City Countil meeting tonight, November 14, 2011

City Council Agenda in article form,  or, scroll down blog articles (posted 11/6/11).

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Planning commission meeting 11/21/2011

The Planning Commission meeting is located at City Council Chambers, 2212 Beach Boulevard, 2nd floor, from 7pm, Monday November 21, 2011.  The public is welcome to attend, or view on Pacifica Community Television live feed http://www.pct26.com/ . This meeting replaces the cancelled meeting of 11/7/11. 

Thank you Pacifica!

Planning Commission Agenda 11/21/11, 22 pages, Public hearings:

Item 1.  Certify the Final Environmental Report (EIR), site development permit, use permit and sign permit for construction of a 3-story, 96 unit Assisted Living Center at 721 Oddstad Boulevard. The project includes 3 buildings and underground parking.  San Pedro Creek boarders 2-sides of the property, located behind a single-family house at 725 Oddstad Boulevard.  The site is approximately 2 acres of land, previous use was agricultural.  Current zoning is C-1 (neighborhood commercial), no change. 

Reference.  Final EIR, 10/2011, on city website, broken into sections. Previous DEIR, 5/2011, 72 pages.  Project applicant:  Ken Winters (Contact), WDM Marketing Consultants, LLC , San Francisco, on behalf of the owner, Cabot Sheley.  Applicants Agent:  JC Engineering, Pacifica.

Item 2.  Use permit on behalf of AT&T to install 4 wireless antennas at 685 Manor.  

Submitted by Jim Wagner

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Veterans Day honors all who served

Veterans Day (11-11-11) weekend is waning, and many of us continue to think about your service to our country in war and peace times. 

From About.com. "Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead. 

Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free."  Read more...


Posted by Kathy Meeh

County wins legal battle over Lehman

November 12, 2011, 02:52 AM By Michelle Durand Daily Journal Staff

A dozen San Mateo County school districts do not have the authority to sue the county and its former treasurer for a collective $20 million loss caused when the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy leeched at least five times that amount from the county investment pool, according to a San Francisco Superior Court judge.

Judge Richard Kramer on Thursday affirmed an earlier tentative ruling that San Mateo County and former treasurer-tax collector Lee Buffington are immune from civil suits. The ruling essentially dismisses the case but the districts plan to appeal.

Even so, Michael Celio, attorney for the county and Buffington, said Kramer’s ruling is a victory.

“We are very pleased with this development and that this is over in one form,” Celio said. “This is one large step.”

County officials are deferring any comment on the ruling to Celio, said spokesman Marshall Wilson.

Farley Neuman, attorney for the districts, said he respectfully disagrees with the ruling and is optimistic the districts will prevail on the appellate level.

“We don’t think this is consistent with case law. I don’t think it makes any sense,” Neuman said. “And on top of this they were getting paid to collect and manage this money they lost.”

Celio said an appeal was always expected and the dismissal saves time and money because a trial is not first needed on the merits. Instead, the case heads straight to the higher court for a decision on the standing. If Neuman prevails, the case will return to San Francisco Superior Court for trial.

“It is definitely an advantage,” Celio said. “We’re pleased that our legal theories were right and we’re happy to move on.”

In January, the districts and the superintendent of county schools sued the county and Buffington for $20 million plus interest. The suit argued the county and Buffington should have pulled investment pool funds prior to the Sept. 15, 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers. The pool lost approximately $155 million from its collection of cities, agencies and districts.

The county has 24 public school districts of which 12 are named in the claim along with the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools: the San Mateo Union High School District, Menlo Park City Elementary School District, Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District, Cabrillo Unified School District, Burlingame Elementary School District, Ravenswood City Elementary School District, San Bruno Park Elementary School District, San Carlos Elementary School District, Las Lomitas Elementary School District, Portola Valley Elementary School District and Woodside Elementary School District.

The San Mateo County Community College District also lost an estimated $25 million itself but did not join the suit.

Read more...

Submitted by Jim Alex

Federal Court Hearing Friday, Nov. 18, 9:00 A.M.

