2003 News Releases

BOATING & WATERWAYS COMMISSION TO CONSIDER $153,000 BOATING PROJECT

12/31/2003

The California Boating and Waterways Commission will meet on January 8, 2004, to consider approval of a $153,000 Department of Boating and Waterways boating launching facility grant project. The meeting is scheduled to convene at 8:30 a.m. in the Feather River Room at the Department of Boating and Waterways, 2000 Evergreen Street, Suite 100, in Sacramento. Details of the proposed project follow:

Kern County - Lake Ming Boat Launching Facility -- The County of Kern has applied for a $153,000 grant to for the first phase of a proposed $1,526,000 improvement project at the boat launching facility at Lake Ming, located 10 miles northeast of Bakersfield. The project will include the replacement of two two-lane concrete boat launching ramps; replacement of the existing boarding floats and docks with four new pile-guided boarding floats; a new four-unit handicapped-accessible restroom building; resurfacing of two parking areas; and lighting.

Department loans require the consent of the seven-member Boating and Waterways Commission, appointed by the Governor. Funding for the projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of gasoline for their vessels.

BOATING & WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROVES $3,673,000 IN BOATING PROJECTS

11/17/2003

The Department of Boating and Waterways has completed the Statewide Boating Needs Assessment 2000-2020. The study is a comprehensive assessment of boats and boating facilities statewide. It includes an analysis of existing boats and facilities, as well as projections of boating needs through 2020.

The boating needs assessment (BNA), conducted approximately every five years, is used to assist Boating and Waterways to allocate funds for boating facilities, including: launch ramps, wet and dry storage, and support features throughout the state.

The study determined that boating contributes approximately $16.5 Billion, about 1.2 percent, to Gross State Product annually. In addition, boating contributes $1.6 Billion to State and Local taxes. Finally, there are more than 8,500 boating related business in California contributing more than 284,000 jobs to the economy.

The BNA is divided into five volumes. Volume I summarizes the most current information on boaters and boating facilities at the statewide level. Volume II provides statewide data by region. Volume III presents survey methodologies. Surveys of boaters and facility providers as well as regional workshops were conducted. Volume IV provides results and methodology for a law enforcement component of the study.

Finally, Volume V summarizes the economic impact of recreational boating on California's economy, and provides demand projections for boating and boating facilities through 2020.

The primary objectives of this assessment were:

To obtain a better understanding of boater's needs
To develop an updated inventory of boating related facilities statewide
To determine current boating related facility repair/replacement needs statewide
To develop a demand model for estimating future recreational boating use and forecast future boating related facility and recreation demand statewide
To determine the economic impact of boating on California's economy

Summary of Findings

First, an inventory of existing boating related facilities was completed. In 2001 there were more than 818 publicly and privately owned recreational boating facilities statewide serving more than 925,000 registered or documented vessels and nearly 100,000 non-registered/non-motorized vessels. Of that number, 546 facilities offered boat launching and 222 offered dry storage. The facilities are spread out on approximately 250 different waterways.

The study estimates an increase in California's boating population over the next twenty years by approximately 18,215 boats per year, or an average of 1.95 percent per year. This annual increase is higher than the anticipated increase in California's population. California boaters boat an average of 44 days, and average 22 trips each year. The average number of boaters on a boating trip is up from previous studies to 3.7.

Over the next twenty years there is an estimated need for the following new facilities statewide:

Construction Costs of Additional Facilities (2002 - 2020)
	Number		Cost
Launch Lanes	722	$	72,200,000
Vehicle/Trailer Parking	23130	$	46,260,000
Dry Storage	62693	$	94,038,500
Wet Storage	15303	$	483,122,500
Total		$	695,621,000

In addition to these figures, there is a need for upgrades at surveyed facilities (approximately 2/3 of surveyed facilities need or will need upgrades within 10 years) totaling more than $142 Million over the next 10 years.

BOATING & WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROVES $3,673,000 IN BOATING PROJECTS

11/14/2003

At a meeting today in Sacramento, the California Boating and Waterways Commission approved five Department of Boating and Waterways boating facility loan and grant projects:

Alamed a County - San Leandro Marina Boat Launching Facility -- A $184,000 grant to the City of San Leandro for improvements to the San Leandro Marina boat launching facility, to include the demolition of the pier and parking area and the construction of a new two-lane concrete boat launching ramp and two new boarding floats; a turnaround area, ready lane, and wash-down area; a 65-space vehicle/trailer parking lot; a two-unit restroom; two concrete brows; piling; and utilities.

Los Angeles County - Alamitos Bay Marina, Basin 1 -- A $1,250,000 loan to the City of Long Beach for the first phase of a proposed $12,105,000 project, to include the demolition of existing berths and the construction of 162 new berths; concrete piling; dockside utilities; dredging; gangways; new restroom/showers; and new and refurbished parking areas.

Riverside County - Lake Elsinore Boat Launching Facility -- An $817,000 grant to the City of Lake Elsinore for improvements to the Lake Elsinore boat launching facility, including the construction of a new six-lane concrete boat launching ramp with three boarding floats; a launching ramp apron and staging area; and a 288-space vehicle/trailer parking area, service area, four-unit restroom, boat washdown area, fish cleaning station, vessel pumpout system, and landscaping and lighting.

Sacramento County - Sacramento Marina, South Basin -- An $850,000 loan to the City of Sacramento for the first phase of funding for a $6,200,000 project for improvements to the Sacramento Marina, including the demolition of all but 30 existing berths, which will be extended, and the construction of a reconfigured system of 171 berths, gangways, berth covers, a restroom, utilities, dredging, and a fuel system.

Sacramento County - Fair Oaks Boat Launching Facility -- A $572,000 grant to the Sacramento County Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Space, for improvements to the Fair Oaks boat launching facility, including the removal of the existing boat launching ramp; filling and stabilizing the ramp area and banks; construction of a new one-lane concrete boat launching ramp with a steel footing; refurbishment of the existing parking area; and construction of a turnaround area, walkways, a picnic area, a two-unit restroom, landscaping, irrigation, and signs.

DBW AND CITY OF SAN MATEO BREAK GROUND AT SHORELINE PARKS

10/06/2003

A groundbreaking ceremony for the initial phase of construction of the Shoreline Parks Master Plan was held on October 3, 2003 at Ryder Park.

Mike Ammon, Boating Trails Program Manager, represented DBW at the ceremony. "DBW's participation in the project will be the construction of a boating trail and a much-needed boat launching access to San Francisco Bay for nonpowered craft such as kayakers and windsurfers," said Ammon.

The Phase I development area will encompass Ryder Park and the adjacent bayfront from San Mateo Creek northward to just past the first set of PG&E towers, and will include improvements to the pedestrian Bridge over Seal Slough, and gateway improvements along J. Hart Clinton Drive. Phase II will include landfill closure and improvements to Seal Point Park. Phase I work is expected to be completed by December of 2004.

In attendance from the City of San Mateo were Mayor Claire Mack, Deputy Mayor Carole Groom, City Council Members Jan Epstein, John Lee, and Sue Lemper, City Manager Arne Croce. Attendees from the San Mateo Parl and Recreation Commission included Chair Ellen Ulrich, Vice Chair Gary Sprague, and Commissioners Kate Bond, Elizabeth Charlson and Gary Parma.

Welcome and introductory remarks were provided by Landscape Architect Dennis Frank, Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Canzian, Ms. Groom, and Ms. Lempert. Speakers at the event included Assembly Member Gene Mullin, Congressman Tom Lantos' Special Assistant Derek Meyers, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Member Jerry Hill, San Mateo County Controller Tom Huening, and California Coastal Conservancy Project Manager Prentiss Williams.

Agencies funding the project in addition to the Department of Boating and Waterways include the California Coastal Conservancy, the San Francisco Bay Trail Project/Association of Bay Area Governments, and the San Mateo Redevelopment Agency. Community partners in the project are City Arts, the Coyote Point Museum, and the San Mateo County Historical Association.

