as dire as believed

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

M Quake Things Up

ajor earthquakes and tsunamis that could threaten San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) are probably less of a problem than once perceived, according to geologists who studied the seismic landscape of the area for six years.

But that doesn’t mean they can’t happen, they said.

At the Community Engagement Panel meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16, hosted at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, Dr. Neal Driscoll, a professor of geosciences at the University of California-San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, gave a presentation of the findings from the research his team conducted. Driscoll said the research has been vetted by peer review.

Earthquake Risk

Horizontal shifts along the Southern California coastline could be capable of producing earthquakes as strong as 7.4 magnitude on the Richter Scale. The measurements from the study incorporated a “complex equation,” Driscoll said, that involves the Wells-Coppersmith measurement, which takes into account the distance and force of the epicenter of an earthquake.

Most of the study examined the Newport-Inglewood/Rose Canyon fault lines, which exist along the Southern California coastline.

According to SCE officials, the power plant and dry cask storage containers can withstand more damage than a 7.4 magnitude earthquake would bring.

Certain pockets of “active” fault lines— lines that have shown activity within the last 10,000 years—were detected during the study, and they have the potential to all go off at the same time, from Newport to south of San Clemente.

Tsunami Risk

Certain features of San Clemente’s coastline—and the area just west of it—are not suitable for tsunamis, Driscoll said. The bathymetry (the measurement of depth of water) gives the San Onofre location a “unique” buffer, Driscoll said.

The area was studied by new technology that allows for 3D, high resolution imaging, which was used to assess the area, according to the report.

The two types of tsunamis that could be created by earthquakes include near-field

tsunamis, which happen when vertical movement of fault lines takes place; in this case, people nearby would have minutes to a half hour to evacuate, if necessary. With far-field earthquakes, people can detect them earlier and give warnings, Driscoll said.

Since the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster in Japan in which a nuclear power plant released radiation in its surrounding areas and into the Pacific Ocean, many people have voiced concerns over SONGS’ ability to weather a giant tsunami.

Public Speakers

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

Torgen Johnson spoke at the meeting and cited a 2005 study published by Gerald G. Kuhn that differs with the research presented by Driscoll. Johnson also questioned the strength of the canisters and their reliability.

“When you canister fuel, you can’t have it jostled around,” Johnson said. “The problem is you can’t monitor it for leaks or cracks … (and locals just have to) cross their fingers that everything will be OK for the next million years.”

Johnson said he was not reassured by anything Driscoll said because the research incorporated sediment configuration in the area, which he said is unrelated.

Holtec International, the company that has been awarded the contract to make

the canisters that will store the remaining spent fuel at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, has asserted at past meetings that the canisters can withstand more force than the shockwaves generated by the most powerful earthquake ever recorded—about 9.5 magnitude—but skeptics have raised other questions regarding the thickness of the units and reliability.

Angela Mooney D’Arcy, the founder and executive director of the Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples, said she would like to see a representative on the CEP from the Acjachemen-Juañeno Band of Mission Indians. The reason for this, D’Arcy said, is because it is a requirement, as part of the National Environmental Protection Act, to notify native tribes of ongoing activity at sites of tribal importance. The tribe’s sacred land of Panhe is located just north of SONGS and is within the jurisdiction of Camp Pendleton.

Miscellaneous Items

•AECOM and EnergySolutions were introduced during the Feb. 16 meeting as the general contractors of the decommissioning of SONGS.

Matt Martson of AECOM, who is leading his company’s portion of the project, said at least two-thirds of the jobs needed for the decommissioning would be filled by people from the local area. He also said lots of resources would be purchased in South Orange County.

• The current legislation to amend the Nuclear Waste Policy Act to allow for interim storage of spent nuclear fuel is still waiting to be heard by a Congressional committee. Currently the act does not allow for interim storage of nuclear fuel,

only permanent. The bill is championed by Rep. Darrell Issa.

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

Col. Doug Applegate, who ran for Congress in California’s 49th district, which includes San Clemente and SONGS, said during the meeting that people must contact their representatives if they want anything regarding current legislation of the interim nuclear storage bill to gather momentum. SC

Slides from the Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting are available at www.songscommunity.com under the Community Engagement Panel tab. The next CEP meeting is scheduled for May 11.

SOAPBOX SC

Too Much Water? Where Do We Go from Here?

ur recent torrential rains both here and throughout California bring the subject of drought to light.

The most dramatic and publicized element of this recent deluge has been the Oroville Dam and Feather River catastrophes of the recent few weeks. I was fortunate in my Orange County Grand Jury term to spend a full day at Oroville in 2004 and explore all aspects of its role in the state’s water supply. In light of these overflow disasters, I distinctly remember that Lake Oroville was at 74 percent of capacity and the snowpack was almost nonexistent. Officials were extremely concerned about the future water supply and also the loss of electricity being generated by the dam hydroelectric power plant at the base.

“It is crucial to understand that virtually all of the rain that has fallen in

San Clemente recently has flowed directly to the ocean. We have only one very small reservoir ... ”

Until this year, the situation deteriorated even further to extreme droughts and emergency situations where most storage lakes like Oroville were essentially dry. Now, all of a sudden, everything has reversed into the worst flooding conditions in recent history. This has been a result of not only rain, but also snow that has restored the snowpack to normal levels.

In addition to all we have read about the Oroville Dam and the evacuations of the lower cities, the Federal Fish Hatchery below the dam is also worth recognizing. I spent hours there and was amazed. It is the largest fish hatchery in the United States, releasing 10 million salmon into the Feather River each year. They were able to truck some 6 million young salmon away to another facility before the overflow. The emergency conditions of today have been generated solely by the amount of rain and not snow. While the snowpack is back to normal, the amount of rain must be attributed to much higher than normal temperatures in the northern region. This has caused much of the normal snow to fall as rain, overtaxing water storage capacity. As we know, this excess rainfall is being seen not only in the north but re-

cently in record amounts here in San Clemente. We need to be aware, however, that this is not the end of concern for our water supply. This supply will continue to depend upon the snowpack over time. The big unknown question in all of this is global warming. Is this current 2016-2017 situation a result of permanent global warming or is it simply a short-term fluctuation?

While much of the Oroville overflow is coming south and replenishing our storage facilities all over Southern California and San Clemente, over time, depending upon temperature, these storage facilities could be depleted again. This could lead to another serious drought.

