[lbmboa.information] Boat Access During Events and Filming

[BOA Information Services]

Boat Access During Events and Filming
by
Pat O¹Connor
 
The City of Long Beach is a growing metropolis.  Currently, with it¹s
backdrop of scenic beauty, it is being selected as a major venue by the film
industry and event organizers. Over 800 filming production days and 200
event days are on the calendar each year.
 
With over 3,000 boaters in the three harbors of Rainbow Marina, Shoreline,
and Alamitos Bay, access to one¹s boat, particularly the 400+ live-aboards,
has become an ongoing and increasing problem. Growth is natural and this
type of growth has been a tremendous economic boom to the City of Long
Beach. 3.2 million dollars was generated in permits alone with 8.3 million
in film revenue from ŒIronman¹, ŒDexter¹, and ŒCSI Miami¹ to name a few.
Yes, we are indeed, ŒMiami¹.
 
As a boat owner in Long Beach, I have had my share of difficulties in
getting to my boat during the special events, especially ³The Gay Pride
Parade², some during the Long Beach Grand Prix and some parking problems at
filming locations. I often wondered, as do you, if anyone knew or cared
about the various problems created by these events.
 
Thursday evening, May 29th, at Shoreline Yacht Club four distinguished
speakers from the City of Long Beach spoke to the boat owners impacted by
the events as part of the speaker series organized by the Long Beach Marina
Boat Owners Association. Mr. Mark Sandoval, Manager of Marinas and Beaches,
Mr. David Ashman, who oversees the filming and special events, Ms. Tasha
Day, Film Commissioner and Event Coordinator, and Sergeant Jeff Garcia of
the Long Beach Police Department, all addressed issues from the boaters in
attendance.
 
Adroitly fielding the thoughtful questions and addressing the expressed
concerns, each speaker showed their personal knowledge of, experience with,
and empathy towards the numerous issues. The obvious issues were parking,
traffic, noise levels, profanity, communication, road closures, and
citations. It was explained that the City officials share the boaters¹
concerns and that they do what they can to support the boat owners. Mr.
Sandoval said, ³We don¹t drive the economics Šand we do value your input².
Ms Day stated that ³We do listen and say no a lot (to permit requests).
Filming is going to happen. My job is to make you happy². Further explaining
the complex process of permit issuance, Mr. Ashman reiterated that they come
up with ³the best plan to address the issues².
 
The evening was insightful, humorous with questions concerning dogs,
pedestrians walking through the parking lots, and the homeless in the
restrooms, but I feel very productive. Every issue is and will be addressed
by the City. We have great people such as these speakers who are on our side
and do care about us, the boat owners. Know that your peaceful input is
acted upon in a respectful and professional manner as quickly as possible.
 
I believe it is a blessing and true privilege to be able to enjoy the
pristine beauty of these marinas and the events they attract from a boat
owners perspective. Your membership in The Long Beach Marina Boat Owners
Association and thus, the representation by its officers, gives you a voice
to those that care about your concerns. Constructive dialogue through
meetings such as this will enable all of us to truly enjoy our privileged
setting in this great community.
 
I would like to personally thank, in addition to the speakers, Ms. Laurie
Little, Manager of Shoreline Marina, for taking an interest and distributing
the gangway flyers advertising this event. Also, the assistance of Vice
Commodore Stan Jackson and Ms. Stacy Dowdall of Shoreline Yacht Club for
graciously hosting this well attended event.
 
As a member of B.O.A., the next meeting of the speaker series will be mailed
to you. It will be held at Seal Beach Yacht Club late this summer. Remember,
your attendance and input is very important.




-- 
Long Beach Marina Boat Owners Association
Event and Information Services
Please do not reply to this e-mail
Please visit http://www.lbmboa.org




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