Port of San Diego

Imperial Beach Pier to be Temporarily Closed for Pile Replacement

melicone@portofsandiego.org ( Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:50:04 +0000

The Imperial Beach Pier will be closed temporarily from November 16 through November 21, 2009 in order to replace three pier piles. A helicopter will be used to transport the piles, which are 60 feet long and weigh approximately 2,800 pounds each.

Because of the large size of the piles, the beach and water areas adjacent to the pier will also be closed during this operation. The closure will go into effect at 6 a.m. on November 16. The helicopter is scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m. that morning, but if there is inclement weather, it may have to be rescheduled.

The pile replacement is part of a $639,860 Port maintenance project to ensure the pier’s continued safety and longevity. Other components of this project include replacement of approximately 20 percent of the deck boards, repairs to the steel ramp/stair structure and replacement of guardrail post supports. Additionally, the gravity portion of the pier’s sewer system will be replaced and pilecap connection hardware connections will be installed.

Originally constructed in the 1960s, the pier was renovated and extended in 1986. Over the years, the pier’s steel supports and timber components began to display signs of corrosion. In 2006, the Port completed a $1.2 million structural renovation of the pier that included recoating the steel pilecaps, upgrades to the electrical system and replacement of light poles. Minor timber and sewer line improvements were also included.

Ruocco Park Design Moves Forward, Next Steps Include Approval by the Board of Port Commissioners

melicone@portofsandiego.org (Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:08:02 +0000

Quiet, contemplative areas, a variety of trees, a water feature that will conserve water and energy, and an open space for events or recreational activities – these are elements included in the design concept for a new waterfront park to be located just north of Seaport Village.

Ruocco Park will be a 3.3 acre urban oasis on a site bordered by Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. The location was once the home of a long-shuttered seafood restaurant and market, now scheduled to be demolished. The empty buildings and yards of concrete will be replaced by grass, trees, water-wise landscaping and public art.

The Port of San Diego held its third public meeting on the park’s design on November 2, 2009. At the meeting, the public was able to see how their suggestions were incorporated. Dennis Otsuji, the park’s landscape architect, presented new renderings which depicted many of the suggestions made by the public at two previous public meetings.

Now that the revised design has been presented to the public, the next steps include presenting it to the Board of Port Commissioners for approval on December 1, 2009. After that, a fourth public meeting will be held in early 2010, where the public art concept for the park will be presented. The Board of Port Commissioners will then be asked to approve a Coastal Development Permit for the park sometime in the summer of 2010. If that moves forward, then construction can begin in early 2011. Construction of the park should take about one year.

The park gets its name from its benefactors, Lloyd and Ilse Ruocco, who generously provided a $3.5 million grant for its creation. Lloyd was a prominent San Diego architect, credited with working on local iconic structures such as the County Administration Building, the San Diego Civic Theater and the San Diego Design Center. His wife, Ilse, was a noted interior designer and a professor at San Diego State University.

The Ruoccos established a trust more than 25 years ago to create a public park in San Diego that would feature outstanding urban design. The trust is administered by the San Diego Foundation, which awarded the $3.5 million grant to the Port in November 2008.

The Port already had plans for a park next to the former Old Police Headquarters as part of its 1998 South Embarcadero Redevelopment Program. Money to build it was allocated in the Port’s 2009-2013 Capital Development Program. Developing the park would require the partial demolition of the former Harbor Seafood Mart building, which is estimated to cost $1 million.

Money from the Ruocco donation will not be used for the demolition and the Port will use its Capital Development funds for the basic park. The Ruocco donation will provide design and upgrades such as water features, garden areas, upgraded hardscape, benches and lighting.

(Learn more about the Port of San Diego's bayfront parks.)

USS Midway Museum to Host Veterans Day Celebration

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:11:49 +0000

The USS Midway Museum, one of America’s longest serving aircraft carriers, will honor our nation’s military and veterans this Veterans Day with activities, celebrations and an added bonus of free admission to all veterans on Wednesday, November 11.

