The 6th Annual City of Dana Point State Barbeque Championships

If you’re the wizard of your backyard grill, then head over to Dana Point and meet your masters. The 6th Annual City of Dana Point State Barbeque Championships returns October 8th to beautiful Sea Terrace Park.

This much anticipated event offers melt-in-your-mouth delights with a smorgasbord of meats barbequed to perfection. BBQ teams will fire up dishes to whet your appetite and perk up your palate. Hops and barley fans will be happy to know that a special selection of thirst-quenching craft beers from independent breweries will be available in the returning Beer Garden.

The City of Dana Point continues to do its part to support local charities. This year, a portion of the event proceeds benefit the Dana Point 5th Regiment Marine Support Group, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and The VFW (Veterans of Foreign War). The Dana Point State BBQ Championship also kicks off the holiday toy collection effort for Toys for Tots. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the BBQ to help children in need this holiday season. 

The City of Dana Point State Barbeque Championship serves as the West Coast’s biggest BBQ competition, with over 100 teams from California, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Florida, South Dakota and Arizona competing for a slice of $30,000 in prize money. USA Today boasts that this competition is “one of the 6 must-attend BBQ events in the nation.” With reputation and cash on the line, patrons are sure to reap the delicious benefits of this heated rivalry. Start your engines BBQ enthusiasts, and be there to witness an epic battle in the categories of chicken, ribs, brisket, and pork. A special “dessert” category is now part of the competition to sweeten your culinary experience.

Full plates of food may be purchased directly from a variety of vendors or if you prefer to nibble on a variety of BBQ delights, tasting tickets are available for just $2. Admission to the event is free!

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the event, a convenient and complimentary shuttle service will run to and from Dana Hills High School. Free parking will also be available along Stonehill Drive and Niguel Road, as well as at Salt Creek Beach. Circle your calendar for the first Saturday in October and check out DanaPointBBQChampionships.com and
DanaPoint.org for more details.

4th Annual San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

“OPA!” The three-day festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23rd and runs through Sunday, September 25th. Guests will enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, live Greek music, traditional Greek dancing, specialty shopping at the bazaar and kid-friendly activities.

The authentic Greek menu will feature various Greek delicacies including gyros, souvlaki, lamb chops, spanakopita and Greek salad, as well as delicious pastries like mouth-watering baklava and kourambiethes (powdered sugar butter cookies) to accompany a delicious Greek coffee or iced coffee frappe. Make your way to the Taverna with a sports bar twist —
equipped with big screen TVs where guests can enjoy domestic favorites as well as Greek beer, wine and ouzo.

The Greek word “Kefi” means the spirit of joy, fun and a passion for life. You will have the opportunity to experience this part of Greek culture at the festival as you dance to live Greek music. Don’t worry; lessons are provided and within seconds you will be expressing your Kefi with shouts of “Opa!” and an unusual desire to break plates. The Saint Basil dance troupe will also perform traditional dances in authentic costumes representing different regions of Greece. 

For those interested in art and history, this year’s exhibits will include a presentation by Iconographer, Father Michael Courey. He will unveil and discuss two Byzantine icons to be used for Saint Basil’s Church. These icons were recently featured at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles as part of his lecture and demonstration.

Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Saint Basil’s Church is located at 27129 Calle Arroyo, near the 74 Ortega Highway exit in San Juan Capistrano next to 24 Hour Fitness.

For more information on the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, please visit SJCGreekfest.org or call 949.542.3445.

Come join the fun at the 2016 Dana Point Lobster Fest at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, August 20th, hosted by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club. Enjoy gourmet appetizers, no-host bar, fresh east coast lobster, smoked tri-tip steak, desserts, live music, DJ, dancing and a Casino (new this year).

Proceeds go to Charities supported by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club including Make-A-Wish, Boys & Girls Club, Dana Point 5th Marine Support Group and more.

Last year’s Lobster Fest had over 500 patrons & volunteers in attendance and our goal this year is to make it bigger and better! Come join the fun and tell your friends!

Buy tickets today for a discounted rate. Save $15 from price at door!  TICKETS

For more information this fun event please visit DanaPointLobsterFest.org.

