My apologies to .....................

[edsofish]

I feel very badly about what happened today and believe I owe an apology to the following individuals; Rich Navarro, Doug Wilgis, Jon Dunn, Bob Dias, Barry Temple, Capt. Jack Chapman, Ken Bertlsen, and Bob Bow.

Thank you all for ceding your time to me, gentlemen. I apologize for my misunderstanding and depriving you of your opportunity to provide your testimony.

Ben and I worked on an excellent presentation that needed 10 minutes to complete it in a comfortable fashion. As you saw, I realized, at the last second, I was only going to get 4 minutes. I first tried to wing it and, as you are aware, I failed. I then just turned the page and started reading, as quickly as possible, from a point that would probably make sense within the time allotted. I didn't even get to finish that.

My most sincere apologies.

Thanks for showing up.

Unfortunately, there were not a whole lot more representatives of 2/XA there to show the actual overwhelming support this proposal has.

The next meeting, depending what the Commission puts on the agenda, will possibly allow some meaningful input. We will have to wait and see what happens in the next several weeks. So Stay Tuned!.

Following is the testimony Ben and I prepared. I did leave a copy with the Commission and was informed they would make copies for all Commissioners. Will they read it, will it make a difference, I do not know. We can only hope.

Before we get started; I have an idea I think we can all get behind, very soon now; how about a workshop on PMLPASD. That is, Post MLPA Stress Disorder.
Hello members of the Commission. My name is Ed Tavasieff, commercial fisherman in the North Central Coast. I am also here on behalf of Mr. Ben Sleeter; a recreational angler who was unable to attend today’s meeting. Together we represented the primary designers of Proposal 2/XA as members of the North Central Coast Regional Stakeholders Group.
By now, I am sure you are aware of the many merits of proposal 2/XA. I have in my possession the documentation provided to the RSG during the North Central Coast process including the Science Advisory Team evaluations, Task Force guidance, DFG Feasibility evaluations, and Ecotrust socioeconomic assessment to support our position that 2/XA is not only the best, but the only feasible option in front of you today. As a quick review I would like to remind you of the following:
1. The BRTF asked stakeholders to focus on a number of policy-related issues, such as focusing on MPA’s with a High level of protection in the preferred size range, and placed a very high value on cross interest support. We met and exceeded EVERY one of their guidance. Perhaps the most difficult was the aligning of recreational and commercial interests. I am sure, you, as experienced members of the Commission, can appreciate this task.
2. The SAT provided the RSG with very clear guidance on size, spacing, and habitat replication. We crafted the ONLY proposal – 2/XA – that FULLY achieved this SAT guidance. Let me emphasize this point again: Neither the IPA, or the two other proposals met the SAT guidance in its entirety. As primary authors of 2/XA we took the SAT guidance very seriously and we spent hundreds and hundreds of hours designing a proposal that would not only meet the SAT guidance, but exceed it. NONE of the other proposals were able to accomplish this.
a. The current Draft Environmental Impact Statement clearly states on page 6-45; “Benefits to biological resources resulting from Alternative 2 (2XA) would be somewhat greater than those of the Proposed Project (IPA)”
b. 2/XA has the highest average conservation value of 9.22, …..10 being the highest, or, a proposal made up entirely of State Marine Reserves. Compare 2/XA with other proposals; proposal 0 =2, proposal 1-3 = 7.3, proposal 4 = 7.57, the IPA = 7.4. This metric points to the efficiency in which Proposal 2/XA was designed.
3. Proposal 2/XA was designed to comply with all Department of Fish and Game feasibility criteria, is the easiest to comply with, enforce, and monitor, ultimately making it more cost effective than all other proposals.
4. Perhaps the single greatest achievement of 2/XA is that the proposal accomplishes the mentioned science, policy, and feasibility guidance and does so with the least overall socioeconomic impact of all proposals. AND
a. If you will remember, Goal 5 Objective 1 states as follows; “Minimize negative socio-economic impacts and optimize positive socio-economic impacts for ALL USERS, to the extent possible, and if consistent with the Marine Life Protection Act and its goals and guidelines. CONTINUING
b. 2XA is the only proposal that has the support of local resource-dependent coastal communities. It is well established that in order for MPAs to succeed there must be broad user community support. 2/XA stands alone in this regard.
c. Specifically, 2/XA possesses a value that is immeasurable and beyond the guidelines set by the Act. I am referring to the overwhelming support of proposal 2/XA by local communities and the individuals whose lives and livelihoods will be directly affected by these MPA’s on a regular, if not daily, basis. Even though some individuals will be unavoidably negatively impacted, due to the guidelines of the MLPAI, these same individuals have indicated a willingness to express stewardship towards the MPA’s included in the 2/XA concept, above all others. The willingness and energy expressed by these individuals and local communities will be critical for the success of MPA’s and a functioning “network” for the short and long term. This same willingness and energy will prove invaluable when monitoring takes place.
d. I cannot stress enough, the importance of local knowledge and the need for local community involvement and resources as a critical tool for successful MPA’s and monitoring. Being personally involved in the current development of the monitoring framework, I can assure you this is, really important. We must encourage this kind of stewardship from any and all interested parties. ……… 2/XA is the best way to start.

