Coastside May 2024

COASTSIDE

FEATURES

14

‘Inspiring dedication’ — Two Coastsiders inducted into San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame

Jenny Walter and Catalina Gonzalez Johnston honored at ceremony.

18

Madrone Arts takes root in Pescadero

11 women (and 1 man) form new cooperative and gallery

22

Cove Collective brings together community

Local women start El Granada business

26

Celebrating women

Get to know some of the inspiring women on the coast

ON THE COVER

Melissa McGuirk, owner of Lather Rinse Repeat salon in El Granada. McGuirk's salon is the first Green Circle Certified salon on the coast.

Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney

Left: Yesenia Garcia Hernández and other students study their instructor as they practice a new song during Hernán Hernández Jr.'s weekly accordion classes on the coast.

Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney

6 From the Editor

The women’s game is on fire

8 Asked + Answered

Meet Yesenia Garcia Hernández, 2024 Farmworker of the Year award winner

10 This + That

Check out the latest business news from around the Coastside

12 Talk About Fostering a caring Coastside

38 Half Moon Bay Review

Last month's most read articles including obituaries

42 Pacifica Tribune

Last month's most read articles including obituaries

44 Growing Things Backyard Biodiversity

49 What's Up? Calendar of events

50 Out + About

A look at the people making the most of the coast

53 Dog’s Life

Meet Bruin & Mable

55 Flashback

Montara bluffs reveal WWII Allied secrets

56 Final Shot Pillar Point bluffs

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COASTSIDE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Susy Castoria, Director

Cherie Chan, Secretary

Rich Klein, CEO

Peter Loeb, Director

Lenny Mendonca, CFO and Founding Chair Roy Salume, Director

EDITOR

August Howell | august@coastsidenewsgroup.com

STAFF WRITERS

Emma Spaeth | emma@coastsidenewsgroup.com

Peter Tokofsky | peter@coastsidenewsgroup.com

Sebastian Muñi-Bucheli | sebastian@coastsidenewsgroup.com

Eleanor Jonas | eleanor@coastsidenewsgroup.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Ellen Chiri

Maggie Mahs

PHOTOGRAPHER

Anna Hoch-Kenney | anna@coastsidenewsgroup.com

DESIGN

Shari Chase

MEDIA CONSULTANT

Randie Marlow | randie@coastsidenewsgroup.com

AD PRODUCTION AND DESIGN

Shari Chase | shari@coastsidenewsgroup.com

CIRCULATION

Alison Farmwald | alison@coastsidenewsgroup.com

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 68, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650) 726-4424

SEND LETTERS AND PHOTOS

Your contributions are welcome. Please send photos and letters for consideration to editorial@coastsidenewsgroup.com. ©2024 Coastside News Group, Inc.

Half Moon Bay Review Pacifica Tribune

PERIODICALS MAIL PERMIT: Authorized by U.S. Postal Authorities of Half Moon Bay, CA. (USPS #233-200). Periodicals Postage Paid at P.O. Box 68, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Coastside News Group, PO Box 68, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. SOCIAL MEDIA Find Coastside News on X, Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for breaking news delivered via email at hmbreview.com or pacificatribune.com. COPYRIGHT: All editorial and advertising contents are ©2024 by Coastside News Group, Inc. Reproduction or use in any form of editorial, news, photo or advertising content in whole or part without permission of the Coastside News Group, is prohibited. Enjoy!

Matt, Dan & Joey Duggan

Matt & Joey Duggan are residents of Pacifica.

From the Editor

The women’s game is on fire

Each year, the Coastside News Group sets aside one monthly magazine issue dedicated entirely to highlighting a few of the many women who make the span from Pacifica to Pescadero a unique place.

This year, the timing seems serendipitous. April 7, the day of the 2024 NCAA women’s basketball tournament championship game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, will go down in history. An average of about 18.7 million viewers tuned in to that game (peaking at an astounding 24 million combined on ESPN and ABC), making it the mostwatched basketball game at any level (men’s, women’s, college and professional) since 2019. According to figures from The Athletic, the audience was up 90 percent over the 2023 national championship and 289 percent from 2022. The final game was also the third women’s basketball viewership record set over the past week during the tournament.

Those figures speak to how much the women’s sports has grown in recent years. As a student at the University of Oregon, I witnessed firsthand how the camaraderie, skill and drive on the women’s basketball team propelled them to new heights, often exceeding the men’s team.

While I’m sorry to report we just missed out on an exclusive interview with Iowa star Caitlin Clark, I’m proud to say that we accomplished our goal of highlighting local women helping the community away from the basketball court. In the following pages, you can read about an award-winning farmworker, a new women-owned thrift store and community space, and how a handful of artists set up a gallery in Pescadero. We spoke with the founders who set up a philanthropic model to help local nonprofits year-round. In two and a half years, the group has raised nearly $92,000 for more than 40 nonprofits addressing everything from feral cats to ocean pollution to radio communications.

We had a writer and photographer on the scene when two local women were inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame. There is also a series of brief profiles we call “Celebrating Women” showcasing just a few of the women you may have seen around town.

These women make the Coastside the Coastside. And while the clock might be off for the basketball game, these women are still going strong, pulling up for a 3, and shooting their shot.

August Howell is the interim editor of the Half Moon Bay Review, Pacifica Tribune and Coastside Magazine.

Sandblasted

Custom

By Sebastian Miño-Bucheli

Photos by Anna Hoch-Kenney

“I feel happy being able to contribute to the community and being able to help people.”

Yesenia Garcia Hernández is a farmworker at Cabrillo Farms and is one of the important voices for agricultural laborers on the Coastside. She’s a member of the San Mateo County Farmworker Advisory Commission where she’s able to give the perspective of what farmworkers face daily. Because of her work, she recently won the 2024 Mel Mello Farm Day Farmworker of the Year award. This interview was held in Spanish and translated to English. It has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

5 QUESTIONS

Meet Yesenia Garcia Hernández, 2024 Farmworker of the Year award winner

1

How did you become the voice of the farmworkers from the Coastside?

I’ve been working here since 2011 at Cabrillo Farms and I almost always help out the people here at the farm and at other farms if they need transport.

One example is that a dentist would come here to check our teeth. He would make appointments for us, but it was at the University of California, San Francisco. I would take people from Giusti Farms and Cabrillo Farms in my car. That’s how I started to help people.

2

You’re going to be in your second year on the San Mateo County Farmworker Advisory Committee. Is health going to still be your main focus or do you have others? I’m still going to focus on health. We achieved the first step. More people are qualifying for Medi-Cal, but we want to do a little bit more. I still don’t know if I want to continue or not because I lose a lot of my own time. After work the only free time I have with my kids is from 6-8 p.m., I want to spend time with them and so do they because I only work. I still haven’t decided yet. I also have another baby on the way.

3

How do you feel being the intermediary – the person designated to speak for the farmworkers? I do like it. I like helping out the people and helping the community. I feel happy being able to contribute to the community and being able to help people. When co-workers need to speak to our boss but can’t explain it themselves, I’m there to help out.

4

How do you feel about winning the award? It's the first time in the history of the Mel Mello Farm Day Luncheon that an award has gone out to farmworkers, too. For me, it was all a surprise. I was only told that we’re going to lunch, a lunch that farmers

hold every year and this year we’re inviting farmworkers.

When I arrived, I didn’t see any farmworkers. I know a lot of them who work at several farms. When [the speaker] mentioned that “She's a farmworker who also helps farmworkers” I got nervous and I thought then it’s me.

A lot of the farmers said to me that they told the committee, “you have to put Yesenia.” It was a strong emotion and I didn’t know if I was going to cry, laugh or be happy. It was something beautiful to feel.

Yesenia Garcia Hernández was awarded the first Farmworker of the Year award at the Mel Mello Farm Day Luncheon on March 22.

5

Now that you’ve won the award, what do you think the next winner should do to win the award? I think working, being honest with others and trying to help and keep the communication going with the boss and the workers. I’d imagine that they have to be a great help to the community, too. COASTSIDE

Greta

COASTSIDE

New in Town

Check out the latest business news from Pacifica to Pescadero

Lather Rinse Repeat Salon

Melissa McGuirk’s El Granada beauty salon is not just a one-stop shop. In addition to offering a range of beauty services at Lather Rinse Repeat Salon, her business is a certified GreenCircle Salon, one of only two in San Mateo County.

The certification means that the business has adopted policies meant to recover and repurpose up to 95% of the business’ beauty waste. Hair is just one example. Instead of decomposing in the landfill, the salon can repurpose it into plastics, booms for oil spill cleanups, stormwater filtration and commercial installation. Excess hair coloring and toner are taken to a waste management facility to be extracted and reintroduced back into the water system. The salon also can repurpose PPE gear, plastics, paper and cardboard and even metals.

