Life on the Santa Ana River Trail

                                                Life on the River Trail               Photo by Andrew Bose

(My effort to give my teenager a reality check.)

The life of Donny

By Andrew Bose:

This interview is a very interesting topic the living life of a homeless person. We all look at the homeless as trash or lazy and even insane There are many like that but others just messed up with their lives and missed many important chances for success you never know with the right choices and opportunities that man begging might have cured cancer so with that I will continue with the life of Donny.

So I head to the local river trail see Donny and say “hey Donny” and he looks at me with a big smile throws his arms up and yells “SUP BUZZ!!” While giving me a hearty handshake I ask him how he's doing and with his usual response  “F***IN FANTASTIC!” I tell him I will buy him a beer if he sits and talks to me about his life, he says “Why do you want to interview me, seems like a weird school project” he said. After getting his drink, he sits on a tree stump and we get to talking.

I begin, so Donnie how old are you? “53” he replies. How was your childhood?  “Well my childhood was actually a pretty good one I grew up down here with a lot of friends and a good family with tons of different things to do” he explained. I ask, how about your teens, he said  “Well that's where things got a little dark you can say, I loved my teens but I lost my mother my sophomore year that was the worst thing I ever went through I started to use drugs like weed my freshmen year and got into cocaine after my mother's death I went to Edison played football it was fun at first but after awhile I hated it I dropped out my junior year at 17 and got into meth when I was 18” I asked what type of music did you like “When I was your age I liked country like Hank Williams and David Allen Coe that was my shit man” he said with a hearty laugh.

So what were the reasons for living on the streets? “ After my mother died I was lost, my dad was drinking really heavy and was a mean son of a bitch and took his depression out on me. He didn't last that long and he suffocated himself in his car” Jesus Christ, I said,  how'd you take that? “ At the time I was so spun out on drugs I couldn't give half a damn all I knew is that he was with mom and that made me happy I suppose” he lets out a soft chuckle and takes a big sip of beer and goes on “ I got an inheritance after his death it was about two hundred thousand dollars, geez that was a crazy two and a half years I don't remember a lot of it honestly but when I was on the last few grand I bought a shit load of meth and started to sell it” he said.  How'd that go I asked?  “Drug dealing is never profitable if you get high on your supply” he says laughing “ When I was about 25 I got busted and got 5 years for it, prison is the biggest shithole ever it's just a cesspool of wasted life but that didn't keep me from coming back”.

How was the first time you got out “Well 5 years is a really long time and I was happy to be out and crystal was happy to see me to so I started using again but worse then before I had no money so I was stealing it or robbing others for it. I got into a lot of fights in the pen and on the streets I should have been a boxer” he says laughing “but trouble found me again I thought it was a smart idea to steal a car and go over the speed limit in it I got pulled over and busted that got me two and a half years with good behavior that wasn't very bad I had a kitchen job I liked” he said. Did you ever have to join a gang I asked?  No he said “ I was big at the time all I did was work out so I never had any problems and I didn't like those sons of bitches who ran them either but I was cool with everyone”. That 2 year stay didn't phase me I was right back into crystals arms right when I got out didnt stay out very long I robbed a liquor and got shot in the ass by the Asian owner when I was running out” DAMN that's lucky I say, he says “you can say that I got 8 years for that and in that time I was done with everything I wanted to kill myself but i'm not a pussy haha I knew that when I got out I was never coming back I swore it I was 45 and I was done with crystal” What did you do next I asked?  he said “I was done breaking the law, no more of that shit I decided the best thing I could do is travel so I started hitchhiking I went everywhere, sleeping in bus stops under bridges met a lot of cool people I ended up doing a loop for about 3 years and ended up back in California.  Where was your favorite place to visit?  “Well when I got back to California I went to San Francisco and met some rad dudes who had a type of commune where they just took shit loads of acid, now that was pretty cool, I hung around with those guys for awhile. I liked it there might go back for a bit soon. I don't know but HB is my home, I love this place with all my heart that's why I'm happy here” he said.  So where do you like to stay at night “ I like the river trail it not that crowded and peaceful at night Sheep Hills is different that's a lawless place  people get murdered there a lot.” He said. How do you get your meals “ I use food stamps and the soup kitchen always gives me a lot buts its kinda shitty” Where do you go to the bathroom? He smiles really wide stands up and says “ See that bucket in that bush right there that's where I shit” he laughs loudly.

About a hour goes, I'm ready to wrap it up and ask any advice? “Never ever ever try meth” he explained in a clear voice. What makes you happy I asked, “ A nice cold beer, waking up in the morning and going to the beach” I then ask my final question do you have any regrets he repeats again “Crystal Meth wish I never touched it that’s it nothing else I'm happy with myself” I thank him give him some more change I tell him how much I liked listening to him and that I got enough to write about he says “Alright cool cool hope you ace it bud I'll see ya around” and I watch as he rides slowly towards the beach.