As lead authors of proposal 2/XA, Ben and I took our charge very seriously. In an unprecedented collaboration between all user groups, we collectively, created the best array of MPAs establishing a tremendous conservation ethic while balancing the interests and needs of ocean users. 2/XA is the ONLY proposal that rises to meet this lofty goal.

I am certain; it comes to you, as no surprise, the fishing community views the MLPA with a highly skeptical eye. This is your opportunity to prove to those of us who love and cherish the ocean, and, who have had a long working relationship with the Department and Commission, that when fishermen come up with the best balanced approach for ecosystem protection, the Commission can look past politics and support such an achievement. Should you ignore 2/XA and implement a proposal that has a lower conservation value, and unnecessarily causes significantly higher socioeconomic impacts, the result would be the evaporation of any community support for MPA’s, and a stressed long standing partnership with the Department and Commission. We, again, cannot stress enough, the importance of local communities support for successful MPA’s. Committing to the 2/XA concept will foster the all important stewardship from all user groups and ensure the best outcome for California’s network of MPA’s.

Thank you for your time, and please, support 2/XA. It is the only sensible solution for the North Central Coast.

If I may indulge just a few more seconds...I would like to thank all the individuals, community representatives, stakeholders, industry leaders and public, who over the last several years, worked closely with Ben and me, to develop the 2/XA proposal. You have all worked tirelessly and contributed thousands of hours and dollars to create the 2/XA proposal, a solution that will provide significant ecosystem protection while maintaining viable coastal communities. 2/XA is truly a solution all Californians can be proud of.

Thank you, and thank you members of the Commission for this opportunity to share 2/XA with you. I hope you will agree with all of us, the 2/XA concept, is the Best solution for the people of California.

Respectfully,
Ed Tavasieff and Ben Sleeter, former members of the North Central Coast Regional Stakeholders Group

[arch]

KUDO'S to ED...he did good for all of us...I'm still watching the rest of the meeting on c-span we tried, we did, and we will keep on doing!!!!!

[Sleeter]

Ed,

After all you have done you are the last person who has anything to ever apologize for. You did great, as did all the other speakers. If these Commissioners don't get it by now they never will. If the IPA is selected I would advise everybody to completely ignore the outcome and remainder of this process. I'll wish them luck with their paper parks...

[SBD]

After all you have done you are the last person who has anything to ever apologize for.

Indeed.

[SBD]

BTW-Arch you did a kick ass job yourself. Different, sincere, and you had there attention. Great story telling.

[arch]

ED!!!!!!! (this posting is from Cate) Why in the $%^& are you apologizing? You have so much respect from everyone within the process. We are behind you 100% And will continue to be...............Cate

[arch]

Thanks Sean.....you are pretty fantastic yourself.....its not over yet, is it?

[edsofish]

Thanks Gang, your comments are really appreciated.

I want to be able to speak like George Osborn, Sean, Matt, and Arch. You guys are so smooth and clear.

Thanks, you guys and Cate with a "C". I am getting, as Sean would say, " over it.

[Matt Plut]

Ed,

Don't lose any sleep over what happened today. Without the efforts of a limited number of individuals, including you, we would not be in such a strong position today. I'm glad you submitted your paper for the record.

I really like 2.b. 2-XA has an average conservation rating of 9.22 out of 10 versus the mid sevens for all other proposals. I think of as grading in school. Does the F&G Commission want an A, or would they prefer to be mired in mediocrity with a C??????

Thanks for all you and Ben have done for the fishing Community.

[SBD]

I want to be able to speak like George Osborn, Sean, Matt, and Arch. You guys are so smooth and clear.

While I hated her for it at the time, my 8th grade english teacher Mrs. Yost made us all take Jr. Toastmasters. It has helped me my entire life. Thank you Mrs. Yost!!!

