Coastside December 2023 by coastsidenewsgroup

COASTSIDE FROM PACIFICA TO PESCADERO

ANNUAL NONPROFIT ISSUE

Coastside

GIVES BACK ALAS and other powerhouses have raised millions and delivered to those in need

VOL. 4 NO. 12 DECEMBER 2023

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C OA STS I D E DEC E M B E R 2023

Sea Crest is a JK-8 school of joyful learning and community. Located in the heart of Half Moon Bay, Sea Crest offers a high-quality, engaging educational experience that leverages our beautiful setting with a focus on marine and coastal connection. Our creative and collaborative educators believe in providing the best in innovative education to inspire and empower learners to engage curiosity, express creativity, act with compassion and lead with courage.

Admission tours and applications now available! seacrestschool.org/admission 2

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Contents

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FEATURES

INSIDE

10 From the Publisher

Coastside Gives back Mavericks Community Foundation has raised millions for local nonprofits

Music from home is healing

Professional offers accordion lessons on area farms

‘Farmworker Friday’ brings services to the people Donations determine what is on offer

Holidays are for giving

12 Asked + Answered From Halloween fields to hungry families

14 This + That

Check out the latest business news from Pacifica to Pescadero

16 Talk About

From Peru to Half Moon Bay, raised to give back

48 Growing Things

Rain Garden are elegant solution to stormwater pollution

51 Dining Directory An insider's guide to food, wine and spirits from Pacifica to Pescadero

55 What's Up? Calendar of events

56 Out + About

A look at the people making the most of the coast

61 Dog’s Life Meet Confetti

63 Flashback

When cattle and cowboys roamed our coast

64 Final Shot Pillowy Pacifica in a sea of fog

ON THE COVER

Kique Bazán stands at the ALAS headquarters in Half Moon Bay. Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney

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LET US HELP YOU FIND THE PERFECT HOME TO GATHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS We offer local expertise, have global connections and serve the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond

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225 S. Cabrillo Highway, Suite 105B, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 | 650.726.1100 Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. C OA STS I D E DEC E M B E R 2023

PROTECTING WHAT YOU VALUE MOST

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cherie Chan, Secretary Rich Klein, CEO Peter Loeb, Director Lenny Mendonca, CFO and Founding Chair Roy Salume, Director

AUTO • BOAT • RV

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Clay Lambert | clay@coastsidenewsgroup.com S TA F F W R I T E R S August Howell | august@coastsidenewsgroup.com Emma Spaeth | emma@coastsidenewsgroup.com Peter Tokofsky | peter@coastsidenewsgroup.com Sebastian Muñi-Bucheli | sebastian@coastsidenewsgroup.com CONTRIBUTORS Marc Strohlein Maggie Mahs

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PHOTO GRAPHER Anna Hoch-Kenney | anna@coastsidenewsgroup.com DESIGN Shari Chase M E D I A C O N S U LT A N T S Mary Moseley | mary@coastsidenewsgroup.com

Randie Marlow | randie@coastsidenewsgroup.com

BUSINESS

AD PRODUCTION AND DESIGN Judith Modlen | judith@coastsidenewsgroup.com C I R C U L AT I O N Alison Farmwald | alison@coastsidenewsgroup.com

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Half Moon Bay Review

Paciﬁca Tribune

SUBSCRIPTIONS: All subscriptions delivered via the US Mail. PERIODICALS MAIL PERMIT: Authorized by U.S. Postal Authorities of Half Moon Bay, CA. (USPS #233-200). Periodicals Postage Paid at 714 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Half Moon Bay Review, 714 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. SOCIAL MEDIA Find the Half Moon Bay Review on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for breaking news delivered via email at hmbreview.com. COPYRIGHT: All editorial and advertising contents are ©2023 by Half Moon Bay Review. Reproduction or use in any form of editorial, news, photo or advertising content in whole or part without permission of the Half Moon Bay Review is prohibited. Enjoy!

Care, judgment free. We get it. We’re all humans, and as your doctors and health care providers, we’re here to listen to you. We didn’t become doctors, nurses, and advanced practice providers to tell you how to live. We do this because we want you to live your best life and to help tailor a care plan to get you there. So, please, eat an occasional treat, get a little sunshine, and have fun. We’re not here to judge. We’re here to help. If you’re due for a primary care checkup, give our doctors’ offices a call to schedule a wellness visit. We offer convenient locations in Belmont, Redwood City, Half Moon Bay—and now Foster City. For more information, visit dhmf.org/sequoia.

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From the Publisher

Holidays are for giving

ecember is the month of giving. This is no surprise. And it’s true for many reasons, both material and esoteric. Let’s start with the fact that we are in the midst of the holidays. We are constantly reminded of two inexorable facts this time of year: We are all blessed in individual ways so numerous that counting them could take a while. But, if our eyes are open, we also come face to face with the fact that many among us are not so fortunate. Acknowledging there are two sides of that same coin, which sometimes leads us into making unhealthy comparisons with others, is the defining conundrum of the holiday season. How do we celebrate our own good fortune while simultaneously wrapping our arms around neighbors who need help? There is another, more temporal, reason why we are apt to give in December. Our accountant tells us to do so. According to the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Executives, Americans gave $410.2 billion dollars to charitable organizations in December 2022. One-third of all giving is done in the year’s final month; nearly a third of all nonprofits will raise more than half of their operating funds this month. We all know it’s better to give than to receive. The overcommercialization of Christmas aside, this is the time of year when more of us live by that creed. It is particularly good to give close to home, to improve your own “house,” helping elevate your own neighbors in the process. This magazine is dedicated to nonprofits, with a particular focus on Ayudando Latinos A Soñar, the 12-year-old Half Moon Bay organization that joined in ongoing efforts to make our community more welcoming to farmworkers among us. We hope the stories you find in these pages inspire you in your own giving this season. And all of us here at Coastside magazine wish you a happy holiday season.

Clay Lambert is the publisher and editor of the Half Moon Bay Review, Pacifica Tribune, and Coastside Magazine.

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hey tell young journalists, when writing about a dog, get the mutt’s name. Why? Because a collie may be adorable, but a collie named “Maggie” is relatable. And we all like to read about creatures with whom we relate. I was reminded of that truism when editing the stories you will find in this month’s edition of Coastside. It’s true we always include a fine example of coastal canines as a standing department. But this month, without even trying, it seems like animals poked their cold noses into just about every story. That may be because this magazine is dedicated to our environment. You’ve heard the expression “canary in a coal mine,” which harkens back to dark days when miners would carry the birds deep underground, knowing that if the birds were starved of oxygen and died, it was past time to get the heck out of there. Well, the animals in our midst are all playing that role today as climate change, toxic chemicals, plastics that never degrade and other environmental hazards crowd many species toward extinction. So, it seems fitting that beloved animals follow readers closely throughout today’s edition — from Lily the Chihuahua mix to the sturdy dogs who are training even now for next month’s Surf Dog World Championships to the sheep that populate Elkus Ranch. Being good environmental stewards will not only maintain a livable planet for us all but for our fourlegged friends too. Also inside this magazine, you’ll read about the people who have made Pacifica one of the most tree-friendly places you’ll ever visit as well as the climate action plans under construction in Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. We’re all in this together and thankfully, we find ourselves in one of the world’s most breathtaking corners. It’s good to remember that as we share our responsibility to our animal friends and the environment we all depend upon.

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COASTSIDE / Asked + Answered By Sebastian Miño-Bucheli Photo by Anna Hoch-Kenney

From Halloween fields to hungry families Peninsula nonprofit has plans for those leftover pumpkins expanded that in 2023 to include pumpkin patches and farms in the Bay Area to be able to pick up the harvest that is left on the fields that is not sold but is delicious and nutritious and resilient, and make that available to families that are facing food insecurity and may not have those resources available to them to make ends meet.

How many pounds of pumpkins has the organization collected overall? Rohit Mediratta: We got great support from farms, ranches and from our neighbors. We got great support from a lot of the farms because as you can imagine, once the Halloween season is over and a lot of the pumpkins don't get used, a lot of the pumpkins are not sold. They are either given to cattle or they are just left to stay in the field. So a lot of our partner farms like Bianchi Farms, Webb Ranch and Rancho Siempre Verde, … overwhelmingly supported us and we ended up collecting over 15,000 pounds of pumpkins.

Rohit and Kanika Mediratta are not Coastsiders. KANIKA & ROHIT They are a Palo Alto couple who work in tech MEDIRATTA and finance but in their free time operate a nonprofit with a decided interest in the coast’s most recognized crop. The couple, which previously raised money to purchase oxygen tanks for India’s second COVID wave, added to their philanthropic endeavors in the last year by launching 100Pumpkins.org. The idea: recover as many pumpkins from farms as possible in order to help feed hungry families in East Palo Alto. 5 QUESTIONS

Recently, they spoke with Coastside magazine’s Sebastian MiñoBucheli about their outreach to the greater Bay Area and their continued goal to feed as many hungry families as possible.

Tell us what 100Pumpkins is all about and the work that you do? Kanika Mediratta: Every Halloween, we noticed a lot of pumpkins are left out on front porches or put in compost or in trash even, and not really used as food, even though they are highly nutritious throughout. And I started this initiative just in the community that we live in, to collect pumpkins from our neighbors, from our friends and families, school and our community last year. We

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And this isn't just the San Mateo County coast. This is all over the Bay Area. Sounds like a lot of driving. Rohit Mediratta: There were a few trips out to take care of logistics, to take care of getting pallets and bins out to the farms. And it was a couple of trips back out after the pumpkins were loaded into bins sitting on pallets. Second Harvest graciously donated 48-foot truck rides out from the coast back to their facility in San Jose. So if you can imagine … box trucks filled with pumpkins, that's what it was.

Are there some amazing recipes to try or something really easy to make it accessible for everyone? Kanika Mediratta: This is the season for pumpkin soup and pumpkin pies. We've talked to families that have come in and taken these pumpkins and they're excited to see that as available. It's no longer just going to be something in the fall, but right now just focused on encouraging reuse or don't put it in compost and see if another family can leverage this great resource. We haven't really built out our initiative to include ideas on recipes just yet.

Is there anything else you wanted to mention that I may have forgotten? How can people reach out to help or donate? Rohit Mediratta: So a couple of different ways. If we are not close enough or local to where you are and if you have pumpkins to donate, I would recommend looking at food banks that are close to where you are. If you're on a farm and are interested in donating any produce, any pumpkins, reach out to us through 100pumpkins.org. Kanika Mediratta: If you want to volunteer next year to help us collect, again 100Pumpkins.org is looking for people to help us collect those pumpkins. COASTSIDE

Your Home. Our Mission. At Compass, we deliver a personalized real estate experience. By pairing knowledgeable coastal experts with intuitive technology, we can help you get from where you are to where you want to be.

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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Numbers 01079009 and 01272467. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be. made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description

C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

COASTSIDE / This + That

New in Town Traditional Vietnamese pho just off Main and acclaimed greeting cards in Rockaway Beach Muchanticipated restaurant opening

Pho fans have been craving the opening of Blue Dragon Pho, just off Main Street in Half Moon Bay and in November they got their wish. The collaboration between head chef Sandy Thongsavat Potter and owner David Oliphant opened to great fanfare at the corner of Main and Correas streets. A ribbon-cutting ceremony filled the block as Thongsavat Potter and her crew passed out generous samples to hungry crowds. The business partners promise traditional Vietnamese pho and banh mi like the dishes the chef routinely posts on popular social media accounts. For menu and hours, visit bluedragonpho.com

New station for stationary

Sky of Blue Press and Papery has opened in Rockaway Beach, bringing its acclaimed letterpress greeting card and stationary company to a brickand-mortar Coastside location. The company was previously run out of founder Karla Ebrahimi-Camens’ Menlo Park garage. After her family relocated to Moss Beach, she said she looked for a coastal location. “After we moved to the Coastside, it took a year to find the ideal location for our flagship shop. I knew my patience would pay off,” she said in a release. The storefront creates wedding and event designs and brings them to life on a vintage 1942 Chandler and Price letterpress. It is located at 411 Dondee Way, Suite C. Blue Sky Press and Papery still takes wholesale and online orders. Learn more at skyofbluecards.com.

