By Nathan Palomares
Earlier this summer, the World Affairs Council of Orange County took its members on three exclusive private infrastructure tours throughout Orange County—the tour series. Hosted by the council, this initiative aims to increase knowledge and awareness of critical infrastructure facilities that the community may take for granted regarding their significance and economic impact on daily lives.
The past three tours included John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station at Pendleton, and the Port of LA.
Port of LA:
One of the WACOC’s marketing interns, Elise Hackenberg, who joined the Port of LA tour, learned more about one of her country’s busiest ports, all thanks to the World Affairs Council.
“Before coming to the Port of LA, I had a general idea of how these ports work, Hackenberg said. “However, the most interesting thing I learned on this tour had to do with the security; since foreign shipments are coming in and out of this port, it has its own police force!”
As a result of her experience, Hackenberg encourages people to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about their country’s infrastructure, which can show just how connected we are internationally.
“The Port of LA doesn’t just serve Southern California, but it’s part of a bigger interconnectedness that supports trade and economic stability for not just the U.S., but all of our partners,” Hackenberg said. “I believe that being more informed about these topics has a positive effect on people’s personal and professional growth”.
Another WACOC member, Lea Petersen, also visited the Port of LA, where she had fun and learned more about this critical infrastructure.
San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station:
WACOC member Tim Welch visited the nuclear station on July 14. Welch was amazed at the inner workings of the nuclear station, whose infrastructure, like these, often gets a bad rep.
“Very educational–we learned an incredible amount about what’s going on with the decommissioning of the plant,” Welch said. “They are going to dismantle the domes from the bottom instead of the top! I’m looking forward to seeing how that works”.
For Welch, the tour offers an opportunity that many often are not able to experience and learn more about a nuclear station that is probably passed by on the way to San Diego without a second thought.
John Wayne Airport:
WACOC members also toured John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, where they learned about the inner workings of running an airport and the importance and sophistication of such a critical infrastructure.
The purpose of the tour series hosted by the World Affairs Council of Orange County traces back to its mission of educating the community. Infrastructure tours are one way to bridge the gap between facilities and ordinary people, where disconnects may arise.
The WACOC wants to be that bridge and will continue striving to do just that.
“I feel that the World Affairs Council helps to connect the local community to the important topics that interconnect us with the world”, Hackenberg said. “These tours give a fun and interesting way to learn more about the infrastructure around us and how we are connected to it”.
