By OC Board of Supervisors Chairperson Lisa Bartlett
Dana Point Harbor is a world-renowned destination that Orange County residents treasure greatly. We have so much to be proud of at our Harbor, from the great restaurants that offer an array of culinary choices, to now being internationally recognized as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World.
We also know how much time and dedication went into advancing plans for its revitalization. When I was first elected to the Dana Point City Council in 2006, one of my primary goals was to continue the effort to revitalize this aging treasure so that we, and future generations, could continue to enjoy this South County jewel. We are now on the cusp of a new legacy at Dana Point Harbor, and we will memorialize this with the dedication of a new time capsule.
In 2016, after 50 years, a celebration was held to open the Dana Point Harbor time capsule that had been placed in the Harbor during its original construction and creation in 1966. Contained in that basic steel cylinder were more than 65 interesting, historical and important items that represented Dana Point and our surrounding communities at the Harbor’s conception. Some of those items included a historical overview and aerial photos of Doheny Beach from the State of California Division of Beaches and Parks; an Orange County News publication; official records and land deeds contributed by the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society; and a community attitude survey from San Clemente Jaycees. Many more surrounding community Chambers of Commerce, women’s and men’s clubs, American Legion divisions, and realtor groups also contributed artifacts that brought us all back in time to where it all began.
We are now at a phase of the revitalization to make our generation’s mark on our new Harbor! The new time capsule will be contained within a beautifully designed and crafted clock, protecting the artifacts of our time for the future residents to unveil in 2069. In an effort to truly reflect the entire community, this time capsule will include items from South County Cities, communities and organizations that were not yet established back in 1966 when the original time capsule was sealed.
On behalf of our many sponsors, including the Dana Point Historical Society, I would like to invite you to our upcoming Time Capsule Ceremony on Monday, October 28, at 3 p.m., at the Staging Area adjacent to El Torito Restaurant. Join Dana Point Harbor Partners, LLC; OC Parks, the City of Dana Point, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, community members, community leaders and me to witness this historic occasion. For more information on the event, visit DanaPointHarbor.com.
This is a momentous time for Dana Point, as well as all of our South County cities and surrounding communities. The Harbor is an important part of our identity. Join us in being a part of the Harbor’s new legacy.
Lisa Bartlett is the chairperson of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She was reelected in 2018.
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