Conservancy CEO resigns
Catalina Island Conservancy announced its chief operating officer for the past eight years, Mel Dinkel, has resigned.
Dinkel, whose job performance has been widely praised by colleagues, local officials and fellow Island residents, said he plans to pursue other opportunities. He will continue to work with the Catalina Island Conservancy, whose mission is to be a responsible steward of Catalina’s lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation, through the end of June.
Conservancy CEO resigns
Catalina Island Conservancy announced its chief operating officer for the past eight years, Mel Dinkel, has resigned.
Dinkel, whose job performance has been widely praised by colleagues, local officials and fellow Island residents, said he plans to pursue other opportunities. He will continue to work with the Catalina Island Conservancy, whose mission is to be a responsible steward of Catalina’s lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation, through the end of June.
“Mel was a significant asset to the Conservancy and the community of Avalon,” said Mayor Bob Kennedy. “He is going to be difficult to replace. Whoever does, even in the interim, is going to have some very large shoes to fill.”
Flying Fish Festival arrives
The Island’s Flying Fish Festival kicked off with the Taste Around of Avalon. A bevy of activitieswere planned for the rest of the weekend. They included Flying Fish Boat Tours aboard the Blanche W, a professional sand sculpture creation, kayak races, a boat building competition, live touch tanks, kids Fishing Derby, Beach Bingo, activities for kids and a new addition will be the Bubble Rollers, a fun-for-the-whole-family activity happening along the waterfront. For a schedule of activities, visit www.flyingfishfestival.com.
Flying fish have become part of Catalina’s culture. Bony as they are, a crunchy flying fish is the meal of choice for any number of big game species. Catalina’s majestic bluefin tuna, which inspired the founding of Avalon’s Tuna Club, used to be known as “Leaping Tuna” for their aerial acrobatics in chasing down a tasty flying fish meal.
There are 14 known species of flying fish, of which the California version is the largest.
