U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ‘Narwhal’ Returns to Ocean Institute on Saturday
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Narwhal will be docked at the Ocean Institute’s Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Wharf this Saturday, April 13, for free tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore the 87-foot vessel, meet its officers and crew and participate in various maritime activities.
Narwhal, which is normally docked at the Coast Guard’s facility on Bayside Drive in Newport Harbor, is the only active Coast Guard unit in Orange County and regularly patrols coastal waters from the Mexican border to the Channel Islands, in addition to working with first responders. It is one of seven cutters that operate in the Coast Guard’s Southern California fleet.
During the event, the Dana Point Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 6, a volunteer organization that supports the Coast Guard, will hold boater education classes and provide boating and marine safety information, as well conduct safety demonstrations on the use of fire extinguishers, personal flotation devices, marine radios and distress flares. There will also be a demonstration of “Coastie,” the Coast Guard’s robotic mascot boat.
The USCG Auxiliary Division 6, comprised of six flotillas and 208 members, and is responsible for an area that spans the Orange County coast and from San Mateo Point to Seal Beach. Flotillas are located in Dana Point, Newport Harbor, Orange Coast, Huntington Harbor, Seal Beach and North Orange County.
This will be the Narwhal’s fourth visit to Dana Point Harbor in as many years.
The Ocean Institute is located 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Stretch of PCH in Capistrano Beach Reopened After Debris Cleanup
A stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in Capistrano Beach was closed in both directions beginning on April 3 to remove debris from the roadway and its environs that was caused by a rainstorm the last weekend of March.
Though the northbound stretch of PCH from Camino Capistrano to Palisades Drive was expected to remain closed through April 9, both lanes were open by last weekend, according to Matt Sinacori, Director of Public Works for the City of Dana Point.
While clearing away the storm-related debris, the city also addressed storm drain maintenance.
“We were able to power through it and get everything opened by the weekend,” Sinacori told Dana Point Times on Wednesday, April 10.
OCFA Responds to San Clemente House Fire
On Sunday morning, April 7, Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded to calls for a fire in a San Clemente home in the 2300 block of Calle La Serna.
Shortly after the calls came in at around 5:30 a.m., a fire engine from Station 60 arrived first to attempt to get the fire under control. As more firefighters arrived on the scene, it took 49 minutes to extinguish the fire.
No injuries were reported. The fire remained under investigation as of early Wednesday morning, April 10.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested San Clemente resident William Ayer on Sunday on suspicion of arson, and Ayer was still in custody as of Wednesday, according to OCSD Sgt. Matt Parrish.
Coral Thrift Shop to Celebrate 60th Anniversary on April 17
The Coral Thrift Shop, a longtime San Clemente nonprofit organization, is celebrating its 60th anniversary on Wednesday, April 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Casino San Clemente.
All staff at the thrift shop are unpaid volunteers who love giving back to the community. They will be serving a catered lunch and hosting a fashion show, using some of the name-brand items that have been donated to the shop.
The event will include a raffle and a performance by local band The Kalama Brothers.
The Coral Thrift Shop, which accepts lightly used items for its inventory, donates 100 percent of its profits to local students for college scholarships. It funds programs at the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA, as well as sponsoring educational programs at the Ocean Institute and Casa Romantica.
Since opening in 1964, the Coral Gift Shop has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships. It is located at at 534 N. El Camino Real and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets for the anniversary celebration can be purchased at the shop for $40. Everyone in the tri-city area is invited to attend.
Casino San Clemente is located at 140 Avenida Pico.
Sea Coast Symphony Performs at St. Edward Catholic Church
The Sea Coast Symphony will celebrate spring with a concert on Friday, April 19, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church at 7;30 p.m.
The concert will feature the Durkovic Trio performing Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. The Symphony will also perform Schumann’s Symphony No. 1, also known as “The Spring Symphony.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit dana-point-symphony.ticketleap.com.
99 Cents Only Stores Permanently Closing, Including San Clemente
99 Cents Only Stores announced last week that it is permanently closing all 371 of its stores, including its location at 55 Via Pico Plaza in San Clemente.
Liquidation sales at all locations began last Friday.
The company, based in the City of Commerce in LA County, opened in 1982, selling home goods, cleaning supplies, beauty products, snacks and fresh produce at discounted prices.
Walker-Bowman named to Mission Preservation Foundation’s Board
The Mission Preservation Foundation Board of Directors has announced Christine M. Walker-Bowman as its newest board member. Walker-Bowman is Co-President of the Farmers & Merchants Bank Foundation and First Vice President of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach.
“It is a good day when our board welcomes someone of Christine’s caliber, training, and perspective,” said Mission Preservaton Board President George O’Connell. “Her business acumen and personal passion for the Mission will definitely serve the entity well, and we all look forward to having her at the table.”
Farmers & Merchants Bank has a long history of supporting Mission San Juan Capistrano’s programming.