Low income/affordable housing recent progress, San Mateo County

 

SF Gate/Filipa Loannou, 5/16/17. San Mateo County allocates millions for affordable housing."

 

"San Mateo County will spend more than $40 million to expand affordable housing stock for families, veterans and the elderly, the Board of Supervisors unanimously decided on Tuesday.  

The decision comes as a new study by UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies finds that one in three households of low-income tenants in San Mateo County displaced by eviction and rising rents experiences some period of homelessness or “marginal housing” like staying with family or friends in the two years following the displacement.

At a Tuesday morning meeting, supervisors voted to use $43.75 million raised by Measure K, a half-cent sales tax extension adopted by voters last year, on affordable housing programs over the next two years."  Read more.

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Related, San Mateo County. Article.  The Mercury News/Kevin Kelly, 5/17/17, "San Mateo County: Affordable housing gets big funding boost. County supervisors commit $44M toward new units over next 2 years." .... Of the funds, $35.75 million will go to the county’s Affordable Development and Preservation Fund; $5 million will go to the Housing Endowment and Regional Trust, a loan fund toward workforce housing; $1.4 million for tenant assistance programs; and $1.6 million for ongoing programming and staffing. The board earlier earmarked $22 million for the Preservation Fund, saying it could create 600 new units for seniors and begin development of 800 more units. The 62 percent funding increase suggests those figures could go significantly higher.  ....Since 2012, the county said it has spent $56.5 million toward 908 new housing units, of which 268 are complete, 73 are under construction and 567 are in development, according to the news release. It has also spent $13.1 million toward the preservation of 86 affordable rental units. Supervisors are expected to consider final recommendations for the 2017-2019 budget in June, with adoption expected in September."  County. County of San Mateo: Department of Housing;   Low Income Housing/Affordable Housing.  Ballot Measure,  Ballotpedia, Measure K, 11/8/16, yes 70.37%: 1/2 cent local sales tax ballot measure (expires in 20 years) text and voting results.  

 

Related, Pacifica. Article. Pacifica Tribune/Staff, 5/8/17,"Affordable senior housing renovated and ready to go." "It is hard to remember the old Ocean View Senior Apartments now that they have been renovated. City officials celebrated that fact when they rededicated the complex last month. .... Nonprofit BRIDGE Housing acquired the 100-apartment property at 555 Crespi Dr. in 2015 with the goal of preserving the property’s affordability and making needed capital improvements. BRIDGE is a nationally recognized nonprofit developer, owner and manager of affordable housing." ....    Financing for the $34 million recapitalization was provided by the County of San Mateo Department of Housing, the Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo, Merritt Community Capital Fund XVII, the California Housing Finance Agency, HEART of San Mateo County, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee. The rehabilitation architect was Marx Okubo Associates and the general contractor was Deacon Corp."  

 

Note photographs.  Upper right. Ocean View Senior apartments, 555 Crespi Drive, Pacifica from BRIDGE Housing.   Lower right from San Mateo County/Veterans' Affairs Menlo Park campus, Palo Alto online news, 7/5/16, "San Mateo County attempts to take on housing crisis."

 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Homeless in San Mateo County, a limited future

The Daily Journal (San Mateo County, Samantha Weigel), 5/22/17. "Homeless rate drops while some turn to their vehicles for shelter."

.... ... "On that January night, 637 people were unsheltered. About 20 percent or 127 people slept on the streets, another 95 people were in tents or encampments, 218 people were living in RVs, and 197 individuals stayed in cars. Another 616 homeless individuals stayed in emergency shelters or transitional housing, according to the report. The 1,253 homeless people accounted for 902 households, and the number of unsheltered families decreased 48 percent from 35 in 2015 to 19 this year, according to the report.

Can't we do better than this?
San Mateo County says YES!

Help is on the way...
in the near future we hope.

Based on geography, Pacifica had the most unsheltered homeless in the county with 112 people counted, marking a 78 percent increase from 2015. East Palo Alto followed with 98 homeless individuals for a 3 percent increase. Redwood City came in third with 94 unsheltered people, but which was a 58 percent decrease from 2015 when 223 people were counted, according to the report.
Some of the largest rises include San Bruno, where 26 homeless individuals accounted for a 225 percent increase from 2015, although data has varied widely over the years. Burlingame had a 200 percent increase with 21 people counted, the highest since the 2009 survey. The city of San Mateo had 48 people living without shelter, a 41 percent reduction, according to the survey.
Staff will continue to compile the information before releasing a more comprehensive report in June. Ultimately, the information will steer future programming decisions.
 
Resolving homelessness. Following the 2015 survey, the Human Services Agency agency reworked its Strategic Plan to End Homelessness by 2020. Published last year, a cornerstone of the update included the Coordinated Entry System — a multi-disciplinary effort to guide those facing homelessness toward stability, said Human Services Agency spokeswoman Effie Verducci.“Our vision is that homelessness in San Mateo County by 2020 will be a rare, brief and non-reoccurring state,” Verducci said. “We really want it to be a meaningful path through the system and that they come out of it on the other side equipped with tools to not return into the system.”   Read article.

