You Are Invited to Participate in the Planning for Pacifica’s New Library

The planning for a new Pacifica Library entered its second phase earlier this year with a focus on library programming options, floor design layouts, and cost modeling. The San Mateo County Library, in partnership with the City of Pacifica, the Pacifica Library Foundation, and the Pacifica Friends of the Library, contracted with Group 4 Architecture to conduct this crucial second phase of the new building program. As part of the process, the city designated a portion of the land in the Beach Boulevard Project as the site for the new library, to serve as an anchor for the project and as an important part of the Palmetto District revitalization.

A vital component of the planning phase is a series of public meetings known as “charettes,” through which the public can give input into various library- programming elements that could be included in the new library. These meetings represent important opportunities for city residents to contribute ideas and convey preferences so that, in the end, Pacifica gets the library it needs and deserves. Library designers from Group 4 Architecture will conduct the charettes this month, and all the partners in the project want and need your participation.

Here are the dates for the upcoming charettes:

Thursday, March 15, 7pm at Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School 

 

Saturday, March 17, 10am at Cabrillo School Multipurpose Room

These two charettes will be identical so that as many residents as possible can attend one or the other meeting. Please take this opportunity to participate in the ongoing process to build a new library in Pacifica, identified as a critical need for the quality of life in our city. The library provides essential services for all residents of Pacifica: support for formal education, lifelong-learning resources for job skills retraining, online access to apply for unemployment benefits, job applications, college applications and so much more that contributes to the healthy life of a community. 

The recently completed Library Needs Assessment clearly showed that, due to facility constraints, Pacifica’s current libraries are not providing the full range of services that neighboring cities enjoy. Benchmarking with other comparable libraries shows that, at best, the facilities can support library services at only one-third the level a city of our size needs. Pacifica’s libraries are well-regarded and well-used, and the city’s residents need library services now more than ever. By providing these services, a new public library will contribute not only to the healthy life of our community but will also serve as an anchor for business development and a source of civic pride.

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming charettes!

Submitted by Thom Ball

Drive city decisions by "real data" - tax and sheriff considerations

Pacifica Tribune, Letters-to-the-editor, 3/6/12, "Real data needed" by Michael Varney 

"I would like to commend the Pacifica City Council for having the courage to not recommend putting the 1/2 cent sales tax on the June ballot. Although the city clearly has serious financial issues to resolve, it is the responsibility of the council to investigate and understand the risks and benefits of all reasonable solutions prior to choosing a plan of attack.

Making sure we get what's inside the box.

With regards to law enforcement services, the council has not yet done its diligence by investigating the potential cost savings and the true advantages and disadvantages of having the County Sheriff provide these services in place of the Pacifica Police.

I realize this a politically sensitive topic for many Pacificans, but if we are to ensure we are charting the best course for our city long-term, we need to make sure we know what our options are and evaluate them in an objective fashion. Scare tactics regarding gangs and lawlessness seem unfounded based on the last six-and-a-half years that I have lived here. 

We should use real data to drive our decision making. What have other cities experienced after having made the switch? Did they really save money? Did their crime rates go up? Was the quality of the service diminished? Right now we don't know the answers to any of these questions, and until we do, we would be at serious risk of making a bad decision. With regards to the 1/2 sales tax, what if the voters don't approve it? Pacificans are unlikely to approve a tax increase without a compelling rationale. How can the council build such a rationale if they have not first investigated all their options? Such as outsourcing the police?"

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Saying goodbye to past Councilmember Jim Vreeland

True, City Councilmember Jim Vreeland did everything but help build a sustainable city economy when there were advantages, and when it was needed.  Now we need to try to fix that.   

Pacifica Tribune, Letters-to-the-editor, 3/6/12, "Support for Jim" by Paul Jones and Family

Editor: The news of Jim Vreeland's resignation brings to mind all the great things he did for Pacifica during his 15 years serving on City Council.

White holes award for Pacifica economy.

Jim was a dedicated member of the Council whose effectiveness is best told in a list of accomplishments. These include being a champion for: the San Pedro Creek flood protection project, the Linda Mar State Beach restoration effort, the new trail between Rockaway and Linda Mar, securing funding for erosion control and trail repairs on Cattle Hill, the construction of the Calera Creek treatment plant and the retrofit of the solar panels, securing funding for the acquisition of the coastal strip of land next to Chit Chat cafe, the tunnel and transportation issues in general as a representative on the County Transportation Authority, all things pertaining to GGNRA and making park lands better in Pacifica including the acquisition of Mori Point, the steelhead fish barrier removal projects at Capistrano Avenue and in San Pedro Valley County Park, the restoration of San Pedro headlands, construction of the new police station, and the skateboard park. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is sufficient to highlight some of Jim's major accomplishments.

