Headlands Developer Withdraws Offer to Mediate with City

By Kristina Pritchett

Headlands Developer Sanford Edward now says he is not going to go into mediation with the city of Dana Point, claiming the action was a “publicity stunt” on the part of the city.

Edward sent a letter to Mayor John Tomlinson dated Oct. 26 and stated it didn’t make sense that the city declined to enter mediation with the Headlands Reserve, LLC only to later say they would.

“In fact, when closely examined, it appears to be little more than a publicity stunt,” the letter said.

On Aug. 29, the city filed a lawsuit against the Reserve and Sanford Edward stating an indemnity agreement was not upheld. City Attorney Patrick Munoz said the city entered mitigation with Edward before the lawsuit was filed, and failed.

Edward filed a counter lawsuit against the city and said the city has overcharged him more than $600,000.

During the Oct. 18 Council meeting, Munoz said the Council agreed to go into mediation with the Headlands developer.

Munoz said the city will continue with the lawsuit.