BOATING & WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROVES $10,906,000 IN BOATING PROJECTS

09/12/2003

At a meeting yesterday in Sacramento, the California Boating and Waterways Commission approved five Department of Boating and Waterways boating facility loan and grant projects. The approved projects are:

El Dorado County - Sly Park Recreation Area Boat Launching Facility -- A $489,000 grant to the El Dorado Irrigation District for an improvement project to include site preparation, excavation/compaction, paving and striping the parking area, parking area drainage, two new restrooms, a stairway, a fish-cleaning station, utilities and signs.

Nevada County - Cascade Shores Boat Launching Facility -- An $804,000 grant to the Nevada Irrigation District for improvements to include site preparation, demolition, construction of a one-lane boat launching ramp, a boarding float, refurbishing the parking area, a restroom, a walkway, slope protection, drainage, utilities, a retaining wall, an automated gate entrance, and ancillary items.

Placer County - Tahoe Vista Boat Launching Facility -- A $944,000 grant to the North Tahoe Public Utility District for improvements to include demolition of a sewer pump station, installation of three boarding floats and a gangway, refurbishing an existing parking area, repaving of a newly acquired parking area, walkways, surface drainage, restroom, lighting and landscaping.

San Diego County - National City Marina -- A loan of $5,669,000 to the San Diego Unified Port District for the third phase of department funding totaling $11 million for an $18,214,000 project, including the construction of a 229-berth marina, gangways, a 192-space parking area, a harbormaster's building, a restroom, dock utilities, a fuel dock, slope protection, security gates, public access pathways, landscaping, irrigation, signs and ancillary items. The commission previously approved a $1,300,000 loan in FY 2000-01 and a $4,031,000 loan in January of 2003 for this project. The port district and City of National City are contributing the remaining funding for the project.

San Joaquin County - Stockton Waterfront Marina -- A $3 million loan to the City of Stockton for the third phase of department funding totaling $13,300,000, for a $17,720,000 project to include the demolition of existing berths and the construction of 164 uncovered and 134 covered berths, new piling, 12 gangways, construction/repaving parking for 375 spaces, a 150-space drystack building at the adjacent Morelli Park Boat Launching Facility, dockside electrical, fire, water and communications utilities, six security gates, and catch basins/drainage.

DBW ASSESSES DELTA BOATING NEEDS THROUGH 2020

09/10/2003

The Department of Boating and Waterways has completed the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Boating Needs Assessment 2000-2020 in cooperation with the Delta Protection Commission's Recreation Citizen's Advisory Committee. The study is an analysis of existing and projected recreational boating needs for the next twenty years in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Included in the study is an analysis of existing boat types, usage, and facilities, as well as projections of boating needs for the future.

Boaters and other Delta stakeholders contributed to the effort by participating in workshops and surveys. The primary objectives of this assessment were:

To obtain a better understanding of boaters' needs
To develop an updated inventory of boating-related facilities in the Delta
To determine current boating-related facility repair/replacement needs in the Delta
To develop a demand model for estimating future recreational boating use in the Delta
To forecast future boating-related facility and recreation demand in the Delta

Findings

The study's inventory of existing boating-related facilities found that in 2001, there were 11,674 covered and uncovered berths, 78 launch lanes, 2,115 vehicle/trailer parking spaces, and 5,542 dry storage spaces in the Delta.

In 2000, there were an estimated 6.4 million boating-related visitor days (a two-day trip would equal two visitor days per individual) and 2.14 million boating trips to the Delta. On a peak day in 2000, more than 8,300 boats and 25,000 visitors boated in the Delta.

Ninety-three percent of boating trips in the Delta are made by small boats (trailerable boats 26 feet long or shorter).

Using Department of Motor Vehicles vessel registration data, U.S. Coast Guard documentation figures, and Department of Finance population forecasts, the study estimates that boater visitation to the Delta will increase between 2000 and 2020 by 25 percent to more than 8 million visitor days, or an average 1.25 percent per year.

Facility	2001 Inventory
Wet Boat Storage Slips	11,674
Launch Lanes	78
Vehicle/Trailer Parking Spaces	2,115
Transient Tie-ups	309
Restroom Stalls	677
Day-Use Picnic Sites	324
Fuel Facilities	56
Dry Boat Storage Spaces	5,542

Based on boater needs and projected population increases, the study estimates that between 2000 and 2020, an additional 2,931 slips, 92 launch lanes, 1,968 vehicle/trailer parking spaces, 187 restroom stalls, and 466 dry storage spaces will be needed Delta wide.

Facility	2001 - 2020 Deficit
Wet Boat Storage Slips	2,931
Launch Lanes	92
Vehicle/Trailer Parking Spaces	1,968
Transient Tie-ups	273
Restroom Stalls	187
Day-Use Picnic Sites	173
Fuel Facilities	14
Dry Boat Storage Spaces	466

Based on 2000 boating-related construction cost estimates, it is anticipated that approximately $10 million is needed to eliminate current (2000) facility deficiencies in the Delta, and an additional $107 million to $159 million will be needed for boating-related facility replacement, upgrade and repair in the Delta from 2001 to 2020.

Finally, the study determined that nine of the twelve Bay-Delta Authority- proposed actions have potentially positive impacts, and eight of the twelve have potentially negative impacts, on boating in the Delta. Benefits range from increased surface area available to boating if islands are flooded to improved water quality and habitat. Negative impacts range from displaced facilities because of levee setbacks to decreased access due to closed areas.

HONDA TO PROVIDE PWC TO DBW FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING

PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACTIVE

09/09/2003

The California Department of Boating and Waterways is partnering with the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. to help train boating law enforcement officers in rescue and enforcement using personal watercraft. Honda has agreed to provide four Aquatrax Personal Watercraft (PWC) for use in the Department's training courses for boating law enforcement officers.

The Department conducts a 32-hour boating law enforcement training program certified by the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training in both coastal and inland communities. Classroom and on-the-water subjects include capsizing/reboarding, stern docking, victim pick-ups, towing, rescue board demonstrations, maintenance, equipment, slow-speed operations, and various patrol-stop scenarios and demonstrations. For course information, contact Mary Thomas, at mthomas@parks.ca.gov.

The F-12x, the low-emission four-stroke model Honda is providing to DBW, is quiet and economical, with room on board for up to three persons. Personal watercraft can operate in surf with greater stability than traditional small motorboats, making them especially useful for enforcement and rescue work.

The loan is part of the "law loaner" program, under which Honda and other PWC manufacturers provide the vessels to approved agencies for law enforcement and training. Honda is providing the vessels to DBW at a cost of $1.00 per unit for a 12-month lease period. The agencies are responsible for all maintenance and repair costs. At the end of the lease, the PWC are exchanged for new vessels for lease during the following year. For further information, contact Honda's Mary Barta at: Mary_Barta@ahm.honda.com.

MARINA OPERATORS: DEADLINE FOR TRANSIENT DOCKS GRANTS IS SEPTEMBER 20, 2003

08/29/2003

Marina owners who want to upgrade their transient boat docks can apply to the Department of Boating and Waterways' federal BIG Program (National Boating Infrastructure Grant Program). BIG can fund projects to install or upgrade transient tie-up facilities for recreational boats 26 feet in length and over. The grant program is open to both publicly owned and privately owned marinas.

The BIG Program is a competitive program, with all proposed projects competing against each other on a national basis. Nationally, $8 million in BIG funding is available this year. Eligible project categories under the program include the renovation or construction of visitor docks, restrooms, gangways, and dockside utility hookups.

The application deadline is September 20, 2003. Applicants must submit a grant proposal to the Department of Boating and Waterways following the federal guidelines, available at the Department's website, www.dbw.ca.gov/big.htm.

Applicants should review the federal guidelines first to determine if they are able to meet the necessary requirements. After reading the guidelines, those interested in competing in this program should contact Kevin Atkinson, at (916) 327-1788.