Craftsman Coffee returns to Pacifica

After driving around the Bay Area serving coffee out of their 1961 vintage Citroen HY van, Judy and Kirk Hayes have shifted into park at a new store in Pacifica. The couple’s Craftsman Coffee shop at 1750 Francisco Blvd. will serve five unique blends of coffee beans as well as a choice of locally-made pastries. Don’t worry, they’re still serving coffee from their van.

Opportunity Center of the Coastside opens

Half Moon Bay has a new business hub. After years of planning, the Opportunity Center of the Coastside on Main Street officially opened on April 4. The building now houses several operations focus on job-seeker services, career development classes and business support: The Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureau, JobTrain, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, and Coastside Venture Studios. The latter is the area’s first-of-its-kind business incubator that plans to work with local startups. The city of Half Moon Bay is leasing the building, but the center’s programming is paid for by $2.5 million from San Mateo County’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Photoby

(Left to right) Melissa McGuirk and Jessica Pimentel of Lather Rinse

Repeat salon in El Granada. Photo courtesy Melissa McGuirk.

By August Howell

Fostering a caring Coastside

Stephanie Weber and Sara Forrest explain how they help communities find causes to support through 100 Women Who Care Coastside.

Nearly three years ago, friends Sarah Forrest and Stephanie Weber created the Coastside chapter of 100 Women Who Care. Following a national model, this philanthropic organization gathers nonprofits large and small with those interested in supporting them. Now two and a half years in, Coastside members have donated $91,450 to 42 local nonprofits from Montara to Pescadero. The first meeting had 20 people. Now, their quarterly meetings see between 90 to 100 people. Each quarter, three nonprofits are randomly selected after receiving nominations from group members. Each member pledges to donate $100 four times a year. They meet as a group with the three nonprofit leaders, who give a 15-minute presentation on how the money will fund the organization. Members vote online, and the winning nonprofit gets 90% of the quarterly donations, and the other two receive 5% each.

But while the chapter does provide membership support, Forrest (of El Granada) and Weber (of Half Moon Bay) said learning about what’s happening on the coast is just as valuable. And the group is not exclusive to women. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To learn more about 100 Women Who Care Coastside, visit their website at 100wwcc.org. The next meeting will be on June 3 at the San Benito House Cantina.

How did you two decide to start this local chapter?

Sara Forrest: I first heard about 100 Women Who Care from my mom, who lives in a small town in northern Minnesota. She told me about how it works, and I thought that it was amazing and we could really use that here. They have an umbrella organization that coordinates all of the local groups around the country. I registered for one,

then I had to figure out how to do it. I’ve been friends with Stephanie for a very long time, and she’s very well-organized and connected to the community. I thought she’d be a great partner. And thank goodness she said yes.

Stephanie Weber: It took at least six months. It was during the pandemic, I remember meeting in the front yard. It took a while to figure out. We had to figure out how to match membership and get the funds. We found a platform called Grapevine that streamlines all of it, and that’s been very helpful.

Forrest: Grapevine takes care of the vote tallying, tax forms, collecting and distributing funds, it never comes through us. So it legitimized the whole operation. Sometimes they match funds, so our members can talk to each other through the system. It’s been a great tool.

What are your goals with 100 Women Who Care Coastside?

Weber: The first goal is to help these organizations fundraise in our community. The second goal is to share, to have a space where these nonprofits can share what they do. We’ve learned about some amazing organizations I had no idea existed on the coast. There were real needs I didn’t know about. I feel like they now have a vehicle where they can share what they do. My son started volunteering with one organization, and I was just so impacted by what they were doing.

The third goal is about socializing. We have a 30-minute networking time where people can get to know each other. At our first meeting, it was 20 of our friends. Now, it’s full of people we’ve never met before. So it’s been cool to meet new people on the coast and get to learn about these great organizations. We try to go to different locations for each meeting.

Forrest: There really is this bond that we’re creating, and other people are creating with each other. Over the last two years, we’re just getting closer and closer. For the locations, we’ve had meetings at Half Moon Bay Brewery, San Benito Housing, Jettywave, and Coastal Wine.

What organizations were you surprised to learn about?

Weber: Coastside Feral Care was at the last meeting. I knew they existed, but I didn’t realize how impactful and how low-funded they were. They work with feral cats in the area, lowering their population by fixing them and helping them medically if there’s an issue then releasing them. It was interesting to hear. I was cheering for them because I knew any dollars we gave them would make a huge difference in what they were doing.

Another one was the SC4 Amateur Radio Club. They do HAM radio outreach and training in the South Coast. If there’s an emergency or fire in the area, there are no phone lines or cell phone service. So they’re a huge resource on the South Coast. They also feed informa-

tion to Half Moon Bay. From an emergency perspective, my heart went to them. It was so interesting.

Hope Services (which assists individuals with developmental disabilities) was another one. I didn’t know that it was different from Coastside Hope, and I got to learn what they did. That was another one that tugged on my heartstrings because they’re trying to do a lot.

You hear about all these organizations, but you don’t really know what their needs are. When they come to tell you, “This is where we’re struggling,” it’s really impactful. You end up getting involved, which is great.

How much can a nonprofit get each quarter?

Forrest: Ideally it’s $10,000 every quarter. Our membership isn’t quite at 100, so we’re giving away around $8,000 to $9,000 every quarter. Sometimes it’s more, depending on matching donations. Last year on the 100 Women Who Care Facebook group, I discovered the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. He’s the guy who created Best Buy. They’re partnered with 100 Women Who Care organizations all over the country because they realized we’re the grassroots givers. We know the organizations at the local level doing good work in the community. I applied and was accepted to be part of their foundational grants. Now, after every quarterly meeting, I tell them how we gave the money, and they’ll match 50%. If we give $8,000 to a group, they’ll give $4,000. They do have specific rules, like not doing it for animals, they’re people-focused. So every time they said no, we go to the other organization that didn’t get the most votes and they’ll usually give it to one of them.

What’s next for this movement?

Forrest: I love the way we’re set up, I think it’s working well. The only goal I have is to grow it larger and larger. We can of course have way more than 100 members. So spreading the word is great. There’s also 100 Men Who Care, so it would be cool to get a local organization started. If anyone reading this wants to reach out and start one, Stephanie and I can help out. We’re not exclusive, anyone can join the group, but it could be fun to get a little friendly fundraising competition going. COASTSIDE

Sara Forrest (left) and Stephanie Weber. Photo courtesy Stephanie Weber.

‘Inspiring dedication’

Two Coastsiders inducted into San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame

Jenny Walter and Catalina Gonzalez

Johnston honored at ceremony

San Mateo County 3 District Supervisor Ray Mueller poses with Jenny Walter, the first co-chair of the San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission and founder of CoastPride, as he hands over her award plaque at the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame Ceremony on Friday, March 8, 2024.

By Eleanor Jonas

The 35th San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame ceremony on March 8 began with cheers and applause in support of International Women’s Day and the six women being honored, including two Coastsiders: Jenny Walter and Catalina Gonzalez Johnston.

The annual ceremony began in 1984 and was the first of its kind in California, according to Susan Kokores, president of San Mateo County’s Commission on the Status of Women. The four other honorees this year were Rosanne Foust, Maria Lorente-Foresti, Christine Padilla, and Maya Thompson.

“Throughout the history of the United States, women have fought to gain equality,” Kokores said during the ceremony. “While great strides

have been made, women are not fully recognized or fully compensated yet for the work they do. But here, in San Mateo County, I’m proud to say we strive to do better.”

Jenny Walter, Half Moon Bay resident and founding member of CoastPride, was inducted for her commitment to the community and LGBTQ+ advocacy. CoastPride, run by one employee and over 60 volunteers, is a nonprofit that serves more than 1,000 people from Pacifica to Pescadero. The organization, which Walter continues to volunteer for, is dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ community.

“At heart I’m an advocate,” Walter said during her acceptance speech. “A strong thread that runs through my life’s work is my commitment to

Photos by Anna Hoch-Kenney

Jenny Walter, the first co-chair of the San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission and founder of CoastPride, chats with guests at the Women's Hall of Fame Ceremony on Friday, March 8, 2024. Walter was one of six 2024 San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame inductees.

ending intolerance and building social equity for marginalized groups.”

Walter previously served as the co-chair of the San Mateo County LGBTQIA+ Commission and spent 20 years guiding foster care policy at the California Judicial Council and representing children as an attorney. Additionally, she has worked closely with tribal communities to establish four joint jurisdictional courts in California.

