Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since it’s original publication. A source directly associated with this story contacted the reporter with new information.
LONG BEACH ― Slip holders are expected to care for their vessels to ensure their boats remain in decent condition. However, some boaters have complained about the condition...
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
6 Responses
Lack of enforcement of the rules for maintaining boats in slips (and moorings) is an ongoing problem in every marina I’ve been in. Many boats go for months—even years—without being used or maintained. They not only contribute to the visual degradation of the marina, but many become hazards due to insufficient or no proper bonding and/or shore-power cords. This can cause stray current to affect other boats and from what I’m told can contribute to their expense for more electrolysis prevention, and actual damage to their outdrives, etc.. A marina should be a place to come and sit on our boats and enjoy the view. Not to have to be subjected to a filthy, deteriorated boat next door. The marina operators should realize many people wanting to enjoy their boats are on waiting lists, and cause these irresponsible tenants to remove their boats.
In my personal experience, dealing with the Long Beach Marine Bureau has been a total joke. We paid to be on their “waiting list” for a smaller slip for years. After several years of paying the >$50 “waiting list fee” (what nonsense is that?), I finally told them to remove me when they called this year to complain that I hadn’t re-upped on the waiting list fee.
This comes after years of assurances that the new construction in LB marinas would yield additional slips. Most recently I received a verbal “pat on the head” when I inquired as to my place on the waiting list and prospects for the future. I think I’ll save the money spent on the ridiculous “waiting list fee” and simply berth elsewhere, where my business is appreciated and I am treated respectfully.
It seems that the LB Marine Bureau is run completely at the discretion of the director with very little in the way of recourse for those of us in the boating community who are not insiders. Pretty familiar-sounding if you have lived in, and voted in, Long Beach for any significant length of time.
We have been very happy in our new marina in San Pedro. Good luck, LB slipholders! We once wished to be among that number, but no longer.
Completely agree, they are some of the most ignorant and egotistical people I know. What a shame. Used to love this place as a kid and now it’s nothing but punks running the office joint.
I vacated the Shoreline marina after several nasty incidents, i.e.; After phoning the Harbor Police located close by, oneoftheir officers arrived and as fearing for my safety, I’d awaited the officer on shore at the head of my berthed vessel’s gangway. Once arrived I reiterated the reason for my call for assistance (abeligerant vessel owner who’d made threats and even used foul language both in the prescence of another same dock as mine’s slipholder. The officer accompanied me downthe gangway whereby I pointed out the offending slip and provided a descroption of that threatening slipholder as we approached that slip. The officer then directed to to continue onand go to my slip, and while I stated “Sure, no problem”, then as we both kept walking down the dock, nearing the problem slipholder’s slip, and while as dorected I advanced ahead of the officer whereby for absolutely no cause whatsoever, the officer shoved me from behind such that I nearly was pushed forward and about stumbled enough to have fallen flat on my face! He then stated I told you to go back to your boat. I later immediately contacted the officer’s superiors and was told thet it would belooked into. After about a wekk I re-contacted the officer’s superiors and was told that nobody else had complained about that officer and to just be thankful I wasn’t arrested. Unbelievable youmight say, but I was there and 24 years later I still recall it like it was yesterday. nearly the same service was yet again observed some months later when I’d awoken in the middle of the night, glanced out across the marina and noticed what appeared to be a man dressed all in black and carrying an apparently empty large black sack or bag (at soething like 3am in the morning). I watched for a moment as the ‘man’ disappeared from the mole road and as I didn’t see ‘him’ any further for several minutes, i phoned the harbor Patrol and informed them of what I was witnessing. I was told so why are you calling, I answered does that not sound suspicious for someone dressed as such, on foot and disappearing despite I could clearly tell if ‘he’ would’ve entered any of the gangways? I then was told we’ll check it out. Puzzled by the Patrol officer’s comments, I continued peering out from my boat and still then using my 50X binoculars for something like 30 minutes. And at no time was the Patrol’s vehicle, vessel or even anyone else on foot seen. Following those events, I vacated Shoreline Marina almost immediately.
I would have to say that the marinas at Long Beach could use an all around update and some consistent maintenance,maybe some employees that will give you some respect but that’s going to be reflected in the price one pays and wages being paid that ultimately come from prices on slips.So watch what you ask for,and do your part to maintaine your boat/slip,and marina and then if you can get your fellow boat owners to do the same one might see change.
Lead and they shall follow or mind your own business and pray.
Donny – Your marina management personnel are getting paid quite well. The combined revenue for slip fees in Shoreline and Alamitos Bay Marina exceeds 17 million dollars a year for the City of Long. Beach. I think we can expect more and should. Marina Management is in a position of public service but, frankly, haven’t seen the service part of how they operate. I find it interesting that one has to literally and “figuratively” bow down to speak through the half-opened window at the ABM office when communicating with ABM personnel. Elvira Hallinan, for example, makes over $200K / year – https://transparentcalifornia.com/salaries/search/?a=long-beach&q=marine+manager&y=2021. It’s time to clean house as I see things. Boat owners will need to unite to make this happen, however. If you should step out of line with the current administration they’ll make an example out of you. Todd Leland runs the show right now and he’s a tyrant that will take things personally if he detects that you should question his authority or any of the rules. He’s bucking for Elvira’s position when she retires at the end of this year. You’ll have good reason to pray if he gets promoted to that role. If you actually want to make a difference then get involved in the Boat Owner’s Association and/or attend the Marina Advisory Commission that meets the second Thursday of each month at the LBYC at 2:30pm. If you instead just “mind your own business” then please at least be grateful for those that take a stand to keep their operation in check.