It was predicted early in the COVID-19 pandemic that there would likely be one or multiple resurgences of cases, and the first large resurgent spike is now a reality. San Mateo County has regressed back to the Red Tier (Substantial New Cases), while more than 40 counties in the state and over 94% of the statewide population have now regressed to the Purple Tier (Widespread New Cases). It is critical that we follow the Holiday Guidelines issue by Health Officials. Otherwise (and maybe regardless) San Mateo County will be back in the Purple Tier, and this is not good news for Pacifica’s businesses, public health, jobs, schools, or the economy.

Anticipating these upcoming challenges, please consider the many ways you can help support local businesses if you have the means to do so – shop locally for holiday gifts and food, buy gift cards to local businesses, order take-out food and pick it up yourself so the restaurant receives all of your money directly. If you have food delivered, note that the County just passed an emergency ordinance limiting the fees charged by third-party food delivery services. In coming weeks, the City’s Economic Development Committee will be promoting more ideas on how we can all help local businesses survive through this tough time, and the City will continue to provide health updates through its social media channels and the City website Coronavirus Webpage.

For more than two decades, the police department's "Turkey Too From the Folks in Blue" has helped provide meals to some of the homebound seniors in our community during the Thanksgiving holiday. Through generous donations from the Pacifica Police Officers Association, Pacifica Police Supervisors Association, Pacifica Police Reserve Officers, and department staff, we were able to provide gift cards to more than 120 clients of the Pacifica Meals on Wheels program.

We are proud to be able to continue to support this program

through Pacifica Senior Services!

In the four years since Peninsula Clean Energy was launched, greenhouse gas emissions from electricity have reduced across San Mateo County by an estimated 70%. Click the graphic above for the 2019 Community Benefits Summary for Pacifica.

Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) is now accepting nominations for its 2021 awards program, which honors those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainable practices. Applications must be received by December 6, 2020. SSMC will celebrate the 2021 awardees at its 22nd annual Awards Celebration in 2021.

Sustainability Award nominations may be made in five categories: individuals, nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. In addition, SSMC is accepting nominations for its 19th annual Green Building Award, which it cosponsors with the San Mateo Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Application forms and criteria for the awards are available on SSMC’s website at https://sustainablesanmateo.org/awards. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, visit sustainablesanmateo.org

or email advocate@sustainablesanmateo.org.

Students at table: Students in the Environmental Youth Leadership Network map out a community impact project. The program is part of the county Office of Education’s Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Initiative, which won a 2020 Sustainability Award.

Children’s center: Genentech’s Child Care Center in South San Francisco won a 2020 Green Building Award.

The Pacifica Police Department regularly shares information through our social media platforms on living with mountain lions and coyotes following a reported sighting. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) is the authority on mountain lions and wildlife and what may lawfully be done to manage their interface with communities. They are well versed in the applicable laws regulating these matters. The Police Department has consulted with wardens from the DFW in the past regarding mountain lion activity in Pacifica. The DFW web site contains useful information about living in mountain lion country, see the link below. Further questions may be answered by contacting the area DFW office at 916-445-0380.

The Friends of San Pedro Valley Park recently hosted a presentation via Zoom by the Bay Area Puma Project on living with mountain lions. This is a research conservation and education program for mountain lions in and around the Bay Area. Click here to find a recording of this presentation. 

11-20-2020 - This dashboard details the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths within San Mateo County, including by day, age, race/ethnicity and sex of patients. A case is someone who tests positive for COVID-19 using viral testing performed in a lab.

The venerable Art Guild of Pacifica (AGP) is doing it again! The AGP presents its 62nd Annual Members Show, plus the 61st Annual Awards Artists, at Sanchez Art Center, 1220 Linda Mar Blvd. Both exhibitions open Friday, Nov 6, and run through Sunday, Dec 13. Gallery hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 1–5 pm. Safety protocols for the health and well-being of guests, volunteers, and staff include face masks, physical distancing, and limited numbers of people in the galleries. (Due to the pandemic, there will be no opening reception.) Visits are by free appointments that can be booked online at http://SanchezArtCenter.10to8.com.

Please note: This newsletter is sent weekly on Friday and content is current at that time. Those who have not opened the email by Monday receive a reminder email, and some content may no longer be current.

11/16/2020 Press Release: San Mateo County Regresses to Red Tier

11/17/2020 Press Release: Ordinance Adopted Limiting Delivery Fees Charged to Restaurants by Third Party Delivery Services

Recent City of Pacifica and Pacifica Police Department press releases are available on the City of Pacifica website under City Government - Press Releases & Media Bulletins.