It is crucial to understand that virtually all of the rain that has fallen in San Clemente recently has flowed directly to the ocean. We have only one very small reservoir that can hold an insignificant amount of water versus our needs. Of course, most of our water is purchased from a water district that has a continuing supply. However, the water district’s supply is also subject to the depletion. Again, we all need to be aware of these factors and continue to move toward conservation and reduced water usage, notwithstanding the current deluge.

One benefit of the current local storms has been the more public spaces. These rains have been a blessing to the golf courses which are now a gorgeous green. Also, the open spaces on the hills are at peak colors. Driving up La Pata, the hills on each side are a beautiful bright green in many places. Perhaps the lushest of all is the grass-covered athletic field at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park.

In summary, we must remember that the long-term drought may not at all be over. We must continue to conserve and hope that this is also not a dramatic and sudden climate change.

Lew Avera is a retired career officer, Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps. He has been a director of the Talega HOA since 2003 and served on the San Clemente Planning Commission from 2005 to 2013. SC

PLEASE

Letters to the Editor

BE MINDFUL OF WATER DESPITE RECENT RAIN

CARTER REDISH, San Clemente

Last Friday, I was out for my usual early morning walk, trying to get out before the next downpour arrived, and just around the corner I noticed the walkways in front of the first house were wet. It had not started to rain, so the yard sprinklers had been on. Two house downthe sprinklers at that house were running. Later that day, the sky opened up and we got a downpour. This morning, two more houses on a different street had there sprinklers running, water pouring down the gutter, and we are scheduled for another storm this weekend. I have not run our yard sprinklers for at least the last three months. Every week, we have been getting our fill of natural rain, like clockwork.

California is finally getting the rain it needed, but as is so often the case, too much at one time. But our water problems are not over just because we are having a good rainy season. Next year, we may be back to drought conditions, so everyone should learn how to operate their sprinklers and pay attention to when and how long they are operating, or they won’t have water during the next drought.

TRUMP AND THE DAILY BRIEFING

LEO GALCHER, San Clemente

The President’s Book of Secrets by David Pries details the president’s daily briefing (PDB) prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency and delivered at 7 a.m. to every president since JFK.

All presidents have attested to its value.

President George H.W. Bush praised it, and his son spent many mornings in extended discussions with the briefer. Our current president, when introduced to the PDB, said, “I am very smart” and that it would take too long to read.

President Trump gets his PDB from Fox News, disdains the news media and refers to news reporting as “fake news.” His tweets reveal little comprehension of world events, and his analysis of events show very little respect or comprehension of the impact of events on the U.S. His lack of effort to search for truth does not bode well for our nation.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Have Loners Disappeared from the World of Social Media?

To read the posts on Facebook, view the images on Instagram and catch the soundbites on Twitter, it may seem as though a man of solitude is a vanishing breed. Everyone can talk, friend and share with everyone else on earth. Consequentially, we seldom experience being alone anymore.

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

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

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

“ When every moment the eye and brain are being assaulted by exterior electronic stimuli, it is harder to let the interior instincts, the still small voice of reason, the cool, calm and collected thoughts sift to the surface and provide meaning and direction for our lives. ”

The pace of virtual interaction has become so fast, so furious and so frantic that some of my friends say they go out to clubs and bars and party scenes with mobile devices in hand just to be reminded how much they enjoy being by themselves afterwards.

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

WAVELENGTHS

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

A contemplative solitude is the best place to order and prioritize the mishmash of raw data thrown at us on a constant basis. It’s not just a tool to thwart bewilderment; it’s a means to a rationally examined life.

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

“In this crowded world,” founder John Severson wrote in the 1960 premier issue of Surfer Magazine, “the surfer can still seek and find the perfect day, the perfect wave, and be alone with the surf and his thoughts.” Today, even out in the ocean that coveted seclusion is hard to come by.

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

Jim Kempton is writing a cookbook based on recipes from surfing adventures. He agrees with the loner Audrey Hepburn who famously said, “I don’t always want to be alone. I just sometimes want to be left alone.” SC

GETTING OUT SC

San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday

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‘A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS’

6:30 p.m. Enjoy an exciting evening with hosts Robert Kline and Stephanie Heredia at the Regnecy Theaters as they present a spectacular Oscar Awards pre-party, they’ll offer a glimpse behind the scenes of this years’ nominated films and what it takes to win Oscar gold. Admission is $16. 26762 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. www. facebook.com/westcoastfilmfestival.

COOKING CLASS AT ANTOINE’S CAFE

6:30 p.m. Learn how to make a selection of Italian dishes including Sicilian stewed chicken, squash polenta and baked Italian ricotta cake at Antoine’s Café’s monthly cooking class. Cost is $60 per person, and space is limited. 218 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.1763. www.antoinescafe.com.

LIVE MUSIC: SHAWN JONES

7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Shawn Jones at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

AVERY BREWING TAP TAKEOVER

7-11 p.m. Boulder-based Avery Brewing takes over Barnoa Wine Bar with a selection of craft beer to sample. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Friday | 24

MISSION ART WALK

11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings

EDITOR’S PICK

FRIDAY, FEB. 24: LIVE THEATER: A NIGHT OF ONE-ACTS

6:30 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County presents a night of theatrical one-act plays exploring the theme of time. Two pieces will be presented with an intermission in between. The show also runs Saturday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets ahead of time for $12 at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2838583, or at the door for $15. The Arts Project Theater. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente. 949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

LIVE MUSIC: HANS & JANINE

4 p.m. Join Waterman’s Harbor for live music with Hans & Janine every Friday. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE FREMONTS

7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from The Fremonts at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘THREE BANDITS AND A BABY’

8 p.m. In this family-friendly musical melodrama, three successful and happily unmarried villains get a surprise inheritance of a little girl. Forced to do the right

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

LIVE MUSIC: LESLIE LOWE

8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Leslie Lowe at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Saturday | 25

KIDS’ PET PARADE

11 a.m.-2 p.m. The rescheduled annual Fiesta Association Kids’ Pet Parade invites children ages 5-12 to show off their favorite animals in contests for best team

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

BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

make a documentary called Kedi that follows a surprisingly simple subject: cats.

In the city of Istanbul, Turkey, cats are not housebound, but live on the streets of the area in harmony with the human locals. The feline species in the country is both wild and domesticated in a unique way. They do as they please, but also have favorite spots and humans with whom they prefer to converse. The humans like them back, but they also give the cats their space. Some cats are loners; some have a bundle of kittens because

they’re not neutered or spayed.

