2001 News Releases

11/29/2001

At a meeting held on November 29 in San Diego, the California Boating and Waterways Commission approved $5,668,000 in Department of Boating and Waterways boating launching facility grants. The approved projects are:

Fresno County - Shaver Lake -- A $720,000 grant to the County of Fresno for a project to construct a two-lane concrete boat launching ramp, with a turnaround area, a paved parking area, two restrooms, and to widen and improve the access road.

Imperial County - Salton Sea, Red Hill Marina -- A $100,000 phase-one grant to the County of Imperial for a $1,800,000 project to construct a two-lane concrete boat launching ramp with two boarding floats; dredge the jetty channel and construct a 400-foot rock extension to the jetty; pave and stripe the access road, and parking area for 100 vehicles/trailers and 50 single cars; construct four shade structures, a fish-cleaning station, and a barrier-free restroom; add curbing and walkways; and provide utilities, drainage, lighting landscaping, irrigation and signs.

Kern County - Lake Evans -- A grant of $350,000, for the third phase of improvements to the west boat launching facility, including the construction of a two-lane concrete boat launching ramp, two aluminum boarding floats on each side of the ramp; a new paved parking area for 40 vehicle/trailer spaces and turnaround area; a restroom, walkway, fish cleaning station, and a walkway; add plumbing, electrical service, lighting, slope protection and signs.

San Bernardino County - Colorado River, Moabi Regional Park -- A $1,273,000 grant to the County of San Bernardino, for improvements including the replacement of the existing five-lane boat launching ramp with a seven-lane concrete ramp; the redesigning and repaving the existing parking area; construct a new sheriff's dock and a shade structure, and install underground utilities.

San Diego County -- Grants were to the City of San Diego will fund improvements to seven boat launching facilities under its jurisdiction:

Barrett Reservoir -- A $480,000 grant to construct a new boat launching ramp and parking lot, install a prefabricated restroom, and add parking area lighting and utilities.

El Capitan Reservoir -- A $648,000 grant for improvements including widening the low-water boat launching ramp; installing two aluminum boarding floats, a barrier-free walkway, and two shade structures; and installing an aluminum boarding float, and a barrier-free restroom and a barrier-free walkway for personal watercraft users at Jetski Point.

Hodges Reservoir -- A $252,000 grant for improvements including the installation of two aluminum boarding floats at the low-water boat launching ramp, and one at the high-water ramp; replace the portable restrooms with two barrier-free prefabricated restrooms, and the construction of a barrier-free walkway.

Lower Otay Reservoir -- A $408,000 grant for improvements including repaving and restriping the south parking area; constructing a barrier-free walkway and a shade structure; and providing two aluminum boarding floats, landscaping, lighting and drainage.

Miramar Reservoir -- A $288,000 grant for improvements including replacing the existing restroom with a barrier-free restroom, and constructing a barrier-free walkway.

San Vicente Reservoir -- A $540,000 grant for improvements including two aluminum boarding floats for the boat launching ramp, and one for Lowell Island; repaving the boat staging parking area; providing a prefabricated restroom; constructing a barrier-free walkway, and a shade structure.

Sutherland Reservoir -- A $609,000 grant to construct a two-lane high-water boat launching ramp with two aluminum boarding floats; a high-water parking area with 100 vehicle/trailer spaces, lighting and utilities; a barrier-free walkway; and replace the portable restrooms with a barrier-free prefabricated restroom.

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.

11/29/2001

At a meeting held on November 29 in San Diego, the California Boating and Waterways Commission approved $5,668,000 in Department of Boating and Waterways boating launching facility grants. The approved projects are:

Fresno County - Shaver Lake -- A $720,000 grant to the County of Fresno for a project to construct a two-lane concrete boat launching ramp, with a turnaround area, a paved parking area, two restrooms, and to widen and improve the access road.

Imperial County - Salton Sea, Red Hill Marina -- A $100,000 phase-one grant to the County of Imperial for a $1,800,000 project to construct a two-lane concrete boat launching ramp with two boarding floats; dredge the jetty channel and construct a 400-foot rock extension to the jetty; pave and stripe the access road, and parking area for 100 vehicles/trailers and 50 single cars; construct four shade structures, a fish-cleaning station, and a barrier-free restroom; add curbing and walkways; and provide utilities, drainage, lighting landscaping, irrigation and signs.

Kern County - Lake Evans -- A grant of $350,000, for the third phase of improvements to the west boat launching facility, including the construction of a two-lane concrete boat launching ramp, two aluminum boarding floats on each side of the ramp; a new paved parking area for 40 vehicle/trailer spaces and turnaround area; a restroom, walkway, fish cleaning station, and a walkway; add plumbing, electrical service, lighting, slope protection and signs.

