And since John Keener and Sue Digre apparently condone such misleading, wrong political advertising and shenanigans, what may we expect from them during their next four (4) years on city council?
We know Keener and Digre will be anti-progress, exactly what this city does not need more of. And we know their presence on city council will make the job of the other three (3) city councilmembers just that much more difficult. This city must progress to survive, and Keener and Digre may very well work against that effort.
If you were persuaded to vote for John Keener and Sue Digre to allow balanced city representation on city council, remember the past: significant city development did not happen, and way too much land was lost to permanent open space. Meantime, we continue to live with the economic consequences of such folly.
Note: photograph from Pacifica Riptide.
Posted by Kathy Meeh
105 comments:
From John Keener's facebook:
"As must be obvious to all, I was elected on Nov. 4 to Pacifica City Council. Given that I had never run for office before, and 5 months ago no one in town knew of me, I think this qualifies as a major victory. I made my opposition to the widening of Highway 1 the centerpiece of my campaign. As I talked to people while canvassing, and after the election, it was clear that this was the primary issue in most of my supporters' minds. Of course, I will vote no on any measures concerning the widening of Highway 1.
I will take my seat conscious of the need for openness and fairness in city government. I have said throughout the campaign that the city is extremely limited financially, but I have a growing list of cheap or free things to do that will make life a little better for residents. These include new crosswalks for pedestrians, left turn lanes, bus shelters, express bus routes to BART, and bike lanes.
The city can not expect new revenues in the form of additional taxes, considering that the last 3 measures were defeated badly at the ballot box. The budget and finances make most people's eyes glaze over, but in spite of this, I'm going to hold budget forums, where I will try to understand and communicate where the city's money comes from, and where it's going. Citizens will have an opportunity to comment on specific expenditures, and maybe give council some insight into what the public really wants.
I will be one of 5 people on the council, and I will try to work with the others to make this a better city. However, I will not compromise my core principles of environmentalism and support for those who are less fortunate than us. I look forward to the next 4 years as a time of continued recovery from the hard times we have just endured."
Too many non-hippies ran and split the vote.
1:13, perhaps true, there is nothing you can do to prevent people from running, even if you don't think they have a chance.
I follow Daly City and found it interesting that one aspiring council candidate who had taken out papers dropped out after being pressured by some peers up there.
You, 1:13 are welcome to try, in 2016, to talk candidates out of running if you think they'll mess it up for anyone you perceive as "viable". I understand O'Neill had such a talk with Matt Dougherty. Obviously Dougherty was not swayed.
Keener sounds pretty level headed to me.
The highway widening would be as wide as 280, and wider than the freeway portion of Hwy 1 in Pacifica, so I have no problem with calling it a freeway, although it would be more accurate to call it a "freeway-sized highway", but that wouldn't fit on the sign!
I like Keener and I am not any of the names I have heard some on here calling the people who have voted him. I voted for him. I talked with him. Pacifica has made progress. Pacifica is about family's. 55Million , is the amount that has been quoted, to build a 1.3 mile part of Highway One?? You have got to be kidding me. Get outta here.
124, 146, the State of CA builds highway widenings throughout California. These widenings also exist throughout the region. Pacifica has a structural highway congestion problem. The studies to fix this issue are completed, and so far those of you who embrace city deterioration are losing in court and at city hall.
Are you suggesting: 1) the $55 million (if that) funded project is coming out of our city budget, 2) the 1.3 mile highway widening is equivalent to the 280 freeway, 3) fixing this problem is not important, particularly to those who drive this road (including emergency vehicles trying to get through), 4) the Gang of No (NIMBIES) knows more than all the experts who have considered this project, 5) the project is currently drafted beyond concept? IF SO, 1-5, YOU'RE LYING, again and again.
Gang of NO (NIMBIES), the damage you have caused to this city over decades is hardly "kidding". You need to stop lying, quit obstructing city improvement, and work with the rest of us on city solutions. Are you even capable of not lying and manipulating this city? I doubt it. Meantime, the people of this city continue to suffer the consequences.
The only damage we have caused is letting people like you in. If you don't like us then get out.
"Gang of NO (NIMBIES), the damage you have caused to this city over decades is hardly "kidding". You need to stop lying, quit obstructing city improvement, and work with the rest of us on city solutions. Are you even capable of not lying and manipulating this city?"
Kathy, this gets old. It's not an argument that's going to change anyone's vote.
3:00, well now, there's an aggressive attitude for you. Nothing should give you more ownership or more rights than any other person or people in this this city. Yet, somehow you feel "entitled". Does this indicate NIMBIES are not only corrupt, but also delusional? Something about your far left ideology that rejects the "common good" for all the people?
Steve 325, since NO solutions are offered to cope with ongoing NIMBY propaganda on this blog, (such comments are not spammed), the comments need to be addressed.
Yes the attacks and this dialog are old, but there is no stopping it. And giving over this blog to ongoing menacing, twisted commentary is not acceptable to some of us, (in this instance to me in particular).
Want a more elevated level of dialog, and a broader audience? Think of some ways that could happen, and work toward the next city council election, this one is done.
And the Gang Of Antagony is off and running.
Meeh sees damage.
I see beauty, friends, business's that I love.
731, yes I can read the sign, and the signs of the city's future. And your "alternative" comment indicates you may not be in touch with reality.
Fewer anonymous comments would greatly increase the legitimacy and impact of Fix Pacifica.
IDEA
First five days of every month disallow anonymous comments. It will take the remaining 25 or so days to get over the shock.
