SurfPulse » half moon bay

Save Martin’s Beach! UPDATE

matt — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:02:54 +0000

Photo: Ed Grant

The issue surrounding public access to Martin’s Beach near Half Moon Bay is gaining traction and possible decision-making by the California Coastal Commission in the next month or so. Here are some updates to our original In the Green Room article by Mike Wallace.

1) Following several compelling presentations on the behalf of the Surfrider Foundation at the California Coastal Commission meeting in Watsonville last Thursday, August 11, 2011, staff there confirmed that “Enforcement staff members are actively investigating the issue after a request by San Mateo County for enforcement action.” Surfrider understands that this process could take about a month and at this critical time when the Commission is considering bringing their resources to bear on the Martin’s beach access issue a letter-writing campaign could prove crucial. And there’s a very simple way…
From: Cen Cal Surfrider
Martin’s Beach Friends- You all have such wonderful memories and experiences to share. Please take a moment to share your stories with the California Coastal Commission, as this agency is in a position to consider taking action and open the door for considering the loss of access to Martin’s Beach. Now is as an important a time as ever to speak up. If you send a letter via this link, it will help our loose coalition track the number of letters that are sent. If you so choose, you can also send letters directly to the Commission via Deputy Director Charles Lester (his email address is [first initial][last name]@coastal.ca.gov). Martin’s Beach is a very special place to a lot of people. Please share with the Commission why you care about Martin’s, what kinds of things you do when you visit, and that you would like the Commission to take action to address this loss of access. Thanks for your help!

http://action.surfrider.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4566

2) Congressional interest in public access to Martin’s Beach

From the Half Moon Bay Review:
“During a July phone conversation with the Half Moon Bay Review, U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo said she, too, was interested in learning more about the plans of Martin’s Beach’s new owners. The once-popular local destination has been largely closed to visitors since the land changed hands last year.

What’s more, ownership has been shrouded in secrecy. There is even a Facebook page dedicated to re-opening the picturesque spot on the San Mateo County coast.

True to her word, Eshoo wrote a letter, expressing her concern, to California Coastal Commission Executive Director Pete Douglas. The Coastal Commission has since responded.
Here are their letters.
- Clay Lambert”

3) The mysterious, secretive owner of the land is rumored to be a Sand Hill VC.

Beach Cleanup in HMB on Sunday, April 17, 2011

matt — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 22:46:35 +0000

Join Surfrider San Mateo Chapter for our first beach cleanup of 2011 on Sunday, April 17th from 12:00 – 4:00 PM at Francis Beach, Half Moon Bay. This event will be held in conjunction with our surf contest.

EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Sunday, April 17, 2011
LOCATION: Francis Beach, Half Moon Bay
TIME: 12:00PM – 4:00PM

We will provide all supplies, but volunteers are always welcome to bring their own work gloves, trash bag/bucket, and/or reusable water bottle. Please wear comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes and sunscreen.

More info: http://ww2.surfrider.org/smc/?p=4569

San Mateo County to Push for Opening of Martin’s Beach in HMB

matt — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 16:27:31 +0000

According to a report in the San Jose Mercury News, San Mateo County planners will send a letter next week to the California Coastal Commission, seeking a forced reopening of Martin’s Beach to the public. The county has sent repeated letters to the new, secretive owner demanding public access to the beach and not charging more than $2 per car to use the road.

For more information about the Martin’s Beach issue, see Mike Wallace’s “Save Martin’s Beach” article In the Green Room on SurfPulse.

Maverick’s Contest Locals Trial Heat Held on Tuesday, January 18, 2011

matt — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:35:21 +0000

Banner Heat at Maverick’s
by Tim West

On Tues., Jan. 18, 18 surfers from Half Moon Bay made the paddle out to Maverick’s as a building northwest swell began to hit the reef under sunny skies and windy conditions. All of them were surfing for an opportunity to represent one of the two HMB local slots next to Ion Banner in the upcoming trials heat on contest day. Positive vibes and excited surfers filled the room at the pre-session meeting with Maverick’s just a birds-eye view away in the distance. The details were set and everyone was frothing to see what Mother Nature would deliver on the reef out at Pillar Point. The swell was already showing at the outer buoy, 14 feet at 19 seconds, so we knew it was on.

Locals Only Trial Crew

Leading up to this local session a lot of planning and conversation took place between contest organizers and HMB surfers. It was agreed to have a contest trials heat to give the local surfers an opportunity to get into next year’s contest being held at their home break, just as what occurs at Pipeline, Teahupoo, Sunset Beach, and Punta De Lobos. It brings the community together, inspiring and motivating everybody in town to cheer on one of our own and live the contest through them, just as we all did with the S.F. Giants when they took home a World Series title. It is this type of encouragement and local involvement that guys like Ion Banner, Curt Myers, Steve Iverson, and the HMB Surf Club are pushing for right now, which has been lacking in contests of the past.

