- Location
- Desert Beach So Cal
What's New in the ASA
April 2005 **** **Cleanup Opportunity** WHAT?- First annual Glamis
Earth Sand Cleanup
Where?- North Dunes Comp Hill Pit [Just South of Highway 78]
When?- Friday, April 22, 2005 8am till we drop
How? -Meet at Osborne Overlook or in the Comp Hill Pit
Why? -Because Competition Hill needs to be Cleaned Up.
Bring- Gloves/Rakes/Magnets/sifters/Clean sand ideas.
Lunch will be provided! Looking for someone to step up and buy Hot
Dogs and Trash Bags
E-mail me if you can help with Bar-B-Q or any other ideas you have!
Thanks!! --Steve Brooks 714 524 8623 or 714 342 9489
[email protected] {mailto:[email protected]}
**South Dunes Incident** During the past several weeks there have
been activities in the South Dunes that warrant extra care and
caution on behalf of dune visitors in the vicinity of Buttercup and
the Plank Road. Extra care is encouraged in securing personal
property to avoid theft. Illegal activities involving armed intruders
have been experienced.
**Phoenix Open Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting** The meeting was
well attended. The BOD met with Dr Phillips, ASA Botanical consultant
on Friday afternoon to discuss future action related to the
alternatives available to pursue delisting of the PMV. A plan of
action was developed for the completion of the updated ASA PMV video.
The panel discussion re rules and laws was very productive. The panel
addressed the questions which were provided in advance. Their
responses were recorded and will be summarized in the next newsletter
and on the website. A similar panel discussion will be schedule for
the Oct 22, 2005 in San Diego.
**** **** **** **Recent Board Of Directors Action ** Board member
and Treasurer Becky Hethcox has elected not to seek a third term when
her term expires June 30, 2005. Becky will continue to serve as the AZ
events coordinator and the Merchandise Committee Vice Chairman. During
the April 11, 2005 conference call the BOD elected Dick Holliday to
serve as the new treasurer. Don Johnson will serve as the secretary.
This action was taken to provide adequate lead time for an effective
transition of officer duties prior to the June 30, 2005 effective
date.
The BOD is currently accepting nominations for the vacant BOD
position and will make a selection during its May 9, 2005 conference
call. The BOD has recently approved several Job Description for
committee chairman and project coordinators. A three member Finance
Committee will be established to develop a formal Financial Plan and
to oversee all ASA fund raising activities. The Treasurer will chair
this committee.
**Strategic Planning Workshop** We now have a Strategic Plan thanks
to all those that participated in the planning workshop last month.
The Strategic Plan has been circulated to the participants for input
and we have begun creating an organizational plan. The BOD adopted
the following Mission statement at the April 2, 2005 Phoenix meeting;
"The American Sand Association is an association of environmentally
conscious motorized sand sport enthusiasts dedicated to open access
and the enhancement of family orientated recreation."
Thanks to the efforts of new BOD member Don Johnson we have begun
integrating the plan into our communications and organizational
efforts.
**Legal Coalition** The ASA has joined a coalition of OHV
organizations which have secured the dedicated services of Attorney
Dave Hubbard. A Memorandum of Understanding will provide the
foundation for the services to be rendered and the sharing of the
associated cost. This arrangement will reduce the ASA legal expenses
while assuring dedicated legal services. Grant George will be the ASA
representative on the new coalition Eco Balance Board of Directors.
Vince Brunasso will serve as the alternate representative.
**ASA Business Sponsors** Remember to use our sponsors for your
parts and services, give back to those that support YOU first. Use
the quick "keyword" search on the website to find what you need. New
sponsors are needed, if you don't see the ASA "Proud Sponsor" sign in
their window, please ask them to join and support YOUR sport.
http://www.americansandassociation.org/sponsors/
** ** **Website Activities** Over the weekend of March 27th our
original ASA web server experienced a major hardware failure. This
server was a 'homebuilt' style PC that has been in use since the ASA
was founded. Our server is located at an Internet hosting company in
Austin TX, and unfortunately there are no support people around
during weekend hours. That caused us to be "off line" for most of the
weekend and part of the following Monday while we diagnosed the
failure.
Fortunately, the ASA had purchased a new computer to replace the old
one back in December, and the Web Team Committee has been slowly
installing and migrating applications and utilities over from the old
server.
The failure event caused us to cutover to the new, incomplete
server, without the benefit of full testing. We determined it would
be faster to do that than to try and continue to diagnose and repair
the old one.
The cutover was as smooth as we could expect, however we did lose
several weeks of Bulletin Board System postings. The new server is
over 100x faster, has vastly more memory and disk storage and
(hopefully) will be more reliable than the old one since it is a
commercial-quality web server. We also took the opportunity to
upgrade as many of the supporting applications and operating system
as we could so we had the benefit of the latest security and
stability updates.
The following weekend, the hosting company experienced multiple
power failures, spikes and brownouts as their local utility company
was modifying the incoming power distribution lines. Our server sits
in a rack by itself at their facility and the battery backup system
on that rack had failed without anyone knowing. Those power spikes
knocked our system off-line again until Monday. No damage was
detected, and the hosting company is investigating the battery backup
system to find out why it failed.
