Local Events

Holiday Happenings in South OC

Seaing Is Believing
Climb aboard and take a 20-minute Harbor Boat Ride With Santa and his helpers on December 1st and 2nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dana Wharf Sportfishing docks in the Dana Point Harbor. The Jolly One will take photos with the kids and listen to Christmas wishes as you cruise the Harbor. Bring your cameras and bundle up. A $3 donation to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club is appreciated. For more information, call 949.496.5794 or 949.923.2255 or visit DanaPointHarbor.com or DanaWharf.com.

Lights, Camera, ACTION!
You’re not plugged in if the 38th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights passes you by. On December 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th at 7:30 p.m., boaters from all around Orange County will decorate their vessels and set sail on “A Hollywood Holiday.” Awards for Judges Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Animation, Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat and the Yacht Club with the Most Entries will be presented. You can view the parade from anywhere in the Harbor or make a reservation at one of its restaurants for a cozy and warm spot indoors. If you want to get in on the action, but are short a boat, then purchase a ticket on a Dana Wharf Sportfishing craft at DanaWharf.com. For more information and parade registration, visit DanaPointHarbor.com.

Hot Diggity!
On December 1st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring one or all of your pets to Aegis Living of Dana Point (26922 Camino de Estrella) for Pet Project Foundation’s 2nd Annual Santa Claus and Paws event. Local veterinarians will play Santa and pose for professional photos with your family and furry friends. Get your Christmas card photo done early and check out the Holiday Bowzarr offering gifts and treats for you and your pet.

You’ll have a second chance for a snapshot with Fido at the Santa Paws event on December 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Dana Point Harbor (El Torito Courtyard). Have your picture taken for a nominal fee and support the efforts of the Pet Project Foundation (PetProjectFoundation.org).

Child’s Play
Who says we don’t get snow in Orange County? Dana Point’s La Plaza Park (34111 La Plaza Street) will be filled with the fluffy stuff at the annual Winter Festival on Saturday, December 8th from noon to 7 p.m. The kids will have a ball at this winter wonderland featuring a petting zoo with actual reindeer, visits with Santa, cookie decorating, games, crafts, a holiday movie and the tree lighting ceremony. To learn more, call 949.248.3530.

Free For All
The annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Town Center Park begins on December 1st at 4:00 p.m. with pre-show events including choir, orchestra and dance performances by local high school students. The main event begins at 5:00 p.m. with a production directed and choreographed by David Green of Musical Theater University along with a special performance featuring Renee Bond. The Christmas tree will be lit at 5:45 p.m.

Following the ceremony, stroll over to San Juan’s historic Los Rios District for a free Christmas train ride and photos with Santa. A holiday marionette show will take place on Verdugo Street with show times at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Zoomars is offering complimentary admission to its petting zoo and Pathway to Hope will perform a live nativity at Zoomars at 6:15 and 7:00 p.m. For more information on these events, contact the City of San Juan Community Capistrano at 949.493.5911.

On A Mission
Celebrate the holidays with Mission San Juan Capistrano on December 1st from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in downtown San Juan Capistrano.Christmas at the Mission is a fun and festive event for the whole family featuring local musical performance groups, crafts for the kids and scrumptious food. Admission is $5.00; kids 4 to 11 are $3.00 and kids under 3 are free. Admission is also free to Mission and parish members and active military. Go to MissionSJC.com for more info.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA
Enjoy the spirit of the season at Christmas at the Casa on December 1st from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. You’ll find the Casa splendidly decorated for the holidays and Santa, Dickens carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, kid’s crafts and holiday entertainment will be provided. Admission is free. To learn more, visit CasaRomantica.org.

Decked Out Halls
On Sunday, December 2nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., feast your eyes on this year’s Christmas Home Tour in San Clemente’s Cyprus Cove Community. Sponsored by the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, four beautifully decorated homes will supply plenty of holiday design inspiration for guests. Convenient parking is provided at Concordia Elementary School (3120 Avenida Del Presidente) and shuttle buses will transport attendees to and from the school’s parking lot and gated community. The last shuttle departs at 3:30. Wear comfortable, low-heeled or flat walking shoes. For tickets and for additional information, call 949.291.8408 or visit CapistranoValley.AssistanceLeague.org.

