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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/26/2007 PSAC Reports CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MIKE NORKIN, CHAIRMAN ~ DR. SHAWN BHUTTA, VICE-CHAIRMAN" NICOLE DAILEY, COMMISSIONER' AL LYONS, COMMISSIONER 1..- DENNIS "JAY" STEWART, COMMISSIONER ~ ROBERT BRADY, CITY MANAGER WWW.LAKE-ELSINORE.ORG (951) 674-3124 PHONE (951) 674-2392 FAX LAKE ELSINORE CULTURAL CENTER 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530 SEPTEMBER 26, 2007 6:00 PM The City of Lake Elsinore appreciates your attendance. Citizens' interest provides the Commission with valuable information regarding issues of the community. Regular meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. If you are attending this Public Safety Advisory Commission Study Session, please park in the Parking Lot across the street from the Cultural Center. This will assist us in limiting the impact of meetings on the Downtown Business District. Thank you for your cooperation. The agenda is posted 72 hours prior to each meeting outside of City Hall and is available at each meeting. The agenda and related reports are also available at the City Clerk's Office on the Friday prior to the Commission meeting and are available on the City's web site at www.lake-elsinore.orq. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should contact the City Clerk's Office at (951) 674-3124, ext. 261 at least 48 hours before the meeting to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility. CALL rOORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMENTS (Any person wishing to address the Public Safety Advisory Commission on any matter must complete a request form prior to commencement of the meeting. Comments limited to 3 minutes.) PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION STUDY SESSION AGENDA SEPTEMBER 26, 2007 PAGE 2 BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Discussion of proposed High Speed Zone Maximum Speed Limit and Special Event Permit Recommendation ADJOURNMENT The Lake Elsinore Public Safety Advisory Commission will adjourn to a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 10,2007, at 6:00 p.m. to be held in the Cultural Center located at 183 N. Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA, 92530. AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING I, VIVIANM. MUNSON, CityClerkofthe City of Lake Elsinore, do hereby affirm that a copy of the foregoing agenda was posted at City Hall, 72 hours in advance of this meeting. ~;l. . VIVIAN M. MUNSON . CITY CLERK '" CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE REPORT TO PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION TO: FROM: DATE: CHAIRMAN AND PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION MARK DENNIS, INFORMA TION/COMMUNICA TION MGR. SEPTEMBER 26, 2007 SUBJECT: HIGH SPEED ZONE STUDY SESSION BACKGROUND On August 8th and September 1ih, the Public Safety Advisory Commission considered a request by staff to evaluate the need for regulating use of the High Speed Zone (HSZ) under specific conditions. A proposed "thunderboat" jet boat test on the lake prompted staff to recommend an 80 ,.--- mph maximum speed limit and special permit requirement for exceeding this limit. Presently there is no maximum speed limit, special permit requirement or associated cost for using the High Speed Zone. An existing limit of 35 mph in the HSZ during weekends and holidays has been in force for a number of years. To date, no accident or injury related to excessive speed in the High Speed Zone has occurred either during restricted or non-restricted days. The purpose of this study session is to consider the impacts of the original staff proposal and any alternative recommendation(s) that should be further developed. DISCUSSION Staff is seeking direction from PSAC on ways to retain a High Speed Zone attraction while limiting risk or exposure as both speed and lake use rises. The original staff recommendations and Ordinance revisions from the PSAC meetings of August and September 12th are included in this packet for reference. Staff welcomes all input or suggestions from the PSAC, LEPD, or the public, in keeping '" with the goal of maintaining safety for lake users and visitors now and in the future. AGENDA ITEM NO. PAGE / OF-L ~ CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE REPORT TO PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION TO: CHAIRMAN AND COMMISSION MEMBERS FROM: MARK E. DENNIS INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER DATE: SEPTEMBER 12, 2007 SUBJECT: DRAFT AMENDMENT TO L.E.M.C. SECTION 9.96.120 (C) REGARDING BOAT SPEED LIMITS FOR LAKE ELSINORE ESTABLISIDNG MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT AND SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR LAKE ELSINORE'S HIGH SPEED ZONE BACKGROUND On August 8, 2007 the Public Safety Advisory Committee recommended to City Staff to draft an ordinance to establish a maximum speed limit for Lake Elsinore's High Speed Zone, with a ~ requirement for those desiring to exceed the maximum speed limit to obtain a Special Event Permit. DISCUSSION Attached is the DRAFT High Speed Zone Ordinance for review by the Commissioners. The effective date ofthe ordinance would be January 1, 2008. This would allow time for City Staff to change public information literature and signage to conform with the new regulation. FISCAL IMPACT Staff does not anticipate any significant fiscal impact to the City if the ordinance is approved. RECOMMENDATION Direct legal counsel to incorporate th~~LCommission's revisions into the ordinance and submit a revised ordinance with a staff report to the City Council for consideration. .~ AGENDA rTEM NO. PAGE ;<?2 / OF3 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 9.96.120 (C) OF THE LAKE ELSINORE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING BOAT SPEED LIMITS FOR LAKE ELSINORE '-' THE CITY COUNCIL OF ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. and restated to pro the grant deed from e r public park and WHEREAS, the City of Lake Elsinore is obligated the State of California to use, maintain and improve the recreation purposes in perpetuity; and WHEREAS, the City recognizes the powerboating on the Lake within the designate WHEREAS, public safety is of par, WHEREAS, the City desires to enact r travel at a high rate of speed. of ELSINORE DOES graph C is hereby amended '-' C. hour (80 beginn" Sept des thirty - fiv maXImum s in Chapter 5.73. SECTION . If any provision, clause, sentence or paragraph of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this Ordinance and are hereby declared to be severable. igh Speed Zone is eighty miles per ing days: every Saturday and Sunday y in May and ending with the first Sunday in , Fourth of July and Labor Day. During these mu lowable boat speed limit of Lake Elsinore is 5 mph). All boaters desiring to travel in excess of the apply to the City for a special event permit as provided SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall take effect on the later of thirty (30) days after the date of its final passage or January 1, 2008. The City Clerk shall '-' AGENDA ITEM NO. ~.3 PAGE..;< OF ~ I CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. _ Page 2 of2 ~ certify as to adoption of this Ordinance and cause this Ordinance to be published and posted in the manner required by law. INTRODUCED AND APPROVED UPON FIRST READING this day of ,2007, upon the following roll call vote: ~ AYES: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: PASSED, APPROVED AND this _ day of , 2007, upon the folIo , ADING AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COUNCILME RobertE.Magee,Mayor City of Lake Elsinore Vivian Munson, City of Lake Elsin e APPROVED AS TO FORM: ~ Barbara Zeid Leibold, City Attorney City of Lake Elsinore AGENDA ITEM NO. .<3 PAGE_.3 OF ..2:... ~ CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE REPORT TO PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION TO: CHAIRMAN AND COMMISSION MEMBERS FROM: MARK E. DENNIS INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER DATE: AUGUST 8, 2007 SUBJECT: DISCUSS ESTABLISHING MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT AND SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT REQillREMENTS FOR LAKE ELSINORE'S HIGH SPEED ZONE BACKGROUND In 1993 the State of California conveyed ownership of Lake Elsinore to the City of Lake Elsinore. In preparation of managing the Lake, the City prepared a Lake Elsinore Master Plan in 1994. Under the Lake Master Plan, the City adopted many of the State Department of Parks & Recreation's existing regulations for Lake Elsinore, including the continuation of a High Speed Zone (HSZ) in the center of the Lake with no speed limit. ~ In 2003, during construction of the Axial Flow Pump Destratification System the dimensions of the High Speed Zone were reset to 1,200' wide and 6,250' long. At that time, the City adopted additional regulations on the HSZ underLEMC Sec. 9.96.120 and 9.96.140, which limited the time period when the HSZ is open for unlimited high speed travel and established equipment standards for boaters traveling in excess of 80 mph. DISCUSSION Recently the Freedom Racing Team, a hydroplane racing company, approached the City about using Lake Elsinore's HSZ. This type of vessel can reach speeds of 150 mph. City Staff responded that there is no regulation to prevent