LASA visited the Port of Los Angeles in November. Between labor issues on the eastern coast of the United States and questions about tariffs and commerce as we approach 2025, the Port of Los Angeles is incredibly busy. And with that increased traffic comes renewed questions about efficiency, environmentalism, labor, and how deeply connected the port is to surrounding communities and communities far from the shore.
We started the morning at Yusen Terminals (YTI) on Terminal Island. Fran Ohlheiser, Director of Communications at YTI, welcomed us and shared a presentation on YTI operations and the port in general in their boardroom. Landon reflected “I loved going to the terminal and learning all of the different parts that go into the transportation of goods. The video we watched going over Yusen’s function and the steps they take along with the machines they use was fascinating.” Then, we jumped back on our bus and Fran took us on a tour of the terminal space – from the row of refridgerated containers, to a vessel being unloaded, to the train cars preparing to venture east.
We’re grateful for her expertise and the chance to see things in person – in motion. LASA then traveled to AltaSea to meet with former head of the Port and board member at AltaSea Geraldine Knatz. She challenged us to think about the port’s history and future. Alfonso noted, “Learning about the port was very interesting. From the fact that 40% of the United States’ goods come in through the LA and Long Beach port. It was interesting to see all the different layers that come into having a full functioning port and how important is truly to everybody that, than many goods travel through that port into our stores.” “Being able to learn about the docs from a business and ecological perspective was quite rewarding as it had not occurred to me the impact the docks have on our economic and environmental ecosystems,” Ame shared, “When we were learning about how important shipping containers were and how much work is put into it all such as the truckers transporting containers and all the workers on the docs themselves I was surprised to realise how important these jobs are for people especially with the threat of new more advanced technologies. Not only that but being able to understand the impact the docs have on the environment was incredibly eye opening factoring in the hand on learning we got with the sea urchin and starfish.”
AltaSea is home to Kelp Ark, and we wrapped up the day learning more about their work. Carmela reflected that our time with Hayden Sneider at AltaSea and learning about Kelp Ark inspired her. “The innovative approach to sustainable aquaculture highlighted the potential of kelp farming as a solution to some of our environmental challenges.” We hope to visit again once they are fully installed in the space. Thanks to Fran, Geraldine, and Hayden for hosting us. And as we wrap up LASA for 2024, thanks to all the teachers who make LASA possible – Anna, Beckie, Katherine, Jennifer, John, Norman, Sonia, and our friends with YES. See you in 2025!
