Pacifica School Board candidates elected from 11/6/12. That was easy!

The following candidates are elected for 4 year terms. There is no reason for their elections to go to the Fall ballot 11/6/12, because there are only 2 candidates each.  2 candidates each, 2 positions each, done. Information from the League of Women Voters:  Pacifica School District,  Smart Voter information.  Jefferson Union High School District, Smart Voter information. 

11/6/12, Fall Election, done

Pacifica School District - Schools include:  Cabrillo School, Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School, Linda Mar Educational Center, Ocean Shore School, Ortega School, Sunset Ridge School, Vallemar School, Home Schooling, Childcare.

Matt Levie - occupation:  business owner, professor. Elected.

Andrea Gould -  occupation:  Educator. Elected. 

Jefferson Union High School District - Schools include Jefferson High School, Oceana High School, Terra Nova High School, Westmoor High School, Thornton High School, CEEP Wilderness School, Jefferson Adult Education. 

Jeanne L. Matysiak - occupation:  incumbent. Elected.
Kalimah Salaluddin - occupation:  incumbent.  Elected.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

North Coast County Water District candidates elected from 11/6/12, done!

The following special district North Coast County Water District candidates are elected for 4 year terms. There is no reason for their elections to go to the Fall ballot 11/6/12, because there are only 2 candidates.  2 candidates, 2 positions, done. Information from the League of Women Voters:  Board Member North Coast County Water District, Smart Voter information.

Again, that was easy!

Jack J. Burgett - occupation: Retired Educator.  Elected.
Joshua Cosgrove - occupation: Member, Board of Directors North Coast County Water District. Elected.

North Coast County Water District. "The North Coast County Water District provides reliable, high quality and affordable water to approximately 40,000 people in Pacifica, California. Its a pleasure to serve the residents and businesses of Pacifica, as we have for the past sixty-six years."

Related - NCCWD Board Members,  and Vote for Joshua Cosgrove.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Candidate Questionnaire: Do you support Highway 1 improvement? If not, what is your proposal to alleviate gridlock and provide emergency vehicle access?

The Pacifica Chamber of Commerce submitted 12 questions to each of the candidates for Pacifica City Council. Every week we will be posting two questions, and the answers from each of the candidates.

Question 8 : Do you support Highway 1 improvement? If not, what is your proposal to alleviate gridlock and provide emergency vehicle access?

 

 

Victor Spano - 2 Year Term

 

The critical issue for me is the need for Life Safety vehicles to have the ability to respond quickly in case of emergenies. I support improvements to Highway 1.   I am very interested in preserving the historic Vallemar Station corner and businesses there.  Many have talked about staggering school schedules in the morning.  I agree there is some merit to this idea and it should be studied.

 

 

Gary Mondfrans - 2 Year Term

 

This issue is still very much is a state of flux, even today a new group was announced to considered further alternatives for the troubled Highway-1 Calera Corridor. But Highway 1 is not the also significant traffic problem in Pacifica. The Council must improve traffic flow not only through the Calera corridor but other major traffic problems such as the horrendous intersections of Manor Drive at Oceania and Palmetto, and Linda Mar Boulevard must be addressed as a special study area to prevent many more accidents from occurring there. Enhanced emergency response into the Valley Mar and Sun Valley/Linda Mar areas must be addressed and alternative means of ingress and egress for emergency vehicles as well as other means of escape in the event of a tsunami, earthquake or other disaster must be explored other than full dependency on a narrow coastal byway.

Mike O'Neill - 2 Year Term

 

I support improvements in Highway 1.  Emergency vehicles need a way to get to the needed facilities over the hill.  The chronic traffic jams are an irritant to all drivers in the morning and afternoon commutes.  Many candidates say that we can apply band aids to fix it such as changing school times.  I will grant the schools are a factor in traffic but the schools do not impact the afternoon commute.  I think the improvements should be coordinated with any development in the Quarry so that the planning and disruption are minimized.  I will however wait for the full DEIR and the comments which will be release later this year.

 

 

Rich Campbell - 2 Year Term 

 

I support Highway 1 improvements but not the expansion currently proposed by CalTrans. $57 million is a waste of scarce taxpayer dollars and ultimately will not alleviate congestion in long run. The key to solving congestion in the morning are improvements or creation of frontage roads (perhaps in the Quarry to create infrastructure backbone for development), pedestrian overcrossings at Reina Del Mar, and a turnaround /kid drop off at Police Station to serve northbound commuters.

 

 

Mary Ann Nihart - 4 Year Term

 

I support improvement of the Highway.  I am deeply concerned about the lack of shoulders or emergency lanes in large sections of the highway between Vallemar and Rockway. Given that emergency vehicles currently stop the lights and proceed down the wrong side of the highway sometimes experiencing near misses at the lights from people making right hand-turns on red, we must find a solution.  Exploring alternatives also means examining the economics of those alternatives versus the impact on our community.  Some have been explored and continue to be examined.  As a city, we have met with Caltrans to work on the light timing, there are limited funds for barrier movement, and we continue to discuss turn lanes plus traffic management concerns.  There are 14 alternatives that will be fully examined in the final EIR. The period for comments was extended at our request and I look forward to seeing how those comments are addressed.

