Dana Point News Blog

Latest News About Dana Point

2008-07-03T08:56:00.001-07:00

eDanaPoint.com is pleased to partner with the Dana Point Times.

Get all the latest Dana Point news here.

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4th of July in Dana Point

2008-07-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dana Point: Fireworks will be shot off a barge outside the harbor at 9 p.m. Free shuttle service from Dana Hills High School. Viewable from Heritage Park, 3400 Old Golden Lantern; Lantern Bay Park, 2511 Park Lantern Road; and Capistrano Beach, 35005 Beach Road. (949) 248-3530 www.danapoint.org

San Clemente: Fireworks display off the municipal pier can be seen from the beach. 9 p.m. Free. San Clemente Pier, 611 Avenida Victoria. (949) 361-8254 or www.san-clemente.org

Watch this video of all the folks at T Street beach in San Clemente. If you are going to the beach, get there early!

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Wanted: Visitors to Dana Point Harbor

2008-06-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

Pacific Contours Corp. of Anaheim is exactly the kind of business Dana Point Harbor wants.

The maker of parts for Boeing Co. and other aerospace companies lets down its hair once a year and takes its workers and their families on a fishing trip out of the harbor.

Read the entire story here.

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Dana Point Local
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Dancing All Over the World

2008-06-22T22:57:00.001-07:00

Ok, so this video is not related to Dana Point, but man does it make me feel good. It's basically a video about a guy named Matt that simply travels all over the world and dances...that's it. He dances. Plus, it seems like everyone in the world enjoys his company...and of course, his dancing. Take a moment, watch the video and enjoy the world dancing...better yet, take a trip far away and dance.

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Dana Point Local
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Killer whales make appearance off Dana Point

2008-06-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

A report of a group of orcas, or killer whales, just four miles offshore from Dana Point prompted Dave and Gisele Anderson of Capt. Dave's Dolphin Safari to jump in their tour boat Wednesday afternoon and snap this picture of one of the five orcas they spotted breaching. The husband-and-wife tour operators say that it is rare for the creatures to come close to shore in this region and that it was the first time they've spotted one in more than three years.

Get the details here.

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CUSD Buying Back Teachers

2008-06-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

THE LATEST: In a special meeting Monday night, the Capistrano Unified School District board of trustees approved a proposed budget that would buy back all 269 teachers who received layoff notices earlier this year, allowing for class-size reductions in grades K–3 and maintained class sizes in grades 4–12. The budget also sets aside about $1 million for reserves.

Read the entire Dana Point Times article here.

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Memorial Day in Orange County

2008-05-24T12:06:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all the past veterans and current armed forces. We truly appreciate you.

Learn about Memorial Day's history.

Local OC Memorial Day events.

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Dana Point Local
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Summer Concerts Announced!

2008-05-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

You don't want to miss out on Dana Point summer concerts (in the park). They are so much fun for the entire family.

Get all the dates, times, locations and performer information here.

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Dana Point Local
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Dana Point Town Center Approved at Last

2008-05-17T20:06:00.001-07:00

The Coastal Commission approves Dana Point’s Town Center, giving the green light for the city and developers to proceed

His statement was brief, but the power behind the California Coastal Commission chairman’s words on May 8 will be felt by Dana Point residents for decades to come. “Again, on behalf of all of us, thank you for cooperating and working with our staff,” said Chairman Patrick Kruer. “It looks like you have a very nice project.”

Read the entire Dana Point Times article here.

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Blues Festival will heat up Dana Point

2008-05-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Raitt, Jonny Lang, Robert Cray and heralded guitarist Joe Bonamassa are on the bill for the 11th annual event.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Fisherman Catches 311 Pound Shark

2008-05-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Dana Point, Calif. -- There is one less shark in the waters off Southern California thanks to a team of fishermen from Marina del Rey.

Dorian Khouri, of Sherman Oaks, was participating in a shark sportfishing tournament Saturday when he hooked a 311 pound Thresher shark.

See a photo and read the rest of the article here.

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Therapy Solutions

2008-05-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

The following post was received from the owner of Therapy Solutions:

When the head coach of the US Olympic Volleyball team called there was only one thing to say and that was, Yes! I have been playing volleyball passionately for the last 20 years and just absolutely love the game. Through playing I have had some great experiences athletically but it also exposed me a good number of sports injuries. In fact, the whole reason I do what I do today is because of a nagging upper back injury that resulted from swinging at too many volleyballs. I certainly didn’t want to stop playing so I sought the treatment of several different chiropractors. It took me a few before I found one that actually helped me. At the time I was having a dull and tingling sensation in my back that started migrating into my shoulder then eventually down the back of my arm. I knew that a chiropractor could help me….if I could just find the right one. Eventually I did and the rest is history. Now in my 8th year of practice in Dana Point I’ve been given the chance to not only help my patients here in Dana Point but also assist the U.S. Men’s Volleyball team prepare for Beijing with my chiropractic services. Pretty exciting stuff!

My practice is named Therapy Solutions and it is pretty unique for many reasons. We are located inside the Dana Point Urgent Care facility directly across the street from the Dana Point post office. Our approach combines the most effective elements of chiropractic, rehabilitation, sports medicine, acupuncture and massage therapy all within one practice. Probably our most popular technique is called myofascial release. It combines repetitive stretching with specific massage motions. It is what I have found personally and in my practice to be the most effective thing to break down muscular adhesions, period. It is really exciting to have people come see me that have been hurting for years and then feel dramatically better in a short period of time. Whether it is helping someone get ready to run a marathon or getting someone well enough to pick up the grandkids again it is really gratifying work. You can read on our website www.therapysolutions.us about some of the great results our patients have received by coming to Therapy Solutions.

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Dana Point Local
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Boat Burglary Reported at Dana Point Harbor

2008-05-02T00:24:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT — Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol officers arrested three men they say are suspected of stealing fishing gear from a vessel docked at Dana Point Harbor April 9.

Officers responded to a call made at 4:15 p.m. by a citizen who allegedly witnessed the three men climbing over a locked gate on F Dock, said Harbor Patrol Deputy Joel Monroe.

Read the entire article here.

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Dana Point’s Tsunami Readiness

2008-04-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

By Lacey Nadeau
Dana Point Times

Orange County, including Dana Point, is better prepared for a tsunami than anywhere else along the California coast, but more can be done, concluded the 2007–’08 Orange County Grand Jury in a report released April 14.

Read the entire Dana Point Times article here.

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Smokey's House of BBQ Now Open!

2008-04-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

There is a new sauce in town...

eDanaPoint.com just learned about a new BBQ restaurant in town called Smokey's House of BBQ located here:

32860 Pacific Coast Highway #4
Dana Point, CA 92629
www.smokeyshouseofbbq.com

A little more info about Smokey's...

