United Anglers of Southern California

Paul Simon was quite startled at the UASC banquet when he heard Tom Raftican at the podium call his name to present him with the UASC Lifetime Achievement Award. Many other people in the audience were not at all surprised. Many of Paul’s colleagues, fellow MDRA club members, leaders in the DFG and HUBBS Sea World OREHP, fellow anglers, friends and family know about his tireless dedication to the white seabass recovery program, his club activities and countless other charitable activities. Paul’s humble and unassuming personality, and his quiet but relentless efforts to pursue noble causes made his award even more meaningful to his friends, family and peers, who knew just how deserving Paul Simon is of this honor and recognition.

“Great fishing isn’t an accident, it takes years of hard work from dedicated people,” stated Tom Raftican. “United Anglers of Southern California is proud to recognize Paul Simon, honoring him not only for his incredible volunteer efforts, but also for his awesome leadership in helping to restore California’s white seabass populations. His years of hard work leading the Marina Del Rey Anglers growout program and California’s Ocean Resources Enhancement Program should serve as an inspiration to us all.”



Lifetime Achievement Awards only recognize a tiny select number of individuals who tirelessly and effectively work to improve the conditions of their fellow citizens in a chosen field. There are many incredibly dedicated individuals who year after year volunteer their time, intellect and other resources to improve our marine habitat, fisheries, youth fishing programs and political advocacy programs to protect our fishing rights, and Paul Simon stands out among them.

“Paul is a tireless and dedicated individual who embodies the volunteer spirit of anglers who contribute some 20,000 hours a year in helping the HSWRI and CDFG rebuild the white seabass resource,” commented Bill Shedd, Chairman UASC White Seabass Committee. “Personally I love working with Paul as he is not only creative and extremely capable, but you can always count on him to do what he says he will do.”

“Tom Raftican and the UASC board have so many candidates to which this honor could be bestowed,” said Ken Raymond, MDRA President. “We are very proud that our friend and respected, long term MDRA member, Paul Simon received this Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Paul is a very active club and board member of the Marina del Rey Anglers. For the past ten years he has run the Marina del Rey White Seabass pens and is very involved with UASC and the HUBBS Sea World Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program. Paul has been a driving force in the MDR Halibut Derby which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for youth fishing programs and other charitable causes. He is very concerned about the next generation and is heavily involved in the MDRA Youth Fishing Program which hosts over a thousand kids with disabilities and in at risk environments to a day of ocean fishing each year. He has been a Director of the Club for about ten years.

Paul and Laverne Simon live in Marina del Rey. He was a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy and then successfully ran a large fabrics business. But his heart was in the sea and after his fabrics career he became a Yacht broker in Marina del Rey, delivering boats off shore to Mexico and to the Pacific Northwest and then a marine insurance agent, a business he still runs today. He still finds time to be president and a director of his Home Owners Association and dedicated husband and father. His wife, Laverne, is always there supporting Paul’s every endeavor. Paul loves to fish and relax on the Reel Time, his 33’ Owens.

Congratulations, Paul, on this wonderful and well deserved recognition by the entire Southern California angling and conservation community. You clearly deserve this recognition and award, not only for your vision and dedication to the White Seabass OREHP, but for all the work you have done to promote conservation, youth fishing, ethical fishing practices and for your leadership to promote all of the functions of MDRA. You are a pleasure to know and work with and an inspiration for all of us. Congratulations to you for this incredible honor and to UASC for their thoughtful selection.


Contact:
Larry Brown
MDRA Director
310/578-2288
lmbrownxx@earthlink.net