Listen 9 min A Humpback Whale in front of Dana Point Harbor. Photo by jacksnipe1990, via Flickr
People come from all over to whale watch from the shores of Dana Point. The city in Orange County is a hub for sea life, thanks to its harbor and protected marine area. Gray whales, humpbacks and orcas can all be spotted from the shore, as well as many different dolphin species as they migrate to Mexico.
Dana Point is also now the first Whale Heritage Site in the U.S. The designation is a recognition for areas known for having important, cultural ties to marine life, like whales and dolphins. There are only three other Whale Heritage Sites in the world: Hervey Bay in Australia, the Bluff in South Africa, and Tenerife-La Gomera Marine Area in Spain.
Dana Point first Whale Heritage Site in the nation
California locale famous for variety of whales, dolphins By Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times
Published: February 9, 2021, 6:00am
Share: Dana Point was named the first Whale Heritage Site in the U.S. on Wednesday. (Dreamstime)
LOS ANGELES Two women who operate rival whale-watching tours in Dana Point came together to work on having their beloved slice of the coast named one of the whaliest places in the world. Their efforts paid off.
Dana Point on Wednesday became the first Whale Heritage Site in the U.S., a distinction it shares with Hervey Bay in Australia, the Bluff in South Africa and newly named Tenerife-La Gomera Marine Area in Spain. The designation acknowledges areas known for having cultural ties and respectful interactions with whales and dolphins.
Two women who operate rival whale-watching tours in Dana Point came together to work on having their beloved slice of the coast named one of the whaliest places in the world. Their efforts paid off.
Dana Point on Wednesday became the first Whale Heritage Site in the U.S., a distinction it shares with Hervey Bay in Australia, the Bluff in South Africa and newly named Tenerife-La Gomera Marine Area in Spain. The designation acknowledges areas known for having cultural ties and respectful interactions with whales and dolphins.
“It really is something that will solidify Dana Point as the whale watching and dolphin capital of the world,” said Donna Kalez, co-president of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. “It’s been a longtime dream.” Her father, Don Hansen, started whale-watching tours off Southern California in the 1960s and pioneered the first whale festival half a century ago historical ties that put the Orange County coastal town in the running.
Saturday 145 Years Ago A warm theater: The Theatre will be thoroughly warmed on Saturday night. This is a very important matter as the times go. A comfortable auditorium and a pleasing program will prove.
More than a dozen people were arrested during the two-night operation. Author: KING 5 Staff Updated: 10:18 PM PST December 22, 2020
BELLEVUE, Wash. Three juvenile sex trafficking victims were recovered after a two-night undercover operation by the Bellevue Police Department.
Fourteen men were arrested for patronizing a prostitute, one for illegally possessing a gun, one for human trafficking and promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and one female for investigation of promoting prostitution.
The victims were taken into protective custody during an operation on Dec. 16 and 17.
“We were able to recover three minor females and get them help. One of the minors told a social worker the arrest probably saved her life,” said Captain Dave Sanabria. “Sex traffickers target the most vulnerable; children, women of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to investigating and arresting traffickers and sex buyers for