7:31-- it's true. Every post is an angry, quasi-comspiratorial rant about some made-up group "out to get Pacifica." It never crosses her mind that the majority of Pacificans might be average folk who don't share her views on most things. Rather than softening her message and engaging with these people to try and find some common ground, she turtles-up and doubles down on the anger and attacks.
It's a bit sad to see someone so consumed with bitterness and hate, incapable of working with the hand she's been dealt. She's completely marginalized herself and her blog quite publicly and I hope that somehow, someway, she will find happiness and enjoyment in life. I would gently suggest that blogging and civic engagement is not that path for Ms. Meeh.
Mike, there is no way in hell Sickpacifica will ever achieve an increase in legitimacy because only a handful of people post here. Most of the Anon comments are from 5 to 6 people, and the bitterness of the blogs co-chair Slappy Meeh is at best off the charts.
For several years now the mantra of ALL of you have been Gang of No, NIMBY'S and Nobies. Nice try but what has really been created and achieved by ALL of you is simply a new nickname for yourselves from Yessies to Gang of Antagony because that's all you ALL do is antagonize, and the most telling point is this last election. The one non incumbant spot went to Keener. TS.
Mike even your own comments fake a concern for revenues, but grow a pair and suggest something that could actually be permitted. As you well know the permitting process is either a corrupt affair piloted by bribes or is a legitimate process that takes time. The highway widening is a great example of corruption, it's been staff driven for 7 years at a cost of almost ten million dollars. The FEIR alone costed 7 million at least.
I appreciate the fact your Gang Of Antagony would like to have about as much process as you would need to build a couch cushion fort, but here on the coast it's not that simple. Please give us an idea of what you think is actually do-able in town and that could get a permit.
Yeah... I didn't think so.
Mike: the anonymous comments have nothing to do with relegating Fix Pacifica to the wackadoodle fringe -- the regular , named posters here have brougt it all on themselves through their nonsensical rantings.
If you forced commentators to register AND banned two of the craziest posters here who cause 99% of the headaches for the site -- you know who they are -- you still would never have a vibrant, meaningful blog. Fix Pacifica is damaged goods forevermore.
Another thing to face up to is that this blog is nothing more than a cooyright infringement site. The is absolutely ZERO original content -- everything is stolen from the Trib, the Chron, the Merc, or from Riptide. If all your going to post is content stolen from other sites, why bother? We can (and do) just go to those sites anyway.
There's your path forward, but you won't take it because... Fix Pacifica.
Mike 831, as you see the NIMBIES have targeted Fix Pacifica blog, because they have nothing to offer this city other than mythological slogans, such as "our environment is our economy." Meantime the highway needs fixing, and the city needs revenue-- both which would be better for all of us.
Todd 912, I don't know how else to say this politely: City improvement is sane, and is not a conspiracy against the people.
943, Fix Pacifica blog follows copyright rules, and generally reprints articles of interest to those who are interested in fixing Pacifica. The day following the election, this blog had over 2,500 page views. This time, the "crazy" comments are coming from you, and Todd of course.
Todd,
Are you OK?
Bribery? Corruption? Faked interest in revenue? Accusing others of being an antagonist?
Later dude.
Good luck with all of that.
Silly me, what was I thinking?
Interesting how this thread got off track.
Also interesting is Mr. Keener's approach with his Facebook post. An arrogant tone ("...as must be obvious to all..."; "...qualifies as a major victory"; putting down people and their interest in the city finances, and the work already in process by the city manager who has embraced this staff function by developing a clear and understandable budget presentation this past year).
Personally against the highway widening. Continue to not see the qualities of a leader in Mr. Keener.
Frank Vella here. i want to be certain that I am not posting anonymously. Many of you know me, and some of you certainly do not. I have been accused of things by people in this thread that were untrue yet that is just life. There will be people out there who will lie because they can get away with it, they won't be proven wrong and even so if they were they know that the damage by false accusations has been made.
Posting anonymously? Come on, what have you got to hide? How pathetic is that! I will guarantee that I know who is doing this, can I prove it, of course not. But I don't need to. Your posting this way just makes you lose credibility in the first place.
John Keener, Best of luck to you and congratulations. Great, you will vote no on any measures concerning the widening of Highway 1. That's an open mind for us all! Best of luck to get new crosswalks, left turn lanes, bus shelters, and express bus routes to BART, and more bike lanes!!!!! I hope that helps the issue. I hope know more than the traffic engineers.
Why don't we just go back to a one lane in each direction like it was in the past? That should fix things!
I have lived here all my life. I sure wish things were like they were in many ways, yet they are not and never will be. As do many of us, I live in a home where at one time there wasn't one. Should we stop building because I feel that no one else should live here? If that is what you feel, it is more honest to say that than to bring up all your other issues just to stop projects for your own wants.
I've stayed out of the highway argument once I attended the community meeting some years ago on this hosted by Caltrans. The "anti growth crowd, nobies, just say no group" whatever you want to call them were out in force. It was ridiculous. There was no presentation of alternatives by them, their opposition was extremely antagonistic, threatening and unnecessary. There wasn't any discussion from them about making real changes. I still do not hear any real solutions from those opposed to the current plan.
Are the reasons to oppose any improvement to the highway is that you truly do not believe it's necessary? Tell that to the woman who was waiting for the paramedics to come to the aid of her husband in Vallemar. Tell that to the firefighters, police, and paramedics who have to travel that route. This subject of the highway has been going on for decades. The same issues and same suggestions for timing the lights, changing school hours, etc. has been going on for way too long. Every time we hear about development in the Quarry we hear that the traffic is too bad to do that, another reason to oppose the highway.
