The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County currently has three vacant seats for public members on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, November 15.

The BPAC provides advice and recommendations to the C/CAG Board of Directors on all matters relating to bicycle and pedestrian facilities planning and on the selection of projects for state and federal funding.

Applicants must be residents of San Mateo County. The appointment term is for two years. The C/CAG Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee generally meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at San Mateo City Hall. The BPAC has about six meetings per year.

The BPAC only allows for two members, either elected or public, that reside in any particular jurisdiction (City or Unincorporated County of San Mateo). There are currently two members that reside in the City of Millbrae and as a result no new members from Millbrae can be appointed at this time.

Interested parties should complete the BPAC Membership Application [download from Coastsider] and return it to the address on the application by November 15, 2011.

The Montara Water and Sanitary District is seeking applicants for an open position on their board. The position was created by the resignation of elected board member Paul Perkovic, whose term expires in 2014.

The new member will be chosen by the remaining four members of the board. To be eligible, and applicant must be a resident of the district.

If you’re interested in serving on the board, you mail or deliver a letter of interest on or before Friday, November 11, to:

President
Montara Water and Sanitary District Board
P.O. Box 370131
8888 Cabrillo Highway
Montara, CA 94037-0131

The public is invited to attend a meeting of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council.

The meeting will be Thursday, November 10, at Upper Fort Mason (enter off Bay Street), Bldg 201, San Francisco, 9:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Click for agenda

John Schmale will speak on the Ocean Shore Railroad at a benefit to restore the only remaining car from that historic line. Schmale has researched the Ocean Shore Railroad for 40 year and has a large collection of documents and artifacts.

Moose Lodge - Hwy 1, Pacifica, 776 Bradford Way
Sunday, Nov 13, 1PM
Original music: “Car #1409” performed by composer Rob Wullenjon
Admission: $5
Refreshments available for purchase

(650) 359 5462 OR 355 5268
Reservations and information

Vinod Khosla, the venture capitalist who owns Martin’s Beach, say he’s willing to take the Coastal Commission to court over public access to Martin’s Beach, reports Julia Scott in the Mercury News.

Replying to a letter from the Surfrider Foundation, an attorney for Silicon Valley venture capitalist Vinod Khosla said he would be willing to open the beach under certain circumstances but that he does not believe the Coastal Commission has the right to dictate public access to a privately held road and would defend that position in court, according to Michael Wallace, a spokesman for the foundation’s San Mateo County chapter. Khosla closed off private beach access when he purchased the 89-acre parcel in 2008. […]

The legal issue of beach access is a tricky one. Martin’s Beach has been open to the public for at least 90 years – old-timers have memories of catching smelt there in the 1920s. Some even held their weddings on Martin’s Beach and brought their children and grandchildren there to play. […]

In a strongly worded letter to Gallo on Sept. 19, a Coastal Commission staffer laid out a number of arguments for why closure of existing beach access constitutes an alleged violation of the Coastal Act. The letter, signed by Enforcement Analyst Jo Ginsberg, alludes to a potential cease-and-desist order or fines of up to $15,000 per day if the property owner does not comply.

Gallo will meet with Coastal Commission staff this month, said Ginsberg.

San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program (SMCWPPP) has announced a $15,000 grant for projects that enhance and protect the health of local watersheds, creeks, the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Community groups, educators, environmentalists, nonprofit groups, and other organizations with outreach projects promoting the prevention of storm water pollution are encouraged to apply by the November 18, 2011 deadline.

SMCWPPP is a federally mandated program to reduce the amount of pollution entering local storm drain systems. The program offers San Mateo County $15,000 in Community Action Grants each year, with up to $3,000 awarded for each project.

Last year, six organizations located in San Mateo County received grant funding for new and ongoing projects, including school curriculum development and implementation, community environmental education activities, habitat restoration, and cleanup events.

For information and application packets, visit http://www.flowstobay.org or call (650) 372-6245.

The deadline for applicatoins is November 18, 2011.

Dear Coastsiders,

This is a hard note to write. For six years, I’ve had the immense privilege of covering the coast for the San Mateo County Times, the San Jose Mercury News, and the rest of Bay Area News Group. As of November 1, I’m stepping down to pursue freelancing full-time.

In my time with the paper, I have had too many adventures to count. I’ve kayaked with whale watchers, crunched budget numbers, exposed sewage polluters, seen salmon numbers rise and fall, covered five pumpkin weigh-offs, and explored the quiet lives of farmworkers. I’ve made some incredible friends, a few enemies, and enjoyed the mutual respect of many sources and colleagues.

The San Mateo Times continues to exist and to cover the Coastside, albeit with a smaller staff.

The good news is that I will still be here in the Bay Area and plan to continue to write about coastal and environmental issues for a variety of local and national news outlets. Please stay in touch with me at [email protected].

It’s been an honor.

Julia

Occupy HMB promises to be on the corner of Highways 1 & 92 Saturdays at noon.

You’re invited to join Assembly member Jerry Hill for a cup of coffee and conversation Saturday from 8:30 to 10:00am. Bring your ideas, questions, and concerns about legislative issues affecting the community. You are welcome to sit down and stay a while or just drop in for a brief chat. No appointment is necessary.

Jerry’s buying.

Mazzetti’s Bakery
101 Manor Drive
Pacifica

The Coastside Mothers’ Club hosts the annual kindergarten expo in Half Moon Bay next week. The Expo will bring together parents, educators, administrators and school representatives to discuss Coastside elementary schools and give parents the opportunity to learn more about each of the programs.

The Education Expo will be held on: Saturday, November 5, 2011 Cabrillo Unified School District Office Board Room 498 Kelly Street Half Moon Bay 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Starting kindergarten is an exciting and hopeful time for families and children. A child’s education plays an important role in shaping his or her future and kindergarten will provide a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.

The Kindergarten Forum is a unique opportunity to hear Coastside parents and educators share their thoughts on how to select an education (public, private or home schooled) that is right for each individual child. School officials will be on hand to discuss topics such as budgets, testing, and curriculum.