San Bernardino County - Colorado River, Moabi Regional Park -- A $1,273,000 grant to the County of San Bernardino, for improvements including the replacement of the existing five-lane boat launching ramp with a seven-lane concrete ramp; the redesigning and repaving the existing parking area; construct a new sheriff's dock and a shade structure, and install underground utilities.

San Diego County -- Grants were to the City of San Diego will fund improvements to seven boat launching facilities under its jurisdiction:

Barrett Reservoir -- A $480,000 grant to construct a new boat launching ramp and parking lot, install a prefabricated restroom, and add parking area lighting and utilities.

El Capitan Reservoir -- A $648,000 grant for improvements including widening the low-water boat launching ramp; installing two aluminum boarding floats, a barrier-free walkway, and two shade structures; and installing an aluminum boarding float, and a barrier-free restroom and a barrier-free walkway for personal watercraft users at Jetski Point.

Hodges Reservoir -- A $252,000 grant for improvements including the installation of two aluminum boarding floats at the low-water boat launching ramp, and one at the high-water ramp; replace the portable restrooms with two barrier-free prefabricated restrooms, and the construction of a barrier-free walkway.

Lower Otay Reservoir -- A $408,000 grant for improvements including repaving and restriping the south parking area; constructing a barrier-free walkway and a shade structure; and providing two aluminum boarding floats, landscaping, lighting and drainage.

Miramar Reservoir -- A $288,000 grant for improvements including replacing the existing restroom with a barrier-free restroom, and constructing a barrier-free walkway.

San Vicente Reservoir -- A $540,000 grant for improvements including two aluminum boarding floats for the boat launching ramp, and one for Lowell Island; repaving the boat staging parking area; providing a prefabricated restroom; constructing a barrier-free walkway, and a shade structure.

Sutherland Reservoir -- A $609,000 grant to construct a two-lane high-water boat launching ramp with two aluminum boarding floats; a high-water parking area with 100 vehicle/trailer spaces, lighting and utilities; a barrier-free walkway; and replace the portable restrooms with a barrier-free prefabricated restroom.

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.

10/01/2001

The California Department of Boating and Waterways today reminded recreational boaters to observe federal restrictions on boating set in certain areas in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks:

San Francisco Bay -- San Francisco International Airport Security Zone - extends from the shoreline 2,000 yards into the bay. Boats must keep out. Oakland International Airport Security Zone - extends from the shoreline 1,800 yards into the water. Boats must keep out. The U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Safety Office in San Francisco may set buoy lines to mark the zones. Under federal law, any boater convicted of knowingly entering a security zone without permission is subject to fines, imprisonment, and seizure of the vessel.

Anaheim Bay -- As a security measure for the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, the U.S. Navy has limited civilian vessel access to Anaheim Bay, in Orange County: Anaheim Bay - Access is restricted to four hours a day: 8 - 10 AM and 4 - 6 PM. Anyone transiting the bay during those hours is subject to an identification check and vessel search. The hours of restriction are subject to change. For 24-hour updated taped information, call (562) 626-6000.

San Diego Bay -- Boaters must stay clear of all naval vessels. Maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from any naval vessel, and when within 500 yards of a naval vessel, boaters must maintain minimum speed. Any boat operator who is signaled to keep out of or leave a restricted area by the Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy or other official marine patrol should comply.

09/18/2001

Governor Gray Davis today announced the appointments of Frederic A. Heim and Joseph P. Sharpe as members of the California Boating and Waterways Commission.

Frederic A. Heim, 74, of Encino, served as a member of the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners from 1974 to 1987, during which time he served as President for seven terms. He was Commissioner of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power from 1977 to 1978. Mr. Heim co-founded five technology companies in the semi-conductor and computer field from 1955 to 1990, the most recent one, Computer Memories, Inc., a manufacturer of disc drives. He is also a retired veteran of the United States Navy. Mr. Heim earned a bachelor of science degree from Harvard College, and a master of business administration degree from Harvard Business School.

Joseph P. Sharpe, 72, of San Francisco, has 34 years of experience in the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 648. He began working for the Union in 1967 as a Recording Secretary and rose to the office of President, to which he was elected in 1986 and continues to serve. Mr. Sharpe is a member of the South Beach Yacht Club and Boat U.S. As a member of the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors, he has been active in programs to introduce disabled youth to sailing.

The seven-member Commission advises the Department of Boating and Waterways on protecting significant natural resources, providing for public access to the waterways, and promoting recreational boating safety. Members do not receive a salary. These appointments require Senate confirmation.

