Frank Riggs: “Mr. Chairman, I submit for the Record two news items reflecting the problems that commercial fisherman are facing, and…”

“Mr. Chairman, I submit for the Record two news items reflecting the problems that commercial fisherman are facing, and which I discussed in this colloquy with the distinguished subcommittee chairman this evening: [From the Times Standard, May 21, 1996] Coast Guard Backs Away From Faceoff With Fisherman Santa Cruz.--The U.S. Coast Guard backed away from its standoff with a fisherman who claimed a routine boat inspection would violate his constitutional rights. The case was turned over to the Justice Department and the Coast Guard took no action against Jim Blaes of Atascadero, who had refused to allow a safety inspection of the 36-foot Helja. ``Our latest tactic is that we are going to leave him alone and let the Justice Department handle it.'' Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Jerry Snyder said Monday afternoon. ``The boats are breaking off right now.'' The bizarre face-off between the Coast Guard and Blaes began Sunday afternoon, in clear sight of beachgoers crowding the Santa Cruz boardwalk. Blaes refused to allow Coast Guard officers aboard for the inspection, saying he viewed his boat the same way he felt about his home ashore and insisting the Coast Guard needed a warrant. ``Just because I make my living at sea doesn't mean I give up my constitutional rights,'' he said.”