In addition, I would also support a street through the quarry as an alternative to the six lanes.  This was the original intention.  It would solve many of the problems identified, but it would be a city street on private property that Caltrans would not build.  It would need lots of support and examination.
 

 

Susan Vellone - 4 Year Term

 

Yes. It is a necessity for Public Safety during our peak commute hours and the opening of the Devil’s slide while create further congestion.

 

 

Karen Ervin - 4 Year Term

 

I do support Highway 1 improvement.  The people of Pacifica largely supported Measure A with the expectation that some of the money would be spent to alleviate commuter congestion and importantly to enhance public safety.  I am interested in looking at the Final EIR to see what alternatives are discussed or considered as well.

 

Candidate Questionnaire: Revenue generated from property taxes account for about 40% of our budget. What is your plan to expand our tax base?

The Pacifica Chamber of Commerce submitted 12 questions to each of the candidates for Pacifica City Council. Every week we will be posting two questions, and the answers from each of the candidates.

Question 7 : Revenue generated from property taxes account for about 40% of our budget. What is your plan to expand our tax base?

Karen Ervin - 4 Year Seat

In order to increase our property tax base we need to increase the value of our real estate.  In order to increase the value of our homes we need to offer a high quality of living to our citizens; well-maintained streets, parks and beaches, great public schools, public safety, social activities for citizens of all ages, an effective transportation system, and economic stability.  In order to provide these things we need a healthy revenue source, and this can be achieved with the development of vibrant, mixed use city centers, and by reducing the number of vacancies in currently existing shopping areas.

Mary Ann Nihart - 4 year Seat

I will continue to support infill development and home remodels as our economy improves.  I am very proud of the recent improvements made in the planning department. The streamlining and other continued advancements, including the eventual online accessibility of the permitting process, in the planning office will help property owners and builders not only complete new homes on empty lots, but provide easier answers to home remodels.  Supporting both sustainable building and remodeling will improve our property base.

Susan Vellone - 4 Year Seat

I plan to continue to be proactive in working with the Chamber to solicit business opportunities for the City and follow through with the Beatification task Force to provide more curb appeal for future businesses. A thriving community will attract investors.

Rich Campbell - 2 Year Seat

Streamline remodel requirements. This will increase property values. There is also room for some high density housing in key locations, e.g., SamTrans Park and Ride location in Linda Mar. 

Victor Spano - 2 Year Seat

Expand Retail:  During early 1980s, there were 3 car dealers in town.  Our shopping centers were at capacity.  Sales Tax Dollars were flowing back to Pacifica and not anywhere else, available for reinvestment in our community.  We need to bring Retail back to Pacifica.  I see "Specialty Retail", whereas each retail location is a regional attraction, as a way to go.  I want to focus on stores that have high per sales ticket transactions, which in turn provide the most Sales Tax:  Bicycles, Computers, Baby, Wedding, are just a few examples.  A gentleman on Johnson Street suggested that Pacifica needs a Crafts Store, now that is a great idea.  We can incent new business to locate in our vacant shops with limited Business License, Building Permit and other temporary fee reductions.

Business Retention.  The Linda Mar Card Shop, Round Table, Straw Hat, and others have all closed in recent months.  We need to find troubled businesses and help them with technical assistance.  The Round Table could have downsized.  Or moved to less expensive space.  An Economic Development Staff person could work to identify such situations well before a shop is in danger of closing and point them to resources which might prevent losses of jobs for Pacificans.

Remove Obstacles in Building Permit and Planning Processes.  Economic Development Committee has worked with Building and Planning Departments to modernize and bring in technology.  However there is much to do which would streamline even further.  It has been mentioned more than once around town that we could benefit by improved Plan Checking, for example.  Each month delay for commercial and other projects means a delay in our city collecting property and/or sales taxes. 

Gary Mondfrans - 2 Year Seat

Revenue from present housing stock may actually increase over the next 4-5 years due to factors relating to the housing market itself including a reversal of the downward spiral in housing prices as more and more people relocate t o Pacifica due to favorable housing prices--more houses will be sold resulting in higher assessed valuations overall.

What must be done in the interim is to encourage more businesses to fill retail commercial businesses with viable enterprises to bring in more retail-commercial revenue. Many of the larger vacant parcels may actually take years to develop into commercial revenue producers and a major increase in residential housing may actually cause an increase in school populations which both the elementary and high school districts may have problems absorbing. Neighborhood school sites have already been sold to meet short term economic goals and building new schools in this economy is fraught with problems.

Mike O'Neill - 2 Year Seat

The biggest source of revenue for Pacifica is property taxes.  Obviously the decline in property values is hitting the bottom line of Pacifica.  We must look at all sources of revenue and stabilize the City finances to move forward.  We must expand the business tax base and increase our hotel tax and sales tax revenue.  The short term will be very difficult to achieve as we are all suffering from the drop in income.  Our tax base will increase if we can show ourselves to be a well managed and sustainable City that can provide for its citizens.