Do I want to see the highway widening happen, no. Do I know what the best solution is for it, no. I am not an engineer. Do I believe the rants about it being wider than 280, 14 foot sound walls, no. Does it make sense that it goes from 3 lanes to 2 in each direction, doesn't seem so until I realized that EVERYONE coming from highway 280 to highway one every day does the same thing, In fact it is at least 4 lanes wide and merges to 2. Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay, goes from 2 or 3 lanes to one. Apparently those mergers work just fine.
If you want to respond to me in a hateful manner, that's fine. I am really tired of the people who want to just argue and make it their goal to attack others in this city.
Anonymous, you outright attack Kathy Meeh and others, yet you hide behind your name. I don't agree with everything Kathy says yet she has the strength to put herself take shots from weak people who hide behind their computer. Why don't you all step up and be responsible and state who you are? We might have a more respectful and honest discussion and might just get some things done. Or is getting things done what you really don't want? Have some personal responsibility, do not do Anonymous posts. Your credibility is zero with that method.
"Do I believe the rants about it being wider than 280, 14 foot sound walls, no. "
I hope you realize that the size of the project -- 144 feet wide -- and the size of the proposed sound walls are described by Caltrans itself in its own report.
You'll fit right in here at Fix Pacifica, Frank. Another poster who looks the other way when facts are inconvenient nuisances that would otherwise interrupt the flow of a berzerk rant.
633, its not a freeway, its a solution to traffic flow in the Rockaway, Vallemar intersections. El Camino Real (6 lanes, plus turn-offs) also has such transitions with wide mediums (which add a safety space for any potential cross lane interactions or slow pedestrians). I noticed that yesterday while driving through Millbrae.
The 1.3 mile highway widening comparison is closer to the El Camino Real solution, rather than the 280 freeway. Ridiculous propaganda from the Gang of No, who continues to sacrifice progress in this city.
Transition roads exist all over this area, all built by CalTrans. That's what they do. They build roads in California. The roads are good, and they are safe. There is no reason widening 1.3 miles in Pacifica to improve traffic flow which dumps into the Rockaway, Vallemar area would be a plot to destroy Pacifica. (NIMBIES have already done a pretty good job of doing just that (destroying the city of Pacifica) over 3 decades, so a little infrastructure improvement would be nice, bring it on.)
Hey Anonymous, Why don't you point out those numbers in the report. you can state the page, location for all of us to see. At the same time take some credit and show yourself. Can't hurt if your correct. This is exactly what I mean, you can show your evidence and points with the fact. I don't have such a big ego that I can't be shown the facts. I can state that I am wrong. This is exactly what is wrong with the dialogue here. You've got to attack others instead of discussing the issues. And you can't even stand up and show yourself. If you have such an issue with the people who post on this site, and you don't want to have a conversation then just leave.
Congratulations to John Keener on winning a seat on council. He ran a brilliant campaign especially for a first time run. It seems like most of the other losing candidates did not take the election seriously and only ran a part time campaign.
We Pacifica residents need to think hard about the freeway widening. The $55 million cost to build this project will be allocated from a County Bond. If we don't use it, the money will go back to be used on another project in San Mateo County. Pacifica could lose out on these funds and the widening project will bring some general infrastructure improvements like repaving, signage, modern lighting upgrades, and better lane transitions.
Carefull -- you're going to give yourself heartburn,
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/documents/route_1_calera_parkway/calerafeireavoli.pdf
Figure 1.5 and page 14
I eagerly await your next twenty-seven paragraph manifesto full of impotent and misguided rage about a dumb freeway that will never get built here.
"If we don't build this idiotic freeway that no one wants, we're going to lose the money to build the idiotic freeway that no one wants."
I don't think you've reasoned this through.
1030, thanks for the highway reference link. Adding two lanes, the wide medium, and 10 foot shoulders totals 104 feet. The current with is 64 feet, the difference is 40 feet.
The worksheet. See the highway link, computer page 117, page 13, 1.4.1.1, possibly print to view: 6 lanes x 12 feet each = 72 feet + 12 foot median = 84 feet + 2 shoulders x 10 feet each = 20 feet = total 104 feet. But also noted "SR 1 would be widened from approximately 64 feet to a maximum of approximately 132 feet". Again think El Camino Real (Millbrae), rather than "freeway". Or think a 10 foot room x 10 (including or possibly plus shoulders), and that's the width.
1035 people who drive this 1.3 mile road do want and expect better traffic flow. The Highway 1 widening is the solution. Fixing the road through that area does not create a "freeway", why do you keep repeating that it does?
Funny how they hate this blog but people like Todd can't stay away.
Meanwhile over on Riptide…oh, nothing.
Kathy, the people have spoken, they voted for candidates that said NO to the widening project. Mike was just lucky to be an incumbent swimming in Jim Vreeland's wake. Mike doesn't deserve his seat and had to rely on out of state funding by real estate money. I foresee his removal.
Todd likes the town looking like a toilet. So now everyone should allow the town and their houses to look like a toilet.
Perhaps NIMBIES should begin a recall of Mike O'Neill, based on his campaign financing, although he was re-elected by a large plurality, just last week? How else will Mike be removed Todd? Will you be willing to step up and take his place?
Look at the map on computer page 115, Figure 1.5 which shows the cross section of the highway with the landscaped median. It's 144 feet wide - 10 foot wide shoulder, then three 12 foot wide lanes, then a 10 foot wide inside shoulder, then a 16 foot wide median, then another 10 foot wide inside shoulder, then three 12 foot wide lanes, then a 10 foot wide shoulder, then a 10 foot wide planter, and finally a 6 foot wide sidewalk. This is the "preferred" design, as chosen by the City Council.