FEDERAL COURT HEARING FRIDAY, NOV. 18, 9:00 a.m.  The motion of Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity and other environmentalist groups for a Preliminary Injunction to halt all mowing on Holes 10-18 and halt all pumping at Sharp Park -- measures which would effectively destroy the golf course, according to famed golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. -- will come up for hearing in the San Francisco courtroom of Federal Judge Susan Illston next Friday, November 18, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.  The court proceedings will be open to the public at the Federal District Court, Northern District of California, in the Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Ave. (one block north of Civic Center, at the corner of Polk St.), 19th Floor, Courtroom 10.  Court papers of the Public Golf Alliance and City of San Francisco can be found on the Alliance website, by clicking here.        CONGRESSWOMAN SPEIER SAYS "NO" TO GGNRA  In a forceful letter dated October 7, 2011, Congresswoman Jackie Speier -- whose 12th Congressional District includes southern San Francisco and northern San Mateo County, including Pacifica and the Sharp Park Golf Course -- advised San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and the Board of Supervisors that she would oppose the use of federal money for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to manage Sharp Park, as proposed in legislation introduced September 6 by San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos.  To see a copy of the Congresswoman's letter, click here.  This is consistent with Congresswoman Speier's longstanding support of efforts to save the 80-year-old Sharp Park Golf Course, while simultaneously recovering habitat for endangered species in the Sharp Park wetlands.  To send a thank-you letter to Congresswoman Speier for her continuing support for golf at Sharp Park, click here. WANTED: NEW MEMBERS Those who wish to eliminate Sharp Park have deep pockets and powerful friends.  We must build our membership and show City Hall that we have a strong, diverse membership.  We need your help recruiting new SFPGA members: friends, family, co-workers and golf buddies.  You can help us create a strong organization that can protect and advocate for affordable golf into the future.  Can you please take a few minutes and personally sign-up anyone you know who cares about public golf in the City?  Please visit this link and sign-up new members by clicking here.  Thank you for doing your part to save Sharp Park Golf Course. Donations are greatly appreciated. To donate, please visit our website: Donations Page

We are on Twitter (@SFPublicGolf), Facebook and our website   Submitted by Richard Harris

Alabama county files biggest municipal bankruptcy

(Reuters) - Alabama's Jefferson County filed for bankruptcy court protection on Wednesday in the biggest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
 
Commissioners for the county, which is home to Birmingham, the state's biggest city and economic powerhouse, voted 4-1 to declare bankruptcy after meeting behind closed doors for two days in a last ditch-attempt to restructure its debt out of court.

A tentative deal reached with creditors in September to settle $3.14 billion in red ink had been widely expected to avert bankruptcy. But the deal fell apart over what the commission described as creditors' refusal to meet the terms of previously agreed economic concessions.

There was also frustration over the fact that the estimated savings from the September agreement had shrunk by about $140 million, commission sources said.

"In September 2011, the commission and receiver entered into a comprehensive term sheet setting forth a framework for the resolution of the sewer system crisis," the commission said in a press release announcing the bankruptcy filing.

"Creditors ultimately were unwilling to make the economic concessions contemplated in the term sheet and the receiver made additional demands inconsistent with the term sheet that the commission was unwilling to accept."


The commissioners, who are elected and not political appointees, are the final arbiters over much of the county's business and day-to-day municipal affairs.

The bankruptcy filing by the southern U.S. county will add to concerns about the risks in the $3.7 trillion U.S. municipal bond market, which was hit recently by the high-profile debt crisis in Pennsylvania's capital of Harrisburg.

Read more...

Submitted by Jim Alex

Leash your dogs at Linda Mar Beach

From Pacifica PB&R

Hi all, just FYI.. leash inforcement will be stepped up on our beach here in Linda Mar, starting tomorrow ~Thurs, Nov. 10. Though I did hear that the ATV police was out this afternoon/evening patroling already. Please pass the word along to your dog walking friends.

Submitted by Jim Alex

Consent Decree for Waste Water Treatment Plant Spill

 

As promised, Consent Decree governing the sewage settlement.

 

Now we need the consultant's report, who the consultant is, how much they're getting paid, etc.

Read it here...

Submitted by Lionel Emde

Skyline College Sustainable Campus Initiative

Submitted by Jim Wagner

OPPOSE - Point of Sale Mandate on Nov. 14 CC Agenda

Mayor Mary Ann Nihart

and Pacific City Council

170 Santa Maria Avenue

Pacifica, CA 94044

RE: Pacifica Point-of-Sale Inspections for Sewer Laterals

Dear Mayor Nihart and Council;

On Monday, November 14, city staff will present an ordinance for City Council’s consideration that will mandate the inspection and repair or replacement of damaged sewer laterals on any property that is A) sold in Pacifica before the sale is allowed to close; B) undergoing a remodel that costs more than $75,000; or, C) adding a bathroom or other significant plumbing fixture to a building.