Staking a claim

Tuesday morning at sunrise the swell was hitting hard with 20-second intervals under clean conditions. Big clouds of whitewater were rumbling like an airplane engine, with outer reefs exploding all throughout the bay. Most of the crew showed up at our lookout spot in El Granada with hot cups of coffee to balance out the cold weather. High fives with some words of encouragement went down, and then it was off to the lot at Junes Beach where the surfers suited up and paddled out for an 11:00AM start.

Ion Banner and Alan Baxter judged waves from the cliff, joined by numerous supporting locals. As the 18 surfers walked the path, cheers and heckles were exchanged, with smiles all around. From the water Andrew Kehl and Jesse Kinsella were judging waves with Brian Overfelt taking photos. Curt Myers, Troy Dooley, and myself helped with water safety to make sure everyone in the lineup was safe.

Wyatt

First wave of the session was Wyatt Fields, breaking the ice for the rest of the pack on a solid peak. At this point the tide began dropping really fast to a -1.0 from a 6.4. Staying in the peak took skill battling the current along with increasing northwest winds, which picked up to 25 mph that afternoon. Jarred Abbot was in tune getting a lot of waves early in the session and showing solid form and comfort in the bowl. For it being his third time out at Maverick’s, we were all impressed and stoked by his surfing. Jim Tjogas got some nice waves carving his way to the inside bowl with style, just as he does in any size surf. Ryan Chapman, a Montara native who flew in from Hawaii, caught one of the biggest waves of the day. Wipeout of the session went to Gabe Polom, who has been stepping it up every session with a true passion for big waves. Other surfers included Ian Shweikert, Dave Lovelace, Dom Spinardi, Skylar Banner, Matt Wilkinson, Greg Broderick, Darren Bingham, Jedd Rain, Ryan Morrissey, Forest O’donnell, and Eoin Bloomer.

Jim Tjogas

During the middle of the heat, after catching a couple of medium-sized waves, Mike Joshua dropped into an inside bowl, barely pulling it off and earning him honors for one of the heaviest drops of the sesh. Wave after wave was ridden by the HMB crew in a pack of Maverick’s regulars, including Ryan Seelbach, Shane Desmond, Ryan Augustine, Alex Martins, Frank Solomon, and Zach Wormhoudt. They were all stoked to be sitting amongst some of the hardest charging surfers out there.

The three standout surfers were Fields, Abbot, and Joshua during the three-hour session. Joshua had a last-minute late drop that scored high, Abbot was consistently catching good waves through the whole session, and Fields was

Wyatt's Field Day

dominating from start to finish. He caught four waves, each deep in the bowl with steep drops that stood out amongst the rest. At the end of the day, Joshua took 2^nd place, just edging out a 3^rd-place Abbot, with Wyatt Fields taking top honors. Fields will now join Ion Banner on contest day in the trials heat, consisting of the following surfers:

1. Ion Banner (HMB)
2. Wyatt Fields (HMB)
3. Travis Payne (Pacifica)
4. Shaun Rhodes (Pacifica)
5. top alternate #1
6. top alternate #2
7. top alternate #3
8. top alternate #4

The top two scores from this trials heat will be automatic entries into next year’s The Jay at Maverick’s Big Wave Invitational. Congratulations to Wyatt Fields and Ion Banner, both representing HMB in the upcoming trials event, as well as Travis Payne and Shaun Rhodes, our Nor Cal cousins.

Save Martin’s Beach! Guerilla Coastal Access Update

matt — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:25:06 +0000

Recently, underground Half Moon Bay coastal preservation activists bombed the billboards at Martin’s Beach, which is in danger of permanent closure to the public. Truly, guerillas in the mist.

See more here: http://www.surfisurus.com/blog/

And in action:

For more information about the Martin’s Beach public access issue, read Michael Wallace’s expose In the Green Room.

Report on “Big Wave” Development Public Meeting in HMB on Wednesday, November 17, 2010

matt — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 16:23:24 +0000

A public meeting was held Wed., Nov. 17 by the San Mateo County Planning Commission in regards to the proposed 300,000-square-foot “Big Wave” development at Pillar Point where the big wave break Maverick’s is located. More than 250 citizens showed up at the meeting, either to support or to protest the development.

Read more about the meeting at the Peninsula Press.

