PORT OF SAN DIEGO TOUR
A group of Sillimanians and friends joined a free tour starting at Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Foot of Marina Way. Since we moved from Michigan, this was the first time I entered the Port of San Diego in eighteen years.
My wife, Mila, and I enjoyed the tour immensely. I would do it again and again! With us were:Fely Tan Narvaez, Miriam Tan Cole, Mary Garrido, John Olivar, Inday Garrido and Alma Lavergne.
Most of us have driven the southern section of Interstate 5 freeway and are familiar with many activities happening along the waterfront but have not seen anything close up before. The tour allowed us to witness how imported cars are unloaded and shipped all over the US.
We learned how sea-faring yachts are plucked from the water to undergo refurbishment. We saw how acres of containers are lined up along the waterfront, allowing stevedores to know which are coming from or going into ships at a glance. It was a revelation that Navy Ships are protected from potential attacks when tied up to the docks.
It was delightful indeed to know why nesting ospreys, while building huge nests on top of light posts, play an important role in keeping the waterfront safe from the “bombing” skills of the myriads of seagulls.
It is also interesting to know that the Port of San Diego is a public corporation and yet not a dollar of taxpayers money is used to support the program. The income every year derive from rents, fees from users of the Marine Terminal, parking facilities, grants, and income from investments.
What impresses me most is the exercise of sound financial stewardship. This multi-million dollars’ program of the city of San Diego and its neighboring cities is managed efficiently without taxpayers money. The management of the Port of San Diego should be a model for the Federal Government in times of economic downturn or any times to achieve sound financial responsibility.
After our bus tour we had a sumptuous lunch at a Filipino restaurant in Mira Mesa before calling it a day compliment by the Tour Coordinator.
SUAF members and friends are encouraged to visit our own Web Site or attend meetings so everyone would know what’s going on in our small and yet vital association.
— By Pastor Yassie
Tour coordinator: Fely Tan Narvaez
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES.
