As I have mentioned many times before, Newport Harbor has a large footprint around our area: statewide, nationally and around the world.
Our harbor is noteworthy everywhere. Along those lines, I thought I would extend congratulations to Dennis Moran of Ardell, Newport Harbor, who was a board member and this year will become President of the California Yacht Brokers Assn. This esteemed association has high business standards for its members to adhere to. You can only become a member by being referred by an existing member. Bravo Dennis!
Ryan Eastman, West Coast Yachts of Newport Harbor, will become Secretary.
For those of us who partake in Catalina enjoyment, the 2013 Catalina Conservatory Ball will be held in the historic Avalon Casino on April 13th. This organization has raised over $3 million to improve the island for the public’s enjoyment. Tickets are $275 each which includes dinner, live dance music, and an auction, with all funds going to improving the island. The members strive to give something in return for the enjoyment the island has provided to their families and friends.
For those who have benefited from this year’s above average lobster season, time is running out. The season ends Aril 1. From Palos Verdes to the Mexican border, the catch amounts have been quite pleasing this year. The hoop net style lobster fishing requires a valid California fishing license, and as with fish, freshly caught game is far more tasty than anything store bought.
I spoke to Chris Miller, the city Harbor Resources Department Manager, recently as a city dock pump out machine was slow pumping the “Sundance” holding tank.
He mentioned he had good news! Very soon all city pump out machines will be replaced with new, state of art, pump outs. These new machines will pump more volume and need less maintenance than their predecessors. This will mean fewer breakages and less time needed to accomplish the task.
A few months ago I mentioned to Chris I would speak to the excellent job Chris has performed for our harbor. Chris has an effective knowledge of our harbor and the numerous government agencies his position requires of him to represent our interests.
Judy and I were returning to the marina last May around 7:30 p.m. from dinner at the American Legion. A brisk wind was blowing. I noticed the city Boston Whaler with a skull capped worker sounding an area adjacent to the Bay Club. The dredgers had previously been digging out this area and moved across the bay. I guessed it might be Chris and hollered to see. Sure enough, even though there were adverse weather conditions, it was Chris and he was personally checking the dredged depths after hours, effectively protecting all of our interests.
While most of us still have a bad taste in our mouth from the upper-handed maneuvers of the city manager directing the city council to raise dock taxes, there are a few fantastic city workers who are actually looking out for the residents. Chris Miller leads the group. When Tom Rossmiller moved from County to Harbor Resources, he chose Chris to continue his good deeds. Tom chose well. Chris and Tom have turned around this department, and we all have the dynamic leadership we deserve. I do not have the space available to commend Chris for the superior job he performs for our harbor. Thanks Chris for a job well done!
This weekend we again have killer warm weather for winter boating.
Sea Ya,
Skipper Steve
Steve Barrett has more than 50 years boating in Newport and performs systems checks, repairs and pilots yachts. Email him at skipperstevetoo@yahoo.com.