CORRECTION TO PRESS RELEASE DATED AUGUST 4, 2003

08/25/2003

A licensed yacht and ship broker, Greg Jampolsky, License #B-2771, L.Y.B.C. Associates, Inc., dba Lager Yacht Brokerage, has entered into a settlement agreement with the California Department of Boating and Waterways to resolve a complaint filed against him by the Department under the Yacht and Ship Brokers Act.

A previous Department press release dated August 4, 2003, incorrectly stated that Mr. Jampolsky is subject to disciplinary action for violations of Harbors and Navigation Code Section 732 (i), engaging in conduct constituting fraud or dishonest dealings; and Section 733 (a), being convicted of a felony, tax conspiracy to defraud the United States (Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 371).

The press release should have stated that Mr. Jampolsky was subject to disciplinary action for violating Harbors and Navigation Code Section 733 (b), being convicted of a felony, tax conspiracy to defraud the United States (Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 371), based on actions which occurred in 1994 and 1995.

The Department administers a program to license and regulate used vessel brokers and salespersons to provide for consumer protection.

STATE BUDGET INCLUDES $89,217,000 FOR BOATING

08/04/2003

Governor Gray Davis signed the 2003-04 state budget on August 2, including $89,217,000 in expenditures for the Department of Boating and Waterways.

"The Department's budget will fund needed public access boating facility projects and boating safety programs," said Director Raynor Tsuneyoshi.

Boating and Waterways' proposed budget includes $20,919,000 for loans to public agencies to construct and improve marinas; $3,500,000 to be made available for loans to private sector marina owners to construct and improve marinas; $19,581,000 for grants to public agencies to construct and improve boat launching facilities; $13,655,000 for capital outlay projects to construct and improve boating facilities on state lands; $9,075,000 in aid to local agencies for boating law enforcement; $997,000 for beach erosion control; $2,543,000 in federal funds, for a variety of boating safety, education and access programs; $500,000 for abandoned watercraft abatement grants; and $1,313,000 for vessel sewage pumpout grants.

Highlight: The budget includes $3,770,000 for two Boating Instruction Safety Centers (BISC): $3,601,000 for the construction of a BISC at Humboldt Bay, and $169,000 for working drawings for the second phase of construction of the BISC at Nimbus Flat, Lake Natoma, in Sacramento. These new facilities will allow for both on-the-water and in-the-classroom boating safety education.

The Department's budget for the 2002-03 fiscal year totaled $85,642,000.

Funding for DBW is derived primarily from boating gasoline taxes, vessel registration fees, and loan repayments.

BOATING AND WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROVES $22,506,000 IN BOATING FACILITY PROJECTS

07/31/2003

At a meeting today in Sacramento, the California Boating and Waterways Commission today approved $22,506,000 in Department of Boating and Waterways loans and grants to improve boating facilities. The approved projects include:

Alameda County - Berkeley Marina -- A $3,200,000 loan to the City of Berkeley for the final phase of a $7,000,000 project for improvements to the Berkeley Marina.

The project includes the demolition and replacement of Docks A-E along the north side of the marina basin. The existing 30-40 year old wooden docks and wood piles will be replaced with a new barrier-free marina berthing system and concrete piles. New utilities, including electrical power and water, will also be installed. In addition, four existing restroom buildings will be replaced with barrier-free restroom facilities.

Los Angeles County - Alamitos Bay - Basin 4 -- A $6,250,000 loan to the City of Long Beach to complete the final phase of an $8,250,000 project to improve Basin 4 on Alamitos Bay.

The improvements will include dredging the marina, demolishing the existing berths and constructing new concrete berths, repaving the existing 329-vehicle parking area, and constructing a new four-unit restroom.

In addition, the Commission approved $13,056,000 in second-phase funding for previously approved loan and grant projects:

Boat Launching Facility/ Sponsor	Grant 2003-04	Previous Grants/ Fiscal Year	Commission Action	Current Total of Grants
Alviso Marina Co. Park BLF Phase II County of Santa Clara	$2,600,000	$304,000 Phase IFY 2002/03	June 2003 Sacramento	$2,904,000
Black Point BLF Phase II County of Marin	$702,000	$80,000 Phase I FY 2002/03	March 2003 Sacramento	$782,000
Buckley Cove BLF Phase II City of Stockton	$928,000	$100,000 Phase I FY 2002/03	November 2002 Monterey	$1,028,000
Camp Far West North Recreation Area BLF Phase II South Sutter Water District	$1,418,000	$140,000 Phase I FY 2002/03	September 2002 South Lake Tahoe	$1,558,000
Canyon Dam BLF Phase II USDA Forest Service	$510,000	$150,000 Phase I FY 2002/03	September 2002 South Lake Tahoe	$660,000
Cottage Creek BLF Phase II Yuba County Water Agency	$760,000	$85,000 Phase I FY 2002/03	September 2002 South Lake Tahoe	$845,000
Crescent City Harbor BLF Phase II Crescent City Harbor District	$740,000	$85,000 Phase I FY 2002/03	March 2003 Sacramento	$825,000
Cuttings Wharf BLF Phase II (of III) County of Napa	$708,000	$80,000 Phase I FY 2002/03	March 2003 Sacramento	$985,000
Jack Smith Park BLF Phase II City of Needles	$1,500,000	$174,000 Phase I FY 2002/03	November 2002 Monterey	$1,674,000
South Harbor BLF Phase II Santa Cruz Port District	$1,900,000	$264,000 Phase I FY 2002/03	November 2002 Monterey	$2,164,000
Marina/ Sponsor	Loan 2003-04	Previous Loans/ Fiscal Year	Commission Action	Current Total of Loans
Sun Harbor Marina Phase II Sun Harbor Marina	$1,290,500	$1,875,000 Phase I FY 2002/03	June 2003 Sacramento	$3,165,000
TOTAL Grants & Loans	$13,056,500

Department loans require the consent of the Boating and Waterways commission. The seven-member commission, appointed by the Governor, also advises the Department on matters within its jurisdiction. Funding for the projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of gasoline for their vessels.

GOVERNOR GRAY DAVIS ISSUES CALIFORNIA MARINA DAY PROCLAMATION

07/28/2003

Governor Gray Davis has issued a proclamation recognizing National Marina Day, August 9, 2003, as California Marina Day.

Raynor Tsuneyoshi, Director of the California Department of Boating and Waterways said, "Recreational boating has a $17-billion annual impact on California's economy, and our 800 marinas obviously play an important role in that contribution."

National Marina Day is an annual celebration of the important role marinas play in waterfront communities all across the country, and the positive impact marinas have on the quality of life in America. This is the second annual National Marina Day, which is sponsored by the Marina Operators Association of America.

The full text of Governor Davis' proclamation follows.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT< br/> STATE OF CALIFORNIA

PROCLAMATION < br/> by < br/> the Governor of the State of California

WHEREAS, the word "marina" was used for the very first time by the National Association of Engine and Boat Manufacturers in 1928 to define a recreational boating facility; and

WHEREAS, California is home to more than 800 recreational marina boating facilities that contribute substantially to their communities by providing a safe, reliable gateway to boating; and

WHEREAS, California's marinas play a valuable role in recreational boating, which contributes some $17 billion annually to the State's economy; and

WHEREAS, California's marinas provide a place where friends and families can come together for recreation, rest and relaxation; and

WHEREAS, California's marina operators help to provide education on boating safety, boating regulations and environmentally safe products; and

WHEREAS, California's marinas will continue to provide an environmentally friendly gateway to boating for the citizens and the visitors to the Golden State; and

WHEREAS, the California Department of Boating and Waterways is dedicated to enhancing safety improving public access to the waterways through the construction and improvement of marinas; and

WHEREAS, the California Department of Boating and Waterways is observing August 9, 2003 as National Marina Day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GRAY DAVIS, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim August 9, 2003 as "California Marina Day."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 14th day of July, 2003.

