April 2010 Archives

The Surfrider Foundation Long Beach Chapter is now accepting nominations for its 2010-2011 executive committee.

The nominations will be accepted until May 7.

There is a monthly executive committee meeting commitment along with dedicating yourself further to the Surfrider Foundation's mission and principles.

Nominees must be a registered member and have attended at least two chapter functions this last year.

Nominations or questions should be submitted to chapter chairman Emiko Innes at xtremesun@yahoo.com.

Long Beach has certified its greenhouse gas emissions inventory with the California Climate Action Registry, earning the distinction of a Climate Action Leader.

The city is now publicly and voluntarily reporting its 2008 GHG emissions under the California Registry's rigorous program, according to city spokesman Ed Kamlan.

Two years ago, in 2008, Long Beach reduced its greenhouse gas emissions, taking an important first step in showing progress toward reducing the city's carbon footprint.

The majority of the city's emissions came from electricity, at 30,187 metric tons, which is 749 metric tons less than in 2007, Kamlan said.

n 2008, vehicles and equipment emitted 14,638 metric tons, and natural gas usage accounted for 4,392 metric tons, which is 1,788 metric tons less than in 2007.

With increasing emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions at both the state and federal levels, completing an inventory places Long Beach in a leadership role and prepares the city for future regulations, Kamlan said.

The inventory includes carbon dioxide emissions for city-owned and operated sites, facilities and operations. The city's emissions come from energy use associated with electricity, natural gas and vehicle fuel.

This is a comprehensive inventory of city operations, including Long Beach Gas & Oil, the Long Beach Water Department and the Port of Long Beach.

Included in the inventory are city facilities like City Hall and fire stations, operations like traffic signals, and vehicles like street sweepers and police cruisers.

The California Registry, created by the state in 2001, is a private nonprofit organization that supports companies and organizations in tracking, publicly reporting and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

The results are verified by independent third parties to ensure compliance with California Registry protocols.

Long Beach's certified GHG emissions report for 2008 is available at the website at www.sustainablelb.com

The state has released a blueprint for safer products.
The state Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) has released a blueprint for safer products.

The outline -- Regulations for Safer Products -- gives the public its first look at how the regulatory arm of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Green Chemistry Initiative will be implemented.

"We now know that safer products are a critical part of a safer environment."  DTSC Director Maziar Movassaghi said in a prepared statement.

By motivating manufacturers to look for safer alternatives early on, the outline inspires innovation and moves California toward a more sustainable future.

"We want businesses to use their know-how and innovation in developing solutions for using safer chemicals in products" said Movassaghi. "These regulations are a win for California - safer products producing innovation and the innovation producing more jobs."

The outline makes clear DTSC's commitment to implementing a systematic process based on science to focus on reducing the use of chemicals posing the greatest threat to public health and our environment, and gives DTSC the ability to respond quickly to new science.

Once products of concern are identified, a regulatory process would begin encouraging the manufacturer to engage in an alternatives analysis to find safer alternative chemicals.

The next step in creating the regulations is developing draft language. These draft regulations will be released in the very near future.

 DTSC welcomes feedback on the outline from all stakeholders.

The outline -- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)-- and the conceptual framework can be found at: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/GreenChemistryInitiative/safer_products_regs_outline.cfm

For general questions, call the Department of Toxic Substances Control at 800.728-6942 or visit www.dtsc.ca.gov. To report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste, call the Waste Alert Hotline at 800. 698-6942.

Over 675 letters supporting reconfiguration of the Long Beach Breakwater have been collected in one week.

"What a great way for our city to show its support for clean water and world-class beaches!" said Councilamn Robert Garcia, who launched a letter campaign to demonstrate local support for the proposed reconfiguration, which is being reviewed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

The councilman said the Army Corps of Engineers should announce in the next few weeks an official decision on federal interest to move forward.

Sears has picked Veterans Memorial Park in Long Beach as one of 10 finalists nationwide for a Blue Lawn & Garden Crew Makeover.

But the community is encouraged to vote for the park, at 101 E. 28th St., in an online contest that will determine the winning park. The winning park could be awarded $30,000.

