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By Ella Boyd, Dana Point Times Lorrin “Whitey” Harrison, a pioneering Californian surfer and central figure in the growth of outrigger canoe racing in Orange County, has been selected as the next honoree at Dana Point’s Watermen’s Plaza. His life-sized bronze statue is scheduled to be installed in 2027. Watermen’s Plaza, located along Pacific Coast Highway across from Doheny State Beach, recognizes influential surfers and industry icons with ties to Dana Point. Harrison will join a lineup that includes filmmaker Bruce Brown, shaper Hobie Alter, surfers Joyce Hoffman and Phil Edwards, SURFER magazine founder John Severson, and tandem surfers/skateboarders Barrie and Steve Boehne. Surfer Mickey Munoz is scheduled to have his statue unveiled later this year. Harrison, born in 1913 in Garden Grove, began surfing in 1925 at age 12. Eight years later, he was among the first to ride waves at San Onofre, and in 1933 he won the Pacific Coast Surf Riding Championships. These milestones are documented in his entry in the Encyclopedia of Surfing by Matt Warshaw, who describes Harrison as a “hot-rodding California surfer in the 1930s and ’40s, and pioneering geriatric surfer in the ’80s and ’90s.” In 1932, Harrison stowed away not once, but twice on a cruise ship bound for Waikiki. According to Warshaw’s account, he was caught and returned to the mainland on his first attempt, then allowed to remain in Hawaii after being discovered again less than 24 hours later on a second try. During a return visit in the late 1930s, he was among the first of the Californians to surf the North Shore of Oahu. Artist Bill Limebrook, who created the plaza’s bronze sculptures, said Harrison’s time in Hawaii shaped the direction of Southern California surf culture. “He was the guy who first went to Hawaii and got to know the Hawaiians, brought the California boys over there,” Limebrook said. Limebrook also said Harrison earned the nickname “Whitey” from Hawaiian surfers because he was the first white mainlander fully accepted into their group. “It’s really an amazing story, that he was the guy who introduced them, the California friends to the Hawaiian friends,” he said. Harrison built surf racks modeled after those at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Waikiki and learned to carve koa logs into outrigger canoes. In 1959, he helped organize California’s first outrigger race, from Catalina Island to Newport Beach. By 1971, he founded what became known as the Whitey Harrison Classic, a 20-mile outrigger canoe race from Dana Point to Laguna Beach and back. The event coincided with the opening of Dana Point Harbor and continues each August. JP Van Swae, Harrison’s grandson, described his grandfather’s approach to life during a recent interview with Dana Point Times.  “He was just always doing something interesting,” said JP, who grew up surfing with Harrison. “No matter what, whether it was working or it was playing, it always seemed fun. Everybody gravitated towards him.  … “He was the patriarch. Hawaii had Duke Kahanamoku. Huntington has George Freeth. In Dana Point, he was the guy everybody looked up to.” Harrison worked as a Santa Monica lifeguard, Hollywood stuntman, surfboard builder, dry cleaner and night watchman. For roughly three decades beginning in 1946, he earned his living as a lobster and abalone diver. That year, he married Cecelia Yorba, a descendant of a California Spanish land grant family. The couple lived in her 18th-century adobe home in San Juan Capistrano, one mile inland from Dana Point, and raised four children together (Harrison had two from a previous marriage).  In 1990, Harrison reached a national audience when he appeared in a Nike advertising campaign, was featured in LIFE magazine and made a guest appearance on Late Night with David Letterman, presented as a vibrant senior surfer. He died of a heart attack in 1993 while driving home with his wife after a morning swim. But with the planned installation of his statue in 2027, Harrison’s legacy will be permanently seen in the community he helped shape through surfing and the revival and growth of outrigger canoe racing.   DP