In her speech, Walter emphasized the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ youth, who she said experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Many of the youths Walter represented were homeless or in foster care “simply because they were queer.”

“Our systems of care, education and justice are flawed,” Walter said. “We must always be vigilant in exposing oppression and discrimination.”

Catalina Gonzalez Johnston was honored as one of two Young Women of Excellence

for her work as a leader, volunteer, and advocate. San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller noted she has a “passion for policy.”

A senior at Half Moon Bay High School and Pescadero resident, Gonzalez Johnston has served two years on the Cabrillo Unified School District Board and been involved in school leadership since her sophomore year. Additionally, she has volunteered for the school site board, participated in Girls State and city hall educational seminars, and worked as a camp counselor, which enhanced her knowledge of student perspectives and wants, she said.

“As I took on leadership roles in my schools and my school district, I started to reflect on how accessible our school communities and opportunities are,” Gonzalez Johnston said during her acceptance speech. “The adults who seek to support us students are at a loss for how students are feeling, how we are impacted by all the uncertainty, and how to meet our needs so that we can heal.”

In times of crisis, the school district board has turned to Gonzalez

Johnston for guidance on student needs and feelings. She added that children and teenagers are affected by unhealthy standards of beauty and lifestyle on the internet—exacerbating the detrimental effects of the pandemic. This has driven her to advocate for mental health and inclusion in school spaces—particularly language inclusion, coming from a community where many people do not speak English.

After graduation, Gonzalez Johnston plans to pursue a degree in political science, with a minor in Spanish literature. Long-term, she hopes to work in the education sector in politics at the county level to “implement curriculum that is inclusionary and accessible” as well as mental health aid.

“Tonight we have witnessed the extraordinary work that six individuals have accomplished with inspiring dedication and unwavering commitment,” said Daniela Gasparini, event host and member of the Women’s Hall of Fame. “It is through our own determination to find our greatest gift to share with countless others.” COASTSIDE

Catalina Gonzalez Johnston, a Half Moon Bay senior involved in both school leadership and the Cabrillo Unified School District Board, at the Women's Hall of Fame Ceremony on Friday, chats with San Mateo County District 2 Supervisor Noelia Corzo on March 8, 2024. Gonzalez Johnston was one of six 2024 San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame inductees.

By Peter Tokofsky

Hoch-Kenney

Madrone Arts takes root in Pescadero

11 women (and 1 man) form new cooperative and gallery

Opposite

Photos by Anna

Above: (Left to right) Honey Simburg, Suzanne Simburg, Lula Bayou, and Tomas Bayou take in some art at the Madrone Arts Gallery in downtown Pescadero.

page: Martha Tingle holds up a piece of her pottery. Tingle's work is part of the spring exhibition at the Madrone Arts Gallery in downtown Pescadero.

In 1971, art historian Linda Nochlin published an influential and celebrated essay with the title, “Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?”

The answer, Nochlin argued, was not that women lack artistic ability, or that great women artists have simply been overlooked and omitted from museums and exhibitions for centuries.

Instead, Nochlin wrote, the explanation lies in the biases of art institutions and limited educational opportunities offered to women with artistic talent and potential. Historically, women lacked access to art schools, were rarely encouraged to cultivate their artistic abilities, and could not participate in salons featuring the latest work by leading artists. Professions in the arts often passed from father to son, as was the case for Picasso.

A new gallery and artist collective in Pescadero will help reverse this art historical legacy. Eleven of the 12 artists who make up Madrone Arts, a new community-based art gallery that opened

late last year, are women. Their mission is to support each other and community by exhibiting their own work and selected guest artists, and by providing educational workshops and presentations.

Although the artists in the collective do not define Madrone as a “women’s art space,” and the gallery’s mission and selection of artists is not restricted by gender in any way, aspects of the endeavor offer a response to issues Nochlin raised.

“I’m still uncomfortable calling myself an artist,” Martha Tingle, one of the founding members, said recently.

Only after retiring from a career in medical research management and raising two children could Tingle devote enough time to her lifelong interest in ceramics to think about what it means to be an artist. “You can’t support a family off of pottery,” she said.

Deborah Webster who, along with Delma Soult, helped get Madrone Arts off the ground, said that many of the artists on the Coastside didn’t have the time or know-how to break into the cutthroat world of art galleries.

“Some of our members had never shown their work beyond local fairs,” Webster noted. “For many, art is a second career.”

For years, Webster and Soult discussed the idea of creating a space that could provide more exposure for artists in the area and help them move from local art fairs into the wider art world.

The idea finally became a reality last fall when the former “Made in Pescadero” space in the heart of town became available. After securing the lease, Webster and Soult compiled a list of local artists they would invite to join the new group.

An initial group of 12 artists convened to make plans for the new space. Discussions of what to name the new venture reflected the possibility that they would define themselves as a women’s organization. Some early suggestions highlighted the preponderance of women in the group, but one member proposed naming it after the madrone, a family of trees that includes species indigenous along part of North America’s West Coast.

“In a revealing recent study,” an email circulated among the group explained, “the madrona has been identified as the ‘hub’ of a network of mycorrhizal fungi shared with trees nearby.”

Other qualities of the tree also spoke to the group’s mission. The roots of the madrone recover from disturbances, enabling it to play a definitive role in sustaining a diverse network of fungus that is necessary for forest regeneration and the maintenance of ecosystem diversity.

The tree’s roots, the email continued, “provide access to nutrients and water for both the madrona and its neighbors.”

People browse the Madrone Arts Gallery in Pescadero on a rainy day.

LEARN MORE

Madrone Arts is located at 216 Stage Rd. in Pescadero and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit madronearts.com

Looking back at the formation of the collective, member artist Kim Hussey said it was an easy decision to accept the invitation to join. “I was basically propelled along by their energies! The opportunity came at a time when I needed a kick start in my artwork. And Pescadero is a supportive, creative community."

Retired filmmaker William Bishop, the lone man in the collective, agreed that “the intelligence, talent, energy, and wit of the members” stands out more than questions of gender.

In addition to providing a space to show work, Madrone hosts workshops for community members to expand their skills and talks by guest artists to help maintain the artistic ecosystem.

On a recent Saturday, while Webster and Tingle discussed the nurturing role of their artistic community, Paola Vazquez Hernandez walked into Madrone Arts. The Pescadero native, now a University of California, Davis student, got a boost to her own artistic ambitions by working as a studio assistant for Susan Friedman, whose latest work is now on view in the gallery. The three women scrolled through Hernandez’s Instagram feed to see her latest creations, clearly buoyed by the inter-generational community.

“It’s more because we’re artists leading with our hearts”, Tingle said, “than being about gender.” COASTSIDE

Deborah Webster poses for a portrait in front of her new art piece, "Upside Down World". Webster's work is part of the spring exhibition at Madrone Arts Gallery.

Gina Spinardi and Alisa Stegmaier pose for a photo at Cove Collective second hand kids boutique in El Granada. Gina Spinardi and Stegmaier started Cove Collective as a way to encourage buying second hand clothes and offering affordable access to quality ocean gear for kids.

Cove

Local women start El Granada business

By Emma Spaeth

Cove Collective also has a specific corner displaying crafts by local artisans.

Gina Spinardi does story time at Cove Collective in El Granada.

Some of the items at Cove Collective second hand kids' boutique in El Granada. Cowboy boots and wetsuits are some of the stores most sought after items.

Alisa Stegmaier organizes clothing on one of the racks at Cove Collective second hand kids' boutique in El Granada.

Photos by Anna Hoch-Kenney

Clockwise:

Nestled on the Coastside, a hidden gem awaits locals and visitors alike: Cove Collective. Opened last spring, it’s more than just a shop. Cove Collective is a vibrant hub where community, sustainability and surfing culture converge. Founded by lifelong friends Alisa Stegmaier and Gina Spinardi, this family-owned establishment embodies their shared passions for environmentalism, thriftiness and fostering connections within their coastal community.

“We want to keep clothes out of the landfills and provide a space where people can find awesome, affordable kids' clothing that can be worn again, and again,” said Stegmaier. “We wanted to create something that was giving back to the environment. We both have a passion for that.”

At first glance, Cove Collective may seem like your typical retail space, but once you step inside, you’ll discover a treasure trove of carefully curated items that reflect the ethos of the founders.

Stegmaier is an orientation and mobility specialist at The Avalon Academy (a special education school providing services for children with movement disorders), and Spinardi is a surgical technician at Saint Mary's

Left top: Some of the items at Cove Collective second hand kids' boutique in El Granada. Cowboy boots and wetsuits are some of the stores most sought after items.