this type of vessel from operating on Lake Elsinore. Just prior to this vessel being shipped to Lake Elsinore, the vessel experienced mechanical problems that delayed deployment. Typically, the HSZ is utilized by high performance recreational vessels that travel less than 80-mph. The potential of operating a hydroplane racing vessel at 150 mph on Lake Elsinore side by side with amateur recreational boaters has caused City Staff to pause and revisit the public safety regulations for the HSZ. /"'" To the best of City Staff's recollection, there has not been a serious boating accident in the High Speed Zone. AGENDA ITEM NO. PACE / o(~ OF . / if. FISCAL IMPACT The High Speed Zone is considered a unique asset that attracts high performance recreational boaters and manufacturers to Lake Elsinore. Staff estimates that the elimination of the HSZ or establishment of a low speed limit (less than 80 mph) may reduce boat usage by 5% and reduce the chances of manufacturers of performance vessels from relocating to the City. .---, RECOMMENDA TION Discuss establishing a maximum speed limit in the High Speed Zone and the requirement to seek a Lake Special Event Permit for boaters desiring to exceed the specified maximum speed limit. If affirmative, then direct City Staff to draft an ordinance for City Council's approval. ---' '-' AGENDA ITEM NO. t5? ~ PAGE 6L OF / If. ~ ,.-.... ,.-.... / //~ "z/ '- ~.,- I. I .s{ / ~....~ ! '.. ../ ,\ AGENDA ITEM NO. ~] PACE .$ OF 4- ~ Freedom Racing Team U21 Construction Log Freedom Racing Team U21 Construction Log 2006-2007 Page 1 of 66 Week 19 Posted: 7-10-07 The new U21 is scheduled for testing Thursday, July 19 on Lake Elsinore. Driver Brian Perkins will fly in and take it for a spin, do a systems check and get comfortable for the team's debut in Tri-Cities on July 27, 28, 29. The crew is extremely excited that this year long project is almost complete. A special thanks to Dale Vanwieringen for all his time and talent in designing this master piece. ""'" ""'" ""'" ACENDA ITEM NO. ,R~ PACE Lj. OF ~ J if 7/12/2007 http://www.u21racing.comlgallery/constructionIU211ogjuly.htm r......../A'7I7..../..../IYI7..../...,/...../...../IY....I7.....~.......W'/,'/....,/IYAiI'Y.....~#"I7AY...../...X........../.....I7I7.....lY...yl7...../...../...../...../...I7..,...I7..../.IYI7.....~...I7...I7IYI7...../.....lYI7A1'YI7A'7.....A'7.17I/AJl'YI7I7.........IY..,...IYA'Y..../...../16lr/IY.....4IIY...../I7I'...............,..I'....~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ J--- City of Lake Elsinore I ~ ~ , Effective Immediately I ~ ~ I New High Speed Zone Regulations I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I ... 48ft ~ ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I HIGH I ~ ~ I SP<::~NE I ~ Except Holidays & Weekends i ~ Memorial Daythru Labor Day I I LEMC Ord. 1100, Sec. 9.96 I ~ jj ~ jj ~ ~ I~ I jj ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ I ~ i ~ jj ~ jj ~ ~ ~ jj I LEMC Ordinance No. 1100, Section 9.96.120 I ~ jj I There is no designated speed limit in the High Speed Zone, except during the following days: I I every Saturday and Sunday beginning with the last Saturday in May and ending with the first I I Sunday in September, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. During these designated I I days, the maximum allowable boat speed limit on Lake Elsinore is thirty-five (35) miles per hour. I ~ jj ~ jj I LEMC Ordinance No. 1100, Section 9.96.140 I ~ Vessels operating in the designated High Speed Zone at speeds of 80 miles per hour and greater I ~ i I shall be equipped with an ignition kill switch tethered to the driver and all persons aboard such I I vessels shall wear a personal floatation device with a U.S. Coast Guard 100-mile per hour rating I ~ i i ' and helmets. Helmets must meet the specifications set forth by any ofthe following: Department ~ I of Transportation, American National Standards Institute, Inc., Snell, or military specification ~ ~ ~ ! helmet designed for military aircraft. The upper fifty percent (50%) of the helmet must be neon, I ~ j I florescent, red, orange, yellow or international orange. I ! j ~ j I i I LEMC Ordinance No. 1100, Section 9.96.240 I ~ No person shall moor to, destroy, trespass upon, or cause willful damage to any buoy, beacon or I ~ j I"'" axial flow pump station. No person shall willfully or maliciously cut, break, injure, sink, set i I adrift, trespass, or moor any vessel of any kind to any buoy, beacon, or axial flow pump station I ~ I I platform placed within Lake Elsinore. ?~ I i ACENDA ITEM NO. CO{ ~ i ~ r If I I PACE 0 OF I i ~ . . . i ~I/IYI/I/.l/I'/I/I'/I/lYI/I'/lYI'/l/IYIYI/I/I/I/I'/I'/I/I/"'/I/#/IYI/I/IYI'/I/I/I/I/IYI/""/I7I7""/l/I/I/I'/I'/171/1/l/I/I'/I'/IYI/IYIYI/l/I/I'/I/I/I/I/lYI'/I/I/I/I/lYI/I/I'/IYI/I/l/I/I/l/I/IYI/I'/1?1?14IY1?1?1?1/1'.a 9.96.140 9.96.090 LAKE ELSINORE CODE .