Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010

Volume 9 Issue 7

Holiday Routine

The birds had a quiet Independence Day weekend without the Chula Vista fireworks display. The fireworks were cancelled because of budget problems, and there also was no need for the police to close Marina Parkway in the morning. Everyone was able to use the boat ramp (right), visit the three parks, fish at the fishing pier, or go to the two marinas.

Marina tenants who already own keys might have been able to go to the RV Resort if they were willing to go to the office and get a special wrist band. I can't see why they would.

Mr. Beaky climbed up on the boat, and was squawking loudly at five AM. This is his Big Day of the year when he makes his nest. He was very excited and in a hurry to get something to eat and get to work.

In previous holiday weekends, it was thought that the reason he chose this day was because the people there would always appear for the holiday and remove their Zodiac from this plastic float that becomes Beaky's nest.

But this was not the case this year.

Beaky should have started his nest back in April (like a normal coot) but he may be delayed because he has no mate and can't migrate. It's hard to know why he always engages in this furious activity right on July 4 every summer.

As usual, he stays over at his nest working dilligently with eelgrass, and calling "come here" when he gets hungry. By the next day (below) he has lost much of his enthusiasm and only makes a brief visit to his nest.

Another traditional activity on this holiday is mass violation of US Code Title 4. Chapter 1, Paragraph 6.

This is especially conspicuous just before sunrise on July 5 (right).

The Gulls

These gulls produce three chicks every spring. One of the juveniles ends up out of the nest (off the roof) before the others. Just fledged out, the fallen juvenile can be picked up and tossed back up onto the roof as required.

The roof is a bit too steep for their convenience, but they thrive here since nobody is trying to exterminate them.

The Blackbirds

This male and female pair of blackbirds had been visiting since last year. Some time over the winter, they developed the typical progressive and terminal foot infection that always guarantees a slow and painful death.

Both birds seem to be in remission this month. The female's foot was previously a shapeless lump of grey concretions and a painful hindrance.

Even with some toes missing, the female bird's foot (above) has lost most of the crud, and has a bit of recognizable anatomy. She is trying to stand on it, but it is still painful.

The male blackbird has entirely lost the characteristic grey incrustation from his crippled left foot, and is able to stand on the foot with one or two toes remaining (right).

The bone, tarsometatarsus, seems to have become separated at the bottom end. The bird is not bothered by pain from this leg, and the leg may lack circulation and be entirely numb (below).

At the end of the month, one of the female's toes has become detached (below).

Midway Museum

Everyone at the two marinas here has probably wondered about the Midway Museum's ensign. Coming from and returning to south bay you must pass the Midway Museum.

NAVAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES NTP 13. gives the Navy instruction for displaying the US ensign. While in port, the flag would be normally flown from the stern during daylight hours. The Midway's flag is flown from the mast at all times.

Thomas Orred, a docent of the museum, responded to my question with the following partial quote:

"Since the USS Midway CV41 is a decommissioned ship, it does not fall within the Naval guidelines of flying the national flag. However the ship is still floating but we consider it to be the “Living Symbol of American Freedom”. In the same scope, it was decided to represent this living symbol by flying the steaming Ensign as steaming forever. I personally feel this is much more a significant representation of this Living Symbol of Freedom then a ship at rest."

The Drip

A generous supply of clean fresh drinking water is essential for most birds here.

Even though the parking lot and sidewalks are flooded with fresh water almost every day, the birds in the marina must depend on finding a leaky faucet to keep alive. Even so, marina employees are always vigilant to ensure that wild birds don't survive.

Since they removed the iceplant from the marina in 2008, the yacht basin has been a death trap for ducklings. They will die from dehydration in a day or two unless they can climb up to the parking lot or lawns.

The handle was removed from this faucet to thwart the birds in June.

You can make a simple water dripper from a few readily available parts. Depending on how the rate of drip is regulated, a five gallon water jug will last about 24 hours, allowing you to refill it on a daily basis. This makes it independent from city water mains.

The drip system also has the advantage that it can't be spilled or easily disabled by large birds, depending on how you secure it.

The following parts list is given with West Marine SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) numbers.

1914969 Jug-Water five gallons (one each)
398867 Hose, Water std. #150 1/4 inch (as required)
Screw, stainless steel, 1/4-28 thread (see text)

These parts can be assembled as shown at the right to form a simple siphon system. Beaky was able to use this dripper immediately.

The last part is used to control the drip rate and acts as a metering orifice (right). Try different screws to get the best drip rate. The picture above shows a 1/4 inch machine screw with a round head inserted in the end of the hose. In every case, this should be a stainless steel screw to ensure against toxic metals in the water. The picture at right shows an allen head screw.

