Future Program Elements to be Shaped by New Survey
HALF MOON BAY, CA – Today the City of Half Moon Bay Recreation Services Department launches a survey which will help shape future class offerings. Anyone who completes the survey and wishes to share an email address will receive a 15%-off coupon good for one of six upcoming classes.
The survey will help Half Moon Bay discover the unmet needs and barriers to participation as one component in a strategic planning process. The City’s general fund currently subsidizes recreation programs. Given the City’s current fiscal situation and general fund structural deficit, the strategic plan will help identify which programs are the most popular and can be offered in a sustainable manner.
“I’m excited to learn what more we can offer to all Coastside residents,” says Dirk Alvarado, Recreation Supervisor. “We are the major provider of classes on the coast, making the City of Half Moon Bay the hub for active recreation programs.”
The City is seeking input from all Coastside residents including those who have never participated in a class or who live in the unincorporated areas including El Granada, Montara, MossBeach, and Pescadero. The survey is just 13 questions long and is expected to take fewer than three minutes to complete. The individual responses are confidential.
An email announcing the availability of the survey will be sent this week to those in the City’s database as well as to various community groups with a request that it be forwarded on to organizational members.
The electronic survey may be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/hmbsurvey or on the City’s web site. Paper versions in both English and Spanish will be available at the TedAdcockCommunity Center.
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If you would like additional information please contact Michael P. Dolder, Interim City Manager, at 650-726-8793 or
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Lee Violett Appointed Interim Police Chief
Lee Violett Appointed Interim Police Chief
Respected Public Safety Veteran to start September 7
August 26, 2010
HALF MOON BAY, CA – Lee Violett has been appointed Half Moon Bay Interim Police Chief effective September 7, 2010 following the appointment of Chief Don O’Keefe as US Marshal. Chief Violett’s law enforcement career spans 37 years having served in the communities of San Mateo, San Bruno, and Millbrae. He began his career in 1972 with the City of San Mateo and ultimately retired after serving for eight years as the Police Chief in the City of San Bruno. He recently served as the Interim Police Chief in Millbrae.
“Half Moon Bay is fortunate to have two Chiefs in succession of such high caliber,” says Michael Dolder, Interim City Manager. “We are honored that Chief Violett is willing to help us during this transition given the uncertainty of the future of the department pending the outcome of the November sales tax ballot measure, Measure K.”
Violett also brings extensive expertise in team building and strategic planning. He initiated a grass roots effort to mitigate violence in the communities of San Mateo and San Bruno. In his spare time Lee is a summer volunteer in the Yosemite wilderness area. “I am honored to serve the Half Moon Bay community and continue Don O’Keefe’s efforts to partner with agencies in the San Mateo area,” says Lee Violett.
Violett has a Masters in Management Science from the California Polytechnic University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco.
Contact: Michael Dolder, Interim City Manager
Tel: 650-726-8793
Half Moon Bay Man Shot at Gas Station
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2010
Half Moon Bay Man Shot at Gas Station
Half Moon Bay, CA. – On Sunday, July 18, 2010 at approximately 8:20 p.m., Half Moon Bay Police Officers were dispatched to the Alliance gas station (located at State Routes 92 & 1) regarding a shooting that had just occurred.
Officers were advised that the victim (a 26 year old Half Moon Bay resident) had sustained a gunshot wound to his arm. While enroute to the location, a suspect vehicle description was obtained (a light colored Chrysler passenger car) which was last seen Eastbound on State Route 92. Officers arrived in the area, identified several witnesses, and contacted the victim who was located at an adjoining restaurant being treated by medical personnel.
Officers learned that the victim had engaged a female subject, who was identified as the driver of the Chrysler, in conversation. A male occupant from the Chrysler confronted the victim for talking to the female driver and a physical altercation ensued. Moments later, the male passenger drew a handgun and shot the victim in the arm. The suspect re-entered the Chrysler and the vehicle fled the area in an easterly direction through the parking lot and then eastbound on State Route 92.
The suspect was described as a White male, 20-30s, approximately 6’0” tall and 175 lbs. The victim was transported to Stanford Hospital with non-life threatening injuries to his right forearm. Investigators are currently following up on leads and anyone with information is asked to contact the Half Moon Bay Police Department at (650) 726-8286.