On the Harbor: Awarding the most deserving sailors

Commodore Chuck Wert presenting BCYC Most Active Family Award to the Johnson family

Have you ever been out to sea when it is cold, and you have so many different layers on that you are starting to resemble the Michelin Man? The air is crisp and the stars look so close that can reach up and break them free from the winter’s sky. You have just come on deck with a hot cup of coffee and you are not sure where to set it down, you turn and look forward into the dark cold night trying to adjust your eyes, then lift your hoody over your head. You find a good spot to start your watch, then reach for your coffee when one of your good mates, that you have sailed with for many years, goes into a story that you have heard many times. You smile…take a big sip of coffee, it’s a good story and you listen because there are always slight changes that keep you interested, make you feel good and laugh out loud.

Assuming you have not burned your mouth with the hot coffee, here I go with the 2017 award banquets. I know you have read this story before, and yes, I have had my Christmas Reyn Spooners all dry-cleaned that ready to be worn with great pride this holiday season.

This year’s awards banquet started on Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Balboa Bay Club where Harbor 20 Fleet 1 members gathered to remember the past sailing season and show gratitude for the people that went the extra mile for the fleet. I always seem to read a book from its back to the front, so let’s start with the award that means the most to all Harbor 20 Fleet 1 members, and that is the Arthur B Strock Service Award. This award is presented to members who have performed outstanding service for the Harbor 20, Fleet 1 organization. This year’s well-deserved recipient was Debra Haynes, who shows the most passion for sailing than anyone I have ever witnessed on the water. Haynes and her husband, Peter, show up to most, if not all, of the scheduled H20 events in their Navy blue boat named Spirt. The perfectly named boat for this competitor, it represents she shows up for most events, attends the festivities after each event, and is the first one to give you a big smile and a warm hello at the start of each race day. This award was first presented in 2006 and has been awarded to people like Phil Ramser, Peter Haynes, Jim Kerrigan and John Whitney. All of the names on this award stand for people that have gone the extra mile for our sport, and I will continue to strive to someday see my name on the Arthur B Strock Service Award.

The next two prominent awards given this night is the Fleet 1 High Point Series along with The Phyllis Rawlins Drayton Trophy. The High Point Series is given to the best attendance and performance by A, B and C fleet sailors. This year in C fleet, Mike Kohl sailing his bright red boat Attack Dragon, in B Fleet it was Debra and Peter Haynes, and in A Fleet Walter Johnson brought it home. The Phyllis Rawlins Drayton Trophy was presented to Roxanne Chan for being the most active female skipper.

Next up, was the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Clubs awards banquet on Saturday, Nov. 18. The big award at Bahia Corinthian is the Elmer Carvey Memorial – until 1982, the Balboa Bay Club Yachtsman of the Year – awarded to the yachtsman who most contributed to the organized yachting community. Past winners have been Cooper Johnson, Jim Emmi, Ted Kerr, Hobie Deny, Lorin Weiss, Jerry Moulton and Peter Haynes. The list reads on and on and includes Newport’s best yachtsmen. This year’s recipient was Don White for all his race committee work this season.

Its is all about MacLaren making it happen

As always, I have to give a well done to BCYC Sailing Director Cameron MacLaren, as his presentation is always one of the best. With each junior award came a heartfelt story of the recipient’s achievements. This year’s winners were Jett Brennan taking home the Rowland Perpetual for most improvement in sailing for the year; Adam Mead came up on stage with one of the brightest smiles I had ever seen to accept the Steven Winner Perpetual for the most selfless junior; Brooks Orradre won the award I wish I had received as a junior, The Jon Pinckney Award for the most outstanding racing record; Jake Mayol won the Grand Poobah for junior sailors awards and had his photo taken next to the  BCYC Junior Yachtsman of the year award trophy.

One of my favorite people in our harbor, Mary Bacon, received the Commodore Montgomery Perpetual for the most improved BCYC racer. Of course, there is the Woman of the Year award which was awarded to four ladies that “Got it Done” for BCYC this season: Gail Cyprus, Ramsey Johansson, Kari Konapelsky and Rhonda Tolar.

Another racing season has been completed and it is time to look into the winter skies, at the stars, and reach up for the awards you want to see your name on next season. 

