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The FOGHORN
ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY
April 15, 2021
Zoe Kersteen-Tucker
Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District
Article by Joe Brennan
Photos by Dianne Bobko
President Mary Rogren introduced our speaker and newest member Zoe Kersteen-Tucker. Mary asked her about her PhD which she told us was in Neuropsychology studying brain injuries at Veterans Administration hospitals. This was before the great strides in imaging the field has since experienced. Zoe sits on the Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District Board where she is Vice President and representative of Ward 7 including the North Coast. Larry Hassert (of ACE Hrdwr) represents the South Coast or Ward 6.N
Zoe is a long time Coastside resident and environmental advocate. Joshua Higgs is the Board’s Administrative Assistant. The presentation was illustrated by a PowerPoint.
Mid Pen’s mission is to preserve Open Space and Working Land. The District was organized in 1972 in Santa Clara County and added San Mateo County in the ‘80’s. Their holdings comprise 26 Preserves which are open and free to the public. Purisima Creek Redwood Open Space Preserve is nearest Half Moon Bay. It was logged in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s and was originally obtained by the Save the Redwoods League.
Their strategy is first to acquire the assets and second to knit together corridors between them for wildlife movement. La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve is 6,100 acres. There is a permit program to park and visit the Driscoll Visitor center. They have 240 miles of hiking trails.
Funding for Mmid Pen comes from Property Tax and Bond Measure AA for $300 Million for 25 projects.
Zoe highlighted some aspects of their operation:
- 16 Preserves serve Mountain Bikes
- 11 Preserves are Dog Friendly
- Black Mountain has a Backpack Camp
- Numerous Docent Hikes are offered
- Volunteer Opportunities abound
- Equestrian Trails available
Their Coastal Service Plan was certified in 2004. The recent Johnston Ranch purchase will lead to trails jointly with the City of Half Moon Bay coordinated into the Regional Bay to Sea Trail. Miramonte Ridge access work is due soon via public process. The massive Cloverdale properties are a potential purchase and amazing asset under consideration.
The Wildfire, CZU Lightening Complex, missed their lands but their rangers fought many associated spot fires. They are proactively preparing for fire season on their land by;
Clearing along roads
Fuel reduction and breaks
Prescribed burns
They use “Conservation Grazing” for fuel reduction and best practices land use. They collaborate with the ranches, Tom Kat Ranch is a great collaborator.
Www.open space.org
Q&A
What is relation to POST?
Post buys land at fair market value, Mid Pen manages the land. Post holds the row crops and Mid Pen the upland arenas for conservation and recreational uses.
What about Crystal Springs watershed?
Mid Pen is working with SFPUC for access for trails.
What about Purissima?
This is a big challenge as it has become so popular, causing parking problems
Big Club Thank You to Zoe for her and Joshua’s fine presentation!
Club Meeting - April 15, 2021
In the getting together period the subject of Insurance came up with regards to Wild Fires and people facing rate increases and cancellations. Kevin O’Brien spoke up being in the business and laid out the “CA Fair Plan” as a safety net for home owners to get insurance. There is so much to say, but he leaves us with: No Wood Shake Roofs! And make Maximum defensible space around the home.
President Mary called the meeting to order.
Pledge of Allegiance - Liz Schuck led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Inspirational Thought - Warren Barmore introduced “Allyship” the practice of inclusion and humane values; anti oppression and anti discrimination.
Happy/Crappy News 
Ginger told of her bat visitations and asked for advice.
Stacy and Doug delivered this month’s 8 bags to Coastside Hope. They also delivered sandwiches to Abundant Grace.
Kevin delivered many diapers to Coastside Hope.
Rose said items will be needed soon for Abundant Grace; clothing, toasters, etc.
Paul Harris Award
Mary awarded Rose Serdy with a Paul Harris Award with FIVE sapphires!
Announcements
Coastside Gives has sent out their booklet with the fifty organization participating, including out Club. All members are asked to send out personal letters reminding people to donate on May 6th, or before. The team of Charise, Liz, Dianne, Rose and Michelle are all working on it.
President Elect Joe is planning our 50th Anniversary celebration on June 17th.
Mitone announces a Beach Cleanup at Dunes BEach on Saturday the 24th from 10am to 11:30 for EARTH DAY. Sean and Susan will lead on on Montara Beach.
Marble Draw 
Ginger had a chance for the white marble, but no luck. Maybe next time.
Ginger had a chance for the white marble, but no luck. Maybe next time.
PHOTO GALLERY