The Finest City

By: Citizens Coordinate for Century 3
  • Summary

  • Every city has a story, and this one is about San Diego. You might know it as paradise of ocean and sunshine, but as the most biodiverse region in the country and one half of the second largest bi-national metropolis in North America, it is also a battleground. We’re talking with the creatives, environmentalists, and social justice warriors who’ve been on the frontline fighting for progressive planning in this uniquely special city. We will also be exploring the history of land use activism in San Diego starting with the founding of Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 sixty years ago. If you love history, cities, and design, you won’t want to miss The Finest City.
    ©The Finest City
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Episodes
  • San Diego’s Innovative Fisherman’s Market Bringing Local, Sustainable Seafood — Pete Halmay, Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and San Diego Fisherman’s Working Group
    Jul 26 2024

    This episode features Pete Halmay, President of San Diego Fisherman’s Working Group and one of the founders of the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. With over 50 years of commercial fishing experience, Pete shares fascinating insights into the challenges of creating a fisherman’s market, the diverse array of seafood available, and the cultural significance of maintaining a working fishing harbor in San Diego. He discusses the fluctuations in sea life over time, the importance of water quality, and how the market has become a window into the life of local fishermen. Pete also touches on the environmental considerations for fishing boats and the creative solutions for managing supply and demand in the market.

    Timestamps:

    [1:34] Pete talks about the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, which is not a farmer’s market but a fisherman’s market.

    [5:45] The Pacific To Plate bill, which allows fishermen’s markets to operate as food facilities.

    [06:28] The diverse customer base and unique experiences at the market.

    [09:15] The market’s role in maintaining San Diego’s working fishing harbor.

    [11:14] Changes in sea life over time and the importance of having a long-term perspective.

    [12:39] The significance of water quality and sustainable fishery management.

    [14:47] Environmental considerations for fishing boats.

    [14:36] When you buy local, your fish has fewer miles on it.

    [16:06] Managing supply and demand at the fish market, and how they make sure to give back to the community.

    About C-3

    Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

    Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

    C3sandiego.org

    Tuna Harbor Dockside Market

    Peter Halmay

    Quotes:

    • “We thought at the beginning that it would be a way to just make a little bit more money than selling directly, but what we found out is that we’re selling fishing, not fish. We’re showing people a window into the life of a fisherman and the ocean around them.” — Pete [3:15]

    • “This market is important because it activates the waterfront.” — Pete [9:15]

    • “Water quality is probably the most important thing. If the water quality is poor, things die.” — Pete [12:55]

    • “I say, you come to the market, and the fish has zero miles on it.” — Pete [14:36]

    • “If you buy locally, you benefit the planet, so how can you go wrong?” — Pete [18:17]

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    19 mins
  • Blue Technologies and Why San Diego Should be the Blue Finance Capital of the World
    Jul 12 2024

    This episode features Greg Murphy from Fugro, a world leader in providing geo-data consulting through mapping, modeling, and monitoring information about our planet and the structures built upon it. Greg is also Vice Chair on the Board at the San Diego Maritime Museum. In the conversation, Greg talks about the innovative future of blue technologies, the importance of ocean sustainability, and San Diego's potential as a blue finance capital. He discusses the concept of blue carbon, the Port of San Diego’s proactive approach to sea level rise, and exciting developments in the local blue tech industry such as offshore wind energy and cell-cultured seafood. Greg also shares insights from the International Conference on Small Island Developing States and emphasizes the importance of nature-based solutions for coastal resilience.

    Timestamps:

    [2:13] Greg discusses his background in the blue economy and involvement with the San Diego Maritime Museum and its importance in preserving maritime history.

    [7:07] Overview of Fugro’s work and why it’s relevant to coastal resilience worldwide.

    [7:37] Fugro is the world’s leading geo-data specialist.

    [9:01] How Fugro supports the energy transition and creates a safe-liveable world using data.

    [10:01] How is the San Diego Bay looking when it comes to sea level rise?

    [12:20] Greg defines blue carbon and its importance in coastal ecosystems and climate change mitigation.

    [15:31] Why San Diego should become the blue finance capital of the world.

    [17:19] Why do we need blue finance?

    [18:24] How the Port of San Diego has supported blue tech so far.

    [20:00] Highlights of exciting developments in San Diego’s blue tech industry, including offshore wind and cell-cultured seafood.

    [25:08] Oceanside’s innovative “re-beach” program to address beach erosion.

    [26:47] The importance of resilience at the government level.

    About C-3

    Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

    Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

    C3sandiego.org

    Maritime Museum of San Diego

    Fugro

    Quotes:

    • “I love the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The people and the culture of the organization are really what drew me in. The museum is unlike most museums, where we celebrate the everyday citizen.” — Greg [4:47]

    • “For me, maritime history is human history. Many of us have a story, but it’s also about the history of technology.” — Greg [5:51]

    • “Maritime history is embedded into who we are as a people and who we are as a planet.” — Greg [6:33]

    • “Our mission is to create a safe, livable world using data.” — Greg [10:02]

    • “This whole idea of blue carbon is about converting these nature-based systems into bankable opportunities.” — Greg [15:38]

    • “Get out in nature! Take a hike. Experience the beauty that we have around us here in San Diego. Visit the Maritime Museum. I think that’s one way we can all build resilience for ourselves.” — Greg [27:13]

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    28 mins
  • Weaving San Diego Maritime History Into The Modern World — Dr. Ray Ashley, Maritime Museum San Diego
    Jun 28 2024

    This week focuses on San Diego’s maritime heritage with Dr. Ray Ashley from the Maritime Museum of San Diego. As President and CEO, Dr. Ashley leads one of the most prominent institutions on San Diego Bay, recognized as one of the top three maritime museums globally. It includes one of the finest collections of historic vessels, including the oldest active ship, Star of India. In his talk with Jen, Dr. Ashley explains how the museum integrates San Diego’s maritime past into the present day, highlighting both the economic and cultural contributions of the local maritime industry and the important role the museum plays in educating the public.

    Timestamps:

    [1:50] Maritime Museum’s role in educating people about San Diego’s history and connection to the Bay.

    [2:58] The Museum’s role in educating residents and visitors about the history of San Diego.

    [4:09] How the museum uses storytelling to inform and shape the future.

    [6:35] Cultural and economic significance of San Diego Bay.

    [9:13] Integrating human and environmental histories into exhibits to address problems.

    [11:30] More about the Rising Tides and Fragile Waters exhibits.

    [13:56] Providing access to the bay through historic sailing tours and sailing experiences.

    [15:32] The economic impact the Maritime Museum has had on the San Diego region.

    [20:40] Exciting plans for The Maritime Museum, including a new waterfront structure.

    [23:02] How can people get more involved?

    About C-3

    Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

    Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

    C3sandiego.org

    Maritime Museum of San Diego

    Quotes:

    • “San Diego is what it is because of the Bay, and because of the maritime connections.” — Ray [3:17]

    • “The sea is a resource that we use for recreation, fishing, trade, and defense, and we like to take care of it as best we can.” — Ray [3:52]

    • “Ultimately, we do become the stories we tell.” — Ray [4:48]

    • “Maritime Museum provides a simple organizing function for that information about how this giant cluster maritime enterprise came to be in the first place, and how it continues to function.” — Ray [18:00]

    • "If there's a secret sauce that I think we share with other kinds of organizations like ours, our particular secret is the ships. And by connecting your life and their lives, you do move towards becoming the better version of yourself.” — Ray [22:17]

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    25 mins

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