Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Has Pacifica become a Colma for Whales?

Updated 10:29 am, Tuesday, May 5, 2015


For the second time in three weeks, a dead whale washed up on the shores of Pacifica.

The carcass, which appears to be that of a 25-foot humpback whale, was discovered sometime late Monday, said Laura Sherr with the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito.

The whale was washing around in the breakers at low tide Tuesday morning, and scientists were waiting to see whether it washed farther up on shore or was pulled back out to sea.

If the whale stays on the beach, scientists will examine it to see if there is any obvious cause of death and decide if a necropsy is necessary.

Read more -

Posted by Steve Sinai

61 comments:

Sharon said...

Is the location clear yet? The CBS article said "same beach" as the sperm whale but NBC seemed to indicate a different location.

Save the Whales said...

Whales are realizing that they're in Pacifica and are dying of embarassment.

Anonymous said...

Hey Marine Mammal Institute, etc. You want to cut it open? Do it at your house.

Anonymous said...

Like Republican candidates for President they're everywhere!

Sharon said...

If it's on Sharp Park /Salada Beach and doesn't wash away by it's self guess we can expect more bureaucratic delays on removal since there seems to be no agreement on whose problem it is. At least that should make Local Lib happy

Anonymous said...

What's the difference between these whales and Pacifica's economic plan?

The whales show more signs of life.

Anonymous said...

This is too easy. I say we take all the fireworks confiscated on the 4th and load it into the whales and BOOM! So PC incorrect, but think about the visual. Hey 12:14, bet you'd watch.

Sharon said...

KTVU news just showed the location opposite the Golf Course so that would eliminate GGNRA from any responsibility. Now it's just SF, Pacifica and the County to toss the ball around.

Anonymous said...

Do something? Not even if dead whales lined the beaches like boxcars from the pier to Pedro Point.

Anonymous said...

Still asking...where is MAYOR Karen Ervin, she needs to be on top of this, as our Mayor. Leadership! I am too very disappointed in Mike O'Neill. As a renaissance man, he should know exactly what to do, and how to do it. For that matter, I blame the entire Pacifica City Council, and this is just another reason why we must not widen Highway One.

Anonymous said...

6:26
Oh please! What a silly stretch of idiotic logic.
The Mayor and Council can provide lot's of leadership, which they do and don't do, depending on which way the wind blows. but......
This is an action for City Manager and Public Works to figure out and hasten.

Anonymous said...

Any signs of life at city hall? Has anyone heard a peep from them about the whales? Overcome by grief? O'Neill bound and gagged somewhere? I know the whales are not on Pacifica real estate but this is not an everyday event. All that crap they put out about communication and now dead silence. Whales, we got whales! Not even a disclaimer of responsibility. Hello hello anybody home? Speak!

Anonymous said...

1114 Be kind. I think he/she wakes up that way.

Sharon said...

A week or so ago I emailed the city manager and got a response from the HR person saying the police chief said it would be removed. I really couldn't figure out what the HR and Police CHief had to do with this situation, seem to me the Director of Public Works would have been a more appropriate person to receive a response from.

Steve Sinai said...

I expect they'll let it sit there and decompose rather than removing it.

Are the "We are at one with the earth" folk going to have a memorial service for this one like they did the other one? Perhaps a drum circle with people standing around holding lit candles and singing, "To the Last Whale" by Crosby and Nash?

Anonymous said...

Peee Yeuuu! The stink is really starting to grow.
I sure hope that all of the moneyed tourists visiting our little ocean hamlet don't think that this is our normal smell.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
What's the difference between these whales and Pacifica's economic plan?

The whales show more signs of life.

May 5, 2015 at 3:39 PM

This could just be the Best Post of 2015.

Bravo, Bravo!

Anonymous said...

Today's Tribune says that Chris Porter, president elect of the Pacifica Chamber of Commerce, resigned from the Chamber board. Chris was also the Chamber representative on the city's Economic Development Committee.

What's going on with the Chamber and Economic Development Committee?

Anonymous said...