Smokey's Mission Statement

To take you on a tour of America’s best barbeque regions and satisfy your hankering for melt-in-your-mouth barbecue by offering four distinct flavors. All slow-smoked on the premises the old-fashioned way, using only premium quality meats and the finest ingredients.

A Little History - Mike Christian, Founder

You could say I’ve got smoke in my blood. I admit it; I’m an addict.

Smokehouse meats are my passion. Well, my second passion. My wife is my first — but that’s another story.

See, I’ve been working with meats and their infinite possibilities since grade school — a long, long time ago as my grandkids like to remind me. I appreciate the fine textures and the different ways in which meat can be prepared. I know of every meat’s beginnings and of their potential for bringing great pleasure to the palate.

And by far, the best way to prepare meat is with smoke. Nothing beats the fall-off-the-fork, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and texture of meat prepared in a smokehouse. There is nothing else that is so tender, so traditional and so mouthwatering.

I’ve spent my life working in the meat industry, including time spent on a farm on the East Coast when I was a kid. It was my wife’s family’s farm, come to think of it. See how the two passions come together?

In junior high I got my first real job working for a traditional smokehouse out West, preparing meats the old-fashioned way, by convection for slow cooking that provided natural preservation and flavoring. You could say my love affair — my addiction — started when I was a kid, and I carried through with it. My passion grew so much that my wife and I ended up opening a meat and deli market, which we never would have abandoned had we not discovered the beauty, serenity, cooperativeness and delight of farmers’ markets. For 25 years we ran a series of farmers’ markets across the West. It turned out to be a great environment for raising our kids, as well as nourishing our lives. We always made sure to include the best and finest meat offerings, with an onsite smokehouse, of course. In this arena, I was able to combine my passions for family, culture, community, quality foods and meat.

Always a purveyor of quality, I couldn’t resist the offer to open a meat distributorship with one of the country’s finest meat producers 15 years ago, bringing the best in meat to the public.

But being the lover of smokehouse meats that I am, I couldn’t turn my back on it any longer. In the hope that I can bring my passion to you, my wife and I offer you Smokey’s House of BBQ — a traditional tour of some of America’s best smokehouse traditions.

There’s No Rushing Smoke

The key component to cooking with smoke is time. It takes time for the smoke to slow cook, flavor and preserve the meat. In today’s fast-paced, instant-gratification society, most people don’t slow down and take the time necessary to prepare great meat. And trust me, throwing a chicken breast on the outdoor grill and cooking it over high heat for 15 minutes is not barbecue. Real smokehouse barbecue takes time. And in my opinion, you need smoke to prepare great meat. And smoke needs time to do its job right.

There are several regions in the United States where good smokehouse meat can be found. And trust me, we’ve tried them all. But with a lot of tasting, some serious determination and a very discernable palate (just ask my wife), I narrowed it down to the four best — four flavor-filled regions: Georgia, Texas, Arkansas and Kansas City.

We selected these four regions as the flavors for Smokey’s House of BBQ because each offers a unique treatment of their meats, while still staying true to the smokehouse tradition. You don’t even need sauce to eat these meats. But if you insist, these four regions also have the best flavor combinations in sauces and sides to complement the main course. All are equally good, just different in their own ways.

Each of these four regions has perfected the process, using woods that bring out distinct characteristics and flavors in the meats. After all, what would Texas brisket be without its mesquite smoke flavor?

Smokey’s Difference

That’s why each and every night Smokey’s House of BBQ begins the smoking process for the next day’s menu. You won’t find liquid smoke in our inventory, and our meats aren’t precooked, sealed airtight, frozen and shipped across the country. No, they are cooked right on the premises in our traditionally-designed smokers. This all-natural slow-smoking process allows for the best flavors and helps us avoid unnecessary preservatives or additives.

The Pickings – Find Your Taste

When perusing the menu, you have to know a little bit about your preference. Do you like your meats tart and peppery like the traditional pork out of Georgia? Or how about sweet, tangy and thick as in Kansas City style? Maybe you don’t even like sauce. Then the Texas beef brisket is for you — with its distinct red smoke ring testifying to its slow-cooked origin. And then there’s the catch-all — sweet, spicy, tomato based, but thin like the vinegar-based sauces. That’s the Arkansas style for you. And in Arkansas, you’re welcome to try it on chicken. My wife, she’s a Kansas City style girl all the way. But maybe you’re like me and can’t choose just one — come back and try ‘em all.

Not only am I offering these traditional flavors, but I wanted to enhance the smokehouse and traditional barbecue experience by adding some traditional sides. What would a pulled-pork sandwich be without a batter-fried pickle and some sweet tea? Or baked beans and some fried green tomatoes on the side? And let’s not forget the ol’ standby — coleslaw. And it’s not just any coleslaw. This recipe is light and tasty, made with a vinegar base, the traditional way, like I learned when working in smokehouses all those years ago. This way it complements your chosen main course rather than weighing down the delights of smokehouse. You can put it right on top of your meat like they do in Arkansas, or eat on the side like they do in Georgia.

And we couldn’t stop with the sides. Smokehouse meats have great potential that can’t be ignored. Salads at Smokey’s House of BBQ will fool you in to thinking you’re breaking the rules. Topped with your choice of regional smokehouse meat, your salad becomes the healthful option that delights the taste buds and satisfies your craving for traditional smokehouse that you won’t find anywhere else.

So, come on a tour with us, and let’s pay our respects to some of America’s best smokehouse flavors. You never know; you might just find smoke runs in your blood, too.

www.smokeyshouseofbbq.com

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Dana Point Local
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Earth Day is Coming April 19th

2008-04-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Surfrider South Orange County Celebrates Earth Day on April 19th at the Ocean Institute!

Sat, April 19, 11:30am - 12:30pm

On "Earth Day" weekend, Ocean Institute, Dana Point, will be opening its new lab programs celebrating International Year of the Reef. There will be booths from Surfrider Foundation, Reef Check, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and more! Our Special Speakers are Colleen Wisniewski, Southern California Manager for Reef Check, will be speaking from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Mike Epeneter, Chair of the Respect the Beach educational outreach program for Surfrider Foundation will be speaking from 12:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Both speakers will be sharing their ocean expertise on a range of issues from reefs to water quality and how you can become involved! The Ocean Institute will once again be partnering with the Surfrider Foundation, South OC Chapter, to hold a beach clean up at Salt Creek Beach. Check the calendar for location details. Surfrider beach clean-up volunteers receive free admission on the 19th. Ocean Institute hours are 11 AM to 3 PM. Admission is $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children (3-12 yrs).