1229, my highway width numbers hold up at 104 feet. The 40 extra feet you're counting are each side of the highway (20 feet x 2), landscaping and sidewalk. Total 144. We won't be driving on that part. Again, think El Camino Real (Millbrae) only much better and much more efficient for those who drive.
See how Kathy calculates the width of the highway plan. It doesn't include the parts that the cars aren't driving on. In that case, it's only the six 12-foot-wide lanes for a total of 72 feet wide.
But how much space does the entire highway design take up, including the landscaped median and inside shoulders and the outside shoulders and the sidewalk? Answer: 144 feet of width.
115, great job, why don't you add in the adjacent trails, businesses, hills and slopes too. Throw-in the sidewalk in front of your house, if you have one.
Let's get a reality check here. This is a city improvement. NIMBIES ran on another anti-progress lie. That's how you guys operate, and its shameful.
The hippies are deceptively trying to make it sound like there's 144 feet of concrete and asphalt when there isn't.
Thus the reasons why nothing ever gets done in Pacifica.
Everyone sitting around arguing on blogs instead of getting active and finding better candidates than the gang of no throws out there.
Those damn hippies. They're lying again by posting the facts from the Caltrans Final Environmental Impact Report.
The candidates who get elected are 1. incumbents and 2. those who work the hardest and knock on the most doors.
255, didn't we just prove facts have nothing to do with your campaign against the highway? We did, but you're back.
231, progress candidates are quality. There were other factors which influenced and affected the election results.
Kathy states that the current size of the highway is 64 feet, which is correct. The 64 feet includes the shoulders, median and sidewalk of the current highway.
But when she calculates the size of the proposed widening, she doesn't include the shoulders, median and sidewalk in order to make it seem smaller than it really will be.
Who exactly is being dishonest here, Ms. Meeh?
Your BS 611, public information is available to everyone through CA Department of Transportation website. The pdf is here, it takes a while to come-up. See computer page 117, page 13, 1.4.1.1, and computer pages 113, 115, map figures 1.4, 1.5. The no build strategy is described on computer page 110, page 8, longer delays, Reina Del Mar Avenue AM E, PM F; Fassler Avenue AM F, PM F.
Total width worksheet:
6 lanes x 12 feet each = 72 feet.
1 wide median x 12 feet = 12 feet.
2 sides shoulder x 10 feet = 20 feet.
Total highway estimate: 104 feet.
To that add:
2 sides roadside landscaping x 10 feet = 20 feet.
2 sides sidewalks x 6 feet = 12 feet.
Total landscaping/sidewalk estimate: 32 feet.
Grand total project width 136 feet. (Variation from the 144 estimate, - 8. The median may be wider, 12:29 PM anonymous mentioned a 16 foot median, grand total project width 140 feet. Variance from 144 estimate,-4. The report itself includes some variation.)
611, again the information is public. My 306 comment includes two shoulders and the median, 104 feet. I view the the sidewalk and landscape separate, 32 feet. Total project 136 feet, + or -. Next time you might try to contribute factual information, rather attack those who are trying to understand the scope of the project. Again the highway part will be about the size of about ten 10 foot rooms. Its a reasonable project that will improve traffic flow though our city.
Apples to apples, it appears we'd be going from a width of 64 feet to either 136 or 144 feet.
Only one person was elected who had the primary platform of not widening the highway. And he got the least amount of votes out of the 3. Mike O'Neill who has voted to move forward and has said he preferred the landscape alternative beat the anti widening candidate Keener. This is really no mandate to not widen. You still have only 2 anti progress hippies against 3 progress council members.
Boy, that's an enormously convoluted way of justifying this latest set of dishonesties, Ms. Meeh.
Anyone is free to go to Figure 1.5 of the FEIR and add the numbers up themselves and -- if they're doing an honest comparison -- they'll come up with numbers much different than yours.
Really, the truth is always a very simple thing and doesn't require embellishment. In this case, add up all the numbers for the highway now, and for the proposed highway.
When you start having to fudge the numbers or ignoring some and getting all complicated with what you're adding and what you're not, well... then you've got an agenda that's separate and distinct from the truth.
NEWSFLASH: CalTrans announces Highway 280 improvement.
CalTrans has announced plans to improve a notoriously safe 1.3 mile section of Highway 280, by reducing it to two lanes in each direction, with no shoulders, and traffic lights near each end of the project.
"It works so well in Pacifica, we thought we’d try it here” said a spokesman. “It shows that we’re always open to suggestions on how to make people’s lives better” he added.
Contact Tyra Nimbaze at CalTrans for more information.
Hutch: Keener will come within 60 votes of O'Neill when the vote count is complete. I wouldn't crow too much about how this is election was actually a "win" in the bizarro world of your Bulldozer Fan Club.
838, your comment comparison is "nothing to nothing". Show us exactly where in the Caltrans report what you say makes any comparison sense whatsoever. You know, "apples to apples".
The highway project comparison to status quo is 3 lanes rather than 2 lanes in 1.3 miles, which will improve traffic flow. Its not a complicated issue to understand. Beyond that there is the wider highway median, generally wider shoulders, landscaping, sidewalks. The total width of the highway component is about the same as ten 10 foot rooms sitting next to each other in a row. (I have repeating this 825 comment in better form to add width clarity).
Kathy, 838 is using numbers you provided to compare the width. Are your numbers correct? Then, what's the problem with a statement of fact?
Hang on Mikey! In the latest election report Keener is within 101 votes of O'Neill. They're still counting. Wonder how another older/wiser "green" candidate would have done? New council majority?
