In this episode, Jen sits down with Sid Voorakkara, Port of San Diego Board Commissioner, to discuss the many programs and initiatives shaping the future of San Diego Bay. Sid shares insights into the Port Master Plan update, efforts to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, and how the Port is leading the way in innovation. He also highlights key projects, such as the blue economy incubator, waterfront redevelopment, and electrification efforts to reduce emissions. This conversation provides a deep dive into the Port’s role in fostering community engagement, economic development, and climate-conscious planning.

Timestamps:

[2:08] Sid introduces himself and his background as a first-generation American, small business owner, and Port Commissioner.

[4:49] The unique governance structure of the Port of San Diego and what makes it different from other ports.

[5:56] Sid’s background in social determinants of health, business development, and workforce education.

[6:06] The economic impact of the Port: $14 billion in San Diego County, $25 billion in Southern California, and $26 billion statewide.

[10:01] Exciting initiatives at the Port, including Harbor Drive 2.0, which aims to reduce congestion and improve waterfront access.

[10:40] The Port’s blue economy incubator and innovative projects like smart buoys and water quality monitoring.

[12:02] Electrification efforts, including the introduction of two all-electric cranes and North America’s first all-electric tugboat.

[13:12] The Port’s low-carbon fuel standards and the creation of a wetlands mitigation bank.

[13:43] The Port Master Plan update: a 30-year roadmap for balancing development, open space, and environmental preservation.

[20:44] The Port’s commitment to reducing emissions and fostering a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.

[24:28] Sid reflects on his motivation to make San Diego a place his son will be proud of in the future.

[25:18] Upcoming projects, including Seaport Village revitalization and the opening of the Chula Vista Gaylord Pacific Resort.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Port of San Diego

Business for Good

Portside Community Academy

This episode features Pete Halmay, President of San Diego Fisherman’s Working Group and one of the founders of the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. With over 50 years of commercial fishing experience, Pete shares fascinating insights into the challenges of creating a fisherman’s market, the diverse array of seafood available, and the cultural significance of maintaining a working fishing harbor in San Diego. He discusses the fluctuations in sea life over time, the importance of water quality, and how the market has become a window into the life of local fishermen. Pete also touches on the environmental considerations for fishing boats and the creative solutions for managing supply and demand in the market.

Timestamps:

[1:34] Pete talks about the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, which is not a farmer’s market but a fisherman’s market.

[5:45] The Pacific To Plate bill, which allows fishermen’s markets to operate as food facilities.

[06:28] The diverse customer base and unique experiences at the market.

[09:15] The market’s role in maintaining San Diego’s working fishing harbor.

[11:14] Changes in sea life over time and the importance of having a long-term perspective.

[12:39] The significance of water quality and sustainable fishery management.

[14:47] Environmental considerations for fishing boats.

[14:36] When you buy local, your fish has fewer miles on it.

[16:06] Managing supply and demand at the fish market, and how they make sure to give back to the community.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Tuna Harbor Dockside Market

Peter Halmay

Quotes:

• “We thought at the beginning that it would be a way to just make a little bit more money than selling directly, but what we found out is that we’re selling fishing, not fish. We’re showing people a window into the life of a fisherman and the ocean around them.” — Pete [3:15]

• “This market is important because it activates the waterfront.” — Pete [9:15]

• “Water quality is probably the most important thing. If the water quality is poor, things die.” — Pete [12:55]

• “I say, you come to the market, and the fish has zero miles on it.” — Pete [14:36]

• “If you buy locally, you benefit the planet, so how can you go wrong?” — Pete [18:17]

This episode features Greg Murphy from Fugro, a world leader in providing geo-data consulting through mapping, modeling, and monitoring information about our planet and the structures built upon it. Greg is also Vice Chair on the Board at the San Diego Maritime Museum. In the conversation, Greg talks about the innovative future of blue technologies, the importance of ocean sustainability, and San Diego's potential as a blue finance capital. He discusses the concept of blue carbon, the Port of San Diego’s proactive approach to sea level rise, and exciting developments in the local blue tech industry such as offshore wind energy and cell-cultured seafood. Greg also shares insights from the International Conference on Small Island Developing States and emphasizes the importance of nature-based solutions for coastal resilience.

Timestamps:

[2:13] Greg discusses his background in the blue economy and involvement with the San Diego Maritime Museum and its importance in preserving maritime history.

[7:07] Overview of Fugro’s work and why it’s relevant to coastal resilience worldwide.

[7:37] Fugro is the world’s leading geo-data specialist.

[9:01] How Fugro supports the energy transition and creates a safe-liveable world using data.

[10:01] How is the San Diego Bay looking when it comes to sea level rise?

[12:20] Greg defines blue carbon and its importance in coastal ecosystems and climate change mitigation.

[15:31] Why San Diego should become the blue finance capital of the world.

[17:19] Why do we need blue finance?

[18:24] How the Port of San Diego has supported blue tech so far.

[20:00] Highlights of exciting developments in San Diego’s blue tech industry, including offshore wind and cell-cultured seafood.

[25:08] Oceanside’s innovative “re-beach” program to address beach erosion.

[26:47] The importance of resilience at the government level.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Fugro

Quotes:

• “I love the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The people and the culture of the organization are really what drew me in. The museum is unlike most museums, where we celebrate the everyday citizen.” — Greg [4:47]

• “For me, maritime history is human history. Many of us have a story, but it’s also about the history of technology.” — Greg [5:51]

• “Maritime history is embedded into who we are as a people and who we are as a planet.” — Greg [6:33]

• “Our mission is to create a safe, livable world using data.” — Greg [10:02]

• “This whole idea of blue carbon is about converting these nature-based systems into bankable opportunities.” — Greg [15:38]

• “Get out in nature! Take a hike. Experience the beauty that we have around us here in San Diego. Visit the Maritime Museum. I think that’s one way we can all build resilience for ourselves.” — Greg [27:13]