F&G Commission 5-14

[Matt Plut]

Same as it ever was... I'm listening to the Talking Heads right now. Who knows where this will go. Ed, don't feel bad about anything. You've done more for our cause than most. We secured ten minutes time for Ed and they limited him to four. I hope you turned in your speech. Kudos to Mike Starr for hanging around after the lunch break to speak his mind. All in all, there was a decent turnout of fishermen. I would like to personally thank Barry Temple and Ken Bertelsen for responding to my request to attend. Arch made a nice presentation, as did Dan and George. Although I support 2-XA to the bitter, bloody end, I remain skeptacle.

[Rich Navarro]

Matt, you did a fine job yourself.... Speaking at these things is not easy.. Glad you stood up... I wish I had my minutes I gave up to Ed.. they only gave him 4... I wish I knew... LOL

[arch]

Thanks to all that attended. Sorry I did not get to shake all of your hands and say "thank you" personally. I did miss talking to you too, Matt...Sorry. I feel that we still can write letters in support of our "Chosen One"...2XA. In talking with 3 of the commisionars personal at the break....I feel one of two things could happen. 1st..it could just go back to the state for a financial evalueation and could be put on hold. 2nd there is a chance and a good one that all, some or part of the 2XA proposal could be picked up and used especially in sub regions 1 & 2. Maybe I'm crazy to think this...but the Enviro's are still standing there asking for MORE. They are OTL (out to lunch) on this one. For those of you that listen to my presentation, sorry, it got personal and teary eyed for me. "makala-kin" was my fathers indian (Pomo) name...but I forgot to tell you and the comm. what it means..."man who speaks with thunder" For those of you that did not attend please listen and watch our last verbal stand on C-Span. And for those of you that did attend and even myself....I always go back and watch it again...write notes and get a letter off to the comm. backing up my stance, and there lies.

Thanks to all that have been involved in this process and listening to the people like myself who live, fish and have to survive in sub regions 1 & 2. At this point in time as all we can do is hope for the best and keep writing the commission. Again Thanks To All

Arch Richardson & Cate Carre'

[Mark Chow]

Sorry I could not attend. I worked to get friends to forward their letters and the easy click support of 2Xa, and maybe some did make it up there. Work issues, and just frustration from customers....we are in a changing society right now, and I feel, society has lived a bit too high off that hog there, and does not want to take that hit........part of the retilation comes my way, when I have to fix almost everything for my clients, and...you know, I am just getting tired, and really burned out, to the point where I am beginning not to care anymore in some of my career issues, and, I need that to change.

So, Ben, Ed, Arch Matt and all those others.....thanks for all your help, and just do what you can NOT to get burned out. Ben, for me, Exercise is just so key, but then, that Combo of Exercise and a GREAT Meal is even better, but, that love for a great meal...well, wrecked my girlish figure the day I was born.

I certainly hope to be there in Stockton...I understand there is another meeting ...and....if possible, have a moment to speak my peace.....I have hands on experience with some of the economics in the industry, as several clients of mine are in the industry, but, just as important, it is about what is best, and, we all know that best, can be spun many ways.

I am all smiles as I see how Ed has become just more and more eloquent in his writinig, and his presence.....that passion will be and is important. Please keep myself and other informed on subsequent meetings and the decision making process.

Perhaps, it would be useful to understand the importance of the next meetings to come, and how we, as individuals and as a group may make a decision....whether it be through personal statements, simply a presence, or more, AND, what is the most important "Message" to at this point to send to the F&G commission. As with ANY commission, today, at this point, they have heard a LOT, a whole LOT of input....Ben, Ed, or anyone......what are they looking for at this time, or...WHAT will make a significant difference.

For example, TODAY, in this part of the economy, and dealing with many Insurance Issues...Yes..Medical Insurance issues, I have to come to the plate OVER AND OVER and ask for Exceptions. Many exceptions because of certain gov regulations and interpretation of the regs. I am only successful, if I can plead my case, and ...well, find the "out" for a decision maker to see my position, and see where it makes sense.