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

costume (owner and pet), best domestic pet, best exotic pet, best farm animal and best bird. There is a $5 entry fee, and entrants are asked to fill out an application beforehand, available at www.swallowsparade.com/kidspet.html. Los Rios Park. 31747 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976.

BIG BAG SALE

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

SCHS MAKE-A-WISH CLOTHES DRIVE

10 a.m.-2 p.m. The SCHS Make-A-Wish Foundation Club is teaming up with Clothes for the Cause for a clothes and textile drive. Items must be packaged in a trash bag. Accepted items may include but are not limited to: new and gently used clothing, shoes (paired only), towels, stuffed animals, hats, sheets, blankets, quilts, bedspreads, drapes, purses and belts. All proceeds from the drive will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The drop-off location will be located at the SCHS upper campus MPR, located at 189 Avenida La Cuesta, San Clemente.

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

‘THRIVE’ SHORELINE CHURCH

WOMEN’S OUTREACH EVENT

6-9:30 p.m. Award-winning author, bible teacher and humorist Sheri Rose Shepherd will speak at the event, which also has a raffle fundraiser with proceeds donated to charity. Event is $20. Register online. 211 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. 949.547.9818. www.theshorelinechurch.org/thrive. (Cont. on page 27)

... and so much more!

Welcome to the 46th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales

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

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

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

Hope to see you there!

MAYOR DEBRA LEWIS

A Look Back A Look Back

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL OF WHALES

By Andrea Swayne, Event Coordinator

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

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

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

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

Rachael Tilly Rachael Tilly

Rachael Tilly, 18, of Capo Beach is well-known among locals at Doheny State Beach and surf fans everywhere for her World Surf League 2015 Women’s Longboard Championship win. In the 2017 Festival of Whales Parade, Rachael will be front and center as the grand marshal. We sat down with the San Clemente High School alum to discuss the upcoming festival, her favorite events and more.

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

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

How long have you lived here?

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

What do you love most about FOW?

Every year it’s something to look forward to. It’s something that the community can really gather around and get together and celebrate our community.

How did you get involved with surfing?

My dad used to be a professional surfer and so naturally when I was little he was always surfing and going to contests. So I grew up saying, ‘Take me, take me out in the water.’ When I was finally old enough, he first took me surfing and from then on we started going more and more. I did my first contest at 6 years old, and it just became more regular. I started loving it for myself. His sessions of going out were over; he was helping me. It was definitely opening a new chapter for him and me but I’m really happy we’ve been able to do this together. What do you love most about the community?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Van Brasch Alex Van Brasch

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

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

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

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

How did you hear about the contest?

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

the rest of the design.

What was your inspiration behind the design?

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

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

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

What did you use to create the logo?

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

What are you most excited for?

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

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

OTHER FINALISTS

GETTING AROUND THE FESTIVAL

Festival of Whales

Merchandise Merchandise

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

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

Merchandise booths will be at the following locations:

March 4: Street Fair at La Plaza Park and Dana Wharf (in front of Dana

Wharf Whale Watching and in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot)

March 5: Ocean Awareness Day at Baby Beach, Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Whale Watching and in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot)

March 11: Dana Wharf (in front of Dana Wharf Whale Watching and the in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot), along the Harbor walkway

March 12: Concert on the Water/ Spirits Garden at Baby Beach, Dana Wharf Whale Watching (in front of Dana Wharf Whale Watching and in the center of the Dana Wharf parking lot)

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

WALKING DIRECTIONS FROM OCTA BUS STOP

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

PARKING AND FREE SHUTTLE INFORMATION

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

PARADE DAY SHUTTLE

(March 4 only)

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

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

STREET FAIR SHUTTLE (March 4 only)

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

WATER TAXI

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

WHALE OF A CONCERT SHUTTLE (March 12 only)

FREE shuttle service will extend until 6 p.m.

Schedule of Events Schedule of Events

WEEKEND ONE

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Sand Sculpting Competition

8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Festival of Whales Parade

10 a.m. Pacific Coast Highway 1

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. OCean Adventures

Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 3

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Street Fair

10 a.m.–3 p.m. La Plaza Park 2

Ocean Institute Education Center

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

So Cal Woodies Car Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

The Legendary Corvette Car Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 11

Art in the Park

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

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

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

Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Whale of a Pizza Party

11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15 Harbor Music Series

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

Historic Walking Tour of Town Center

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

Drone and GoPro Demo

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

WHALE WATCHING

EVERY DAY OF THE EVENT

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

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

• Ocean Institute 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast

7 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Whale Walk Painting

9 a.m.–2 p.m. Doheny State Beach 16

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

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

Art & the Sea: Painting Class

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Ocean Institute 5

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Ocean Institute Education Center

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing,

OC Sailing & Event Center 7

So Cal Woodies Car Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

The Legendary Corvette Car Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Art in the Park

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

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

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

Ocean Awareness Day

11 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

Rubber Ducky Derby

11 a.m.–2 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Diamond Dig

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Whale of a BBQ

11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip

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

Harbor Music Series

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

Historic Walking Tour of Town Center

2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast

Highway 8

Drone and GoPro Demo

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

Movie Screening: “Humpback Whales”

6 p.m.–9 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

WEEKEND TWO

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Whale of a Beach Cleanup

9 a.m.–Noon Doheny State Beach 16

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

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

Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash & Expo

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach 15

Kids’ Fun Fair

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

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

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

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Ocean Institute Education Center

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

British Invasion Car Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic

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

Art in the Park

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

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale

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

Sixth Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off

11 a.m.–3 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15

Captain Dave’s Under Sea Eco Carnival

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

Harbor Music Series

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

Drone and GoPro Demo

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

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

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

Free Movie Screening: “Finding Dory”

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

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

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

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild

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

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 13

Kids’ Fun Fair

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

Ocean Institute Education Center

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ocean Institute 5

British Invasion Car Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 11

Sailing & Stand-up Paddling Clinic

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

Art in the Park

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

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale

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

Mobile Marine Mammal Museum

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

Harbor Music Series

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

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

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

Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip

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

Drone and GoPro Demo

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

Annual Events

Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash and Expo

March 11; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Westwind Sailing will be hosting the second annual Cardboard Classic/Dinghy Dash. It includes a cardboard boat building contest and race, exhibition booths, food, music and awards. The event is at Baby Beach, next to OC Sailing & Event Center. To enter the Dinghy Dash, cost is $30 per team and all building supplies will be supplied. Up to five people may participate on a team, and only one person per team may race. Sign up at www.festivalofwhales.com. 15

