By Hayze Law DP Times
Crime in Dana Point dropped from 1,047 reported incidents in 2024 to 850 in 2025, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Department data presented to the City Council on April 21 by Captain Frank Gonzalez, Chief of Dana Point Police Services.
The figures were shown during the Dana Point Police Services update. The presentation also listed reported incidents at 1,265 in 2022 and 1,023 in 2023, reflecting a steady drop over the past several years.
The numbers follow federal reporting standards and reflect incidents counted at a set point in time. Officials said the totals can change as cases are updated.
“I don’t think it’s an accident that our crimes went down by 19 percent,” Gonzalez said during his quarterly presentation to the City Council at the April 21 meeting.
Gonzalez said the department is focusing on visibility, enforcement and working with residents to prevent crime and maintain quality of life.
From January to March in 2026, Gonzalez reported that Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to 2,055 calls for service and made another 1,358 self-initiated calls, with the department reporting 16 felony arrests, 22 warrant arrests and 67 misdemeanor arrests — a total of 109 arrests during the quarter.
Police-issued citations remained high during the quarter, with Gonzalez reporting 2,392 parking citations, 37 criminal citations and 464 traffic citations. OCSD deputies conducted 197 traffic stops, 15 bike stops and 65 pedestrian checks during the quarter.
Gonzalez said it’s important for residents to report suspicious activity, as enforcement actions often are the result of calls they receive.
“If you see something, say something,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez’s OCSD update was the main agenda item during an otherwise routine City Council meeting that also included legal reviews, a policy change and a public art proposal.
Earlier in the day, the council met in closed session to review 10 legal cases involving the city, including cases tied to the Seaside Inn, housing, coastal issues and the California Coastal Commission. The council also held a performance review for the city manager.
During the regular session, the council recognized Employees of the Quarter Bola Soliman and Reggie Jurado. The Veterans of Foreign Wars also recognized Deputy Joseph Hodges for law enforcement and Clay Mottern for fire service.
The council also completed the required reading of ordinance titles listed on the agenda.
The council approved the consent calendar in one vote. Items included the March 17 meeting minutes, claims and demands, the February treasurer’s report and a development update.
The consent calendar also included routine items like financial reports and past meeting minutes. These items are usually approved together unless a councilmember asks to pull one for discussion.
The development update was also received and filed as part of the consent calendar.
Councilmembers also approved a legal services agreement with Nossaman LLP for work related to the California Coastal Commission and adopted an adjustment to campaign contribution and campaign loan limits based on changes in the consumer price index.
In addition, the council approved an amended stormwater permit agreement with the County of Orange under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
Under unfinished business, the council adopted updates to City Council Policy No. 112, which covers memorial trees and benches in city parks and public spaces.
The updated policy creates two options: memorial trees and memorial benches. It requires applicants to submit 20 endorsement signatures. New memorial benches may hold up to five plaques, while existing benches with plaques will remain in place and will not receive additional plaques.
The program is funded through voluntary sponsorships. A memorial tree costs $250, with an optional on-site plaque available for another $500. A plaque on a memorial bench costs $500 and includes coordination and installation.
City staff will review applications for memorials and decide if they meet the rules. The city will also handle placement and installation based on available space and park conditions.
The city will keep authority over placement, maintenance, relocation and removal of memorial items. Donations become non-refundable once approved and processed.
In new business, the council approved a call for artists for an outdoor mural at the Dana Point Headlands, on the retaining wall near the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center.
The meeting ended with reports from the City Manager Kelly Reenders and city attorney, along with a list of city events, including the “State of the City” on April 29 at the Dana Point Yacht Club.
The next scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, May 5.