Bay Planning Coalition » Press Releases

PORT OF OAKLAND PRESS RELEASE

BPC Staff — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:57:30 +0000

PORT OF OAKLAND COMMISSIONERS APPOINT NEW SENIOR MANAGERS

DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING ARE CONFIRMED

Oakland, Calif. —January 26, 2012— The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners appointed Jean Banker as Deputy Executive Director at a January Port Board meeting (Jan. 12, 2012) and Chris Chan as Director of Engineering during the December 15, 2011 Port Board meeting. Both are Port employees who were promoted from within the organization. Mr. Chan’s official start date was December 26, 2011, and Ms. Banker officially began her position January 23, 2012.

“Jean Banker brings significant experience to her new position as Deputy Executive Director. She has been instrumental in moving our maritime strategic initiatives forward such as completing the precedent-setting 50-year Ports America Outer Harbor terminal lease, the renegotiation of the Evergreen terminal lease, and launching the capital planning for the Port’s $90 million shore power plan for cleaning the air,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Omar R. Benjamin.

Ms. Jean Banker, as Deputy Executive Director, is responsible for assisting the Executive Director in planning, developing, organizing, and directing the activities of the Port of Oakland. Ms. Banker has worked in public service and transportation policy for more than 20 years. In her prior position at the Port, she managed the finance and administrative services for the Maritime Division since August 2007. Prior to working at the Port, she worked for 13 years as deputy director of capital programs for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) where she assisted in getting approval of nearly $4 billion of Federal New Start funds for two of the MTA’s large expansion projects. Ms. Banker achieved her Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

“Chris Chan has been a member of the Port team for more than 20 years and provides us with a great depth of engineering expertise,” Benjamin stated. “Chris has been a driving force for a variety of strategic engineering projects including the more than $100 million Airport Roadway Project at Oakland International, overseeing the Port’s harbor maintenance dredging, and implementation of the Port’s Enterprise Resource Planning Project,” added Benjamin.

Mr. Chris Chan, as Director of Engineering, oversees the Port’s engineering division, which consists of five departments: Project Design and Delivery – Aviation; Project Design and Delivery – Maritime; Engineering Services; IT; and Utilities. Mr. Chan joined the Port’s engineering division in 1990. Most recently, he managed the Engineering Services Department as a principal engineer. Prior to his employment at the Port, Mr. Chan worked as an engineer with the Alameda County Public Works Department and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. He is a registered professional civil engineer and graduated with both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

“Both Jean and Chris were selected through a rigorous search for senior managers that resulted in hundreds of applicants. They are our colleagues and being promoted from within the organization, which demonstrates the high caliber of professionals that we have here. I know that Jean and Chris will continue to be great contributors to the Port team as we move forward on our strategic plan,” said Benjamin.

About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port supports more than 70,000 jobs in the region and over 800,000 jobs across the United States. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts:
Robert Bernardo
Communications Manager
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1401
rbernardo@portoakland.com

Marilyn Sandifur
Port Spokesperson
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1193
msandifur@portoakland.com

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Boustany and Tiberi Announce Hearing on Harbor Maintenance Funding and Maritime Tax Issues

BPC Staff — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:03:24 +0000

House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight Chairman Charles Boustany, Jr, MD (R-LA) and Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures Chairman Pat Tiberi (R-OH) today announced the Subcommittees will hold a hearing on harbor maintenance funding and maritime tax issues.

Submit comments for the hearing record.

Port Business Increasing – Port of Redwood City Press Release

BPC Staff — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:04:45 +0000

Press Release

Re: Mid Year Tonnage & Vessel Report

Cargo tonnage at the Port of Redwood City for all commodities during the first half of fiscal year 2011-2012 was 608,750 metric tons (MT), an increase of 197,297 MT, or nearly 48 percent higher than the first half of FY11.

Imported sand and aggregates accounted for 366,769 MT, or nearly 60%, of the tonnage for the first half of the fiscal year. This was over three times the amount from the same period last fiscal year. Shipments of bauxite, gypsum, and fly ash, although not large tonnages, added to the mix of inbound cargo.

Thirty vessels (25 ships and 5 barges) made calls during the first half of FY12 compared to twenty-six vessels (19 ships and 7 barges during the first half of FY11, reported Port Operations Manager Don Snaman.

The only major commodity showing a decrease in tonnage was exported steel scrap metal, which at 174,500 MT was down eight percent from its record prior fiscal year.