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Related, San Mateo County homeless trend.   Pacfica Tribune/Bay Area News Group/Jane Northrop, 1/27/15, update 8/12/16, "Volunteers seek homeless in Pacifica." "The final report is typically published in May. In 2013, there were 2,281 homeless people living in San Mateo County, up slightly from 2,149 in 2011 and increased significantly since 2009, when the county found 1,796 without shelter. In 2013, the greatest increase seen was among people living in cars (83 percent) and recreational vehicles (59 percent).  There was also good news in 2013. The number of people observed living on the street dropped 24 percent from 2011 to 2013, thanks largely to outreach teams connecting street homeless to services, and an increase in funding to re-house more of those in shelters."   The Daily Journal, San Mateo County/Brendan Bartholomew,6/24/13,"Homeless numbers way up in Pacifica." "The Department of Housing and Urban Development requires communities to count their homeless populations every two years. Most homeless counts around the country increased from 2007 to 2009, and peaked in 2011, Katz said. For the 2013 count, she said homeless numbers fell in most places, but not in Pacifica."    Related, organization always doing their part to help low-income, and homeless people in this City, Pacifica Resource Center.     Note photographs.  Homeless camp by Ann Cooney from the related Pacifica Tribune/Jane Northrop 8/12/16 article above, slide 2 of 4.  Help from Pacifica Patch/Renee Schiavone, 3/24/15, "'Sharp Decline' Reported in unsheltered homeless in San Mateo County."

 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Humane Society Goes To Extraordinary Lengths To Save Pelican

Bay City News Service

Published 7:37 pm, Thursday, May 25, 2017

The Peninsula Humane Society and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took extraordinary measures to save the life of a lethargic, emaciated and hypothermic pelican found on a Pacifica beach Tuesday.

"It was clear the pelican was dying," Lead Wildlife Technician Greg Hassett said in a statement.

"I decided to try one last effort to save his life by creating a makeshift warming tent of clean towels with warm forced air and provided oxygen to the pelican while keeping his airway open," Hassett said.

He also administered intravenous drugs to improve circulation. Another wildlife technician and two interns took turns massaging the pelican and holding the oxygen tube to his airways until the bird began to fight back.

Read more...

Posted by Steve Sinai

Memorial Day, Monday May 29, 2017

From Time and date.com, "Memorial Day in the United States."

"Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season. 

Honoring men and women
who died in military service.

What do people do? ....  Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. ...

Background.  Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date."

Note photographs. Flags by Alex Brandon/Associated Pres from SF Gate/Chronicle staff report, 5/26/17, "Reduced public transit in Bay Area on Memorial Day." 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

City Council budget study session, Thursday May 25, 2017

Attend in person, 2212 Beach Boulevard, 2nd floor. This special meeting may not be televised, Channel 26 television schedule. 

Interactive City Council Study Session, 5/25/17.    Study session agenda, 5/25/15, pdf pages 4.

Open study session,  6:30 p.m.
1.   Fiscal Year 2017-18, proposed budgets for various City Funds, including Parks, Beaches and Recreation, Public Works, Wastewater Division, and other Funds.
a)  Parks, Beaches & Recreation Budget Summary, pdf pages 1.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Tribute to John Curtis, the good 'ol days

For those who may not know the extent and history of NIMBISM (the art of blocking development and progress) in this City.

Pacifica Tribune/Special/Peter Loeb, 2/16/17. "Life Tributes:  John Curtis."

John Curtis NIMBY hero, d. 12/2/16.

 

"John Curtis passed away December 2, 2016, at age 70. ... involved in Pacifica politics and environmental causes for more than 40 years.

... 1973...  member... which defeated a referendum on the 805-condominium project... on Cattle Hill at the end of Fassler Avenue.  .... late 1970s... member of...  group that defeated a plan to extend Highway 380 to the coast.  .... 1977... heading off a 258-acre redevelopment plan at Mori Point, Rockaway Beach and the Quarry...  ....  in the ‘80s John was a member of Friends of Pacifica which opposed the development of Mori Point.... 

... 2004 ... helped defeat Measure E which would have allowed 315 units of housing in the Quarry.  ... 2006 John worked to defeat Measure L which would have allowed 355 housing units in the Quarry.  ... 2007, John was presented with the Open Space Preservation Award, given by the Open Space Committee. ..."  Read more.

Related. From Pacifica Quarry/John Curtis at City Council, 10/9/2006, YouTube, 1:34 minutes.  Note the photograph image is from the YouTube link.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

City Council Meeting, Monday May 22, 2017

Attend in person, 2212 Beach Boulevard, 2nd floor. Or view on local television or live feed Pacific Coast TV. If you missed meetings, view on PCT26 YouTube!  The city council meeting begins at 7 p.m., or shortly there following. City Council updates and archives are available on the City Council website.      Channel 26 television schedule, see Monday, 05/22/17.

Interactive City Council Agenda, 5/22/17.      City Council Agenda, 5/22/17, pdf pages 648.