After two months, the ducks discovered the dripper. The screw shown in the first picture was easily pulled out by the ducks, dumping all the water at once. Regardless of this, the Allen head screws (above) allow too great a flow rate, making it necessary to re-prime the hose every day. Consequently, it was a nuisance to extract the allen head screw every morning to reprime the siphon. The difference in flow rate is probably a consequence of minor machining tolerances in the screw diameter. The screw was changed back to the one in the top picture. Your mileage may vary.

With the current drip rate set properly, there is no problem maintaining the siphon (if the hose is inserted to the bottom of the jug), so the jug can be simply refilled every morning. So far, the drip seems to be self cleaning. Be sure to position the end of the hose so that the drip is at the lowest point and not touching anything that might wick the water away from the drip.

Habitat Destruction - Update

The security field around the south bay power plant has protected this last tiny patch of wetlands habitat from destruction by redevelopment for more than fifty years. It was scheduled for demolition this year. However, a recent article in the Log on July 23 (page 22) said that Dynegy may apply for renewal of their permit for another five years.

Unfortunately, the article says that this won't affect the "master plan" that would bring demolition of the two marinas and the devastating destruction of wildlife and habitat here.

On the other hand, most biologists here in southern California agree that the wetlands habitat is really all gone, and every species is already in a steady state of decline in numbers. The original working habitat was one contiguous piece of wetlands all the way from Point Conception to south of the Mexican border. That was gone by the second half of the twentieth century, and it's not coming back. One little patch in the bottom end of San Diego Bay won't matter now.

Big Picture:

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A different sort of subject this time.

July Movies

Here is a movie showing the Big Fish coming up to look at the camera. Click on this link to see fish3.wmv, (15 seconds long, 4.7 Megabytes)

The fish sees the camera, but no food, and turns around to go back down under the dock.

Fish are inherently mysterious and covert, mostly invisible and living in an alien world. But, like any other creature, they can become tame looking for people to feed them if it serves their purpose.

Here is a movie showing the pigeons eating . Click on this link to see piggies.wmv, (13 seconds long, 2.3 Megabytes)

Pigeons may eat almost anything.

Stupid Signs of the Month

Here's another illegal change to the tenants' rental agreements. If you paid five dollars, you get a key to the RV Resort and can visit any time. Except now. The only problem is that unless you want to go over there and buy a week old sandwich for an outragous price, they can't threaten you by taking away something you don't need.

By the time this sign was posted on Saturday, it was too late to call your lawyer.

Last July they refused to issue guest parking passes. The lot is seldom more than half full, but there were a few obedient drivers who parked in the street.

You can always find a dozen cars belonging to cautious tenants parked on Sandpiper Way.

* Stupid Sign of the Year *

This was the stupid sign of the month in August of last year. It shows a legal NO TRESPASSING sign that complies with California Penal Code 602. Most law enforcement officers will tell you that this gives the property owner the legal power to have a trespasser arrested.

You would never see a legal PC 602 sign on a legitimate business in California because it is evidence that a trespasser could use in a lawsuit to gain an easement to the property by adverse posession.

See Easements by Orange Coast Title Company for a legal explanation.

Now take a look at the addition to this sign in the picture below.

For the Independence Day holiday weekend, the marina posted this stupid hand lettered sign. Since they have covered their legal NO TRESPASSING sign that refers to Penal Code 602 at the only entrance to the property, the marina may have given up any legal right to protect their property.

For the complete code, refer to: California Penal Code Section 602 at this link.

These cases can be complex and confusing, so for specific information concerning rental law, a lawyer at Tenants Legal Center may be able to help.

Or, if you are unsure about your legal needs contact the San Diego County Bar Association Lawyer referral service for a free consultation.

Double Standard Time

Here is the Double Standard again. This should probably be a monthly feature: The Double Standard of the Month.

For the past four years the marina has been threatening, harassing, and generally getting rid of paying tenants while at the same time firing employees to keep employees and tenants separated. Maybe they think that they can gain some sort of control by doing this. But, it's just illegal, and they put it in writing, and display it to the general public.

The marina manager made it illegal for the tenants to "socialize" with the employees, and enforced this rule; but nobody complained or called their lawyers and went to court to stop it. I wonder why?

The Double Standard management scheme must be effective since it has obviously been very popular for many years. Except for this Double standard From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, there is little useful information available on how to operate a successful Double Standard system. So, the following instruction is offered:

How to Manage the Successful Double Standard System

Some supervisors just fall into this skill, and seem to have a natural "knack" for it. It is most effective in a work environment where the primary goal of management is to police the behavior of employees in order to maintain control over them. Managers who have no real way to reward or punish subordinates (as in a government agency), can gain power by making a complex and somewhat variable set of rules to police their employees. The rules need have no real impact, except that favorite employees are made exempt from the rules as a perquisite of employment. Others are policed by use of the rules to punish them.