Left: (Left to right) Shop kids Hana Spinardi, 3, Sunny Brehm, 4, and Hunter Spinardi, 5, pose with strike a pose with some boogie boards they are quite fond of at Cove Collective. The kids' moms, Alisa Stegmaier and Gina Spinardi, started Cove Collective as a way to encourage buying second hand clothes and offering affordable access to quality ocean gear for kids.

Below: Sunny Brehm, 4, plays dress up in Cove Collective as the family dog, Josie, looks on.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT?

Cove Collective is located at 30 Ave. Portola Suite 100A in El Granada. You can also find them on Instagram at @covecollectivehmb.

Medical Center and L-Plastic Surgery.

From quality pre-loved clothing to new and used beach gear, surf equipment, art supplies, toys, and books, there's something for everyone. Notable among their offerings are wetsuits and cowboy boots, which the owners say fly off the shelves, a testament to the lifestyle embraced by locals.

“I remember growing up I wanted to surf but wasn’t able to because I couldn’t afford it,” said Spinardi. “Wetsuits and surfboards are so expensive so it’s hard for kids to get in the water. We’re trying to keep a full stock of used wetsuits and keep them affordable so kids who do want to get in the water can.”

What sets Cove Collective apart is its commitment to sustainability. With a mission to keep clothing waste out of landfills, Stegmaier and Spinardi have created a haven for secondhand enthusiasts. By giving pre-loved items a new lease on life, Cove Collective is making a tangible impact on reducing environmental waste.

But Cove Collective is more than just a retail space, it's a community center. Step into the shop, and you'll find an area designated for kids to play and read. Parents and caregivers can browse with ease, knowing their little ones are entertained and safe.

“Shopping with kids can be really hard,” said Spinardi.

Beyond shopping, Cove Collective hosts a variety of meetups and events that cater to all ages and interests. From bi-monthly postpartum groups led by local doula Marta Barensfield to monthly Math Nights with Dr. Rachel Ristani, there's always something happening in the space. Marluna Yoga sessions offer rejuvenation for the mind and body, while Saturday morning storytime delights young readers. Can’t forget the parties — complete with music from Nudie Records and free face painting for kids — where the community comes together to celebrate.

For Spinardi and Stegmaier, Cove Collective is more than just a business venture; it's a labor of love. Bonded by their shared upbringing on the coast, they've created a space that reflects their values and passions.

“We were both raised here and now we’re raising our own children here,” said Spinardi.

When they're not running the shop, you'll often find them at the beach, taking turns watching each other's kids while the other catches waves. Their deep connection to the ocean and the environment fuels their commitment to sustainability and community building. COASTSIDE

(Clockwise from top left) Gina Spinardi, Alisa Stegmaier, Finnegan Brehm, Hana Spinardi, Sunny Brehm, and Hunter Spinardi pose for a photo at Cove Collective second hand kids boutique in El Granada. Alisa Stegmaier and Gina Spinardi started Cove Collective as a way to encourage buying second hand clothes and offering affordable access to quality ocean gear for kids.

Christine D. Stahl

RE/MAX STAR PROPERTIES

Asecond-generationfamily business, Christine Stahl began her real estate career with her late father and Broker, Richard Stahl. After 40 years of providing real estate services, she still has the passion for what she does. Christine attributes her success to: “Keep moving forward and have faith in what you do and never give up. I love what I do, and it feels like what I do for our clients really matters.”

Christine and her real estate partner of 30 years, Pete Lommori, were the first team in San Mateo County who were not a married couple. Both come from backgrounds of family real estate services learning the business from the ground up from their fathers. What has kept them together all these years? Being courageous through the bad times, having trust, knowing who they are, what they believe in, and where they want to go.

Christine is the creator of the Rockaway Ricky Memorial Fund — a special fund under Pacificans Care — named after Rockaway Ricky, her beloved dog, who passed in 2018. Rockaway Ricky was the official mascot of the Lommori-Stahl Group of RE/MAX Star Properties. Christine became aware of the overwhelming financial needs for vet bills, medications, end-of-life assistance, food and more. The fund provides financial assistance to pets of Pacifica seniors, the unhoused, and families in need. Christine says, “Knowing these pets are receiving financial assistance from the Rockaway Ricky fund brings joy to my heart, and Ricky’s spirit can continue to live on is a bonus.”

Christine has been volunteering and serving on the board of Pacificans Care since 2002; a non-profit fundraising for the four core agencies in Pacifica: Senior Services, Youth Services, Child Care Services, and the Pacifica Resource Center.

Christine is now serving as the President of Pacificans Care.

450 Dondee Way, Suite 7 • Pacifica, CA 650.868.0461 • lommoristahlgroup.com rockawayricky@gmail.com

CELEBRATING WOMEN

In this issue we celebrate the strength and fortitude of many women in our community. On the following pages, get to know these inspiring women from Pacifica to Pescadero who, whether running a household, a business or a nonprofit charity inspire and elevate those around them while finding their own success along the way. When it comes to the local business world, there are plenty of success stories. In this section we invite you to get to know some of these inspiring women.

Nancy Auld

AULD DESIGNS

Nancy has been designing for decades, whether in interior design, costumes, or, more recently jewelry. Her motto is “one of a kind”. She has created specialty pieces for choruses and quartets. Her work has been seen at Ocean Blue Gallery and Make it Main Street, where she will again participate this year. Hand-knotted pearls are a specialty. Nancy can make special pieces for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries to your design. Contact Nancy at nancy_auld@sbcglobal.net or check out Auld Designs.

PO Box 585 • Half Moon Bay, CA

650.726.4825 • www.aulddesigns.com

Alexa Alborzi, DDS, MDS

ALBORZI ORTHODONTICS

MeetDr. Alexa Alborzi, the heart and soul behind Alborzi Orthodontics, where transforming smiles in San Mateo and Half Moon Bay goes beyond just straightening teeth. She is a professor, published author, community leader, humanitarian, and an accomplished orthodontist. Dr. Alborzi, a visionary in orthodontics, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. With her dental degree from UCSF, and specialized training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Connecticut, her qualifications are impeccable. She served as a professor at UCSF for over 14 years.

Dr. Alborzi’s commitment to excellence is evident in her pursuit of ongoing education, ensuring her techniques and treatments remain at the forefront of orthodontic innovation. Her practice is not just about state-of-the-art technology; it’s about creating a patient experience that is second to none.

Dr. Alborzi believes in a personalized approach, crafting treatment plans that meet the unique needs and aspirations of each patient.

At Alborzi Orthodontics, your smile journey is in the hands of a professional who cares deeply about your health and happiness.

705 Purissima Street • Half Moon Bay, CA 650.342.4171 • alborzismiles.com

Kirsten Hagen

Greta Sieglock

Stephanie Sills

PALERMO PROPERTIES TEAM

COMPASS 42 N. Cabrillo Highway Half Moon Bay, CA

650.504.1469

kirsten.hagen@compass.com

650.445.2653

greta.sieglock@compass.com

650.678.5707

stephanie.sills@compass.com

Kirsten Hagen, Stephanie Sills, and Greta Sieglock are a powerhouse trio with Palermo Properties Team at COMPASS, a 6-agent real estate team recognized for top rankings in the Bay Area, California and nation-wide. Longtime locals who are grateful to live and work here, they excel at serving coastal clients from Pacifica to Pescadero. And with close ties to top agents across the nation, they can connect people with properties virtually anywhere!

Kirsten, a licensed Broker with two decades as a REALTOR®, expertly partners with her clients and navigates the complexities of transactions with heart, providing top-notch service throughout. She is a proud mother of three adult children and is living the dream of an active coastal lifestyle with her partner in El Granada.

Stephanie has remained a top-producing REALTOR® from her first year in the industry, leading with a stellar work ethic, clear and constant communication, and dedication to developing strong relationships. She has traveled to over 50 countries and enjoys exploring with her husband and twin daughters.

Greta is fiercely committed to building community and masterfully guiding clients to success in an approachable and empowering way. With two young kids, one adorable pup, and a passion for promoting local businesses, she’s an active member of Pacifica’s Economic Development Committee and the Mothers Club.

Kirsten, Stephanie and Greta are also involved advocates for numerous local non-profit organizations including Cabrillo Education Foundation, Mavericks Community Foundation, Sea Hugger, Abundant Grace and more.

Kirsten Hagen, left, Greta Sieglock, center, and Stephanie Sills

Claire Rietmann-Grout LaRue Stewart

COASTSIDE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Coastside Leadership Academy (CLA), co-founded by Claire Rietmann-Grout and LaRue Stewart is a gender-inclusive, all-girls* mobile microschool rooted in joy, curiosity, and growth. Beyond traditional classrooms, CLA revolutionizes education by embracing van life, journeying through the Bay Area for hands-on learning experiences. In nature, libraries, museums, and community spaces, students learn from experts, while building skills and engaging in the community. CLA cultivates a supportive environment where intuition, self advocacy, and leadership thrive, transforming the high school experience into a balance of movement, play, exploration, and rest.