Update on Princeton Harbor Jetty Dredging in Half Moon Bay; Public Meeting on November 11, 2010

matt — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 13:39:50 +0000

This is an update from the Harbor Manager on the plans to dredge Princeton Harbor in Half Moon Bay in order to restore sands to beaches south of the jetty. This issue was detailed in SurfPulse contributor Mike Wallace’s In the Green Room feature (12/06/2009), Grains of Hope: Dredging the Pillar Point Harbor Long Overdue.

“A new agreement to stabilize the shoreline just south of the Princeton Harbor Jetty was stuck last week between the San Mateo Harbor District and the Army Corps of Engineers called the “North Half Moon Bay Shoreline Improvement Project”. The shoreline has been eroding at an accelerating pace since the harbor jetty was constructed, scouring one of the few protected local surf breaks of sand and shifting erosion down the beach as the cliffs have been rocked to protect Highway One. According to Harbor District Manager Peter Grennell, the Army Corps has agreed to be the lead agency on the project, which could involve a range of solutions that will be considered, potentially including dredging sand from the harbor and creating openings in the jetty wall to create sand outflows. On Thursday, November 11, a community forum will be held to discuss the various options, beach access and the next steps in the long-awaited process.”

The Shoreline Forum will be held at:
The Wine Bar
270 Capistrano Rd. # 22 Harbor Village Mall
Half Moon Bay, CA
@ 7-8:30 p.m.

Save Martin’s Beach! Preserve the History of Public Access

mike — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:52:29 +0000

Save Martin’s Beach! Preserve the History of Public Access
In the Green Room with Mike Wallace

Heaven's Gate closed to the public

One of our favorite haunts is the not-so-secret spot of Martin’s Beach just ten minutes south of Half Moon Bay. A short drive down a winding, pot-holed road leads through scrubby farmland to the beach, allowing a quick surf check from the cliff before committing to the $15 parking fee on the rare occasions now when the gate is opened. Since the property changed hands, however, the new owners have painted over the old billboard advertising access and shut down access for all but the remaining residents. The epic beach survives, but appears to be lost to corporate greed and development. Or is it?

Straight out front of the shuttered Deeney family market lies a rolling and jacking reef break leading to the soft inside sandbar. To the south is a thumping reef that bends and stands up both south and north swells for hollow funnels at low tide and fun rollers at high tide. All this is set inside an amphitheater in the form of a unique pyramid formation of rocks that even features a tunnel running from north to south.

Generations of coastsiders and curious visitors have found the secluded and dramatic backdrop just the tonic for a quick get-away for surfing, fishing, and family frolicking. Forty-five ramshackle cottages squat in a worn vigil on the terraced cliff above the main beach, grandfathered in and pre-dating Coastal Commission restrictions. If you just squint your eyes a little on a bright sunny day, the peeling paint and decay blurs, and you could be transported to any number of Mediterranean villages.

Jeff Clark

Maverick’s pioneer Jeff Clark recalls the days when access cost only 25 cents and local families took full advantage of the mystical and multi-faceted playground, when “we used to paddle out, climb over the rocks and shoot the tunnel to surf alone for hours.” Now Jeff’s rebuilding a broken-down old powerboat to get back to the surf spots of his youth.

After years of working the land, owner Rich Deeney sold the property—rumored at under $40 million—and reportedly invested in land and a former B&B on the east side of Highway 1 to spend more time with the grandkids and less time herding cattle and growing hay. From the subterfuge and mystery surrounding the change of ownership, the predominant vibe has been a palpable sense of doom; current residents’ cabin leases will expire in 2021 and have no further claim to their property and lifestyle, while non-residents have been shut out. Strangely, several properties are still listed for sale, ranging in price from $110–175k in what amounts to a glorified rental, since the value will zero out in eleven years.

Martin's Oak: omen for poisonous attitudes

Some intrepid surfers we’ve interviewed have been rumored to park up on the highway and make the longer trek in to still surf Martin’s beaches, only to face trespassing threats and, in some cases, allegedly finding their tires deflated while attempting to get reacquainted with the area’s charms. One anonymous local was confronted by security guards when attempting to walk in to the beach a couple months back. He warned them in no uncertain terms not to touch his vehicle, claiming that it was a violation of California Coastal Commission law to deny access. One of the guards let slip that the “public” bathrooms were in a state of disrepair and this was the “pretext” for the “temporary beach closure.” Certainly, no attempt has been made to install portable toilets in the meantime, while just the fact that there were public bathrooms and a general store suggests a long history of public access.

"Temporarily closed"?