Feckless Pacifica City Council trapped downwind of rotting whales. That's what happens when you're so useless you can't even explain why you won't act. Truly pathetic. Hey, what else is new?

Anonymous said...

With three you get tartar sauce.

Anonymous said...

Nothings going on at the Chamber!
They're all having a "whale" of a time doing stuff.

Anonymous said...

430 Cheer leaders have feelings, too. And brains.

Anonymous said...

Chris Porter cited personal reasons. Hope it's for fun and relaxation. Jim Wagner also resigned so that he could focus on building his PAC (political action committee) to support all his fav issues. Those issues could sure use some support. And an electable candidate or two for 2016.

Anonymous said...

The Chamber is deader than these two whales. Did you read today's Tribune about the board members jumping from the SS Chamber of Horrors before it sinks? There's a full-on mutiny going on over there. Probably a bunch of members are wondering wtf the Chamber is doing fighting for a freeway while doing zilch about the hostile business environment in our town or its collapsing shopping centers. Good stuff.

Way to go, guys. High fives all around and a round at Nick's on me!

Anonymous said...

Yo, O'Neil, I know you read this blog religiously... what the heck, man? Is anyone going to do anything about two huge rotting carcasses on our beaches or what? Somebody...ANYBODY...SAY SOMETHING!!!

No wonder we're the laughing stock of San Mateo County.

Anonymous said...

The rot-in-place strategy is not new to Pacifica. Look around. Seriously, after a few days of decomp, and, regardless of which bureaucracy is calling the shots, it's kinda impossible to move a whale. Maybe dig a hole next to it and shovel it in, but you're not moving that mess anywhere. Might as well let nature do her work right there on the beach. Sounds like a plan.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the Chamber may have decided what it doesn't want to be. That could be good for the entire business community.

enough is enough said...

Supporting Highway 1 widening IS supporting local business.
Pacifica has got to get out of this stagnant bubble of self imposed pain.
The whole SF bay area is experiencing an economic boom while we rot like whale carcasses.
This town needs intelligent development (not urban sprawl), unclogged roadways, improved fire and safety services and emergency infrastructure repair.
Fretting about imaginary Plover habitats with imaginary fencing and all of the other nonsense we waste our time on is killing our fair city.
Stop the nuttiness.
This is real life and real money is required to modernize and civilize our human habitat.

Mystic Pizza said...

I foresee a Third Whale!

Anonymous said...

1107 Tell your whale to bring money so we can buy 933 that pony he wants.

Satriale's Pork Store said...

If we had an economy and if we had a real butcher shop or a shop like Satriale's Pork Store, we could have just taken the whales to the back of the store and cut them up and disposed of them.

Pepperoni in my veins said...

The local pizza shops could have done a special deal. Buy one whale pizza get one half off.

Not enough thinking men, in this town any more!!

The Chamber of Conmerce is the 3rd Whale said...

Oh, my dearest Enough Is Enough, you just don't get it, do you? No wonder the Chamber is disintegrating. It's directing it's limited resources towards doing Caltrans' work rather than helping Chamber members. LOL. No wonder Chamber members are pissed!

Bruce Ross & Company is just the latest small Pacifica biz being forced out by outrageous rent increases, but you go widen that highway, man! I'm sure knowing that you're working tirelessly on a "safety modernization" (LOL!) at Reina Del Mar will help Bruce sleep at night.

RIP, Pacifica Businesses.

Anonymous said...

The Chamber was hijacked. Let's hope these latest changes signal a return to basics with more focus on member concerns and less on controversial issues and personal crusades. Get back in step with the community.

Anonymous said...

805 And this time it isn't Kimco raising the rent, it's whoever owns the Pedro Point strip mall. 30% rent increase!

Anonymous said...

Let's see. You're in business in Pacifica. The last election tells you what you already knew, ie, Pacificans don't want the highway widened. Yet, the loudest voices in your Chamber of Commerce are shilling for Caltrans. You need your Chamber working for you. Yeah, enough is enough.

Anonymous said...