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Whale Watching Season

2008-04-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

The whales are headed back north so catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures while you can. The season ends in april. You can whale watch with other whale watching public on a guided tour or you can get your own group together and charter a boat for a guided cruise. The following companies offer various types of whale watching trips from public to private, contact each of them to set sail for your particular adventure.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing – (949) 496-5794 www.danawharfsportfishing.com
Dana Island Yacht Charters – (949) 248-7400 www.danaislandyachts.com
Aventura Sailing Association – (949) 493-9493 www.aventurasailing.com
Ocean Institute – (949) 496-2274 www.ocean-institute.org
Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Safari – (949) 488-2828 www.dolphinsafari.com

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Earth Hour - Will Dana Point Go Dark?

2008-03-29T10:53:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, March 29, 2008, Earth Hour invites people around the world to turn off their lights for one hour – from 8:00pm to 9:00pm in their local time zone. On this day, cities around the world, including Copenhagen, Chicago, Melbourne, Dubai, and Tel Aviv, will hold events to acknowledge their commitment to energy conservation.

Read more here.

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Orange County Supervisors Rename Harbor for Television Show?

2008-03-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

You may know it and love it as “Dana Point Harbor,” but according to the Orange County Board of Supervisors its official new name is “OC Dana Point Harbor.”

In an attempt to add excitement to the names of Orange County departments, county supervisors have voted to change 11 names to include the “OC” brand.

One lump vote changed the name of eight departments, which include: OC Dana Point Harbor, OC Infrastructure, OC Community Services, OC Community Resources, OC Road & Flood, OC Planning, OC Public Works and OC Housing. Additional single votes were then taken to approve the names of OC Libraries, OC Waste and Recycling, and changed the name of Orange County Harbors, Beaches and Parks to the simplified OC Parks.

Read the entire story here.

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Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T07:56:00.001-07:00

Easter, also called Pascha, is the most important religious feast in the Christian liturgical year. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, which Christians believe occurred on the third day after his crucifixion around AD 33. Many non-religious cultural elements have become part of the holiday, and those aspects are often celebrated by many Christians and non-Christians alike.

Read more here.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-16T18:43:00.001-07:00

Click here to learn about the history of the big GREEN day.

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CUSD’s Saga Continues

2008-03-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

District’s leadership faced a barrage of bad news this week, including recall, layoffs and infighting

Summer vacation—three months of travel, leisurely sunny days and forgetting about work—can’t come soon enough for Capistrano Unified School District. These days, bad news has been coming as frequently as excuses for missing homework.

This week district officials learned that a recall effort targeting two longtime school trustees had enough signatures to reach the ballot. Later news broke that the Orange County District Attorney’s Office decided that trustees violated the state’s open meeting law—again. Then came the confirmation that pink slips would go out to 271 teachers that week. To cap it all off, two trustees traded insults during a bitter 12-minute exchange in front of a packed board meeting.

Read the entire Dana Point Times article here.

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Prepare for Daylight-Savings Time Change

2008-03-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

This Sunday marks the start of daylight-saving time, so don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour.

One of the biggest reasons for the implementation of daylight-saving time is to save energy. Energy use and the demand for electricity are directly related to when people go to bed.

Len Novilla, an associate professor in the Department of Health Science at BYU, said the effects of daylight time on health are both positive and negative.

Novilla said people who suffer from depression might benefit from the time change because the switch encourages people to start their days earlier and adds an hour of sunlight to the day.

There's a safety reason to observe daylight savings time. Research conducted by Susan A. Ferguson, a highway safety research analyst, and published in the American Journal of Public Health showed motor vehicle crashes resulting in pedestrian and vehicle occupant fatalities decrease during daylight-saving time.

On the other hand, a common physical downside to the time shift is the interruption of sleep patterns.

"[Changing the clock] has an affect on our internal clock, and can be disrupted, even by an hour," Novilla said.

Patrick Steffen, an associate professor in BYU's Department of Psychology, said the daylight time change is comparable to jet lag. Losing even one hour can hinder student's performance.

"In general, students that lack sleep don't pay attention in class," he said.

Steffen knows a particular student in one of his courses works long hours and doesn't get much sleep. The other day Steffen said he noticed this student struggling to stay awake in the back of the class.

"I don't think he caught much of the lecture," he said.

Certain steps can be taken to minimize the negative consequences of the time shift.

Some suggestions from the National sleep foundation are slowly going to bed earlier, exercising regularly and making sure your bedroom is dark and quiet.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the days and hours of daylight time's clock changes. Clocks are set an hour ahead beginning the second Sunday of March and lose an hour the first Sunday of November.

The practice of changing the clocks began with the Standard Time Act in 1918. A year later, it was repealed and not implemented again nationally until World Ward II. When the war ended, daylight time use varied from state to state.

The Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized the dates of daylight time as the last Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October. An energy crisis led Congress to move daylight-saving time to early January in 1974, then to late February in 1975. Starting the next year the clocks changed on the last Sunday in April and remained that way for 10 years.

In 1986, a law changed the time shift to begin the first Sunday in April where it remained until the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Daylight-Savings Time

Ways to minimize the negative effects of the daylight-savings time change:

* Sleep more before and after the time change

* Go to sleep and wake up 20 minutes earlier for each of the three days before the change

* Establish a regular sleeping and waking schedule

* Exercise regularly, best if done a few hours before sleeping

* Try a relaxing routine before bedtime

* Sleep in a room that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool

Source: The National Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org

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DP Boaters, Officials Review ‘Prescription’

2008-03-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

March 13 meeting will seek additional public comment.

DANA POINT — Comments from county officials and the public on the Dana Point Boaters Association (DPBA) draft of “A Boater’s Prescription for Dana Point Harbor” have been rolling in — and they are surprisingly upbeat, said Bruce Heyman, association president. Many have also led to improvements and additions to the draft.

Since the “Prescription” draft was released Jan. 17, Heyman has met with Dana Point Harbor Department officials, and he has reviewed comments DPBA received through an online survey.

“We haven’t had any negative feedback, which is very encouraging,” Heyman said.

The “Boater’s Prescription” is a 61-page document that discusses and recommends solutions to issues within Dana Point Harbor.

Included in the draft are alternatives to Orange County’s proposals for the harbor – and several key issues that concern recreational boaters and harbor users are addressed. These include management of the waiting list for slips, the harbor’s decreasing liveaboard population, the need for a “Boaters’ Watch” program, the loss of slips in smaller boat categories and an increase in slips suitable for much larger yachts, the removal of the existing 600 mast-up dry storage areas (decreasing the number of spaces to 93), loss of dedicated boater parking and increasing congestion on the water near the launch ramp.

Read the entire article here.

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37th ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WHALES

2008-02-28T10:03:00.000-08:00

THE 37th ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WHALES will blow into town on March 1st, 2nd & 8th & 9th. Join us for two weekends of terrific events including, a community Parade, Music Series, Art Show & Sale, Pancake Breakfast, Ocean Awareness Day, Kids Karnival, Rubber Whale Race, Horseshoe Contest, OC Sailing & Events Center Open House and lots of other activities.

