United Anglers of Southern California

ATTENTION – TWO IMPORTANT ACTION ITEMS

SUPPORT UNITED ANGLERS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EXTERNAL PROPOSAL B.

Maximize your access to fishing by attending special workshops in support of United Anglers of Southern California’s (UASC)’ Marine Life Protection Act External Proposal B, the recreational fishermen’s plan.

Starting Monday, June 29, 2009 the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPAI) will present a series of workshops for the South Coast Study Region.

These meetings will let you, as fishermen, view the six proposed networks of marine protected areas from Point Conception to the Mexican border including the Channel Islands.  This is your opportunity to speak to the authors of these proposals, including representatives of UASC who designed External Proposal B.  

More important, you will be able to provide your comments to the Stakeholders and staff of the MLPAI.  

We need your comments in support of External Proposal B.  

This proposal accomplishes the following:

•    Best at growing big fish.
•    Offers more conservation for the dollar.
•    Allows more recreational access than other proposed plans.
•    Provides the lowest overall economic impact.
•    Adaptive design that rewards conservation
•    Meets the goals of the Marine Life Protection Act

Click here to for specific information at www.unitedanglers.com
Overall proposal map from the MLPA website   External Proposal B
Thank you for support and hope to see everybody at one of the workshops.  If you are not able to attend, you may also provide your feedback by sending a message to MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov or by mail to MLPA Initiative, c/o California Natural Resources Agency, 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311, Sacramento, CA 95814. Your comments will be most helpful if received no later than July 19, 2009 so that they can be distributed to the SCRSG and BRTF members prior to the start of Round 3.

Respectfully,

Steven Fukuto
President
United Anglers of Southern California

Meeting Schedule:

Monday, June 29    
Hilton Garden Inn
6450 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, CA 92011
(760) 476-0800

Tuesday, July 7
Marina del Rey Hotel
13534 Bali Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 301-1000

Tuesday, June 30
Marina Village Conference Ctr.
1936 Quivira Way
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 222-1620
       

Wednesday, July 8
Residence Inn
2101 W Vineyard Ave.
Oxnard, CA 93036
(805) 278-2200

Wednesday, July 1
Aliso Creek Inn
31106 S. Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 499-2271
       

Thursday, July 9
Fess Parker's Doubletree
633 East Cabrillo Blvd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 564-4333

Monday, July 6
Simons Banquet Center
Ports O Call Village, Berth 80
1050 Nagoya Way
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 514-1050
      

 Monday, July 13
Catalina Island
Avalon City Hall
410 Avalon Canyon Road
Avalon, CA 90704

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HELP LAGUNA BEACH MAYOR KELLY BOYD KEEP THE CITY’S COASTAL WATERS OPEN TO FISHING

As many of you may already know the Laguna Beach City Council approved by a 4 to 1 vote a resolution sent on to the state to “request and support a continuous and consistent State Marine Reserve along the entire coast of Laguna Beach from Abalone Point to the rocky point south of Three Arch Bay.”  If the state accepts this recommendation that means no fishing of any kind (not even catch and release) from the shore out 3 miles along the entire Laguna coast.  This is extreme and uncalled for.

Our concern with this ill conceived resolution, is that the folks who want maximum fishing closures regardless of what the science says and regardless of its economic or socioeconomic impact will use this recommendation as “proof” that the citizens of California think taking away ones fishing rights is not a significant event.  The following quote by councilwoman Toni Iseman, the resolution sponsor, will give you an idea of her lack of understanding of the sportfishing community, the resource and of the impact by a total closure.  In the 6-26-09 Laguna Beach Independent she said “This is like smoking.  When you say you can’t smoke in a restaurant, people go crazy, but when you do it, people go, ‘Oh yeah.  That was a good idea.”

Even though the sportfishing and diving communities only learned about this issue the day of the hearing, some 30 people spoke against the proposed resolution.  With only some 20 speakers in favor, the city council still voted for the resolution.  Only mayor Kelly Boyd voting against.  Mayor Boyd, a sportfisherman, understands the potential impact and has called this “possibly the most devastating thing that has ever happened in Laguna Beach.

What needs to happen now is for us to let the city council members know that they made the wrong decision.  The only way to get them to consider that fact is for them to now hear from a large number of sport fishermen and women.  It does not matter whether you are a Laguna Beach resident or not.  The ocean off the Laguna coast belongs to all Californians not just the people who live there. Please e-mail the city council members listed below and have your family members and fishing friends do the same. Be respectful, but let them know how closing the entire Laguna shore out to 3 miles will impact your quality of life.  Let them know it is unnecessary and that that the scientific value of closing the entire area is not known.  Let them know how this decision will negatively impact the future economy of Laguna Beach and get your family members and fishing friends to do the same.  We need at least 500 e-mails to go the Laguna Beach City Council members listed below:

Kelly Boyd kellyboyd2006@gmail.com, Jane Egly jhegly@aol.com, Toni Iseman tiseman2@aol.com, Elizabeth Pearson elizabethpearson2@cox.net, Verna Rollinger vernarollinger@cox.net .


