What makes your city special?
Dana Point features the best of luxury amenities amidst a laid-back surf culture.
What advantages does your city offer?
Dana Point has a strong and loyal local community, supported by a business-friendly city government. Testament to that is the investment of Raintree Partners in Dana Point. Principal Jason Check has said that while Dana Point’s surf culture and legacy drew Raintree to the city, a key differentiator from other communities was its codified plan for downtown, providing a road map for the firm as they continue to develop properties in Dana Point.
What’s not well known about the city?
Dana Point is where Hobie Alter opened the world’s first retail surf shop in 1954 and built the Hobie Cat, a small catamaran that revolutionized sailing. Surf publications such as Surfer Magazine were formed and headquartered in Dana Point and Bruce Brown produced the iconic surfer film “Endless Summer” in Dana Point.
What would executives be surprised to find is thriving in Dana Point?
We are embarking on a transformative revitalization that includes: a $330 million dollar renovation of Dana Point’s almost 50-year-old harbor; a development pipeline of six hotels; and a plan for our downtown district which includes mixed-use development, housing, restaurants and retail. We will have a fully rebuilt state-of-the-art docks in a world-class marina setting.
What are the best places to meet for meals?
There are many choices that I love. The Lantern District features relative newcomers Coastal Kitchen and Craft House. Some of Dana Point’s longtime tastiest destinations include Luxe Kitchen & Lounge, Jack’s Restaurant and Luciana’s Ristorante. And our resorts feature two of the most recognized and awarded steakhouses in Orange County: enoSteak at the Ritz-Carlton and Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak at the Monarch Beach Resort. Topping off any visit to Dana Point should also include stopping by StillWater Spirits & Sounds for some live music and a great vibe.
What’s a fun thing to do in your city?
There are so many things to choose from! I encourage everyone to enjoy one of our many festivals. We are home to the Doheny Blues Festival, Ohana, Sabroso, Driftwood, Tall Ships Festival and the Festival of Whales. There is nothing better than enjoying the beauty of the coast and ocean while listening to great music.
What’s the best thing you’ve done as mayor?
We did a great deal in my first term, such as getting the Town Center project finished and helping the county get the harbor deal done. We have a lot left to do. We haven’t finished Doheny Village, which is my highest priority, along with addressing homelessness.
What’s the biggest issue to resolve to make your city more business friendly?
We have to ensure customers have a great experience in the city’s commercial districts. We have invested $20 million in streetscape and infrastructure improvements in the Town Center. We have a robust summer trolley system to move residents and visitors easily around town, and have invested in leasing private parking lots to expand public parking. Plentiful public parking is an ongoing discussion amongst our City Council and the community.
— Peter J. Brennan
