March 31, 2004

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Publication Date: Wednesday, March 31, 2004

EDITORIAL: Crunch time for San Mateo County coast

That coast, with its open terraces, farm fields, steep canyons, and redwood forests, has so far escaped the fate of the "Valley of Heart's Delight," just across the hills. Those vineyards, farms and orchards are now Silicon Valley.

The Coastside has remained rural and mostly unpaved by accident of geography. It is surrounded by mountains and doesn't have enough water to support urban development, or even major farming. Over the last 30 years, the environmental movement has also helped block development and preserve land.

And we are better for it. The Coastside is a treasured destination for Baysiders wanting a day at the beach, fresh olallieberries or pumpkins, or just a taste of nature.

But change is coming. More needs to be done if we are to protect what people love about the coast from the pressures of seven million people and the world economic engine over the hills.

Enter two obscure government agencies. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District -- called Mid-Pen on the coast -- buys land and preserves it for open space, natural resources, and low-intensity recreation. Since 1972, it has preserved almost 50,000 acres along the Bay, and in the foothills and mountains in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Now it wants to expand its activities to include the entire 220 square miles of the San Mateo County coast, from the southern boundary of Pacifica to the Santa Cruz County line. Over 15 years, it plans to acquire some 12,000 acres of Coastside land to help preserve farms and open space.

Mid-Pen has met a key objection to its expansion by committing to buy land only from people who want to sell. A new law that would prohibit it from exercising the right of eminent domain -- forcing people to sell -- is on its way to the governor.

The second agency is the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo), a county agency with authority to set the boundaries of other government agencies. It is holding hearings on Mid-Pen's proposed expansion, and is expected to make its decision in April.

These hearings -- two past, and two to go -- are indeed high drama. More than 100 speakers have split between contrasting visions. Supporters view the expansion as another tool to help preserve a national treasure for future generations. Opponents -- mostly from the South Coast -- seem to view it as an invasion of government bent on destroying their way of life.

Though relatively few in number, opponents are impressive with their passion and eloquence. Some fear sincerely for their property rights, even though the district has no authority whatever over property it does not own. It will buy land only from willing sellers, and plans on acquiring or leasing only a modest 12,000 acres over 15 years.

While some objections to the district's presence are based on fear and misinformation, others reflect real problems. Pressures for development are real; they will build up over the years as Silicon Valley millionaires seek big houses and mini-ranches in scenic places. Agriculture is under siege; farmers need help and new business models to stay afloat in today's economy.

Meanwhile, support for the district's expansion appears to be building up. Most cities in the district, plus Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, support it. So do organizations as diverse as the Silicon Valley Manufacturers Group, the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce, and even the San Mateo County Farm Bureau.

The new alliance between the farm bureau and the district can be the key to success in preserving farms and making them prosperous. When the district acquires farms or easements on farmland, it has agreed to work with the farm bureau on managing the lands for agriculture.

Many farmers and the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce are developing ways to harness farming to markets across the hills for specialty crops and rural experience. Increasingly, farmers sell to local restaurants and in farmers' markets. They sell Christmas trees and "u-pick" kiwis to excursionists. They can provide fresh products that urbanites hunger for.

There are other opportunities for the district to work with Coastsiders to resolve problems, ranging from neighbor disputes to managing public access, and preventing the spread of exotic plants.

All groups claim to want to preserve the magic island in time that is the San Mateo coast. With good will and cooperation, this could be the chance. We urge LAFCo to approve the expansion.

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