The curriculum focuses on 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, and leadership, woven into themes like Environmental Literacy and Global Awareness. Social-emotional learning promotes self-awareness and confidence, nurturing compassionate leaders. With a focus on skills and balance, CLA graduates are well-prepared for college, careers, and beyond, embodying resilience and adaptability in every aspect of life.

*Girls refers to gender-expansive youth: cis girls, trans girls, non-binary youth, gender non-conforming youth, genderqueer youth, and any girl-identified youth.

Moss Beach, CA • coastsideleadershipacademy.com

Kristine Abbey

ROCKAWAY RESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT

Kristine Abbey is the driving force behind Rockaway Residential Management, where community support and transparent property management services are paramount. With over a decade of experience in the business, Kristine’s commitment to excellence stems from her Bay Area upbringing and deep roots in Pacifica.

Dedicated to providing stable, safe, and quality housing in our community, Kristine’s unwavering passion for exceeding expectations, combined with her Virgo personality traits, ensures exceptional service, continuous improvement, and industry leadership.

723 Camino Plz. #233 • San Bruno, CA 650.290.3084 • www.RockawayResidential.com

Kianna Miller Sasha Trope

SWELL YOGA’S INTERNATIONAL RETREATS TEAM

SWELL YOGA

650.759.1117

Introducing Swell Yoga’s International Retreats Team Kianna Miller and Sasha Trope guide wellness experiences around the world!

Where’s the coolest place you’ve traveled?

ST: Zambia! It was a surreal safari experience and I felt completely immersed in the wild.

When did you first discover yoga?

ST: As a high school athlete, my mom used to drag me to her classes hoping it would balance out my movements. Eventually, I started to like yoga enough that I went voluntarily :) Pizza or tacos?

ST: pizza!

When did the travel bug bite you?

KM: I loved flipping through Nat Geo magazines as a kid, and I used to beg my parents for a plane ticket each birthday. One year they delivered, I’ve never looked back!

Why can it be liberating to go away on “retreat?”

KM: When we step away from familiarity, we have space to release imposed layers that gather over time. It’s in this refreshed perspective that we get to reconnect with our authenticity.

Sunscreen or sunglasses?

Hat!

Your next retreat is in British Columbia this June and it’s women-only. Why?

ST: We’ve both had incredible experiences on women-only retreats. We wanted to create a space where female-identifying participants could be their authentic selves.

KM: A unique alchemy takes shape when women gather and we’re excited to weave that energy into this wellness experience.

Shell Cleave

FOUNDER SEA HUGGER

El Granada Resident Shell Cleave Founded Sea Hugger, an ocean conservation nonprofit organization, in 2018. She is honored to work alongside these powerhouse women who are equally dedicated to protecting our delicate marine environment from detrimental human impacts. Learn more about their work and how you can join the effort by visiting www.seahugger.org.

left:

1047 San Carlos Avenue • Half Moon Bay, CA 650.302.9049 • www.seahugger.org.

Governing Board Members

CABRILLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Anall-woman team of publicly-elected officials, Lizet Cortes, Sophia Layne, Kim Hines, Mary Beth Alexander, and Carmen Daniel represent Half Moon Bay and surrounding communities from Montara to San Gregorio in providing guidance and oversight for their local school district, spanning Pre-K, TK-12, and Adult School.

Further to their school board work over the past several years, their professional experiences span multiple public and private sectors, including teaching, engineering, law enforcement, counseling, biotechnology, real estate, scientific communications, and public education policy advocacy. On a personal level, they are all long-time Coastside residents, with two having grown up in Cabrillo USD schools and all moms of current or former students.

In close collaboration with educational partners including students, families, teachers, staff, administrators, and others, they strive to make our local school communities meaningful, safe, and welcoming places where all students can dream and achieve as they prepare for college, career, and life.

cortesl • laynes • hinesk • alexanderm • danielc @cabrillo.k12.ca.us

Photo from

Maimoona Block, Executive Director; Aubry Casey, Creative Director; Claire Lacy, Program Coordinator; Shell Cleave, Founder.

Minkstein

Shanti

COMPASS

42 Cabrillo Hwy North Half Moon Bay, Ca 94019

650.350.0440

shanti.minkstein@compass.com

Minkstein’s mission is to provide the best real estate experience through a combination of skill and next-level tactics governed by the guiding principles of personal authenticity, community service, and respect for the human spirit. She has been in the real estate industry since 2020 and recently joined the local Half Moon Bay Compass office to further her vision on what it means to be “a great agent.”

Having lived in the area for more than 38 years, Shanti spent the last 26 years capturing the magic of the Coastside as a photographer, truly getting to know the coast and the community. With a degree in marketing, a strong understanding of business, and the passion and knowledge of the local real estate market, Shanti truly is well rounded in all aspects of what it means to create a successful experience.

Her love of this community helps her create the best possible service for her clients’ real estate needs. She believes the purchase of a home is one of the most important decisions one makes in a lifetime. As a community member, a parent, a wife and a homeowner, she understands it’s a decision that can define the way one lives.

Shanti lives in El Granada with her husband, two daughters and their fur baby. If you don’t see her with a camera in hand or working the housing market, you surely will find her hiking on local trails or on a beach with her toes in the sand.

Shanti

Dr. Susan MacInnes

ALL ANIMAL MOBILE VET CLINIC

Dr. Susan MacInnes treats every pet patient as if they were her own, with the same loving care. She is a highly trained veterinarian and experienced animal lover. All Animals Mobile Veterinary Clinic is proud to serve Half Moon Bay and surrounding areas since 1998. The mobile clinic is dedicated to providing the highest level of service with friendly, compassionate care. At All Animals Mobile Veterinary Clinic, clients can expect state-of-the-art medical care for their companions.

Dr. MacInnes believes in nurturing the human-animal bond and creating a harmonious relationship between people and animals, and she appreciates her role in her clients’ pet’s health care. Her clients say of Susan, “I can’t imagine bringing my pets anywhere else. Susan and staff are experts and really efficient.” In her free time, Susan enjoys de-stressing with plein air painting on the coast.

Half Moon Bay, Pacifica, Pescadero and Skyline Boulevard

650.726.3445 • allanimalmobilevet.com

Jamie Weintraub

MAIN STREET SCHOLARS

Jamie Weintraub opened Main Street Scholars in August 2014, and has served over 600 Coastside families with middle and high school instruction, co-enrollment with local community colleges, and academic coaching. All coursework is WASC accredited and A-G approved for college admissions. Today, Main Street Scholars successfully supports many students through its college-high school model and coaching center. And this year we moved back to Main Street, and celebrate our 10-year anniversary this fall.

780 Main Street • Half Moon Bay, CA

650.787.5524 • www.mainstreetscholars.org

Mishelle Westendorf

CALIFORNIA RELOCATION NETWORK

@ OCEAN BLUE REAL ESTATE

JETTYWAVE DISTILLERY

FIT STUDIO

WithTasmanian Devil energy, Mishelle Westendorf’s positive influence is felt along our Coastside in profound ways. Founder of California Relocation Network, run in partnership with Coastside business leader David Oliphant and Ocean Blue Real Estate, Mishelle has been helping people find their dream home since 2000. She is one of the nation’s expert authorities in corporate relocation, improving the lives of executives from Ford, Stanford, Fresno State, Salesforce, Apple and other institutions. In addition to receiving numerous awards for her highly rated customer service, Mishelle and her team transacted over $700M in historical home sales, ranking her as one of the top 500 real estate agents in the US. With her career focus on luxury homes, she has senior certifications in short sale, foreclosure, 1031 exchange, and other complicated transactions.

As CEO of Jettywave Distillery, Mishelle and her husband David led the creation of a vibrant new Coastside destination in Princeton Harbor. A dog and kid friendly haven for locals and visitors alike, Jettywave is both a bar/restaurant venue and a federally bonded distillery with a growing trophy case. Mishelle is also a licensed fitness instructor at Fit Studio, now celebrating its grand re-opening under David Oliphant and Christopher Childers’ ownership. Sign up for one of her spin or boot-camp classes and see why her seats continually max out. In her spare time, Mishelle enjoys jogging Miramar Beach with surfdogs Bondi and Jetty. She watches her husband David Westendorf flying down the coast on his wing foil board or paddleboard. He is a Stanford Research Institute entrepreneur, and Jettywave co-founder and mentors countless Coastside ‘keiki, kahuna and kanines’ as they say to those welcome at Jettywave.