Imagine you're a dues-paying Chamber member. Stores are closing on either side of you; business owners like yourself are being forced out due to aggressive landlords.  The city won't help you and is actively working against you by doing things like fining you for putting up a sidewalk sign, jacking up fake fees for things like fire inspections, etc. You're at wits end and don't know where to turn for help.

 

Normally you'd turn to your Chamber, but they're too busy spending their time, resources, and (your) money on putting together a printed phonebook, taking out childish highway ads in the Tribune, and printing up "safety widening" buttons to wear at the next council meeting.

 

Since business owners like me are pretty much on their own in this town, you have to wonder why any of us pay Chamber dues. Seriously, what are we getting for our money?

Kathy Meeh said...

1042, Vote results: anti-progress -4.84%; pro-progress +4.84%. And that's after the usual (except even worse) nasty, lying, cheating campaign from anti-progress, coupled with too many pro-progress candidates.

Contrary to your comment, there is no mandate against highway improvement. Why would there be? Save time, save money, save lives. And, how many years has it been since the highway has been updated to accommodate increased traffic? In the past 30 years, the population in California has something like doubled, figure it out.

1027, what "community" are you talking about. The one that wants nothing for this city, and no additional taxes; or, the one that wants to increase business potential, and still wants no additional taxes?

1207, interesting point that the Chamber should be doing more for you and your business, but with regard to improved city infrastructure the issue is hardly either, or. Improved city infrastructure should generally help city business. What do you think the Chamber should be doing for you?

Anonymous said...

Vote results: Incumbent Sue Digre top vote-getter by a wide margin, incumbent Mike O'Neill came in next, first-time candidate John Keener elected with a substantial margin of votes between him and next candidate. Keener ran on a single issue platform of opposition to the Caltrans highway widening plan.

The only vote results that matter is who got elected.

Anonymous said...

Hi 8:05:

Per Nextdoor Pedro Point, Bruce Ross and Co. is not closing! It is true that rent was increased by 30% (which does not make sense given that there are large vacancies in the Pedro Point mall), but Bruce Ross is not planning to close, he is looking to relocate, take on an investor, or do something other than close.

Just want to make that clear because rumors spread like wildfire in this town!!

Anonymous said...

129 Well, there's plenty of empty locations around town, but he has a great spot. Maybe the rapacious, gouging landlord you know is better than the one you don't? I wouldn't want to be in business in Pacifica.

Anonymous said...

2 out of 3 seats went to anti-widening candidates. Pure speculation, but if the well-known Leon, Lancelle or even Campbell had run in place of Dougherty or even beside Dougherty, Mike O'Neill would have been out. The voters' mood was anti-widening and anti-bullshit on the subject. Next election coming up fast and I think we'll see further voter consolidation behind anti-widening. Stop the project, no matter what it takes.

Anonymous said...

117 For a lot of voters the honesty of Digre and Keener about their positions on highway-widening sealed the deal. You knew where they stood, they were consistent regardless of the audience, they didn't dissemble or duck. A couple of the other contenders behaved like frogs on a griddle when asked a direct question. We don't need any more of them.

Needs To Figure Out Google Maps said...

What did one dead whale on the beach say to the other dead whale on the beach?

Son of a beach, at least we are not stuck on Highway 1 in traffic every day!

Kathy Meeh said...

117, 257, 311 thanks (not) for your NIMBY "end justifies the means" view of Pacifica world again. We've been living with the fallout of that ideology for the past 30 years+ and it stinks-- because, City residents are divided; the City doesn't have economic balance, and runs a deficient in cash/revenue which negatively affects and impacts City infrastructure, (while increasing City and resident risk).

It is true that NIMBIES can count to three (3), Digre, Keener, Dougherty, some only two (2), Digre, Keener (which was more efficient for winning the election). Whereas, O'Neill (the second highest vote-getter), Ruchames, Spano, and Dyer split the three (3) possible votes four (4) ways. And, that's why the two (2) NIMBY candidates won: along with nasty tactics, NIMBIES won through election strategy, rather than voter highway improvement hate, duh.