Announcing! The BIGGEST LITTLE ELEPHANT PARADE®: 10 Partners, 50 Elephants. 1 United Mission. With authorization from Elephant Parade® International and the US Elephant Parade, Gallery Dana Bay has created the first ever “BIGGEST LITTLE ELEPHANT PARADE.” © This exceptional project brings together 50 talented local artists to create 50 one-of-a-kind 15cm elephants in partnership with 10 Dana Point businesses and community leaders, fusing community engagement and breathtaking artistic expression. Upon completion, elephants will be presented at selected receptions honoring the artists, the elephant-art, and the sponsoring partners for the community to enjoy, photograph and share. Kayla Carlson, Elephant Parade Projects Administrator says, “ Over the years we have seen big smiles on hundreds of visitors and residents alike enjoying and photographing the large elephants on display throughout Dana Point. This exhibition gives the opportunity for expression to 50 local artists supporting public art and elephant welfare.” Dana Yarger, Elephant Parade USA, “Elephant Parade exhibitions have appeared in over 20 countries and major capitals including London, Amsterdam, Milan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai to name just a few. Dana Point was the first city host in North America and many full size elephants seen in Dana Point are part of that legacy.” An exhibition of all 50 elephants together is planned for the early spring. The unique, wonderful one-of-a-kind elephants will be available to collectors raising funds in support of Elephant Parade projects, education and elephant welfare! Don’t miss out. Be a part of it! Contact Kayla Carlson for more information. Kayla@ElephantParade-USA.com (949) 276-7597

Join us for an inspiring evening with Janice Munemitsu, author of The Kindness of Color , as she shares a powerful family story rooted in Orange County history. Her narrative reveals how kindness helped her Japanese American family and their Mexican American neighbors overcome racism and injustice. This blog explores the themes of resilience, justice, and kindness in her story and highlights the historical significance behind her family’s journey. Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez Monument in Westminster, a symbol of desegregation and justice A Story Rooted in History and Family Janice Munemitsu’s story begins with her grandparents and father, who lived through the harsh realities of World War II. During this time, Japanese Americans faced incarceration, a grave injustice that uprooted families and communities. Her family’s experience did not end there. They also encountered the fight for equal education, a struggle that connected them with their Mexican American neighbors. The story centers on the landmark 1947 California court case Mendez et al. v. Westminster . This case challenged school segregation and led to the desegregation of California public schools. The victory in this case set a precedent that influenced the later Brown v. Board of Education decision, which ended racial segregation in schools nationwide. Acts of Kindness That Shaped Resilience What makes Janice’s story unique is the focus on kindness as a force that helped families endure hardship. Acts of kindness came from friends and strangers alike, creating a network of support during difficult times. These moments of compassion helped build resilience in the face of two forms of unjust racism: the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the segregation of Mexican American children in schools. Kindness took many forms, such as neighbors offering help, community members standing up for justice, and families supporting each other emotionally. These small but meaningful actions created a foundation for strength and hope. The Role of Community in Fighting Injustice The collaboration between Japanese American and Mexican American families in Orange County highlights the power of community in fighting injustice. Their shared experiences of discrimination brought them together to challenge unfair laws and social norms. The Mendez et al. v. Westminster case was not just a legal battle; it was a community effort. Families, lawyers, and activists worked together to demand equal rights for their children. This cooperation showed how diverse groups can unite to create lasting change. Janice Munemitsu’s Unique Perspective Janice brings a rich background to her storytelling. She is a USC alum, a graduate of the Biola University Institute for Spiritual Renewal, and a former Vice President at ConAgra Foods. Her professional experience and personal history allow her to reflect deeply on themes of justice, kindness, and resilience. As a member of the U.S.-Japan Council, Janice connects her family’s story to broader conversations about cultural understanding and reconciliation. Her work encourages audiences to see history through a personal lens and recognize the ongoing impact of kindness in social justice. Why This Story Matters Today The lessons from Janice Munemitsu’s family story remain relevant. In today’s world, communities still face challenges related to racism, inequality, and division. Her story reminds us that kindness can be a powerful tool to build resilience and promote justice. By learning about the past, we gain insight into how small acts of compassion can lead to significant social change. This history encourages us to support one another and stand up against injustice in our own communities. Event Details and Invitation You are invited to join the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club for an evening with Janice Munemitsu: Date: Wednesday, February 18 Time: 5:45 PM Location: Dana Point City Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point Enjoy pizza, charcuterie, chicken wings, and non-alcoholic beverages while hearing this moving story. Guests are welcome, so bring a friend! Please RSVP by February 17th to ljcibelli@msn.com. The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s Commitment The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club is part of Rotary International’s 1.4 million-member network. The club focuses on service, philanthropy, and fellowship, living by the motto Service Above Self . Hosting events like this one reflects their dedication to community education and social justice.

Soon to be in its 60th season, Sawdust continues to be the beating heart of Laguna Beach’s creative spirit. From the fresh bloom of Spring Fling, the sun-soaked days of summer’s original Sawdust Art Festival, to the twinkling magic of Winter Fantasy, each event offers a distinct way to experience the joy of art, the beauty of hand-crafted artwork, and the energy of community. We are gearing up for our 60th anniversary Summer Art Festival !! We are opening the archives, sharing the stories that built Sawdust, and honoring the history.

