Marin Republican Women, Federated

Luncheon/Speaker Meeting

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Time: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Location: The Club at McInnis Restaurant,
350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael, CA

Speaker

San Francisco Crab Boat Owners Association

Topic: Challenged By Restrictions – Crab Season on the San Francisco Coast

What things are sure to come to mind when you think of San Francisco? Of course, the Golden Gate Bridge is a no-brainer but, so are the culinary delights, sour dough bread and Dungeness crabs.

Those large orange crustaceans used to be a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables. And a trip to Fisherman’s Wharf always found outdoor crab fishermen selling whole crabs fresh off the boat, and even individual cocktails. They always put on a show, and, for a tourist, the size of the large crabs was a tale for travelers to bring to their Midwest friends.

Fast forward to 2024 when the crab fishing season didn’t even open until after New Years and will close in spring.

In 1970 the Federal government listed humpback whales as an endangered species that had been hunted to near extinction. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, since the 1980’s whales along the West Coast have recovered at an estimated annual rate of 8.2%, with more than 4,500 humpback whales now feeding off California’s coast. That’s a lot of traffic for a crab line to avoid.

The San Francisco Crab Boat Owners Association is made up of the actual boat owners and people who are affected by the regulations to protect the whales. Shortened seasons, mandatory orders for a 50% reduction in the number of gear/traps, all while working during the most dangerous wind and weather conditions of the season are the current challenges faced by these local small business owners. Hopefully a mutually beneficial solution is out there.

Elise Vitale
1st VP, Programs

Reservations

Cost: $38 members, $40 non-members
Deadline: Friday, April 18

RSVP Options:

To reserve and pay on-line, please go to our payment site:
Click here to RSVP & make payment.
Note: Zip Code – be sure you enter it, or your reservation will not go through

Email: events@marinrepublicanwomen.com
Phone: 847-217-6037

Lunch Choice:

Please choose one of the following options and include your choice in your RSVP:

• Chicken Marsala with vegetables
• Prawns Crostini Salad

Payment by Mail

Mail your check payable to MRWF to:
Jay Kist,
49 Bellevue Ave,
San Rafael, CA 94901

If you have any questions, feel free to contact events@marinrepublicanwomen.com

Please include your name, contact information, and lunch choice. Also include the names of any guests and their lunch choices.

Reservation Details

Name: __________________________

Email: __________________________

Phone: __________________________

Lunch Choice:

___ Chicken Marsala with vegetables

___ Prawns Crostini Salad

OR
By email or phone – Mail a bank check: Email:
or Phone: 847-217-6037 By bank check: U.S. Post your payment early so that check-in at the event is expedited.
Make check payable: MRWF Mail reservations to: Jay Kist, 49 Bellevue Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Notice: Advance reservations required. Lunch reservations, unless cancelled the Friday before the event, will be billed to you.