Diamond Dig

March 5; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Diamond Dig will be at Baby Beach. For an hour, dig for treasure, toys and prizes. One person will win a piece of jewelry donated by Marinelli Fine Jewelry. Kids and adults are encouraged to arrive early. Tickets are $10. 949.204.7084 or visit www. monarchbeachrotary.com. 15

Free Movie Night

March 11; 6:30-9 p.m. Finding Dory will be featured during a night of family fun. Bring a picnic dinner or enjoy free popcorn and snacks. Although the screening is indoors, low back lawn chairs or blankets are permitted. There will also be bleacher seating. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. 949.248.3530. 14

Kids’ Fun Fair

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

Ocean Awareness Day

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

Events &

Attractions Attractions

Parade

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

Street Fair

March 4; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Pet Project Foundation will host the Street Fair and Whales and Tails Wag-a-Thon at La Plaza Park. There will be vendor booths, music, food trucks, a kiddie area, a pet costume contest and more. Admission is free. 2

Rubber Ducky Derby

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

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

Sand Sculpting Competition

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

Arts & Cult e

Art in the Park

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Local artists display a variety of work at the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. The Dana Point Historical Society will provide free information on local history and display historic photos, books and gifts for purchase. 12

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show and Sale

March 4, 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Dana Point Fine Arts Association will host an art show and sale. The art will be on display at the

Classic C Displays

So Cal Woodies

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

Pacific Coast Corvettes Presents the Legendary Corvette

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

British Invasion

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

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

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

Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour of Town Center

March 4, 5; 2 p.m. The walk will show the historical town center. See and hear stories of historical landmarks; a free walking tour brochure will be included. Meet the guide at the newly renovated Coastal Kitchen restaurant. 949.248.8121 or museum@ danapointhistorical.org.

Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale

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

Dana Wh f Whale Watching and More

Drone and GoPro Demo with Marine Life Top-of-Mind

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

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

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

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

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS

Wyland Whale Watching

Art Lessons in the Wild March 4, 5, 11; 10-10:45 a.m.

Dana Wharf and the Wyland Foundation have entered a partnership to offer a unique and creative lesson. There will be a dockside presentation and an art lesson aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran via video feed by environmental artist Wyland. Children can enter their art in an end-of-season contest. The lesson is $5 per child and proceeds will benefit the Wyland Foundation. Children who participate will receive a free whale watching trip. www.danawharf.com. 3

Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip

March 5, 12; Noon-12:30 p.m.; 12:45-5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites children to the dock side fishing clinic to learn handson techniques from the experts. Prizes will be awarded. A fishing trip is scheduled from 12:45-5:15 p.m. Adults are $46 plus license and equipment. Children 12 and under fish for free with paid adult. 949.496.5794. 3

Doheny State Beach Whale Walk Painting

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

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

(CONTINUED)

Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum

March 12; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be a variety of marine mammal artifacts for visitors to learn about. Alert entrance staff upon arrival to get directions for parking location. The event is free. 16

Dolphin Safari Whale Watching and more

Captain Dave’s Under the Sea Eco Carnival

March 11; Noon-2 p.m. Join the crew at the carnival and learn how to do your part and keep the ocean clean while having fun. There will be bounce houses, a selfie station, and an underwater viewing pod simulation, face painting and more. Entry into the carnival is free. 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com. 4

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

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

Food Options

Whale of a Pizza Party

March 4; 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Grab a slice and drink from Beach Harbor Pizza served by Veritas Lodge. The party will be adjacent to Baby Beach during the Whale of a Sand Sculpting Contest. 15

Whale of a Pancake Breakfast

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

Whale of a BBQ

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

Sixth Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off

March 11; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sample clam chowders from local restaurants and organizations then vote for your favorite at Baby Beach. Taste all the entries for $10. Prizes will be awarded for a variety of categories. Event includes a beer and wine garden for adults 21 and older with a valid ID. www.fishforlife.org.

Whale of a Concert BBQ and Spirits Garden

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

Live Music

Harbor Music Series

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

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

Whale of a Concert on the Water

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

Point Headlands, the Festival of Whales will include a free outdoor concert at Baby Beach. Bands will perform on the water atop of a floating stage. The Dave Silver Band performs at noon, the Tricia Freeman Band at 1:30 p.m. and Hollywood U2 will perform at 3:30 p.m. Low back chairs or blankets are permitted. There will be BBQ and a Spirits Garden for those 21 and older. 949.248.3530. 15

Ocean Institute

Whale Watching and More

Ocean Institute:

Ocean Education Center

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

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

Art & the Sea: Painting Class

March 5; 10-11 a.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a one-of-a-kind paint class with Motif Paint Events. Tickets are included with admission to the Ocean Institute for the weekend only. 5

Movie Screening:

MacGillivray-Freeman Films’ ‘Humpback Whales’

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

Purple numbers coincide with map locations on page 6.

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

Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure

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

Sailing and Paddling

Sailing Rides

March 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a sailing ride and learn to steer and sail a Capri 14. Rides are for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $15 per boat, three people maximum, for a half-hour session. Westwind Sailing. 949.492.3035. 7

Stand-up Paddling Clinics

March 5, 11, 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join the SUP craze during a 45-minute clinic. Each clinic is held on the hour, depending on weather and conditions. Clinics are for ages 12 and up; 12-14 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $10 per person and lifejackets are provided. Contact Westwind Sailing for details at 949.492.3035. 7

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON

Whale Watching Whale Watching

While in Dana Point for the Festival of Whales, there are many options for visitors to see some ocean wildlife up close. Choose from three businesses offering many different whale watching experiences, times and prices.

Captain Dave’s provides trips aboard their customized catamarans, which allow guests to get up close and personal with wildlife. The Mantue’a offers eye-to-eye underwater viewing pods and a hydrophone to hear below the surface. Multiple trips are planned for both weekends of the festival. Tickets vary depending on the trip, but range from $20 to $65. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.488.2828. www.dolphinsafari.com.

Hop aboard one of Dana Wharf’s adventure cruises for a chance to catch a glimpse into the huge variety of underwater wildlife with their multiple whale watching trips every day. Cruises depart on the hour and are narrated by expert captains aboard a variety of vessels. Tickets vary depending on the trip, but range from $15 to $55. 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern. 949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

Join the Ocean Institute’s scientists on a whale watching cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. The 2.5-hour cruise will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 4; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 5; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11; and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 12. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active duty military and $25 children. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.com.

LAND LOCKED? Walk along the bluff-top Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center’s 3 miles of trails to view the whale migration from above. The Center is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the trails are accessible from 7 a.m. to sunset. 34558 Scenic Drive. 949.248.3527. www.danapoint.org.