There is no doubt Pacifica is better off due to his hard work, skillful leadership, and dedication to his community and we wish him well."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

City Council Agenda, Monday, March 12, 2012

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, 3/12/12, pages 1-68.   Item #12 revised by city, 3/9/12.

A.  Closed session (5:30 pm)

1)   Labor negotiations, conference with labor negotiator for Pacifica Police Officers Association, Police Supervisors Association, Police Management Teamsters local 350.

2)   Conference with legal counsel, anticipated litigation.

B.  Open session (7:00pm)

Call to order, salute to the flag, commission liaisons, closed session report (if any).

Consent Calendar (pass through), pages 1-2.

City Council quorum needs 1 more piece

1.   Approval of cash disbursements.

2.   Approval of Minutes (meeting of 2/27/12).

3.   Continuation of local emergency proclamation (approve)
4.   Regional FEMA grant assistance to upgrade Firefighter equipment, $508,082.
5.   Parkland Park and Recreation fees ordinance amendment.
6.   California State Department of Education fiscal year 2011-2012, $156,000 contract grant amendment, (already included in the program budget).
7.   San Pedro Creek Bridge Replacement additional budget funding agreement, Wilsey Ham $205,528 from Highway 1 Fund 12, to be reimbursed by San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA).
8.   Purchase of Ford Police Interceptor Utility (K9 Patrol), $28,217.62.
9.   Regional ABAG, FEMA mandated hazard local mitigation plan compliance and grant funding.  

Special Presentation - Red Cross proclamation
Public hearing - None

Consideration
10.  Economic Development Committee City Logo  (4 sample variations) for promotional purposes.
11   Mid-year budget review report, approve and adopt adjustments.
12.  Intent to  revise city sewer charges, fiscal tax year 2012-2013, 3.4043%, 11.1381%.
13.  Within 60 days of the city council member vacancy, appoint a successor or hold a special election. "The special election shall be held on the next regularly established election date not less than 114 days from the call of the special election. The person appointed or elected to fill a vacancy holds office for the unexpired term of the former incumbent."  See Discussion: A. "Summary of Application Law", page 58, Agenda above.  
14.  Resolution that city council members are expected to attend all meetings, and will adopt an attendance policy. 
15.  Appoint a representative to serve on the Housing Our People Effective (HOPE).
Adjourn

Posted by Kathy Meeh

THE PERFECT STORM

   

 The term "perfect storm" refers to the unlikely confluence of a number of separate weather systems uniting to form a maelstrom of catastrophic proportions. Such an analogy could well describe the financial situation Pacifica finds itself in today; the line graph of our budget reserves looks alarmingly like a barometer in free fall.

 

    The first front that hit us was the disastrous global recession that followed the collapse of the housing market, triggering business and bank failures, the foreclosure epidemic, and wide scale job losses. Equity, built up over years, vanished overnight. Government revenues dried up, and cities struggled to support programs and meet payrolls negotiated in fatter times.

 

    These conditions were, of course, widespread, but two other elements of our "perfect storm" seem to be unique to Pacifica. One is the sharp philosophical and political differences between the pro-growth, business-friendly faction, on the one hand, and the anti-development, environmental faction on the other. This antagonism, often simmering below the surface, occasionally exploding into view, has historically divided our community. Sometimes portrayed as "Chamber of Commerce vs. Planning Commission", the battles have mostly gone to the environmentalists (with the thankful exception of Sharp Park). But their victories have left us with an abundance of unproductive open land and a serious shortage of sustainable revenue. This was survivable for quite a while with regular influxes of State and Federal cash, but those days are gone. We're on our own. With little busuness and no development to bring in the money, our only recourse has been the distasteful choice between raising taxes and cutting services. The stark options detailed by the Financing City Services Task Force leaves no doubt that we have arrived at a critical juncture.

 

    The third element, to complete the analogy, is the apparent inability of our City Council to effectively, collectively, deal with the problem. Splintered along the ideological lines noted above, the Council has been further handicapped over the last year or so by the numerous absences of Jim Vreeland. Discussions and decisions have been avoided, or delayed, or relegated to committees. The Council, at times, has seemed overwhelmed. Mary Ann Nihart and Len Stone inspire some confidence, but the two of them don't constitute a majority. They need help. Vreeland's resignation and Pete DeJarnatt's impending retirement will solve part of the problem. The full solution will depend on who replaces them.

 

    The mechanics of the replacement have not yet been decided, but I would hope that whoever winds up in Vreeland's seat can think beyond the old entrenched positions of the past. We need someone who would support a healthy, pro-growth, business-friendly agenda while still protecting our unique coastside environment. It's a matter of balance.If Council can show itself to be as good a steward of our money as they are of of our hills, the community might be more willing to raise taxes. We certainly don't need any more hard-core ideologues or political gadflies. We need a Council that, despite any personal differences, can work together to ensure the social, environmental and financial future of Pacifica. If that happened, I might consider voting for a sales tax increasa. It might be the only way to weather this storm.

