Joel Bishop
Mayor

Joel began his migration to Dana Point in the early 1970’s when he frequented Strands Beach and dreamed of living in Dana Point.  That dream was finally realized in 1994. Joel has always been actively involved in any endeavor he pursued, and as such became interested in local issues and associations. He served on his homeowner’s association board, and then set his sites for the South Coast Water District.

In 1996, he was elected as a Director of the South Coast Water District (SCWD) where he served for ten years.  The SCWD provides water and sewer service for most of the city as well as South Laguna Beach, and parts of San Juan Capistrano & San Clemente. As a Director and three-time President of the Board, he struggled to keep rates as low as possible, while ensuring that aging infrastructure has been repaired or replaced. 

Joel is a co-owner of a software and services company in Irvine.  Established in 2000, the company has grown from 23 to over 150 employees across the country.  Joel is a strong believer in entrepreneurial spirit and aggressively working toward well-defined goals.

On a personal note, Joel is a father of two.  Melanie is 20 and attends college at UCLA and Dylan is 17 and a junior in high school.  Joel has a vested interest in ensuring that Dana Point remains family-friendly and retains the small town atmosphere we have all grown to love.  Joel enjoys SCUBA, golf, bike riding, the beach, theatrical art, independent movies, and technological gadgets.

Appointments:

Altternate, Orange County Fire Authority
Representative, South Coast Water District
Representative, Interjurisdictional Planning Forum for Growth Management Area (GMA)
Alternate Delegate, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
Alternate Delegate, South Orange County Major Investment Study Group
Chair, Ocean Water Quality Subcommittee
Representative , Great Park Conservancy Advisory Council
Transportation & Communications Committee Member Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)