Individual Whale Identification Techniques Individual Whale Identification Techniques

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

The whale watching world is full of creatures that most enthusiasts would consider celebrities in our oceans. Often whales can be easily identified by certain habits or traits that make them stand out. Bring up names like Scarlet, Hook or Scoopfin to a whale watching naturalist from Southern California and they will definitely be able to tell you what kind of whale is behind the name and how it earned the name. You might be thinking, “Don’t all whales look the same?” or “You’ve seen one whale, you’ve seen them all.” But there are many ways to tell individual whales apart and it is easy to do so if you look at the unique features on a whale. The identification of individual whales is not only important to researchers, but it also helps to spread interest and promote the conservation of whales. Technology has been advanced to the point where anyone can identify individual whales; you no longer have to be a marine biologist or a researcher to do so.

HOW DO WE IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL WHALES?

The most common way to start identifying a whale is to photograph the whale from both the left and right side to capture its identifiable features. This technique was pioneered with whales by the late Dr. Michael Bigg in the ’70s. Bigg discovered that orcas could be identified by simple photos of the side of the animal. Depending on the species of whale, various features such as the dorsal fin, flukes (tail), scars and markings can be utilized. Dorsal fins not only vary in shape and size from species to species but are unique to each individual animal. Notches and scars are also commonly found on the edges of dorsal fins and aid in the identification process. These notches and scars are obtained in various ways, such as fighting, play or from injuries. These notches and scars can heal or change over time, so constant monitoring and new photos are needed to keep identifications current and correct. For animals such as orcas, the dorsal fin and saddle patch, a white area just behind the orca’s dorsal fin, can be used also. The saddle patch varies in shape and size between different individuals and also can have distinctive markings within it. On blue whales, the dorsal fin and blotches or spots below the dorsal fin on the whale’s body are primarily used to identify an individual. The dorsal fin matching technique is also regularly used

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

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

WHY DO WE WANT TO IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL WHALES?

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

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

WHO IDENTIFIES INDIVIDUAL WHALES?

The process of identifying individual animals can be a major task for researchers, but it can be done by professionals and amateurs alike. Often, thousands of photographs have to be sorted and edited to start the identification routine. These photos are placed on a computer or in printed catalogs, kind of like a yearbook for whales. Over the years, various types of programs have been used by researchers to make this strenuous task easier. Most of these programs can be quite complicated and still require much human input to verify a match. The current wave of new programs is steering toward instant and automated matching.

Recently, a program called Happywhale has made the identification process quite simple and fun for anyone. A user can log on to Happywhale.com and upload a photo of a whale they have photographed to have it identified. Using image processing algorithms, Happywhale will try to match the user’s photo to extensive photo collections. In a short time, Happywhale will notify the user if the whale has been identified and will supply various interesting information on the whale and previous sightings of that whale by other Happywhale users. The user even has the option of following up with the whale and will receive notification if the whale has been spotted again. Happywhale is a great way to support the citizen scientist movement, proving you don’t have to be a marine biologist or work in the whale watching industry to help researchers identify and track whales. The program also hopes to inspire others to learn about whales and the conservation effort to help them in our ever-changing oceans.

TIPS FOR SAFE WHALE WATCHING

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

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

GUIDELINES FOR ALL WHALE WATCHERS

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

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR BOATERS

• Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure from viewing wildlife.

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

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

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

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

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

Annual Field Trip Aims to Give Dana Hills Students Inspiration Inspiration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nicole Beatty, a senior at Dana Hills, said she was taking photos for AP Studio Art.

“We pick a concentration our second semester, and right now I’m getting shots of people out on kayaks, on boats and the shoreline,” Nicole said.

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

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

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

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

“It’s more fun,” said Shayla Fante, a senior. “I can develop them at school, and I’ll get to see what I captured.”

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

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

SHOP & DINE Dana Point Harbor Dana Point Harbor

(Cont. from page 10)

GAMERZ GAMING NIGHT

7-9:30 p.m. Join the Community Outreach Alliance for a gaming night. 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

LIVE MUSIC: FAMILY STYLE

7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Family Style at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE MUSIC: MIKEY DE LARA

8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Mikey de Lara at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Sunday | 26

GUIDED NATURE HIKE

8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park. Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

BEND AND BREW

11:30 a.m. iHeartYoga holds a Bend & Brew session at Left Coast Brewing Company’s tasting room in San Clemente. It’s a one-hour yoga class followed by a pint of beer. Admission $10. 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.com.

SHORECLIFFS MIDDLE SCHOOL SURF TEAM FUNDRAISER

Noon-4 p.m. Stop by Surfside Pizza and Brawner Boards to support the Shorecliffs Middle School fundraiser. Twenty percent of sales at either store during the fundraiser will be donated to the surf team. There will also be live music, raffle prizes and corn hole. 216 and 220 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente. www.facebook. com/events/1492679214106177.

Monday | 27

FREE GUITAR LESSONS

5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Tuesday | 28

HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING

10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboar d this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watch-

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

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

FAT TUESDAY AT IVA LEE’S

7-10:30 p.m. Celebrate Mardi Gras with zydeco music from the Bayou Brothers at Iva Lee’s. There will be a washboard contest with prizes for the winners, and there will also be ample hurricanes and Cajun food to go around. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S

8 p.m. Karaoke every Tuesday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

Wednesday | 01

FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB

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

KARAOKE AT THE SWALLOW’S INN

7 p.m. Sing karaoke, imbibe and eat free popcorn at The Swallow’s Inn’s karaoke night with Bobby and Joel. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY

7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS

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

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S

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

On Stage at the Coach House: Louie Anderson

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

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

The goal, Anderson said, is to “have people mumbling when they are leaving,” about the jokes that resonated with them. He said his act nowadays focuses on all the “F words”: fun, family, food—“and being fat is big,” Anderson joked.

“My thing is about joy and happiness and giving people a break from thinking,” Anderson said, adding that he does an impression of Donald Trump, “which is not a hateful impression, but always gets a really big rise out of people.”

The success of the dark comedy and indie-tinged Baskets has brought Anderson to yet another new audience, and he said he’s excited to engage with a new group of fans—even if he couldn’t have predicted the course of his career thus far.