Gray Davis
Governor of California

ATTEST:

Kevin Shelley < br/> Secretary of State

U.S. COAST GUARD SECURITY/PRECAUTIONARY ZONES

07/02/2003

California Naval Vessel Protection Zones: No vessel is permitted within 100 yards of a U.S. Navy vessel, unless authorized by an official patrol. Furthermore, a vessel that is within 500 yards of a Navy vessel must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course.

San Francisco Bay Area: Security zones exist 100 yards around tank vessels and cruise ships; 100 yards around all high interest vessels; 500 yards around naval vessels; 25 yards around piers and abutments around the San Francisco Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant: Captain Of The Port LA-LB established a Security Zone in the Pacific Ocean within a 2,000 yard radius of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant centered at position 35º 12' 23"N, 120º 51' 23" W. No person/vessel may enter this zone without permission of the Captain Of The Port.

Los Angeles - Long Beach Cruise Ships: Captain Of The Port LA-LB established a moving/fixed Security Zone around all cruise ships within a 100 yard radius while anchored/moored, within 200 yards ahead & 100 yards on all other sides while underway, inside 3NM of the Federal breakwater near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. No person/vessel may enter these zones without permission of the Captain Of The Port.

San Diego Cruise Ships: Captain Of The Port Activities San Diego established a moving fixed Security zone around all cruise ships within 100 yards radius while anchored/moored, within 200 yards ahead & 100 yards on all other sides while underway, entering/departing San Diego Bay unless authorized by the Captain Of The Port.

San Onofre Nuclear Power Generating Station: Captain Of The Port Activities San Diego established a Security Zone in the Pacific Ocean within a 1 nautical mile radius of San Onofre Nuclear Power Generating Station centered at position 33º 22' 12"N, 117º 33' 30" W. No person may enter zone without permission of the Captain Of The Port.

San Diego Navy Facility Security Zones: (No person or vessel may enter or remain in the security zones listed below unless authorized by the Captain Of The Port, or his designated representative)

Naval Oceans Systems Center and adjacent waters
Naval Supply Center and adjacent waters
Naval Submariner Base Point Loma and adjacent waters
Naval Submariner Base Point Loma and adjacent waters
Naval Air Station North Island Bravo Pier and waters within 100 yards of Bravo Pier or a vessel moored to Bravo Pier.
Naval Air Station North Island Bravo Pier and waters within 300 yards of the Carrier Pier or a vessel moored to Carrier Pier.
Fleet Industrial Supply Center Pier and water within 100 feet.
Naval Station San Diego and adjacent waters.

USCG AUXILIARY MAKES SHASTA SAFER WITH VHF RADIO NETWORK

07/01/2003

On July 1, DBW Director Ray Tsuneyoshi attended the commissioning of Coast Guard Auxiliary - Lake Shasta Radio, the new marine-band VHF radio network, at Bridge Bay Resort & Marina, located immediately off of I-5, just north of Redding, California.

Among the local, state and federal officials also in attendance at the ceremony were; Jim Pope, Shasta County Sheriff; Captain Jeff Pettit, Commanding Officer, USCG Group Humboldt Bay; Chuck Kemnitz, Director of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; and Kristy Cottini, District Ranger, U.S. Forest Service.

In addition to speakers and commissioning ceremony, the schedule of events include a helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station, McKinleyville on display; and a simulated search and rescue "at sea." A Coast Guard rescue swimmer entered the water as a victim. After locating the swimmer, a patrol boat responded and took the swimmer aboard. Finally, the helicopter (a Dolphin) arrived on scene, lowered a line and retrieved the swimmer from the deck of the patrol boat for swift delivery to a medical facility. A C-130 from CG Air Station Sacramento performed a low-altitude - (200 feet), slow-speed (130 knots) pass and made a simulated equipment drop to a "vessel in distress," including a raft, dewatering pump, first aid, advanced medical supplies, etc.

USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 03-09 in Redding, California, under the direction of Richard A. Behrendt, Flotilla Commander, and Charlie Duncan, Immediate Past Flotilla Commander, raised almost $10,000 to fund the creation of a VHF radio network on Lake Shasta. A reservoir with a capacity larger than San Francisco Bay, Shasta is a popular boating destination, with more than 1,000 houseboats on the lake. The new radio system is available for distress calls, weather information, hailing, etc., and will allow for faster rescue response times and enhance recreational boating safety in the area. A grant from BoatUS, the cooperation of the U.S. Forest Service, and a gift from the Lake Shasta Boat Owners' Association made this project possible.

With the volunteer assistance of local telecommunication engineers and the expert advice of the Auxiliary's district communications officer, the flotilla designed a VHF marine-band radio network and purchased related digital equipment. In the process, they obtained the support of all federal, state and local agencies with public safety jurisdiction on the lake for this undertaking. The U.S. Forest Service gave permission to use their existing high-altitude sites and the Coast Guard assigned marine-band frequencies for the network's use.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is an organization of expert volunteers who teach and promote boating safety under the aegis of the U.S. Coast Guard. Anyone interested in joining the Auxiliary can contact: Charles M. Duncan, Jr., (530) 241-6939, cmduscgaux@aol.com.

DBW BEGINS 2003 EGERIA DENSA PROGRAM; EXPANDS 2003 WATER HYACINTH CONTROL PROGRAM IN DELTA

07/01/2003

The California Department of Boating and Waterways began its 2003 Egeria densa control program in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta today.

Also on July 1, DBW expanded its 2003 water hyacinth control program. The hyacinth control program was launched on May 7 in selected areas of Merced County, Sacramento County, and San Joaquin County, and was extended Delta-wide on July 1.

DBW first instituted a water hyacinth control program under legislative mandate in 1983, after thick water hyacinth mats clogged farm irrigation pumps and caused navigation hazards, affecting the area's agricultural and recreational industries. During hot weather, an infestation of water hyacinth can double in size within the span of two weeks. The controlled use of herbicides opened up water channels which had been closed by the water hyacinth plant.

The control program is coordinated with county agricultural commissioners and is conducted by personnel from Boating and Waterways, the County of Fresno, and the County of Merced.

The Egeria densa (Brazilian elodea) control program was begun under legislative mandate in 2001 in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its tributaries. The non-native aquatic pest grows under the water's surface. Since its introduction 40 years ago, Egeria now infests approximately 3,900 surface acres, or eight percent of the 50,000 surface acres of Delta waterways. Egeria hinders navigation, disrupts recreational activities, clogs agricultural irrigation intakes, slows water conveyance, displaces native vegetation, and upsets the balance of the aquatic environment.

Boating & Waterways monitors herbicide treatment in compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Individual Permit, the USFWS Biological Opinion, and the NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion. Monitoring activities include the collection of water quality characteristics to ensure that herbicide treatments are consistent with the beneficial uses of the waterways of the Delta. Other monitoring activities test the treated areas to identify potential toxicological affects of the herbicide treatments to sensitive species and their habitats.

Anyone with health-related questions pertaining to the use of herbicides should contact their personal physician or local health services.

JULY 4TH HOLIDAY WEEKEND BOATING SAFETY TIPS

06/27/2003

Nearly 20% of all boating accidents in California occur during the three Summer holiday weekends of Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. As Independence Day approaches, the Department of Boating and Waterways is issuing a reminder to boaters to stay safe on the water.

On holidays, the waterways are filled with boaters, many of whom are inexperienced. Collisions are the most common type of boating accident and operator inexperience and inattention are the leading causes. Remembering a few simple boating rules of the road, such as keeping a sharp lookout for other boat traffic, can help prevent collisions on congested waterways.

Many of these rules are similar to those for cars. Stay to the right side of channels. In a crossing situation, the person on the right has the right-of-way. When you meet another boat head-on, each boater should alter course to the right.

In congested areas, intoxicated operators and passengers can increase the already high risk of accident. Alcohol and boating can be a deadly mix, especially when combined with stressors in the marine environment, such as sun, glare, wind, heat, and boat and engine noise. Last year, 50% of boating fatalities were alcohol related, and half of those who died were passengers whose intoxication contributed to their deaths.