2016 San Clemente Ocean Festival Turns The Big 4-0

“The Greatest Show On Surf” celebrates its 40th Anniversary the weekend of July 16th and 17th. Exciting water action and fun in the sun return to the Pier for what is sure to be yet another epic San Clemente Ocean Festival.

Saturday hosts an action-packed day of lifeguard competitions that include the National Doryman Association’s 2-man lifeguard boat races, Rescue Relays, International and American Ironman competitions, and the Stand-Up Paddleboard contest. If swimming is your thing, register for the 1-mile ocean swim. If you’d like to lay some tracks, join in the 5k Beach Run on Sunday. The Groms Rule Surf Contest is also on Sunday for girls (12 & under) and boys (14 & under). For a description of all athletic events, course maps and rules, visit OceanFestival.org.

Art aficionados can stroll through the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar all weekend. The 24th Annual Woody Car Exhibit will be out on the Pier, displaying 15 different cars each day of the event. Check out the Fishing Clinic and Derby on Saturday, at the end of the Pier, for all ages. 

Come hungry each morning for a hot-off-the-griddle pancake breakfast prepared by San Clemente lifeguards from 7 to 11 a.m. Fisherman’s Restaurant will offer plenty of other delicious fare near the Pier, from corn on the cob, hamburgers, and turkey legs to strawberry shortcake, shaved ice, and more. You’ll also want to stop by the sponsor booths for fun games, prizes and information about local businesses and services. 

The Ocean Festival’s Youth Pavilion will be located on the south side of the Pier, packed with crafts, face painting, games, demonstrations and performances for all ages to enjoy. A Dolphin Dash kid’s beach run for ages 12 and under (all participants will receive an Ocean Festival medallion) takes place on Saturday. If you’d like some information on the best way to catch waves and water safety, stop by the Body Surfing clinics just south of the Youth Pavilion.

Don’t miss Saturday evening’s free concert on the sand, featuring Gary Roach’s Stones Review. Bring your towel and chairs down to the shore as the sun sets on the first day of the festival. On Sunday, head south of the Pier in the morning for the sand sculpting competition with Creatures, Castles and Things. There will be family and open categories, so come design your best sculptures. The weekend’s activities will close with The Great Rubber Duck Race. For only $5, you can “sponsor” a duck, and cheer it on as the entire flock is released and heads for shore! 

The San Clemente Ocean Festival has grown into a tradition for many within the community, the inland empire, and as far-reaching as the East Coast, Hawaii, Australia & New Zealand. Net proceeds from the Festival provide support for worthy local organizations such as San Clemente Lifeguards, Ocean Institute’s Adopt-A-Class program, Summer Beach Concerts and scholarships for local students.

Avoid parking hassles by taking the Metrolink train to the Pier, or if you are driving, take advantage of the free parking and shuttle service from The Outlets at San Clemente (101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa) from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.  For information on how to register for athletic events, volunteer or become a sponsor, please visit OceanFestival.org. 

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School
Unveiled 13th Annual Masters Pageant and Student Art Exhibition

Live Gallery Art Works and Students Embraced theme of
“We Can Do Small Things with Great Love”

LAGUNA BEACH, CA, June 2, 2016 — Last week, in a tribute to Laguna Beach Heritage, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School performed a Masters Pageant Show. For one night, each spring for the past thirteen years, the school by the sea transforms itself into a gallery of live art and talent beyond compare.

This year’s show and exhibit proved to be no exception, with students from all grades posing in live gallery art encompassing the theme of “We Can Do Small Things with Great Love,” including Gustav Klimt’s, “The Kiss,” Edgar Degas’, “La Classe de Dance,” and of course Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper.”

The pageant operates each year under the direction of Art Teacher Christine Thomas and parent volunteers who continue to enrich the lives of students.  Their time and talent includes creation of the initial canvas, to lighting, costumes, make up and set design.

Before the Pageant, visitors were welcomed to a student art exhibit, showcasing the top artistic talent of the school.

