Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
June 4, 2015
Mayor Carlos N. Olvera's State of the City Address
The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the City luncheon May 15th, at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa featuring an address by Mayor Carlos N. Olvera. 

Mayor Olvera provided a summary of the City's successes in 2014 as well as the current economic climate of the city. Mayor Olvera's presentation included information on employment, crime trends, construction activity amongst residential and commercial properties and restaurant tax revenue increases. Dana Point currently holds a 96% employment rate, with top industries in hotel and accommodations and professional services. Additionally, transient occupancy tax (TOT) increased 9% this year to over $11 million and sales tax in the city is up 4% over last year. Of note, the Mayor highlighted the City's growing revenue even as the City continues to invest in infrastructure. Mayor Olvera urged attendees to "catch the wave", referring to Dana Point's current flourishing economy. 

In addition to the Mayor's address, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce presented four Beautification Awards to deserving businesses and organizations. These awards are given to businesses who have invested in the beautification of Dana Point through new construction, landscape improvements, historical preservation or exterior reconstruction. This year's recipient list includes Waterman's Harbor Restaurant, Advanced Dermatology LLC, Ocean Ranch Village Shopping Center and the City of Dana Point. In addition to the beautification awards, owner of Luxe Restaurant & Martini Bar, Cindy Monroe presented City Engineer, Matt Sinacori, with an Outstanding Achievement Award describing him as a "superstar for small business" for his efforts during construction in the Lantern District. 

For a video of the Mayor's presentation, click here.
For pictures from this event, click here.

Construction Update & #ShopDelPrado
Del Prado construction is well underway, and things are really starting to take shape and look wonderful! Sidewalk pouring and median construction will be starting in the coming weeks, restricting front access to some of our businesses (as always, rear parking remains open and allows for accessibly entry). As construction continues to move forward on Del Prado, we implore you to remember our small business owners on that street and make the extra effort to shop local, shop Del Prado.

Friendly reminder that our #ShopDelPrado contest is still going on and this month's prize package is a good one!  All you have to do is what you do best....  SHOP!  

This month's prize package includes a one-night stay at  The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, breakfast or lunch  for two at  Proud Mary's  and two passes for a whale or marine mammal adventure cruise from  Ocean Institute . Prizes change on a monthly basis so tune into  DPLanternDistrict.com  each month to see who won the month before and what great prizes you can win! 

You will receive one entry to the Contest per $10 spent at an eligible Del Prado business.  There's still plenty of time to make your June purchases at Del Prado businesses and enter for your chance to win - just make sure to submit your receipts!
  1. Send in a signed copy of your receipt (including your email address and phone number) to [email protected], or 
  2. Show your receipt at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce offices located at 34163 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 100 in Dana Point.
Dana Point Chamber Membership Awards
$5K in Scholarships to Dana Hills Students

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce champions business prosperity, economic vitality and community engagement, promoting a high quality of life in and around destination Dana Point. This includes the necessity to promote the success of our future business leaders. For over 20 years the Dana Point Chamber has raised money dedicated to scholarships for the students of Dana Hills High School. 

This past year we set our sights on again raising $5,000, matching the amount awarded in 2014 - the most money awarded in our Chamber's history. Because of the generosity of our members, we were able to award five $1,000 scholarships to five deserving Dana Hills High School students this past week. We will be honoring all scholarship award recipients at our July mixer at  The Fountains at Sea Bluffs. We hope that you can join us at that mixer to celebrate and congratulate them. 

On behalf of our Board of Directors and Staff,  THANK YOU for investing in the youth and future leaders of Dana Point!
A Letter from Community Relations Manager, 
Natalia Odebralski
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to you today regarding my departure from the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. This month I will be relocating to Washington, DC. 

For the last two years I have had the honor to represent you and this beautiful city. I've had the privilege to work with so many hard working small business owners who are committed to the prosperity of Dana Point. It's inspiring to see the sacrifice of a small business owner and witness their continuous drive for success. As a small business owner, you are the backbone of our economy and it was a pleasure to represent you. 

I appreciate you all letting this Chicagoan enjoy your little slice of heaven and welcoming me into your community. I can say without a doubt, the Dana Point Chamber is truly committed to each community it represents and is continually working hard to make this city a great place to live, work and play.

38th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot Registration is Now Open!
Registration for the 38th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is now open! 

Known for its scenic coastal routes, beautiful weather, and family-friendly activities, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition, attracting more than 17,000 participants, to our 5K, 10K, Kids' Gobble Wobble, and two-day Health and Wellness Expo.