This methodology is commonly referred to as a “point of sale” approach, and in all candor, it is inequitable; will not attain what the city is seeking to achieve in the treatment, disposal and control of wastewater and industrial waters in a timely manner; and, still leaves Pacifica open to further sanction/litigation until a full remediation of the system is completed.

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) is opposed to this discriminatory scheme and urges the Council to reject same. At a minimum, this issue needs to be deferred for 180 days to allow an opportunity to explore alternatives with the Council and staff. Why?

Point-of-sale mandates are inequitable. They apply only to those who sell a home or property. Point-of-sale mandates are an unfair addition to home sales transactions, as they place a city-wide problem on the shoulders of a small segment of the population: buyers and sellers.  An issue that impacts the entire community, such a sewer lateral inspections, should have a solution on a city-wide basis.  Ensuring the quality of the sewer lateral system throughout the city is an important health and safety issue… but such an immediate need will not be adequately addressed through point-of-sale. 

More efficient and effective methods should be employed. For example, a city-wide approach using flow meters to detect particular ‘hot point’ inflow and infiltration in areas with Orangeburg pipe, then adjusting the CIP to target those areas.

Point-of-sale mandates are inefficient. Commercial and multi-family residences sell at much lower turnover rate than typical single family dwelling.  As of the most recent annual figures (2010), the turnover rate throughout the county averaged 2% per year.  Meaning it could take approximately 50 years to address the sewer lateral issue IF the city waits until the point-of-sale to achieve the inspections/repairs.

Point-of-sale mandates are inconsistent. What about financing improvements for the 82 miles of public sewer mains? That’s up to the city, with the suggestion that the city consider increasing its wastewater fee rates for property owners in order to collect the needed revenue. Interesting as that is a city-wide approach.

Point-of-sale mandates can cause someone to lose a home they’re trying to purchase. Our concerns regarding point-of-sale mandates also touch upon the transaction itself.  In our current economic climate, there are a number of short sales and real estate-owned (REO) transactions that, for a number of reasons, require an expedited escrow process.  Adding an additional, costly step serves only to delay – or in some instances, void – the transaction for the home buyer and seller. 

Point-of-sale mandates are costly. The cost of sewer lateral repair or replacement averages $7,500 to $25,000. In an area such as Pacifica, any incremental costs might render a home effectively unaffordable, especially for first time home buyers.  On an individual case basis, replacing a lateral is expensive and the cost can escalate depending on the length of pipe and whether it goes beneath concrete or into the street. City staff has said it will negotiate with one or several contractors to get a reduced, bulk rate for the required projects. The city will also to provide grants to applicable property owners up to total disbursements of $650,000. 

Based on the high estimate for repair/replacement, that means a total of ONLY 25 houses will benefit from the grant program if 100% of the cost is reimbursable; 50 houses if the reimbursement is halved. According to MLS Listings, Inc., 230 home sales closed last year in Pacifica, so it would take the city 4+ years just to handle just what transpired in 2010.

Point-of-sale mandates are not covered by home owner’s insurance. Until recently, most home owner’s insurance policies would cover damage or repairs on the property specific, which is measured to the property line. However in most policies, sewer laterals are now specifically exempted from such coverage. (Also remember, the vast majority of policies also did not cover repairs from the property line to the street… yet that may be where the lateral breach is located. This cost for this municipal service would then wholly borne by the home owner as the responsibility for sewer laterals is being transferred to property owners – residential and business alike.

Finally, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) is demanding that the city have zero discharge or overflow problems in its sewer system by Jan. 1, 2019. Bottom line: You will not accomplish that using a point-of-sale mandate, so the RWQCB can place further sanctions on the city/sue you again.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide our input and we look forward to the Council’s continuance of this issue for further study.

