Senate Panel Calls for Diversity on Fish and Game Commission

The Senate Rules Committee has served notice on Gov. George Deukmejian that it wants people other than white, male hunters appointed to the state Fish and Game Commission.

The committee of three Democrats and two Republicans agreed to send Deukmejian a letter “imploring” him to appoint women, ethnic minorities and representatives of conservationist organizations to the commission.

The issue surfaced at the conclusion of a confirmation hearing Wednesday for fish and game Commissioner Albert C. Taucher, a retired Long Beach sporting goods store operator who was reappointed to a second term. The committee approved the appointment and sent it to the floor on a 3-1 vote.

The commission, among other things, sets policy guidelines for the state Fish and Game Department, regulates hunting and sport fishing and has increasingly become involved in preservation of wildlife habitat and protection of non-game species.

Sen. Nicholas C. Petris (D-Oakland) noted that the commission consists of five white males, all of whom are hunters. He said he favors more diversity, including appointment of members who represent environmental organizations.

Sen. William Craven (R-Oceanside), who suggested a letter to the governor, said he believes Deukmejian should appoint “people who are not necessarily protagonists of the hunt, (but) people who have great feeling for the animals, their habitat and their well being.”

Senate Leader David A. Roberti (D-Los Angeles), committee chairman, announced that he will not vote for appointees to the commission “unless they are balanced.” He said it is important that the commission members reflect the gender and diverse ethnic composition of California.

The commission’s executive secretary, Harold C. Cribbs, confirmed that all five commissioners are white males and said they “primarily hunt waterfowl and upland game birds.”

As a group, he said, hunters “are as much mainstream conservationists in California as you’ll find.”