These reactions by the new owners are unacceptable and completely ignorant of the history of access and the loss to the community of slamming the gates shut. Just how wrong-headed this combative approach is will be proven when plans for development or changes on the property are inevitably undertaken. Even worse, the “temporary closures” may be a cover to demonstrate that public access has not been continuous and, therefore, is not legally defensible. Any attempts at zoning changes or new construction will face full review by the California Coastal Commission, where community input will be considered. In the meantime, it is up to coastsiders to bring pressure to bear on the new owners to reopen the property.

Martin's Beach: a setting that should be open to all

Local families have already started a facebook page, “Friends of Martin’s Beach, CA”, that has some great historic photos, and familiar names like Cunha and Duarte populate its pages, mourning the loss of their childhood memories. This is a great place to start to galvanize support to coordinate a campaign to reopen the beach that transcends generations and the attempts to shutter it for good from public access.

As the Friends page poignantly states: “This is for all of the people who loved Martin’s Beach, CA, and the way it was before. For all the families that spent their days fishing, watching the Pelicans and sea lions and enjoying the tide pools. Feel free to share your memories and pictures of one of California’s most beautiful and unique beaches.”

Joao De Macedo, Program Director of Save the Waves

As Joao De Macedo, Program Manager of Save the Waves Coalition in Davenport explains it: “It speaks volumes that one of the most legendary surfers in Half Moon Bay, Jeff Clark, is passionate about that reef. Public beach access is an important free resource for humanity—one of the most beautiful things. Like a natural theme park with sand. Even a limited entrance fee to maintain the beach is acceptable, but to completely gate it off is just wrong. The reef, tide pools, and unique rock formation have inspired generations of families, fishermen, and the local community. This is not just a surfing spot.”

Precedents for access have been set in communities such as Malibu, where wealthy residents attempted to block passage to and along the beaches with private security, fencing, etc. As the Coastal Commission states, “Along the California coast the general public has historically used numerous coastal areas. Trails to the beach, informal parking areas, beaches, and bluff tops have provided recreational opportunities for hiking, picnicking, fishing, swimming, surfing, diving, viewing and nature study. California law provides that under certain conditions, long term public access across private property may result in the establishment of a permanent public easement. This is called a public prescriptive right of access.”

The Surfrider Foundation has dedicated some of its finite resources to campaigning for coastal access, in addition to maintaining clean water, education, and other environmental programs. Under the topic of coastal access, the group cites the California Coastal Act of 1976 that states one of its main goals is to “Maximize public access to and along the coast and maximize public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone consistent with sound resources, conservation principles and constitutionally protected rights of private property owners.” Unfortunately, those the public’s rights tend to expire without community activism to uphold the law and establish and maintain easements for access.

Rufo

Rufino Hernandez Vega enjoyed soaking up the mystery of the spot and taking photos of its moody backdrop. Having grown up in Puerto Rico and Hawaii where beach access is vital to tourism, he warned: “What bothers me is that it seems like such a violation of our rights as human beings and our heritage. That shouldn’t be restricted, but enjoyed by all of us. Surfers, fishermen, and families are generally pretty green-friendly and conscientious visitors, so why are the new owners being so secretive?”

Rumors have swirled that “Do No Evil” Google purchased the property, though a knowledgeable local realtor suggested that an anonymous “Silicon Valley venture capitalist” was the new owner. A title search of the property reveals that 22325 Cabrillo Highway South in Half Moon Bay, 94019 has been divided into two parcels: Martins Beach 1 Llc for Parcel # 066-330-230 and Martins Beach 2 Llc for Parcel # 066-330-240. A “Limited Liability Company” (Llc) is a company structure that essentially shields the identity of the individual or company who now owns the property, as does the mailing address of 1760 The Alameda #300, San Jose, CA 95126, which is most likely the CPA or attorneys retained to create those companies.

Postcard from Paradise

A spokesman for the San Mateo Planning and Building Department was contacted about the beach closure and what building permits were being sought by the new owners. He acknowledged that his department has “an open investigation and cannot comment on the details.” This is actually critical, as it suggests that someone has already made a complaint about a zoning violation or that the new owner has made a petition for a permit to build or redevelop on the Martin’s Beach property. Ultimately, if the community’s access is denied, the community will have a say once the process is made public.

Martin's Beach in the old days: a long history of public access

The Coastal Commission requires that in the case of private housing development along the coast any entity requesting permits must provide an “Offer to Dedicate” or grant public access through their property to the beach vertically and laterally in areas where evidence can be found of long-term beach access for five years or more. Martin’s has been accessible since the 1950s and should amply qualify. The catch is that a government agency such as the city or county, Parks and Recreation, POST, or some other official group must accept the responsibility and liability for maintaining the easements for beach access in exchange for public title to those specified paths. If such an “Offer to Dedicate” is not accepted by an agency within 21 years, it can be permanently lost.

