Dear Dolphin Divers of Sacramento, September 1, 2025

The History of our DDS Campout at Ocean Cove, California
Ocean Cove, located along the rugged Sonoma Coast, is a place where history, tradition, and natural beauty
come together. Long before campers and divers discovered its scenic shoreline, this stretch of coastline was
home to Native American tribes, most notably the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians. The Kashia lived in harmony
with the land and sea, gathering shellfish, abalone, and seaweed from the tidepools, while also hunting and
foraging inland. The ocean’s abundance provided food, tools, and trade goods that sustained their community
for centuries.

In the 1800s, settlers moved into the area, drawn by opportunities in ranching, fishing, and logging. The rugged
cliffs and protected coves made Ocean Cove and its surrounding areas valuable not only for resources but also
for their strategic location along the coast. Timber harvested from inland forests was shipped south, while the
rich kelp beds and fisheries supported local families. It was during this time that abalone, with its shimmering
shells and delicious meat, became especially prized. The harvesting of abalone would later define the region’s
identity for generations.

By the mid-20th century, Ocean Cove evolved from a working coastline into a recreational destination. Families
began using the land for camping and fishing, finding respite in its quiet beauty. Recognizing its unique charm,
the owners of Ocean Cove developed it into a family-run campground, opening its gates to the public. Perched
on bluffs overlooking the Pacific, the campground quickly became a favorite stop for outdoor enthusiasts.
Divers flocked to the waters to explore kelp forests, rocky reefs, and the abundant abalone population.
For decades, Ocean Cove was central to California’s abalone diving culture. The annual Ocean Cove Abalone
Diving Tournament drew participants from across the state, blending sport with community celebration.
Campfires, shared meals, and stories of the day’s dives became part of the enduring traditions of the
campground. However, as abalone populations declined due to overharvesting and environmental pressures,
diving for them was suspended to protect the species.

Despite these changes, Ocean Cove remains deeply connected to its past. Visitors today camp on the same
bluffs where Native peoples once gathered food and where generations of divers and fishermen built lasting
memories. Its history is not only written in the land and sea but also in the traditions carried forward by those
who continue to cherish it. Ocean Cove stands as a living reminder of California’s coastal heritage, where
natural beauty and cultural history are forever intertwined.

Welcome back to everyone that had the opportunity to attend the annual DDS Ocean Cove Camping trip. Mark
your calendars for next year, same weekend, same campgrounds. It will be a blast!

Our next Dolphin Club General Meeting will be held in-person on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, from 7:00
pm to 8:30 pm at the Mountain Mike’s Pizza located at 2220 Gold Springs Ct in Gold River, CA.
https://www.mountainmikespizza.com/locations/gold-river-gold-springs/
Join us via Zoom if you cannot make it.

Owen Autry,
President 2025-2026

Safety Officer’s Message
By: Brad Freelove

DiveBuddy.com
As part of the Dolphin Diver monthly meetings, we try to include guest speakers that discuss a variety of subjects. Cameras, dive computers, regulators, how to rig up your dive equipment……all sorts of stuff. There are many other sources of information pertaining to diving that are available to our members.

Dolphin Scuba can answer just about any questions that you might have. You can venture on to the internet and be overwhelmed with all the information available.

One of the reliable sources of information available on the internet is DiveBuddy.com. They have been around for decades and have a proven track record with their content. When someone asks me about a dive location that they would like to try, a location that I am not familiar with, I usually refer to DiveBuddy.com. Most likely you will find a report posted by a diver describing their dive at the location that you are interested in. You might find information on the best location to enter the water or be warned about poor visibility. Maybe the lake you want to dive in is a private lake and you need permission to get in the water. Better to find out before you make a two-hour trip.

DiveBuddy.com also contains information on altitude diving, air consumption, how to estimate the amount of weight you will need and other important information. You can post your contact information if you are looking for a dive buddy. Lots of information.
So, the next time you are doing some website surfing, give DiveBuddy.com a look. You might be surprised.