Respectfully,

Paul Stewart

Government Affairs Director

San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®

850 Woodside Way / San Mateo, CA 94401

paul@samcar.org

(650) 696-8209 / (650) 342-7509 (fax)

Submitted by Jim Wagner

Brown Act Violation - "this Commission successfully pulled off a 'do-over'"

From Pacifica Tribune, Letters-to-the-editor, 11/1/2011. "Editor:  Full disclosure: I recently applied for one of two vacant positions on the Pacifica Planning Commission and was not chosen by Pacifica's City Council. At the risk of sounding like "sour grapes," I am writing this letter because I do not want the San Mateo County District Attorney's decision not to further pursue Brown Act violations against the Planning Commission to minimize the seriousness of the offense committed by its members.

During my six years on the Pacifica School Board, I was very clear that I served as a private citizen only and not in any capacity as a lawyer. That said, it is my opinion that a lawyer serving on a board or commission is charged with a higher knowledge of the law and a corresponding higher duty of adherence to the law.

At the September 19th meeting of the Planning Commission, the Commission launched into a discussion of issues not included on the evening's agenda, therefore not noticed to the public. Commissioner Clifford raised concerns about a possible Brown Act violation, to which the Planning Director, George White, responded that he thought the Commissioners "were in danger already at this point."

For a full 40 minutes AFTER Mr. White's warning, the Commissioners continued to discuss -- and then proceeded to vote on -- unagendized items. All Planning Commissioners disregarded the law, but the fact that Commissioners Josh Gordon and Celeste Langille are attorneys make their violations all the more egregious.

Planning Commissioner Chair Richard Campbell, also an attorney, later characterized the violations as "minor" and the complaint to the District Attorney as making "the proverbial mountain out of the molehill." To the contrary, the Brown Act promotes nothing less than government transparency and participatory democracy.

Just because this Commission successfully pulled off a "do-over" (by later rescinding its actions of September 19th) does not excuse these Commissioners' flagrant and arrogant disregard of the law. Their subsequent "corrective measures" look more like pre-emptive political maneuvering than a genuine redress of wrongdoing."

Connie Menefee

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Planning commission cancelled tonight, Monday 11/7/11

The Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled tonight due to lack of a quorum.  Jim Wagner has confirmed this information with George White, our Planning Director. The reschedule date is November 21st.  

Jim's further comment:  "That means at least 4 of 7 could not attend this meeting?"  There must be a back story on this one. 

Submitted by Jim Wagner

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Meet Menlo Park Police Commaner Dave Bertini

For those still saying goodbye to Police Captain Dave Bertini from mid-October, 2011, a look back.

From Pacifica Tribune/Elaine Larsen, 10/14/11.  "He's been an integral part of the Pacifica Police Department since he was an Explorer Scout, a Pacifica native who started in police work while still in his teens. And over the years, Dave Bertini has literally grown up in the PPD, rising up through the ranks as dispatcher, police officer, corporal, sergeant and captain with, by all accounts, a stellar track record. Today, many people see Bertini as "the face of the Pacifica Police Department," a hard-working, go-to kind of cop who devoted himself not only to the department, but also to Pacifica where he lives and is active in the community.

But this month, Bertini, 43, will be moving on to new challenges. He will be making a lateral career move as a commander with the Menlo Park Police Department, a position he will assume next week. His colleagues feted him with a goodbye party today, Wednesday.  "Dave has been a tremendous asset to the department. Most recently, as a captain, he has been a go-to guy," said Pacifica Police Chief Jim Tasa. "You could always rely on Dave to get it done, get it done on time and get it done right. He is an extremely smart and talented individual. While he needs to grow as a police administrator with more experience he has a solid foundation which he has developed over the years. Menlo Park's gain will be our loss but it will also provide new opportunities to others within the organization. Something has to be said about the organization that has brought Bertini, himself, concedes that he literally "grew up" with the Pacifica Police Department.Dave up and made him ready to take on new challenges."  Full Story....

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Pacifica Police Chief Jim Tasa - who is he?

Another look at our new police chief, appointment 7/8/11, oath of office 7/13/11.

Pacifica Tribune/Elaine Larsen, 5/19/11. "Pacifica City Manager Steve Rhodes has appointed Jim Tasa as the new Police Chief for the City of Pacifica. He will succeed Jim Saunders who retired from the position in December 2010 but has been working on an interim basis. Tasa was selected through an internal recruitment that included three candidates from the department. Tasa is a 28-plus year veteran employee of the Pacifica Police Department, who is married and has two teenage sons. Tasa comes from a family of law enforcement, which includes his brother-in-laws Mike Pedrini (retired Inspector, San Francisco Police Department), Bill Pedrini (retired Assistant Sheriff, San Mateo County Sheriff's Department), Jonathan Smith (retired Police Officer, Salinas Police Department) and nephews Chris Pedrini (Lieutenant, San Francisco Police Department) and Vincent Pedrini (Police Officer, San Francisco Police Department).

