By Mark Edward Nero
The City of Oakland celebrated Port of Oakland Day on Sunday, Feb. 12 in recognition of the 90th anniversary of the port’s creation, Feb. 12, 1927.
“What a moment to celebrate,” Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said in a proclamation. “What an incredible impact this organization has on the region, the nation and the world.”
Before entering politics, Schaaf was the port’s public affairs director.
Port Executive Director Chris Lytle said that the port has profoundly influenced trade and transportation during its 90-year-history. In a Feb. 10 letter to government and industry leaders, he highlighted the port’s groundbreaking achievements.
“We pioneered Transpacific air travel and we brought container shipping to the West Coast,” Lytle said. “And we’re far from done – we’re transforming to upgrade our status as a global gateway.”
The Port of Oakland, which was created as an independent department of the City of Oakland, manages three principal businesses: the Port of Oakland, one of the nation’s top 10 container seaports; Oakland International Airport, the second busiest Bay Area airport; and a commercial real estate portfolio that includes Jack London Square, the restaurant and entertainment district named after the adventure novelist who frequented the neighborhood.
A special section regarding the anniversary is now live on the port’s website. It features information about the port’s history, the mayor’s proclamation, the video “Ninety Years in 90 Seconds” and more. The section can be seen at: http://www.portofoakland.com/90-years-of-public-service/