This + That is a monthly feature focusing on new businesses and business news on the Coastside from Pacifica to Pescadero. To be considered for future listings, email publisher@coastsidenewsgroup.com.

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DANIEL SMITH

Working tirelessly to help make your real estate dreams come true

PHOTO: MIKE KAHN

Knowledge of the local housing market, property assessment, and experience in complex real estate negotiations make agent Daniel Smith a strong ally during even the most complicated transactions. He offers clients throughout the coast and the Bay Area a robust array of real estate services — grounded in his business expertise and dedication to excellence.

Daniel Smith

Realtor DRE# 02066571 m: 415-746-9920 e: daniel.smith@compass w: dshomes4sale.com

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

COASTSIDE / Talk About

By Peter Tokofsky Photos by Anna Hoch-Kenney

From Peru to Half Moon Bay, raised to give back Kique Bazán comes from a family of altruists

uis Enrique Bazán -– Kique to everyone who knows him – is assistant director and a member of the board at Ayudando Latinos a Soñar in Half Moon Bay. The native Peruvian has lived on the coast since 2000. He joined the ALAS staff in a period of crisis, but he truly shines helping with art programs and at times of celebration when the community comes together. Bazán spoke with Coastside magazine writer Peter Tokofsky. The conversation is lightly edited for clarity. How did you end up on the coast? I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. I came to HMB in 2000 as an Amity scholar, an exchange teacher. I worked at Hatch Elementary School assisting the teachers in the Spanish immersion program. While I was here the Half Moon Bay Review did an article about me that mentioned my work with street kids in Peru. Someone at the University of San Francisco read it and invited me to give a presentation on campus. While I was there, a professor invited me to do research with her. I applied and I ended up doing research on gangs here in San Francisco. Very few people wanted to work with the Latino gangs because of how risky it was, but it’s right where I wanted to be. How did you get involved with street kids in Peru? When I was a teenager, my mom worked on an HIV/AIDS prevention program. There were events that caused a lot of violence on the streets and

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ALAS founder Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga and Kique Bazan talk outside the organization headquarters. C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

COASTSIDE / Talk About

a lot of children needed a place to go. My mother opened her office for these kids. There were around 500 children from one night to the next. I might have been 16 years old. I spent my afternoons helping my mom with the kids. So before coming here I had a lot of experience working with homeless children. She brought them in because their lives were in danger. How did you feel about your mother having 500 kids? There were mixed feelings. First, I couldn’t believe the war was happening. Our lives completely changed. At the same time, these kids came from a very violent situation. That’s why they were running away from it. I came from a very loving environment, where I didn’t imagine that children lived with that kind of violence. So there was a necessity to help. My mother had no plan when the 500 kids showed up. She depended on the family to help her. She didn’t spend any time at home. If I wanted to see my mom, I had to go to the office. It was a combination of wanting to be with her and wanting to help. I felt a sense of duty, too. What changed you from student teacher to community organizer? When I went to USF to present about the work in Peru, people kept asking about “social justice.” I came from a country where there was a war against communism. If you mentioned “social justice” you were immediately labeled a communist. I thought these people want to know if I’m a communist. A professor told me, “Social justice is what the university is about, that’s our values. We study and reflect on an issue, but then act and transform society and create a better world for all.” That’s why I wanted to be there. It was revolutionary compared to where I came from at that time. I ended up earning a master’s in theology and a doctorate in organizational leadership. How did you get connected with ALAS? Around 2006 I wanted to bring students to learn about farmworkers, so I took them to Pescadero. Belinda (Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, founder and executive director of ALAS) was in Pescadero then, so she was my first point of contact. Then there was the shooting of Yanira Serrano in 2014. It brought different members of the Latino community together. We needed to build a bridge between the Latino community and the police. And we knew the police needed better training for mental health cases. We came together and got involved with politics here in Half Moon Bay. And that’s how I really started working with Belinda and learning more about ALAS, especially the arts programs. Three years ago, they invited me to be a board member. I got really involved when the shooting (at two mushroom farms) happened. There was the flooding, too, and Belinda called all the board members and said, “My team is exhausted. They’ve been responding to this emergency; families being displaced from their homes and now this tragedy happens. I need the board members.” So immediately I came with other board members. We stayed up very late and woke up very early to be with the families and respond to the issues. Right after that the board decided they wanted to hire me.

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Kique Bazan brought what he learned working with street kids in Peru to his work on the coast.

What are you responsible for at ALAS? ALAS is an organization that grew really fast. Right now, I’m helping the organization just figure out how to deal with the growth, be effective, serve the people we need to serve, and be good community members. What programs at ALAS are closest to your passions? Youth, for sure. How do we create the conditions for people to become the best versions of themselves? Are we providing all the elements, helping the parents, so kids can really dream about being good members of society and transform themselves to benefit all living creatures? It’s a struggle. We’re in one of the richest states in the world, so it’s not about resources only. It’s about something else. It’s being good company, caring, welcoming everybody. Then being able to talk, reflect, and try to figure out, not just with ALAS, but with the partners too, the city, other organizations, with people in the community who care. The constant conversations about what we should do are also very exciting. Then putting things into place and seeing how lives change. All of that takes a lot of effort, shoulder to shoulder with other people. We don’t know where that’s going to take us. And then at the end — the celebration. Celebrating that we are a community with arts. And that’s why the ALAS house is the colors that it is. Just to express that we’re in this together, and we also want to celebrate the little achievements that we have.

What can an average person on the coast do to help make this a better community? I think everything starts at home, in the small things. I think life is built from small gestures. What are the small gestures that we share with each other? How do we offer ourselves and be company with each other? Something beautiful about HMB is the Pumpkin Festival and the parade. Lots of people want to celebrate. That’s when good things happen. But also when there’s a tragedy. Everybody got together, too. There was nobody who said, “I don’t care about this.” People jumped and tried to do their part. It’s those small gestures. What’s in between these extremes, when we recognize where we want to go and build it together? How do we take care of each other? How do we engage with each other? Start small, even in our microspaces, and see how that moves to the outside.

We have to work with the schools. All the organizations have to get together. I see this a lot in terms of symbolism. It’s not just about creating opportunities, it’s the symbolism around who has access to opportunities. That’s complicated. Twenty years ago, there were gangs in Half Moon Bay. Why did those people stop? What happened that suddenly people said, “We don’t need to do that.” People who were in those gangs have children now and have made good lives for themselves. Now we have people who are in danger of losing their lives. I think surveillance will not work. The sheriff has a “I’m going to catch you” mentality more than saying, “You could do better, you could create an amazing world, you could help us make Half Moon Bay the kindest place on earth.” Of course we need law enforcement, but it’s also about building self-esteem. We have to focus on the potential of what people could become.

Do you have a perspective on recent gang activity in Half Moon Bay? When I hear kids are stabbing each other or shooting into houses, I think it's really stupid. With everything that’s happening in the world, people are competing to see who can be more cruel. We need to recognize that there is no limit to cruelty. We cannot go there because we are all going to destroy ourselves.

How does your work in theology guide you? I believe in miracles. I think I’m working with people who believe in miracles. If we didn’t believe in miracles, we wouldn’t be doing this work. I won’t preach, but I do think there is a universal energy. I want to work with and surround myself with good people who are looking for the best interest for everybody.

COASTSIDE

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C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

By August Howell Photos courtesy Mavericks Community Foundation and Anna Hoch-Kenney

Coastside

GIVES BACK

Mavericks Community Foundation has raised millions for local nonprofits

ince Coastside Gives was created in 2015, it has helped raise $8.8 million for more than 70 local nonprofits on the coast. The participating organizations provide a vast range of services for a variety of needs — education, youth sports, environmental stewardship, job-seeking, emergency response, mental health support and helping the unhoused are all represented. Coastside Gives is the product of the Mavericks Community Foundation. For its first two years, the effort was made in partnership with the Silicon Valley and East Bay community foundations. Those foundations have since stopped participating, but the Mavericks Community Foundation is still going strong. “We knew it had traction,” Mavericks Community Foundation President Kelly Hoffman-Davis said. “We knew the nonprofits that participated those first two years were counting on us to make this work here.” The operation hinges on a 24-hour online fundraising campaign on the first Thursday of May. In its first year, Coastside Gives raised about $225,000 among 15 participating nonprofits. In 2023, Coastside Gives raised $1.18 million for 65 nonprofits from 2,890 donors. Now coming up on its eighth year, the giving day has earned name recognition, both from nonprofits seeking money and in the community at large. Last May, Puente de la Costa Sur, which offers safety net services for low-income residents on the South Coast, received $96,800 from 274 donors. The money will go toward its summer youth program and help support the childcare center. Between donations and prize money, the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside got $41,250 from 352 people, the highest number of individual donors in the fundraiser in 2023. While the club raises money year-round, BGCC Executive Director Jill Jacobson said

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Coastsiders enjoy seeing friends and family among the supporters and beneficiaries of Coastside Gives. C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

Coastside Gives provides the largest number of individual donations to the club each year. Those funds allow the club to pay for a variety of key services for local youth, from homework tutors to camp counselors to coaches for Cunha Intermediate School sports teams, which BGCC manages. “I feel like we’re able to capitalize on the marketing support they create,” Jacobson said of the Mavericks Community Foundation. “They definitely create a buzz around town with the signs, the contests and launch events.”

“

It's tough to raise money. Any kind of tips or resources we can provide, we try to share that, MARY OLDHAM, MAVERICKS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Coastside Hope Executive Director Judith Guerrero said the nonprofit received more than $135,000 from the 2023 fundraiser. The money supports the organization’s Critical Family Needs Safety Net Program, which includes case management, rental and utility assistance, and food donations to eligible low-income residents. She called the donations a “vital part of the funding that enables us to serve the community daily.” Mavericks Community Foundation Executive Director Amber Stariha outlined a number of strategies the foundation has used over the years to grow its reach. The foundation offers various prize grants and incentives for nonprofits that get the most individual donors, get the most donations in their respective Power Hour, or have the most popular social media posts. Mavericks Community Foundation Vice President Mary Oldham also emphasized that Coastside Gives, through the workshops and orientations, provides a space for local nonprofits to collaborate. Not every nonprofit has the experts or ability to host major fundraisers in person, and the hope is that Coastside Gives fills that gap. Money raised through Coastside Gives goes to provide services such as Puente's regular laundry program, top right, and Coastside Hope's food distribution, center right.

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LEARN MORE

Coastside Gives is back for its next one-day giving fundraiser in May 2024. To learn more, visit coastsidegives.org.

Volunteers track the success on the one-day campaign at tables set up in New Leaf Community Market in Half Moon Bay.

