Dana Point City Council Gives Out Volunteer of The Month Awards

On Tuesday, the Dana Point City Council met to discuss everything from handing out awards to the cleanliness of the city’s water.

It also recognized two volunteers of the month for July. The first, Dana Pointresident, Rene Cortez, a member of the Dana Point Youth Baseball Committee for the past 10 years. Cortez, 36, also devotes his time to the Meals-on-Wheels program that feeds seniors in the community. He also spends time educating others at the Nature Interpretive Center, which aims to inform patrons about the history of the iconic area.

Also recognized was Dana Hills High School student, Ellie Pluff. She received an award from the City Council commending her on receiving the highest honor possible from the Girl Scouts of America; the Gold Award. A member of Troop 379, she was involved in many activities around the city that helped her earn this honor, such as co-founding Heat Body Soul. This organization teaches young girls about safety outside of their homes, prepares them for high school, and gives them valuable life skills.

In addition, the 5^th Marine Regiment of Dana Point, presented the City Council with a flag for its chambers. This flag commemorated the regiment being the highest decorated division since 1917, and thanked the city for its support.

After the awards, agenda items were then discussed and approved:

• Council unanimously approved to better the city's drastic water quality improvements for Doheny State Park. A request for support to various agencies for funding and technical assistance to help improve the water quality will be issued.
• Council unanimously approved the authorization to designate city historic resources on the city historic resources register. A historic property preservation agreement will submitted that would allow property owners of the historic structure to participate in the State’s Mills Act Program.
• Adoption of a resolution designating the city of Dana Point to become a Healthy Eating Active Living City or HEAL City. HEAL cities are aimed at adopting policies to improve physical activity and healthy food opportunities for all those who reside there, specifically young children.
• Council approved obtaining insurance for a potential “Quiet Zone” designation for beach road at-grade crossing. The City Council will first gain insurance before pursuing the quiet zone.

Also Carlos N. Olvera, the president of the Dana Point Historical Society, presented an oversized check to the council in the amount of $10,000. Olvera stated that the Historical Society wanted to show the City Council its gratitude and hoped that the money would be used to acknowledge the Historical Society recognizing the council in some form of tribute in the city.

The City Council will not meet again until Sept. 18. On July 31, from 12 to 6 p.m., there will be a blood drive at City Hall. Donors will receive a coupon to Chilli’s and also two tickets to the Laugh Factory.