For more information, please visit the website www.festivalofwhales.org or call (949) 472-7888.

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Dana Point Local
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Mint Gallery Event

2008-02-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

What: LEGENDS
When: Saturday March 15th
Where: The Mint Gallery
Gallery Info: 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy
Dana Point, CA 92629
(Blue Lantern Plz)
949 366.6777
* Opening Celebration: 7 to 10 pm
After Party at The Wicked Garden

Paul Bryan Jr. has painted celebrities and politicians for more than 30 years. His list of fans and collectors is extensive. ranging from Bob Dylan, Madonna and Peter Fonda to former president Bill Clinton. His art simply captures the portrait of a legend and freezes it in time. Paul Bryan Jr said his hyper-realistic art was inspired by the simplicity of Oriental art paired with his love of Western pop-culture. His legendary collection includes Jim Morrison, Bob Marley, Ed Vedder, Mick Jagger and Kurt Cobain to name a few. Most of his two tone portraits all punctuated by his signature red dot.

Joining the show with Paul Bryan Jr is cinematographer Ananda Moorman. Ananda's trademark photographic methods include processing 16mm still frames from motion picture film into large format photos. This process secured him all four album cover for legendary rock bank Pearl Jam's latest box set release. He was also nominated for MTV's Video Music Award for the Pearl Jam music video, "Life Wasted". His unique vision has caught the eye of many artist including Chris Cornell, Travis Barker, Ed Vedder and would famous skateboarders Jake Brown, Bob Burnquist and Danny Way. His band, Escalera, featuring Danny Way on guitar and Bob Burnquist on percussion, will be debuting their first full-length album during their cd release party on March 8th at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach.

Both Paul Bryan Jr's art and Ananda's photography will be on display from March 15th to April 15 at the Mint Gallery in Dana Point.

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Dana Point Local
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Missing Man's Disappearance Considered Suspicious

2008-02-19T22:01:00.001-08:00

DANA POINT, Calif. Orange County sheriff's deputies need the public's help in finding a 71-year-old Phoenix man who was reported missing in Dana Point under mysterious circumstances.

Robert Lee Vendrick arrived in Southern California on Friday and rented a car at the Long Beach Airport. He was reported missing by his wife when he failed to return home, according to Jim Amormino of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Vendrick came to town to collect a "highly secretive" $1 million-plus investment related to the federal government, Amormino said. Amormino pieced together this information from the wife of Vendrick's partner, Gary Shawkey.

Read the entire article here.

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Aging Edmonds takes a SWAT at injuries

2008-02-18T20:53:00.000-08:00

PEORIA, Ariz. ---- Jim Edmonds' 2007 season was so trying that he called the SWAT team for help this offseason. Fearing that his body could no longer do what he wanted when he wanted, yearning for more strength in his legs, and wanting to prove he could indeed play every day, Edmonds decided to change his offseason conditioning program.

Skeptical as he was, the Padres' new center fielder listened to the advice of ex-St. Louis Cardinals teammate Skip Schumacher and hired Dana Point-based trainer Jim Moss, a three-year veteran of the SWAT team for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Read the entire article here at the NC Times.

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Dana Point Real Estate

2008-02-16T15:25:00.001-08:00

If you are looking to buy or sell residential property in beautiful Dana Point or San Clemente, eDanaPoint.com recommends the Hartanov Team.

If you visit their website, you can view every home for sale in Dana Point and San Clemente. There is even an $11,750,000 property for sale...wow.

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Of money and ministries

2008-02-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

Benny Hinn and five other televangelists are the target of a tax inquiry by a U.S. Senator regarding compensation and amenities given to executives of their respective religious organizations.

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It also asks for the total expenses paid by World Healing Center Church and Benny Hinn Ministries "toward the purchase and furnishing of the residence at 35 Ritz Cove" in Dana Point, Calif.
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Read the entire article here.

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Dana Point Times Paper is Born!

2008-02-12T20:53:00.000-08:00

Dana Point has a new paper and website. Be sure to pick up a copy or at least get acquainted with the website. What a great addition to Dana Point:

www.DanaPointTimes.com

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Election Results

2008-02-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

Get all the OC election results here.

If you voted, GOOD JOB! If you didn't, don't complain!

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Super Tuesday This Tuesday

2008-02-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

Let your Dana Point voice be heard. Get out and vote in the primaries this Tuesday.

Get all the details on the presidential primaries, state prop and local measures here.

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Microsoft bids for Yahoo (44.6 BILLION)

2008-02-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

I'm a big technology nut to say the least. So, even though this isn't exactly local Dana Point news, I still think it's worth blogging about. In some way, you probably do use a Microsoft or Yahoo product. If you haven't yet, you will soon. I'm still a HUGE Google fan, but I think if this Microsoft bid goes through, Google better keep coming out with great products and services to stay ahead.

Read the big technology news here.

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Dana Point Times - Feb 8th

2008-01-31T18:15:00.001-08:00

BIG NEWS!

DANA POINT TIMES LAUNCHES FEBRUARY 8
Have a friend in Dana Point who is jonesing for your copy of the SC Times? Tell 'em to check out their driveway and newsracks in Dana Point starting February 8th after we launch the DP Times. Free each week every Friday.

Official Website

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$175,000 lotto ticket sold in Fountain Valley

2008-01-31T08:06:00.000-08:00

Dana Point man claimed the prize for matching five of six Mega Millions numbers this afternoon.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Looking forward

2008-01-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

The Dana Point News has taken a look at what lies ahead for some of the hottest issues facing the city.

"It's going to be a very busy first six months here in Dana Point," Kyle Butterwick, director of community development, said.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Dana Point Times Coming Soon

2008-01-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

If you live in Dana Point or have a Dana Point local business, be sure to get your copy of the Dana Point Times newspaper. It's coming soon.

The Dana Point Times
Demographic: With a median age of 39, median family income of $85,522 and median home value of $1,007,000 Dana Point is a coastal jewel and one of Orange County’s most popular destinations for visitors.

Distribution: 10,000 copies distributed every Friday.

DPT website

More info about the publisher and papers here.

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Targeting tipsy traffic in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano

2008-01-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

If you're out on the streets tonight, you may notice more black and whites than normal.

Sheriff's deputies will be out in force, trying to identify intoxicated drivers and get them off the road.

The sheriff's department announced a special-enforcement event – roving DUI patrols – that'll operate from 7 o'clock tonight to 3 a.m. Saturday in select portions of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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O.C. boat found off Hawaii; captain gone

2008-01-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

The life of Darrin Bunker, described by family members as an enigmatic loner, has taken a perplexing twist after his sailboat was found bobbing off Hawaii last weekend with no sign of him.

He had left Dana Point Harbor three months earlier, bound for San Diego.

