PG&E's new Northern and Central California natural gas monitoring center

"SAN RAMON, Calif. -- Pacific Gas & Electric Co. has opened a new, $38 million natural gas monitoring center in the wake of a deadly 2010 gas line explosion in a San Francisco Bay Area suburb.

PG&E regional smart board system
natural gas control center, San Ramon, CA

The new center allows the utility to better monitor its gas transmission system and coordinate and respond in case of an emergency, PG&E spokeswoman Brittany Chord said on Friday.

 

In addition to 6,700 miles of gas transmission pipeline, the new center also monitors the utility's 42,000 miles of gas distribution pipeline. Distribution lines are the narrow-diameter pipes that serve individual homes and businesses."  Miami Herald/Business Breaking News/Associated Press, 9/6/13.  "PG&E unveils $38 M natural gas monitoring center."     Read article. 

....  The facility, tucked away in the Bishop Ranch office park, uses computers, banks of monitors and high-speed digital connections to give PG&E engineers, crews and other workers real-time information about what is happening with the utility's natural gas system.  .....  "Everything that provides real-time information about the health and status of the system has all been moved into one place," said Melvin Christopher, senior director for PG&E gas system operations.  .... "Combined with other upgrades of the system, this center absolutely reduces the chances of a San Bruno situation occurring again," Christopher said.

....  San Francisco-based PG&E also is making San Ramon the headquarters of its natural gas operations, which stretch throughout Northern and Central California, from the Oregon border to the Central Valley's Bakersfield area.    Contra Costa Times/Business/George Avalos, 9/5/13.  "PG&E opens a new gas pipeline control center."    Read article.   Note:  photograph and others by Dan Honda/Bay Area News Group from this article.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Vision for Princeton-by-the-Sea workshop, September 12, 2013

 

Half Moon Bay Review/Opinion/Don Horsley, 8/28/13, "What's your vision for the future of Princeton?

Princeton harbor infrastructure, pretty cool.

"A collaborative effort to map out a unified, successful future for this area, Plan Princeton represents the county’s intent to create a program that will help the community achieve its vision for everything from positive development and coastal access enhancement to a more dependable infrastructure.

....  I believe that together we will be able to help Princeton evolve into a more vibrant and dynamic mixed-use neighborhood.  We are striving to bring the various strands of business, residential and public uses of the area into a more cohesive and healthy community. The reality of a small county airport bumping up against the edge of Princeton also adds an important factor to the study. Although operated by the county, the Half Moon Bay Airport has a federal government mandate. Our long-range plans must also incorporate the airport’s own long-range plans in a seamless partnership.

We will be holding a “vision workshop” public meeting on this entire concept from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, in the Grand Ballroom of the Oceano Hotel and Spa at 280 Capistrano Road in Princeton. It’s an important first step on a journey we will be taking together."

Note:  Don Horsley is the President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.  The following article also appeared as a "My Turn" in the Pacifica Tribune newspaper, 9/3/13.  Photograph from At ground level/Rose Meily.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Early transition to paid parking at Linda Mar Beach

Pacifica Tribune "My Turn" article, 9/3/13.  "The beginning days of paid parking" by Chris Fogel

Linda Mar State Beach parking lot

"The City of Pacifica's paid parking at Linda Mar Beach got underway on Aug. 16 with little fanfare and on the following Saturday, I visited the three affected lots to get a sense of how the program was being received. 

Where the parking permit goes

Use of the lots appeared to be down slightly with anywhere from one-third to one-half of the parking spots occupied. Of those cars present, only half appeared to be displaying parking ticket receipts on their dashboards. Parking along side streets and adjacent lots (Crespi Drive and Pedro Point Shopping Center) was heavier than usual. Those avoiding the pay lots by parking in nearby shopping centers did so at their peril and ran the risk of their cars being towed.   Read article.

----

Related-  Stoke Report blog, Comment from 67, "Rant pass your Linda Mar Parking pass on..."  "Just a little something I did today and was hoping that others will pay it forward. If you pay with a credit card on the new parking meter you'll basically end up with more time than you need....something like $3 for four hours. I ended up surfing for 2 and passing my little piece of paper along to someone else so they could get free parking. Just a thought if you feel like being a nice guy."   