Anyone can vote until May 5 once a day -- at www.longbeach.gov -- to help Veterans Memorial Park win.

For more details about voting, call 562.570.3233.

Sears' "More Green Across America" program offers a lawn and garden makeover for a deserving community, along with the products to help keep the space looking green for years to come. The program recognizes the important role parks and recreational areas play in all cities.

The state Fish & Game Commission (FGC) has adopted ocean salmon sport fishing regulations that allow for a limited season this year.

The inland salmon season regulations were adopted for the Klamath and Trinity rivers. The Central Valley regulations have been tabled until the FGC's May 5 meeting.

The newly adopted ocean salmon sport fishing regulations are now available on the Department of Fish & Game's (DFG) Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp.

The commission will also take action on a limited salmon sport fishing season for the Central Valley on May 5.

DFG staff are currently reviewing the draft for potential impacts on listed winter run Chinook salmon, and examining whether additional angling opportunities are feasible.

Once the review and revision are complete, DFG's proposed seasons and zones will be posted on www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/new/2010/proposedregs10.asp #cv.

The FGC also adopted the proposed 2010-2012 mammal hunting regulations, taking DFG's recommendation not to change existing bear hunting regulations at this time.  
The regulations approved this week also increase elk hunting opportunities through the addition of new hunts, reduce deer harvest in Zone X1 and set in place regulations for mammal species for the upcoming seasons.
 

A citywide Community Garden Policy released this week helps identify available park locations where Long Beach residents and organizations can establish a community garden.

The policy lists a goal to establish community gardens in every park 5 acres or larger by 2020.

Phil Hester, director of the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, stated in a prepared comment: "This Community Gardening Policy encourages gardening as a healthy, sustainable activity, and residents now have expanded parks' resources identified for community gardening."

The Community Garden Policy includes community garden terms and conditions and is accompanied by a simple one-page application for Long Beach organizations.

The application is available at www.sustainablelb.com, and will be posted at www.longbeach.gov/park.

Long Beach is ranked No. 3 for the amount of community garden plots per capita, according to city officials, citing the Trust for Public Land in 2009.

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Councilman Robert Garcia has launched an effort to gather up support for the breakwater's reconfiguration feasibility study.

"We can activate our beaches while protecting our coastal communities," Garcia said in a prepared statement released Tuesday.

Wave activity will improve shoreline water quality, stimulate tourism and boost the local economy by making the beaches an exciting destination.

The breakwater is owned by the federal government, and the Army Corps of Engineers will now determine whether there is federal interest in moving forward. If the Army Corps decides to take the next step, engineers will begin a feasibility study to determine if anything can be reconfigured.

The city now needs the residents' help, according to Garcia.

He urges residents send support letters to : http://www.RobertGarcia.com/breakwater by next Monday, April 26, 5 p.m.

"Let's send a strong message to the Army Corps that Long Beach is ready to take this next important step and complete a federal feasibility study," Garcia said.

Call Garcia's office at 562.570-6919 for more details.

Marine biologist Carrie Wilson, of the state Department of Fish & Game, writes a regular Q&A column, which is featured below. Contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.

Q: I am fairly new to turkey hunting and hear everyone always referring to their birds by their beards and spurs. Can wild turkeys be aged based on these trophy characteristics?

A: Yes and no. There is no absolute standard for identifying a wild turkey's age, but there are some general guidelines that can be used to provide fairly reliable estimates.

While precisely determining a turkey's age in years may be difficult, there is a surefire method for distinguishing between adults and juveniles using the last two primary flight feathers. In juvenile birds the feathers will be sharp at the ends. By the time the bird reaches maturity at one year of age, it will molt and the two sharp feathers will be replaced by more rounded ones.

Beyond this, beard and spur length can be used to estimate a bird's age, but unfortunately it's not an exact method. Variables such as subspecies, environmental conditions, and possibly nutrition can alter the length of both the beard and the spur, resulting in a misrepresentation of the bird's age.

In terms of beards, the general rule of thumb is the longer the beard, the older the bird. But, while a  juvenile jake will not have a 10-inch beard, a 4-year-old turkey may have a short beard due to any number of conditions. If the turkey is in "rough" vegetation, the beard may wear away on the ground more easily when it grows long. If a turkey has long legs, the beard will be able to grow longer before it reaches the ground, where it will naturally face wear and tear. The fact that the beard may have been altered at any time by environmental or circumstantial conditions prevents biologists from using this method as an accurate way of measuring a turkey's age.