Kate Kostrzewa, Esq.

KDK LEGAL

80 Stone Pine Road, Suite 200B

Half Moon Bay, CA

650.440.4524

kdklegal.com

Kate Kostrzewa, is a knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate attorney who will be there with you every step of the way.

A 28 year resident of the Coastside and a California attorney since 1990, Kate opened KDK Legal in Half Moon Bay in 2016. Her practice focuses exclusively on Trusts and Estates.

Kate is pleased to serve her local community, clients from around the Bay Area and throughout California. She provides clients with high quality legal services and offers individualized solutions that fit each client’s unique needs

KDK LEGAL will help you navigate the path ahead for all matters involving: Estate Planning, Trust and Estate Administration, and Probate.

2024/2025 Coastside Guide

Our annual Coastside Guide for 2024/2025 — yearlong distribution!

With a 12-month shelf life and distribution every month, you buy only one ad and get ongoing, long-term exposure for your business.

The Coastside Guide is popular with both residents and visitors to the coast. It covers everything the coast has to offer from dining, shopping, art, entertainment, beaches, hiking, and more — from Pacifica to Pescadero!

This comprehensive guide to the coast features special pricing, as well as year-long distribution to key locations in both communities.

Deadline to reserve your ad space: Friday, June 21

and pescadero pebble

Headline News

Editor’s note: The following pages offer a short synopsis of last month’s most-read articles from the Coastside News Group’s two publications, the Half Moon Bay Review and Pacifica Tribune. To read the full stories, scan the QR codes below and visit our websites. To get these features delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletters at hmbreview.com and pacificatribune.com — August Howell Last month’s most-read articles

Fire crews douse flames in El Granada home

By August Howell

Firefighters from Cal Fire, Coastside Fire Protection District, San Mateo County Fire Department, North County Fire Authority and the Half Moon Bay volunteer fire department responded to an El Granada home in flames. The fire reportedly spread from the garage, and the owner fled the house with their dogs. No injuries were reported.

Half

Moon Bay’s

‘Beauty and the Beast’ show continues on

By Sebastian Miño-Bucheli

After a production director resigned and a replacement director left unexpectedly, three Half Moon Bay High School students took charge of directing the “Beauty and the Beast” theater performance. A club supervisor said the student showed “incredible resilience” in running the show.

Sick-out strikes Half Moon Bay High School

By Peter Tokofsky

Two-thirds of the teachers at Half Moon Bay High School called in sick on a Friday, March 23, sending the administration scrambling to find substitutes and prompting many students to head back home.

Planning Commission signs off on Cypress Point housing

By August Howell

The San Mateo County Planning Commission approved MidPen Housing’s plan to build 71 units in 16 buildings on a Moss Beach lot. The project has long been controversial on the Midcoast, with advocates lobbying for more adorable housing and opponents saying the town’s infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle the influx of cars. San Mateo County and MidPen pledged to bolster roads and pedestrian safety features, but those improvements are still years away. The San Mateo Board of Supervisors eventually approved the project later in March.

Photos by Anna Hoch-Kenney

COASTSIDE / Obituaries

TO PLACE AN OBITUARY

in the Coastside magazine, please go to www.hmbreview.com/place_an_ad/obituaries/ or scan QR code.

Lydia Hilda Berggren

April 19, 1033 – March 27, 2024

Lydia Hilda Berggren passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024 at the age of 90.

Born on April 19, 1933 in a little village near Burgenland, Austria, Lydia was three years old when she and her mother voyaged nine days on the passenger ship Europa to join her father in New York City. Lydia attended Catholic schools graduating from Julia Richman High School and moving to Miami for three years.

Moving back to New York City, Lydia met and married Bill Berggren on October 10, 1954 and were together for 66 years until the time of his death in 2020. They had an amazing life together living in Turkey, Germany and France and traveling the world with their two children in tow. While in Frankfurt, Germany, Lydia acted as an interpreter for the Army.

In the late 60’s, what started out as a six-month assignment for Bill, became 50-plus years and calling Half Moon Bay their home. Lydia worked for a Public Relations firm in San Francisco from 1971-73 and for the Cabrillo Unified School District for almost 27 years starting out as the Attendance Clerk at Half Moon Bay High and retiring in 1995 as the Assistant to the Superintendent.

Lydia was very involved with the Girls Scouts and with the help of a couple of boy moms, founded Half Moon Bay Boy Scout Troop 285 which is still strong to this day, as well as the High School’s Cougar Guard Marching Band transporting students and equipment to the many band reviews in the bay area.

Lydia is survived by her daughter Caroline Weigandt (George), son Eric Berggren (Katie), grandchildren Rachel Spediacci (Ray), Ryan Berggren (fiancé Katlyn Colbert), Alex Weigandt, Lauren Berggren, and great-grandchildren Stella and Dominic Spediacci.

Lydia’s wishes were to be buried at sea with Bill which is planned in the future.

“Wait for me, it isn’t time yet. But soon it will be and we’ll be together for eternity as we were meant to be” ~ written by Lydia Berggren

Marie Therese Tess Durkee

The remarkable Marie Therese Tess Durkee passed away on March 26, 2024, at the age of 95. After Tess and her husband Wiliam Edgar Durkee, raised eight children, she went out on her own as a single mother to their two youngest, to apply for law school. She hadn't attended university, so she had to test out of college and into law school, from which she graduated at age forty nine. Years earlier, while living in Idaho Falls, Idaho, she started the NOW and the League of Women Voters chapters in that city. After retiring from serving as an environmental litigator for the state of CA, Tess became a volunteer legal mediator, an ESL tutor to young students, a master gardener and a board member of the Pence Art Gallery in Davis. Her interests and accomplishments were wonderfully varied. The belief that anything was possible was the guiding principle of her life, along with hard work, honesty, determination and empathy. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and

great grandmother. She resided at Cedar Lane, in Montara, for two years, where the staff gave her love, respect and the most amazing care any family could imagine. We are eternally grateful to the staff and management of Cedar Lane for giving her comfort, care and affection. She lives on in all of us, she gave us the example of what a life of determination and vision can offer.

Michael Alexander

Michael Alexander, aged 36, passed away on March 31, 2024, in Los Gatos, CA. He was born on June 2, 1987, in Mountain View, CA, to William and Kristi Alexander. He grew up in Colorado and Half Moon Bay, where he attended Half Moon Bay High School. He was predeceased by his mother, Kristi Alexander.

Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Elizabeth and

husband Kyle, alongside a constellation of loving aunts—Denise, Celeste, and Suzanne—along with uncles Steve and Richard, and his father, William. Additionally, Michael leaves behind a host of cherished cousins, each a testament to the enduring bonds of family that he held dear. Michael's presence illuminated the lives of all who knew him, his infectious laughter and compassionate spirit left a lasting imprint on the hearts of many. Michael was not only passionate about astronomy and playing guitar, but he was also a skilled computer builder, an avid reader, and a lover of music and movies. Though his time with us was far too brief, the legacy of love, humor and kindness that he leaves behind serves as a guiding light for those who mourn his loss.

COASTSIDE

Pacifica Tribune Pacifica

your community newspaper since 1938

Police fatally shoot woman after she allegedly shot her son

By August Howell

Pacifica Police Department officers shot and killed a woman after she reportedly shot at her son and drew her gun on officers when she attempted to leave her apartment on Francisco Boulevard. Authorities closed down the street for several hours, and at least three separate investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Pacifica to add buoy stations on beaches

By Jenna Hards and August Howell

After a Pacifica child was killed when he and his father were swept from the sand near Sharp Park north of Mori Point in January, the California Coastal Commission gave Pacifica permission to install 19 life ring buoy stations on local beaches. Each installation will consist of a pole mounted with a ringed buoy and warning signage.

Photos by Anna Hoch-Kenney

Daly City Council approves JUHSD neighborhood plan

Planning Commission postpones quarry reclamation deadline to May 6

By Eleanor Jonas

By Eleanor Jonas

The Daly City Council approved the Jefferson Union High School District’s Serramonte Del Rey Neighborhood plan, a sprawling complex with public housing that’s expected to generate revenue for the district. The project has been in the works for about six years and plans for 1,113 housing units on school district land in Daly City.

