February 2010 Chairman's Letter

On Tuesday January 19th, CSTR had its first major legislative success.  AB 634 passed out of the California State Assembly without a negative vote on the floor or in the Judiciary Committee.  On behalf of CSTR, I want to express sincere thanks to everyone who played a part in this important first step to making the AB 634 liability protection for ship-based artificial reefs the law of the "sea".  For the details of the AB 634 impact on our future projects, please visit "Need to Know" on the website.

Special thanks need to be made to Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, one of her staff Gino Folchi, Dean Rewerts and the Governmental Relations Committee for managing the process, as well as Jeffrey Morris and the Legal/Permits Committee for negotiations to remove the objections of the Consumer Attorneys of California.

Without passage of AB 634, it will be very difficult to go further with the other required approvals needed to work on artificial reef projects.  This means that we can't let up in our efforts to see the process through until we achieve the Governor's signature on this bill.  The next step is to get AB 634 through the California State Senate.

We need the same level of support all over again.  You will be receiving the same kinds of email for the Senate effort that you received for the Assembly effort.  Watch for them and when you receive one, take the time to act.  It was through everyone's efforts we received unanimous support in the Assembly.  We can do the same in the Senate...with your help.

Joel Geldin, Chairman and CEO

SBRF Tour/Banquet -- 30 Days to Lock in Your Hotel Rate!

California Ships to Reefs (CSTR) has teamed with the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet (SBRF) fleet oiler crews to host a tour of SBRF, an all-day get acquainted hospitality suite and banquet with full CSTR presentation -- April 10, 2010.  This event is a wonderful opportunity for those who have served on the SBRF vessels to meet with CSTR members/volunteers who are working to take one or more of these vessels to create artificial reefs off California's coastline.  The one thing we share is helping these vessels to continue to serve in a new capacity for up to 100 years, and in some cases more.  Please join us for this event, get acquainted and visit the fleet.  As of February 4, 2010, there are only 2 spaces left on the tour charter.  If this boat fills up, we will attempt to add a second tour.  For more information and registration click register.

 Immediate Volunteer Opportunities

Speakers are needed in all locations throughout California, however we have an immediate requirement in and around San Diego.

The Web Committee is looking for volunteers to help with the web presence.

Committee Chairs needed for the following:  Finance, Public Relations & Shows/Events. 

It is our goal to recruit as many volunteers as possible.  Please click on About Us - Committee Charters for more info on our committees and their needs.  If you have an interest in helping in one of these areas, please click Join Here or the link at the top of the page.

If you are interested in one of the Chair positions, please contact Eleanore Rewerts at EleanoreR@CaliforniaShipstoReefs.org.