MORE OPTIONS FOR "THE CHANNEL" CONTROL

[Not So Fast]

Last week I reported on an article which stated one idea to control the "Channel" was to charge a fee and most of you didn't seem to like it very much and I can't say I blame you. Sundays News Herald has another story now and I would have had it in then but the site was down I guess so here'e what is the general story line, the powers that be want to start implementing small steps of control. 1. restrict by 27% the numbers of water craft in the channel by signs and officer contact (not sure what this means) 2.restrict or close the channel after a certain level of watercraft is reached. 3. and this one takes the cake for stupidity, issue permits to moor in the channel daily or for the weekend and if cited for unacceptable behavoir your permit is revoked, included is nudity and pasties and the final recommendation addresses alcohol consumption and where the city limits are in relation to the water, specifically Rotary Beach and the London Bridge Beach.
Like I said to reply to all of the Naysayers and people in the know that stated they couldnt do these sorts of things, "Where theres smoke, theres fire" Remember the deal on mufflers caused by the illegal actions of the Marina and now it's a big deal. There will be a work session this Tuesday at 6 pm at the police facility to further discuss the problems in "The Channel" and I'm going to attend this one so anybody else feel free to join me.
I think most of us agree that changes need to be made in regards to "The Channel" but # 3 is over the top. NSF

[Not So Fast]

Last week I reported on an article which stated one idea to control the "Channel" was to charge a fee and most of you didn't seem to like it very much and I can't say I blame you. Sundays News Herald has another story now and I would have had it in then but the site was down I guess so here'e what is the general story line, the powers that be want to start implementing small steps of control. 1. restrict by 27% the numbers of water craft in the channel by signs and officer contact (not sure what this means) 2.restrict or close the channel after a certain level of watercraft is reached. 3. and this one takes the cake for stupidity, issue permits to moor in the channel daily or for the weekend and if cited for unacceptable behavoir your permit is revoked, included is nudity and pasties and the final recommendation addresses alcohol consumption and where the city limits are in relation to the water, specifically Rotary Beach and the London Bridge Beach.
Like I said to reply to all of the Naysayers and people in the know that stated they couldnt do these sorts of things, "Where theres smoke, theres fire" Remember the deal on mufflers caused by the illegal actions of the Marina and now it's a big deal. There will be a work session this Tuesday at 6 pm at the police facility to further discuss the problems in "The Channel" and I'm going to attend this one so anybody else feel free to join me.
I think most of us agree that changes need to be made in regards to "The Channel" but # 3 is over the top. NSF
Nobody?? Not one comment, WOW :( NSF

[rivrbrat]

They need to open the Sandbar. The off weekends are just like the holidays so why not open it again to help lower people and traffic that they wish to get out of the channel. At least a trial run during Memorial and see how it works out. Just my .02

[rivrbrat]

I would attend the meeting tonight, but I am in California unfortunately for the week... Good Luck at the meeting!!!

[OutCole'd]

Definately keep us posted as to what happens at the meeting.
Like it's been said before many times. If you want to get naked & party like a rock star, great, just do it at Sandbar or Copper Canyon. Out of site, out of mind for these politicians making the decisions for Havasu.

[That Guy]

Thanks NSF for the info. Please report back after the meeting as to what happened. If at some point a group of us needs to attend a meeting to make sure we are heard, I am guessing that enough of us live in Havasu or have houses there that we could make that happen. Thanks again for the info....important topic that got overshadowed by boats going 170+ last weekend. :D

[Havasu_Dreamin]

They need to open the Sandbar. The off weekends are just like the holidays so why not open it again to help lower people and traffic that they wish to get out of the channel. At least a trial run during Memorial and see how it works out. Just my .02
The rationale, as it has been explained to me, for closing the Sandbar on the holiday weekends is there is no way for them, LE, to get in there and control the situation if/when things get out of hand. Simply opening the Sandbar will not necessarily lead to a reduction in the behavior the city appears to want to curtail.

