The judge ruled against them on a technical issue, yesterday. From Dave Mack
I'm disappointed to announce that our motion in San Bernardino for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to allow suction dredging on New 49'er properties in conformance with the 2012 regulations was denied by the judge this morning.
This, I believe, was likely our final attempt to obtain hassle-free suction dredging in California during the 2015 season.
By "hassle-free," I mean that we continue to believe California's moratorium is not legal; and that suction dredgers are not likely to be prosecuted, even if they are written a criminal citation. But suction dredgers do have the risk of their equipment being confiscated until some later time. So you dredge at your own risk for the time being.
We will now switch gears into appealing San Bernardino's recent Rulings to deny any meaningful relief to suction dredgers even after the court has Ruled and Ordered that the moratorium is unconstitutional -- which State authorities continue to enforce.
There is also the landmark Rinehart Decision which is being reviewed by the California Supreme Court.
It is not an unreasonable expectation that we can have these matters resolved in time for our 2016 season.
All I can say is that we have done our very best to bring about a hassle-free 2015 dredging season. I thank everyone who has supported our efforts.
All we can do is keep trying.