Note photos/graphics:  Linda Mar parking lot from  Scuba San Mateo.  "Correct permit location" from the Stoke Report above.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Telecommunications tax poll a fair sample?

Tax our cell phones,
are you freaking kidding me?

Pacifica Tribune/Jane Northrop, 9/3/13.  "Reaction to the Utilities Users Tax extension poll."

....  "When asked to evaluate the poll as a real scientific inquiry vs. a public relations piece, Cain of Stanford said, "It's not true science but the responses tell you something of value. The poll is more like a tactical probe. They may have released it to you because it looks like there is public support for the measure and for the work of the Pacifica City Council. It is human nature to share your report card when it is good and bury it when it is not." 

....  Stechbart again objected to the methodology of the poll.  "They are targeting senior citizens in a low turnout November election by design. They don't want cell phone users to vote. They tend to be younger. They want to convince senior citizens they are going to get all this cool stuff and they don't have to pay for it," he said."  Read Article.

Note:  graphic from Ghana Web. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

City Council meeting, September 9, 2013

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.

City Council Agenda, 9/9/13.   Items listed may include embedded pdf documents, illustration and photographs of interest. The information below is restated or summarized from the city agenda documents. Additional links or comments may be added. 

Closed session, 6:15 p.m.

New City Manager Lorie Tinfow

1)    CA government code 54957.6.  Conference with labor negotiator. Agency Negotiator: Glen Berkheimer/Holly Brock-Cohn. Employee organizations:  Firefighters Local 2400, Battalion Chiefs Local 850, Management local 350. 

Open Session, 7:00 p.m. 
Consent calendar 
1.    Approval of cash disbursements. 

2.    Approval of  Minutes of August 12, 2013. 
3.    Ongoing proclamation confirming a local emergency, cliff erosion, revetment supporting City storm drain at 380 and 400 Esplanade Avenue (since 4/12/10).

4.    Transfer State child preschool grant development funding to the general center child care grant contract funding, $13,000, no fiscal impact.  (PB&R)

5.    $15,000 increase in the State's child care funding contract, FY 2012-13.  (PB&R)

6.    Approval of child care service contracts with the San Mateo Office of Education, FY 2012-13.  (PB&R).

7.    Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Wastewater Force Main Condition Assessment Project.  Staff Report, and  RFP_Force Main Condition Assessment.
 

Consideration

8.     Resolution of the City to appoint Lorie Tinfow City Manager.  Staff Summary,  Resume of Lorie Tinfow,  Employment Agreement.

9.     Appointment nice (0) citizen applicants to the Open Space and Parkland Advisory Committee (OSPAC).  List of applicants. 

Adjourn 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

City meetings this week, September 3rd through 6th, 2013

Quiet out there...

City of Pacifica calendar, 9/3 - 9/6, 2013.

No City meetings this week. 

Note:  photograph from  Moses Junkyard. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Latest rescue from Mussel Rock Park

The Daily Journal (San Mateo), Bay City News Service, 9/2/13.  "Coast Guard rescues injured hiker from cliff cave."

Mussel Rock Hillside trail, north end of Pacifica

"The U.S. Coast Guard helped rescue a person stranded in a cliff cave on the Daly City coast Sunday morning, according to the North County Fire Authority.

Nice view but not overnight after falling 100 feet

"Fire units responded to a report of a person who had fallen more than 100 feet down a cliff at Mussel Rock Park at about 4:40 a.m., according to the fire authority. 

....   The fallen victim was found inside a cave in the side of the cliff.  .... The victim was taken to a hospital with injuries that were considered serious, according to the fire authority."   Read article.

Related - Judging Earth by its cover blog, "Mussel Rock Beach Trail."  "Mussel Rock itself is a rock just offshore that has, you guess it, a lot of Mussels on it. It also attracts thousands of Sea Gulls. It’s not your average San Francisco white-washed rock, which was nice. According to geologists this area is the exact epicenter of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. It marks the point where the San Andreas fault goes into the sea. It’s fairly obvious while hiking around the coastal rocks that something’s gone down in this area."  Note:  Muscle Rock Park photographs above and others may be viewed on the Judging Earth website. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Another regional scam out there, snake infestation

The Daily Journal (San Mateo), Staff, 8/31/13.  "Snake scam strikes again."