IMPORTANT Notice of Public Hearing from State Water Board

BPC Staff — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:01:07 +0000

CA Water Board Notice of Public Hearing for:

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CALIFORNIA OCEAN PLAN REGARDING DESIGNATING STATE WATER QUALITY PROTECTION AREAS TO PROTECT MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

Comment Deadline is March 15, 2012 by 12 noon

Port of Oakland 5th Engergy Star

BPC Staff — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:36:34 +0000

PORT OF OAKLAND HEADQUARTERS AWARDED FIFTH CONSECUTIVE ENERGY STAR LABEL U.S. EPA and Department of Energy certify Port headquarters for energy efficiency

Oakland, CA.—March, 2011—The Port of Oakland headquarters located at 530 Water Street earns the Energy Star label from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Energy for the fifth consecutive year. The Energy Star label is awarded based on a comparison of a facility’s energy performance (electricity and gas usage) to that of similar facilities around the US. The label shows a particular facility’s energy performance on a scale of 1 to 100. The Port of Oakland headquarters scored 84, which means that it ranked in the top 16% of EPA benchmarked facilities nationwide.

Download a pdf of the full press release here.

Press Release – Omar Benjamin

BPC Staff — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:13:25 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Ellen Joslin Johnck
Executive Director
Bay Planning Coalition
(415) 397-2293

Download a pdf copy of this release here.

Bay Planning Coalition presents the annual Frank C. Boerger Award to Omar Benjamin, Executive Director, Port of Oakland In recognition of his outstanding economic and environmental leadership for the citizens of San Francisco Bay. San Francisco, CA – April 28, 2010

The Bay Planning Coalition presents the Frank C. Boerger award annually to a local decisionmaker who appreciates the rigors of advocating environmental protection and economic progress, and forges the path to achieve both. This year, the Bay Planning Coalition was proud to honor Omar Benjamin, the Executive Director of the Port of Oakland, for his achievements in bringing together diverse stakeholders to address the economic and environmental issues of the day.

“Mr. Benjamin’s successes have been the result of a vital collaboration with the port, business, and community groups,” said Ellen Joslin Johnck, Executive Director of the Bay Planning Coalition. These include the recent -50’ harbor deepening project which has led to greater access to the port for deeper draft ships as well as restored bay wetlands with harbor mud and the creation of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park (also with harbor mud), which is in the heart of the seaport providing wonderful public access as well as natural habitat for endangered bay species.

The award was presented at the Bay Planning Coalition’s annual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference which featured the science, government and business perspective on “Climate 3.0: Policies and Decisions for a Changing Landscape”. The conference was held at the Oakland Marriott City Center, Wednesday, April 14, 2010, and resulted in an action plan for shaping a strong future for business and the environment on the Bay.

Frank C. Boerger was a founding director and Chairman of the Bay Planning Coalition from 1985 – 1990. Mr. Boerger was a professional engineer, distinguished military man and respected civic leader, well known for his outstanding achievements in several Bay Area public and private non-profit institutions. He first became active in Bay Area affairs in his position as District Engineer of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), San Francisco, and represented USACE on the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission in the early 1960s.

In these early advocacy efforts, Mr. Boerger was instrumental in the U. S. Congressional authorization of the John Baldwin Ship Channel -45’ navigation project between the Golden Gate Bridge and the Port of Stockton. Mr. Boerger was also the first Chairman of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Citizen Advisory Committee. Many of Mr. Boerger’s accomplishments reflect his efforts to balance conservation and development in and around the San Francisco Bay.

Established in 1983, the Bay Planning Coalition (BPC) is dedicated to ensuring that commerce, recreation, and the natural environment thrive in the Bay-Delta region. For more than 27 years, BPC has been a leader in building coalitions and consensus, and producing positive results that benefit the economic and environmental welfare of the public.

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Media Alert: Climate 3.0 – Join in the discussion

BPC Staff — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:26:34 +0000

MEDIA ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Ellen Joslin Johnck
Executive Director
Bay Planning Coalition
(415) 397-2293

Download a pdf copy of this release here.

