City to Gain Ownership of Smith Field, New Parks and Rec Commissioner Elected

The Half Moon Bay City Council met last night to address gang-related violence, elect a new commissioner to the Parks and Recreation committee, and approve a long awaited land trade between the City, County and Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

The three-way trade allows Half Moon Bay to gain ownership of 29.25 acres formerly owned by POST. The land includes Smith Field and surrounding areas.

“This whole south area has the potential to be the beauty of the coast,” said councilmember John Muller. “I really look at it as a new beginning.”

From the trade, San Mateo County will attain property from the city that has been unused since potential plans to construct a park on the site were deemed too costly.

The county will dedicate their newly owned property, 1.1 acres along Arnold Way, to the expansion of senior housing.

POST will in turn receive 20 acres from the county that include Wavecrest, Redondo Beach, Ola Vista and Redondo Tract subdivisions. Each property is considered to be of equal value at $1.2 million.

“Coastside residents, you’ve got a real, real winner here tonight,” Muller said.

The council recognized that the approval of the trade required the dedication of many individuals and organizations.

“I think this is a great example of how we can work together and be creative,” said councilmember Marina Fraser. “I think it’s something we all can be really proud of.”

The exchange will happen concurrently through an escrow transaction.

Mayor Naomi Patridge expressed her gratitude for those who worked on the project and said the exchange will greatly benefit Half Moon Bay.

“It will be a gem,” she said. “It’s been a long time coming but it’s here.”

Also during the Council meeting, the resignation of Brian Ginna was addressed; Half Moon Bay will be left with a vacant spot on the Parks and Recreation committee.

Councilmember Rick Kowalczyk motioned to nominate local Shahrzad Pantera.

“She’s expressed interest, and we’ve shared the goal of a self sustained and enthusiastic community,” Kowalcyzk said.

Kowalcyzk praised Pantera, who has served as the president of the Police Activities League, for her years of service to the community.

The council unanimously voted to approve Pantera’s seat on the Parks and Recreation committee and Pantera accepted.

“My passion is the youth and activities,” Pantera said. “I really want to make sure we have programs to serve the youth in our community.”

Next, the gang-related shooting on Grove Street, which ended with two men in the hospital, was addressed.

Councilmember Muller suggested that the city take a hard look at future programs to reduce gang activity.

“We cannot let this incident on Sunday get out of hand,” he said. “It has to be curtailed. It’s a very serious situation in my opinion.”

Mayor Patridge agreed that something must be done and reported that she had discussed the incident with Grove Street residents.

“They would really like to do a neighborhood watch program,” Patridge said.

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s office, as well as the California Highway Patrol, are closely monitoring any potential situations, Patridge said.

Though Half Moon Bay is not a stranger to gang violence, Patridge said, the recent violence reached a magnitude the city has not seen.

“It’s been here before, but it’s not been that violent,” she said.

The next Half Moon Bay City Council meeting is scheduled for September 6 at 7 p.m. in the Ted Adcock Community Center.

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