912, oh please, rather than BS, go ahead and show us the highway width numbers, and link your exact information source. That should be interesting. So far you've got nothing. Come on 912, you can do it. Give us the proof. We're waiting for you. (My numbers came from the Caltrans link, and are justified-- maybe your numbers will be justified too. show us).
This highway modernization project is good for the people of this city, and for the region. As Frank Vella suggested prior, some of you long for the days of the two-lane road through this city (not that you may remember it). Yeah, two-lane road, more room for frogs and snakes, that should work. People don't need jobs and services out of town, people don't need convenience and safety. What are you thinking?
No, no. Don't measure it. Count the lanes and compare. I'm spinning this thing til it works. Dammit!
Digre has been against the highway forever and very publicly.
Hi Frank,
First, I want to state that I have always advocated for better emergency vehicle access.
For several years I and many others have been advocating for the Grade Separation Alternative that was rejected by Caltrans. If you trust in Caltrans let me remind and point out that the Tunnel was an Alternative that Caltrans rejected. The "Roberts Memo" that I got through a FOIA request declared that the Tunnel was the best Alternative. CALTRANS HID THE MEMO AND OUTRIGHT LIED TO THE PUBLIC! Do you still trust Caltrans?
This is Deja Vu all over again. Caltrans rejected the Tunnel based on cost. Caltrans has rejected from this project the Grade Separation Alternative based on cost stating it would cost $50-75 million. But somehow they have a solid number of $52 million for the widening, no hyphen and higher end cost number. My point, as has been proven over and over is that Caltrans is almost criminal when it comes to cost estimates, the Bay Bridge estimate was off by 6 Billion Dollars. Caltrans states in the FEIR that the Grade Separation (removing the traffic light at Vallemar) Alternative: “would provide the best traffic congestion relief ”.
I think Caltrans does not want to consider this Alternative because it would be a much smaller project. It is a mystery to me why folks here on FixPacifica are only interested in a fix that by Caltrans own estimate would only marginally solve the problem. (I believe that it could make traffic congestion worse with bottlenecks at each end) Someone please tell me why you are against the Alternative that: “would provide the best traffic congestion relief ”. Would that not be fixing Pacifica?
I am not a traffic engineer but I have made several suggestions to Caltrans and they have implemented them. I recently wrote and got them to put the blinking detour sign just south of Rockaway Beach the day before the Pumpkin Fest, something they should have thought of doing since they are the ones being paid to do this kind of stuff. I made a suggestion to Caltrans regarding the construction of the Bridge to the Tunnels that they had not thought of and they implemented it saving over $1.5 million dollars, but again I am not a traffic engineer.
Now each time I and others mention the Grade Separation Alternative, both Kathy and Hutch chime in every time and say it has been studied to death, time to move on, trust Caltrans. If you have read all the documents and notes from meetings you would clearly see that Caltrans summarily rejected it with almost no study or in depth analysis. Is everyone here willing to accept Caltrans inept analysis? Please tell me why you trust Caltrans so much.
11/12, 1229, apology, what I understood from the Highway widening FEIR, Vol 1 text was incorrect. The design does follow the map description you stated, and in total would be about 144 feet wide. The text describes some variation, and somehow the better plan I described does not exist for this purpose. So following your 1229 lead, see if I got it right this time.
Total width worksheet:
6 lanes x 12 feet each = 72 feet.
1 wide median x 16 feet = 16 feet
4 shoulders (inside and outside) x 10 feet = 40 feet.
Total highway estimate: 128 feet.
To that add:
1 roadside planter landscaping x 10 feet = 10 feet.
1 sidewalk only x 6 feet = 6 feet.
Total landscaping/sidewalk estimate: 16 feet.
Grand total project width 144 feet.
Computer/pdf page numbers of interest:
108/6, peak hour traffic conditions.
109/7 future no build travel times.
110/8 future no project condition.
111-12/9/10 project description, 1.3, 1.4 alternatives.
113, map figure 1.4.
115, map figure 1.5.
117/13 common design features. Section 1.4.1.1, "approximately 132 feet wide, 12 to 40 feet landscape".
Having a discussion in common terms is important, always. The inside shoulders, planter and sidewalk on one side only were surprises (there may be a trail on the west side). The highway landscape median could vary 12-40 feet according to text.
The traffic congestion that enters and exits the Calera Parkway area is real. It comes from the north, south and both sides. Hopefully it will get fixed sooner, rather than later.
Mitch
Cheaper tunnel project? I am confused, do you mean way back from the very start. Martini Creek would have been much cheaper than this tunnel?
This Highway 1 might not be the best thing for Pacifica but something must be done. I am for completely rebuilding the whole freeway and doing the Manor Overcrossing and Pedestrian Bridge all at once. If Pacifica suffers lets suffer once and get everything done!
The bus turnouts lanes can be changed to on and off ramps very easily.
Mitch, your previous comment is an example of why I have so little faith in the solutions proposed by the small, but loud, anti-widening contingent. It depends on a conspiracy theory more than hard analysis. Why is it that the hippies ALWAYS rely on secret Caltrans conspiracies or hidden agendas to underpin their views?
I don't assume that there's some evil plot behind everything Caltrans says or does. That's not to say everyone should have 100% faith in Caltrans. It's often wrong, but I'd chalk up its errors more to the fact that determining costs and outcomes from various engineering options isn't an exact science, rather than nefarious intentions from "Men in Suits" within government agencies.