Basic Advantages of the Double Standard system:

The manger always knows who his friends are, and can control his enemies.
The manager's subordinates mostly hate each other, so are unlikely to join together against him.
People you don't like will give up and go away. People you like will stay.
Friendly subordinates will support the manager, and can spy on the unfriendly.

Basic Elements of the Double Standard system:

Ensure that the rules are promulgated, but Never put anything in writing.
Take advantage of any sort of change in the work environment to change the rules.
Make sure that individuals get recognition (good or bad) for their efforts.
Be creative in establishing rules. Office parties and parking are prime examples.

For best results, the Double Standard system is usually limited to environments like penal institutions, government agencies, or rental property.

More of This

The new Marina Police don't work nights or weekends?

What is the reason for this?

Why apologize?

ARROGANCE -

Still More of This

Here's another typical stupid 602 PC sign (that invites a lawsuit), just south of the California Yacht Marina. It probably wouldn't affect the Port, though, considering their usual legal tactics.

Links of the Month

(I don't make this stuff up department)

I Don’t Work Here. Just Send Me Checks Complications for the City of Chula Vista and police chief David Bejarano

Coast Guard crewmembers charged in San Diego Bay boat collision The Coast Guard seemed the least likely government agency in the bay to cause a fatal accident. They know what they did.

Opposable Chums: Guts & Glory at The World Series of Birding Another corporate fund-raiser? I don't get it.

Consumers don't have to purchase BP's gasoline or diesel to be participants in the Gulf of Mexico disaster. Every physical thing we have depends on cheap fuel... some things more directly than others.

Marine Del Rey Conservancy Sign up and log on for the latest news.

This chick lays double-shelled eggs The Jacksonville couple was in for a surprise when they discovered that one of their hens was laying double-shelled eggs, which contain one yolk and another shelled egg all inside of a larger shell.

Giant "super skimmer" no help with Gulf oil spill A Taiwanese-owned "super skimmer" sent to help clean up the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has been a bust

Bring NOAA employees to justice Without credibility, any regulatory agency is sunk.

Private police Private police are law enforcement bodies that are owned and/or controlled by non-governmental entities.

Company police Company police, also called Private Police, are police officers who work for a private company rather than a government agency.

'Climategate' inquiry vindicates scientists — mostly more weird science

Compounding the problem: Why aren’t we using the safest and most effective dispersants in the Gulf? Other safer and more effective dispersants are available.

Some lobstermen want to tax themselves $300 annual fee in addition to the yearly permit cost to provide seed money for modest fishery protection programs.

Another rare white raven born this year on Canadian beach Qualicum Beach, a beach and town on Vancouver Island British Columbia, has been home to rare white ravens

County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health The Vector Habitat Remediation Program

Animal Autopsies in Gulf Yield a Mystery Swabbed for oil, tagged and wrapped in plastic “body bags” sealed with evidence tape, the carcasses — many times the number normally found at this time of year — are piling up in freezer trucks stationed along the coast, waiting for scientists like Dr. Stacy, who works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to begin the process of determining what killed them.

Welcome to Pissed Consumer! The best consumer product reviews and complaints site.

Are cell phones killing off bees? Verizon is at it again...

Marine Sanctuary plan poses dire fishing threat A draft reauthorization of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, circulated for comment by a California congresswoman, contains anti-fishing language that would bar commercial trawling ... where the vast majority of groundfish landed in Gloucester are caught.

SkeeterVac SV5100 Mosquito Trap - 1.5 Acre You will need one soon at the marina.

CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE SECTION 1008 How to prevent the loss of property from a prescriptive easement.

The Public Accountability of Private Police Vera Institute of Justice.

National Whistleblowers Center Since 1988, the NWC and attorneys associated with it have supported whistleblowers in the courts and before Congress and achieved victories for environmental protection, government contract fraud, nuclear safety and government and corporate accountability.

Grousing at windmills Wind power produces a tiny bit of energy, but causes major environmental damage.

Dan Morain: Oceans protector gets tossed off ship More action about the California MLPA issues.

OutTakes

(Use your mouse cursor to read the titles)

Quote

The Nature Center

"The vet came in on Wednesdays, so pity the poor creature that was rescued 
on a Thursday, as it would have a long wait to be evaluated or treated.  An 
information card was filled out with the help of the folks who brought the 
animal in, after which it was given a cursory exam by the staff, aimed 
mostly at determining if it should be put to death immediately.  It was 
then placed in a cage with the appropriate diet for its species.  The center 
was supposed to provide more care than an animal would recveive  if 
taken in by a well-meaning individual and kept in the basement.  But in 
some cases, the basement would have been a better option, 
albeit an illegal one."

Barb Kirpluk: Caw of the Wild: Observations from the Secret World of Crows

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