Tenant Evictions up in San Mateo County

By Suzanne Moore

I am a member of Pacifica Housing 4 All. Since 2015, PH4A has advocated to house the homeless, keep people housed, and promote low-income housing. PH4A recently reached out to tenants after interviews in Coastside News.

LOCAL EVICTIONS

At the invitation of now-former tenants, we had the opportunity to meet with neighbors at their door and by zoom. Here is what we heard:

• Some tenants reported problems with repairs, high unexpected utility bills, and difficult communication with management. Others had no problems.
• Some tenants were afraid and others were not.
• Some tenants sensed they could lose their housing; others felt secure.

Two somewhat unique factors came up:

• Property management utilizes a third-party payer for water and sewer, and some tenants received sudden high bills with the threat of eviction if payment wasn’t received in 3 days,
• Some tenants were warned of risk of eviction based on complaints and reports from other tenants.

COUNTY PATTERNS

PH4A members do not claim to be investigative reporters, but we did check in with others in our County and found others encountering similar patterns. Juliet Brodie of Stanford Community Law Clinic confirmed, during a preview of an Eviction Study Report, that the prominent reasons for evictions in 2023 are failure to pay rent (85%), behavior (7.7%), and no fault (7.4%) but a trend of nonpayment of utilities as reason for eviction is increasing. The preview also pointed out that evictions in the Bay Area have reached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

PACIFICA SECTION 8 disproportionately impacted

In our hometown, PH4A is disturbed since many impacted are those holding Section 8 Vouchers. For those unfamiliar with Section 8, this federal program “helps low-income families, the elderly, veterans, and the disabled afford housing in the private market.” The current federal administration would like to cut HUD and Section 8 funding.

Neighbor complaints against neighbors are also disturbing because it creates another level of fear. It is difficult to counter a complaint, and it is possible for evidence to be manufactured. 

WHAT IS PH4A’s INTENT

PH4A is bringing this to the attention of our community for these reasons:

• We are alarmed that our most vulnerable are at risk of losing their homes and increase their risk of homelessness or homelessness relapse,
• We hope to identify resources for those impacted and educate them on their rights under the law,
• We ask that the community be aware, listen to those who are afraid, and make sure their voices and concerns are heard.

LEGISLATION

Our state legislature is considering increases in tenant protection. AB 1157 and SB 436 could expand current protection under California state law.

AB 1157- The Affordable Rent Act_03.27.25
See SB 436 legiscan.com/CA/bill/SB436/2025

In 2018, San Jose City Council voted to eliminate use of RUBS – ratio utility billing systems. California’s AB 1248, introduced by Assembly Member Matt Haney and Attorney General Rob Bonta this year, also focuses on a ban of Junk Fees. The bill, amended and passed by the Assembly Committee on Judiciary, was forwarded for a third reading in the Assembly in late April.
a17.asmdc.org/press-releases/20250401-new-bill-bans-unfair-junk-fees-renters

ACTION

It is often said that the first comfort to any victim occurs when they realize someone is listening and believes their story. I am not making judgement on the parties involved in this challenging situation; but I will acknowledge that the pattern of corporate landlord intimidation is sad and well established, that there is a power discrepancy between tenants and landlords, and our most vulnerable may have fewer problem-solving skills.

My recommendations:

1. Listen and advocate. Since tenants are afraid, recommend a safe way for them to be heard – the Pacifica Resource Center.
2. Reach out to Pacifica Council Members and suggest a session to educate on tenant rights. Here is a synopsis: https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/Tenant-Protection-Act-Landlords-and-Property-Managers-English.pdf
3. Support AB 1248, AB 1157, and SB 436 .
4. Share local resources which follow. Everyone deserves safe, affordable housing and dignified treatment.

• Pacifica Resource Center
  pacresourcecenter.org
  Address: 1809 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044
  Phone: (650) 738-7470
  
  PRC is available to assist our community with groceries, emergency financial assistance for rent and mortgage, homeless services, and other critical services.

