For whatever it's worth I received a response letter from Senator Jack O'Connell. It was not a form letter. According to him there is nothing in The Marine Life Protection Act (AB 993) that says catch and release fishing can not be allowed within the reserves. He advised me to continue pushing for the DFG and F&G to consider allowing catch and release fishing within reserves.

That's a good point Pete. As far as I know only the take of marine life is prohibited within the reserves, so catch and release isn't taking anything. However, it does say in the legislation that all activities, such as beach walking, surfing, etc. may be restricted, so that may include catch and release fishing. It also says fishing may be restricted, so that may also include catch and release fishing. Keep us updated with what you find out.
-Brian

I think his point was that if we push for CnR and the people in charge (DFG) decide to allow CnR it will be easy for them to do so because it will still fall under the regulations of AB 993. In other words he believes they won't have to make any special changes to the law to allow CnR fishing.