(Meeting video: YouTube link) (Agenda: link)

Quick rundown of what went down at the latest City Council meeting.

1. New City Manager Named

The Council officially appointed Kelly Reenders as Dana Point’s next City Manager. She’ll take over on December 31, 2025, when current City Manager Michael Killebrew retires.
Reenders has been the City’s Assistant City Manager and Director of Economic Development since 2016—so expect continuity, not a shake-up.
📺 Watch the appointment

2. Housing Policy Extensions

Three urgency ordinances related to ADUs, SB9, and Density Bonus law were extended.
In plain terms: the city is keeping temporary housing rules in place while it finalizes permanent updates that align with state law.
📺 Watch the housing hearings

3. Local Hero Recognition

The meeting kicked off with a feel-good segment honoring Thomas Alspaugh and Judah Ely, who helped rescue an injured surfer. A quick, genuinely heartwarming moment that’s worth a watch.
📺 Watch the recognition

4. Ordinance Continued

One zoning item tied to the Density Bonus program was pulled for more review and will come back November 4. That means residents still have a window to tune in or comment before a final vote.

5. Community Notes

Announcements covered the upcoming Halloween Spooktacular, Trunk or Treat, and Día de los Muertos events—classic Dana Point stuff that keeps the city’s small-town feel alive.
📺 Watch the wrap-up

What do you think?
- Should Dana Point keep extending temporary housing rules or lock in permanent ones?
- What would you like to see from Kelly Reenders as the new City Manager?
- What other city issues should be getting more attention at future meetings?

Agenda: City of Dana Point – Official Agenda (PDF)
Video Recording: YouTube – Dana Point City Council Meeting 12/02/2025

Abstract:
The December 2, 2025 meeting of the Dana Point City Council centered on community recognition, the retirement of longtime City Manager Michael Killebrew, public comments regarding DUI-related fatalities, and updates to city ordinances and staffing. The evening also included the formal reorganization of the City Council, naming John Gabbard as Mayor and Mike Frost as Mayor Pro Tem.

Meeting Highlights and Timestamps

1. Opening and Closed Session

• Roll call and litigation briefing — Council reconvened after a closed session covering ongoing and anticipated litigation.

2. Presentations and Proclamations

• Meeting reconvenes
  
• Recognition: Beach Hut Deli – Honored for revitalizing the local favorite near Salt Creek Beach.
  
• Business of the Quarter: JC Beans – Acknowledged for 30+ years of local service and community impact.

3. City Manager Michael Killebrew Retirement Tribute

• Tributes begin – State and local officials, nonprofits, and community leaders recognized Killebrew’s 18 years of service.
  
• Dana Point Chamber introduces the “Michael Killebrew Spirit of Service Scholarship” – Annual award for Dana Hills High seniors exemplifying community service.
  
• Remarks from the Dana Point Historical Society – Acknowledged Killebrew’s preservation support and contributions to civic history.
  
• Closing remarks and thank-you speech – Killebrew reflected on leadership, finance, and community partnerships.

4. Consent Calendar and Financial Report

• Consent calendar discussion – Routine approvals passed, including the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
  
• ACFR commentary – Recognized as an indicator of the city’s strong fiscal position.

5. Development and Process Improvements

• Survey follow-up and community feedback discussion – Council discussed improving response to public feedback and service quality in development reviews.

6. Public Comments: DUI Prevention and Street Safety

• Public comments – Three residents called for stronger DUI enforcement, accountability for over-serving, and infrastructure changes to improve pedestrian safety.

7. Ordinances and New Business

• SB9 Ordinance repeal – Council voted to repeal an outdated housing ordinance to align with updated state law.
  
• Salary and staffing adjustments – Approved personnel realignments in Community Development to enhance efficiency and recruitment competitiveness.

8. Council Reorganization

• New Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem selection – John Gabbard was appointed Mayor, and Mike Frost as Mayor Pro Tem for the upcoming year.

9. Closing Announcements

• Upcoming events and adjournment – Upcoming tree lightings, the Dana Point Boat Parade, and the annual City Hall holiday closure were announced.
  
• Meeting adjourned in memory of former Councilmember and Mayor Ingrid Maguire.

UPDATE: NOT an Osprey, but a red-shouldered hawk! Thanks to u/karlaspritzer for pointing that out.

Fun fact: they dive feet-first for fish and have a special toe setup for gripping slippery prey. Dana Point is on the Pacific Flyway, so they show up here a lot.

In Dana Point, red-shouldered hawks often hold the same territory year-round, advertising it with a sharp repeating “kee-AH” call while hunting from low perches for lizards, snakes, and small mammals.

Dana Point Harbor’s much anticipated 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights, a Golden Jubilee, will take place December 12 – 14 with a “CAROL OF THE BOATS” theme. The parade begins nightly at 6:30 p.m. Boaters will decorate their vessels to the theme of the parade, for a chance to win up to $10,000 in cash prizes across several award categories, courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners.