 

Paul Slavin

Local Pacifican finds country in Oregon

Dave "The Duke" Sholin is a buddy of mine. Our quarterly breakfast/lunch catch-ups will be harder to pursue in his new digs as DJ of the best country western station in Oregon. Check him out on-line.

http://ksjj1029.com/page.php?jock_id=10102&page_id=72085

Jim Wagner

Sharp Park workers killed rare frogs, groups say

Peter Fimrite

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Environmental groups Monday accused San Francisco of killing California red-legged frogs and illegally moving their eggs during winter flooding at Sharp Park Golf Course, the latest volley in an ongoing scrap over the endangered species that inhabits the city-owned links.

The accusations by the Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club and National Parks Conservation Association were filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco in an attempt to win an immediate judgment against the city for the frog deaths. The complaint alleges that golf course employees or contractors moved stranded frog eggs to another pond to hide evidence that their pumping activities were killing frogs.

"The facts are indisputable, and we'd like the court to immediately rule before trial on the red-legged frog," said Jeff Miller, conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, who claimed to have photographic evidence of frog deaths and egg removals. "This is the second consecutive year we've caught them and the sixth time in the last 10 years that they've killed red-legged frogs."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/03/05/BA8K1NGABP.DTL#ixzz1oNVJeLAW

Posted by Steve Sinai

Frog and snake life outside Pacifica is good

Half Moon Bay Review/Mark Noack, 3/1/12. "District finds success in frog comeback, La Honda preserve rehabilitated for amphibians, rangers."

"Red-legged frogs, San Francisco garter snakes and even a couple park rangers can all claim a new home at the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve as part of plans to rehabilitate the old ranchland. Buoyed by the success of a pilot project last year, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is ramping up plans to convert the old cattle ponds into habitat for the endangered frogs and snakes. Meanwhile, the open-space district is also advancing plans to restore an old farmhouse as a home for rangers.

"Don't let one of those giants step on you!"

The La Honda preserve has about 25 ponds that are still being used as a water source for the hundreds of cows that graze the grassy hillsides. Those ponds could also provide an attractive spot for endangered red-legged frogs to lay their eggs.  

Starting back in 2010, the district’s planners fixed a failing pond that leaked, causing it to annually lose the water needed to sustain frog eggs. One year later, the district biologists counted about a dozen red-legged frog hatchlings. Those early results galvanized the district to quickly restore other ponds. “I’m just blown away that it was a success in the first year,” said MROSD biologist Julie Andersen. “Before, it was like a red-tagged house. Now we’re putting in the comforts to make it a home.”

On Feb. 22, 15 volunteers revisited the restored pond to tear out invasive thistles and shrubs and replace them with frog-friendly grasses. The garden work took place in a fenced-off area the size of a tennis court that is being set aside specifically for the frogs. The area was surrounded by barbed wire to prevent cattle from chomping on the native grasses and also included four cover boards meant to someday encourage a comeback of the San Francisco garter snake. Read more. 

Reference  La Honda Open Space Preserve and Creek Master Plan.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Jose Almaden Ranch EIR approved, construction moves forward

Mercury News/San Jose Neighborhoods/Carol Rosen, 3/1/12. "San Jose Planning Commission gives thumbs up to Almaden Ranch EIR."

43 acre parcel, 350,000 square feet Retail Property for Lease.

 "It took the better part of two hours, but the San Jose Planning Commission unanimously approved a final environmental impact report for the proposed construction of Almaden Ranch on Almaden Expressway just north of Highway 85. 

Last August, the commission failed to approve the EIR, and Arcadia Development Company made a number of changes to its design, all of which have now been approved by the commissioners.

In a separate vote, commissioners approved the rezoning of the Almaden Ranch area for commercial uses, and the extension of Cherry Avenue through to Sanchez Avenue to connect with Blossom Hill Road.

Some 15 people spoke on the agenda items, most approving the center but cautioning that more research should be done before the EIR was certified. Lee Butler, from the city's planning department, responding to one concern saying staff concluded there would be sufficient water for the planned retail center. In addition, he also said there was sufficient information to believe it would not cause or contribute to urban decay, which some speakers suggested as a possibility, arguing it didn't conform to the Envision 2040 general plan for the city. Read more.

Reference - City of San Jose Planning Commission, scroll down for Almaden Ranch retail center.

Articles - Business Journal, 4/1/11,  Speciality Retail Report/Carol Rosen Mercury News, 3/24/11, .Peninsula Press, 2/25/11, .Sierra Club/The Loma Prietan/Andrew Melford."Almeden Ranch Plans "Ill Conceived."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Mateo County may build for a "source of ongoing revenue"

A few years ago, Councilmember Mary Ann Nihart suggested our city should keep their Beach Boulevard property land, and build to create an ongoing stream-of-income.  Smart thinking which may no longer be affordable to a city in a continuing economic crisis. 

