to the Editor

Re: your interview with Port of Oakland Executive Director Chuck Foster: in spite of heavy competition from ports in southern California and in the Pacific Northwest, the Port of Oakland had its busiest year ever, with inbound traffic growing by 7.4 percent while export cargo grew by 3.6 percent. At the same time, the port, which is where containerized cargo handling began several decades ago, continues to expand its facilities. Two new container terminals are under construction, one with four super-class container cranes that gained fame by barely squeezing under the Golden Gate and the Bay bridges on their way from China earlier this year. In addition, a new intermodal railroad yard for Union Pacific was recently completed, and a second railroad terminal will open by mid-year. There’s no stopping the Port of Oakland. Congratulations!

Wes Starratt

San Rafael

Thank you for the interesting article by Dr. Robert Dane, inventor of the solar ferry ("Here Comes the Sun", March, 2001). As a committed environmentalist, I find the potential for ferries powered by wind and the sun very attractive. But I don’t mind telling you that I also found the cover shot of Dr. Dane itself very attractive!

Mary Scott

Petaluma

You tell that Dr. Dane that there’s at least one fairy in San Francisco that will be happy to ride his ferry any time he’d like!

A Fairy for Ferries

(real name withheld by request)

San Francisco

May I say that I sincerely enjoy Bay Crossings’ writers Bill Coolidge (Bay Journal) and Chris Cordi (Riders of the Tides). I look forward to these thoughtful and well-written pieces every month.