Celebrate National Running Day by committing to participate in one of Fodor's Travel's  Top 10 Thanksgiving Destinations

This year's event is shaping up to be the biggest and best Turkey Trot ever and it just wouldn't be the same without YOU

Upcoming Chamber Events
June Networking at Noon Hosted by Olamendi's
TODAY 11:30am - 1:00pm
34664 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, CA
$20 Members     $25 Non-Members
We invite you to join us today for Networking at Noon at  Original Olamendi's . Enjoy a delicious lunch with your fellow Chamber members while staring at the beautiful Pacific Ocean - what could be better than that?

This event is open to members and non-members to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discuss their business with others and generate new business leads - while supporting a great chamber member restaurant! 

The cost to attend is $20 for members and $25 for non-members and includes lunch, beverage, tax and gratuity. 

Register now - and don't forget your business cards!
Government Affairs Forum: Dana Point Trolley Info Session
TrolleyGAF

Third Thursday Mixer Hosted by Boneyard Cafe
Thursday, June 18th    5:30 - 7:30pm
25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr         $12 Members     $20 Non-Members
   
Please join us for our upcoming June mixer, hosted by Boneyard Cafe in Doheny State Beach on Thursday, June 18th from 5:30-7:30pm.
 
Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discuss their business with others and generate new business leads - while enjoying a gorgeous ocean view, delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks from our generous host. 
 
The event will be hosted outdoors, so please dress in layers. Parking fees will be waived. Click here for a printable Doheny State beach map, and driving directions can be found here.
 
Help our Chamber grow stronger by bringing a friend - invite a local business owner or even a friend to attend the event!
 
The cost to attend is $12 for members and $20 for non-members.
 
Welcome Our New Members!
Alexander Alvarez & Company
 

At Alexander Alvarez & Company, these are more than just the latest customer service buzzwords. They're a commitment-the guiding principles our team members follow each and every day as we work with you toward a successful future. 

 

When you do business with us, you'll always have our strongest commitment to:  

  • Provide you with quality work in a timely manner, no matter how large or small the task.
  • Offer you a level of service that exceeds your expectations, whether you're looking for a copy of a single tax return or a complete audit of your business.
  • Value the trust you place in us, with our promise that we'll work hard to earn your trust and your business every single day. 

We make it our business to know your business well enough to improve your tax position, capital position, business structure and benefits packages, acquisition potential, and much more. We earn our fees by adding value to your company and to your asset base. We have learned a great deal since we began in this business, and we are ready to apply this knowledge to enhance your company's growth and success. Together we can conquer all of the intricacies of doing business in today's fast-paced economy. 

 

Give us a call or drop us an email for more information about our firm and the services we offer, or to make suggestions for what you'd like to see on our website. We look forward to talking with you soon! 

 

Alexander Alvarez & Company is committed to your success. We are looking forward to working with you. 

 

Berkshire Hathaway California Properties
Agents Paul & Jaleh Lehrich 

Jaleh & Paul Lehrich attribute their success to vast knowledge of South Orange County changing Real Estate Market and their effective communication and patience gained through experience and their great ability to determine their clients highest priorities and goals, Therefore achieving impressive results for their clients who remain loyal clients and friends and are the best source of referrals to The Lehrichs. 

Surrounding ourselves with top professionals who provide unparalled support and services to create the best in technology,resources and marketing has been a major our success. With diligence and hard work we continually expand our goals to deliver the best in professionalism and quality services for our clients and network of our realtor community. 

Jaleh & Paul Lehrich have earned their recognition as award winning South Orange County Real Estate Team. They have consistently been Top Performers during a career spanning more than 20 years in South Orange County and back to East Coast in design & real estate development. The Lehrichs have been honored as Gold Members of Prestigious Chairman Circle for many years and prestigious Luxury Property Specialist Designee.Diligently representing Buyers & Sellers of Residential and Investment Properties in South Orange County and exceeding their expectation with relentless pursuit of complete client satisfaction. 

Fit to Be Kids
 

Fit to be Kids, Inc. is a non-profit (501c3) organization specializing in fitness & nutrition improvement programs for low-income/at-risk children and their families. 

 

We strive to provide stellar functional and educational health & wellness programs for kids; through the school districts (both public and private sectors), hospitals, organized recreational sports leagues, local community & recreational centers, churches for low-income/at-risk children and their family's. Our mission is to bring health and wellness directly to low-income/at-risk children and to help with fighting childhood obesity in our local communities, both domestically & internationally. 