The 30-foot vessel, damaged by fire and its mast broken, was found drifting off the Kauai coast on Sunday by fishermen. It was still stocked with provisions and Bunker's laptop computer was still aboard.

Read the entire article here.

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Big Storm Hits California

2008-01-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

CNN) -- Fierce winds toppled trucks on a major Bay Area bridge and knocked out power to more than 100,000 people in Sacramento as wicked winter weather moved into California on Friday.

Forecasters said the Pacific storms could dump more than 10 feet of snow on California mountains by Sunday.

"Travel is not advised in the mountain areas this weekend. It could be a life-threatening situation for you," CNN meteorologist Jacqui Jeras said Friday.

"The combination of heavy snow and powerful winds will likely cause frequent whiteout conditions at the highest elevations," National Weather Service forecasters said.

"Travel in the Sierra will put your life at risk. Extremely high snowfall rates will make it impossible for road crews and emergency personnel to keep roads passable and to assist stranded vehicles."

Read the entire CNN article here.

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Britney Spears Had “Quiet” New Years With Paparazzo

2008-01-03T00:35:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears spent a “quiet” night with her new man, paparazzo Adnan Ghalib, and her two sons on New Years Eve. The troubled singer recently began spending time with the photographer and sources say the unlikely pair are getting along “really well.”

“They just had a quiet night together. Her and Adnan are getting on really well,” says a source.

The foursome brought in the New Year at a private beach house in Dana Point, California. Spears was allowed visitation rights as her ex-husband Kevin Federline hosted a New Years bash at a nightclub in Las Vegas. A court appointed monitor had to spend the night with Spears as she is not allowed to be left alone with the toddlers or drive them anywhere.

“There certainly weren’t any wild celebrations. She says she just fell asleep not long after midnight but had a really nice time,” the source added.

Spears’ deposition with Federline’s lawyer is set for “early 2008.” The troubled singer was originally set to sit for the deposition on December 12, but cancelled citing an illness.

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O.C. sewage will soon be drinking water

2008-01-03T00:31:00.000-08:00

As a hedge against water shortages and population growth, Orange County has begun operating the world's largest, most modern reclamation plant -- a facility that can turn 70 million gallons of treated sewage into drinking water every day.

Read the entire LA Times article here.

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Fire claims restaurant in Dana Point Harbor

2007-12-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

DANA POINT -- No one could believe it.

Longtime customers of Proud Mary’s, a small but popular eatery and Dana Point Harbor landmark, braved a chilly, early-morning sea breeze Sunday to start their day with Proud Mary’s hot coffee, a fluffy omelette and oat bran pancakes.

Instead, they found the place closed, destroyed by a fire that had broken out shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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OCNYE Bash...

2007-12-29T18:56:00.001-08:00

Looking for something to do on New Year's Eve in OC? Look no further...

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Track Santa!

2007-12-24T12:46:00.001-08:00

Click here to see where Santa is right now!

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.htm

Also, you can call to find out more information on when he's getting to your home:

To speak to a NORAD Santa Tracker in person:

Call toll free: 1 (877) Hi NORAD or 1 (877) 446-6723

Local, overseas: 1 (719) 556-5211 (cost incurred overseas)

Hearing Impaired: Contact your current relay service

Send an email
noradtrackssanta@gmail.com

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Merry Christmas from eDanaPoint.com!

2007-12-23T20:03:00.001-08:00

Enjoy your holiday and a very Merry Christmas to all of our visitors!

Sincerely,

eDanaPoint.com

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Grinch visits Dana Point

2007-12-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

Someone broke into the Dana Point Senior Center through a window over the weekend, stealing their fully decorated Christmas tree.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Man shocked with Taser in Dana Point

2007-12-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

See what else happened in the weekend Sheriff's Blotter.

Link to the OC Register article here.

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Jim Gibson Endorses Diane Harkey

2007-12-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

Vista School Board Member was 2004 Candidate

Oceanside, CA – Vista School Board member Jim Gibson has endorsed Diane Harkey for Assembly in the 73rd District Republican Primary. Gibson was a candidate for the 73rd District in 2004, when he finished second in the GOP primary to Mimi Walters.

"I am very happy to have the support of Jim Gibson. He ran a very good campaign in 2004 and he has a strong following in the district, especially in San Diego County," said Harkey. "I look forward to working with him on ways to improve our public schools and to end wasteful and unproductive programs and mandates."

Diane Harkey, former Mayor of Dana Point and current councilmember, is a prominent Orange County Republican leader. She is the only announced candidate in the 73rd district primary. The current Assemblymember, Mimi Walters, is running for the State Senate and has endorsed Harkey.

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Christmas in Dana Point

2007-12-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

Real snow comes to Dana Point on Saturday at La Plaza Park, at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and La Plaza. Free park activities start at 10 a.m. and include visits from Santa and live reindeer, a petting zoo and carnival games, culminating with a tree lighting at 6 p.m. Information: 949-248-3530.

See more events and read the entire OC Register article here.

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Joel Bishop is new mayor

2007-12-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

At its Tuesday night meeting, the Dana Point City Council reorganized for 2008, selecting Joel Bishop to be the new mayor, replacing former mayor Diane Harkey. Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Bartlett will remain in her position for another year.

There was no debate and no other nominations for the council's top two positions, both of which were approved 5-0. Bishop said he was looking forward to 2008.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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New mayor to be selected tonight

2007-12-04T16:34:00.000-08:00

Tonight the Dana Point City Council will select a new mayor and discuss its vision for 2008.

In the last meeting of the year, the council will recognize outgoing Mayor Diane Harkey for her service to the city and select a new mayor and mayor pro tem. Other items on the agenda include the recognition of the Firefighter of the Year and Business of the Month.

Get more info from this OC Register story here.

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High surf expected in Southern California

2007-12-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

Get ready for a weather roller coaster. The Santa Anas make a return today, large ocean surf with possible 14-foot breakers is expected through Wednesday and heavy rain is forecast to arrive Thursday.

"We're going to have the best of ocean swells for the year coming into Southern California and the biggest rain of the season, plus a fire weather watch because of offshore winds," said Stuart Seto, a weather specialist for the National Weather Service.

Read the entire LA Times article here.

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Christmas Light Installation

2007-12-02T14:13:00.000-08:00

Do you need some help with your Christmas/Holiday light set-up? eDanaPoint.com recommends the following service:

Custom lighting by Ben and Pepper
- Reasonably priced.
- We set up and take down.
- Family owned.

Call them today and get your lights hung: 949-813-0841

(Ok, they didn't do these below lights...but what a cool video)

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Holiday Activities for DP

2007-11-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Don't miss out on all the holiday activities this weekend!

See them all!

Also, make sure to see what's going on in San Clemente too.

