Since the cranes at the Port of Oakland can be seen from afar due to their size, they have become city icons and symbolize Oakland's economy as a seaport city, industry. Given that the Port is a topic of controversial discussion in sustainability and environmental justice, what if the Port rewrites this relationship by cleaning up the air as well as providing a new sustainability symbol for the city. By creating vegetated towers (to filter the air column), with small footprints because space is highly constrained, uses the concept of power that mimics the cranes while symbolizing a new future. A spiral staircase would create the core of the tower so the plants could be maintained, and plants that only utilize fog from the coast for water would be chosen for planting.

I am particularly concerned about the air quality in my neighborhood as a result of port related activities. I’m a veteran living in West Oakland and have attended some community meetings in the past. However, I’m currently unable to attend given my old age and the covid-19 pandemic. After viewing the “Air Pollution around the Port” page, I was wondering if there are any strategies that might help limit the amount of air pollution in West Oakland or if it might be possible to meet with someone who may be able to educate me a bit more on this issue?

Although I am not a resident of Oakland, I frequently purchase products from oversees, and as a result, have contributed to the Port's activity and impact on the environment. My question is for the community members living near and around the Port of Oakland. As individuals directly affected by the Port's activity and operation, what changes do you consider a priority? Are there any specific changes you would like to be done by the Port itself? And are there any changes you would like to see happen by your local government that would directly affect the Port of Oakland's operation?