We are still working on bringing back the full capability we had
under the old system, so please be patient with us. We have a long
list of items that are still either missing or malfunctioning, and
are trying to clear the list as quickly as we can.
This has been a huge job for our volunteers and we want to thank
Jason Hitesman and Greg Gorman for their help in restoring our
service.
**** **** **** **Volunteer Coordinator** BOD member Lloyd Misner
plans to enhance the ASA volunteer recruitment and coordination. He
intends to identify 3-5 members to help carry out this critical
function. Arizona and California lead volunteers are needed. Please
contact Lloyd if you are willing to help on this important project.
909 923 0679 or 909 273 9696
**Media Day ** BOD member Mike Sommer is preparing a plan to
implement Media Day activities on short notice in the event of a
major news worthy event. The plan will include an alternate location
outside of the dunes in the event of short lead time warranting
prompt response. Consideration will be given to the use of a
professional advisor similar to the 2004 Media Day program.
**
Merchandise Committee Activities** The BOD approved the purchase of
25,000 Duner Survival Kit bags for restocking of the supply and
50,000 Safety Bug stickers. A new T Shirt design is underway. All of
this is in preparation for the 2005 Sand Sports Super Show. New store
software is currently under consideration.
**Lobby Day Report** Sandy Grun represented ASA at Lobby Day in
Sacramento, Ca on April 11, 2005. Numerous contacts were made with
several California Assembly members and their staff.
Thanks to Sandy's effort ASA is a more visible advocate of open
access to public land.
**Jerry R Seaver Volunteer Service Award** BOD member Gary Jordan
has started the planning process for the 2005 JRS Award. The award
will be presented at the Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa, Ca in
September. Watch the next issue of the ASA Newsletter for the
details. Please send in your nominations for the award.
**Checkered Flag Activities** Scott Swenka has assumed the
leadership role for the Checkered Flag program. He has arranged to
provide a checkered flag to each of the participants in the Mini
Clean ups coordinated by Steve Brooks. Scott plans to conduct a major
information program in preparation for next season. Watch the
magazines and the ASA Newsletter to learn how you can help. He will
also contact the law enforcement agencies to provide them flags for
their vehicles.
Thank you for your support. The American Sand Association
Unite, Inform and Mobilize
Please DO NOT REPLY to this message, it is from a send only address. If you have any questions or problems, please contact the ASA Communications Committee at [email protected]
The American Sand Association
Preserving the right to ride: Unite, Inform and Mobilize the Sand Sport Enthusiast
--
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April 2005 **** **Cleanup Opportunity** WHAT?- First annual Glamis
Earth Sand Cleanup
Where?- North Dunes Comp Hill Pit [Just South of Highway 78]
When?- Friday, April 22, 2005 8am till we drop
How? -Meet at Osborne Overlook or in the Comp Hill Pit
Why? -Because Competition Hill needs to be Cleaned Up.
Bring- Gloves/Rakes/Magnets/sifters/Clean sand ideas.
Lunch will be provided! Looking for someone to step up and buy Hot
Dogs and Trash Bags
E-mail me if you can help with Bar-B-Q or any other ideas you have!
Thanks!! --Steve Brooks 714 524 8623 or 714 342 9489
[email protected] {mailto:[email protected]}
**South Dunes Incident** During the past several weeks there have
been activities in the South Dunes that warrant extra care and
caution on behalf of dune visitors in the vicinity of Buttercup and
the Plank Road. Extra care is encouraged in securing personal
property to avoid theft. Illegal activities involving armed intruders
have been experienced.
**Phoenix Open Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting** The meeting was
well attended. The BOD met with Dr Phillips, ASA Botanical consultant
on Friday afternoon to discuss future action related to the
alternatives available to pursue delisting of the PMV. A plan of
action was developed for the completion of the updated ASA PMV video.
The panel discussion re rules and laws was very productive. The panel
addressed the questions which were provided in advance. Their
responses were recorded and will be summarized in the next newsletter
and on the website. A similar panel discussion will be schedule for
the Oct 22, 2005 in San Diego.
**** **** **** **Recent Board Of Directors Action ** Board member
and Treasurer Becky Hethcox has elected not to seek a third term when
her term expires June 30, 2005. Becky will continue to serve as the AZ
events coordinator and the Merchandise Committee Vice Chairman. During
the April 11, 2005 conference call the BOD elected Dick Holliday to
serve as the new treasurer. Don Johnson will serve as the secretary.
This action was taken to provide adequate lead time for an effective
transition of officer duties prior to the June 30, 2005 effective
date.
The BOD is currently accepting nominations for the vacant BOD
position and will make a selection during its May 9, 2005 conference
call. The BOD has recently approved several Job Description for
committee chairman and project coordinators. A three member Finance
Committee will be established to develop a formal Financial Plan and
to oversee all ASA fund raising activities. The Treasurer will chair
this committee.
**Strategic Planning Workshop** We now have a Strategic Plan thanks
to all those that participated in the planning workshop last month.