If you're going to propose grade separation, or anything else as an alternative to the widening, you need to justify why those alternatives are better than what's currently proposed. In fact, Caltrans has looked at those alternatives, and given reasons for ruling them out. If you're going to complain about Caltrans' recommendation to widen the highway, why not back up your alternative proposals with some hard engineering and financial analysis. If you don't know how to do that, stop pretending you know more than Caltrans. Simply repeating over and over that Caltrans didn't look hard enough, and is evil and has a secret agenda, doesn't cut it.
The idea that Caltrans wants to build the biggest project possible in Pacifica never made sense to me. They're not a private company that makes a bigger profit if it gets customers to spend more money. Caltrans is a public agency that is allocated X amount of dollars, and it has to figure out how to apportion those dollars among various projects. If they weren't spending those dollars on a Pacifica project, they'd be spending those dollars on a project somewhere else.
I'm not in love with widening and would embrace any alternative that sounded like it would work and not cost too much, but I haven't heard of any convincing alternative yet.
I'm happy to respond to comments or questions, but I will not waste my time responding to anybody posting as "Anonymous",
put your real name on it and I will try to respond.
Just another thought. If it wouldn't take more than a few months, how about seeing if some civil engineering graduate students from one of the local universities want to come in and do a study of the highway as some kind of class project? They could either confirm what Caltrans says, or offer different suggestions.
"I'm happy to respond to comments or questions, but I will not waste my time responding to anybody posting as 'Anonymous', put your real name on it and I will try to respond."
Even though I disagree with Mitch's earlier comment, I definitely agree with him on this one.
32 year federal employee here. Up through the ranks. To deny that large-scale bureaucracies have a built-in institutional gene for self-protection and perpetuation is naive. It's there and well-known among vendors, unions, lobbyists, suitors of all stripes. It's where the mischief starts. I don't doubt the sincerity of people who want the road widened. I do, however, question their willingness, even insistence, on accepting a plan that even Caltrans views as not the best solution to the traffic problem. Long ago, before this current drama, a very wise Greek said something to the effect of "why don't they do something at Vallemar, that's the problem, make an overpass, and leave the rest of it alone."
Dear 32YEARFE,
On the other side of the hill the SMCTA has completed several grade separations for their train to avoid cross traffic. A lot of the first round of Measure A money was spent there, on the TA's own infrastructure. The widening was never in he second vote for measure A about 4 years ago... or two. The TA only seems to favor projects that effect it directly, like it's Director that lives up on Fasslar.
302, the overpass was one of many alternatives that were considered not as good and cost effective for the Calera Parkway traffic congestion project as simply widening the highway.
The variety of designs considered were on display at one of the several public meetings. And I think the design Mitch Reid favored was also included in that display (memory). It was another good design as I recall. Of the highway designs presented, personally I viewed the widening as simplified, direct, and efficient. And that is the one Caltrans chose.
An overpass may have have been build had the NIMBY crowd supported the 2006 quarry mixed-use development (favored by Peebles corporation, supported as part of their traffic mitigation). That was then, "snooze you lose", (message from an equally wise ol' fortune cookie).
The studied, FUNDED opportunity to improve the long standing highway 1 traffic congestion through Rockaway/Vallemar area is available now. And it is a good plan, with a proven design replication track record throughout the State.
Hope you're enjoying your Federal pension-- all part of government "self-protection" benefits!
Todd
Your dip shit city council that you loved, funneled measure A funds to build the vast trail system.
"To deny that large-scale bureaucracies have a built-in institutional gene for self-protection and perpetuation is naive."
I agree, but Caltrans continued existence doesn't depend on the highway being widened. It'll be around no matter what happens. Your comment doesn't really apply to the situation.
"I don't doubt the sincerity of people who want the road widened. I do, however, question their willingness, even insistence, on accepting a plan that even Caltrans views as not the best solution to the traffic problem. Long ago, before this current drama, a very wise Greek said something to the effect of "why don't they do something at Vallemar, that's the problem, make an overpass, and leave the rest of it alone."
I'm just going on memory of a community meeting where this option was discussed, but I remember Caltrans saying that the overpass would cost more than the widening, and many of the businesses at the corner of Highway 1 and Reina Del Mar would be wiped out.
@302: One of the issues with what you advocate is that Calera Creek comes out at Vallemar, between the auto businesses and the police station, and flows under the Highway. To get around that, the "overpass" would probably need to be raised like the Embarcadero Freeway (I don't think that anyone wants that) or the creek somehow pumped over the highway.
None of the "alternative" solutions are anywhere near as easy as they might sound. None.
Kathy and the Gang, Highway widening may be blood sport to Pacifica, but it's just another project to Caltrans. Of course they'll go on with or without this project because if this project doesn't go forward, another will, elsewhere. They doesn't mean they don't have an institutional bias for the project. With them it's not love, it's money. It's the constant stream of work that's important, not the politics or merits of any single project. I have full faith that Caltrans can come up with an overpass/grade separation that works. Didn't they already do that and then unilaterally and quickly discard it claiming cost and right-of-way issues? One of their specialized resources can find new homes among Pacifica's many vacancies for any displaced businesses that wish to continue. Overpass too expensive? I can think of nothing more expensive than a second-rate choice that doesn't do the job. 55 million dollars, minimum! The chances of this road ever being widened are poor for a multitude of reasons. Time to come up with something that works and may be more acceptable to more of the public.
What you Riptides do not get. Caltrans doesn't care one bit about Pacifica. In fact when they hear Pacifica they laugh.
Highway 1 is just one of many projects Caltrans has lined up, if Pacifica doesn't accept the plan, they give the money to a more deserving project and they leave town.
Don't know about these Riptides you refer to, but letting yourself be bullied into a bad idea is a bad idea.