Hired in November 1982 as a police officer, Tasa subsequently held positions as a motorcycle officer and narcotics officer. In 1992 he was promoted to sergeant. As a sergeant, he worked in patrol, juvenile and administrative positions. In 2002, Tasa was promoted to captain, where he supervised the field services, administrative services and investigative services divisions on a rotating basis. Tasa holds a bachelor of arts degree in management from Saint Mary's College and is a graduate of both the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Command. Tasa has been recognized in the past by the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association as "Police Officer of the Year" and has been awarded the Pacifica Police Department's Life-Saving Medal.College and Supervisory Leadership Institute. 

Initially, Tasa said he does not anticipate making many changes. Currently, he will be evaluating the current budget cuts and the impact they will have on the police department. The loss of a captain's position will force him to look at possibly reorganizing the department into two divisions versus the three current divisions. In addition, the department is considering outsourcing the communications division which will require much oversight, he said. "I am excited about the current and future challenges the department will be facing," Tasa said. "I recognize I have received much support from colleagues within the department as well as from the community. I look forward to the continued support as the department moves forward. It is the people within this organization that make it the successful and professional department it is."

"Captain Tasa is an excellent leader to get us through these times of budget challenges," added Chief Saunders. "He understands the operations of the department, the role we have in the community and the tough choices that have to be made while keeping Pacifica safe. He is well grounded, cares about his personnel and has the experience, training and dedication to make the Pacifica Police Department an even better agency as we move through these uncharted times. "I'm pleased that Jim Tasa accepted the Police Chief position and look forward to working with him," said City Manager Rhodes. "He brings years of experience and solid knowledge of the department to the position." Tasa's appointment will be effective on July 8."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

City Council Agenda, Monday, November 14, 2011

Attend in person, 2212 Beach Boulevard, 2nd floor.  Or, view on local channel 26, also live feed internet www.pct26.com.  The meeting begins at 7pm (but usually starts a few minutes late).   
   
Agenda 11/14/11, pages 1-61.

Consent Calendar (pass through)

1.     Approval of Disbursements
2.     Approval of Minutes
3.     Continuation of Local Emergency proclamation.
4.     Disposal of certain obsolete city documents and papers resolution.
5.     Cancellation of the 12/26/11 city council meeting.
6.     Mayor's letter to Congresswoman Jackie Speier supporting acquisition of Millwood Ranch by the GGNRA.
7.     Replacement of 1,500 linear feet sewer system collection pipe at Bower Road in southwest Linda Mar area, $164,092.
8.    Award lowest bid for Pacifica Dog Park fence to Bragato Paving Co., Inc., $134,258. 
8a.  Beautification Task Force, appoint John Meria. 

Public Hearing (public discussion)

9.   Ordinance amendment:  require private property owners to replace their sewer laterals when they sell or remodel their homes.

Consideration (public discussion)

10.  Current (7/2011) distribution of city council member packets 1 week in advance of meeting, discussion.
11.  Amendment to the City contract agreement with Steve A. Rhodes, General Manager. Vehicle allowance limited to mileage reimbursement at IRS rate. These reductions in benefits have been requested by General Manager Steve A. Rhodes, this is the 3rd reduction.
12.  Approve and authorize Teamsters union local 350 management unit contract agreement, 2 years:  No salary or merit increases, benefit reductions. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Time change: Sunday, 2 AM, November 6, 2011

From MSNBC, Alan Boyle and David Ropeik, 11/1/11. "If you've been falling behind on sleep, this is the weekend to fall back into bed for an extra hour — and take advantage of the transition from daylight saving time to standard time.The time change is part of a longstanding tradition, in which most Americans push their clocks ahead an hour in the spring ("spring forward") and turn them back an hour in autumn ("fall back"). The change officially takes place at 2 a.m. daylight saving time on Sunday, Nov. 6 (which instantly becomes 1 a.m. standard time).