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CONTACT: Chief Don O’Keefe (650) 726-8791
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City considers expansion of allowable uses on floriculture land
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 3, 2010
Half Moon Bay Wants to Allow Algae to Grow?????? City considers expansion of allowable uses on floriculture land
HALF MOON BAY, CA – Researchers at the University of Arizona believe that algae may power your car in as little as five years. If Half Moon Bay farmers wanted to grow that algae in the A-1 zoning district, they wouldn’t be allowed to do so. The City Council will consider changes to the A-1 zoning district that would allow that use and the cultivation of other crops.
The A-1 zoning district currently exclusively allows floriculture. With the long-term economic viability of that industry in question in California, the City of Half Moon Bay wants to allow existing business to diversify. The benefits include retaining local businesses, retaining local jobs, and maintaining property values.
The suggested zoning change, affecting Chapter 18.13 of the City’s Municipal Code, would allow growing both cut flowers and plants that are associated with the production of food, fuel, and/or fiber. It would also allow research and development facilities and ancillary retail sales related to horticulture and/or agricultural productions. However, other zoning restrictions such as height, setbacks, and limits on residential uses would remain in place.
The City notified and requested input from all affected property owners. Approximately 200 acres of land may be affected. The Planning Commission has studied the potential change and has recommended City Council approval. The City Council meeting is scheduled for May 4, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the Ted Adcock Community Center. Meeting information may be found on the City’s website at www.hmbcity.com
Contact: Michael Dolder, Interim City Manager
Tel: 650-726-8793
All Fireworks Are Illegal in Half Moon Bay
The Half Moon Bay Police Department, Coastside Fire Protection District, and California State Parks want to remind everyone that all fireworks are illegal in the City of Half Moon Bay, including "Safe and Sane" fireworks. It is unlawful to sell, offer for sale, solicit the sale, possess, purchase, use, or ignite fireworks, safe and sane fireworks, or regulated fireworks in the City of Half Moon Bay. The only exception is professional fireworks permitted by the City and Fire District for display.
Sewer Study and Rate Analysis
In March of 2010 The City completed two Sewer Study Reports that evaluate the existing conditions, needed improvements, and recommends a capital improvement of the city maintained sewer mains.
The companion Sewer Rate Analysis report recommends a rate adjustments for the 2010-2011 fiscal years. City Council will review these reports at its next regularly scheduled meeting on March 2, 2010. Public comments are invited.
March 1, 2010 Dear Half Moon Bay Customer: Over the past few years, solid waste and recycling rates for residents and businesses in the City of Half Moon Bay have remained relatively constant. During this period, many of the costs to provide solid waste and recycling collection services have increased significantly. Early last year, the City of Half Moon Bay in conjunction with Allied Waste implemented an amortized rate increase schedule to keep pace with operating costs and disposal fee increases, as well as costs related to new regulatory fees and taxes that have taken affect. In April of last year, the City of Half Moon Bay approved an amortized rate increase allowing these costs to be spread over a three year period. The average annual rate increase for residents and businesses is approximately 15%. The approved amortized rate schedule is as follows: April 1, 2009; January 1, 2010; and January 1, 2011. We understand that there has been some confusion regarding this implementation schedule and we apologize for that confusion. In reviewing solid waste collection rates throughout communities on the peninsula, residents and businesses within the City of Half Moon Bay continue to pay less for solid waste, recycling, and yard waste collection services than most cities in San Mateo County. Enclosed is a comparison of garbage collection rates from some of the surrounding communities. Please click here to view the 2010 Allied Rate Comparisons.
In addition, most cities in San Mateo County have bi-weekly collection of yard waste and recycling compared to the weekly collection of these materials offered to the residents of Half Moon Bay. By recycling additional materials, there will be less solid waste going to the landfill, which in turn keeps disposal costs down, and helps keep your solid waste collection service rates low. As a reminder, there is no limit to the volume of recyclables that you can place on the curb on your recycling day. If you have questions, please call Allied’s Customer Service Department at (650) 592-2411, Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