This year, water levels on many rivers are high and in some areas the water is still cold from late snowmelt. The current may be swift, strong and not always visible. River conditions can change quickly due to weather and water releases, resulting in increased danger. California's rivers and lakes have rocky bottoms and sudden drop-offs, a combination that has led to children drowning in as little as four feet of water.

The dangers of exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) from boat engine exhaust have been the subject of recent safety campaigns by the Department and by the U. S. Coast Guard, following the emergence of a popular and dangerous fad, known as "teak" or "drag" surfing: holding onto the swim platform (where CO can accumulate) of an underway vessel and letting go to bodysurf the wake. Doing so over even a short period of time has led to fainting resulting in drownings in the boating environment.

Parents should keep a watchful eye on children playing in or around the water, and are advised to put life jackets on little ones when they're wading as an added safety measure. When boating, children under the age of 13 must wear their life jackets when aboard a boat 26 feet long or smaller, while the vessel is under way.

Adults should also take precautions for their own safety. In a commonly seen accident scenario, parents insure the children are wearing life jackets, but neglect to wear life jackets themselves, instead relying on their swimming ability to keep them safe.

Swimming out too far, or attempting to retrieve gear in the water, and being swept away by currents, are all scenarios when the persons would have survived if they had been wearing their life jackets.

The July 4th weekend could be safer this year if boaters remember to maintain a proper lookout, wear their life jackets, and watch the alcohol.

BOATING AND WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROVES $3,515,000 IN BOATING FACILITY PROJECTS

06/09/2003

The California Boating and Waterways Commission today approved three Department of Boating and Waterways loan projects and one grant project for improvements to boating facilities around the state. The approved projects are:

Contra Costa County - Orwood Resort Marina -- A $1,071,000 Department of Boating and Waterways loan to Orwood Resort, Inc., was approved, for improvements to the Orwood Resort Marina, located in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta near Brentwood.

The proposed project includes the construction of 153 dry storage units for boats, grading and paving of the site, utilities, a fire suppression/security system, and storm drainage.

Monterey County - Breakwater Cove Marina -- A $265,000 Department loan to Monterey Bay Boatworks Co. Ltd. was approved, for a project to reconfigure the Breakwater Cove Marina fueling dock. The project will provide safer egress and ingress for larger craft as well as a safe maneuvering area for craft using the adjacent boat launching ramp.

San Diego County - Sun Harbor Marina --A Department loan of $1,875,000 to Sun Harbor Marina was approved, the first-phase of a proposed $3,165,000 project to improve the marina, located in northwestern San Diego Bay in San Diego.

The proposed project will include the construction of new berths, a marina building, a promenade, and storage lockers; repaving the parking area; repairing a seawall; and adding landscaping.

Santa Clara County - Alviso Marina County Park Boat Launching Facility -- A Department grant of $304,000 to the County of Santa Clara was approved for the first phase of a $2,208,000 project to improve the Alviso Marina County Park Boat Launching Facility.

The proposed project will include dredging of the new boat launching ramp basin; construction of a new two-lane concrete boat launching ramp and boarding float, a new parking area, an access road, surface drainage, and slope protection; and extension of electrical power lines to the parking area; installation of security lighting for the ramp and parking area; and wetland mitigation and monitoring.

Department loans and grants require the consent of the Boating and Waterways commission. The seven-member commission, appointed by the Governor, also advises the Department on matters within its jurisdiction. Funding for the projects is derived from the taxes paid by boaters on the purchase of gasoline for their vessels.

THE "SILENT KILLER," CARBON MONOXIDE, IS KILLING TEAK SURFERS AND BOATERS

06/06/2003

The California Department of Boating and Waterways issued a boater's advisory today, warning about the danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning on boats.

Three California boaters have died from boating-related CO poisoning over the past year-and-a-half. Boating safety officials are concerned that the number may be higher, as some deaths may have been attributed to other causes, such as intoxication or heart attack.

"Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and it may be surprising that it can be a danger in the open-air environment," said Ray Tsuneyoshi, Boating and Waterways Director. "But that's why we're trying to get the word out."

Recent U.S. Coast Guard advisories warn that boaters have been poisoned by carbon monoxide while setting fishing lines or performing maintenance on their boats while the engine was running. But a new fad that has taken a toll nationally has made its way to California: "teak surfing" or "drag surfing". This activity involves clinging to the swim platform or transom of an underway boat, then letting go and body surfing. In addition to the danger of propeller injury, teak surfers risk drowning.

"Exposure to engine exhaust can cause a teak surfer to faint, and if they aren't wearing a life jacket, they can drown," said Boating and Waterways accident program analyst, Amy Rigby.

Many boaters are aware that carbon monoxide is a danger in enclosed spaces when using on-board generators, heaters and stoves. But the gas can also accumulate in areas around and under a motorboat's swim platform. On June 3, the Sacramento Metro Fire Department performed a CO test on a late-model motorboat with a properly tuned engine during light breeze conditions at Folsom Lake. Thirty seconds after the engine was started, the CO level in the air around the boat's transom was 200 parts per million. After less than a minute, the reading had climbed to 990 ppm. According to the World Health Organization, a level exceeding 87 ppm during a 15 minute interval is considered dangerous.

Capt. Pat Ellis, public information officer with Sac Metro F.D. pointed out, "If we got dangerous CO readings after less than a minute, imagine how much CO you're taking in if you're teak surfing for an hour."

The symptoms of CO poisoning may include severe headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, fainting and death. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headache. Low levels can be more dangerous in the boating environment as they can lead to drowning. Carbon monoxide poisoning may not be immediately suspected since symptoms may be similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses. If CO poisoning is suspected, get the victim fresh air immediately and seek medical care.

For more information, including a pamphlet on CO poisoning, visit The Department of Boating and Waterways' Website, at www.dbw.ca.gov.

BOATING AND ALCOHOL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

06/06/2003

Editor's Note: From time to time, we teach our student interns about journalism and allow them to prepare a news release about a department activity. The following article was written by Dante Searcy, who is a college student in Sacramento and handles our large orders for boating safety pamphlets. Congratulations to Dante for writing an accurate, concise, and clear article in his first journalistic undertaking.

On June 6th, 2003, the Department of Boating and Waterways completed a public service announcement (PSA) which addresses the dangers of operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol. The PSA, filmed on Folsom Lake, was directed by Robert Knop of the University of California, Davis Mediaworks Department. "We are glad to have completed this project, and we hope that it will prompt boaters to limit or even cease to consume alcohol when operating their vessel," says Raynor Tsuneyoshi, Director of the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW).

Department statistics show that in 2002, nearly 50% of all boating fatalities in California were alcohol related. A person is considered intoxicated when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08%. Boating skills decline as alcohol begins to reduce reaction time, balance and coordination, depth perception, vision, and concentration.

The PSA depicts two groups of boaters enjoying a day on the river. One group does not have alcohol with them, and the other group does. It shows that the second group is clearly not focused on safe boating, and the two boats eventually collide. The PSA ends by stating that 50% of boating fatalities are alcohol related.

The PSA is thirty seconds long. The Department of Boating and Waterways plans to send it to every television station in California, with the hope that they will air it free of charge as a public service. DBW received its funding for the PSA from the gasoline taxes paid by boaters. Each year DBW funds a PSA for television about boating safety issues.

BOATING AND WATERWAYS COMMISSION SETS NEW MEETING TO VOTE ON $3,515,000 IN BOATING FACILITY PROJECTS

05/29/2003

At a meeting today in Sacramento, the California Boating and Waterways Commission was unable to summon a quorum, required in order to vote on three loan projects and one grant project proposed by the Department of Boating and Waterways for improvements to boating facilities around the state. The project vote is now tentatively scheduled to take place at a public meeting on June 9, at the Department of Boating and Waterways, 2000 Evergreen Street, Suite 100, in Sacramento.

During today's meeting, Department of Boating and Waterways Director Raynor Tsuneyoshi conducted a presentation of awards.