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Mission San Juan Capistrano, the City of San Juan Capistrano invites all students – grades 1 through 12 – to participate in a city-wide art contest. This is an opportunity for young artists to reflect on our city’s unique cultural heritage, the founding of our nation, and the values of unity, history, and creativity. Learn more at https://sjc250.org/art-contest/

Dana Point’s Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group is planning to install a new monument at Heritage Park early next year, seeking to honor servicemembers and their families. In the meantime, the support group is hard at work fundraising roughly $130,000 to bring the monument, titled “Returning Home,” to fruition after years in the making, said Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group President Terry Rifkin. The monument depicts a servicemember embracing family as they reunite, in front of a granite backdrop. Rifkin said it took years to flesh out the concept for the monument, ensuring all of the details were correct down to the sleeves of the uniform. “It’s emotional for me,” Rifkin said. “There were times I didn’t know if it was going to happen… every step has taken so long.” “So, I will be so proud and happy when this finally comes, that we have something in our city that honors the adoption of the most highly decorated regiment in Marine Corps history, as well as all branches of service and then the families,” Rifkin continued. The monument will offer a space to “reflect with appreciation, honoring the strength, resilience and unity of the military family and the unsung heroes who are the ones who support our servicemembers,” Rifkin said. Though the support group initially set out to recognize the Marines, as well as the adoption of the Fifth Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton 21 years ago, Rifkin said the group “realized very quickly that we really needed to pay homage to all the brave men and women in the United States, not just the Marine Corps, but all branches of the armed forces.” Though the project has evolved, Rifkin said the monument “will stand as a testament to their service and to the unwavering love and sacrifice of the families. It’s going to be a very powerful piece of art, and I’m very excited that it’s coming to our city soon.” In April, the Dana Point City Council voted unanimously to approve the project in collaboration with the support group. The city committed to covering site improvements and overseeing the installation of the monument. The 6-foot-tall bronze statue will be sculpted by artist Sutton Betti. “I had no idea when I started five years ago what this would be, but it’s finally coming to fruition,” Rifkin said. “ And I really need the help of the community to get involved so that we can pay for our part.” “Because the city is paying for the infrastructure and we’re paying for the monument itself and the granite tablet and the benches, everything in the park will be sponsored,” Rifkin continued. The support group is seeking sponsors to support the monument, offering various levels of commitment, ranging from the $500 “Friends of the Fifth” sponsorship, which buys a small paver, to the “Commander in Chief” sponsorship of $25,000 or more, which buys a commemorative bench. Rifkin added that the sponsorship is also a branding opportunity for businesses. “We have a wall of honor and various levels of bronze plaques, and people can honor a veteran, they can honor a friend, a loved one with this visible, enduring tribute at the monument site,” Rifkin said. Those interested in contributing to the monument are encouraged to visit danapoint5thmarines.com/returning-home/ or contact Rifkin at info@DanaPoint5thMarines.com or 949.412.3475. “Returning Home”by sculptor Sutton Betti.Coming to Heritage Park in Dana Point in 2026.

To celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month , the City of Dana Point Arts and Cultural Ambassadors and Dana Point Historical Society are inviting you on a trolley tour of Dana Point to appreciate art in Dana Point. This hour and half tour will take place on one of the Trolleys with various stops looking at public art and places of historical significance. The tours will be narrated by trained docents and will start and conclude at Dana Bay Gallery  on Del Prado (24682 Del Prado Ave, #100). RSVP for $20 for the 10am tour with activity code 9250 and the 12pm tour with activity code 9251  here . Dana Point Trolley Art & History Tour Showcases City’s Landmarks Dana Point Times , by Samantha Bravo, Oct 10, 2025 Fall has officially arrived, and to celebrate the fall season, the City of Dana Point is hosting the third annual Dana Point Trolley Art & History Tour on Saturday, Oct. 18.  When it comes to cool art and unique museums, Dana Point is hard to beat. In celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month in October, the City of Dana Point launched the trolley tours in 2023 to provide memorable experiences for residents and visitors.  Two tours will be available — at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. — during a wide-ranging city art and history expedition. There will be  a total of 10 stops, including locations such as the Lantern Bay Park stairs, the Hide Drogher Sculpture and Watermen’s Plaza. Each tour will have a Dana Point Arts & Culture Ambassador and a docent from the Dana Point Historical Society to provide information and insight at all the stops. While most people speed past as they drive through town, the tour is an opportunity to stop and appreciate the public art pieces. The tour lasts for approximately 90 minutes. Guests will also receive a passport to mark their journey throughout the city.  Arts & Culture Ambassador Jennifer Keil said the trolley ride will also feature Richard Henry Dana Jr.’s statue, the Sidney H. Woodruff Real Estate Tract Office, the Doheny Village Mural and other noteworthy locations of cultural significance.  “Guests will enjoy insights to historic landmarks and public art installed throughout this magnificent city,” Keil said. “Our tour begins at Gallery Dana Bay, where guests will learn about the Elephant Parade. Participants from prior years remarked how much they learned about our namesake R.H. Dana Jr. and the surfing legends recognized at Watermen’s Plaza.” A limited number of $20 tickets for the Trolley Art & History Tour are available and can be purchased at danapoint.org/recreation .  Gallery Dana Bay, the tour starting point, is located at 24682 Del Prado Avenue, Suite 100. Dana Point’s Ambassador Program is composed of a diverse group of local artisans, nonprofit organization representatives and community members with a desire to honor Dana Point’s history and local charm with positive and memorable experiences and events for residents and visitors.  Dana Point Mayor Matthew Pagano said the Trolley Art & History Tour is a fun way for residents and visitors to explore the community’s history, unique culture and creativity.  “I appreciate our Arts Ambassadors and docents from the Dana Point Historical Society for sharing their knowledge of all that makes Dana Point so special,” Pagano said. The Dana Point Historical Society offers a diverse array of programs designed to preserve and celebrate the rich history of Dana Point. Through engaging educational initiatives, historical tours and community events, the society brings the city’s storied past to life.  The DPHS is a volunteer nonprofit organization established in 1987 to celebrate and preserve the history of Dana Point for current and future generations. To learn more about the Arts in Public Places, visit danapoint-arts.com . The website also features the city’s local artist directory and a list of local art and culture-related nonprofits.  To purchase tickets, visit the website      danapoint-arts.com/post/trolleytour .

Jared Sislin  Artist Statement New 40 foot mural in DP! So stoked on this opportunity. Thank you to Mary at Girl in the Curl for making this happen and JRD printing for the awesome installation. I shot this photo at Salt Creek it’s always been one of Mary’s favorites of mine. We’ve been talking about this for a long time. Stoked to finally make it happen! Go check it out in person and let me know what you think! (This is an actual photograph printed on vinyl then laminated on the wall) Address - 34116 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629 Insta @jaredsislinphotography Sislan Mural at Girl in the Curl Showcases Salt Creek Dana Point Times , by Ella Boyd Local surf photographer Jared Sislin has transformed one of his favorite surf images into a striking new mural at the iconic Girl in the Curl Surf Shop in Dana Point, bringing a piece of surf culture into public view for everyone to enjoy. “I’ve known Mary, the owner of Girl in the Curl, since I was a little kid,” Sislin said, referring to Mary Hartmann. “Mary has a surf camp, and I started taking photos of the kids there, and the parents bought the photos from me.” Jared did this for almost a decade, launching his now professional photography career. The connection came full circle when Mary suggested turning one of Sislin’s photographs, a sunset shot of Salt Creek, into a mural. “She’s always loved that photo. Ever since I shot it, she’s said, ‘I want to get a big one of these for the shop or my house or whatever.’ When we started talking about the mural, she said, ‘Hey, what about the photo, the pink wave photo?’ ” The rest is history. Unlike a painting, the mural is Sislin’s actual photograph, printed on vinyl and applied directly to the wall. “A lot of people think it’s a painting,” he said, “but it’s a real photograph printed on vinyl and then it’s laminated onto the wall.” Sislin recalls that day he shot the image: “It was like dusk, basically after sunset. I just remember it being a really beautiful day. It was glassy, no wind. Nobody out, maybe a couple people out, and just perfect little waves coming through. You can see the Healands in the background. It’s looking down Salt Creek and towards Strands.” Seeing the photograph scaled up to mural size was a first for Sislin. “I was really nervous,” he said, laughing. “I’ve never done a print at this size. The printer FaceTimed me when it was going up, and right when I saw it, I knew there was nothing to worry about anymore. It looked killer. It’s surreal seeing your work at that scale.” The mural has already become a favorite for passersby. “I’ve been told by multiple people that it’s calming and dreamy,” he said. “People really enjoy looking at it, especially when they’re at JC Beans (Coffee House) getting coffee, because sometimes there’s a line, or when you’re driving down PCH.” For Sislin, the project represents both a career milestone and a tribute to the local surf community. “We’re a surf town. That’s the culture of Dana Point,” he said. “I think all sorts of art are awesome, but I especially think it’s great to have local art and showcase local artists. It’s cool to see your home break on a big wall.” The response to the mural, he said, has been overwhelming. “I’m super thankful for all the support from the community and all the messages and the comments that I got. Everyone seems like they’re really happy with it, so that meant a lot,” he added. Sislin gave a special thanks to Mary at Girl in the Curl, as well as JRD Printing in San Clemente for producing the mural. “It was really cool to actually go there and watch it being put up panel by panel. It was like a full day of them laying it down and heating it, and then they had to go back the next day to do the final touch-up,” he said. The project has already sparked new opportunities. “Since I’ve done that, now multiple local businesses have reached out to me,” Sislin said. “It’s really motivating to go out and get new shots. You want to see new work on the wall, too.” Ella Boyd is a writer and photographer. Her work appears in The Surftime Journal, Powder, Surfer, Daybreak Magazine, The Inertia, and The Encyclopedia of Surfing. In 2023, she was a finalist for the Follow the Light Surf Photography Grant Program. She mostly logs, but rides a surf mat or kneeboard if the conditions call for it. You can find her work here: ella-boyd.com .

