AROUND THE BAY

One of the world’s leaders in recycling automobile steel and iron components, Sims Group America, just completed its 30th anniversary at the Port of Redwood City, where it recycles more than 200,000 vehicles per year. The Port Commission is considering approving Sims’ option to continue operations through Sept. 2015, on the condition of completing of a modernization program, which they have done, which was verified by the Port.

One of the world’s leaders in recycling automobile steel and iron components, Sims Group America, just completed its 30th anniversary at the Port of Redwood City, where it recycles more than 200,000 vehicles per year. The Port Commission is considering approving Sims’ option to continue operations through Sept. 2015, on the condition of completing of a modernization program, which they have done, which was verified by the Port.

Port of Redwood City Gets $1 Million

The California Department of Boating and Waterways has issued a $1,080,400 grant to the Port of Redwood City for improvements to its public boat launching facility. The improvements are part of the port’s plans for improving recreational boating opportunities for the community. The port facility, originally constructed in 1985, is the only public boat launching ramp in southern San Mateo County, and attracts thousands of boaters annually.

Year of the Dog

Chinese New Year, Lunar Year 4704, starts with the new moon on Jan. 29 and ends 15 days later. In ancient China, it was believed that people would have the characteristics of the element and the animal that ruled the year of their birth. This year, the Year of the Dog, the 11th of the 12 zodiac animals in the Chinese horoscope, is associated with benevolence and good fortune. There is a Chinese proverb that says if a strange dog follows you home, your house will be blessed with prosperity. Gung Hay Fat Choy! For celebration events and festivities www.chineseparade.com

The Exploratorium extends Light As an Artistic Medium 1930/2005 until Mar. 19. This dual installation in the Seeing Gallery features one of the earliest, and one of the most recent works, that manipulate optics to create spectacular light phenomena by Hungarian-born László Moholy-Nagy and Berlin light artist Thomas Bartels.

For those needing financial recovery assistance or seeking information on countywide impacts, the County Recovery Operations Center (ROC) has been activated. The ROC will provide information on recovery funds (if available from the State declaration and, if awarded, Federal Declaration), general disaster recovery information and frequently asked questions on topics such as mold, contractors, debris clearance, etc. The public contact number is (415) 473-5614, or contact the City at (415) 435-3838.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game are proposing to restore tidal action to 1,400 acres of former salt ponds on Bair Island, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Bair Island State Ecological Reserve in South San Francisco Bay. The Port of Redwood City has met with the Army Corp. of Engineers, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s office and various federal agencies to coordinate activities that would use Port dredged materials as the major source of fill for proposed Bair Island Restoration Plan, and supporting efforts to secure funding for the restoration in the 2007 federal budget.

With the goal of making Richmond greener, building our economy and creating jobs for residents, the Solar Richmond project has been officially launched. Richmond citizens and workers can get involved, visit www.solarrichmond.org

The Bay Classroom

San Francisco Bay is not a bay. What is it? The answer to that question and more about the Bay can now be found online. Save The Bay has launched The Bay Classroom, a new online resource where students and teachers can explore San Francisco Bay, its diverse wildlife and incredible history and how it impacts their lives.

Great White Sharks - Oh My!

The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry is celebrating its 47th year of operation. Currently, Maggie McDonogh, is at the helm. Maggie is now offering the opportunity to meet great white sharks up close. Using a shark cage and with new cutting edge technology, guests are able to enjoy below-water tours of the sharks at the Farallon Islands.

Shanghai Nights - Sun & Stars Fundraiser

The 23rd annual fundraiser for The Montessori Family Center takes place on Feb. 4, at The Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. The fundraiser encompasses a What Makes Sparking Wine Great seminar and tasting, a sparkling wine reception, auctions, seated dinner and entertainment by The Presidio Dance Theatre.