"What better way to inspire today's generation about service to their country than to participate in living history?" said Scott McGaugh, marketing director of the USS Midway Museum. “The Veterans Day Parade, plus the family-style activities aboard the USS Midway, are designed not only to honor veterans, but to educate and inspire today's youngsters about serving their country."

A naturalization ceremony for active duty personnel will begin the celebration aboard the USS Midway at 9 a.m. The 23rd annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade will follow Pacific Highway and Cedar Street then proceed south to end at West Harbor Drive.

According to the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center Veterans Day Parade Committee, “Welcome Home Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans” is this year’s theme, honoring veterans who served the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The celebration will resume aboard the USS Midway during a special ceremony at 3 p.m., as active duty and veterans who flew the WWII F4U Corsair will be presented. A restored WWII Corsair fighter plane will then be lifted by crane onto the flight deck, to be led by Padres announcer and former Corsair pilot, Jerry Coleman.

Aside from visiting the 60 exhibits and 25 restored aircraft aboard the Midway, families will have front-row seats to high-energy entertainment by local band NRG, sneak previews of the History Channel’s new series “WWII in HD” and aerial exhibitions by California’s first parachute team, Skydiving Innovations. Chula Vista’s own Little League World Series Champs, the Parkview All-Stars, will also be on hand.

The San Diego Blood Bank and AM 600 KOGO will accept blood donations in the Museum’s parking lot, giving free admission to each blood donor plus a chance to win a free family museum membership. Appointments can be made online or by calling 1-800-4MY-SDBB.

The festivities will continue into the night as the USS Midway Museum and the non-profit group Freedom is Not Free, which serves the military and their families, feature the critically acclaimed movie, "The Hurt Locker," in a pre-DVD release premiere aboard the carrier at 6 pm. The $20 general admission price includes popcorn and one complimentary soda. The movie is rated “R.” Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

For more information on the Veterans Day celebration, visit USS Midway Museum online or call 619-544-9600. The USS Midway is located at 910 N. Harbor Drive.

Port of San Diego Attractions Recognized as 'Best in Class'

dfrost@portofsandiego.org (Dale Frost (619) 686-6461) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:29:46 +0000

The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, Hornblower Cruises & Events, North and South Embarcadero Marina Parks and the waterfront San Diego Convention Center were recognized as “Best in Class” by event planners and readers of Southern California Meetings + Events magazine. Results were published in the just-released Fall 2009 issue.

“Being known as the 'best of' in the hospitality industry is a powerful statement,” said Jim Bergeson, President/CEO of Tiger Oak Publications/Meetings & Events Media Group.

The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, which opened in 2004 along the North Embarcadero, was named the best coastal attraction. Event planners noted that the deck of the historic carrier, which offers a panoramic view of San Diego Bay and downtown, is a spectacular special event venue.

Hornblower Cruises & Events was named best in the boats category. For more than 30 years, Hornblower has operated a variety of vessels that cruise San Diego Bay while occasions including weddings and other celebrations occur onboard. Departing from the North Embarcadero, Hornblower also offers regularly scheduled bay tours.

The waterfront North and South Embarcadero Marina Parks were recognized as best outdoor venue. Voters noted that the North Embarcadero Marina Park is conveniently located adjacent to Seaport Village. The walkway that connects the parks to the convention center and waterfront hotels was complimented for providing an easy and pleasant way for conventioneers to arrive at special events that are often held in these 11-acre parks.

The 2.6-million square foot San Diego Convention Center was awarded best convention center. Its location on the San Diego bay front, the nearly 526,000 square feet of contiguous ground level space and the 90,000-square-feet of column-free space in the rooftop Sails Pavilion was praised.

The attractions captured first place during the publications’ Readers Choice Best Of Awards competition.