Reminder - City council meeting tonight, Monday, 10/8/12

Attend in person, 2212 Beach Boulevard, 2nd floor.  Or, view on local channel 26, also live internet feed, pct26.com.  The meeting begins at 7pm, or shortly there following.  City council updates and archives are available on the City website.  

Direct  City Council Agenda, 10/8/12.   Fix Pacifica  article reprint, city council agenda, 10/8/12.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Mateo County election measures - A, B, C + E

San Mateo County Measures that affect Pacificans.  Information from San Mateo County Smart Voter
(League of Women Voters).

A, B, C and E as in Apple

Measure A. Transaction and Use Tax -- County of San Mateo (Majority Approval Required)  To ensure San Mateo quality of life by retaining critical facilities/services such as: child abuse prevention, 911 dispatch, fire prevention, after-school library reading/homework programs; keeping parks open; maintaining seismically safe hospital/emergency rooms which may include substantial funding to replace Seton Hospital/emergency room for low-income children/seniors/disabled; and other County services, shall San Mateo County levy a half-cent sales tax for ten years, which the State cannot take away, with oversight/independent audits?  Ballot Measure A, full text, arguments.

 Measure B. Amending the Charter concerning Election of its Members -- County of San Mateo (Majority Approval Required)   Shall the San Mateo County Charter be amended so that each member of the Board of Supervisors will cease to be elected by an at-large vote of all the voters in the County but is instead elected only by the voters of his or her district?   Ballot Measure B, full text, arguments.

Measure C. Charter Amendment for Appointed Controller -- County of San Mateo (Majority Approval Required.  Shall the San Mateo County Charter be amended to change the elected position of Controller to an appointed position?   Ballot Measure C, full text, arguments.

Measure E. School Tax -- Jefferson Union High School District (School Bond - 55% Approval Required.  To continue renovating, equipping and constructing classrooms/school facilities including Jefferson, Oceana, Terra Nova, Thornton, and Westmoor High Schools and reduce overall borrowing costs, shall $41,900,000 of Jefferson Union High School District bonds, previously approved by voters in November 2006, be reauthorized through issuance of new bonds, with no increase in total authorized District debt, interest rates below legal limits, independent citizen oversight, no money for administrator salaries, and funds spent locally and not taken by the State?  Ballot Measure E, full text, arguments. 

 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Mateo County Supervisor candidates, Shelly Masur vs. Warren Slocum

The Daily Journal (San Mateo), Michelle Durand, 10/5/12.  "Supervisor candidates square off." 

"As the two top vote-getters out of a six-candidate pool in the June primary, Shelly Masur and Warren Slocum are in runoff race on the Nov. 6 ballot.  .. Both also carried District Four which includes Redwood City, Menlo Park and East Palo Alto and the unincorporated areas of North Fair Oaks and Oak Knoll. Although a supervisor represents his or her district, they are chosen by voters countywide.

 Warren Slocum

Shelly Masur

.... Both Masur and Slocum favor district elections rather than the at-large system currently in play and think the county has made great strides in reining in the number of employees and associated costs. Slocum sees a future of collaboration and shared services. Masur also wants to look at areas where the county overlaps with education to find efficiencies and savings. Measure A, the county’s proposed half-cent sales tax, is backed by both candidates who noted its expiration date.

If elected, Slocum said he would request an analysis of the county’s unfunded liabilities as a step toward pension reform.  

....  Masur said her public health experience is “critical” to serving as a supervisor as is her work with nonprofits. She also pointed to her seven years as an elected board member, knowing how to understand complex funding mechanisms and restrictions while doing a good job.  Slocum, reelected five times, said his experience is countywide over a couple of decades and is noted for innovation and “thinking outside the box to get to solutions that work.”  Read article carefully.

 

Related - Vimeo video, 55:14 minutes.  Peninsula TV, 9/28/12, program "The game", San Mateo County Election Debate.  Article and  photograph of Warren Slocum above from The Daily Journal, 10/6/12.  Article and 29:26 minute Vimo video of Shelly Masur, see Fix Pacifica  Ian Butler interview with Shelly Masur, 9/14/12.  Photograph of Shelly Masur from Half Moon Bay Patch, 7/16/12, linked under her photograph above.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Mateo County Harbor Board, 6 candidates, vote for 3

Commissioner; San Mateo County Harbor District Voter Candidates, 4 year term, vote for 3.   Information and text below from  San Mateo Smart Voter, (League of Women Voters of California Education Fund).

William H. "Will" Holsinger
Occupation: Harbor Commissioner, J.D., Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, 1978, B.A., Sonoma State College, Mexican-American Studies, 1973, A.A., San Mateo Community College, 1971, Board, Project 90, Inc., Certified Hospice Volunteer, Mission Hospice.  Appointed incumbent, San Mateo Harbor District Commissioner see biography.
Priorities:   Preserve the Coastside, support the commercial fishing industry, develop marine research and educational facilities

Candidates forum, 9/26/12, no video, Leo Padreddii was absent

Leo Padreddii  Occupation: Incumbent, San Mateo Harbor District Vice President,  see biography.

