Meet Our Founders
This is the space to introduce visitors to the business or brand. Briefly explain who's behind it, what it does and what makes it unique. Share its core values and what this site has to offer.
HYDEE RIGGS
Protecting What Makes Dana Point Home
Dana Point is my home — a true gem that deserves to be preserved and protected, along with the exceptional quality of life we all enjoy. I’m running for City Council in District 3 to help ensure our city remains financially strong, safe, and responsive to the needs of its residents. Your voice matters, and I’m committed to making sure it’s not only heard but acted upon.
I’m proud to be:
✅ A dedicated and passionate resident
✅ An active community volunteer
✅ A local small business owner
My background
I grew up in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles in a family of small business owners, and went on to attend the University of Southern California for my undergraduate work, followed by earning my law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. In 1992, I began my legal career as an attorney in Orange County. After meeting my husband, Kevin, I eventually moved to the place I now proudly call home — Dana Point — where we’ve lived together for over a decade.
In line with my dedication to strengthening our community, I have been privileged to serve on the City of Dana Point’s Financial Review Committee. This has been an invaluable experience that has significantly broadened and deepened my understanding of municipal finance at both a technical and strategic level. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to engage directly with the City’s budget development process, review detailed financial statements and reports, and evaluate the long-term fiscal health of the City.
This hands-on involvement has equipped me with a strong and practical foundation in municipal budgeting and finance. I’ve gained a keen understanding of how city revenues are generated and allocated, how financial priorities are set, and how public funds must be managed with transparency, accountability, and foresight. I've been part of critical discussions around fiscal policy, capital improvements, reserves, and cost-saving measures—all of which have enhanced my ability to think analytically and strategically about complex financial issues.
Kevin, whose family has called Dana Point home for over 50 years, and I are both local small business owners. I run a business and litigation law practice, while Kevin works as a general contractor specializing in patio covers and sunroom additions. The importance of this is twofold — first, it means we are deeply invested in the success and well-being of our community, and second, supporting and operating local businesses helps preserve the unique character and charm of Dana Point, ensuring it remains a vibrant and distinctive place to live, work, and visit.
Dana Point has always had a special pull for me — from its strong sense of community and coastal beauty to its warm, small-town charm. It was easy to fall in love with this city, and that connection has only grown stronger over time. Living here isn’t just a choice — it’s a privilege that comes with a deep sense of responsibility.
Kevin, whose family has called Dana Point home for over 50 years, and I are both local small business owners. I run a business and litigation law practice, while Kevin works as a general contractor specializing in patio covers and sunroom additions. The importance of this is twofold — first, it means we are deeply invested in the success and well-being of our community, and second, supporting and operating local businesses helps preserve the unique character and charm of Dana Point, ensuring it remains a vibrant and distinctive place to live, work, and visit.
Dana Point has always had a special pull for me — from its strong sense of community and coastal beauty to its warm, small-town charm. It was easy to fall in love with this city, and that connection has only grown stronger over time. Living here isn’t just a choice — it’s a privilege that comes with a deep sense of responsibility.
That’s why I’m deeply committed to giving back and helping protect the unique character of Dana Point. From promoting responsible city operations and ensuring your tax dollars are well spent, to supporting local businesses, preserving our natural environment, guiding responsible growth and development, and championing community-centered policies—I’m dedicated to keeping Dana Point a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving place for generations to come.
I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to apply my professional experience and skills in service to our community. This commitment has allowed me the privilege of collaborating with local organizations and nonprofits, including these recent efforts:
2018- 2020: Member of Board of Directors of Dana West Yacht Club and office appointments
2021: Commodore, Dana West Yacht Club
2021-Present: Board Director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce
2022: Treasurer, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce
2022-2024: Board Director, Pet Project Foundation
2024: Board Chairperson, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce
2024 – Present : Member of City of Dana Point’s Financial Review Committee
2024 – Present: Member of Boater Focus Group Committee (Bellwether Financial)
2025 – Present: Volunteer, Surf and Turf Therapy
In line with my dedication to strengthening our community, I have been privileged to serve on the City of Dana Point’s Financial Review Committee. This has been an invaluable experience that has significantly broadened and deepened my understanding of municipal finance at both a technical and strategic level. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to engage directly with the City’s budget development process, review detailed financial statements and reports, and evaluate the long-term fiscal health of the City.
This hands-on involvement has equipped me with a strong and practical foundation in municipal budgeting and finance. I’ve gained a keen understanding of how city revenues are generated and allocated, how financial priorities are set, and how public funds must be managed with transparency, accountability, and foresight. I've been part of critical discussions around fiscal policy, capital improvements, reserves, and cost-saving measures—all of which have enhanced my ability to think analytically and strategically about complex financial issues.
Just as important, this role has deepened my commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources. I’ve come to appreciate the delicate balance between meeting current needs and planning for long-term sustainability. I take great pride in having contributed thoughtful, informed recommendations to the City Council, always with the goal of promoting sound financial practices that protect the City’s interests and serve the community well.
In recognition of my community work, I was also honored to be nominated for two meaningful awards in 2025:
-
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies’ 74th Assembly District “Woman of the Year”
-
Supervisor Katrina Foley’s Orange County Fifth District “Women Making a Difference” award
On a personal note, when not volunteering, Kevin and I love spending time and creating lasting memories with our family and friends, and our German Shepherd rescue, Keeghan. We make the most of what Dana Point has to offer by enjoying the outdoors, boating, attending local events and live music and traveling whenever we can.
Just as important, this role has deepened my commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources. I’ve come to appreciate the delicate balance between meeting current needs and planning for long-term sustainability. I take great pride in having contributed thoughtful, informed recommendations to the City Council, always with the goal of promoting sound
financial practices that protect the City’s interests and serve the community well.
In recognition of my community work, I was also honored to be nominated for two
meaningful awards in 2025:
-
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies’ 74th Assembly District “Woman of the Year”
-
Supervisor Katrina Foley’s Orange County Fifth District “Women Making a Difference” award.
On a personal note, when not volunteering, Kevin and I love spending time and creating lasting memories with our family
and friends and our German Shepherd rescue, Keeghan and traveling whenever we can. We also make the most of what
Dana Point has to offer by enjoying the outdoors, boating, attending local events and live music. We are truly grateful for
the beautiful place we call home.
That’s why I’m deeply committed to giving back and helping protect the unique character of Dana Point. From promoting responsible city operations and ensuring your tax dollars are well spent, to supporting local businesses, preserving our natural environment, guiding responsible growth and development, and championing community-centered policies—I’m dedicated to keeping Dana Point a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving place for generations to come.
I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to apply my professional experience and skills in service to our community. This commitment has allowed me the privilege of collaborating with local organizations and nonprofits, including these recent efforts:
2018- 2020: Member of Board of Directors of Dana West Yacht Club and office appointments
2021: Commodore, Dana West Yacht Club
2021-Present: Board Director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce
2022: Treasurer, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce
2022-2024: Board Director, Pet Project Foundation
2024: Board Chairperson, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce
2024 – Present : Member of City of Dana Point’s Financial Review Committee
2024 – Present: Member of Boater Focus Group Committee (Bellwether Financial)
2025- Present: Judge Advocate for Dana West Yacht Club