“It’s tough to raise money,” Oldham said. “Any kind of tips or resources we can provide, we try to share that.” The foundation also mails guides in English and Spanish to showcase which organizations are participating and explain the process. It also organizes workshops and training sessions for nonprofit staff to familiarize themselves with the process and learn best fundraising practices, both from the foundation and other nonprofits. It’s this networking opportunity that gets the Mavericks Community Foundation leadership excited. “These are all really smart, amazing community leaders,” HoffmanDavis said. “We want to tap into that and work as a united front instead of individual operation.” Coastside Gives has had to adapt at times. During the early months of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, large events like the Pacific Coast Dream Machines and the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, which also serve as fundraisers for nonprofits, were canceled. That year Coastside Gives opened its online donation option weeks before the 24hour giving period and made in-person donations available at Alifano

Technologies. Julie Shenkman, a board member and marketing communication lead of Big Wave Group, said the nonprofit received $43,000 through Coastside Gives to support essential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to paying for operational costs and enrichment activities, the donations go toward construction costs for the Big Wave residence, a housing project in Princeton for 40 people. Funding also supports the Big Wave Farm, which hosts adults with special needs from all over the Bay Area. “Receiving this level of local support for our project has been incredibly impactful to us, as our future residents will live in this community for many years to come and will need ongoing support,” Shenkman said. “I think one of the most important success factors is the fact that the funds raised are being put to good use directly in the community,” Stariha said. “I think that makes an incredible difference. I think we’re super fortunate that we live in a community where there is a lot of incredible nonprofit work going on for such a small area.” COASTSIDE

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Above, Pedro Romero, a student in Hernán Hernández Jr.'s weekly accordian classes on the coast. At right, Lorenzo Mendez eyes the keys on his instrucment. And below, Yesenia Garcia helps Mendez. All are students in Hernán Hernández Jr.'s weekly accordian classes.

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By Sebastian Miño-Bucheli Photos by Anna Hoch-Kenney

Music from home is

healing Professional offers accordion lessons on area farms

hen Hernán Hernández Jr. drives from San Jose to Half Moon Bay to teach accordion lessons, there’s one thing on his mind: giving back to the community. Hernández is son of the famous Hernán Hernández, a musician from the San Josebased Norteño band, Los Tigres Del Norte, which has been performing since the late 1960s. He calls upon that heritage to teach farmworkers on the San Mateo County coast how to play accordion, as a musical therapy offered through Ayudando Latinos A Soñar in Half Moon Bay. On a Wednesday evening, this first-ever class of six accordion enthusiasts came to Cabrillo Farms and practiced the scales that were sent by Hernández before the 6 p.m. class. The founder of ALAS, Belinda HernándezArriaga, said that the organization wanted some sort of musical class, but after getting help with Hernández Jr., they pitched to him about teaching accordion to farmworkers. “I’m super proud of this dream we had,” said Hernández-Arriaga, holding an accordion because she also participates in the class. “We

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“

WE THINK IT’S ALSO HEALING FOR THE COMMUNITY AND TO BRING IT OUT DIRECTLY TO THE FIELDS WITH HERNÁNDEZ JR. IT’S AN AMAZING DREAM,” BELINDA HERNANDEZ-ARRIAGA, ALAS

think it’s also healing for the community and to bring it out directly to the fields with Hernández Jr. It’s an amazing dream.” The class started in September and the students have made progress in learning some scales that would help them learn iconic songs they’ve heard since they were kids. One student, Hilario Lopez, a farmworker who works in Pescadero, was trying to figure out the notes for the song, ‘Los Caminos de la Vida,” a Colombian vallenato recorded by Los Diablitos that has since been a favorite among generations of Spanish speakers. “I practice about 30 minutes a day,” said Sanchez, while figuring out the accordion intro to the song by ear. “As a kid I loved music and I would play guitar but I didn’t advance much.” If you ask Sanchez what song he’s mastered, he’ll start playing the intro to La Cumbia Sampuesana by Colombian artist Ancieto Meza, which is a staple at parties. There’s so much joy in nailing the notes, but in class, there’s just as much laughter coming from the students as they learn a new scale from start to finish. Two people from Cabrillo Farms housing walked up to the classroom to hear what songs were being played. At their request, Hernández Jr. played and sung the first verse of “La Puerta Negra” by Los Tigres Del Norte. While the professional finished playing, Hernández Jr. gave some advice to his students who looked in awe. He recalled that the “King of Accordion,” Ramón Ayala, would carry the instrument everywhere even as a young child.

Hilario Lopez works out a melody on his accordion.

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HEAR THE MUSIC

To year Los Tigres Del Norte play “La Puerta Negra,” visit youtube.com/ watch?v=Uz61nYYtpXg

Hernán Hernández Jr. demonstrates a technique as students Belinda Hernández-Arriaga, Yesenia Garcia, and Hilario Lopez watch on during weekly accordian classes.

BECOME A SPONSOR?

Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga of ALAS says the organization is looking for sponsorship for continuing accordion classes. “We’ve seen the transformation of the farmworkers, to be able to learn an instrument,” she said. “It’s beautiful.” To help with funding, contact ALAS through ALASdreams.org.

“You don’t have to take the accordion to the bathroom,” said Hernández Jr. holding back laughter. “Every minute you have, instead of turning on the TV, pick up the instrument.” The teacher gave a commendation to his students for taking the time out of their day and showing up late at night to play an instrument. Hernandez Jr. says he wasn’t a music teacher before, but after hearing that there was a waiting list of interested folk there was a catalyst to take the opportunity to give back to his community. The act of giving back is also coming from a personal side too now. “My nephew who is 5, yesterday, he asked ‘When are you going to teach me accordion?” said Hernández Jr. “Everything they taught us, I’m going to teach the next ones.” Hernández wants to keep the music going and get more songs down. The ALAS accordion class is set to play Dec. 5. COASTSIDE

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By Sebastian Miño-Bucheli Photos Anna Hoch-Kenney

‘FARM

WORKER FRIDAY ’ BRINGS SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE DONATIONS DETERMINE WHAT IS ON OFFER

n a typical late Friday morning in Half Moon Bay, staff at Ayudando Latinos a Soñar’s casa amarilla headquarters on Purissima Street were prepping a truck with supplies for “Farmworker Friday.” The initiative is an effort to bring supplies or help out to farms in the immediate area on during the farmworker lunch hour on Fridays. Sometimes by the time farmworkers leave work they don’t have time to head to the nearest store or for medical services “over the hill.” The team leaves at 11:30 a.m., with the truck packed and a caravan of volunteers in tow. Sandra Sencion, ALAS’ chief of staff, takes the wheel and Cristhian Landaverde, the farmworker outreach coordinator, sits in the passenger seat to guide the caravan. “Water, sandwiches and blankets,” said Landaverde in Spanish while recalling the supplies his organization is going to hand out at two farms. What the ALAS team gets from donations for farmworker Friday determines what the farmworkers get. There are some good weeks and some weeks in which donated items are stretched thin. Sencion said a partnership with Life Science Cares allows tech companies to put together hygiene kits

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C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

“We come to them with

what we're doing, with what we're offering and at the end of the day it's a benefit of their workers,” Sandra Sencion, ALAS chief of staff

Clockwise: Cristhian Landaverde sets out water and lunches for farmworkers at Half Moon Bay Nursery. San Benito House provided the sandwiches. Jose Ruiz collects water, blankets, and a sandwich. Landaverde greets workers as they come into the lunchroom.

or gather other types of supplies. It all makes the donations bountiful. On Highway 92, the sun peeks out of the Half Moon Bay fog and farmworkers notice the all-black Ford F-150 truck approaching. As it gets closer to the farm, Landaverde waves his hand out the window to greet from afar. Farmworkers who spot the black ALAS truck know they’re going to get relief. Today they will be receiving sandwiches from San Benito House in Half Moon Bay, an original warm blanket woven by a local resident and a gallon of water. “It’s beautiful because you’re not just there when they need help,” said Landaverde. “You feel like you live with them for a second – you earn their trust and their love.” After the truck pulls into the Half Moon Bay Nursery off Highway 92, the farm operator walks close by to speak with the pair from ALAS. He helps guide the team to the farmworkers' shared space, where the ALAS team can leave the food and supplies. This interaction is poignant because there is no Farmworker Friday without the collaboration of the farm operator. “We come to them with what we're doing, with what we're offering and at the end of the day it's a benefit of their workers,” said Sencion. The farmworker outreach team is able to connect those at the farm with help navigating San Mateo County government, Medicare, Medicaid, private medical insurance and mental health care. After a few minutes, the farmworkers head over to the shared kitchen area to wash hands. Their job at the nursery is to tend to the plants and fruit trees. “I’ve been working here for 30 years and everyone is doing great here – thank god,” said Maria Haro, a farmworker, in Spanish. “Before there wasn’t anyone doing this; it's the first time ALAS was giving this help.” As the outreach team heads out to visit the second farm on the list, Half Moon Bay Nursery II, Sencion pulls into the backroads away from downtown and the Half Moon Bay fire headquarters.

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Landaverde spots a figure far away and notices a bright green hoodie. It reads “Our Veggies are Moon Raised” in the front with the ALAS logo in the back. He immediately recognizes who the farmworker is and exchanges greetings though this isn’t the stop for the team. Tucked away along Higgins Canyon Road lies the second property belonging to the Half Moon Bay Nursery. Two farmworkers are entrusted to take care of the plants growing there. Another job they have is to revive any of the plants for the main jobsite by repotting sick plants with better soil. Landaverde tells them their actual job is working their magic. Sencion and the team ask the two farmworkers if there’s something in particular that they could bring. “What you all bring is going to be well received — how could we pick and choose,” said José Ruiz in Spanish. After a back and forth, Ruiz said maybe a sweater and a hat to fight back the sun. Here in the farm, Ruiz and his coworker, Orfil Serrano, don’t use sunblock or any protection, because it’s the breeze that burns. Sencion starts up the truck and the farmworkers walk away with their sandwich and put away their blankets. Landaverde hands over the last remaining jug of water. By now it’s a little past 1:30 p.m. and the sun was out and burning. The caravan of volunteers disbands to meet back at the yellow house that serves as ALAS HQ and pick up at the rest of the day’s tasks or head home. COASTSIDE

“It’s beautiful

because you’re not just there when they need help. You feel like you live with them for a second – you earn their trust and their love,”

Cristhian Landaverde, ALAS farmworker outreach coordinator

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Local Nonprofit Organizations A DIR ECTO RY O F PA RT I CI PAT I NG N ON P R OF I T O R GA N I Z AT I ON S S E RV I N G O U R C O M M UN IT Y

his is the season of giving. There is no better time to consider giving your time and money to myriad Coastside nonprofits working hard right here at home to make this an even better

place for all. This month’s edition is devoted to the “season of giving” and in these pages you’ll see stories about local nonprofits and the original ways they find to make sure all of us have shelter, food and meaning in our lives. On the following pages, you’ll find a directory of local nonprofits, including a bit about their core work and how to find them online. Just as we are stronger together, these tireless organizations are better with each donation of energy and money. It all adds up! We at Coastside magazine wish you a happy holiday season of giving.

SUPPORTING OUR SPECTACULAR COASTSIDE Donate $250 or more and re tickets to th ceive 2 FREE e Seal AdventAño Nuevo ures event!

From Año Nuevo to Gray Whale Cove, the Coastside State Parks Association supports, protects and enhances the most beautiful places on our Coastside. Thank you to all the donors who help in our mission.

Proud to earn Charity Navigator’s highest ranking

C O A S T S I D E S TAT E PA R K S . O R G

Año Nuevo State Park • Bean Hollow State Beach • Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park • Butano State Park • Cowell Ranch State Beach • Gray Whale Cove State Beach • Half Moon Bay State Beach • McNee Ranch / Montara Mountain • Montara State Beach • Pebble Beach • Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve • Pescadero State Beach • Pigeon Point Light Station SHP • Pomponio State Beach • San Gregorio State Beach C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

Photo courtesy Kevin Henney

Learn more about what CSPA does to support our invaluable LOCAL State Park system and consider donating today.

