Huntington Beach, El Toro, Scout Jamboree, etc.

Summer's almost here, and it's time to head to the beach! The 1957 L.A. Examiner photo, above, reminds us why what's now Bolsa Chica State Beach was once called Tin Can Beach (or sometimes Beer Can Beach) by almost everyone. At that time, as much as 30 tons of cans, bottles, and other refuse were left on this stretch of sand each year. Today, it often ranks as one of Southern California's cleanest beaches.
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Longtime Newport Beach resident Mary Kramer Kryder has loaned a handful of 1953 Boy Scout Jamboree artifacts to the Old Courthouse Museum for their current exhibit: “Past Tents: The Way We Camped.” (Show ends June 5.) She describes her memories of the event:
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“The bridge onto Balboa Island just below PCH was where many Scouts came. At this time, I lived on Balboa Island and was intrigued with the Jamboree, having been a Brownie, Girl Scout and Mariner. I decided to visit the camp. I baked cookies and took them to the Scouts in exchange for their Boy Scout badges . . .”
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Heritage Hill Historical Park will hold their annual Rancho Days Fiesta, June 6, 11am-3pm. The park is located at 25151 Serrano Rd. in “Lake Forest.” Children’s activities include piñatas, rope tricks, making arrowheads, dipping candles, grinding corn, and churning and tasting homemade ice cream and butter.
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Demonstrations and performances will include “traditional Native American music, Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano and a Native American hoop dancer. Listen to lively mariachi music, and the songs of Old California and early Mexico.” Weavers and blacksmiths will demonstrate their trades. There will also be an Acjachemen invocation ceremony. Docents in period attire will offer tours of the park's historical buildings.