[zenspearo]

Guys,

You know we will be the underdog at the BRTF meeting on Oct. 21st. The other side has been pouring money and full-time staff into this process. Lots of corporate/enviro mega-fund supporting full-time staff pushing things through. The rallying we saw in the last week to get their people to attend the Oct. 21st meeting is...well, let's just say it takes more money and man-power than we have.

All we have is local boys/girls with hearts and scrappiness--we've done good with what we have, but we need to work hard and smart in this last phase.

Now, what time to show up for the BRTF meeting on Oct. 21st? Truthfully, your day is already dedicated to this. It's like fishing. The early bird gets the worm. The best bite is for those who show up early.

There are, let's say, 100 chairs for the audience in the room. If 100 chairs are taken by enviros, the rest of the spearos/fishermen will be out in the hallway, out of sight by the BRTF and unable to participate meaningfully. And out of sigh...out of mind. Get my drift???

Alternatively, if 100 black shirts were to show up early (say 8AM) and take up all the seats, there will be 100 friendly faces for us weary fishing-friendly organizers (and more importantly, BRTF members and MLPA I-team) to look at.

Your day is (or already should be) dedicated to this day to saving your fishing/diving spots. Show up a few hours early than 1PM--help us out. Just take a seat, crack open a magazine or book, and give us a roomful of friendlies when the speaking starts.

It will be a disaster if most of the black shirts show up at 1PM, and have to stand out of sight in the hallway while the BRTF room is full of rabid close-them-all types.

San Diego crew will be leaving crack of dawn. Who else is in to show up early?