COASTSIDE LAND TRUST 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.

Give the next generation the support they need today.

Great Futures Start Here Un Gran Futuro Comienza Aqui The Bird Trail at Wavecrest Open Space ►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.

Cunha Lunch & After-School Program | Elementary Program Teen Center | Cunha Sports | Community Service Opportunities Enrichment Activities & Workshops | Break & Summer Camps

►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

With your help, we are able to give the next generation the support they need.

►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 journaling throughout the school year. www.coastsidelandtrust.org/juniorlandstewardsprogram

TO DONATE, SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT:

bgccoastside.org

PO Box 545, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019|(650) 712-9710

PACIFICANS CARE Locals Helping Locals

Supporting safety-net social service agencies for Pacificans in need Pacifca Resource Center Pacifca Youth Service Bureau Pacifca Senior Services Pacifca Child Care Services Grazing goats and sheep encourage growth of native plants

COASTSIDE LAND TRUST 788 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 | 650.726.5056 www.coastsidelandtrust.org info@coastsidelandtrust.org 34

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TO DONATE

visit: PacificansCare.org or mail your contribution to Pacificans Care, P.O. Box 875, Pacifica CA 94044

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PACIFICANS CARE visit our website at PacificansCare.org | 650.355.4479

Helping make Pacifica a community that cares

P R O M O T I O N A L

▸ ABUNDANT GRACE COASTSIDE WORKER The mission of Abundant Grace Coastside Worker is to transform the lives of Coastsiders experiencing, or at-risk for, homelessness through meaningful employment, skill training, community building, food justice and other supports. For a person experiencing homelessness, participating in Abundant Grace's programs provides an opportunity to make steps toward reintegrating into the community, securing housing, finding employment, accessing case worker services, caring for personal needs, reconnecting with family, and ultimately improving his or her own life. For a lowincome family, attending our free breakfasts and produce distribution provides vital resources to feel nourished and healthy each week. abundantgracecw.org ▸ BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE COASTSIDE Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside responds to the ever-changing needs of youth in our community. Current programs continually evolve to support local families. Last year, the club expanded programming to include more elementary students and provide camps during school breaks to help working families. The Boys and Girls Clug of the Coastside continues to fund, run and expand Cunha Intermediate School sports, which now serve 456 athletes across 33 teams in eight sports.bgccoastside.org ▸ BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, NORTHERN SAN MATEO COUNTY The club’s mission is to inspire and enable young people to realize

their full potential and contribute to their communities. The vision and program strategy is rooted on the premise that every child will achieve academic success, be physically active every day and that every child will develop a positive sense of self. The club has long had a presence in Pacifica, including the Yosemite Drive clubhouse. theclubs.org ▸ CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS ASSOCIATION The local association supports 15 California State Parks along 36 miles of San Mateo County coastline from Gray Whale Cove State Beach in Montara in the north to Año Nuevo State Park in Pescadero to the south. In partnership with California State Parks, CSPA raises funds to support vital education and interpretation programs and projects. CSPA provides funding for programs and projects that enrich visitors’ experiences, that protect natural resources, and that augment the state’s budget — including funding for local docent programs. coastsidestateparks.org ▸ CABRILLO EDUCATION FOUNDATION Cabrillo Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that operates independently — but in partnership with — the Cabrillo Unified School District for the benefit of enriching educational excellence for the students attending our local public schools. CEF was founded in 2006 and has worked with the community to build an approximate $3 million Endowment that will benefit students today and in the future. Through its endowment and fundraising

Help us match $100,000 for Puente

With your support this past year over 1 600 individuals from the South Coast communities of Pescadero La Honda Loma Mar and San Gregorio accessed financial assistance dental care coordination internships and leadership development for youth ages 1 21 services for the 60 community members mental health support for all ages and much more ,

Partner with us as the trusted bridge towards independence by supporting Puente in 202

Give Generously Today to our End of Year Campai n

Online at www.mypuente.org

Mail a check to P.O. Box 554 Pescadero, CA 94060

For more information contact Alejandra Ortega Fund Development Director at aortega m puente org or 650 262 4100 :

C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

Coastside Hope’s mission is to provide necessities to enhance quality of life for all our neighbors. ABOUT COASTSIDE HOPE Coastside Hope has served the Coastside community since 1976. We help more than 14% of the Coastside population each year. Coastside Hope serves the entire community, including the working poor, low income seniors, veterans, residents with physical disabilities, single parents, the unemployed and the unhoused.

Thanks to the support of good neighbors like you, we provide: • Food Pantry • Food Stamp Applications (CALFRESH) • Bi-Weekly Senior Brown Bag Food Distribution • Monthly Family Harvest Food Distribution • Thanksgiving and Christmas Turkey & Warm Clothing Distributions • Christmas Adopt-A-Family • Rental and Utility Assistance • Shelter Referrals • Free Income Tax Preparation • Forms Assistance (Unemployment, Medi-Cal, Disability etc.) • Immigration Assistance • Free Citizenship Classes in Spanish and English • Service Referrals – if we can’t help you, we will do our best to find someone that can. HOW YOU CAN HELP To find out how you can strengthen our community and help your neighbors prosper, please contact: Caitlen Vreeburg, Development and Operations Director at (650) 523-3519 or Caitlen@coastsidehope.org OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Judith Guerrero BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Judith Guerrero

President: Nancy Marsh Vice President: Michael Klass Treasurer: Anna Mieritz Secretary: Sandra Adams

MEMBERS:

Betty Cortes, Michael Montgelas, Judy O’Leary, Jotham Stein, Steve Hurlbut HONORARY MEMBERS:

David Pasternak, Jeff Pearls, Bob Reily, Dell Williams, Rose Serdy, Dianne Baker

COASTSIDE HOPE (650) 726-9071 P.O. Box 1089, 99 Ave. Alhambra, El Granada, CA 94018 coastsidehope.org • facebook.com/coastsidehope 36

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Compassionate Care for Seniors Respite for Families Serving the Coastside senior community with compassion and dignity since 1982 A comprehensive, structured day health care program with all-inclusive services individualized for each participant. We need your support to give our frail, elderly, and disabled the care they deserve. Please send your donations to: 925 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or donate on line: www.coastsideadultdayhealth.org 650.726.5067 | cadhc@coastside.net

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efforts, the organization allocates hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to the public schools in the Cabrillo Unified School District. ceffund.org ▸ COASTPRIDE CoastPride's mission is to offer a safe space within the community to gather the diversity of our voices, raise awareness of LGBTQ issues, and address the needs of our LGBTQ youth, families, and adults. Programs and services are designed to help educate, increase inclusivity, and foster an environment that helps our children and families to thrive. CoastPride has been embraced by the Coastside. Thanks to civic, business and faith-based leaders and community members, CoastPride has increased visibility, promoted equity, increased awareness of LGBTQ concerns and begun addressing some of the critical mental health needs of our youth and adults. CoastPride aims to foster a welcoming atmosphere and celebrate the wonderful rainbow of diversity that makes up our Coastside community. coastpride.org ▸ COASTAL REP Coastal Rep is a community that surprises, inspires and delights its patrons with memorable dramatic, musical and comedic performances. Coastal Rep provides opportunities for artistic development in all aspects of the theater. Coastal Rep's outreach and discovery of new talent creates excitement and energy like no other Bay Area theater. Coastal Repertory Theatre is celebrating

over 35 years in Half Moon Bay with an active student performing arts program, enriching the lives of kids through the arts. Over 2,000 students have participated through the performing arts classes offered in our youth education programs, Coastal Rep Kids' Theatre, with a significant percentage on scholarship. coastalrep.com ▸ COASTSIDE ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTER Since its inception in 1982, the Coastside Adult Day Health Center's mission is to keep people as healthy, active and independent as possible, when advancing age calls for more care and attention. The center's goal is to help restore and maintain mental and physical health to enhance the quality of life for our participants and their caregivers so they can remain in their own homes, near family and friends, in the community they helped build. With compassion and professionalism, CADHC offers a comprehensive, structured, daytime health care program with all-inclusive services that are individualized for each participant. coastsideadultdayhealth.org ▸ COASTSIDE CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS CCP provides a safe and caring environment where children learn through experience, play, and friendships. Kids are able to build a foundation for success in school and life. CCP offers childcare programs with quality educational, recreational and skill-building activities at our preschools, before- and after-school programs, and full-day summer programs. CCP teachers create a nurturing, safe environment for children to learn and have fun. Our goal is to guide

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Create waves of gratitude:

Consider DONATING to support our efforts!

creating smiles Join us as a volunteer or as a supporting member. Doing something good for the ocean will put a smile on your face.

Fighting invasive weeds Weeding and removing invasive plants along our coastline has never been so fun. Bring your team or your family and friends out to restore the native habitat.

inspiring youth Become a Jr Site Captain and get community service hours approved. We organize cleanups every weekends .10+ locations, find one near you!

Building Community We only have one Pacific Ocean. So let’s take care of our beautiful planet together by volunteering or donating today.

Pacific Beach Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educating and preserving the ocean in Daly City, Pacifica, Foster City, Montara and Half Moon Bay.

Donate:

@pacificbeachcoalition

Your generosity today ensures that ‘Waves of Gratitude’ continue to ripple through our community, inspiring lasting change.

To donate and/or volunteer, visit www.pacificbeachcoalition.org 38

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children toward success by creating an environment that facilitates growth, strengthens individuality, and promotes creative freedom through a blend of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. coastsidechildren.org ▸ COASTSIDE HOPE Coastside Hope's mission is to provide basic life necessities with dignity and hope to all Coastside residents. The guiding principle is "necessities for today, opportunities for tomorrow." Its wide array of services stabilizes low-income families and prevents homelessness. Coastside Hope serves all low-income persons in our area and do not discriminate on any grounds. Coastside Hope is designated by San Mateo County as the primary community assistance agency for our service area. Ongoing services are designed to prevent homelessness by meeting basic life needs for food, clothing, shelter, and fundamental utilities such as electricity and propane. coastsidehope.org ▸ COASTSIDE LAND TRUST The 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 San Mateo County coast for present and future generations. Coastside Land Trust acquires and cares for open spaces along the San Mateo County Coast. Its properties are open to the public and are permanently protected. Future goals are to complete the California Coastal Trail through

Swell

GIVES

the Wavecrest area and protect the remaining bluff top lands west of Highway 1. Community outreach includes youth education, webinars, workdays, workshops and walks. coastsidelandtrust.org ▸ COASTSIDE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Coastside Leadership Academy represents a re-imagining of the high school experience for girls. It does so by cultivating joy through mindfulness, movement, and play in nature, by promoting healing by connecting to intuition and our community and by honoring growth by developing skills and uncovering passions. With nature as the guide, learning happens when movement, play, curiosity and rest are balanced. The program prioritizes mental health and is open to all girl-identified youth. coastsideleadershipacademy.com ▸ THE JOHNSTON HOUSE The Johnston House sits on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean just south of Half Moon Bay. The classic New England saltbox was built by James Johnston, an immigrant from Scotland, between 18531855, for his Californio bride. The all-volunteer Johnston House Foundation was formed to rebuild, restore, preserve and protect this historic Coastside icon for the benefit of all citizens. This house, which had once endured years of abuse, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Johnston House recreates early California life around 1850s on the Coastside and will be open with docent tours to visitors after COVID restrictions are lifted. johnstonhouse.org

A rising tide lifts all boats! Swell Yoga encourages an incoming tide with the hope of bringing greater equity to our community. • Community Classes: sliding scale offerings each week, open to all members of the community (Meditation, Español, LGBTQ+) • Benefit Classes: monthly offerings for those able and willing to support local nonprofits (all proceeds are donated) • Coastsiders we support: local schools, environmental non-profits, social justice organizations, and more! To learn more about the ways Swell gives to our coastside community or to inquire about donations for your organization, please scan the QR code.