Sea ya.

~~~~~~~~

Len Bose is a yachting enthusiast, yacht broker and harbor columnist for StuNewsNewport.

BCYC 20012 Awards Mayol most active family

When I first covering the BCYC Awards Banquet in 2012, add on six years and look what happens.

2017 Junior Yachtsman of the year Jake Mayol

My favorite sports coat seems to shrink each year!

On the Harbor: From derelict boats to the Christmas Boat Parade

King Tides in the first part of December and January

By LEN BOSE:

As we quickly approach the end of 2017, I thought I would head out to the harbor and take in some end of this year’s observations.

My first thought was an old question, “What is a derelict boat?” The best simplified interpretation of Title 17.25.020 Anchorage, Berthing and Mooring Regulations in the City Charter and Municipal Code was given to me by Deputy Kevin Webster in July 2016. “There are a whole lot of interpretations of what a derelict boat is,” Webster explained. “The boat has to be operable and in seaworthy condition. A derelict will have excessive debris that will be of concern as a fire hazard. It is a vessel that is uncared for, unsafe and poorly maintained. Other visible signs are excessive bird droppings, broken windows, or extreme marine growth attached to the hull of the vessel. Those are all signs of poorly maintained vessels and I would define as derelict.”

Now that Title 17 now falls under the jurisdiction of Harbor Operations, there is always a slight difference in the interpretation of Title 17.25.020 at every watch change. Should you wish to make your own interpretation of what is a derelict boat, go to my website at lenboseyachts.blogspot.com where I have the code posted.

Now, let’s say you notice a vessel that you feel meets the definition of a derelict vessel; you can gather your words and do your best to sell the idea to the vessel’s owner, that there is a way out for them to dispose of their problem with little to no cost.

You can inform them that the city has received a grant from the State for disposing of derelict, “owner- surrendered,” vessels in the harbor. It will be a tough sell for you to not come across the wrong way…you just need them to call the Harbor Master’s office at 949.270.8159 for more information about the Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) grant.

While out on the harbor, my thoughts then went to the upcoming Christmas Boat Parade taking place December 13-17. Checking on the dates at www.christmasboatparade.com, I noticed that the route has been changed and will be going counter clockwise this year. The parade starts at 18:30 and ends at 21:00, so I would suggest checking the website to get a better idea when the parade will be passing by your favorite viewing location.

I have a couple of ideas on how to watch the parade from a boat. If you have never done it before or you have not participated in a long time, I would strongly suggest that you enter the parade and make plans for each night to cruise the harbor with all your friends. The parade always gets me into the holiday spirit earlier than normal. Please note: This year you will be starting and finishing the parade almost in the anchorage, so take a good look around there before the start of the parade. Another idea is to call Harbor Services and request a mooring ball along the parade route and take your party to the mooring before sunset and just hang out, if you plan to spend the night. Make sure you have a designated dinghy driver to pick up your late arrivals or early departing guests. In past years, I have found plenty of room to jockey the boat around in the channel between Collins Island and Linda Isle, and also at the entrance into the Linda Isle lagoon. You should also find plenty of room just past the turning mark in the harbor entrance.

The good news is that the first king tides will be arriving a week before the parade on December 3, 4 and 5. Last year, this was a problem because the extreme low tide during the parade kept the late afternoon boats from launching at the Newport Dunes ramp. Note that the second round of King tides are January 1 and 2, 2018.  My next report will be on all the different harbor awards nights.

Sea ya.

~~~~~~~~

Len Bose is a yachting enthusiast, yacht broker and harbor columnist for StuNewsNewport.

17.25.020 Anchorage, Berthing and Mooring Regulations.

2.    Vessel Condition—Seaworthiness and Operability. Vessels assigned to a mooring by permit must be maintained in an operable and seaworthy condition. If, based upon the appearance of the vessel, inspection by the City or Orange County Harbor Patrol or other facts, the Harbor Resources Manager has cause to believe a vessel is not seaworthy and operable, the Harbor Resources Manager shall give written notice in accordance with the service requirements of Section 1.05.030 of this Code to the permittee requesting a demonstration that the vessel is seaworthy and operable. The permittee shall, upon written notice specifying the date and time, demonstrate to the Harbor Resources Manager that the vessel assigned to the mooring is seaworthy or operable. In the event that the Harbor Resources Manager determines that vessel is not seaworthy or operable, the permittee shall: (a) commence repairs within thirty (30) days upon service of the written notice of such determination and complete repairs within ninety (90) days of the commencement unless the Harbor Resources Manager, upon written request from the permittee specifying the reasons therefor, approves an extension of time to complete the repairs; or (b) remove the vessel within thirty (30) days of service of the written notice of such determination and request assignment of a different vessel that is seaworthy and operable to the mooring within sixty (60) days after the removal of the vessel. This section is not intended to apply to any brief period of repair common to most vessels. The Harbor Resources Manager may repeat his or her request to test operability and seaworthiness as needed.

3.    It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge or possession of any vessel in the City, to maintain, permit, cause or allow to exist on such vessel any of the following conditions:

f.    Maintenance in such nonseaworthy condition that it is unsafe, unsightly or poorly maintained, including, but not limited to: broken windows, unsecured doors and hatches, excessive marine growth attached to the vessel, the vessel is inoperable for its intended use, partially destroyed or partially repaired for more than three continuous months, provides access to marine mammals, is actively seeping hazardous or toxic material into the surrounding waters, and would present a physical danger to public safety personnel during emergency access;