Why I’m running for Harbor Commissioner

Sabrina Brennan is a candidate for Harbor Commissioner. All candidates for Coastside offices are welcome to post letters to Coastsider.

I’m running for San Mateo County Harbor Commissioner because I believe the Harbor District needs to do more to help Pillar Point Harbor and Oyster Point Marina thrive.  And in order to thrive, I believe it’s especially important to improve the facilities at both marinas which serve visitors and the public generally. An increase in public traffic will help local restaurants and businesses strengthen their customer base. Pillar Point Harbor should be known as a premier site for buying fresh local seafood. The commercial fishing industry is an important part of the local economy.

As Commissioner I will work with local restaurant and business owners to broaden the economic viability of the Harbor District.  I will put my marketing and event planning skills to work promoting the Harbor as a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. 

The Draft Project Management Plan being developed by the Army Corps of Engineers to address Surfers Beach erosion is scheduled for release September 2010.  I strongly support plans for a demonstration project to determine the best strategy for slowing the rate of erosion at Surfers Beach and look forward to reading the draft plan.

Many members of the public have expressed the need for a public-restroom facility at Surfers Beach.  Meeting this need would be clear evidence that the Harbor District cares about the comfort and convenience of its visitors, and this could be achieved through a management agreement with County Parks.

I support developing the California Coastal Trail through Pillar Point Harbor. This segment of the trail will offer pedestrians and bicyclists a working harbor experience while meeting ADA standards.

I’m committed to improving water quality at Pillar Point Harbor and Oyster Point Marina.  San Mateo County Beachwater Contamination Results are the second worst in the state.  In 2009 Pillar Point was ranked number two and Oyster Point was ranked number five in terms of beach closure/advisory days due to beachwater contamination.

If elected I will prioritize Harbor Patrol Search and Rescue services.  Fast emergency response time is a very important service currently being provided by the Harbor District. The Pillar Point Harbor Search and Rescue team works with Cal Fire and the Coast Guard to provide fast response times to emergencies.  This important service has saved numerous lives.  Beach goers, recreational boating, surfing and the commercial fishing industry ALL benefit from maintaining a high level of service.  If the Harbor District Search and Rescue team suffers cut-backs or is disbanded altogether the Coast Guard will have to fill the gap; response time by helicopter out of San Francisco can take up to 45 minutes. 

I will work hard to balance the Harbor Districts budget as soon as possible.

I would be honored to have your vote on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Sabrina Brennan
for San Mateo County Harbor Commissioner
www.sabrinabrennan.com