RBOC Installs 2013 Officers

Byline: Ambrosia Brody

SACRAMENTO — Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC) installed five new officers to lead the organization through 2013 — a year that the nonprofit boater advocacy group anticipates will be a busy one for its lobbying efforts on behalf of boaters statewide.
New RBOC officers were installed during the organization’s Jan. 16 meeting at Balboa Yacht Club. Officers are: Jack Michael of Modesto, president; Greg Gibeson of Lake Tahoe, vice president-north region; Karen Rhyne of Newport Beach, vice president-south region; Otis Brock of San Pablo, treasurer; and Cleve Hardaker of San Diego, past president.

“I’m really pleased (to be on the board),” Rhyne said. “I think this is a really great organization.

“What I hope to accomplish is get a little better visibility in Southern California,” she said. “I think a lot of boaters in Southern California don’t know who we (at RBOC) are or what we do, so (we hope to) just make them aware of what we are doing and what we are involved in.”

In addition, two new directors were sworn in to replace retiring directors Walt Kadyk and Richard Craven. Taking their seats are Jim Faustini of Dana Point and Eric Peterson of Long Beach. Five other directors from Southern California continue to serve, as do the seven other directors from Northern California, according to the RBOC.

RBOC anticipates this year will be a busy one for lobbying and advocacy efforts.

Legislation is expected to be proposed that could curtail the availability of effective and affordable copper-based anti-fouling hull paint. The organization is also working with the boat owners group BoatUS to address the possible hazards for boaters having to use fuel that includes ethanol, especially with the new 15 percent E15 mandate, Michael said.

“We will certainly maintain our vigilance this year to scrutinize the governor’s reorganization proposal that transforms Cal Boating into a division within the state Parks and Recreation Department,” Michael added.

“This is a matter of great concern, since more than $60 million of boater-derived revenue will now flow to Parks,” he said. “In light of the financial issues that have emerged in that department, we are alarmed at the prospect of boater tax dollars being diverted to other priorities.”

The 19-member RBOC board will meet in Sacramento March 19-20.

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