Local Legacy Award-winning business evicted

George Jack has been celebrated a lot lately for sticking around. The 84-year-old owner of Jack’s Jewelers became the first tenant in the Five Points Plaza shopping center 45 years ago, when he had already been in business on Main Street for more than a decade.

But in a month when Jack was recognized twice for his persistence — with a Legacy Award at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Friday, and as Community Grand Marshal of the Fourth of July Parade — his business has been shuttered, and the storefront will be gone by early August. Family members say they are furious.

“It was a big slap in the face when they told me to go,” Jack said. “One week you’re on top and the next week you’re on the bottom.”

It started with a death in the family. Linda Oase, Jack’s daughter who managed the store for decades, died suddenly of a heart attack in her sleep June 2, Linda’s son Daniel Oase said.

Shocked by the loss of his mother, 26-year-old Oase said he quit his finance job in San Francisco and moved to Huntington Beach with girlfriend Stephanie Koning to take over the family business. But as the store was closed for funeral and estate arrangements, the couple received notice that they had to leave.

“I lose my mom, I unwind my entire life to come down here and turn this thing around, and those guys kick sand in my face,” Oase said.

But the property manager says Jack’s store has been going downhill for years and they only let him stay on as an act of charity. He hasn’t had a lease in a decade and has been paying rent at 1998 rates since then. Sales have been dismal for years, and the store has never been remodeled, said Maureen Sloan James, 5 Points Plaza’s manager.

“In 10 years I’ve never been in such an awkward situation,” she said. “I just feel so badly; my function is to keep the place clean and professional.”

Koning says she and Oase never had a chance to explain they would get new capital, remodel and reopen the store with the help of Jack’s many friends and connections. But James said it was far too late for that, and she couldn’t wait for them to learn the ropes.

“Even if they could get it together, they’re not jewelers,” she said. “They’re not retailers.”

Now Oase and Koning say their biggest problem is getting jewelry back to people who sent it in for repairs before the store closed. They say they tracked down dozens of people, but they don’t have everyone’s contact information. Those seeking their jewelry should call (714) 847-5380 and leave a message.