Jim Anderson

Fishermen Unite Against Harbor Management

At the May 21, 2014 Harbor District meeting commercial fishermen from Pillar Point Harbor waited three hours outside the South San Francisco City Council chambers while San Mateo County Harbor Commissioners met in closed session. 

After waiting four hours Commercial Fishermen Steve Fitz was called for public comment. As Captain Fitz approached the podium to address the Commission the clock struck ten and Commissioner Tucker said, "meeting over." Before President Robert Bernardo adjured the meeting Commissioner Tucker got out of his chair, interrupted public comment, and announced an abrupt end to the meeting.

I responded by requesting that President Bernardo allow Captain Steve Fitz to address the board. The meeting was extended a few minutes and Captain Fitz read a letter from the HMB Seafood Marketing Association.

Letter from HMB Seafood Marketing Association →

Two articles published about the letter

Daily Journal - Samantha Weigel

Harbor improvement grant lacks fishermen support: Frustration boiling over about Pillar Point Harbor control, district decision-making

Half Moon Bay Review - Mark Noack

Harbor bid for grant money spurs mutiny

Fishermen waited for hours while Harbor Commissioners met in closed session

Commercial Fishermen Steve Fitz standing at the podium in South San Francisco

Video: Steve Fitz addressing the Harbor Commission on Aug. 7, 2013 & May 21, 2014