Catalina Island Special Issue

tration fees.

LOCAL West Side Floating Docks at Shelter Island Boat Launching Ramp Closed Due

to Structural Damage

Port is Expediting Repairs, Requests

Patience as Boaters Use Boat Launch Over Upcoming Holiday Week

SAN DIEGO — On June 29, the Port of San Diego announced that for public safety, the Port has closed the west side floating docks at the Shelter Island Boat Launching Ramp due to structural damage. The Port of San Diego’s engineering department and consultants are working quickly to assess the cause and extent of the damage, determine what repairs are needed, and to schedule repairs.

In the meantime, the Port urges boaters to use caution when using the boat launch ramp. The Port also requests patience as only the east side floating docks are accessible at this time, which may cause backups and delays, especially over the typically busy 4th of July holiday.

The Port will release additional information as it becomes available and will keep the public posted on when the west side floating docks are anticipated to reopen.

There are four boat launching ramps on San Diego Bay provided at no cost to boaters. In addition to Shelter Island, they are located at Pepper Park in National City, at Bayfront Park/J Street Marina Park in Chula Vista, and at Glorietta Bay in Coronado. For more information, go to portofsandiego.org/ boat-launching-ramps.

The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay, spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.

The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences, and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.

STATE/NATIONAL/ INTERNATIONAL California Boaters Fight

300 Percent Increase in Registration Fees

CALIFORNIA — The Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC) is urging boaters to contact their State Senators and Assembly Members and request the rejection of Governor Newsom’s proposed 2023-24 budget, which is calling for a 300 percent increase in boat regis-

Boating fees have not increased in several years. According to BoatU.S., “RBOC, BoatU.S., and other recreational boating stakeholders have been engaged in a two-year process to review the state’s boating programs. While we anticipated there would be a modest increase; we expected the state to recognize the significant contribution boaters already make, such as $107 million in annual motor fuel taxes. It is our expectation that the fees and taxes paid by boaters go to fund boating programs. Unfortunately, that is not the case with the current proposal.”

According to the RBOC website, the annual income of the average California boat owner is $70,000 per year, and the number of registered vessels in California has seen a decrease. Several years ago, California had been ranked third in the number of registered boats by state, but today, it is ranked fifth.

“Local assessors have been drastically increasing the assessed value of vessels for local property tax purposes, regardless of their age,” said the RBOC website. “New marina developments are reducing the number of slips available for small boats. Boaters are being required to spend more money on less effective hull paints.”

For more information, please visit https://www.votervoice.net/ BOATUS/Campaigns/106391/ Respond?unregistered=ZwTooIiln2Sfga_ PYaxoXg or https://www.rboc.org/ call-to-action.

Jeff Brown Yachts Expands Team in Seattle to Drive Growth and Redefine the Luxury Yacht Buying Experience

SEATTLE — Jeff Brown Yachts, a leader in the yachting industry, has welcomed Tommy Casias as the new Sales Manager in its Seattle office.

A seasoned professional, Casias brings valuable sales expertise from the tech industry and extensive marine experience. His exceptional leadership skills will drive sales and propel the growth of the Pacific Northwest division.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be on board the Jeff Brown Yachts team,” said Casias. “Calling on my slight obsession for boating and extensive sales leadership background, I look forward to helping expand the PNW market.”

“We’re excited to welcome Tommy to the Jeff Brown Yachts team,” said Jeff Brown. “His maritime experience,