Spur length can also be used to estimate a bird's age although, like beards, spurs can also wear down. However, spur lengths tend to be slightly more reliable than beard lengths, because they do not wear as easily.

While both of these methods are not entirely precise, they can provide an approximate age range. These estimates are not reliable for turkeys older than about 3 or 4 years.

Q: I am planning to go salmon fishing next week with my two sons and will be setting up my downriggers to troll. The downriggers have releases and can troll four poles - two off each side of the boat. If I have three fishermen on board, can we have four rods in the water? I do have the second rod stamp on my license but do not know if it applies in the ocean. Can you help me understand the rules so I don't violate them?

A: The second rod stamp does not apply in ocean waters and there are specific gear restrictions that apply when salmon fishing. No more than one rod per person may be used to take salmon, and no more than one rod per person may be used on any vessel where salmon are aboard (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, sections 28.65[e] and 27.80[a][4]). In addition, once salmon are aboard, you are then restricted to fishing with salmon gear (barbless hooks north of Point Conception) for the remainder of the trip, even if you want to switch your target species (like to rockfish, for example.) If you take your salmon back to the dock to offload, though, you can then go back out to fish for other species and use the appropriate tackle.

Q: If I want to shoot carp with a bow, do I need a hunting license or a fishing license? Are there any regulations such as seasons, bodies of water, etc.?

A: You will need a fishing license. Sport fishing regulations permit bow and arrow fishing for the following nongame species only: carp, goldfish, western sucker, Sacramento blackfish, hardhead, Sacramento pikeminnow and lamprey (for specific areas and exceptions, see CCR, Title 14, section 2.25).

Even though DFG law might allow for bow and arrow fishing in your local area, some lakes and waterways prohibit the possession of bow and arrow equipment. You will need to check with the jurisdiction that runs the body of water, such as, State Parks, Regional Parks, local county parks, etc.

When bow and arrow fishing, the tackle must have the arrow shaft, the point or both attached by a line to the bow or to a fishing reel. This rule also applies to crossbows (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 1.23).

The general trout opener in many counties throughout the state will begin April 24, one hour before sunrise.

 In Inyo and Mono counties, all waters are open to fishing on this date, according to Bill Cox, Department of Fish & Game (DFG) hatchery program manager..

"We have planted more than 56,000 pounds of trout for the opener and expect to plant about as many trout as usual by July," Cox added in a recent statement.

DFG is making every effort to stock trout in all accessible waters approved for planting prior to the season opener. However, lingering wintery conditions could play a major role in how many rivers, creeks, lakes and reservoirs can be stocked before April 24, Cox reported.

This year each body of water in the state that is stocked with trout must go through a pre-stocking evaluation procedure outlined in a recently completed Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement. This procedure requires the DFG to consider each sensitive or listed species relative to the stocking of trout.

DFG fisheries staff have made the evaluations a top priority and thus far 45 waters have been approved for stocking in the Eastern Sierra, with more expected to be approved prior to the opener.

Biologists plan on completing habitat assessments for remaining waters as conditions permit prior to the end of July.

Find approved stocking waters online: http://dfg.ca.gov/fish/Hatcheries/FishPlanting/Evaluation.asp.

Most lakes, rivers and streams have a limit of five trout per day and 10 in possession. However, regulations differ on season opening and closing dates, bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits and gear restrictions. Check the 2010 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulation booklet, found online at http://dfg.ca.gov/regulations/, for details.

All persons age 16 and older must possess a valid California fishing license to fish within the state's borders. Purchase freshwater fishing license online: http://dfg.ca.gov/licensing/ols/intro.html, or at regional DFG offices or other authorized dealers. Anglers no longer have to display their license visibly above the waist but they must have it in their possession while fishing.

Recreational sailors should spill-proof their fueling practices by filling fuel tanks slowly and carefully and by using absorbent pads or rags to catch drips and spills.

