The Basics
Division: Generation
How long have you been at City Light? I was hired in May 2023 for a permanent position. Previously, I worked seasonally in a temporary boat operator position from 2013 to 2016.
Tell us about your role: As an Out of Class Senior Passenger and Tugboat Operator, I am a licensed boat captain responsible for moving people and equipment on beautiful Diablo Lake using various types of boats. The office is a floating boathouse where we schedule work, maintain boats, and train the crew. There are fast boat rides for people supporting operations at the Ross Powerhouse. Trucks carrying loads such as fuel, trash bins, and supplies drive onto a barge and are pushed to the Ross Powerhouse by the tugs: Thunder, Lightning, and Diablo II. During the summer and fall seasons, I operate the Alice Ross IV for tours and the Cascadian to transport Ross Lake Resort guests, Diablo Lake Trail hikers, and visitors who want to enjoy a boat ride.
Background
Hometown: I was born in Anacortes, Wash.
Alma mater: Seattle Central Community College where I graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts.
Tell us about your family/pets: I have been a United States Coast Guard licensed master captain for most of my life. At one time, my parents owned a marina and later owned a charter boat. My father and I worked the charter fishing boat out of Maalaea Harbor on Maui. We fished for big game, such as marlin, ono, and tuna. My older son works as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon waters. My younger son has a small sailboat in the Los Angeles area and works as an artist.
Just for fun
What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on/have been working on at City Light? Why? Pushing barges is my favorite part of this job. Projects offer new challenges for a barge captain, so I appreciate them all.
What’s the best concert or live performance you’ve ever attended? The Black Keys’ Turn Blue Tour in Seattle. They had great crowd control and lots of dancing.
What’s your favorite season, and why? Summer is my favorite season because of sunshine and fewer clothes.
Finish this sentence: “It’s never too late to…” It’s never too late to… get in shape. (I hope.)
Are you an early bird or a night owl? I am a lifelong early bird.