Voters included more than 10,000 event and hospitality professionals that rated attractions located from Santa Barbara to San Diego, and inland to Palm Springs.

For more information on San Diego Bay attractions, restaurants and hotels, visit theBigBay.com.

Port Says No to Chargers' Stadium at Tenth Ave. Marine Terminal

jgilmore@portofsandiego.org (Ronald Powell (619) 400-4789/(619) 665-2815) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:29:17 +0000

Stories in the local media continue to refer to the San Diego Unified Port District's Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal as a possible site for a new Chargers' football stadium, but Port Commission Chairman Stephen P. Cushman said such a development is impossible.

"The Port Act of 1962 (pdf), which lays out the purposes for creating the Port District, clearly states that it is the policy of the State of California to develop ports for the benefit of the people of this state," Cushman said. "Specifically, the act says the Port District's purpose is to acquire, build, maintain and operate port facilities.

"As trustees of the Port District's terminal at 10th Avenue, we are committed to upholding that policy and responsibility," Cushman continued. "There is no way our working port and a football stadium can coexist at the Tenth Avenue facility. It is time for all idle speculation about such a development to stop."

Related article:

Ask the Port: The Search for a San Diego Chargers Stadium (video)

Local Wetlands Book for Students Provided by Port of San Diego

dfrost@portofsandiego.org (Dale Frost (619) 686-6461) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:06:37 +0000

The Port of San Diego has contributed $10,000 through its Environmental Services budget for printing a sprightly book about local wetlands for fourth grade students in San Diego County.

“Into the Wetlands, An Aquatic Adventure,” was produced and distributed by the Ocean Discovery Institute as part of an environmental education program that includes classroom instruction and field trips to local wetlands such as Paradise Creek and the D Street Fill in south San Diego Bay.

“This book is specific to coastal and wetland habitats in San Diego County,” said Lindsay Goodwin, Director of Programs for Ocean Discovery Institute.

Children reading the book are taught the importance of wetlands and what people can do to preserve them. “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,” is a lesson from Freddie Topsmelt, a colorfully illustrated fish and one of many species imparting knowledge throughout the book.

The San Diego-based Ocean Discovery Institute, formerly Aquatic Adventures, worked with author Jackie Boyd to ensure scientific accuracy of the book.

Boyd, who holds a masters degree in speech pathology, said she was motivated to write science-based adventure fantasies to inspire youth to develop a personal connection with the natural environment.

The 1,000 copies printed will be used in classroom reading groups and will also become part of the schools’ lending libraries.

The books are available to the public for $20 ($10 is tax deductible) at info@oceandi.org.

The mission of the non-profit Ocean Discovery Institute is to engage, educate and inspire youth from urban and diverse backgrounds through science-based exploration of the ocean and nature, preparing them to be tomorrow’s scientific and environmental leaders.

The Port of San Diego has supported Ocean Discovery Institute for many years through its Environmental Services department and Environmental Fund to provide classroom learning and field trips that promote science and environmental stewardship.

Ruocco Park Meeting to Feature Park Design and Modifications Resulting from Public Input

melicone@portofsandiego.org ( Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:28:19 +0000

A third public meeting on the progress of the Ruocco Park design will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 2 at the Embarcadero Planning Center, 585 Harbor Lane in San Diego (map).

Ruocco Park is a 3.3 acre park planned for the southwest corner of West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway on the former Harbor Seafood Mart site, north of Seaport Village. The park’s lead designer and landscape architect is Dennis Otsuji of ONA, Inc., a San Diego firm that provides services in landscape architecture, urban design and land planning. The Stephen Birch Aquarium and NTC/Liberty Station are two examples of the firm’s projects.

At the meeting, Otsuji, along with staff from the Port of San Diego, will present a summary of how the design of the park has evolved as the result of public input. Input received at the two previous public meetings includes a desire for contemplative space as well as areas where people can engage in active recreation. Participants have also expressed the need to integrate the project with its surrounding waterfront development.

