Did you know the Port of Redwood City was one of the first planning areas within the city’s jurisdiction to install and utilize recycled water for landscaping?

Things are moving and grooving at the Port of Redwood City! From the continuation of the Rock the Dock concert series to the welcoming of Christie Coats as the new Director of Operations, exciting things are happening at the Port.

We also officially have the PortFest date for this year. Join us for the annual family fun event, Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make sure to mark your calendar and continue to check our website for updates on the event. The Port is proud to host free events like PortFest for the community.

As the summer is in full swing, we also want to thank our federal partner, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for their oversight and diligence in keeping our shipping channel dredged. This annual program facilitates the ongoing cargo operations and commerce our Port provides to the local economy, environment and waterfront activities. Dredging is critical to the life of our Port.

Last, but certainly not least, I am very excited to announce the launch of the Port’s new Instagram account! Dock with us @portofredwoodcity to stay up to date on all things happening at the Port.

Remember to stay safe and follow safety guidelines when out on the water this summer!

Kristine A. Zortman

Executive Director

The Scoop on Dredging

Dredging may not sound very exciting, but under the surface it does a lot for our economy and environment.

Dredging cleans out the Redwood Creek Channel by scooping out mud, weeds and silt that collect over time. Left undone, the channel would eventually fill up and close.  

Having a wider, deeper and longer channel allows larger cargo vessels to come and go from the Port with full loads, which is important to our economy and environment. In fact, just one full cargo ship alone can reduce up to 2,500 local truck trips on our nearby roads and highways.

There’s a public safety benefit, too. The Port of Redwood City is a designated FEMA Federal Staging Area and could be activated during an emergency to move people and supplies. A clear channel ensures the Port is always ready to answer the call should disaster strike.

Still not digging it?

If the economic and environmental benefits aren’t enough to get you excited about dredging, consider the recreational impacts. By keeping up with dredging efforts, the channel remains open and clear for public recreational uses like canoeing, kayaking, fishing and enjoying our local flora and fauna along the waterfront. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the channel clearance.

Rock the Evening Away at the Port

The summer lineup for Rock the Dock is alive and well! If you haven’t been able to join us before, now is the time with our concerts starting a little later at 4:30 p.m. and going until 7 p.m. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs to rest in-between sets.

The August Lineup is as follows:

·     Saturday, August 5 – The Megatones

·     Saturday, August 12 – The Rockafellas Band

·     Saturday, August 19 – Dutch Uncle

·     Saturday, August 26 – Explorer

All concerts are free, but we encourage guests to tip generously!

Mark you Calendar - PortFest is back!

It’s that time of the year again! PortFest is returning Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s family-free event will include all of your favorite things. Boat tours with the Marine Science Institute, live music from the band Wild Child, a beer and wine booth, food trucks, a kid zone, and much more!

Vendor applications are now live on our website, so sign up while you can! The last day to submit your application and fees is Friday, September 8.

Save the date for this annual event as we take the time to learn about Redwood City’s maritime heritage and experience a day on the bay filled with adventure.

Please Welcome Christie Coats to the Port!

There’s a new Director of Operations in town, and her name is Christie Coats! Christie joined the Port team in June and has fit in perfectly. As the Director of Operations, she will guide the Port’s strategic visions for the Port’s operations, including leading the Port’s cargo operations, capital improvement projects and managing the Federal Emergency Management Agency and security grant programs. 

Coats most recently served as the General Manager of Maritime and Asset Management at the Port of New Orleans overseeing the real estate, cruise and operations departments. She also served as a Senior Manager for the Port of San Diego where she negotiated and administered the Port’s maritime real estate assets, projects and agreements, including staff and resources for maritime properties on the San Diego Bay.

Please give a warm welcome to Christie when you see her! We are very happy to have her representing the Port and the region.