Hello Aqua Tutus,
Thanks to Oliver Edwards for his show and tell of diving with diver propulsion vehicles. Oliver provided a lot of useful information about the costs and benefits of using a DPV during local and overseas dives. I won't be surprised if more club members try out a DPV during upcoming dives and purchase their own.
As always, the club's annual holiday party will replace the December general meeting. While the party's location remains La Cabana Mexican restaurant in Newark, there are several changes to this year's holiday party compared to those in previous years. Perhaps the biggest changes are the club is not subsidizing this year's party and attendees must pre-register by Friday, December 5th 6:00 PM. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The price this year is $51.50 for the buffet. To register for the party, click the Register Now button in the event's entry here:
Annual Club Holiday Party - 12/13/2025. If fewer than 35 members and guests RSVP, then La Cabana cannot provide a buffet. Ticket costs will be refunded, and attendees will order off the regular menu. As I write this, there are only 14 attendees registered, so if you plan to attend the party, register now.
Despite predicted poor conditions at Point Lobos for the November club dive, Derek Suring and I had a good dive exploring the rock formations and marine life to the right of Whaler's Cove's mouth. Some highlights of the dive were a playful harbor seal, a leopard shark, sheepshead, and a large cabezon. Surge was slight to moderate, and visibility ranged up to 20 feet.
The December club dive will be at Lovers Point 3 in Pacific Grove. Alan Stanek is serving as point of contact. If you plan to go, do him a favor and register for the dive using the event's entry:
Dec 7, 2025 - Club Dive Lover's Point 3 - 12/7/2025 in the club website's Events calendar.
Be aware the club's January general meeting will be held on Thursday, January 8, rather than January 1. During the November board of director meeting, the board agreed to propose increasing annual club fees from $40 a year to $50 for 2026. I'll present that proposal at the January meeting. If members at the meeting approve, the annual membership fee will immediately rise to that amount. Members who have already registered for 2026 will be grandfathered at the $40 rate. If you want a say in whether to increase club dues, come to the meeting.
It's been a few years since the board has had a retreat to discuss whether and what changes to make to improve the club. I'd like to have a retreat on January 10th, at Oliver Edward's home in Santa Cruz. By then most/all club members going to Cozumel will have returned and will be available for a face-to-face meeting. The retreat will be open to all club members. If you'd like to suggest a different location, please let me know. Topics will include restructuring club officer positions and other changes to the club's
Constitution and Bylaws and
Board of Directors, Elected Member & Volunteer Coordinator Duties. I'm thinking a potluck would be nice with folks bringing their own libations.
Finally, I wish everyone a joyous holiday season. I hope to see you all at the holiday party, club dive, and our first general meeting of 2026!
Warmly,
Jim Driggers
Club president