Otsuji will present a newly revised design that addresses these concerns. The new design features open space for activities, events and gatherings as well as seating, tables and spaces for more passive pursuits. The design also includes opportunities for public art and different types of plants. The plants and landscaping will include drought tolerant plants.

After the public meeting, the park’s design will go before the Board of Port Commissioners in December. Following that, a fourth public meeting focusing on the park’s art concept will be held in early 2010.

Ruocco Park will be jointly funded by the Port of San Diego and $3.5 million in grant funding received from the Lloyd and Ilse Ruocco Fund. Lloyd was a noted San Diego architect and considered the father of the modern architectural movement in San Diego. His wife was a professor of art at San Diego State University and a distinguished interior designer. Together, they established a trust fund to provide money for building and maintaining a park in the central area of San Diego.

Port of San Diego Seeking Applicants for 2010-11 Financial Assistance Program

melicone@portofsandiego.org (Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:31:27 +0000

Do you have a program or event that needs a little boost getting off the ground? If so, the Port of San Diego is looking for you.

Events or programs that contribute to the community by promoting commerce, navigation, fisheries and recreation in one or more of the tideland cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach and National City may qualify for cash funding and/or Port services. Applications are being accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2009.

The Port’s Financial Assistance Program is an equal opportunity program available to organizations with interests in the San Diego Bay and Port tidelands region. Applications are reviewed without regard to race, gender, disability, religion, ethnicity, age or sexual orientation of applicants.

The Port’s Financial Assistance Program was created to propel economic growth in the San Diego Bay region, while at the same time, making the tidelands around San Diego Bay and the Imperial Beach waterfront a dynamic place to live, work and play.

Examples of events or programs that have received funding in the past include events or programs relating to the Port’s goals, start-up events or programs that have the potential to become self-funded projects, programs that promote environmental awareness, educational programs, or programs that promote cultural and artistic enrichment.

Applications and information are available on the financial assistance section. Hard copies of applications are also available by calling the Port’s Communications and Community Services Department at (619) 686-6551 or by e-mail at c-kburress@portofsandiego.org.

The Port of San Diego is a public benefit corporation and special government entity. Created in 1962 by an act of the California legislature, the Port manages San Diego harbor and administers the public lands along San Diego Bay. The Port has operated without tax dollars since 1970 and has been responsible for $1.5 billion in public improvements in its five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego. With a $10.6 billion economic impact on the San Diego region, the Port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, a cruise ship terminal, 16 public parks, various wildlife reserves and environmental initiatives, a Harbor Police department and the leases of over 600 tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.

Scores of Baja-Bound Sailboats Parade Out of San Diego Bay

dfrost@portofsandiego.org (Dale Frost (619) 686-6200) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:13:09 +0000

A procession of 180 sailboats paraded out of San DiegoBay on October 26 as they began the 16th annual Baja Ha-Ha Cruiser’s Rally which finishes in Cabo San Lucas.

At 10 a.m. sharp, while aboard a boat positioned near the west end of Shelter Island, Captain Luis Rios Hernandez, the Captain of the Port of Ensenada, fired a shotgun blank into the air, signaling the official start of the race.

In the spirit of the Halloween season, and as is tradition for many light-hearted but long-range cruising rallies, many of the sailors started out in costumes. Of course there were pirates, but also shiny mermaids. There were also skeletons haunting the decks.

Following two weeks of sailing south with stops in Turtle Bay and Bahia Santa Maria, the Baja Ha-Ha fleet will reach Cabo San Lucas.

For many of the participants, the event serves as the first step in a new lifestyle of international cruising.

Since its inception in 1994, approximately 6,000 West Coast sailors, originating from home ports as far north as Alaska, have visited San Diego to begin the Baja Ha-Ha rally.