Economic Planning ahead:  Successful City. The other city.

San Mateo Times/Bonnie Eslinger, 3/2/12  "San Mateo County will hire a real estate consultant to assess development opportunities for land it owns in downtown Redwood City, according to Board of Supervisors President Adrienne Tissier. New offices, homes or a mix of commercial and residential units could be built on county-owned land there, Tissier suggested during a State of the County speech Wednesday before the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce. Such developments could bring revenue to the county, she said. "We're hiring a firm to help us in assessing the marketplace," Tissier said. "The county is very asset rich ... I don't want to sell it; I want to lease the land so it will be a source of ongoing revenue."

After the event, Tissier said the county owns several parcels downtown that could be developed, including one at the intersection of Marshall Street and Middlefield where a building now stands, one at County Center and Bradford Street where the traffic court is and one at 710 Hamilton St. where the San Mateo County Law Library operates. "We don't have a specific project yet, but we know we have the assets," she said. The county could enter into a private-public partnership with a developer, she said, and it will work with Redwood City to ensure that whatever is proposed complies with its downtown plan. "We would lease the land to somebody to develop it," Tissier said. "It would have to be in keeping with what we hope to see down there and what the city would hope to see.

Our collective city future?

"That could be an office building, mixed-use, housing. That's why we're getting a marketing person that really knows the marketplace. Because we could say our priorities are, 'let's do three commercial buildings,' and find out that's not what the market's going to bear." Tissier said she hopes the consultant will be hired and start working within a month. County spokesman Marshall Wilson confirmed that the county manager's office hopes to recommend a real estate consultant at the board of supervisors' March 13 meeting. Redwood City Mayor Alicia Aguirre said the county is sensitive to the city's development needs, as evidenced when it dropped plans for a new downtown jail and chose a site on the other side of Highway 101 instead.

With city redevelopment agencies now dismantled and an economy still struggling, Aguirre said it would be "really helpful" if the county can do the kind of development that would help revitalize downtown. According to county documents, more than 60 county-owned parcels throughout the county are being evaluated for their economic development potential, including offices on Tower Road in San Mateo, the site of the women's correctional facility in Redwood City, and land adjacent to the San Carlos Airport. Current assessments of those properties are not provided on a list that was presented at the supervisors' finance and operations committee meeting on Feb. 1. The county paid at least $10 million for those properties."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Community General Plan preparation meeting, Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 4-6 pm

Spring General Plan/Local Coastal Plan Scoping meeting, 

Permanent open space, no way to balance a city economy.
Don't let the ocean slap you in the butt!

Purpose, and  Invitation to the public.

Location: Community Center, Portola Room. 
Date:  Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Time:  4 pm to 6 pm

"Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Report (EIR) for the City of Pacifica General Plan and Local Coastal Plan. "The City of Pacifica is preparing an update to its General Plan and Local Coastal Plan and has determined that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be necessary pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  The city of Pacifica requests your input on how the General Plan and Local Coastal Plan update may affect the environment.  More specifically, input is being solicited relative to the scope and content of environmental analysis that is relevant to your individual or agency's statutory/regulatory responsibilities in order to ascertain potential impacts of the proposed project."  Read the full Notice, 11 pages.

Reference:  View other city meetings this week and beyond: City Calendar.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Millbrae ready for sheriff takeover

March 03, 2012, 05:00 AM By Heather Murtagh Daily Journal Staff
 
At 12:01 a.m. Sunday, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office will take over Millbrae police in a long-awaited move that aims to save the city money while maintaining the same level of service.

Sheriff Lt. Ed Barberini led a press conference Friday afternoon about the transfer of services. While the city’s 14 sworn officers will remain serving the Millbrae area, they will be partnered with current sheriff employees.

All services currently housed at the Millbrae police station will remain there, except for vehicle maintenance, he said.

Familiar faces of the Millbrae Police Department won’t be around next week, however. The employees transferring to the county will be in training next week. Sworn employees as well as department volunteers will be sworn in Tuesday, said Barberini.

Barberini, who will act as the city’s police chief, plans to reach out to community groups and learn about Millbrae’s needs before making any changes to the services offered. The staffing of the department doesn’t change. Barberini added there will be more opportunities for the department to offer support during community events and as a school resource.

In November, the City Council voted to contract for services provided by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. Earlier this year, the council approved the transfer agreements to make it happen.

Contracting with the county for police services will save Millbrae an estimate $1.693 million in the first year. Those savings will increase in future years over the five-year contract. 

Read more...