Climate 3.0 – Join in the discussion
Policies and Decisions for a Changing Landscape
23^rdAnnual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference
April 14, 2010 – Oakland Marriott City Center – Oakland, CA

What:	On April 14^th leaders from business, government and citizen organizations, will meet at the *23^rd Annual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference* to address the challenges that carbon management and sea level changes pose for the future of the San Francisco Bay. Hosted by the Bay Planning Coalition, the *San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference is unlike any other climate conference –* with an interactive approach, all participants become involved in developing innovative solutions. Conversations will center around the various polices that have been, are being, or will be discussed and enacted to address climatic impact to the Region. Even though the possible impacts of climate change are not clearly understood, these policies and legislation are being developed now and will affect every future shore line and bay use for the foreseeable future. Once implemented, these policies will change the way activities on and near the bay are conducted including development, recreation and environmental protection. .Bay Planning Coalition will also present the Frank C. Boerger Award to Omar Benjamin, Executive Director of the Port of Oakland. This prestigious award is presented annually to an individual who appreciates the rigors of advocating environmental protection and economic progress and forges the part to achieve both.
Why:	The conference will offer the opportunity for interested parties to interact and together help develop the appropriate approaches for developing balanced and sustainable strategies and weigh in on current legislation. Join in the discussion with decision makers from business, government and citizen organizations on the future of the Bay. Featuring 28 speakers, all attendees will receive a CD of applicable research on current approaches to carbon management and sea level change.
When/Where:	23^rdAnnual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference Wednesday, April 14, 2010 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Oakland Marriott City Center 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA
Registration:	For media guests only please confirm your attendance to: jrodby@rx2mc.com All others please register online at: www.bayplanningcoalition.org.

About:

The Bay Planning Coalition (BPC) is dedicated to ensuring that commerce, recreation, and the natural environment thrive in the Bay-Delta region. For more than 27 years, BPC has been a leader in building coalitions and consensus, and producing positive results that benefit the economic and environmental welfare of the public.

Speakers Annouced for 2010 Decisionmakers Conference

BPC Staff — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:22:25 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Ellen Joslin Johnck
Executive Director
Bay Planning Coalition
(415) 397-2293

Announcing Speakers for the 23rd Annual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference April 14, 2010

San Francisco –April 9, 2010

Reinhard Flick, Ph.D.
Oceanographer, California Department of Boating and Waterways
Integrative Oceanography Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Michael Giari
President, Bay Planning Coalition
Executive Director, Port of Redwood City

Ellen Joslin Johnck
Executive Director, Bay Planning Coalition

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CARBON MANAGEMENT TRACK

Doug Daugherty, Ph.D., PE, CIH, Moderator
Principal
ENVIRON International Corporation

La Ronda Bowen
Ombudsman
California Air Resources Board

Ted Droettboom
Regional Planning Program Director
ABAG/BAAQMD/BCDC/MTC

Henry Hilken
Director of Planning and Research
Bay Area Air Quality Management District

Ben Machol
Manager
Clean Energy and Climate Change Office
U.S. EPA, Region 9

Chris Locke
Partner and Former Chair
Environmental Law Department
Farella Braun + Martel LLP

Paul Campos
Senior Vice President and
General Counsel
BIA of the Bay Area

Scott Moore
Vice President – Public Affairs (West)
Union Pacific Railroad

Richard Sinkoff
Director
Division of Environmental Programs and Planning
Port of Oakland

Lisa Swanson
Director, Environmental Affairs
Matson Navigation Company

Cathy Reheis-Boyd
President
Western States Petroleum Association
————————————————————-

SEA LEVEL CHANGE

Scott Warner
Principal Hydrogeologist
AMEC Geomatrix, Inc.

Ed Curtis
Senior Engineer
Risk Analysis Branch
FEMA Region IX

Sam Schuchat
Executive Officer, California State Coastal Conservancy

Paul Thayer
Executive Director
California State Lands Commission

Will Travis
Executive Director
San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)

Dilip Trivedi, Dr. Eng., P.E.
Supervisory Engineer
Moffatt & Nichol

Mitch Avalon
Deputy Director
Public Works Department, Contra Costa County

Ann Draper
Assistant Operating Officer
Santa Clara Valley Water District

Tom Kendall
Chief of Planning, San Francisco District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Michael Tymoff
Project Manager
Office of Economic and Workforce Development
City of San Francisco

Jeremy Lowe
Associate Principal, Philip Williams & Associates, Ltd.
Project Manager, Hayward Area Sea Level Rise Study

———————

Lieutenant Colonel Laurence Farrell, P.E., PMP
District Engineer, San Francisco District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Omar R. Benjamin
Executive Director, Port of Oakland

