PRESS RELEASE

Dana Point Town Hall Meeting

Turnout Increased But the Opposition Still Carried More Voices, With 19 Speaking Against the New Location and 11 in Favor

On March 25, approximately 150 people attended our Town Hall meeting in Dana Point to learn about our proposed move. Better attended and with many more new faces in attendance, Mayor Lisa Bartlett introduced City Manager Doug Chotkevys, who spoke of our request and the process that lead up to the selection of Sea Terrace Park. City staff members explained the park's history and passive and cultural use elements previously approved and adopted back in 2005. There was also a view analysis presented, along with site plans and other information including the reasoning behind the size and site selection.

Thirty people spoke passionately, 19 were against and 11 in favor. Those who spoke against the location were the same residents who had previously expressed their opinion at other Town Hall meetings. But, it was refreshing to witness the new people who came out in favor of the proposal. And, there were many positive letters of support received by the city as well. We are encouraged, but it's obvious that much more needs to be done and more Dana Point residents must come out in support if we are to prevail.

At this point the Task Force will likely meet again and discuss how to proceed. But, in the meantime, SHF has begun to receive other options. In early March we had meetings in Honolulu with a group lead by State Senator Fred Hemmings, who expressed interest in their own Surfing Heritage Museum and our support. And, we were recently approached by the Huntington Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau who presented their plan for a world-class museum facility, replacing their old city library. They expressed interest in our collections and the possibility of collaboration. While both alternatives are exciting developments and worthy of further exploration, our first choice remains Dana Point, and we intend to continue to pursue the opportunity.

Time will tell and in this "low tide" economy, time is definitely on our side. 

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