• Pacifica City Council members:
  cityofpacifica.org/government/city-council

• Eviction counseling: 
  Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County
  Natalie Lanam Justice Center
  Sobrato Center for Nonprofits – Redwood Shores
  330 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 123
  Redwood City, CA 94065
  
  Phone Contact
  Office: (650) 558-0915
  Fax: (650) 517-8973
  Toll Free: (800) 381-8898
  Monday – Friday
  9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  Our offices are closed each weekday for the noon lunch

• How to report problems, previously shared with the management office, that are not resolved:|
  
  Non-working fire alarms
  (650) 800-6580
  Location North County Fire Authority Headquarters
  25 Park Place, Suite B
  Brisbane, CA 94005
  
  Dripping faucets, running toilets, water wasting problems
  North Coast County Water District
  Mailing address: P.O. Box 1039
  Pacifica, CA 94044
  Customer Service: Phone (650) 355-3462 
  Fax: (650) 355-0735 Field Operations Fax: (650) 738-8329
  Email us: info@nccwd.com or view a list of staff emails.
  After Hours Emergencies: Phone (650) 576-3788
  
  Habitability issues
  Pacifica Code Enforcement Division
  To maintain service quality during temporary staffing shortage, effective November 4, 2024, the Community Development Department will have new walk-in counter hours as follows.To maintain service quality during temporary staffing shortage, effective November 4, 2024, the Community Development Department will have new walk-in counter hours as follows.
  
  Monday through Thursday:
  9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Friday: By appointment only
  
  To schedule an appointment:
  call 650-738-7341 or
  email PlanningDivision@pacifica.gov

Canary Palms removed in Vallemar

By Ken Miles, a Vallemar resident, Edited by Paul Totah

At the April 14 Pacifica City Council meeting, Ken Miles, a Vallemar resident and a former member of the city’s Planning Commission, made the following remarks during public comments:

“Fifty years ago, I moved with my family to Vallemar. One of the main reasons that I was attracted, like most people in my neighborhood, was to the Canary Palms and all the other lovely trees and plants. Well, we are losing those trees rapidly. I watched as 20 trees or so, including Canary Palms, were cut down along Reina del Mar from the school all the way to the back part of the valley (although there are still some left). Around the end of March, I noticed one down by the school had been cut down although I couldn’t see anything wrong with the tree. Then again on April 1, Davey Tree Service was cutting another one down at the Y on Bonita and Reina del Mar. I asked the operator why they were being cut down, and he told me it was diseased. Indeed, it looked pretty chopped up, and he blamed PGE’s arborist who had trimmed the tree earlier. I was surprised because none of the neighbors knew that the tree was going to come down.

“Then, a couple of days later, I saw that three palms on the north side of Reina del Mar between Nataqua and Hiawatha had yellow signs on them posted by the Public Works Department saying that there were emergency reasons for removing these trees. The notice didn’t indicate what species were being cut down or what the emergency issues were. The notice was only up for a very short time and it didn’t offer any chance of appeal. Then those trees were cut down.

“What bothers me is that no one had time to react to that. We don’t hear anything from the City really regarding this. If I wanted to take a heritage tree down, I would have to go through leaps and bounds, pay a lot of money and apply for permission to remove that tree. Typically, people only do this if they have to build a house. That’s what we had to do when my wife and I built our house. 

“So, I don’t understand why the City and PG&E have a cakewalk on this issue. I think it degrades our neighborhood and reduces property values. The City needs to do a better job regarding this issue.

“Perhaps PG&E should replant our palm trees. I recall 8-to-10 years ago or so, when we were concerned about AT&T cutting down a Canary Palm located at “the Y”, it was disclosed that the cost to replace such a tree was $20,000 each. Also, PG&E should better spend their money by undergrounding all their wires to our homes, which probably would be cheaper in the long run than trimming and cutting down our trees.”

Tree City Pacifica agrees with Ken about the way trees have been removed (especially as “emergency removal” means there is no chance for citizens to appeal the removal of a tree) and would love to hear answers to the following questions: 

When PG&E crews damage a tree, how are they held accountable and responsible?

Since the city has no arborist on staff, who decides when tree removal constitutes an emergency?

When city trees are removed, two-for-one replacement trees must be planted. How do we know when and where those trees are planted? 

Answers to these questions are essential, especially as we strive to grow and protect our canopy in Pacifica. For the sake of transparency, it would be good to have a list on the city’s website of city trees that have been removed as well as information regarding the location and types of replacement trees that have been planted.

US Citizenship Test Class

Peninsula Solidarity Cohort

May Pacificans Care Highlights

Pacificans Care Presents: Coastal Cheers!

Love fine wine and craft beer? Don’t miss Coastal Cheers, a unique tasting event hosted by Pacificans Care on Sunday, June 1st, from 1:30–4:00 PM at the Pedro Point Firehouse on Danmann Avenue.

Tickets are available at: pacificanscare.org or scan the QR code — but hurry, the event is expected to sell out!

Enjoy a delightful afternoon with wine & craft beer tastings, delectable appetizers & desserts, live music, and fun prize drawings. All proceeds benefit Pacifica’s essential social service organizations: Pacifica Senior Services, Pacifica Resource Center, Pacifica Child Care Services, and Pacifica Youth Service Bureau.

