Friday, October 13, 2017

Long Beach Networking

By Karen Robes Meeks

Businesses will have the opportunity to promote their services with representatives from Long Beach Transit, the Port of Long Beach, Long Beach City College and other area transit agencies.

Long Beach Transit and the Port of Long Beach will be hosting a Prime-Time Business Networking event on October 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Port of Long Beach’s Interim Administrative Offices, located at 4801 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815.

Those interested need to RSVP by October 15 to Regulatory Compliance and Civil Rights Officer Aida Douglas at 562-489-8476 or at RCCRO@lbtransit.com.

Bolduc to Nebraska

By Karen Robes Meeks

John Bolduc, the Vice President of Public Safety and Police Chief at the Port of San Diego, will serve as the next Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent.

Bolduc, 52, will oversee 170 team members with a $38 million annual budget. His first day on the job will be on October 16.

“The State Patrol has a long and distinguished history with troopers that have served with honor and integrity, and John will protect and build that tradition,” said Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. “John comes to the agency with a reputation for improving organizations. He has the integrity and the experience to drive continuous improvement throughout the State Patrol and lead the organization with the unimpeachable integrity Nebraskans expect.”

Bolduc started his law enforcement career as an officer in 1986 and was chief of police for Brainerd and Mora in Minnesota.

During his seven-year tenure at the Port of San Diego, Bolduc developed a partnership between Harbor Police and the State Department to train overseas law enforcement in port security. He teamed up with the Alpha Project to connect the homeless living on the waterfront with services, among other accomplishments.

Everett Commission Deadline

By Karen Robes Meeks

Those interested in serving on the Port of Everett Commission have until 5 p.m. on October 16 to apply for the District 1 vacancy left by Troy McClelland, who resigned in August following a job relocation to Massachusetts.

Applicants must provide a completed application, proof of residency from the Snohomish County Auditor’s office and proof of voter registration. District 1 includes parts of the waterfront area in North Everett, and east to the Snohomish River.

The commission will gather for a special meeting on October 24 to review applicants’ qualifications and select candidates for interviews scheduled for October 30.

On November 2, the commission will weigh the merits of the candidates in a public session and vote on the District 1 position appointment. The assignment will last until the next regular port election in 2019.

The Port Commission application can be found at www.portofeverett.com/commissionappointment2017.

USCGC Stratton Busts Drug Smugglers

By Karen Robes Meeks

After the completion of a 75-day counterdrug patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton crew reported that it intercepted 11 drug smuggling ships, seized more than 18,500 pounds of cocaine and heroin worth $350 million, and held more than 40 suspected smugglers.

“Each crew member contributed to the collective success of Stratton's patrol,” said Capt. Craig Wieschhorster, the commanding officer of the Stratton. “This was a complete team effort that takes an all hands on deck commitment. Stopping illicit movements at sea, where the Coast Guard has the tactical advantage, starves criminal organizations of a revenue stream, promotes stability in Central American countries and eases migration pressures on our U.S. Southwest border. Border security starts at sea. Stopping suspected smugglers and bringing them to justice in U.S. courts allows the collective interagency effort to break these criminal networks.”

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Port of Kalama Develops Recreational Areas

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Kalama has begun a series of construction and renovation projects aimed at improving the experience at riverfront recreational areas.

The project list includes:

• Replenishment of new sand on the beaches near Ahles Point

• Installation of new asphalt on Hendrickson Drive under the Oak Street overpass at exit 30, as well as the north end of the marina to the south end of Ahles Point

• Removal of rock berms between Marine Park and the railroad

• Addition of stormwater rain gardens and 117 new parking spaces as part of the Hendrickson Drive project

• Extension of the sanitary sewer line from Ahles Point to the restrooms at Louis Rasmussen Park

“It’s that time of year we need to act on outdoor renovation and improvement projects for the facilities we enjoy here,” said port marketing manager Liz Newman. “All of these projects are part of the port’s effort to maintain and improve port recreational facilities for visitors.”

Stockton Commissioner Named APP President

By Karen Robes Meeks

Port of Stockton Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Blanchard was recently named president of the Association of Pacific Ports (APP) for 2017-18.

“The APP does valuable work, providing a forum where port directors can collaborate and develop best practices that increase port efficiency and keeps commerce moving,” Blanchard said. “I have been representing the Port of Stockton as a member of the APP for nearly a decade and participation has yielded benefits that have helped us streamline shipping from California’s Central Valley. I am honored to be named APP President for 2017-18.”

Blanchard, who officially began her tenure on August 1, has been part of the association since becoming a port commissioner in 2008. She has been serving on the association’s executive committee since 2010.

Blanchard has a doctorate in psychology from the University of the Pacific and is a retired Professor Emeritus of the San Joaquin Delta College Psychology Department and the University of the Pacific School of Education. She also serves as president of the Disabled American Veterans Charities of San Joaquin County.

Olympia Cleanup Planned

By Karen Robes Meeks

Work to clear out contamination of various East Bay properties in downtown Olympia is expected to be completed later this month, according to the Port of Olympia.

The cleanup work consists of removing and disposing of contaminated soil, site grading and placing gravel covering.

In the past, the port-owned property was used for various industrial operations that resulted in contamination.

The port had previously partnered with the Department of Ecology, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, and the City of Olympia to clean up and redevelop much of the East Bay property, which now houses the Hands on Children’s Museum and the LOTT’s headquarters.

Now the port is partnering with the Department of Ecology to clear out the remaining pollution of its downtown locations.

Once cleanup is completed, the sites will be available for development.

Seattle Marks Millionth Passenger

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Seattle recently received its millionth passenger to come through Seattle’s cruise terminals during the 2017 season, a first for the port.

Officials celebrated the milestone with an impromptu party for Linda Ellis and Ted Finn, two cruisers on Holland America Line’s ms Eurodam, who were met by Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton and Holland America Line CEO Orlando Ashford, and gifted with a basket of goodies.

“Congratulations to our millionth cruise passenger this season,” Creighton said. “Passengers like Ted and Linda from Alexandria, Louisiana, and points all across our country come here for a unique Pacific Northwest/Alaska experience that drives half a billion dollars in annual business revenue.”

“Holland America Line is thrilled that for more than 30 years we have been a partner with the Port of Seattle in building a robust gateway cruise port and an important contributor to the economic impact in this region,” Ashford said.