Posted by Steve Sinai

Contract law enforcement municipalities in California

Here's a Wikipedia list of California cities that contract out their law enforcement to various Sheriff's Departments. I'm still not convinced this is the way to go for Pacifica, but other cities seem to be doing alright by it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_contract_law_enforcement_municipalities_in_the_United_States#California

Posted by Steve Sinai

Pacifica Democrats Host San Mateo County Debate Between 19th District Assemblyman Jerry Hill and former 22nd District Assemblywoman Sally Lieber for the State Senate Seat in Newly Created 13th State Senatorial District

Residents of the newly created 13th State Senatorial District are invited to attend the Pacifica Democrats Monthly Breakfast Meeting on Saturday, March 17th, when the local Democratic club will host the first San Mateo County debate between 19th District Assemblyman Jerry Hill and former 22nd District Assemblywoman (Ret.), Sally Lieber, opponents in the race to secure the newly created 13th State Senatorial District seat.

The debate will be held between 9:30 a.m. and 11: 30 a.m. in the rear banquet room of the Sharp Park Golf Course Restaurant, located at Hwy 1 and Sharp Park Blvd, in Pacifica.

New 13th State Senatorial District: 

As an innovation hub for California, the new 13th State Senatorial District, created by the newly re-drawn legislative lines, has changed the political landscape in both San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, by having one of the largest populations within its boundaries, with over 1 million residents. The District will extend from Brisbane on the bayside and Pacifica on the oceanside to Los Altos/Los Altos Hills on the peninsula and Pescadero on the coast. The newly created district is home to global industry leaders in the fields of high technology, biotechnology and renewable energy, as well as being the home to a world class public transit system and an abundance of beautiful parks and open space, all in need of being supported and sustained by skilled and intelligent political representation.

 

Assemblyman Jerry Hill:

 

No stranger to politics, Assemblyman Jerry Hill has dedicated the last 20 years of his life to conscientiously serving the peninsula in both local and state government...first as a San Mateo City Council member, then as Mayor of San Mateo, before being elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and, most recently, to the California State Assembly as the Assemblyman representing the 19th Assembly District in San Mateo County. Within one year of his arrival in Sacramento in 2008, Hill's leadership abilities were quickly acknowledged by Sacramento's Democratic leadership. He was appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, John Perez, to be the Chair of the Democratic Caucus and to serve on the Assembly's leadership team, where he is responsible for negotiating key issues and guiding legislative priorities throughout California.

 

Hill has been a prolifically successful legislator, writing numerous bills on behalf of the public, year after year. Dozens of his bills have already been signed into law by both Governors Brown and Schwarzenegger and over 95% of his reforms have received critically important bipartisan support in the Legislature. Hill was one of two, out of 120 in Sacramento, who had the highest rating of performing their elective duty to vote "yes" or "no" on legislative measures, instead of abstaining from voting, or being absent at the vote. He continues to work tirelessly to create local jobs, by recruiting successful businesses to the area, improve public education, balance the state budget and stand up for worker's rights, women's rights, consumer issues, small business concerns, senior issues, the LGBT community, planned parenthood, environmental protection, law enforcement issues and healthcare for all.

 

Most recently, he has forced PG and E and the CPUC to improve gas pipeline safety, expanded health insurance to every child in San Mateo County...without raising taxes, fought to preserve thousands of acres of open space and coastal areas for future generations, and enacted laws to set tough limits on air pollution and global warming emissions. He has saved the state millions of dollars through increased efficiency.

 

Former Assemblywoman Sally Lieber:

 

His debating opponent, Lieber, currently serving as an advisor to the San Francisco Bay Restoration Agency, an agency that was created through her legislation, has recently served on Attorney General Kamala Harris' Transition Team, working on women's rehabilitation and mental health. She is also a seasoned former state legislator, and a former Councilwoman and Mayor of the City of Mountain View in Santa Clara County. She served in the California State Assembly from 2002 until 2008, after which she was termed out. At that time, Lieber represented the 22nd Assembly District and was only the third woman in the State's history to hold the office of Assembly Speaker Pro Tem since 1849.

 

While in office, Lieber served on the Judiciary, Revenue and Taxation, Local Government, and Health and Insurance Assembly Committees. In the Assembly, she worked to increase the education and economic opportunities for all citizens of Californa, to improve environmental protection and to protect public health through toxics reduction. She authored key bills to combat human trafficking in California communities. Additionally, she authored an increase in the State's minimum wage and initiated measures to protect vulnerable seniors, empower people living with disabilities and improve conditions for women living in California's prisons. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to improving the health of California's environment and enfostering sustainability. As Councilwoman and Mayor of Mountain view, Lieber successfully implemented local tobacco control legislation.

 

As a Santa Clara County Commissioner, she worked to reform Santa Clara County's care of foster and at-risk youth. As an Assemblywoman, she authored clean air legislation that is responsible for removing tons of cancer-causing particulate matter from California's air, secured funding for energy efficient "green" schools throughout the State and led efforts to invest in clean technology.