Bill Shedd
President
AFTCO Mfg., Inc.

Steven Fukuto
President
United Anglers of Southern California

UNITED ANGLERS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND
SPORTFISHER ELDORADO SET TO DELIVER FISHING FIREWORKS JULY 4th

Free Fishing and Loaner Tackle for Kids, No License Required For Adults Makes This Independence Day Special for Southern California Families

United Anglers of Southern California (UASC), in conjunction with its non-profit youth fishing partners 976-TUNA and Friends of Rollo, is gearing up to deliver some family fun and fishing fireworks this 4th of July.  As part of this non-profit organization’s ongoing commitment to family fishing, they have organized a special Kid’s Fish Free extended 1/2-day trip aboard the Long Beach-based sportboat Eldorado.    This trip is perfectly timed to take advantage of traditional great summer fishing for coastal sand bass, bonito, barracuda and other family-pleasing gamefish.

SIgn up and Reserve Your Spot Now - go to
SIGNUP PAGE FOR ELDORADO JULY-4 FAMILY TRIP

The spacious 80-foot vessel will be departing from Long Beach Sportfishing at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4 and will return around 3 p.m.  Any adult who purchases a regular fare $50 ticket can bring up to two children (15 years and younger) at no charge.   In addition, free loaner rods and reels will be available to youngsters (affordable rental gear is available for adults).  Additional children beyond the two free per adult can fish for only $20 each.

This event makes for a fun, affordable way for Southern California families to celebrate this holiday together, enjoying our natural resources and great summer fishing.   Adding to this exceptional entertainment value is the fact that July 4, 2009 is a No Fishing License Required Day across California.  This means that unlicensed adult anglers will not be required to purchase a one-day or annual fishing license to join youngsters on this exciting trip.  This event will also be a California Department of Fish and Game Fishing Passport trip, so kids will receive passport books and can earn stamps for each different fish species they catch.  There will be other special surprises for the youngsters, such as fishing comic books and other ocean-related educational materials from NOAA Marine Fisheries.

“What better way to celebrate our nation’s independence than by enjoying our great American pastime of fishing?,” said Steven Fukuto, UASC President.   “Trips like these are a great way to get families together for some fun on the water.  And they’re a great way for young and old alike to learn about fishing in a family-friendly environment.  We’ll even have you back in plenty of time to catch your favorite fireworks show,” Fukuto added.

The Eldorado offers fishermen an expert crew, plenty of elbow room and a full galley providing hot food, snacks and refreshments.  The trip will depart from Long Beach Sportfishing, centrally located at 555 Pico Avenue in Long Beach (near the end of the 710 Freeway).  

To get more information or sign up for this special kid’s fishing trip, contact Beth Lafferty at UASC headquarters by calling the organization’s new toll free number: 877/494-UASC (8272).  To learn more about UASC’s many ongoing activities to benefit fish and fishermen, visit online at www.unitedanglers.com.

IMPORTANT NEWS:  UASC MOVES TO NEW HEADQUARTERS IN SIGNAL HILL

Dear UASC Members, Friends and Supporters,

It’s been a very active and busy six months since I became President of United Anglers of Southern California.  We’ve been working hard on the Marine Life Protection Act issue, of course, but have also been involved in important youth fishing events, worked two successful Fred Hall Shows and had a great Garage Sale Fundraiser — and that’s the tip of the iceberg.

Now, I have especially exciting news to share with you all.  We recently completed a move of our offices from Irvine to a new property in Signal Hill, California.    In an extraordinary display of kindness, generosity and dedication to the sport of fishing, the members of the Alamitos Bay Sportsman’s Club have donated their clubhouse and surrounding property to UASC to serve as our new headquarters.

This new location provides us with several advantages.  For one, it’s centrally located in the Long Beach area, making it more convenient for people to come visit us — or for us to attend numerous meetings, conferences and events from Santa Barbara to San Diego.  For another, this new facility provides us with plenty of office space, meeting space and storage.  And in addition to the building itself, the surrounding property can be used for various UASC gatherings and activities — and I have some exciting plans to take advantage of this over this summer.  

Personally, the most appealing thing about this move is the opportunity to interact more with members and the industry.  We will soon be coordinating an Open House to share our new home with you, so be on the lookout for more information on this via email and our website.  And we also plan on conducting regularly scheduled “BBQ Days” at UASC headquarters, where we can meet socially with our members in a relaxed family atmosphere.  These events will be a great chance for members — and all concerned anglers — to hang out, talk about their favorite outdoor activity and discuss fishing and conservation issues most important to them.    We can’t wait to get started!

Please note our new contact information for your records, and that we have a new toll-free number to make it even easier to reach us:

United Anglers of Southern California
1933 Temple Avenue
Signal Hill, CA 90755
Toll free:    (877) 494-UASC (8272)
Local:        (562) 494-9900
Fax:        (562) 494-9980

On behalf of the entire staff and Board of Directors of UASC, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Alamitos Bay Sportsman’s Club for this thoughtful donation.  This is more than just a new headquarters — it is the beginning of an exciting new era for our organization.  