I would love to understand if this is , at this point, simply a numbers game with letters and position statements...whereby we need a critical mass of individuals to make a difference, in a sense, representing the moderate community which understands 2xa makes the most sense, or, do we have to continue to plead a new component of the case, possibly to at least a couple open minds to make a difference. Then, what is the best new case to plead.

I feel, the direction will be:

.1 2xa is the moderate, most scientifically balanced plan. If the objective is to select a plan which meets all criteria basis..then 2Xa is the best model.
.
2 2xa also is the ONLY plan which will allow continued engagement to all outdoorsmen, indlucing the CHIIDREN, who, are actually the KEY to preserevation in the future

.3 The economic impact will be crushing for may communities, and a SIMPLE example is what the closuer of the salmon fishery has done. California Cannot afford such a decline.

.4 The Economic Impact on a Cost basis is WAY out of line to move ANY proposal forward with any sense of fiscial responsibility to the state of California, AND, MUCH of what is asking to be accomplished today, can also be acomplished with fish and game regulations, AS it is already, such as depth restrictions, and area closures.


OK, say we hit this take home message....WHAT ELSE can make a difference, and more importantly, what is the most important point...what is the Commission Looking For today. In the back of my head, I think....we need another message to make an impact.....what I keep going to...THE CHILDREN.

A zoology professor I had at Cal once had a long talk about Zoos, and how he initially felt that Zoos were wrong, and having captive animals were wrong. Later, he realized, that with Shrinking habitat, and poaching rampant in third world countries, the ONLY WAY to save wildlife, was to have Zoos, which, would allow INTEREST by children who would see and sometimes Touch animals in a hands on basis....this HANDS ON was key. I keep going back to INSURING that we have GREAT OPPORTUNITIES to allow children to engage in fishing and hands on wildlife observation, to keep them interested, and 2xa, is the BEST apporach for this!

Just a thought, any more.......the more thought the better. Wish I was there,

[arch]

WE HAVE A HERO....Please all of you go to 4:40:38 C-Span on today's meeting and listen to the GReeN PiEcE speaker...full of it....then listen to OUR HERO, Dan Richards comment following the greenie.... I'm impressed, and have never laughed so hard about the MLPA process....this is a great moment in the lives and future of the fisherman.... your comments please.....Arch

[Mark Chow]

It was interesting listening to the commissioners debate whether or not to visith with the legislature or the Govenor on Implimatation and Funding of this process. Looks like several wanted to MOVE FORWARD, Sutton and Rogers certainly wanted to move forward.


What is most notable TODAY, is that the News Headlines has been leading with the Govenor thinking of putting San Quintan, the Cow Palace, and Cal Exp up for sale, and potentially releasing tens of thousands of prision inmates just to HELP rectify the budet issue. HMMM.........RELEASE Prisioners, or Bulldog the MLPA process through and accrue extra cost to......what...RELEASE more prisioners?

Kudos to all that were there. I wish I was there, I really do, I saw how well the IPA side worked their game. I see where Ben and Ed had a GREAT concept for the take home message, and it was very unfortunate that Ed lost 60% of his allowed time, and then, the individual that drafted the initial proposal (MLPA) was allowed so much time to champion the IPA.

Here is a thought, is we get another moment for Public Testimony, and, my fault, I have been a bit slammed and did not realize that this WAS the PT moment, but if we do, maybe it would help to ...well......practice and roleplay.

I would be HAPPY to provide a space, food and drink for practice. I have been involved with presentations, and to get up like Ben and others...TAKES practice. When I got up at the BRTF talk, I just winged it, nothing prepared, and it showed. I would love to help anyone that would like to better prepare a small talk. I may even be able to get someone to video tape the talks, it helps. For example, Jay and I once talked about public discussion, and he shared with me some of his weaknesses...he got so thrown off when a commissionere questioned him regarding personal detention......

Well, thanks to all for being there.....love to help out more.

OH, and Rogers comment to the guy that wanted to protect 50% of the oceans was ....VERY FUNNY

[edsofish]

Good Idea Mark, but there may not be any more meaningful opportunities. We will have to see what transpires in the next few weeks.