By Toni Nelson and Patricia O’Keefe, Capistrano Beach
As residents and members of Capo Cares, we are pleased to see that the city of Dana Point has enhanced the two corners on the northern side of Palisades Drive at Pacific Coast Highway, replacing weeds, dirt and tumbleweeds with an attractive landscaped area featuring drought-tolerant plants, decorative boulders and weed-preventing stones. Central to the landscape is a huge and beautiful Canary Island palm tree that required some extensive acrobatics to safely engineer into place. At one point, passersby were treated to the sight of a large truck balancing on its back wheels while it assisted a crane maneuvering the massive tree into place.
Due to the dire drought conditions in the city and the lack of a sprinkler system at that site, it was necessary to plant agaves, succulents and other drought-tolerant species that, once established, will thrive on very little water. Public Works has arranged for a water truck to come by periodically to ensure the plants are well attended. In addition, two Cub/Boy Scout troops have kindly volunteered to maintain the landscaping once the project is completed.
Our sincere gratitude goes to City Manager Doug Chotkevys and Public Works Director Brad Fowler who responded to Capo Cares’ request for improvements at that well-traveled intersection. Last year, when Capo Cares surveyed local residents asking them to name their key concerns in the neighborhood, lack of attractive landscaping was near the top of the list. Many residents specifically named this corner that is popular with those who walk and bike at the beach on a regular basis. Thank you, City Hall, for listening and responding with an attractive landscape.
Capo Cares is a grassroots non-partisan advocacy group comprised of Capistrano Beach residents. Our sole purpose is to improve aesthetics, safety and quality of life in our beautiful coastal community. To join, send an email to Capocares@gmail.com. Please “like” our Facebook page and share with your neighbors: www.facebook.com/CapoCares.
It is gorgeous! Thanks to Capo Cares and the City of Dana Point!
Many thanks to Toni Nelson and Patricia O’Keefe for their continued efforts to bring attention to the needs of Capistrano Beach. The city wasn’t doing anything to improve Capo other than a paved parking lot. All the money is going towards Town Center now and even having a Capo resident on the city council isn’t getting us anywhere. These two ladies started Capo Cares and we really appreciate all their time and effort on our behalf.