No Time Like The Present
Join the Family Assistance Ministries at the San Clemente Community Center for its annual Toy Drive and Annual Adopt-A-Family Gift Program on December 15th from 10 a.m. to noon. Local children in need will receive presents and lunch at this wonderful event. If you’re interested in attending or donating gifts, please call 949.492.8477 or go to Family-Assistance.org.

Now Serving
The 4th Annual Adopt A Marine Holiday Dinner takes place at 7 p.m. on December 16th. The San Clemente Watershed TaskForce and the Holiday Inn Express have partnered to host 100 Marines that are unable to go home for the holidays. Your $25 tax-deductible donation provides a Marine with a holiday dinner, live entertainment and an opportunity to win prizes. To make a donation, please go to SCwatersheds.com or call 949.366.2326.

Bright Idea
Mingle with friends, munch on cookies, sip hot chocolate and enjoy the songs of the season on December 1st from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at theChristmas Tree Lighting event at City Hall. St. Anne Holiday Strings, Dana Hills High School Dickens Carolers and Center Stage Dance Studio will furnish the music and entertainment. Children’s activities include crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, balloon twisting and more. Christmas’ most treasured celebrity will also be making an appearance! Get into the spirit of giving by donating a new toy to the families of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and the USS McClusky.

Come To Light
Dust off the strands and dig out the ladder for Laguna Niguel’s Holiday Lights Decorating Contest. A $25 Home Depot gift card will be awarded to the best home in each of these categories: Most Traditional, Best Animation, Most Creative, Best Display of Lights, Best Display of Lights and Music and Best Homemade Display. In addition, a sign will be presented to the street that shows the most community spirit! The entry deadline is December 3rd at 9 a.m. and judging will take place on the 4th from 5 to 10 p.m. For more information and to download an entry form, visit CityofLagunaNiguel.org.

Get The Show On The Road
Strike up the band! Laguna Niguel’s Holiday Parade takes place on December 8th at 10 a.m. on Crown Valley Parkway between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Park. Spirit-filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes and, of course, marching bands will participate in this year’s “Honoring Our Heroes” themed event.

Take Note
Naughty or nice? Get Saint Nick’s answer through Laguna Niguel’s Letters to Santa program. Simply place your letter in the “North Pole” mailbox in front of the Crown Valley Community Park Office fromNovember 19th through December 13th and await Mr. Claus’ reply.

A Good Run
The Metrolink Holiday Toy Express Train will roll through South Orange County spreading holiday cheer! Take the entire family to see the spectacular holiday show, lights and Santa Claus’ arrival. The first local stop is San Clemente’s North Beach Station at 7:45 p.m. on December 8th. The train heads down the tracks on December 15th to Laguna Niguel at 5:45 and then San Juan Capistrano at 6:45. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the ABC7 and Southland Firefighters “Spark of Love Toy Drive.”

The 35th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot

Don’t feel guilty about indulging in a second piece of pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving. Grab the flock, get your morning work-out in and feast on the festivities at the 35th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot.

Registration for the Dana Point Turkey Trot is now open. Runners everywhere are invited to celebrate and participate in “one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs,” according to Fitness Magazine. Known for its scenic routes, beautiful Southern California weather, and family-friendly activities, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition. Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, it’s the sixth largest Thanksgiving Day race in the nation, attracting more than 16,000 participants to its 5K, 10K, Mission Hospital Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and wellness expo.

“This year’s Turkey Trot will be a whale of a time,” says Heather Johnston, executive director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, alluding to this year’s new theme for the Thanksgiving Day run. “For 35 years, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has been an Orange County tradition for thousands. Whether working toward your fitness goals, encouraging your kids to get active, visiting with friends old and new, or exploring the new health and wellness brands at the expo, we’ll have activities for the whole family. Expect some surprises this year along the course, including special photo opportunities, presented by our sponsors.”

Enhancements and surprises for this year’s Turkey Trot include detours of fun along the race route, family photo opportunities, live music, larger-than-life inflatable turkeys, and tech shirts and medals for all participants. Also new this year is an exclusive military discount program through a partnership with GovX.com. The collaboration with GovX.com, the largest online shopping destination for military, first responders and government personnel, offers all active, retired and former U.S. Armed Forces servicemen and women a 50% discount off registration fees through an effortless online verification process.

Fundraising proceeds from the 2012 Turkey Trot will benefit The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group whose mission is to offer support and outreach to the 5th Marines and Sailors while deployed and to take care of their families left behind at Camp Pendleton. Consider sponsoring a Marine, their spouse or their child to run in the Turkey Trot or to provide dinner for a Marine’s family. To make a tax-deductible donation to this non-profit organization, go to DanaPoint5thMarines.com.