Moving on... (aka: most NIMBY "alternative" comments are a waste of time). Want to be productive? Promote/share/educate earth sciences, (examples, growing gardens, saving water, understanding a viewing wildlife, update global warming issues as recognized by government agencies).

But stop blocking progress in this city, and stop filing bogus/frivolous appeals and lawsuits. The damage caused by over three (3) decades of such tactics is irresponsible and irreparable. Sure for NIMBIES, such economic damage is a win, for the rest of us and for NIMBIES its a huge structural, financial and social loss. That's why Pacifica has the worst City General Fund economic base (#20, out of 20 cities) in San Mateo County. Oh yeah, another "win" for NIMBIES.

Anonymous said...

Julie Lancelle, is sniffing around and thinking about running again.

Anonymous said...

Bruce Ross & Company is the hair cutting shop in Pedro Point Shopping Center.

Ross Dress for Less is in Linda Mar Shopping Center.

The owners lost the main tenant at Pedro Point Shopping Center. Fresh & Easy also subleases the Tattoo Place.

Nextdoor is about as credible as, I heard it from a guy, who heard it from a guy, who heard it from a guy he sat next to in a Bar.

Whale of a Tale said...

What was the last thing the whale said before it died?

Watch me as I do my best impression of Pacifica's future!

Anonymous said...

348 Yeah, Lancelle's looking for Pacifica's Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Wait til she finds out one of the whales ate it.

Jonah and the Whale said...

Jonah had a better chance than Pacifica ever being a vibrant city!

Anonymous said...

3:50 -- thanks (I guess) for listing various tenants of the Pedro point and Linda Mar shopping centers, but what is your point?

I posted the info. about the Bruce Ross hair salon NOT closing to respond to another poster who said it is.

The information that Pedro Point's Bruce Ross Salon is NOT closing came from Bruce himself (he is a Pedro Point resident and posts on Next door) and from his clients, who also post on nextdoor.

Rest assured -- it is credible.




Anonymous said...

Don't mind 3:50. S/he felt like having a melt down about something. I hope Bruce is able to relocate but at this point he doesn't have an alternative space lined up so when his foors shut, they may be shut for a while. (from Bruce himself, so don't freak out again, 3:50).

Anonymous said...

As credible as our city council, city attorney, and city managers.

Past and present.

Anonymous said...

When I watch the local news, when ever something happens, the city mayors are there talking to the media, and taking the heat.

Friends of mine says the mayor of San Bruno gives out his business cards with his cell phone number. He takes calls and is always keeping residents informed.

The Oakland mayor was talking to citizens and also is open with the media.

Where is Karen Ervin, she is our mayor and nothing but campaign promises.

Anonymous said...

What is there for the mayor to talk about?

Anonymous said...

What might the mayor say about this crisis? Ummmm. C'mon now my fellow Pacificans, you know this is not the first thing to stink in Pacifica and it won't be the last. And, no, neither of the whales is carrying the missing 4 million. The whales aren't even on Pacifica property so our hands are tied--we can't even hand it over to one of our committees. Allowing whales to decompose right where they land is the cheapest and most enviro-friendly way to dispose of them. ummm, okay, that's it, we've communicated. Who's up for sushi?

Jack D. at Winters said...

I agree with 8:16. Cheeky wonkie Len Stone loved to be on the news camera whenever. Karen is camera shy in comparison. Being a media savoy is part of good leadership and political aspirination. Karen's reticence with the media is something she should try to work on in the future. As mayor she needs to project a confident image to attract investorments to Pacificans confidince. Anyways, what could Karen possbly say about the dead whale other than it's dead?. With her sientific background, maybe she might have some illuminated remarks.

Sharon said...

She could inform us of the the plan to dispose of the smelly and unsanitary problem on our public beach

Mystic Pizza said...

Mystic Pizza said...
I foresee a Third Whale!

May 6, 2015 at 11:07 PM


THE THIRD WHALE HAS LANDED! What's the chances of that! Tri-Fecta!

Tom Clifford said...

This time at Manor, City promises to remove it quickly.

Anonymous said...

Yup, might be fresh enough to tow. Fab Five standing by in their personal zodiacs right now.