The Riptides have the do nothing council they wanted all along. Just as bad as the do nothing but build trails council of Jim Pete and Julie Sue.
828, interesting point. That's exactly what Rip NIMBIES do-- they bully others to promote "bad ideas", and expensive time-wasting progress derailment. Total obstruction: grade F. (This time they earn the same grade as the traffic congestion they oppose, very amusing.)
1159, its our turn (and that of this region) to benefit from Caltrans fixing traffic congestion through our city (a 10 year study, funded). And you want to pass, because your personal choice of "alternatives" did not make the cut? Seriously.
849 No, that can't be right. I read on here that Fixers still owned the council majority so truth and goodness would prevail. cough cough cough. right here. read it.
10:29
It's puff puff pass!
“Steve Sinai said... Why is it that the hippies ALWAYS rely on secret Caltrans conspiracies or hidden agendas to underpin their views?”
Steve I never used the phrase “secret Caltrans conspiracies or hidden agenda”, I only pointed out Caltrans well documented history of lying and deceiving the public, and at the time they did have an agenda to build the Bypass, pure fact. To ignore their history would be foolish. By using the word “conspiracies” it is a lame attempt to paint me and others with a broad brush stroke as a conspiracy nut. And why do you have to use “hippies” in a negative manner? Your argument is weak if you have to ALWAYS denigrate rather than just debate.
“Steve Sinai said... If you're going to propose grade separation, or anything else as an alternative to the widening, you need to justify why those alternatives are better than what's currently proposed. In fact, Caltrans has looked at those alternatives, and given reasons for ruling them out.”
Steve, Caltrans stated the Grade Separation was the best alternative, not me. I’ve asked Caltrans to provide hard engineering and financial analysis to back up their conclusion to reject the alternative, they have refused to provide it. Based on the meeting notes they had a small discussion about it, and that’s that, nothing more.
I have never stated or implied that I was smarter than Caltrans, only using real examples to point out that you do not need to be a traffic engineer to understand a project or offer possibly better solutions. With the Tunnel we asked the City and FHWA to bring in a independent review team and it showed that Caltrans analysis was wrong. I would like to see the City to do the same with this project. It is like a doctor’s analysis; you should always get a second opinion before considering a major operation.
“Steve Sinai said... Simply repeating over and over that Caltrans didn't look hard enough, and is evil and has a secret agenda, doesn't cut it.”
Again you are putting words in my mouth, I never said “evil and and has a secret agenda”
Futhermore, you, Kathy and Hutch repeating over and over that the Alternative has been studied to death doesn’t cut it either. You are all unwilling to question Caltrans work and fully accept what is spoon feed to you. If Caltrans did the work that you are accepting, then why can’t they show us how they reached their conclusion.
I feel it is our duty as citizens to question our government within reason if we feel they might not be doing their best. A lot of citizens here in town question the City regarding the City’s finances or contracts, this is good. If nobody had questioned Caltrans about the Bypass we would be looking at it today with a 600 foot wide cut through Montara Mountain.
Mich 1236, over 30 years its quite clear what NIMBIES have done to ruin the balanced economic potential of this city, often through "nasty", misinformation tactics. We saw an example of such tactics as recent as in the last city council election, initially beginning with what was described as a "community" anti-highway petition (63% Pacifica, including teenagers; 37% others including 18% Oakland).
Has nimbyism been a strategic conspiracy in this city? Of course it has, and those of you who devalue progress are well organized. We know who many of you are, we just don't know how to neutralize the ongoing propaganda and damage you cause. The resulting inadequate city affects all of us, as does the inadequate highway, which has a good, funded solution in front of us now. Not later, now.
About that tunnel "thingy". Cutting a hole through Montara Mountain 20 years prior would have saved car crashes, lives lost, and a bunch of money. Trust you guys vs. Caltrans (the professional road builders in this State), no contest, not you. The study to improve traffic flow through Calera Parkway has occurred over a 10 year duration. Time to build. The real alternative you are proposing is NOTHING. You all know that.
Some of us look to reasonable solutions to solve immediate problems. This 1.3 mile highway 1 congestion is not a new issue, and transition roads exist throughout California. These transition roads are a proven, efficient science that works. Some of you need to get out of the way, or join with others to fix all kinds of inadequacy issues in and through this city. When is that going to happen? Oh never, why did I even bother to ask.
Now we have the Riptide and the stay broke and busted city people coming over being official apologists.
1033 Apologist? There was no apology offered. Dictionary.
Neutralize propaganda? The truth usually works. Of course, you do need to be able to recognize the truth.
1147 No, 1033 used it correctly. It was bound to happen. Don't know if Reid's the "official" apologist, but in this instance he's acting as an apologist.
1154, truth in this city is often not enough. Nimby propaganda often overtakes fact, reality, clarity, and the best interest of this city, against the people of this city.
And exactly were you saying? Your message is muddled. If you're suggesting the scientific study conducted by Caltrans (various agencies and independent experts) was false information, drive through Pacifica sometime. That part of the highway is busy from many directions. More road space to manage traffic flow is what's needed. The long list of 11th hour "alternatives" are pure speculation, not funded, and another attempt to obstruct progress in this city.
Kathy, are you actually saying that you would have preferred the bypass to the tunnel? please elaborate.
12:12
Thank You!!
The Riptides are passing the bong around celebrating another noobee on the noobee do nothing city council.
213, with full vetting (FEIR, including any fog and animal effects, etc.), yes. Done 10 years earlier, half the cost, more lives saved.