For more information, to register for the event or to become a volunteer, visit TurkeyTrot.com.

Things are heating up!

On September 28th & 29th, world class barbeque chefs from all over will descend on Dana Point to compete in the 2nd Annual Dana Point BBQ Championship. At last year’s event, 50 teams vied for the titles of Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion and this year’s prize money has grown to $15,000. All cash awards will be generated from team entries and represents a 100% payout of all fees received.

The 2012 competition will take place at the beautiful Sea Terrace Park, located at the corner of Niguel Road and Pacific Coast Highway. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving America’s Cuisine. Its mission is to celebrate, teach and promote barbeque as a culinary technique, sport and art form.

KCBS is the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with over 15,000 members worldwide. The KCBS places their stamp of approval on over 400 barbeque contests throughout the country. Visit www.KCBS.us for more information about their organization and upcoming events.

Kevin Evans, Director of Community Services & Parks for the City of Dana Point, is eager to see the expansion of this year’s event. Evans said, “We are looking at breaking the record for the most teams ever competing in a California barbeque event. The record is 68 and we are hoping to get 70 entrants in our 2nd annual event.” Last year’s competition drew barbeque contestants from Arizona, Nevada and all of Southern & Northern California. “The City was extremely pleased with the number of local residents in Dana Point and the surrounding communities who participated in the competition. We’re hopeful that more amateur barbeque enthusiasts will join in the 2nd annual event
this September,” Evans added.

On Friday, the 28th, teams will arrive and begin preparing delectable servings of chicken, ribs, brisket, pork and desserts for judging. “Friday afternoon is a meet ‘n greet where the general public can come and speak with the contestants and learn some of their secrets in preparing the best barbeque,” shared Evans. The contest and judging will take place on Saturday, the 29th.

A blind judging process is used by KCBS certified judges to ensure fairness. KCBS judges are trained in a manner that allows them to appropriately assess all types of barbeque, from St. Louis and Texas styles to Memphis and Carolina styles. Judges will sample and assign a point total to each entry based on appearance, taste and texture. Each teams’ cumulative points not only determine the winners at the Dana Point competition, but also go towards regional and national titles like the California BBQ Association’s Team of the Year.

Judges will have an opportunity to taste some of the world’s best barbeque and attendees can also get in on the action by participating in the People’s Choice Tasting. Tickets are only $2 each for a serving of chicken, pork, ribs, or brisket. In addition to all the great barbeque, the City of Dana Point will be partnering with the “Taste of Brew” to create a micro-brew garden where patrons can enjoy special micro-brews from over 25 distributors. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars Dana Point Post 9934, the 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, the Earth Ocean Society, and the Pet Project Foundation.

Parking will be available at Salt Creek Beach, Strands Vista Park, Stonehill Road and Dana Hills High School. A complimentary shuttle bus will run on Saturday, the 29th from Dana Hills High School to the BBQ Championship from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. To become an event participant or to learn more, please contact the Dana Point Community Services & Parks Department at 949.248.3530.

Fiesta Street Festival

Brought to you by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, The Fiesta Street Festival is back once again on Sunday, August 12th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This annual tradition will entertain the community while raising funds for various non-profit organizations and charitable causes. Bring the brood and take in the sights, sounds and enticing smells on Avenida Del Mar in beautiful downtown San Clemente.

The Fiesta is truly a jam-packed day of fun and activities for the whole family. Enjoy music, fantastic fare, a classic car & Harley show and a multitude of games, activities, contests and more. There’s sure to be a little something for everyone!

GET YOUR GROOVE ON
The 2012 Fiesta will serve up three stages of continuous live music throughout the day. This year’s headliners include Liquid Blue, Department of Rock, SANDBOX, Texas House Party and Fusion Beat. Also featured are a variety of groups that will have you singing and swaying, including: LUCIDIOM, The Cholulas, The Outsane, Fusion Beat, The Dreams, A+ Dropouts, Cloud of Hope, Bondservant, The Raptured, New Day, Iron Sharpens Iron, sMALLTIME and The Divide.

FOOD, FUN & GAMES
Good times will benefit great causes as thirty-six local charitable organizations will have an opportunity to raise funds for various philanthropic groups that support our local community. The non-profits will offer an array of international foods and will operate game booths for everyone to enjoy.

