DBW-50thAnnBook-PROOF

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. 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. Mike received a Life Time Achievement Award from SOBA at the organization’s October 2007 conference.

1979

1982 Cal Boating receives authority to control

1983

Department of Navigation and

Ocean Development becomes Department of Boating and Waterways to better reflect the agency’s mission and activities.

water hyacinth (world’s fastest growing plant) in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Hyacinth originally discovered in Clarksburg, Yolo County, in 1904.

Fourth Department Logo, 1979–1987

21

50 Years: The Department of Boating and Waterways, 1957 to 2007