The Officer of the Year award was presented to G. Scott Miller, who has been an active peace officer with the Ventura Harbor Patrol for the past twenty years. He is also active in the California Boating Safety Officers Association, having served as the organization's Vice President and President in the past. He was also honored for his boating safety educational outreach work and as editor of CBSOA's The Beacon newsletter.

The National Water Safety Congress Award was presented to two Californians, Cindi Dulgar and Phil Smith. Cindi Dulgar is Operations Manager and Youth Programs Director at the California State University at Sacramento's Aquatic Center at Lake Natomas. Cindi was honored for her 10 years of instruction at the center, her use of the Department of Boating and Waterways' AquaSMART materials in the center's aquatic safety programs for children, and her assistance with various outreach programs and projects of the department.

Phil Smith, Area Ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, received a National Water Safety Congress Award for his efforts to decrease the incidence of drowning deaths at lakes in his jurisdiction through partnering with the Department of Boating and Waterways to distribute safety educational materials to lake visitors and to provide for the local airing of both English- and Spanish-language aquatic safety television PSA's. His efforts resulted in a decrease in fatalities at local Corps lakes last year.

Two Boating and Waterways Education Unit staff members received National Boating Educational Advancement Awards. Gloria Sandoval received a First Place award for overseeing the development of Spanish-language editions of Department of Boating and Waterways boating safety brochures. In an effort to reach the increasing population of Hispanic Californians with aquatic safety information, she had a number of the Department's most popular publications translated into Spanish, including brochures on life jackets, hunting and fishing, personal watercraft, and AquaSMART program materials.

Gloria shared a second First Place award with Phaedra Bota for the 10th annual Safe and Wise Water Ways Poster Contest. The contest was designed to teach aquatic safety lessons to California students in grades K-8, who are then invited to enter artwork based on the lessons in the contest. The winning entries are featured on a poster-style calendar distributed by the Department.

Jana Clarke received First Place in the International Water Safety Summit's 2003 Media Contest for the Department of Boating and Waterways' outdoor billboards, posters, and bumper stickers. As part of the Department's statewide outdoor campaign for safety, safety signs are placed at the state's top waterways for boating accidents, reminding boaters to Boat Smart! and to go to the Department's www.boatsmarter.com Website for more information.

Two instructors with the Department's POST-certified classes for boating law enforcement officers were honored:

Jim Mraz is retiring as an instructor having taught the Department's Basic Boating Safety and Enforcement class for the last 18 years. His 30 years of law enforcement experience provided great leadership to the hundreds of marine patrol officers he came in contact with while specializing in the areas of Noise Enforcement, Boating Intoxication Enforcement, and Operational Law.

Wes Dodd is reducing his class load after 11 years teaching Basic Boating Safety and Enforcement for Vessel Registration, Vessel Theft, Vessel Accident Investigation, and Operational Law. He remains as the lead instructor for the Vessel Accident Investigation and Reconstruction class.

The held-over boating facility projects are:

Contra Costa County - Orwood Resort Marina -- Orwood Resort, Inc., has applied to the Department of Boating and Waterways for a $1,071,000 loan for improvements to the Orwood Resort Marina, located in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta near Brentwood.

The proposed project includes the construction of 153 dry storage units for boats, grading and paving of the site, utilities, a fire suppression/security system, and storm drainage.

Monterey County - Breakwater Cove Marina -- Monterey Bay Boatworks Co. Ltd., has applied to the Department for a loan of $265,000 for a project to reconfigure the Breakwater Cove Marina fueling dock. The project will provide safer egress and ingress for larger craft as well as a safe maneuvering area for craft using the adjacent boat launching ramp.

San Diego County - Sun Harbor Marina -- Sun Harbor Marina has applied to the Department for a first-phase loan of $1,875,000 for a proposed $3,165,000 project to improve the marina, located in northwestern San Diego Bay in San Diego.

The proposed project will include the construction of new berths, a marina building, a promenade, and storage lockers; repaving the parking area; repairing a seawall; and adding landscaping.

Santa Clara County - Alviso Marina County Park Boat Launching Facility -- The County of Santa Clara has applied to the Department of Boating and Waterways for a first-phase grant of $304,000 for a $2,208,000 project to improve the Alviso Marina County Park Boat Launching Facility.

The proposed project will include dredging of the new boat launching ramp basin; construction of a new two-lane concrete boat launching ramp and boarding float, a new parking area, an access road, surface drainage, and slope protection; and extension of electrical power lines to the parking area; installation of security lighting for the ramp and parking area; and wetland mitigation and monitoring.

BOATING AND WATERWAYS COMMISSION TO CONSIDER $3,515,000 IN BOATING FACILITY PROJECTS

05/22/2003

The California Boating and Waterways Commission will meet on May 29 in Sacramento to consider approval of three Department of Boating and Waterways loan projects and one grant project for improvements to boating facilities around the state. The meeting is set to convene at 9:15 am at the Hilton Sacramento Arden West, 2000 Harvard Street. The proposed projects are:

PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY AND THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF BOATING AND WATERWAYS WARN OF CALIFORNIA RIVER DANGERS DURING SPRING SNOWMELT

05/21/2003

SAN FRANCISCO - Pacific Gas and Electric Company and DBW are cautioning Californians planning outdoor activities for Memorial Day weekend to be aware of the potential dangers of the cold, spring runoff into the state's many rivers. Recreationists are cautioned to consider unpredictable river characteristics before entering any river.

"As Californians kick start their summer with the long Memorial Day weekend, we want to remind them to be vigilant of the dangers swift, cold water can pose," said Randy Livingston, the lead director of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's power generation unit, including the utility's vast hydroelectric system. "What may appear as an inviting pristine mountain creek can turn hazardous unless river users take the appropriate safety precautions."

This April was the fourth wettest on record and has provided heavy accumulations of late season snow pack in the mountains. With the warmer temperatures of the last week, and the expectation that much of the Sierra and Cascade mountains will be bathed in mid-80 degree weather for the holiday weekend, that snow pack has begun melting at increasing rates.

The resulting increased flow has created treacherous conditions in many of the state's streams and rivers for all recreationists - waders, swimmers, rafters, boaters, fishers and even hikers cooling off at waters' edge. The unpredictable flows cause unexpected currents that can trap unsuspecting or even experienced river users underwater with potentially fatal results. In addition, the ice-cold snowmelt feeding into the waterways can dramatically impair a swimmer's ability.

"One way you can help stay safe is to wear a life jacket," said DBW Director Ray Tsuneyoshi. "This can help to keep you afloat should you get caught in rushing water. You should also always swim or recreate with another person."

If you get caught in the water and swept off your feet:

Stay calm, lie on your back and do not try to stand up.
Drop any items that can weigh you down.
Keep your feet up and pointed downstream to avoid hitting rocks and to prevent foot entrapment.
Go with the current, moving diagonally across the current until you reach the shore or can grab onto something to anchor you. Stay there until help arrives.
If trapped on an island, stay there and signal for help.

For more information about Pacific Gas and Electric Company, please visit the company's web site at www.pge.com

For more information about the Department of Boating and Waterways, please visit the agency's website at www.dbw.ca.gov

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT CLOSURE ON LAKE POWELL TEMPORARILY LIFED

05/07/2003

PAGE, AZ - The National Park Service is pleased to announce that the closure to personal watercraft use on Lake Powell has been temporarily lifted effective May 10th through September 30th. "We are very pleased all parties involved were able to agree on this temporary lifting of the ban," said Superintendent Kitty L. Roberts.