“(When I started out), I was looking for world domination,” Anderson said. “I always thought that my main base would be as a stand-up comic and that I would also do TV and movies, but who could have ever predicted Baskets, or Family Feud, or a cartoon?” SC

REUBEN AT TREVOR’S THE DISH

ARUSSIAN

fter closing for renovations last April, Trevor’s at the Tracks—formerly Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot—officially reopens on Thursday, Feb. 23, with a 5 p.m. ribbon-cutting.

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

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

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

Trevor’s at the Tracks 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593.

SC LIVING

Brush Fire

San Clemente artist finds strength in painting historic women

BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Swirls of blue and light purple make up Hellen Keller’s hair, a design technique that artist Allison Moore used to portray an icon of American history.

It’s just one interpretation of a heroine Moore has done recently. Each painting of a famous woman—and Moore has made about 20 paintings of various women—is a connection to the San Clemente-based artist, who started creating them at the beginning of the year.

“It started as a personal thing,” Moore said. “I was widowed last year after a very long period of caregiving and trying to keep my husband alive.”

Moore’s husband was in a motor vehicle accident in San Clemente in May 2014 and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He died in August, but while he was in recovery, Moore started a blog where she would discuss her husband’s condition and any updates.

She would later go on to start www. groundbreakinggirls.com, where she writes and reflects on her muses of power and hope.

“I came into the beginning of the year thinking that I had to make a life for myself and not thinking about the past,” she said. “I’m 46, and this is probably like the middle of my life, and I was really thinking about how I could be inspired instead of thinking negatively. I feel sort of mentored by them in this new period of change. They overcame so much in very difficult situations, and I just find that inspiring.”

Some of Moore’s paintings include ren-

derings of Eleanor Roosevelt, Carrie Fisher and Harriet Tubman. Each of the paintings has Moore’s unique take on the subject.

“I spent time listening to podcasts, and I found them such a source of strength for me,” Moore said. “I really wanted to find that source of motivation not just for me but for my daughter, who is only six, but who has been growing up without a father.”

The paintings are done with water-based acrylics, Moore said, adding she started with oil painting but wanted the paintings to dry faster.

Currently, Moore has a display at the Mission Viejo Library and she hopes to contact other locations to set up her work.

Moore said she enjoys painting portraits and people most of all.

“It’s been really interesting,” Moore said. “I think the subjects I paint just sort of come to me, but I’ll do some research or someone will send me a picture. It almost feels to me as if… I can give them a voice and share these stories in a meaningful way.”

Moore said she’s also received calls from friends who are aware of her paintings suggesting she paint unsung heroes who are working to better the world. One such person is working in Colombia at an orphanage, and Moore said she hopes to paint her when she returns to the United States.

On her podcast, Moore talks to historians and locals who know history. That podcast is available on her blog website. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by

Never Too Old for Romance and Marriage

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

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

By Tom Blake

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

Anastasio said, “The rule on the ships is a dance host cannot have any kind of romance while on a cruise, but he can get a phone number or email address.

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

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

Anastasio said the email address he received from Tina was no longer valid. He had a friend who lived in England track down Tina’s phone number. Anastasio said, “I was so excited about contacting her, I forgot about the time-zone difference.”

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

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

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

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

Anastasio and Tina have been seeing each other ever since. Anastasio would spend three months in England and Tina

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

Courtesy of Tom Blake

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

A few years back, Anastasio said to me, “There is a lot of trust in this relationship and trust is what makes it work for us. Friends always ask if we plan to marry and live together. Well, that doesn’t make much sense. We get along great, and every time we get together it’s like a honeymoon.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.FindingLoveAfter50.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. SC

Pilot for Life

Col. Robert Thacker celebrates 99th birthday in San Clemente

BY ERIC

ew people in the military have accomplished what Col. Robert Thacker has.

The former airman flew a B-17 bomber when Pearl Harbor was under attack, and he flew bombers in Europe and the Pacific during World War II. He was also involved in the Korean War.

On Feb. 18, he turned 99 years old and celebrated the milestone at Talega Golf Club in San Clemente.

“I’m 99 because of modern medicine, no question about it,” Thacker said. “I’ve had a beautiful wife for 71 years, but we lost her; she was 91. I live alone, do my own trucking, and life is pretty good.”

Thacker said he was drawn to the pilot’s life by aviators Charles Lindbergh, the Wright brothers and Chuck Yeager. He said he started making model airplanes when he was 8 years old.

“Next to real airplanes, model airplanes are the best,” Thacker said. “The human male likes to build things, and he likes to build things that will work. And when he makes things, he wants to make things even better, and on the final effort, he wants perfection.”

Thacker flew in the U.S. Air Force for more than 31 years.

“It’s wonderful when I’ve got (younger people) to help me out,” Thacker said “I have 122 of my friends here. It’s the help I’ve gotten over my life. It’s unbelievable that I could get that many people here.” Thacker is sharp-witted and often comes up with off-the-cuff comments. During the party, he answered questions with witty replies that made everyone in earshot laugh.

“When I’m 99 years old, I can say anything I want, and the women just love it,” Thacker said.

Vic Sebring, a resident in San Clemente, said he met Thacker about 20 years ago when he was jogging near his home. Sebring said he and the colonel struck a chord with each other, sharing a mutual interest in aviation.

“One of the fun things I get to do is take him to these aviation shows and conventions,” Sebring said. “For me, the best part of them is sitting in the car and getting to pick his brain about flying.” SC

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locals Only

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Solstice Heating and Air 2208 El Camino Real, Ste. #1, 949.573.3607, www.solsticehvac.com

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

ART GALLERIES

San Clemente Art Association 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com

CHIROPRACTIC

Spinal Vitality Integrative Chiropractic

647 Camino de los Mares, Suite 220, 949.616.5470, www.spinalvitality.com

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate 99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com

CONCRETE

Costa Verde Landscape

Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com

Exquisite Epoxy Concrete Floor Coatings Lic.: 1020002, 949.632.8400 exquisiteepoxy.com

DENTISTS

Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com Shoreline Dental Studio

Kristen Ritzau, DDS 122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back 949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

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Perfectly Clear Editing Services

Judi Heidel: 949.281.6364 www.perfectlycleareditingservices.com

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Arcadia Electric 949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

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South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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South Coast Furniture & Mattress

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Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

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Paradise Jewelers

166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com

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Costa Verde Landscape

Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com

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South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

MORTGAGES

Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast

Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage 949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

SC Rider Supply

520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com

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Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

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South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

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2-dogswalking.com Ricky, 949.973.4128

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PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com

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A to Z Leak Detection 929 Calle Negocio #D, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing 929 Calle Negocio #D, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

