The Chroncle has in in-depth article on the role of conservation easements in protecting open space in the Bay Area. The story explores the benefits not only for the public, but for landowners.

Star Lily (Fremont’s Camas) blooms in upland meadows on Ember Ridge in Rancho Corral de Tierra. While it normally blooms in March through April, these pictures were taken Wednesday, January 26, at 5:00pm

Christopher Church

Christopher Church

Christopher Church

The Coastside County Water District (CCWD) is holding a special meeting Tuesday afternoon at 1:30pm. The agenda looks pretty interesting and is all about CCWD’s relationship with the city of Half Moon Bay: the disposition of the District’s ten remaining non-priority water connections, the conditions placed on CCWD’s Coastal Development Permit by the City of Half Moon Bay Planning Commission, and proposed changes to the General Plan Amendment proposed by the City of Half Moon Bay.

The meeting will be held at CCWD, 766 Main Street, Half Moon Bay.

The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced today that it has acquired 409 acres of scenic ranchland on the San Mateo Coast known as the “Diamond H Ranch.” The property is located in San Gregorio about two miles southeast of the junction of highways 1 and 84. The ranch features picturesque rolling hills, grassy meadows and farmland and offers signature views of the entire coastal landscape. It was purchased from private owners for $3.385 million. The acquisition is part of POST’s $200 million campaign, Saving the Endangered Coast.

Click “read more” to see the full press release from POST.

Congressman Tom Lantos plans to introduce a bill to add Rancho Corral de Tierra to the Golden Gate National Recreation area, according to the San Mateo County Times. This is the third time around for the bill. This measure is also supported by Seantor Dianne Feinstein. Issues include authorizing the money to pay the Peninsula Open Space Trust for the land and excluding the farmland in the parcel from the national park.

P. Shawn McGraw, director the Granada Sanitary District (GSD), resigned her position on the board on Thursday, January 20.  She cited a desire to spend more time with her family and a new job as reasons for needing to step down.  Her seat on the board would have been contested in the next general election in November, 2005.

The board will hold a special meeting on Thursday, January 27 at 6:30pm to decide how to fill McGraw’s position. According to GSD vice president Leonard Woren, the board must either appoint a replacement or call a special election with 60 days.  However, Woren believes that the next available date for a special election will be November.

At the regular meeting on Thursday, January 20, the board held its annual officer elections. Matthew Clark is now the Board President and Leonard Woren remains Vice President. Woren continues representing GSD on the board of the Sewer Authority Midcoastside and Ric Lohman replaces McGraw as the second representative.

I recently received a copy of the email newsletter from the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District. If you live in the rural areas of the County, or are interested in what’s going on there, you should check it out. The newsletter includes:

• Building Success in the San Mateo County RCD, Part Two


• Web Site Picks


• Drainage Tips for Hillside Homes


• RCD Staff Report, December, 2004


• Public Notice RCD Policy Committee meeting


• Agenda, RCD Board Meeting, January 18, 2005


• Calendar of Events and Opportunities

Click on “read more” to see the entire newsletter.

There’s a short profile of MROSD’s new president, Larry Hassett.  It’s a great story to tell because Hassett wasn’t always a fan of the District:

“At one time, we were going toe-to-toe with the district,” Hassett said from his hardware store in Half Moon Bay onTuesday. “We were at odds with them on many an issue.”

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) elected Larry Hassett, owner of Ocean Shore Hardware and Palo Alto Hardware, President of its Board of Directors at last night’s meeting.  It also elected Jed Cyr Vice President; Pete Siemens Treasurer; Nonette Hanko Secretary. Hassett represents the ward that includes Pescadero and San Gregorio.

Click “read more” to see MROSD’s press release.

Surfers Beach and two areas of Linda Mar beach are still closed, but may be opened after bacteria levels are measured on Monday, according to the County Times. These beaches have been closed since a sewage spill on December 27.

Most of Half Moon Bay State Beach and the areas near Pillar Point Harbor have been covered with advisories. Swimmers and surfers are warned not to use these areas.