What Were The Log’s Top 10 Stories of 2012?

Byline: The Log Staff The year 2012 was an eventful one for Southern California boaters — and The Log Newspaper’s top stories of the year detailed many changes to come in 2013. In the new year, boaters can expect to see changes in the California Department of Boating and Waterways, which will soon operate as a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. There will be major fee increases for the use of Newport Harbor tidelands by boat-owning homeowners and boating business owners alike. And there will be continued interest in Mexico’s stepped-up regulation of U.S. boaters who fish in Mexican waters near the border. The past year included some eye-popping events, such as a minivan going overboard off the Balboa ferry and a planned 18-minute Fourth of July fireworks show turning into a fiery 15-second blast on San Diego Bay. There was a major bust of an outboard engine theft ring in Long Beach Harbor. And a Los Angeles Harbor marina operator was evicted — along with more than 50 surprised boaters who had been slip holders. Here’s a recap of these and other major stories of 2012 — in chronological order — as covered in The Log: Minivan Plunges off Balboa Ferry...