Swell Yoga + Wellness LLC 455 Ave Alhambra, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 650-759-1117 swellyogastudio.com C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

Providing a safe and caring environment where children learn through experiences, play, and friendships – building a foundation for success in school life.

The Johnston House Foundation

THEN

LOCATIONS 2 Preschools (3 - 5 yrs.)

Half Moon Bay Montara 3 After School Centers (TK - 5th grade)

NOW

Mission Statement To protect, preserve, restore and refurbish, for future generations, the historic James Johnston House in Half Moon Bay.

About The James Johnston House A little over 50 years ago, in 1972, the all-volunteer Johnston House Foundation was formed to rebuild and restore the crumbling ruin of a once-proud house to its current stately presence on a wind-swept hillside in Half Moon Bay. Work continues on historically-correct interior rooms, furniture and accessories. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive educational experience for visitors and tell the story of this unique saltbox house, its pioneer inhabitants and the impact on Coastside, California and American history.

We are seeking volunteers, particularly docents, to join us.

Open House Third Saturday each month, Jan. through Sept., 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free tours by costumed docents. Private tours and school group tours available. Our book, “The White House of Half Moon Bay” is available for purchase, a comprehensive book about the house, the Johnston family and the house restoration.

Current Board Mary Bettencourt, Lauren Goodrich, Jan Gray, Marilyn Johnson, Jack McHugh, Ann Mori, Cameron Palmer, John Ryan, Barbara Von Glahn

100 Higgins Canyon Rd., Half Moon Bay | 650-726-0329 | johnstonhouse.org 40

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Hatch El Granada Farallone View Summer Programs for K - 5th grade

(650) 726-7413 ccp@coastsidechildren.org | www.coastsidechildren.org

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▸ OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR ACADEMY The academy is a joyfully Catholic traditional learning environment that nurtures wisdom and virtue through the study of the true, the good and the beautiful in order to develop fully formed human beings. The school, which is associated with Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church, has a mission to build abundant lives on the San Mateo Coastside through Catholic classical education. The school centers faith, reason and virtue and aims to help students triumph over materialism. Students undertake a rigorous study of classical subject matter as well as religion and outdoor education. olp.academy ▸ MAVERICKS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The Mavericks Community Foundation strives to make a lasting impact on the San Mateo County coast by encouraging community engagement, support and collaboration. We envision a future where all our Coastside nonprofit organizations are enabled to support the needs of our community. In 2015, a few like-minded individuals with a long history of nonprofit involvement on the coast had an idea to accomplish one major goal: raise money for local nonprofits. The Mavericks Community Foundation serves as a catalyst for local giving by bringing awareness to the nonprofits in our community. We fulfill our mission by facilitating fundraisers, capacity-building seminars, and events to encourage community development. maverickscommunityfoundation.org

▸ PACIFIC BEACH COALITION The Pacific Beach Coalition is dedicated to preserving the ocean, coastal habitat and wildlife, and ending litter through advocacy, education, community building and citizen action. The Pacific Beach Coalition is a unique organization and an award-winning 501(c)(3) ocean conservation nonprofit. It has inspired others to do good for the environment and are true influencers to those they connect with. The mission is to be a powerful force for positive change, building and delivering a model for sustainable environmental stewardship and kinship among all ages through advocacy, education, community building, and citizen action in the Bay Area. pacificbeachcoalition.org ▸ PACIFICA HISTORICAL SOCIETY The society preserves, enjoys and educates the community about Pacifica's past. In addition to historical research, the organization hosts regular events about local history, and runs the Pacifica Coastside Museum on Francisco Boulevard. The society hosts regular events focused on the unique history of Pacifica and its souvenir shop is the place to buy real Pacifica Jack Cheese, among other delights. pacificahistory.org ▸ PACIFICANS CARE Established in 1982 by a small but dedicated group of citizens, Pacificans Care is a totally volunteer, community-based nonprofit organization created to support core social service organizations in Pacifica. Pacificans Care ensures that neighbors in need succeed

EMPOWERING YOUTH FOR GREAT FUTURES at Boys & Girls Clubs of North San Mateo County Scan the QR code to donate. Visit our website to learn more about our programs. 955 Yosemite Drive | Pacifica, CA 94044 | (650) 355-1334 | theclubs.org C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

Building a welcoming and safe Coastside where all LGBTQ and gender-expansive individuals, and their families and allies, thrive.

650.479.1902 711 Main St., Half Moon Bay CA www.coastpride.org 42

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CoastPride offers one-to-one youth counseling in English or Spanish, as well as support groups and activities for • middle schoolers • high schoolers • parents and caregivers • community members ages 50+

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in developing a healthy, self-sufficient and improved quality of life. Pacificans Care and its current core social service agencies make a difference for thousands of Pacificans during difficult times. pacificans-care.com ▸ PENINSULA OPEN SPACE TRUST POST protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. POST is creating a network of protected lands where people and nature connect and thrive. These lands are preserved forever so present and future generations benefit from the careful balance of rural and urban landscapes that make our region extraordinary. They have preserved over 80,000 acres of open space in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Check out the website to discover how the landscapes they protect and care for enhance the lives of residents and visitors, ensure a vibrant future for wildlife, and benefit the local economy. openspacetrust.org ▸ PUENTE Puente fosters wellness and prosperity in the San Mateo County South Coast communities of Pescadero, La Honda, Loma Mar and San Gregorio by promoting and advocating for equitable access to education, health and economic security. Although the South Coast is known for its beauty, this vast rural area presents many challenges. The distance from the nearest cities limits access to basic services and community participation for local residents, especially low-income, undocumented Latino farm and nursery workers and low-income

English-speakers too. Puente has responded to this social inequality for 22 years. Puente's goal is to build a healthy, sustainable and inclusive community in the South Coast. mypuente.org ▸ ROCKAWAY RICKY MEMORIAL FUND Rockaway Ricky was the official mascot of the Lommori-Stahl Group of RE/MAX Star Properties in Rockaway Beach until 2018 when he passed. In his memory the Rockaway Ricky Memorial Fund, a program of Pacificans Care, was established to benefit the needs of the dogs of Pacifica’s unhoused and senior populations. The Rockaway Ricky Memorial Fund assists with the pet care needs for Pacifica seniors, the homeless and families in need. Donation funds are distributed by Pacificans Care to the Pacifica Resource Center and through the Pacifica Senior Services. rockawayricky.org ▸ SANCHEZ ART CENTER The mission of the Sanchez Art Center is to create community through art. The art center provides exhibitions by emerging and established California artists; education and outreach programs designed to make art accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds; and affordable studio space for up to 30 Bay Area artists. The Art Center is home to the Art Guild of Pacifica, whose 150-plus members volunteer for exhibitions, events, and gallery sitting, as well as serving on the center's committees and board. Funding comes from grants, donations, art classes, art sales and art studio rentals. It relies on the volunteer efforts of our studio artists,

Abundant Grace COA STSIDE WORKER

What would love have me do today? Learn more about our Full-Circle Food Justice & Coastside Clean Team Programs and the Workforce Development Center on our website. Make your holiday donation at abundantgracecw.org “Love is the light that overcomes the darkness” 515 KELLY AVE., HALF MOON BAY, CA 94019 C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

Our Lady of the Pillar Academy is a new joyfully Catholic classical K-8 school that launched its inaugural year this Fall 2023. The school is conveniently located at the Our Lady of the Pillar (400 Church St, Half Moon Bay) parish hall and utilizes the adjacent vacant lot for outdoor activities while it's in the process of developing the land as its permanent home.

Enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year is still open!

Interested in student enrollment, an administrative or teaching position, or donating to the cause? Contact us now to learn more: info@olp.academy visit us at: https://olp.academy/

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members of the Art Guild of Pacifica, and the community to help carry out our programs for the community. sanchezartcenter.org ▸ SEA HUGGER Sea Hugger is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting and healing the marine environment from plastic pollution through action and education to drive systemic change that addresses the root cause of the issue. The mission is to educate the public to reduce plastic dependency, while focusing on protecting the marine environment, ensuring the intrinsic rights of aquatic life, and helping create sustainable communities that are no longer affected by plastic pollution. seahugger.org ▸ SENIOR COASTSIDERS Senior Coastsiders has been providing opportunities and support for older adults living on the Coastside, as well as their caregivers and family members for over 40 years. It is a valued community resource for services, programs, classes, activities, information and innovative approaches to successful aging. Its goal is to create an environment for Coastside seniors that meets their needs, enriches their lives, and respects their creativity, dignity and value. The professional staff oversees the provision of direct services, support and programming at the Half Moon Bay facility and in the extended community, from Montara to Pescadero and Skyline to the sea. Senior Coastsiders also partners with other groups and programs that benefit the Coastside. seniorcoastsiders.org

▸ SONRISAS DENTAL HEALTH Dental issues are the leading cause of school absenteeism for children, and lack of access to care disproportionately affects low-income families and seniors. Sonrisas Dental Health was established in 2001 as a nonprofit community clinic, with the vision that everyone deserves a dental home, regardless of physical, developmental, and financial challenges. Operating in Half Moon Bay and San Mateo, Sonrisas provides culturally competent care and health education, addressing the oral health needs of diverse community members, including farmworkers and those with mobility challenges. With a school screening program reaching 3,000 children annually and mobile dentistry, Sonrisas aims to conduct over 16,000 clinic visits in the 2023-24 fiscal year, with 74% dedicated to lowincome individuals and children. sonrisasdental.org ▸ TABLE OF PLENTY Table of Plenty Half Moon Bay is a weekly community supper for struggling families, seniors and people without homes. Its first supper was served in January 2013. Every Thursday evening since, the dedicated Table of Plenty volunteers have created an attractive dining room, complete with tablecloths, fresh flowers and live music. Each guest is seated and served a warm, healthy meal by TOP volunteer servers in black aprons. tableofplentyhmb.org COASTSIDE

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GIVE WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE sonrisasdental.org/donate

The Rockaway Ricky Memorial Fund was established to assist with the essential pet care needs to Pacifica’s seniors, our unhoused neighbors and families in need. To date, the fund has raised $30,000 for pets in need. A program of Pacificans Care a 501 (c) (3), all funds are distributed to the Seniors Healthy Pet program and the Pacifica Resource Center. Through your generous donations, $30,000 has been distributed to these vital programs helping with the needs of pets.

16,000+ visits | 3,000+ screenings | 74% low-income | 44% children

Donate Today: RockawayRicky.org

Founded in Half Moon Bay in 2001, Sonrisas serves thousands of neighbors who otherwise would not have access to a dental home sdasda due to physical, developmental or financial barriers.

SPONSORED BY:

A Project of:

Supporting:

Scan to give now. Sonrisas is a 501c3 nonprofit. tax id: 94-3390196

Galleries | Artist Talks | Artist Studios Workshops & Camps | Community Engagement

YOU — through your support — can provide a comfortable and welcoming place for artists to share and the community and visitors to come together and be engaged and enriched by the arts.