This temporary agreement allows for the use of personal watercraft in all areas on Lake Powell with the following exceptions:

From the mouth of the San Juan River to Glen Canyon NRA boundary.
North or beyond mile marker 108 of the Colorado River (just south of Knowles Canyon), as measured from Glen Canyon Dam, to the border of the Glen Canyon NRA.
The segment of the Colorado River below or south of the Glen Canyon Dam to the Glen Canyon NRA border.
Wakeless speed only on the Escalante River from Cow Canyon to Coyote Gulch; and from Coyote Gulch to the Glen Canyon NRA boundary the river is closed to personal watercraft.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Kitty Roberts participated in the negotiation of this agreement which not only allows visitors to use their personal watercraft on the majority of Lake Powell but also provides the local business communities of Page and other areas of Arizona and Utah and the park concessioner the opportunity to continue their personal watercraft business operations while the National Park Service completes the environmental planning process and rule-making.

DBW BEGINS 2003 WATER HYACINTH CONTROL PROGRAM IN DELTA

05/01/2003

The California Department of Boating and Waterways will begin its 2003 water hyacinth control program in selected areas of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its tributaries on May 7. Treatment will begin in Salt Slough in the San Joaquin River in Merced County and in Lost Slough, Snodgrass Slough and Stonelake Basin in Sacramento County.

DBW first instituted a herbicide control program under legislative mandate in 1983, after thick hyacinth mats clogged farm irrigation pumps and caused navigation hazards, affecting the area's agricultural and recreational industries.

Herbicide spraying opened up water channels which had been closed by the hyacinth plant.

The control program is coordinated with county agricultural commissioners and is conducted by personnel from Boating and Waterways, the Federal Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the County of Fresno, and the County of Merced.

Boating and Waterways monitors water quality to ensure that herbicides do not exceed allowable limits, and that the spraying conducted in the Delta has had no adverse impacts on the environment, agriculture, or public health in the area.

Anyone with health-related questions pertaining to the use of herbicides can contact their personal physician or local health services.

ATTORNEY GENERAL HANDS DOWN EBAY OPINION TO DBW

04/16/2003

The California Attorney General has rendered a formal opinion that the activities of eBay, Inc. in connection with the purchase and sale of previously owned yachts do not require eBay to be licensed as a yacht broker under the provisions of the Yacht and Ship Brokers Act.

The opinion was handed down in response to a request from the California Department of Boating and Waterways following inquiries from the boating community as to the practice of boat owners advertising their vessels for sale on the eBay Internet auction Website.

Boating and Waterways administers a consumer protection program for the licensure of persons engaged in the brokerage sale of used vessels, under the Yacht and Ship Brokers Act, which is similar to the law governing brokered real estate transactions.

The Attorney General examined eBay's activities in the light of four tests, the performance of any one of which would be sufficient to require eBay to obtain a broker's license: 1)sells or offers to sell, 2) buys or offer to buy, 3) solicits or obtains listings of, or 4) negotiates the purchase, sale or exchange of previously owned yachts. The Attorney General found that eBay does not perform any of these activities as defined in law.

The Attorney General concluded, "It is evident that the primary purpose of the [Yacht and Ship Brokers] Act is to provide protection for consumers through the licensing and regulation of yacht brokers.... with respect to the activities of eBay, a yacht buyer does not rely on the honesty or truthfulness of any statement made by eBay... or upon eBay's knowledge or understanding of the principles of the yacht brokerage profession... in selecting, bidding on, purchasing or completing a sales transaction. Requiring eBay's licensure as a "broker" would thus not further the primary purpose of the Act to provide protection to the public...."

DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD - JOHN "MIKE" CHAPMAN

04/01/2003

The California Department of Boating and Waterways named John "Mike" Chapman, of San Bruno, as the recipient of the 2002 Distinguished Public Service Award. Boating and Waterways Director Ray Tsuneyoshi presented the award at a ceremony held on March 29, at the United States Power Squadrons' District 25 Spring Conference in Union City.

"It's the expertise, professionalism, and dedication of members like Mr. Chapman's that make the United States Power Squadrons such an important partner in boating safety," said Mr. Tsuneyoshi.

Mr. Chapman, 52, joined the U.S. Power Squadrons in 1988. He has been a firefighter for 29 years with the Airport Division of the San Francisco Fire Department. He is a rescue boat driver performing marine rescue who has also taught Urban Search and Rescue for the SFFD.

Mr. Chapman is presently serving his second term as Commander of the San Francisco Sail and Power Squadron. He has been actively involved with Opening Day on San Francisco Bay for eight years, as co-coordinator of on-the-water activities for five years, and for the past three years as head coordinator. He was the Liaison between District 25 and the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association from 1999-2002. A member of the Oyster Point Yacht Club, he served on their board for four years.

The Distinguished Public Service Award was formerly known as the Boater Of The Year Award, which was established in 1980, to recognize the efforts of volunteer organizations whose members teach and promote boating safety education.

Caption: Boating and Waterways Director Ray Tsuneyoshi presents DBW's Distinguished Public Service Award to John "Mike" Chapman, Commander of the S.F. Sail And Power Squadron, during a ceremony on March 29 at the U.S. Power Squadrons's District 25 Spring Conference in Union City.

DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD - RICHARD L. NACHMAN

03/24/2003

The California Department of Boating and Waterways named Richard L. Nachman, of San Bernardino, as the recipient of the 2002 Distinguished Public Service Award. Boating and Waterways Director Ray Tsuneyoshi presented the award at a ceremony held on March 22, at the United States Power Squadrons' District 13 Conference in Cerritos.

"Rick is the kind of well-rounded Power Squadrons member who is valued not only for his boating safety expertise, but also for his teaching skills and administrative abilities," said Mr. Tsuneyoshi.

Mr. Nachman is a former computer systems professional who in recent years has operated a service company providing various maintenance and support services for yachts and pleasure boats.

A resident of San Bernardino, he joined the Arrowhead Power Squadron in late 1986. He successfully completed all available USPS member courses and achieved a Senior Navigator rating in 1997.

Mr. Nachman has served as Assistant Educational Officer and Educational Officer for the Educational Department of District 13, and previously for Arrowhead Power Squadron. For several years, he has conducted monthly public boating courses for the Arrowhead Squadron, sometimes driving hundreds of miles to teach in remote locations otherwise without an instructor. He was one of the very first members in District 13 to become qualified to perform U.S. Coast Guard-sponsored Vessel Safety Checks.

USCG BOATER OF THE YEAR JIMMIN CHANG

03/17/2003

The California Department of Boating and Waterways named Jimmin Chang, of Sunnyvale, as the recipient of the 2002 Distinguished Public Service Award. Boating and Waterways Acting Deputy Director Carl Moore presented the award at a ceremony held on March 15, at the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary's District 11 Conference in Modesto.

"Mr. Chang's professionalism and dedication are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the Auxiliary," said Mr. Moore.

Mr. Chang, 41, received the award for his work with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, exemplified by his invaluable assistance during a medical emergency at sea in 1998. The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a call for assistance from a Chinese freighter. A Chinese-speaking crew member had been seriously injured in a fall, and emergency medical personnel could not communicate with him. Within minutes of receiving the call asking for his help, Mr. Chang was airborne in a rescue helicopter en route to the freighter of the California coast. He was hoisted below onto the deck of the freighter, where he provided a crucial communications link between the injured man and his rescuers.

Mr. Chang, an electrical engineer, joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1995, and since then has qualified as an Instructor, a Vessel Examiner, both a Crew Member and a Coxswain in Operations, and a Marine Dealer Visitor.

BOATING AND WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROVES $1,162,000 IN BOATING FACILITY PROJECTS

03/13/2003

At a meeting today in Sacramento, the California Boating and Waterways Commission approved four Department of Boating and Waterways grant projects for improvements to boating facilities around the state. The approved projects are:

Butte County - Feather River -- The Feather River Recreation and Park District has applied to the Department of Boating and Waterways for a $917,000 grant for improvements to the West Park/Riverbend boat launching facility.

The project includes dewatering the site; replacing the existing ramp and apron with a new two-lane concrete boat launching ramp and apron; installing two boarding floats; constructing a new paved access road, parking area, sidewalk, and restroom; upgrading the sewer and electrical systems; and installing a fish-cleaning station, irrigation, landscaping, shade ramadas, picnic tables, and a project sign.

