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Community Corner
Capistrano Beach mourns the loss of a man who was passionate about the community and selflessly donated his time, talents and resources.
Patch Mayor
Larry Robinson will be missed in Capistrano (“Capo”) Beach. As a businessman in Doheny Village for over 37 years, Larry knew the village intimately and recognized early on that it was a diamond in the rough. He was a founding participant in a decade-long effort to revitalize the area, working closely with community members and City of Dana Point staff to develop what culminated in the Doheny Village Plan, approved by the California Coastal Commission in 2022. Larry attended every meeting, articulating his unique vision for the eclectic, industrial/residential/commercial area enriched by a history peopled by artisans, artists, surfboard shapers, metal workers and designers who give the Village its edgy and distinctive industrial vibe.
When he retired from a successful business career running Barrett Robinson, a firm he purchased from his Dad and turned into a thriving enterprise he ran for 42 years, Larry decided to repurpose the warehouse attached to his Doheny Village office on Via Santa Rosa. Larry's vision was for a space where people would come together for “community, creativity, and collaboration.” Starting in 2015, he began transforming the warehouse into a local treasure using the area’s talented artists and artisans in the process -- starting with the wonderful mural on the roll-up door of the warehouse, which was designed and painted by artist Tom Clark. Another Capo Beach resident and artist, Ron Whitworth, added custom metalwork details inside and outside the building, including the unique entrance gate. The grand opening of the Fish Tank in October 2019 epitomized Larry’s collaborative vision, as community members celebrated the incredible new space while one of his favorite bands, Daring Greatly entertained the crowd and visual performance artist Tom Clark created a live painting. Today, the Fish Tank is a unique and popular event space with amazing audio-visual features that hosts community meetings, classes, art shows, special events, and Larry’s favorite - some seriously great musical performances.
Born in Peoria, IL, Larry moved to Arcadia with his family as a child. After graduating from Arcadia High School, he enlisted in the Air Force and spent four years stationed outside Madrid, Spain where he and his friends acknowledged their service had started with “dessert first". After graduating from UCSB he began working at Barrett Robinson and in the late 80's moved the business from Temple City into the building that formerly housed Eenie Meenie Bikini in Capistrano Beach. Larry married Cate in 1992 and moved to Fallbrook after a brief stint living in the office building during a downturn in commercial real estate soon after their wedding. He and Cate traveled extensively, especially in the pursuit of good music, which was his passion. One of their most recent trips included stops in Nashville, where they caught shows at the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, Memphis (Graceland, Sun Studio, Beale Street and Stax), Clarksdale, Mississippi (where the blues play 365 days a year) and ending in Helena, Arkansas with the granddaddy of blues’ festivals, King Biscuit. And according to Cate, Larry loved a good meal, which meant he enjoyed plenty of barbecue on that trip.
Larry Robinson will soon be laid to rest when his ashes are scattered 3 miles offshore his “real home” of Capistrano Beach. He will be sorely missed by his beloved wife Cate, but also by the community he loved, and that loved him back. Capo Beach will miss this kind and generous soul, a quintessential “gentleman”, and in many ways, the heart of the community. Rest well after a life well lived, our dear friend.
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