08/02/2001

On August 6, 2001, the California Department of Boating and Waterways will begin operation of a new, legislatively mandated program to control the non-native aquatic pest, Egeria densa (Brazilian elodea) 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.

"The launch of this program will benefit not only boating in the Delta but the aquatic ecosystem as well," said Ray Tsuneyoshi, Department of Boating and Waterways. "This plant is the Darth Vader of aquatic pests."

Boating and Waterways (DBW) prepared an Environmental Impact Report and has obtained permits from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service for the control program.

DBW also consulted with a task force of regulatory agencies, environmental groups and stakeholders in developing the treatment program. The treatment will involve the application to the plants of two herbicides, Reward (diquat) and Sonar (fluridone), which have been approved by federal and state environmental protection agencies for use in aquatic environments.

The primary objective of the proposed program is to improve navigation in currently infested areas of the Delta by reducing the growth and spread of Egeria.

07/31/2001

Governor Gray Davis' has signed the 2001-2002 state budget, including $101,126,000 in expenditures for the Department of Boating and Waterways.

"Governor Davis' budget will fully fund our safety, education, law enforcement programs, and provide for safe and convenient access to California's waterways," said Director Ray Tsuneyoshi.

Boating and Waterways' proposed budget includes $19,686,000 for loans to public agencies to construct and improve marinas; $5 million to be made available for loans to private sector marina owners to construct and improve marinas; $25,923,000 for grants to public agencies to construct and improve boat launching facilities; $12,100,000 for capital outlay projects to construct and improve boating facilities on state lands; $8,100,000 in aid to local agencies for boating law enforcement; $620,000 for coastal beach erosion control; $750,000 for abandoned watercraft abatement grants; $6,081,000 in federal funds, for a variety of boating programs, including $3,153,000 for boating safety and education programs; $1,253,000 for vessel sewage pumpout grants, $875,000 for law enforcement, and $300,000 for boating trail projects for users of paddle craft.

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

07/02/2001

Today the California Department of Boating and Waterways will resume herbicide treatment of the water hyacinth in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, following a 19-month hiatus of the control program. The Department discontinued treatment of the non-native aquatic pest in November of 1999, due to a lawsuit, since dismissed, over whether state and federal permits were needed for the statutorily mandated program.

Boating and Waterways recently received the permits, and will resume the water hyacinth treatment program on July 2, 2001. Monday's resumption of operations will include a demonstration by department staff of treatment procedures.

Boating and Waterways Director Ray Tsuneyoshi said, "We're pleased that all applicable state and federal agencies have given us the green light to control this pest in a safe manner."

First introduced to the Delta 100 years ago from Central America, the plant's uncontrolled spread eventually blocked irrigation systems and navigational channels, and impacted fish and wildlife habitat.

"Controlling water hyacinths is not only good news for boaters and others who enjoy and live along these waterways. It's good news for the Delta's ecosystem," said Mary D. Nichols, California Secretary for Resources. "Resuming this important control program means removing a serious ecological menace that's attacking the health of many waterways in the Delta and the many species that depend on them."

By the early 1980s, the dense mats impeded business and recreation to the extent that the California Legislature mandated Boating and Waterways to provide a program to control its spread. This invasive, non-native aquatic plant can double in size in 10 days during growing season. It is recognizable by its shiny, green leaves and attractive lavender flowers.

03/07/2001

Governor Gray Davis today announced the appointment of Raynor T. Tsuneyoshi as Director of the Department of Boating and Waterways.

"I am very pleased at the prospect of working with the Governor, the boating community, and the Legislature on the various issues concerning recreational boating," said Mr. Tsuneyoshi. "I also look forward to getting out in the boating community and meeting our constituents."

Mr. Tsuneyoshi, 58, of Huntington Beach, brings to this position more than 25 years of experience in marine and boating issues. He was previously the Counsel to the Commissioner of the United States Federal Maritime Commission, where he was involved with all international and domestic shipping legislation, as well as the port and cruise boat industries. Mr. Tsuneyoshi was also President of Harbor and Coastal Services Unlimited, Division Manager at Zapata Gulf Marine Corp., and Vice President of Pacific Tow Boat. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve from 1973 to 1975 and in the Army from 1965 to 1969. Mr. Tsuneyoshi earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, and a master of business administration degree from Pepperdine University. Mr. Tsuneyoshi will receive a salary of $99,693. This position requires Senate confirmation.

The Department of Boating and Waterways administers statewide programs that enhance boating safety, education, law enforcement and public access to the water. These programs are funded by the gasoline taxes paid by boaters and vessel registration fees. In addition, the Department provides grants to local agencies for coastal beach erosion control and sand renourishment projects and studies.