[My Man's Sportin' Wood]

In regards to the idea of opening up the Sandbar. . . I don't understand why they can't have enough LEO's up there to keep things from being dangerous on big weekends. There are enough agencies that have jurisdiction, that they should be able to come up with enough bodies to work it. At Katherine's, I have seen as many as 6-7 different agencies working in conjunction for boater safety, directing traffic at the ramp, and conducting DUI checkpoints. Not that I want to see more LEO's out there, but if that's what it takes to relieve the congestion and dangerous CO levels in the channel, then so be it.

[Essex502]

Here's the text of the article:
Channel control ideas to be heard
By BRIAN DiTULLIO
Saturday, April 30, 2005 11:13 PM MDT
Recent debate over behavior in Bridgewater Channel has prompted a move toward real action.
At a work session scheduled for Tuesday, City Council will hear recommendations from staff on how to curb outrageous behavior and reduce arrests along the manmade waterway.
At the April 5 work session, Police Chief John Alexander, Capt. Randy McCaleb and Lt. Rich Sloma gave a presentation on Channel behavior and control issues. Council directed the Police Department to come up with some alternatives for consideration, which will be presented on Tuesday.
The report to council notes the Channel has become increasingly popular over the years as a "party" location. However, the closure of Copper Canyon and the Sandbar has resulted in an increased number of arrests related to unruly behavior and an increased police presence in the Channel on weekends.
After proposing a number of alternatives, the police are recommending suggested changes in two phases.
In phase one, they would restrict by 27 percent the number of watercraft mooring in Bridgewater Channel by signs and through police officer contact. This option would help reduce crowds and give greater visibility to police officers, reducing the "anonymity" of people in the crowds.
In addition, police are recommending restricting or closing the Channel after the number of watercraft entering the waterway reaches a level that would promote unruly behavior or propose a safety hazard.
The last part of phase one proposes establishing more trash receptacles and more timely pickups by private vendors.
Phase two of the project would have City Council look into developing city ordinances that address public nudity and pasties and possibly develop a process of requiring permits to moor in the Channel.
The city then could sell a specified number of permits for a specific numbered position daily, or for a weekend. Unacceptable behavior would be listed on the permit with the penalty for violation being a revocation of the permit.
An advantage listed for the permits is that boaters then would be able to leave their spot for an excursion and return whenever they wish.
"Generally speaking, boaters now seldom leave the Channel during the day as a mooring position is quickly taken if the watercraft is moved," police say in the report. "This lack of space creates a situation where people fight for spots and cannot move their boat all day."
The final recommendation addresses alcohol consumption and where the city limits are in relation to the water, specifically addressing Rotary Community Park and the London Bridge Beach.
The report concludes there is no "one reasonable solution" to behavior issues, but that any steps taken to address the problem in increments is the best way to minimize impact.
No action is allowed at a work session by law. The work session is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the police facility, 2360 McCulloch Blvd.
You may contact the reporter at ditullio@havasunews.com.
Reprinted without permission of the Havasu News Herald

[Not So Fast]

Thanks NSF for the info. Please report back after the meeting as to what happened. If at some point a group of us needs to attend a meeting to make sure we are heard, I am guessing that enough of us live in Havasu or have houses there that we could make that happen. Thanks again for the info....important topic that got overshadowed by boats going 170+ last weekend. :D
SBark; Small world, we are transplants from Lake Forest, 3 years now. I just got off the phone with the city about tonite and the public is welcome (sometimes we aren't in this secretive little town) but I was politely told that I could not open my mouth or even comment :( I will report on the proceedings if wanted but after the replies to this thread I was wondering if anybody cared, this is something that will happen (control of behavior) and quite frankly I believe something should be done about the "infamous 2%" that screw it up for the rest of us but if we the public don't watch closely then the actions taken may be over the top as I said about step #3, Christs Sake, mooring permits!!! The city may not own the water but they sure as hell control the land so dont think for a minute that things like this can't be done. I believe it was around 2000 or 2001 Memorial Day that the gang element and porn world made their presence at the Sandbar and look what happened. Reform will take place believe it!! Till tommorow--- NSF PS Cant say I blame everyone for being caught up in the Poker Run, we were on the water and it was pretty awesome. Dont know about the start but the Skater with the purple checkerboards on the rear was kicking some serious ass just past Cat Tail.