 Don't "top off" or overflow a fuel tank and leave 5 percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms, according to Long Beach beaches and marinas manager Mark Sandoval.

Never use soap to disperse fuel and oil spills, since it increases harm to the environment, and it is illegal, Sandoval stated in a recent edition of the Marina Reader.

"If possible, save maintenance projects for the boatyard," he added in the upcoming May article.

When performing work on the water, minimize the impact by containing waste, using tarps and vacuum sanders, and collecting all drips and debris for proper disposal.

Minimize the discharge of heavy metals that come from soft-sloughing antifouling paints by using a hard, less toxic, or nontoxic antifouling paint, Sandoval suggested.

Dispose of paints, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil, oil filters and other hazardous wastes at a hazardous waste collection facility or event.

For details, call 1-800-CLEAN-UP for a location near you; or to recycle paints, batteries, oil, oil filters and antifreeze.

Plan A-head! Manage sewage wastes properly - Never discharge sewage within 3 miles of shore. Use harbor pump-out stations and shore-side facilities. If you don't have an installed toilet, use a port-a-potty and empty it at harbor dump station or bathroom.

Never throw cigarette butts, fishing line, or any other garbage into the ocean.Take advantage of shore-side facilities to recycle plastic, glass,metal, and paper.

Reduce gray-water discharges - Use a phosphatefree soap to minimize the impacts of greywater on the</CF><CF12>  marine environment. Also minimize discharge by doing dishes and showers on shore whenever possible.

Long Beach Animal Control officers have initiated additional patrols to monitor the activities of wildlife in the Los Altos neighborhood

License Inspectors also will be going door-to-door to ensure that dogs are licensed and have current rabies shots -- as well as to check for open trash cans, and pet food or water bowls left outside.

Last year, reports of coyotes led to a Wildlife Watch workshop with the state Department of Fish & Game and residents.

"Coyotes are drawn to opportunities for food, water and shelter", John Keisler, Animal Care Services bureau manager. "Pet owners are advised to keep small animals and food indoors at all times."

Stray animals will be impounded and animal owners will be cited for violations until the wildlife activity abates, Keisler added.

Implementation of increased patrol and enforcement program in zip code 90815 is in direct response to increasing hazards of coyote interactions posing a threat to pets, as determined by Long Beach Animal Care Services.

A Wildlife Watch designation is placed on a neighborhood or zip code to address the increase in human-wildlife conflict. This designation has occurred because reported wildlife incidents in a neighborhood or zip code have reached Level 4 or above:

1. Increase in wildlife on streets and in yards at night;
2. Increase in wildlife approaching adults and/or taking pets at night;
3. Wildlife on streets, and in parks and yards, in early morning/late afternoon;
4. Wildlife chasing or taking pets in daytime;
5. Wildlife attacking and taking pets on leash or near owners; chasing joggers, bicyclists, other adults;
6. Wildlife seen in and around children's play areas, school grounds, and parks in midday with children present;
7. And wildlife acting aggressively towards adults or children in midday.

Animal Care Services officials will schedule increased enforcement activities in the designated area. This may include:

-- An additional animal control officer will be assigned to the area for patrol and assessment during reported high-activity times and locations and issue citations for violations;
-- Residents will be cited for free-roaming dogs and unaltered cats;
-- License Inspectors will canvass the neighborhood to distribute education material, verify license and rabies forms, and issue citations; 
-- Officers will collect reports regarding wildlife activity of animal owners in designated areas to share with county, state and federal wildlife agencies

Any incidents involving wildlife at Level 4 and greater (see list above) should be reported immediately to emergency services 9-1-1. Residents are encouraged to report all other wildlife-related incidents as described in Level 1 through Level 3 to Animal Care Services. This may be done in one of the following three ways: Phone: 562. 570-PETS (7387); online at http://www.longbeach.gov/acs/wildlife/report/default.as; or email at animalcare@longbeach.gov.

For further information regarding Animal Care Services in Long Beach, call 562.570.7387, or link online at  www.longbeach.gov/acs.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has set the 2010 salmon seasons for ocean waters off California.

 Ocean recreational seasons will be as follows:

-- The Klamath Management Zone from the Oregon border to Horse Mountain will be open May 29 through Sept. 6. Minimum take size is 24 inches.