- 9.96.090 Ski tow rope. No person shall operate a boat with a ski tow line exceeding seventy-five feet except in the fast boat zone. (Ord.957, 1993) 9.96.100 Towed equipment. No person shall tow with a boat any devices which may be used to carry persons other than water skis or aquaplanes without the written permission from the City in a special exhibition or event. (Ord. 957, 1993) 9.96.110 Sailboats. No person shall operate a sailboat within the fast boat zone. (Ord. 957, 1993) ~ 9.96.120 Boat speed limits. No person shall operate a boat in a unit at speeds in excess of that authorized for the area in which the boat is operating. Boat speed limits shall be designated and posted. A The maximum allowable boat speed limit of Lake Elsinore is thirty-five miles per hour, except in the designated high speed zone. B. Five miles per hour (idle/wakeless forward motion) is the maximum allowable speed in: 1. Buoyed areas - shoreline to buoys. 2. During restricted visibility (visibility less than one thousand feet, fog haze and/or smoke). 3. Within one hundred feet of a ~n in water. c ~ There is no designated speed limit in the high speed zone, except during the following days: every Saturday and Sunday beginning with the last Saturday in May and ending with the first Sunday in September, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. During these designated days, the maximum allowable boat speed limit of Lake Elsinore is thirty- five miles per hour. (Ord. 1100 ~ 1,2003; Ord. 957, 1993) ,..J 9.96.125 Length of vessels. Vessels operating on Lake Elsinore shall not exceed a maximum of forty feet in length, unless authorized by written order of the City Manager. (Ord. 1100 ~ 2, 2003; Ord. 1063 ~ II, 2000) 9.96.130 Operating boats during nighttime. Where night boating is authorized, no person shall operate a boat . at speeds in excess of five miles per hour, unless authorized by written order of the City Manager. (Ord. 1063 ~ I (part), 2000; Ord. 957, 1993) 9.96.140 Vessels. A No person shall beach, land, launch, moor, dock, or berth a vessel, boat or any ~ other object overnight except in areas so designated and posted by the Department. B. The Department may, by posting of an order, specify locations, conditions, and limitations for the beaching, landing, launching, mooring, docking, or berthing of a vessel, boat, or any other object. No such posting of notices shall apply until signs or markings giving notice thereof have been placed. C. Beached or abandoned vessels, boats, or any other objects are to be re- moved by the registered owner from City property within twenty-four hours of notification. The last registered owner of record is responsible and is thereby liable for the cost of removal and disposition of the vessel, boat, or other object beached or abandoned. D. Persons aboard sailboards must have aboard a United States Coast Guard approved, personal flotation device (Type I, 922 "" .., .-.J ACENDA ITEM NO. ""'-' PACE 19 OF I if Rev. Ord. Supp. 7/03 9.96.150 PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE 9.96.180 /"'"' II, III, or IV) for each person aboard the sailboard, when the sail board is operated on the water. The personal flotation device must be readily accessible at all times. E. Submersible vessels are not ;R-~e 'tted. . . . - F. Vessels operating in the designated hig speed zone at speed at eighty miles per hour and greater shall be equipped with an ignition kill switch tethered to the driver and all persons aboard such vessels flotation device with a United States Coast Guard one hundred mile per hour rating and helmets. Helmets must meet the speci- fications set forth by any of the following: Department of Transportation, American National Standards Institute, Inc., Snell, or military specification helmet designed for military aircraft. The upper fifty percent of the helmet must be neon, florescent, red, orange, yellow, or international orange. (Ord. 1100 ~ 3, 2003; Ord. 957, 1993; Ord. 957,1994) ---- 9.96.150 Disposal of waste from boats. Any boat must be so constructed or equipped that all wastes, including but not limited to shower water and human waste, are discharged in to a holding tank. Such wastes shall only be discharged in on-shore disposal facilities. (Ord. 957, 1993) 9.96.160 Inspections. A A City peace officer or peace officer with concurrent jurisdiction may inspect any vessel or boat at any time for compli- ance with all applicable laws, rules and/or regulations. Any person who refuses to allow such inspection shall immediately remove his vessel from the waters of the park system. B. No person shall operate a boat or vessel when such boat or vessel does not /"' comply with all applicable laws, rules and/or regulations. C. No boat shall remain launched or in continuous use in the City park system for more than thirty days except by concession granted. (Ord. 957, 1993) 9.96.170 Restricted use. A The following lands and facilities at the Lake Elsinore Recreation Area are closed or restricted to all persons, other than City employees or authorized indi- viduals in the following manner. 