On June 25th, 2025, the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee (DPHOAC) met again to address updates on the revitalization efforts, related operations, and a review of the Slip Rental Rate Study for the Marina at Dana Point conducted and presented by John Laurain of R.P. Laurain & Associates.
Supervisor Foley reported that the new Orange County Sailing and Event Center (OCSEC) docks were County-approved, with the construction contract pending. Additionally, a budget for the redesign and “reimagining” of the existing OCSEC structure was also approved. She also noted a recent meeting with stakeholders to mitigate sea lion issues and confirmed the Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and Coastal Development Permit for proposed hotels were approved by the Dana Point Planning Commission. She informed the Committee that Coffee Importers has opened at the Ocean Institute, and the Outrigger Canoe Club scheduled to meet on July 2nd with County and City officials to discuss the relocation of the Canoe Club’s equipment and ancillary storage, ahead of DPHP taking over the current space in the Captain Dave’s parking lot as part of the revitalization plan.
DPHOAC Secretary Dennis Parks reviewed open action items. The relocation of White Seabass grow pens is being addressed, with a meeting scheduled for July 23rd to discuss the Marina construction planning within that segment of the Revitalization. The Public Benefit Analysis item was closed due to a lack of clarity on its original intent.
Christian Gagne, Dana Point Harbor Oversight Manager for the County of Orange, introduced John Laurain of Laurain and Associates, who presented his Dana Point Harbor Slip Rental Rate Study, detailing his methodology and findings on the appropriate market slip rates for Dana Point Harbor. The study will be available on the Supervisor’s Fifth District website once the Committee’s follow-up questions and comments have been addressed.
Committee members raised concerns about the study’s assumptions, particularly regarding the accuracy of the marina waitlist. They referenced an informal study-tracking boaters who left The Marina at Dana Point, with most relocating to Long Beach or San Diego marinas, not Newport Beach. The Committee emphasized the need for a waitlist audit and argued that Dana Point and Newport Beach marinas cater to different boater demographics, citing a 2001 Orange County Board of Supervisors Minute Order to support their position.
Mr. Laurain stated that he could not comment on the accuracy of the waitlist or possible vacancies and what potential impacts that may have on his study without further review of the presented information and confirmation with the County and The Marina at Dana Point management - indicating these topics could be addressed in more depth with the follow-up questions and comments gathering effort. Mr. Laurain also did not want to violate professional standards or jeopardize his credibility and standing as a licensed appraiser by relying on hypothetical data.
Mr. Gagne requested that any further questions or comments regarding the appraisal be submitted to the CEO Real Estate office by July 3rd, so they can be forwarded to Mr. Laurain for review and consideration.
The next DPHOAC meeting is scheduled for August 6th, 2025. The complete meeting minutes (dated 6/25/25) will be available on Supervisor Foley’s homepage at: Minutes DPHOAC 6.25.25