COMPETE & EAT
All ages will have the chance to participate in contests and events at the 59th annual Fiesta Street Festival. Take your pick from the Costco Diaper Derby, the Baskin Robbins Brain Freeze Ice Cream Eating Contest, Jump Roping, Pie Eating, Hula Hooping, Tortilla Tossing, an Easter Egg Hunt, the Piñata Contest, a Pickle Eating Contest and the Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop Bubble Gum Blowing Contest. Visit scchamber.com for a complete schedule and event times.

SPICE IT UP
The Fiesta’s Salsa Challenge is back and hotter that ever! The city’s finest salsa makers, restaurants and chefs will convene to present their best recipes. Official judges and event attendees will decide which salsa and booth is tops in these categories: 1st place Best Individual, 1st place Best Restaurant, 1st place Best Decorated Booth Individual, 1st place Best Decorated Booth Restaurant, 1st, 2nd & 3rd place People’s Choice Individual and 1st, 2nd & 3rd place People’s Choice Restaurant. Public tasting starts at
10:00 a.m. with winners being announced at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for 6 tastes.

CRAFTY
Take in the arts & craft show featuring hand-crafted and unique merchandise from talented individuals throughout Southern California. You just might find the treasure you’ve been searching for.

CHILD’S PLAY
Kids will have lots to choose from at this year’s Festival. Check out the Vertical Rush, the Euro Castle, the Wild Wave Slide, Euro Bungee, zip lining, the Boot Camp Challenge and much more. If that isn’t enough to keep the kids entertained, face painters and balloon artists will be on hand to create the perfect piece for your little ones.

UP TO SPEED
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the corner of Avenida Del Mar and North Seville, auto buffs will enjoy a feast for the eyes at the Classic Car Show sponsored by S.C. Rider Supply. Vintage cars from all over Southern California and as far away as Arizona will take part. The event also showcases some of the hottest Harleys in the area. Participant applications are available at scchamber.com.

PARK IT
Free parking and Round Trip Shuttle Service will be available to and from the Fiesta at San Clemente High School, located at 700 Avenida Pico. Three complimentary shuttles will run from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

2012 San Clemente Ocean Festival

Don’t miss the 36th annual San Clemente Ocean Festival happening Saturday, July 21st and Sunday, July 22nd. “The Greatest Show on Surf” promises fun for the entire family and an opportunity to test your skills in an array of contests.

Feeling competitive? Take your pick from a variety of events: the American and International Ironman competitions, the 1 Mile Swim, the 5K Beach Run, the Biathlon, or the popular Dory Boat races. For you stand-up paddlers, check out the newest match-up — the Surf Race to Victory SUPCross. Visit www.OceanFestival.org for details on all athletic competitions, course maps and rules.

Kids can get in on the action too! The Ocean Festival offers a Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Runon Saturday (fun run for ages 4 to 12) and the “Groms Rule” Surf Contest on Sunday (ages 14 and under). Space fills up quickly, so register early.

For those budding anglers, check out the kids-only fishing clinic and derby on Saturday. On Sunday, all ages are invited to participate in the fishing derby where there’s an opportunity to win great prizes as well.

Hula dancers, Jiu-Jitsu demonstrations, Zumba, yoga, music, plus more can be found at the Children’s Pavilion. Additional crafts and games will be available for a nominal fee.

Can San Clemente’s lifeguards make pancakes as well as they save lives on the beach? See for yourself when they cook breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. both mornings. Bring your appetite and enjoy a healthy serving of cakes and sausages to start your day.

Other areas to visit at the festival include the Ocean Art Show and the vendor booths in Parque Del Mar. Brush up on your bodysurfing skills at a clinic that teaches you how to spot rip currents and ride the waves. Then go back in time at the 20th annual Woody Car Exhibit on the pier.

Looking for a totally tripendicular time? Set out your beach chair or towel and enjoy the sunset and a free concert by the 80’s tribute band,“Flock of 80’s,” on Saturday evening.

If you’re an artist and don’t mind getting sand in your pants, the sand-sculpting competition on Sunday is just the place for you. Select your teammates, choose a category and sign up at the Ocean Festival’s website.

The weekend’s festivities will close with the Great Rubber Duck Race. Sponsor a duck for a mere $5 and if it swims ashore from the surf line, you’ll win a prize.

