Pacifica Riptide

Tunnel-Visionary Mitch Reid on Wavelength (VIDEO)

This week on Wavelength, host Ian Butler interviews Pacifica's tunnel-visionary Mitch Reid. Mitch tells how he used the Freedom of Information Act to uncover documents that Caltrans didn't want us to see. He also shares the story of how the bridge leading up to the Devil's Slide Tunnels came about, and lessons that this might teach us about the present highway-widening battle.
 
(Above: Mitch poses next to his "Tunnel-vision glasses" at a recent People's Tunnel exhibit at the San Mateo County History Museum. Photo by Ian Butler.)

Watch the Video Here

Jake Sigg writes in his Nature News: "Recently the south of Pacifica Highway 1 tunnel opening was celebrated. There is a long and dramatic story connected with this, and those involved--primarily Pacificans--lived through a tense and fearful time when confronted by the seemingly impenetrable Caltrans bureaucracy. I was emotionally, intensely involved, as the bypass proposed by Caltrans was so horrifying and so destructive of Montara Mountain and the city of Pacifica that it is difficult to envision the kind of mind that would even think of such a thing. This video is an interview with the person who, through the Freedom of Information Act, caught and exposed Caltrans in its lies, thus setting the stage for activists to defeat it. Why do I make so much of this? First, the topic is of major importance from an environmental standpoint and quality of life. Even more important, you may have no idea how much we owe to individuals or small groups of people who changed the course of history. Often, the person or persons involved sometimes stumbled onto their course of action accidentally. There are so many good things we have nowadays that we shouldn't take for granted--and the battle goes on forever. Become informed and become an activist."

May 25 Celebration of Life for Cedric Collett: Pacifica Environmentalist, Firefighter, Friend

We mourn the death of our friend Cedric Collett, 66, environmentalist and retired Pacifica firefighter. The Celebration of Life honoring Cedric is on Saturday, May 25 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Pedro Point Firehouse.

Cedric's friend Deirdre Finnegan writes: "It is with heavy heart that I share the sad news of the passing of a dear, dear friend of both yours and mine. Our good friend Cedric Collett passed from this life while abalone diving in Sonoma County.

Cedric was a loyal friend and member of the Pacifica Beach Coalition and the Pedro Point Headlands group. He was a firefighter in Pacifica and was devoted to the community in more ways than we can count. Our friend Cedric was dedicated to the preservation of our coastal habitat through his immeasurable daily actions in Pacifica.

Cedric was a constant fixture at my monthly beach cleanups at Sharp Park at 9 a.m. He came sometimes with a bag already filled from his walk from Mori Point and always with a smile on his face and a story to share about things that he found or areas for concern.

Cedric was full of so many great ideas about ways in which we could help keep Pacifica beautiful. Cedric and I became friends through the Pacifica Beach Coalition. He knew everything about California and the environment and the ocean. He was such a wealth of knowledge and a friendly spirit always willing to share his wisdom with those around him.

I was also lucky enough to have a friendship with Cedric outside of the PBC. Such a fascinating man, he and my dad also became close friends. Cedric introduced us to bay swimming at the Dolphin Club in SF at Aquatic Park! More often my dad and Cedric would swim together at Aquatic Park or Jean Brink Pool or hike or just have lunch. 

Cedric showed us the Dipsea Trail in Marin, which was his backyard and cross-country course growing up.  One time he took me and my dad to hike a “Double Dipsea” – out and back – it took us 5 hours. He showed us the secret spring and the best view to sit and eat our lunch on the hike. We were so blessed to have shared these experiences with Cedric. My dad called him Saturday night to see if he wanted to hike a section of the Dipsea, which is when his wife shared the sad news of his passing. We were devastated.

I am comforted by memories of his hearty deep laugh, his sheepish smile, his sparkling eyes, and his ever present spirit in Pacifica. Cedric made a wonderful mark on our mother earth, and his spirit will live on forever in Pacifica through his years of daily dedication to our community and environment. The world has lost a precious soul, but I am gladdened knowing that he passed doing something he loved, in nature, making his mark. Peace, love, and laughter to all."

Please send donations in Cedric's memory to his wife Maggie Collett, 275 Angelita Avenue, Pacifica, CA  94044.

Second Harvest Food Bank: Help Feed a Hungry Kid

Join the Friends of San Pedro Valley Park

If you like to walk in San Pedro Valley Park and enjoy its flora and fauna, and you want to help maintain the park, drop by the visitor center and find out about joining the volunteer team called Friends of San Pedro Valley Park. On Saturday nights and weekend mornings several times a year, experts present programs at the visitor center and guided hikes focusing on park wildlife, geology, botany, etc. Volunteers help improve the hiking trails and wildlife habitat in the park.

Coastside Hope: Tax Help, News, and Events (Spring 2013)

Read Newsletter Here

DWO: Older Drivers Can Be Safer Drivers

Read Full Article Here

Our Public Libraries Are Among the Best in the Country

For the fifth consecutive year, the San Mateo County Library (including Pacifica) has been named one of the best public libraries in the U.S. by Library Journal. This year 7,570 public libraries were evaluated and 262 libraries received star designations. San Mateo County Library ranked 17th nationwide and 3rd in California among public libraries with similar budgets. The Library Journal Index of Public Library Service rating system used criteria that indicate public use, including number of library visits, circulation of materials, program attendance, and public Internet use. Visit San Mateo County Library’s award-winning website at www.smcl.org for information about the Library and its services.

Senior Focus Volunteer Services Newsletter, Spring 2013

Newsletter, April-May-June

Word!

New York City artist Jay Shells, who calls his effort the Metropolitan Etiquette Authority, created the sign above and installed several around the city.

Jeff Bagshaw and John Maybury wish that the City of Pacifica (and many other jurisdictions) would put up a few of these signs.

Riptide Hookup: Spinning Wheel Experts Found

Riptide reader Dan Underhill informed me of Urban Fauna in San Francisco, which specializes in spinning wheels, and I received two local responses from your Pacifica Tribune column. So thanks to your help, I won't be "spinning my wheels" about this machine anymore.

Alan Wald