 

Meeting Details:

 

All are invited to attend the Pacifica Democrat's meeting. It is neither necessary to be a member, nor a Democrat to attend. A full breakfast is available for $12; continental breakfast for $6; coffee for $3. No purchase is necessary. Doors open at 9a.m., with seating between 9:00 a.m. and 9: 30 a.m. For further info, or to RSVP, please call 415-246-0775 or email barietta@hotmail.com.

 

Submitted by Barbara Arietta

Len Stone interview on Wavelength

Len Stone, Pacifica's newest councilman, was interviewed on Wavelength, PCTs award winning  local TV show. Len discussed his "no" vote on the sales tax, what to do about Jim Vreeland's Council seat, and how he was inspired to run for office while skateboarding Pacifica's pothole filled streets.

 

http://vimeo.com/37866470

 

Submitted by Ian Butler

San Mateo county Mosquito District - embezzlement scandal update

Property owners pay an annual San Mateo county mosquito and vector control fee.  District finance director, Joanne Seeney and her bookkeeper assistant Vika Sinipata embezzled funds. Betsey Schneider, San Carlos trustee questioned expenses in the pesticide account leading to an outside investigation.  No prior county background check was made of either employee (imagine that). 

Excerpts from  San Mateo Daily Journal/Michelle Durand, 3/3/12. "Mosquito district puts manager on 'performance improvement plan'."  

"Got you!"

"Robert Gay, the district manager of the county’s mosquito and vector control district, has reportedly been placed on a performance improvement plan following an evaluation of his connection to two former finance employees who allegedly stole more than $600,000.  The district Board of Trustees discussed District Manager Robert Gay’s performance in a closed session meeting Feb. 8. While nobody contacted at the district could share the outcome of that review, a request by the city of San Carlos for a civil grand jury investigation shined some potential light. --

---San Carlos, like several other county cities, sends a representative to the district board but has no other direct investment in the special district. San Carlos’ trustee, Betsey Schneider, actually helped uncover the alleged embezzlement by questioning expenses in the district’s pesticide account. The questions led to an outside audit that led to an investigation into former finance director Joanne Seeney, who used the name Jo Ann Dearman, and former accounting assistant Vika Sinipata. Seeney, 60, who is already serving time for a previous embezzlement, and Sinipata, 35, were charged in December with eight counts of embezzling public money.

Prosecutors say Seeney and Sinipata embezzled the funds between 2009 and 2011 by giving themselves extra pay at a higher rate and fraudulent time off, excessively contributed to their deferred compensation funds, used credit cards for personal purchases and electronically transferred money into their own accounts.  --The audit reported more than $635,000 was missing, much of it in the last fiscal year. The district contacted the County Counsel’s Office which in turn handed the matter to the District Attorney’s Office which charged them with stealing more than $450,000. The district’s numbers might be closer to the actual loss but prosecutors are only alleging the amount they can prove, according to District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

After the alleged embezzlement came to light, Gay said the district implemented new policies, including background checks that might have turned up Seeney’s previous criminal history. At the time of Seeney’s employment, she had been prosecuted in two different embezzlement cases, including one in which she ran up more than a half-million dollars on her boss’ credit card. In March, she was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison on the two cases and ordered to pay restitution.-- See full article."

Reference - San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District, Board of Trustees. The Pacifica Trustee for the Pacifica is John Curtis.  Related articles - San Mateo Daily Journal, 1/31/12, "Mosquito district theft bugs councilman.",  San Mateo Daily Journal, 2/17/12, "Alleged mosquito district thieves in court."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Mateo Civil Grand Jury seeking applicants until April 3, 2012

Old County Courthouse, Redwood City

Pacifica Tribune, 2/28/12. "San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury seeking applicants."

"Would you make a good Grand Juror? Can you say yes to the following questions? Are you a good listener?  Are you interested in trying to increase the efficiency of local governments and save taxpayer's dollars? Are you willing to serve without personal gains or hidden agendas?  Have you the stamina to commit yourself to a full year of productive work? Can you keep a secret? Can you cooperate with 18 other diverse personalities? Can you ask thoughtful questions, review documents and help write lucid reports?  Can you chair a committee? Can you devote a minimum of 20 hours of service per week?

If you can say yes to all of the above questions, the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury invites you to apply for service on the 2012-2013 Civil Grand Jury. Applications are now available and will be accepted until April 3, 2012. The next Grand Jury term commences July 1, 2012 and ends June 30, 2013. Any resident of San Mateo County for more than one year, who is a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or older, of sound judgment and good character, and with sufficient knowledge of the English language is eligible for selection by the Honorable Richard C. Livermore of the San Mateo County Superior Court. Elected public officials are not eligible.

The Court encourages all interested individuals to apply. The Court strives to obtain a cross section of the county population. After the completion of an interview process by Judge Livermore, jurors will be selected through a randow draw. 