Pietro Parravano
Occupation: Incumbent,  President, Institute for Fisheries Resources.  Member, Pew National Oceans Commission, Sustainable San Mateo County Award; Community Service Award-Half Moon Bay. Environmental Hero Award-- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. Highliner Award-National Fisherman. Chair, Seton Coastside Hospital Community Advisory Committee. San Mateo Harbor district Secretary,  see biography.
Priorities:  Enhance and promote economically vital harbors and provide education opportunities of sustainable marine resources. Support public access to Bay and Ocean resources, maintain a clean natural marine environment for all to enjoy.

Sabrina Brennan
Occupation: Businesswoman/Marine Advocate. Founder, Digital Fusion Media, Inc. (July 1998 to present). Midcoast Community Council.  Elected municipal advisory council to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. San Mateo County Harbor District Coastal Trail Committee, Highway 1 Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee.  Midcoast Parks and Recreation Committee, California Coastal Trail Committee 
Priorities:  Honor Fiscal Responsibility - Sabrina's top priority is to reduce the Harbor District's $10 million debt and support local businesses. Improve Water Quality - Find solutions for harbor water contamination that jeopardizes public safety and the local commercial fishing industry. Create Transit Connectivity - Oyster Point Marina just started ferry service from South San Francisco to Alameda and Oakland.  

Brandon Kwan  
Age 18 college student, Moss Beach. See Half Moon Bay article below.

Neil Merrilees
Occupation: Small Business Owner, Accessible Design & Construction. B.A. Architecture, UC Berkeley. Commissioner, San Mateo County Parks Commission.  Member, Midcoast Parks & Recreation Committee. Member, Midcoast California Coastal Trail Committee.  Served 4 year term, 1 year chair, Midcoast Community Council.  Served 4 years on MCC Planning & Zoning Committee 
Priorities:  Improve public recreational access to Harbor resources.  Improve water quality at both harbors Pay down debt by: hosting revenue generating recreational events, reducing district office expenditures.
***

... Pillar Point Harbor:  Fish on this pier, catch a boat ...

Reference - San Mateo County Harbor District, operation of two facilities:  Oyster Point Marina Park, and Pillar Point Harbor.  Virtual tours of each harbor.

Related article - Half Moon Bay Review/Mark Noack, 10/4/12. "Harbor hopefuls differ on construction, beach."

...." The candidates disagreed on the best course of action for the Perched Beach section south of the harbor, a spot currently being considered for a parking lot. Merrilees and Brennan wanted to keep the beach in its current state, but suggested the excess sand could be used to prevent erosion at nearby Surfer’s Beach.

Holsinger indicated that plans for the beach were still being discussed and nothing would go forward without community input. The candidates also took differing views on the bathrooms near Surfer’s Beach, which are owned by the harbor but not open to the public.

Brennan and Merrilees insisted the bathrooms should be free for anyone to use, but the other candidates said the district needed to honor its agreement with the adjacent recreational vehicle park. Incumbent candidate Leo Padreddii, who has been on the commission since 1997, did not attend the candidate forum."  Note:  there seems to be  no video of the candidates forum, 2/26/12. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Earthquake in Pacifica discussion, 7 PM, Wednesday, Oct. 10, Sharp Park Library

http://www.fixpacifica.com/docs/EarthquakeClassFlyer.pdf

Posted by Steve Sinai

Midcoast Big Wave development backers sue Coastal Commission

Half Moon Bay Review/Mark Noack, 10/4/12.  "Seeking permits, big wave backers sue coastal commission."  

Area of the Big Wave project near Pillar Point Harbor

....  "Big Wave developers filed a civil lawsuit on the morning of Oct. 4, requesting a San Mateo County Superior Court judge to overturn the Coastal Commission denial of the project. A separate complaint was also filed with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, arguing that the Coastal Commission discriminated against developmentally disabled persons by rejecting the Big Wave campus. 

....“The way the Coastal Commission ruled permanently killed the project, we had no recourse but to sue,” he said. “Our goal is to get this project built.”

....  In a separate action, Devon Yoshimine, a prospective resident at Big Wave, filed a discrimination complaint under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. The complaint alleges the Coastal Commission's denial constitutes discrimination because it has no record of approving any affordable housing for the developmentally disabled in its 40-year history.

Big Wave developers are already involved in a separate lawsuit filed by Midcoast utility agencies and the Committee for Green Foothills. The suit challenged the environmental impact report for the project compiled by San Mateo County."   Read article.

Related Fix Pacifica articles  - Midcoast (Moss Beach) Big Wave development,  And, the Loma Prietan (Sierra Club), 1/2010,  "Wave Good-bye to 'Big Wave'," * Photograph by Lisa Ketcham.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Guilty following breakfast in Pacifica, a fringe story

Stay cool, jail serves breakfast too

What did John Hunt of Julian, CA have for breakfast in Pacifica, and where?  Will he claim the breakfast as a secondary cause of his sudden violent outrage and assault against his spouse.    

The Daily Journal, (San Mateo County). Staff, 10/3/12. "Man pleads not guilty to abusing wife who wanted divorce."

"A Southern California man accused of beating his wife’s head against a car and the ground after she requested a divorce over breakfast in Pacifica pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of premeditated attempted murder and domestic violence.