Surfrider also points out that the city of Half Moon Bay can specifically require that the new owners grant the access paths to the city directly in order to receive permits for redevelopment. That’s where public pressure again could be critical going forward. Surfrider Counsel Angela Howe warns that prescriptive easements can get sticky unless the public access was “continuous and uninterrupted” and the fact that the previous owners charged a fee suggests there was no apparent “right of access.” This could also shed light on the cynical tactic of the new owners actively interrupting public access, which then effectively becomes a self-fulfilling legal interruption. Common law equity, however, can still argue that access specifically to coastal assets should be retained where it has been available in the past.

Tim West

As local Maverick’s charger Tim West observes, “That beach area has been a great getaway from town, not only for a day at the beach stretching out in the sun, but also for bringing the family down for a picnic. The fishing is great since the water drops off pretty deep right from the beach. The people who live there are always respectful if you share the same vibe with them. There is a lot of history in this small community that has deep roots. We should be able to access the beach area without opposition.”

Ultimately, Martin’s fate may lay in the hands of the Coastal Act of California, Section 30604 (c), which provides that “Every coastal development permit issued for any development between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline of any body of water located within the coastal zone shall include a specific finding that the development is in conformity with the public access and public recreation policies of Chapter 3.”

In the meantime it is up to the public to exert pressure, raise the stakes for the new owners and keep a spotlight shining on the issue. The campaign to “Save Trestles” in Southern California and “Keep the country COUNTRY!” on the North Shore of Oahu were successful precisely because of unwavering public support, spearheaded by the surf community. This set a strong precedent for the power of targeted protest, aligned with the legal resources of enlightened organizations like Surfrider and Save the Waves.

Now it’s time to Save Martin’s!

Sunset for Martin's Beach public access?

Mike Wallace has surfed for over two decades on the East and West coasts, Hawaii, Europe and NorCal. Currently a resident of Moss Beach with his family of four, he can often be found haunting the beaches south of Devil’s Slide in search of the perfect sandbar with his blind dog, Moose.

Dredge the Pillar Point Harbor (HMB) Update

matt — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:13:50 +0000

The following is an update from DredgeTheHarbor.com on the proposal to dredge Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay and use the sand to replenish Surfers Beach and points south. The background of this proposal was published on SurfPulse in a special report by our man In the Green Room, Mike Wallace (see Grains of Hope: Dredging the Pillar Point Harbor Long Overdue).

“North Half Moon Bay Shoreline Improvement Project finally gets underway! After years of effort, finally, it looks like things are on the move to dredge the Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay and use the millions of tons of high quality beach sand waiting inside. Using the sand as a resource to nourish from Surfers Beach south all throughout the bay of Half Moon Bay. Its a win win win for everyone from Cal Trans (to protect highway one), to recreational beach goers, to the homes and businesses in Miramar, to the Snowy Plover even further south. The letter below is a note from the San Mateo County Harbor District General Manager informing our community and project working group of the movement on this issue.

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers San Francisco District reported that they now have $25,000 from this year’s budget with which to start the design/feasibility stage of the Surfers Beach demonstration project. They have designated Irene Lee as Project Manager. John Dingler will oversee the project.

We await word regarding our congressional appropriation request for $100,000 for the Corps’ FY 2011 budget. The formal project name is the North Half Moon Bay Shoreline Improvement Project.

I have just looked at the site with Irene to acquaint her with the situation and background, and forwarded some documents and photos to her. She is somewhat familiar with the area as she resides in Pacifica.

Irene’s next task is to prepare a project scope of work and budget. Once that is done and reviewed, we’ll have a better sense of when the Working Group might usefully reconvene. We’ll keep you posted.”

Beach Cleanup in Half Moon Bay on Saturday, May 1, 2010

matt — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:04:04 +0000

San Mateo County Surfrider Chapter sponsors a beach cleanup on Sat., May 1. Come on down to Surfer’s Beach/The Jetty in El Granada (HMB) from 12:00–2:00 PM!

For all beach cleanups, please wear comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes and sunscreen. All volunteers are welcome to participate and must sign a liability waiver, but volunteers under 18 MUST have a parent or guardian present at the beginning of the cleanup to sign a liability waiver before the minor can participate. For groups, please use the group liability waiver. Pre-registration is NOT required unless your group is bigger than 25 people. We will provide all supplies, but volunteers are always welcome to bring their own work gloves, trash bag/bucket, and/or reusable water bottle.