Ship Wrecked in Port of San Diego | “HELP” (San Diego)
On Tuesday 11/03/09 around 3PM I bought a 32’ boat on Shelter Island at the City Marina for San Diego from Bob and LaRainne. Purpose of the boat was to create activities for the cub and boy scouts of San Diego by way of a non-profit association. I took Bob with our “Bill of Sale” to the office in charge of renting boat slips and showed Emily, the manager, the change of ownership.After we paid in full for Bob’s slip rent, she advised me that the next day at 11AM his 10 day slip rental was going to be voided. I advised her that I just bought the boat only a few minutes prior to this and needed a couple of days to make it safe enough to be moved and that I would gladly pay for the additional days.
I also needed to check for another vacant slip in the area and needed to speak with Chief Kirk Sanfilippo to arrange a small grace period to set the boat up safely for travel. The Chief did not correspond with me but had one of his Marine Patrol Officers by the name of Curt; I believe, call me at my house at approximately 5:30PM that day to advise me that I must move the boat by 11AM or be charged with a violation and have my boat confiscated.
My intentions meant absolutely nothing to him or anyone else. I was treated like I committed a crime. I only entered into this Endeavour because I wanted to do something good for the kids of San Diego and teach them what I’ve learned in my lifetime. The officers in charge of my unfortunate predicament are a reflection of San Diego. I could understand their animosity towards me if this happened all the time. This purchase is what is called an isolated incident. And, it could be easily amended. So, it looks like I’m going to be floating around at 11 O’clock on Wednesday in an unsafe vessel and no place to dock because no one in a uniform wants to help.
In so many words, I was actually called stupid on the phone for buying the boat while I was trying to get some relief. Maybe this is the way they treat senior citizens in San Diego. Or maybe, they just want my boat! I don’t know! Does anyone have a suggestion out there? Or, even a place where I can ram the boat up on the beach for now? 619-723-6600
You have no idea how much my thanks are for your help. I only have a little over an hour before they take my boat. So, I got to get going. Will be back in touch. I did mention the Chief’s name. And, Emily is the only one that I know of that works the counter there at the Marine patrol facility on Shelter Island.
http://www.portofsandiego.org/harbor-police/meet-the-chief.html This is the web site. It includes the chief. His right hand man is Lt. Kirk Nicoles. I have attempted to talk with the chief or his secretary today while I was at the dock. Neither were available. Mr. Nicoles is the one I spoke to last night. He the one that likes to speak to you in a very polished condescending manner. His entire education has been riding boats on the waterways of San Diego for 15 years. And, with this, he feels that he’s the pinicle of wisdom. 619-686-6227 is the number for Emily at the Shelter Island mooring office.
As of 4:30 today I was approached by the Chief at my boat. He was the only one that I met that did his job well. He was made for it. I was surprised, he was actually a very nice guy. After reviewing my circumstances he awarded me an extra 5 days to make the boat safe and ready for a voyage. In my life and at my age I have learned that if you need something and you deserve it; never, never, take no for an answer. In today’s world there’s a lot of help available. You just have to search for it. A great example is this web site. And, my friend Ali, who gave me hope. Thanks Ali.
Well that is quite reassuring BTW I had sent them a note informing them of your grievance to their customer service ID customerservicecenter@portofsandiego.org
Thanks and I wish you all the BEST in your endeavors.
Thanks a lot for everything. I wish you well with this web site. It’s a good thing.