... Hunt has been held without bail since his May 5 arrest shortly after sheriff’s deputies were flagged down by a motorist seeking help for Hunt’s bleeding and disoriented wife. 

The altercation between Hunt and his wife of 21 years began that morning after the woman announced over breakfast that she wanted a divorce, according to the Sheriff’s Office."   Read article.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

City council meeting, Monday October 8, 2012

Attend in person, 2212 Beach Boulevard, 2nd floor.  Or, view on local channel 26, also live internet feed, pct26.com.  The meeting begins at 7pm, or shortly there following.  City council updates and archives are available on the City website.
   

Item 11, getting closer to a paid parking lot at Linda Mar Beach *

City Council Agenda, 10/8/12.  Items listed below may include embedded pdf documents, illustration and photographs of interest.  

A.    Closed session, 6:15 pm. 
1)  Labor negotiator (Ann Ritzma) conference: Police Officers,  Police   Supervisors, Police Management Local 350; Fire Fighters Local 2400; Teamsters Local 856 Battalion Chiefs."
2)  Property negotiations (APN: 023-132-160), City of Pacifica and Spindriff School of Performing Arts. 

B.    Open session (7:00 pm)
Consent Calendar (pass through)
1.     Approval of cash disbursements,  9/5/12 for fiscal year 2012-13, 9/11/12 for fiscal year 2011-12. 
2.     Approval of Minutes (meeting of  9/24/12).  
3.     Continued Proclamation confirming existence of  a local emergency 4/12/10, cliff erosion/storm drain revetment, 380 and 400 Esplanade. 
4.     Purchase of new replacement hand held portable radios for North County Fire Authority personnel, $51,799.78. 
5.     Authorize Resolution approving CA state department of education funding for child care ($197,889) and child development services (112,676),  total fiscal year 2012-13 funding, $310,565..  
6.     Approve purchase to replace a 14 year old city backhoe.  Product is John Deer, cost $99,433.04.
7.     Approve purchase of a new Ford F150 4x4 truck, $31,445, previously budgeted, vehicle replacement fund 72.   

Special presentation - Rotary Club of Pacifica, Bob Jacobsen
 
Public hearings
8.     Approval of lease agreement with Municipal Finance Corporation to fund city facility energy related improvements. Continued from 9/24/12.  Printout stated as no fiscal impact.
9.      Resolution  approving the energy service contract for energy related services. Continue hearing to October 22, 2012.

Consideration
10.    Report on 2012, July 4th fireworks activity and issues surrounding the use of fireworks in Pacifica.
11.    Update on paid parking at Linda Mar Beach. The Coastal Commission Director has improved conditions, and modified the permit to extended 5 years. The Coastal Commission will hear the request at their 11/14-16 meeting in Santa Monica, CA.
12.    Review and approve work plans for city council goals,  follow-up to a goal setting session 7/22/12, affirmed 8/13/12.

Adjourn.   * Linda Mar Beach photograph taken by Thomas Hawk.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Reminder - Two council forums tonight, 10/4/12 - 6 PM and 8 PM

6 PM  PCT 26.   Environmental focus city council forum - televised tape.
8 PM. PCT 26.   Pacifica Tribune city council forum, live at PCT studio, not public.
  
Both televised on  PCT 26 community television. 

Ah, considering the vote for 3 city council candidates this year

Why do we know the 8 PM city council forum will be televised this time?   Ian Butler's 10/3/12, 8:04 PM comment on the environmental focus city council candidates forum article. He advised:

"PCT was unable to air all of the three forums at the Council Chambers live, therefore they decided that to be fair they wouldn't air any of them live. They will however be airing tomorrow's forum at PCT studios live at 8:00. (Thursday Oct. 4th).

The environmental forum will air prior to that at 6:00. In addition, it will rebroadcast Sunday, Oct 7th at 12 noon, and Thursday, October 11th at 5:30."

Related - Fix Pacifica articles - Environmental focus, city council forum, 10/2/12, and PCT and Tribune city council forum Fix Pacifica article, 10/4/12.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Chamber of Commerce endorsements

Pacifica Tribune, letters to the editor, 10/3/12,  "Chamber endorsements."  by Jim Wagner, Pacifica Chamber of Commerce, Government Affairs Committee 

"The Pacifica Chamber of Commerce endorses Mary Ann Nihart, Susan Vellone, and Mike O'Neill for Council.  

Pacifica Chamber of Commerce.

Through a unanimous vote by its Board of Directors, the Pacifica Chamber endorses MaryAnn Nihart and Susan Vellone for the four year council seats, and Mike O'Neill for the two-year council seat.

Pacifica has suffered 14 years of structural deficits that are threatening basic city services. The Chamber felt that in this economic environment, candidates with proven leadership abilities, who are willing to work with the business community, need to be in place to do the hard work. 

The Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with our new leadership in the coming years to kick start progressive growth with the help of our local business partners. 

