Good things happen when good organizations collaborate. Coastal Conservation Association – Santa Barbara Chapter (CCA-SB) and Santa Barbara Elks Lodge #613 are putting their heads and their hearts together for two events in April; and maybe you and your family/friends can join in on at least one of them — maybe both.
The first event is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at the Elks Lodge, 150 N. Kellogg Ave. near Calle Real in Goleta (Visit https://www.elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?LodgeNumber=613).
CCA-SB is having a public fun event with entertaining/informative speakers and dinner available. Admission is free, Mexican dinner is $30, and they have a bar.
The plan is to play a video during dinner time about a new reef site deployed in coastal waters near Ensenada by Fish Reef Project.
After dinner, Capt. Jason Diamond and Jaime Diamond, owners of Santa Barbara Landing (a re-visioned new version of Sea Landing in Santa Barbara) are going to talk about their impressive short/mid/long-term plans for the future of this long-time local establishment that connects people with ocean and islands for fishing, whale watching, sightseeing, and other excursions. See www.stardustsportfishing.com.
The event will serve as an opportunity to learn more about the good works and goals of the Coastal Conservation Association and about the Elks Lodge in their beautiful building. I certainly plan to attend and be involved, since I’m involved with both great organizations.
If you are moved to do so, you can sign up for a CCA membership on the spot (or online at www.joincca.org) and you can get information to apply for a membership in the Elks Lodge. CCA works for healthy and well-managed fisheries and access to them, as well as enhancing habitat for fish. The Elks Lodge helps our community in numerous ways, especially by being of service to our beloved veterans.
The second event is a fishing charter benefitting veterans, organized by CCA and paid for by the Elks Lodge. There is no charge for veterans to fish. The trip will be aboard the Stardust out of Santa Barbara Landing, at 7 a.m. Friday, April 22. Jaime and Jason Diamond discounted the charter, making this a real community event to benefit our veterans.
At the first event on April 20, Capt. Jason will talk about plans for the trip and give insights about tackle, baits and techniques.
There may be a spot or two remaining open for veterans, though many vets have already signed up. You can check with the event organizer Dave Lopez, col., USAF (ret.), who has been the brain and muscle behind the two events. His e-mail is lopezdn@gmail.com.
I find it heartwarming when multiple organizations collaborate, and multiple local businesses get involved. Our local CCA chapter president is Capt. Tiffany Vague of Vague Custom Fishing Rods.
I hope you will consider coming to the event on April 20 at the Elks Lodge for a fun evening of getting to know the good people involved in both great organizations.
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.