Gallery Dana Bay is proud to announce the premier exhibition of paintings by surfing icon Corky Carroll!   The show celebrates the vibrant second act of the five-time US Surfing Champion, who channels the energy and spirit of the surf lifestyle into vibrant artwork.   Open to the public. Corky Carroll will be in attendance Friday, October 10th, from 5-8pm , and Saturday, October 11th, from 12-6pm.     Exhibition extends through October 26th, 2025. RSVP today to reserve your spot.

Dana Point Community Center located at 34052 Del Obispo Street (Back of the building). This bold, bright and playful design takes its cues from quintessential delights of Dana Point living. From ocean adventures and beachside treasures to culinary treats and palm-lines streets, it celebrates the outdoor-loving lifestyle that the City’s rich community life revolves around.   Lovisa Kjerrgren Artist Statement​ Art is a verse I add to the poem of the landscape, always in a pairing of nature’s sublime refinement and curiosity’s inspired hand. Artist Bio There’s a poetry inherent in the landscapes around us. We can feel its verse in the wind — see it in the changing light and in the textures that shift along the hillside. In Lovisa’s creative practice, she paraphrases it in a language of form, color and texture. Landscape poetry is both the inspiration and the ambition of her art. From the quiet lakes and deep forests of Lovisa’s native Sweden to the foamy shores and prickly deserts of Southern California she calls home since 2015, the intricacy of nature is an endless source of awe and inspiration. Through her education and practice, Lovisa engages with it in cross-pollinating capacities that straddle the worlds of art and design. As a Landscape Architect, she has ten years of experience designing environments that support both ecological systems and human use. As an Artist, she explores the visual complexity of different landscape types and depict it in expressions that range from naturalistic representations to graphic illustrations and playful abstractions. Much of Lovisa’s inspiration is gathered running and hiking through the coastal hills and inland deserts of Southern California. Attuned to subtleties of seasonal and atmospheric conditions that define the experience of a place at any given moment, her work celebrates the ephemeral – equally fascinated by things that grow and things that disintegrate around us. Whether capturing a vista or cropping a view down to its smallest details, Lovisa strives to find unexpected vantage points from which to draw out the spectacular that resides within ordinary and often overlooked elements of our surroundings. For her third year with the Sawdust, Lovisa is proud to have designed the large wall mural along the entry to the festival grounds. She has created several seasonal public artworks for the City of Laguna Beach in the last few years as well, and is happy to take on commissions and mural projects alongside her studio practice.

Saturday • Oct. 25, 2025 27th Annual Doheny Wood Car Show 8am-3pm Doheny State Beach • 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629 Join us for the 27th Annual Doheny Wood Car Show in a beautiful setting at Doheny State Beach.

The Dana Point Art Ambassadors met with the Dana Point Harbor Partners to learn about the phases of the project. They were provided a visual presentation by Katie Sorensen, Marketing Director for Harbor Partners, and Kelly Rinderknecht, Marina General Manager. Art Ambassadors were excited to see the public art and public space designs. They received a walking tour of the Marina and finished at the Dana Point Wharf to enjoy the local dining. Anthony Small provided live music, a Thursday program from 4-6pm, offered all summer.