Port posturing
The Port of Oakland doubles down on airport name change with curious survey; BAAQMD, county mayors clear the air with John Bauters; ALCO Reparations Commission wants more funding
COUNTY NEWS
PORT OF OAKLAND
—PORT OF NAME-CALLING—The Port of Oakland’s plan to add San Francisco Bay to the Oakland International Airport’s official name has been widely panned by those on either side of the bay.
—But the Port of Oakland responded on Monday with polling that shows nearly two-thirds of those surveyed in the East Bay are “comfortable” with the name change.
—However, the survey fails to ever mention the proposed name change would include San Francisco in the Oakland Airport’s title.
—The Port of Oakland Commission could approve the name change at Wednesday’s meeting in Jack London Square. If they do, the action could land the Port in court.
—San Francisco officials will sue for trademark infringement if the Port makes good on its plans to rename the Oakland Airport, San Francisco Chronicle reports.
—According to the Port, surveys show that out-of-state and international travelers are not aware of the Oakland Airport’s proximity to San Francisco, thereby robbing the airport and the region of economic benefits.
—The rollout of the name change proposal on March 29 was heavily orchestrated with a short video featuring Port Commissioner Barbara Leslie extolling its benefits.
—Condemnation was swift in the East Bay, and later followed criticism from San Francisco elected, such state Sen. Scott Wiener.
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