After a lengthy and contentious meeting, the Pacifica Planning Commission pushed the deadline to decide the fate of the proposed Rockaway Quarry Reclamation Plan to May 6. The quarry, which is privately owned by Preserve @ Pacifica LLC, operated as a mine until 1987. The city of Pacifica owns a section of land dividing the Quarry, including the Calera Creek Multi-Purpose Trail. The city has to reclaim the quarry by state law. Baylands Soil Pacifica LLC has proposed a plan to import 874,000 cubic yards of soil into the quarry while facilitating various grading and drainage work. The plan calls for 146 truck trips per day entering the quarry from the Highway 1 and Reina Del Mar intersection for four years. The plan has received a mix of opposition and support. COASTSIDE

TO PLACE AN OBITUARY in the Coastside magazine, please go to www.pacificatribune.com/place_an_ad/obituaries/ or scan QR code.

Denise L. Crawford

Denise L Crawford, wife of Jay Crawford, passed away on March 15, 2024 after battling cancer for several years. Denise was a long time Pacifica resident having graduated from Terra Nova in 1972. She and Jay met when they were water safety instructors with Pacifica's Park Beach and Recreation in the 60s and 70s. She was an avid musician, photographer and ceramicist. Since retiring Denise has served as a docent with the Pacifica Historical Society at the Coastside Museum, 1850 Francisco Blvd, Pacifica. Denise is survived by her husband Jay, her daughter Christy. Services are planned at Pacifica's Chapel by the Sea for April 6, 2024 at 10 AM. COASTSIDE

COASTSIDE / Growing Things

Story by Maggie Mah

Photos courtesy Pixabay

Backyard Biodiversity

Saving the Planet One Garden at a Time

It’s May and spring is busting out all over! After months of gray skies and wet, chilly days, we can rejoice at the sight of each tender shoot, leaf and bud. With the resurgence of life all around us, it may seem as if the state of the natural world may not be so bad after all. But, like other things that have negative implications for our well-being, it’s easier to think of ecological problems, like loss of habitat and biodiversity, as happening somewhere other than the place you call home. As much as we humans would like to think of “nature” as being in a place we go to visit on weekends and habitat loss as something we associate with iconic species of wildlife and tall trees, our survival depends on the less exciting plants and animals that we see every day. It’s understandable. Also understandable is the overwhelming sense that there is nothing that anyone can do about it. Now for the good news: there is plenty you can do. And if more of us pitch in, we can make a big difference.

Today, less than 5% of the natural world remains. The rest is dedicated to large-scale agriculture, farming, lumber, housing, transportation and infrastructure.

What is biodiversity? The term “biodiversity” (from biological + diversity) applies to everything that lives in a particular area- trees, lizards, birds, bees-even algae. All of the plants and animals that have evolved together over the last 4.5 billion years are interrelated, each serving a purpose in maintaining the balance necessary for a healthy ecosystem.

Why does it matter? According to the United Nations Climate Action initiative, “Biodiversity is our strongest natural defense against climate change.” We depend on biodiversity for food, water, medicine, climate stability and yes, economic growth.

Plants convert carbon into oxygen and remove pollutants from our water. Meanwhile, insects whose job is to decompose are fundamental for recycling nutrients, allowing plants and animals to exist. Other insects (famously bees) along with birds and mammals do the work of pollinating plants and dispersing seeds.

What causes loss of biodiversity? Some fluctuation in the number of plant and animal species in an area is natural and to be expected. Populations can also be temporarily disrupted by other factors such as weather and fire. However, the primary cause of significant and lasting loss of biodiversity is human activity. Ever since man discovered how to hunt Woolly Mammoths, we humans have been disrupting the natural balance.

California is a global hotspot: California has the most species of any other state. It has the highest number of both rare and endemic species. It also has the highest number of endangered species. Over 30% of the plant and animal species in California are threatened with extinction. Conservation International has designated California as one of 36 places in the world with exceptional numbers of endemic species that are also experiencing high rates of habitat loss. California leads the nation in efforts to protect at-risk species, but very few plants and animals are actually protected.

Something else to worry about: recent legislation intended to alleviate the housing crisis mandates a ten-fold increase in the number of single and multiple-family homes to be built in the state over the next 8 to 9 years. This may be good news for people but it will bring more challenges to the issue of biodiversity.

HERE’S WHAT WE CAN DO

Lose, shrink, or replace turf grass lawns: Those nice, nostalgic carpets of green are thirsty, labor and chemical-intense monocultures that contribute very little to biodiversity and occupy space that could be much better utilized by plants that contribute to biodiversity. If you want to retain traditional green areas, there are species of grass and sedge that make great alternatives. If only turf grass will do, consider “low mow” practices which support insect life.

A note about HOAs: Homeowner Associations can have a lot of say in matters of landscaping and their influence is growing. A US Census Bureau report from 2022 reported that over 80% of new housing is governed by

FOR MORE ON CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS: https://smsf-mastergardeners.ucanr.edu/ California_Native_Gardening/

FOR MORE ON CALIFORNIA NATIVES: https://ucanr.edu/sites/MGsSMSF/California_ Native_Gardening/

HOAs. Maintaining a neat and tidy landscape, which often includes a traditional lawn, is frequently required by these organizations. Although this is changing in some areas, it’s not in others. If you want to encourage better biodiversity, talk to your neighbors and HOA governing board about the benefits of “messier” landscaping. Improving the health of all organisms that live in the neighborhood is just one.

Plant Natives: Plants that are native to a particular location are uniquely suited to foster the insects, birds and other wildlife that have evolved with them. Finding out about the plants that have grown historically where you live is fascinating and like traveling back in time. Nonnatives can co-exist with natives but will do less to support pollinators and other insects.

Avoid invasive plants: Lots of plant species from other parts of the world are often popular choices for landscaping. They usually grow very successfully in our mild climate and can quickly take over and destroy the ability of any natives to support their habitat.

About pesticides: Chemical products designed to kill unwanted insects and weeds will undo all the good work of creating healthy biodiversity. A better approach is to wait and let nature do its work. Beneficial insects will usually take care of overpopulations of unwanted bugs. Intruders to your home, like ants, can be kept at bay by sealing up cracks and fissures. COASTSIDE

Maggie Mah is a UC Master Gardener of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. UC Master Gardeners of San MateoSan Francisco County are volunteers who are trained under the auspices of the University of California to provide science-based information on plants, horticulture, soil, and pest management at no charge to the public. For more information and to find out about classes and events in your area, visit our website where you can also sign up for our newsletter and contact our Helpline: http://smsf-mastergardeners.ucanr.edu/

Left: Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) is a perennial with bristly centers much loved by bees.

Right top: California native plants such as Ceanothus (California Lilac) are hardy, low maintenance and support bees and other insects. Right bottom: Yarrow is an easy to grow, low maintenance, water thrifty plant that provides food for pollinators. Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolia) is white or cream color.

COASTSIDE LAND T RUST

MISSION STATEMENT | Coastside Land Trust is dedicated to the preservation, protection and enhancement of the open space environment, including the natural, scenic, recreational, cultural, historical, and agricultural resources of Half Moon Bay and the Coast for present and future generations.

►Tour our protected lands to observe raptors, songbirds and our local wildflowers. Experience coastal plants and birds and see why the San Mateo coast is such crucial wildlife habitat.

►Join us for our free webinar series as local and regional environmentalists present on the flora and fauna of the San Mateo coast. www.coastsidelandtrust.org/webinars

►The Junior Land Stewards Program connects the students of Cabrillo Unified School District with their local open spaces, and guides them in developing the environmental literacy skills and desire to become life-long stewards of open space. They do this through field work and stewardship in the local coastal prairie, facilitated by the local Half Moon Bay High School science students, and weekly hands-on science lessons and jour-

A SMALL TOWN FIRM WITH A NATIONAL REPUTATION

Since 1964, we have been a small-town firm committed to the highest standards of client representation.

Our transactional team focuses on estate planning and administration, from simple wills to complex trusts. We also counsel on business matters, including corporation and LLC formation.

A. Daniels, Esq.

Our litigation team represents both plaintiffs and defendants in enforcing their rights in personal injury, probate and trust, class action, employment and business matters.

Corey, Luzaich, de Ghetaldi & Riddle LLP

Your Attorneys on the Coast

COASTSIDE LAND TRUST

788 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 | 650.726.5056 www.coastsidelandtrust.org info@coastsidelandtrust.org

The Bird Trail at Wavecrest Open Space

Grazing goats and sheep encourage growth of native plants

Edward

FLOURISH!

Wednesdays 2 - 6 PM IN PACIFICA

Saturdays 9 -1 PM IN HALF MOON BAY

2024 ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST

• Accepting submissions through July 31, 2024

• Six contest categories

• Winners will receive a $100 REI gift card and Midpen gear

To find out more, scan the QR code or go to: openspace.org/photo

Natural Floral Creations Inspired by Art a spring fundraiser for Sanchez Art Center held during the 2024 Left Coast Annual Juried Exhibition

Fri May 10 - Sat May 11, by timed entry, single tickets $35.00 - 2 or more $30.00/person, buy on Eventbrite includes live music—floral mocktails—hands-on floral-making activity

Sun May 12, $10.00 at the door per person (all ages) with all florals available to view SanchezArtCenter.org 1220 Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica

Redefining your agent experience

As a Coastside local of almost 40 years it is important to me that you experience the same warmth and support in this community that I have leaned into for almost 4 decades.

