On November 5, 2025, the Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committee (DPHOAC) met to receive updates from the County of Orange and Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) regarding the ongoing revitalization of Dana Point Harbor.
Vice Chair Katrina Foley opened the meeting with Fifth District updates, including the announcement that nominations are now being accepted for the annual Veteran of the Year recognition, themed “Service to our Nation.” She also shared that Dennis Parks has stepped down as Committee Secretary. The Committee moved to appoint Diane Wenzel as the new Secretary for the DPHOAC.
Christian Gagne, Dana Point Harbor Oversight Manager for the County of Orange, provided a general progress update on the revitalization project. On the landside, Commercial Core Phase 3 (Buildings 6 through 12) is preparing for construction commencement, anticipated to begin in December or January. On the waterside, demolition of Phase 10 docks is currently underway, while Phase 9B remains in planning. Work is expected to proceed under a license agreement that allows DPHP to operate within the designated exclusion area. Coordination continues with the Dana Point Fisheries Enhancement Program (DPFEP) to ensure alignment with the white sea bass program. The hotel component of the landside development is currently in the construction document design and permitting phase. An updated and approved construction schedule has been posted to Supervisor Foley’s Fifth District website.
Susan Lieb of Burnham-Ward Properties, representing DPHP, reported that preparations are underway for the groundbreaking of Commercial Core Phase 3, anticipated in December. She noted that trees preserved from earlier phases of the landside project have been stored and are now being transplanted throughout the harbor, including along slopes near the Island Way bridge and Puerto Place. A total of 154 trees have been trimmed this year, with DPHP continuing to use the same arborist and tree database inherited from the County. Each tree is maintained on a three-year trimming cycle, with approximately $55,000 expended on tree care in 2025. DPHP is also working with the Ocean Institute to incorporate historical artifacts from the former Pilgrim vessel into the Commercial Core as a public display. Items include rigging, charts, and design drawings. A dedication ceremony for a new flagpole at Harbor Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive is also being planned.
Katie Sorenson of Burnham-Ward provided updates on marketing and events. The annual Turkey Trot is scheduled for November 27. The weekly Farmers Market continues every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Harbor After Dark is held on the first Friday of each month. Holiday Lights began on November 12, with an updated holiday map available. The 50th Anniversary Boat Parade of Lights will take place December 12–15, with the theme “Golden Jubilee / Carol of the Boats.” The Festival of Whales Parade will return on the first Saturday of the 2026 Festival, and the City of Dana Point will also host a carnival as part of the celebration.
Tony Wrzosek of R.D. Olson reported that the hotel component of the landside development is progressing through the construction design phase, with groundbreaking anticipated in the second quarter of 2026.
Mike Wilson of OC Parks provided additional updates. The restrooms near the Ocean Institute are temporarily closed due to a sewer mainline break located eight feet underground. Repairs are underway, with vendor bids in progress and completion expected in the coming weeks. Roofing and skylight work on the OCSEC boathouse was completed on October 17, along with the installation of water bottle refill stations near the restrooms. A new beach access stair cage just south of the Ocean Institute has cleared Coastal Commission review and is scheduled for installation by the end of the year or early 2026. OC Parks continues to work with the Dana Outrigger Canoe Club to identify a temporary relocation site. The East Dock at OCSEC is being evaluated as a potential interim location, with the goal of minimizing displacement of other users and public space. OC Parks staff walked the site with John Yamasaki of Dana Outrigger to assess feasibility. A temporary solution is anticipated by late Fall or Winter 2026. OC Parks also presented two design options for the OCSEC West Dock, incorporating feedback from previous user group meetings. Option 1, which includes a large landing near the shoreline, was preferred. Both dock designs include ADA access ramps. While a boat hoist is not feasible, Hoyer lifts are planned for assisted transfers. OC Parks continues to work with Bellingham Marine on final designs and will coordinate with the Coastal Commission on approval and any required eelgrass mitigation measures.
The next meeting of the DPHOAC is scheduled for February 4, 2026. The complete meeting minutes (dated 11/05/25) will be available on Supervisor Foley’s homepage at: 11/5/25: Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee Update
