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ArchivesJune 2005 HANDS OFF HARBOR BAY FERRY! By Bobby WinstonCiting “fare box recovery” rates so bogus even John Bolton would blush, the transit establishment took its best shot at knocking off the Harbor Bay Ferry. But more reliable estimates convincingly prove ferries – even the Harbor Bay Ferry, orphaned by inept City managers – are dramatically more efficient than buses, or even BART. More... 
MIGHTY PORT OF OAKLAND
By Graham Claytor
Graham Claytor takes us on a tour of the past, present, and future of the economic colossus that is the Port of Oakland. From its picaresque beginnings involving wheelings and dealings that would put Enron to shame, to its status today as an economic powerhouse of the Bay Area – indeed, much of the Western United States. The story of the Port of Oakland is as entertaining as it is powerful. More... WILL THE VALLEJO WATERFRONT COME ALIVE? By Wes StarrattA major development, forever in the planning, would be a boon for Vallejo ferry riders, and anyone else interested in improving that underappreciated city’s quality of life. Determined opponents are trying to block it and all the good it would bring, citing the need for more open space. More... 
FACES OF THE WORKING WATERFRONT
Photos by Dennis Anderson
What does the working waterfront look like today? Famed nature photographer Dennis Anderson spent a day riding the ferries and walking the Embarcaderos, capturing the faces of the modern waterfront, including: plutocrats, regulators and, reassuringly enough, ferryboat workers and pile drivers. More... 
Almost Up the Creek Without a Paddle
After years without pay raises or proper health and pension benefits, Harbor Bay Ferry workers had a close brush with yet further indignities, when management threatened a pay cut in response to baseless “fare box recovery” rate numbers. As we went to press , management had backed off, at least for the moment. It’s especially unfair, because Harbor Bay Ferry workers are best of breed. More... President Bush’s Thoughtful Plan for AmtrakBy Guy Span President Bush and his Secretary of Transportation, Norman Minetta, have a plan for Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. They want it go into bankruptcy to “save” it. The plan calls for zero funding for the national system, and then sets aside $360 million to keep the high-speed Northeast Corridor operating (Washington, D.C. to Boston, MA). All other long-distance trains would be shut down, but the states would receive a 50% Federal match for any trains they wanted to run, and these services could be run by either Amtrak (assuming it survives bankruptcy) or another operator. This plan assumes that the Corridor could be operated for $360 million, and the other $700 million of Amtrak funding is squandered on long-distance trains. More... 
John Beery: Bringing the Marina Up a Notch
By Mary Swift Swan With a crew of family, friends, and associates, John Beery has brought boating in the Bay Area up a notch, again. His latest effort to improve boating in the Bay can be seen in the Dry Stack Marina, a large, new building located across from Jack London Square. It’s his way of bringing the best of Florida boating to California. After six years of hard work, this new marina represents the first of several new businesses developed by Beery’s Marina Development Company. More... FERRY RIDER OF THE MONTHLocal rider, Mark Kasanin reflecting on the Tiburon More... 
EVENTS, ART & ENTERTAINMENT
By Lisa Klassen & Michelle Moday There’s an action-packed “it’s the start of summer” vibe floating in the air, and with it are some prominent events to note on your calendar. For one, we are privileged in the Bay Area to be the first North American host of United Nations’ World Environment Day (June 5). Evenings are perfect for the “Night Market” at the Ferry Building More... 
Sturdy Southern Embarcadero Icons
By Nancy Salcedo and Lisa Klassen Wanting to stretch your legs a little during your lunchtime break? Does the sight of seagulls soaring overhead make you want to wander the water a little? Then grab a picnic lunch and take a stroll. Here’s a quick Lunchtime Adventure to guide you on your way. More... 
THE DAYS OF WINE AND FLOWERS
By Dianne Boate and Robert Meyer There were some spectacular floral events in San Francisco that really got our attention this Spring: The Pacific Orchid Exposition; Bouquets to Art; and the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show More... Berkeley and Albany Residents Support Bringing Back Ferries by a 3-1 MarginOn May 12, at a community workshop on ferries co-hosted by the Berkeley Waterfront and Transportation Commissions, the San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority (WTA) announced the results of a recent public opinion survey. Favoring ferries by 76%, those surveyed in Berkeley and Albany said that they think the ferry is “a good idea” and support new service between Berkeley/Albany and San Francisco. More... 
Exploring in June
World Environment Day June 4 & 5 World Environment Day in San Francisco is actually for five days, June 1-5, with city-wide festivities that include special events focusing on urban environmental issues. The Exploratorium gets into the act on June 4 and 5, with films on water (a pure element) and hands-on activities from out of the garden More... |