COASTAL REPERTORY THEATRE’S 2024 SEASON

FROM SCREEN TO STAGE

FEB. 2 - FEB 18, 2024

FEB. 2 - FEB 18

MARCH 15 - MARCH 31

MAY 3 - MAY 12

JUNE 7 - JUNE 23

JULY 26 - AUG. 18

SEPT. 13 - SEPT. 29

OCT. 25 - NOV. 3

DEC. 6 - DEC. 22

CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH ART

www.SanchezArtCenter.org 1220 Linda Mar Blvd., Pacifica, CA 94044 To support art in the community, visit our website to make a donation or send a check to the address above

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GIft Cards are available for purchase at www.coastalrep.com 1167 Main Street, Half Moon Bay | 650-204-5046

Home Town Mercantile It's a winter wonderland at Home Town Mercantile, with fabulous ornaments, holiday candles, tall lighted trees, hot chocolate,

Quality art materials and creative gifts, at ever yday Great Prices Mon-Sat: 9:30-7:00 | Sun: 11:00-5:00 3600 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403 (650) 350-1990 | www.calartsupply.com

and seasonal treats.

hometownhmb.com

416 Main St., Half Moon Bay 650.713.0816 hometownhmb.com

PIGEON POINT, PESCADERO

PROTECTED FOREVER Since 1977, POST has preserved over 87,000 acres of open space for the benefit of all. You can help protect the land we love — every gift makes a difference: OpenSpaceTrust.org/ProtectOurCoast

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COASTSIDE / Growing Things

Story by Maggie Mah Photo courtesy Sea Scapes Garden Center and Design

Rain Gardens are elegant solution to stormwater pollution

ast winter’s epic rainstorms have caused many of us to think about what we can do to mitigate the impact of heavy downpours on our communities. As it happens, the impervious surfaces that keep us dry and mud-free (our homes, patios, driveways, etc.) also keep water from seeping naturally into the ground. Instead, rainfall is typically managed by gutters and downspouts, which collect surface water and funnel it into drains and culverts. Unfortunately, pollutants come along for the ride: pesticide residue, heavy metals, bacteria, etc., all of which end up contaminating our waterways and potable water supplies. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rainwater runoff accounts for an estimated 70 percent of all water pollution. Now for the good news: there’s a simple solution to keeping that water from going down the drain that will not only beautify your landscape but do great things for the environment, too. It’s called a “rain garden.” What is a Rain Garden? Known more technically as “bioretention cells,” rain gardens are landscaped areas designed to capture and retain runoff water where it can be slowly absorbed into the surrounding soil. In the process, the interaction of plants and soil microbes makes significant improvements in the quality of the water, reduces flooding and helps to recharge groundwater. A well-constructed and maintained rain garden can remove up to 90 percent of the pollutants present in rainwater runoff and can absorb significantly more water than conventional landscape areas such as lawns. Unlike natural areas that are slow to drain, the water in a properly designed and constructed rain garden will allow water to infiltrate in 48 hours or less, which means mosquitoes will not have enough to time to breed. How do rain gardens work? The name may conjure up watery images of ponds and lily pads but “rain gardens” are dry most of the time and blend seamlessly into the existing landscape. During a rain event, runoff is directed to a location in the ground that has been excavated to be slightly shallower than the surrounding area, forming a basin to temporarily contain a quantity of water. In the “basin” are

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plant varieties that are strategically selected and placed to survive the extremes of periodic flooding and drought conditions. When water flows into the rain garden, it irrigates the plants while soil microbes go about the job of breaking down pollutants and providing nutrients for the plant roots to absorb. As the plants grow, they provide an attractive habitat for animals. Size Matters: Ideally, a rain garden should be large enough to capture and contain the water that comes off the roof of your home, patio or other paved area. During a storm that dumps an inch of rain, about 200 gallons of water will be shed from a 400-square-foot roof. This would require a rain garden approximately 20 percent of the size of the roof or about 50 square feet. Size calculations will vary according to soil types and other factors but even a small rain garden can make a big difference. Site Selection: The location of your rain garden should be at least 10 feet away from structures and in an area where water from downspouts or drains can be directed. This can be in a natural depression, flat area or gentle slope no greater than 12 percent. It’s best if the location receives full sun to partial shade for plants to do their best and soil must be able to percolate water at the rate of approximately half-inch per hour. Depending on the terrain, the long side of a shape should be arranged perpendicular to a slope to catch as much water as possible. Areas with heavy clay soils, trees and tree roots, utilities, septic tanks, drain fields and well heads are to be avoided. Design and construction: Rain gardens can be any shape, size or style. They are simple to construct and usually require little in the way of supplies and equipment. If you have a shovel and can do some digging, you can probably do it yourself. You will need plenty of organic compost to amend the soil, which is essential for increasing infiltration and promoting plant growth. Depending on the type of soil, other amendments might be needed to facilitate drainage. After plants are in place, you will need to top everything off with a layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Maintenance is also simple: a bit of weeding, pruning and adding more mulch is usually what’s required.

Plants and planting: Think of a rain garden as having three zones: “bottom,” mid slope and perimeter or berm. Plants in the bottom zone need to tolerate periods of flooding and will receive the most water for the longest time. Plants on the next level need to be a bit smaller and must also withstand moisture but for shorter duration. At the top or outermost zone are plants that are more typical of California and Mediterranean style gardens. Since our climate is dry for much of the year, all of the plants you select will need to do well with minimal water. To slow the velocity of water entering the “basin,” rain gardens should be more densely planted than other types of landscaped areas. Grasses, sedges and other plants that form “clumps” are key to holding soil, supporting other plants and preventing erosion. Many California natives are well suited to these conditions but non-native plants with similar characteristics are also good options. Plant Recommendations: ▸ “Bottom” plant varieties include: douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana), creeping wildrye (Elymus triticoides), yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica) and torrent sedge (Carex nudata).

A good rain garden captures water along three slopes.

▸ Mid-slope varieties: salt grass (Distichlis spicata), common or spreading rush ( Juncus patens), wood rose (Rosa gymnocarpa).

▸ Top level or berm varieties: common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) California fuchsia (Epilobium canum), pitcher sage (Salvia spathecea). More solutions: If a rain garden isn’t possible, there are other ways to retain direct and utilize excess rainwater. Rain barrels attached to gutter downspouts collect and store large amounts of water very quickly. Swales, rock-lined areas that mimic streambeds, can divert water, promote infiltration and add interesting landscape features. Swales can also be used in conjunction with rain gardens. Rebates for rain gardens and rain barrels are available to San Mateo County residents. For more information, visit San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program online.

COASTSIDE

Maggie Mah is a University of California master gardener who is in awe of nature’s power and wisdom.

LEARN MORE University of California master gardeners of San Mateo-San Francisco counties are volunteers who are trained under the auspices of the university 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: smsf-mastergardeners.ucanr.edu. RESOURCES FOR YOUR RAIN GARDEN ▸ UCANR Coastal California rain gardens: https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8531.pdf ▸ San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program: https://www.flowstobay.org/rain-gardens-your-next-landscaping-project/ ▸ US Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-rain-gardens ▸ The Xerxes Society: https://xerces.org/blog/rain-gardens-are-winwin ▸ Groundwater.org https://groundwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/neb1.pdf

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Eat + Drink AN INSIDER'S DIRECTORY TO FO OD, WINE AND SPIRITS FROM PACIFICA TO PESCADERO COFFEE + TEA

ALPRESSO COFFEE Coffee, iced drinks and pastries. Drive-through. 198 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay (650) 729-3088 BEACH MONKEY ORGANIC CAFE Coffee, tea, sandwiches, juice bars, smoothies. 986 Linda Mar Blvd., Pacifica (650) 898-8105 beachmonkeycafe.com CAFE PACIFICA Coffee and tea. 1821 Palmetto Ave., Pacifica (650) 438-1808 CAFE SOCIETY Coffee, bagels, pastries and other goodies. 522 Main St., Half Moon Bay (650) 713-0800 cafesocietyhalfmoonbay.com CAFFÈ MEZZALUNA Coffee, tea, sweet treats, breakfast, lunch. 240 Capistrano Rd., Princeton (650) 560-0137 mezzalunabythesea.com CHIT-CHAT CAFÉ Beachfront coffee/sandwich spot known for its bagels and ocean views. 5 W Manor Dr., Pacifica (650) 738-2380 DOWNTOWN LOCAL Coffee shop with amazing aromatic coffee sand vintage finds. 213 Stage Rd, Pescadero (650) 879-9155 DAWN PATROL Coffee, tea, espresso, bagels and baked goods. Local and family owned. 155 Broadway, Half Moon Bay (858) 449-2112

dawnpatrol.coffee EL GRANADA HARDWARE AND CAFÉ Specialty drip coffee, smoothies, sandwiches — and hardware. 85 Ave Portola, El Granada (650) 726-5009 eghardwareandcafe.com GRANOLA’S Specialty coffees, house-made granola, fresh baked goods, vegan delights. 116 N. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay (650) 440-469 granolascoffeehouse.com FOG CITY JAVA Great place for coffee, sweets and sandwiches. 580 Crespi Dr., Pacifica (650) 355-4698 HMB COFFEE COMPANY Soup, salads, sandwiches, desserts, coffees, teas. 20A Stone Pine Rd., Half Moon Bay (650) 726-3664 hmbcoffeecompany.com INTERTWINE CAFÉ Espresso bar using Equator’s organic Jaguar blend. Drip coffee, tea and limited pastries. 1926 Palmetto Ave., Pacific (650) 451-3680 kizlercoffee.com LOVEY’S TEA SHOPPE British. Traditional tea service, snacks. 4430 Coast Hwy., Pacifica (650) 359-1245 loveysteashoppe.com PACIFIC JAVA CAFÉ Brewed coffees, espresso, loose-leaf tea, pastries and bagels. 450 Dondee Way, Pacifica (415) 654-8864

PEET’S COFFEE & TEA Coffee, pastries and sandwiches. 142 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay (650) 726-1261 P-TOWN COFFEE AND TEA Coffee in a caboose. Tea in a train. Coffee, tea, bagels and sandwiches. 5400 CA-1, Pacifica (650) 898-8660 soulgrindcoffee.com SOUL GRIND COFFEE ROASTERS A beachfront café in Pacifica. Coffees, teas and iced drinks. 5400 CA-1, Pacifica (650) 735-5529 ptowncoffeecaboose.com STARBUCKS COFFEE Coffee drinks. Pastries and sandwiches. 80 N Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay 549 Oceana Blvd., Pacifica starbucks.com

BAKERIES + SWEETS

DAVID’S BAGELS Boiled and steamed bagels, cookies, pastries and desserts. 1926 Palmetto Ave., Pacifica (415) 847-2294 davidsbagelspacifica.com FISHWIFE SWEETS Custom sweets, cakes, cupcakes, pies, cookies, bars and more 329 Main St, Half Moon Bay, (650) 245-5928 fishwifesweets.com GULINO GELATO High-quality gelato and every batch made from scratch. 330 Main. St., Suite 101, Half Moon Bay gulinogelato.com

HALF MOON BAY BAKERY Pastries, pies and other baked goods. Sandwiches, burgers and focaccia. 514 Main St., Half Moon Bay (650) 726-4841 halfmoonbaybakery.com

(650) 733-7750 starbreadca.com SUNSHINE DONUTS Donuts, muffins, egg rolls. 80 N. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay (650) 726-1161

MAZZETTI’S BAKERY Specializing in cakes for all occasions, tasty breads, rolls, cookies, pies, French and Danish pastries. 101 Manor Dr., Pacifica (650) 355-1007 mazzettisbakery.com

SWEET 55 Candy. Swiss chocolates, confections, cookies and coffee. 225 S. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay (650) 440-4330 sweet55.com

MOONSIDE BAKERY Coffee, European-style pastries, cakes, cookies and breads. Breakfast/lunch with pizza, salads and sandwiches. 604 Main St., Half Moon Bay (650) 726-9070 moonsidebakery.com