Special thanks to Coastal Cheers Gold sponsors: Lommori/Stahl Real Estate Group and Seaview Tire and Brake Center. 

Interested in sponsorship? Contact Chair Janine Galligani-Ray at 415-806-1628.

Pacificans Care supports PBC Pelican Fest!

As a dedicated day of service Pacificans Care board members and champions supported the Pacific Beach Coalition’s Pelican Fest, a fun and educational Earth Day celebration! Hundreds of community volunteers gathered for an early morning Day of Action at the beach and locations throughout the city to pick up trash and cigarettes butts or complete habitat restoration projects that make a difference in the community.

After their hard work volunteers gathered for the Pelican Fest at Linda Mar Beach to visit a variety of environmentally oriented information booths, engage in Earth Day learning activities and enjoy the music and festivities that celebrated the Pelican that graces our ocean shores.

Pacificans Care volunteers helped with the booth set up, directing traffic, providing information to participants, providing fresh fruit for participants and attendees, and, of course, supporting the cleanup effort at the end of the highly successful Pelican Fest. Congratulations to the Pacific Beach Coalition for their annual Earth Day event.

Pacificans Care Proudly Sponsors the Pacifica Pride Festival & Parade!

Join us in celebrating love, inclusion, and community at the Pacifica Pride Festival and Parade on June 7, 2025, at Ingrid B. Lacy (IBL) School, 11:00 to 3:00pm.
Let’s come together to show our support and pride—see you there!

For more information about Pacificans Care:
Visit our website PacificansCare.com 
Email pacificanscare1982@gmail.com
Facebook.com/PacificansCare
P.O. Box 875, Pacifica, California 94044 

Pacificans Care, EIN 77-0004308, an exempt organization permitted by Section 501(c.)(3.) of the Internal Revenue Code

Coastside Gives

Thank you for helping us surpass our original $120,000 goal ….. we raised over $150,000! 

Your generosity was multiplied by Judy and Denis O’Leary, Anna Mieritz and Todd Enders, Jotham Stein, Dell Williams, Nancy and Deryck Marsh, Michael and Priscilla Klass, Sandra and Jeff Adams, Mike Murphy, Pat and David Lea, The Graybird Foundation, and one anonymous donor who issued a $30,000 Coastside Hope matching challenge grant.

Donations like these make it possible for Coastside Hope to provide food, clothing, shelter, utilities and rental assistance, and other critical family services to more than 4,500 people each year.

Your kindness and generosity are truly making a difference. Thank you!

Thank you for your support!

Coastside Hope
248 Main St, Suite 200
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Coastside Hope’s vision is a strong community where neighbors prosper together.
coastsidehope.org

CORA Satellite Office Open

Pacifica Library Events

Bilingual Russian Storytime
Monday, May 12 at 10:15am at Sharp Park
Join us for bilingual English and Russian stories and music the whole family will love!
Children of all ages will enjoy listening, singing and playing along (0-5 years old)

Присоединяйтесь к нам, чтобы послушать рассказы и музыку на английском и
русском языках, которые понравятся всей семье! Дети всех в
озрастов с удовольствием будут слушать истории, петь и играть вместе.

Make Māori Koru Inspired Spiral Art
Tuesday, May 13 at 3:30pm at Sanchez
Create Māori koru inspired art. In Māori, koru means “loop” or “coil,” and is inspired by the spiral shape of the unfurling silver fern fronds of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Koru symbolizes growth, new life or new beginnings, strength and peace. It is used in Māori art, jewelry carvings, and tattoos. (6-18 years old)

Sanchez Book Club
Thursday, May 15 at 7pm at Sharp Park
Do you like talking about books? Welcome to the Sanchez Book Club! You can join us in person or over Zoom every third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM. The conversation is open to everyone 18 and older, regardless of where you live. We discuss member-selected literature, mostly literary fiction and popular nonfiction. (19+ years old)
This month, we’re discussing The Treeline by Ben Rawlence.
Visit our book group page to see everything we’re reading this year REGISTER HERE

Mosaic Lamp Workshop
Friday, May 16 at 2pm at Sharp Park
Create your own stunning Turkish mosaic lamp in this hands-on workshop! You’ll design a beautiful, colorful lamp using handcrafted glass tiles and beads, guided step-by-step by our expert instructors. No experience needed, just bring your creativity! (19+ years old) REGISTER HERE