1. Wells number one, two, and three. 2. Sites posted with buoys or fencing, depending on water level. 3. No person shall be within fifty feet of said facility, except as authorized by the City. 4. No person shall operate a radio- controlled model replica device unless au- thorized through an approved special event permit. 5. Operation of radio-controlled model replica devices will occur only in designated areas as identified in the approved special event permit. 6. Portions of the lake may be closed to boating activity, as the lake level recedes and exposes hazards. Affected portions will be posted with buoys, stating "closed to boats. " 7. No person shall berth, moor, dock, or otherwise secure any vessel or other ob- ject, fish, dive, or swim from the City pa trol dock facility located on Lake Elsinore. (Ord. 957, 1993) 9.96.180 Launching. No vessel shall cast off, weigh anchor, or launch when the fol- lowing conditions exist unless authorized by written order of the City Manager. 923 AGENDA ITEM NO. C:<:<. PAGE 7- OF J 1- Rev. Ord. Supp. 7/03 r , A ~ ~c~ ....., ....., '-' AGENDA ITEM NO.~ PACE R _OF ...l!L. r--F S L E San Diego Thunderboat Regatta September 14-16, 2007 Bill Muncey Memorial Cup for Unlimited Hydroplanes, Champ Boat Racing Series & International Hot Boats Association Drag Boats Attendance: 143,000 -160,000 Market: Feature Entertainment: Unlimited and thundering Unlimited Light hydroplanes, Champ Boat Racing Series, IHBA Drag boats, Western Formula Lights, Superstocks, SST 45, Crackerbox Racing Series The world's fastest race boats, Unlimited hydroplanes, compete for the 4151 time on Mission Bay for the Bill Muncey Cup. Additional water entertainment and an airshow featuring Navy Leap Frogs Aerial Display, with breathtaking military and civilian performances, Interactive Displays for Kids, Nightly Entertainment & Saturday Night Annual Firework Extravaganza. San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Yuma Arizona, Laughlin Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. National media attention attracts people from all over the U.S. /""'"'- Spectators: Special on-site events attract all ages: stage, pit tours, autograph sessions, interactive games and a wide variety of concessions, amusements and displays. Roughly 40 percent are female and 60 percent male, with an above average household income. Under 18 16% 18-24 20% 25-34 27% 35-54 55+ 32% 5% Media Exposure: Awarded "Outstanding Race Site 1996, 1997, 1999 by APBA- The American Powerboat Association. Broadcast on national television and/or local NBC affiliate to more than 3 million viewers. National, local and web radio coverage as well as over 100 newspapers and magazines across the nation advertise the Regatta. r-- Various promotional pieces and souvenir items provide additional exposure for the boat races and air show including more than 15,000 event brochures are distributed pre-event. Posters are posted at local businesses and a full-color 40+ page souvenir program is available during race weekend. ~...., AGENDA ITEM NO. --. PAGE q OF .1,1{ Tel: 619-225-9160 . Fax: 619-225-9230 . www.ThunderboatRegatta.com . Email: Info@Thunderboats.net .........'.H.... , , I Organization: Mission: Economic Impact: Community Impact: Location: Park Projects: Funding: History: San Diego Activities: The San Diego Thunderboat Regatta, a non-profit organization established in 1965, managed by a volunteer board of directors. ..~ To stage a community event of regional and national importance that generates publicity, attracts visitors and focuses attention on the water, climate and recreational aspects of the San Diego area of Mission Bay Park. Economic impact studies have shown that the Thunderboat Regatta adds over $26 million to the San Diego economy each year (This does not include multipliers normally used by tourism businesses). Hotels are filled and it's one of the best sales weekends for gas stations, restaurants and fast foods establishments. Over $60,000 is paid by San Diego Thunderboats to local civic organizations and others, who help park cars, sell programs and work on other projects during the event. We are also proud to have contributed to the Burn Institute, Children's Hospital & Health