Page 31 - 2014_ARPOS_Neat
P. 31
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Free Public Boat Tours a Success: For the Port Continues to Live Green: The Port was once
second consecutive summer, the Port o ered 30 free again the lead sponsor of the Stockton Thunder “Easy
public boat tours. Tours were again highly anticipated Being Green” games against the Utah Grizzlies on
and reservations were filled quickly. Everyone from March 14 and 15, 2014. The sixth annual event was
retirees to congressmen to school children to toddlers organized by the local ECHL ice hockey team in an
enjoyed the two-hour ride o ered every week between e ort to showcase eco-friendly initiatives in the
July and September 2014. More than 1,800 people Central Valley. The fun-filled weekend featured a
climbed aboard to learn about the Port and get a “Green Fair” at the games, which included various
firsthand look at the dynamics of world trade. “Over local environmentally friendly organizations on-site to
$1.5 billion of cargo crosses our docks yearly and the discuss an array of environmental issues and the latest
tours allow the public to see port operations from the ways to be “green.” This great event provided the Port
water. We have a rich history and play a key role in the an opportunity to educate the community about its
economic vitality for Stockton and San Joaquin environmental initiatives and the vital role it plays in
County,” said Port Director Richard Aschieris. protecting the Delta as well as the importance of
sustainable business practices.
Port Hosts 16th Annual State of the City:
For the ninth consecutive year, the Port welcomed A Neighborhood Gem: Located on five acres of
over 1,000 community members from the greater Port-donated land is a neighborhood gem called the
Stockton area to the 16th Annual State of the City Boggs Tract Community Farm. The urban farm’s
luncheon. The event, which is co-sponsored by the development promotes the empowerment of people
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, the City of to grow and utilize their own food resources. The Port
Stockton and the Port, was held on May 22, 2014 at also donated composting material in the form of water
the Port’s Shed 20. hyacinth that was cleared from the shipping channel
this year.
The high-profile event allows the City to showcase its
economic, educational and cultural development as Future plans for the farm include a farmers’ market to
well as plans for upcoming projects. It also provides generate revenue, which would ultimately go toward
the Port a great opportunity to provide a rare glimpse creating other urban farms throughout San Joaquin
of the Port to their neighbors and the greater Stockton County. By following a rigorous business plan
community. Over 45 community organizations set-up developed by MBA students from the University of
display booths to provide attendees with useful the Pacific, the farm will eventually generate enough
information about various local and state programs. income to become financially self-sustaining. To learn
Mayor Anthony Silva spoke about investing in more or get involved, visit the PUENTES website at:
Stockton, while Port Chair Victor Mow provided puentes-americas.org/portfolio/boggs-tract-
attendees with an update of Port activities. community-farm/.
Community Commitment 29