Del Norte County - Crescent City Harbor Boat Launching Facility -- The Crescent City Harbor District has applied to the Department for a first-phase grant of $85,000 for the construction of a proposed $825,000 project to renovate the Crescent City Harbor Boat Launching Facility. The project entails the replacement of the existing boat launching facility with a new two-lane concrete ramp, new boarding floats and gangway, a new barrier-free-access restroom; repairs to the east-side entrance breakwater; the construction of a new barrier-free access fish-cleaning station; extending the water and electrical service; and installing new lighting in the parking area.

Marin County - Petaluma River, Black Point Boat Launching Facility -- The County of Marin has applied to the Department for a first-phase grant of $80,000 for a proposed $782,000 project to replace the boat launching facility at Black Point in Novato, on the Petaluma River.

The proposed project will include dredging; replacing the existing boat launching facility with a new concrete ramp and boarding float; repaving the parking area and resurfacing a median; installing a new restroom and fish-cleaning station; constructing a stairway, pay station, information kiosk and drainage; adding a boat washdown area, picnic tables, railroad-tie retaining walls with steps, a power distribution system, landscaping, signage, and lighting; and undergrounding power lines.

Napa County - Napa River, Cuttings Wharf -- The County of Napa has applied to the Department of Boating and Waterways for a first-phase grant of $80,000 for a $985,000 project to improve the Cuttings Wharf Boat Launching Facility.

The proposed project will include the demolition of existing site facilities, the construction of a new concrete boat launching ramp and apron with two new boarding floats, and a sidewalk; the dewatering of the site; the repaving and striping of the existing parking area; the installation of a new restroom, lighting, drainage, and rock slope protection, and the addition of two shade ramadas with picnic tables, and a project sign.

BOATING AND WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROVES $1,162,000 IN BOATING FACILITY PROJECTS

03/05/2003

Napa County - Napa River, Cuttings Wharf -- The County of Napa has applied to the Department of Boating and Waterways for a first-phase grant of $80,000 for a $985,000 project to improve the Cuttings Wharf Boat Launching Facility.
The proposed project will include the demolition of existing site facilities, the construction of a new concrete boat launching ramp and apron with two new boarding floats, and a sidewalk; the dewatering of the site; the repaving and striping of the existing parking area; the installation of a new restroom, lighting, drainage, and rock slope protection, and the addition of two shade ramadas with picnic tables, and a project sign.

GOVERNOR GRAY DAVIS RELEASES PROPOSED 2003-2004 STATE BUDGET

01/13/2003

Governor Gray Davis released his proposed 2003-04 state budget today, including $92,217,000 in expenditures for the Department of Boating and Waterways.

"Governor Davis' proposed budget will fully fund needed public access boating facility projects, as well as support for boating law enforcement and programs to enhance safety for the state's boaters," said Director Raynor Tsuneyoshi.

Highlight: The budget includes $3,770,000 for two Boating Instruction Safety Centers (BISC): $3,601,000 for the construction of a BISC at Humboldt Bay, and $169,000 for working drawings for the second phase of construction of the BISC at Nimbus Flat, Lake Natoma, in Sacramento. These new facilities will allow for both on-the-water and in-the-classroom boating safety education.

The Department's current budget (for the 2002-03 fiscal year) totals $85,642,000.

Funding for DBW is derived primarily from boating gasoline taxes, vessel registration fees, and loan repayments.

BOATING AND WATERWAYS COMMISSION APPROVES $6,798,000 IN BOATING FACILITY PROJECTS

01/09/2003

At a meeting on January 9 in Sacramento, the California Boating and Waterways Commission approved three Department of Boating and Waterways loan projects for improvements to boating facilities around the state. The approved projects are:

Los Angeles County - Basin 4, Alamitos Bay -- The City of Long Beach will receive a Department of Boating and Waterways initial loan for project design and engineering in the amount of $2 million for a proposed $8,250,000 project to improve Basin 4 on Alamitos Bay.

The project includes dredging the marina, demolishing 239 existing berths and constructing 234 new berths, repaving the existing parking area, and constructing a new restroom.

The existing facilities at Basin 4, originally constructed in 1960, include 239 boat slips, a 329 space parking area, and a restroom. The Boating and Waterways Commission previously consented to loans totaling $4,288,000 to the City of Long Beach for improvements to the Alamitos Bay marinas (excluding Basin 4).

Mariposa County - Lake McClure -- The Merced Irrigation District will receive a Department of Boating and Waterways loan of $767,000 to improve the McClure Point Recreation Area on Lake McClure. Lake McClure is located in the northwest corner of Mariposa County, on the eastern side of the San Joaquin Valley in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. The McClure Point Recreation Area is located on the west side of the lake.

The existing facilities at the McClure Point Recreation Area include a marina with 48 slips, 24 houseboat berths, 91 offshore houseboat moorings, boat rentals, a fuel dock, a boat launching ramp, a parking area, a sewage pumpout, and a food and sundry store. The recreation area is operated by a concessionaire through a management agreement with the Merced Irrigation District.

This project entails the construction of 24 additional houseboat berths, 108 offshore houseboat moorings, and a wave attenuator.

San Diego County - National City Marina -- The San Diego Unified Port District will receive a loan from the Department of Boating and Waterways of $4,031,000, for the second phase of $11 million in department funding for an $18.2 million project to construct the National City Marina.

An additional $7.2 million in funding for the project will be provided by the San Diego Unified Port District and the City of National City, ($4.2 million of Port funds and $3 million of City funds).

The site of the proposed National City Marina lies within the City of National City on the Sweetwater Flood Control Channel approximately 3/4 miles inland of the San Diego Bay. The site is bordered on the north and east by the City of National City, on the south by the City of Chula Vista, and on the west by San Diego Bay.

The project includes the construction of a 229 concrete berth marina, both standard-access and barrier-free access gangways, a 192-space parking area, a harbormaster's building, a restroom, dock utilities, a fuel dock, slope protection, security gates, public access pathways, landscaping, irrigation, signs, and ancillary items.

The San Diego Unified Port District and the City of National City will be funding the dredging of the marina basin, and the installation of pilings, dock communications (telephone, cable, and computer), and storm drains with oil/grease interceptors.

Two-hundred thousand cubic yards have currently been excavated from the marina basin. The Port will award the dredging contract in February 2003 for the remainder of the marina basin excavation (approximately 400,000 cubic yards).

DON WALTZ RETIRES AFTER 28 YEARS

01/01/2003

Editor's Note: After a mini-course in Journalism 101, we asked our webmaster, Clinton Beers, to write the following article about Don Waltz's retirement. This is Clinton's first news story.

By Clinton Beers, Public Information Unit

On December 31, 2002, Don Waltz, second-in-charge of the Department of Boating and Waterways, retired after 28 years of outstanding service.

Don served the department in many capacities through his tenure, beginning as a Boating Programs Trainee, and progressing to Chief Economist and Manager, and for the last ten years, Boating Facilities Division Chief, second-in-command of the department.

Don's career began in June of 1974 for the Department of Navigation and Ocean Development, the predecessor agency to the Department of Boating and Waterways. By excelling in every position he undertook, Don was able, throughout his career, to move quickly through the ranks of the growing department.

Part of Don's extensive responsibilities included providing testimony to the Senate and Assembly Budget Subcommittees, helping to ensure that the Department received needed fiscal resources.

He was also responsible for presentations and recommendations to the Boating and Waterways Commission for approval of small craft harbor and boat launching facility projects, which provide public access to California's waterways.

Through his exemplary example of good work habits and his overall positive attitude, Don was able to inspire and motivate those who worked with him and for him.

During his career with the Department, he was much more than a colleague to those with whom he worked. As Don said, he will "miss them, but" he is still "looking forward to retirement." Don and his wife Shirley have retired to a quiet life in the rural foothills east of Sacramento, near the town of Cool.

The Department has lost a valuable asset and a good friend, as have the boaters of California. Don will be sorely missed by all those who have worked with him through his long career.