Local MWD won't issue permit for guide/rental biz. Need Help

[Scott E.]

I'm trying to start a bass guide/bareboat charter business on a lake here in Southern CA, but the MWD has told me flat out that even though they can't produce ANY document that shows there is an agreement with existing marinas on the lake stating that marinas have the sole right to rent boats or have fishing guides, they will not issue me a business commerce permit.

The MWD general manager told me it's cheaper to fight me (if I file a writ of mandate, which they don't believe I will do because of the cost/time involved, and to be truthful, It doesn't make sense since I've been told it will take thousands of dollars and a couple/few years to resolve in court) than to fight the marinas who will sue MWD if they issue me one. It's a public lake, free launching at two public launch ramps. G.M. says I won't be permited to launch if I'm conducting business (Quagga inspections as well, which I will "fail" and if somehow I do manage to launch, I will be ticketed). I can meet all their requirements (Million dollar liability policy of insurance, CA fish and game guide license, and bonded). Is there an easier/cheaper/less time consuming way to get them to let me do business? It's a small town and people involved with lake ops know me and I plan on heavily marketing my business so I'd stick out like a sore thumb, so "sneaking" is out of the question. I want to do this the right way!

There is a couple that operates a hot dog cart at the launch ramps that were issued a permit to do so. Also, a group of off site kayak/canoe rental outfits won the right through meetings with marina operators and the MWD (short of litigation), to rent and deliver kayaks/canoes to above the waterline, but may not "launch" the vessels into the water for their customers, or conduct any on the water instruction or paddletours. They "agreed" to this to avoid litigation. The G.M. came out in the local paper 2 years ago and said business commerce permits would be available the following year, but these permits are not available and the G.M. says they don't plan on issuing these permits in the foreseable future.

I'm thinking I'll contact my congressman and approach it from that angle, but will that help or just waste more of my time?

I thought this was America, where entrepreneurs were supposed to be encouraged, and a guy with a legit, legal business idea should be allowed to pursue his/her dream. Apparently not...

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you, Scott

[CN]

No help but good luck. Maybe the guy's that got there late Magazine can help. Seem's to be a more important topic which come's up quit often.

Mike Nance

[Scott E.]

No help but good luck. Maybe the guy's that got there late Magazine can help. Seem's to be a more important topic which come's up quit often.

Mike Nance

Thanks mike. My wife, I and our daughter are BIG Nascar fans, thanks to you a few years back. Hope you are well. Scott