A few years ago, lawmakers shifted the schedule slightly, setting the changeover for the first Sunday of November rather than the last Sunday of October. The goal was to extend the energy savings that are thought to result from daylight saving time. The idea behind daylight saving time — or summer time, as it's known in other parts of the world — is to use the extended daylight hours during the warmest part of the year to best advantage. Timekeepers shift some of that extra sun time from the early morning (when timekeepers need their shut-eye) to the evening (when they play softball). The shift reduces the need for lighting during the evening, and that's why daylight saving time is considered an energy-saver — that is, as long as there is morning sunlight to spare. Now that dawn is coming later and later, the daylight-saving advantage has largely dissipated.

With the clocks turned back, it will be lighter (or at least less dark) in the morning, but darkness will fall earlier in the evening. Not everybody goes along with the daylight-saving plan. Arizona and Hawaii, for example, stay on standard time all year round. Each state or country comes up with its own schedule for the switch, and that schedule may be subject to change. Around the world, Canada and the members of the European Union operate similar summer-time shifts. Most European countries made the shift to standard time last weekend, so in that sense America is just now catching up. And yes, some countries in the Southern Hemisphere move their clocks forward an hour at this time of year, in time for the coming summer there.

If you're in a fall-back time zone, you'll want to savor that extra hour of shut-eye: A major study released by the National Center for Health Statistics indicated that sleep deprivation was linked to all sorts of health problems, including smoking and obesity.  Read more about sleep science, and Fall.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Sharp Park improvement

From Pacifica Tribune/Jane Northrop 11/1/11.  City Council took the lead on a conceptual plan for the redevelopment of the city owned Beach Blvd. property a week ago Monday. The council members also unanimously agreed to fund the necessary environmental studies to prepare a draft environmental impact report.  The preliminary plan includes a boutique hotel, restaurant, retail shops, housing units and a library. Underground parking will be provided. The plan is expected to change as the project progresses. 

The plan was developed after a study session City Council held on Sept. 14 where members of the public were asked to conceptualize what they wanted to see in the Beach Blvd. redevelopment area. City staff worked with Leland Consulting Group to draft preliminary site plans, options and a timeline. "This is an expression of what we can expect," said Pacifica City Manager Steve Rhodes.  City Council authorized the expenditure of $200,000 to pay for environmental studies to see if the site can accommodate the plan and to determine what future work is needed. A soils stability study and a soils hazmat analysis will be managed by the Leland group. The plan requires zoning and general plan amendments, which will be accomplished by city planning staff. A draft environmental impact report will report the outcomes of the studies and the land use changes.
The environmental work is expected to take about a year to complete. Once that work in complete, the project will proceed through the regulatory revisions and reviews. A developer will be recruited in 2013 with ground breaking expected in 2014. The development will be built and infrastructure improved over an 18-month period for a completion date expected in 2015.   By taking the lead on a conceptual plan and the environmental studies, the city will be in a stronger bargaining position to solicit potential developers. Interest should be piqued because the project will be ready to move forward after the environmental studies are completed. 

The project is estimated to have a property value of $34.8 million and generate $498,800 in tax revenue. The 35 room hotel would generate $63,000 in property tax and $136,800 in temporary occupancy tax per year. The restaurant would generate $10,500 in property tax and $11,000 in sales tax. The 90 housing units would generate $270,000 in property tax. The shops would generate $5,000 in property tax and $2,500 in sales tax.

Under the preliminary plan, City Council would still meet on the site, but in a new building on the northeast corner of the property that will also house the new library-media center and community meeting rooms.  Members of the two library foundations and library staff members attended the last City Council meeting. Several spoke about how excited they were to see plans included for a new state-of-the art library. A recent needs assessment had determined Pacificans to be woefully underserved by the current state of the libraries. Eric Ruchames, representing the Pacifica Library Foundation said, "It's very exciting to have this land come into better public use. We know this is the first step toward getting a bigger library. Thanks." Caroline Barba, a member of Friends of the Library, said, "I'm excited about having a site for the library to be able to have all the programs we could."  Margaret Goodale said she wanted the council members to consider an educational attraction, such as the conceptual Ocean Discovery Center once hoped for by many on that site, to be included in the plans in order to bring in tourists."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Asteroid comes close to Earth Tuesday 11/8/11 - no expected threat

From  CNN 11/3/11, includes embedded video (1 minute).  "An aircraft carrier-sized asteroid, a little over four football fields in diameter, is heading toward Earth and it will pass closer to our planet than the moon.  NASA has classified the asteroid as a “potentially hazardous object” and it will pass to within .8 lunar distances on November 8.  It is the closest approach to Earth of an object this size in over 30 years.