Gelli Printing
Sunday, May 18 at 11am at Sharp ParkLearn about printing with Gelli plates, an easy diy printmaking process! We will learn how to create textures and layers with Gelli plates and household and natural materials as well as how to transfer images from magazines. The Gelli plates we will be using do not contain any animal products and are nontoxic. Join us to explore this fun and open-ended printmaking process! (19+ years old) REGISTER HERE

Walk & Talk Book Club
Tuesday, May 20 at 9:30am at SanchezJoin the Walk and Talk Book Club! We meet the 3^rd Tuesday of the month (except for December). We meet at Sanchez Library at 9:30 AM and walk to San Pedro Valley Park and discuss the book while walking the flat Weiler Ranch Trail. In May, we will discuss The Women by Kristin Hannah. Check out our full 2025 book list! (19+ years old)

Mindfulness Meditation with Rik Center
Saturday, May 24 at 11:30am at Sharp Park
Engage in mindfulness meditation exercises and movement practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine. Mindfulness and meditation are practices that involve focusing your attention on the present moment, cultivating awareness, and promoting a sense of calm and clarity. Everyone will gain new skills and tools in helping to dissolve stress and long-held anxieties. Participants will build personal inner tools of reflective inquiry, curiosity, self-compassion, and self-trust. Each session will include time for questions and answers (19+ years old) REGISTER HERE

Bead Jewelry Making: Earrings
Tuesday, May 27 at 2pm at SanchezAn introductory jewelry-making class, during which you will learn the uses of different types of pliers, eye pins, head pins and ear wires. You will learn how to wire wrap beads to create a stunning pair of earrings. All supplies provided! (19+ years old) REGISTER HERE

Mindful Rhythm
Tuesday, May 27 at 12pm at SanchezDrum circles can be valuable and engaging for all. Our sessions will offer a safe, supportive space for all skill levels. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others through the power of rhythm. No prior drumming experience needed. Bring your own drum or borrow one of ours. Beginners are encouraged to join (19+ years old) REGISTER HERE

Salsa Dance Class
Wednesday, May 28 at 6pm at Sharp ParkJoin this event for an exciting and energetic Salsa Social Dancing class where you’ll learn the fundamentals of this vibrant Latin dance style. Whether you’re new to salsa or looking to refine your skills, this class is perfect for you! We’ll cover essential footwork, partner connection, and basic turn patterns that will have you confidently hitting the dance floor in no time. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes! REGISTER HERE Adults (19+ years old)

Reed Diffuser Workshop
Thursday, May 29 at 5:30pm at Sharp ParkJoin us for our diffuser workshop where you can make your own custom fragrance without the flame! Choose from a variety of seasonal fragrances (10-12) and we’ll walk you through the reed diffuser making process. All materials will be provided to make your choice of a 4oz. diffuser with natural reeds Adults (19+ years old) REGISTER HERE

Baybayin Workshop
Saturday, May 31 at 11:15am at SanchezJoin is for an exciting Baybayin Workshop with Francis Garcia, a local Filipino-American artist. Baybayin is one of the ancient Philippine scripts used in precolonial times to write Tagalog. We’ll learn more about the history of Baybayin and how to read and write Baybayin. We’ll create Baybayin art with our name written in this script. (6-years-old to Adults all ages) REGISTER HERE

Women’s Self Defense Seminar
Sunday, March 16 at 10am at Sharp Park
This seminar is a 2-hour reality-based crash course in both the physical and psychological response to violence. This seminar is perfect for teens who are starting to become more independent, as well as young adults heading off to college, and anyone else who just wants peace of mind. Adults (19+ years old)
Teens (12-18 years old) REGISTER HERE

Intro to Artificial Intelligence
Saturday, May 31 at 2:30pm at Sharp Park
This introductory course provides an overview of leading conversational AI tools, including ChatGPT, Bing AI, Google’s Bard, and Anthropic’s Claude. Students will gain hands-on experience interacting with these systems and learn how they are revolutionizing fields from content creation to customer service. No registration necessary.

FIFA Tournament
Sunday, June 1 at 12pm at Sharp ParkCompete, win prizes, and enjoy Pacifica Sharp Park Library’s new PS5! Test your FIFA skills against your fellow gamers in a tournament hosted by the library. Come in your favorite soccer jersey. Ages 10 and up. Participants 16 and older will have their own tournament happening at the same time. Sign-up at the front desk of the Sharp Park Library. Drop ins also welcome! (12-years-old to Adults 19+)

Bilingual Storytime / Hora de cuentos bilingüe
Monday, June 2 at 10:15am at Sharp ParkJoin us for bilingual Spanish and English stories and music the whole family will love! Children of all ages will enjoy listening, singing and playing along.