BREAKERS Classic breakfast and brunch, burgers. 145 Rockaway Beach Ave., Pacifica (650) 557-1274 Ilovebreakers.com

ROSALIND BAKERY Spacious, industrial-style bakery with an open kitchen that serves pastries, bread and coffee. 450 Manor Plaza, Pacifica (650) 898-8636 rosalindbakery.com SHAMPA’S PIE SHOP A variety of favorite homemade pies in different sizes. 1625 Palmetto, Pacifica (415) 412-3592 shampaspies.com

BREAKFAST + LUNCH

JOHNNY'S HALF MOON BAY Breakfast, sandwiches, fountain and pies. 547 Main St, Half Moon Bay, (650) 726-6266 johnnyshmb.com MAVERICKS CREPERIE Crêperie. American restaurant. 146 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay (650) 713-5298 maverickscreperie.com

SMALL TOWN SWEETS A small piece of Americana with chocolates, salt water taffy, licorice and some sugar-free options. 617 Main St., Half Moon Bay

OCEAN VIEW CAFÉ Breakfast and lunch. Seafood, gumbo, crab sandwiches and more. 1400 Main St., Montara (650) 563-4023 oceanviewcafe.info

STARBREAD BAKERY Home of the original Senorita bread. Ensamada, casava cake, leche flan. 1261 Linda Mar Shopping Center, Pacifica

PERFECT POUR Cafe, breakfast and brunch, Mint Mojito Iced Coffee. 188 Clarendon Rd., Pacifica (650) 733-7080 perfectpour.biz

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COASTSIDE / Eat + Drink PILOT LIGHT Café with breakfast and brunch, and lunch with burgers, sandwiches and salads. Half Moon Bay Airport, Half Moon Bay (650) 402-0575 pilotlightcafe.com SAM’S COFFEE SHOP Classic diner style breakfast and lunch. 210 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay (650) 726-3167 SUNRISE CAFE & GRILL American-style breakfast and lunch. 1241 Linda Mar Blvd., Pacifica (650) 359-3811 TASTE CAFÉ American breakfast and lunch restaurant with a Latin twist. 50 Cabrillo Hwy N., Half Moon Bay (650) 712-1586 Ilovetastecafe.com

ICE CREAM + YOGURT + JUICES

BASKIN ROBBINS Ice cream, cakes. 44 N. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay (650) 726-5006 baskinrobbins.com

BEACH BOBA A delicious variety of smoothies, tea and boba. 1328 Linda Mar Shopping Center, Pacifica (650) 898-8880 bboba.com COLD STONE CREAMERY Offering design-your-own ice cream creations hand-mixed on a granite slab. 1319 Linda Mar Shopping Center, Pacifica (650) 355-0419 coldstonecreamery.com FOG CITY EATS Yogurt, gelato. Breakfast and lunch. 1610 Francisco Blvd., Pacifica (650) 290-8042 fogcity.shop

GULINO GELATO Delicious, high-quality gelato; every batch made from scratch. 330 Main. St., Suite 101, Half Moon Bay gulinogelato.com JOANNE’S ICE CREAM CAFÉ Handcrafted ice cream with a homemade feel and all-natural flavorings. 9 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay (650) 726-2722 TEA WORLD Tea and boba. 90 Eureka Square Dr., Pacifica (650) 451-7710

SPIRITS

HALF MOON BAY DISTILLERY Craft distiller producing ultra-premium spirits. 103 Harvard Ave., Princeton (650) 726-7228 hmbdistillery.com JETTYWAVE DISTILLERY Jettywave is a distillery that embraces the modern northern California coastal lifestyle producing whiskies, bourbons, gins, vodkas and Half Moon Shine. The Jettywave vision is based on the principle of realistic sustainability. 155 Broadway, Half Moon Bay (650) 291-8835 jettywave.com VELVET HIPPO LOUNGE Distilled spirits, high-end cocktails. 724 Main St., Half Moon Bay (650) 276-7029 TRIPP DISTILLERY Small batch vodka and rum production. (650) 557-1335 1121 Palmetto Ave., Pacifica trippdistillery.com

BEER

BLUE OCEAN BREWING Brew pub. Microbrew beer. 315 Princeton Ave., Half Moon Bay highway1brewing.com

HALF MOON BAY BREWING COMPANY Brew Pub. Oceanfront restaurant and brew pub with California coastal cuisine and micro-brewed beers. Burgers, oysters, award-winning clam chowder, salads, and sandwiches. Dog-friendly patio. 390 Capistrano Rd., Princeton (650) 728-2739 hmbbrewingco.com HIGHWAY 1 BREWING COMPANY Brew pub. Microbrew beer and small bites. 5720 S. Cabrillo Hwy., Pescadero (650) 879-9243 highway1brewing.com HOP DOGMA BREWING COMPANY Brewery. Hop Dogma’s success begins with the beer, delivering “plenty of great beer, yet small enough that we can count on it always being fresh!” 270 Capistrano Rd., Princeton (650) 560-8729 hopdogma.com HUMBLE SEA BREWING COMPANY Tap room with delicious appetizers, bites, and fun food — skewers, empanadas, dumplings and pizza! 5560 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacifica (650) 898-8008 humblesea.com PACIFICA BREWERY Brewery. Serving seasonal and locally sourced foods alongside a vast selection of beers made in-house. 4627 Pacifica Coast Hwy., Pacifica (650) 735-5311 pacificabrewery.beer PEDRO POINT BREWING COMPANY Brewery. Locally owned and operated craft brewery. IPAs, stouts, variety of German, Belgian and English styles with a coastal California twist. Music and food events, too! 55A Bill Drake Way, Pacifica (650) 735-5813.

pedropointbrewing.com SACRILEGE BREWERY Clever handmade in-house beers,the best, always rotating guest tap selection on the coast. Enjoy pulled pork sandwiches, fish tacos, and the fan favorite burgers on English muffin buns. 730 Main St., Half Moon Bay (650) 276-7029 sacrilegebrewing.com

WINE

A GRAPE IN THE FOG Wine Bar. Wine, sweet and savory bites, live music. 400 Old County Rd., Pacifica (650) 735-5854 agitf.com BARTERRA WINERY Winery. Barterra offers the finest wines from Northern California’s top vineyards. Come and enjoy beautiful downtown Half Moon Bay and experience the very best of California wines all in one place! 315 Main St., Half Moon Bay (650) 712-1635 barterrawinery.com HALF MOON BAY WINE & CHEESE COMPANY Wine, cheese shop. 60 open wines from the most renowned wine regions available 7 days a week at the tasting bar. 421 Main St., Half Moon Bay (650) 726-1520 hmbwineandcheese.com HALF MOON BAY WINERY Established to honor the picturesque reputation of Half Moon Bay. The winery’s varieties,all handcrafted from North Coast grapes, recognize different aspects of the town and the coast. Buy online or visit the website to find the Coastside locations where the wine can be purchased. (650) 703-4318 halfmoonbaywinery.com LA NEBBIA WINERY Winery. Quaint and old-world tasting room open daily 10am to 5pm. Barrel to Bottle events.

Beautiful outdoor setting with picnic tables, grass area, and bocce ball court. 12341 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay (650) 726-9463 lanebbiawinery.com SANTE ARCANGELI FAMILY WINES Unique Santa Cruz Mountain wines. 216 Stage Rd., Pescadero santewinery.com TABLE WINE Beer and wine sales and tasting. 1710 Francisco Blvd Suite A, Pacifica (650) 898-8205 tablewinemerchant.com THE COASTAL VINE Wine bar. A lounge offering wine, beer, coffee, tea, and small bites. 2305 Carlos St., Moss Beach (650) 563-4335 http://thecoastalvine.com THOMAS FOGARTY WINERY Striking, terroir-driven singlevineyard wines in the most exciting mountain region in California. 19501 Skyline Blvd., Woodside (650) 851-6777 fogartywinery.com TROJAK-KNIER WINERY Winery. Handcrafted wines produced and bottled since 1993. Offers award-winning Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese and more. Tasting room: 12-4:30 Saturday/ Sunday, or by appointment. 151-A Harvard Ave., Princeton (650) 728-3613 trojakknier.com VINOTECA Wine. Wine tasting and shop. Serves cheese, hors d’oeuvres. 330 Main St., Half Moon Bay (650) 560-8954 vinotecahmb.com 

If you would like to add your establishment to the dining directory or update your content, please contact us at customerservice@coastsidenewsgroup.com

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Celebrate the Season! Open through Dec. 23, 2023

Photo: Claire Landowski

Half Moon Bay & Pacifica

Welcome to Your Open Space openspace.org

CoastsideFarmersMarkets.org

Explore your Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District preserves with trained docent naturalists who enrich your experiences and share knowledge about natural and cultural history. Activities are FREE and only some require reservations. openspace.org/guided-activities

Time-honored, all wood smoked, American craft barbecue & catering 30 Ave Portola, El Granada, CA 94018 (650) 713-5303 | breakwaterbbq.com @breakwaterbarbecue C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

APARTMENTS FOR SENIORS

Fine Jewelry CUSTOM | DESIGNER | ESTATE | REPAIRS | APPRAISALS DIAMOND BROKER

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• Locally owned & operated Call us to schedule a tour today 650.344.8200 | www.sterlingcourt.com Follow us!

RCFE Lic# 415600223

three decades of

Envirotokens

Since we started our Envirotokens program, we’ve donated $1.2 million to community organizations, kept 12.7 million bags out of landfills, and saved 17,000 trees. Thank you to our community for joining in our efforts to leave a lighter footprint.

Half Moon Bay • Downtown Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz • Capitola • Aptos 54

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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.

ENJOY THE ‘NIGHTS OF LIGHT’

The annual parade in downtown Half Moon Bay has come and gone, but it’s not too late to catch the holiday spirit. Downtown businesses welcome you on consecutive Friday evenings for festive frivolity. On Dec. 8, it’s “Ugly Sweater” night. Then, on Dec. 15, bring the family and something warm to wear and watch the movie “Elf” in the Cunha Country Grocery parking lot. WHEN: Starting at 6 p.m., Dec. 8 and 15 WHERE: Main Street, Half Moon Bay MORE INFO: visithalfmoonbay.org

HEAD TO THE CASTLE

The Sam Mazza Foundation welcomes you to Pacifica’s castle for a holiday tea. There are two, two-hour events scheduled and your ticket includes a room-by-room tour of the castle and a high tea with scones and sweets. The foundation promises that any ghosts you encounter will be of the friendly variety. WHEN: two tours, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 WHERE: 900 Mirador Terrace, Pacifica MORE INFO: sammazzafoundation.org

HAVE A LAUGH

Hop Dogma plays host to the best comedy on the coast in the form of regular Comedy Sharks standup nights. This one is special: Host Phil Griffiths hosts the 10th anniversary show and typically brings out several of his funniest friends. Best of all, it’s free, though tips are encouraged. WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14 WHERE: 270 Capistrano Road in Harbor Village MORE INFO: hopdogma.com

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is known across the peninsula for its unique spirit.

GO BACK IN TIME

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is one of the peninsula’s favorite annual traditions. Organizers promise that to enter the Cow Palace’s exhibition hall during the fair is to “enter the winding lanes of Victorian London and immerse yourself in a world of music halls, theatres, pubs, dance parties and more.” You really have to see it to believe it. WHEN: From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends ending on Dec. 17 WHERE: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City MORE INFO: dickensfair.com

SAY YOU ARE DREAMING OF A ‘WHITE CHRISTMAS?’