What would happen if an asteroid this size crashed into Earth?  It would result in a 4,000 megaton blast, magnitude 7.0 earthquake and - if it falls into the ocean - could cause a 70-foot high tsunami within 60 miles of the crash site, according to an expert at Purdue University.  However, this space rock poses no threat of an Earth collision for at least the next 100 years, according to NASA’s Near Earth Object Program.

So what’s the big deal?  Encounters of objects this large this close to our planet won't happen again until the year 2028 when an asteroid will pass near Earth to within .6 lunar distances.  NASA plans to study the asteroid with the Goldstone radar antennas in California’s Mojave Desert. Goldstone antennas are very sensitive radio telescopes used to investigate quasars, radar mapping of planets and comets.  Scientists plan to reconstruct the shape of the asteroid with a resolution as fine as 13 feet (4 meters) using the antennas. Several days of high resolution operations are also scheduled at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.

It will also provide a rare opportunity for amateur astronomers to directly observe an asteroid with optical telescopes.  The asteroid will approach Earth from a sunward direction and it will be a daylight object until the time of its closest approach on November 8.  The best time to see the asteroid will be after the hours of 4 pm EST (21:00 UTC)."

Separate article from SF Gate, 11/5/11.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Weak Economy update

 
From the New York Times/Catherine Rampell, 11/4/11.  "U.S. Added 80,000 Jobs in October; Unemployment Rate Dips to 9%. The United States had another month of mediocre job growth in October, the Labor Department reported Friday. Employers added 80,000 jobs in October, slightly less than economists had been expecting. The figure for September was revised upward to 158,000, from the initially reported 103,000, in a month when the figure was helped by the return of 45,000 Verizon workers who had been on strike.The unemployment rate, from a different survey, declined slightly to 9 percent, from September’s 9.1 percent." Read More...

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Any restaurants open in Pacifica for Thanksgiving dinner?

The following just got posted on TripAdvisor. Does anyone know of a place?

For the first time in 28 years we will not have any children home for Thanksgiving, so my wife agreed to let me book a couple relaxing days in Pacifica. Now I need to find a restaurant to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thank you.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g32842-i2206-k4924632-Thanksgiving_dinner-Pacifica_California.html#36793746


Posted by Steve Sinai

Java with Jerry Hill - Mazetti's Bakery, November 5, 2011, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Please join me for a cup of coffee and conversation. Bring your ideas, questions, and concerns about legislative issues affecting the community. 

Saturday, November 5
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

 

Mazzetti's Bakery

101 Manor Drive
Pacifica, CA 94044

I'll provide the coffee at no taxpayer expense.

You are welcome to sit down and stay a while or just drop in for a brief chat. No appointment is necessary.

***

In honor of Veterans Day, I will be collecting donations of new blankets for homeless veterans during the Java with Jerry. I encourage you to include a small, personal note with the blanket, conveying your appreciation for that veteran's service to our nation.  All blankets will be given to our local VA hospital for distribution to homeless veterans.

***

Posted by Steve Sinai

Think your brain and genes are "special"?

“Essentially, we carry the same genes as mice".  ”What distinguishes our brain is mRNA levels".  The greatest changes occur before birth, and during midlife (50's to 70's).

From Science News/Laura Sanders, 10/28/11. "Human brains all work pretty much the same and use roughly the same genes in the same way to build and maintain the infrastructure that makes people who they are, two new studies show. And by charting the brain’s genetic activity from before birth to old age, the studies reveal that the brain continually remodels itself in predictable ways throughout life. In addition to uncovering details of how the brain grows and ages, the results may help scientists better understand what goes awry in brain disorders such as schizophrenia and autism.

.....In the studies, published in the Oct. 27 Nature, researchers focused not on DNA — virtually every cell’s raw genetic material is identical — but on when, where and for how long each gene is turned on over the course of a person’s life. To do this, the researchers measured levels of mRNA, a molecule whose appearance marks one of the first steps in executing the orders contained in a gene, in postmortem samples of donated brains that ranged in age from weeks after conception to old age.