Application forms can be obtained by writing Grand Jury Clerk, Court Executive Office, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 or telephoning 650-599-1200. You may also obtain applications from Barbara Arietta, president of the San Mateo County Grand Jurors Association at barietta@hotmail.com or by calling 415-246-0775."

Reference.  The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo Civil Grand Jury
 
Posted by Kathy Meeh

Sanchez Dog Park Rules - Park opening March 30, 2012

Sanchez Dog Park "Rules of Conduct and Etiquette" from the City of Pacifica--  Parks, Beaches & Recreation brochure. Read more.

"Let me tell you about the dog down my street..."

1.    Park and dog owners assume all risk related to dog park use.
2.    Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the dog park.
3.    Please be respectful and courteous of all park neighbors and tenants.  Quiet your dogs if barking excessively and refrain from loud conversation.
4.    Children under the age of 12 are not permitted unless accompanied by an adult.
5.    Please pick-up your dog's waste and dispose of it in the proper receptacle.
6.    Aggressive dogs are not permitted on the premises.  Dogs must be removed at the first sign of aggression.
7.    Female dogs in heat are prohibited from entering the park.
8.    Dog owners must be in the park and attentive to their dogs at all times.
9.    Fill any holes your dog digs.
10.  All dogs must be currently licensed and vaccinated.  Puppies under the age of 4 months are not allowed in the park.
11.  Limit of three (3) dogs per person.
12.  Failure to abide by the park rules may result in loss of privileges or owners may be ticketed.
13.  Dog park is a smoke, drug and alcohol-free facility.
14.  Dog owners are solely liable for injuries or damage caused by their dogs.  This includes injury to another dog or person.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

It official - Pacifica Sanchez Dog Park grand opening March 30, 2012

From the City of Pacifica website.Pacifica has its first dog park! 

Join us for the Grand Opening of the Sanchez Dog Park
Friday, March 30, 2012, 4-6pm
at 1220 Linda Mar Blvd. behind the Pacifica Center for the Arts

For more information, call the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Dept. at 650-738-7381.

See our dog park brochure here.

Also check out our dog park partner, P.O.O.C.H.
at www.pacificapooch.com or www.facebook.com/POOCHPacifica


Posted by Kathy Meeh

Getting a job in Pacifica

 

The following Wikipedia information about Pacifica top employers is a few years out-of-date, but you probably get the drift. Want a good job in Pacifica, and you don't work for the government, good luck!

 

According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,^[9] the top employers in the city are:

 

#	Employer	# of Employees
1	Pacifica School District	307
2	City of Pacifica	287
3	Safeway	214
4	Jefferson Union High School District	170
5	Lucky	125
6	Rite Aid	52
7	Recology of the Coast[citation needed]	50
8	Ross	48
9	North Coast County Water District	22

 

And if we can not get a good job in Pacifica, we sure do need a better highway 1. 

 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Spindrift Playhouse needs a new roof

Submitted by Susan Vellone

Redwood City - "Critical" pay increase, thanks voters!

City Clerk 7%, City Attorney 4%

Palo Alto Daily News/Bonnie Eslinger, 3/1/12. "Redwood City council gives raises to city attorney and city clerk."

"Redwood City's top government attorney just got a 4 percent salary increase and the city clerk a 7 percent bump. 

The Redwood City City Council approved the raises without discussion Monday night, three months after residents passed tax measures that city officials said were critically needed to avoid service cuts.

As a result, City Clerk Silvia Vonderlinden's annual salary will climb from $101,148 to $108,228, which with adjusted benefits will cost the county an additional $10,690, according to a memo from Mayor Alicia Aguirre.

City Attorney Pamela Thompson's raise is retroactive to Aug. 23, 2011, the date of her last performance evaluation. Thompson's salary rose from $207,072 to $215,354, which with benefits will cost the county an additional $11,348. With the raise, Thompson now makes 5.59 percent more than the median salary of city managers for comparable cities such as Palo Alto, Berkeley and San Mateo, according to Aguirre's memo."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

In support of keeping our police department

An editorial by Elaine Larsen, Editor and Publisher of the Pacifica Tribune.  

Pacifica Tribune/Elaine Larsen 2/28/12, "Keep Pacifica Police Department intact"

"People ask me what I think about outsourcing our entire police department since we already outsourced police dispatching to South San Francisco. I tried to answer that question weeks ago. As you know, I don't write many editorials. As I said in my first column about police department outsourcing, I've been reading the Pacifica Police log since I was first hired as a cub police reporter in 1987.

Link to our Police Department

I know the kinds of calls these folks in blue get daily. And they respond to every single call, whether it's about a barking dog, an RV sticking out too far, or an abandoned car junking up the neighborhood. Most of it is not serious crime -- not by a long shot -- but they are issues that folks in the community feel are important, issues that need resolution. This makes them feel they are part of a community with a police department that cares about their problems, both large and small.

