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21
50 Years: The Department of Boating and Waterways, 1957 to 2007
Mike has thrived during his years at Cal Boating, in large part because
he enjoys the variety of tasks and the ability to see important projects
through to completion. “I found it very rewarding to formulate an
idea, have the opportunity to see it implemented, and then start up
the project,” he explains. As a boating enthusiast—Mike has owned a
ski boat and regularly goes canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing—he
has been in his element. “I really like working in a natural area that
I routinely enjoy,” says Mike. “I’ve been able to use my hobby in my
work, and I never got tired of the job.”
Mike is developing boating trail guides for California’s rivers that
contain maps and descriptions of dangerous shoreline or areas where
boaters need to be mindful of private property. These informational
guides are posted on the department’s Web site. In recognition of his
work at Cal Boating, Mike received a Life Time Achievement Award
from SOBA at the organization’s October 2007 conference.
Mike’s current projects reflect his belief that providing boating safety,
improving public access, and helping to develop effective boating laws
remain in Cal Boating’s top priorities. “Boating is a huge part of life
in California – we have about four million recreational boaters in our
state,” notes Mike. “Cal Boating plays a critical role in covering the
basics in the process for all three of these areas: safety, access and
the law.”
(continued from page 24)
The center offers sailing, windsurfing,
kayaking, rowing, personal watercraft
safety, and basic power boating classes.
It also hosts youth summer programs,
boating law enforcement officer training
classes (with Cal Boating), and national
rowing events.
For his efforts in developing the Aquatic
Center, Mike was honored in 2006
with the Outstanding Project Award/
Midsize Access Category from SOBA,
which annually recognizes individuals
and agencies nationwide that have made
significant contributions to advancing
public boating access programs. Mike’s
work was cited for innovation in design
and construction, economic benefit,
safety, and accessibility. An avid kayaker
himself, Mike recognized the value of
having such a center from the outset,
and his hard work over the past 20 years
has seen a wonderful idea culminate into
a beautiful and popular facility.
Department of
Navigation and
Ocean Development
becomes Department
of Boating and
Waterways to better
reflect the agency’s
mission and activities.
1979
1982
Cal Boating receives
authority to control
water hyacinth (world’s
fastest growing plant) in
Sacramento-San Joaquin
Delta. Hyacinth originally
discovered in Clarksburg,
Yolo County, in 1904.
Legislation requires Cal Boating to
provide aquatic safety materials to
public elementary schools. “Play It
Safe” for grades K-2 and “Wet N Safe”
for grades 4-6 reflect department’s
philosophy: learning aquatic safety
skills early will protect students
throughout their lives.
1983
Fourth Department
Logo, 1979–1987
Mike received a Life Time Achievement
Award from SOBA at the organization’s
October 2007 conference.