We are pleased to present herein a copy of the report produced by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) entitled: "CALIFORNIA'S GLOBAL GATEWAYS: TRENDS AND ISSUES". This important "white paper" offers a detailed analysis of California's shipping activities, and its powerful role in providing "global gateways" for handling a substantial portion of America's international commerce. The document is lengthy (109 pages), but well worth the read for those who are concerned and involved with global trade -- and particularly for those who live and work in California, or who bring their goods through our ports.

In the report's "Forward" (written by David Lyon, CEO of PPIC), you'll note that he clearly describes therein the paradox that California now faces. And that is: while California's ports are experiencing unprecedented success and (in some cases) double-digit growth in accommodating the ever-expanding flow of world trade cargoes (bringing new jobs, new profits, and new tax revenues to the state) -- with that success and growth comes the negative "side effects" of massive freeway congestion, increased air pollution, and significant infrastructure wear-and-tear that is increasingly impacting the quality of life issues that most Californians hold dear. Add to that the real need to address homeland defense and port security issues in a profound and timely manner, and you have a challenge that seems daunting at best, and impossible at worst. As Mr. Lyons sums it up: .... "(the authors) make it abundantly clear that 'Global California' is finally inseparable from 'Local California', and that visionary solutions at this level can affect the state's competitive position in the world"....

Our thanks to Mr. Jim Haussner, Executive Secretary for the California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference (C-MANC), for sharing this important document with us.

Capt. Manny Aschemeyer, Executive Director
Marine Exchange of Southern California