Santa Cruz Port District
Newsletter - November 2021
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Holland MacLaurie Named Port Director
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The Santa Cruz Port Commission has announced the appointment of Holland MacLaurie to the position of Port Director, effective November 1, 2021.
Ms. MacLaurie has worked for the Port District for 13 years and has valuable experience in budget administration, infrastructure maintenance, regulatory compliance, and personnel development. In her new roles as Port Director, Holland will lead the Port District and oversee all harbor operations, including development of the District’s $9.7 million annual budget and planning for critical infrastructure maintenance and improvements.
Ms. MacLaurie previously served as the Port District’s Administrative Services Manager since 2017. She was appointed as Interim Port Director in August when former director Marian Olin Retired.
“Ms. MacLaurie brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about the Port District, said Toby Goddard, Chairman of the Port Commission. “She has successfully worked with a wide range of regulatory agencies, tenants, and harbor users, and is experienced with District finances and personnel matters. She is professional, focused, and hardworking, and brings a collaborative leadership style to the operation. She is uniquely qualified for the position.”
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Congratulations, Holland!
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Site Visit
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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Did you know that Santa Cruz Harbor is the only small craft harbor that assumes responsibility for and shares in the cost of dredging a federal navigation channel?
In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Port District is reimbursed for approximately 35% of the annual costs associated with dredging the federal entrance channel. This funding is critical to the harbor's operation and ensures the safety and navigability of the harbor channel is maintained for commercial and recreational boaters seeking access to the Monterey Bay and coastal mariners seeking refuge.
The Port District has a longstanding and mutually beneficial working relationship with the Corps. During a recent site visit, staff had the opportunity to review the District's dredging program and discuss future needs with San Francisco District Commander and Engineer, LTC Kevin Arnett, Deputy Engineer for Programs and Project Manager, Stu Townsley, and District Director for Congressman Panetta, Susie Brusa.
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Pictured above from left to right: Chairman Toby Goddard, District Director Susie Brusa, LTC Kevin Arnett, Deputy District Engineer Stu Townsley, and Port Director Holland MacLaurie.
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The Santa Cruz Port District is currently recruiting for the position of Administrative Services Manager.
Please visit our website at www.santacruzharbor.org for more information or to view the complete job description and submit an
online application.
Application Deadline: 5:00 pm, Monday, November 15, 2021
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Dungeness Crab Season Delays
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The recreational Dungeness crab season, which was scheduled to open on Nov 6, 2021, has been delayed due to the presence of humpback whales and leatherback sea turtles, and the elevated risk of marine life entanglement.
The commercial season has also been delayed until further notice.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is working with the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group to evaluate when the risk of entanglement has subsided or if additional delays are needed.
For crab season updates please visit the CDFW newsroom.
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As winter weather approaches, boaters are reminded to visit their boat before the next storm and frequently throughout the season. If you can't check your boat, find a responsible person who can. Here are some helpful reminders to stay safe this winter:
- Check your dock lines.
- Tie lines securely to cleats; consider chafing gear and doubling-up lines.
- Replace your worn lines.
- Test your bilge pump to ensure that it's working properly and free of debris.
- Be sure limber holes and scupper drains aren't blocked.
- Have an adequate number of appropriate-sized fenders.
- Store or tightly secure all sails, roller furlings, rigging, tarps, loose gear on deck.
- Close and secure hatches, ports, and windows. Make sure they're watertight.
- Make sure appliances like space heaters are not left unattended.
- Update your email address and emergency contact phone numbers with the harbor office.
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The harbor office and boatyard will be closed at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, November 24. The harbor office and boatyard will remain closed on Thursday, November 25, and will resume regular operating hours on Friday, November 26.
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Lighted Boat Parade
POSTPONED
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After reviewing guidelines for large outdoor events and public gatherings, the Santa Cruz Yacht Club (SCYC) has announced that this year's Lighted Boat Parade has been postponed.
You can still spread holiday cheer by decorating your boat with lights and receive an electricity credit for the month of December!
This year, SCYC's theme is Carnival.
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2021-22 Dredge Operations
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Mobilizing for the 2021-22 dredge season is underway. The crew successfully moved Twin Lakes from her off-season mooring in the north harbor to the entrance channel during the low tide on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Dredging of the federal entrance channel is anticipated to begin during the week of November 15, 2021, and will continue through April 30, 2022. The typical dredge schedule is Monday – Thursday.
Please be reminded that entrance conditions are changeable. Be sure to check weather and tide conditions and the latest entrance sounding prior to transiting the entrance. Know what your vessel draws and adjust for tide conditions. When the dredge is operating, hail the crew on VHF channel 8 for passing instructions and proceed cautiously to avoid collision with dredge system equipment and anchor wires.
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Dredge "Twin Lakes" - Looking South
Typical Mooring Configuration
(NOT TO SCALE)
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