Karl Aiken Plumbing-Rooter San Clemente, 949.366.8302

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Radiant Pool & Spa Service Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

SC Pool & Spa Works

1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com

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Café Calypso 114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

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Salon Bamboo

150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com

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Syrens Hair Parlor

217 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. E, 949.361.9006, www.syrens.com

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South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

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Waterbabies Swim School 142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

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Colony Termite Control 1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

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San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

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Offshore Construction 877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

OBITUARY

Dr. Donald B. Bounds

Dr. Donald B. Bounds, 75, longtime resident of south Orange County, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 26, 2017 at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Bounds was born in St. Louis, MO and practiced general dentistry for 35 years in San Clemente. He is survived by his wife Jane; son Dr. Steven Bounds (Roseann); daughter Katie Bounds; grandsons Michael and Jeffrey; and sister Lucille Sandy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 27, 2017 at 10:30am at St. Kilian Catholic Church, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA. Interment will follow at Pacific View Memorial Park, Newport Beach, CA. O’Connor Mortuary, Directors. (949) 581-4300. www.oconnormortuary.com

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS SC

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Triton Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the Triton programs throughout the playoffs, follow us on Twitter @ SouthOCsports.

After Defensive Battle,

Huntington

Beach Edges Tritons in Penalties

After nearly 100 minutes of action, the San Clemente and Huntington Beach girls soccer teams’ CIF-SS Division 1 secondround matchup boiled down to just a few crucial moments.

The visiting Oilers and Tritons were deadlocked on Feb. 21, and neither team was able to score a goal after regulation and overtime, setting up a penalty kick shootout.

Like she had done all night, Oilers’ senior goalie Rachel Harris shut the Tritons out.

Huntington Beach scored on its first four tries from the spot while Harris made three outstanding saves to secure the victory for the Oilers.

In penalties, it was freshman forward Cina Wilson who buried the final attempt in the back of the net to send Huntington Beach on to the quarterfinals against Chino Hills on Feb. 24.

Both defenses, in particular the goalies, were sharp for most of the night. Neither

team held a distinct advantage for long, although the Tritons did dominate possession throughout the first half and both overtime periods.

San Clemente goalie Lauren Brzykcy, a UCLA commit, made a flurry of saves in the contest, but none as big as a pointblank stop she made in the 68th minute on a tough-angle shot by junior Alijah Oliver. Oliver streaked across the face of the Tritons goal before unleashing the shot, and Brzykcy stayed with her the whole way.

Oilers’ senior Katie Martinez ripped a booming free kick toward the top crossbar in the 58th minute, and Brzykcy made a leaping, fingertip save. The Tritons’ senior goalie ended up making a game-high 10 saves.

San Clemente had its chances as well.

The opening 40 minutes saw the Tritons outshoot the Oilers 4-1, and San Clemente earned three corner kicks as a result of its early offensive pressure.

Maddie Diaz and Isabelle Sanchez both had early shots on goal, but Harris was there to make the saves.

The Tritons nearly took the lead seven minutes into the second half when senior Victoria Phillips connected with junior Natalie Crapo on a long run down the right sideline. Crapo sent a well-timed pass in to a waiting Sydney Cooper but her shot went just wide of the net.

San Clemente finished the season with a 10-9-4 overall record under first-year head coach Lauren Leslie. San Clemente finished in second place in the South Coast League after going 4-3-1.

Boys Hoops Falls to La Cañada in Second Round

A wild fourth-quarter ultimately separated the San Clemente and La Cañada boys basketball teams on Feb. 17.

La Cañada was spurred to a 60-53 victory following a blistering 17-1 run in the final quarter that put away the Tritons in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1-A Championships.

The game went back-and-forth all night. San Clemente trailed 22-18 at the half, tied things up at 24-24 in the third quarter, and eventually took a 31-29 lead late in the third.

But La Cañada’s fourth-quarter push proved to be too much.

La Cañada was led by Justin Kouyoumdjian’s game-high 19 points. San Clem-

ente’s Blake Birmingham led the Tritons with 15 points, Isaac Rex had 12 and Michael Moran scored 10 in the loss.

A convincing 66-63 victory over visiting Downey in the first round on Feb. 15 earned the Tritons a berth into the second round of the playoffs. San Clemente led wire-to-wire and survived a late 3-point scoring barrage to advance. Birmingham had a game-high 25 points in the firstround win.

Gardiner Hits Game-Winner to Send Tritons Hoops into Quarterfinals

The San Clemente girls basketball team trailed Trabuco Hills by one point in overtime of a CIF-SS Division 3AA Championship second-round game on Feb. 18, and they needed someone to step up and make a big shot late.

The task fell to freshman Ella Gardiner. Gardiner put up a running jump shot as the clock expired and the ball went in, giving San Clemente a 41-40 victory.

The Tritons were scheduled to play Bishop Amat in the quarterfinals on Feb. 22. Results were not available at press time.

The Tritons won the game against the Mustangs despite a poor shooting night. San Clemente shot just 28 percent from

San Marcos Downs Tritons Water Polo in Playoff Opener

The San Clemente girls water polo offense was silenced by San Marcos in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on Feb. 15. San Marcos defeated the Tritons 14-6.

The San Clemente offense had been firing on all cylinders in the buildup to CIF-SS competition. The Tritons swept their way through South Coast League play on their way to an 8-0 record, earning the league’s No. 1 seed in the postseason.

But San Marcos proved to be a tough opening task. San Marcos jumped out to a 7-3 lead in the first quarter and never let up.

Brooklyn Aguilera and Tera Richardson each scored two goals for San Clemente and goalie Victoria Reardon made seven saves.

Wrestlers Place at CIF, Qualify for Masters Tourney

For the second consecutive year, San Clemente senior Kyle Marshall was named a weight-class champion at the CIF-SS Individual tournament. Marshall’s first-place effort at the postseason tournament on Feb. 17 was among the many highlights for the San Clemente wrestling team, which placed seventh overall.

the field and 41 percent from the free throw line.

But the Tritons pressed on, and came back in the fourth quarter after trailing the Mustangs 29-22 after three quarters.

“We played really solid defense to keep us in the game,” San Clemente coach Kerri Husbands said. “This team has a lot of heart and found a way (to win) even when the baskets weren’t dropping for us.”

Gardiner scored a team-high 14 points, pulled in 11 rebounds and had four blocks. Senior Amy Harris had 11 points and a game-high 18 rebounds.

Like San Clemente, Bishop Amat earned a first-round bye into the Division 3AA playoffs and breezed past Tahquitz 50-33 in the second round.