QUOTES FROM THE SEA

“There’s probably more history now preserved underwater than in all the museums of the world combined. And there’s no law governing that history. It’s finders keepers.”
Robert Ballard, Ocean Researcher

“Buoyed by water, he can fly in any direction-up, down, sideways-by merely flipping his hand. Under water, man becomes an archangel.”
Jacques Yves Cousteau, Oceanographer

“Most of the southern hemisphere is unexplored. We had more exploration ships down there during Captain Cook’s time than now. It’s amazing.”
– Robert Ballard, Ocean Researcher

“”I am absolutely enraptured by the atmosphere of a wreck. A dead ship is the house of a tremendous amount of life—fish and plants. The mixture of life and death is mysterious, even religious. There is the same sense of peace and mood that you feel on entering a cathedral.”
Jacques Yves Cousteau, Oceanographer

“If you compare NASA’s annual budget to explore the heavens, that one year budget would fund NOAA’s budget to explore the oceans for 1,600 years.”
Robert Ballard, Ocean Researcher

Member News

September 2025 Birthdays

Kurt Link – 9/2
Daryl Sager – 9/5
Papa Joe Lawson – 9/7
Ken Takata – 9/9
Dianna “Curley” Noyes – 9/11
Holly Johnson – 9/11
Larry Goldsmith – 9/12
Nicholas Byram – 9/18
Tanith Smith 9/19
Allen Kai – 9/27

August New Members

Don McCellan

AS MEMBERS, REMEMBER WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING TO GROW OUR “DOLPHIN DIVERS FAMILY” SO PLEASE REACH OUT TO OTHER DIVERS AND LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE CLUB WHENEVER YOU GET THE CHANCE.

Are you interested in becoming a Dolphin Divers of Sacramento member?
CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Just Laugh

Renee Rox Photography

I’m so excited to share my new project with you! 

Those who know me have watched my photographic interest grow over the years with entries to the annual photo contest every year with a few wins.  You’ve seen me share my images via social media.  In the last couple of years, I have started selling prints of my photos via notecards and 8″x10″ prints.

This year, I have decided to create a calendar of some of my favorites for 2026.  Most of the images are from my new home in Montana, but there are few from California, which you might even recognize.  You can view and purchase for $20ea from the link below. 

Special thanks to the Board of Directors for revisiting and discussing the topic of member personal sales ONCE AGAIN. 

 VIEW FULL CALENDAR HERE

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

For the full view click here…

Sept. 12, 2025	DDS Board	Jack Millard	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
Sept. 17, 2025	DDS General Meeting	Mountain Mike’s	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com	Melissa of Dolphin SCUBA https://www.mountainmikespizza.com/locations/gold-river-gold-springs/
Sept. 20, 2025	Great American River Cleanup	American River	Brad Freelove	(916) 879-3853 bradlinda@frontiernet.com
Oct. 1, 2025	DDS Board	Corinne Fuerst	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
Oct. 10 to Oct. 12, 2025	Albion River Dive/Fish Campout	Albion River Campground	Ken Takata	((916) 428-8883 kennethktakata@gmail.com	Camping, Fishing, Diving
Oct. 15, 2025	DDS General Meeting	Mountain Mike’s	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com	Photo Contest https://www.mountainmikespizza.com/locations/gold-river-gold-springs/
Oct. TBD	Pumpkin Carving
Nov 5, 2025	Board Meeting	Ken Takata’s	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
Nov 19, 2025	General Meeting	Mountain Mike’s			https://www.mountainmikespizza.com/locations/gold-river-gold-springs/ Cookie Contest
Dec 3, 2025	DDS Board Meeting	Marlyn Sepulveda	Owen Autry	(916) 955-9105 ocautry@gmail.com
Dec. 13, 2025	Christmas Party	Aviator’s Resturant			More Information to Come.

