• Planning Commission to Hold Public Hearing on Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations - On Monday, August 21 the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider changes to the City’s regulations for construction of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. These are also commonly known as second units, in-law units, or granny flats. Accessory dwelling units involve attached or detached living areas with complete independent living facilities including their own kitchens, and must be constructed on sites with an existing single-family residence. They can also be created within the existing area of a single-family residence or in an accessory structure such as a detached garage. The City is updating its ordinance in response to changes in state law addressing accessory dwelling units which took effect January 1, 2017. The Planning Commission will consider specific standards for construction of ADUs including whether to prohibit construction of certain types of ADUs on narrow streets. Details of the proposed ordinance are discussed in the Planning Commission Staff Report. This will be the third hearing on ADU standards. The Planning Commission previously discussed this topic on April 17 and July 17. Video of those meetings are available on Pacific Coast TV’s YouTube channel. If you are interested in providing input on this item, the Commission meeting begins at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers, 2212 Beach Blvd., Pacifica. You may also send written comments to the Planning Department.

• Fake Solar Eclipse Glasses: Community May Be at Risk - The U.S. Fire Administration has issued a community risk warning regarding Monday's solar eclipse. Click here to read the U.S. Fire Administration alert. Millions of Americans will watch the Aug. 21 solar eclipse and have already purchased (or will) eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers to do so. Some of these people may be at risk from counterfeit glasses and viewers sold by disreputable vendors trying to cash in on this rare event. Watching the eclipse with fake protective gear can cause permanent eye damage, making this a community risk reduction issue. You can experience the eclipse safely, but it is vital that you protect your eyes at all times with proper solar glasses and viewers. See NASA safety tips for watching the eclipse.

• Pacifica Resource Center's Palm-a-Palooza this Saturday - The Pacifica Resource Center will hold its 1st Annual Palm-a-Palooza on Saturday, August 19th at 6:00pm in the parking lot of City Council Chambers at 2212 Beach Blvd. Come participate in a live auction, eat dinner from local food trucks/restaurants, and enjoy this year’s carnival theme under the big top tent. Information and advanced tickets available online here or at Pacifica Resource Center's office: 1809 Palmetto Ave.

• City Council to Hold Study Session on Short Term Rental Regulations - On Monday, August 28 the City Council will hold a Study Session to consider and provide direction on short term rental regulations. These activities are commonly provided in residential accommodation within the City and advertised through online platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. The accommodation provided can be in multiple forms of rental options, including shared rooms, individual rooms, in-law units or entire homes. The Study Session will include, but not be limited to, discussion of how to tax, license, and regulate these types of uses through zoning and land use policy. The City Council will discuss and hear public input on this important topic and the public will have an opportunity to provide their comments at the study session. A written staff report will be available prior to the study session at www.cityofpacifica.org, on the City Council Agendas page. If you are interested in providing input on this item, the Council meeting begins at 6.00PM in the Council Chambers, 2212 Beach Blvd. Pacifica. Written comments can be directed to Rob Smith, Assistant Planner at smithr@ci.pacifica.ca.us. Or for more information contact the Planning Department at (650) 738-7341.

• Now Seeking Applicants for City Commissions and Committees - The City of Pacifica is now recruiting citizens to fill vacancies on the following committees / commissions. Applications are available here. Return application to Pacifica City Clerk Kathy O'Connell, 170 Santa Maria Ave., Pacifica, CA 94044-2506. Visit the Committees & Commissions webpage for more information on each of the City commissions / committees.

1. Planning Commission (recruitment notice) - deadline Aug. 31
2. Economic Development Committee (recruitment notice) - deadline Sept. 1
3. Beautification Advisory Committee (recruitment notice) - deadline Sept. 8
4. Emergency Preparedness & Safety Commission (recruitment notice) - deadline Sept. 10

• Ocean Shore Railroad Highlighted at the Moose Lodge on Sept. 2 - History buffs and railroad enthusiasts are sure to be delighted when the Pacifica Historical Society brings visual displays and stories of the fabled Ocean Shore Railroad from Pacifica’s past to the Moose Lodge on Saturday, September 2 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Click here for more information. Tickets (only $10) are available on the Pacifica Historical Society’s website.

• Registration Now Open for Parks, Beaches and Recreation Fall Classes and Activities - Visit the Recreation Classes and Activity Guide webpage for more information or register for classes online.