Department of Water Resources
California Water News
A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment
July 3, 2009
5. Agencies, Programs, People –
Transit chief backs waterways for moving cargo
S.F. Chronicle
Odd current pulls divers into deep waters
San Diego Union Tribune
It's warm enough to cool off at Inland water parks
Riverside Press-Enterprise
Natural, refined camping
Woodland Daily Democrat
When does a surfboard become a boat?
Costa Mesa Pilot
Baby floats to be recalled as dangerous
Modesto Bee
Jesse King, kayaker who died in ocean off Cambria, touched friends' lives
San Luis Obispo Tribune
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Transit chief backs waterways for moving cargo
S.F. Chronicle-7/3/09
By Rachel Gordon
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made a brief stop at the Oakland waterfront Thursday to talk up support for "marine highways" - a program to move more cargo over the nation's waterways to reduce truck traffic and air pollution.
The idea has particular resonance in Oakland, where the diesel trucks that move goods to and from the Port of Oakland foul the air and add to health risks of nearby residents.
"A marine highway will get trucks off the road and clean up the air," LaHood said.
About 1,800 trucks pass through the port every day. A study released last year by the state Air Resources Board found that the diesel truck emissions were a significant culprit in putting nearby residents at greater risk of cancer. Children in West Oakland also have suffered a disproportionate rate of asthma, studies have found.
The port's governing board voted last month to ban so-called dirty trucks starting next year. Up to $10 million was made available by the port and the Bay Area air quality district to equip diesel trucks with special filters to cut down on diesel pollution.
LaHood, who met briefly with reporters at Jack London Square, sat down beforehand with Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, and representatives from the Ports of Oakland, Sacramento and Stockton.
President Obama's transportation point man called for closer collaboration among the ports to expand use of the marine highway concept.
There are already more than two dozen marine highways operating in the United States, such as the corridor between Seattle and Alaska and in the gulf region. LaHood said Northern California could benefit, too, not just by helping to cut greenhouse-gas emissions but by cutting highway congestion.
Stimulus funding is available on a competitive basis to help ports make the necessary improvements needed to participate in a strong marine highway network, he said.
Dellums said Oakland is committed to working with Stockton and Sacramento move the project forward.#
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/03/BAJE18IDUN.DTL
Odd current pulls divers into deep waters
San Diego Union Tribune-7/1/09
By Karen Kucher
Seven divers were suddenly swept into deeper ocean water while diving off La Jolla Shores Wednesday morning in what lifeguards are calling an unexplained ocean-current phenomenon.
The divers, who were in three groups, with a diving instructor among them, were sucked from about 30 feet below the surface to below 60 feet by the strange current around 7:30 a.m., said San Diego fire department spokesman Maurice Luque.
Luque said they were diving near underwater cliffs on the edge of the La Jolla Canyon, about a quarter-mile off the coast, when they were unexpectedly pulled into deeper water.
"They were diving near some cliffs and they had to hang on to the cliffs to keep from being swept further down," Luque said. "It lasted about 11 minutes."
The divers were all able to free themselves and make it out of the water without help from lifeguards.
Lifeguards noticed a discoloration in the water about the time the unusual current was reported and a city helicopter was sent out to fly over the water but by then it had dissipated, Luque said.
Lifeguards talked to other divers as they came out of the water Wednesday morning and none reported any unusual conditions.
"We are warning other divers there about what happened earlier today," Luque said. "They are being advised, but we are not keeping anybody out of the water."
Lifeguards and a representative from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography plan to talk with reporters at the La Jolla Shores lifeguard tower at noon to discuss the morning's event.#
It's warm enough to cool off at Inland water parks
Riverside Press-Enterprise-7/2/09
By Fielding Buck
Temperatures have finally caught up with Southern California's water parks, which are open daily.
Even though Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom in Redlands is in the past and Temecula's water park plans are for the future, there are still places to get soaked, literally. And most have discounts to help keep you from getting soaked, figuratively.
Fiesta Village Family Fun Park: Most water parks are freeway close. But Fiesta Village is on a close freeway. This Colton attraction borders Interstate 215 just south of Interstate 10.
Knott's Soak City is offering a "four pack" special through July 31.
Fiesta Village offers a variety of amusements, from miniature golf and roller skating to Pyrite Rapids water park, which features tube rides and body slides.
You can buy a la carte or in bulk with a $24.95 all-access pass. A $49.95 season pass includes the water park, roller skating and miniature golf, plus discounts to race cars, carnival rides and laser tag. The $99.95 VIP pass, good for a year, adds the race cars and rides.
The water park alone costs $12.95 for guests 48 inches and taller, and $9.95 for guests shorter than 48 inches.
There's no admission charge and parking is free.
Pyrite Rapids, noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 1405 E. Washington St., Colton. 909-824-1111, www.fiestavillage.com
Raging Waters: With 50 landscaped acres and 36 attractions, this San Dimas water park is promoting itself as a "daycation" destination.