DOLPHIN DIVERS OF SACRAMENTO
CAMPOUT / DIVE/ FISH EVENT
OCTOBER 10 TO 12, 2025
AT THE ALBION RIVER CAMPGROUND

DOLPHIN DIVERS OF SACRAMENTO        

CAMPOUT / DIVE/ FISH EVENT

OCTOBER 10 TO 12, 2025

AT THE ALBION RIVER CAMPGROUND

albionrivercampground.com   (707) 937-0606

WE HAVE 10 CAMPSITES (D8, D9, D10, D12.D13, D14, D15, D16, D17, D18) SET ASIDE FOR OUR CLUB’S EVENT AT THE ALBION RIVER CAMPGROUND. THE EARLIER YOU CALL TO RESERVE A CAMPSITE, THE GREATER YOUR CHANCES OF SECURING A SITE.  DON’T WAIT TOO LONG BECAUSE THE CAMPGROUND IS TYPICALLY FULL DURING THE SUMMER.   THE CAMPGROUND WILL ONLY HOLD SITES FOR THE DOLPHIN DIVERS GROUP UNTIL JUNE 11th. AFTER THAT DATE, OUR VACANT SPOTS WILL BE OFFERED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CAMP IN OUR GROUP’S AREA.  I APOLOGIZE FOR THE SHORT TIMEFRAME, BUT THAT IS THEIR POLICY.   SO, CALL FOR YOUR RESERVATIONS ASAP. A FEW OF US ARE ARRIVING ON OCT 9th

THE CAMPGROUND’S TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (707) 937-0606. IDENTIFY YOURSELF A BEING WITH THE DOLPHIN DIVERS OF SACRAMENTO, AND KEN TAKATA AS THE GROUP’S LEADER WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATIONS. APRIL OR ELIZABETH, OF THE CAMP’S STAFF, IS FAMILIAR WITH THE OUR CLUB’S RESERVATIONS, SO IT WILL BE BEST TO TALK TO THEM.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE CAMPSITE NUMBER YOU HAVE RESERVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

GROUP ACTIVITIES TYPICALLY INCLUDES POTLUCKS.  

IF OCEAN CONDITIONS PERMIT AND SPACE AVAILABLE, A FEW BOATS MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR DIVING AND/OR FISHING. YOU CAN KAYAK ON THE ALBION RIVER, DO A SHORE DIVE AT VAN DAMME STATE PARK, VISIT THE PICTUREST TOWN OF MENDOCINO, TAKE THE SKUNK TRAIN IN FORT BRAGG, PLAY GOLF AT THE LITTLE RIVER GOLF COURSE, OR JUST RELAX AT THE CAMPGROUND. LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

KEN TAKATA

kennethktakata@gmail.com

(916) 599-5270

EDITOR’S NOTE
By: Joe Morgan

I’M LOOKING FOR MEMBERS TO SEND IN PICTURES OF DIVING, DIVING VACATIONS ETC.

• Trip Reviews: Let us know where you have been diving, what operator you used, the hotel you stayed at and how was the diving there. Let us know if the operator was safe and fun. Let us know if the hotel was a good deal, give us as much detail as possible and hopefully more Dolphin Divers will venture there in the future.
  
• Recipes: I was told that in the past Dolphin Divers gave each other SEAFOOD recipes that they loved so that everyone could enjoy the bounty of the sea, I hope to continue that each month with at least one good recipe.
  
• Dive and Camping yard-sale items you wish to include in the newsletter.
  
• Dive Activities: Please let me know if there are any dive-related activities you would like included in the newsletter.
  
• Pictures from your last dive. Please make sure to let me know how you would like the picture credited in the newsletter. -example – Picture by John Member, of a Silky Shark, at Roca Partida Mexico.

PLEASE MAIL ALL SUBMISSIONS

Editor@dolphindivers.org

DOLPHIN DIVERS OF SACRAMENTO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Owen Autry – President
Ken Takata – Vice President
Marlyn Sepulveda – Treasure
Corinne Fuerst – Secretary
Douglas Hillblom – Events Chair
Brad Freelove – Safety Officer
Renee Viehmann – Webmaster
Jack Millard – Historian
Joe Morgan – Editor
Tracy Clarke – Promotions
Dave Whiteside – Member at Large
Tom Mischley – Member at Large
Sally Walters – Member at Large
Cheryl Anderson – Member at Large
Ed Hurff – Member at Large
Chris Matthews – Member at Large