 

Fit to be Kids, Inc. has created successful programs and exciting outdoor activities in South Orange County California. We are physical education specialists and we take pride, as concerned parents ourselves; and also as fitness professionals in empowering our children. Our commitment to you, the parents; and of course, the kids, is to bring FUN to the words "physical education", as well as help to enhance their team building skills. 

 

Fit to be Kids, Inc. offers a variety of youth physical improvement programs; Sports Conditioning, Group Boot Camps, TRX Functional Training, Cross-Fit Training, Cardio Interval Training, Core & Muscle Strengthening & Endurance, as well as Nutrition counseling. We conduct all of our classes at local parks, in the Southern Orange County area, from May through October. 

  
Notaries By Terry

I am very pleased to become a new member of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce as "Notaries by Terry." As a mobile Notary Public, I am happy to come to you for your personal notaries. I am looking forward to promoting and marketing through our Chamber.

 

As a prior member of the Dana Point Chamber for many years representing two banks, including Independence Bank, and serving on the Chamber Board/Committees, and twice Chair, I understand the importance of the Chamber and being a member. It is invaluable to further your success! Within three days of starting my business, I joined our Chamber as a new member..once more! Our Chamber is one the finest and I hope to see or meet you soon. I look forward to providing personal/expeditious notarial service whenever needed.

 

San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library


The Friends of the San Juan Capistrano  
Library, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization staffed by volunteers. Our Mission is to promote and enhance literacy in the community; to engage with the community to create public awareness; to help support or enhance library programs, services and facilities and assist with additional reading materials, collections, etc.; and to provide additional programs and services to the community. 

Thank You to Our Renewing Members
Member Since 2014

Member Since 1997

Member Since 2013

Member Since 2011

M. H. DeMers, Civic Member
Member Since 2009

Nancy Jenkins, Civic Member
Member Since 2014

Member Since 2014

Member Since 2012
Member Since 2012

Member Since 2014


Member Since 2012

Member Since 2000

Member Since 2014

Member Since 1999
Community News & Events
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Events
June 5th Movie in the Park - Big Hero
June 6th Farmers Market

Nature Tour-Nature Interpretive Center
June 8th Planning Commission Meeting
June 9th VFW Benefit Services

DPCC: Finance Committee Meeting

Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group Present
DE-BRIEF: Middle East Deployment
June 11th Yappy Hour at the Ritz Carlton

DPCC: Government Affairs Forum: Dana Point Trolley Info Session
June 12th Movie in the Park: Mr. Peabody & Sherman
June 13th Farmers Market

Nature Interpretive Walk, Interpretive Center

Dana Point Sympony
June 14th 45th Annual 2015 Porsche White Glove Concours in Dana Point
June 15th Fit to be Kids 1st Annual Golf Outing Charity Event
June 16th DPCC Board of Directors Meeting

City Council Meeting
June 18th Youth Board Meeting

DPCC: Third Thursday Mixer: Boneyard Cafe
Dana Point Historical Society Fiesta Scholarship Fundraiser

Please join the DPHS for our Annual Scholarship Fiesta Dinner on Wednesday, June 24, 6:00 pm at Doheny State Beach. Jack Saunderson of Lucy's El Patio Cafe will once again serve his delicious Mexican dinner. We provide wine, entrance/parking is included and the Doheny Visitor Center will be open from 5:30-6:30 pm to view the aquarium and exhibits. It is the best deal in town and you will contribute toward two $1000.00 college scholarships for deserving high school grads. (Donations for the Opportunity Drawing are appreciated.)

Click this link to download a registration form.
Dana Point to Kick Off Summer Weekend Trolley Service
The City of Dana Point will begin Summer Weekend Trolley Service Friday, June 26th and will run Friday/Saturday/Sunday through Labor Day, September 7th. This year limits the shuttle to weekend-only service, with hopes that this year's success will support a summer long, seven day a week service in 2016.

The trolley service is free. All vehicles will be powered by alternative fuels, will be handicap accessible, and have bike racks. In order to offer timely service, 4 trolleys will be used to ensure wait times are 15 minutes or less. Riders will be able to access real-time trolley locations and wait times on their phones with the use of a website tracker at DPTrolley.com.

Interested in learning more about the Trolley program? Read more.
Thank You to our 2015 Chairman Circle Sponsors

 

If you are interested in supporting our business community, join the Dana Point Chairman's Circle! Please contact Heather Johnston for more information.
Stay Connected
(949) 496-1555
 
Visit Our Website