Harbor District Chooses Controversial Lease Candidate Amid Mounting Concerns The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Crescent City Times.com By Investigative Reporter, Linda Sutter – April 28, 2026 What was hoped to be a turning point for the Harbor District instead ended in yet another deeply troubling decision. The Board of Commissioners voted to move forward with a lease agreement involving Daniel Dahan, an individual with a documented history of litigation and fraud-related findings in multiple states. Court records from California reflect hundreds of violations tied to insurance fraud schemes. In one case, Dahan was ordered to pay approximately $7 million to Allstate Insurance following findings of fraudulent billing practices. In a separate matter in New Jersey, similar allegations resulted in an additional judgment of approximately $4 million. Prior to the vote, commissioners were provided with documentation outlining these cases, along with Del Norte County property records raising questions about ownership of the White Rock property tied to the proposal. Those records indicate that the loan associated with the property is held by an individual named Jaisinghani Gul, and no deed of reconveyance appears on file. When questioned during the meeting, Dahan responded by stating, “When you are a big business, you get sued,” and suggested that the property may be held under a different name. However, a review of public records does not appear to support a recorded transfer consistent with that explanation. Despite these concerns, Dahan presented the prospect of a $5 million investment—an offer that appeared to carry significant weight in the Board’s ultimate decision. Other prospective lessees also came forward. Sean and Scott McGraw, who have been engaged with the Harbor District for approximately 19 months, presented a proposal grounded in operational experience and long-term planning. Their presentation was met with public support from community members who viewed their approach as practical and credible. Commissioner Annie Nehmer also offered an alternative proposal suggesting that the Harbor District take direct control of RV park operations. While ambitious in scope, the proposal raised questions given the District’s track record over the past two years, during which the RV park has struggled with low occupancy and operational challenges. Following a brief recess, the Commissioners returned and unanimously selected Dahan’s proposal. For many in attendance, the decision marked not a new beginning—but a continuation of the very concerns that have long plagued the Harbor District: transparency, accountability, and judgment.