Victoria Evans
National Practice Leader, Greenhouse Gas Management Services
URS Corporation

Keith Garner
Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

John Briscoe
Partner, Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP

Impact of Sea Level Change on SF Bay Discussed at Annual Decisionmakers Conference

BPC Staff — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:19:51 +0000

Download a pdf of this release here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Ellen Joslin Johnck
Executive Director
Bay Planning Coalition
(415) 397-2293

Impact of Sea Level Change on the San Francisco Bay
Will be key discussion at the
23rd Annual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference April 14, 2010

San Francisco –March 29, 2010 – How do you plan for pending sea-level change when there is uncertainty on what the ultimate impact will be? While the science of climate change is evolving, policies for future shore-line development, recreation uses and environmental resources are being considered now, and these polices will inevitably change the character of the San Francisco Bay area.

Those who want to be part of the discussion and share their ideas should plan on attending the 23rdAnnual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference. Hosted by the Bay Planning Coalition (BPC), this year’s San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference features the science, government and business perspective on “Climate 3.0: Policies and Decisions for a Changing Landscape”. The conference will be held at the Oakland Marriott City Center, Wednesday, April 14, 2010. To register for the conference or for additional information go to www.bayplanningcoalition.org.

“Estimates of projected sea level change vary widely,” stated Scott Warner, Principal Hydrogeologist at AMEC Geomatrix, Inc. “While the science continues to develop, it is clear that we must develop policies and guidance that can accommodate various levels of sea level change over specific planning horizons (Adaptive Management Strategies) rather than designing to a specific estimate. Business, environmental, recreation, regulatory and public officials must work together to develop realistic, balanced and adaptive strategies.”

“The implications of a rising sea, emerging regulations and governance are enormous,” stated Ellen Joslin Johnck, executive director, Bay Planning Coalition. “There are potential impacts to water resource development and distribution, flood management, levee development and maintenance, aquatic health, sand-mining and dredging, as well as land use and economic development. It’s important that those with an interest in the future sustainability of the Bay’s economic and environmental resources attend the Conference and share their concerns and ideas.”

23rd Annual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference Press Release

BPC Staff — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:53:41 +0000

Download a pdf of this release here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Ellen Joslin Johnck
Executive Director
Bay Planning Coalition
(415) 397-2293

23rd Annual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference April 14, 2010
Conference to focus on two critical issues affecting the San Francisco Bay region
– carbon management and sea level change

San Francisco –March 15, 2010 – On April 14th leaders from business, government and
citizen organizations will meet at the 23rdAnnual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers
Conference to discuss the challenges that carbon management and sea level change
pose for the future of the San Francisco Bay.

Hosted by the Bay Planning Coalition (BPC), this year’s San Francisco Bay
Decisionmakers Conference features the science, government and business
perspective on “Climate 3.0: Policies and Decisions for a Changing Landscape”. Mark
Twain said “Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get”. Fast forward, Climate
3.0 considers the three-dimensional view of climate: humans, nature and the land-
water-atmospheric pressure interface. The issues are complex and the outcomes
uncertain.

“The Bay Planning Coalition is at the forefront of a new kind of conversation for the San
Francisco Bay Area, This is not another climate conference where the talk is about the
sky falling in” stated Ellen Joslin Johnck, executive director of the BPC. “Our goal is to
have a rational dialogue about sensible and balanced strategies”.

Despite the uncertainty, policies and legislation are now being developed that will affect
every future shore line and bay use for the foreseeable future. Once implemented,
these policies will change the way activities on and near the bay are conducted
including development, recreation and environmental protection. The conference will
offer the opportunity for interested parties to interact and together help develop
economically feasible, innovative and sustainable practices and weigh in on current
legislation. “It’s important that those with an interest in the future of the bay share their
concerns and ideas.” exclaimed Johnck. “The conference offers a unique opportunity to
get involved and help shape future policy.”

The conference will be held at the Oakland Marriott City Center, Wednesday, April 14,
2010. To register for the conference or for additional information go to
www.bayplanningcoalition.org.
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The Bay Planning Coalition (BPC) is dedicated to ensuring that commerce, recreation,
and the natural environment thrive in the Bay-Delta region. For more than 27 years,
BPC has been a leader in building coalitions and consensus, and producing positive
results that benefit the economic and environmental welfare of the public.