Center, San Diego Youth Foster Program, South Bay Community Services, San Diego Job Corp, and the Boy Scouts of America. The main spectator area is East Vacation Island Ski Beach, Crown Point Shores & Fiesta Island. .......,. Proceeds from the festival return to Mission Bay Park through the Mission Bay Endowment Fund. The fund was created to provide enhancements to the park such as the Bill Muncey Memorial and ensures the future of Mission Bay Park for generations to come. 35% Ticket sales 51 % Sponsorships, contributions and hospitality areas 14% Concessions, souvenirs and program sales San Diego Thunderboat Regatta has hosted Unlimited hydroplanes since 1966. It is one of the largest community events in Southern California, receiving national recognition. San Diego, known for 325 days of sunshine annually, thrives on outdoor activities including top rated golfing, fishing, waterskiing and sailing, as well as Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, the Festival of Sails, and the Imperial Beach San Castles. ...I'W. , ,i I ......" AGENDA ITEM NO. -?.:< PAGE JD OF 14 Tel: 619-225-9160 . Fax: 619-225-9230 . www.ThunderboatRegatta.com · Email: Info@Thunderboats.net ~ Brandy Branchflower Complete name: Brandy Lee Branchflower Birth date: 04.Feb.1976 Birth Place: unknown, CA, United States Death date: 21.Apr.1985 Death Place: Orange County (east of Orange city), CA, United States Nationality: United States Gender: female Age at death: 9 Accident date: 21.Apr.1985 Series: NDBA - National Drag Boat Association Race: [Coors' Championship Drag Boat races] Event: race Country: United States Venue: Irvine Lake Variant: 1982?-1985? ~ Role: spectator Vehicle type: boat Vehicle sub-type: drag boat Vehicle brand/model: Vehicle number: ,r- Note: The death of nine-year-old Brandy Lee Branchflower at Irvine Lake near Orange, California, drew the attention of the Los Angeles Times, authorites concerned for the safety of the public at any speed event, and especially the insurance industry. A hydroplane drag boat, High Anxiety, driven by James Lange of Simi Valley, California, lost its rudder controls just after completing a run in excess of 150 mph. The boat veered off the normal course, and had slowed to about 45 mph when it ran ashore into a picnic area. Brandy Lee Branchflower was struck and killed by the boat, and another spectator was slightly injured. Aside from the terrible tragedy for a very loving and protective family, other facts were disclosed about drag boating that led to significant changes in the sport. ~ .....-- In three years of drag boat racing at Irvine Lake, three people had been killed: Miss Branchflower, and two drivers: Barry Zenovka, 36, from Westminster, California, was killed on 9 April 1983; on 24 June 1984 James Hobbs, 41, from San Bernardino, California died. Both men were driving hydroplane drag boats. In 1982, John May of Sylmar, California, received a broken neck in a crash in October. Wiley Miller of Fullerton, California and Perry Davis of Mesa, Arizona, were seriously injured in another wreck during the same heat. ~ In 1983, three spectators were injured when another drag boat crashed onto the shoreline during a race. Earlier on this same day, Berry Zenkova had been killed. It was very clear that not only were drag boats dangerous to drive, but they also were a serious danger ACENDA ITEM NO. PAGE II -?.:< OF I tf to spectators who gathered too close to the lake. The illusion that the place of danger was only on the water was obviously disproved by the spectator injuries and Brandy Branchflower's death. ,...., The authorities in charge of Irvine Lake banned any further use of the lake for racing. Insurance companies either refused to cover future races or charged much higher rates. The American Power Boat Association decided against sanctioning drag boat racing because of the high cost of insurance. The National Drag Boat Association, one of the sponsors of this event, stopped sponoring events within a year. Commercial sponsors retreated from drag boat racing in significant numbers. Many venues of the sport decided against any future drag boat events. The venues that remained made substantial improvements in spectator safety and security. Some competitors left drag boat racing because of the reduction in numbers of events as well as recognition of the potential dangers of the sport. Many complaints were lodged by competitors, most notably that there had been no significant safety improvements in the boat technology for twenty years. This led to the development of reinforced driver compartments which could withstand crash impacts and provide enough oxygen for the driver while rescue crews did their job. Brandy Lee Branchflower was survived by her parents, Larry and Georgia, and her brother, Danny. Sources: California Birth Index, 1905-1995. California Death Index, 1940-1997. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 22 April 1985, Metro Section, page 2-1, by Marcida Dodson and David Reyes. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 22 April 1985, Sports Section, page 3-20, by Steve Lowery. Newspaper San Diego Union (San Diego, CA, United States), issue of 22 April 1985, page C-9, United Press International wire service. Newspaper San Diego Tribune (San Diego, CA, United States), issue of 22 April 1985, page A-3, Associated Press wire service. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 23 April 1985, Main News Section, page 1-3, by Patricia Klein. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 23 April 1985, Main News Section, page 1-1, by Mark Landsbaum. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 23 April 1985, Metro Section, page 2-8, by Mark Landsbaum. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 24 April 1985, Metro Section, page 2-2, by Andy Rose. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 24 April 1985, Metro Section, page 2-10. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 27 April 1985, Sports Section, page 3-1, by Mike DiGiovanna. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 28 April 1985, Metro Section, page 2-18, by David Reyes. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 4 May 1985, Main News Section, page 1-1, by Ray Perez and Steve Lowery. Newspaper The Daily Intelligencer (Doylestown, P A, United States), issue of 5 May 1985, page 9, Associated Press wire service. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 27 June 1985, Metro Section, page 2-5, by Mark I. Pinsky. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 11 August 1985, Metro Section, page 2-1, by Andy Rose. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 20 August 1985, Metro Section, page 2-4, by Kristina Lindgren. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 9 April 1988, Sports Section, page 3-8, by Shav Glick. Newspaper The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, CA, United States), issue of 17 February 1990, page AOl, by Pat Brennan. Newspaper Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA, United States), issue of 18 February 1990, Metro ~ ........" ACENDA ITEM NO.~ PACE I ~ ~OF J.::1- I ~ ~ ~ 2007 NATIONAL]ET BOAT ASSOCIATION www.NJBARacing.net RULEBOOK AGENDA ITEM NO. O?~ PAGE /3 OF 1'-/ CLASSIFICATION OF BOATS NJBA recognizes the following classes of jet and propeller driven race boats: ......., CLASS DESIGNATION Ski Jet ..................................... ........................... ....................... SJ Modified Jet...... .......... ................. .............................................. MJ Comp Jet........ ............................................... ............................ CJ Pro Gas Jet ...................................................................... ....... PGJ Unblown Fuel Jet....... ................ ............... ............................. UBFJ Blown Gas Jet ............. ........ ....................................... ....... ...... BGJ Blown Fuel Jet......................................... ...... ........................... BF J Ski Flat....................................................................................... SF Comp Flat.................................................................................. CF Pro Gas Flat.............. .............................................................. PGF Blown Gas Flat.......... ....... ........ .................................. ............. BGF Top Alcohol Flat.... ....... .................... ........... ......... ...... ............. T AF Ski Hydro ................................... .............. ............................. .... SH Comp Hydro .... ................................................................... ....... CH Pro Gas Hydro ................... ..................... ........................ ....... .PGH Blown Gas Hydro.. ............... ..... ....................................... ...... .BGH Pro Modified ................ ............................. ................... ....... ...... PM Top Alcohol Hydro.. ................................................................. T AH Top Fuel Hydro ......... ...... ................................ .............. .......... TFH CLASS REQUIREMENTS SKI JET. SJ Ski Jets are intended to be jet boats having typical water skiing equipment and appearance. Intemal engine modifications are permitted to enhance competition and reliability. '-' General 1. Seating must accommodate a minimum of two (2) adults. Seats must be fully upholstered, and at minimum must consist of a full width bench seat and back, or two (2) equal bucket seats. 