Failing to deal with deficits, and deferring the hard decisions to future councils, has endangered our basic services. The threat to our Resource Center, and to the families that need help in their most vulnerable time, is unacceptable. City owned properties need to be managed and developed in such a way that business can grow around them. A sustainable economy was a foremost concern in the Chamber's endorsements. Pacifica clearly needs its roads, beach, and trail maintenance addressed, a modern library built, basic city budget issues settled, and a coast highway solution to reduce the current dangerous bottleneck.

The 2012 council election involves two separate groups of candidates: A four year council term where two openings exist. A two year term where one opening exists. The Pacifica Chamber of Commerce urges our citizens and our business owners to vote. Your vote does count. Voter registration information for the Nov 6, 2012 election is here: https://www.shapethefuture.org ." 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

PCT televises live Candidate Forum Thurs 8 PM

By Marty Anaya

Pacifica Tribune Columnist

Posted: 10/02/2012 05:02:40 PM PDT

Updated: 10/02/2012 05:02:40 PM PDT

On Oct. 4, Pacifica Community Television, Channel 26 and The Pacifica Tribune present the Candidate Election Forum 2012.

This two hour broadcast begins live at 8 p.m. live. This is your opportunity to see all seven candidates vying for a seat on the upcoming city council and help make a critical decision on the future direction of our city. There are three seats currently available, one two-year, partial term and two full four-year terms.

With cities like Pacifica in financial crisis, who we elect now is critically important. At stake is not just our ability to right the city's financial ship but just as important, our ability to determine how, and at what cost. Candidates will have ideas that may improve our city or diminish important aspects. It is important for all of us to decide which candidates would make which choices and how those choices will affect us.

Again, the issues of balancing city finances and by what means come down to who we elect. For example, do we feel that the city can afford to eliminate funding for The Resource Center, City Council meeting coverage and library services? Or, Is there another way to balance city budgets without decimating these vital services? Are bond measures or tax increases a viable option? Can the city gain the needed funding to balance its budget by outsourcing the police department? Is the service it would get from the Sheriff's department as good as is reported in Half Moon Bay and other cities who have switched?

Also, can Pacifica's economic concerns be balanced with the need to create a sustainable environment? Is protecting the environment a focus or central goal for these candidates as it has been for previous groups? What does protecting our environment look like? Are faster, bigger freeways an answer?

Is there a plan for the beach at Manor? Rockaway? Is there a plan for protecting our natural resources. Have any of these candidates given serious consideration to these issues?

The answers to these and many other questions will shape the future of the town we live in. We need a council with vision. We need candidates who look beyond temporary cuts to ask the important question of what kind of city we all wish to live in and what we need to do to get there. It is up to you to have an informed opinion on these issues so we have the focus and direction that this city deserves and that the voters require. Please do your part by staying informed and by voting.

Please tune into Comcast Channel 26 on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m. If you do not have Comcast cable, go to our website at www.PacificCoast.tv. This program is sponsored by Pacifica Community TV and the Pacifica Tribune in an effort to foster greater information to our audiences.

-- Marty Anaya

 

Submitted by Mark Stechbart

Mayor's Cup Golf, October 27, Harding Park Golf Course

 

Join the fun at the Mayor's Cup October 27 at Harding Park Golf Course San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee  --  a public course golfer and proven friend of public golf  -- will host his first annual Mayor's Cup Tournament at Harding Park on Saturday, October 27, as a charity fundraiser for the First Tee, the Asian Law Caucus, and the Mayor's own Educational Leadership Foundation.      Individual entry fee is $250, with Sponsorship opportunities from $500 to $5000.   Medal play individual and team competitions, great prizes for men and women, and fun and good companionship for all.  Click here to download the Entry/Sponsorship form, and click here to download more details. Please note that both downloads require Adobe Reader or equivalent.  If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can get it by clicking here. If you want to know still more, contact us at info@sfpublicgolf.com.   Please put this event on your calendar, circulate this notice to your golfing friends, bring a foursome, and let us know if you will be attending.     RSVP to info@sfpublicgolf.com.  Donations are greatly appreciated. To donate, please visit our website: Donations Page

We are on Twitter (@SFPublicGolf), Facebook and our website Contact us at info@sfpublicgolf.com Submitted by Richard Harris

Tsunami Siren Test, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 10 A.M.

There will be a full volume test of the coastal Tsunami warning sirens on October 3rd at 10:00 AM.  These sirens are designed to warn individuals who are outdoors in the projected inundation zone.  The sirens will not be heard in all areas 
 
To insure the readiness of the system the test will be conducted at full volume and may last up to 3 minutes.  This is only a test.   
 
For more information on Tsunami and hazards in your area visit: http://www.tsunami.noaa.gov and http://myhazards.calema.ca.gov

Sent by Jeff Norris to Miramar, Princeton, San Gregorio, Moss Beach, Sheriff's Office Command Staff, Coastal Communities, El Granada, Pacifica, Pescadaro, Half Moon Bay, Montara (E-mail accounts, Wireless devices) through SMC Alert

You are receiving this alert because you are registered on the SMC Alert System

Posted by Steve Sinai

City council candidates forum, tonight Tuesday, October 2, 2012

From Pacifica Riptide, "City council candidates forum: environmental focus, October 2."
 