-- The waters from Horse Mountain to Point Arena will remain open through Sept. 6. Minimum take size will increase from 20 to 24 inches, beginning May 1.

-- The waters from Point Arena to the United States/Mexico border will remain open through Sept. 6. From May 1 through Sept. 6, fishing will be allowed only from Thursday through Monday. Minimum take size will increase from 20 to 24 inches, beginning May 1.

All zones have a limit of two Chinook salmon. No take of coho salmon is allowed.

The PFMC also set limited commercial seasons in some zones. Information on these seasons, quotas, minimum size and gear restrictions can be found on the PFMC Web site at www.pcouncil.org.

The state Fish & Game Commission (FGC) will meet April 21 to review and conform ocean seasons and size limits in state waters to mirror the new federal rules. The commission also will set the inland salmon seasons.

The FGC will discuss and vote on a proposal that mirrors the dates adopted by the PFMC for ocean salmon seasons but may include additional gear and size restrictions. The fishing regulations and gear restrictions, along with maps, can be viewed at http://dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/salmonsport10.pdf.

Anglers can review additional ocean salmon regulations in the Ocean Sportfishing Booklet on DFG's Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov or call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at 707. 576-3429.

The California Department of Fish & Game (DFG) completed and filed the Hatchery and Stocking Program Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) earlier this year.

DFG has been stocking both inland and anadromous fish species in the inland waters of California since the late 1800s. It stocks trout in approved waters in high mountain lakes, low elevation reservoirs and various streams and creeks throughout the state. Salmon have been planted mostly in rivers and direct tributaries to the Pacific Ocean, with the exception of inland kokanee, coho and Chinook salmon populations, which have historically been planted in reservoirs for recreational fishing.

A link to approved DFG stocking can be found at http://dfg.ca.gov/fish/Hatcheries/FishPlanting/Evaluation.asp. It will be updated with completed pre-stocking assessments and with scheduled plantings.

DFG officials vowed to implement mitigation measures and monitoring protocols identified in the EIR/EIS to reduce stocking impacts to native species.

 Before being stocked, each state water body will be evaluated to determine whether stocking can take place with little or no impact to native species.

 DFG is developing a source of sterile hatchery rainbow trout and will prioritize planting those triploid, or sterile, trout in waters that have a potential connection with native steelhead waters.

The EIR/EIS also covers the operation of hatcheries , stocking of those fish, issuance of private stocking permits, the Fishing in the City Program and the Classroom Aquarium Education Program.

DFG's mitigation meassures were also included in the document. Many state residents expressed concern over the declining status of native mountain yellow-legged frogs in high elevation lakes and possible impacts of introduced trout.

Since 1998, DFG has been removing previously stocked hatchery trout from dozens of frog habitats, eliminated stocking in waters with existing frog populations and selectively planted areas where the frog is not present, and where stocking improves angling, offficial said.

The final EIR/EIS is the culmination of a two and a half year effort to evaluate and analyze impacts of fish stocking on certain California native species. The review was ordered by the Sacramento Superior Court in July 2007, in response to a lawsuit by the Pacific Rivers Council and the Center for Biological Diversity. DFG's filing of this document addresses the court's requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Marine biologist Carrie Wilson with the California Department of Fish & Game writes a regular Q&A column, and it's featured below. Have a question? Contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.

Q: Will California ever introduce white-tailed deer here? If not, why? If we did we could possibly sell more tags and have a hunt later in the season. Also, why not have a draw for special late season archery hunts in the D7 area that would run into the rut or even pass the rut or a doe hunt in this area? I know several people who have said if they were offered a doe tag or buck tag and could only get one of the two, they would take a doe tag. And wouldnt this help with the doe to buck ratio?

A: No. White-tailed deer are not native and would be competing with native deer for already-limited habitat. According to Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Deer Program Manager Craig Stowers, if native deer are on the decline, introduced white-tailed would likely not do any better. Additionally, white-tailed deer carry diseases and parasites that native deer have no defenses against. They also would have a hugely negative impact on agriculture in this state. Given that, farmers in the Central Valley would likely not be too pleased with us for introducing that species here.