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School, grades TK-8, is rooted in 59 years of academic excellence.  Saint Catherine’s recognizes the family as the primary educator of its children, and the school strives to extend and support each family’s efforts.  Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School challenges students with a strong and diverse curriculum that inspires them to become lifelong learners, responsible citizens, and good shepherds in a global community.  Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School, 30516 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA.

The Doheny Surf Festival is Back

June 25 – 26, 2016

A two-day celebration of the Southern California surfing lifestyle returns to Dana Point on Saturday and Sunday, June 25th and 26th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Doheny State Beach Surf Festival will feature great surfing, a classic woody car show, delicious food and beverages, a beer garden, live music, healthy living demonstrations and a variety of vendors offering surf collectables and more.

This free event is sponsored by the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) and the California State Parks. “We are very excited to be bringing back the surf festival,” said Mario Cuevas, Event Coordinator and Board Member of DSBIA. “We took a year off to restructure the festival and bring it back to a down-home, “surfy” event that looks back on the past and forward to the future of the sport of Hawaiian Kings and California Moondoggies.”

Amazing surfing exhibitions will take place both days. On Saturday, the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association will hold its annual Menehune (kids) Surf Contest for competitors in categories from 8 and under to 17 years of age. On Sunday, the Hobie Surfboard Surf Team will present an Expression Session demonstrating the championship skills they take into international surf competitions. “I’m very excited about the array of vendors who will present their wares in our Surfers Vendor Village,” said DSBIA President Margie Black. “We’ve put together a very diverse group, but the focus will be on surfing. There will be a lot to see and some very tempting items to take home.”

To learn more about the Doheny Surf Festival, visit the DSBIA website at DohenyStateBeach.org and click on the event button. For information on how to participate as a vendor, contact Mario Cuveas at mariolcuevas@yahoo.com.

The Laguna Beach
Interscholastic Mountain Bike Team

Photos by Tony Zentil

The Laguna Beach Interscholastic Mountain Bike Team participated in the National Interscholastic Cycling Association race on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Vail Lake in Temecula. Three of the twelve participating team riders earned a place on the podium – Tasha Zentil, 3^rd place Experienced Girls Middle School Division; Morgan Zevnik, 5^th place Novice Girls Middle School Division 6^th Grade; and Dylan Vanek, 4^th place Novice Boys Middle School Division 8^th Grade. The course included rollercoaster style single track and fast fire road climbs. One middle school lap was approximately 3.4 miles with 300 feet of climbing. “Our goal this season was to break into the top 20, but the race results have far exceeded our expectations and we are so proud of this team,” said Team Director Tony Zentil. The team will participate in their last race in Tehachapi on Saturday, May 7, 2016. 

Ahoy! Thar She Blows!

Southern California’s summer tourists may have come and gone, but this winter a different type of tourist will be traveling along the West Coast and heading to Baja during its annual migration: the majestic California Gray Whale. The whales will begin their migration in late November, but from March 5 – 6 and 12 – 13 hundreds of these 35-ton leviathans will splash through the seaside community of Dana Point, California – the West Coast’s premier location to meet and greet these incredible creatures during the 45^th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales.

The Dana Point Festival of Whales is one of Southern California’s largest seafaring celebrations and reaches out to whale admirers around the world. Dana Point is teeming with festivities every winter during this special time of year, offering something for everyone. The Festival draws over 100,000 visitors each year over these two special weekends.

Festival highlights include an opening day parade, Street Fair, art and craft shows and sales, classic car exhibits, paddling and sailing opportunities, Boating Extravaganza, sand sculpting, concerts on land and water, environmental activities, educational opportunities, interpretive crafts, kids activities, fun food, and of course, whale watching excursions on a variety of vessels or whale watching from breathtaking Dana Point Headlands Conservation Park. For those wishing to spend more than a day admiring these graceful leviathans and taking in the sights of beautiful Dana Point, a variety of accommodations are available throughout the city, many offering whale watching packages and unforgettable ocean and harbor view guest rooms. The 2016 Festival invites visitors to migrate to each and every event via FREE shuttle service provided throughout the Festival venues and parking lots. Or, take our water taxi and migrate on the water!

Find our more information here.

Dana Point Turkey Trot
November 26th, 7:00 a.m.

