Poster canine for dog rights dies

Deirdre Newman

The dog responsible for returning the “dog days” to summer here

died Friday.

Rebar, the yellow Labrador owned by artist and Balboa Peninsula

resident Julie Mattson, succumbed to bone cancer on Friday. Rebar was

just shy of 11.

Mattson and Rebar gained prominence in 1995 when Mattson lobbied

the city to become more canine friendly by allowing dogs on public

beaches during the summer. Dogs had been banned because city

officials feared irresponsible owners wouldn’t clean up after them.

Mattson’s dogged determination ultimately led the Parks, Beaches

and Recreation Commission and the City Council to allow the

four-legged creatures to roam the sand freely before 9 a.m. and after

5 p.m.

The decision meant that Rebar could accompany Mattson on her beach

runs, giving the pair more quality time together.

“He was the most wonderful friend and companion I’ve ever had in

my life,” Mattson said. “He was with me all the time.”

Norma Glover, who was on the council at the time Mattson and Rebar

triumphed, said Mattson was successful because of her positive

attitude.

“When you work with someone like that, it’s a pleasure when you

can figure out how to accommodate them,” Glover said. “The fact that

she uses a positive approach in trying to promote her beliefs versus

a negative [approach], it’s really a nice reflection on Newport

Beach.”

* DEIRDRE NEWMAN covers education. She may be reached at (949)

574-4221 or by e-mail at [email protected].