Regarding creating a late season hunt in D7, our management strategy in that zone is to maximize opportunity. In order to do that, other types of opportunity (such as late season hunting) need to be curtailed.

While DFG generally authorizes them, antlerless hunts are often determined by county jurisdiction. For more on doe hunts, see the August 28, 2008, California Outdoors column (www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA/2008/20080828.asp).

Q: I have caught trout in many different lakes and streams and found that sometimes there may be one trout that has really pink meat while the others are white. Can you tell me why some trout will occasionally have pink meat?

A: The main reason for any differences in flesh color is due to the food they eat. According to DFG Senior Hatchery Supervisor Judy Urrutia, astaxanthin and canthaxanthin are naturally occurring carotenoid pigments found in crustaceans that fish eat. Some private growers add these naturally occurring pigments to fish feed over the last few weeks before fish are stocked. Most hatchery fish feed has no color in the formula, so their flesh is white.

Q: I've received two 2010 fishing licenses with ocean stamps as gifts. They both have my first and last name on them since that was required at the store of purchase. Is there some way that I can return one for a refund?

A: Yes, you can follow these instructions for a refund (minus the 5 percent agent handling fee): 1) Make a copy of the license you are going to keep; 2) Mail the copy, the entire second fishing license (license and application for duplicate), a note explaining your request, and your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Department of Fish & Game, License and Revenue Branch, 1740 North Market Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834, ATTN: REFUND; 3) Allow up to 20 weeks for processing, as refunds are issued through the California State Controllers Office.

For additional questions, contact the DFG License and Revenue Branch office at 916.928-5805 or lrb@dfg.ca.gov.

Q: I know that full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets are specifically prohibited to use for big game, but can I use a FMJ bullets to hunt squirrels?

A: You are correct that FMJ bullets may not be used for big game. According to DFG Game Warden Patrick Foy, only "soft-nose or expanding projectiles" may be used to hunt big game because they make the bullet far more lethal, therefore making for a clean kill while hunting (CCR Title 14, section 353). A FMJ bullet does not expand like a soft-nosed bullet and increases the chance the big game animal will escape wounded.

There is no restriction on the expansion quality of a bullet when hunting squirrels, and FMJ bullets are not specifically prohibited for use in CCR Title 14, section 311 (Methods Authorized for Taking Resident Small Game). Therefore, you may use FMJ bullets to hunt squirrels. Be aware there are other bullet restrictions in place while hunting in condor range. For more information and a map of condor range, see www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor/.

Long Beach Health Officer Dr. Helene Calvet issued an advisory for city beaches Monday following the rain experienced over the weekend.

 After any rainfall of 0.10" or more, high levels of bacteria from storm drains, rivers, and polluted runoff enter into the shoreline waters, prompting the standard recommendation to avoid all ocean water contact for at least 72 hours.

People should always pay particular attention to any warning signs posted at the beach for their safety, specially at storm drain outlets, river mouths, streams, and lagoons, health officials said.

Water quality monitoring will continue to be conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services' Water Quality Program to determine the bacteriological content of the contamination.

Information about Long Beach water quality in Long Beach is available at 562.570.4199, or at www.longbeach.gov/health

The salmon season for ocean waters south of Horse Mountain in Humboldt County to the U.S.-Mexico border has opened.

Season dates for ocean waters north of the Horse Mountain site will be decided within a few days by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PMFC) and the state Fish and Game Commission (FGC).

A map of each area along with general sport fishing regulations related to each area can be viewed at http://dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/salmonsport10.pdf.

All Chinook salmon harvested must meet the size limit for the zone where they are taken. All coho salmon are protected by law and if caught must be released unharmed. Current regulations include the following:

Limit is two salmon per day of any species (except coho). And minimum size limit is 20 inches total length.

Closing dates of all ocean seasons and size limits may be changed by the PMFC and FGC at their April meetings. Ocean salmon sport seasons in effect on or after May 1  will also be determined at the April meetings.

Sport season options currently being evaluated can be found at www.pcouncil.org.

Anglers can review additional requirements of the ocean salmon regulations (section 27.80) in the Ocean Sportfishing Booklet on DFG's Web site at: www.dfg.ca.gov.