[Sleeter]

I used to be scared to death of public speaking. To the point where I almost dropped out of college due to the speech class requirement. I would be sick to my stomach leading up to it, many times dry heaving and ready to lose it. Just the worst anxiety in the world. Then something happened. I figured out that if I made sure I knew what I was talking about then it all went away. Now, since I do it for a living, it is second nature. In fact, I think my problem yesterday would have been doing too much damage to our cause. I am not sure I could bring myself to say anything but FUCK YOU to this pathetic bunch of state officials. I do not think I have ever despised a group more than the Fish and Game Commission. What a bunch of worthless scumbag politicians. I would give anything to put my foot square in Richard Rodger's ass and turn it sideways. Arogant asshole...

[Matt Plut]

That's the biggest problem Ben. If the tables were turned and the IPA had higher ratings with lower socioeconomic impacts, we wouldn't have a hope in hell to get 2-XA adopted. We have to continually struggle to push 2-XA simply because of the politics in this open and transparent process.

[arch]

Speaking.....I started working at my fathers business at the age of 6...have talked to people for 52 years while in business, a must if you are a small retailer on the coast...you want your customers to feel at home and want their return business. If you were ever in my business, Stewarts Point Store, you know shat a bull-shiter I can be. In grammar school & high school always tried and took the lead role in any and all school plays and functions. In college was president of the rowdy and always drunk club...spent some time in front of the Dean and student advisory spokesperson. By the time I was out of college we knew each other by our first names.

I still have moments of being scared, choke some simple things...but have never misspelled a work while speaking....but use the wrong word always. Tell a story or joke, make your audience laugh....relieving the pressure....then get on with the program. In turn Makala-kin, "Man who speaks with thunder", my father was always at the podium, word perfect, memorized his presentation word perfect..I had a great leader and mentor....................................

We tried and we kept trying...and it's not over yet

[Rich Navarro]

That's the biggest problem Ben. If the tables were turned and the IPA had higher ratings with lower socioeconomic impacts, we wouldn't have a hope in hell to get 2-XA adopted. We have to continually struggle to push 2-XA simply because of the politics in this open and transparent process.

How about the DFG official that spoke during the public speaking portion.. What a crock of shit! I am sure he was bought by someone. Unbelievable that they are allowed to jump in like that.. bottom line is, they can do what they want but they will never enforce it... They are fucked without funding, they are lame ducks.. They aren't going to get funding anytime soon so fishon everyone.. BTW by this time last year I was boarded twice.. I haven't even seen a FG boat yet. With cut backs it's almost laughable to say the least!

[zimo]

Ed, congratulations on standing up for 2XA . It took you hardwork, commitment, and balls just like when you used to surf 20 foot waves at Ocean Beach. I wish I could have been there.

[edsofish]

What about that Keely guy getting all the time he wanted to spout more crap about the IPA claiming that an IPA type of proposal is what the Legislature intended MPA's to look like. That really got my blood boiling.

He came as a public speaker and should have been held to the same protocol as everyone else, and held to the same time requirements, for one point.

The next point is; in essence, what he said was by choosing the IPA, the feasibility, science and BRTF guidelines including the goals and objectives are not necessary tools for creating an array and significant socioeconomic impacts are acceptable. This is pretty bad when you realize he has taken this stand in public, he incriminates himself, and shows his ignorance about the truth. It is clear who is blowing smoke up his ass. Problem is, he doesn't even know it's happening. LOL

George, I have to agree surfing the VFW was extremely challenging, but this public speaking to a bunch of deaf ears while you are trying to stand for what you know is right, is also extremely challenging. If I had to choose between the two, I think I would rather risk getting killed than try to talk to deaf ears who are paying no attention and playing a game.

You know, it's funny when you think about the criminally great times we had at Ocean Beach surfing, fishing and being alive in such a great time. I look at the kids today and feel sorry for them. All they have to look forward to is a police state with tremendous overpopulation and corporate dependance. There will be very few who are able to find the "spirit" that was so essential to our lives and has endured in our hearts and soul. As you know, the spirit I am referring to is Nature, and knowing her as a friend and a lover. BUT

That was our time, and no one but ourselves will realize our own reality. The new reality is not one I would choose, but to know that, is to have lived your own and we only get one.

20 ft at the VFW. We did have fun. How about overhead in the Corner with tubes to the Pier in the morning then fishing the Pier in the evening for 20 to 40# bass that were 'busting for an acre in black water loaded with bait.

Fish On! rings in my ears to this day. The sound of monofilament line as it races through the guides on its way to your next fish, the bump from the guy next to you with his canvas jacket as he reaches behind to cast into the water churning with stripers and bait, the heavy smell of fish blood from the tempest below, the coolness of the fog, a quick glance at all the rod tips pointing down as guys retrieve their line and someone yells that familiar sound..................... FISH ON !!!.

Thanks George