Coastal Repertory Theatre has you covered. The Half Moon Bay theater company’s production of the holiday classic runs weekends through Dec. 17. So, head to the inn in Vermont and hear some holiday standards in this uplifting production. WHEN: Weekends through Dec. 17 WHERE: 1167 Main St., Half Moon Bay MORE INFO: coastalrep.com

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COASTSIDE / Out + About

Special times from Pacifica to Pescadero

Texomazatl Vargas

Xxx

Diane de la Cruz of San Jose

▸ Remembering our ancestors

The coast was alive with color and commemoration in October as school kids, the Latino community and thoughtful area organizations led Dia de los Muertos events. There was a large, sometimes solemn gathering in Mac Dutra Plaza in Half Moon Bay. And at Skylawn Memorial Park many remembered the people who toiled before them so that they may thrive.

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Riona Norte

▸ Jamming for joy at Pie Ranch

Earlier this fall, Pie Ranch held a new event on the South Coast farm that has long been known as the place to mix food with fun. The good times were built right into the name: they called it Joy Jam. Organizers described it as a community festival of solidarity for food and farming. It must have resonated. About 500 people attended the Saturday gathering filled with food, art and music. Judging from the photos, everyone had a great time.

Above: Coastsiders gather in the courtyard at Senior Coastsiders to pay tribute. Left: John Muller and Katrina Rill

▸ Solemn reflection on Veterans Day

There were a number of ceremonies to honor veterans all across San Mateo County, including two in Half Moon Bay. Senior Coastsiders played host to one mid-day event that brought out veterans and those who support their service. Then, in the evening, Half Moon Bay residents John Muller and his father in law, Al Adreveno, were honored for their service to country.

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O O M N F B L AY A H GLASS We can fix your foggy dual pane windows at a fraction of the cost of new windows! BEFORE

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Call to schedule an estimate: (650) 726.9034 133 Main St., Half Moon Bay | Lic #659377 | Fabiola@hmbglass.com | www.hmbglass.com 58

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

Edward A. Daniels, Esq.

Corey, Luzaich, de Ghetaldi & Riddle LLP Your Attorneys on the Coast

Please call us to discuss your needs with a knowledgeable 625 Miramontes Street, Suite 106, Half Moon Bay | 650-726-7578 | www.coreylaw.com and compassionate funeral director.

dignified & personal

Funeral Services where familes come first

Garden Chapel Funeral Directors serves families across all faiths and cultures, with dedicated personal service, helping each family create a celebration of life for their loved ones. Although there are many decisions you may have to make, we assure you that we will guide you through the entire process every step of the way. Please call us to discuss your needs with a knowledgeable and compassionate funeral director.

Pre-planning | Intermediate arrangements | Grief support

Garden Chapel is independent and Veteran-Owned by Al Banfield, licensed Funeral Director.

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We are here to support and guide your family through the most difficult times. 885 El Camino Real South San Francisco CA 94080 650-583-2510|www.gardenchapel885.com|FD 805 C OA STS I D E DECE M B E R 2023

o Y ur Do e v o g eL Family Owned & Operated Since 1939 founded on the love of pets

A unique dog ranch nestled in a secluded coastal valley. Open space on 200 acres, fresh air, and a quiet serene setting.

Happy, Healthy Holidays OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY

for in-house and mobile appointments

650.726.3445

Comfortable inside boarding areas with access to the outdoors Expert training with Lisa Rhodes

DOGS • CATS • EXOTICS • LARGE ANIMALS

Dr. Susan Maclnnes Medicine • Surgery • Dentistry Offering Laser Therapy for anti-inflammatory and pain treatment www.AllAnimalMobileVet.com

Baths & nail trims

IT’S HERE!

Rockaway Ricky’s 2024 Calendar! Supporting the essential pet care needs of Pacifica seniors, our unhoused neighbors and families in need

We welcome dogs of all breeds and temperaments to board with us! From short walks to group play, we have something to offer every dog!

650.359.1627 www.shamrock.dog

Shamrock Ranch, Pacifica 60

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2024

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RESERVE YOUR CALENDAR TODAY! P GROU I-STAHL MMOR Care BY LO cificans SORED m of Pa A Progra

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Info@RockawayRicky.org RE/MAX Star Properties ~ Sponsored by LommoriStahlGroup.com A program of Pacificans Care

Christine D. Stahl

christine@cdstahl.com DRE #00939168 650-868-0461

DONATE

RockawayRicky.org

Pete Lommori

pete@petelommori.com DRE #00449165 650-888-5884

COASTSIDE / Dog’s Life

By Anna Hoch-Kenney Photo Anna Hoch-Kenney

Confetti BREED: Australian shepherd AGE: 6 years old

Confetti is sharp and eager to obey. Her favorite pasttimes include chasing frisbees and frolicking in the ocean near her home in Pacifica's Sharp Park neighborhood.

ARE THEY FOR OUR FAMILY?

If you type “Australian shepherd” into Google, you are likely to get prompts for questions like “Are Australian shepherds good house dogs?,” “Are Australian shepherds high maintenance?,” or “Why are Australian shepherds so clingy?” They are known as among the most intelligent and most energetic breeds in the dog world, and for those reasons they are not for everyone. The American Kennel Club says “Aussies are too much dog for a sedentary household.” Fun fact: the AKC says the breed actually originated in Europe but was “perfected” in California.

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Whether Buying or Selling, Pete and Christine are here to help you from beginning to end PHOTO BY JAMESON KENWAY

Pete Lommori

650-888-5884 | pete@petelommori.com | DRE #00449165

Christine D. Stahl

650-868-0461 | christine@cdstahl.com | DRE #00939168

TeamPeteandChristine.com 450 Dondee Way, #7, Pacifica, CA 94044 1940 Ralston Ave., Belmont, CA 94002 | 282 Redwood Shores Pkwy., Redwood City, CA 94065 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated. RE/MAX, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act and equal opportunity housing. © 2019 RE/MAX, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 62

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COASTSIDE / Flashback

By Marc Strohlein

When cattle and cowboys roamed our coast

he word cowboy conjures up pictures of Texans on horseback herding longhorn steers through dusty roundups. Yet it’s likely that the first cowboys were actually vaqueros in California during the 1700s and 1800s, including those who lived and worked on the San Mateo County coast. Texas cowboy and historian Jo Mora, in his 1949 book “Californios: The Saga of the Hard-riding Vaqueros, America’s First Cowboys,” argued that the vaqueros at the Spanish missions in Alta (upper or Northern) California were the first true cowboys of the West. The word vaquero is derived from vaca, the Spanish word for cow. It’s believed that the term buckaroo is a derivation of vaquero, further cementing the cowboy heritage. Fewer than 200 years ago, life on the coast was vastly different from today. Much of the coast was owned by a few landowners by virtue of land grants made by the Mexican government, starting in the 1830s. The cattle and horses so central to life on the coast at that time arrived with San Juan Bautista de Anza on his 1775 expedition from New Spain, as Mexico was called at the time. Approximately 600 horses and mules and 300 Spanish longhorn cattle survived that journey and thrived on the abundant grasslands. The near-feral cattle doubled in number every year, roaming thousands of acres of unfenced land. By the 1840s, cattle greatly outnumbered people — estimates range up to two million head — and they constituted the first great herds in the West. By contrast, in 1845, on the eve of the U.S. conquest of Mexico, there were likely fewer than 7,000 Mexican citizens in all of California. Rancheros were heavily dependent on exporting cattle hides and tallow for income, as there were few alternatives. That made vaqueros a crucial part of the coast’s economy in the land-grant era. Novelist Thomas Mayne Reid described the vaquero of the 1840s as “always mounted, and generally well dressed. He carries the lazo (lasso) constantly; and he is the man, above all others, who can use it with dexterity.” For vaqueros on the sparsely settled coast in the mid-1880s, life was largely hard work punctuated with a few festivities. The ranchos were so remote that some rancheros lived in San Francisco where social activities were more available, and where some had official positions and duties. Moreover, access to the ranchos was difficult because of the primitive roads and steep hills. Two absentee owners were Tiburcio Vasquez and Candelario Miramontes, whose land grants were separated by Pilarcitos Creek. Their adobe homes stood across the creek from each other. When absentee owners visited their ranchos, vaqueros figured prominently in the entertainment. Rancheros and their families took delight in watching vaqueros milk cows, lasso steers and showcase their skills during the rodeo and the matanza. Observing milking of cows seems mundane until you remember that the cows were powerful and had prominent horns. It

James Walker's 1875 depiction of California vaqueros reveals details of the lives and work of some of the continent's first cowboys.

took three vaqueros to milk a longhorn — one to hold the steer’s head, one to rope and hold the back legs, and one to do the milking. Small wonder that goats’ milk was preferred over that from cows. Rodeos were big, much-anticipated events, held in turn by the various ranchos. Vaqueros competed to show off their considerable skills in riding, steer roping, and other exploits including “coleo de toros,” in which vaqueros on horseback grabbed the tails of running bulls and flipped them onto their backs. Rodeos were also the time in the spring when calves were branded and ear-marked to identify their ownership. Dancing and festivities were a big part of rodeos, and observers from that era remarked on the love of dancing and parties on the part of the Californios. Matanzas, when the cattle were slaughtered, were the second important time of the year. They were another opportunity for the vaqueros to demonstrate their skills at herding and roping steers from speeding horses while avoiding the steers’ long, sharp horns. Cattle were slaughtered, skinned, and fatty parts were cut for rendering; bags were made from hides to carry the rendered tallow. Carcasses were left where they fell, adding the menace of grizzly bears to the excitement of the matanza. The bears loved the taste of tallow. Yet even bears became a form of entertainment as vaqueros organized bear-and-bull fights. Despite the popular view of the Californios living in a sort of cattle-rich Eden, the reality was somewhat less enchanting. The ranchos were isolated and the long gaps between rodeos and matanzas were times of boredom, solitude, and hard work. Truly a very different time from the hustle and bustle of modern life on the coast. Next time you’re sitting in traffic on Highway 1, gaze at the hills and imagine them alive with cattle and vaqueros living the lives of America’s first cowboys. COASTSIDE Marc Strohlein is active in the Half Moon Bay History Association. For more information about the area and the organization, visit halfmoonbayhistory.org/.

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COASTSIDE / Final Shot

Pillowy Pacifica in a sea of fog A relatively rare, low-lying layer of fog blanketed the ocean and lower neighborhoods of Pacifica on Oct. 19. On this particular day, the view down from Fairmont Park made it seem as though Pacifica was a smaller version of San Francisco, just floating on a cloud at the edge of the world. — Anna Hoch-Kenney

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Natural Light and Fresh Air If there’s a dark room in your home, brighten it up with two wonderful gifts from nature, natural light and fresh air. From Skylights and Roof Windows to Sun Tunnels, our window & door experts have a Velux solution for every room that needs light and fresh air. Daylight redesigns the look and feel of your home throughout the day; improves general health and well-being, decreases dependency on electricity, and gives functionality back to your space. Visit “Products” at our website and watch the Velux movie. Tax credits are available. Burlingame Window & Door Showroom 1410 Broadway, Burlingame 94010

Also in Walnut Creek with Home Improvement Centers in Concord and Pinole

Call for an appointment. 650-401-3500 or 800-936-5267. Open Monday - Saturday.

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D FA M ILY D E N

SHEPPARD FAMILY DENTISTRY Comprehensive Family Dentistry in Half Moon Bay for over 40 years!

Creating confident for life!

Smiles

Now accepting new patients Brian Sheppard, DDS 890 Main Street, Suite A , Half Moon Bay

Office hours by appointment:

650.726.3355

SheppardDentists.com

Smile

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