Free parking and shuttle service will be available at San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico) from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. You can also get to the festival via the Metrolink which stops right at the San Clemente Pier.

For a complete schedule of events, to register for a competition or to volunteer or become a sponsor, visit www.OceanFestival.org
or call 949.440.6141.

Local Fourth of July Festivities
By Shelley T. Hudson

San Juan Capistrano
The city of SJC’s annual Celebration and Fireworks Display will once again be held at the Sports Park on Camino del Avion. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. and include children’s games, mechanical rides, local exhibitors, a variety of food and a beer garden. Live entertainment and dancing start at 6 p.m., and the evening concludes with an extensive fireworks show at 9 p.m. Park in the Sports Complex or on neighboring streets, or better yet, ride your bike! The event is free, but you can purchase tickets for the mechanical rides for a nominal cost.

San Clemente
San Clemente’s Municipal Pier will be the stage for the big fireworks show again this year. Game booths and live music starting at dusk will precede the ever-popular 9 p.m. pyrotechnic display. Come early with your beach chairs and blankets to get a good viewing spot.

Another option is to watch the fireworks from Park Semper Fi. A family-style potluck dinner honoring the U.S. Marines starts at 6 p.m., so bring your neighbors and your favorite dish and dine al fresco. You’ll enjoy a great view of the show and avoid the large crowd. The potluck is free, but you’ll need a ticket. Call (949) 498 – 4958 for ticket info and other details.

Laguna Beach
A full day of fun for the whole family is scheduled in Laguna Beach. Start off with the Laguna Concert Band’s Patriotic Show from
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Sawdust Festival grounds. This volunteer band of local performers will ignite your national pride as they play all the popular anthems. After the show, check out the Festival’s art demonstrations and grab lunch at one of the many food booths.

City trolleys will operate under a modified schedule all day on the 4th in anticipation of Laguna Beach’s fireworks presentation that evening. The Monument Point area of Heisler Park will be closed for preparations until 5 p.m. Bring your snacks and chairs (but not alcohol or pets, sorry!) and prepare yourself for an awesome display of light and color at 9 p.m. Expect heavy traffic leaving the event, however. Your safest bet is to walk, bike or shuttle to Heisler Park.

Dana Point
Independence Day is the busiest day of the year at Doheny State Beach, with families driving in from all over Southern California to picnic and frolic in the waves all day. Doheny opens bright and early at 6 a.m. for automobile traffic. Early birds will definitely get the best spots for the evening’s festivities.

Dana Point’s annual Fireworks Extravaganza is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The impressive spectacle can be seen from anywhere in the city with a view of the harbor. Two popular locations for sky-gazing are Lantern Bay Park and Heritage Park, but harbor-area restaurants and beaches provide ideal views also. The city manages traffic and crowds by providing a free shuttle service with a fleet of nine vehicles around the harbor area running to and from Dana Hills High School from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Taste of OC 2012

The Taste of Orange County has it all: food, wine, beer, art and entertainment. After a 16 year hiatus, this two-day culinary festival will feature more than 50 restaurants and wineries, chef demos and signature events. Make your way to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on June 16th and 17th to sample what’s cooking.

The Taste of Orange County will also present singular experiences such as the Great OC Farm To Table Dinner where attendees will be treated to the best in local, organic and sustainable fare with premium wine pairings on the amphitheater stage. Some of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Culinary Liberation Front (founded by chef Patrick Glennon of Santa Monica Seafood). This group of Orange County chefs come together to share their craft and to exchange industry ideas that leave the least environmental footprint possible while teaching nutritional education to those in need.

Be sure to check out the Father’s Day Feast – Carne-Palooza – on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. To mix things up, dads and their guests will enjoy a veritable feast from tables set on the main stage of the venue while music from front row center accompanies the meal. Before and after the feast, the Taste of Orange County will offer family-friendly art displays, projects, tastings, demos, music and entertainment.

For those wine lovers out there, here is your chance to taste wine like a master sommelier. During the OC Ultra Lounge event, master sommelier and certified wine educator, Michael Jordan from The Ranch, will lead a “blind tasting” adventure that focuses on recognizing the clues hidden within a glass of wine. Also inside the OC Ultra Lounge, you’ll find Executive Chef Jerrold-Jones of Cory Martin Events offering signature cooking demos, special wine seminars and pairings, Dos Armadillos tequila tastings, a Saturday night VIP party with DJ music to rock the house and exclusive gift bags.

