A Plan Of Action

[Andy G]

Oh, reading through the lines, the City of SD doesn't want to deal with it because a new water-contact lake would take effort and money, both of which they have little of these days.

[DaxxRuckus]

Do we actually need to collect any money or anything?  I don't think it needs to be set up as a non profit or anything official.  Just a unified name to bring to the city council.  I just want to use the website as a place for people to provide their names/email maybe create a petition, and use it to post information.  We are currently using WBSD (This site) for it, but it will definitely look better approaching them as a watersports assocation, not just wakeboarders. 

I'm pretty busy with running this and other sites. I have no problem building and hosting a SDWSA website, and hopefully Frank or someone else will want to keep it updated?  Let me know whos interested in being involved.

I'm having dinner with Franks family tonight, so we'll talk about this and get the ball rolling.

[Kelli]

I'd like to be involved somehow, but running a website is certainly not in my bag of tricks. But keep me posted on other things that might be needed...Spreading the word and organizing and events and stuff like that.

[Dani]

Teach me how to do and ill run it haha and my dad can help.. he's all about computers!

[fg]

Couple of things.
I don't think dues is a good idea but Andy you can send me $$$$ any time.

Another web site takes away from this one. Just because it has WAKEBOARDSD.NET is no big deal to me. I'll do business with the DARK SIDE to get something open anytime. We just need a forum to inform the masses and get some involvement.


ON THE GOODSIDE
I had a call today from a supporter, the e-mails to the Council plus Neil from M2O went to the City Council on one of those days when they hear complaints on issues and it is helping.
The Council is listening and has inquired to the Water Department what would it take to amend the water permit to include water contact at Otay.

The must happen now is:
More meetings with the Council and more e-mails. Business owners and San Diego residence's are a must. The form to fill out to speak is your name and ADDRESS. You no voter me no listen.
I'll get the info on all the protocol for going to the meetings. I already have it because we been there done that. (that was for Murray, long shot but it did get a lot of people listening)
FG

[Dennis]

Frank,

It's a shame about the emails needing to be from voters or potential voters in the City of San Diego.  San V and El Cap host residents from all parts of San Diego County, not just the City.  I know though, it's a political thing and the City Council puts much more weight on what their constituency thinks. 

It's kind of an interesting situation here. The City has reservoirs that I don't think are within City Limits.  For example, as far as I know, San V and El Cap are in the County and not in the City.  Otay is in the City of Chula Vista, not the City of SD.  Sweetwater is in the County.  I suspect that the City of SD owns those properties and associated rights however.

You are obviously much more in touch with the whole situation than most of us.  How can those of us that reside outside of the City of SD help?  I know that one way is to urge our pro shops and boat shops to get involved, but how can we as individuals help? How can we throw our voice toward the effort?

I personally think there is value in both individual voices and an organized group effort (IE SDWA or SCWA, etc.).

Also, I suspect that we might be able to enlist the aid of certain boating and watersports groups and magazines that are national in nature. I've seen many articles over the years where these types of groups aid local efforts.

In my mind, the way to approach this is not to attend council meetings and slap our hands on the podium demanding access to local water, but to present our ideas in a friendly and educational manner. For example, how many of the Council members do you think understand how boating and watersports are an incredible family oriented recreation that bonds families and friends?  We have a great story to tell, and the City has all of these untapped resources (their reservoirs) that add so much value to both the City and the County of SD.  What a great story they could be telling if only they were boating and watersports friendly.

Tell us how we can help. I think most of us out here are ready, willing and able.

I would also like to ask what your thoughts are about enlisting fishermen and their shops and associations?  Again, there is strength in numbers. I've been approached by a couple of fishermen that were San V regulars about joining hands in this effort. I told them I thought it was a good idea and I would get back to them.  Personally, I think there is room for both of us on our waterways.

[buzz]

Well said Dennis.  I agree, it is a tough spot to be in, and a tough one to tackle.  Wish there was more we, as non-city residents, could do.  Hey, I will take a couple of them out wakeboarding 

[Andy G]

Union Tribune article today:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20081202-9999-1m2fees.html

Any implications for more water contact access with this move by the city?