Austin Moore (third place), Hunter Gallaher (sixth) Masious Vaughn (seventh) and Mitch Olesinski (eighth) all placed in their respective weight classes. Marshall, along with Moore and Gallaher, will advance to this weekend’s CIF-SS Masters Meet in Ontario.

By claiming his weight-class title at the CIF-SS tournament, Marshall became the second San Clemente wrestler in school history to place at the postseason tournament all four years of high school.

On the Triton girls wrestling team, Amara Devericks and Carolina Moreno recently qualified to compete in the CIF-SS Masters tournament.

Penalty Kicks Send Sunny Hills Past Triton Soccer

The San Clemente and Sunny Hills boys soccer teams CIF-SS Division 1 playoff first-round match on Feb. 20 went to penalty kicks, where Sunny Hills prevailed 4-3.

The game was originally scheduled to be played at Biola University on Feb. 17, but the recent storm that drenched the Southland forced the game to be postponed. It was eventually contested at Fullerton Junior College three days later.

The Tritons entered the playoffs as the South Coast League’s No. 3 seed and finished the year with an 11-7-6 overall record.

SC SURF IS

Not Just another Beach Clean-Up

After a wet winter, the San Clemente Beach Conservation group is taking bold steps to make our beaches clean again

BY JAKE HOWARD,

nyone notice all the rain we’ve gotten this winter? It’s been a wet one, hasn’t it? As a result, the hills around Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente are looking more like Ireland than the dusty southland we’ve come to know during the drought years. Colorful palettes of wildflowers abound. And for the surfing populous, area sandbars have been greatly replenished and are in fine for m. From Gravels, to Doheny, down to Uppers and San Onofre, all of the water from the local creeks and arroyos have moved tons of sand and rock, reshaping our wave-riding playgrounds in the process. Of course, it comes at a cost. All of the rain means urban r unoff, which means beach and ocean pollution.

That’s where Shon Miller and his San Clemente Beach Conservation program comes into play. Over the last year or so you may have seen him and his ever-growing crew of “activists” hitting the sands around San Clemente, diligently picking up waste and refuse that either washes up or is left behind by careless visitors.

“I grew up here, my family’s lived here for generations; the least I can do to give back is dedicate myself to making our

community and beaches a better place for everyone,” said Miller.

After trying his hand at a number of career opportunities, including event marketing and financial planning, Miller decided to step away from his nine-to-five routine and sink his toes deep into the sand.

“We started as a local, grassroots organization with the goal of helping make San Clemente beaches a cleaner place,” he continued. “That starts with beach cleanups, but it’s much more. We have events for kids to come out and help, and have fun, but also learn a lot about their environment and the role they can play in helping. We also have created partnerships in Australia, Portugal and other places, so it’s becoming

this loose network of local people all with the same goals.”

Miller’s clearly taking a page out of the environmentalist playbook: think global, act local. And thanks to fundraising efforts and the support of some local business, 2017 looks to be a big year for San Clemente Beach Conservation. On the first Friday of every month they’re hosting a “Bonfire Beach Clean w/ S’mores & Pizza Party” to rally the youth. And on the third Saturday of every month, Miller’s scheduled a “Free Breakfast & Beach Clean w/ Friends,” which welcomes all comers with open arms and will continue to adopt beaches in the area throughout the year.

“The clean-ups are a lot of fun and we’ve got a great, and growing, group that are involved,” said Miller. “It’s a great opportunity to come out and meet your neighbors and do some good.”

When it comes to the kinds of waste the San Clemente Beach Conservation crew are finding, we asked Miller to offer up his list of top five offenders. Here’s what he’s seeing on the front lines:

1. Cigarette butts: “It’s baffling to me that smokers don’t think of their cigarette butts as litter, but you come down any evening during the summer and people have left hundreds of them behind. It’s an epidemic around here.”

2. Styrofoam: “It’s not just coffee cups and food containers, but over time, styrofoam starts to break down and it gets dirty, so it becomes really har d to see in the sand, and it’s everywhere. The other day we did a clean-up and on the way down to the beach somebody told us it looked clean and we weren’t going to find anything. We ended up pulling 100 pounds of styrofoam off the beach.”

3. Water bottles: “Besides maybe cigarette butts, the single-use plastic water bottle thing is a killer. We’d love to get more hydration stations down at our beaches so people can refill and reuse.”

4. Random plastic: “People come from all over to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but when they leave, they leave sand toys, beach chairs, all kinds of stuff behind. It’s a very disposable mindset. It seems weird that you come somewhere to enjoy the beauty and then leave all your trash behind.”

5. Trashcan Overflow: “Wind, birds, the cans being overfilled—in terms of throwing their garbage away, a lot of people get 90 percent of the way there and miss the mark. We need to think about solutions for this because it could have a profound impact, especially during busy summer weekends.”

Find out more and how to get involved with San Clemente Beach Conservation at www.beachconservation.org. SC

BY JAKE HOWARD, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

uge props to all the men and women, boys and girls that competed in the Wester n Surfing Association’s contest at Huntington Pier over the weekend. After a deluge on Friday that saw near recor d rainfall, the water was like chocolate milk and the seas were rough, but for the hardy wave-riders that persevered, it was well worth the effort—it always is.

Congrats to Grom of the Week Ezra McPhillips, who battled through the conditions to finish runner-up in the Micro Groms Girls Under 10 division. Taking on the wild storm surf, she was able to hold off a talented crew of young, up-and-coming ladies for the second-place finish.

Not only did Ezra go home with a trophy, but she also earned some serious bragging rights for the effort. Her older brother, Dax, finished sixth in the hyper-competitive Boys Under 14 division.

Other notables from the weekend were a pair of Dana Point young ladies: Ryann Daly, who won the Girls Under 14 division, and Bella Kenworthy, who finished second in the Girls Under 12.

If the sign of a talented competitive surfer is somebody that can win in any and all conditions, this crew certainly proved themselves worthy up in Surf City over the weekend. SC

Water Temperature: 57-60 degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Catalina: 15’ Fair

Thursday: Short to mid period West-WNW swell is strongest early with surf mainly in the shoulder to overhead (4-6’) zone at the better exposures, while standouts spots see sets reach up to a couple feet overhead (7’) on sets. Light onshore flow due for the day, but mainly staying under 10kts.

Outlook: WNW swell mix eases Friday with minor leftovers on Saturday. Morning winds look mostly light. New West swell and NW swell mix possibly move in for Sunday and early next week with fun size surf. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.