[Essex502]

SBark; Small world, we are transplants from Lake Forest, 3 years now. I just got off the phone with the city about tonite and the public is welcome (sometimes we aren't in this secretive little town) but I was politely told that I could not open my mouth or even comment :( I will report on the proceedings if wanted but after the replies to this thread I was wondering if anybody cared, this is something that will happen (control of behavior) and quite frankly I believe something should be done about the "infamous 2%" that screw it up for the rest of us but if we the public don't watch closely then the actions taken may be over the top as I said about step #3, Christs Sake, mooring permits!!! The city may not own the water but they sure as hell control the land so dont think for a minute that things like this can't be done. I believe it was around 2000 or 2001 Memorial Day that the gang element and porn world made their presence at the Sandbar and look what happened. Reform will take place believe it!! Till tommorow--- NSF PS Cant say I blame everyone for being caught up in the Poker Run, we were on the water and it was pretty awesome. Dont know about the start but the Skater with the purple checkerboards on the rear was kicking some serious ass just past Cat Tail.
NSF - We do care. We stay out of the channel BECAUSE of the problems there with too many boats and obnoxious behavior! Not to mention the gross overbuilding which is aiding the trapping of CO so that it becomes dangerous. Hell yes we care, we have property in Havasu and are there every chance we get. Hell yes - please attend if you can and represent those of us in CA full time that can't be there. And - YES - please report on the discussion.

[That Guy]

Thanks NSF - I agree that mooring permits are ridiculous....It is sad that as usual the 2% ruin it for everyone else. I don't mind most of what goes on until it becomes a safety issue. A couple of weekends ago, some a-hole jumped off a sausage party boat to catch a football right in front of me. If I hadn't been paying attention, I easily could have chewed him up.....He is the guy that is causing the regulations and the increased scrutiny. I'd rather just hang him by his balls from the bridge and have everyone else just use some common sense..... :rolleyes:

[Essex502]

As a property tax payer in the City of Lake Havasu I'd be more than willing to up my tax a little and hire more LEO's to patrol the channel before doing anything that the council is going to be talking about. Zero tolerance and aggressive enforcement is the only way these 2%'er's will get the message and go elsewhere.

[That Guy]

As a property tax payer in the City of Lake Havasu I'd be more than willing to up my tax a little and hire more LEO's to patrol the channel before doing anything that the council is going to be talking about. Zero tolerance and aggressive enforcement is the only way these 2%'er's will get the message and go elsewhere.
Agreed...Also as a property tax payer in Havasu, I'd be willing to pay for more LEO rather some b@llsh*t mooring fees, more regulations, etc.

[Not So Fast]

As a property tax payer in the City of Lake Havasu I'd be more than willing to up my tax a little and hire more LEO's to patrol the channel before doing anything that the council is going to be talking about. Zero tolerance and aggressive enforcement is the only way these 2%'er's will get the message and go elsewhere.
I agree 100%, and make no mistake about the numbers of LEO's that it takes to get the job done. Budget crunches are everywhere, here, California, you name it and the cost of doing business is out of control. But you know what, all of the arrests made (as far as I know) in the channel or anywhere on the lake are MISDEMEANORS (well,not all arrests obviously) Punishable by some chickenshit fine that doesn't amount to a hill of beans, they pay the fine and go on their way. I say enforce the laws ALREADY IN PLACE and make the punishment harsh enough to dis-suede people from those actions. I believe they do spend the nite in jail but make part of the punishment ala Sherriff Joe, make them spend two days picking up trash in a pink jumpsuit along the 95 or better yet alongside the channel and lake, that would save the city money right? And I guarantee the embarrassment would be a better deterent than a fine. Too bad if it's a hardship, "dont do the crime if you cant do the time" God's sake, it is so simple, all beings react to REWARD & PUNISHMENT, I think I'll run for office :rollside: Till tomorrow, I'm out! NSF