Marine biologist Carrie Wilson writes a Q&A column for the state's Department of Fish & Game. It's featured below, and she can be  contacted at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.

Q: I'm an avid abalone diver who has been diving for more than 28 years and I am curious why we have a set season for abalone diving. Since we have abalone report cards and are limited to three per day and 24 abalone per year, why does it matter what time of year we take those abalone? I can understand the reason for a season when the only limit was four abs per day and all you wanted during season. But currently we are only allowed 24, so what difference does it make what time of year I take my 24 abs? I feel we should be able to go all year round. From my understanding, abalone do not have a set breeding season since they are broadcast spawners and breed all year long, depending on the tides and currents.

A: The abalone season is one tool for reducing the take of abalone and it works in conjunction with other regulations to limit the overall number of abalone taken. According to DFG Associate Marine Biologist Jerry Kashiwada, the abalone fishery is not regulated with a fixed quota like some fisheries.The report card limit is only designed to reduce excessive take and is not based on the number of abalone each person should be allowed to take.

The abalone report card was established because game wardens were seeing people driving up to the abalone grounds every day of the season to get a limit of abalone. The current limit of 24 was thought by the Fish and Game Commission to be a reasonable number of abalone for a person to take for the season, but it was never intended that everyone take 24 abalone. The average number of abalone taken per card has been between eight and 10. Although this may sound like a low number, the large number of report cards sold each year results in an annual legal harvest of more than 260,000 abalone. Wardens suspect the actual impact on abalone populations is much larger because abalone divers and pickers are commonly cited for failing to tag abalone, not marking their abalone cards and for high-grading (the illegal practice of continuing to detach abalone after a bag limit of legal sized abalone has been taken). High-grading also increases the number of abalone that die due to fishery activities.

Even with the current limits and regulations, there is concern that some heavily used fishing sites are showing signs of reduced abalone populations. The Fish and Game Commission is not likely to make any regulation changes which would increase the number of abalone being taken.

Q: I have been told it is illegal to use electronic calls for ducks and turkeys, but I was wondering if electronic calls or bait can be used for hunting coyotes or other predators. Also, I know there are restrictions on mechanical (electrical) decoys being used during the first portion of the duck season, but can a mechanical (moving/shaking) rabbit decoy be used for coyotes?

A: Electronic calls and mechanically-moving rabbit decoys may be used to take coyotes. (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 475).

Q: I have questions regarding deer trophies taken legally during regular deer season and their possession and transportation months or years afterward. What paperwork, if any, must be kept? How long must this be kept? Are people in possession of deer heads in violation if they don't keep their old deer tags?

A: There is no paperwork required by Fish & Game laws to possess old taxidermied deer mounts. There are also no restrictions on possession or transport. However, it is illegal to sell, barter or trade them, regardless of their age. It's always best if the tags are attached, but it's not required.

Forget us not!

That's the admonishment issued recently by Seal Beach Development Services Director Mark Persico, in a letter to an environmental consultant for the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.

AMEC Earth & Environmental, of Santa Barbara, sent notices of the project to Los Alamitos, but reportedly failed to include Seal Beach in providing a "Notice of Intent" and a 30-day public comment period for proposed headquarter facilities at the base, Persico said in a letter dated April 8.

"Seal Beach shares a northern and eastern boundary with the JFTB, and activities on the base could potentially affect Seal Beach residents," Persico noted. "We would like to be consulted on all future projects at the JFTB."

Seal Beach's solid waste hauler has unveiled its new liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling station in north Long Beach.

Consolidated Disposal Service's new station, which is located on its 10-acre site, 2495 E. 68th St., serves 20 cities in Los Angeles and Orange counties, including Seal Beach.

Eight of Consolidated's bright blue LNG trucks will serve the Seal Beach community.

The new fueling station features one 55-foot high, 20,000-gallon LNG storage tank and two LNG dispensers.

Seal Beach Mayor David Sloan praised this milestone for Consolidated and for the city.

"This new technology allows for greater fuel efficiency in the waste hauler's fleet," he said. "The LNG trucks will be quieter and will have lower emissions. We thank Consolidated for making this commitment consistent with our city's goals of cleaner and greener."

