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Parking Task Force
A few weeks ago, we had another Parking Task Meeting. You may recall that this group is co-sponsored by OC DPH and DPBA and comprised of the various stakeholders with interest and concerns about parking in the harbor. In a smaller than usual turnout, some merchants, marina operators and commercial sport boat operators were present along with a disappointing small turnout of boaters. At the beginning of the meeting the floor was turned over (unexpectedly) to Rodger Beard, DPBA President as group chairman.
One topic of note was an idea, championed by Jim Miller, owner of the Coffee Importers, to change the shape of the proposed 2 story parking deck and extend it out to Dana Harbor Drive. Further, to change the lower level from dedicated general public use to a mixed use. To have boaters have dedicated access during the day and the general public to have dedicated access at night when merchants, especially restaurants are busy and most boaters have left for the day.
This meeting had other surprising outcomes, including statements by certain boaters that the proposed high rise 400-boat drystack is both necessary and desirable. We haven't reached this conclusion yet. Frankly we're far away. But it soon dawned on us that we had a problem. While we have been working closely with many slip and trailer boaters on this issue (sadly none were present), our boater survey data on this subject is now 3 years old. (Hard to believe, but yes, it's been that long!) So anyway, we've prepared a new 21 question survey (takes about 15 minutes) to find out what you think. We've also prepared a short 5 minute survey on the Parking Task Force.
You can take either or both surveys by clicking here. |
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Waterside Redevelopment Stakeholders Meeting
Last week there was a stakeholder meeting in the Harbor where some new ideas and planning drawings were presented and discussed. Rodger Beard was there representing DPBA and boaters at large. The Yacht clubs, some of the yacht brokers and all the marina operators were also present. The slides are supposed to be emailed to participants and we will post on our website as soon as we receive them.
The impact of the recent Tsunami was also discussed. The bait barge was actually broken in half, about $50k in damages. We've put a couple YouTube links in the left margin you will find very interesting if you haven't already seen them.
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Boater Focus Group
The next Boater Focus Group meeting is coming up next week on Wednesday, March 31st at 4:00 PM at the Boathouse in the OC Sailing and Events Center. We understand that that the ideas and drawings presented at the Stakeholders Meeting just mentioned will be presented and discussed. But there will likely be additional topics.
There was as smaller group, with several DPBA members present that met in December. But the focus was only on the means to achieve the zero slip loss objective directed by the Coastal Commission. So this is the first time Boater Focus Group will meet officially since before the Coastal Commission hearing last October.
This should be a very interesting meeting! If you are interested in attending please contact us or OC DPH. Telephone numbers and email addresses are on our website. Click here. |
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Department of Homeland Security Briefing
DPBA is hosting a briefing for boaters and the general public on the history and current state of the Border Patrol, as well as maritime smuggling, immigration enforcement and the new Joint Task Force that is addressing these issues.
This is a really hot topic so make plans now to be there! Here are the event details:
Thursday, April 15th
7:30 PM
Cove Room at OC Sailing and Events Center
34451 Ensenada Place
There will be an interactive question and answer period too so be sure to bring your questions! |
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DPBA Member Dues Waived for 2010
We announced some very good news for boaters in our February 26th Boater Blast. We're waiving dues for 2010 for several good reasons. This is a great opportunity for boaters and there are no strings attached!
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The Dana Point Boaters Association advocates the preservation, enhancement, and expansion of affordable recreational boating. We work to improve the family friendly atmosphere and breadth of water-oriented actives we all enjoy in the harbor. We serve as the watchdog by ethically protecting the rights of all boaters and representing them when collective action is most effective. We actively gather information and communicate our views to educate boaters, external interests, and public officials. We build and maintain constructive, working relationships to achieve common goals with other harbor stakeholders. We will pass on our harbor to the next generation of recreational boaters in better condition than it is today. |