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Injured joggers get $49 million from Dana Point

2007-11-27T23:59:00.001-08:00

Two women left permanently disabled after being struck by a car while jogging along Pacific Coast Highway reached a $49-million settlement Tuesday with the city of Dana Point.

The lawsuit brought by Carol Daniel, 42, and Stacy Neria, 35, both mothers of three who live in San Clemente, was scheduled to go to trial Tuesday. Instead, it ended with one of the largest settlements in Orange County history.

Read the entire LA Times story here.

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Holiday Light Service in Dana Point

2007-11-27T11:00:00.001-08:00

Do you need some help with your Christmas/Holiday light set-up? eDanaPoint.com recommends the following service:

Custom lighting by Ben and Pepper
- Reasonably priced.
- We set up and take down.
- Family owned.

Call them today and get your lights hung: 949-813-0841

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Dana Point Local
------

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Happy Thanksgiving to Dana Point!

2007-11-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to great folks of Dana Point and of course to all the web visitors that enjoy eDanaPoint.com. We are very thankful for your readership and support.

Be safe and be sure to share your 'thanks' with those around you this week.

Click here to learn about the history of Thanksgiving.

Don't forget about the Turkey Trot!

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Surfers paddle to rescue as boat runs aground

2007-11-21T06:46:00.000-08:00

First-year San Clemente lifeguard Kevin Wilson will be hard-pressed to surpass the one-of-a-kind rescue that he rushed out on Thursday, while off-duty.

Wilson, an 18-year-old senior at San Clemente High School, was surfing at Dana Strand with his friend Brian Mircheff, also a senior, after school when "we heard this really loud thud, followed by a crunching sound."

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Turkey Trot is this week!

2007-11-19T07:24:00.001-08:00

Thursday, November 22nd

Get ready to run in one of the most beautiful races / trots in Southern California.

Click here for Dana Point Turkey Trot information.

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Magic Johnson buys in Dana Point

2007-11-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

It took a year to find it, but L.A. Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Cookie, have purchased what they call their "vacation home" in time for Thanksgiving.

And they found the $7.6-million home in Orange County.

Why Orange County? "Because he likes Dana Point better than Malibu," said Shelley Brown, who represented the Johnsons through Prudential California Realty, Beverly Hills.

The couple, who live in the Beverly Hills area, bought a newly built home in a gated community with a private beach, located between a cove and a five-star hotel. The 7,700-square-foot home has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a deck, a wine cellar and a home theater. The three-story Mediterranean also has an elevator and a pool.

Read the entire LA Times article here.

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Bank Robber Shoots Himself in the Head; Now Identified

2007-11-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

SANTA ANA, Nov. 3, 2007 - A bank robber who shot himself in the head as police closed in on him was identified Saturday as a 53-year-old Riverside man dubbed the Armada Bandit, a coroner's spokesman said.

Michael Buller died from a .38-caliber bullet wound to the head while cornered on a jetty at Dana Point Harbor shortly before 1 p.m. Friday, according to Orange County law enforcement officers and Larry Esslinger of coroner's office.

Buller was dubbed the Armada Bandit because he wore a U.S. Navy hat with a crested eagle during holdups, according to the Orange County Register.

Buller held up a Washington Mutual in the 500 block of North Euclid Street at about noon yesterday and fled south on the Santa Ana (5) Freeway in a silver-colored Ford F150 pickup.

While on the freeway, police said Buller put a gun to his head.

At Pacific Coast Highway, he started throwing cash out of the truck, then exited and led police to a jetty at in Dana Point Harbor. After a short standoff, Buller put a revolver to his head and pulled the trigger, according to Anaheim police and witnesses.

Buller is suspected in about a dozen robberies dating to one in Yorba Linda on May 11.

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Thanksgiving Dinner for 12 - EASY!

2007-11-03T09:45:00.001-07:00

Looking for an easy way to feed 12 hungry pilgrims on Thanksgiving? Look no further.

The folks over at Super Suppers have a great deal for Thanksgiving, but place your order early. Good for other holidays too!

SEE THE MENU HERE

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Did You See the Paddle Man?

2007-11-02T11:14:00.001-07:00

Did you see him off the coast of Dana Point this week?

California Paddle 2007 is a world record-breaking expedition by Tom Jones, an extreme endurance athlete and environmental activist. Tom will become the first person in history to paddle the entire 1250-mile coast of California on nothing more than a 14-ft. paddleboard.

Watch a video and learn more here.

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Retired Vessels Could Be Sunk to Become Diving Reefs

2007-11-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT - A not-so-new alternative for disposing of old military vessels has made its way to Orange County. Dana Point City Council members shared the idea - creating artificial reefs - with residents at an Oct. 17 meeting.

Rather than rely on the current ways to dispose of a military vessel, which consists of scrapping the vessel or sinking it during military exercises, the agency California Ships 2 Reefs presented council members with information other states have already utilized.

"California missed the boat - literally," said Harvey Schmiedeke, vice president of California Ships 2 Reefs.

Schmiedeke presented information to residents about the agency's mission to take retired war vessels, have them environmentally cleaned and then sink them in ocean depths of approximately 130 feet. Once situated on the ocean floor, the former ship - now a manmade reef - will begin to attract invertebrate life, as well as scuba divers.

"It's economically and ecologically a win-win for everybody," he explained.

Read the entire article here.

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Turkey Trot November 22nd, 2007

2007-10-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Get ready to run in one of the most beautiful races / trots in Southern California.

Click here for Dana Point Turkey Trot information.

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Couple win the Ocean Institute raffle

2007-10-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

Now comes the hard part for Audrey J. Morgan of San Juan Capistrano.

Choose the $1 million or a Laguna Beach condominium?

Morgan was announced as the winner of the Ocean Institute's $1 million home this weekend. She's spent the days since with her head in the clouds.

"I touched earth a little bit today," Morgan said. "It's surreal, like I'm talking about someone else."

She and her husband Mike were told they were the winners Saturday but haven't decided whether they'll take the $1 million cash or a Laguna Beach condominium. The raffle winner has the choice.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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DP Halloween Activities

2007-10-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT

Halloween Haunt– A haunted campground with a talking mirror, education booths about sea animals, a fun zone and prizes. Costumes are encouraged. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Doheny State Beach. Admission: One nonperishable food item per person. 949-496-2704.

"Tidepool Terrors: Stories of the Sea"– Visitors can explore the secrets of the sea. There will be storytelling from a pirate ghost, a film screening, snacks and trick-or-treating. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 29. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. Free-$6. 949-496-2274. www.ocean-institute.org

Get all the spooky Orange County activities here.

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Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort Sells for Estimated $170M

2007-10-26T08:34:00.001-07:00

The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point has sold for an estimated $170 million.

Prudential Real Estate Investors of New Jersey, a unit of Prudential Financial Group, sold the 376-room hotel to an institutional client of Hartford, Conn.-based Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, part of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co.