The Strategic Plan has been circulated to the participants for input
and we have begun creating an organizational plan. The BOD adopted
the following Mission statement at the April 2, 2005 Phoenix meeting;
"The American Sand Association is an association of environmentally
conscious motorized sand sport enthusiasts dedicated to open access
and the enhancement of family orientated recreation."
Thanks to the efforts of new BOD member Don Johnson we have begun
integrating the plan into our communications and organizational
efforts.
**Legal Coalition** The ASA has joined a coalition of OHV
organizations which have secured the dedicated services of Attorney
Dave Hubbard. A Memorandum of Understanding will provide the
foundation for the services to be rendered and the sharing of the
associated cost. This arrangement will reduce the ASA legal expenses
while assuring dedicated legal services. Grant George will be the ASA
representative on the new coalition Eco Balance Board of Directors.
Vince Brunasso will serve as the alternate representative.
**ASA Business Sponsors** Remember to use our sponsors for your
parts and services, give back to those that support YOU first. Use
the quick "keyword" search on the website to find what you need. New
sponsors are needed, if you don't see the ASA "Proud Sponsor" sign in
their window, please ask them to join and support YOUR sport.
http://www.americansandassociation.org/sponsors/
** ** **Website Activities** Over the weekend of March 27th our
original ASA web server experienced a major hardware failure. This
server was a 'homebuilt' style PC that has been in use since the ASA
was founded. Our server is located at an Internet hosting company in
Austin TX, and unfortunately there are no support people around
during weekend hours. That caused us to be "off line" for most of the
weekend and part of the following Monday while we diagnosed the
failure.
Fortunately, the ASA had purchased a new computer to replace the old
one back in December, and the Web Team Committee has been slowly
installing and migrating applications and utilities over from the old
server.
The failure event caused us to cutover to the new, incomplete
server, without the benefit of full testing. We determined it would
be faster to do that than to try and continue to diagnose and repair
the old one.
The cutover was as smooth as we could expect, however we did lose
several weeks of Bulletin Board System postings. The new server is
over 100x faster, has vastly more memory and disk storage and
(hopefully) will be more reliable than the old one since it is a
commercial-quality web server. We also took the opportunity to
upgrade as many of the supporting applications and operating system
as we could so we had the benefit of the latest security and
stability updates.
The following weekend, the hosting company experienced multiple
power failures, spikes and brownouts as their local utility company
was modifying the incoming power distribution lines. Our server sits
in a rack by itself at their facility and the battery backup system
on that rack had failed without anyone knowing. Those power spikes
knocked our system off-line again until Monday. No damage was
detected, and the hosting company is investigating the battery backup
system to find out why it failed.
We are still working on bringing back the full capability we had
under the old system, so please be patient with us. We have a long
list of items that are still either missing or malfunctioning, and
are trying to clear the list as quickly as we can.
This has been a huge job for our volunteers and we want to thank
Jason Hitesman and Greg Gorman for their help in restoring our
service.
**** **** **** **Volunteer Coordinator** BOD member Lloyd Misner
plans to enhance the ASA volunteer recruitment and coordination. He
intends to identify 3-5 members to help carry out this critical
function. Arizona and California lead volunteers are needed. Please
contact Lloyd if you are willing to help on this important project.
909 923 0679 or 909 273 9696
**Media Day ** BOD member Mike Sommer is preparing a plan to
implement Media Day activities on short notice in the event of a
major news worthy event. The plan will include an alternate location
outside of the dunes in the event of short lead time warranting
prompt response. Consideration will be given to the use of a
professional advisor similar to the 2004 Media Day program.
**
Merchandise Committee Activities** The BOD approved the purchase of
25,000 Duner Survival Kit bags for restocking of the supply and
50,000 Safety Bug stickers. A new T Shirt design is underway. All of
this is in preparation for the 2005 Sand Sports Super Show. New store
software is currently under consideration.
**Lobby Day Report** Sandy Grun represented ASA at Lobby Day in
Sacramento, Ca on April 11, 2005. Numerous contacts were made with
several California Assembly members and their staff.
Thanks to Sandy's effort ASA is a more visible advocate of open
access to public land.
**Jerry R Seaver Volunteer Service Award** BOD member Gary Jordan
has started the planning process for the 2005 JRS Award. The award
will be presented at the Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa, Ca in
September. Watch the next issue of the ASA Newsletter for the
details. Please send in your nominations for the award.
**Checkered Flag Activities** Scott Swenka has assumed the
leadership role for the Checkered Flag program. He has arranged to
provide a checkered flag to each of the participants in the Mini
Clean ups coordinated by Steve Brooks. Scott plans to conduct a major
information program in preparation for next season. Watch the
magazines and the ASA Newsletter to learn how you can help. He will
also contact the law enforcement agencies to provide them flags for
their vehicles.
Thank you for your support. The American Sand Association
Unite, Inform and Mobilize
Please DO NOT REPLY to this message, it is from a send only address. If you have any questions or problems, please contact the ASA Communications Committee at [email protected]
The American Sand Association
Preserving the right to ride: Unite, Inform and Mobilize the Sand Sport Enthusiast
--
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