[That Guy]

I agree 100%, and make no mistake about the numbers of LEO's that it takes to get the job done. Budget crunches are everywhere, here, California, you name it and the cost of doing business is out of control. But you know what, all of the arrests made (as far as I know) in the channel or anywhere on the lake are MISDEMEANORS (well,not all arrests obviously) Punishable by some chickenshit fine that doesn't amount to a hill of beans, they pay the fine and go on their way. I say enforce the laws ALREADY IN PLACE and make the punishment harsh enough to dis-suede people from those actions. I believe they do spend the nite in jail but make part of the punishment ala Sherriff Joe, make them spend two days picking up trash in a pink jumpsuit along the 95 or better yet alongside the channel and lake, that would save the city money right? And I guarantee the embarrassment would be a better deterent than a fine. Too bad if it's a hardship, "dont do the crime if you cant do the time" God's sake, it is so simple, all beings react to REWARD & PUNISHMENT, I think I'll run for office :rollside: Till tomorrow, I'm out! NSF
I'd vote for you.... :idea:

[oldbuck40]

i dont live out that way but it sure seems like a sad deal thats about to happen,,, i know you guys approve of some of what goes on out there and dissaprove of the a holes that cause all the trouble,,thats everywhere all across the usa. question is how do you deal with it in a way thats fair to everyone? who knows! i hope they come up with somthing that will benifet everyone. here is somthing to think about that i saw a while back, the aireal veiw of the sandbar and other places there that have thousands of boats tied together.looks like one big city..whats going to happen if a boat in the middle of the floating city catches on fire,how many live's will it take? how many boats? haw many nice peeps burned and scared for the rest of their life and yes maybe your own children..im not preaching i just happened to think about that when i saw some of the picture's... sit back and think about it.

[Rod-64]

Dammit!
My company maintains the police station and normaly I'd be there tonight to check things out...........I would have liked to attend this meeting. :mad:

[Havasu_Dreamin]

The sad thing is that, as usual, the 2% idiots will ruin things for the rest of us that go there to just have a good time and behave in a responsible manner.

[BoatPI]

Some have expressed a desire of increased LEO presence in the channel.
The problem could be a lack of officers. Havasu is small, and as I hear understaffed. Recruitment is an issue with LE nowadays. Look at the www.dailynews.com (http://www.dailynews.com)
Remember in some small towns the leadership can be opressive, and if you screw up, not many places to hide. But it seems the city has the money.
So why is the city NOT visibily actively seeking quality canidates from other places??????????????????????????????????? Ask the city council, is the PD doing their best to aquire good people, or just sitting on their as@? Recruitment for any company needs to be proactive to obtain the best and brightest.
This is part of the solution.

[riverroyal]

the one way idea would be a pain in the ass but it would help the traffic,but then everyone would go all the way around causing problems on the other side of the island when their drunk,,crappy thought

[ClownRoyal]

... make them spend two days picking up trash in a pink jumpsuit along the 95 or better yet alongside the channel and lake...! NSF
Or even picking up the rocks on both sides of the channel. But you know that ain't gonna happen anytime soon.
This is totally off the subject but with all the money boaters bring into the Havasu economy every weekend for 10 months a year it seems they can remove some rocks and do some sand fill.

[Havasu_Dreamin]

Or even picking up the rocks on both sides of the channel. But you know that ain't gonna happen anytime soon.
This is totally off the subject but with all the money boaters bring into the Havasu economy every weekend for 10 months a year it seems they can remove some rocks and do some sand fill.
While I know it's not the channel, it was explained to me that when the Nautical went through their recent expansion, they trucked in something like 400 truckloads of sand for the beach area in front of the new timeshares.