There were a lot of accidents, including deaths, on the old winding Devil's Slide road. How many accidents that occurred within that 10 years could have been prevented? Also, I support the proposed Pedro Point trail which will redirect bike riders off highway 1 onto the trail.
Bong? 229 Bong? It's supposed to be a bong? You sure about that? This bunch is sitting in a circle, hammering away on a gong. Hurts my head. Stupid hippies.
You see how it is, people? Kathy is a humanitarian.
Okay so Kathy would have preferred the bypass to the tunnel, in contrast with 74% of the voters in 1996, who preferred the tunnel. The percentage is probably much higher these days, with the tunnel and adjacent trail considered among the region's crowning achievements of the last half century. Kathy is certainly entitled to her opinion, but it is shared by very few in the community.
321, the Devil's Slide highway 1 solution was a 25 year idea, legislation, concept, lobby, revision, project. Eventually the "Think Tunnel" campaign campaign came along. I don't even remember the vote you cite. At that point, I would have voted for the tunnel.
What I do remember was the endless delay-- stupid! Better for all concerned to fix problems as they are known. And in the current instance of the Calera Parkway highway 1 project through Pacifica: as it has been fully studied, the solution known, complete with FUNDING.
And of course we are all "entitled to our opinion" (your words). But, some of you are spreading your opinions as if they are reasonable "truth", whereas too often what you are spreading is more akin to fictional manure.
Watch what you're spreading!
Let me get this straight, Kathy would have preferred the bypass, which would have added 4 miles to the commute though winding curves and dense fog, changing the weather patterns in Linda Mar with a 600 foot cut in the mountain, scarring it with a gash visible from Marin, because it might have been built sooner, although she would have voted for the tunnel in 1996, but she doesn't remember it ever coming up for a vote. She might be the only person on earth with that particular perspective on the issue.
511, I'm sure your elaborated story may have something to do with your "must read" eco-handbook. 1996? Some of us were hardly in this city at that time.
And unfortunately your aggressive distraction comments have nothing to do with the merit of the currently proposed highway widening project through this city. As Ian Butler would say in different context (when he was still pretending to be a nice guy), "I'm for it!" (Disclosure: "I'm for it" relates specifically this comment, my opinion of the highway 1 widening project. And this comment has nothing to do with Ian Butler's opinions, attitudes or twisted comments under his own name or anonymous cover.)
Mitch, you keep criticizing me for doing something I never did. I never quoted, nor misquoted, you.
http://www.leagle.com/decision/19871988664FSupp1324_11749.xml/SIERRA%20CLUB%20v.%20U.S.%20DEPT.%20OF%20TRANSP.
Read this
442, the 27 year past Sierra Club Devil's Slide lawsuit 1/12/87 is of interest, ultimately leading to the existing 2-lane tunnel, even though both have nothing to do with the 1.3 mile highway widening through this city. (Thank you for the link).
Considering the amount of traffic we all deal with along the coast now, and current 1 by 1 government solution efforts in spot locations, did the court make the right decision in favor of the Sierra Club? Future road planning by Caltrans as the need becomes apparent is impressive.
Moral to this abstract to me: the system works if its not obstructed. (And in relationship to civic progress, I'm beginning to think of the Sierra Club mostly as a counterproductive pest).
I see the Riptide's sent over an apologist now that they have the do nothing council they wanted, to create more mayhem over on Fix Pacifica.
Did the Riptide's capture Hutch?
He has been silent!
Riptide captured Hutch? Sounds like another The Ransom of Red Chief.
Hutch is undergoing a re-education protocol that requires his complete sensory abilities to absorb the non stop loud music, images of Stalin, sleep deprivation and 250 calorie water diet. Once we... excuse me... once Hutch has finished his voluntary re-education he will be a shining example for all NiMBIES everywhere and we... excuse me again... he will be going on a NIMBY mission to the Alberta Tar Sands excavations to do whatever he can to stop the Keystone XL pipeline. :)
Toddster, you know converts are the most zealous disciples. Spring forth, Hutch, make it a Green World!
"Steve Sinai said... Mitch, you keep criticizing me for doing something I never did. I never quoted, nor misquoted, you."
Steve, I did not say you misquoted me, but you did add in crazy words that were not true to what I said, grossly misrepresenting what I actually said in an attempt to link me to them and discredit me as a crazy person. Why else would you interject loaded words like “secret Caltrans conspiracies or hidden agenda”, which I never said or remotely implied. All I did was to copy and paste what you wrote and clarify that I was not associated with the words you used. Criticize me for what I said, not what you think I said.
Mitch, you're playing word games. It's not necessary for you to use words like "evil" or "conspiracy" to understand that's what you're implying when it comes to Caltrans.
Mitch, you said in regards to the grade separation - "I think Caltrans does not want to consider this Alternative because it would be a much smaller project."
That sounds to me like you're accusing Caltrans of having a hidden agenda, i.e., it only wants to work on big projects. If that's the case, why wouldn't Caltrans have chosen the more expensive grade separation project? Is it your view that Caltrans only wants to lay down as much asphalt as possible?
I don't view the grade separation as a smaller project from an engineering perspective, and given Caltrans' estimate of up to $70 million, they seem not to think so, either. It may involve less asphalt, but designing and building an elevated overpass, and the on and off ramps that go with it, seems a lot harder than a simple widening. Add to that the issue of wiping out multiple businesses on the corner of Reina Del Mar and Highway 1 with a grade separation, as opposed to eliminating only one existing business with the widening, and the grade separation doesn't seem like the way to go.
.
Two businesses but Boston Bills is closed. Lovie's Tea Shoppe will be torn down but we have known that for over 25 years.
The widening will also put the Pet Hospital out of business.
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