Dana was raised by an amateur astronomer father. In high school, he was a member of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, and is now a member of the Burbank/Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers. He has always valued the importance of the public looking up at the wonders of the universe, so it came naturally to put on public star parties at the various branch libraries where he has worked. Dana has hosted monthly star parties (October through February) and regular sunspot viewing and eclipse viewing events at libraries for over ten years.