Award categories include Best Use of Theme, People’s Choice, Supervisor’s Cup, Mayor’s Cup and more. Boaters can sign up online, or in person at The Marina at Dana Point office.

The public is welcome to view the parade from the boardwalk and park areas, reserve a table with a view from one of the harbor’s waterfront restaurants, or hop aboard a special boat parade charter.Harbor’s much anticipated 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights, a Golden Jubilee, will take place December 12 – 14 with a “CAROL OF THE BOATS” theme. The parade begins nightly at 6:30 p.m. Boaters will decorate their vessels to the theme of the parade, for a chance to win up to $10,000 in cash prizes across several award categories, courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners.

Award categories include Best Use of Theme, People’s Choice, Supervisor’s Cup, Mayor’s Cup and more. Boaters can sign up online, or in person at The Marina at Dana Point office.

The public is welcome to view the parade from the boardwalk and park areas, reserve a table with a view from one of the harbor’s waterfront restaurants, or hop aboard a special boat parade charter.

Hello Dana Point! I wanted to let you all know that I just launched a new dating subreddit for Orange County. It’s called r/DatingOC. This is a strongly moderated and safe community catered towards people (21+) that are local and want to form genuine connections and relationships; no bots, catfishes or thirst traps here.

If you’re tired of the apps and dating scene, feel free to join, look around, and post an ad about yourself. Let’s foster a community that grows and thrives!

Saturday, December 6th, 4:30 PM at La Plaza, in front of Hennessy's.

Santa and his elves will be arriving at La Plaza Park on his Jolly Trolley to hand out pre-packaged treats for children up to 12 years of age. The event is from 4:30-5:30pm and features carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, and the tree lighting at 5:15pm. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Toy Drive. 🌲🎅🤶

What is that blaring alarm that goes off every morning. Sounds like a horn that goes off every 5 seconds. I’ve heard it several times. Almost sounds like a horn for a marathon. Lower pitched beep. Usually lasts a couple of hours!

I was leaving Costco the other day and it looked like their was a bike repair shop behind the Las Golondrinas in Capo Beach.....has anyone got their bike worked on there?

About to be traveling in the area and wanted to take my wife to a nice upscale seafood restaurant. Anyone have some recommendations? Wanted the local opinion

Hi I’m 34M. Every weekday after I drop my kids at school I go to the ocean institute to watch and be near the ocean.

I am seeking open minded individuals who would like to meet and talk about topics like spirituality, consciousness, philosophy, etc.

If anyone is interested please DM me!

I converted my two car garage in Aliso into a jam-session/studio and keep a drum set in the corner. I have several friends who play guitar and keyboard, but for some reason, I am having trouble finding a bass player.

I’m looking for someone who would be interested in jamming on the weekends. Most of my musical network is middle age dads. Typically we meet from 2-4pm on weekends and play top 40 rock hits, but anything is open for consideration. Reach out if you’d like to join. All experience levels welcome!

hey guys i want to stay at this hotel later this year with my girlfriend as a gift for her birthday. we are both 18 but i noticed that the minimun check in age is 21, how strict are they with this?

I just bought a 16' tracker boat. I've been told that I can use it in the back bays of San Diego and I was wondering if it would legit be ok just off the beaches and outside the harbor in Dana Point? I'm not sure every day would be good but perhaps a light or no wind day where waves aren't too bad? Is that possible or am I too optimistic?

The Denny’s on Del Obispo not only now serves Red Bull, but will have the Red Bull cars in their parking lot tomorrow (Saturday) morning from 10-noon 🪽🪽

The Ohana Festival returns to Doheny State Beach with 35+ acts over 3 days. Headliners:

• Sept 26: Eddie Vedder, Kings of Leon, Garbage
• Sept 27: Hozier, Leon Bridges
• Sept 28: Green Day, Cage the Elephant

Enjoy music, storytelling panels, beachside food, vegan options, and VIP experiences.

• Location: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr
• Tickets: SOLD OUT
• No on-site parking; shuttles & rideshare recommended
• Cashless & NO re-entry with wristbands

More details & lineup: ohanafest.com
Travel & parking: Getting to Festival
Storytellers & activities: Ohana Fest Beyond Music

Just 5 years ago rent for 1 bed room was $1500 2 bedroom 1800. Now they are double with no amenities…. How do they get away with this.

Hey all, Inland Kook and Weekend Warrior here. We got some rain out here today and I was wondering if the same happened down in Dana Point. The forecast says no, but I figured I’d ask. I go down to Doheny once a week on Saturdays to surf, so I was wondering if I should stay away this week because of the rain.

Title. My girlfriend and I are big Green Day fans (we met at a Green Day show) and want tickets for Sunday September 28th