"City council candidates forum on Pacifica's environmental issues and opportunities", moderated by Ian Butler

Date:  October 2, 2012

30 years of "environmental opportunities", watch and learn

Time:  7pm to 9 pm
Where:  City council chambers, 2212 Beach Boulevard, 2nd floor.
Attend in person or watch on PCT 26 community television.

"To ensure that environmental issues get the full attention they deserve, Pacifica's Environmental Family (PEF) sponsors a City Council candidates forum on October 2 at City Council Chambers, from 7 to 9 p.m.   

All of the candidates have been invited to take this opportunity to express their vision on a number of environmental issues, such as the future of Rockaway Quarry and Sharp Park Golf Course, implementation of the Climate Action Plan, and proposed widening of Highway 1."

The event is co-sponsored by:  "Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives, Pacifica Climate Committee, Pacificans for Sustainable Development, and the following  Pacifica Environmental Family projects:  Pacifica Shorebird Alliance, Pacifica Beach Coalition."   Read article.     Should be fun! 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Candidate Questionnaire: What are your thoughts on the development of the old sewer plant site, Palmetto Main Street, and the new library?

The Pacifica Chamber of Commerce submitted 12 questions to each of the candidates for Pacifica City Council. Every week we will be posting two questions, and the answers from each of the candidates.

Question 6 : What are your thoughts on the development of the old sewer plant site, Palmetto Main Street, and the new library?

Susan Vellone - 4 Year Seat

Great idea. We need an infusion of foot traffic for the Palmetto Business District. As a sole proprietor I would consider investing my capital in a thriving community district. Plans are moving forward to entitle the property which will appeal to future developers. This welcome change may quell the fears of progress with concerned citizens and keeping dialogue open is a must. 

Karen Ervin – 4 Year Seat

I am fully supportive of the development of the old wastewater treatment plant and the Palmetto streetscaping project. This is an excellent idea and will provide a much-needed boost to our revenues as well as enhance our quality of life here in Pacifica. Currently the sewer plant site is an eyesore; I would love to see the creation of a state of the art library with a hotel, convention center, retail shops and restaurants linked to a revitalized Palmetto. This accomplishment will also demonstrate to other businesses outside of Pacifica that we have the wherewithal to see envisioned projects through to completion and we are welcoming to new establishments that make Pacifica a better place to live. I see this project as a definite indication that the city is moving in the right direction and would encourage this proactive stance in future endeavors.


Mary Ann Nihart – 4 Year Seat

While I cannot vote on these issues due to the location of my home, I have long been involved in organizing merchants and property owners on Palmetto, and supporting the process with the library. I served on the West Sharp Park Advisory committee, which helped design the streetscape. I love the economically-driven proposal we are moving forward for the Beach Blvd property itself, and look forward to supporting a bond measure to build the library. We have completed the new sewer mains; laid the pipes for the recycled watering of landscape; prepared the businesses; and will begin the actual undergrounding of the utilities shortly after the 2012 Fog Fest. I can visualize the vibrant street in 2018 and am excited by the possibilities!


Mike O'Neill - 2 Year Seat

I fully support a new library for Pacifica. We need to have a rallying point for our community to get behind and show the civic pride I know we have. Many people I talk to speak of the pride we in our schools and I want the same pride for the City of Pacifica as we have for the Pacifica School District. The return on investment of a new library is 4 to 1 meaning every dollar spent returns four in economic activity. The present design concept which has been discussed at several public meetings will be the economic anchor for the Palmetto Business District.

I think we also need to think of Palmetto Ave as the Main Street of a business district. We need to maximize the  (The rest of the Dialogue of Mike has been lost.)


Rich Campbell - 2 Year Seat

 - Develop the old sewer site as contemplated by City.

 - New Library should be built as contemplated by Library Foundation. It is a economic engine.


Victor Spano - 2 Year Seat

Mr. Leland (the Beach Blvd. consultant), is an excellent planner, but he is not a commercial real estate broker. I worry the City could be disappointed with the results of the RFQ. It needs to be marketed by a professional broker. I feel the site lays out adjacent to the promenade like the Biltmore Four Seasons in Montecito / Santa Barbara. http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/ I personally would like to see something like that. Let's "Shoot for the Stars" here. The proximity to the Golf Course and Ocean makes it a spectacular opportunity.

I support the new Library. Having a strong fiscal picture for our local government here will enable the City to more cost effectively sell bonds for its construction. The library will become a traffic and customer drawing magnet for Palmetto Avenue, or in other words an "anchor". I am hoping that there will be some "night life" that will develop as part of and outside the new library along Palmetto. I feel that Burlingame Avenue or Laurel Avenue in San Carlos are analogs for what Palmetto Avenue can become. We first need to fill the vacant shops and vacant lots....We need to create interest in strolling Palmetto as a "pedestrian friendly" place with early evening events like Downtown Redwood City: Movie Nights, Music, Dance. Perhaps Spindrift and Art Guild can bring events to Palmetto as well. The new Library can serve as a focal point for activity during both day and night. I want to directly contact the owners of the vacant lots and invite them to either develop them on their own, or as part of joint ventures as alternatives to letting them languish indefinitely at prices that have not been accepted by the market and might not be for a long time.