On Patrol with Damith Rodrigo, Harbor Police Officer

melicone@portofsandiego.org (Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:55:04 +0000

On a recent afternoon, a small group of homeless men were camped beneath the sheltering arbors of a shuttered restaurant and seafood market when Harbor Police Officer Damith Rodrigo approached on foot. Tension filled the bay front air.

It is not unusual to see homeless people loitering around the closed restaurant and seafood market, sandwiched between Seaport Village and San Diego Bay. Rodrigo has seen them many times as he has patrolled the Port’s tidelands during his 12 years in the department. But no encounter with street people is ever routine. The bundles and backpacks they carry contain their possessions, but they may also conceal weapons.

Rodrigo approached the men slowly, yet confidently. He addressed them like a teacher talking to students in firm, compassionate tones. He told them it was illegal to loiter there and gave them two hours to leave. Then he piled back into his car to continue his rounds. When he circled back 20 minutes later, the men had moved on.

Destined to Wear a Uniform

Rodrigo has come a long way to wear the Harbor Police badge. Growing up in Sri Lanka, he was encouraged to become a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer – prized professions in his native land. However, he knew at an early age that he was destined to wear a uniform. He proudly remembers how sharp his father looked in his officer’s uniform of the Royal Ceylon Air Force in Sri Lanka.

Rodrigo doesn’t regret not following the traditional path of his fellow students.

“Being a police officer gives me a chance to be a little bit of all those professions,” he said. “I get to counsel people, enforce the law and even practice a little medicine.”

He often tells his two younger brothers this. One of his brothers is a lawyer, the other is an aspiring emergency room physician in medical school. They both look up to him and each has a photo of Rodrigo in uniform as their screen saver on their work computers. He also has a five year old son, Sean Patrick Rodrigo, who lives out of state.

It’s about two and a half hours into his 10-hour patrol shift and the day is turning out to be a quiet one. Rodrigo cruises his beat, which today includes an area stretching from Shelter Island to Cesar Chavez Parkway. There are only three officers covering the beat at a time, and if one gets into a situation that needs assistance, the other two need to be close by to help out.

The shift began at 1:30 with the officers lining up to receive their assignments from the sergeant on patrol. Announcements and updates were given and the officers headed off to their police cruisers. Rodrigo loaded a rifle and an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) into the back of his car and was ready to go.

"Sri Lanken Cowboy"

His fellow Harbor Police officers refer to him as the “Sri Lanken Cowboy.” He earned this nickname from his unique way of learning English. When he first arrived in Los Angeles, he bought a walkman music player and constantly listened to country music. His fondness for the lyrics helped him pick up English quickly.

“When I came to America 19 years ago, I had a minimal understanding of the English language,” he said. “Everything was new to me and I had to start from the beginning. I still do the two-step and go to In Cahoots (a local country and western club),” he said.

Rodrigo’s introduction to America was a far cry from his life in Sri Lanka. There, his family lived with three servants. He remembers playing with a pet elephant at his grandparents’ home. In 1991, his father won a visa lottery and moved the family to Los Angeles.

He began his police career at Los Angeles Community College when he was 17, serving as a police cadet on campus. He then joined the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department at 19 and became a deputy explorer.

The first real challenges in his police career occurred when he joined the L.A. Housing Authority Police. He worked in the projects, which were rife with drugs, gangs and other illegal activity. Many of his response calls were for reports of shots being fired.

When he heard about the Harbor Police job opening, he jumped at the opportunity. The competition was tough. For each open position, there were hundreds of applicants. It took Rodrigo about a year and a half to get the job.

“When I got off the plane in San Diego for my interview, I knew right away that this was the place for me,” he said. “I could see myself in this beautiful city for at least 30 years.”

While working as a Harbor Police officer, Rodrigo attended San Diego State University. There he was a double major, graduating with degrees in Public Administration and Criminal Justice. He is currently working on his Masters Degree in Public Administration.