In 2004, Prudential bought the Laguna Cliffs Marriott from Cigna Corp. for $84 million.

Read the entire article here.

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CUSD Schools Closed

2007-10-24T20:34:00.001-07:00

All CUSD Schools will be closed Thursday, October 25, 2007 due to the poor air quality conditions caused by the Southern California Fires.

Get more updates here.

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Fire map of San Diego

2007-10-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

Very good interactive map of the San Diego fires.

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Dana Point fire impacts

2007-10-23T15:05:00.001-07:00

Outdoor activities have been cancelled at Dana Hills High School, R.H. Dana Elementary School and Palisades Elementary School today due to the fire and air quality issues. Outdoor athletic practices have been cancelled, but indoor practices will continue.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Dana Point Times Paper Coming Soon

2007-10-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

I found this link from the Captistrano Dispatch online website:

Dana Point Times

Sounds like another great resource from the folks that brought San Clemente the San Clemente Times.

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Orange County Fires - Stay Alert

2007-10-22T08:05:00.001-07:00

For breaking news about the OC fires, please watch your local news station or visit the OC Register.

Stay safe!

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Dana Point man triumphs in Ironman championships

2007-10-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Dana Point man realizes a dream of competing against the best in Ironman Hawaii, the world championship of multisport.

Big fist pump. The kind where you bend way down, jump up and shoot your fist in the air.

Not enough. More fist pumps.

Still not enough. Big smooch with the wife. Nope. The adrenaline is still pumping, even making you dance.

Finally, you pick up your six-foot son.

It's not until then that you finally settle down enough to realize you really had nothing left even before that first fist pump, that your mind is spinning, that your stomach is churning, that you need to hit the medical tent for an I.V. of electrolytes and magnesium.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Dana Point Landscape Architecture Firm Wins Award for Its Green Office Practices

2007-10-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

TUSTIN, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 10/08/07 -- Dana Point landscape architecture firm, Summers Murphy Partners, Inc., was presented with the Sustainable Reprographics Certification (SRC) Platinum Award for fulfilling a stringent program that earned it the distinction of a truly "green" company.

Read the entire article here.

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Bicycle Rider Killed In Dana Point Crash

2007-10-16T07:21:00.001-07:00

A woman whose blood-alcohol level was allegedly more than twice the legal limit when she ran her BMW off a Dana Point road early today, striking a bicyclist, was booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, authorities said.

Michelle Stearns, 26, of San Juan Capistrano, was arrested at the scene of the fatal crash, which occurred just before 2 a.m. on Del Obispo Street near Quail Run, said Jim Amormino of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Read the entire story here.

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Tanaka Farms (Pumpkins, Corn Maze & More)

2007-10-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

Looking for a fun place to take your family as you get ready for Fall and Halloween?

Head North up to Irvine and Tanaka Farms.

Some fun things there include:

Pumpkin patch (pick your own)
Hay ride
Corn stalk maze
Petting zoo
And more!

Check it out.

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New director takes the reins

2007-10-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

Brad Gross began his new job as director of the Dana Point Harbor Department on Sept. 28. He replaces George Caravalho, who left in June. Gross, 47, brings years of experience working around harbors and boats to the position, most recently serving as harbormaster with the city of San Francisco.

"Really my whole career has been concerned with boating and harbors," he said.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Plans to dredge Dana Point Harbor pushed back

2007-10-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT A plan to dredge the Dana Point Harbor has been pushed back until late 2008.

The dredging - scheduled to start in the next few months - would have been one of the first steps in a major renovation of the harbor.

The complete plan includes improvements to the land surrounding the area, new docks and the reconfiguring of slips.

Officials in January announced a $30-million increase in the cost of the project – which has been in the planning stage for about a decade – for a total estimate of $150 million.

"Where it seems we were on track to complete the entire dredge project before next summer, permitting issues have caused delay in the process that has required modification to the schedule," Harbor Director Brad Gross wrote in a press release. Gross replaced George Cavavalho, who resigned in May.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Ocean Institute Video

2007-10-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Looking for a great place to take the kids...look no further:

Learn more here.

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About 800 visit Dana Point home tour

2007-10-09T00:47:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT – Five Dana Point houses hosted about 800 visitors Sunday during the Secret Garden Home Tour, which benefits the Dana Point Historical Society.

"It was very successful," said Rod Howorth of the historical society. "Everything went really smoothly. Everybody just said the houses were fantastic."

The tour included a modern mansion overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Doheny cottages built in the late 1920s. The courtyard of the tour's signature home was the inspiration for the "secret garden" theme.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Boat sinks after hitting Dana Harbor jetty

2007-10-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT – Four passengers escaped uninjured from a sinking boat Thursday after the vessel struck the rocks of the West Jetty in Dana Harbor after it became disabled during a lobster fishing trip, Harbor Patrol officials said.

A distress call was issued from the 27-foot Bayliner at 7:27 p.m. after it became disabled with line from hoop netting wrapped around the boat's propeller, which stalled the vessel, Harbor Patrol Sgt. John Whitman said.

Moments later it struck the rocks around the midpoint of the jetty on the ocean side, and was reported a total loss around 7:35 p.m., Whitman said.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Surfboard shaper hanging on to dying wave

2007-09-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT - Sculptors have an ability to see a work of art hidden inside an amorphous block of stone. Terry Martin has that X-ray vision. Only his medium is rigid foam, and inside each slab is a surfboard waiting to be liberated.

On this day, Martin is studying a rectangle of polyurethane in his Dana Point workshop. It's a cramped closet redolent of resin, with deep-blue walls and slits of fluorescent light that cast the white foam in sharp relief.

"I like to sneak up on it like a detective," Martin said. He grabs a dull handsaw he has owned since 1963 and starts cutting. "People don't understand what goes into a making a surfboard. It's not something that can just be pumped out of a machine. Where's the soul in that?"

Read the entire article here.

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Cause of death unknown for young track runner

2007-09-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT – A 14-year-old freshman at Dana Hills High School in Dana Point collapsed and died during cross country competition Wednesday afternoon.

Megan Nicole Myers, who also played soccer and has been athletic all her life, was pronounced dead at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo at 5:59 p.m. Wednesday, officials said.

Preliminary results of an autopsy performed today were inconclusive. More tests will be done, with a cause of death expected in four to six weeks.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Tyler Warren Joins Mada

2007-09-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

Mada announced today that Dana Point Ca. surfer, artist and free thinker; Tyler Warren has joined the Mada effort to put the special back in specialty and promote a positive revolution in the boardsports / lifestyle fashion arena.

An obviously stoked Rob Willis reports; “Tyler is a natural fit for Mada as he chooses to present his art and fashion via his own terms. Tyler is representative of the current underground return to authenticity. He takes that same approach to his surfing and designing his Hobie surfboard models. Plus, he flat out rips on anything from a 4’10” to a 10’4”!

