October 2023 Unplugged - Pizza, Elephants, and Witches

Welcome to the launch of the Dana Point Unplugged website! Dana Point Unplugged began as a Facebook neighborhood group in 2015 and has grown to over 40,000 members. In the group, we discuss the latest news going on in Dana Point, share photographs from around the city, ask and get business recommendations, help find lost pets for each other, and so much more!

We will post a monthly blog article about what’s going on in Dana Point and our group here, in addition to weekly emails you can get by subscribing to our newsletter.

So let’s get it started! In this month’s article we will talk about where to find the best Halloween decorations, some really fun city events, what’s been going on in the Dana Point Unplugged Facebook Group, and more.

What’s Going on in Dana Point

Halloween is just around the corner which means Dana Point is full of spooky events, we have some exciting new businesses opening (and sadly a long time business closing down), the return of the elephants, and more, so let’s dive in!

Sadly, we start off with the news that Rite Aid will be leaving the Lantern Bay Village shopping center on Del Prado & Golden Lantern after being in the location for over 30 years. This location served the community well and was a convenient place to get daily necessities and medication at their pharmacy. On a personal note, a couple of my friends had their first jobs at this Rite Aid nearly 20 years ago, and I have a lot of good memories hanging out and seeing them at this Rite Aid. It will be sad to see them go!

The good news is we have a few new businesses are coming to town. First up, we have Homeslice Pizza that has just opened. This becomes the 3rd trendy pizza spot that has opened in Dana Point recently (Apizza Doho, Truly Pizza). The way I see it, the more pizza options, the better 🍕. Homeslice Pizza is located at Del Prado & Amber Lantern.

Dirty Dough Cookies is also coming to the Lantern District soon. Looks like Crumbl Cookies in Ocean Ranch might have some competition. Dirty Dough Cookies will be located at Del Prado & Amber Lantern.

DP Unplugged members chimed in on some of the best streets to see Halloween decorations this year. Some of the recommendations included Calle Fortuna in Capo Beach, Via Espinoza in Capo Beach, and Acapulco in the Lantern District. I may have to do some exploring this week and come up with an official DP Unplugged list for seeing great Halloween decorations.

Speaking of Halloween, be sure to check out the Upcoming Dana Point Events page to see some of the fun Halloween events the city has coming up like the Dana Point Harbor paddleboarding witches!

Lastly, the elephants have returned to Del Prado! The elephants have become a bit of a Dana Point tradition and it’s great to see them back. Go check them out while they’re here!

What’s Happening in the Dana Point Unplugged Facebook Group

The most active post in the past month was the old photo of Strands beach from 1920 and comparing it to a more recent photo. As you can see below, in 1920 there was no development at the coast which of course has dramatically changed. The comments were filled with members (many of whom have lived here in Dana Point for a long time) who were remembering the days before all of the development, when Dana Point was a real laid back beach town. The post reached more than 160,000 people.

Other popular topics in Dana Point Unplugged this past month included Ohana Fest, a lot of discussion about the best burgers and steaks in Dana Point, the news that the Rite Aid in the Lantern Bay Village shopping center on Golden Lantern & Del Prado is closing after being in their location for 30+ years, while other new businesses nearby are opening such as Dirty Dough Warm Stuffed Cookies and Homeslice Pizza, both on Del Prado.

Dana Point Real Estate News

In the past month, we’ve had 33 home sales happen in Dana Point. The median sales price of the homes sold was $1,910,000. Interest rates remain in the 7.5-8% range which has affected affordability for many home buyers, while the few amount of homes available has kept prices relatively steady.

• 6 sales were in Capistrano Beach
• 3 sales were in the Lantern District
• 13 sales were in Monarch Beach
• 11 sales were in Dana Hills/Del Obispo
• Highest priced sale in the past month was $14,500,000 - Ritz Cove in Monarch Beach
• Median price per square foot in the past month was $954
• Median percent of sold price to the list price was 98.3%

If you have any questions about real estate in Dana Point, contact DP Unplugged founder and real estate broker Erik Pedersen-Jauch at (949)683-3221 - www.EriksenPropertiesCA.com

DP Unplugged Pet of the Month - October 2023

Meet Jack, Shelton and Finn! This trio of Golden Retrievers submitted by CJ T. of Dana Point wins our first Pet of the Month.

Jack and Shelton are both 8 years old, while Finn is 11 months old. Jack and Shelton are inseparable, expert squirrel chasers. Their favorite foods include carrots, yogurts, and of course pup-cups as a dessert. Finn’s favorite activity is swimming and he also is a huge fan of pup-cups!

Jack, Shelton, and Finn will be getting a little surprise pup gift from Dana Point Unplugged for winning Pet of the Month including:

• Fresh baked treat from The Doggie Barkery (located in the Dana Point Harbor)
• 5x7 pet portrait by Tiffany Dnaka
• Gift card to a local pet store

DP Unplugged Member Photo of the Month - October 2023

Dana Point Unplugged Member RaeAnn W. captured this beautiful red sunset in Dana Point Harbor. As RaeAnn put it, “#NoFilterNeeded”