On Thanksgiving morning, thousands of runners and spectators will descend on Dana Point Harbor for the 38th annual Turkey Trot race. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is Orange County’s largest and most scenic Thanksgiving day race and is the premier trot in Southern California. Experience for yourself the race that was named one of the top 3 destinations in the world for Thanksgiving by Fodor’s Travel, a must-do10K by Shape Magazine and one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs by Fitness Magazine.

The Dana Point Turkey Trot has become a Southern California tradition, attracting more than 17,000 participants, volunteers, friends and family, to its 5K, 10K and Kids’ Gobble Wobble. All runners will receive a tech shirt and finisher medal. Festivities include a DJ, on course entertainment, a costume contest, photos with the event mascot, Drumstick, and a health and wellness expo. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is the perfect place to bring your family to run the race before you stuff your face and to create or continue wonderful family traditions.

Tour the beautiful beach, majestic cliffs and coves of Dana Point on the scenic, flat course. Enjoy pounding surf, beautiful views, and cool ocean breezes as you sail through the Dana Point Marina,Doheny State Park and pass the Historic Tallship Pilgrim moored in Dana Point Harbor. From beginners to elite runners, this event is for everyone!

Don’t delay, register now and save! Online registration closes on Monday, November 23 at midnight. You can register on-site at the Health & Wellness Expo on Wednesday, November 25th and on race day, Thursday, November 26th. Prices go up $10 for on-site registration. Visit TurkeyTrot.com for event details, registration and to become a race volunteer.

Dana Point State Barbeque Championships
Friday, October 3rd

If you are the wizard of your backyard grill, then it’s time for you to head down to Dana Point and meet your masters. The 4th Annual City of Dana Point State Barbeque Championships returns October 3 to beautiful Sea Terrace Park. This event will offer melt-in-your-mouth delights with a smorgasbord of meats barbequed to perfection. BBQ teams will spend tremendous time preparing and creating dishes that will whet your appetite and satisfy your palate. Fans of hops and barley will be happy to know they can quench their thirst at the returning Beer Festival, a special section full of craft beers from independent breweries.

The City of Dana Point continues to do its part to support local charities. This year, a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Dana Point 5th Regiment Marines Support Group, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and The VFW(Veterans of Foreign War). The Dana Point State BBQ Championship will also kick-off the holiday toy collection effort for Toys for Tots. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the BBQ to help underprivileged children this holiday season.

The City of Dana Point State Barbeque Championship serves as the West Coast’s biggest BBQ competition, with over 100 of the top teams from California, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona competing for a slice of $30,000 in prize money. USA Today boasts that this competition is “one of the 6 must-attend BBQ events in the nation.” With reputation and cash on the line, patrons are sure to reap the delicious benefits of this heated rivalry. Start your engines BBQ enthusiasts, and be there to witness an epic battle in the categories of chicken, ribs, brisket, and pork. Not to mention, a special “Dessert” category is now part of the competition to sweeten your culinary experience.

A wide variety of beer stands will be positioned throughout the venue with beer by the glass served for just $6. Beer sampling opportunities will also be available in the Beer Festival area where enthusiasts can choose between the finest ales, lagers and stouts to wash down all of the BBQ competitors’ savory creations. Ask for the brewmaster’s recommendations to create a perfect pairing for the sweet, spicy and smoky meats available at the competition. Or, throw caution to the wind and conjure up your own coupling of food and drink to satisfy your individual penchant.

If you’re feeling a little weighty after all those barbeque tasters and ales, live musical entertainment will allow you to dance off all of those extra calories consumed at the festival. Stroll through the Vendor Village, or let your little ones explore the many kid-friendly activities and attractions.

Admission as always is free. You can purchase full plates of food directly from a variety of vendors or you may opt for $2 samples, if you’d prefer to fill your belly nibbling on a host of BBQ delights.

There will be free shuttle service for you and your group from Dana Hills High School starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. Complimentary parking will also be available along Stonehill Drive and Niguel Road, as well as at Salt Creek Beach. Circle your calendar for the first Saturday in October and check out DanaPointBBQChampionships.com for all the details.