Half Moon Bay California Letter From The Mayor - June 30, 2020

Press release from the City of Half Moon Bay California:

June 30, 2020

As we head into the holiday weekend I, too, have anxiety concerning what is to come. We all know what to expect for the 4th of July weekend.

Dear Half Moon Bay Community,

As we head into the holiday weekend I, too, have anxiety concerning what is to come. We all know what to expect for the 4th of July weekend. There will be a lot of people descending on Half Moon Bay and the Coastside, despite the obvious high risk of spreading COVID-19 in a crowded situation.

The City has limited tools to curtail this expected influx of visitors. The relaxing of some of the public health regulations seems to have given a lot of people the idea that they are perfectly safe carrying on as if the virus did not exist. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

As you know, there are significant surges in COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area, throughout California, and in other states, particularly where public health regulations have been relaxed. This should really be a red flag to those who may be considering visiting the coast this weekend – but unfortunately, for many it is either ignored, or they have decided to take a calculated risk.

I was interviewed yesterday via video on KPIX TV (CBS) and made the point that under normal circumstances, Half Moon Bay welcomes visitors. Tourism is part of our identity and is of great economic benefit to our entire community (despite the inherent impacts, of which I am well aware). However, these are anything but normal circumstances. My message to those planning on visiting us on the 4th of July was clear: consider the public health consequences of crowding on the Coastside, and do not visit at this time. Coming here at this juncture puts many others at risk and jeopardizes the progress we have all made over the last several months. We are working on a news release which reinforces that message.

I know that our businesses desperately need those tourist dollars, and some of you may disagree with me about discouraging visitors this weekend. I ask you for your continued patience and understanding, as we try to balance that need, with the very serious and significant risk of spreading this deadly virus.

I’ll say to you what I am telling my own family about the upcoming holiday weekend – be smart, be safe, and avoid crowds. Please use extra caution and consideration.

To the degree you are worried about the potential spread of COVID-19 in our community as a result of the crowds, I encourage you to do your grocery and other errands by Wednesday or Thursday, and stay very close to home the rest of the week and weekend. And in all cases, be sure to maintain social distancing, and wear face coverings - which are required in most public places of business and are recommended while engaged in outdoor land-based recreation.

I want to offer these reminders, which are from the San Mateo County Health Officer’s June 17 Health Order:

• Gatherings of any size outside of a single household or living unit remain discouraged because they carry significant risk of exposure to COVID-19
• Participants of gatherings of any size must adhere to Social Distancing and Face Covering Requirements…(maintaining) at least six-foot social distancing from individuals who are not part of the same household or living unit
• The (public health) emergency and the attendant risk to public health remain significant...the cumulative number of confirmed cases continues to increase
• Wearing a Face Covering is recommended while engaged in outdoor land-based recreation

The City has been working over the past week with State Parks, County Parks, the County Manager’s Office, the Public Health Officer, Senator Hill’s Office, and the Sheriff’s Department to try and mitigate and plan for the weekend’s events. For starters, we will have extra Sheriff’s patrol throughout the weekend. Two deputies will patrol the coast on an ATV, two deputies will patrol for fireworks and DUI enforcement, and we will have two Community Service Officers patrolling as well. The main concern is to keep everyone safe. If there is any additional movement on this throughout the week, watch out for a Special eNews with that information.

One more important 4th of July note – remember the all fireworks are illegal in Half Moon Bay. The potential for fireworks starting fires or causing injury to adults, kids, and pets is high. Please respect the law and respect your neighbors.

Guidance for Reopening of Businesses:

As you’re aware, on June 17, 2020 the San Mateo County Health Officer issued a new public health order, effective immediately, aligning the county with Governor Newsom’s Resiliency Roadmap.

I encourage businesses in Half Moon Bay to visit our new web page Guidance: Reopening of Businesses in Half Moon Bay, which includes industry guidance for each sector allowed to reopen, and also to read the new health order, it’s appendix, and the San Mateo County Reopening Plan web page.

Please be mindful that we must continue to work together. You’re likely hearing news of many states, and even some counties within California having to roll back or pause their reopenings. For the health of our neighbors and local economy, let’s continue to stay home unless necessary, and wear face coverings when in public places.

4th of July Virtual Parade:

As we mentioned last week, the City will be conducting a virtual 4th of July parade of sorts this year! Every year, our traditional 4th of July Parade is such a welcome, fun event, really bringing the entire community (and beyond) together. Obviously under the current situation, a live parade is not possible. We’ve received video submissions from the community over the past week and are excited to share the parade with you all. If you haven’t yet submitted, please do so by Wednesday morning. Then check back over the weekend to celebrate as a community, virtually.

The virtual 4th of July web page can be found here.

District-Based Elections Start This November:

If you missed the Elections Q&A last week, you can find the PowerPoint presentation as well as the video on the City’s elections web page. The video is also available on our Facebook page. Check it out and be sure to contact our City Clerk’s Office if you have any questions.

The nomination period for candidates for Districts 2 and 3 opens on July 13. More information about that will be coming soon.

Sustainability Updates – Disposable Foodware Ordinance Information Meeting:

As we noted last week, the City of Half Moon Bay is considering adoption of San Mateo County’s Disposable Foodware Ordinance. The County ordinance requires “disposable” foodware to be compostable, and reduces the wasteful distribution of accessories such as straws, stirrers, cup spill plugs, condiment packets, utensils, napkins, etc.

In preparation for the first reading of the ordinance, City staff is holding an online informational session followed by a Q&A tomorrow, Wednesday July 1, 2020, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM.

This informational session will be via Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/95893384767?pwd=aHF4S2d2eEZKUXQ2bjc2a0h4UXd1Zz09.

For more information on the proposed ordinance please visit the Disposable Foodware Ordinance web page.

Businesses that may be impacted by the ordinance are encouraged to attend the online meeting, and/or provide feedback or questions to Half Moon Bay’s Sustainability Analyst, Veronika Vostinak by email or phone at 650-750-2019 (input will be taken through Friday, August 14).

4th of July Garbage Collection Schedule – Half Moon Bay Residents and Businesses:

There is NO CHANGE to your recycle, compost, and garbage collection services for the 4th of July holiday. Set your containers out as you normally would for regular pickup. Republic Services offices, however, will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of the holiday.

Disability Disaster Access Program:

Are you at risk of being adversely affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)? Do you depend on electricity for medical needs? The Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities (“CID”) is partnering with PG&E to keep our communities safe and prepared during a PSPS.

If you or someone you know has a disability or additional functional needs and who is dependent on electrical equipment, CID can help you through its Disability Disaster Access Program. To determine eligibility for backup batteries and other resources, click here and complete the application. For more information, please contact the Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities by emailing Lisah@cidsanmateo.org or vlopez@cidsanmateo.org, or calling (650) 645-1780.

That’s a wrap for this week. Despite everything, I do hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend.

As always, feel free to email me with any comments or concerns. And be sure to stay informed by visiting the City’s COVID-19 Daily Updates webpage, and our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Nextdoor feeds.

Together in partnership,

Adam Eisen, Mayor

This press release was produced by the City of Half Moon Bay California. The views expressed here are the author’s own.