I can tell you this: I've been doing this job long enough to know, without doubt, that Pacifica Police officers live up to their end of the bargain in providing the department's long tradition of community service. I'm not saying the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department or the Daly City Police Department, or whomever we outsource to, would not do their best. But I believe it would not be the same as having our own local police force. As several former City Council members used to tell me, police and fire departments are the heart of any municipality.  So if you start dismantling those departments, you basically dismantle the city.

I've reminded you all recently that the Pacifica Tribune's late publisher emeritus Bill Drake, one of those who single-handedly helped build this community when he took over ownership of the Tribune in the late 1950s, would have wanted me to step up and speak out. He was strongly in favor of incorporation in 1959, just two years after he bought the Tribune, knowing that this collection of separate districts needed to pull together as a real town in defense of outside municipalities that would do what they wanted with us otherwise.

I know I speak for Bill when I say to the City Council, Financing City Services Task Force, and community members who think this is a quick fix: Don't outsource your community to other cities for short-term financial relief. Think of the long term. Once you give up local control and authority, you give up your future. I stand by the Bill Drake Tribune tradition. Let's keep our Pacifica Police Department intact.  

Editor's Note: John Maybury copyedited this op-ed and he agrees with it."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Casino Night - Save the Date

Save the Date:

Pacificans Care Casino Night

As a Pacificans Care supporter we wanted you to be the first to know about our 5^th annual Casino Night planned for May 5^th. Join in the Cinco de Mayo celebration with lots of fun, prizes, great food and drink and, an always, a chance to support the efforts of Pacificans Care to support Pacifica’s Youth Service Bureau, Resource Center, Child Care program and Senior Services. It’s a win-win for you and the community!

For tickets to this “not to be missed event” contact Bruce Banco at 355-4479 or stop by Visions Seaside Spa at 1009 Terra Nova Blvd.

Special thanks go to our first “Ace of Spades” sponsor, Recology of the Coast, our “King of Diamonds” sponsor, Pacifica Chamber of Commerce and our “Queen of Hearts” sponsors, Visions Seaside Spa, Sun Valley Fine Foods, Lommori -Stahl Group at Remax Star Properties for their support of Casino Night.

Submitted by Susan Vellone

 

Current cost increase of oil and gasoline

Middle-East crisis and investment speculation are driving-up cost.

Excerpts from the New York Times/Clifford Krauss, 2/29/12. "Tensions raise specter of gas at $5 a gallon."

American helicopter and destroyer protect oil tanker

HOUSTON — Gasoline for $5 a gallon? The possibility is hardly far-fetched.--- “If we get some kind of explosion — like an Israeli attack or some local Iranian revolutionary guard decides to take matters in his own hands and attacks a tanker — than we’d see oil prices push up 20 to 25 percent higher and another 50 cents a gallon at the pump,” said Michael C. Lynch, president of Strategic Energy and Economic Research. --- Despite a fall in gasoline demand in the United States and Europe, global oil markets are tightening because demand for energy from Asian countries, particularly China and India, is rising at surprisingly strong rates even as output is declining from several important producing countries. Gasoline futures are surging, spurred in part by recent refinery closings that may produce a shortage of motor fuel in the Northeast states by summer. 

Oil prices have surged about 8 percent since Iran threatened to cut off oil imports to France, Spain, Italy and other European countries three weeks ago as a pre-emptive move against Western moves to tighten sanctions. The European Union has decided to place an embargo on Iranian oil and ban shipping and insurance on its cargoes. Washington has decided on banking sanctions to curtail Iran’s ability to earn money from its oil exports. Middle East experts express doubts that Iran will follow through on its threats to stop supplying European customers or close the vital oil sea lanes of the Strait of Hormuz. But the saber-rattling from both sides is encouraging investors to buy oil futures contracts at higher and higher prices. Rising conjecture that Israel could launch a pre-emptive strike against Iranian nuclear facilities has heightened market jitters. 

“The bankers are speculating, protecting themselves from higher prices by committing obligations to buy now, and that starts the ball rolling toward higher prices,” said Sadad Ibrahim al-Husseini, former head of exploration and production at Saudi Aramco, the state oil company. He added that the escalating civil turmoil in Syria, a crucial ally of Iran, “is bound to increase price volatility and that will drive future speculation.” --- The Japanese Foreign Ministry signaled on Wednesday that it was close to an agreement with Washington to further reduce shipments of oil from Iran, which have already declined about 20 percent since the beginning of the year. But any success in tightening sanctions on Iran could squeeze global oil supplies, pushing up prices and causing serious economic repercussions at home and abroad. “It’s a bind for Obama,” said Mr. Kloza at the Oil Price Information Service. “How do you get tough on Iran without getting tough on American wallets?” Read the entire article.

Posted by Kathy Meeh