Gary Mondfrans - 2 Year Seat

Palmetto Avenue renown as central to the Fog Fest can and should become Pacifica's "Main Street" and attract even more of the antiques and collectable businesses and other similar businesses which proliferate and draw tourists and visitors to the area. Distinctive themed development into an historic lighting district utilizing turn of the (last) century (1880's) style lighting and lamp fixtures similar to the way that the old street cars and cable cars draw tourists and visitors to San Francisco should be considered. Core to such development will be use of the former sewage treatment plant consistent with other west Sharp Park business and proximity to the Pier. What will ultimately be decided with respect to the destiny of the adjacent Sharp Park Golf Course will also have an substantial impact on the area. Both sites are valuable commodities and all viable alternatives must be explored so that the residents and taxpayers of Pacifica are not short-changed nor overly impacted. Promotion for development of the former treatment plant can be utilized through creative “web”ertising and RFPs (Requests for Proposals). As the Sharp Park Pier is the only pier in the Bay Area where Dungeoness crabbing is permitted thus making the pier not only a popular draw throughout the area, but something which can be exploited like Fisherman Wharf did in San Francisco. Improvements to the library should be on their on merits and not made a requirement of any specific proposal.

Pacifica needs to attract more of the kinds of businesses that will in turn attract tourist and visitors to Pacifica. Just as Martinez is known as an antiques and collectables center for the East Bay so can Pacifica which is just a few minutes south of San Francisco. Already many tourists and visitors are finding us through our existing hotels and the RV Park on Palmetto. Further promotion and outreach through interaction and advertising is the key. I'll bet few have even seen or heard about the advertising supplement which the San Francisco Examiner distributed last week in their "Discover Pacifica" edition. Fortunately additional copies will be printed and promoted at the Fog Fest. Each and every one of us can also help our neighboring businesses and those who work there by "Shopping Pacifica First".

Candidate Questionnaire : Would you support a detailed economic analysis of all Planning Commission, Planning Department, and General Plan land use decisions? Why or why not?

The Pacifica Chamber of Commerce submitted 12 questions to each of the candidates for Pacifica City Council. Every week we will be posting two questions, and the answers from each of the candidates.


Question 5: Would you support a detailed economic analysis of all Planning Commission, Planning Department, and General Plan land use decisions? Why or why not?


Gary Mondfrans – 2 Year Seat

The use of the word “all” here raises a concern in that such an analysis might become so onerous in and of itself as to become a detriment to what might otherwise may become a more streamlined approval process. A check-off in the review process similar to what is done with preliminary environmental reviews might be utilized instead in that projects which warrant further study due to significant negative and/or positive effects may warrant the need for either further study and/or enhancement.


Mike O'Neill – 2 Year Seat

Yes, like a great meal with several courses you need to have a great recipe and a mix of different spices. I would encourage sales tax, revenue generating businesses vs. the non taxable service businesses that are now the predominant business in Pacifica. I will push for an implement the full power of the City to proper planning. I will not be a doormat to anyone or anything. I am my own person and make my decisions. I will work cooperatively with all my fellow council members as I have with my fellow School Board members but will vote yes or no according to my beliefs and conscience. I am not afraid to ask questions of staff and will challenge staff or fellow Board Members if I have questions or concern. I am also willing to reach a consensus toward the common goal. A council that all think the same and do not discuss but rubber stamp is not good and a detriment to any progress in Pacifica. I will look at data, fiscal impact, sustainability, and benefits when making a decision.


Rich Campbell – 2 Year Seat

No. In general, I want to focus City staff on productive economic activity, not generating reports.


Victor Spano – 2 Year Seat

No. Who is going to pay for the analysis? We need to remove obstacles and barriers here, not erect new ones. A detailed Economic Analysis from a consultant is going to add $10,000 or more to a project cost. This kind of margin can make a project unfeasible. If you are going to have Economic Analysis, perhaps have requirement for larger projects...based on a threshold number of Square Feet proposed. (e.g. 8 or more housing units, 20,000 s.f. of commercial space, etc.)


Mary Ann Nihart – 4 Year Seat

Economics must be a component of land use decisions. However, a DETAILED analysis of “ALL planning commission, planning department, and general plan land use decisions” is simply not feasible. The cost and burden of this could be unfair to private landowners and unduly burdensome to the City. While I understand the sentiment, and strongly support making economics a part of the decision making process, I cannot agree with the extent and scope of the question due to the cost.


Susan Vellone – 4 Year Seat

Yes. The potential for economic growth does not need to be hindered. A progressive majority on Council can re-evaluate the Planning Dept. and Planning Commission, streamline and determine the proper course for economic stability. The current General Plan is not in line with this proactive process, reflects a different agenda, and is not good business for our community.


Karen Ervin – 4 Year Seat

Yes, it is important to have a clear and current evaluation of how viable the General Plan outlook is. Pacifica’s current economic plan is over 20 years old and we are currently developing a new one. Pacifica is over 50% open space; the land remaining needs to be properly zoned. We need a downtown and commercial opportunities.