Protecting the Harbor and Tidelands

Back behind the wheel, Rodrigo drives the scenic route along Shelter Island, checking the park to make sure everything is in order. This is his favorite area to patrol, and he likes to look out at the city skyline when he is feeling stressed out. He says it reminds him of the importance of his job – to protect the harbor and the tidelands surrounding it.

Soon Rodrigo spots a driver with expired registration tabs and tinted windows. It’s okay to have the back windows tinted, but to have the driver obscured is against the law. Rodrigo puts on his lights and siren, and before he approaches the driver, he calls in the license plate number to check on the driver’s background and to make sure that the vehicle isn’t stolen. This helps him assess the situation. If a driver has a criminal background, Rodrigo can call for assistance. This driver’s record is clean, so Rodrigo walks toward his window. He finds out that the driver is operating a friend’s vehicle, so he issues a warning.

Shortly after that, a woman in an older-model pick-up truck runs a red light on Harbor Drive. Rodrigo hits the lights and siren and takes off after her. He checks her record, which is clean, and approaches her window. It turns out she is an employee of a Port-tenant business. Rodrigo counsels her on the dangers of speeding and running a red light. She apologizes and tells him that she is late for work. It’s her lucky day and she gets off with a warning.

“I believe it is important to educate people and to practice goodwill efforts with our tenants,” Rodrigo explains. “If she had additional violations on her record and it looked like this was a common practice for her, I would have written her the $474 ticket.”

Rodrigo cruises past the USS Midway and the Port’s collection of military art. Several homeless men are sitting on park benches or at tables. Many of them are veterans, he says, and they feel comfort in this area of war memorials. Rodrigo knows many of them and often stops to chat with them or bring them a sandwich. He doesn’t issue them citations because they don’t camp out in the park.

The next stop for Rodrigo is Harbor Island. There, several fishermen stand by the rip-rap, monitoring their poles. Rodrigo stops to chat with Bob Davis, a senior citizen who often comes down from La Mesa to fish. Proudly displaying his fishing license around his neck, he tells Rodrigo that his uncle was one of the first three Harbor Police officers on staff back in the 1940s.

“I was here when the Padres played at Lane Field,” he says.

Rodrigo likes this aspect of his job. Keeping a presence around the parks allows tourists and residents like Davis to feel safe. It also helps keep potential criminals away. When they see officers constantly patrolling, they won’t linger around.

Specialized Officer

Like all Harbor Police officers, Rodrigo is trained to work at the airport, to operate a vessel on San Diego Bay and to be a firefighter. Harbor Police officers attend the same police academy as all other law enforcement officers in San Diego County, but the Harbor Police are the only law enforcement agency to be able to handle the variety of police work. The Harbor Police also work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Navy and other agencies to improve Homeland Security efforts.

Working at the airport allowed Rodrigo the opportunity to escort dignitaries. He escorted former President George H.W. Bush in 2004 and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger a few years ago when he was in town to attend a convention.

He is one of the only police officers in San Diego county that can speak English and Sinhalese, the main language of Sri Lanka. Because of this, the FBI often calls him to help with translations. He proudly wears a lapel pin bearing the American and Sri Lanken flags on his uniform. He is part of the Honor Guard team and is credited with the new design of the Harbor Police badge.

Rodrigo is proud to work for the Harbor Police and holds his fellow officers in high regard. He says that every officer has a unique talent and special skills. When he talks about his workplace with his mother, he gives the analogy of a hand.

“The department is like the palm of a hand, with different lines and different patterns. Every finger is different, but each contributes to the strength of the hand.”

As a Harbor Police officer, he sees a dark side of life that not many people witness. When the sun goes down and people start drinking, he sees a lot of violent crimes and death.

Rodrigo says he’d like to go back to Sri Lanka one day and find his high school science teacher.

“She told me that the heaviest metal in the world was plutonium,” he said. “I’d like to tell her she’s wrong. The heaviest and most valuable metal is this badge I wear.”