Highlights include a 36,000-gallon surf tank called Flowrider; Dragon's Den, an inner tube ride with wave action and a 45-foot plunge; and Amazon Adventure, a tranquil, quarter-mile inner tube ride in a tropical river setting.
A regular season pass for two costs $99 through July 12; an individual season pass costs $64.99.
Perks include unlimited admission and the chance to bring a friend for free on designated days; the $69.99 deluxe season pass has no blackout dates for a friend's free admission.
Regular admission is $35.99 for a guest 48 inches and taller, but there is a purchase-online discount of $5.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Daily through Aug. 30. 111 Raging Waters Drive, San Dimas. 909-802-2200, www.ragingwaters.com
Knott's Soak City: It's the great franchise, Charlie Brown. Knott's has water parks in Orange County (bordering Knott's Berry Farm theme park), Palm Springs and San Diego.
Highlights at all three parks include the four-person Pacific Spin raft ride. The San Diego park has rides named after local beaches, such as La Jolla Falls. Not so in Palm Springs, for obvious reasons.
Through July 31, Knott's is offering a "four pack" -- four admissions for $19.99 each. Regular admission for adults costs $22.99 online and $29.99 at the gate.
Soak City - Orange County, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Aug. 9; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Sept. 7. 714-220-5200
Soak City - Palm Springs, 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Aug. 23; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends through Sept. 7. 760-327-0499
Soak City - San Diego, 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 9. 619-661-7373
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor: Roller coasters are nearby Magic Mountain's specialty. Likewise, Hurricane Harbor pushes horrific thrills such as a six-story plunge of "adrenalin-pumping velocity" called Tornado. Look for a milder place to laze at Lizard Lagoon.
A season pass costs $39.99; single-day admission costs $19.99 online, a $5 discount.
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia. 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. weekends through Aug. 16; hours scaled back after that. 661-255-4527, www.sixflags.com/hurricaneHarborLA.#
http://www.pe.com/rss/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_waterparks03.1f42c21.html
Natural, refined camping
New sites designed for fishing, wildlife viewing offered by Yolo County
Woodland Daily Democrat-7/3/09
By Melody Stone
Looking to get away someplace new this Independence day weekend? Yolo County Parks and Resources opened two new camp sites along Putah Creek on Friday.
Fishing sites No. 1 and 4 are available for overnight camping. As of Thursday morning there were no reservations for the new sites for the July 4 weekend.
The sites are located on 150 acres along a 3.25-mile stretch of Putah Creek and Highway 128, seven miles west of Winters. Site No. 4 is sunny with no predetermined site outlines. Campers can park and set up a tent anywhere on the property.
Jen Santos, the county's park planner, said the 15 campsites at No. 4 provide a unique freeform camping experience. Both sites have creek access and currently attract fisherman for day
Fishing site No. 1 is more traditional with four car camping sites and one group site. It's more shaded and the creek is a little slower.
Fires are prohibited at both sites because of dry grasses and high winds.
Creating the sites was a quick process. Santos said they had most of the materials already, it was just the man power to put them in and get the sites ready for campers. The sites are fairly primitive, waterless bathrooms and no spigots for water. Campers will have to bring in everything they need.
Jerry Wright headed up the project. He said his crew turned a bare field into "kind of looking like a camping area." They are still working on improvements to the sites and will continue construction on some more trails and a picnic area for a couple more weeks.
Joe Clemens was hiking around Putah Creek area when the crews were putting the finishing touches on the campsites Thursday morning. He's bird watching and scouting possible kayaking opportunities.
Clemens lives in Davis and anticipates continuing day use of the sites, but probably not overnight use.
"It's good to the county, bad from my stand point," said Clemens in regards to more people being around.
To make reservations for either site contact Parks and Recourses at 530-406-4880. Overnight camping is $20 for a site (two cars and eight campers) and $100 for the group site. Overnight camping is available Fridays after 4 p.m. to Sundays at 4 p.m.
"For people who like to fish this is a good opportunity for them to stay over-night," Santos said, "I think once the word gets out it's gonna be really popular."#
http://www.dailydemocrat.com/ci_12747847
When does a surfboard become a boat?
Costa Mesa Pilot-7/3/09
By John Burton
The surfing industry keeps coming up with ways to put more people in the water with alternative surf craft. First it was surf kayaks, then a re-birth of surf skis and most recently stand-up paddle boards (SUP’s).
The SUP’s are surfing’s fastest growing permutation and their numbers already far surpass kayaks and skis which have pretty much come and gone from the local scene. That’s got me thinking about where surfing ends and riding waves with a boat begins.
Why? When you put surfers and paddlers in the waves together the paddlers can, in most conditions, dominate the lineup and take all the waves.
That’s because the speed they can generate allows them to catch a wave long before a surfboard. Depending on the attitudes of the parties concerned this can lead to “aggro” in the water, ranging from bad vibes to violence.