.....These different patterns of mRNA levels distinguish the brain from a heart, for instance, and a human from a mouse, too, says Nenad Šestan of Yale University School of Medicine and coauthor of one of the studies. “Essentially, we carry the same genes as mice,” he says. “However, in us, these genes are up to something quite different.”

.....Both studies found lots of variation in gene behavior at different life stages, but one particular period stood out: The prenatal brain had massive changes in gene activity. Many genes there were pumping out big quantities of mRNA, and this production abruptly slowed after birth. “Prenatally, things are changing faster than they change at any other time,” says Carlo Colantuoni of the Lieber Institute for Brain Development at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, and coauthor on one paper. “Things are happening fast in there.” Kleinman and his colleagues turned up a curious finding: Many of the genes that slow down right after birth show a surge of activity as a person gets older. “The biggest changes that are going on occur fetally,” he says. “And then they drop off until mid-life, and then in the 50s to 70s, expression changes pick up again and become quite dramatic.”  Full article...

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Vallejo's bankruptcy ends after 3 tough years

Carolyn Jones, Chronicle Staff Writer

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Vallejo -- Vallejo is bankrupt no more.

A federal judge released the Solano County city from bankruptcy Tuesday, ending its dubious distinction of being one of the largest and first U.S. cities to go that route since the financial meltdown.

"I think we're all exhausted but exulted," said City Councilwoman Stephanie Gomes. "It's been a rough road."

Vallejo's City Council declared bankruptcy in May 2008, faced with large deficits, few reserves, costly police and fire contracts and plunging tax revenue. Declaring bankruptcy gave the city protection from creditors and allowed it to renegotiate its employee contracts.

Among other changes, city staffers now contribute more to their health insurance, new firefighters have lower pension plans, and the fire department no longer has minimum staffing requirements.

The city has also taken steps to find more revenue. It's created a one-stop permit center for developers and is asking for a 1-cent sales-tax increase and medical marijuana tax on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/01/BARI1LPAHN.DTL#ixzz1cYshQbjk

Submitted by Jim Alex

Scandal-plagued former Bell official sues city for his $1.5 million salary

By Shaya Tayefe Mohajer Associated Press

Posted: 11/01/2011 07:31:30 AM PDT

Updated: 11/01/2011 07:31:30 AM PDT 

LOS ANGELES -- Public outrage -- and changed locks -- forced Robert Rizzo out of a job last year, but the former city manager says he's still owed his $1.5 million salary and benefits. 

In a lawsuit against the city of Bell filed Monday, Rizzo claims he's owed his wages -- with interest -- because he hasn't been convicted of a felony and hasn't resigned his post.

According to prosecutors, Rizzo orchestrated a scheme to bilk the Los Angeles suburb out of more than $6 million by paying himself and other Bell city officials' exorbitant salaries. They face charges of fraud and misappropriation of public funds.

Rizzo has pleaded not guilty.

In the lawsuit he filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Rizzo said he hasn't been paid since a public meeting in July 2010, when the small, blue-collar community of Bell learned of his outsized salary and benefits.

Protesters were outraged by compensation of $100,000 to City Council members that met once a month, but it was Rizzo's $787,637 salary, along with numerous perks that amounted to nearly $1.5 million a year, that made him the poster-child for corruption in government for furious Bell residents.

They came out in droves to let that anger be known at city meetings.

"In response, the City Council locked Rizzo out of his office and stopped paying Rizzo his salary and benefits due to him under his employment agreement," the lawsuit said.

Read more...

Submitted by Jim Alex

Restore railroad car 1409 benefit 11/13/2011

Ocean Shore Railroad

Benefit for the Restoration of Car 1409

The only OSRR Car Still Existing!

Talk and Power Point Presentation

Guest Speaker: John Schmale, Author and OSRR Expert

John Schmale has researched the Ocean Shore Railroad for 40 years.  He has accumulated a large collection of documents and pictures of the railroad.  He is by far the most knowledgeable expert on the history of the railroad.

Moose Lodge Hwy 1, Pacifica, 776 Bradford Way

Sunday, Nov 13, 1PM

Original music:  "Car #1409" performed by composer Rob Wullenjon

Admission:    $5 (Refreshments available for purchase) 

(650) 359 5462  OR  355 5268

reservations and information

Submitted by Jim Wagner

Posted by Kathy Meeh