Thank you

[PAL]

What a dreary outcome. Now that it's over I can finally speak freely.

That was one brutally lopsided, maniupulated, nearly hopeless fight. Between agenda driven science, constantly shifting goal posts, back room dealing and process changes in the dark of night, we were doomed from day 1.

Only you didn't get the memo.

As disappointed as I am in the unjust, excessive closure map we were dealt yesterday, and the lingering bitter taste of that unholy sacrifice of Malibu's Pt Dume (the local LJ) at the alter of LA politics and the disgusting wholesale giveaway of public access in Orange County , I am equally proud of our collective efforts.

You don't know half of the obstacles we faced. There's no such thing as a victory here, there never could have been, the only question was how badly we'd lose. And although I urge you to continue to fight this battle to the bitter end as we move to the Fish and Game Commission and possibly other arenas (), that we kept anything at all at La Jolla is a testament to your untiring and MLPAI-annoying refusal to go away.

You were such a persistant nusiance that a full-on La Jolla reserve evolved into a political non-starter. That it ended up south of Windnsea is a testament to your stubborness.

Anyone who's been to a meeting knows the truth of these words. You also know that kayak anglers and free divers out-worked and out-attended every other segment including the enviros. We've got something going here, a special community involvement. Although the ball carrier changes from time to time, there's a strong, solid team of winners personally taking responsiblity for preserving the values and freedoms we hold dear.

Thank you!

There were times during the last year that I was pushed to the absolute brink. Your support sustained me.

Every California kayak angler owes a debt of gratitude to those who endured the meetings, wrote the letters, lobbied the politicos, and donated $$$$ to the cause.

Chris Fierro, Tyler Webb, Billy V, Grego, Josh Rider, Kiyo and the Baytubers, Maggie and the OEX Crew all performed heroically. They were far from alone. Much gratitude.

A tip of the cap to all our other brother and sister anglers who stood with us shoulder to shoulder. Especially to Joe Nguyen, Jeff Sporcich, Joe Farlo, Paul Romanowski and the spearo troops. They are our close kin; it was great to finally get to know some of them. And Fishcatcher, our future, and the other kids who stood tall, you inspire us all.

That's it for now (this is alreay a novel). Gloves are off! Vent if you need to. Go fishing and let the bruises and scars heal. That's my plan. Hope to see some of you Dec 9 at the first Commission meeting. More on that in a few days.

Paul

[kurt]

Thank you for all your hard work, Paul. As much as I hated the meetings and this process, I was happy to be there fighting alongside a lot of good people. You know who you are.

When I went to my first meeting, a million years ago, I just hoped we would be able to keep areas open that were within reach of LJ Shores. When I look back at external map C, and compare it to what we ended up with, I think we were able to make a difference. To everyone who wrote letters, went to meetings, and worked on this in other way, thank you very much.

[tylerdurden]

Thanks Paul and all of our RSG members.



I don't know if we can ever repay you for what you have done.

[Holy Mackerel]

Paul, MJ, and everyone who spent any time fighting for us. You all have my gratitude, and respect!

[Grego]

Caught this at the MLPA Fundraiser Tourney...remember?

[Matt]

Grego that photo looks a bit photo shopped hahaha just kidding!!

The fight isn't quite over boy and girls, we still have the dfg meeting, and possibly more(?)

Thanks to Paul et. al. and everyone that helped I was proud to stand by you all!!


Lots of fog in el norte dontcha think???

[-scallywag-]

Thanks Paul!!!

I loved the "outburst" questioning the definition source of "quality kelp"...then SAT's explanation of quality kelps?? substraits, media, low relief, high relief??
Couldn't they just say "its the same type of kelp growing on a different type of rocky bottom with less dropoffs"...but then i guess EVERYONE would know that the SAT is full of $h!t...i wonder if any of those fat cows have actually been on a boat with a sonar in the N.Pt loma/S.L.J areas let alone dive it!!! could you imagine seeing that fat SAT guy trying to get in a wetsuit

All of this reminds me of the "open and transparent public process based on scientific data" that was used to "relocate" millions of native americans when the Army Corp of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation went dam (the kind that creates a reservoir) crazy....that was in the 30's so this public anal raping process is nothing new, at least we forced them to use a dab of vasiline this time!

[Swampthing]

I'm a waterfowl hunter and fisherman and am new to the kayak fishing game and this board. When I came to California from the South 15 years ago, a wildlife area manager from Fish and Game warned me that this kind of thing (MLPA) was on the horizon, and that people were dedicated to us never casting a line or taking game anywhere in this state. Man, he was not kidding.

Those of you who dedicated your time and tallent defending our lifestyle and rights have my respect and gratitude. I did what I was able to at the time, and I would like to join you and help out for the next round of actions, be it meeting with DFG or civil disobedience in the water.

Get some rest and thank you again. We owe you.

[Tman]

Pal, thanks for your tireless efforts...

To all that helped to make a difference, be it attending meetings, letters, emails, postings, encouragement, damn we stood and fought.

It was easy to see from the onset the bull$hit they tried to feed us, guess they thought we would just give up...

I will have some gifts if you will for the enviros that lurk these boards...next fish I catch, I will put it out of its misery quickly, with PICTURES of how its done...many pictures...

[Corey]

What? Corrupt MLPA process? Who woulda thunk it?

Thanks Paul, MJ, all the other fishing RSG, & everyone (yakers, spearos, & PBers) who attended a meeting, sent an email, or anything else that helped the cause. We would have been screwed much worse without the huge effort from the fishing community. At least we did not just lay down & take it.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta go tie some 3/0 hooks on my sabiki. You can fish for macs with macs, right?

[robmandel]

Velcome comrades. You vill find it very nice here.

[yakrider]

thank YOU Paul and MJ for all you have done for us!