I had the honor of meeting surfing legend Mickey Munoz a couple of weeks ago. He’s now making and riding SUP’s. He told me he found SUP wave riding “less competitive” and that it brought back the camaraderie he’s missed from days past.
With guys like “The Mongoose” in the lineup you’re not worried about what anyone’s riding because courtesy and respect will prevail and everyone will get waves.
Unfortunately, that’s not the experience many of us have had with paddlers. There are some “sweepers”, as surfers call them because of their broom-like paddling motion, who are in it for the tremendous wave catching advantage and will take every set wave they can get.
Their lateral range is also much greater than a surfboard’s and on the average 2-3-inch day with a long wait between sets, it only takes two or three aggressive sweepers to shut things down for surfers. One might ask how that’s any different from longboard surfers who do the same thing to short boarders, who in turn have the edge on body boarders and bodysurfers.
In a sense it is the same. But swimmers, body boarders and surfers have pretty much worked things out with designated areas, black ball times, and unofficially conceding certain breaks as longboard or short board spots. And most importantly, none of them use paddles.
San Onofre has long since made the discussion a non-issue by providing paddlers with their own area. But for Newport Beach and most of Orange County SUP’s and other paddle craft are still a question mark.
So when does a surfboard become a boat? And what restrictions should be put on boats in the surf? I did some investigating and it turns out I’m not the only one thinking about the subject.
The Lifeguard Dept. told me SUP’s in the surf has been a topic of discussion in some of their meetings, and though there have been some minor incidents, they are in a “wait and see” mode.
They also emphasized that they can only act in an advisory role and any regulations would have to come from the city council.#
http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2009/07/03/sports/dpt-spsurfcolum070309.txt
Baby floats to be recalled as dangerous
Modesto Bee-7/3/09
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday that Avon, Mass.-based Aqua-Leisure Industries would recall about 4 million floating baby pool toys that pose a drowning risk.
The commission said consumers should stop using the floats. Leg straps in the seat of the float are prone to tearing, which can cause children to fall into or under the water.
Thirty-one reports of torn seats have been received. No injuries have been reported.
The floats, which were made in China, were sold at Target, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Kmart, Walgreens, Ace Hardware and Bed Bath & Beyond from December 2002 to June 2009. They cost $8 to $15.
Some are shaped like boats, crabs, turtles or cars.#
http://www.modbee.com/business/story/768635.html
Jesse King, kayaker who died in ocean off Cambria, touched friends' lives
28-year-old who died off the Cambria coast was ‘full of love’ and a ‘good people person’
San Luis Obispo Tribune-7/2/09
By Bill Morem
At 28, Jesse King was a dynamo and prankster who lit up any room with his entrance. He was a lover of life and mankind and, ironically given his death in a kelp bed off the coast of Cambria on Wednesday, a supreme waterman who surfed, free-dived, fished, kayaked and paddled outriggers.
Born March 14, 1981, to Christopher and Diana King of Susanville, King joined the Coast Guard in 2002 and was deployed to the station in Morro Bay in 2005. Chief Bosun Mate Kirk McKay, the senior officer at Morro Bay, recalled King as someone who was “a free-spirited guy, laid back, not the kind of guy you’d expect in the military, but he was a good people person.”
He added that although King left the service in 2007, it wasn’t like he really left; he simply walked south about 120 feet and became a Morro Bay reserve harbor patrolman and lifeguard.
Harbor Operations Manager Eric Endersby was sitting in his office Wednesday when he heard the Coast Guard’s emergency alert that a rescue was under way. Authorities were called by a witness about 2 p.m., who said that a kayaker was in the water off Cambria’s Marine Terrace neighborhood.
Endersby later learned the kayaker was King, who was “establishing himself as a leader in the lifeguard ranks who was instrumental in setting up the city’s Lifeguard Training Academy. A really nice guy, who had an artistic side, was into music, painted, read the New York Times and was just really interesting to talk to. He was into marine archeology, artifacts, shipwrecks and that kind of stuff.”
Sioux Strebin, facilities manager at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, may have been the last person King talked with before his fateful dive.
He had called her Wednesday from Cuesta College, where he was completing his basic education requirement with plans to transfer to Cal Poly.
“Jess (also known as Jesso among friends) called me from school to just check-in,” said the woman who calls herself “his surrogate mom.”
“Think of all the people you love and put it into a ball and that was Jess. He was so full of love he could pour it out on everybody; he was a leader and an organizer.
“We used to joke that if you wanted people to meet other people, Jess was the guy to get them together. He was the guy who, when he walked into the room, everyone turned; he created laughter and smiles you wouldn’t believe,” she said. Strebin says lyrics to King’s favorite song from Ray LaMontagne’s “Let It Be Me” accurately describe the young man:
“… when all your faith is gone Feels like you can’t go on Let it be me Let it be me If it’s a friend that you need Let it be me Let it be me.”#
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/story/772131.html
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