¡Acompáñenos para disfrutar cuentos y música bilingüe en español e inglés que le encantará a toda la familia! Niños de todas edades disfrutarán escuchando cuentos, cantando y jugando juntos. Preschoolers (0-5 years old)

Custom Screenprint Workshop
Tuesday, June 3 at 3:30pm at Sharp ParkWelcome to the custom screenprint workshop! You will learn how to screenprint an original design by Buppydogs/Alicia Cardell (They/Them). Alicia is a Queer Nonbinary Taiwanese-American artist that makes illustrations for mental health.

Bring your own fabrics. The design is approximately 3” by 3” and we will be using water based non-toxic fabric ink so it will stay on permanently. The smoother the surface the better the print will come out. We will figure out where you’d like to place the custom print the day of All Ages, Teens (12-18 years old). REGISTER HERE

Restorative Yoga & Sound Healing
Thursday, June 5 at Sharp Park
The Restorative Yoga and Sound Healing event is designed to provide space for you to slow down, relax, rest, and replenish yourself. In Restorative Yoga, poses are made comfortable with the support of props and held for long periods to allow for the relaxation of your mind and body. No previous yoga experience is required Adults (19+ years old) REGISTER HERE

Recurring Programs

Reading Buddies
Mondays at 5pm at Sharp Park
Sundays at 11am at Sharp Park
Reading is more fun with a buddy! If you have a reluctant reader, bring them to the library to read with a teen volunteer. No reservation required.

Tai Chi
Wednesdays at 1pm at Sanchez
Chen-style Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is widely acknowledged as the ancestor of all other styles of Taijiquan. This class will introduce the Chen-style Taijiquan form, Silk-reeling Exercises and Wuji Qigong. The Chen-style Taijiquan form is soft and graceful with strong rooted stands that will help students to develop strength, balance, coordination and an understanding of basic Taiji principles. Silk-reeling Exercises are a series of spiral movements which promote muscle relaxation and flexibility by reducing physical tension and strain. Wuji Qigong (standing meditation) will help students to cultivate internal energy (qi) with proper body alignment for better internal energy flow, which will enhance their immune systems and reduce physical and mental stress. Weather permitting, this event will take place outside, on the Pacifica Sanchez back patio. Please bring your own layers, sun protection, and water as appropriate. Adults (19+ years old)

Magic the Gathering
Wednesday, May 14 at 2:30pm at Sharp Park
Wednesday, May 28 at 2:30pm at Sharp Park
Learn how to play the fantasy card game Magic the Gathering! You will have the chance to sort cards, build a deck and play a match. The best part? You get to keep the deck you build! This drop-in weekly activity is intended for school-aged youth as part of Power Up Afternoons. During Power Up Afternoons, school-aged youth can focus on homework, join a hands-on program to rejuvenate after the school day or enjoy learning from a programming expert. Children (6-11 years old) Teens (12-18 years old)

Dungeons & Dragons
Saturday, May 17 at 2:30pm at Sharp Park REGISTER HERE
Wednesday, May 21 at 2:30pm at Sharp Park REGISTER HERE
Saturday, May 24 at 2:30pm at Sharp Park REGISTER HERE
Challenge yourself to a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot! Intended for middle and high school students. Handbooks and dice are provided; bring a character sheet or use one of our premade sheets. Space is limited, please register online to reserve your spot. Teens (12-18 years old)

PAWS for Tales
Monday, May 12 at 4:30pm at Sharp Park
Tuesday, May 27 at 3:45pm at Sanchez
Do you have a reluctant reader? Sign your child up to have their own session to practice reading with a therapy dog at the library. Registration is required and space is limited, so register early for your 10-minute. Children (6-11 years old)
REGISTER HERE

Drop-In Tech Help
Wednesdays at 3:30pm at Sharp Park
Fridays at 2pm at Sharp Park
Got burning questions about your phone or laptop? Whether you’re puzzled about sending email attachments or adding new contacts or anything else tech-related, fear not! Swing by with your device and chat with our tech-savvy staff for personalized assistance that’ll leave you feeling empowered and ready to conquer the digital world! Please note, sessions may be limited to 15 minutes. Adults (19+ years old)

Pacifica Teen Space Hangout
Tuesday, May 14 at 4pm at Sharp Park
Tuesday, May 27 at 4pm at Sharp Park
The Coast Pride Pacifica Teen Space is a casual biweekly hangout open to preteens and teens grades 6–12. LGBTQIA+ youth and allies welcome! Together, we’re creating a safe and welcoming space to meet friends chat, play games, make art, and be ourselves. Drop in any time! Learn more about Coast Pride’s services at coastpride.org