Closed session, 5:30 p.m.

Item 10.  And what are your local NIMBIES doing for you today?
Continued TRAFFIC hazard forever, what else.

Friend Deelopment LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, price and terms of payment, 2212 Beach Blvd.

Open session, 7:00 p.m.

Call to order, roll call, salute to flag.  Closed Session Report if any. Special Presentations:  Proclamation - Pacificans Care.

Consent Calendar
1.     Approval of financial disbursements, report.  a) 2/15/17 - 5/10/17.
2.     Rental agreement, Pacifica School District, child care services, FY (school year) 2017-18, amount $142,272, report. a) Lease.
3.     Amend City ordinance to increase Sewer Charges (second reading).  Report, Ordinance, pdf pages 6. 
4.     Amend City Fireworks ordinance, report, Ordinance, pdf pages 5.

5.     Amend City (affordable and related) housing ordinance, compliance with State housing element: PlaceWorks consultant: not to exceed $100,000, FYs 16-18,  report. a)  Agreement, pdf pages 10. b)  Action program and status, pdf pages 6. c)  Planning and service proposal, pdf pages 38.   

Communications - Public (Oral); City Council; City Staff.   

Public hearings
6.     Appeal the Planning Commission's 3/20/17 denial to extend development permits for a 9-unit condominium development, 1567 Beach Blvd (APN 016-011-190).  a) Appeal Letter, 3/30/2017. b) Approved project, 5/14/07.  c) PC Minutes 12/19/2016. d) PC report, 12/19/16. e)  PC report 3/20/2017. f)   Attachment 06 - Planning Commission Minutes 3/20/17
g)  PC Resolution, 3/20/17.  h) Mitigated Negative Declaration.  i) Appellant Cover Letter 3/20/17.  j) Vector Vision Stormwater Response 3/20/17.  k) GeoSoils Inc. Letter 3/19/17.

Consideration
7.     Wet Weather Equalization project:  1) Construction to Sierra Mountain Construction, Inc., 2) Additional engineering services to Freyer & Laureta, Inc. (second amendment), report, pdf pages 4:  a)  SMCI agreement, pdf pages 9, b)  F&L agreement, pdf pages 9.
8.    Resolution authorizing sale of Wastewater Revenue Bonds to finance improvements and related documents and action, $27,000,000  Report, resolution, pdf pages 9.  a) Preliminary official statement, pdf pages 67.  b) Indenture of Trust, pdf pages 53. c)  Bond purchase contract, pdf pages 25. d)  Installment sale agreement, pdf pages 29.
9.     Review current Rent Advisory Task Force committee activities, report. a) RATF charter guidelines.
10.   Councilmember Deirdre Martin's letter to Caltrans and San Mateo Transportation Authority to reject and repurpose funds previously designated for Highway 1 widening (Calera Parkway Project) for "other City infrastructure needs", review at 6/12/17 meeting, report:
a) Letter (draft), b) Letter (draft) Public Works/Van Ocampo, Director.
11.   Economic Development Committee appointments, report:  a) Applicants.
Adjourn. 
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Reference, Item 10, Highway 1 widening project Caltrans District 4 | Highway 1 / Calera Parkway.   Related. "Traffic at Reina del Mar" photograph by Horace Hinshaw from Pacifica Tribune/Jane Northrop, Staff Writer, 3/22/17, "City bans new highway lanes, Ordinance forbids Highway 1 widening without voter approval."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Illegitimate Councilmember Martin's attempt to kill Highway 1 widening

I noticed the following on the agenda for the May 22 Pacifica City Council meeting -

Consideration  of  Request  by  Councilmember  Martin  that  the  City  Transmit  a  Letter  to
Caltrans  and  the San  Mateo  Transportation  Authority  Requesting  the  Repurposing  of
Funds Previously Designated for the Widening of Highway 1 (Calera Parkway Project).

PROPOSED ACTION:  

Move to direct staff to work with Councilmember Martin to finalize a letter addressed to
Caltrans and the San Mateo Transportation Authority to redirect funds previously designated
for the Calera Parkway Project to other infrastructure needs in the City and include
the letter for formal review and consideration by the City Council at its regular
meeting of June 12, 2017

Here is the initial draft of Martin's letter requesting Highway 1 widening funds be redirected elsewhere -

Remember, the only reason Martin is on council is because she gamed the election to guarantee herself a seat. By pursuing the endorsement of the San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee, Martin changed the classification of the election from non-partisan to partisan. Since the Hatch Act says government employees cannot run in partisan elections, VA employee Mary Ann Nihart was forced to withdraw from the race, which guaranteed Martin a spot on council.

Martin decided her own self-interests were more important than letting Pacificans choose who would be on council.

Martin cannot legitimately claim that her election to council, nor her actions on council, represent the will of the voters.

I've seen nothing that indicates the majority of citizens of Pacifica want to stop Highway 1 widening. If the small group of NIMBYS who want to stop highway widening are so sure they represent the desires of Pacifica voters, why are they afraid to have a vote on this issue?

Posted by Steve Sinai