The two-day event will also present Art á la Carte – where attendees will be able to view artwork from more than 75 fine OC artists exhibiting throughout the festival. Sponsored by LagunaART.com, discover some of the best artists in the county through artist displays, sculpture gardens and live model sketching. A silent auction with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the Orange County Food Bank will also take place at the event.

Last but definitely not least, Taste of Orange County patrons are invited to experience their favorite drink at The OC Cocktail Classic. Be sure to vote for your favorite!

GIVING BACK: Make a Difference for Maddie

As a parent, it’s the unthinkable. You’ve just been handed a diagnosis that your child is dying. One moment, the world makes sense and the next it’s an incomprehensible blur of shock, disbelief, anger and unfathomable grief. This is the reality for Collie and Kajsa James. On January 14th of this year, their healthy, vibrant 5-year- old daughter, Madeleine Reese James, was just like every other kindergartner at St. Anne School, laughing with her friends on the playground. Two days later, they were told their only child was going to die.

Maddie’s Story
After Maddie’s mother noticed that she appeared “more tired than usual” and that “her balance seemed a little off” she was taken to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) where a CT scan uncovered a malignant, inoperable brain tumor known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Located on the brain stem where the spinal cord meets the brain, it is the most feared pediatric brain tumor. Within weeks, the disease causes a deterioration in the ability to walk followed by a steady loss of motor control throughout the body. There is no cure. The survival rate is zero. Kajsa’s and Collie’s only solace was that the disease did not typically cause significant pain. The James’ had a mission to do something positive to properly honor Maddie’s memory. Knowing her love of the sea and everything under the waves, they immediately thought of The Ocean Institute in Dana Point. Maddie often referred to it as “the best place ever” and would stick the name tags she received daily at Sea Camp to her bedroom wall.After contacting the Ocean Institute with Maddie’s story, Kajsa and Collie learned of its expansion plans for an educational center that would cater to children, like Maddie, that have a passion for the ocean. Their mission became even more clear when Maddie saw Kajsa looking at the plans and she asked what they were. When Kajsa explained, Maddie said, “That’s so cool, mommy. Are we going to help them build it?” With all her heart, Kajsa responded, “Yes, Maddie, we are.”The Ocean Institute is currently in the final phase of it’s $4M Capital Campaign to build the new Seaside Learning Center. To be built right “on the water,” the facility will introduce thousands of K-12 students and public visitors to current and emerging issues in oceanography, environmental science and maritime history. A series of learning stations have been carefully designed for the Seaside Learning Center to provide immersion-style education.

Maddie passed on March 13th, 2011. Her ashes will be spread at sea, but her parents are determined to see her memory live on through the Maddie James Foundation.

The Seaside Learning Center project is shovel-ready with all permits in place. What’s needed are the necessary funds to make it happen. Depending upon success with fundraising, construction is planned for summer/fall of 2011.

How You Can Help
The Maddie James Seaside Learning Center would be possible with a donation of $1,000,000 from the Maddie James Foundation. Please support and contribute to the foundation’s goal. To make a tax deductible donation to the Maddie James Foundation, visit www.maddiejamesfoundation.org

Several upcoming fundraising events also offer opportunities for  you to make a difference:

April 3rd at LEGENDS SALON: $25 HAIRCUTS
(at any of their three locations)
All Proceeds to Benefit the Foundation

April 3rd at OC Tavern:
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
20% of Your Entire Bill
Goes to the Foundation

April 15th – 17th at Ortega Car Wash:
Bring in this Article and $5 will be Donated From Each Car Wash
www.MaddieJamesFoundation.org

www.Ocean-Institute.org

19th Annual Wagathon

If you’ve missed your favorite Chinese restaurant in Dana Point, you’re in luck! After eight years in the former Hollywood Video center on Coast Highway, Helena Ha’s Kaleyard has moved to a new location on Niguel Road in the Clubhouse Plaza. Helena and chef/business partner Kelly offer generous portions of authentic Chinese cuisine at family-friendly prices. They’ve kept all the local favorites on the extensive menu, including fifty “lite and lowfat” items, delivering a healthy and tasty Chinese option to the local area.

