State Public Workshop on Reducing Vehicle Pollution will be held on July 22nd

The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) staff invites the public to participate in a series of workshops to discuss proposed regulation to reduce emissions from existing dieselfueled trucks, buses, and other vehicles operating in the State.

Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: California Department Transportation District 11, Garcia Room
4050 Taylor Street, San Diego, California 92110

Sign Honors World War II Service of Tuna Fleet [Update]

A commemorative sign that chronicles the history of tuna clippers and the 600 tuna fishermen called into service during World War II now graces the entrance of Tuna Harbor along the Embarcadero.

The vessels were used to transport troops, fuel and ammunition in areas that were inaccessible to naval warships. Prized for their refrigeration capabilities, the 52 clippers became the "errand boys of the Pacific" and also delivered fresh food, including turkeys and the trimmings for holiday meals, to the troops stationed in the Pacific theater.

Public Review Period for Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report Extended

Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222

The public review period for the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan and Port Master Plan Amendment revised Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been extended an additional 30 days. The extended public review period will conclude at 5 p.m. on August 7, 2008.

Written comments stating specific environmental concerns with the revised Draft EIR will be accepted until this time and should be addressed to: San Diego Unified Port District, Land Use Planning Department, P.O. Box 120488, San Diego, CA 92112-0488.

Lease Granted to San Diego Mooring Company for Mega Yacht Mooring on San Diego Bay

Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222

The mega yacht industry is big business and San Diego Bay will soon have a spot for the luxurious vessels to dock. At the July 1 Board of Port Commissioners meeting, the Board granted a two-year lease with San Diego Mooring Company, LLC, to manage a Mediterranean mooring operation.

Mediterranean mooring is defined as a vessel docking perpendicular to the pier as opposed to beside it. It is commonly used in European harbors for large yachts. The Port of San Diego voted in June 2007 to explore the possibility of providing a specialized mooring service on San Diego Bay to attract more mega yachts to San Diego. Mega yachts are generally over 100 feet in length.

Port Names New Director of Land Use Planning

Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222

The Port of San Diego recently appointed John Helmer as Director of its Land Use Planning Department. As Director, he is responsible for overseeing all land use planning, environmental review, and coastal entitlements for redevelopment projects on Port Tidelands.

Mr. Helmer has been serving as the Acting Director of the department since February 2008. He was initially hired by the Port of Diego in August 2004 as the Manager of Planning Services. Since then, he has led planning efforts on key Port projects like the proposed Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, the Lane Field development, and the Old Police Headquarters and Park Project.