The nation’s fourth-busiest container port, the Port of Oakland, wants to run the Port of Sacramento as an inland branch to help handle growing Asian cargo. Talks between the two ports could lead to container-carrying barges between San Francisco Bay and Sacramento.
Published: December, 2005
Port of Oakland and Port of Sacramento: A World-Class Partnership?
The nation’s fourth-busiest container port, the Port of Oakland, wants to run the Port of Sacramento as an inland branch to help handle growing Asian cargo. Talks between the two ports could lead to container-carrying barges between San Francisco Bay and Sacramento.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza with The Cab Calloway Orchestra!
Step into history as the USS Hornet Museum celebrates New Year’s Eve with a rare Bay Area appearance by the legendary Cab Calloway Orchestra. On Sat., Dec. 31 (8 p.m. to 1 a.m.), guests will have a unique experience of "jumping and jiving" into the New Year with an exciting evening of music, dance, and extravagant showmanship, under the baton of Cab’s grandson, C. Calloway Brooks. Proceeds from the celebration are dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the USS Hornet, a National Historic Landmark. (510) 521-8448 ext. 225 / www.hornetevents.com
Port of Oakland’s Own Elected Vice Chair of the American Association of Port Authorities US Board
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the organization representing public ports throughout the Western Hemisphere, elected Port of Oakland Executive Director, Jerry Bridges, as the new 2005-2006 Vice Chair of the AAPA United States delegation. The AAPA promotes the common interests of the port community, and provides leadership on trade, transportation, environmental and other issues related to port development and operations.
29th Annual Lighted Yacht Parade
The 29th Annual Lighted Yacht Parade will take place Sat., Dec. 3, along the waterfront of the Oakland/Alameda Estuary. The parade begins just after sunset. This year’s theme is "Holidays Around the World." www.encinal.org or www.oaklandyachtclub.com.
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART)?
North Bay commuters who crawl along highway 101 every day could feel less boxed in on the road if a recently resurfacing idea for a North Bay light rail transit system makes it to the November ballot. The proposed idea is for a 70-mile commuter train that would connect the Golden Gate ferry to San Francisco, and would be complemented by a path for bikers and pedestrians along the same route. This is all a possibility – if given proper funding. A draft of the Environmental Impact Report is available the Marin and Sonoma libraries and the MTC Office in Oakland; or download a free copy and get more information at www.sonomamarintrain.org.
Vallejo’s Waterfront Project Approved
Vallejo City Council gas approved The Vallejo Waterfront Preservation and Downtown Revitalization Project. The project, which includes a 92-acre planning area along Mare Island Strait, establishes an integrated vision for revitalizing the Vallejo waterfront and downtown by enhancing public access to the waterfront promenade, adding new and improved public spaces and parks and implementing a pedestrian-friendly land-use plan and urban design that capitalizes on Vallejo’s unique visual setting, geography and historical character. ww.WaterfrontProject.org
Holiday Fun Run
The 5th Annual San Francisco Holiday Fun Run will take place along the Embarcadero from Pier 33 to SBC Park, on Sun., Dec. 18 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). www.sfholidayfunrun.com.
Golden Gate Bridge Invites You to Holiday Open House
On Wed., Dec. 7, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., join the Golden Gate Bridge employees in the southeast parking lot/visitor area for a Holiday Open House. Bridge workers will sing holiday favorites, the 3rd Annual Collectible Golden Gate Bridge Holiday Ornament will be on sale, and Santa Claus will be there! Kids get their picture taken free. Starbucks will provide complimentary coffee, and samples of lattes and hot chocolate. KISS FM (98.1) will be there too, to collect coat donations for needy Bay Area families. www.goldengate.org
"Shop The World At Home In Oakland"
The official start of the 2005 holiday shopping season is here. It’s time to "Shop The World At Home In Oakland." There’s a wide variety of unique gifts and 40 diverse shopping areas in Oakland – the most culturally and ethnically diverse city in America. Shopping in Oakland also offers the benefit of festive streetscapes, pedestrian-friendly shopping, easy parking and the uniqueness of locally owned shops and boutiques.
For a complete listing of shopping destinations, gift ideas and holiday events, visit the all-new www.ShopOakland.com.
Las Posadas
In Fruitvale, on Dec. 17 at 5 p.m., a Las Posadas procession will commence at the corner of Fruitvale Avenue and International Boulevard. Las Posadas is a Mexican traditional procession that happens for nine consecutive days during December. The procession is a reenactment of the Holy Family’s quest for lodging in Bethlehem. Parade participants carry candles and sing traditional music. Family-oriented celebrations follow, which include pinatas, food and drink, music and gifts for the kids. Come to enjoy the tradition and festivities under the new holiday street banners along International Boulevard.