2. Steering wheel must be a minimum of 8" off hull center line. 3. Boats may have any type of nozzle with a functional neutral mechanism that is operational from the driver's seat. 4. Adjustable cavitation plates are permitted. 5. Fuel is restricted to racing gasoline. See General Racing Rules. Engine 1. Any bore and stroke combination is allowed up to a maximum of 460 cubic inches, with a clean-up hone of a maximum of .005 inches. 2. No aluminum blocks allowed. 3. Any carburetor configuration up to a maximum of 1500 C.F.M. Absolutely no modifications to the venturi area are permitted on any carburetor from air cleaner flange to base plate, i.e., any factory casting flash and cadmium plating. Visual inspection by the Technical Committee will be allowed at their discretion. 4. The only legal carburetors for this class are Holley part numbers 0-4779C, 0-4779S, 0-6109,0-6709,0-8156,0-9379, and 0-80186. 2007 NJBA Rulebook 7 of 24 ~ ACENDA ITEM NO. ~ PAGE J t-f OF J 1- PRESS-ENTERPRISE Tues., Sept. 18, 2007 ~ LAKE ELSINORE: LIMIT PUSHED FOR HIGH-SPEED BOAT ZONE WILLIAM WILSON LEWIS "'/THE PRESS-ENTERC, William Belvins, of Whittier, pilots his boat on its maiden voyage Monday at Lake ~Isinore. Sitting beside him in front is Ryan Hust. 27.t.:, Krystale Hust, 22, sits aft. An 80 mph speed limit could soon be imposed on the no-limit, high-speed zone at the center of the lake. " ,Jj 'Dream Extreme' tested Opponent uses city's motto to deride pr(Jposed, ordinance BY AARON BURGIN THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE \ LAKE ELSINORE - Bo'aters used to pushing their watercraft to the limit on the state's Only """"""'h-speed lake zone may soon in for a surprise: a speed I1Illi t. A proposed ordinance that would set an 80-miles-per-hour cap on boat speeds in the high- speed zone is in the hands of the city's Public Safety Advisory Commission. The ordinance would also require lake users who want to travel at higher speeds to buy a $200 special-events permit. City officials say the goal of the ordinance is to make the lake safe for all users. The proposal, however, is being coolly received by members of the Inland area's speedboat community who say tlle ordi- nance is unnecessary. "It just seems that they are trying to fix a problem they don't have," said Steve WH- shire, a Corona boat rigger ti 33 years. The high-speed zone, 1 %-mile-long, %-mile-wide ar in the heart of the 3,000-a lake, is dedicated on most d to boaters who travel fa than 35 mph. Exceptions a holidays and weekends b tween Memorial Day and Labor, Day, when the speed limit reo' verts to 35 mph. See LAKElM "",-- LAKE ~ ing tests at the l~e, sajdhe can s~ t~ ci,tY's point. , " . . ~'It's. e!~~Jlbly apt the safest GlWTlHUED fROMBl thmg If It Isn't set tip properly," , Members of the city's Lake he said. . . and Aquatics Services.. staff Makers of h~hperformallce . &tartedtoconsidertlte~p~a ofa .,.~t~~~larlY:l,se the l~~~~'~" speed limit whenf\ther\\'~te te~titlg;"oi~ . ,'. ;.',>11 approached in J~by' a'~~ .,;lelUl..,th;~~b.,' the '.' se~i~.,'i Diego.based racing team that manager at Elimmator Boats in tion." wanted to use the lake to test its Mira Lomatestimated,there are "As a unlimited hydroplane water- about 20 b()at ~amifacturersin sib! . craft, a sleek jet-powered boat the)nland '. t! who'J~ . '0 that can Teach speeds of more crafts ca '2' than 2ooinph. '. past 100 eo;" "There was.. concern that Elsinore fo , s.., someone. 'could just drop in, "A lot of~urcustomersdon't unannounced, an(ldo a test run want to test out their boats on . like this," astaft' member said. the ocean, b~cause the salt can "You mig.ht have Some person be brutal ana boat," Smith said. not cognizant ofthe l>9tqld~si ...... '.tb~, tclQ~U WtP a.. of the zone, and . tie:result~"Cpmp. .' ...... .~p s~kei. could be disastrous." ;. M:ead;.aloi'tgl -A~f "The speed limit aM permit ns border, boat enthusiasts would allow us to know who said; woulg.be;going that fast, sothat Many boat- manufacturers we could plan accordingly," and dealers said the ordinance with increas'ed patrols' around would create an undue financial the zone, tnestaffmember said. burden. No penalty has been set for Other ordinance r oppo.ncnts' violating the proposed 80 mph . said most high-speed boats are limit in the high-speed zone. used in the early morning when There is a $100 fine fpr violating thelake ..~ less/ero the 35 mpn limit outside the They; th~ zone. spe Kevin Aylesworth, co-oWner . rec 0 a speed liiftit. of the San Diego' hydroplane Ther, have been no ililjtiry team, which is ll(} longer pursu- accidents.in the high-speed ,,-.