You're talking to me?

Two residences in Belmont were burglarized Thursday by suspects impersonating animal control officers dealing with a “snake infestation.” One of the suspects is the same female who has struck in several Bay Area cities, including San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Fremont and Union City, according to Belmont police.

Police nor the Peninsula Humane Society are investigating any infestations of snakes or snake-related problems in Burlingame and San Mateo. Fremont animal control officials also report that they are not looking for any loose snakes or handling snake-related problems in the city. 

Animal control officers and police officers are required to carry with them governmental photo identification cards. Police are advising residents to ask to see photo identification of a person claiming to be an officer. Beware of solicitors at your door, as this is a common ruse to see if anyone is home, according to police.  Residents who see suspicious activity are being urged to contact police immediately.  Read more.

Related - Garter snake information, "Garter snake species found in California."

Note:  Photograph from Animals of Western New York, Eastern Garter Snake. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Labor Day September 2, 2013

US Department of Labor, "The History of Labor Day."

"Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
 
....   The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

.... We turned 100! March 2013 marked the Department of Labor's first 100 years of service. We launched a year's worth of educational events outlining the Department's history. When you see our centennial icon, expect to find out some tidbit of history, or about an event or activity celebrating our first century of service to America's workers."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Lowe's buys Orchard Supply

Orchard Supply, Daly City continues

San Jose Mercury News/Business/Associated Press, 8/30/13.  "Lowe's completes Orchard Supply acquisition."

"Home improvement retailer Lowe's said it has completed its acquisition of 72 stores from Orchard Supply Hardware Stores for approximately $205 million.Orchard is a Sears spinoff that filed for bankruptcy in June. That same month the San Jose-based, company received the offer from Lowe's. The "stalking horse" bid also included the assumption of debts owed to nearly all of Orchard's suppliers.

The deal allows Lowe's to expand in California and reach into urban areas. Because Orchard's has smaller stores, it can operate in areas of dense population. Orchard will continue to run as a separate, stand-alone company. "   Read More. 

Note:  photograph from Examiner.com. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Fairmont stepchild or Cinderella?

Pacifica Tribune letters to the editor, 8/27/13.   "Fairmont stepchild" by Victor Spano

Fairmont, Manor, Sharp Park, Linda Mar
What's the big deal you've got the freeway and Daly City

....  "What is astonishing to me, though, is that none of the projects are in my neighborhood, Fairmont, Westview or other Skyline neighborhoods. I pose the question to our council members: What about Skyline Boulevard, it could stand for some improvements, it is often congested, bumper to bumper between Manor and Hickey during commute hours?. 

Stepchild okay, I'm smart and beautiful

There have been a number of collisions at the Hickey / Skyline intersection, including a fatal pedestrian strike. Skyline is Caltrans bailiwick, but could Pacifica be proactive with neighboring jurisdictions to work with Caltrans on looking at improving Skyline Boulevard?. One of the candidates in the last council election talked about a sound wall to help those residents living on Gateway last fall, and I agree with him, that's a great idea for Skyline -- attractively designed soundwall(s) would benefit the neighbors of that freeway (north of Hickey) and two lane road (south of Hickey).  

....  Why are the benefits of capital improvements only located and benefiting the areas of Pacifica down the hill?. This town is more than those areas Can a more "City-wide approach" to capital project planning be implemented so that all neighborhoods may benefit evenly from Capital Improvement Projects? One of my elder neighbors, an original Fairmont owner observed, I am paraphrasing, "Fairmont is the unwanted stepchild of Pacifica." Perhaps he was being melodramatic, but I kind of get this feeling too."   Read more.

Note photographs:  from North Carolina Dance Theatre,  and  NASDAQ the ugly stepchild index.  The first paragraph of this article was separated into two for easier reading.

Posted by Kathy Meeh