Our meeting on February 27 will highlight the life of Hippolyte Bouchard, a French Argentine sailor and corsair who fought for Argentina, Chile and Peru. Michael Melzer, pictured left, author of The Patriot Pirate, will be on hand to discuss this fascinating figure from Dana Point’s past. In 1818, Bouchard’s forces occupied Monterey, California, then a Spanish colony, raised the Argentine flag and held the town for six days. After raiding Monterey, his men plundered Mission San Juan Capistrano, an event that was recognized with a 200th anniversary re-enactment and a mock trial last November in San Juan Capistrano. Melzer will also have his book for sale after the program. The event will take place in council chambers at City Hall starting at 7 p.m., followed by a reception and book signing in our museum.