I am looking forward to meeting and talking with as many of you as possible over the summer and beyond.

Sincerely,

Steven Fukuto, President
United Anglers of Southern California

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

PLEASE ATTEND THE BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE MEETING ON THURSDAY JUNE 4, 2009

The Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) decided to blatantly overturn a secret ballot vote of the South Coast Study Regional Stakeholders Group (RSG). The RSG members were given the direction to choose, by vote, from four out of five remaining proposed arrays of marine protected areas generated for the South Coast Region.

The Stakeholders made their decision which resulted in the elimination of External “C” Proposal. This is the hard-line environmental community plan with an extensive number of no take reserves. The BRTF Chairman, Don Benninghoven and MLPA Executive Director, Ken Wiseman decided to disregard the RSG’s knowledge and decision to allow External “C” Proposal to move forward in the MLPAI process to be evaluated for consideration in the next round.

This decision compromises the “open and transparent” process in which the RSG have been working in order to fulfill their responsibility as members. Further, I feel if a pro-fishing proposal, especially External “B” Proposal authored by United Anglers of Southern California, would have been eliminated by the vote that Mr. Benninghoven and Mr. Wiseman would not have made the same decision.

Therefore, we ask that you come to the next Blue Ribbon Task Force Meeting to voice your concerns for the following:

1) Opposition to the unilateral decision to allow all proposals to move forward.
2) Implore the BRTF to reinstate the decision and listen to the Stakeholders.
3) This process needs to pause so that the Science Advisory Team can catch up and finalize guidelines so it can be properly disseminated to the RSG so that they can make informed decisions
4) Keep the process “open and transparent” by not using secret straw vote ballots.
5) Adhere to your rules that you direct to the stakeholders

The information about the meeting is below. I understand that it is difficult to attend meetings during working hours. However, it will be YOUR testimony that will, hopefully, encourage the MLPAI team and leadership to keep the process “open and transparent.”

Let your voice be heard.

Respectfully,

Steven Fukuto, President
United Anglers of Southern California


What: Blue Ribbon Task Force Meeting

When: Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. General public comment (not specific to a particular agenda item) will be taken at approximately 9:40 a.m.

Where: Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
6101 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045


We need a large turnout. The BRTF may limit the amount of time (as low as one minute) for each member of the public to speak. Be ready and speak directly to the point. The BRTF may also change the time of the public comment so please plan on waiting for a while.

For those of you unable to attend you can still make your opinion be heard via email or regular mail.

Go to: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/publicinvolvement_sc.asp

Email to: MLPAComments@resources.ca.gov

Or mail to:
Marine Life Protection Act/Initiative
c/o California Natural Resource Agency
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
Sacramento, CA 95814

Next Class

Date: June 24th, 2009
Time: 6:30PM—8:00PM

Burton Chase Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Los Angeles, CA 90292
(Classes will be at rear of park)

Educational Series is Open to All, Provides Hands-On Instruction From Leading Experts —
May 27 Class Offers Echosounder Advice From Furuno USA

In connection with the Playa Vista Public Library, Southern California-based fishing club Marina Del Rey Anglers (MDRA) has instituted an ongoing series of free seminars designed to make better, safer anglers out of all who attend.

The brain child of MDRA Vice President Joshua Gerson, these seminars are open to the general public (not just club members) and feature hands-on advice and instruction from top experts in the field.    Previous classes have covered the important “technical” topics of knot tying and rigging for Southern California fishing, as well as top techniques for local surf fishing and targeting pelagic gamefish such as tuna, yellowtail and dorado.

These classes are held at the Los Angles Public Library in Playa Vista, 6400 Playa Vista Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90094.    The library provides a comfortable learning environment for up to 70 students, complete with Audio/Visual support.    MDRA not only arranges for expert instructors, but also provides any necessary materials — so anglers don’t to bring anything but their desire to learn and catch more fish.

“The initiative it takes to put a program like this together shows just what a forward-thinking non-profit organization MDRA is,” said United Anglers of Southern California (UASC) President Steve Fukuto.   “We strongly support this educational and instructional program and hope our participation can make it even more successful.   We encourage UASC members and all Southern California fishermen to take advantage of this great learning opportunity,” added Fukuto.  

MDRA is a long-standing affiliate member of UASC and has been instrumental in the support and success of the Hubbs Sea World Research Institute (HSWRI) white seabass replenishment program.   For many years, MDRA volunteers have helped raise and release juvenile white seabass by staffing the Marina Del Rey growout pen, contributing to the addition of 1.5 million tagged white seabass to Southern California waters.

The next MDRA Fishing Seminar takes place May 27 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.   An expert from Furuno USA in Camas, Washington, will provide hands-on instruction on how to find and catch more fish using the company’s leading echosounder technology.  Gerson is planning many more free seminars for 2009 and beyond, giving anglers the chance to sharpen their skills in many areas.

To learn more, anglers should contact Joshua Gerson at (818) 439-1157 or email joshuagerson@gmail.com.