Its not just about finding your house that you can call home, but providing you with the experience where you feel supported and seen with all your needs. With a degree in marketing, the professionalism of being a business owner, and the passion of the coast, I am driven to give you the best experience.

Whether you are ready to sell or purchase a home on the coast, talk to me and allow me to help you feel more comfortable with this next move.

Minkstein

42 N. Cabrillo Hwy. Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Photo: Edward Reed

COASTSIDE / What’s Up?

LIST YOUR EVENT

Do you have an event coming up? List it free on our online calendars at hmbreview.com and/or pacificatribune.com.

AWARDS MAVERICKS AWARDS

The fourth annual Mavericks Awards will celebrate men and women who braved the best (and worst) of the famed wave off Pillar Point last winter. At the cumulation of the months-long video-based competition, surfers submit clips in three categories: Biggest Wave, Ride of the Year, and Performer of the Year. Men and women split the $25,000 prize purse, with 60% going to the surfer and 40% going to the filmer who documented the ride. General admission is $30. VIP ($85) entry and a photography book ($125) are available.

WHEN: 5:30 p.m., May 4

WHERE: San Benito House

MORE INFO: mavericksawards.com

WORKSHOP SHAKESPEARE SWORDPLAY

HMB Shakespeare alum Steven Forth is hosting the program’s first scene study and stage fight workshop. Students will be assigned to memorize a Shakespeare scene and work with a partner. Mastering fight choreography is the goal, and students will learn hand-to-hand and rapier stage combat. This two-day workshop will culminate in a performance. Participants must be at least 18 years old, and space is limited to 18 people.

WHEN: noon to 6 p.m., May 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 19

WHERE: Historic Train Depot, 110 Higgins Canyon Road, Half Moon Bay

MORE INFO: us.commitchange.com/events/ shakespeare-swordplay

MUSIC TONY LINDSAY AND THE SOUL SOLDIERS

On Memorial Day weekend, vocalist Tony Lindsay and The Soul Soldiers are back at the Bach. Here’s the description of the group from the event website: “As lead vocalist for Santana, internationally known Lindsay has earned 11 Grammy awards. Performing hits from Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Etta James, Sam Cooke and Donny Hathaway, Lindsay is joined by Fred Ross, who has performed with Aretha Franklin and Tower of Power and Janice Maxi-Reid, who has been described as Mary Lou Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, and Aretha Franklin all rolled into one.”

WHEN: 4:30 p.m. May 26

WHERE: Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, 311 Mirada Rd., Half Moon Bay MORE INFO: bachddsoc.org

Photo courtesy Jack Sandler

Special times from Pacifica to Pescadero

▸ A decade of Senior Coastsiders Community and staff came together on Main Street as Senior Coastsiders celebrated its 10th anniversary on April 7. Famed pianist Mauro Ffortissimo played on a piano decorated in flowers while drinks and cocktails flowed. Organizers hosted a botanical auction for attendees to bid on plants, succulents, flower arrangements, and more. Proceeds from the event benefit Senior Coastsiders’ programs and goals to support older adults. Photos courtesy Gail Evenari

▸ Coastside Comedy Luau

Community, Hawaiian food and more than a few laughs filled the I.D.E.S. Hall in Half Moon Bay on March 30 for the annual Coastside Comedy Luau. The event featured touring comedians and a charity auction, all benefiting the Wilkinson School and Coastside Hope.

Photos courtesy Shanti Duprez

▸ Mel Mello Farm Day

The 52nd annual Mel Mello Farm Day Luncheon was held at the I.D.E.S. Hall on March 22. Aside from providing a bountiful lunch of local meats and produce, the gathering highlighted a few of the movers and shakers helping keep local agriculture growing on the Coastside. Yesenia García Hernández, an employee of Cabrillo Farms, won Farmworker of the Year for her leadership skills and advocacy on the San Mateo County Farmworker Advisory Commission. Mike Irving, Teresa Kurtak and Jon Vars for Farmer(s) of the Year for their work at Fifth Crow Farm in Pescadero. Mary Oldham won the Glenn Ashcraft Community Service award and Joe Cotchett received the Dolores Mullin "Like a Rock" award. Al Adreveno, who turns 101 in July, earned the event’s first lifetime achievement award. Photos by Anna Hoch-Kenney

By Anna Hoch-Kenney

Bruin & Mable

BREED: Samoyed

Bruin (left) and Mabel (right) are an energetic, loyal, and social pair of Samoyeds who live in Moss Beach. Owner Rob Carpenter says the two are very pack oriented, and love to be around each other. They're also terrified of fireworks and getting anywhere near water, but they rarely bark at anything.

COASTSIDE / Flashback

By Kaitlyn Bartley

by John Green/Half Moon Bay Review

Montara bluffs reveal WWII allied secrets

Moss Beach resident maps former military base

All that remains today of the Coastside’s secret military past are a few buildings and scattered foundations nearly consumed by the coastal grasses. But seven decades ago, with the nation gripped by a world war, Montara’s bluffs pulsed with activity, as thousands of sailors and merchant marines trained at a military base equipped with secret, state-ofthe-art technology and a few brave souls who helped to make the training possible.

One Coastside resident is determined to make sure that the memory of its past does not disappear with the structures. Moss Beach resident J.Q. Oeswein has been researching and mapping the U.S. Navy’s Point Montara Anti-aircraft Training Center, which from 1942 to 1945 was located near the current Montara Water and Sanitary District’s headquarters. Last week, he presented some of his findings at the Half Moon Bay History Association’s meeting.

The training center at Point Montara was far from the only military base on the Coastside. The well-known Devil’s Slide military bunker, an Army outpost along Pillar Point Bluff, and an airstrip that is now the Half Moon Bay Airport were among many of the fortifications the military built up to prepare for possible enemy attacks from the west.

Point Montara was shrouded in secrecy. The facility was classified as top secret by the military, Oeswein said, and wasn’t fully declassified until 1959 — long after the war had been won and many of the structures were already gone.

The secrecy was necessary to protect the state-of-the-art anti-aircraft weaponry used at the site. There were 44 gun mounts of various types, including a row of “Kamikaze killers,” 20 mm Oerlikon cannons, 40 mm Bofors guns, and the pièce de résistance — the variable time or VT fuse, which allowed munitions to explode at exactly the right time. Earlier fused munitions either exploded only on contact or at a fixed time after firing. With the VT fuse, Allied forces could shoot down enemy planes with far deadlier accuracy.

“They were probably the most important anti-aircraft development of the war,” said Oeswein. “Their secrecy was guarded to a similar level as the atomic bomb or the D-Day invasion.”

By the end of the war, the U.S. Army and Navy had spent more than $1 billion on the fuses. But their efforts and secrecy paid off — the Germans and Japanese forces continued to use the less-accurate contact and fixedtime fuses.

But all that machinery was useless unless sailors were trained to utilize it accurately, which meant lots of target practice. Who would be daring

enough to fly a plane towing a target for anti-aircraft artillery practice?

The answer: A few brave women. Point Montara also employed Women Airforce Service Pilots, civilian female pilots who flew military aircraft in support and training roles. Around 1,000 WASPs earned their wings and were stationed at 122 air bases across the United States. The women did the same work as male military pilots, Oeswein said, although he said they had safer flying records and performed aircraft deliveries faster than the men did. They also endured a fair share of close calls, whether due to the trainees’ poor aim or misconduct.

“Towing targets behind the planes is very dangerous,” said Oeswein. “A few of the men fired at the planes out of boredom or mischief.” One WASP recounted getting angry at being fired upon, and then buzzing the Point Montara gunnery crew in retaliation.

Despite such dangers, there are no official records of WASP planes being shot down at Point Montara, Oeswein said. Whether the records are accurate or whether WASP training deaths simply went undocumented still remains a secret hidden in Point Montara’s past, for now. COASTSIDE

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the Half Moon Bay Review in November 2016 by reporter Kaitlyn Bartley.

Photos

A 40mm and 20mm shell that were used at Anti Aircraft Training Center in Montara during World War II.

James “JQ” Oeswein holds one of the 40mm rounds that was used at the Point Montara Anti-Aircraft Training Center.

The View From Pillar Point Spring wildflowers blow in the wind along the Pillar Point bluffs. Anna Hoch-Kenney / Coastside News Group

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