Learn about the Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program during a city-sponsored workshop scheduled for Tuesday.

The workshop is set 3 to 4 p.m. at the Main Library's auditorium , 101 Pacific Ave.

Staff will review eligibility and installation requirements and the application and rebate process.

This workshop is held in preparation for the city's launch of the Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, which will begin April 19 for applicants who install qualifying energy efficient products such as solar hot water-heaters, tank-less water-heaters, windows, doors, skylights and roofs.

To be eligible to participate in the Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, applicants must be the owner of a single-family residence, condominium, or live/work unit in Long Beach where the qualified energy efficient product is to be installed.

The Rebate Program is limited to any of the qualifying energy efficient products:

Energy Star Solar Hot Water Heater Products.
Energy Star Tank-Less Hot Water Heater Products.
Energy Star Door, Window and Skylight Products.
Energy Star Roof Products.

The Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program is subject to funding availability and rebates and no-cost permits are available for a limited time only. The Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program rebates and no-cost permits are provided on a first come, first serve basis, as determined by the permit application date.

The rebate program helps Long Beach achieve its energy reduction and greenhouse gas reduction goals and creates significant savings on homeowners electric bills.

These rebates are made possible by funds from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

For more information, visit www.lbds.info

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement after the Obama Administration announced it has adopted a clean cars rule modeled after California's first-in-the-nation vehicle emissions standard:

"Thanks to the leadership of the White House, the federal government is following California's example and announcing tough national standards for cleaner cars. These new nationwide standards will drive car companies to provide cleaner automobiles that will create jobs and save consumers money at the pump. This is not only great news for consumers who will see a wider choice of clean, efficient cars in their showrooms, but also for all Americans who will see lower emissions, better environmental protection and greater energy security."

The governor has sought enforcement of California's 2002 law, AB 1493 by Assemblymember Fran Pavley, which allows California to enact and enforce emissions standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles. The state filed a lawsuit against the U.S. EPA in 2008 to overturn its decision denying California's waiver request to enforce the state's emission standards after the California Air Resources Board requested the waiver in 2005. The U.S. EPA granted California's waiver last June.

Cypress, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach announces a free recycling program for one year to 100 commercial and multi-family account holders in the tri-city area.

 The cities aim to utilize this pilot program to increase recyclable materials diversion in the business sector by 2 to 5 percent.

Eligible parties will receive a site inspection of their property to ensure that it is suitable for the pilot program.

 The site inspection looks at the following criteria:

Adequate enclosed space for a recycling bin at the business/dwelling;

Capability for the business/dwelling to generate enough recyclables to fill a bin on a regular basis;

Additional recycling capability for another bin be allowed at the business/dwelling;

And any potential interest in continuing the program and become financially responsible beyond life of the grant after a year.

For more details, call Consolidated Disposal Service at 562. 259-2826.

The Surfrider Foundation Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter is set to host Ohana Family Day on  April 18 in Seal Beach.

The free event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ohana Day is designed as a family beach day for relaxation, fun and environmental education. It's just in time for Earth Day.

Families can take advantage of free surf lessons, interactive information on ocean pollution, a recycling demonstration turning milk cartons into treasures, a bodyboarding clinic, skateboard lessons, a rescue demonstration by the Seal Beach lifeguards, live music, and a raffle featuring merchandise from a variety of supporting vendors in the beach communities.

Kids ages 6-12 years can participate in the Skatedogs skateboard lesson needing only a skateboard, helmet and knee/elbow pads along with their parent to sign a release waiver for one of the two sessions (9:30 & 10:15).

The federal EPA on Tuesday announced its new outreach effort to diverse and underserved communities by offering internships, joint projects, and scientific research opportunities to students and faculty at UC Rivereside.

University and EPA officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the new outreach program.

"I am thrilled that EPA is partnering with the University of California, Riverside," Jared Blumenfeld, EPA regional administrator, said in a prepared statement. "EPA will benefit from the tremendous pool of talent, energy and environmental commitment offered by these students."

Blumenfeld said the joint projects could range from developing innovative climate change solutions to helping inner-city communities improve their environmental health.