On my recent visit, my friend and I sampled a variety of Kaleyard’s most popular dishes. Our appetizer sampler included Vegetable Egg Rolls, Chicken Dumplings, Scallion Pancakes and Aromatic Shrimp. The crispy shelled egg rolls were packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables. The dumplings were as light as air and stuffed with perfectly seasoned chicken, accompanied by a sweet, tangy sauce for dipping. The scallion pancakes were a more substantial choice and served with a very spicy hot mustard sauce. We enjoyed the Aromatic Shrimp appetizer as well, which was sautéed in a sweet and spicy reduction and lightly fried. One bite, and I understood why this is a Kaleyard signature dish.

My companion’s entrée was a hearty serving of Mongolian Beef. His squeaky-clean plate was an obvious signal that the tender strips of beef sautéed with grilled onions and scallions in a piquant brown sauce was a hit. The Mixed Vegetables with Tofu was my choice for lunch – and it did not disappoint. After indulging in such a decadent variety of starters, I relished the lighter fare. The seasonal vegetables were cross-cut into bite-sized pieces and sautéed in a feather-light sauce with soft tofu. At only 150 calories and ½ gram of fat, this well-portioned dish is a dieter’s dream!

The lunch specials at Kaleyard are an exceptional value. Most entrées come in at around $8 and include salad, choice of soup, egg roll, dumpling and rice. From 4 – 6 p.m. on weekdays, an early bird special offering 20% off the entire menu is easy on the wallet and a terrific excuse for an early dinner. If you’re interested in eating Kaleyard’s cuisine at home, take out and free delivery (on $30 minimum orders) are also available.

For more information please visit
www.PetProjectFoundation.org

by Shelley T. Hudson

Just when you’ve finally pulled the last remnants of plastic grass from your carpet and worked off last year’s Peeps, Easter comes hippity-hopping down the bunny trail all over again. This year, treat your entire family to good, sweet fun throughout South Orange County at these holiday events.

Dana Point
The City of Dana Point’s Egg Hunts are jelly bean-packed with activities—and free! The simultaneous celebrations start at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7th at Pines Park (34941 Camino Capistrano) and Sea Canyon Park (33101 Trinidad Drive). Kids ten and younger are welcome to enjoy the petting zoos, games and visits with Mr. Cottontail himself. The egg hunts start at 10:00 a.m. sharp, so bring baskets to gather your loot and cameras to capture the fun.

If you’re an early riser, join parishioners of Coast Bible Church at Lantern Bay Park Amphitheater (25111 Park Lantern Road) for Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 8th at 6:30 a.m. An uplifting message and live music will inspire and entertain.

Laguna Beach
The American Legion continues its 50-plus-year tradition with the popular Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids nine years and younger are invited to bring empty baskets and participate in free activities. The festivities start at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 8th at Laguna Beach High’s baseball field (625 Park Avenue), but you can arrive early to pose with the Easter Bunny.

Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel Parks & Rec is sponsoring its annual Bunny Blast on Saturday, April 7th from 9:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. at Chapparosa Park (25191 Chapparosa Park Road). Kid-sized fun includes face painting, pony rides, a bounce house, shows, a petting zoo and crafts. Remember to bring cash for snacks and entry; admission is $7 for ages 3 – 12 and $1 for ages 13 and up. Please leave your pets at home and call the hotline for updates in the event of rain—949.425.5100.

San Clemente
The Springtacular is one of San Clemente’s signature events. Starting with a pancake breakfast (for a nominal fee) hosted by the Kiwanis Club at 7:30 a.m. and culminating with a Great Big Egg Hunt at 11:00 a.m. for newborns through age ten, this free festival is a can’t-miss. The party will be held at Vista Hermosa Sports Park (987 Avenida Vista Hermosa) on Saturday, April 7th. Roaming entertainers, games and Easter Bunny visits will surprise and delight the young ones. Yummy snacks will be available for purchase. For more information, contact the Recreation Division at 949.361.8264.

The City of San Clemente has teamed with Family Assistance Ministries once again for the Community Easter Brunch at Our Lady of Fatima (105 N. La Esperanza) on Saturday, April 7th at 10:00 a.m. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship with needy individuals and families in our community. Stop by FAM at 929 Calle Negocio to pick up an invitation for someone who could use a helping hand (walk-ups also accepted). Volunteers and donations are welcome. For information, call 949.492.8477.

Talega Village Center and Radio Disney will host an Easter party from noon until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 1st. The Radio Disney Road Crew will lead bunny dances and contests and an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt right in front of Spoon Deep Yogurt. The Easter Bunny also will be on hand for photos and fuzzy little hugs.