Mada Founder Vinnie De La Pena states “Tyler is an amazing artist and surfer! We are super excited to see what develops with in his designs and amazed at his surfing in all conditions on all types of surfboards. Tyler wants the freedom and support to do it his unique way and that’s just what we want as well. At Mada, we aim to reflect, not direct, todays and tomorrows young artist, designers and athletes. “

Check out Tyler’s surfing and art at: www.madainc.com

Check out Tyler's website.

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Rodman accused of slapping woman’s behind

2007-09-24T23:33:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT – Dennis Rodman is once again in the spotlight, with reports surfacing over the weekend that the former NBA star is accused of slapping the backside of a woman.

According to reports on celebrity Web site TMZ.com, Rodman is accused of sexual battery during a night out at a South County bar.

Police responded to a report of a male subject slapping a female “on an intimate body part” at 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 at Hennessy’s Tavern in Dana Point, Orange County Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino said.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Dana Point takes up Headlands stairs tonight

2007-09-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT – The removal of a proposed staircase at the Headlands will be on the minds of city leaders at this evening's meeting.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project Awaits Permits

2007-09-21T00:10:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT - With the completion of Phase 1 of the five-point Dana Point Harbor Revitalization project, the county has been working toward beginning Phase 2 of the project and had adhered to a strict timeline. Unfortunately, recent miscommunication with boaters and residents has led to a 30-day delay, with boaters having been granted an extension of the public comment period.

For the past 18 to 24 months, Orange County and the Dana Point Harbor Department have been taking the necessary steps to obtain permits for the dredging of the harbor and were near the end of the process to gain permits to begin the project this fall, when boaters' concerns about the process led to a delay in starting of the job.

Read the entire article here.

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Rain this weekend?

2007-09-20T07:01:00.001-07:00

Dana Point is going to get some 'showers' this weekend.

Check out the Dana Point weather forecast here.

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Fairy Tale Mom

2007-09-14T00:06:00.000-07:00

Dana Point resident Connie Byrnes, aka Miss Fairy Tale, gives weekly readings at J.C. Beans at 6:30 Thursday nights.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Toshiba Tall Ships Festival-September 8 & 9

2007-08-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

Toshiba Tall Ships Festival-September 8 & 9

The Ocean Institute is celebrating its 23rd year hosting the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, the largest annual gathering of tall ships on the West Coast. The Festival gives visitors a glimpse into the past with a chance to learn about majestic ships that sailed this shore in the 1800s.

The Festival begins with a grand spectacle of the tall ships as they parade into the harbor on Friday at sunset. Over the weekend visitors can enjoy a spectacular array of family-fun activities including live music, art & craft shows, exciting living-history demonstrations and a variety of tasty food. Tour the historic tall ships and listen to the crew share tales of adventure and life at sea!

Inside the Ocean Institute you can explore our local ocean life, participate in live activities, play pirate games and join in on special interactive presentations. So, join us for a weekend of fun and adventure as we celebrate the areas rich maritime history. Don't miss the tall ships sunset cannon duel at 5:30pm each night - it's a spectacular finale and sure to delight children of all ages. For more information or to make purchase cannon battle tickets at www.tallshipsfestival.org.

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Dana Point gets cars, land

2007-08-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

The City Council approved the purchase of cars and open space at its Tuesday meeting.

The Dana Point City Council worked its way through a long consent calendar Tuesday night, discussing the Tri-City Trolley project, a future surfing museum, and the purchase of hybrid vehicles with state funds.

The council also approved the purchase of a small piece of land owned by the California Department of Transportation in Capistrano Beach.

It was the council's first meeting since July 3 as it took a break for summer vacations. Councilman Steven Weinberg was absent.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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Jewish surfer seeks wave of peace in Gaza

2007-08-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

Dorian Paskowitz, from Dana Point, is moved by a Times article and gets 12 donated boards for Palestinians.

Dorian Paskowitz, the American surfer credited with introducing the sport to Israel in the 1950s, returned this week with a new idea: using donated surfboards to bring Israelis and Palestinians together.

After two hours of bickering, the retired physician from Dana Point persuaded Israeli authorities to open the Erez border crossing Tuesday so he could personally deliver a dozen new surfboards for a Palestinian training center in the Gaza Strip.

Read the entire LA Times article.

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How to ride along the Pacific Coast Highway

2007-08-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

When I first drove West, across America, I had just graduated college and was moving to California. As I started my last leg of the trip, along Interstate 10, I decided to drive as long as the road would take me. And I soon discovered that Interstate 10, also known as the Santa Monica Freeway, ended at the Pacific Ocean. What I didn’t realize — until I got to the end of the road — was that I was actually at the intersection of another, more magical route: State Route 1, often referred to as Highway 1 or... the Pacific Coast Highway.

And once I took that route, I knew I had arrived. The PCH runs along much of the Pacific coast of the U.S. in California, and it parallels, and sometimes hugs, one of he most beautiful coastlines in the world. As I continued my drive north along the ocean, the ride just kept getting more incredible.

Read the entire MSNBC article here.

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Dana Point Bridge Jump (Video)

2007-08-10T23:26:00.001-07:00

Jumping the Dana Point Harbor bridge during the day.

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St. Regis helps worker pay rent

2007-08-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

DANA POINT – The prospect of being homeless filled Sharyn Soderlund with fear.

Soderlund, who earns about $14 an hour at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, found her housing situation threatened when her husband, a handyman, came down with an illness that left him unable to work.

"My husband was the main breadwinner for the family," she said. "My income was basically supplemental, and I brought in the insurance."

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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New $1.2 million lifeguard station at Doheny opens

2007-08-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

A $1.2 million lifeguard station opened last week at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, giving lifeguards better views of the water.

The three-story building is closer to the water than the previous headquarters. It is 20 feet higher and has a bigger garage for jet skis and vehicles.

Doheny State Beach has two permanent lifeguards, and during summer there are 50 seasonal employees.

The new building let lifeguards "not worry about the termites holding hands," said Rich Rozzelle, State Parks district superintendent.

The old building had wood rot caused by the proximity to salt water.

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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A city of books

2007-08-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

Dana Point is a coastal landmark as well as a city. Now, it's also the title of a new pictorial history book by local historian and author Doris Walker. The historic photos were complied primarily from Walker's own collection as part of the Images of America series from Arcadia Publishing.

"I figured I had these photos in my own collection," Walker said. "I just felt it was a nice thing to do, especially because it's nationally published. Frankly, I had a lot more than I realized. The photo histories are very significant now. People like that, yet most of the sources, when you go back further in history, are textbooks without photos. At least they haven't done away with books."

Read the entire OC Register article here.

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